Cardioprotective effects of hesperidin on carbon monoxide poisoned in rats.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes cardiotoxicity and so far, no definite antidote has been proposed to overcome CO-induced adverse outcomes. Hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid, has shown cardio-protective effects in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion models. This study investigated the protective effects of hesperidin against CO-induced cardiac injury. To induce CO poisoning, rats were exposed to CO at 3000 ppm for 60 min. On the exposure day and the four following days, hesperidin (at three different doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally. A group of animals received normal saline and served as the control group. The electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded and evaluated with special focus on S-T segment changes (depression or elevation), T-wave alterations, AV block and ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. On day 6 (i.e., the day after the last injection day), the animals were sacrificed and the hearts were harvested and evaluated for necrosis using hematoxylin and eosin staining. In addition, Akt protein expression levels and BAX/BCL2 ratio were determined by western blotting. Our results showed that hesperidin decreased cardiac necrosis. In animals treated with hesperidin 100 mg/kg, Akt protein expression was increased, while the BAX/BCL2 ratio was significantly decreased. ECG changes were reversed in all groups 2 h following CO exposure, regardless of hesperidin administration. Overall, hesperidin decreased the deleterious cardiac effects of CO poisoning in rats.

Safe use of chemicals and risk communication among dentists and dental students in Greece.

Use of chemicals, most often classified for intrinsic hazards, is rather common among dentists. To date, no data have been recorded in the European Union (EU) on dentists' awareness regarding the safe use of chemicals. In the EU regulatory framework, two Regulations with wide applications, namely Regulations (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH) and 1272/2008 (CLP), have been introduced to protect human health and the environment and clearly communicate hazards posed by chemicals to workers and consumers. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of comprehension of hazard communication of chemicals among Greek dentists. For this, a closed-ended, anonymous and validated questionnaire was initially distributed to a total of 300 Greek dentists, both professionals and university students, over a period of 4 months. The collected data from 240 final responders were subjected to statistical analysis (frequencies, percentages, chi-square (χ2) and significance (p < 0.05)). The vast majority (90%) of the interviewed dentists are not aware of the CLP. Main sources of information regarding chemical hazard and safe use was the supplier through direct communication (90%), while some dentists also consulted the product labels (39%) and the material safety data sheets (54%). Regarding hazard communication, the perceived information from the pictograms is confusing to the vast majority of the dentists (86%), especially for systemic hazards (carcinogenicity and/or reproductive toxicity). In addition, 88% of the professional dentists have not noticed any changes in the labelling of chemical products, which also shows the low input of labels to hazard communication. On the other hand, 90% of the responders always utilize personal protective equipment (PPE), although it is not clear whether this PPE is adequate. In conclusion, rising awareness campaigns are needed, in collaboration with universities and dental care professional associations, to inform dentists about the safe use of chemicals not only to ensure protection of their own health but also to contribute to environmental sustainability.

Risk factors of premature coronary artery disease in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the mean age at which coronary artery disease (CAD) hase decreased in recent years in Iran. This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the prevalence of different risk factors of premature CAD (PCAD) in patients vs healthy individuals. METHODS: Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Scientific Information Database were searched for studies about PCAD risk factors in Iran until 28 October 2017. Observational studies of Iranians, comparing risk factors between patients with PCAD and age- and sex-matched healthy subjects, were included. Fixed-effects and random-effects model were used for pooling data. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI and mean difference were used for effect size estimation among studies. RESULTS: Twelve studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.9-3.03; P = 0.0001, I2  = 25.5%; P = 0.2), family history of CAD (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.22-3.6; P = 0.007, I2  = 86%; P = 0.0001), dyslipidaemia (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.15-3.64; P = 0.01, I2  = 54%; P = 0.08), smoking (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.11-2.46; P = 0.01, I2  = 77.2%; P = 0.000) and hypertension (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.21 to-1.50; P < 0.001, I2  = 31%, P = 0.1) associated with PCAD. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that patients with PCAD had significantly lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and significantly higher levels of triglycerides compared to healthy subjects (MD: -2.56, 95% CI: -3.54 to -1.58, P < 0.001, I2  = 42%, P = 0.01 and MD: 21.17, 95% CI: 14.73-27.62, P < 0.001, I2  = 80.12%, P < 0.001, respectively). It should be noted that although high levels of heterogeneity in LDL and HDL values among the studies were observed, when dyslipidaemia was studied as a binary variable, no significant heterogeneity among studies was observed. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus, family history of CAD, dyslipidaemia, smoking, and hypertension were significantly and positively associated with CAD in young adults compared to healthy age- and sex-matched population in Iran.

Telemedicine screening adolescent metabolic syndrome in Greek schools.

BACKGROUND: Using telemedicine in the school setting in Greece, we screened a representative adolescent sample for MetS (International Diabetes Federation criteria) and explored its associations with anthropometric, sociodemographic and behavioural parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 12- to 17-year-old high school students. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS in 1578 adolescents (mean age ± SD 14.4 ± 1.7 years) was 2.6% (3.4% among males; 2.0% among females), highest (4.3%) at age 13 years and lowest (1.3%) at 16 years. Adolescents with MetS had significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI) ± SD than those without MetS (30.2 ± 4.2 vs 21.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2 , respectively; P < 0.001); among participants with obesity, 31.6% had MetS. Abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterol, impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG) and elevated blood pressure (BP) were detected in 9.5%, 2.3%, 10.7%, 25.9% and 21.8% of participants, respectively. Additional analysis (modified NCEP:ATPIII youth criteria) demonstrated similar overall prevalence of MetS (2.9%). Statistically significant correlations were found between most anthropometric and MetS characteristics, with the exception of FBG, which was correlated only with systolic BP. BMI was strongly correlated with waist and hip circumferences (r = 0.818, P < 0.001; r = 0.825, P < 0.001, respectively). Single parenthood and older maternal age (>60 years) were risk factors for MetS. Although counterintuitive, body image distortion, body dissatisfaction and bullying about weight were more prevalent in normal weight girls. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of MetS was low but 12-fold higher when obesity was taken into account. Impaired FBG and elevated BP were the most prevailing features. Telemedicine services were used effectively in Greek schools for screening youth MetS.

Pesticides and cardiotoxicity. Where do we stand?

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most significant causes of mortality in humans. Pesticides toxicity and risk for human health are controlled at a European level through a well-developed regulatory network, but cardiotoxicity is not described as a separate hazard class. Specific classification criteria should be developed within the frame of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 in order to classify chemicals as cardiotoxic, if applicable to avoid long-term cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study was to review the cardiac pathology and function impairment due to exposure to pesticides (i.e. organophosphates, organothiophisphates, organochlorines, carbamates, pyrethroids, dipyridyl herbicides, triazoles, triazines) based on both animal and human data. The majority of human data on cardiotoxicity of pesticides come from poisoning cases and epidemiological data. Several cardiovascular complications have been reported in animal models including electrocardiogram abnormalities, myocardial infarction, impaired systolic and diastolic performance, functional remodeling and histopathological findings, such as haemorrhage, vacuolisation, signs of apoptosis and degeneration.

Subtotal Occlusion of Left Anterior Coronary Artery in a Professional Athlete.

Screening for cardiovascular disease in athletes is crucial to avoid life-threatening complications. Here, we present the case of a fairly asymptomatic young professional soccer player with several cardiovascular risk factors, who proved to have significant coronary artery disease on coronary computed tomography which was ordered based on clinical suspicion and his family history. Informed consent for publication was obtained from the patient.

AuNPs with Cynara scolymus leaf extracts rescue arsenic-induced neurobehavioral deficits and hippocampal tissue toxicity in Balb/c mice through D1R and D2R activation.

The present study was designed to evaluate whether AuNPs (gold nanoparticles) synthesized with the Cynara scolymus (CS) leaf exert protective and/or alleviative effects on arsenic (As)-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity in mice. Neurotoxicity in mice was developed by orally treating 10 mg/kg/day sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) for 21 days. 10 µg/g AuNPs, 1.6 g/kg CS, and 10 µg/g CS-AuNPs were administered orally simultaneously with 10 mg/kg As. CS and CS-AuNPs treatments showed down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-1ß levels. CS and CS-AuNPs also ameliorated apoptosis and reduced the alterations in the expression levels of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors induced by As. Simultaneous treatment with CS and CS-AuNPs improved As-induced learning, memory deficits, and motor coordination in mice assessed by water maze and locomotor tests, respectively. The results of this study provide evidence that CS-AuNPs demonstrated neuroprotective roles with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as improving D1 and D2 signaling, and eventually reversed neurobehavioral impairments.

Renoprotective Effect of Taxifolin in Paracetamol-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Emerging Evidence from an Animal Model.

BACKGROUND: Taxifolin (TXF) is a flavonoid found abundantly in citrus/onion. Encouraging results on its renoprotective effect have been reported in a limited number of drug-induced nephrotoxicity animal models. The present study aimed to evaluate for the first time the potential renoprotective effects of TXF in a paracetamol (PAR)-induced nephrotoxicity rat model. METHODS: Rats were divided into three equal groups (n = 6 animals per group). Group 1 (PAR group, PARG) received PAR diluted in normal saline by gavage (1000 mg/kg). Group 2 (TXF group, TXFG) received TXF diluted in normal saline by gavage (50 mg/kg) one hour after PAR administration. Group 3 (control group, CG) received normal saline. Twenty-four hours after PAR administration, all animals were sacrificed using high-dose anesthesia. Blood samples were collected and kidneys were removed. RESULTS: The serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine levels and serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in the PARG. The serum glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and total glutathione levels were significantly higher in the TXFG. At the same time, the kidneys of the PARG animals demonstrated tubular epithelium swelling, distension and severe vacuolar degeneration. The kidneys of the TXFG animals showed mildly dilated/congested blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: The TXF renoprotective effects are promising in preventing PAR-induced nephrotoxicity, mainly through antioxidant activity, and warrant further testing in future studies.

Chlorogenic Acid Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Oxidative Stress and Markers of Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes via Nrf2/HO-1 and Dityrosine Signaling.

(1) Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is extensively used for cancer treatments; however, its clinical application is limited because of its cardiotoxic adverse effects. A combination of DOX and agents with cardioprotective properties is an effective strategy to ameliorate DOX-related cardiotoxicity. Polyphenolic compounds are ideal for the investigation of novel cardioprotective agents. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), an essential dietary polyphenol found in plants, has been previously reported to exert antioxidant, cardioprotective, and antiapoptotic properties. The current research evaluated CGA's in vivo cardioprotective properties in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and the probable mechanisms underlying this protection. (2) Methods: CGA's cardioprotective properties were investigated in rats that were treated with CGA (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for fourteen days. The experimental model of cardiotoxicity was induced with a single intraperitoneal (15 mg/kg i.p.) injection of DOX on the 10th day. (3) Results: Treatment with CGA significantly improved the DOX-caused altered cardiac damage markers (LDH, CK-MB, and cTn-T), and a marked improvement in cardiac histopathological features accompanied this. DOX downregulated the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways, and the CGA reversed this effect. Consistently, caspase-3, an apoptotic-related marker, and dityrosine expression were suppressed, while Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions were elevated in the cardiac tissues of DOX-treated rats after treatment with the CGA. Furthermore, the recovery was confirmed by the downregulation of 8-OHdG and dityrosine (DT) expressions in immunohistochemical findings. (4) Conclusions: CGA demonstrated a considerable cardioprotective effect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. One of the possible mechanisms for these protective properties was the upregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1-dependent pathway and the downregulation of DT, which may ameliorate oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. These findings suggest that CGA may be cardioprotective, particularly in patients receiving DOX-based chemotherapy.

Advancing athletic assessment by integrating conventional methods with cutting-edge biomedical technologies for comprehensive performance, wellness, and longevity insights.

In modern athlete assessment, the integration of conventional biochemical and ergophysiologic monitoring with innovative methods like telomere analysis, genotyping/phenotypic profiling, and metabolomics has the potential to offer a comprehensive understanding of athletes' performance and potential longevity. Telomeres provide insights into cellular functioning, aging, and adaptation and elucidate the effects of training on cellular health. Genotype/phenotype analysis explores genetic variations associated with athletic performance, injury predisposition, and recovery needs, enabling personalization of training plans and interventions. Metabolomics especially focusing on low-molecular weight metabolites, reveal metabolic pathways and responses to exercise. Biochemical tests assess key biomarkers related to energy metabolism, inflammation, and recovery. Essential elements depict the micronutrient status of the individual, which is critical for optimal performance. Echocardiography provides detailed monitoring of cardiac structure and function, while burnout testing evaluates psychological stress, fatigue, and readiness for optimal performance. By integrating this scientific testing battery, a multidimensional understanding of athlete health status can be achieved, leading to personalized interventions in training, nutrition, supplementation, injury prevention, and mental wellness support. This scientifically rigorous approach hereby presented holds significant potential for improving athletic performance and longevity through evidence-based, individualized interventions, contributing to advances in the field of sports performance optimization.

The prognostic role of micronutrient status and supplements in COVID-19 outcomes: A systematic review.

Micronutrients constitute an adjuvant treatment for respiratory viral infections. Since there is no effective antiviral therapy for COVID-19 yet, adjuvant intervention for the survival of critically ill patients may be significant. Search of the PubMed, CINAHL and Cochrane databases was carried out to find human studies investigating the prognostic role of micronutrient status and the effects of micronutrient supplementation intervention in COVID-19 outcomes of adult patients. Patients with certain comorbidities (diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, renal failure, liver dysfunction etc.) or pregnant women were excluded. 31 studies (27 observational studies and 4 clinical trials) spanning the years 2020-2021, pertaining to 8624 COVID-19 patients (mean age±SD, 61 ± 9 years) were included in this systematic review. Few studies provided direct evidence on the association of serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium to patients' survival or death. Vitamin D and calcium were the most studied micronutrients and those with a probable promising favorable impact on patients. This review highlights the importance of a balanced nutritional status for a favorable outcome in COVID-19. Micronutrients' deficiency on admission to hospital seems to be related to a high risk for ICU admission, intubation and even death. Nevertheless, evidence for intervention remains unclear.

Moderately elevated lipoprotein (a) levels are associated with an earlier need for percutaneous coronary intervention in recurrent cardiovascular disease.

A significant number of cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients, with the target lipid levels, as set by the guidelines, achieved, continue to remain at risk. In this setting, lipoprotein (Lp) a role in CVD prognosis is regaining interest. Although Lp(a) is related to the arteriosclerotic process, there is not currently an adequate amount of data for the inclusion of Lp(a) levels as a primary therapeutic target in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. In this framework, the current retrospective study aims to investigate the association of Lp(a) levels with the adverse cardiovascular (CV) events presented in a 10 year follow-up of CVD patients with dyslipidemia and its association with the major CV risk factors. A statistically significant reduction in Lp(a) levels was observed during the follow-up period (72.8±45.6 vs. 68.3±41.8 mg/dl; McNemar test; P<0.001). The vast majority of patients who suffered a new acute myocardial infarction during the follow up period had Lp(a) levels >30 mg/dl (24/28 patients, mean ± standard deviation Lp(a), 83.1±36.6 mg/dl, P=0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis did not find statistically significant differences in a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) time occurrence during the follow-up period between patients with low (≤30 mg/dl) and high (>30 mg/dl) Lp(a) levels (log-rank P=0.305). On the other hand, when a second and third PCI conducted during the monitoring period were included in the Kaplan Meier analysis as events, the mean time for a PCI was significantly shorter (7.2%; P=0.01) for patients with Lp(a) levels >30 mg/dl. In conclusion, the current study reported that patients with high Lp(a) values are more prone to the occurrence of new myocardial infarction, while the Lp(a) cut-off value of 30 mg/dl was linked in CVD patients to an earlier need for PCI, especially in the most vulnerable group of patients with more than one (recurrent) revascularizations.

Cardiovascular adaptations and inflammation in marathon runners.

Long-distance running has become increasingly popular. Cardiovascular adaptations to exercise are relevant to the specific sports and this is also the case in long-distance running. Significant changes regarding inflammatory and endothelial markers along with indices of oxidative stress are observed in marathon and ultra-marathon runners. However, data linking inflammatory marker levels with cardiovascular adaptations to marathon running are limited. The aim of the present study was to describe the cardiovascular adaptations observed in a group of ultra-marathon runners and the association with a series of inflammatory and endothelial markers measured in their plasma. A total of 43 ultra-marathon runners were assessed by echocardiography and a treadmill exercise test. Blood samples were used for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, C-reactive protein, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and oxidative stress indice measurements. Ultra-marathon runners who presented augmented left ventricular (LV) end diastolic diameters >55 mm had higher ADMA values (1.07±0.07 vs. 0.99±0.08 µmol/ml, P<0.01) and lower CPK values (192.5±21.3 vs. 219.1±37.3 mg/dl, P<0.05) compared with those with normal LV diameters. Runners with a moderate and severe abnormal indexed LV mass >131 g/m2 had statistically significant higher TNF-α values compared with runners, with mildly elevated and a normal LV mass indexed (16.2±1.42 vs. 14.0+1.16 pg/ml, P<0.05). Runners with an abnormal left atrial volume index (LAVI; >29 ml/m2) had higher IL-6 values compared with runners with a normal LAVI (1.09+0.19 vs. 0.99±0.08 pg/ml, P<0.05). ROC curves analysis revealed that ADMA values were able to predict an abnormal LV diameter detected by echocardiography [P<0.05; area under the curve (AUC), 0.763], while TNF-α values could predict an abnormal LV mass in marathon runners (P<0.05; AUC, 0.78). On the whole, the present study demonstrates that, in ultra-marathon runners, cardiovascular adaptations to running are characterized by a specific pattern of changes in inflammatory and endothelial markers, which in turn can be used to predict the occurrence of the observed adaptations.

Deteriorated Vascular Homeostasis in Hypertension: Experimental Evidence from Aorta, Brain, and Pancreatic Vasculature.

Hypertension, as a primary risk factor for many fatal disorders, is prevalent in the elderly. There is wide literature on hypertension dealing with its biological and/or biochemical aspects; however, limited research is available on the multifactorial nature of hypertension from a mechanobiological standpoint. This study intended to study in parallel histopathological alterations and deviated protein expressions with the mechanical behavior of the hypertensive tissues. The Goldblatt (2K1C) method was chosen for induction of renovascular hypertension in rabbits. The microstructural and immunohistological characteristics of the aortic, pancreatic, and brain vasculature were investigated. The mechanical properties of the aortic tissue were also evaluated using biaxial tensile tests. Our findings indicated severe hypertrophy of the hypertensive vessels and declined content of intact smooth muscle cells. Most of the collagen I content of the wall was compromised and less functional type III collagen was highly expressed. Reversed collagen I to collagen III ratio was the main contributor to the hypertrophic and less stiff hypertensive vessel walls. The multifactorial nature of hypertension is illustrated, and smooth muscle cell detachment is identified as the sign of described degenerative cascades all along the arterial tree.

Cardiotoxicity of Chemical Substances: An Emerging Hazard Class.

(1) Background: Human health risks and hazards from chemical substances are well regulated internationally. However, cardiotoxicity, is not defined as a stand-alone hazard and therefore there are no defined criteria for the classification of substances as cardiotoxic. Identifying and regulating substances that cause cardiovascular adverse effects would undoubtedly strengthen the national health systems. (2) Methods: To overcome the aforementioned gap, a roadmap is proposed for identifying regulatory criteria from animal studies and endorse legislation in order to classify substances as cardiotoxic. The roadmap consists of: (i) the identification of the appropriate animal species and strains; (ii) the identification of the lines of scientific evidence (e.g., histopathological, biochemical and echocardiographic indices etc.) from animal studies with relevance to humans; (iii) the statistical analysis and meta-analysis for each line of scientific evidence after exposure to well-established cardiotoxicants to humans (e.g., anthracyclines) in order to identify threshold values or range of normal and/ or altered values due to exposure; (iv) validation of the above described lines of evidence in animals exposed to other alleged cardiotoxic substances (e.g., anabolic androgen steroids (AAS) and pesticides); (v) establishment of mechanisms of action based on information of either known or alleged cardiotoxicants; and (vi) introduction of novel indices and in silico methods. (3) Results: Preliminary results in rats indicate a clear distinction from normal values to values measured in rats exposed to anthracyclines regarding left ventricle (LV) fractional shortening (FS) and LV ejection fraction (EF). A distinctive pattern is similarly observed for Creatine Kinase-Myocardial Band isoenzyme (CK-MB) and cardiac tissue glutathione (GSH). These findings are encouraging and indicate that there is room for targeted research to this end, and that these specific indices and biochemical markers should be further investigated in order to be developed to regulatory criteria. (4) Conclusions: Further research should be conducted by both the scientific and regulatory community that aims to clearly define the cardiotoxicity hazard caused by chemicals and develop a full set of scientific criteria.

Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus) Methanolic Leaf Extract Alleviates Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Toxicity in BALB/c Mouse Brain: Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Apoptotically Related Klotho/PPARγ Signaling.

(1) Background: Various epidemiological studies suggest that oxidative stress and disrupted neuronal function are mechanistically linked to neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). DNA damage, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and eventually, cell death such as NDs can be induced by nitrosamine-related compounds, leading to neurodegeneration. A limited number of studies have reported that exposure to diethylnitrosamine (DEN), which is commonly found in processed/preserved foods, causes biochemical abnormalities in the brain. Artichoke leaves have been used in traditional medicine as a beneficial source of bioactive components such as hydroxycinnamic acids, cynarine, chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin). The aim of this study is to investigate the favorable effects of exogenous artichoke (Cynara scolymus) methanolic leaf extract supplementation in ameliorating DEN-induced deleterious effects in BALB/c mouse brains. (2) Methods: This study was designed to evaluate DEN (toxicity induction by 100 mg/kg) and artichoke (protective effects of 0.8 and 1.6 g/kg treatment) for 14 days. All groups underwent a locomotor activity test to evaluate motor activity. In brain tissue, oxidative stress indicators (TAC, TOS, and MDA), Klotho and PPARγ levels, and apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3) were measured. Brain slices were also examined histopathologically. (3) Results: Artichoke effectively ameliorated DEN-induced toxicity with increasing artichoke dose. Impaired motor function and elevated oxidative stress markers (decreasing MDA and TOS levels and increasing TAC level) induced by DEN intoxication were markedly restored by high-dose artichoke treatment. Artichoke significantly improved the levels of Klotho and PPARγ, which are neuroprotective factors, in mouse brain tissue exposed to DEN. In addition, caspase-3 and Bax levels were reduced, whereas the Bcl-2 level was elevated with artichoke treatment. Furthermore, recovery was confirmed by histopathological analysis. (4) Conclusions: Artichoke exerted neuroprotective effects against DEN-induced brain toxicity by mitigating oxidant parameters and exerting antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. Further research is needed to fully identify the favorable impact of artichoke supplementation on all aspects of DEN brain intoxication.

Cerebrolysin Alleviating Effect on Glutamate-Mediated Neuroinflammation Via Glutamate Transporters and Oxidative Stress.

Glutamate, one of the most important excitatory neurotransmitters, acts as a signal transducer in peripheral tissues and endocrine cells. Excessive glutamate secretion has been shown to cause excitotoxicity and neurodegenerative disease. Cerebrolysin is a mixture of enzymatically treated peptides derived from pig brain including neurotrophic factors, like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). The present study investigated the protective effects of cerebrolysin on glutamate transporters (EAAT 1, EAAT 2) and cytokines (IL-1ß and IL-10) activity in glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity. Primary cortex neuron culture was exposed to glutamate and successively treated with various cerebrolysin concentrations for 24 and 48 h. Our data showed that cerebrolysin primarily protects neurons by decreasing glutamate concentration in the synaptic cleft. In addition, Cerebrolysin can decrease oxidative stress and neuron cell damage by increasing antioxidant activity and decreasing inflammation cytokine levels.

Effects of walking on heart rate recovery, endothelium modulators and quality of life in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have addressed the impact of moderate unsupervised everyday physical activity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). DESIGN: We investigated the effects of a 12-week walking programme as the sole exercise intervention on heart rate recovery (HRR), index of the autonomic system equilibrium, serum modulators of endothelial function (i.e. asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and homocysteine), markers of inflammation and oxidative stress and quality of life measures (i.e. SF-36 and the Zung depression scale) in CHF patients. METHODS: Twenty-eight stabilized CHF patients of ΝYHΑ class II and III volunteered to participate either in the exercise (n = 18) or in the non-exercise (n = 10) groups. Ten age-matched healthy volunteers provided reference values. The exercise programme consisted of unsupervised 40-minute walking for five days per week. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant improvements in HRR (p < 0.001) in the exercise patients compared to their non-exercise counterparts. ADMA levels in CHF patients at baseline were found higher than the healthy reference volunteers (p < 0.03), while a decrease in ADMA levels after walking was associated with HRR changes (r = 0.74, p = 0.007). Homocysteine levels both at baseline and at the end of the walking intervention decreased in the exercise group, but were still higher than in the healthy individuals. Average walking distance positively correlated with homocysteine decrease (p < 0.05). Total SF-36 score significantly improved (p < 0.02) mainly due to enhancements in the physical component score (p < 0.026). CONCLUSION: A 12-week unsupervised walking programme exhibits a pronounced HRR amelioration, possibly attenuates endothelial damage and induces a concomitant improvement in perceived quality of life in CHF patients.

Applications and biomonitoring issues of recombinant erythropoietins for doping control.

The biochemical actions and side effects of recombinant erythropoietins (rhEPOs), their analogs and mimetics, their misuse as doping agents, and the principal analytical strategies developed to identify them in athletes' biologic fluids are reviewed. Patients who experience a range of pathologies have benefited from the administration of rhEPOs to correct severe anemia. Currently, monitoring the biologic effect of rhEPO in patients under treatment is by measuring the hemoglobin concentration. However, it may be valuable to directly monitor the actual levels of the administered drug and determine a dose-dependent correlation with any clinical adverse effect observed. This may permit the adoption of a patient-specific administration regime. Currently, the method of detecting EPO approved for doping control is an isoelectric-focusing, double-blotting, chemiluminescence assay based on charge differences between isoforms of rhEPOs and endogenous EPO in urine. The advantages and limitations of this method are presented. A new approach using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as a complementary tool to the established method is discussed. The application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry for the direct detection of the rhEPO molecules may prove to be promising. Indirect evidence of rhEPO abuse by athletes is based on the analysis of blood parameters (hemoglobin hematocrit, reticulocytes, macrocytes, etc) and serum markers (concentration of EPO and serum transferrin receptors, etc). Enrichment of the screened parameters with gene or biochemical markers revealing altered erythropoiesis and adoption of longitudinal monitoring of athletes' hematologic and biochemical parameters could also be a complementary approach in the fight against doping.

The use of nutritional supplements among recreational athletes in Athens, Greece.

Although the use of nutritional supplements by professional athletes and the benefits thereof have been extensively studied, information on recreational athletes' use of supplements is limited. This study investigated the consumption of nutritional supplements, source of information and supply of supplements, and level of awareness with regard to the relevant legislation among individuals who undertake regular exercise in Athens, Greece. A closed-ended, anonymous questionnaire was answered by 329 subjects (180 men, 149 women), age 30.6 ± 12.1 yr, from 11 randomly selected gym centers. Preparations declared as anabolic agents by the users were submitted to a gas chromatographic analyzer coupled to a mass spectrometric detector. Consumption of nutritional supplements was reported by 41% of the study population, with proteins/amino acids and vitamins being the most popular. Age (r = .456, p = .035), sex (χ2 = 14.1, df = 1, p < .001), level of education (χ2 = 14.1, df = 3, p < .001), and profession (χ2 = 11.4, df = 4, p = .022) were associated with the subjects' decision to consume nutritional supplements. Most (67.1%) purchased products from health food stores. Only 17.1% had consulted a physician or nutritionist, and one third were aware of the relevant legislation. Two preparations were detected containing synthetic anabolic steroids not stated on the label. In conclusion, use of nutritional supplements was common among recreational athletes in Athens, Greece. A low level of awareness and low involvement of health care professionals as sources of information and supply were observed.