Effect of micronutrient pack on micronutrient status and antioxidant capacities among institutional older adults in Shanghai, China.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Older adults are at increased risk of micronutrient deficiency, disrupting the balance of oxidation/antioxidation system and leading to serious health burdens. This study aimed to investigate the effect of micronutrient pack on micronutrient status and oxidative/antioxidative biomarkers in institutional older adults. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Subjects aged 65-100 years were randomly assigned to either intervention group or control group (n=49 each), providing a package of micronutrient pack or placebo daily for three months. The concentrations of micronutrients, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected both at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: The changes in concentrations of serum folate (21.1±1.6 vs 0.6±0.5 nmol/L), vitamin B-1 (3.4±0.4 vs -0.2±0.3 nmol/L), vitamin B-2 (11.5±3.3 vs 2.3±1.4 nmol/L), vitamin B-12 (128.8±34.8 vs 13.3±16.0 pmol/L), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (17.8±1.3 vs -0.8±0.5 ng/mL) and plasma zinc (0.6±1.8 vs -9.6±1.9 µmol/L) over 3-months were significantly increased in the intervention group compared with the control group (all p<0.05). While the prevalence of folate, vitamin B-12 and vitamin D deficiencies were significantly decreased after 3-months intervention (all p<0.05). Moreover, changes in serum MDA level (-1.5±0.2 vs 0.2±0.3 nmol/mL) were remarkably reduced, and the activities of serum GSH-Px (1.3±0.3 vs 0.3±0.2 ng/mL) and plasma SOD (14.3±2.4 vs -2.1±2.4 U/mL) were increased in the intervention group than those of in the control group (all p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The micronutrient pack among institutional older adults was well-accepted with good compliance and tolerance. The 3-month intervention may improve micronutrient status and enhance antioxidative capacities.

Poly (γ-glutamic acid)/beta-TCP nanocomposites via in situ copolymerization: Preparation and characterization.

A series biodegradable poly (γ-glutamic acid)/beta-tricalcium phosphate (γ-PGA/TCP) nanocomposites were prepared which were composed of poly-γ-glutamic acid polymerized in situ with ß-tricalcium phosphate and physiochemically characterized as bone graft substitutes. The particle size via dynamic light scattering, the direct morphological characterization via transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope, which showed that γ-PGA and ß-TCP were combined compactly at 80℃, and the γ-PGA/TCP nanocomposites had homogenous and nano-sized grains with narrow particle size distributions. The water uptake and retention abilities, in vitro degradation properties, cytotoxicity in the simulated medium, and protein release of these novel γ-PGA/TCP composites were investigated. Cell proliferation in composites was nearly twice than ß-TCP when checked in vitro using MC3T3 cell line. We also envision the potential use of γ-PGA/TCP systems in bone growth factor or orthopedic drug delivery applications in future bone tissue engineering applications. These observations suggest that the γ-PGA/TCP are novel nanocomposites with great potential for application in the field of bone tissue engineering.

Interferon-γ in foam cell formation and progression of atherosclerosis.

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), the sole member in type II IFN predominantly secreted by macrophages and T cells, is a critical regulator of immune function and provides a robust first line of defense against invading pathogens. Binding of IFN-γ to its receptor complex can activate a variety of downstream signaling pathways, particularly the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), to induce gene transcription within the target cells. This pro-inflammatory mediator is highly expressed in atherosclerotic lesions and promotes foam cell formation, but its effects on the atherogenesis are complex, with both pro- and anti-atherogenic properties. IFN-γ also contributes to the development of myocardial infarction and stroke, the two main atherosclerotic diseases. Inhibition of IFN-γ signaling may prevent the development of atherosclerosis and help treat atherosclerotic diseases. Since IFN-γ may also exert anti-atherogenic effects, the safety and efficacy of anti-IFN-γ treatment still require careful evaluation in the clinical setting. In the current review, we summarize recent progression on regulation and signaling pathways of IFN-γ, and highlight its roles in foam cell formation, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction as well as stroke. An increased understanding of these processes will help to develop novel IFN-γ-centered therapies for atherosclerotic diseases.