Effects of Vitamin D on Cardiovascular Risk and Oxidative Stress.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D has been primarily studied as an important factor influencing bone and calcium metabolism. Metabolites of vitamin D are essential for whole-body calcium homeostasis, maintaining serum calcium levels within a narrow range by regulating this process in the bones and gut. Nevertheless, its deficiency is also related to increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), metabolic syndrome (MS), and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-with increased visceral adipose tissue and body mass index (BMI), as well as the frequently associated hypercholesterolemia. It has been reported that vitamin D levels are inversely related to cardiovascular (CV) risk in men and women. However, the effects of vitamin D on distinct outcomes in women and the dose of supplementation needed to improve clinical endpoints have not been established. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] reduces systemic inflammatory mediators in CVD and favors the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines from the immune system. In addition, 25(OH)D can be primarily converted into calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D]) in the kidneys through the action of the 1-α-hydroxylase enzyme. Calcitriol, through the downregulation mechanism of renin expression, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity, and its interaction with the vitamin D receptor, can bring CV benefits. The calcitriol form also lowers parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels by indirectly causing a reduction in aldosterone and mineralocorticoid synthesis. Elevated plasma aldosterone is related to endothelial dysfunction and CVD in hypovitaminosis D status. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation may benefit certain risk groups, as it improves metabolic variables, reducing oxidative stress and CV outcomes. More studies are needed to define interventions with vitamin D in men and women.

Clinical Approaches to Nestorone Subdermal Implant Therapy in Women's Health.

Segesterone acetate (SA) or Nestorone, a fourth-generation progestogen, is a synthetic compound with high progestational activity and no androgenic, glucocorticoid, or anabolic effects. However, due to its oral inactivity, SA must be used by other routes, such as subcutaneous. Thus, considering its peculiar properties, the SA subdermal implant is successfully used in female contraception and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In recent years, its potential uses in endometriosis, polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS), and a new therapeutic possibility for neuroprotection have made this treatment extremely interesting. However, the absence of a standardized dose and the long-term safety of SA implant therapy in women is still controversial. Here, we present the possible indications, doses, limitations, and side effects of SA implant therapy.

ß-Glucan "Trained Immunity" Immunomodulatory Properties Potentiate Tissue Wound Management and Accelerate Fitness Recover.

Introduction: It is well established that moderate physical activity can improve the immune status, rather excess or high-intensity physical exercise can cause damage to the immune system. In addition, muscle injuries resulting from increased frequency and intensity of exercises compromise innate immune activity and may decrease tissue regeneration. Thus, ß-glucans, a natural compound, may represent an important substance with strong immunomodulatory properties acting as an immunostimulant therapy known as "trained immunity". This immune stimulating therapeutic is an immunological memory phenomenon linked to the innate immune system, triggering cellular changes at epigenetic, transcriptional, and functional levels, to regulate the immune system and recover its homeostasis with clinical benefits. Conclusion: This narrative review works with the current evidence regarding ß-glucans as a possible alternative therapy for wound healing and its safety and efficacy in the treatment of muscle injuries and physical recovery including other chronic conditions and diseases.