Frailty is a critical intermediate status of the aging process with a multidimensional and multisystem nature and at higher risk for adverse health-related outcomes,including falls,disability,hospitalizations,institut...Frailty is a critical intermediate status of the aging process with a multidimensional and multisystem nature and at higher risk for adverse health-related outcomes,including falls,disability,hospitalizations,institutionalization,mortality,dementia,and Alzheimer’s disease.Among different frailty phenotypes,oral frailty has been recently suggested as a novel construct defined as a decrease in oral function with a coexisting decline in cognitive and physical functions.We briefly reviewed existing evidence on operational definitions of oral frailty,assessment and screening tools,and possible relationships among oral frailty,oral microbiota,and Alzheimer’s disease neurodegeneration.Several underlying mechanism may explain the oral health-frailty links including undernutrition,sarcopenia linked to both poor nutrition and frailty,psychosocial factors,and the chronic inflammation typical of oral disease.Oral microbiota may influence Alzheimer’s disease risk through circulatory or neural access to the brain and the interplay with periodontal disease,often causing tooth loss also linked to an increased Alzheimer’s disease risk.On this bases,COR388,a bacterial protease inhibitor targeting Porphyromonas gingivalis implicated in periodontal disease,is now being tested in a double-blind,placebocontrolled Phase II/III study in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease.Therefore,oral status may be an important contributor to general health,including Alzheimer’s disease and latelife cognitive disorders,suggesting the central role of preventive strategies targeting the novel oral frailty phenotype and including maintenance and improvement of oral function and nutritional status to reduce the burden of both oral dysfunction and frailty.展开更多
AIM:To investigate whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with benign focal liver lesions and vascular liver diseases, since these have been occasionally reported in SLE patients. METHODS:Thirty-five...AIM:To investigate whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with benign focal liver lesions and vascular liver diseases, since these have been occasionally reported in SLE patients. METHODS:Thirty-five consecutive adult patients with SLE and 35 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Hepatic and portal vein patency and presence of focal liver lesions were studied by colour-Doppler ultrasound, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance were used to refine the diagnosis, clinical data of SLE patients were reviewed. RESULTS:Benign hepatic lesions were common in SLE patients (54% vs 14% controls, P < 0.0001), withhemangioma being the most commonly observed lesion in the two groups. SLE was associated with the presence of single hemangioma [odds ratios (OR) 5.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91-13.38] and multiple hemangiomas (OR 4.13; 95% CI 1.03-16.55). Multiple hemangiomas were associated with a longer duration of SLE (9.9 ± 6.5 vs 5.5 ± 6.4 years; P = 0.04). Imaging prior to SLE onset was available in 9 patients with SLE and hemangioma, showing absence of lesions in 7/9. The clinical data of our patients suggest that SLE pos- sibly plays a role in the development of hemangioma. In addition, a Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH), and a NRH associated with hepatic hemangioma were observed, both in patients hospitalized for abdominal symptoms, suggesting that vascular liver diseases should be specifically investigated in this population. CONCLUSION:SLE is associated with 5-fold increased odds of liver hemangiomas, suggesting that these might be considered among the hepatic manifestations of SLE.展开更多
BACKGROUND Although the benefits of exercise for kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)have been widely demonstrated,these patients experience several barriers in undertaking a structured exercise program in hospital and ...BACKGROUND Although the benefits of exercise for kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)have been widely demonstrated,these patients experience several barriers in undertaking a structured exercise program in hospital and non-hospital facilities.AIM To compare the effects of a supervised moderate-intensity gym-based intervention with a home-based low-intensity walking program on exercise capacity in KTRs.METHODS KTRs were asked to choose between two six-month programs.The first group performed a low-intensity interval walking intervention at home-based exercise intervention (HBex). The second group performed a supervised training program at an adapted physical activitygym (Sgym), including aerobic and resistance training. The outcomes, collected at baseline and at the end of theprograms, included the 6-minute walking test, the peak oxygen consumption (VO_(2)peak) during a treadmill test,the 5-time sit-to-stand test, and blood pressure.RESULTSSeventeen patients agreed to participate and self-selected into the HBex (n = 9) and Sgym (n = 8) groups. Twopatients in the Sgym group dropped out because of familial problems. At baseline, patients in the HBex group weresignificantly older and had lower walking distance, VO_(2)peak, and lower limb strength. Primary outcome changeswere significantly greater in the HBex group than in the Sgym group (52 ± 23 m vs 8 ± 34;P = 0.005). No othersignificant differences between groups were observed. Both groups improved most of the outcomes in the withingroupcomparisons, with significant variations in VO_(2) peak.CONCLUSIONSix-month moderate-intensity supervised or low-intensity home-based training programs effectively improvedexercise capacity in KTRs. Gym-based programs combine aerobic and resistance training;however, in-homewalking may be proposed for frail KTRs.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the possible association between Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy(TTC)-a reversible clini-cal condition mimicking an acute myocardial infarction characterized by multifactorial pathophysiologic mecha-nism...AIM: To investigate the possible association between Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy(TTC)-a reversible clini-cal condition mimicking an acute myocardial infarction characterized by multifactorial pathophysiologic mecha-nisms- and respiratory system diseases. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE medical information sources, to identify the different triggering causes, limiting our search to ar-ticles in English. The search keywords were: "tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy", "takotsubo", "takotsubo cardiomyopa-thy", "broken heart syndrome", "stress-induced cardio-myopathy", "apical ballooning syndrome", and "ampulla cardiomyopathy in combination with respiratory dis-eases, lung, pulmonary disease. For each kind of dis-ease, we registered: author, year and country of study, patient sex, age, concurring situation, and outcome. RESULTS: Out of a total of 1725 articles found, we se-lected 37 papers reporting a total of 38 patients. As ex-pected, most patients were women(81.6%), mean age was 65 ± 10 years. Outcome was favorable in 100% of cases, and all the patients have been discharged un-eventfully in a few days. CONCLUSION: An association between respiratory diseases and TTC is likely to exist. Patients with severe respiratory diseases, due to the high dosages of β2-agonists used or to the need of invasive procedures, are highly exposed to the risk of developing TTC.展开更多
Background: Intestinal protothecosis is an uncommon and insidious mycotic <span>disease. Only one human case and a few rare cases in dogs have been re</span>ported. To the authors’ knowledge, intestinal p...Background: Intestinal protothecosis is an uncommon and insidious mycotic <span>disease. Only one human case and a few rare cases in dogs have been re</span>ported. To the authors’ knowledge, intestinal protothecosis has never been reported in cats. Case description: This paper describes a case of intestinal protothecosis in a nine-month-old male, Bengal cat. The cat presented because of onset <span>of haemorrhagic diarrhoea. Investigations allowed diagnosis of intestinal </span>protothecosis, confirmed by PCR test on faeces. Treatment with itraconazole did not improve the clinical signs. Treatment with nystatin was prescribed and caused improvement in the clinical signs and decreased number of pathogens seen on faecal cytology. PCR on faecal samples was negative two months after treatment, with complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: Infection with<i> <span>Prototheca</span></i> should be part of the list of differential diagnoses for diarrhoea in <span>cats. nystatin was effective in treating the infection in this case;this drug</span> should be considered as a first-line treatment in cats as well as in dogs, in which</span><span> </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">protothecosis appears to have a poor prognosis. Although protothecosis is not considered a zoonotic disease, cases of algal infections in companion animals might be considered indicators of environmental risks for humans.展开更多
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)data,more than 65%of people aged≥60 years are hypertensive.[1]Diabetes mellitus,dyslipidemia,obesity and renal failure are frequently associate...According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)data,more than 65%of people aged≥60 years are hypertensive.[1]Diabetes mellitus,dyslipidemia,obesity and renal failure are frequently associated with hypertension,increasing the risk of negative outcomes,such as stroke and myocardial infarction.展开更多
Lemierre’s syndrome(LS)is an uncommon condition with oropharyngeal infections,internal jugular vein thrombosis,and systemic metastatic septic embolization as the main features.Fusobacterium species,a group of strictl...Lemierre’s syndrome(LS)is an uncommon condition with oropharyngeal infections,internal jugular vein thrombosis,and systemic metastatic septic embolization as the main features.Fusobacterium species,a group of strictly anaerobic Gram negative rod shaped bacteria,are advocated to be the main pathogen involved.We report a case of LS complicated by pulmonary embolism and pulmonary septic emboli that mimicked a neoplastic lung condition.A Medline search revealed 173 case reports of LS associated with internal jugular vein thrombosis that documented the type of microorganism.Data confirmed high prevalence in young males with Gram negative infections(83.2%).Pulmonary embolism was reported in 8.7% of cases mainly described in subjects with Gram positive infections(OR=9.786;95%CI:2.577-37.168,P=0.001),independently of age and gender.Only four fatal cases were reported.LS is an uncommon condition that could be complicated by pulmonary embolism,especially in subjects with Gram positive infections.展开更多
AIM: To determine the plasmatic iron content and evaluate the oxidative stress(OS) markers in subjects receiving blood therapy.METHODS: Thirty-nine individuals with unspecified anemia receiving blood transfusions and ...AIM: To determine the plasmatic iron content and evaluate the oxidative stress(OS) markers in subjects receiving blood therapy.METHODS: Thirty-nine individuals with unspecified anemia receiving blood transfusions and 15 healthy subjects were included in the study. Anemic subjects were divided into three subgrou P:(1) those that received up to five blood transfusions(n = 14);(2) those that received from five to ten transfusions(n = 11); and(3) those that received more than ten transfusions(n = 14). Blood samples were collected by venous arm puncture and stored in tubes containing heparin. The plasma and cells were separated by centrifugation and subsequently used for analyses. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance followed by Dunn's multiple comparison tests when appropriate.RESULTS: The eletrophoretic hemoglobin profiles of the subjects included in this study indicated that no patients presented with hemoglobinopathy. Labile plasmatic iron, ferritin, protein carbonyl, thiobarbituric acidreactive substances(TBARS) and dichlorofluorescein diacetate oxidation were significantly higher(P < 0.05), whereas total thiol levels were significantly lower(P < 0.05) in transfused subjects compared to controls. Additionally, the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly lower in the transfused subjects(P < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities and total thiol levels were positively correlated(P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with the levels of protein carbonyl and TBARS(P < 0.05). In contrast, protein carbonyl and TBARS were positively correlated(P < 0.05). Altogether, these data confirm the involvement of OS in patients following therapy with repeated blood transfusions.CONCLUSION: Our data reveal that changes in OS markers are correlated with levels of labile plasmatic iron and ferritin and the number of transfusions.展开更多
BACKGROUND Masked diastolic hypotension is a new blood pressure(BP)pattern detected by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM)in elderly hypertensives.The aim of this study was to relate ABPM and comorbidity in a c...BACKGROUND Masked diastolic hypotension is a new blood pressure(BP)pattern detected by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM)in elderly hypertensives.The aim of this study was to relate ABPM and comorbidity in a cohort of fit elderly subjects attending an outpatient hypertension clinic.METHODS Comorbidity was assessed by Charlson comorbidity index(CCI)and CHA_(2)DS_(2)VASc score.All subjects evaluated with ABPM were aged≥65 years.CCI and CHA_(2)DS_(2)VASc score were calculated.Diastolic hypotension was defined as mean am-bulatory diastolic BP<65 mmHg and logistic regression analysis was carried out in order to detect and independent relationship between comorbidity burden and night-time diastolic BP<65 mmHg.RESULTS We studied 174 hypertensive elderly patients aged 72.1±5.2 years,men were 93(53.4%).Mean CCI was 0.91±1.14 and mean CHA_(2)DS_(2)VASc score of 2.68±1.22.Subjects with night-time mean diastolic values<65 mmHg were higher in females[54.7%vs.45.3%,P=0.048;odds ratio(OR)=1.914,95%CI:1.047−3.500].Logistic regression analysis showed that only CHA_(2)DS_(2)-VASc score was independently associated with night-time mean diastolic values<65 mmHg(OR=1.518,95%CI:1.161−1.985;P=0.002),but CCI was not.CONCLUSIONS ABPM and comorbidity evaluation appear associated in elderly fit subjects with masked hypotension.Com-orbid women appear to have higher risk for low ambulatory BP.展开更多
Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is composed mainly of bioactive components such as polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber and lignans. Flaxseed can be found in different presentation forms (grain or flour) ...Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is composed mainly of bioactive components such as polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber and lignans. Flaxseed can be found in different presentation forms (grain or flour) and varieties (brown or golden);however, questions have arisen as to whether the presentation form and/or variety may influence the health effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects on blood pressure, anthropometric and oxidative parameters in healthy human volunteers. All subjects received 40 gram aliquots of flaxseed and were instructed to consume them in their entirety mixed with water in the morning for a period of 14 days. Oxidative parameters showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in oxidative damage to lipids and proteins via dietary intervention with golden flaxseed grains. There were no significant differences in anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, DNA damage and micronuclei frequency after 14-day supplementation. This research indicates that golden flaxseed grains can be a valuable adjunct for disease prevention and protecting the organism against oxidative damage.展开更多
The process of oxidation, due to free radicals, is the cause of major concern for human health. In particular damages related to the skin have great relevance;therefore, many antioxidants based products are developed ...The process of oxidation, due to free radicals, is the cause of major concern for human health. In particular damages related to the skin have great relevance;therefore, many antioxidants based products are developed and marketed with the intention to counteract the action of free radicals. The seed of Araucaria angustifolia is a rich source of antioxidants due to the presence of bioflavonoids to counteract free radicals damages. In this study, two extracts, one from the seed external teguments (shell) and the other from the inner seed pulp (endosperm and embryo) were obtained in order to evaluate possible applications to the dermo-cosmetic field. In parallel the following different methods were employed to characterize both the extracts and to determine their antioxidant capacity: HPTLC, ABTS and DPPH, ORAC and PLC. The qualitative analysis showed that both extracts have the antioxidant activity, but the quantitative evaluation revealed a more promising bioactivity from the shell than from the pulp. Therefore, it was evaluated the potential skin application of different cosmetic formulations, based on the presence of seed shell extract (W/O emulsion, O/W emulsion and gel). The best result was achieved with the W/O emulsion.展开更多
Our continued interest in the research and development of cosmetic active ingredients deriving from natural sources led us to investigate the potential of a purified extract of Ajuga reptans, a plant belonging to the ...Our continued interest in the research and development of cosmetic active ingredients deriving from natural sources led us to investigate the potential of a purified extract of Ajuga reptans, a plant belonging to the family Labiatae and known for its traditional use in skin healing. The extracts deriving from a biotechnology platform are composed by meristematic cell culture, developed in the frame of a NTFP (non-timber forest product) project, and characterized by high content in phenylpropanoid, of which teupolioside represents the majority component. The latter is a phenylpropanoid glucoside, structurally correlated echinacoside and known in the literature for the antioxidant properties. This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the applicability of the Ajuga reptans extract within different cosmetic formulations. In particular, Photochemiluminescence (PCL) was used to proof the antioxidant capacity of cosmetic formulations containing the product, in relation to the change of the title of teupolioside. Furthermore, UVA and UVB filtering properties were also investigated. The results of the study showed relevantly antioxidant capacity of the finished formulation against superoxide anion, which is the main reactive oxygen species responsible for skin aging and significant synergic capacities to filter UV radiation.展开更多
文摘Frailty is a critical intermediate status of the aging process with a multidimensional and multisystem nature and at higher risk for adverse health-related outcomes,including falls,disability,hospitalizations,institutionalization,mortality,dementia,and Alzheimer’s disease.Among different frailty phenotypes,oral frailty has been recently suggested as a novel construct defined as a decrease in oral function with a coexisting decline in cognitive and physical functions.We briefly reviewed existing evidence on operational definitions of oral frailty,assessment and screening tools,and possible relationships among oral frailty,oral microbiota,and Alzheimer’s disease neurodegeneration.Several underlying mechanism may explain the oral health-frailty links including undernutrition,sarcopenia linked to both poor nutrition and frailty,psychosocial factors,and the chronic inflammation typical of oral disease.Oral microbiota may influence Alzheimer’s disease risk through circulatory or neural access to the brain and the interplay with periodontal disease,often causing tooth loss also linked to an increased Alzheimer’s disease risk.On this bases,COR388,a bacterial protease inhibitor targeting Porphyromonas gingivalis implicated in periodontal disease,is now being tested in a double-blind,placebocontrolled Phase II/III study in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease.Therefore,oral status may be an important contributor to general health,including Alzheimer’s disease and latelife cognitive disorders,suggesting the central role of preventive strategies targeting the novel oral frailty phenotype and including maintenance and improvement of oral function and nutritional status to reduce the burden of both oral dysfunction and frailty.
基金Supported by Department of Internal Medicine,Nephrology and Ageing of University of Bologna,Italy
文摘AIM:To investigate whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with benign focal liver lesions and vascular liver diseases, since these have been occasionally reported in SLE patients. METHODS:Thirty-five consecutive adult patients with SLE and 35 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Hepatic and portal vein patency and presence of focal liver lesions were studied by colour-Doppler ultrasound, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance were used to refine the diagnosis, clinical data of SLE patients were reviewed. RESULTS:Benign hepatic lesions were common in SLE patients (54% vs 14% controls, P < 0.0001), withhemangioma being the most commonly observed lesion in the two groups. SLE was associated with the presence of single hemangioma [odds ratios (OR) 5.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91-13.38] and multiple hemangiomas (OR 4.13; 95% CI 1.03-16.55). Multiple hemangiomas were associated with a longer duration of SLE (9.9 ± 6.5 vs 5.5 ± 6.4 years; P = 0.04). Imaging prior to SLE onset was available in 9 patients with SLE and hemangioma, showing absence of lesions in 7/9. The clinical data of our patients suggest that SLE pos- sibly plays a role in the development of hemangioma. In addition, a Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH), and a NRH associated with hepatic hemangioma were observed, both in patients hospitalized for abdominal symptoms, suggesting that vascular liver diseases should be specifically investigated in this population. CONCLUSION:SLE is associated with 5-fold increased odds of liver hemangiomas, suggesting that these might be considered among the hepatic manifestations of SLE.
文摘BACKGROUND Although the benefits of exercise for kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)have been widely demonstrated,these patients experience several barriers in undertaking a structured exercise program in hospital and non-hospital facilities.AIM To compare the effects of a supervised moderate-intensity gym-based intervention with a home-based low-intensity walking program on exercise capacity in KTRs.METHODS KTRs were asked to choose between two six-month programs.The first group performed a low-intensity interval walking intervention at home-based exercise intervention (HBex). The second group performed a supervised training program at an adapted physical activitygym (Sgym), including aerobic and resistance training. The outcomes, collected at baseline and at the end of theprograms, included the 6-minute walking test, the peak oxygen consumption (VO_(2)peak) during a treadmill test,the 5-time sit-to-stand test, and blood pressure.RESULTSSeventeen patients agreed to participate and self-selected into the HBex (n = 9) and Sgym (n = 8) groups. Twopatients in the Sgym group dropped out because of familial problems. At baseline, patients in the HBex group weresignificantly older and had lower walking distance, VO_(2)peak, and lower limb strength. Primary outcome changeswere significantly greater in the HBex group than in the Sgym group (52 ± 23 m vs 8 ± 34;P = 0.005). No othersignificant differences between groups were observed. Both groups improved most of the outcomes in the withingroupcomparisons, with significant variations in VO_(2) peak.CONCLUSIONSix-month moderate-intensity supervised or low-intensity home-based training programs effectively improvedexercise capacity in KTRs. Gym-based programs combine aerobic and resistance training;however, in-homewalking may be proposed for frail KTRs.
基金Supported by A scientific grant(FAR–Fondo Ateneo Ricerca)from the University of Ferrara,Italy(in part)
文摘AIM: To investigate the possible association between Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy(TTC)-a reversible clini-cal condition mimicking an acute myocardial infarction characterized by multifactorial pathophysiologic mecha-nisms- and respiratory system diseases. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE medical information sources, to identify the different triggering causes, limiting our search to ar-ticles in English. The search keywords were: "tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy", "takotsubo", "takotsubo cardiomyopa-thy", "broken heart syndrome", "stress-induced cardio-myopathy", "apical ballooning syndrome", and "ampulla cardiomyopathy in combination with respiratory dis-eases, lung, pulmonary disease. For each kind of dis-ease, we registered: author, year and country of study, patient sex, age, concurring situation, and outcome. RESULTS: Out of a total of 1725 articles found, we se-lected 37 papers reporting a total of 38 patients. As ex-pected, most patients were women(81.6%), mean age was 65 ± 10 years. Outcome was favorable in 100% of cases, and all the patients have been discharged un-eventfully in a few days. CONCLUSION: An association between respiratory diseases and TTC is likely to exist. Patients with severe respiratory diseases, due to the high dosages of β2-agonists used or to the need of invasive procedures, are highly exposed to the risk of developing TTC.
文摘Background: Intestinal protothecosis is an uncommon and insidious mycotic <span>disease. Only one human case and a few rare cases in dogs have been re</span>ported. To the authors’ knowledge, intestinal protothecosis has never been reported in cats. Case description: This paper describes a case of intestinal protothecosis in a nine-month-old male, Bengal cat. The cat presented because of onset <span>of haemorrhagic diarrhoea. Investigations allowed diagnosis of intestinal </span>protothecosis, confirmed by PCR test on faeces. Treatment with itraconazole did not improve the clinical signs. Treatment with nystatin was prescribed and caused improvement in the clinical signs and decreased number of pathogens seen on faecal cytology. PCR on faecal samples was negative two months after treatment, with complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: Infection with<i> <span>Prototheca</span></i> should be part of the list of differential diagnoses for diarrhoea in <span>cats. nystatin was effective in treating the infection in this case;this drug</span> should be considered as a first-line treatment in cats as well as in dogs, in which</span><span> </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">protothecosis appears to have a poor prognosis. Although protothecosis is not considered a zoonotic disease, cases of algal infections in companion animals might be considered indicators of environmental risks for humans.
文摘According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)data,more than 65%of people aged≥60 years are hypertensive.[1]Diabetes mellitus,dyslipidemia,obesity and renal failure are frequently associated with hypertension,increasing the risk of negative outcomes,such as stroke and myocardial infarction.
文摘Lemierre’s syndrome(LS)is an uncommon condition with oropharyngeal infections,internal jugular vein thrombosis,and systemic metastatic septic embolization as the main features.Fusobacterium species,a group of strictly anaerobic Gram negative rod shaped bacteria,are advocated to be the main pathogen involved.We report a case of LS complicated by pulmonary embolism and pulmonary septic emboli that mimicked a neoplastic lung condition.A Medline search revealed 173 case reports of LS associated with internal jugular vein thrombosis that documented the type of microorganism.Data confirmed high prevalence in young males with Gram negative infections(83.2%).Pulmonary embolism was reported in 8.7% of cases mainly described in subjects with Gram positive infections(OR=9.786;95%CI:2.577-37.168,P=0.001),independently of age and gender.Only four fatal cases were reported.LS is an uncommon condition that could be complicated by pulmonary embolism,especially in subjects with Gram positive infections.
基金Supported by Grants from the Universidade Federal do Pampa,Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul,Universidade Federal de Santa Maria,Fundao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul(FAPERGS)-FAPERGS/PRONEX,and FAPERGS/PRONEM,Coordenao de Aperfeioamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior,Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico,Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos
文摘AIM: To determine the plasmatic iron content and evaluate the oxidative stress(OS) markers in subjects receiving blood therapy.METHODS: Thirty-nine individuals with unspecified anemia receiving blood transfusions and 15 healthy subjects were included in the study. Anemic subjects were divided into three subgrou P:(1) those that received up to five blood transfusions(n = 14);(2) those that received from five to ten transfusions(n = 11); and(3) those that received more than ten transfusions(n = 14). Blood samples were collected by venous arm puncture and stored in tubes containing heparin. The plasma and cells were separated by centrifugation and subsequently used for analyses. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance followed by Dunn's multiple comparison tests when appropriate.RESULTS: The eletrophoretic hemoglobin profiles of the subjects included in this study indicated that no patients presented with hemoglobinopathy. Labile plasmatic iron, ferritin, protein carbonyl, thiobarbituric acidreactive substances(TBARS) and dichlorofluorescein diacetate oxidation were significantly higher(P < 0.05), whereas total thiol levels were significantly lower(P < 0.05) in transfused subjects compared to controls. Additionally, the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly lower in the transfused subjects(P < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities and total thiol levels were positively correlated(P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with the levels of protein carbonyl and TBARS(P < 0.05). In contrast, protein carbonyl and TBARS were positively correlated(P < 0.05). Altogether, these data confirm the involvement of OS in patients following therapy with repeated blood transfusions.CONCLUSION: Our data reveal that changes in OS markers are correlated with levels of labile plasmatic iron and ferritin and the number of transfusions.
文摘BACKGROUND Masked diastolic hypotension is a new blood pressure(BP)pattern detected by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM)in elderly hypertensives.The aim of this study was to relate ABPM and comorbidity in a cohort of fit elderly subjects attending an outpatient hypertension clinic.METHODS Comorbidity was assessed by Charlson comorbidity index(CCI)and CHA_(2)DS_(2)VASc score.All subjects evaluated with ABPM were aged≥65 years.CCI and CHA_(2)DS_(2)VASc score were calculated.Diastolic hypotension was defined as mean am-bulatory diastolic BP<65 mmHg and logistic regression analysis was carried out in order to detect and independent relationship between comorbidity burden and night-time diastolic BP<65 mmHg.RESULTS We studied 174 hypertensive elderly patients aged 72.1±5.2 years,men were 93(53.4%).Mean CCI was 0.91±1.14 and mean CHA_(2)DS_(2)VASc score of 2.68±1.22.Subjects with night-time mean diastolic values<65 mmHg were higher in females[54.7%vs.45.3%,P=0.048;odds ratio(OR)=1.914,95%CI:1.047−3.500].Logistic regression analysis showed that only CHA_(2)DS_(2)-VASc score was independently associated with night-time mean diastolic values<65 mmHg(OR=1.518,95%CI:1.161−1.985;P=0.002),but CCI was not.CONCLUSIONS ABPM and comorbidity evaluation appear associated in elderly fit subjects with masked hypotension.Com-orbid women appear to have higher risk for low ambulatory BP.
文摘Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is composed mainly of bioactive components such as polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber and lignans. Flaxseed can be found in different presentation forms (grain or flour) and varieties (brown or golden);however, questions have arisen as to whether the presentation form and/or variety may influence the health effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects on blood pressure, anthropometric and oxidative parameters in healthy human volunteers. All subjects received 40 gram aliquots of flaxseed and were instructed to consume them in their entirety mixed with water in the morning for a period of 14 days. Oxidative parameters showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in oxidative damage to lipids and proteins via dietary intervention with golden flaxseed grains. There were no significant differences in anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, DNA damage and micronuclei frequency after 14-day supplementation. This research indicates that golden flaxseed grains can be a valuable adjunct for disease prevention and protecting the organism against oxidative damage.
文摘The process of oxidation, due to free radicals, is the cause of major concern for human health. In particular damages related to the skin have great relevance;therefore, many antioxidants based products are developed and marketed with the intention to counteract the action of free radicals. The seed of Araucaria angustifolia is a rich source of antioxidants due to the presence of bioflavonoids to counteract free radicals damages. In this study, two extracts, one from the seed external teguments (shell) and the other from the inner seed pulp (endosperm and embryo) were obtained in order to evaluate possible applications to the dermo-cosmetic field. In parallel the following different methods were employed to characterize both the extracts and to determine their antioxidant capacity: HPTLC, ABTS and DPPH, ORAC and PLC. The qualitative analysis showed that both extracts have the antioxidant activity, but the quantitative evaluation revealed a more promising bioactivity from the shell than from the pulp. Therefore, it was evaluated the potential skin application of different cosmetic formulations, based on the presence of seed shell extract (W/O emulsion, O/W emulsion and gel). The best result was achieved with the W/O emulsion.
文摘Our continued interest in the research and development of cosmetic active ingredients deriving from natural sources led us to investigate the potential of a purified extract of Ajuga reptans, a plant belonging to the family Labiatae and known for its traditional use in skin healing. The extracts deriving from a biotechnology platform are composed by meristematic cell culture, developed in the frame of a NTFP (non-timber forest product) project, and characterized by high content in phenylpropanoid, of which teupolioside represents the majority component. The latter is a phenylpropanoid glucoside, structurally correlated echinacoside and known in the literature for the antioxidant properties. This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the applicability of the Ajuga reptans extract within different cosmetic formulations. In particular, Photochemiluminescence (PCL) was used to proof the antioxidant capacity of cosmetic formulations containing the product, in relation to the change of the title of teupolioside. Furthermore, UVA and UVB filtering properties were also investigated. The results of the study showed relevantly antioxidant capacity of the finished formulation against superoxide anion, which is the main reactive oxygen species responsible for skin aging and significant synergic capacities to filter UV radiation.
