Nutritional and surgical aspects in prostate disorders.

Prostate disorders are commonplace in medicine, especially in older men, with prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer being the most abundant pathologies. The complexity of this organ, however, turns treatment into a challenge. In this review, we aim to provide insight into the efficacy of alternative treatments, which are not normally used in conventional medicine, with a particular focus on nutrients. In order to understand why and how nutrition can be beneficial in diseases of the prostate, we give an overview of the known characteristics and features of this organ. Then, we provide a summary of the most prevalent prostate illnesses. Finally, we propose nutrition-based treatment in each of these prostate problems, based on in-depth research concerning its effects in this context, with an emphasis on surgery. Overall, we plead for an upgrade of this form of alternative treatment to a fully recognized mode of therapy for the prostate.

Dietary supplements and bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery has been in practice for achieving significant weight loss in patients who have failed to achieve weight loss after pharmacological interventions. The rising cases of obesity are a triggering factor for more bariatric surgeries worldwide. Interestingly, sustained weight loss achieved post-bariatric surgery offers metabolic advantages, and patients show improved glucose and lipid metabolisms. Bariatric surgery is directly linked to higher incidences of vitamin, mineral, and trace element deficiencies, thus making patients susceptible to anemia, osteoporosis, and cardiomyopathy. Reduced nutrient absorption capacity, dietary changes, dietary restriction, and altered gastrointestinal tract morphology are some reasons for nutritional deficiency observed in post-bariatric surgery procedures. Micro-and-macronutrient deficiency observed in patients during the postoperative phase requires continuous monitoring of nutritional parameters. Therefore, adequate multivitamin and mineral supplements become essential to prevent/overcome micronutrient deficiencies. Bariatric surgery also raises the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) babies. Hence, a 12 - 24 months gap is recommended between bariatric surgery and pregnancy to achieve desired weight loss targets. The topic of this review is the impact of bariatric surgery procedures on vitamin and mineral absorption and the role of dietary supplements in maintaining a healthy nutritional balance during the postoperative phase.

Gut microbiota in bariatric surgery.

Gut microbes share a symbiotic relationship with humans and perform several metabolic and physiological functions essential for human survival. It has been established in several scientific studies that obesity and other metabolic complications are always associated with disturbed gut microbiota profile, also called gut dysbiosis. In recent years, bariatric surgery has become a treatment of choice for weight loss, and it forms an important part of obesity management strategies across the globe. Interestingly, bariatric surgery has been shown to alter gut microbiota profile and synthesize short-chain fatty acids by gut microbes. In other words, gut microbes play a crucial role in better clinical outcomes associated with bariatric surgery. In addition, gut microbes are important in reducing weight and lowering the adverse events post-bariatric surgery. Therefore, several prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics are recommended for patients who underwent bariatric surgery procedures for better clinical outcomes. The present review aims to understand the possible association between gut microbes and bariatric surgery and present scientific evidence showing the beneficial role of gut microbes in improving therapeutic outcomes of bariatric surgery.

Physical activity and obesity spectrum disorders in post-bariatric surgery patients: A systematic review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis is based on randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of physical activity on weight loss in adults undergoing bariatric surgery. The study compared certain biomarkers for individuals with and without physical activity after bariatric surgery. Secondary, the study identified potential successful interventions for the target population. METHOD: PubMed, Embase, OVID, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched from January 2000 to December 2020. Intervention studies on the effect of physical activity in adults after bariatric surgery were selected, included, and analyzed following the PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome was weight loss followed by selected biomarkers. RESULTS: Two independent reviewers extracted data and conducted quality assessments. Of the 11 studies included, six reported BMI, two reported fat-free mass, three reported fat mass, two reported waist-hip ratio, and two reported waist circumference. Six studies measuring change from baseline BMI reported a significant intervention effect: SMD = -0.93 (-1.65;-0.20) with high heterogeneity of included trials (I2 = 72%). There was no significant difference between control and intervention groups for other outcomes. CONCLUSION: BMI as a measure of physical activity positively impacts the target population. Large-scale studies with better criteria and a longer evaluation follow-up may finalize pronounced outcomes.

Anticancer activity of broccoli, its organosulfur and polyphenolic compounds.

The use of natural bioactive constituents from various food sources for anticancer purposes has become increasingly popular worldwide. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is on the top of the consumed vegetables by the masses. Its raw matrix contains a plethora of phytochemicals, such as glucosinolates and phenolic compounds, along with rich amounts of vitamins, and minerals. Consumption of broccoli-derived phytochemicals provides strong antioxidant effects, particularly due to its sulforaphane content, while modulating numerous molecules involved in cell cycle regulation, control of apoptosis, and tuning enzyme activity. Thus, the inclusion of broccoli in the daily diet lowers the susceptibility to developing cancers. Numerous studies have underlined the undisputable role of broccoli in the diet as a chemopreventive raw food, owing to the content in sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate produced as a result of hydrolysis of precursor glucosinolates called glucoraphanin. This review will provide evidence supporting the specific role of fresh florets and sprouts of broccoli and its key bioactive constituents in the prevention and treatment of different cancers; a number of studies carried out in the in vitro and in vivo conditions as well as clinical trials were analyzed.

A global survey in the developmental landscape of possible vaccination strategies for COVID-19.

The development of COVID-19 vaccines was promptly regulated to ensure the best possible approach. By January 2022, 75 candidates reached preclinical evaluation in various animal models, 114 vaccines were in clinical trials on humans, and 48 were in the final testing stages. Vaccine platforms range from whole virus vaccines to nucleic acid vaccines, which are the most promising in prompt availability and safety. The USA and Europe have approved vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) and Moderna (mRNa1273). So far, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca-University of Oxford, Sinopharm, Sinovac Biotech Gamaleya, Bharat Biotech, and Novavax have documented effective vaccines. Even with technological advances and a fast-paced development approach, many limitations and problems need to be overcome before a large-scale production of new vaccines can start. The Key is to ensure equal and fair distribution globally through regulatory measures. Recent studies link Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination programs and lower disease severity.

Coenzyme Q10 in aging and disease.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of the electron transport chain. It also acts as an antioxidant in cellular membranes. It can be endogenously produced in all cells by a specialized mitochondrial pathway. CoQ10 deficiency, which can result from aging or insufficient enzyme function, has been considered to increase oxidative stress. Some drugs, including statins and bisphosphonates, often used by older individuals, can interfere with enzymes responsible for endogenous CoQ10 synthesis. Oral supplementation with high doses of CoQ10 can increase both its circulating and intracellular levels and several clinical trials observed that its administration provided beneficial effects on different disorders such as cardiovascular disease and inflammation which have been associated with low CoQ10 levels and high oxidative stress. Moreover, CoQ10 has been suggested as a promising therapeutic agent to prevent and slow the progression of other diseases including metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative and male infertility. However, there is still a need for further studies and well-designed clinical trials involving a large number of participants undergoing longer treatments to assess the benefits of CoQ10 for these disorders.

Phosphocalcic metabolism and the role of vitamin D, vitamin K2, and nattokinase supplementation.

Calcium is involved in bone metabolism, regulation of nerve signaling, and release of neurotransmitters. Phosphorus is a structural component of ATP, participates in metabolic energy regulation, and ensures stability to biological membranes and cells. Vitamin D and vitamin K are important for intestinal absorption and renal excretion of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D plays a regulatory role in bone formation, carbohydrate metabolism, immune responses, and cardiovascular regulation. Research has linked vitamin D deficiency to the development of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer, and osteoporosis. Vitamin K has been associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases (due to improved vascular elasticity). This review highlights the importance of vitamins D and K in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus and explores various molecular mechanisms that help maintain the system's mineral homeostasis. Moreover, the paper reviews the enzyme nattokinase's role in thrombotic prevention due to its fibrinolytic activity.

Micronutrients deficiences in patients after bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is an effective option for managing obesity and has gained general acceptance among patients in recent years. Generally, despite the high caloric intake, a bad nutritional habit of obese people results in the deficiency of several vitamins, minerals, and trace elements essential for body metabolism and normal physiological processes. Additionally, the current bariatric surgical approaches such as sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), and jejunoileal bypass (JIB) can cause or exacerbate these deficiencies. Based on several reports, it appears that the various bariatric surgical procedures affect nutrient absorption differently. Being purely restrictive, LAGB and SG affect the absorption of iron, selenium, and vitamin B12, while RYGB, JIB, and biliopancreatic diversion have a more profound impact on the absorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements may follow bariatric surgery and are associated with clinical manifestations and diseases, including anemia, ataxia, hair loss, and Wernicke encephalopathy. The present review summarizes some of the major vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies associated with bariatric surgery, particularly those presented post-surgically. To avoid any adverse consequences of vitamin and trace element deficiency, proper monitoring and tests are recommended at any stage, from pre- to post-surgery (periodical check-up), followed by specific and individual nutritional supplementation treatments and a proper healthy diet.

Neurotransmitters Regulation and Food Intake: The Role of Dietary Sources in Neurotransmission.

Neurotransmitters (NTs) are biologically active chemicals, which mediate the electrochemical transmission between neurons. NTs control numerous organic functions particularly crucial for life, including movement, emotional responses, and the physical ability to feel pleasure and pain. These molecules are synthesized from simple, very common precursors. Many types of NTs have both excitatory and inhibitory effects. Neurotransmitters' imbalance can cause many diseases and disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, depression, insomnia, increased anxiety, memory loss, etc. Natural food sources containing NTs and/or their precursors would be a potential option to help maintain the balance of NTs to prevent brain and psychiatric disorders. The level of NTs could be influenced, therefore, by targeting dietary habits and nutritional regimens. The progressive implementation of nutritional approaches in clinical practice has made it necessary to infer more about some of the nutritional NTs in neuropsychiatry. However, the importance of the intake of nutritional NTs requires further understanding, since there are no prior significant studies about their bioavailability, clinical significance, and effects on nerve cells. Interventional strategies supported by evidence should be encouraged.

Polyphenols in Metabolic Diseases.

Polyphenols (PPs) are a large group of phytochemicals containing phenolic rings with two or more hydroxyl groups. They possess powerful antioxidant properties, multiple therapeutic effects, and possible health benefits in vivo and in vitro, as well as reported clinical studies. Considering their free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties, these substances can be used to treat different kinds of conditions associated with metabolic disorders. Many symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MtS), including obesity, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, elevated blood sugar, accelerating aging, liver intoxication, hypertension, as well as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, are substantially relieved by dietary PPs. The present study explores the bioprotective properties and associated underlying mechanisms of PPs. A detailed understanding of these natural compounds will open up new opportunities for producing unique natural PP-rich dietary and medicinal plans, ultimately affirming their health benefits.

The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions.

The current review provides an up-to-date analysis of scientific data on astaxanthin (ASX) sources and experimental studies on its health benefits as a potent antioxidant in the aging process. ASX is a liposoluble carotenoid nutrient and reddish-orange pigment, naturally synthesized by numerous microalgae, yeasts, and bacteria as secondary metabolites. Provides a reddish hue to redfish and shellfish flesh that feed on ASX-producing microorganisms. The microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is the most important source for its industrial bioproduction. Due to its strong antioxidant properties, numerous investigations reported that natural ASX is a more significant antioxidant agent than other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and ß-carotene. Furthermore, several data show that ASX possesses important nutraceutical applications and health benefits, especially in healthy aging processes. However, further studies are needed for a deeper understanding of the potential mechanisms through which ASX could lead to its effective role in the healthy aging process, such as supporting brain health and skin homeostasis. This review highlights the current investigations on the effective role of ASX in oxidative stress, aging mechanisms, skin physiology, and central nervous system functioning, and shows the potential clinical implications related to its consumption.

Interrelations between COVID-19 and other disorders.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a respiratory tract virus that causes Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The virus originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has spread across the globe to-date. The disease ranges from asymptomatic carriers to symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, lung infections, and in severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and death. As many as 50% of patients reported having at least one comorbidities with COVID-19 upon hospital admission. Hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases are among the most commonly reported. Comorbidities are contributing to acute disease prognosis and increased risk of severe symptoms. Around 70% of patients who require ICU care have been observed to have comorbidities. This review intends to understand how some of these comorbidities affect the disease's prognosis and how severe the outcome can be expected.

The microbiota-mediated dietary and nutritional interventions for COVID-19.

Worldwide, scientists are looking for specific treatment for COVID-19. Apart from the antiviral approach, the interventions to support healthy immune responses to the virus are feasible through diet, nutrition, and lifestyle approaches. This narrative review explores the recent studies on dietary, nutritional, and lifestyle interventions that influence the microbiota-mediated immunomodulatory effects against viral infections. Cumulative studies reported that the airway microbiota and SARS-CoV-2 leverage each other and determine the pathogen-microbiota-host responses. Cigarette smoking can disrupt microbiota abundance. The composition and diversification of intestinal microbiota influence the airway microbiota and the innate and adaptive immunity, which require supports from the balance of macro- and micronutrients from the diet. Colorful vegetables supplied fermentable prebiotics and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant phytonutrients. Fermented foods and beverages support intestinal microbiota. In sensitive individuals, the avoidance of the high immunoreactive food antigens contributes to antiviral immunity. This review suggests associations between airway and intestinal microbiota, antiviral host immunity, and the influences of dietary, nutritional, and lifestyle interventions to prevent the clinical course toward severe COVID-19.

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19: the never-ending story.

The anti-malarial drugs chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have been suggested as promising agents against the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that induces COVID-19 and as a possible therapy for shortening the duration of the viral disease. The antiviral effects of CQ and HCQ have been demonstrated in vitro due to their ability to block viruses like coronavirus SARS in cell culture. CQ and HCQ have been proposed to reduce immune reactions to infectious agents, inhibit pneumonia exacerbation, and improve lung imaging investigations. CQ analogs have also revealed the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in treating viral infections and related ailments. There was, moreover, convincing evidence from early trials in China about the efficacy of CQ and HCQ in the anti-COVID-19 procedure. Since then, research and studies have been massive to ascertain these drugs' efficacy and safety in treating the viral disease. In the present review, we construct a synopsis of the main properties and current data concerning the metabolism of CQ/HCQ, which were the basis of assessing their potential therapeutic roles against the new coronavirus infection. The effective role of QC and HCQ in the prophylaxis and therapy of COVID-19 infection is discussed in light of the latest international medical-scientific research results. KEY POINTS: • Data concerning metabolism and properties of CQ/HCQ are discussed. • The efficacy of CQ/HCQ against COVID-19 has been the subject of contradictory results. • CQ/HCQ has little or no effect in reducing mortality in SARS-CoV-2-affected patients.

Krebs cycle: activators, inhibitors and their roles in the modulation of carcinogenesis.

A fundamental metabolic feature of cancerous tissues is high glucose consumption. The rate of glucose consumption in a cancer cell can be 10-15 times higher than in normal cells. Isolation and cultivation of tumor cells in vitro highlight properties that are associated with intensive glucose utilization, the presence of minimal oxidative metabolism, an increase in lactate concentrations in the culture medium and a reduced rate of oxygen consumption. Although glycolysis is suggested as a general feature of malignant cells and recently identified as a possible contributing factor to tumor progression, several studies highlight distinct metabolic characteristics in some tumors, including a relative decrease in avidity compared to glucose and/or a glutamine dependency of lactate and even proliferative tumor cells. The aim of this review is to determine the particularities in the energy metabolism of cancer cells, focusing on the main nutritional substrates, such as glucose and glutamine, evaluating lactate dehydrogenase as a potential marker of malignancy and estimating activators and inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Association between the gut and oral microbiome with obesity.

In recent decades, obesity has become one of the most common lifestyle-associated disorders. Obesity is a major contributing factor for several other lifestyles associated disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Although genetics and lifestyle have been directly implicated in the onset and progression of obesity, recent studies have established that gut microbiome plays a crucial role in obesity progression. A higher proportion of Firmicutes and a skewed Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio may contribute to gut dysbiosis and subsequent disturbances in the overall body metabolisms. Like gut microbiome, the oral cavity of humans also harbors a characteristic microbial population called "oral microbiome". The oral microbiome has also been implicated in the development of obesity due to its modulating effects on the gut microbiome. Due to its critical role in obesity, alteration in the gut microbiome has been suggested as one of the therapeutic strategies to manage obesity itself. For example, fecal microbiome transfer, or the use of probiotics and prebiotics have been suggested. These therapies not only restore the gut microbiome to the "pre-obese stage" but also ameliorate many functional aspects of the metabolic syndrome such as systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and fat accumulation. However, the efficacy and safety of some of the methods have not been tested for their long-term implications, and further research in this area is warranted to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in this process completely.

Individual risk management strategy and potential therapeutic options for the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is an ugly fact that a significant amount of the world's population will contract SARS-CoV-II infection with the current spreading. While a specific treatment is not yet coming soon, individual risk assessment and management strategies are crucial. The individual preventive and protective measures drive the personal risk of getting the disease. Among the virus-contracted hosts, their different metabolic status, as determined by their diet, nutrition, age, sex, medical conditions, lifestyle, and environmental factors, govern the personal fate toward different clinical severity of COVID-19, from asymptomatic, mild, moderate, to death. The careful individual assessment for the possible dietary, nutritional, medical, lifestyle, and environmental risks, together with the proper relevant risk management strategies, is the sensible way to deal with the pandemic of SARS-CoV-II.

Micronutrients as immunomodulatory tools for COVID-19 management.

COVID-19 rapidly turned to a global pandemic posing lethal threats to overwhelming health care capabilities, despite its relatively low mortality rate. The clinical respiratory symptoms include dry cough, fever, anosmia, breathing difficulties, and subsequent respiratory failure. No known cure is available for COVID-19. Apart from the anti-viral strategy, the supports of immune effectors and modulation of immunosuppressive mechanisms is the rationale immunomodulation approach in COVID-19 management. Diet and nutrition are essential for healthy immunity. However, a group of micronutrients plays a dominant role in immunomodulation. The deficiency of most nutrients increases the individual susceptibility to virus infection with a tendency for severe clinical presentation. Despite a shred of evidence, the supplementation of a single nutrient is not promising in the general population. Individuals at high-risk for specific nutrient deficiencies likely benefit from supplementation. The individual dietary and nutritional status assessments are critical for determining the comprehensive actions in COVID-19.

Health benefits of xylitol.

Many diseases, including caries, chronic inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and obesity, are associated with uncontrolled sugar consumption. Artificial sweeteners are commonly used in food and pharmaceutical industries as sugar substitutes for the prevention of several dental and body diseases; they also have a favorable impact on body weight as they may help to restrict simple sugar consumption. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sweetener. It can be found naturally or artificially prepared mainly from plant materials chemically or by fermentation of hemicelluloses from agricultural biomass by yeast or bacteria strains. This polyol has a significant antiplaque effect on teeth surface and can reduce the gingival inflammation; it is being used as a preventive agent for dental caries due to decreasing the growth levels of pathogenic Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sangui at the very early stages. Xylitol can bind with calcium ion leading to consequent remineralization of teeth enamel; it is also able to prevent osteoporosis. This polyol can treat respiratory tract and middle ear diseases due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential and prevent some diseases which cannot be cured through antibiotics or surgery. Xylitol can reduce constipation, diabetes, obesity, and other body syndromes or illnesses; it has also revealed its stimulating effect on digestion and immune system. However, it can produce some side effects such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, nephrolithiasis, etc., when consumed in excessive amounts. Different vehicles are used for delivering the xylitol into the human body, but chewing gums occupy a leading position. The present review is devoted to comprehensive analyses of the positive and negative effects of this polyol on human health.Key Points• The health benefits of xylitol are not limited to oral hygiene.• Xylitol efficiently stimulates the immune system, digestion, lipid and bone metabolism.• Xylitol helps in glycemic and obesity control; reduces ear and respiratory infections.• Xylitol treats diseases that cannot be cured through antibiotics or by surgery.