Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging.

Aging is associated with changes in circulating levels of various molecules, some of which remain undefined. We find that concentrations of circulating taurine decline with aging in mice, monkeys, and humans. A reversal of this decline through taurine supplementation increased the health span (the period of healthy living) and life span in mice and health span in monkeys. Mechanistically, taurine reduced cellular senescence, protected against telomerase deficiency, suppressed mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased DNA damage, and attenuated inflammaging. In humans, lower taurine concentrations correlated with several age-related diseases and taurine concentrations increased after acute endurance exercise. Thus, taurine deficiency may be a driver of aging because its reversal increases health span in worms, rodents, and primates and life span in worms and rodents. Clinical trials in humans seem warranted to test whether taurine deficiency might drive aging in humans.

Maternal vitamin B12 in mice positively regulates bone, but not muscle mass and strength in post-weaning and mature offspring.

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been shown to affect bone mass in rodents and negatively impact bone formation in humans. In this study using mouse models, we define the effect of B12 supplementation in the wild-type mother and B12 deficiency in a mouse genetic model (Gif-/- mice) during gestation on bone and muscle architecture and mechanical properties in the offspring. Analysis of bones from 4-wk-old offspring of the wild-type mother following vehicle or B12 supplementation during gestation (from embryonic day 0.5 to 20.5) showed an increase in bone mass caused by an isolated increase in bone formation in the B12-supplemented group compared with vehicle controls. Analysis of the effect of B12 deficiency in the mother in a mouse genetic model (Gif-/- mice) on the long bone architecture of the offspring showed a compromised cortical and trabecular bone mass, which was completely prevented by a single injection of B12 in the B12-deficient Gif-/- mothers. Biomechanical analysis of long bones of the offspring born from B12-supplemented wild-type mothers showed an increase in bone strength, and conversely, offspring born from B12-deficient Gif-/- mothers revealed a compromised bone strength, which could be rescued by a single injection of B12 in the B12-deficient Gif-/- mother. Muscle structure and function analysis however revealed no significant effect on muscle mass, structure, and grip strength of B12 deficiency or supplementation in Gif-/- mice compared with littermate controls. Together, these results demonstrate the beneficial effect of maternally derived B12 in the regulation of bone structure and function in the offspring.

Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency and Comorbidities: A Review.

Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, skeletal growth and various other metabolic processes. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in India is 50-90% in various studies. Factors such as low sunlight exposure, age-related decrease in cutaneous synthesis, and low dietary intake of vitamin D contribute to the high prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy which has emerged as a highly pervasive condition. Bone diseases such as rickets in children, osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults are related with vitamin D insufficiency. Literature evidences show that low vitamin D levels are also related with increased risk of falls, fractures, muscle pain, muscle weakness, cardiovascular risk, diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infections, and autoimmune disorders also. Adequate intake of vitamin D is necessary for all individuals of any age group. Sunlight exposure, food fortification and routine supplementation can only fulfill the deficiency of vitamin D. This review article emphasizes on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, potential implications, and effect of supplementation on cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), autoimmune disorders, sleep disturbance and pain. In addition, the present review discusses the screening, treatment, and prevention strategies for vitamin D deficiency.

Diabetes Care: Inspiration from Sikhism.

Religion has been proposed as a means of enhancing patient and community acceptance of diabetes and cultural specific motivational strategies to improve diabetes care. Sikhism is a young and vibrant religion, spread across the world and the Holy Scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) is regarded as the living Guru by all Sikhs. The three key pillars of Sikhism are Kirat Karni (honest living), Vand Chakna (sharing with others) and Naam Japna (focus on God). They can help encourage the diabetes care provider, patient and community to engage in lifestyle modification, shared responsibility, positive thinking and stress management. The verses (Sabads) from the SGGS, with their timeless relevance, span the entire spectrum of diabetes care, from primordial and primary, to secondary and tertiary prevention. They can provide us with guidance towards a holistic approach towards health and lifestyle related diseases as diabetes. The SGGS suggests that good actions are based on one's body and highlights the relevance of mind-body interactions and entraining the mind to cultivate healthy living habits. The ethics of sharing, community and inclusiveness all lay emphasis on the need for global and unified efforts to manage and reduce the burden of the diabetes pandemic.

Comparative statistical analysis of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of uranium in groundwater samples from different regions of Punjab, India.

LED flourimeter has been used for microanalysis of uranium concentration in groundwater samples collected from six districts of South West (SW), West (W) and North East (NE) Punjab, India. Average value of uranium content in water samples of SW Punjab is observed to be higher than WHO, USEPA recommended safe limit of 30µgl-1 as well as AERB proposed limit of 60µgl-1. Whereas, for W and NE region of Punjab, average level of uranium concentration was within AERB recommended limit of 60µgl-1. Average value observed in SW Punjab is around 3-4 times the value observed in W Punjab, whereas its value is more than 17 times the average value observed in NE region of Punjab. Statistical analysis of carcinogenic as well as non carcinogenic risks due to uranium have been evaluated for each studied district.

Selenium supplementation has no effect on serum glucose levels in men at high risk of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Current literature regarding the effect of selenium supplementation on the risk of diabetes is inconclusive. Hence, a longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on serum glucose levels in elderly men. METHODS: Data were obtained from 699 men participating in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trial investigating the effects of two doses of selenium (200 and 400 µg/day) compared with placebo on the incidence of prostate cancer. Subjects were followed every 6 months for up to 5 years. Serum glucose levels were obtained every 6 months. Mixed-effects regression models were used to assess whether the rate of change of serum glucose levels was significantly different in the selenium-supplemented groups compared with placebo. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of findings and to minimize the possibility of residual bias due to fasting status. RESULTS: Of the total 2893 glucose measurements, 734 were performed when the subject had been fasting for ≥8 h. Changes in serum glucose levels during the course of the trial did not differ significantly between the placebo and selenium 200 µg/day (P = 0.98) and 400 µg/day (P = 0.81) groups. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated comparable results for models using the total population and models restricted to subjects with only fasting glucose data. CONCLUSION: These results do not support a relationship between selenium supplementation and risk of diabetes. Hence, recommendations regarding selenium supplementation based on increased risk of diabetes seem premature.

Thiazide-induced severe hypercalcemia: a case report and review of literature.

Most common causes of hypercalcemia are hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, vitamin D-mediated conditions such as sarcoidosis, and vitamin D toxicity. Less commonly, hypercalcemia can be caused by drugs such as thiazide diuretics and lithium. Mild hypercalcemia is usually asymptomatic but severe hypercalcemia is associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, muscle weakness, lethargy, confusion, and fatigue. We are reporting a case of abdominal pain and altered mental status caused by thiazide-induced severe hypercalcemia of 19.8 mg/dL. This is the most severe case of thiazide-induced hypercalcemia that we have seen reported. Patients on thiazide diuretics should have their electrolytes frequently checked, especially patients on calcium supplements. Management usually includes hydration and discontinuation of drugs causing hypercalcemia.