Chronic Heart failure (HF) may be associated with cardiac cachexia characterized with weight loss as well as with nutritional deficiency [1-4]. The increased oxidative stress in chronic HF attempts to consume various nutrients present in the cardiomyocyte as well as endogenous antioxidants. Vitamin C, E and beta carotene, as well as coenzyme Q10 are potential antioxidants for protection against oxidative stress developed in HF patients [1-5]. The increase in homocysteine due to oxidative stress, is antagonized by vitamins; B6, B12 and folic acid. The decrease in magnesium and potassium due to long term diuretic therapy in HF which can predispose arrhythmiogenesis, leading to rhythm disturbances and sudden cardiac death [3-5]. L-carnitine, cysteins and taurine amino acids are also reduced in chronic HF and their supplementation may be protective [6-8]. It seems that these nutrients can be administered as nutraceuticals among these patients with chronic HF. Apart from above micronutrients, calcium, selenium, zinc, thiamine, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may play a more important role than previously thought [1-9]. Increased concentration of aldosterone and chronic use of loop diuretics increase urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium, leading to arrhythmias and secondary hyperparathyroidism, which in turn depletes calcium from bone and drives calcium into cells, causing further increase in oxidative stress [8-12]. Vitamin D deficiency, can enhance the damage, which now appears ubiquitous in northern
D-aspartic acid (DAA), nitrate, and vitamin D3 have received considerable attention in recent years for their potential health-enhancing properties. Using an open-label design, we evaluated the impact of a DAA/sodium nitrate/ vitamin D3 dietary supplement on blood testosterone and nitrate/nitrite, as well as subjective indicators of health, in middle-aged men. Methods: 10 overweight or obese men (mean age: 42 years) were assigned to ingest a DAA/sodium nitrate/ vitamin D3 supplement (either one or two servings per day) for 28 days. Blood total and free testosterone and nitrate/nitrite was measured before and after 14 and 28 days of supplementation. Subjective assessment of to health indicators (e.g., energy level, libido) was included at each collection time. Results: Total and free testosterone increased on average 5-10%, which was not of statistical significance (p>0.05). The response was highly variable; some men failed to respond to treatment, while men with relatively low basal testosterone values experienced increases exceeding 20%. Plasma nitrate/nitrite was increased approximately 6-10 fold after treatment with the supplement, with a trend noted for a time effect (p=0.07). Men reported a significantly better feeling following supplement use, as evidenced by a time effect for both vitality (p=0.02) and libido (p=0.04), with a trend noted for increased energy level (p=0.08) and mental outlook and mood (p=0.10). Conclusion: Twenty-eight days of treatment with a DAA/sodium nitrate/ vitamin D3 dietary supplement increased blood nitrate/nitrite and improved subjective feelings of vitality and libido in middle-aged men. In selected men with low basal testosterone values, the supplement increased circulating levels of this hormone.
Background: Western diet appears to be a risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes and cancer whereas dietary supplements of functional foods rich Mediterranean diets are inversely associated, among individuals and populations with underlying lack of general and health education.We have only scanty information about functional foods which may be considered as nutraceuticals.The prevalence of optimal functional food eating behavior pattern in the population is unknown.This study examines the prevalence of optimal functional foods eating behavior as a protective factor among victims dying due to NCDs to find out the accuracy of the verbal autopsy questionnaire.Subjects and Methods: Death records of 2,222 (1,385 men and 837 women) decedents, aged 25-64 years, out of 3,034 death records, were randomly selected and studied by verbal autopsy questionnaires.All the risk factors and protective factors were assessed by questionnaires which were completed with the help of the victim's spouse and a local treating doctor, by a trained scientist.The lack of knowledge on health education about the role of adverse effects of Western foods was assessed by the questionnaires.Functional food intake was considered in presence of fruit, vegetable and legume intake of minimum 250g/day (moderate) and ideally 400g/day consistent with WHO guidelines. Results:The prevalence of optimal prudent foods intake behavior; fruit, vegetable and legume (>250g/day) intake were observed among 51.4% (n=712) men and 50.4% (n=422) women.Western type food (>255g/day)intake was observed among 63.2% (n=875)men and 59.9% (n=502) women.The prevalence of optimal functional food intake was significantly greater among men compared to women (19.4 vs 14.6%, P<0.05).The consumption of functional food not fruits; grapes and apples, guava, stargoose berry and lemon and onion, garlic ginger was significantly greater among men as compared to women.Other functional foods such as soy products, mustard or olive oil, curd or yogurt, nuts and fish, tea and cocoa, spices; turmeric, cumin, coriander seeds and peppers intake showed no significant difference between two sexes.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjustment of age and body weight, total functional foods intakes and fruit, vegetable, legume and nuts intake were significantly inversely associated with deaths due to NCDs, whereas Western type foods (red meat and eggs, refined foods ) were positively associated with these causes of deaths, in both sexes.Total spices intake, mustard/olive oil intake and curd or yogurt intake, were inversely but weakly associated with causes of deaths due to NCDs, among both men and women.The prevalence of protective behavior pattern was observed among half of the victims, dying due to injury and accidents where such behaviors were uncommon among decedents dying due to NCDs.Conclusions: It is possible that protective health behavior about functional food intake can be accurately assessed by a verbal autopsy questionnaire administered to a spouse of the decedents among Indians.The consumption of functional food appears to be lower among victims dying due to CVDs and cancer.
Skin, the main barrier to the external environment, is subject to deterioration caused by dermatological disorders, environmental conditions and the intrinsic ageing process. This damage to both structure and function may be accelerated by smoking, alcohol consumption and chronic sun exposure (extrinsic components). All these factors may lead to the formation of wrinkles, the appearance of brown spots and skin thickening. One effective strategy to managing the skin ageing process is adopting a healthy nutritional approach to life, maintaining a balanced diet and a good supply of food supplements. This can restore the homeostasis of macro and micronutrients and support the physiology of cells and tissues in the skin. Hydrolysed collagen, an increasingly popular nutraceutical, is composed of low molecular weight small peptides, which are easily digestible, absorbed and distributed in the human body. Numerous clinical trials have now been performed showing the efficacy and benefits of collagen peptides on skin properties, such as hydration, elasticity and reduction of wrinkles. As a result, hydrolysed collagen can be considered an important weapon in the everyday fight against skin ageing.
Alpha Lipid Colostem TM is a proprietary blend of colostrum and other natural ingredients, designed to enhance stem cell activity following consumption. Previous animal feeding studies demonstrated that oral supplementation increased the frequency of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. To further characterise the steady-state effect of this supplement on stem cell activity, a feeding study was conducted in groups of mice (n=5 per group) to investigate circulating as well as bone marrow hematopoietic and mesenchymal/stromal stem cell subsets using multi-colour flow cytometry-based methodologies. The results demonstrated that supplementation increased the number and proportion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in the blood, suggesting there was effective release of stem cells from the bone marrow niche into the circulation. Analysis of bone marrow cells showed a concomitant reduction in the proportion of total HSC, however within the HSC compartment there was a relative increase of CD34 + c-Kit + and reduction in CD34 + Sca-1 + HSC subsets. Mesenchymal/stromal stem cell (CD105 + CD29 + ) numbers showed a decrease in the peripheral blood, with an increased proportion detected in the bone marrow. Alpha Lipid Colostem supplementation also correlated with increased the number of blood granulocytes demonstrating enhancement of hematopoietic stem cell differentiation. These findings further strengthen the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with a synergistic combination of bovine colostrum and immune stimulatory carbohydrates promotes coherent activation of the stem cell niche.
Alcohol appears to be a double-edged sword because moderate alcohol intake is protective whereas drinking more than 10 drinks in a week appears to have adverse effects on morbidity and mortality.Recently, the exponential nature of the relation between average alcohol consumption and mortality has been demonstrated in Russia.This study revealed that substantial numbers of people report drinking three or more half-litre bottles of vodka per week.However, the exponential curves for dose-response relations between average volume of alcohol consumption and the mortality risk of various diseases is not fully explained.The variation in mortality may be due to presence of confounders such as physical activity, greater consumption of fish and salads which are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenolics.It is possible that patients with type 2 diabetes, moderate alcohol us-e, particularly wine consumption, is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.Serge C. Renaud gave the definition of the French paradox and suggested that the inhibition of platelet reactivity by wine may be one explanation for protection from CAD in France.It is known that aging of alcohol also increases 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and therefore moderate drinking of aged whisky and other alcoholic drinks in moderation may provide beneficial effects.Excess of alcohol intake causes decreases in vitamin B1, B6 and B12 as well as in folic acid, antioxidants vitamins A,E ,C and beta carotene, flavonoids, amino acids, coenzyme Q10, l-carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids as well as in minerals magnesium, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, chromium and selenium.Alcoholism also has a direct adverse effects on cell membrane, mitochondria and genes.Alcoholic cirrhosis, fatty liver, cardiomyopathy, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, oxidative stress and inflammation are well known adverse effects of alcoholism.It also damages the brain causing dementia, depression and psychosis.However, moderate alcohol intake up to 10 drinks per week may have beneficial effects on the risk of all these problems.Moderate alcohol intake increases HDL-C, and decreases C-reactive proteins, IL-6, TNF-alpha, Lp (a), plasminogen activator inhibiter-1, insulin resistance which are risk markers of CVDs, type 2 diabetes and cancer.These beneficial effects are enhanced by omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenolics that are rich in Mediterranean style diets.Vodka and spirits can be made healthly if enriched with fish oil or alpha-linolenic acid (rich source of w-3) and cocoa (flavanol) which can repair this deficiency.It is like a cleaning drink for the all the organs of the body.If standard Vodka is 40% alcohol, then we need +/-1-g DHA per 500-ml bottle.
Ferulic acid, a natural antioxidant, has the potential to prevent inflammation and to modulate angiogenesis in both in vivo and in vitro models. The present study has investigated the modulating effect of ferulic acid on the expression pattern of COX-2, NF-B and VEGF during 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Over expression of COX-2, NF-B and VEGF was noticed in the oral tumor tissues of hamsters treated with DMBA. Oral administration of ferulic acid at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight to hamsters treated with DMBA completely prevented the tumor formation and downregulated the expression of COX-2, NF-B and VEGF during DMBA induced oral carcinogenesis. The present results suggest that ferulic acid might have suppressed oral tumor formation by down regulating the expression of COX-2, NF-B and VEGF during DMBA induced oral carcinogenesis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most common, chronic autoimmune disease with no known cure, and a priority for biological research in the twenty first century.The limitations in the efficacy and safety of current treatment strategies are driving the need for new, safe and effective medications.Recent experimental findings focus on the potential of neutraceuticals for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.In this review, we summarize the effect of several dietary phytochemicals against RA with important biochemical findings.A number of dietary phytochemicals can either retard or improve the RA by their anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and enzyme inhibitory effects.This review suggests that the dietary phytochemicals have immense potential, to be developed as safe and effective treatment options.More research is required to understand how dietary phytochemicals affect rheumatoid arthritis.
Girardinia heterophylla (Decne), distributed extensively in Middle Himalayas, is a potential source of Leaf Protein Concentrate (LPC).Present study envisages the phytochemical investigations to assess the availability and commercial viability of LPC of G. heterophylla.Samples of plant leaves were collected from Mussoorie Hills of Uttarakhand (India) and contents of LPC were isolated.Proximate analysis of LPC for nitrogen, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate content revealed their concentration in appreciable quantities making it a potential source of nonconventional protein.LPC has important biochemical characteristics, which establish the usefulness and potential of leaves of this plant to be used as animal fodder for better milk production and also as nutritionally rich source for protein for human consumption.
Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a major neurotrophin which may have promise to be a nutraceutical of this decade. It has a documented role in neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and neuronal survival. BDNF can have beneficial effects on several cardio-metabolic and neuro-psychiatric disorders, indicating that it is important in brain- body interactions. Diet and lifestyle factors may also have an influence on BDNF levels. In this review, we examine the beneficial role of BDNF on risk factors of vascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus and anxiety disorders. Methods: In- ternet search and discussion with peer colleagues. Results: Majority of the BDNF (70-80%) is derived from dendrite of neurons but it is also present in other body tissues. BDNF controls the food intake and appetite as well as lipid and glu- cose metabolism. Sedentary behavior and tobacco intake may be associated with BDNF deficiency. Lower serum concen- tration of BDNF and higher vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations were associated with increased risk of incident stroke/TIA. BDNF may serve as an intermediate biomarker for subclinical vascular disease and may also have biological potential to serve as a therapeutic target for primary and secondary prevention of vascular diseases, as well as clinical and subclinical vascular brain disease. BDNF deficiency has been observed in association with anxiety, depres- sion, insomnia, dementia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and vascular diseases. The phenotypes associated with insulin resistance are at increased risk for developing cognitive decline and neuro-degeneration resulting in vascular dementia, and depression as well as diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, which are risk factors for CVDs. BDNF may be ad- ministered as nutraceutical due to its protective influence on BDNF concentrations, insulin receptors and hypothalamic dysfunction leading to beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk and neuropsychological dysfunction. It is proposed that omega-3 fatty acids and moderate physical activity may enhance BDNF release. Conclusions: It is possible that circulat- ing BDNF deficiency is a risk factor for obesity, CVDs and diabetes as well as risk factor for neuropsychiatric diseases. BDNF administration may modify the risk of clinical and subclinical stroke, depression, and dementia as well as of obe- sity and type 2 diabetes.
In the present study, we aim to define the cytoprotective mechanism of ()schisandrin B [()Sch B] in comparison with other phytochemicals in SH-SY5Y cells.The effects of ()Sch B and curcumin (Cur), resveratrol (Rev) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on -amyloid (A)-induced apoptosis were investigated in SH-SY5Y cells.Cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and peroxide-induced GSH depletion were measured.Activities of glutathione reductase (GR) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6DPH) in Aβ-challenged cells were also examined.All tested phytochemicals were investigated for the activation of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in SH-SY5Y cells, using a luciferase-based assay.Finally, they were examined for the effect on the extent of phosphorylation of Tau in Achallenged cells.The results showed that only ()Sch B and EGCG protected against Aβ-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells.The cytoprotection afforded by ()Sch B and EGCG were associated with an increase in cellular GSH levels in Aβchallenged cells and a reduction in peroxide-induced GSH depletion.However, only ()Sch B, but not EGCG, increased G6DPH and GR activities in Aβ-challenged cells and caused the activation of Nrf2 in unchallenged cells.Both ()Sch B and EGCG reduced the extent of Tau phosphorylayion in Aβ-challenged cells.In conclusion, ()Sch B may enhance cellular glutathione redox cycling, presumably by increasing G6PDH and GR activities, via activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, whereas EGCG likely acts as a radical scavenger.Both ()Sch B and EGCG suppressed the phosphorylation of Tau in Aβ-challenged cells, suggesting their potential in ameliorating the pathological condition of Alzheimer's disease.
We investigated the effect of Euphorbia supina extract on the production of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in order to evaluate its antioxidative activity.The H 2 O 2 -induced ROS generation was measured with dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay.The acetone+methylene chloride (A+M) and methanol (MeOH) extracts dose-dependently decreased ROS production induced by H 2 O 2 compared to the extract-free control during the 120 min assay.The MeOH extract showed a higher inhibitory effect on the A+M at all concentrations tested.All tested fractions showed a decrease in ROS production with increase in concentration.Treatments with n-hexane and 85% aqueous methanol (MeOH) fractions (0.5 mg/mL concentrations) showed 82% and 97% inhibition rate, respectively, suggesting that the 85% aqueous MeOH fraction had ROS scavenging effects.These results indicate that the 85% aqueous MeOH fraction inhibited cellular oxidation and may contain valuable active compounds.
The effects of schisandrin B (Sch B), curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and resveratrol on the glutathione regeneration capacity (GRC) of liver and heart tissues ex vivo were examined in relation to their protective effects against CCl 4 hepatotoxicity in vivo and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury ex vivo in rats.Results indicated that Sch B, but not curcumin, EGCG or resveratrol, caused hepatic and myocardial GRC enhancement, which was paralleled by its protection against CCl 4 hepatotoxicity and myocardial I/R injury.Although resveratrol and curcumin failed to increase the GRC of liver/heart tissues, they did protect against CCl 4 hepatotoxicity and myocardial I/R injury.In conclusion, the Sch B-induced enhancement of GRC ex vivo correlated well with its ability to protect tissues against oxidant injury in vivo/ex vivo, suggesting that the GRC assay can be used as a monitor of tissue protection for compounds stimulating glutathione redox cycling.However, phytochemicals can also protect against oxidant injury through various other mechanisms.
To honor Douglas Wilson, this paper reviews evidence for studying and quantifying rhythms as the indispen- sable control, whether to assess the effect of a fixed-calorie meal taken as breakfast or dinner, or to understand how human physiology and pathology may be affected by space-terrestrial weather. Since D. Wilson's work has dealt intensively with salivary hormonal determinations, we illustrate what can be learned from longitudinal series obtained in health or from a patient suffering from adynamic depression episodes recurring twice a year and lasting 2-3 months. The socially less unacceptable collection of serial salivary samples should be introduced more broadly into laboratory medicine for a more refined diagnosis and as a means to guide the optimization of any needed treatment by timing.
Two patients presented with positive hepatitis B virus antigen reactivity.Both the patients had medical records indicating clinical and biochemical manifestations of viral hepatitis.Treatment with coenzyme Q10 and w-3 fatty acids was associated with reversal of antigenicity causing negative hepatitis B antigen reactivity.
Historical, current and future aspects of the potential value of 'phyto-oestrogens' and lifestyle in lowering the risk of endocrine cancer, and high-lighting the crucial importance of global policy makers in providing the means for a healthier diet, is the purport of this paper.Early studies in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and S.W. Australia demonstrated the potential value of oestrogen-like dietary constituents, viz.flavonoids and lignans, in treating menstrual dysfunction and acting as potential antioestrogens and anticarcingens, acting directly through oestrogen receptor mechanisms or even indirectly.This report also listed some international migrant studies.Chemopreventative strategies need to be undertaken, based on well-designed evidence-based information, which lead to the development of functional foods.A balance has to be struck which takes all major disease causes into account and, an affordable lifestyle strategy has to be developed for homo economicus, at different stages of human development, from the conceptus to old age, in which epigenetics must play a very significant role in disease prevention.
Process development and optimisation studies for the manufacturing process of N-methyl paroxetine was done by applying Quality by Design (QbD) principles. A normal operating range was defined for each process parameter by technique of design of experiments and knowledge of process chemistry to ensure consistent high quality of advanced intermediate and control of impurities. Initial challenges faced during early process development, were overcome by novel approach using polar aprotic solvents like sulpholane. Finally DMSO was used to improve overall impurity profile significantly.We have demonstrated a “ right first time” approach to avoid failures and bitter surprises during scale up in manufacturing plant.
African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is very popular with fish farmers and consumers, and commands a very high commercial value in Nigeria markets.The fresh fish sample collected from the fish farmer was smoked in a smoking kiln using sawdust, rice bran and melon husk while electric oven was used as the control.In the study proximate, mineral and amino acid compositions of the smoked fish samples were evaluated using standard analytical techniques.The crude protein content of the smoked fish samples ranged from 15.18% in sawdust heat treatment to 63.23% in electric oven heat source with CV% of 10.68 while crude fat range values were 9.47 -16.44% (CV% = 18.80).The most highly concentrated mineral was sodium (7.00 -9.95 mg/100g sample) and strictly followed by magnesium (5.45 -7.45 mg/100g sample).Lead and cadmium were not at the detectable range of AAS.The total essential amino acid (TEAA) with histidine in the smoked fish samples ranged from 40.25 g/100g crude protein in rice bran to 70.09 g/100g protein in sawdust heat sources while lysine had the highest concentrations (7.02 -7.78 g/100g protein).The calculated isoelectric point (pI) and predicted protein efficiency ratio (P-PER) were (4.99 -6.91) and (2.30 -2.52), respectively while first limiting amino acid (LAA) was isoleucine for electric oven and sawdust heat sources, and valine for melon husk and rice bran smoking.The number of essential amino acids where supplementation may be required in the smoked fish samples using four different heat sources was three each.Generally, all the fish samples were found to be good sources of essential minerals and amino acids.
Major research progress in the last few decades has elucidated the complex nexus between nutrition and health.Diet and lifestyle influence epigenetic changes that are heritable.However, a statement of reservation is needed here, viz.that it is often difficult to distinguish between epigenetic changes that are inherited from one generation to the next and true mutations, for instance in mitochondrial DNA.The last topic is a big one in its own right and will not be further discussed in this article.Epigenetic changes induced by dietary nutrients ultimately culminate in changes of the expression of genes through transcription and translation.The interaction between dietary nutrients and nuclear receptors triggers the signaling pathway, leading to modulation of epigenetic change and gene expression.Knowledge about nuclear receptors is important for explaining dietary modulation of transcription via recruitment of large protein complexes.These proteins are capable of causing modification of chromosomal components, can influence chromatin proteins, and affect the binding of proteins to particular parts of the DNA molecules controlling the expression of individual genes.Chromatin complexes between DNA and proteins can be destabilized by recruitment of transcriptional coactivators by histone acetylation.However, in the presence of hormone antagonists or in the absence of relevant ligands, recruitment of other cellular core proteins may stabilize chromatin by their influence on histone deacetylases, thus antagonizing the effect of enzymes causing histone acetylation.This article reviews the current knowledge on nutritional modulation of bioactive molecules by epigenetic changes, if they can regulate genetic expressions.The molecular mechanism of action of various dietary nutrients on gene expression mediated by nuclear receptors is also discussed.
