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Abstract: Plant sterols/stanols inhibit cholesterol absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The daily consumption of2 g/day of plant sterols/stanols decreaseslow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by approximately 10%. Plant sterols/stanols also reduce LDL-C levels when co-administered with statins, a fact useful for patients intolerable to high-dose statins. However, no randomized, controlled clinical trials have examined the clinical benefit of daily consumption of plant sterols/stanols. Furthermore, concerns regarding a possible atherogenic effect of plant sterols have been expressed. The use of plant sterols/stanols-enriched foods is a useful adjunct for hypercholesterolemic patients to achieve their LDL-C target, but we need more data to establish if this hypolipidemic effect results to reduced cardiovascular risk. Keywords: Plant sterols, plant stanols, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Aims:The specific aim of this review was to compile the first systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses from a range of studies that evaluates the evidence that elevated homocysteine may be a risk factor for CVD. Data Synthesis:379 entries were identified by initial screening using set criteria revealing eleven meta-analyses, one systematic review, two systematic reviews/meta-analyses and ten other studies, between 1994 and 2013.These studies compared homocysteine levels and its relationship with twelve different types of CVD chronic conditions. Final methodological quality assessment was conducted independently using the instrument AMSTAR for the systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The remaining studies were assessed using data extraction tools from JBI QARI, Appendix 2 & 4 packages. Conclusions:From the selected studies, 82.8% of the CVD conditions demonstrated that epidemiologic and clinical data strongly indicated that elevated homocysteine levels is a risk factor for primary CVD. 71.4% of the CVD conditions demonstrated that plasma tHcy can be employed as an independent biomarker. Despite 46.2% of the CVD conditions finding that reducing plasma tHcy lowers the risk of many CVD events, it remains unclear whether the reduction in plasma tHcy will reduce the risk of some CVD events; it is therefore considered prudent to take precautionary measures to aim for normal levels of homocysteine to avoid the risk of developing or exacerbating CVD. Moreover, it was shown that levels of homocysteine can be profoundly affected by diet, supplementation and lifestyle. The present study will help to clarify the present scientific understanding of this subject. Keywords: Hyperhomocysteinemia, cardiovascular disease, metabolism, diet, lifestyle.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Background: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is most prevalent form of anemia affecting around 2 billion people world-wide. Ayurveda, an Indian system of medicine, describes pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruits as a Rasayana and a dietary supplement for managing a condition called Pandu, which is akin to IDA. Rasayanas are methods to maintain homeostasis by improving digestion, metabolism and absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been a well-accepted model organism to study iron metabolism. Materials & Methods: In the current study we developed ‘anemic yeast’ by culturing yeast cells in iron-free medium with bathophenanthroline disulfonate (BPS). The effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) on reversing the ‘IDA like’ condition in yeast was studied. Results: Culturing iron deficient (ID) cells in the presence of 10% PJ supplemented medium (IDP), improved iron status by at least 7 fold (p<0.0001) and reversed mitochondrial degeneration induced by iron deficiency. Percentage of healthy reticulate mitochondria in IDP cells was >30% higher (p<0.0001) than that in the ID cells grown in iron deficient medium (IDD) and at least 14% more than that in ID cells grown in 10% PJ-equivalent iron substituted media. Interestingly, PJ substitution improved the functional ferrous (Fe2+) form as well as the bio-assimilated heme form of iron, but not the ferric (Fe3+) storage form in ID cells. Conclusion: Yeast model can be useful as a quick screen to identify potential nutritional supplements. Pomegranate’s potential role as a nutritional supplement in IDA management and as a hematinic is worthy of further research. Keywords: Iron deficiency anemia, Ayurveda, Pandu, Pomegranate, Rasayana, S. cerevisiae.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Ageing is characterized by a progressive decline in the physiological functions of various organs. Mitochondrial alterations occurring in senescence. Antioxidants, including coenzyme Q10 concentration, fall with ageing and contribute to enhanced oxidative stress age-related diseases. The impairment of platelet mitochondrial function occurs in a broad spectrum of diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate mitochondrial function in platelets in elderly and young human controls and correlate it with a concentration of coenzyme Q10. Platelets mitochondrial function was determined by the use of High-Resolution Respirometry method. We did not find significantly decreased platelet mitochondrial function in elderly subjects. Dependence of platelets mitochondrial respiratory chain function and ATP production at Complex I on a concentration of coenzyme Q10 in platelets and whole blood in young not in elderly human volunteers was documented. This dependence was not found for Complex II in any group. Platelet mitochondrial coenzyme Q10 concentration was insufficient for improving platelet mitochondrial function in elderly human subjects. Recommending supplementation with coenzyme Q10 in elderly and aged humans is waranted. High-Resolution Respirometry method offers a perspective to diagnose mitochondrial energy metabolism which might be useful for further studies in patients with mitochondrial disorders. Our results could contribute to the explanation of platelets mitochondrial function in elderly and aged human subjects. Keywords: Platelets, mitochondria, High-Resolution Respirometry, coenzyme Q10, age.
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Abstract: Preterm infants are particularly susceptible to abnormal colonization and are therefore prone to systemic infections due to increased intestinal permeability to potentially pathogens. Abnormal pattern of colonization in pre-term infants may contribute to the pathogenesis of neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), an acquired gastrointestinal (GI) disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Introduction of foods containing probiotic cultures may be advantageous as probiotics prevented gut colonization by abnormal flora. Endeavour has been made to explore the mechanism of gut colonization, suitability of breast milk for preterm infants, effect of administration of probiotics to preterm infants and its safety concerns.Human milk is also suitable for the management of premature infants but fortified breast milk may be a preferred choice and not the pooled pasteurized breast milk. Based upon Randomized Controlled Trials administration of probiotic in preterm infants with a birth weight >1000 g could be recommended due to significantly reduction in incidence of NEC and no systemic infections or serious adverse events was reported. Administration of probiotics in preterm neonates is recommended but further research is emerging for its routine application. Probiotic supplementation in preterm neonates exhibited good safety profile and did not show any side effects and can be recommended for preterm infants but not for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants [1, 2]. Keywords: Probiotics, Preterm infants,Breast milk,Gut colonization.Download Full Article |