Soil C/N ratios cause opposing effects in forests compared to grasslands on decomposition rates and stabilization factors in southern European ecosystems.

Soils store an important amount of carbon (C), mostly in the form of organic matter in different decomposing stages. Hence, understanding the factors that rule the rates at which decomposed organic matter is incorporated into the soil is paramount to better understand how C stocks will vary under changing atmospheric and land use conditions. We studied the interactions between vegetation cover, climate and soil factors using the Tea Bag Index in 16 different ecosystems (eight forests, eight grasslands) along two contrasting gradients in the Spanish province of Navarre (SW Europe). Such arrangement encompassed a range of four climate types, elevations from 80 to 1420 m.a.s.l., and precipitation (P) from 427 to 1881 mm year-1. After incubating tea bags during the spring of 2017, we identified strong interactions between vegetation cover type, soil C/N and precipitation affecting decomposition rates and stabilization factors. In both forests and grasslands, increasing precipitation increased decomposition rates (k) but also the litter stabilization factor (S). In forests, however, increasing the soil C/N ratio raised decomposition rates and the litter stabilization factor, while in grasslands higher C/N ratios caused the opposite effects. In addition, soil pH and N also affected decomposition rates positively, but for these factors no differences between ecosystem types were found. Our results demonstrate that soil C flows are altered by complex site-dependent and site-independent environmental factors, and that increased ecosystem lignification will significantly change C flows, likely increasing decomposition rates in the short term but also increasing the inhibiting factors that stabilize labile litter compounds.

Effects of Radiofrequency Diathermy Plus Therapeutic Exercises on Pain and Functionality of Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Although consensus has been reached about the use of therapeutic exercise in patellofemoral pain syndrome, several techniques used worldwide such as radiofrequency diathermy could be useful as complementary therapy. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the effects of adding radiofrequency diathermy to therapeutic exercises in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Fifty-six participants were randomly assigned either to radiofrequency diathermy plus therapeutic exercises group (n = 29) or therapeutic exercises group (n = 27). Both groups received the same therapeutic exercises, and the diathermy group additionally received monopolar dielectric diathermy for three weeks (5-3-2 weekly sessions). Data related to intensity of pain, probability of neuropathic pain, functionality, and range of movement of the knee were measured at baseline and three weeks after the intervention. Comparing pre-treatment and values obtained at the third week, significant improvements were found in intensity of pain, neuropathic pain, functionality, and range of motion in both groups (p < 0.05). The diathermy plus exercises group had significantly better intensity of pain than the control group at the end of the three weeks (p < 0.01). The addition of diathermy by emission of radiofrequency to the therapeutic knee exercise protocol is more effective than a therapeutic exercise protocol alone in the relief of intensity of pain in patients with patellofemoral pain in the immediate post-treatment follow-up compared with baseline scores.

COVID-19 therapy and vaccination: a clinical narrative review.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is the most globally impacting health issue our world has faced over the last century. As of January 7, 2022, around 300 million cases have been reported worldwide, with over 5 million deaths. The SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a hyperactive host immune response leading to an excessive inflammatory reaction with the release of many cytokines - cytokine storm - commonly noticed in acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and fulminant multiorgan failure. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the scientific medical community has worked on therapeutic procedures that interfere with the exaggerated immune response. Thromboembolic complications are widespread in patients who are critically ill with COVID-19. Anticoagulant therapy was initially considered a cornerstone in hospitalized patients and even in the early post-discharge period; however, later trials have aborted the clinical benefits except for suspicion of or confirmed thrombosis. Immunomodulatory therapies are still crucial in moderate to severe COVID-19. Immunomodulator therapies include various medications from steroids to hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab and Anakinra. Anti-inflammatory agents, vitamin supplements and antimicrobial therapy had initial encouraging evidence, but there are limited data to review. Convalescent plasma, immunoglobulins, eculizumab, neutralizing IgG1 monoclonal antibodies and remdesivir have positively impacted inpatient mortality and hospital length of stay. Eventually, wide population vaccination was proven to be the best tool to overcome the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and help humanity return to regular life. Many vaccines and various strategies have been used since December 2020. This review discusses how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has progressed and surged, and summarizes the safety and efficacy of the most used therapies and vaccines in the light of recent evidence.

COVID-19's impact on care practice for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), commonly categorized as a rare disease, have been affected by the changes in healthcare management brought about by COVID-19. This study's aim was to identify the changes that have taken place in AATD patient care as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain and to propose experts' recommendations aimed at ensuring humanized and quality care for people with AATD in the post-pandemic situation. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive case study with a holistic single-case design was conducted, using focus groups with experts in AATD clinical management, including 15 health professionals with ties to the Spanish health system (12 pneumologists and 2 hospital pharmacists from 11 different hospitals in Spain) and 1 patient representative. RESULTS: COVID-19 has had a major impact on numerous aspects of AATD clinical patient management in Spain, including diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up phases. The experts concluded that there is a need to strengthen coordination between Primary Care and Hospital Care and improve the coordination processes across all the organizations and actors involved in the healthcare system. Regarding telemedicine and telecare, experts have concluded that it is necessary to promote this methodology and to develop protocols and training programs. Experts have recommended developing personalized and precision medicine, and patient participation in decision-making, promoting self-care and patient autonomy to optimize their healthcare and improve their quality of life. The possibility of monitoring and treating AATD patients from home has also been proposed by experts. Another result of the study was the recommendation of the need to ensure that plasma donations are made on a regular basis by a sufficient number of healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: The study advances knowledge by highlighting the challenges faced by health professionals and changes in AATD patient management in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also proposes experts' recommendations aimed at ensuring humanized and quality care for people with AATD in the post-pandemic situation. This work could serve as a reference study for physicians on their daily clinical practice with AATD patients and may also provide guidance on the changes to be put in place for the post-pandemic situation.

The Impact on the Stress-Associated Autonomic Response of Physiotherapy Students Receiving Interferential Current in an Electrotherapy Training Session.

Electrical currents are didactic contents widely applied in the training of physiotherapy students, but the treatment is considered a stressful situation for both the patient who receives it and the student who applies it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress-associated autonomic response of physiotherapy students receiving interferential current by measuring and analysing heart rate variability. An observational case-control study was conducted. Ninety healthy male volunteers, all physiotherapy degree students, were enrolled while attending laboratory practice during the 2020-2021 academic year. Participants were randomly allocated to a sham electrotherapy group (44 subjects), in which heart rate variability was recorded for 10 min, both at rest and during the application of sham technique on the lower back (10 min), and an electrotherapy group (46 subjects), applying the same procedure with the electrical current flowing. Outcome measures included baseline (seated position) and postintervention (prone position) time domain parameter, diameters of the Poincaré plot 1 and 2, stress score, and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio. The sham electrotherapy group exhibited significant increases in time domain parameter (p = 0.027) and diameters of the Poincaré plot 1 (p = 0.032), with a small effect size (d ≤ 0.5). The electrotherapy group exhibited significant increases in time domain parameter and diameters of the Poincaré plot 1 and 2 (p < 0.001) and decreases in the stress score and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio (p < 0.001), with a large effect size (d > 0.8) other than for the time domain parameter (d = 0.42), indicating increased parasympathetic and decreased sympathetic activity. After interventions, there were significant differences between groups in diameters of the Poincaré plot 2 (p < 0.001), stress score (p = 0.01) and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio (p = 0.003), with moderate effect size (d > 0.5). The application of the interferential current technique produces stress-associated autonomic response characterized by greater parasympathetic activity and decreased sympathetic activity. Further studies are needed to determine possible adverse effects.

Safety Evaluation in Healthy Colombian Volunteers of P2Et Extract Obtained from Caesalpinia spinosa: Design 3+3 Phase I Clinical Trial.

The polyphenol-enriched extract called P2Et derived from Caesalpinia spinosa (C. spinosa) had antitumor and immunomodulatory activities reported in breast cancer, leukemia, and melanoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and maximum tolerated dose of P2Et extract in Colombian healthy volunteers in a phase 1 clinical trial, open labelled, single-arm, dose-escalation design 3 + 3. Seven healthy volunteers were included; P2Et was administrated in capsules of 600 mg/d for 28 days. Analysis by intention to treat was performed. 4 volunteers showed adverse events and discontinued the intervention. 94.6% of AE were grade 1, and most of AE had a reasonable possibility of a relationship with the P2Et (83.8%). We found that the oral administration of P2Et is safe in healthy humans with a maximum tolerated dose of 600 mg/d. There was no severe toxicity; most of the adverse events were mild, without significant changes in the safety parameters evaluated.

Detection of Changes on Parameters Related to Heart Rate Variability after Applying Current Interferential Therapy in Subjects with Non-Specific Low Back Pain.

Interferential current therapy (ICT) is an electrotherapeutic intervention that combines the advantages of high permeability from middle frequency currents and efficient tissue stimulation from low frequency currents, delivering the maximum current with high tissue permeability. The aim was to evaluate the effects of ICT on heart rate variability (HRV) and on pain perception in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). In the study, 49 patients with NSCLBP were randomly divided into an experimental (EG) and a sham group (SG). All participants received a single intervention, ICT, or simulated intervention. Outcome measures including baseline (sit-down position) and postintervention (prone position) pain, heart rate (HR), time domain parameter (rMSSD), diameters of the Poincaré plot (SD1, SD2), stress score (SS), and sympathetic/parasympathetic (S/PS) ratio were investigated. In both groups, significant statistical differences were found in perceived pain and in all HRV parameters except in HRmax. Between-group comparisons showed statistically significant differences in all variables except for HRmin and HRmean in favor of the experimental group. These changes reported an increase in parasympathetic activity (rMSSD) (p < 0.05) and a decrease in sympathetic activity (increase in SD2 and decrease in SS) (p < 0.001) and perceived pain (p < 0.001), with a greater size effect (η2 = 0.44) in favor of the experimental group. In conclusion, a single session of ICT can shift the autonomic balance towards increase parasympathetic dominance and decrease the sympathetic dominance and intensity of pain perceived by patients with NSCLBP.

Estudio de los parámetros de calidad de la especie vegetal Urtica urens L. recolectada en la provincia Ingavi del Departamento de La Paz / Study of the quality parameters of Urtica urens L. collected in the Ingavi province of the Department of La Paz

INTRODUCCIÓN: el incremento en el consumo de recursos naturales para el alivio de diferentes enfermedades ha llevado a varios países a diseñar mecanismos de control, que garanticen mediante métodos físico-químicos la calidad del material vegetal que se utilizará como materia prima para las preparaciones farmacéuticas y/o como medicina tradicional. La falsificación, la mala calidad o la adulteración en estos productos constituyen una grave amenaza a la seguridad del consumidor. El estudio de los parámetros de calidad de una especie vegetal nos permite reconocer su identidad, su pureza, así como el contenido de principios activos, que garanticen su calidad, eficacia y seguridad. U. urens L. (Urticáceas) es una especie ampliamente distribuida en América del Sur, en Bolivia se encuentra en diferentes tipos de terreno, en el Cantón Chama de la provincia Ingavi es ampliamente utilizada por sus pobladores principalmente en el tratamiento de enfermedades inflamatorias e urinarias. OBJETIVO: estudiar los parámetros de calidad de la especie vegetal U. urens L. recolectada en el Cantón Chama de la provincia Ingavi del Departamento de La Paz. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: se realizó el análisis de las características organolépticas, para el análisis micrográfico se utilizó el material vegetal seco reducido a polvo, el análisis físico químico se realizó por métodos oficiales AOAC. Se obtuvieron cuatro tipos de extractos, extracto etéreo, diclorometánico, etanólico y acuoso, en ellos se determinó la composición cualitativa de grupos mayoritarios de moléculas mediante la técnica Screening Fitoquímico y se elaboró el perfil cromatográfico de la especie vegetal. RESULTADOS: el estudio reveló la presencia de pelos urticantes unicelulares y pluricelulares, los parámetros fisicoquímicos concuerdan con los valores referencia encontrados en las principales farmacopeas. El screening fitoquímico cualitativo reveló la presencia mayoritaria de taninos, alcaloides, compuestos reductores, esteroles, flavonoides y cumarinas. Adicionalmente, el perfil cromatográfico reveló la presencia de diferentes manchas en fases móviles asociadas principalmente con flavonoides. CONCLUSIONES: el estudio de los parámetros de calidad de Urtica urens L aporta con información para su identificación y establece la presencia de determinados compuestos que serían los responsables de la actividad farmacológica atribuida por su uso tradicional.(AU)

INTRODUCTION: the increase in the consumption of natural resources for the relief of different diseases has led several countries to design control mechanisms that guarantee through physical-chemical methods the quality of the plant material that will be used as raw material for pharmaceutical preparations and / or as traditional medicine. Counterfeiting, poor quality, or adulteration in these products pose a serious threat to consumer safety. The study of the quality parameters of a plant species allows us to recognize its identity, its purity, as well as the content of active principles, which guarantee its quality, efficacy and safety. U. urens L. (Urticaceae) is a widely distributed species in South America, in Bolivia it is found in different types of terrain, in the Canton Chama of the Ingavi province it is widely used by its inhabitants mainly in the treatment of inflammatory and urinary diseases. OBJECTIVE: to study the quality parameters of the plant species U. urens L. collected in the Canton Chama of the Ingavi province of the Department of La Paz. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the analysis of the organoleptic characteristics was carried out, for the micrographic analysis the dry plant material reduced to powder was used, the physical-chemical analysis was carried out by official AOAC methods. Four types of extracts were obtained, ethereal, dichloromethane, ethanolic and aqueous extract, in which the qualitative composition of major groups of molecules was determined by the phytochemical screening technique and the chromatographic profile of the plant species was elaborated. RESULTS: the study revealed the presence of unicellular and multicellular stinging hairs, the physicochemical parameters agree with the reference values found in the main pharmacopoeias. The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the majority presence of tannins, alkaloids, reducing compounds, sterols, flavonoids and coumarins. Additionally, the chromatographic profile revealed the presence of different spots in mobile phases mainly associated with flavonoids. CONCLUSIONS: The study of the quality parameters of Urtica urens L provides information for its identification and establishes the presence of certain compounds that would be responsible for the pharmacological activity attributed to its traditional use.(AU)

Searching for the Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Neuroprotective Potential of Natural Food and Nutritional Supplements for Ocular Health in the Mediterranean Population.

Adherence to a healthy diet offers a valuable intervention to compete against the increasing cases of ocular diseases worldwide, such as dry eye disorders, myopia progression, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or age macular degeneration. Certain amounts of micronutrients must be daily provided for proper functioning of the visual system, such as vitamins, carotenoids, trace metals and omega-3 fatty acids. Among natural foods, the following have to be considered for boosting eye/vision health: fish, meat, eggs, nuts, legumes, citrus fruits, nuts, leafy green vegetables, orange-colored fruits/vegetables, olives-olive oil, and dairy products. Nutritional supplements have received much attention as potential tools for managing chronic-degenerative ocular diseases. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, hand-searched publications and historical archives were performed by the professionals involved in this study, to include peer-reviewed articles in which natural food, nutrient content, and its potential relationship with ocular health. Five ophthalmologists and two researchers collected the characteristics, quality and suitability of the above studies. Finally, 177 publications from 1983 to 2021 were enclosed, mainly related to natural food, Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and nutraceutic supplementation. For the first time, original studies with broccoli and tigernut (chufa de Valencia) regarding the ocular surface dysfunction, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma were enclosed. These can add value to the diet, counteract nutritional defects, and help in the early stages, as well as in the course of ophthalmic pathologies. The main purpose of this review, enclosed in the Special Issue "Health Benefits and Nutritional Quality of Fruits, Nuts and Vegetables," is to identify directions for further research on the role of diet and nutrition in the eyes and vision, and the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of natural food (broccoli, saffron, tigernuts and walnuts), the Mediterranean Diet, and nutraceutic supplements that may supply a promising and highly affordable scenario for patients at risk of vision loss. This review work was designed and carried out by a multidisciplinary group involved in ophthalmology and ophthalmic research and especially in nutritional ophthalmology.

Signature of Circulating Biomarkers in Recurrent Non-Infectious Anterior Uveitis. Immunomodulatory Effects of DHA-Triglyceride. A Pilot Study.

The purpose of this study was to identify circulating biomarkers of recurrent non-infectious anterior uveitis (NIAU), and to address the anti-inflammatory effects of triglyceride containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA-TG). A prospective multicenter study was conducted in 72 participants distributed into: patients diagnosed with recurrent NIAU in the quiescence stage (uveitis group (UG); n = 36) and healthy controls (control group (CG); n = 36). Each group was randomly assigned to the oral supplementation of one pill/day (+) containing DHA-TG (n = 18) or no-pill condition (-) (n = 17) for three consecutive months. Data from demographics, risk factors, comorbidities, eye complications and therapy were recorded. Blood was collected and processed to determine pro-inflammatory biomarkers by bead-base multiplex assay. Statistical processing with multivariate statistical analysis was performed. The mean age was 50, 12 (10, 31) years. The distribution by gender was 45% males and 55% females. The mean number of uveitis episodes was 5 (2). Higher plasma expression of interleukin (IL)-6 was detected in the UG versus the CG (p = 5 × 10-5). Likewise, significantly higher plasma levels were seen for IL-1ß, IL-2, INFγ (p = 10-4), and TNFα (p = 2 × 10-4) in the UG versus the CG. Significantly lower values of the above molecules were found in the +DHA-TG than in the -DHA-TG subgroups, after 3 months of follow-up, TNFα (p = 10-7) and IL-6 (p = 3 × 10-6) being those that most significantly changed. Signatures of circulating inflammatory mediators were obtained in the quiescent stage of recurrent NIAU patients. This 3-month follow-up strongly reinforces that a regular oral administration of DHA-TG reduces the inflammatory load and may potentially supply a prophylaxis-adjunctive mediator for patients at risk of uveitis vision loss.

Feasibility Study of a Docosahexaenoic Acid-Optimized Nutraceutical Formulation on the Macular Levels of Lutein in a Healthy Mediterranean Population.

INTRODUCTION: Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) plays a pivotal role in maintaining macular structure and functioning. Research shows that daily consumption of lutein reduces the risk of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzes the influence of a supplementation containing lutein and antioxidant vitamins either with or without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with the main objective of identifying MPOD changes in both eyes at the end of the follow-up using the Visucam®retinograph. The secondary end point was to determine variation in the lutein and DHA levels in plasma and red blood cell membranes (RBCMs), respectively. METHODS: One hundred healthy participants (200 eyes) aged 40-70 years (mean age 49.3 years, SEM = 13.7) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive daily one of the following supplements for 3 months: lutein group (LT-G, n = 49) and lutein plus DHA group (LT/DHA-G, n = 51). The MPOD was measured at baseline and end of the follow-up by retinography (Visucam®retinograph). Lutein in plasma was determined by HPLC, and DHA in RBC membranes was analyzed by gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. RESULTS: From baseline, MPOD showed significantly higher values in the LT/DHA-G than in the LT-G at the end of the study (p < 0.0001). Significantly higher lutein in plasma (p < 0.0001) and DHA (p < 0.0001) levels in the RBC membrane were seen in the LT/DHA-G than in the LT-G at the 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Lutein supplementation improves MPOD in healthy subjects from a Mediterranean population being significantly increased in the presence of DHA. Therefore, our findings highlight the relevance of the adjunctive role of DHA for better lutein availability.

Clinical and Molecular-Genetic Insights into the Role of Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Retinopathy: Antioxidant Strategies and Future Avenues.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and ROS-signaling pathways activation attack the eyes. We evaluated the oxidative stress (OS) and the effects of a daily, core nutritional supplement regimen containing antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids (A/ω3) in type 2 diabetics (T2DM). A case-control study was carried out in 480 participants [287 T2DM patients with (+)/without (-) diabetic retinopathy (DR) and 193 healthy controls (CG)], randomly assigned to a daily pill of A/ω3. Periodic evaluation through 38 months allowed to outline patient characteristics, DR features, and classic/OS blood parameters. Statistics were performed by the SPSS 24.0 program. Diabetics displayed significantly higher circulating pro-oxidants (p = 0.001) and lower antioxidants (p = 0.0001) than the controls. Significantly higher plasma malondialdehyde/thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (MDA/TBARS; p = 0.006) and lower plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC; p = 0.042) and vitamin C (0.020) was found in T2DM + DR versus T2DM-DR. The differential expression profile of solute carrier family 23 member 2 (SLC23A2) gene was seen in diabetics versus the CG (p = 0.001), and in T2DM + DR versus T2DM - DR (p < 0.05). The A/ω3 regime significantly reduced the pro-oxidants (p < 0.05) and augmented the antioxidants (p < 0.05). This follow-up study supports that a regular A/ω3 supplementation reduces the oxidative load and may serve as a dietary prophylaxis/adjunctive intervention for patients at risk of diabetic blindness.

The role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of glaucoma neurodegeneration.

The chapter is a review enclosed in the volume "Glaucoma: A pancitopatia of the retina and beyond." No cure exists for glaucoma. Knowledge on the molecular and cellular alterations underlying glaucoma neurodegeneration (GL-ND) includes innovative and path-breaking research on neuroinflammation and neuroprotection. A series of events involving immune response (IR), oxidative stress and gene expression are occurring during the glaucoma course. Uveitic glaucoma (UG) is a prevalent acute/chronic complication, in the setting of chronic anterior chamber inflammation. Managing the disease requires a team approach to guarantee better results for eyes and vision. Advances in biomedicine/biotechnology are driving a tremendous revolution in ophthalmology and ophthalmic research. New diagnostic and imaging modalities, constantly refined, enable outstanding criteria for delimiting glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Moreover, biotherapies that may modulate or inhibit the IR must be considered among the first-line for glaucoma neuroprotection. This review offers the readers useful and practical information on the latest updates in this regard.

Beneficial effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in ocular pathologies, particularly neurodegenerative retinal diseases.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been traditionally used in food preparation and as a medicinal plant. It currently has numerous therapeutic properties attributed to it, such as protection against ischemia, as well as anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anxiolytic, hypolipidemic, anti-atherogenic, anti-hypertensive, antidiabetic, and anti-cancer properties. In addition, saffron has remarkable beneficial properties, such as anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, due to its main metabolites, among which crocin and crocetin stand out. Furthermore, increasing evidence underwrites the possible neuroprotective role of the main bioactive saffron constituents in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, both in experimental models and in clinical studies in patients. Currently, saffron supplementation is being tested for ocular neurodegenerative pathologies, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, among others, and shows beneficial effects. The present article provides a comprehensive and up to date report of the investigations on the beneficial effects of saffron extracts on the main neurodegenerative ocular pathologies and other ocular diseases. This review showed that saffron extracts could be considered promising therapeutic agents to help in the treatment of ocular neurodegenerative diseases.

Evaluación de los extractos de Amaranthus caudatus (Amaranto), Lupinus mutabilis (Tarwi) y Linum usitatissimum (Linaza), sobre la hiperglicemia inducida por aloxano en ratones / Evaluation of the extracts of Amaranthus caudatus (Amaranto), Lupinus mutabilis (Tarwi) and Linum usitatissimum (Linaza), on the Alloxane-induced hyperglycemia in mice

La prevalencia de diabetes mellitus se incrementa en todo el mundo alcanzando a 592 millones de diabéticos el año 2035; así mismo la OMS proyecta que las muertes por diabetes se dupliquen entre los años 2005 y 2030 (OMS, 2016). En Bolivia la medicina tradicional reporta plantas medicinales a las cuales se les ha atribuido propiedades hipoglucemiantes, sin embargo en muchos casos no existen estudios científicos que avalen dichas propiedades. Este estudio se ha realizado con la finalidad de evaluar el efecto de los granos de Amaranthus caudatus (amaranto), Linum usitatissimum (Linaza) y Lupinus mutabilis (tarwi) sobre la hiperglicemia inducida por aloxano en animales de experimentación. Se administró por vía oral a ratones con hiperglicemia (glicemia > 180,6 mg/dl) una dosis de 2000 mg/kg de peso corporal de cada extracto hidro-etanólico obtenido de los granos de A. caudatus, L. usitatissimum y L. mutabilis. Los niveles de glucosa fueron medidos antes y después de la administración de los extractos. Los extractos hidro-etanolicos disminuyeron de forma significativa (p<0.05) la glucosa plasmática a las cuatro y dos horas después de su administración. El extracto de A. caudatus disminuyo la glucosa plasmática de 380 mg/dl a 260 mg/dl, el extracto de L. mutabilis disminuyo la glucosa plasmática de 310 mg/dl a 167 mg/dl, y el extracto de L. usitatissimum disminuyo la glucosa plasmática de 210,57 mg/dl a 168,14 mg/dl. Siendo el extracto de L. mutabilis el que presento mayor actividad sobre la hiperglicemia inducida por aloxano.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus increases worldwide reaching 592 million diabetics in 2035; Likewise, the WHO projects that deaths due to diabetes double between the years 2005 and 2030 (WHO, 2016). In Bolivia, traditional medicine reports medicinal plants to which hypoglycaemic properties have been attributed, however in many cases there are no scientific studies to support these properties. This study was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the effect of Amaranthus caudatus (amaranth), Linum usitatissimum (Linseed) and Lupinus mutabilis (tarwi) on the hyperglycemia induced by alloxan in experimental animals. Mice with hyperglycemia (glycemia>10 mmol/L) were administered a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight orally of each hydro-ethanolic extract obtained from the grains of A. caudatus, L. usitatissimum and L. mutabilis. Glucose levels were measured before and after the administration of the extracts. The hydro-ethanol extracts significantly decreased (p <0.05) the plasma glucose at four and two hours after its administration. The extract of A. caudatus decreased the plasma glucose from 380 mg / dl to 260 mg / dl, the extract of L. mutabilis decreased the plasma glucose from 310 mg / dl to 167 mg / dl, and the extract of L. usitatissimum decreased Plasma glucose from 210.57 mg / dl to 168.14 mg / dl. The extract of L. mutabilis was the one with the highest activity on the hyperglycemia induced by alloxan.

Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Hydrophilic Saffron Extract in a Model of Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). An increase in the intraocular pressure is the principal risk factor for such loss, but controlling this pressure does not always prevent glaucomatous damage. Activation of immune cells resident in the retina (microglia) may contribute to RGC death. Thus, a substance with anti-inflammatory activity may protect against RGC degeneration. This study investigated the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of a hydrophilic saffron extract standardized to 3% crocin content in a mouse model of unilateral, laser-induced ocular hypertension (OHT). Treatment with saffron extract decreased microglion numbers and morphological signs of their activation, including soma size and process retraction, both in OHT and in contralateral eyes. Saffron extract treatment also partially reversed OHT-induced down-regulation of P2RY12. In addition, the extract prevented retinal ganglion cell death in OHT eyes. Oral administration of saffron extract was able to decrease the neuroinflammation associated with increased intraocular pressure, preventing retinal ganglion cell death. Our findings indicate that saffron extract may exert a protective effect in glaucomatous pathology.

Pharmacokinetics of vitamin E, γ-oryzanol, and ferulic acid in healthy humans after the ingestion of a rice bran-enriched porridge prepared with water or with milk.

PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the absorption and excretion kinetics of antioxidant dietary phytochemicals (vitamin E, γ-oryzanol, and ferulic acid) in healthy humans after the ingestion of an oatmeal porridge supplemented with rice bran extract (RBE) prepared with water or with whole milk, and we compared it with the intake of an equivalent dose of the rice bran content, in the form of RBE oil. METHODS: Twelve healthy volunteers (6 men and 6 women) orally ingested RBE oil (2 g) or RBE-enriched porridge (35 g, including 2-g RBE) with water or with milk, in a three-armed, crossover trial. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and up to 24 h after intake. Vitamin E (α-, ß-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols and tocotrienols), ferulic acid (FA), and γ-oryzanol (ORY) were quantified by HPLC. RESULTS: The ingestion of RBE-fortified oatmeal porridge and RBE oil significantly increased FA concentrations in plasma, showing faster absorption and higher maximum plasma concentrations after the intake of the porridges, irrespective of the addition of water or milk. At least part of the FA could have been hydrolyzed from ORY. However, plasma vitamin E concentrations did not increase from baseline, and no intact FA esters (cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulate, campesteryl ferulate, and ß-sitosteryl ferulate) were detected in plasma or urine with any of the meal treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Rice bran extract-enriched porridge and, to a lesser extent, RBE oil, provide relevant sources of bioaccessible and bioavailable ferulic acid, and could be further developed into functional foods with health potential.

Evaluación del efecto antiinflamatorio y analgésico de la asociación de los extractos de Xanthium spinosum L. y Urtica urens L. en modelo murino / Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of the association of extracts of Xanthium spinosum L. and Urtica urens L. in the murine model

La elevada incidencia de los efectos adversos provocados por el uso crónico de antiinflamatorios, ha dirigido la búsqueda de terapias alternativas o coadyuvantes basadas en la utilización de plantas medicinales. En Bolivia las especies vegetales Xanthium spinosum L. y Urtica urens L. son empleadas tradicionalmente en procesos inflamatorios. En este trabajo se investiga el efecto antiinflamatorio y analgésico de diferentes tipos de extractos: extracto acuoso, etanólico, diclorometanico, etéreo de las especies vegetales Xanthium spinosum L. y Urtica urens L. y la asociación de los extractos acuosos y etanólicos de las mismas especies vegetales, en modelos murino. Los mayores efectos de inhibición de la inflamación a una dosis de 1,5 g/kg de peso corporal se registraron a las siete horas del proceso inflamatorio para los extractos acuoso (64,8%) y etanólico (68,7%) de X. spinosum L.; el porcentaje de inhibición para el extracto acuoso y etanólico de U. urens L. fue de 57% y 51,5% respectivamente. La inhibición de la algesia fue observada en los extractos diclorometánico y etanólico de ambas especies, llegando a un máximo de inhibición de 72,8% con el extracto etanólico de U. urens L. La evaluación de la asociación de extractos acuosos de ambas especies, a una dosis de 0,75 g/kg de peso corporal de cada extracto, mostro un efecto antiinflamatorio con un porcentaje de inhibición de la inflamación de 68,95% y un porcentaje de inhibición de la algesia de 54,8%; en tanto que la asociación de los extractos etanólicos de estas especies mostró sólo efecto antiinflamatorio.

The high incidence of adverse effects caused by the chronic use of anti-inflammatory drugs has led to the search for alternative therapies or coadjuvants based on the use of medicinal plants. In Bolivia, the plant species Xanthium spinosum L. and Urtica urens L. are traditionally used in inflammatory processes. In this work the antiinflammatory and analgesic effect of different types of extracts is investigated: aqueous, ethanolic, dichloromethane, ethereal extract of the plant species Xanthium spinosum L. and Urtica urens L. and the association of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the same plant species, in murine models. The highest effects of inhibition of inflammation at a dose of 1.5 g/kg of body weight were recorded seven hours after the inflammatory process for the aqueous (64.8%) and ethanolic (68.7%) extracts of X. spinosum L .; the percentage of inhibition for the aqueous and ethanolic extract of U. urens L. was 57% and 51.5% respectively. The inhibition of algesia was observed in the dichloromethane and ethanolic extracts of both species, reaching a maximum of 72.8% inhibition with the ethanolic extract of U. urens L. The evaluation of the association of aqueous extracts of both species, at a dose of 0.75 g/kg of body weight of each extract, showed an anti-inflammatory effect with a percentage of inhibition of inflammation of 68.95% and a percentage of inhibition of algesia of 54.8%; whereas the association of the ethanolic extracts of these species showed only anti-inflammatory effect.

Strategies to Reduce Oxidative Stress in Glaucoma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a multifactorial pathology involving a variety of pathogenic mechanisms, including oxidative/nitrosative stress. This latter is the consequence of the imbalance between excessive formation and insufficient protection against reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. OBJECTIVE: Our main goal is to gather molecular information to better managing pathologic variants that may determine the individual susceptibility to oxidative/nitrosative stress (OS/NS) and POAG. METHOD: An extensive search of the scientific literature was conducted using PUBMED, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and other references on the topic of POAG and OS/NS from human and animal model studies published between 2010 and 2017. Finally, 152 works containing relevant information that may help understanding the role of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, natural compounds and other similar strategies for counteracting OS/NS in POAG were considered. RESULTS: A wide variety of studies have proven that antioxidants, among them vitamins B3, C and E, Coenzyme Q10 or melatonin, ω-3/ω-6 fatty acids and other natural compounds (such as coffee, green tea, bear bile, gingko biloba, coleus, tropical fruits, etc.,) may help regulating the intraocular pressure as well as protecting the retinal neurons against OS/NS in POAG. CONCLUSION: Based on the impact of antioxidants and ω-3/ω-6 fatty acids at the molecular level in the glaucomatous anterior and posterior eye segments, further studies are needed by integrating all issues involved in glaucoma pathogenesis, endogenous and exogenous risk factors and their interactions that will allow us to reach newer effective biotherapies for preventing glaucomatous irreversible blindness.

Enhanced Oxidative Stress and Other Potential Biomarkers for Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetics: Beneficial Effects of the Nutraceutic Supplements.

We have studied the global risk of retinopathy in a Mediterranean population of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, according to clinical, biochemical, and lifestyle biomarkers. The effects of the oral supplementation containing antioxidants/omega 3 fatty acids (A/ω3) were also evaluated. Suitable participants were distributed into two main groups: (1) T2DMG (with retinopathy (+DR) or without retinopathy (-DR)) and (2) controls (CG). Participants were randomly assigned (+A/ω3) or not (-A/ω3) to the oral supplementation with a daily pill of Nutrof Omega (R) for 18 months. Data collected including demographics, anthropometrics, characteristics/lifestyle, ophthalmic examination (best corrected visual acuity, ocular fundus photographs, and retinal thickness as assessed by optical coherence tomography), and blood parameters (glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglycerides, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity) were registered, integrated, and statistically processed by the SPSS 15.0 program. Finally, 208 participants (130 diabetics (68 +DR/62 -DR) and 78 controls) completed the follow-up. Blood analyses confirmed that the T2DMG+DR patients had significantly higher oxidative stress (p < 0.05), inflammatory (p < 0.05), and vascular (p < 0.001) risk markers than the T2DMG-DR and the CG. Furthermore, the A/ω3 oral supplementation positively changed the baseline parameters, presumptively by inducing metabolic activation and ameliorating the ocular health after 18 months of supplementation.