Supplementation with ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate after resistance training in post-acute care patients with sarcopenia: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adding ß-hydroxy-ß- methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation to a 12-week exercise-based rehabilitation program in older adults with sarcopenia after discharge from a post-acute geriatric rehabilitation unit. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with two parallel groups. The intervention group received 3 g/day of Ca-HMB and participated in a 12- week resistance training program (3 sessions/week). The control group received a placebo and followed the same training program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were the improvements of handgrip strength and physical performance assessed through the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and 4-meter gait speed; and handgrip strength. All variables were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: After completing the 12-week exercise program, the intervention group showed significant improvements in SPPB-Balance (1.3, 95 %CI 0.3 to 2.4) and total SPPB score (2.2, 95 %CI 0.4 to 4.0). Intra-group analysis demonstrated gains in the SPPB-Chair Stand (0.7 points, 95 %CI 0.0 to 1.4) and total SPPB score (2.1 points, 95 %CI 0.3 to 3.9) in the intervention group. Improvements in handgrip strength were observed in women (3.7 kg, 95 %CI: 0.2 to 7.3) at the end of the intervention, and persisted at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the supplementation of 3 g/day of Ca-HMB with resistance exercise may significantly enhance muscle strength and physical performance among older women with sarcopenia after recent hospitalization. Given this study's limitations, the intervention's effectiveness cannot be drawn, and further studies are needed.

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ovarian support cell co-culture improves oocyte maturation in vitro after abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation.

STUDY QUESTION: Can in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental competence of human oocytes be improved by co-culture with ovarian support cells (OSCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER: OSC-IVM significantly improves the rates of metaphase II (MII) formation and euploid Day 5 or 6 blastocyst formation, when compared to a commercially available IVM system. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: IVM has historically shown highly variable performance in maturing oocytes and generating oocytes with strong developmental capacity, while limited studies have shown a positive benefit of primary granulosa cell co-culture for IVM. We recently reported the development of OSCs generated from hiPSCs that recapitulate dynamic ovarian function in vitro. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The study was designed as a basic science study, using randomized sibling oocyte specimen allocation. Using pilot study data, a prospective sample size of 20 donors or at least 65 oocytes per condition were used for subsequent experiments. A total of 67 oocyte donors were recruited to undergo abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation with or without hCG triggers and retrieved cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were allocated between the OSC-IVM or control conditions (fetal-like OSC (FOSC)-IVM or media-only IVM) in three independent experimental design formats. The total study duration was 1 April 2022 to 1 July 2023. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Oocyte donors between the ages of 19 and 37 years were recruited for retrieval after informed consent, with assessment of anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count, age, BMI and ovarian pathology used for inclusion and exclusion criteria. In experiment 1, 27 oocyte donors were recruited, in experiment 2, 23 oocyte donors were recruited, and in experiment 3, 17 oocyte donors and 3 sperm donors were recruited. The OSC-IVM culture condition was composed of 100 000 OSCs in suspension culture with hCG, recombinant FSH, androstenedione, and doxycycline supplementation. IVM controls lacked OSCs and contained either the same supplementation, FSH and hCG only (a commercial IVM control), or FOSCs with the same supplementation (Media control). Experiment 1 compared OSC-IVM, FOSC-IVM, and a Media control, while experiments 2 and 3 compared OSC-IVM and a commercial IVM control. Primary endpoints in the first two experiments were the MII formation (i.e. maturation) rate and morphological quality assessment. In the third experiment, the fertilization and embryo formation rates were assessed with genetic testing for aneuploidy and epigenetic quality in blastocysts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: We observed a statistically significant improvement (∼1.5×) in maturation outcomes for oocytes that underwent IVM with OSCs compared to control Media-IVM and FOSC-IVM in experiment 1. More specifically, the OSC-IVM group yielded a MII formation rate of 68% ± 6.83% SEM versus 46% ± 8.51% SEM in the Media control (P = 0.02592, unpaired t-test). FOSC-IVM yielded a 51% ± 9.23% SEM MII formation rate which did not significantly differ from the media control (P = 0.77 unpaired t-test). Additionally, OSC-IVM yielded a statistically significant ∼1.6× higher average MII formation rate at 68% ± 6.74% when compared to 43% ± 7.90% in the commercially available IVM control condition (P = 0.0349, paired t-test) in experiment 2. Oocyte morphological quality between OSC-IVM and the controls did not significantly differ. In experiment 3, OSC-IVM oocytes demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in Day 5 or 6 euploid blastocyst formation per COC compared to the commercial IVM control (25% ± 7.47% vs 11% ± 3.82%, P = 0.0349 logistic regression). Also in experiment 3, the OSC-treated oocytes generated blastocysts with similar global and germline differentially methylated region epigenetic profiles compared commercial IVM controls or blastocysts after either conventional ovarian stimulation. LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: While the findings of this study are compelling, the cohort size remains limited and was powered on preliminary pilot studies, and the basic research nature of the study limits generalizability compared to randomized control trials. Additionally, use of hCG-triggered cycles results in a heterogenous oocyte cohort, and potential differences in the underlying maturation state of oocytes pre-IVM may limit or bias findings. Further research is needed to clarify and characterize the precise mechanism of action of the OSC-IVM system. Further research is also needed to establish whether these embryos are capable of implantation and further development, a key indication of their clinical utility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Together, these findings demonstrate a novel approach to IVM with broad applicability to modern ART practice. The controls used in this study are in line with and have produced similar to findings to those in the literature, and the outcome of this study supports findings from previous co-culture studies that found benefits of primary granulosa cells on IVM outcomes. The OSC-IVM system shows promise as a highly flexible IVM approach that can complement a broad range of stimulation styles and patient populations. Particularly for patients who cannot or prefer not to undergo conventional gonadotropin stimulation, OSC-IVM may present a viable path for obtaining developmentally competent, mature oocytes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): A.D.N., A.B.F., A.G., B.P., C.A., C.C.K., F.B., G.R., K.S.P., K.W., M.M., P.C., S.P., and M.-J.F.-G. are shareholders in the for-profit biotechnology company Gameto Inc. P.R.J.F. declares paid consultancy for Gameto Inc. P.C. also declares paid consultancy for the Scientific Advisory Board for Gameto Inc. D.H.M. has received consulting services from Granata Bio, Sanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Gameto, and Buffalo IVF, and travel support from the Upper Egypt Assisted Reproduction Society. C.C.K., S.P., M.M., A.G., B.P., K.S.P., G.R., and A.D.N. are listed on a patent covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/492,210. Additionally, C.C.K. and K.W. are listed on three patents covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Patent Application No. 17/846,725, U.S Patent Application No. 17/846,845, and International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/026012. C.C.K., M.P.S., and P.C. additionally are listed on three patents for the transcription factor-directed production of granulosa-like cells from stem cells: International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/065140, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/326,640, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/444,108. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Immunomodulatory, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Cancer Properties of Ginseng: A Pharmacological Update.

Ginseng, a medicinal plant of the genus Panax, boasts a rich historical record of usage that dates back to the Paleolithic period. This botanical is extensively acknowledged and consumed in Eastern countries for its therapeutic properties, and, in Western countries, it is becoming increasingly popular as a remedy for fatigue and asthenia. This review provides an update on current research pertaining to ginseng and its isolated compounds, namely, ginsenosides and polysaccharides. The primary focus is on three crucial pharmacological activities, namely, immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. The review encompasses studies on both isolated compounds and various ginseng extracts obtained from the root, leaves, and berries.

Phytochemical Characterization and In Vitro and In Silico Biological Studies from Ferns of Genus Blechnum (Blechnaceae, Polypodiales).

The genus Blechnum represents one of the most ecologically and therapeutically important groups of ferns that grow in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. In this work, the chemical fingerprint of lyophilized extracts of Blechnum chilense, B. hastatum, B. magellanicum and B. penna-marina species, the determination of their antioxidant activity through ORAC, FRAP and DPPH assays and inhibition of cholinesterase enzymes (AChE and BChE), and an in silico analysis of selected majority compounds on cholinesterase enzymes were identified. Nineteen compounds were recorded for B. chilense, nine in B. hastatum, seventeen in B. magellanicum and seventeen in B. penna-marina by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). The content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition were variable among species, with best results for B. penna-marina. Molecular docking evidenced low toxicities, significant pharmacokinetic properties, and significant binding affinities of the tested compounds for the AChE and BChE enzymes. These fern species show high diversity of bioactive compounds and represent a promising resource in phytotherapy, especially for their optimal levels of phenolic compounds that support their antioxidant activity.

Neuropharmacological Effects in Animal Models and HPLC-Phytochemical Profiling of Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth Bark Extracts.

B. crassifolia is a species that grows in various areas of Latin America. It was known to be useful for the treatment of different human ailments. The present work evaluated the neuropharmacological and analgesic effects of hydroalcoholic and dichloromethane extracts of B. crassifolia. The effect on the central nervous system (CNS) of both extracts obtained from bark, administered by the intraperitoneal route in mice, was evaluated by different tests: spontaneous motor activity, hole-board, motor coordination, pentobarbital induced hypnosis, and rectal temperature. Analgesic activity was evaluated using a hot plate test. Phytochemical analysis was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using reversed-phase and gradient of elution. The hydroalcoholic extract (dose 0.5 g dry plant/kg weigh) administration caused an important reduction of the head-dipping response in the hole board test. A decrease in spontaneous motor activity test and a disturbance of motor coordination in the rotarod test was observed. The hydroalcoholic extract produced a significant prolongation of pentobarbital induced sleeping time. This extract prevented hot plate test induced nociception. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B12. Therefore, this study revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract of B. crassifolia possesses analgesic and sedative CNS activity.

Selective Focal Laser Therapy as the Primary Treatment for Exudative Perifoveal Vascular Anomalous Complex (ePVAC): Case Series and Literature Review.

Perifoveal anomalous exudative vascular complex (PEVAC) was first described in 2011. Since then, individual clinical cases and a couple of case series have been published, and their characteristics have been studied in multi-modal images. To date, there is no consensus on its treatment. Initially, it was thought that PEVACs could be left to spontaneous evolution because they presented a slow progression. But it has been shown that the growth of the lesion covers a spectrum from non-exudative lesions to PEVAC with vision impairment over time. We present an updated bibliographic review of this pathology. We explain the changes in the diagnostic criteria that have been undergone. And we focus the discussion on selective treatment with focal laser, which has shown an excellent anatomical response and visual improvement or stabilization in the cases described and in our series of three patients systematically treated with focal laser. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:43-49.].

Towards food circular economy: hydrothermal treatment of mixed vegetable and fruit wastes to obtain fermentable sugars and bioactive compounds.

Due to processing activity, fruits and vegetables generate notable amounts of wastes at the processing, retail, and consumption level. Following the European goals for reducing food wastes and achieving a circular economy of resources, these biowastes should be valorized. In this work, hydrothermal hydrolysis at different conditions (temperatures, times, waste/water ratio, pH values) were tested to treat for first time; biowastes composed of mixed overripe fruits or vegetables to maximize the extraction of fermentable sugars that can be used as substrates in bioprocesses. Experimental data were fitted by a model based on irreversible first-order reactions, and kinetic constants were obtained. When hydrolysis of fruit wastes was carried out at 135 °C and pH 5 during 40 min, more than 40 g of reducing sugars per 100 g of waste (dry weight) could be obtained (represents an extraction of 97% of total carbohydrates). Concentrations of inhibitor compounds (HMF, furfural, acetic acid) in the hydrolysates were very low and, as example, a fermentation to obtain bioethanol was successfully carried out with an efficiency above 95%. Additionally, the production by hydrothermal treatment of bioactive compounds was investigated and the best results obtained were 92% DPPH inhibition and 12 mg GAE/g (dry weight) for antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds, respectively. These values are similar or even higher than those reported in literature using specific parts of fruits and vegetables.

Long-Term Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Institutionalized Elderly Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been applied to different populations, but evidence in elderly women and maintenance of improvements achieved during training is scarce. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of IMT 6 months after finishing the training period in elderly women. METHODS: A controlled, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted, with allocation concealment performed on 26 institutionalized elderly women distributed into 2 groups: high loads and low loads. Over an 8-week period, an IMT protocol was followed; later, elderly women continued for 6 months with their daily normal activities. Inspiratory strength, expiratory strength, and functional capacity were measured pre-IMT, post-IMT, and 6 months after intervention. RESULTS: After an 8-week training, respiratory strength and functional capacity increased in both groups. Six months after finishing the intervention, these benefits were lost. Inspiratory strength decreased in the high-loads group but was 32% higher than initial values (p = 0.007); in the low-loads group, patients lost 41% (p = 0.015). Improvements were higher in the high-loads group after training (p = 0.000) and follow-up (p = 0.002). Functional capacity was similar to initial values in both groups. CONCLUSION: The improvements achieved with IMT in elderly women disappeared 6 months after the end of training. High loads were more effective to keep inspiratory strength than low loads.

The Genus Cetraria s. str.-A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Pharmacology.

The genus Cetraria s. str. (Parmeliaceae family, Cetrarioid clade) consists of 15 species of mostly erect brown or greenish yellow fruticose or subfoliose thallus. These Cetraria species have a cosmopolitan distribution, being primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere, in North America and in the Eurasia area. Phytochemical analysis has demonstrated the presence of dibenzofuran derivatives (usnic acid), depsidones (fumarprotocetraric and protocetraric acids) and fatty acids (lichesterinic and protolichesterinic acids). The species of Cetraria, and more particularly Cetraria islandica, has been widely employed in folk medicine for the treatment of digestive and respiratory diseases as decoctions, tinctures, aqueous extract, and infusions. Moreover, Cetraria islandica has had an important nutritional and cosmetic value. These traditional uses have been validated in in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies. Additionally, new therapeutic activities are being investigated, such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, cytotoxic, genotoxic and antigenotoxic. Among all Cetraria species, the most investigated by far has been Cetraria islandica, followed by Cetraria pinastri and Cetraria aculeata. The aim of the current review is to update all the knowledge about the genus Cetraria covering aspects that include taxonomy and phylogeny, morphology and distribution, ecological and environmental interest, phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological properties.

Nutritional Value of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaf Powder Extracts and Their Neuroprotective Effects via Antioxidative and Mitochondrial Regulation.

Age-related neurodegenerative disorders are an increasing public health problem. Oxidative stress is one of the major causes. Medicinal plant-based functional foods can be effective for these diseases. The aim of this work is to investigate the neuroprotective role of methanol extracts of Moringa oleifera leaf powder on antioxidant/oxidant imbalance and mitochondrial regulation in a H2O2-induced oxidative stress model in human neuroblastoma cells. On nutritional analysis, results showed that moringa contained 28.50% carbohydrates, 25.02% proteins, 10.42% fat, 11.83% dietary fiber, 1.108 mg ß-carotene, 326.4 µg/100 g vitamin B1 and 15.2 mg/100 g vitamin C. In-vitro assays revealed that moringa methanol extracts had more phenolic content and higher antioxidant activity than acetone extracts. Moreover, pretreatments with methanol extracts showed a protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative damage through increasing cell viability and reducing free radicals. Furthermore, the extract decreased lipid peroxidation and enhanced glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. Finally, moringa also prevented mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating calcium levels and increasing mitochondrial membrane potential. The most active concentration was 25 µg/mL. In summary, the nutritional and functional properties of Moringa oleifera as a neuroprotective agent could be beneficial to protect against oxidative stress and provide necessary nutrients for a healthy diet.

DNA-Based Authentication and Metabolomics Analysis of Medicinal Plants Samples by DNA Barcoding and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS).

There is growing interest for medicinal plants in the world drug market. Particularly, Matricaria recutita L., Valeriana officinalis L., Tilia spp., and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze are some of the most consumed medicinal plants for treatment of minor health problems. Medicinal plants are seen as natural and safe; however, they can cause interactions and produce adverse reactions. Moreover, there is lack of consensus in medicinal plants regulation worldwide. DNA barcoding and UHPLC-MS technique are increasingly used to correctly identify medicinal plants and guarantee their quality and therapeutic safety. We analyzed 33 samples of valerian, linden, tea, and chamomile acquired in pharmacies, supermarkets, and herbal shops by DNA barcoding and UHPLC-MS. DNA barcoding, using matk as a barcode marker, revealed that CH1 sold as Camellia sinensis was Blepharocalyx tweediei, and sample TS2 sold as linden belong to Malvales. On the other hand, UHPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds (apigenin-7-glucoside, acetoxy valerenic acid, valerenic acid, epigallocatechin, and tiliroside). However, none of samples met minimum content of these active principles (except for valerenic acid in VF3) according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Real Spanish Pharmacopeia. In conclusion, this study revealed the need to incorporate DNA barcoding and HPLC-MS techniques in quality controls of medicinal plants.

Current uses and knowledge of medicinal plants in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain): a descriptive cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The usage of medicinal plants as a key component of complementary and alternative medicine, has acquired renewed interest in developed countries. The current situation of medicinal plants in Spain is very limited. This paper provides new insights and greater knowledge about current trends and consumption patterns of medicinal plants in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain) for health benefits. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed for a population-based survey on medicinal plants. The data were collected (May 2018 to May 2019) using semi-structured face-to-face interviews in independent pharmacies, hospital centers and primary care health centers in the Autonomous Community of Madrid. The survey had 18 multiple choice and open-ended questions. Quantitative indices were calculated: Fidelity Level (FL), Use Value (UV) and Informants Consensus Factor (ICF). Chi-square test was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Five hundred forty-three people were interviewed. The majority of the participants (89.6%) have used medicinal plants to treat health disorders in the past 12 months, mainly for digestive problems, sleep disorders and central nervous system diseases. A total of 78 plants were recorded, being Matricaria recutita, Valeriana officinalis, Tilia spp. and Aloe vera the most used. The highest UV was found for Mentha pulegium (UV 0.130) followed by Aloe vera (UV 0.097) and Vaccinium macrocarpon. (UV 0.080). The highest FL values were for Eucalyptus spp. (FL 90.47%) for respiratory conditions and, Matricaria recutita (85.55%) and Mentha pulegium (84.09%) for digestive problems. The highest ICF corresponded to metabolism and depression (ICF = 1), pain (ICF = 0.97), insomnia (ICF = 0.96) and anxiety (ICF = 0.95). Participants mostly acquired herbal medicines from pharmacies, herbal shops and supermarkets. Some side effects (tachycardia, dizziness and gastrointestinal symptoms) and potential interactions medicinal plants-drugs (V. officinalis and benzodiazepines) were reported. CONCLUSION: Many inhabitants of the Autonomous Community of Madrid currently use herbal products to treat minor health problems. The most common consumer pattern are young women between 18 and 44 years of age with higher education. In order to confirm the pattern, further research should be focused to investigate current uses of medicinal plants in other Spanish regions.

The Pharmacological Activity of Camellia sinensis ( L. ) Kuntze on Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide. This systematic review aims to update Camellia sinensis pharmacological activity on metabolic and endocrine disorders. Inclusion criteria were preclinical and clinical studies of tea extracts and isolated compounds on osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity written in English between 2014 and 2019 and published in Pubmed, Science Direct, and Scopus. From a total of 1384 studies, 80 reports met inclusion criteria. Most papers were published in 2015 (29.3%) and 2017 (20.6%), conducted in China (28.75%), US (12.5%), and South Korea (10%) and carried out with extracts (67.5%, especially green tea) and isolated compounds (41.25%, especially epigallocatechin gallate). Most pharmacological studies were in vitro and in vivo studies focused on diabetes and obesity. Clinical trials, although they have demonstrated promising results, are very limited. Future research should be aimed at providing more clinical evidence on less studied pathologies such as osteoporosis, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Given the close relationship among all endocrine disorders, it would be of interest to find a standard dose of tea or their bioactive constituents that would be beneficial for all of them.

Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents.

Aloe vera has been traditionally used to treat skin injuries (burns, cuts, insect bites, and eczemas) and digestive problems because its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties. Research on this medicinal plant has been aimed at validating traditional uses and deepening the mechanism of action, identifying the compounds responsible for these activities. The most investigated active compounds are aloe-emodin, aloin, aloesin, emodin, and acemannan. Likewise, new actions have been investigated for Aloe vera and its active compounds. This review provides an overview of current pharmacological studies (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials), written in English during the last six years (2014-2019). In particular, new pharmacological data research has shown that most studies refer to anti-cancer action, skin and digestive protective activity, and antimicrobial properties. Most recent works are in vitro and in vivo. Clinical trials have been conducted just with Aloe vera, but not with isolated compounds; therefore, it would be interesting to study the clinical effect of relevant metabolites in different human conditions and pathologies. The promising results of these studies in basic research encourage a greater number of clinical trials to test the clinical application of Aloe vera and its main compounds, particularly on bone protection, cancer, and diabetes.

Iron supplementation in mouse expands cellular innate defences in spleen and defers lethal malaria infection.

The co-endemicity of malnutrition, erythrocytopathies, transmissible diseases and iron-deficiency contribute to the prevalence of chronic anaemia in many populations of the developing world. Although iron dietary supplementation is applied or recommended in at risk populations, its use is controversial due to undesirable outcomes, particularly regarding the response to infections, including highly prevalent malaria. We hypothesized that a boosted oxidative stress due to iron supplementation have a similar impact on malaria to that of hereditary anaemias, enhancing innate response and conditioning tissues to prevent damage during infection. Thus, we have analysed antioxidant and innate responses against lethal Plasmodium yoelii during the first five days of infection in an iron-supplemented mouse. This murine model showed high iron concentration in plasma with upregulated expression of hemoxygenase-1. The sustained homeostasis after this extrinsic iron conditioning, delayed parasitemia growth that, once installed, developed without anaemia. This protection was not conferred by the intrinsic iron overload of hereditary hemochromatosis. Upon iron-supplementation, a large increase of the macrophages/dendritic cells ratio and the antigen presenting cells was observed in the mouse spleen, independently of malaria infection. Complementary, malaria promoted the splenic B and T CD4 cells activation. Our results show that the iron supplementation in mice prepares host tissues for oxidative-stress and induces unspecific cellular immune responses, which could be seen as an advantage to promote early defences against malaria infection.

Ubiquinol-10 ameliorates mitochondrial encephalopathy associated with CoQ deficiency.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency (MIM 607426) causes a mitochondrial syndrome with variability in the clinical presentations. Patients with CoQ10 deficiency show inconsistent responses to oral ubiquinone-10 supplementation, with the highest percentage of unsuccessful results in patients with neurological symptoms (encephalopathy, cerebellar ataxia or multisystemic disease). Failure in the ubiquinone-10 treatment may be the result of its poor absorption and bioavailability, which may be improved by using different pharmacological formulations. In a mouse model (Coq9(X/X)) of mitochondrial encephalopathy due to CoQ deficiency, we have evaluated oral supplementation with water-soluble formulations of reduced (ubiquinol-10) and oxidized (ubiquinone-10) forms of CoQ10. Our results show that CoQ10 was increased in all tissues after supplementation with ubiquinone-10 or ubiquinol-10, with the tissue levels of CoQ10 with ubiquinol-10 being higher than with ubiquinone-10. Moreover, only ubiquinol-10 was able to increase the levels of CoQ10 in mitochondria from cerebrum of Coq9(X/X) mice. Consequently, ubiquinol-10 was more efficient than ubiquinone-10 in increasing the animal body weight and CoQ-dependent respiratory chain complex activities, and reducing the vacuolization, astrogliosis and oxidative damage in diencephalon, septum-striatum and, to a lesser extent, in brainstem. These results suggest that water-soluble formulations of ubiquinol-10 may improve the efficacy of CoQ10 therapy in primary and secondary CoQ10 deficiencies, other mitochondrial diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.

Argan oil-contained antioxidants for human mitochondria.

The powerful antioxidant capacity of virgin argan oil is attributed to its content of antioxidant molecules. Recent investigations have identified CoQ10 and melatonin as some of these antioxidant molecules. In this review, we summarize the most recent data about the content of CoQ10 and melatonin in virgin argan oil and the differences found in samples extracted by the traditional and half-industrialized methods. We also emphasize the importance of these two molecules for human health, focusing on their actions in mitochondria. Finally, we refer to other abundant antioxidants in virgin argan oil: tocopherols and polyphenols.

Muerte súbita asociada a hipersensibilidad tipo I en un equino pura sangre de carrera / Sudden death associated to type I hypersensitivity in a racing horse

El objetivo de este estudio fue reportar un caso de hipersensibilidad tipo I con muerte súbita en un equino Pura Sangre de Carrera en el Hipódromo “La Rinconada” Caracas, Venezuela. Se tomaron muestras de sangre y orina para estudios toxicológicos mediante la técnica de ELISA competitivo. Se le práctico la técnica de necropsia, fueron colectadas muestras de musculo, tejido pulmonar, hepático, renal, gástrico, esplénico, corazón y sistema nervioso central para estudio histopatológico, las muestras fueron procesados por los métodos convencionales histológicos. Los hallazgos de necropsia fueron flebitis severa en vena yugular derecha, con hematoma en el surco yugular. Edema severo de glotis, edema, congestión y hemorragia pulmonar. Hemorragia petequial subendocardica. Bazo esplenocontraido y con focos de necrosis de coagulación. Hidronefrosis aguda con hematuria. Hígado con patrón lobulillar acentuado. El resto de los órganos con evidente congestión y hemorragia. Los cortes histológicos evidenciaron edema, congestión y hemorragia pulmonar severa. Hemorragia subepicardica marcada. Edema subcapsular esplénico y necrosis centro-folicular. Degeneración hidropica tubular, necrosis tubular aguda. Necrosis de corteza renal. Los estudios toxicológicos permitieron la detección de furosemida y fenilbutazona en las muestras de sangre y orina. En conclusión se reporta un síndrome de hipersensibilidad tipo I asociado a la administración de un producto comercial a base de Vitamina E 80mg, Pangamato sódico (B15) 1 mg, Selenio Sódico 0.6 mg, Antioxidantes y Vehículos Solubles c.s.p. con colapso, shock y muerte aguda en un equino Pura Sangre de Carrera mediante un estudio multidisciplinario clínico, anatomopatologico y toxicológico.

The aim of this study was to report a case of type I hypersensitivity to sudden death in a Thoroughbred race horses at the Hippodrome “La Rinconada” Caracas, Venezuela. Samples of blood and urine for toxicology studies using competitive ELISA. He practiced the technique of necropsy, samples were collected from muscle, lung tissue, liver, kidney, stomach, spleen, heart and central nervous system for histopathological examination, samples were processed by conventional histological methods. Autopsy findings were severe phlebitis right jugular vein, with hematoma in the jugular groove. Severe edema of glottis edema, pulmonary congestion and hemorrhage. Subendocardial petechial hemorrhage. Esplenocontraido Spleen foci of necrosis and coagulation. Hydronephrosis with acute hematuria. Liver accentuated lobular pattern. The rest of the organs with obvious congestion and hemorrhage. The histological sections showed edema, severe pulmonary congestion and hemorrhage. Marked subepicardial hemorrhage. Edema and necrosis subcapsular splenic follicular center. Tubular hydropic degeneration, acute tubular necrosis. Necrosis of renal cortex. Toxicological studies allowed the detection of furosemide and phenylbutazone in samples of blood and urine. In conclusion we report type I hypersensitivity syndrome associated with the administration of a commercial product based Vitamin E 80mg, sodium pangamate (B15) 1 mg, 0.6 mg; Sodium Selenium, Soluble Antioxidants and Vehicle qs with collapse, shock and acute death in a race Thoroughbred horses by a multidisciplinary clinical, pathological and toxicological.

Health and cancer information seeking practices and preferences in Puerto Rico: creating an evidence base for cancer communication efforts.

Effective communication around cancer control requires understanding of population information seeking practices and their cancer-relevant risk behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge. The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) developed by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides surveillance of the nation's investment in cancer communication tracking the effects of the changing communication environment on cancer-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UPRCCC), the Puerto Rico Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (PRBRFSS), and the NCI implemented HINTS in Puerto Rico in 2009. In this article we describe the health and cancer information seeking behaviors, sources of information, trust in information sources, and experiences seeking information among the population of Puerto Rico. A total of 639 (603 complete and 36 partially complete) interviews were conducted. Nearly one-third of respondents had ever looked for information about health (32.9%) or about cancer (28.1%). The Internet was the most frequently reported source of information. College educated (odds ratio [OR] = 7.6) and females (OR = 2.8) were more likely to seek health information. Similarly, college educated (OR = 5.4) and females (OR = 2.0) were more likely to seek cancer information. Only 32.7% of respondents had ever accessed the Internet, and college educated were more likely to use it (OR = 12.2). Results provide insights into the health and cancer information seeking behaviors and experiences of the population in Puerto Rico and contribute to the evidence base for cancer control planning on the island.

Progress in addressing disparities through comprehensive cancer control.

Cancer-related disparities are the significant differences in cancer incidence, cancer prevalence, cancer death, cancer survivorship, and burden of cancer or related health conditions that exist disproportionately in certain populations compared with the general population with respect to variables like race, ethnicity, and geography. The emergence of comprehensive cancer control efforts provides a framework to address the unequal disease burden felt by these groups. This article illustrates four distinct programs uniquely designed to fit at-risk populations. Specific examples are given that demonstrate a significant impact on the full range of the cancer care continuum. Although measureable progress has been made to improve prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer throughout the United States, many populations remain underserved, impeding our ability to achieve national healthcare goals. Here, we reemphasize the need to sustain this progress through use of partnerships, technology, and policy.