Unraveling the parahormetic mechanism underlying the health-protecting effects of grapeseed procyanidins.

Proanthocyanidins (PACs), the predominant constituents within Grape Seed Extract (GSE), are intricate compounds composed of interconnected flavan-3-ol units. Renowned for their health-affirming properties, PACs offer a shield against a spectrum of inflammation associated diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, degenerations and possibly cancer. While monomeric and dimeric PACs undergo some absorption within the gastrointestinal tract, their larger oligomeric and polymeric counterparts are not bioavailable. However, higher molecular weight PACs engage with the colonic microbiota, fostering the production of bioavailable metabolites that undergo metabolic processes, culminating in the emergence of bioactive agents capable of modulating physiological processes. Within this investigation, a GSE enriched with polymeric PACs was employed to explore in detail their impact. Through comprehensive analysis, the present study unequivocally verified the gastrointestinal-mediated transformation of medium to high molecular weight polymeric PACs, thereby establishing the bioaccessibility of a principal catabolite termed 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone (VL). Notably, our findings, encompassing cell biology, chemistry and proteomics, converge to the proposal of the notion of the capacity of VL to activate, upon oxidation to the corresponding quinone, the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway-an intricate process that incites cellular defenses and mitigates stress-induced responses, such as a challenge brought by TNFα. This mechanistic paradigm seamlessly aligns with the concept of para-hormesis, ultimately orchestrating the resilience to stress and the preservation of cellular redox equilibrium and homeostasis as benchmarks of health.

Asociación entre infección por virus de la Hepatitis B y Poliarteritis nodosa / Association between Hepatitis B virus infection and Polyarteritis Nodosa

Introducción: la Poliarteritis nodosa (PAN) se define como una vasculitis necrotizante que compromete a las arterias de mediano calibre, y causa un compromiso sistémico. Existe una asociación entre la PAN y la infección por el virus de la Hepatitis B, en relación principalmente con el depósito de inmunocomplejos virales circulantes. Las manifestaciones clínicas son inespecíficas y requiere un alto índice de sospecha. Se han usado varios regímenes de inmunosupresores (corticoides-ciclofosfamida) plasmaféresis y drogas antivirales, con respuestas variables. Objetivo: presentación de un caso clínico de PAN asociado con infección por virus de Hepatitis B, y revisión de la literatura. Caso clínico: paciente masculino de 40 años, con manifestaciones severas de Poliartritis nodosa, asociado con infección por Hepatitis B. Conclusiones: la PAN es una enfermedad poco frecuente, la asociación con infección por Hepatitis B está bien documentada y las estrategias terapéuticas difieren de las de la PAN clásica. Es una patología potencialmente fatal cuando no se reconoce y trata adecuadamente

Backgraound: Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is defined by a necrotizing vasculitis of medium sized arteries that causes a systemic inflammatory disease. There is an association between PAN and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, related mostly with viral circulting immune complexes. Clinical manifestations are not specific and require a high index of suspicion. Several immunosuppressive regimens (corticoids-ciclophosphamide), plasmapheresis and antiviral drugs have been used with varying response. Objective: Report of a clinical case of PAN associated with Hepatitis B virus infection and review of the literature. Case-reporte: A 40 year old man with severe manifestations of Polyarteritis nodosa, associated with Hepatitis B infection. Conclusions: PAN is uncommon disease, the association with hepatitis B virus infection is well documented, and the treatment strategies differs from the classic PAN. It is a potentially fatal disease when unrecognized and untreated

Start-up procedures and analysis of heavy metals inhibition on methanogenic activity in EGSB reactor.

The effectiveness of operating an industrial UASB reactor, treating wastewater from the beer industry, with flows containing heavy metals was evaluated. A pilot-scale UASB reactor, already used to simulate the industrial reactor, was unsuccessfully employed. An easy start-up was obtained arranging it as an EGSB reactor. Considerations about this modification are reported. The effects of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Cr(III) ions on the anaerobic activity were analyzed by measurements of methane production rate and COD removal. The employed biomass was the sludge of the industrial UASB reactor, while a solution of ethanol and sodium acetate with COD of 3000 mg/L and a heavy metal concentration of 50 mg/L were continuously fed. Experimental results proved higher biomass sensitivity for copper and much slighter for nickel and chromium. Moreover, copper inhibition has been demonstrated to be less significant if a metal-free feed was provided to the system before copper addition.

Trace elements and micropollutant anions in the dialysis and reinfusion fluid prepared on-line for haemodiafiltration.

Exposure to the trace elements and micropollutions of tap water may be very considerable in dialysis patients. As few data on trace elements in reinfusion and dialysis fluid for haemodiafiltration (HDF) have been reported, we studied nine trace elements (microg/l; Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se, Zn) and five anions (mg/l; F-, NO2-, NO3-, PO4(3-), SO4(2-)) in tap water, in water after two passages of reverse osmosis (2RO), in dialysate and in on-line prepared reinfusate. NO3- and SO4(2-) were somewhat elevated in our tap water (22.2+/-7.6 and 21.8+/-11.3 mg/l) but decreased (P<0.001) after 2RO (1.4+/-1.5 and 0.9+/-1.1 mg/l); the other anions, which were at a very low level, remained unchanged. All trace elements decreased, with statistical significance only for Al, Cr and Zn from 14.9+/-19.9, 2.6+/-0.6 and 35.1+/-41.1 microg/ to 3.2+/-2.1, 0.2+/-0.2 and 3.5+/-4.8 microg/l, respectively. Due to impurities in concentrate salts for Al (5.4+/-3.1), Cr (0.5+/-0.4) and SO4(2-) (2.4+/-1.8), greater concentrations were found in dialysate and reinfusate than in tap water after 2RO (P<0.03). For all measurements, trace elements and anions were at acceptable levels according to international standards. Simultaneous determinations of trace elements at inflow (Din) and outflow (Dout) of the dialysate as well as in plasma or in whole blood at the beginning of on-line HDF documented Dout/Din>1 for Al, Cu and Zn and a positive gradient between the concentration in blood and dialysate inlet. In conclusion, our dialysate and reinfusate can be considered safe regarding trace elements and micropollution: two passages through reverse osmosis reduces the concentrations of trace elements and anions. The impurities of concentrates are acceptable. Accumulation or depletion of trace elements should be evaluated after longitudinal studies of plasma concentrations.