Acute Antiplatelet Effects of an Oleocanthal-Rich Olive Oil in Type II Diabetic Patients: A Postprandial Study.

Postprandial dysmetabolism is a common entity of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may act as a daily stressor of the already dysfunctional diabetic platelets. This study aims to investigate whether oleocanthal-rich olive oils (OO), incorporated into a carbohydrate-rich meal, can affect postprandial dysmetabolism and platelet aggregation. Oleocanthal is a cyclooxygenase inhibitor with putative antiplatelet properties. In this randomized, single-blinded, crossover study, ten T2DM patients consumed five isocaloric meals containing 120 g white bread combined with: (i) 39 g butter, (ii) 39 g butter and 400 mg ibuprofen, (iii) 40 mL OO (phenolic content < 10 mg/Kg), (iv) 40 mL OO with 250 mg/Kg oleocanthal and (v) 40 mL OO with 500 mg/Kg oleocanthal. Metabolic markers along with ex vivo ADP- and thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP)-induced platelet aggregation were measured before and for 4 h after the meals. The glycemic and lipidemic response was similar between meals. However, a sustained (90-240 min) dose-dependent reduction in platelets' sensitivity to both ADP (50-100%) and TRAP (20-50%) was observed after the oleocanthal meals in comparison to OO or butter meals. The antiplatelet effect of the OO containing 500 mg/Kg oleocanthal was comparable to that of the ibuprofen meal. In conclusion, the consumption of meals containing oleocanthal-rich OO can reduce platelet activity during the postprandial period, irrespective of postprandial hyperglycemia and lipidemia.

Skeletal muscle fiber composition may modify the effect of nutrition on body composition in young females.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that healthy, normal-weight females with greater proportions and sizes of the oxidative muscle fibers would also be characterized by a healthier body composition compared with individuals with increased glycolytic fibers, even if both follow similar nutritional plans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Vastus lateralis muscle fiber-type composition, body composition through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and dietary intakes through questionnaire were evaluated in twenty-two young, healthy, non-obese females (age: 21.3±1.8yrs, body mass: 67.5±6.2 kg, body height: 1.66±0.05m, body mass index (BMI): 24.2±2.6  kg m-2). The participants were allocated into two groups according to their type I muscle fibers percentage [high (HI) and low (LI)]. The participants of the LI group were characterized by significantly higher body mass, fat mass, BMI, and cross-sectional and percentage cross-sectional area (%CSA) of type IIx muscle fibers compared with participants of the HI group (p < 0.021). In contrast, the HI group was characterized by higher cross-sectional and %CSA of type I muscle fibers compared with the LI group (p < 0.038). Significant correlations were observed between body fat mass, lean body mass, total energy intake, fat energy intake, and %CSAs of type I and IIx muscle fibers (r: -0.505 to 0.685; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study suggests that muscle fiber composition is an important factor that at least partly could explain the observed differential inter-individual responses of the body composition to nutrition in female individuals. Increased %CSAs of type I muscle fibers seem to act as a protective mechanism against obesity and favor a healthier body composition, neutralizing the negative effect of increased caloric fats intake on body composition, probably because of their greater oxidative metabolic properties and fat utilization capacities. In contrast, female individuals with low type I and high type IIx %CSAs of type I seem to be more metabolically inflexible and dietinduced obesity prone, even if they consume fewer total daily calories and fats.

The Response of Antioxidant Enzymes and Antiapoptotic Markers to an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in Children and Adolescents with Excess Body Weight.

Oxidative stress and apoptosis are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related diseases. This observational study investigates the antioxidant and apoptotic markers response to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in a population of overweight children and adolescents, with normal (NGT) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Glucose, insulin, and C-peptide concentrations, as well as oxidative stress (SOD, GPx3) and apoptotic markers (Apo1fas, cck18), were determined at T = 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min after glucose intake during OGTT. The lipid profile, thyroid function, insulin-like growth factor1, leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin were also measured at baseline. The 45 participants, with a mean age of 12.15 (±2.3) years old, were divided into two subcategories: those with NGΤ (n = 31) and those with IGT (n = 14). The area under the curve (AUC) of glucose, insulin, and C-peptide was greater in children with IGT; however, only glucose differences were statistically significant. SOD and GPx3 levels were higher at all time points in the IGT children. Apo1fas and cck18 levels were higher in the NGT children at most time points, whereas Adiponectin was lower in the IGT group. Glucose increased during an OGTT accompanied by a simultaneous increase in antioxidant factors, which may reflect a compensatory mechanism against the impending increase in oxidative stress in children with IGT.

Olive Oil Phenolics and Platelets-From Molecular Mechanisms to Human Studies.

Chronically activated, dysfunctional platelets mediate the progression of the majority of non-communicable diseases in a pleiotropic fashion. Antiplatelet therapy remains an attractive therapeutic means which however hasn't reached the expected targets according to the promising preclinical studies. It is therefore obvious that the consumption of foods demonstrating antiplatelet activity may be a less drastic but on the other hand a more sustainable way of achieving daily antiplatelet therapy, either alone or in combination with antiplatelet drugs. Olive oil is probably the main cardioprotective component of the Mediterranean Diet according to the results of observational and dietary intervention studies. Among all phytochemicals of olive oil, its unique phenolics seems to be responsible for the majority of its cardioprotective properties. This review article aims to highlight the platelet modulating roles of olive oil polyphenols, trying to critically assess whether those properties could partially explain the cardioprotective role of olive oil. The cellular and animal studies clearly show that extra virging olive oil (EVOO) phenolics, mainly hydroxytyrosol, are able to inhibit the activation of platelets induced by several endogenous agonists and pathologies. However, the outcomes of the pre-clinical studies are difficult to be translated to humans mainly because the dosages and the chemical forms of the phenolics used to these studies are much higher and different to that found in human circulation. Despite the heterogeneity of the few human trials on the field so far, the results are promising showing that EVOO can exert antiplatelet actions in real, acute or long-term, trials and at least part of this antiplatelet action can be attributed to the phenolic content of EVOOs. Although we clearly need better, well-powered studies to give certain answers on this field the antiplatelet properties of olive oil phenolics is a promising, emerging mechanism which may explain some of the health properties of EVOO and the Mediterranean Diet.

The emerging role of skeletal muscle as a modulator of lipid profile the role of exercise and nutrition.

The present article aims to discuss the hypothesis that skeletal muscle per se but mostly its muscle fiber composition could be significant determinants of lipid metabolism and that certain exercise modalities may improve metabolic dyslipidemia by favorably affecting skeletal muscle mass, fiber composition and functionality. It discusses the mediating role of nutrition, highlights the lack of knowledge on mechanistic aspects of this relationship and proposes possible experimental directions in this field.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Platelet and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Wine Extracts Prepared from Ten Different Grape Varieties.

Inflammation, thrombosis and oxidative stress are rarely studied together when wine's biological activity is concerned; hence the existing literature lacks a holistic point of view in the biological outcome. The scope of the present study is to parallel evaluate the effect of wine extracts on those mechanisms. Ten wine varieties and two different extraction methods were used leading to five extracts for each wine: total lipids (TL) and fractions with different phenolic compound classes (FI, FII, FIII and FIV). Their effect on oxidative stress, platelet aggregation and the secretion of cytokines from mononuclear cells was measured and a biological score was calculated. FII of white wines is the most potent extract and the extracts FIII and TL are following. Specifically, FII had higher anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory score while all three fractions had a similar anti-platelet score. Furthermore, FII and FIII extracts were the most potent red wine extracts and revealed the highest anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory scores. White wine FII extracts were more potent than the red wine ones while FI and FIV extracts of red wine were more potent than the white wine ones. In conclusion, the protective effect of a wine is independent of its color but is strongly associated with its microconstituents profile. FII extract revealed the highest biological score and further examination is needed in order to identify the compounds that are responsible for the aforementioned actions.

Effects of nut and seed consumption on markers of glucose metabolism in adults with prediabetes: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

The primary aim was to investigate the effects of nut and seed consumption on markers of glucose metabolism in adults with prediabetes. Studies with a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design, comparing the effects of a diet containing nuts or seeds against a diet without nuts or seeds in adults with prediabetes, were considered eligible. Primary outcome measures included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h plasma glucose during oral glucose tolerance test and glycated Hb (HbA1c) concentrations. Studies were identified by searching PubMed and Scopus electronic databases and by checking full texts and reference lists of relevant records. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. We included five RCT involving 371 adults with prediabetes or at risk of diabetes; three RCT investigated the effects of whole nut consumption and two the effects of ground flaxseed consumption. Consumption of 57 g/d pistachios or mean intake of 60 g/d almonds for 4 months improved FPG and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) concentrations, insulin resistance, cellular glucose uptake in lymphocytes and ß-cell function. Consumption of 56 g/d walnuts for 6 months was not found to affect FPG or HbA1c concentrations. Consumption of 13 g/d flaxseed for 3 months improved FPG and FPI concentrations and insulin resistance. In a second study, however, flaxseed consumption was not found to affect markers of glucose metabolism. The risk of bias was generally low, thus the reported results could be reliable. Further investigation of nut and seed consumption effects in the field of prediabetes is warranted.

A low-dose, 6-week bovine colostrum supplementation maintains performance and attenuates inflammatory indices following a Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test in soccer players.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a 6-week, low-dose bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and performance decline in soccer players following the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) during a competitive season period. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design, two groups of soccer players were allocated to a 3.2 g/day of whey protein (WP, N = 8) or BC (N = 10) and performed a pre- and a post-supplementation LIST. Maximum isometric voluntary contraction, squat jump (SQJ), countermovement jump, muscle soreness, blood cell counts, creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were monitored for 2, 24, 48, 72 h post-LIST. RESULTS: LIST induced transient increases in leukocytes, granulocytes, CK, muscle soreness, CRP, IL-6 and declines in lymphocytes and performance indices. Supplementation resulted in a faster recovery of SQJ, CK and CRP compared to pre-supplementation kinetics (trial × time: p = 0.001, 0.056, 0.014, respectively) and lower incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for IL-6, only in the BC group [pre-: 31.1 (6.78-46.9), post-: 14.0 (-0.16 to 23.5) pg h/ml, p = 0.034]. Direct comparison of the two groups after supplementation demonstrated higher iAUC of SQJ [WP: -195.2 (-229.0 to (-52.5)), BC: -15.8 (-93.2 to 16.8) cm h, p = 0.034], a trend for lower iAUC of CK in the BC group [WP: 18,785 (4651-41,357), BC: 8842 (4807-14,802) U h/L, p = 0.081] and a significant intervention × time interaction for CRP (p = 0.038) in favor of BC. CONCLUSIONS: Post-exercise EIMD may be reduced and performance better maintained by a low dose of BC administration following LIST in soccer players.

N-acetylcysteine ameliorates liver injury in a rat model of intestinal ischemia reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant with direct and indirect antioxidant actions used in the clinical setting. Oxidative stress is known to play a pivotal role in the intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IIR). Therefore, we studied the effect of different pretreatment regimens with NAC on the IIR injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups. In group sham, only laparotomy was performed. Group control underwent IIR without NAC. In the other groups, NAC was administered intraperitoneally with different regimens: 150 mg/kg before ischemia (NAC 150), 300 mg/kg before ischemia (NAC 300), and 150 mg/kg before ischemia plus 150 mg/kg 5 min before reperfusion (NAC 150 + 150). Measurements in tissues and blood were conducted at 4 h of reperfusion following exsanguination. RESULTS: Histological score of the liver was significantly improved in NAC 300 compared with control (1.7 ± 0.5 versus 2.9 ± 1.1, respectively, P = 0.05). In addition, NAC treatment significantly reduced liver transaminases in all groups of treatment, mostly in group NAC 300. Plasma malondialdehyde levels were lower with NAC treatment, although not statistically significant. Lung glutathione peroxidase was significantly increased in group NAC 300 (P = 0.04), while the other oxidation biomarkers showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: NAC exerts a significant protective role in liver injury following IIR, which seems to be independent of an intestinal protective effect. Additional administration of NAC before reperfusion was of no further benefit. The most effective regimen among the compared regimens was that of 300 mg/kg before ischemia.

Peritoneal Albumin Dialysis as a Novel Approach for Liver Support: Study in a Porcine Model of Acute Hepatic Failure.

Artificial liver support gained considerable interest in recent years due to the development of various albumin dialysis systems, which prolong survival of some patients with acute liver failure (ALF). Τhis study aims to examine the role of peritoneal albumin dialysis in a postoperative ALF model. ALF was induced in 14 female Landrace pigs by a combination of major liver resection (70-75% of total parenchyma) and ischemic-reperfusion injury on the liver remnant. Animals were randomly divided in two groups (n = 7 each). Both were monitored for 12 h of reperfusion and received peritoneal dialysis for 6 h, beginning 6 h after reperfusion. The albumin group received an albumin-rich solution and the control group received albumin-free solution. The control group gradually developed intracranial hypertension, whereas, in the albumin group, rise in the intracranial pressure was substantially attenuated (P < 0.01, t = 12 h). Albumin-treated animals had significantly lower levels of ammonia (P < 0.01), total bile acids (P < 0.01), free fatty acids (P < 0.05), lactate (P < 0.01), and total bilirubin (P < 0.05). Liver malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were significantly reduced (P = 0.007 and P = 0.001 at t = 12 h) after albumin dialysis. Results suggest that this method may become a useful adjunct in the management of ALF, thus, justifying further study.

The effects of hemorrhagic shock secondary to hepatectomy in a swine model.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by severe hemorrhagic shock and subsequent resuscitation leads to deterioration of hepatic homeostasis and possibly to liver failure. The present study focuses on determining whether there is a different biological response to hemorrhagic shock by different sources of hemorrhage, hepatic hemorrhage (HH) versus peripheral hemorrhage. METHODS: Twenty-one male swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) were randomly allocated in three groups as follows: sham group (S, n = 5), central venous hemorrhage group, (CVH) (n = 8), and HH group (n = 8). Hepatectomy of the left liver lobe was carried out in groups CVH and HH, and the animals were subjected to controlled bleeding from the internal jugular vein and the traumatic liver surface, respectively. After 10 min of hemorrhage, shock was maintained for 30 min at mean arterial pressure levels of 30 mm Hg-40 mm Hg and resuscitation was initiated with crystalloids and colloids. Hemodynamic parameters and fluid balance were monitored throughout the 6 h of total duration of the experiment. Blood samples were collected at 0-, 40-, and 360-min time points for transaminases, albumin, and interleukin-6 measurement. Hepatic tissue was harvested at the end of the experiment for oxidative marker and proliferation analysis. RESULTS: Although blood loss was comparable between the two groups, the amount of fluids needed for resuscitation was higher for the HH group. Inflammatory response, measured by interleukin-6, was found higher in HH group. Oxidative stress markers did not reveal statistically significant difference between the two groups. Liver hemorrhage decreased hepatocellular proliferation measured by proliferating cell nuclear antigen. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence that HH entails worse consequences for the hepatocytes than systemic hemorrhage. Higher needs for resuscitation fluids, decreased proliferation, and augmented inflammatory response when HH takes place are findings with possible clinical importance in liver surgery and trauma.

Hierarchical modelling of blood lipids' profile and 10-year (2002-2012) all cause mortality and incidence of cardiovascular disease: the ATTICA study.

BACKGROUND: The traditional view on the relationship between lipid biomarkers and CVD risk has changed during the last decade. However, it is not clear whether novel lipid biomarkers are able to confer a better predictability of CVD risk, compared to traditional ones.Under this perspective, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the predictive ability of blood lipids' profile on all cause mortality as well as 10-year incidence of CVD, in a sample of apparently healthy adults of the ATTICA epidemiological study. METHODS: From May 2001 to December 2002, 1514 men and 1528 women (>18 y) without any clinical evidence of any other chronic disease, at baseline, were enrolled. In 2011-12, the 10-year follow-up was performed in 2583 participants (85 % follow-up participation rate). Incidence of fatal or non-fatal CVD was defined according to WHO-ICD-10 criteria. Baseline serum blood lipids' profile (Total-C, HDL-, non HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein (Apo)A1 and B, and lipoprotein-(a) levels were also measured. RESULTS: The 10-year all-cause mortality rate was 5.7 % for men and 2.0 % for women (p = 0.55). The, 10-year CVD incidence was 19.7 % in men and 11.7 % in women (p < 0.001). Multi-adjusted analysis revealed that TC, non-HDL-C, TG and TG/HDL-C ratio, were independent predictors of all cause mortality (RR per 1 mg/dL or unit (95 % CI): 1.006 (1.000-1.013), 1.006 (1.000-1.013), 1.002 (1.000-1.004), 1.038 (1.001-1.077), respectively). Moreover, TC, HDL-, LDL-, non-HDL-cholesterol, TG, apoA1, TC/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C were independently associated with CVD risk. Among all lipid indices the ratio of apoB/apoA1 demonstrated the best correct reclassification ability, followed by non-HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratio (continuous Net Reclassification Index 26.1 and 21.2 %, respectively). CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of lipid biomarkers are independently associated with all-cause mortality, as well as CVD risk. The ratio of apoB/apoA1, followed by non-HDL-C, demonstrated the best correct classification ability of the developed CVD risk models.

Effect of Spirulina Nigrita® Supplementation on Indices of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage after Eccentric Protocol of Upper Limbs in Apparently Healthy Volunteers.

Spirulina is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance performance and recovery after intense exercise. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Spirulina Nigrita® on physical performance, and recovery markers after intense eccentric exercise in healthy moderately physically active volunteers. In a double-blind crossover design, participants were supplemented either with spirulina (42 mg Kg-1 BW per day) or a placebo for 15 days before conducting an eccentric exercise protocol using the non-dominant arm. A six-week washout period was required between conditions. Performance and mobility markers such as isometric peak torque (PTQ), ligament range of motion (ROM), and perceived muscle discomfort (VAS) were assessed and blood samples (CK, LDH) were obtained at 1, 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise. No significant differences were noticed between the two conditions on any of the investigated markers, indicating that spirulina supplementation has no positive effect on isometric muscle performance or alleviation of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) symptoms in the specific population.

Deciphering the associations of selenium distribution in serum GPx-3 and selenoprotein P with cardiovascular risk factors in a healthy population with moderate levels of selenium: The ATTICA study.

BACKGROUND: Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, important for human health. The relationship of Se with cardiovascular risk factors is still inconclusive, especially regarding the role of different selenoproteins. The present study evaluated the relation of total serum Se as well as its distribution in plasma selenoproteins, namely glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) and selenoprotein P (SelP) with cardiovascular risk factors in a sex-specific manner, in a healthy population with moderate levels of Se. METHODS: A sub-sample from the ATTICA Study's database, consisting of 398 participants (160 females and 238 males) with data on Se and selenoproteins levels, was considered. GPx3, SelP and the main non-specific serum selenium containing protein, selenoalbumin (SeAlb) were simultaneously determined in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at baseline. RESULTS: Participants that belong to the highest tertiles of GPx3 and SelP presented the lowest blood pressure. Homocysteine was inversely associated with SelP and its ratio SelP/TSe in both sexes. In males, the lowest tertile of GPx3 showed lower adiponectin levels (0.66 ± 0.21 µg/mL) in comparison to the 2nd tertile of GPx3 (p=0.002), SelP was inversely associated with visceral adipose index (VAI) (-2.29 ± 0.81, p=0.005). Particularly, in males, the middle tertile of SelP had the lowest VAI values. Regarding females, lower Lp(a) concentration by 11.96 ± 5.84 mg/dL was observed in low SelP levels while higher leptin concentration by 2.30 ± 0.73 µg/L and lower fibrinogen concentration by 27.32 ± 13.30 mg/dL was detected in low GPx3 levels. CONCLUSION: Circulating selenoproteins exert differentiated effects on cardiovascular risk factors, some of them in a sex-specific manner.

The Effect of Chronic Dietary Protein Manipulation on Amino Acids' Profile and Position Sense in the Elderly Suffering from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Dietary protein with adequate essential amino acids effectively stimulates protein synthesis and improves muscle mass. Musculoskeletal disorders in lower or upper limbs are not uncommon among patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, this study primarily examines the effects of chronic dietary protein manipulation on amino acids' profile and position sense in the elderly suffering from T2DM. A total of 26 individuals suffering from non-insulin-dependent T2DM (age > 55 years old) participated in a 12 week nutritional intervention. The subjects were randomly assigned and the control group received 0.8-1.0 g protein/kg/day, while the intervention group received 1.2-1.5 g protein/kg/day. Lean body mass, muscle strength, and position sense were assessed at baseline, as well as at the 6th and 12th week of the intervention. Only in the intervention group, the essential amino acids intake met the current nutritional recommendations (p < 0.05), while, by the 12th week, only the intervention group showed significant improvement in the muscle strength of knee (p < 0.05) and shoulder (p < 0.05) extension. On the contrary, in the control group, a significant decline in appendicular lean mass (p < 0.05) was observed by the 12th week. Position sense at the knee joint revealed a tendency for improvement in the intervention group by the 12th week (main effect of time p = 0.072). In the present investigation, it was revealed that the higher protein intake in the intervention group seemed to have positive effects on muscle strength and nearly positive effects on position sense.

Interleukin-1beta stimulates platelet-activating factor production in U-937 cells modulating both its biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes.

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) is a potent agonist of platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis. The monocyte-derived PAF may amplify the inflammatory and thrombotic processes. The IL-1ß-induced enzymatic alterations leading to increased PAF synthesis are ill-defined. In the present study the last enzymatic activities of the remodeling (acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase) and de novo (DTT-insensitive CDP-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase) biosynthetic routes of PAF and its main catabolic enzyme, PAF acetylhydrolase, along with the intracellular and extracellular PAF levels were determined in homogenates and medium of U-937 after their stimulation with recombinant IL-1ß. IL-1ß at 2.5ng/mL induced an early (0.5-3h) and a late (12h) elevation of intracellular PAF levels (2-fold). Only a small portion of intracellular PAF (∼10%) was released to the extracellular medium. IL-1ß increased lyso-PAF acetyltrasnferase activity which was peaked at 3h and kept elevated till 12h. A rapid 1.5-fold increase of cholinephosphotransferase activity was observed in IL-1ß stimulated cells. Finally, a transient stimulation of intracellular PAF-AH was induced by IL-1ß at 3h while incubation of U-937 with the PAF acetylhydrolase inhibitor pefabloc in the presence or absence of IL-1ß led to a strong sustained increase of intracellular PAF levels. In conclusion, both biosynthetic routes of PAF, along with its degradation can be modulated by IL-1ß in a time-specific manner. The inhibition of PAF acetylhydrolase strongly augments PAF's intracellular levels implying its crucial role for the regulation of cellular PAF. The regulation of PAF's enzymatic machinery under inflammatory conditions is more complicated than we thought to be.

Cognitive function and oxidative stress after carotid endarterectomy: comparison of propofol to sevoflurane anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the antioxidant role of propofol in ischemia-reperfusion during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and its influence on cognitive dysfunction after CEA. DESIGN: A randomized prospective study. SETTING: Single-center study in a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-four patients. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent elective CEA under general anesthesia with either sevoflurane (group S, n = 21) or propofol (group P, n = 23). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) before CEA, 1 hour after CEA, and 24 hours after CEA. Blood samples from the radial artery and the internal jugular vein were drawn before carotid clamping and 5 minutes following unclamping, and peripheral blood was obtained 24 hours postoperatively. Samples were analyzed for lactate, S100B, and P-selectin concentrations and for the antioxidative markers malondialdehyde/low-density lipoprotein ratio and nitrate + nitrite concentrations. Compared with group S, patients in group P exhibited a greater increase in their MMSE values 24 hours postoperatively. Patients who had their MMSE performance reduced at 24 hours also were significantly fewer in group P (13% v 43% in group S, p<0.05). Significantly lower levels of lactate and S100B were observed in arterial and jugular vein samples in group P. In addition, the jugular vein-arterial differences of malondialdehyde-to-low-density lipoprotein ratio and nitrates + nitrites concentrations were lower during propofol anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol seemed to improve cognitive performance after CEA. This improvement was associated with decreased indices of ischemic cerebral damage and seemed to be due to antioxidative effect in the ischemic cerebral circulation.

Platelet activating factor in heart failure: potential role in disease progression and novel target for therapy.

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with cardiac, renal, neurohormonal and sympathetic nervous system's manifestations, the pathogenesis of which among others is connected to inflammation. PAF has local and systemic effects pertaining to HF progression since it causes a negative inotropic effect, it induces arrhythmias, it induces apoptosis and it is involved in inflammation and atherosclerosis. In the present review the role of PAF in HF will be thoroughly presented along with the relevant data on PAF enzymes and the potential role of PAF metabolic circuit as a novel pharmacological target.

Effect of a 6-Week Preseason Training Protocol on Physiological and Muscle Damage Markers in High-Level Female and Male Basketball Players.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 6-week preseason functional and plyometric fitness training protocol, on physiological and biochemical markers of performance and exercise-induced muscle damage, and to compare the response of these markers between high-level female and male basketball players. The sample of the study consisted of 19 professional athletes (10 male; 9 female) competing in two different teams. The examined markers were body mass, BMI, fat percentage, speed, acceleration, explosiveness, vertical jumping ability, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The preseason training period improved speed, acceleration, explosiveness and vertical jumping ability (~1-8%) and led to significant fat percentage reductions in both groups equivalently. CK and LDH increased similarly in both groups, and the percentage increases were higher for CK compared to LDH. Further investigation and a larger sample size are required in order to determine an approach that is more capable of maximizing performance without causing any possible injuries that may be related to muscle damage.

Associations of phase angle with platelet-activating factor metabolism and related dietary factors in healthy volunteers.

Introduction: Phase angle (PA) is derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). It reflects cell membrane function and decreases in disease. It is affected by inflammation, oxidative stress, and diet. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent inflammatory lipid mediator. Its levels, along with the activity of its metabolic enzymes, including CDP-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-cholinephosphotransferase, acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF-acetyltransferases, and PAF-AH/Lp-PLA2 are also related to dietary factors, such as the dietary antioxidant capacity (DAC). The aim of the study was to estimate whether the PAF metabolic circuit and related dietary factors are associated with PA in healthy volunteers. Methods: In healthy subjects, PAF, its metabolic enzyme activity, and erythrocyte fatty acids were measured, while desaturases were estimated. Food-frequency questionnaires and recalls were used, and food groups, macronutrient intake, MedDietScore, and DAC were assessed. Lifestyle and biochemical variables were collected. DXA and BIA measurements were performed. Results: Lp-PLA2 activity was positively associated with PA (rho = 0.651, p < 0.001, total population; rho = 0.780, p < 0.001, women), while PAF levels were negatively associated with PA only in men (partial rho = -0.627, p = 0.012) and inversely related to DAC. Estimated desaturase 6 was inversely associated with PA (rho = -0.404, p = 0.01, total sample). Moreover, the DAC correlated positively with PA (rho = 0.513, p = 0.03, women). All correlations were adjusted for age, body mass index, and sex (if applicable). Conclusion: PA is associated with PAF levels and Lp-PLA2 activity in a gender-dependent fashion, indicating the involvement of PAF in cell membrane impairment. The relationship of PA with DAC suggests a protective effect of antioxidants on cellular health, considering that antioxidants may inhibit PAF generation.