Chronic capsiate supplementation increases fat-free mass and upper body strength but not the inflammatory response to resistance exercise in young untrained men: a randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Acute capsaicinoid and capsinoid supplementation has endurance and resistance exercise benefits; however, if these short-term performance benefits translate into chronic benefits when combined with resistance training is currently unknown. This study investigated changes of chronic Capsiate supplementation on muscular adaptations, inflammatory response and performance in untrained men. METHODS: Twenty untrained men were randomized to ingest 12 mg Capsiate (CAP) or placebo in a parallel, double-blind design. Body composition and performance were measured at pre-training and after 6 weeks of resistance training. An acute resistance exercise session test was performed pre and post-intervention. Blood samples were collected at rest and post-resistance exercise to analyze Tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), Soluble TNF- receptor (sTNF-r), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10). RESULTS: Exercise and CAP supplementation increased fat-free mass in comparison to baseline by 1.5 kg (P < 0.001), however, the majority of the increase (1.0 kg) resulted from an increase in total body water. The CAP change scores for fat-free mass were significantly greater in comparison to the placebo (CAP ∆%= 2.1 ± 1.8 %, PLA ∆%= 0.7 ± 1.3 %, P = 0.043) and there was a significant difference between groups in the bench press exercise (P = 0.034) with greater upper body strength change score for CAP (∆%= 13.4 ± 9.1 %) compared to placebo (∆%= 5.8 ± 5.2 %), P = 0.041. CAP had no effect on lower body strength and no supplementation interactions were observed for all cytokines in response to acute resistance exercise (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Chronic Capsiate supplementation combined with resistance training during short period (6 weeks) increased fat-free mass and upper body strength but not inflammatory response and performance in young untrained men.

Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?

Supplementing with creatine is very popular amongst athletes and exercising individuals for improving muscle mass, performance and recovery. Accumulating evidence also suggests that creatine supplementation produces a variety of beneficial effects in older and patient populations. Furthermore, evidence-based research shows that creatine supplementation is relatively well tolerated, especially at recommended dosages (i.e. 3-5 g/day or 0.1 g/kg of body mass/day). Although there are over 500 peer-refereed publications involving creatine supplementation, it is somewhat surprising that questions regarding the efficacy and safety of creatine still remain. These include, but are not limited to: 1. Does creatine lead to water retention? 2. Is creatine an anabolic steroid? 3. Does creatine cause kidney damage/renal dysfunction? 4. Does creatine cause hair loss / baldness? 5. Does creatine lead to dehydration and muscle cramping? 6. Is creatine harmful for children and adolescents? 7. Does creatine increase fat mass? 8. Is a creatine 'loading-phase' required? 9. Is creatine beneficial for older adults? 10. Is creatine only useful for resistance / power type activities? 11. Is creatine only effective for males? 12. Are other forms of creatine similar or superior to monohydrate and is creatine stable in solutions/beverages? To answer these questions, an internationally renowned team of research experts was formed to perform an evidence-based scientific evaluation of the literature regarding creatine supplementation.

Effect of an Oral Nutrition Supplement Containing Collagen Peptides on Stratum Corneum Hydration and Skin Elasticity in Hospitalized Older Adults: A Multicenter Open-label Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this randomized open-label study was to investigate the effect of an oral nutrition supplement containing collagen peptides on stratum corneum hydration and skin elasticity. METHODS: The study protocol was registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN 000027347). Once-a-day oral administration of a nutrition supplement containing collagen peptides (10.0 g) was instituted in 39 inpatients 65 years or older who were assigned to either the intervention or the control group using a block-randomization design. Stratum corneum hydration and skin elasticity were measured at baseline and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention. RESULTS: Mean stratum corneum hydration was significantly increased from 43.7 at baseline to 51.7 at postintervention week 8 in the intervention group (P = .001). Differences in skin elasticity from baseline were significant at postintervention week 6 (P = .026) and week 8 (P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Oral nutrition supplements containing collagen peptides may reduce skin vulnerability in older adults and thus prevent conditions such as skin tears.

Effect of a mixture of botanicals extracts plus mannitol on hydration and bloating sensation. An open label study in women with high extra cellular water.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of of 4 and 8 week supplementation with highly standardized formula with Fraxinus ornus L., plus Ananas comosus L., concentrated juice, Betula pendula R., Equisetum arvense L., Urtica dioica L. and Pilosella officinarum L. Vail dry extract, on the state of hydration and bloating sensation in subjects with high and moderate extra cellular water (ECW). 19 women (mean age 35 yr and Body Mass Index 22.82 kg\m2) with Extra Cellular Water over 45%completed the study and their data were analysed at baseline, at 30 and 60 days. Bio-impedance, SF36 and anthropometric parameters were assessed. The ECW decreased of -1.97% (at 30 days) and -2.30% (60 days) (p < 0.01). Also fat mass decreased of -1.58% (at 30 days) and -2.21% (60 days) (p = 0.057). An improvement of free fat mass was assessed (p < 0.05) but not on bloating sensation questionnaire at 60 days (p = 0.422).

Effects of isomaltulose ingestion on postexercise hydration state and heat loss responses in young men.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? What are the effects of isomaltulose, an ingredient in carbohydrate-electrolyte beverages to maintain glycaemia and attenuate the risk of dehydration during exercise heat stress, on postexercise rehydration and physiological heat loss responses? What is the main finding and its importance? Consumption of a 6.5% isomaltulose-electrolyte beverage following exercise heat stress restored hydration following a 2 h recovery as compared to a 2% solution or water only. While the 6.5% isomaltulose-electrolytes increased plasma volume and plasma osmolality, which are known to modulate postexercise heat loss, sweating and cutaneous vascular responses did not differ between conditions. Consequently, ingestion beverages containing 6.5% isomaltulose-electrolytes enhanced postexercise rehydration without affecting heat loss responses. ABSTRACT: Isomaltulose is a disaccharide carbohydrate widely used during exercise to maintain glycaemia and hydration. We investigated the effects of ingesting a beverage containing isomaltulose and electrolytes on postexercise hydration state and physiological heat loss responses. In a randomized, single-blind cross-over design, 10 young healthy men were hypohydrated by performing up to three 30 min successive moderate-intensity (50% heart rate reserve) bouts of cycling, each separated by 10 min, while wearing a water-perfusion suit heated to 45°C. The protocol continued until a 2% reduction in body mass was achieved. Thereafter, participants performed a final 15 min moderate-intensity exercise bout followed by a 2 h recovery. Following cessation of exercise, participants ingested a beverage consisting of (i) water only (Water), (ii) 2% isomaltulose (CHO-2%), or (iii) 6.5% isomaltulose (CHO-6.5%) equal to the volume of 2% body mass loss within the first 30 min of the recovery. Changes in plasma volume (ΔPV) after fluid ingestion were greater for CHO-6.5% compared with CHO-2% (120 min postexercise) and Water (90 and 120 min) (all P ≤ 0.040). Plasma osmolality remained elevated with CHO-6.5% compared with consumption of the other beverages at 30 and 90 min postexercise (all P ≤ 0.050). Urine output tended to be reduced with CHO-6.5% compared to other fluid conditions (main effect, P = 0.069). Rectal and mean skin temperatures, chest sweat rate and cutaneous perfusion did not differ between conditions (all P > 0.05). In conclusion, compared with CHO-2% and Water, consuming a beverage consisting of CHO-6.5% and electrolytes during recovery under heat stress enhances PV recovery without modulating physiological heat loss responses.

Effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate intake on catabolism, nutrition and adipocytokines during minor surgery: A randomized, prospective, controlled clinical phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading on intraoperative catabolism, nutritional parameters, and adipocytokine levels during anesthesia. METHODS: Study participants were randomized to two groups who were allowed to consume either no more than 250 mL of 18% oral carbohydrate solution (Arginaid Water: AW group) or no more than 500 mL of plain water (PW group) within the 2 hours before surgery, with no intraoperative glucose administration. Percentage changes from preoperative values of resting metabolic rate (RMR) and total body water (TBW), determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), were compared. Blood levels of serum ketone bodies, free fatty acids (FFAs), insulin, 3-methyl histidine, blood glucose, retinol binding protein, adiponectin, and leptin were measured. BIA measurement and blood sampling were performed on entry to the operating room (M1) and 2 hours after the induction of anesthesia (M2). Chi squared test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon's test were used for comparisons of parameters. P values less than 0.05 constituted a significant difference. RESULTS: Seventeen patients per group (34 patients total) were enrolled. RMR and TBW values did not differ between M1 and M2 measurements. Participants in the AW group had lower blood ketone body and FFA levels and higher insulin levels at M1. However, their ketone body and FFA levels rose and insulin levels fell after 2 hours, although ketone body and FFA levels in the AW group were still lower than those in the PW group. Although retinol binding protein, adiponectin, and leptin levels were not different in terms of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading, the levels of these substances in both groups were lower after 2 hours compared with levels on operating room entry. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative oral carbohydrate loading without intraoperative glucose administration appears to suppress catabolism for 2 hours after the start of surgery.

Comprehensive mapping of human body skin hydration: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies analyzed a series of representative anatomical regions in the human body; however, there is a wide structural and cellular variability in the constitution of the skin. Our objective was to perform a comprehensive assessment of human skin hydration throughout the largest possible area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hydration was registered by Corneometer® CM825 probe in 23 anatomical regions of five healthy men. Each zone was analyzed by 2-cm segments in the supine, prone, and lateral positions. A total of 7863 measurements were registered. RESULTS: Differences in the degree of hydration among the prone, supine, and lateral regions were observed. The chest and back showed a pattern of increased hydration toward the neck area. Higher levels of hydration were evidenced in the proximal areas and in the regions near the elbow and knee. The regions of greater mechanical wear and with greater exposure to the sun exhibited a lower degree of hydration. CONCLUSION: The human skin exhibited hydration patterns influenced by anatomical function and the degree of sun exposure. Detailed information of the hydration patterns could serve as reference for the design of topical products, as an indicator of their effectiveness, and for the monitoring of skin pathologies.

Comparison of ceramide retention in the stratum corneum between dry skin and normal skin using animal model with fluorescent imaging method.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Skin care via moisturization compensates for the lack of skin barrier function. However, moisturizer application methods are not clearly decided. Here, we focused on and examined the retention of externally applied ceramide in the stratum corneum (SC) using fluorescent imaging method. This study aimed to compare ceramide retention in the SC between normal skin and dry skin using an animal model. METHODS: Nine-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: normal skin and dry skin model. The dry skin model group was treated with acetone-diethyl ether solution. A fluorescently labeled ceramide solution was prepared and applied to rats' back skin. Skin samples were taken at 0 minute and 12 hours after ceramide application. Fluorescently labeled ceramide was evaluated and observed under a microscope. RESULTS: The intensity of externally applied ceramide in the normal skin group showed no significant change from 0 minute to 12 hours after application. In contrast, in the dry skin model group, the intensity of externally applied ceramide increased significantly from 0 minute to 12 hours after application. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that the externally applied ceramide penetrated the SC of dry skin more than that of normal skin.

Influence of acute consumption of caffeine vs. placebo over Bia-derived measurements of body composition: a randomized, double-blind, crossover design.

BACKGROUND: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is often used to estimate total body water (TBW), intracellular body water (ICW), extracellular body water (ECW), and body fat percentage (BF%). A common restriction for BIA analysis is abstinence from caffeine 12-h prior to testing. However, research has yet to determine whether the consumption of caffeine influences BIA testing results. The purpose of this study was to determine if the consumption of caffeine influences BIA-derived BF% and body water values in habitual caffeine users. METHODS: Twenty apparently healthy males (26.6 ± 4.1 years) identified as habitual caffeine consumers (≥ one 95 mg serving per day ≥ four days per week) participated in this study. Participants came to the lab on three occasions, the first visit serving as the control (CON) with no supplementation. The remaining two visits were performed in a randomized double-blind, cross-over fashion. Participants consumed 200 mg of dextrose (PLA) or caffeine (CAF) in capsule form. During each visit, seven multi-frequency BIA measurements were conducted before (PRE) and after (15-min, 30-min, 45-min, 60-min, 75-min, 90-min) consumption. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed BF% for CAF was lower than the CON and PLA conditions at PRE and 15-min (p < 0.001, p = 0.004), but not statistically significant for the remaining time points (i.e., 30-, 45-, 60-, 75-, and 90-min). However, the effect size (ES) of the BF% differences were trivial. The CON, PLA, and CAF conditions had higher PRE ICW values than their associated post time points (i.e., 15-, 30-, 45-, 60-, 75-, and 90-min). Similar to BF%, ES of the mean differences for ICW were trivial. No other differences were observed. CONCLUSION: Caffeine consumption in habitual users produced trivial changes in TBW, ECW, ICW, or BF%. Therefore, the pre-testing guidelines for caffeine consumption may not be necessary in habitual caffeine consumers.

Crotalus helleri venom preconditioning reduces postoperative cerebral edema and improves neurological outcomes after surgical brain injury.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative cerebral edema is a devastating complication in neurosurgical patients. Loss of blood-brain barrier integrity has been shown to lead to the development of brain edema following neurosurgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate preconditioning with Crotalus helleri venom (Cv-PC) as a potential preventive therapy for reducing postoperative brain edema in the rodent SBI model. C. helleri venom is known to contain phospholipase A2 (PLA2), an enzyme upstream to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the inflammatory cascade, acts to increase the production of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins. We hypothesize that Cv-PC will downregulate the response of the COX-2 pathway to injury, thereby reducing the inflammatory response and the development of brain edema after SBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 75 male Sprague Dawley rats (280-330g) were divided to the following groups-naïve+vehicle, naïve+Cv-PC, sham, vehicle, Cv-PC, Cv-PC+NS398 (COX-2 inhibitor). Vehicle preconditioned and Cv-PC animals received either three daily subcutaneous doses of saline or C. helleri venom at 72h, 48h, and 24h prior to surgery. In Cv-PC+NS398 animals, NS398 was administered intraperitoneally 1h prior to each Cv-PC injection. Sham-operated animals received craniotomy only, whereas SBI animals received a partial right frontal lobectomy. Neurological testing and brain water content were assessed at 24h and 72h after SBI; COX-2 and PGE2 expression was assessed at 24h postoperatively by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: At 24h after SBI, the vehicle-treated animals were observed to have increased brain water content (83.1±0.2%) compared to that of sham animals (80.2±0.1%). The brain water content of vehicle-treated animals at 72h post-SBI was elevated at 83.3±0.2%. Cv-PC-treated animals with doses of 10% LD50 had significantly reduced brain water content of 81.92±0.7% and 81.82±0.3% at 24h and 72h, respectively, after SBI compared to that of vehicle-treated animals, while Cv-PC with 5% LD50 doses showed brain water content that trended lower but did not reach statistical significance. At 24h and 72h post-SBI, Cv-PC-treated animals had significantly higher neurological score than vehicle-treated animals. The COX-2 over-expression characterized in SBI was attenuated in Cv-PC-treated animals; NS398 reversed the protective effect of Cv-PC on COX-2 expression. Cv-PC tempered the over-expression of the inflammatory marker PGE2. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that Cv-PC may provide a promising therapy for reducing postoperative edema and improving neurological function after neurosurgical procedures.

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) Juice Intake Suppresses UVB-Induced Skin Pigmentation in SMP30/GNL Knockout Hairless Mice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is a fruit that is known to contain high amounts of ascorbic acid (AA) and various phytochemicals. We have previously reported that AA deficiency leads to ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin pigmentation in senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30)/gluconolactonase (GNL) knockout (KO) hairless mice. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of acerola juice (AJ) intake on the skin of UVB-irradiated SMP30/GNL KO mice. RESEARCH DESIGN/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Five-week old hairless mice were given drinking water containing physiologically sufficient AA (1.5 g/L) [AA (+)], no AA [AA (-)] or 1.67% acerola juice [AJ]. All mice were exposed to UVB irradiation for 6 weeks. UVB irradiation was performed three times per week. The dorsal skin color and stratum corneum water content were measured every weekly, and finally, the AA contents of the skin was determined. The skin AA and stratum corneum water content was similar between the AA (+) and AJ groups. The L* value of the AA (+) group was significantly decreased by UVB irradiation, whereas AJ intake suppressed the decrease in the L* value throughout the experiment. Moreover, in the AJ group, there was a significant decrease in the expression level of dopachrome tautomerase, an enzyme that is involved in melanin biosynthesis. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that AJ intake is effective in suppressing UVB-induced skin pigmentation by inhibiting melanogenesis-related genes.

Importance of Water Content of the Stratum Corneum in Mouse Models for Contact Hypersensitivity.

Although a marked rise in the prevalence of allergic diseases over the past few decades may be related to environmental factors in industrialized countries, evidence for the protective effect of humidity on the barrier function of the skin is still awaited. We asked whether an increase in the water content of stratum corneum at the site of hapten application had a strong impact on the magnitude of contact hypersensitivity (CHS). The magnitude of CHS, induced by either lipid-soluble or water-soluble hapten, was inversely correlated with the water content of stratum corneum at the hapten application site in the elicitation phase. An increase in the water content induced by exposure to high humidity for 6 hours was sufficient to ameliorate the magnitude of CHS even in mice with the genetic defect in attenuating the CHS responses, such as flaky tail mice. The reduced CHS was associated with downregulation of IL-1α, IL-4, and IFN-γ mRNA expression. Epicutaneously applied hapten can penetrate more readily through the stratum corneum with lower water content than that with higher water content, even after tape-stripping. These findings indicate that increased levels of water in the stratum corneum serve to ameliorate the CHS beyond the genetic effects.

Changes in hydration of the stratum corneum are the most suitable indicator to evaluate the irritation of surfactants on the skin.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Irritancy levels of surfactants on human skin have not been clarified completely. The relationships between skin damage and changes of skin properties caused by various surfactants were investigated using non-invasive measurements. METHODS: Aqueous solutions of seven kinds of anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants were exposed to the inside of forearm skin of 20 human subjects in two separate studies using the cup method. Hydration of the stratum corneum (SC), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, skin surface roughness, and contents of the SC were measured before and after one exposure and after five and nine consecutive exposures to various surfactants. The discontinuation ratio of subjects for testing in each surfactant was determined by skin irritation symptoms and was defined as the degree of skin damage. RESULTS: Significant changes were observed only in hydration, TEWL, and natural moisturizing factors (NMF) content in the SC following surfactant exposure. A significant correlation was observed between the discontinuation ratio of each surfactant and the changes of hydration, TEWL, and NMF. Especially, the change of SC hydration showed an excellent correlation with the discontinuation ratio both for single (r = 0.942, P < 0.001) and for chronic exposures (r = 0.934, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the change of hydration of the SC is equivalent to the skin damage caused by surfactants, and therefore is the most suitable indicator to evaluate the irritation of surfactants on the skin.

Comparison of body composition in persons with epilepsy on conventional & new antiepileptic drugs.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Certain antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as valproic acid (VPA) are known to affect body weight, and lipid profile. However, evidences regarding effects of AEDs on the body composition are deficient. This cross-sectional study compared the body composition and lipid profile among patients with epilepsy on newer and conventional AEDs. METHODS: The patients with epilepsy (n=109) on treatment with conventional and newer AEDs (levetiracetam, lamotrigine and clobazam) for > 6 months were enrolled. Of these, 70 were on monotherapy: levetiracetam (n=12), VPA (n=16), carbamazepine (n=20) and phenytoin (n=22) and the remaining on polytherapy. Their body composition [body fat mass, lean dry mass (LDM), total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) was estimated and biochemical parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Levetiracetam group had no significant difference with VPA, carbamazepine, phenytoin and control groups, except low LDM (17.8±2.4) than VPA groups (20.2±2.7, p<0.05). In comparison with control, AEDs monotherapy groups had no significant difference, except higher LDM and ECW in VPA group. Among groups based on conventional and newer AEDs, there was no significant difference in body composition parameters except for higher LDM (as % of BW) in conventional AEDs only treated group than control (p<0.01). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The alterations observed in body composition with valproic acid in contrast to other AEDs like levetiracetam, carbamazepine and phenytoin could affect treatment response in epilepsy especially in subjects with already altered body composition status like obese and thin frail patients, which needs to be established by prospective studies (CTRI/2013/05/003701).

Topical application of spent coffee ground extracts protects skin from ultraviolet B-induced photoaging in hairless mice.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of spent coffee ground (SCG) on ultraviolet (UV) B-induced photoaging in hairless mice. The oil fraction (OSCG) and ethanol extract (ESCG) of SCG were prepared from SCG. OSCG contained a much higher level of caffeine (547.32 ± 1.68 µg mg(-1)) when compared to the sum of its chlorogenic acid derivatives (∼119 µg mg(-1)), and pyrazines were the major aromatic compounds in OSCG. OSCG effectively inhibited the UVB-induced increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species in HaCaT cells. Topical application of OSCG or ESCG significantly reduced the UVB-induced wrinkle formation in mice dorsal skin. The combined application of OSCG and ESCG (OEH) led to a decrease in the wrinkle area by over 35% when compared with the UVB-treated control (UVBC). Epidermal thickness was also reduced by 40%. This result was connected to the significant reduction in transdermal water loss (27%) and erythema formation (48%) that result from UVB irradiation. Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) and antibody-based histological analyses showed that OSCG and ESCG effectively suppressed the UVB-induced decrease in collagen content. The level of type 1 collagen (COL1) in the OEH group was enhanced by around 40% compared with the UVB control group (UVBC). This was attributed to the down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, 9, and 13), which are known to be responsible for collagen destruction. Our results indicate that topical treatment with OSCG/ESCG protects mouse skin from UVB-induced photoaging by down-regulating MMPs; therefore, suggesting the potential of SCG extracts as a topical anti-photoaging agent.

Treatment with TO901317, a synthetic liver X receptor agonist, reduces brain damage and attenuates neuroinflammation in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) induces a series of inflammatory processes that contribute to neuronal damage and neurological deterioration. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors that negatively regulate transcriptional processes involved in inflammatory responses, but their role in the pathology following ICH remains unclear. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects and anti-inflammatory actions of TO901317, a synthetic LXR agonist, in a model of collagenase-induced ICH and in microglial cultures. METHODS: Mice subjected to collagenase-induced ICH injury were injected with either TO901317 (30 mg/kg) or vehicle 10 min after ICH and subsequently daily for 2 days. Behavioral studies, histology analysis, and assessments of hematoma volumes, brain water content, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability were performed. The protein expression of LXR-α, LXR-ß, ATP binding cassette transporter-1 (ABCA-1), and inflammatory molecules was analyzed. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of TO901317 was investigated in cultured microglia that were stimulated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or thrombin. RESULTS: ICH induced an increase in LXR-α protein levels in the hemorrhagic hemisphere at 6 h whereas LXR-ß expression remained unaffected. Both LXR-α and LXR-ß were expressed in neurons and microglia in the peri-ICH region and but rarely in astrocytes. TO901317 significantly attenuated functional deficits and brain damage up to 28 days post-ICH. TO901317 also reduced neuronal death, BBB disruption, and brain edema at day 4 post-ICH. These changes were associated with marked reductions in microglial activation, neutrophil infiltration, and expression levels of inflammatory mediators at 4 and 7 days. However, TO901317 had no effect on matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity. In BV2 microglial cultures, TO901317 attenuated LPS- and thrombin-stimulated nitric oxide production and reduced LPS-induced p38, JNK, MAPK, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Moreover, delaying administration of TO901317 to 3 h post-ICH reduced brain tissue damage and neuronal death. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that enhancing LXR activation may provide a potential therapy for ICH by modulating the cytotoxic functions of microglia.

A red orange extract modulates the vascular response to a recreational dive: a pilot study on the effect of anthocyanins on the physiological consequences of scuba diving.

Nutritional antioxidants have been proposed as an expedient strategy to counter the potentially deleterious effects of scuba diving on endothelial function, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and heart function. Sixteen volunteers performing a single standard dive (20 min at 33 m) according to US Navy diving procedures were randomly assigned to two groups: one was administered with two doses of 200 mg of an anthocyanins (AC)-rich extract from red oranges, 12 and 4 h before diving. Anthocyanins supplementation significantly modulated the effects of diving on haematocrit, body water distribution and FMD. AC administration significantly reduces the potentially harmful endothelial effects of a recreational single dive. The lack of any significant effect on the most common markers of plasma antioxidant capacity suggests that the mechanism underlying this protective activity is independent of the putative antioxidant effect of AC and possibly involves cellular signalling modulation of the response to high oxygen.

Positive impact of dietary water on in vivo epidermal water physiology.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The importance of water in human physiology is well known, also for skin functionality. This study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary water on epidermal skin hydration in healthy females. METHODS: Thirty-four healthy females (mean 24.5 ± 6.34 years old) were selected and characterized according to their dietary daily habits, by a previously validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. For 1 month, these subjects were asked to add 2 L/day of water to their regular dietary habits. Measurements took place at day D0, D15, and D30, and involved general variables (body weight, blood pressure, Body Mass Index) and specific skin physiological variables in five anatomical sites (ventral forearm, anterior leg, dorsal hand, zygomatic area, and forehead) involving epidermal superficial and deep hydration, by capacitance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). RESULTS: This water overload (2 L/day/30 days) did not change the blood volume or weight of the individuals. However, both superficial and deep skin hydration were clearly in those individuals that regularly consumed lees water per day. No significant effect was observed in the TEWL. CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly suggests that dietary water intake seems to influence skin water content. Nevertheless further in vivo investigations involving other variables, such as biomechanical descriptors, should follow to look deeper into this aspect of skin physiology.

Chronic exposure to chlorpyrifos triggered body weight increase and memory impairment depending on human apoE polymorphisms in a targeted replacement mouse model.

Despite restrictions on their use, humans are still constantly exposed to organophosphates (OPs). A huge number of studies have ratified the neurotoxic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and suggested its association with neurodegenerative diseases, but data are still scarce. Human apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays an important role in lipid transport and distribution. In humans, the apoE4 isoform has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). ApoE3 is the most prevalent isoform worldwide, and has been often established as the healthful one. The current study, performed in targeted replacement (TR) adult male mice, aimed to inquire whether genetic variations of the human apoE respond differently to a chronic dietary challenge with CPF. At four/five months of age, mice carrying apoE2, apoE3 or apoE4 were pair-fed a diet supplemented with CPF at 0 or 2mg/kg body weight/day for 13weeks. Cholinergic signs were monitored daily and body weight changes weekly. In the last week of treatment, learning and memory were assessed in a Barnes maze task. Dietary CPF challenge increased body weight only in apoE3 mice. Differences in the acquisition and retention of the Barnes maze were attributed to apoE genetic differences. Our results showed that apoE4 mice performed worse than apoE2 and apoE3 carriers in the acquisition period of the spatial task, and that apoE2 mice had poorer retention than the other two genotypes. On the other hand, CPF increased the search velocity of apoE2 subjects during the acquisition period. Retention was impaired only in CPF-exposed apoE3 mice. These results underline that gene×environment interactions need to be taken into account in epidemiological studies. Given that apoE3, the most common polymorphism in humans, has proved to be the most sensitive to CPF, the potential implications for human health merit serious thought.

Effect of an α-lactalbumin-enriched infant formula supplemented with oligofructose on fecal microbiota, stool characteristics, and hydration status: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of oligofructose (OF)-supplemented infant formula on fecal microbiota, stool characteristics, and hydration. METHODS: Ninety-five formula-fed infants were randomized to α-lactalbumin-enriched control formula (CF) or identical formula with 3.0 g/L OF (EF) for 8 weeks; 50 infants fed human milk (HM) were included. RESULTS: Eighty-four infants completed the study, 70 met per-protocol criteria. Over 8 weeks, bifidobacteria increased more in EF than CF group (0.70 vs. 0.16 log10 bacterial counts/g dry feces, P = .008); EF was not significantly different from HM group (P = .32). EF group stool consistency was intermediate between CF and HM groups; at week 8, EF group had softer stools than CF (5-point scale: 1 = hard, 5 = watery; consistency score 3.46 vs. 2.82, P = .015) without significant differences in stool frequency. Physician-assessed hydration status was normal for all infants. CONCLUSIONS: Infant formula with 3.0 g/L OF promoted bifidobacteria growth and softer stools without adversely affecting stool frequency or hydration.