A comprehensive review on endemic and experimental fluorosis in sheep: Its diverse effects and prevention.

Fluoride is a natural element widely distributed in the environment and plays an important role in the growth of humans and animals. However, in many species, high concentrations of fluoride induce several problems, such as dental, skeletal, and non-skeletal fluorosis. Sheep living in endemic areas are sensitive to the chronic toxicity of fluoride, and they have been found to suffer not only from teeth and bone problems but also from other organs. Studies indicating the chronic harmful effects of fluoride on teeth, bones, blood biochemical parameters, kidney, liver, heart, reproductive system and growth in sheep have been clearly summarized in this review. Besides, this work also includes updated progress in terms of prevention or reduction of fluoride toxicity in this species.

14-3-3ζ: A suppressor of inflammatory arthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis (IA) is a common disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Proinflammatory events during IA pathogenesis are well studied; however, loss of protective immunity remains underexplored. Earlier, we reported that 14-3-3zeta (ζ) has a role in T-cell polarization and interleukin (IL)-17A signal transduction. Here, we demonstrate that 14-3-3ζ knockout (KO) rats develop early-onset severe arthritis in two independent models of IA, pristane-induced arthritis and collagen-induced arthritis. Arthritic 14-3-3ζ KO animals showed an increase in bone loss and immune cell infiltration in synovial joints. Induction of arthritis coincided with the loss of anti-14-3-3ζ antibodies; however, rescue experiments to supplement the 14-3-3ζ antibody by passive immunization did not suppress arthritis. Instead, 14-3-3ζ immunization during the presymptomatic phase resulted in significant suppression of arthritis in both wild-type and 14-3-3ζ KO animals. Mechanistically, 14-3-3ζ KO rats exhibited elevated inflammatory gene signatures at the messenger RNA and protein levels, particularly for IL-1ß. Furthermore, the immunization with recombinant 14-3-3ζ protein suppressed IL-1ß levels, significantly increased anti-14-3-3ζ antibody levels and collagen production, and preserved bone quality. The 14-3-3ζ protein increased collagen expression in primary rat mesenchymal cells. Together, our findings indicate that 14-3-3ζ causes immune suppression and extracellular remodeling, which lead to a previously unrecognized IA-suppressive function.

Role of Vitamin K in CKD: Is Its Supplementation Advisable in CKD Patients?

BACKGROUND: Patients with CKD are at an increased risk of developing vascular calcification (VC) and bone complications which translate into a higher morbidity and mortality. The dephosphorylated and uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) is considered to be an indicator of vitamin K2 status and correlates with markers of VC. It is activated by γ-glutamyl carboxylase that converts inactive MGP into an active form, and vitamin K2 is a cofactor of this reaction. The active form of MGP is a known inhibitor of arterial wall calcification and plays an important role in bone turnover. Recent studies show poor vitamin K2 status in CKD patients. We aimed to review the literature for the association between vitamin K2 status and calcification and bone disease risk and the efficacy of vitamin K2 supplementation in CKD population. SUMMARY: Most CKD patients, including those on renal replacement therapy, have vitamin K2 deficiency. The dp-ucMGP level, a marker of vitamin K2 status, is decreased by vitamin K2 supplementation in CKD patients, but there is no unequivocal proof that it influences arterial calcification progression and bone complications. Key Messages: CKD population are at risk of vitamin K deficiency. Supplementation of vitamin K2 is safe and improves the serum markers of its deficiency. There is lack of strong evidence that vitamin K2 supplementation slows progression of calcification or reduces the frequency of bone complications. More prospective studies are needed.

Promoting bone health in children and adolescents following solid organ transplantation.

Solid organ transplantation in children and adolescents provides many benefits through improving critical organ function, including better growth, development, cardiovascular status, and quality of life. Unfortunately, bone status may be adversely affected even when overall status is improving, due to issues with pre-existing bone disease as well as medications and nutritional challenges inherent post-transplantation. For all children and adolescents, bone status entering adulthood is a critical determinant of bone health through adulthood. The overall health and bone status of transplant recipients benefits from attention to regular physical activity, good nutrition, adequate calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin D intake and avoidance/minimization of soda, extra sodium, and obesity. Many immunosuppressive agents, especially glucocorticoids, can adversely affect bone function and development. Minimizing exposure to "bone-toxic" medications is an important part of promoting bone health in children post-transplantation. Existing guidelines detail how regular monitoring of bone status and biochemical markers can help detect bone abnormalities early and facilitate valuable bone-directed interventions. Attention to calcium and vitamin D supplementation, as well as tapering and withdrawing glucocorticoids as early as possible after transplant, can provide best bone outcomes for these children. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry can be useful to detect abnormal bone mass and fracture risk in this population and newer bone assessment methods are being evaluated in children at risk for poor bone outcomes. Newer bone therapies being explored in adults with transplants, particularly bisphosphonates and the RANKL inhibitor denosumab, may offer promise for children with low bone mass post-transplantation.

Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy to Improve Dietary Habits for Promoting Bone Health in People Living with Chronic HIV.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have established the risk of bone loss among people living with HIV affected by antiretroviral therapy drug side effects and inadequate nutrient intake. Until recently, there have been limits on using the medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to improve dietary habits for promoting bone health among people living with HIV. This was a randomized controlled trial study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of MNT in improving the bone health in people living with HIV by promoting dietary habits. METHODS: PLHIV at Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital were randomly grouped (by quota sampling) into the MNT group (intervention group) and the control group. One hundred and thirty PLHIV were recruited to participate in this study by convenient sampling. Sixty-five participants of the MNT group made a total of 6 appointments (for 12 weeks) to meet registered dietitians for receiving MNT to improve dietary habits for improving bone health, while 65 participants in the control group received only routine care at the hospital service center. RESULTS: In general, participants in the MNT group had significant increase in the amounts of calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorus intakes and length of exercise after the final week compared with before intervention. Also, they had significantly higher amount of nutrient intakes (calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorus) and length of exercise than the control group after finishing the final week of the experiment. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, MNT is effective for improving food habits and physical activity to promote bone health among people living with HIV.

Altered gut microbiota ameliorates bone pathology in the mandible of obese-insulin-resistant rats.

PURPOSE: The chronic consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) induces obese-insulin resistance and impairs jawbone health via gut dysbiosis-stimulated inflammatory process. Our previous studies demonstrated that the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei HII01, prebiotic xylooligosaccharide (XOS), and synbiotics improved several vital organ functions by reducing gut dysbiosis in HFD-induced obese rats. However, the impacts on the cellular level of jawbone microarchitecture have not been examined. Here, we hypothesized that the supplementation of L. paracasei HII01, XOS, and synbiotics ameliorated the bone microarchitectural pathology in HFD-fed rats by reducing systemic inflammation and other metabolic parameters. METHODS: The dietary regimes (normal or high-fat diet) were provided to 48 male Wistar rats throughout 24-week experiment. After week 12, rats were given either a vehicle, pro-, pre-, or synbiotic for an additional 12 weeks before being killed. Then, blood analyses and bone histomorphometry of the jawbones were performed. RESULTS: The HFD-fed rats developed obese-insulin resistance with significantly elevated systemic inflammation. Bone histomorphometry of these rats showed a decrease in trabecular thickness with increased osteoclasts and active erosion surfaces. Mineral apposition and bone-formation rates were also remarkably diminished. The treatment with pro-, pre-, and synbiotics equally improved metabolic disturbance, reduced systemic inflammation, increased trabecular thickness, decreased osteoclasts and active erosion surfaces and restored mineral apposition and bone-formation rates. CONCLUSION: The probiotic L. paracasei HII01, prebiotic XOS, and the synbiotics had similarly beneficial effects to improve jawbone microarchitecture in HFD-fed rats by possibly ameliorating osteoclast-related bone resorption and potentiating bone-formation activities.

Protective Effects of Moderate Ca Supplementation against Cd-Induced Bone Damage under Different Population-Relevant Doses in Young Female Rats.

Estimation of the skeleton-protective effects of Ca in Cd-induced bone damage is helpful in the assessment of Cd health risk. The aim of this study was to identify whether Ca supplementation during exposure to different population-relevant doses of Cd can prevent Cd-induced bone damage under the tolerable upper intake level of Ca supplementation. Young female Sprague-Dawley rats were given different population-relevant doses of Cd (1, 5, and 50 mg Cd/kg diet) and Ca supplementation (0.4% Ca supplementation) intervention. Ca supplementation significantly decreased Cd-induced bone microstructure damage, increased bone biomechanics (p < 0.05), serum bone formation marker level (p < 0.05) and expression of osteogenic gene markers exposure to the 5 and 50 mg Cd/kg diets. However, it had no impact on these indicators under the 1 mg Cd/kg diets, with the exception of expression of osteogenic marker genes. Ca supplementation significantly decreased serum Klotho level (p < 0.05), and fibroblast growth factor 23/Klotho-associated gene expression in the kidney and bone showed significant changes. In conclusion, Ca supplementation has a positive effect on bone formation and bone quality against the damaging impact of Cd, especially with exposure to the 5 mg and 50 mg Cd/kg diet, which may be related to its impact on the fibroblast growth factor 23/Klotho axis.

[Osteoarticular protection of Zea mays L. purple variety (purple corn) in experimental arthritis in rats]. / Protección osteoarticular de Zea mays L. variedad morada (maíz morado) en artritis experimental en ratas.

OBJECTIVES.: To evaluate the protective effect of Zea mays L., purple variety (purple corn) against inflammatory response and osteoarticular damage in rats with experimental arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Sixty-five Holtzman rats were used, assigned to seven groups: G1 (n=5): control; G2 (n=10): pristane (PIA) + distilled water; G3 (n=10): PIA + methotrexate 0.1 mg/kg; G4 (n=10): PIA + indomethacin 0.6 mg/kg; G5 (n=10): PIA + Zea mays 100 mg/kg; G6 (n=10): PIA + Zea mays 1000 mg/kg, and G7 (n=10): PIA + methotrexate 0.1 mg/kg + Zea mays 1000 mg/kg. Treatments were administered by orogastric cannula daily for 21 days; pristane was administered subdermal only on day 1. Volume of hind leg was recorded with a digital plethysmometer. The radiological analysis of the legs was evaluated according to the modified Clark criteria. RESULTS.: The percentage of inflammation at the end of the experiment was: (G1) 1.50 ± 0.5; (G2) 13.73 ± 8.4; (G3) 14.76 ± 8.8; (G4) 14.22 ± 9.0; (G5) 10.81 ± 9.1; (G6) 5.31 ± 1.4; (G7) 6.38 ± 0.5. The radiological scores of the affected areas were: (G1) 0.6; (G2) 3.5; (G3) 0.6; (G4) 1.7; (G5) 1.9; (G6) 1.4; (G7) 1.0. Only the groups Zea mays L. 1000 mg/kg and methotrexate + Zea mays L. 1000 mg/kg showed a significantly lower inflammatory response (p<0.05) and showed significantly lower joint scores in relation to PIA. CONCLUSIONS.: Zea mays L. (purple corn) reduces the inflammatory process and radiological modifications of PIA-induced arthritis in rats in a dose-dependent manner.

OBJETIVOS.: Evaluar el efecto protector de Zea mays L. variedad morada (maíz morado) frente a la respuesta inflamatoria y daño osteoarticular en ratas con artritis experimental. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Se emplearon 65 ratas Holtzman, asignadas en siete grupos: G1 (n=5): control, G2 (n=10): pristane (PIA) + agua destilada, G3 (n=10): PIA + metotrexate 0,1 mg/kg, G4 (n=10): PIA + indometacina 0,6 mg/kg, G5 (n=10): PIA + Zea mays 100 mg/kg, G6 (n=10): PIA + Zea mays 1000 mg/kg y G7 (n=10): PIA + metotrexate 0,1 mg/kg + Zea mays 1000 mg/kg. Los tratamientos fueron administrados mediante cánula orogástrica diariamente durante 21 días; el pristane se administró vía subdérmica solo el día 1. Se registró el volumen de pata trasera con un pletismometro digital. El análisis radiológico de las patas se evaluó según los criterios de Clark modificado. RESULTADOS.: El porcentaje de inflamación al final del experimento fue: (G1) 1,50 ± 0,5, (G2) 13,73 ± 8,4; (G3) 14,76 ± 8,8; (G4) 14.22 ± 9,0; (G5) 10,81 ± 9.1; (G6) 5,31 ± 1.4; (G7) 6,38 ± 0,5. Los puntajes radiológicos de las áreas afectadas fueron: (G1) 0,6; (G2) 3,5; (G3) 0,6; (G4) 1,7; (G5) 1,9; (G6) 1,4; (G7) 1,0. Solo los grupos Zea mays L. 1000 mg/kg y metotrexate + Zea mays L. 1000 mg/kg mostraron una respuesta inflamatoria significativamente menor (p<0,05) y mostraron puntajes articulares significativamente bajos en relación a PIA. CONCLUSIONES.: El Zea mays L. (maíz morado) reduce el proceso inflamatorio y las modificaciones radiológicas de la artritis inducida por PIA en ratas de modo dosis dependiente.

Protección osteoarticular de Zea mays L. variedad morada (maíz morado) en artritis experimental en ratas / Osteoarticular protection of Zea mays L. purple variety (purple corn) in experimental arthritis in rats

RESUMEN Objetivos. Evaluar el efecto protector de Zea mays L. variedad morada (maíz morado) frente a la respuesta inflamatoria y daño osteoarticular en ratas con artritis experimental. Materiales y métodos. Se emplearon 65 ratas Holtzman, asignadas en siete grupos: G1 (n=5): control, G2 (n=10): pristane (PIA) + agua destilada, G3 (n=10): PIA + metotrexate 0,1 mg/kg, G4 (n=10): PIA + indometacina 0,6 mg/kg, G5 (n=10): PIA + Zea mays 100 mg/kg, G6 (n=10): PIA + Zea mays 1000 mg/kg y G7 (n=10): PIA + metotrexate 0,1 mg/kg + Zea mays 1000 mg/kg. Los tratamientos fueron administrados mediante cánula orogástrica diariamente durante 21 días; el pristane se administró vía subdérmica solo el día 1. Se registró el volumen de pata trasera con un pletismometro digital. El análisis radiológico de las patas se evaluó según los criterios de Clark modificado. Resultados. El porcentaje de inflamación al final del experimento fue: (G1) 1,50 ± 0,5, (G2) 13,73 ± 8,4; (G3) 14,76 ± 8,8; (G4) 14.22 ± 9,0; (G5) 10,81 ± 9.1; (G6) 5,31 ± 1.4; (G7) 6,38 ± 0,5. Los puntajes radiológicos de las áreas afectadas fueron: (G1) 0,6; (G2) 3,5; (G3) 0,6; (G4) 1,7; (G5) 1,9; (G6) 1,4; (G7) 1,0. Solo los grupos Zea mays L. 1000 mg/kg y metotrexate + Zea mays L. 1000 mg/kg mostraron una respuesta inflamatoria significativamente menor (p<0,05) y mostraron puntajes articulares significativamente bajos en relación a PIA. Conclusiones. El Zea mays L. (maíz morado) reduce el proceso inflamatorio y las modificaciones radiológicas de la artritis inducida por PIA en ratas de modo dosis dependiente.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To evaluate the protective effect of Zea mays L., purple variety (purple corn) against inflammatory response and osteoarticular damage in rats with experimental arthritis. Materials and Methods. Sixty-five Holtzman rats were used, assigned to seven groups: G1 (n=5): control; G2 (n=10): pristane (PIA) + distilled water; G3 (n=10): PIA + methotrexate 0.1 mg/kg; G4 (n=10): PIA + indomethacin 0.6 mg/kg; G5 (n=10): PIA + Zea mays 100 mg/kg; G6 (n=10): PIA + Zea mays 1000 mg/kg, and G7 (n=10): PIA + methotrexate 0.1 mg/kg + Zea mays 1000 mg/kg. Treatments were administered by orogastric cannula daily for 21 days; pristane was administered subdermal only on day 1. Volume of hind leg was recorded with a digital plethysmometer. The radiological analysis of the legs was evaluated according to the modified Clark criteria. Results. The percentage of inflammation at the end of the experiment was: (G1) 1.50 ± 0.5; (G2) 13.73 ± 8.4; (G3) 14.76 ± 8.8; (G4) 14.22 ± 9.0; (G5) 10.81 ± 9.1; (G6) 5.31 ± 1.4; (G7) 6.38 ± 0.5. The radiological scores of the affected areas were: (G1) 0.6; (G2) 3.5; (G3) 0.6; (G4) 1.7; (G5) 1.9; (G6) 1.4; (G7) 1.0. Only the groups Zea mays L. 1000 mg/kg and methotrexate + Zea mays L. 1000 mg/kg showed a significantly lower inflammatory response (p<0.05) and showed significantly lower joint scores in relation to PIA. Conclusions. Zea mays L. (purple corn) reduces the inflammatory process and radiological modifications of PIA-induced arthritis in rats in a dose-dependent manner.

Chinese Medicine Yishen Jiangu Granules () on Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of Yishen Jiangu Granules (, YSJGG) on aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS). METHODS: A single-arm, open-label study was conducted in 34 postmenopausal women with breast cancer who experienced AIMSS. Patients were treated with YSJGG for 12 weeks (12.4 g orally twice daily). The primary outcome was a change in the mean worst pain score of Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) over 12 weeks, and the second outcomes included changes in pain severity and pain-related interference of BPI-SF and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Modified Score for the Assessment of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands (M-SACRAH), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), bone mineral density (BMD) and blood indices such as calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). RESULTS: Of 37 women recruited, 30 initiated the therapy and 24 were evaluable at 12 weeks. The primary outcome (BPI-SF worst pain scores) achieved a 2.17-point reduction compared with baseline (5.75±1.87 vs 3.58±2.15, P<0.01). There were reductions in pain severity (decreased 1.65, P<0.01) and pain-related interference (decreased 2.55, P<0.01). The changes in WOMAC and M-SACRAH scores were similar to BPI-SF (P<0.05). In the FACT-B, only physical well-being and functional well-being were improved compared with baseline (P<0.05). No clinical differences were found in BMD, Ca, P and ALP. CONCLUSION: YSJGG is an effective and well-tolerated agent to reduce AIMSS.

Enteral Nutrition for Pediatric Crohn's Disease: An Underutilized Therapy.

Enteral nutrition (EN) for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) involves administration of a liquid nutrition product, administered orally or through tube feeding, while excluding typical dietary components. It is a safe and effective, but largely underused, therapy in the United States as a treatment for CD. EN is a particularly attractive option for pediatric CD as it avoids side effects of corticosteroids, improves growth, and may have a higher likelihood of achieving mucosal healing than some traditional medications. However, there are multiple real and perceived barriers to its use among providers. A comprehensive approach to addressing these barriers to EN may result in its increased use. This paper reviews the literature on the efficacy of EN, methods of utilization, and potential barriers and solutions to those barriers.

Vitamin C and Bone Health: Evidence from Cell, Animal and Human Studies.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C, traditionally associated with scurvy, is an important nutrient for maintaining bone health. It is essential in the production of collagen in bone matrix. It also scavenges free radicals detrimental to bone health. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to assess the current evidence of the bone-sparing effects of vitamin C derived from cell, animal and human studies. RESULTS: Cell studies showed that vitamin C was able to induce osteoblast and osteoclast formation. However, high-dose vitamin C might increase oxidative stress and subsequently lead to cell death. Vitamin C-deficient animals showed impaired bone health due to increased osteoclast formation and decreased bone formation. Vitamin C supplementation was able to prevent bone loss in several animal models of bone loss. Human studies generally showed a positive relationship between vitamin C and bone health, indicated by bone mineral density, fracture probability and bone turnover markers. Some studies suggested that the relationship between vitamin C and bone health could be U-shaped, more prominent in certain subgroups and different between dietary and supplemental form. However, most of the studies were observational, thus could not confirm causality. One clinical trial was performed, but it was not a randomized controlled trial, thus confounding factors could not be excluded. CONCLUSION: vitamin C may exert beneficial effects on bone, but more rigorous studies and clinical trials should be performed to validate this claim.

Calcium and vitamin D in human health: Hype or real?

The incidence and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency are increasing worldwide. It is estimated that over 50% of the world's population have low vitamin D (i.e., hypovitaminosis D; serum levels below 30 ng/mL). In vitamin D inadequacy, human physiological systems work inefficiently. In humans, 80% of the vitamin D is synthesized in the presence of ultraviolet rays from sunlight; for the rest, we rely on diet and nowadays, supplements. The latter becomes important when one is exposed to less than optimal amounts of sunlight, inability to generate vitamin D in the skin efficiently, and/or having conditions that lead to decreased intestinal absorption or increased catabolism of vitamin D. The normal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level is around 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) and the optimal range is between 30 and 60 ng/mL (75-150 nmol/L). In 2011, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggested that 600IU of vitamin D is adequate for people below age 71 who are not exposed to sunshine. Although this might be relevant to the ambulatory healthy white Caucasians to achieve serum 25(OH)D level of 20 ng/mL, but it is insufficient for other ethnic groups. Moreover, the IOM recommendations are not suitable for those who live outside North America. Vitamin D requirements are higher during adolescence, pregnancy and lactation, and in many other disease conditions. Most clinicians consider 30 ng/mL as the minimum serum level of 25(OH)D necessary to maintain good health. In the absence of sunlight exposure and with daily oral intake of 600IU vitamin D, very few people would reach serum 25(OH)D level above 30 ng/mL. While an additional daily intake of 1000IU of vitamin D are required for people with lighter-skin color, those with darker complexion and the elderly, require a minimum of 2000IU/day to maintain serum 25(OH)D levels over 30 ng/mL; 5000 IU/day supplement is considered as the safe daily upper limit of supplementation. Vulnerable groups such as the disabled and/or house-bound, obese, with gastrointestinal abnormalities and/or malabsorption syndromes, institutionalized people (e.g., nursing homes, prisons, etc.), and pregnant and lactating women need approximately 4000IU per day for optimal physiological activity. Vitamin D is essential for gastrointestinal calcium absorption, mineralization of osteoid tissue and maintenance of serum ionized calcium level. It is also important for other physiological functions, such as muscle strength, neuromuscular coordination, hormone release, subduing autoimmunity, and curtailing the development of certain cancers.

Supplementation of lactobacilli improves growth, regulates microbiota composition and suppresses skeletal anomalies in juvenile pike-perch (Sander lucioperca) reared in recirculating aquaculture system (RAS): A pilot study.

This research aimed to test the effects of lactobacilli, applied to cultured pike-perch, either through hydrolyzed OTOHIME fish diet, or through Artemia nauplii, on fish growth, microbiota balance and skeletal development. On the 12th Day Post Hatching (DPH) fish were divided into following treatment groups: two groups received the combination of OTOHIME and nauplii enriched either with Lactobacillus paracasei BGHN14+Lactobacillus rhamnosus BGT10 or with Lactobacillus reuteri BGGO6-55+Lactobacillus salivarius BGHO1, and one group received OTOHIME hydrolyzed by BGHN14+BGT10 and non-enriched nauplii. Control group received non-enriched nauplii and non-hydrolyzed OTOHIME. The treatment lasted 14days and fish were sacrificed on the 26th DPH for the assessment of digestive enzyme activity and microbiota composition. Individual total lengths and individual body weights were recorded at the end of the treatments, on the 26th DPH, and also on the 45th DPH, in parallel with the evaluation of skeletal deformities and fish survival. Our results indicated positive effect of Artemia enriched with BGGO6-55+BGHO1 on fish growth, skeletal development and trypsin to chymotrypsin activity ratio (T/C), as an indicator of protein digestibility. Hydrolysis of OTOHIME was also associated with better skeletal development, higher T/C values and lower levels of Aeromonas and Mycobacterium spp., which are important fish pathogens. Though additional testing in larger cohort studies is needed, these observations are promising in terms of usage of probiotics for improved environmentally friendly production of pike-perch in Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS).

Prevalence and factors promoting the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly.

Vitamin D deficiency affects a large part of the population of elderly people, especially women, who live in moderate climate countries due to a reduced amount of vitamin D in the diet (small sea fish consumption) and reduced content of 7-dehydrocholesterol, which causes decreased skin synthesis. The lowest seasonal concentration of 25(OH)D3 is usually observed during winter and spring. Sun exposure influences 25(OH)D3 concentration more strongly in men than in women. Sociodemographic factors that increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly include poor environmental conditions, low economic status, lower educational level, drug exposure (smoking), reduced physical activity, overall poor health and obesity, which causes reduced skin exposure to sunlight. The use of medications or supplements that contain vitamin D and staying in a nursing home that employ such supplementation are factors that prevent deficiency. Significant prevalence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract may contribute to cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol malabsorption or impair their liver transformation. In addition, the high incidence of chronic kidney disease in old age reduces processing hydroxylation of vitamin D and the formation of active metabolites. Vitamin D deficiency can not only cause bone mineralization disorders, but also increase incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, type 2 diabetes and depression. The aim of this study was to summarize current knowledge about the risk factors of vitamin D deficiency development in the elderly population.

Bone status in preterm infant: influences of different nutritional regimens and possible markers of bone disease.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate possible influences of parenteral nutrition on growth and bone development in preterms and to search for markers of bone status. STUDY DESIGN: Metacarpus bone transmission time (mc-BTT) was performed at birth, 21 days and 36 weeks of gestational age (GA) in preterms, receiving two different nutritional regimens, together with biochemical analysis. RESULT: A total of 234 patients were studied. Newborns with aggressive nutrition had significantly better growth rate and higher values of mc-BTT until discharge. Mc-BTT at day 21 correlates positively with nutritional intakes and phosphatemia; lower limb length positively correlated with mc-BTT (P<0.01). Newborns with low energy intake in the first week of life (<70 kcal kg(-1) per day) and low serum phosphate level (<1.4 mmol l(-1)) at 21 days had lower mc-BTT at 36 weeks of GA (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Aggressive parenteral intakes in preterms improve growth and bone status in the short-medium term, suggesting that early nutrition could influence bone development.

Controlled trials of vitamin D, causality and type 2 statistical error.

Two recent studies published in The Lancet (Autier et al. (2013) Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2, 76-89 and Bolland et al. (2014) Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2, 307-320) have concluded that low levels of vitamin D are not a cause but a consequence of ill health brought about by reduced exposure to the sun, an association known as 'reverse causality'. The scientific evidence and reasoning for these conclusions are examined here and found to be faulty. A null result in a clinical trial of vitamin D in adults need not lead to a conclusion of reverse causation when low vitamin D is found in observational studies of the same disease earlier in life. To assume an explanation of reverse causality has close similarities with type 2 statistical error. For example, a null result in providing vitamin D for treatment of adult bones that are deformed in the pattern of the rachitic rosary would not alter the observation that lack of vitamin D can cause rickets in childhood and may have lasting consequences if not cured with vitamin D. Other examples of diseases considered on a lifetime basis from conception to adulthood are used to further illustrate the issue, which is evidently not obvious and is far from trivial. It is concluded that deficiency of vitamin D in cohort studies, especially at critical times such as pregnancy and early life, can be the cause of a number of important diseases. Denial of the possible benefits of vitamin D, as suggested by insistent interpretation of studies with reverse causation, may lead to serious harms, some of which are listed.

[Treatment of bone disease caused by gastrectomy].

Gastrectomy is undergone mainly in patients with gastric cancer. Bone diseases(osteoporosis and osteomalacia)caused by gastractomy are associated with weight loss, calcium and vitamin D inadequancy, and malnutrition. Most patients after gastrectomy have multile risk factors of bone diseases and subsequently are at a higher risk for fractures. In particular, sex hormone deficiency and aging enhance the risk for fractures. The management of bone diseases caused by gastraectomy include adequet intake of calcium, vitamin D and protein, sunlight exposure, and regular weight-bearing exercise, as well as non-smoking and avoiding excess alcohol drinking. The patients at a high risk for fractures shoud be treated with bisphosphonates.

Polysaccharides of Trametes versicolor Improve Bone Properties in Diabetic Rats.

This study investigates the effects of Trametes versicolor (L.:Fr.) Pilát (TVP, also known as Yunzhi) on bone properties in diabetic rats. Forty-five male Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were fed either a chow diet (control) or a high-fat diet throughout the study period of 28 days. Animals in the high-fat-diet group were injected with nicotinamide and streptozotocin to induce diabetes mellitus (DM). The DM rats were divided into a group receiving distilled water (vehicle) and another group receiving TVP at 0.1 g/kg weight by gavage. Relative to the vehicle group, TVP gavage lowered postprandial blood sugar (225 ± 18 mg/dL for TVP vs 292 ± 15 mg/dL for vehicle, p < 0.001) on day 26. Compared to the vehicle group, TVP mitigated DM-induced bone deterioration as determined by increasing bone volume of proximal tibia (22.8 ± 1.4% for TVP vs 16.8 ± 1.3% for vehicle, p = 0.003), trabecular number (p = 0.011), and femoral bone strength (11% in maximal load, 22% in stiffness, 14% in modulus, p < 0.001), and by reducing loss of femoral cortical porosity by 25% (p < 0.001). Our study demonstrates the protective effect of TVP on bone properties was mediated through, in part, the improvement of hyperglycemic control in DM animals.

Efficacy of 25-OH Vitamin D3 prophylactic administration for reducing lameness in broilers grown on wire flooring.

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is the most common cause of lameness in commercial broilers. Growing broilers on wire flooring provides an excellent experimental model for reproducibly triggering significant levels of lameness attributable to BCO. In the present study we evaluated the efficacy of adding HyD (25-OH vitamin D3) to the drinking water as a preventative/prophylactic treatment for lameness. Broiler chicks were reared on 5 x 10 ft flat wire floor panels within 6 environmental chambers. Three chambers were supplied with tap water (Control group) and the remaining chambers were supplied with HyD (HyD group: 0.06 mL HyD solution/L water; dosing based on the HyD Solution label to provide 33.9 µg 25-OHD3/L) from d 1 through 56. Feed was provided ad libitum and was formulated to meet or exceed minimum standards for all ingredients, including 5,500 IU vitamin D3/kg. Lameness initially was detected on d 28, and the cumulative incidence of lameness on d 56 was higher in the Control group than in the HyD group (34.7 vs. 22.7%, respectively; P = 0.03; Z-test of proportions; chambers pooled). The most prevalent diagnoses for lame birds were osteochondrosis and osteomyelitis (BCO) of the proximal femora (52%) and tibiae (79%), accompanied by minor incidences of tibial dyschondroplasia (0.33%), spondylolisthesis, or kinky back (0.67%), and twisted legs (1%). Broilers that survived to d 56 without developing lameness did not differ in BW when compared by group within a gender. The wire flooring model imposes a rigorous, sustained challenge that undoubtedly is much more severe than typically would be experienced by broilers under normal commercial conditions. Therefore the encouraging response to HyD supplementation in the present study supports the potential for 25-OH vitamin D3 to attenuate outbreaks of lameness caused by BCO in commercial broiler flocks.