greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Tocotrienols attenuate UV-induced inflammaging.

BACKGROUND : UV radiation from the sun is the most common environmental stressor to damage the skin .
It is now well established that photodamaged skin manifests signs of mild but chronic inflammation , termed as '' inflammaging .
`` Thus , there is an urgent need for anti-inflammatory regimes that can limit the damage caused by inflammation .
OBJECTIVES : This study aimed to evaluate the possible palliative effects of a new topical nanoemulsion formulation containing tocotrienol-rich fraction ( TRF ) on UV-induced inflammation ( erythema ) of human skin .
METHODS : An in vitro model was used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleviate photodamage via attenuation of UV-induced oxidative stress and inflammation .
Two ex vivo models ( skin antioxidative potential and radical sun protection factor ) were used to determine the efficacy of different formulations of TRFon the skin .
A UV-induced erythema protection test in 20 subjects was conducted .
RESULTS : In vitro studies involving HaCaT keratinocytes revealed that TRF possesses marked anti-inflammatory properties , as indicated by the attenuation of UV-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines .
A 1 % TRF formulation was found to be more effective in enhancing the endogenous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % TRF in medium chain triglycerides because of its higher penetration kinetic profile .
The clinical study showed that formulated TRF was effective in reducing skin redness after UV irradiation as early as after 6 hours of application .
A significant depigmentation was also observed in TRF treatment subjects .
CONCLUSION : TRF may serve as an anti-inflammatory compound that is safe to be applied daily to protect the skin from UV-induced inflammaging .

BACKGROUND: UV radiation from the sun is the most common environmental stressor to damage the skin. It is now well established that photodamaged skin manifests signs of mild but chronic inflammation, termed as"inflammaging."Thus, there is an urgent need for anti-inflammatory regimes that can limit the damage caused by inflammation.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the possible palliative effects of a new topical nanoemulsion formulation containing tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on UV-induced inflammation (erythema) of human skin.
METHODS: An in vitro model was used to demonstrate the ability of TRF to alleviate photodamage via attenuation of UV-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Two ex vivo models (skin antioxidative potential and radical sun protection factor) were used to determine the efficacy of different formulations of TRFon the skin. A UV-induced erythema protection test in 20 subjects was conducted.
RESULTS: In vitro studies involving HaCaT keratinocytes revealed that TRF possesses marked anti-inflammatory properties, as indicated by the attenuation of UV-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A 1% TRF formulation was found to be more effective in enhancing the endogenous antioxidative protection of skin compared to 1% TRF in medium chain triglycerides because of its higher penetration kinetic profile. The clinical study showed that formulated TRF was effective in reducing skin redness after UV irradiation as early as after 6 hours of application. A significant depigmentation was also observed in TRF treatment subjects.
CONCLUSION: TRF may serve as an anti-inflammatory compound that is safe to be applied daily to protect the skin from UV-induced inflammaging.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Characterization of microbiota that influence immunomodulatory effects of fermented Brassica rapa L.

Lactic acid bacteria ( LAB ) exert beneficial health effects by regulating immune responses .
Brassica rapa L. , known as Nozawana , is commonly consumed as a lactic acid-fermented food called nozawana-zuke .
Few studies have investigated changes in the bacterial community and cytokine production activities during the fermentation of B. rapa L. In order to obtain more detail information , we herein conducted a study on fresh B. rapa L. fermented for 28 d. An amplicon analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that Lactobacillales predominated during fermentation , and the microbiota became less diverse on day 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promoted the production of interferon ( IFN ) -γ and interleukin ( IL ) -10 by mouse spleen cells more than non-fermented vegetables .
Lactobacillus curvatus was the predominant species during fermentation , followed by L. plantarum and L. brevis .
L. sakei was occasionally detected .
A correlation analysis showed that IFN-γ concentrations positivelycorrelated with the numbers of L. curvatus and L. plantarum , while those of IL-10 correlated with the numbers of L. sakei in addition to these 2 species .
Significantly higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 were induced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strains were added as starter cultures .
These results suggest that the Lactobacillus species present in fermented B. rapa L. are beneficial for manufacturing vegetables with immunomodulatory effects .

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) exert beneficial health effects by regulating immune responses. Brassica rapa L., known as Nozawana, is commonly consumed as a lactic acid-fermented food called nozawana-zuke. Few studies have investigated changes in the bacterial community and cytokine production activities during the fermentation of B. rapa L. In order to obtain more detail information, we herein conducted a study on fresh B. rapa L. fermented for 28 d. An amplicon analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that Lactobacillales predominated during fermentation, and the microbiota became less diverse on day 7 or later. Fermented B. rapa L. promoted the production of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 by mouse spleen cells more than non-fermented vegetables. Lactobacillus curvatus was the predominant species during fermentation, followed by L. plantarum and L. brevis. L. sakei was occasionally detected. A correlation analysis showed that IFN-γ concentrations positivelycorrelated with the numbers of L. curvatus and L. plantarum, while those of IL-10 correlated with the numbers of L. sakei in addition to these 2 species. Significantly higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 were induced by fermented B. rapa L. when isolated Lactobacillus strains were added as starter cultures. These results suggest that the Lactobacillus species present in fermented B. rapa L. are beneficial for manufacturing vegetables with immunomodulatory effects.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Some patients with COVID-19 showed intestinal microbialdysbiosis with decreased probiotics such as L

Some patients with COVID-19 showed intestinal microbialdysbiosis with decreased probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

The current epidemic situation of corona virus disease-19 ( COVID-19 ) still remained severe .
As the National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases , the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine is the primary medical care center for COVID-19 inZhejiang Province .
Based on the present expert consensus carried out by National Health Commission and National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine , our team summarized and established an effective treatment strategy centered on '' Four-Anti and Two-Balance '' for clinical practice .
The '' Four-Anti and Two-Balance '' strategy included antivirus , anti-shock , anti-hyoxemia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , electrolyte and acid base balance and microecological balance .
Meanwhile , integrated multidisciplinarypersonalized treatment was recommended to improve therapeutic effect .
The importance of early viralogical detection , dynamic monitoring of inflammatory indexes and chest radiograph was emphasized in clinical decision-making .
Sputum was observed with the highest positive rate of RT-PCR results .
Viral nucleic acids could be detected in10 % patients'blood samples at acute periodand 50 % of patients had positive RT-PCR results in their feces .
We also isolated alive viral strains from feces , indicating potential infectiousness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identifyingcytokine storms and application of artificial liver blood purification system .
The '' Four-Anti and Two-Balance '' strategyeffectively increased cure rate and reduced mortality .
Early antiviral treatment could alleviate disease severity and prevent illness progression , and we found lopinavir/ritonavir combined with abidol showed antiviraleffects in COVID-19 .
Shock and hypoxemia were usually caused by cytokine storms .
The artificial liver blood purification system could rapidly remove inflammatory mediators and block cytokine storm.Moreover , it also favoredthe balance of fluid , electrolyte and acid-base and thus improved treatment efficacy in critical illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early and also short periods of moderate glucocorticoid was supported .
Patients with oxygenation index below 200 mmHg should be transferred to intensive medical center .
Conservative oxygen therapy was preferred and noninvasive ventilation was not recommended .
Patients with mechanical ventilation should be strictly supervised with cluster ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention strategies .
Antimicrobial prophylaxis should be prescribed rationally and was not recommended except for patients with long course of disease , repeated fever and elevated procalcitonin ( PCT ) , meanwhile secondary fungal infection should be concerned.Some patients with COVID-19 showed intestinal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gastrointestinal function should be assessed for all patients.Nutritional support and application of prebiotics or probiotics were suggested to regulate the balance of intestinal microbiota and reduce the risk of secondary infection due to bacterial translocation .
Anxiety and fear were common in patients with COVID-19 .
Therefore , we established dynamic assessment and warning for psychological crisis .
We also integrated Chinese medicine in treatment to promote disease rehabilitation through classification methods of traditional Chinese medicine .
We optimized nursing process for severe patients to promote their rehabilitation .
It remained unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection .
Therefore , two weeks ' quarantine for discharged patients was required and a regular following up was also needed.The Zhejiang experience above and suggestions have been implemented in our center and achieved good results .
However , since COVID-19 was a newly emerging disease , more work was warranted to improve strategies of prevention , diagnosis and treatment for COVID-19 .

The current epidemic situation of corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) still remained severe. As the National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine is the primary medical care center for COVID-19 inZhejiang Province. Based on the present expert consensus carried out by National Health Commission and National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, our team summarized and established an effective treatment strategy centered on"Four-Anti and Two-Balance"for clinical practice. The"Four-Anti and Two-Balance"strategy included antivirus, anti-shock, anti-hyoxemia, anti-secondary infection, and maintaining of water, electrolyte and acid base balance and microecological balance. Meanwhile, integrated multidisciplinarypersonalized treatment was recommended to improve therapeutic effect. The importance of early viralogical detection, dynamic monitoring of inflammatory indexes and chest radiograph was emphasized in clinical decision-making. Sputum was observed with the highest positive rate of RT-PCR results. Viral nucleic acids could be detected in10% patients'blood samples at acute periodand 50% of patients had positive RT-PCR results in their feces. We also isolated alive viral strains from feces, indicating potential infectiousness of feces.Dynamic cytokine detection was necessary to timely identifyingcytokine storms and application of artificial liver blood purification system. The"Four-Anti and Two-Balance"strategyeffectively increased cure rate and reduced mortality. Early antiviral treatment could alleviate disease severity and prevent illness progression, and we found lopinavir/ritonavir combined with abidol showed antiviraleffects in COVID-19. Shock and hypoxemia were usually caused by cytokine storms. The artificial liver blood purification system could rapidly remove inflammatory mediators and block cytokine storm.Moreover, it also favoredthe balance of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base and thus improved treatment efficacy in critical illness. For cases of severe illness, early and also short periods of moderate glucocorticoid was supported. Patients with oxygenation index below 200 mmHg should be transferred to intensive medical center. Conservative oxygen therapy was preferred and noninvasive ventilation was not recommended. Patients with mechanical ventilation should be strictly supervised with cluster ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention strategies. Antimicrobial prophylaxis should be prescribed rationally and was not recommended except for patients with long course of disease, repeated fever and elevated procalcitonin (PCT), meanwhile secondary fungal infection should be concerned.Some patients with COVID-19 showed intestinal microbialdysbiosis with decreasedprobiotics such asand. Nutritional and gastrointestinal function should be assessed for all patients.Nutritional support and application of prebiotics or probiotics were suggested to regulate the balance of intestinal microbiota and reduce the risk of secondary infection due to bacterial translocation. Anxiety and fear were common in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, we established dynamic assessment and warning for psychological crisis. We also integrated Chinese medicine in treatment to promote disease rehabilitation through classification methods of traditional Chinese medicine. We optimized nursing process for severe patients to promote their rehabilitation. It remained unclear about viral clearance pattern after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, two weeks' quarantine for discharged patients was required and a regular following up was also needed.The Zhejiang experience above and suggestions have been implemented in our center and achieved good results. However, since COVID-19 was a newly emerging disease, more work was warranted to improve strategies of prevention, diagnosis and treatment for COVID-19.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 improved upper respiratory tract infections .

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 isolated from bovine milk against upper respiratory tract infections ( URTI ) and elucidate the possible mechanisms underlying immunomodulatory properties .
The DR7 strain ( 9 log cfu/d ) was administered for 12 wk in a randomized , double-blind , and placebo-controlled human study involving 109 adults ( DR7 , n = 56 ; placebo , n = 53 ) .
Subjects were assessed for health conditions monthly via questionnaires , and blood samples were evaluated for cytokine concentrations , peroxidation and oxidative stress , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killer ( NK ) cells .
The administration of DR7 reduced the duration of nasal symptoms ( mean difference 5.09 d ; 95 % CI : 0.42-9.75 ) and the frequency of URTI ( mean difference 0.32 ; 95 % CI : 0.01-0.63 ) after 12 and 4 wk , respectively , compared with the placebo .
The DR7 treatment suppressed plasma proinflammatory cytokines ( IFN-γ , TNF-α ) in middle-aged adults ( 30 to 60 yr old ) , while enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines ( IL-4 , IL-10 ) in young adults ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by reduced plasma peroxidation and oxidative stress levels compared with the placebo .
Young adults who received DR7 showed higher expression of plasma CD44 and CD117 by 4.50- and 2.22-fold , respectively , compared with the placebo .
Meanwhile , middle-aged adults showed lower expression of plasma CD4 and CD8 by 11.26- and 1.80-fold , respectively , compared with the placebo , indicating less T-cell activation .
In contrast , both young and middle-aged adults who received DR7 showed enhanced presence of nonresting and mature NK cells compared with those who received the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the symptoms of URTI by improving inflammatory parameters and enhancing immunomodulatory properties .

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 isolated from bovine milk against upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and elucidate the possible mechanisms underlying immunomodulatory properties. The DR7 strain (9 log cfu/d) was administered for 12 wk in a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled human study involving 109 adults (DR7, n = 56; placebo, n = 53). Subjects were assessed for health conditions monthly via questionnaires, and blood samples were evaluated for cytokine concentrations, peroxidation and oxidative stress, and gene expression in T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. The administration of DR7 reduced the duration of nasal symptoms (mean difference 5.09 d; 95% CI: 0.42-9.75) and the frequency of URTI (mean difference 0.32; 95% CI: 0.01-0.63) after 12 and 4 wk, respectively, compared with the placebo. The DR7 treatment suppressed plasma proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α) in middle-aged adults (30 to 60 yr old), while enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) in young adults (<30 yr old), accompanied by reduced plasma peroxidation and oxidative stress levels compared with the placebo. Young adults who received DR7 showed higher expression of plasma CD44 and CD117 by 4.50- and 2.22-fold, respectively, compared with the placebo. Meanwhile, middle-aged adults showed lower expression of plasma CD4 and CD8 by 11.26- and 1.80-fold, respectively, compared with the placebo, indicating less T-cell activation. In contrast, both young and middle-aged adults who received DR7 showed enhanced presence of nonresting and mature NK cells compared with those who received the placebo. We postulate that DR7 alleviated the symptoms of URTI by improving inflammatory parameters and enhancing immunomodulatory properties.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--Genomic diversity and immunomodulatory activity of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from dairy produ

Genomic diversity and immunomodulatory activity of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from dairy products.

In this study , we aimed to investigate some functional characteristics and the immunomodulatory properties of three strains of Lactobacillus plantarum of dairy origin which , in a previous screening , showed to be candidate probiotics .
Genome sequencing and comparative genomics , which confirmed the presence of genes involved in folate and riboflavin production and in the immune response of dendritic cells ( DCs ) , prompted us to investigate the ability of the three strains to accumulate the two vitamins and their immunomodulation properties .
The ability of the three strains to release antioxidant components in milk was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and riboflavin were produced by the three strains , while they showed a good antioxidant capacity in milk with FRAP method .
The immune response experiments well correlated with the presence of candidate genes influencing in DCs cytokine response to L. plantarum .
Specifically , the amounts of secreted cytokins by DCs after stimulation with cells of Lp790 , Lp813 and Lp998 resulted pro-inflammatory whereas stimulation with culture supernatants ( postbiotics ) inhibited the release of interleukin ( IL ) -12p70 and increased the release of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine .
This study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ L. plantarum in human health .
Understanding how probiotics ( or postbiotics ) work in preclinical models can allow a rational choice of the different strains for clinical and/or commercial use .

In this study, we aimed to investigate some functional characteristics and the immunomodulatory properties of three strains of Lactobacillus plantarum of dairy origin which, in a previous screening, showed to be candidate probiotics. Genome sequencing and comparative genomics, which confirmed the presence of genes involved in folate and riboflavin production and in the immune response of dendritic cells (DCs), prompted us to investigate the ability of the three strains to accumulate the two vitamins and their immunomodulation properties. The ability of the three strains to release antioxidant components in milk was also investigated. Small amounts of folate and riboflavin were produced by the three strains, while they showed a good antioxidant capacity in milk with FRAP method. The immune response experiments well correlated with the presence of candidate genes influencing in DCs cytokine response to L. plantarum. Specifically, the amounts of secreted cytokins by DCs after stimulation with cells of Lp790, Lp813 and Lp998 resulted pro-inflammatory whereas stimulation with culture supernatants (postbiotics) inhibited the release of interleukin (IL)-12p70 and increased the release of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine. This study adds further evidence on the importance of L. plantarum in human health. Understanding how probiotics (or postbiotics) work in preclinical models can allow a rational choice of the different strains for clinical and/or commercial use.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--Riboflavin along with antibiotics balances reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines and co

Riboflavin along with antibiotics balances reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines and controls Staphylococcus aureus infection.

BACKGROUND : Macrophages serve as intracellular reservoirs of .
Recent in vitro studies have confirmed high level resistance byto macrophage mediated killing and the intracellular persistence of Staphylococci may play an important role in the pathogenesis .
Since this localization protects them from both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses , therefore , a successful anti-staphylococcal therapy should include the elimination of intracellular bacteria , further protecting the host cells from staphylococci-induced cell death .
So , only antibiotic therapy may not be helpful , successful therapy needs combination of drugs not only for elimination of pathogen but also for rescuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ METHODS : In keeping with this idea an in vitro study has been done to examine the effect of Riboflavin along with antibiotics on phagocytosis , hydorgen peroxide , superoxide production , antioxidant enzyme levels , and cytokine levels in mouse macrophages for amelioration of theburden .
The immune boosting effects of Riboflavin have been validated through perturbations of redox homeostasis and pro-inflammatory cytokines measurements .
RESULTS : It was observed that the supplementation of Vitamin B-2 ( Riboflavin ) not only enhances macrophage function as previously reported but also decreases pro-inflammatory responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Riboflavin on enhanced antimicrobial effects such as enhanced phagocytosis of macrophages exposed to , hydrogen peroxide or superoxide production when combined with either ciprofloxacin ( CIP ) or Azithromycin ( AZM ) and decrease in pro-inflammatory responses of IFN-γ , IL-6 , IL-1β .
Riboflavin treatment also decreased NO and TNF-α level possibly by inhibiting the NF-κβ pathway .
The increased antioxidant enzymes like glutathione reductase , SOD and GSH level helped in maintaining a stable redox state in the cell .
CONCLUSION : Riboflavin plus antibiotic pretreatment not only enhances macrophage functions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicating better bacterial clearance and regulated inflammation which may be considered as a novel and important therapeutic intervention .

BACKGROUND: Macrophages serve as intracellular reservoirs of. Recent in vitro studies have confirmed high level resistance byto macrophage mediated killing and the intracellular persistence of Staphylococci may play an important role in the pathogenesis. Since this localization protects them from both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses, therefore, a successful anti-staphylococcal therapy should include the elimination of intracellular bacteria, further protecting the host cells from staphylococci-induced cell death. So, only antibiotic therapy may not be helpful, successful therapy needs combination of drugs not only for elimination of pathogen but also for rescuing the host cell forinduced cell death.
METHODS: In keeping with this idea an in vitro study has been done to examine the effect of Riboflavin along with antibiotics on phagocytosis, hydorgen peroxide, superoxide production, antioxidant enzyme levels, and cytokine levels in mouse macrophages for amelioration of theburden. The immune boosting effects of Riboflavin have been validated through perturbations of redox homeostasis and pro-inflammatory cytokines measurements.
RESULTS: It was observed that the supplementation of Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) not only enhances macrophage function as previously reported but also decreases pro-inflammatory responses ininfected macrophages. The observed influence of Riboflavin on enhanced antimicrobial effects such as enhanced phagocytosis of macrophages exposed to, hydrogen peroxide or superoxide production when combined with either ciprofloxacin (CIP) or Azithromycin (AZM) and decrease in pro-inflammatory responses of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1β. Riboflavin treatment also decreased NO and TNF-α level possibly by inhibiting the NF-κβ pathway. The increased antioxidant enzymes like glutathione reductase, SOD and GSH level helped in maintaining a stable redox state in the cell.
CONCLUSION: Riboflavin plus antibiotic pretreatment not only enhances macrophage functions but also decreases proinflammatory responses ininfected macrophages indicating better bacterial clearance and regulated inflammation which may be considered as a novel and important therapeutic intervention.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--An experimental study on riboflavin photosensitization treatment for inactivation of circulating HCT

An experimental study on riboflavin photosensitization treatment for inactivation of circulating HCT116 tumor cells.

Surgical resection is one of the most common radical treatments for cancers .
However , tumors may be compressed or the local intravascular pressure may be increased during surgical manipulation , causing the shedding and entry of tumor cells into the blood circulation and hence distant recurrence and metastasis of tumors .
We have preliminarily established a method of riboflavin photosensitization treatment ( RPT ) for inactivation of circulating tumor cells .
This technology promises to solve the problems of shedding and entry of solid tumor cells into blood circulation before surgical manipulation , and almost unavoidable hematogenous dissemination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the present study , apoptosis detection and tumorigenicity experiment in immunodeficient mice were conducted to evaluate the effect of RPT for inactivation of circulating tumor cells respectively .
Next , functional evaluation was carried out for the immune cells through detecting apoptosis rate and cytokine secretion of lymphocyte .
Finally , thromboelastography ( TEG ) and free hemoglobin were detected to assess peripheral blood coagulation and red blood cell damage .
The results showed that RPT ( 50 μmol/L riboflavin , 10.8 J/cmUV ) could effectively make tumor cell lose the ability of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meantime , the damage caused to peripheral blood coagulation , immune cell function and red blood cells was generally acceptable .
The results of the study showed that RPT had huge potential in addressing the problems of shedding and entry of solid tumor cells into blood circulation before surgical manipulation , and almost unavoidable hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells during surgical resection .
This therapy is expected to be an auxiliary and supportive method to reduce the risk of hematogenous metastasis and recurrence of cancers , and to increase the surgical success @ @ @ @ @ @

Surgical resection is one of the most common radical treatments for cancers. However, tumors may be compressed or the local intravascular pressure may be increased during surgical manipulation, causing the shedding and entry of tumor cells into the blood circulation and hence distant recurrence and metastasis of tumors. We have preliminarily established a method of riboflavin photosensitization treatment (RPT) for inactivation of circulating tumor cells. This technology promises to solve the problems of shedding and entry of solid tumor cells into blood circulation before surgical manipulation, and almost unavoidable hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells during surgical resection. In the present study, apoptosis detection and tumorigenicity experiment in immunodeficient mice were conducted to evaluate the effect of RPT for inactivation of circulating tumor cells respectively. Next, functional evaluation was carried out for the immune cells through detecting apoptosis rate and cytokine secretion of lymphocyte. Finally, thromboelastography (TEG) and free hemoglobin were detected to assess peripheral blood coagulation and red blood cell damage. The results showed that RPT (50 μmol/L riboflavin, 10.8 J/cmUV) could effectively make tumor cell lose the ability of proliferation in the peripheral blood. In the meantime, the damage caused to peripheral blood coagulation, immune cell function and red blood cells was generally acceptable. The results of the study showed that RPT had huge potential in addressing the problems of shedding and entry of solid tumor cells into blood circulation before surgical manipulation, and almost unavoidable hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells during surgical resection. This therapy is expected to be an auxiliary and supportive method to reduce the risk of hematogenous metastasis and recurrence of cancers, and to increase the surgical success rate of malignant solid tumors.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--Anti-tumor effects of vitamin B2, B6 and B9 in promonocytic lymphoma cells.

Chronic inflammation can lead to tumour initiation and progression .
Vitamin B complex has the ability to regulate the immune @ @ @ @ @ inflammation but many of the mechanistic and molecular processes involved in this regulation are still @ @ @ @ @ study sought to determine some of these processes by studying the effects of vitamin B2 @ @ @ @ @ pyridoxine ) and B9 ( folic acid ) on un-differentiated pro-monocytic lymphoma cells in regard @ @ @ @ @ the proliferation , migration , apoptosis , cytokines and expression levels of programmed death ligand @ @ @ @ @ vitamin B2 , B6 and B9 , on pro-monocytic lymphoma cells exerted an anti-tumorigenic effect @ @ @ @ @ the basis for future studies in using vitamin B supplementation to reduce cancer cell growth @ @ @

Chronic inflammation can lead to tumour initiation and progression. Vitamin B complex has the ability to regulate the immune response and, therefore, inflammation but many of the mechanistic and molecular processes involved in this regulation are still not fully understood. This study sought to determine some of these processes by studying the effects of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) B6 (pyridoxine) and B9 (folic acid) on un-differentiated pro-monocytic lymphoma cells in regard to their ability to alter the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, cytokines and expression levels of programmed death ligand 1. We show that vitamin B2, B6 and B9, on pro-monocytic lymphoma cells exerted an anti-tumorigenic effect. This data could form the basis for future studies in using vitamin B supplementation to reduce cancer cell growth in vivo.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--Thiamine deficiency in sepsis may be associated with ICU-mortality.

Thiamine is an essential co-factor for aerobic metabolism .
Both thiamine deficiency and sepsis may be associated with hyperlactatemia and hypotension .
We assessed the relationship between thiamine compounds , lactate concentrations and clinical outcomes in septic patients.We undertook a prospective observational single-center study .
Erythrocyte levels of total thiamine , free thiamine , thiamine mono , di and triphosphate ( TMP , TDP , and TTP respectively ) , the erythrocyte transketolase activity ( ETKA ) and the effect of thiamine diphosphate on ETKA were measured in septic patients by high performance liquid chromatography and correlated with arterial lactate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care unit stay was recorded.Overall , 28 patients suffering from sepsis were included .
Median ( interquartile range [ IQR ] ) age was 60 [ 44-77.3 ] years , 15 ( 53.6 % ) patients were male , median [ IQR ] simplified acute physiology score II was 40 [ 27-50 ] .
There was no correlation between total thiamine and lactate levels ( P = .33 ) .
There was no correlation between free thiamine ( P = .81 ) , TMP ( P = .71 ) , TDP ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ P = .86 ) , and lactate levels in our population .
There was no correlation between ETKA ( P = .58 ) or the effect of TDP on ETKA ( P = .40 ) and lactate concentration .
Total thiamine and TDP concentration were significantly higher in intensive care unit ( ICU ) survivors than in nonsurvivors ( P = .03 and P = .03 ) .
The effect of TDP on ETKA was significantly higher in nonsurvivors compared to survivors ( P = .04 ) .We found no correlation between thiamine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deficiency in sepsis may be associated with ICU-mortality .

Thiamine is an essential co-factor for aerobic metabolism. Both thiamine deficiency and sepsis may be associated with hyperlactatemia and hypotension. We assessed the relationship between thiamine compounds, lactate concentrations and clinical outcomes in septic patients.We undertook a prospective observational single-center study. Erythrocyte levels of total thiamine, free thiamine, thiamine mono, di and triphosphate (TMP, TDP, and TTP respectively), the erythrocyte transketolase activity (ETKA) and the effect of thiamine diphosphate on ETKA were measured in septic patients by high performance liquid chromatography and correlated with arterial lactate. Vital status at the end of intensive care unit stay was recorded.Overall, 28 patients suffering from sepsis were included. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 60 [44-77.3] years, 15 (53.6%) patients were male, median [IQR] simplified acute physiology score II was 40 [27-50]. There was no correlation between total thiamine and lactate levels (P = .33). There was no correlation between free thiamine (P = .81), TMP (P = .71), TDP (P = .31), TTP (P = .86), and lactate levels in our population. There was no correlation between ETKA (P = .58) or the effect of TDP on ETKA (P = .40) and lactate concentration. Total thiamine and TDP concentration were significantly higher in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors than in nonsurvivors (P = .03 and P = .03). The effect of TDP on ETKA was significantly higher in nonsurvivors compared to survivors (P = .04).We found no correlation between thiamine compoundsand lactate concentration in sepsis. Thiamine deficiency in sepsis may be associated with ICU-mortality.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--Neonates with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency are at higher risk for developing sepsis.

OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the effect of maternal/ neonatal vitamin D levels on culture positive neonatal sepsis .
METHODS : This prospective cohort study was conducted in the NICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Odisha , Eastern India from January 2015 through December 2016 .
Forty ( 40 ) neonates with culture positive sepsis were included in the study group .
Forty ( 40 ) healthy neonates admitted for evaluation of neonatal jaundice who are similar in gender , gestational age , postnatal age and without any clinical signs of sepsis were recruited as control group after informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OH D ) was assessed in the neonates and their mothers in both the groups .
RESULTS : Neonatal 25 OH vitamin D level in the study group ( 12.71 ± 2.82 ng/ml ) was significantly lower than in the control group ( 25.46 ± 7.02 ng/ml ) .
The Odds ratio was 273 ( 95 % CI 30.39-2451.6 ) for culture positive sepsis in neonates with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency .
Mothers of septic neonates had significantly lower 25 OH vitamin D level ( 20.92 ± 3.92 ng/ml ) than the mothers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ± 6.83 ng/ml ) .
The Odds ratio was 4.71 ( 95 % CI 1.69-13.1 ) for culture positive sepsis in babies born to mothers with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency .
CONCLUSIONS : Neonates with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency are at higher risk for developing sepsis than those with sufficient vitamin D levels .
Lower vitamin D levels in mothers is also associated with increased risk of sepsis in the neonates .

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of maternal/ neonatal vitamin D levels on culture positive neonatal sepsis.
METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in the NICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Odisha, Eastern India from January 2015 through December 2016. Forty (40) neonates with culture positive sepsis were included in the study group. Forty (40) healthy neonates admitted for evaluation of neonatal jaundice who are similar in gender, gestational age, postnatal age and without any clinical signs of sepsis were recruited as control group after informed consent. Vitamin D level (25 OH D) was assessed in the neonates and their mothers in both the groups.
RESULTS: Neonatal 25 OH vitamin D level in the study group (12.71 ± 2.82 ng/ml) was significantly lower than in the control group (25.46 ± 7.02 ng/ml). The Odds ratio was 273 (95% CI 30.39-2451.6) for culture positive sepsis in neonates with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Mothers of septic neonates had significantly lower 25 OH vitamin D level (20.92 ± 3.92 ng/ml) than the mothers of healthy neonates in control group (27.31 ± 6.83 ng/ml). The Odds ratio was 4.71 (95% CI 1.69-13.1) for culture positive sepsis in babies born to mothers with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency.
CONCLUSIONS: Neonates with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency are at higher risk for developing sepsis than those with sufficient vitamin D levels. Lower vitamin D levels in mothers is also associated with increased risk of sepsis in the neonates.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--Thiamine (vitamin B1) in septic shock: a targeted therapy.

Thiamine ( vitamin B1 ) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for human health .
Thiamine deficiency is causal and/or contributory in a number of debilitating diseases including beri-beri , the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome , optic neuropathy , and others .
While thiamine deficiency is relatively rare in developed nations as a result of dietary supplementation , thiamine deficiency is more common in nutritionally compromised populations .
Thiamine pyrophosphate , a thiamine derivative , is essential to the citric acid cycle and thiamine deficiency can result in impaired aerobic respiration and cellular energy production .
Thiamine also plays an important role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metabolic processes .
Although thiamine deficiency is a known cause of lactic acidosis , it has been recently evaluated as a potential contributor to refractory lactic acidosis and organ injury in septic shock and other shock states .
In this article , we review the epidemiology of thiamine deficiency in septic shock and the existing evidence base supporting thiamine supplementation .
We conclude that specific sepsis phenotypes may stand to benefit the most from thiamine supplementation , and efforts might be made to identify and supplement these patients early in their hospital course @

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for human health. Thiamine deficiency is causal and/or contributory in a number of debilitating diseases including beri-beri, the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, optic neuropathy, and others. While thiamine deficiency is relatively rare in developed nations as a result of dietary supplementation, thiamine deficiency is more common in nutritionally compromised populations. Thiamine pyrophosphate, a thiamine derivative, is essential to the citric acid cycle and thiamine deficiency can result in impaired aerobic respiration and cellular energy production. Thiamine also plays an important role in the pentose phosphate pathway and other key metabolic processes. Although thiamine deficiency is a known cause of lactic acidosis, it has been recently evaluated as a potential contributor to refractory lactic acidosis and organ injury in septic shock and other shock states. In this article, we review the epidemiology of thiamine deficiency in septic shock and the existing evidence base supporting thiamine supplementation. We conclude that specific sepsis phenotypes may stand to benefit the most from thiamine supplementation, and efforts might be made to identify and supplement these patients early in their hospital course.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--Clay heals diaper rash more rapidly than calendula officinalis.

BACKGROUND : Diaper rash is one of the most common skin disorders of infancy and childhood .
Some studies have shown that Shampoo-clay was effective to treat chronic dermatitis .
Then , it is supposed that it may be effective in diaper rash ; however , no published studies were found in this regard .
OBJECTIVES : This study aimed to compare the effects of Shampoo-clay ( S.C ) and Calendula officinalis ( C.O ) to improve infantile diaper rash .
PATIENTS AND METHODS : A randomized , double blind , parallel controlled , non-inferiority trial was conducted on 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or pediatric clinics in Khomein city and diagnosed with diaper rash .
Patients were randomly assigned into two treatment groups including S.C group ( n = 30 ) and C.O group ( n = 30 ) by using one to one allocation ratio .
The rate of complete recovery in three days was the primary outcome .
Data was collected using a checklist and analyzed using t-test , Chi-square and Fisher 's exact tests and risk ratio .
RESULTS : Totally , 93.3 % of lesions in the S.C group healed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 40 % in C.O group ( P < 0.001 ) .
The healing ratio for improvement in the first 6 hours was 7 times more in the S.C group .
In addition , 90 % of infants in the SC group and 36.7 % in the C.O group were improved completely in the first 3 days ( P < 0.001 ) .
CONCLUSIONS : S.C was effective to heal diaper rash , and also had faster effects compared to C.O .

BACKGROUND: Diaper rash is one of the most common skin disorders of infancy and childhood. Some studies have shown that Shampoo-clay was effective to treat chronic dermatitis. Then, it is supposed that it may be effective in diaper rash; however, no published studies were found in this regard.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effects of Shampoo-clay (S.C) and Calendula officinalis (C.O) to improve infantile diaper rash.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, double blind, parallel controlled, non-inferiority trial was conducted on 60 outpatient infants referred to health care centers or pediatric clinics in Khomein city and diagnosed with diaper rash. Patients were randomly assigned into two treatment groups including S.C group (n = 30) and C.O group (n = 30) by using one to one allocation ratio. The rate of complete recovery in three days was the primary outcome. Data was collected using a checklist and analyzed using t-test, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests and risk ratio.
RESULTS: Totally, 93.3% of lesions in the S.C group healed in the first 6 hours, while this rate was 40% in C.O group (P<0.001). The healing ratio for improvement in the first 6 hours was 7 times more in the S.C group. In addition, 90% of infants in the SC group and 36.7% in the C.O group were improved completely in the first 3 days (P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: S.C was effective to heal diaper rash, and also had faster effects compared to C.O.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--This study argues that antioxidative capacity of foods may explain their yin-yang nature.

BACKGROUND : One of the biggest obstacles to progress in traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ) development in Western countries is the difficulty of applying the traditional concepts to the Western medicinal plants , which are not traditionally described in ancient literature .
During recent years , new advances in the field of understanding Yin/Yang aspects from a modern bioscientific point of view have led to the conclusion that antioxidationoxidation concepts might mirror a Yin-Yang relationship .
METHODS : This study was intended to integrate the Yin-Yang theory of the traditional Chinese medicine with modern antioxidation-oxidation theory , and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parameters ( e.g .
antioxidant capacity , chemiluminescence-CL signal inducing capacity ) , usable for the classification of Western medicinal plants from Yin/Yang perspective .
Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity ( TEAC ) of six vegetal aqueous extracts ( Symphitum officinalae ( radix ) -SYM , Inula helenium ( radix ) -INU , Calendula officinalis ( flores ) -CAL , Angelica arhanghelica ( folium ) ANG ( F ) , Angelica arhanghelica ( radix ) -ANG ( R ) , Ecbalium Elaterium ( fruits ) -ECB ) and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence of PMNL on addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Percentages from the maximal or minimal values obtained were calculated for each extract ( TEAC % , PMNL stimulation % , PMNL inhibition % , relative speed of action % ( RSA % % ) ) , specific Yin-Yang significance was assigned to each relative parameter .
In the end , an integration of all the relative values was done , in order to find a global '' Yin '' or a '' Yang '' trait of each vegetal extract .
RESULTS : TEAC decreased in the following order : SYM > INU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ > ANG ( R > ECB .
Three vegetal extracts ( SYM > INU > ECB ) decreased the luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence of PMNL , two ( ANG ( R ) > ANG ( F ) ) increased it , while one ( CAL ) had a dual effect .
After the integration of the percentages , CAL was found to have a global '' Yang '' trait , while the rest of the plants had a global '' Yin '' trait .
CONCLUSIONS : TEAC % and PMNL inhibition % appears to correlate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while PMNL stimulation % and RSA % might correlate with Yang aspects within the formal TCM classification system , and may be useful criteria in describing the Western herbs from a TCM point of view .

BACKGROUND: One of the biggest obstacles to progress in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) development in Western countries is the difficulty of applying the traditional concepts to the Western medicinal plants, which are not traditionally described in ancient literature. During recent years, new advances in the field of understanding Yin/Yang aspects from a modern bioscientific point of view have led to the conclusion that antioxidationoxidation concepts might mirror a Yin-Yang relationship.
METHODS: This study was intended to integrate the Yin-Yang theory of the traditional Chinese medicine with modern antioxidation-oxidation theory, and to propose a biochemical tool based on redox parameters (e.g. antioxidant capacity, chemiluminescence-CL signal inducing capacity), usable for the classification of Western medicinal plants from Yin/Yang perspective. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of six vegetal aqueous extracts (Symphitum officinalae (radix)-SYM, Inula helenium (radix)-INU, Calendula officinalis (flores)-CAL, Angelica arhanghelica (folium)ANG(F), Angelica arhanghelica (radix)-ANG(R), Ecbalium Elaterium (fruits)-ECB) and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence of PMNL on addition of these vegetal extracts were measured. Percentages from the maximal or minimal values obtained were calculated for each extract (TEAC%, PMNL stimulation%, PMNL inhibition%, relative speed of action% (RSA%%)), specific Yin-Yang significance was assigned to each relative parameter. In the end, an integration of all the relative values was done, in order to find a global"Yin"or a"Yang"trait of each vegetal extract.
RESULTS: TEAC decreased in the following order: SYM>INU>CAL>ANG(F)>ANG(R>ECB. Three vegetal extracts (SYM>INU>ECB) decreased the luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence of PMNL, two (ANG(R)>ANG(F)) increased it, while one (CAL) had a dual effect. After the integration of the percentages, CAL was found to have a global"Yang"trait, while the rest of the plants had a global"Yin"trait.
CONCLUSIONS: TEAC% and PMNL inhibition% appears to correlate with the Yin properties of herbs, while PMNL stimulation% and RSA% might correlate with Yang aspects within the formal TCM classification system, and may be useful criteria in describing the Western herbs from a TCM point of view.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--A cecal slurry mouse model of sepsis leads to acute consumption of vitamin C in the brain.

Vitamin C ( ascorbate , ASC ) is a critical antioxidant in the body with specific roles in the brain .
Despite a recent interest in vitamin C therapies for critical care medicine , little is known about vitamin C regulation during acute inflammation and critical illnesses such as sepsis .
Using a cecal slurry ( CS ) model of sepsis in mice , we determined ASC and inflammatory changes in the brain following the initial treatment .
ASC levels in the brain were acutely decreased by approximately 10 % at 4 and 24 h post CS treatment .
Changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liver ASC levels of up to 50 % , indicating upregulation of synthesis beginning at 4 h and persisting up to 7 days post CS treatment .
Several key cytokines interleukin 6 ( IL-6 ) , interleukin 1β ( IL-1β ) , tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNFα ) , and chemokine ( C-X-C motif ) ligand 1 ( CXCL1 , KC/Gro ) were also significantly elevated in the cortex at 4 h post CS treatment , although these levels returned to normal by 48 h. These data strongly suggest that ASC reserves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from sepsis .
Given the timescale of this response , decreases in cortical ASC are likely driven by hyper-acute neuroinflammatory processes .
However , future studies are required to confirm this relationship and to investigate how this deficiency may subsequently impact neuroinflammation .

Vitamin C (ascorbate, ASC) is a critical antioxidant in the body with specific roles in the brain. Despite a recent interest in vitamin C therapies for critical care medicine, little is known about vitamin C regulation during acute inflammation and critical illnesses such as sepsis. Using a cecal slurry (CS) model of sepsis in mice, we determined ASC and inflammatory changes in the brain following the initial treatment. ASC levels in the brain were acutely decreased by approximately 10% at 4 and 24 h post CS treatment. Changes were accompanied by a robust increase in liver ASC levels of up to 50%, indicating upregulation of synthesis beginning at 4 h and persisting up to 7 days post CS treatment. Several key cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1, KC/Gro) were also significantly elevated in the cortex at 4 h post CS treatment, although these levels returned to normal by 48 h. These data strongly suggest that ASC reserves are directly challenged throughout illness and recovery from sepsis. Given the timescale of this response, decreases in cortical ASC are likely driven by hyper-acute neuroinflammatory processes. However, future studies are required to confirm this relationship and to investigate how this deficiency may subsequently impact neuroinflammation.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-21--Vitamin D is deficient in neonates with early onset sepsis and is associated with increased sepsis s

OBJECTIVE : To determine if vitamin D status is affected in term neonates with early onset sepsis and its association with outcome .
METHODS : Study was done at a level 3 neonatal unit on 140 neonates .
Term neonates with early onset sepsis ( study group , 70 patients ) and without sepsis ( control group , 70 patients ) were enrolled .
RESULTS : Mean neonatal vitamin D level in the study group was 16.00 ( 10.49 ) ng/mL and in the control group , was 29.07 ( 8.36 ) ng/mL ( P =0.061 ) .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ babies had low vitamin D levels ( < 32 ng/mL ) among whom 51.7 % ( n=29 ) had severe vitamin D deficiency ( < 11ng/mL ) .
In the control group , 58.5 % ( n=41 ) had low vitamin D levels of whom , 9.8 % ( n=4 ) had severe vitamin D deficiency ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 , respectively ) .
Mortality and highly probable sepsis were more common with vitamin D levels < 11ng/mL in the study group ( P= 0.005 and P=0.006 , respectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deficient in neonates with early onset sepsis and is associated with increased sepsis severity and mortality .

OBJECTIVE: To determine if vitamin D status is affected in term neonates with early onset sepsis and its association with outcome.
METHODS: Study was done at a level 3 neonatal unit on 140 neonates. Term neonates with early onset sepsis (study group, 70 patients) and without sepsis (control group, 70 patients) were enrolled.
RESULTS: Mean neonatal vitamin D level in the study group was 16.00 (10.49) ng/mL and in the control group, was 29.07(8.36) ng/mL (P =0.061). In the study group 80% (n=56) babies had low vitamin D levels (<32 ng/mL) among whom 51.7% (n=29) had severe vitamin D deficiency (<11ng/mL). In the control group, 58.5% (n=41) had low vitamin D levels of whom, 9.8% (n=4) had severe vitamin D deficiency (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Mortality and highly probable sepsis were more common with vitamin D levels<11ng/mL in the study group (P= 0.005 and P=0.006, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D is deficient in neonates with early onset sepsis and is associated with increased sepsis severity and mortality.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Isolation of Enterococcus faecium NM113, Enterococcus faecium NM213 and Lactobacillus casei NM512 as

Isolation of Enterococcus faecium NM113, Enterococcus faecium NM213 and Lactobacillus casei NM512 as novel probiotics with immunomodulatory properties.

Probiotics , defined as living bacteria that are beneficial for human health , mainly function through their immunomodulatory abilities .
Hence , these microorganisms have proven successful for treating diseases resulting from immune deregulation .
The aim of this study was to find novel candidates to improve on and complement current probiotic treatment strategies .
Of 60 lactic acid bacterial strains that were isolated from fecal samples of healthy , full-term , breast-fed infants , three were chosen because of their ability to activate human immune cells .
These candidates were then tested with regard to immunomodulatory properties , antimicrobial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their safety profiles .
To identify the immunomodulatory structures of the selected isolates , activation of specific innate immune receptors was studied .
The three candidates for probiotic treatment were assigned Enterococcus faecium NM113 , Enterococcus faecium NM213 and Lactobacillus casei NM512 .
Compared with the established allergy-protective strain Lactococcus lactis G121 , these isolates induced release of similar amounts of IL-12 , a potent inducer of T helper 1 cells .
In addition , all three neonatal isolates had antimicrobial activity against pathogens .
Analysis of pharmacological suitability showed high tolerance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pancreatic enzymes .
In terms of safe application in humans , the isolates were sensitive to three antibiotics ( chloramphenicol , tetracycline and erythromycin ) .
In addition , the Enterococcus isolates were free from the four major virulence genes ( cylA , agg , efaAfs and ccf ) .
Moreover , the isolates strongly activated Toll-like receptor 2 , which suggests lipopeptides as their active immunomodulatory structure .
Thus , three novel bacterial strains with great potential as probiotic candidates and promising immunomodulatory properties have here been identified and characterized .

Probiotics, defined as living bacteria that are beneficial for human health, mainly function through their immunomodulatory abilities. Hence, these microorganisms have proven successful for treating diseases resulting from immune deregulation. The aim of this study was to find novel candidates to improve on and complement current probiotic treatment strategies. Of 60 lactic acid bacterial strains that were isolated from fecal samples of healthy, full-term, breast-fed infants, three were chosen because of their ability to activate human immune cells. These candidates were then tested with regard to immunomodulatory properties, antimicrobial effects on pathogens, required pharmacological properties and their safety profiles. To identify the immunomodulatory structures of the selected isolates, activation of specific innate immune receptors was studied. The three candidates for probiotic treatment were assigned Enterococcus faecium NM113, Enterococcus faecium NM213 and Lactobacillus casei NM512. Compared with the established allergy-protective strain Lactococcus lactis G121, these isolates induced release of similar amounts of IL-12, a potent inducer of T helper 1 cells. In addition, all three neonatal isolates had antimicrobial activity against pathogens. Analysis of pharmacological suitability showed high tolerance of low pH, bile salts and pancreatic enzymes. In terms of safe application in humans, the isolates were sensitive to three antibiotics (chloramphenicol, tetracycline and erythromycin). In addition, the Enterococcus isolates were free from the four major virulence genes (cylA, agg, efaAfs and ccf). Moreover, the isolates strongly activated Toll-like receptor 2, which suggests lipopeptides as their active immunomodulatory structure. Thus,three novel bacterial strains with great potential as probiotic candidates and promising immunomodulatory properties have here been identified and characterized.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--A17, the first sequenced strain of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris with potential immunomodulator

A17, the first sequenced strain of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris with potential immunomodulatory functions.

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By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing , treating @ @ @ @ @ or preventing any type of disease or medical condition .
Before beginning any type of @ @ @ @ @ treatment regimen , it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional @

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
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greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Antibacterial activity and immunomodulatory effects on a bovine mammary epithelial cell line exerted

Antibacterial activity and immunomodulatory effects on a bovine mammary epithelial cell line exerted by nisin A-producing Lactococcus lactis strains.

Twenty-nine strains of mastitis pathogens were used to study the antibacterial activity of the cell-free supernatants ( CFS ) of 25 strains of Lactococcus lactis ssp .
lactis .
Out of the tested strains , only the CFS of L. lactis LL11 and SL153 were active , inhibiting and killing most of the pathogens .
By means of ultra-performance liquid chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry , they were shown to produce nisin A , a class I bacteriocin .
A variable sensitivity to nisin A-containing CFS was observed among Streptococcus uberis and Enterococcus faecalis strains .
Nonetheless , Streptococcus agalactiae , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ displayed high minimum inhibitory concentration values , reaching 384 arbitrary units/mL .
Interestingly , the minimum inhibitory values and the bactericidal concentrations were almost identical among them for each of the 2 stains , LL11 and SL153 .
Staphylococci were , on average , less sensitive than streptococci , but the 2 CFS inhibited and killed , at different dilutions , strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus .
The immune response to nisin A-containing CFS was tested using the bovine mammary epithelial cell line BME-UV1 .
Application of CFS did not damage epithelial integrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase ( NAGase ) and lysozyme inside the cells , in both treated and control samples .
On the other hand , the increase of released NAGase after 15 to 24h of treatment with LL11 or SL153 live cultures demonstrated an inflammatory response of epithelial cells .
Similarly , a significantly higher lysozyme activity was detected in the cells treated with LL11 live culture confirming the stimulation of lysosomal activity .
The treatment of epithelial cells with SL153 live culture induced a significant tumor necrosis factor-α downregulation in the cells , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of tumor necrosis factor-α release could be an interesting approach to reduce the symptoms linked to clinical intramammary infections .
Due to their antibacterial activity and to the stimulation of lysosomal activity of mammary epithelial cells , the L. lactis strains SL153 and LL11 could be of interest for the development of alternative intramammary treatments to control cow mastitis .

Twenty-nine strains of mastitis pathogens were used to study the antibacterial activity of the cell-free supernatants (CFS) of 25 strains of Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis. Out of the tested strains, only the CFS of L. lactis LL11 and SL153 were active, inhibiting and killing most of the pathogens. By means of ultra-performance liquid chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry, they were shown to produce nisin A, a class I bacteriocin. A variable sensitivity to nisin A-containing CFS was observed among Streptococcus uberis and Enterococcus faecalis strains. Nonetheless, Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep. uberis, and E. faecalis displayed high minimum inhibitory concentration values, reaching 384 arbitrary units/mL. Interestingly, the minimum inhibitory values and the bactericidal concentrations were almost identical among them for each of the 2 stains, LL11 and SL153. Staphylococci were, on average, less sensitive than streptococci, but the 2 CFS inhibited and killed, at different dilutions, strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The immune response to nisin A-containing CFS was tested using the bovine mammary epithelial cell line BME-UV1. Application of CFS did not damage epithelial integrity, as demonstrated by the higher activity of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase) and lysozyme inside the cells, in both treated and control samples. On the other hand, the increase of released NAGase after 15 to 24h of treatment with LL11 or SL153 live cultures demonstrated an inflammatory response of epithelial cells. Similarly, a significantly higher lysozyme activity was detected in the cells treated with LL11 live culture confirming the stimulation of lysosomal activity. The treatment of epithelial cells with SL153 live culture induced a significant tumor necrosis factor-α downregulation in the cells, but did not influence IL-8 expression. The control of tumor necrosis factor-α release could be an interesting approach to reduce the symptoms linked to clinical intramammary infections. Due to their antibacterial activity and to the stimulation of lysosomal activity of mammary epithelial cells, the L. lactis strains SL153 and LL11 could be of interest for the development of alternative intramammary treatments to control cow mastitis.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--These results suggest that the immunomodulatory effects of L. lactis 11/19-B1 contribute to improvem

These results suggest that the immunomodulatory effects of L. lactis 11/19-B1 contribute to improvements in atopic dermatitis pathology.

Some lactic acid bacteria ( LAB ) are known to improve atopic dermatitis ( AD ) through the regulation and stimulation of the host immune system .
In this study , we found that ingestion of yogurt containing11/19-B1 strain ( 11/19-B1 ) daily for 8 weeks significantly improved the severity scoring of atopic dermatitis ( SCORAD ) system score from 38.8± 14.4 to 24.2 ± 12.0 in children suffering from AD .
We tried to identify which LAB species among the five species contained in the test yogurt contributed to the improvement in AD pathology using an AD mouse model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-dinitrobenzene ( DNFB ) .
AD-like skin lesions on the dorsal skin and ear were most improved by11/19-B1 intake among the five LAB species .
In addition , analysis of CD4+ T cell subsets in Peyer 's patches ( PPs ) and cervical lymph nodes ( CLNs ) indicated that the intake of11/19-B1 generally suppressed all subsets related to inflammation , i.e.
, Th1 , Th2 and Th17 , instead of activating the suppressive system , Treg , in the AD mouse model .
Histological observations showed ingestion of11/19-B1 significantly suppressed severe inflammatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , epidermal erosion and eosinophil infiltration .
These results suggest that the immunomodulatory effects of11/19-B1 contribute to improvements in AD pathology .

Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to improve atopic dermatitis (AD) through the regulation and stimulation of the host immune system. In this study, we found that ingestion of yogurt containing11/19-B1 strain (11/19-B1) daily for 8 weeks significantly improved the severity scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) system score from 38.8± 14.4 to 24.2 ± 12.0 in children suffering from AD. We tried to identify which LAB species among the five species contained in the test yogurt contributed to the improvement in AD pathology using an AD mouse model induced by repeated application of 1-fluoro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB). AD-like skin lesions on the dorsal skin and ear were most improved by11/19-B1 intake among the five LAB species. In addition, analysis of CD4+ T cell subsets in Peyer's patches (PPs) and cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) indicated that the intake of11/19-B1 generally suppressed all subsets related to inflammation, i.e., Th1, Th2 and Th17, instead of activating the suppressive system, Treg, in the AD mouse model. Histological observations showed ingestion of11/19-B1 significantly suppressed severe inflammatory findings, such as inflammatory cell filtration, epidermal erosion and eosinophil infiltration. These results suggest that the immunomodulatory effects of11/19-B1 contribute to improvements in AD pathology.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 is effective in vitro in the reduction of

Milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 is effective in vitro in the reduction of Salmonella invasion into intestinal epithelial cells.

The process of fermentation contributes to the organoleptic properties , preservation , and nutritional benefits of food .
Fermented food may interfere with pathogen infections through a variety of mechanisms , including competitive exclusion or improving intestinal barrier integrity .
In this study , the effect of milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp .
cremoris JFR1 on Salmonella invasion of intestinal epithelial cell cultures was investigated .
Epithelial cells ( HT29-MTX , Caco-2 , and cocultures of the 2 ) were treated for 1 h with Lactococcus lactis ssp .
cremoris JFR1 fermented milk before infection with Salmonella enterica ssp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ milk resulted in increased transepithelial electrical resistance , which remained constant for the duration of infection ( up to 3 h ) , illustrating a protective effect .
After gentamicin treatment to remove adhered bacterial cells , enumeration revealed a reduction in numbers of intracellular Salmonella .
Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR data indicated a downregulation of Salmonella virulence genes hilA , invA , and sopD after treatment with fermented milk .
Fermented milk treatment of epithelial cells also exhibited an immunomodulatory effect reducing the production of proinflammatory IL-8 .
In contrast , chemically acidified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show the same effect on monolayer integrity , Salmonella Typhimurium invasion , and gene expression as well as immune modulation .
Furthermore , an oppA knockout mutant of Salmonella Typhimurium infecting treated epithelial cells did not show suppressed virulence gene expression .
Collectively , these results suggest that milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp .
cremoris JFR1 is effective in vitro in the reduction of Salmonella invasion into intestinal epithelial cells .
A functional OppA permease in Salmonella is required to obtain the antivirulence effect of fermented milk .

The process of fermentation contributes to the organoleptic properties, preservation, and nutritional benefits of food. Fermented food may interfere with pathogen infections through a variety of mechanisms, including competitive exclusion or improving intestinal barrier integrity. In this study, the effect of milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 on Salmonella invasion of intestinal epithelial cell cultures was investigated. Epithelial cells (HT29-MTX, Caco-2, and cocultures of the 2) were treated for 1 h with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 fermented milk before infection with Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica Typhimurium. Treatment with fermented milk resulted in increased transepithelial electrical resistance, which remained constant for the duration of infection (up to 3 h), illustrating a protective effect. After gentamicin treatment to remove adhered bacterial cells, enumeration revealed a reduction in numbers of intracellular Salmonella. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR data indicated a downregulation of Salmonella virulence genes hilA, invA, and sopD after treatment with fermented milk. Fermented milk treatment of epithelial cells also exhibited an immunomodulatory effect reducing the production of proinflammatory IL-8. In contrast, chemically acidified milk (glucono delta-lactone) failed to show the same effect on monolayer integrity, Salmonella Typhimurium invasion, and gene expression as well as immune modulation. Furthermore, an oppA knockout mutant of Salmonella Typhimurium infecting treated epithelial cells did not show suppressed virulence gene expression. Collectively, these results suggest that milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 is effective in vitro in the reduction of Salmonella invasion into intestinal epithelial cells. A functional OppA permease in Salmonella is required to obtain the antivirulence effect of fermented milk.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum J26, a probiotic strain with immunomodulatory ac

Complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum J26, a probiotic strain with immunomodulatory activity.

Lactobacillus plantarum J26 , a significant probiotic isolated from Chinese traditional fermented dairy products , exerts a positive immunomodulatory effect by regulating the expression of immune-related genes .
We investigated expression of the cytokines IL-1α , IL-1β , IL-6 , and tumor necrosis factor-α in the intestinal tract of mice stimulated by L. plantarum J26 .
In vivo , these cytokines were upregulated , peaked on d 5 , and then decreased to the control level , indicating that L. plantarum J26 could induce expression of the genes encoding these proinflammatory cytokines .
Teichoic acids produced by L. plantarum are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regulation of the host immune response .
To better understand the genetic basis of this immunomodulatory mechanism , we sequenced and analyzed the whole genome of L. plantarumJ26 .
The genome of L. plantarum J26 contains a circular chromosome and 4 circular plasmids .
Lactobacillus plantarum J26 was predicted to synthesize ribitol-type backbones of wall teichoic acid .
Furthermore , orthologous average nucleotide identity ( OrthoANI ) values showed that the genome was highlysimilar ( > 98.00 % ) to other L. plantarum strains , especially to L. plantarum ST-III and JDM1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J26 provide a genetic basis to further elucidate its mechanism of immunoregulation and will facilitate its application in the functional dairy food industry .

Lactobacillus plantarum J26, a significant probiotic isolated from Chinese traditional fermented dairy products, exerts a positive immunomodulatory effect by regulating the expression of immune-related genes. We investigated expression of the cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the intestinal tract of mice stimulated by L. plantarum J26. In vivo, these cytokines were upregulated, peaked on d 5, and then decreased to the control level, indicating that L. plantarum J26 could induce expression of the genes encoding these proinflammatory cytokines. Teichoic acids produced by L. plantarum are recognized as key immunomodulatory molecules involved in the regulation of the host immune response. To better understand the genetic basis of this immunomodulatory mechanism, we sequenced and analyzed the whole genome of L. plantarumJ26. The genome of L. plantarum J26 contains a circular chromosome and 4 circular plasmids. Lactobacillus plantarum J26 was predicted to synthesize ribitol-type backbones of wall teichoic acid. Furthermore, orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) values showed that the genome was highlysimilar (>98.00%) to other L. plantarum strains, especially to L. plantarum ST-III and JDM1. The genomic data of L. plantarum J26 provide a genetic basis to further elucidate its mechanism of immunoregulation and will facilitate its application in the functional dairy food industry.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections.

BACKGROUND : Randomised controlled trials ( RCTs ) exploring the potential of vitamin D to prevent acute respiratory infections have yielded mixed results .
Individual participant data ( IPD ) meta-analysis has the potential to identify factors that may explain this heterogeneity .
OBJECTIVES : To assess the overall effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of acute respiratory infections ( ARIs ) and to identify factors modifying this effect .
DATA SOURCES : MEDLINE , EMBASE , the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials ( CENTRAL ) , Web of Science , ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Standard Randomised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
STUDY SELECTION : Randomised , double-blind , placebo-controlled trials of supplementation with vitamin Dor vitamin Dof any duration having incidence of acute respiratory infection as a prespecified efficacy outcome were selected .
STUDY APPRAISAL : Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool to assess sequence generation , allocation concealment , blinding of participants , personnel and outcome assessors , completeness of outcome data , evidence of selective outcome reporting and other potential threats to validity .
RESULTS : We identified 25 eligible RCTs ( a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 95 years ) .
IPD were obtained for 10,933 out of 11,321 ( 96.6 % ) participants .
Vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of ARI among all participants [ adjusted odds ratio ( aOR ) 0.88 , 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) 0.81 to 0.96 ; heterogeneity LIMITATIONS : Our study had limited power to detect the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of upper versus lower respiratory infection , analysed separately .
CONCLUSIONS : Vitamin D supplementation was safe , and it protected against ARIs overall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bolus doses experienced the benefit .
Incorporation of additional IPD from ongoing trials in the field has the potential to increase statistical power for analyses of secondary outcomes .
STUDY REGISTRATION : This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013953 .

BACKGROUND: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the potential of vitamin D to prevent acute respiratory infections have yielded mixed results. Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis has the potential to identify factors that may explain this heterogeneity.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the overall effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and to identify factors modifying this effect.
DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) registry.
STUDY SELECTION: Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of supplementation with vitamin Dor vitamin Dof any duration having incidence of acute respiratory infection as a prespecified efficacy outcome were selected.
STUDY APPRAISAL: Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool to assess sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of participants, personnel and outcome assessors, completeness of outcome data, evidence of selective outcome reporting and other potential threats to validity.
RESULTS: We identified 25 eligible RCTs (a total of 11,321 participants, aged from 0 to 95 years). IPD were obtained for 10,933 out of 11,321 (96.6%) participants. Vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of ARI among all participants [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 0.96; heterogeneity < 0.001]. Subgroup analysis revealed that protective effects were seen in individuals receiving daily or weekly vitamin D without additional bolus doses (aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.91), but not in those receiving one or more bolus doses (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.10; = 0.05). Among those receiving daily or weekly vitamin D, protective effects of vitamin D were stronger in individuals with a baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration of< 25 nmol/l (aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.53) than in those with a baseline 25(OH)D concentration of ≥ 25 nmol/l (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.95; = 0.006). Vitamin D did not influence the proportion of participants experiencing at least one serious adverse event (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.20; = 0.83). The body of evidence contributing to these analyses was assessed as being of high quality.
LIMITATIONS: Our study had limited power to detect the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of upper versus lower respiratory infection, analysed separately.
CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation was safe, and it protected against ARIs overall. Very deficient individuals and those not receiving bolus doses experienced the benefit. Incorporation of additional IPD from ongoing trials in the field has the potential to increase statistical power for analyses of secondary outcomes.
STUDY REGISTRATION: This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013953.
FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Beta-glucan, but not vitamin D or placebo, results in significant improvements of natural killer cel

Beta-glucan, but not vitamin D or placebo, results in significant improvements of natural killer cell numbers.

In our study , we focused on possible effects of supplementation with glucan and vitamin D on total numbers of @ @ @ @ @ diabetic retinopathy .
We evaluated possible relations among nutritional state ( BMI ) , leptin @ @ @ @ @ of NK cells in patients supplemented with ( 1 ) glucan and vitamin D , @ @ @ @ @ and placebo , and ( 3 ) vitamin D alone .
Our results show that @ @ @ @ @ both glucan and vitamin D resulted in significant improvements of NK cell numbers .
In @ @ @ @ @ significant correlation between NK cell numbers and leptin levels .
Based on these results , @ @ @ @ @ responsible for these changes is glucan , as vitamin D alone or together with placebo @ @ @ @

In our study, we focused on possible effects of supplementation with glucan and vitamin D on total numbers of NK cells in patients with diabetic retinopathy. We evaluated possible relations among nutritional state (BMI), leptin levels, and total numbers of NK cells in patients supplemented with (1) glucan and vitamin D, (2) vitamin D and placebo, and (3) vitamin D alone. Our results show that 3 months of supplementation with both glucan and vitamin D resulted in significant improvements of NK cell numbers. In addition, we found statistically significant correlation between NK cell numbers and leptin levels. Based on these results, we propose that the molecule responsible for these changes is glucan, as vitamin D alone or together with placebo caused no effects.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Low vitamin D at ICU admission is associated with cancer, infections, acute respiratory insufficienc

Low vitamin D at ICU admission is associated with cancer, infections, acute respiratory insufficiency, and liver failure.

OBJECTIVES : Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with comorbidities and poor prognosis .
However , this association in patients in the intensive care unit ( ICU ) has not been fully elucidated .
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D ( 25 [ OH ] D ) within the first 48 h after ICU admission are associated with prognostic indicators ( Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [ APACHE ] II , Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [ SOFA ] score , Charlson comorbidity index [ CCI ] ) , clinical complications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concentrations , mechanical ventilation duration , and mortality .
METHODS : Seventy-one patients were admitted to the ICU , and their concentrations of 25 ( OH ) D in the first 48 h were analyzed .
To evaluate the prognostic factors in the ICU , APACHE II scores , SOFA scores , CCI questionnaires , mechanical ventilation time , CRP , and mortality were used .
RESULTS : The mean concentration of 25 ( OH ) D was 17.7± 8.27 ng/mL ( range 3.5-37.5 ng/mL ) , with 91.6 % presenting with deficiency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found between serum 25 ( OH ) D concentrations with mechanical ventilation time , CRP , mortality , and APACHE II and SOFA severity scores , we found associations with the CCI when adjusted by age ( model 1 : odds ratio [ OR ] , 1.64 ; 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] , 1.14-2.34 ) and by age , sex and body mass index ( model 2 : OR , 1.59 ; 95 % CI , 1.10-2.34 ) .
In addition , among the comorbidities present , 25 ( OH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer ( crude model OR , 3.42 ; 95 % CI , 1.21-9.64 ) and liver disease ( crude model OR , 9.64 ; 95 % CI , 2.28-40.60 ) .
CONCLUSION : We found a strong association between 25 ( OH ) D concentrations and the prognostic indicator CCI and clinical complications ( acute respiratory insufficiency , acute liver failure , and infections ) , but no associations with the prognostic indicators APACHE II and SOFA score , CRP , mechanical ventilation duration , or mortality .
The main comorbidities associated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer and liver disease , suggesting that the determination of 25 ( OH ) vitamin D is relevant during the ICU stay .

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with comorbidities and poor prognosis. However, this association in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) within the first 48 h after ICU admission are associated with prognostic indicators (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA] score, Charlson comorbidity index [CCI]), clinical complications, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, mechanical ventilation duration, and mortality.
METHODS: Seventy-one patients were admitted to the ICU, and their concentrations of 25(OH)D in the first 48 h were analyzed. To evaluate the prognostic factors in the ICU, APACHE II scores, SOFA scores, CCI questionnaires, mechanical ventilation time, CRP, and mortality were used.
RESULTS: The mean concentration of 25(OH)D was 17.7± 8.27 ng/mL (range 3.5-37.5 ng/mL), with 91.6% presenting with deficiency at admission. Although no associations were found between serum 25(OH)D concentrations with mechanical ventilation time, CRP, mortality, and APACHE II and SOFA severity scores, we found associations with the CCI when adjusted by age (model 1: odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-2.34) and by age, sex and body mass index (model 2: OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.10-2.34). In addition, among the comorbidities present, 25(OH)D concentrations were inversely associated with cancer (crude model OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.21-9.64) and liver disease (crude model OR, 9.64; 95% CI, 2.28-40.60).
CONCLUSION: We found a strong association between 25(OH)D concentrations and the prognostic indicator CCI and clinical complications (acute respiratory insufficiency, acute liver failure, and infections), but no associations with the prognostic indicators APACHE II and SOFA score, CRP, mechanical ventilation duration, or mortality. The main comorbidities associated with low 25(OH)D were cancer and liver disease, suggesting that the determination of 25(OH)vitamin D is relevant during the ICU stay.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--In a healthy middle aged population with normal BMD, an increase in plant food consumption, either a

OBJECTIVES : To determine the relationship between plant food consumption and bone mineral density ( BMD ) in a healthy population when age , gender , BMI and physical activity are accounted for .
SETTING : Participants were recruited from the Sydney Adventist hospital and the University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia .
PARTICIPANTS : 33 males and 40 females ( total n=73 ) participated in this study .
The mean age was 56.1± 8.5 years .
All participants were non-diabetic and in general good health .
MEASUREMENTS : A principle component analysis ( PCA ) was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data , gathered using the Cancer Council Victoria Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies Version 2 .
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure total BMD .
Fasting plasma total protein , calcium and 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D levels were analysed by the Sydney Adventist Hospital pathology laboratory .
Anthropometric measures were obtained using a standardized protocol .
Self-reported physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire .
RESULTS : The PCA revealed three principle components .
These were termed 'Meat Based ' , 'Junk Food ' and 'Plant Based . '
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical activity and BMI , the Plant Based component correlated positively with BMD ( p=0.054 , R2=0.439 ) and T-score ( p=0.053 , R2=0.221 ) .
Using a similar model no association between the Meat Based component and BMD or T-score was found .
However , when the Plant Based component was included the Meat Based component correlated positively with BMD ( p=0.046 , R2=0.474 ) and T-score ( p=0.046 , R2=0.279 ) .
There was no significant association between the Junk Food component and BMD or T-score .
People in the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 255 g/day , p=0.025 ) and Meat Based ( 921 ± 270 vs 676 ± 241 g/day , p=0.002 ) tertile had higher calcium intakes than those in the first .
People in the second Plant Based tertile had higher plasma Vitamin D levels than those in the first ( 63.5 ± 16.8 vs. 52.3 ± 22.1 nmol/L , p=0.053 ) while those in the third Junk Food tertile had lower levels than those in the first ( 52.4 ± 18.5 vs. 65.4 ± 19.8 nmol/L , p=0.027 ) .
No association between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observed , however those in the third Meat Based ( 99.7 ± 25.1 vs. 50.9 ± 13.8 g/day , p=0.000 ) andJunk Food ( 87.4 ± 30.7 vs. 56.6 ± 22.2 g/day , p=0.000 ) tertile had higher protein intake compared to those in the first tertile .
CONCLUSION : In a healthy middle aged population with normal BMD , an increase in plant food consumption , either alone or in combination with a diet containing meat , is associated with improved bone mineralisation markers .
This positive relationship is most likely due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phytochemicals packaged within plants .

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between plant food consumption and bone mineral density (BMD) in a healthy population when age, gender, BMI and physical activity are accounted for.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
SETTING: Participants were recruited from the Sydney Adventist hospital and the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
PARTICIPANTS: 33 males and 40 females (total n=73) participated in this study. The mean age was 56.1± 8.5 years. All participants were non-diabetic and in general good health.
MEASUREMENTS: A principle component analysis (PCA) was performed on 12 month self-report food intake data, gathered using the Cancer Council Victoria Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies Version 2. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure total BMD. Fasting plasma total protein, calcium and 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D levels were analysed by the Sydney Adventist Hospital pathology laboratory. Anthropometric measures were obtained using a standardized protocol. Self-reported physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
RESULTS: The PCA revealed three principle components. These were termed 'Meat Based', 'Junk Food' and 'Plant Based.' After controlling for age, gender, physical activity and BMI, the Plant Based component correlated positively with BMD (p=0.054, R2=0.439) and T-score (p=0.053, R2=0.221). Using a similar model no association between the Meat Based component and BMD or T-score was found. However, when the Plant Based component was included the Meat Based component correlated positively with BMD (p=0.046, R2=0.474) and T-score (p=0.046, R2=0.279). There was no significant association between the Junk Food component and BMD or T-score. People in the third Plant (927± 339 vs 751 ± 255 g/day, p=0.025) and Meat Based (921 ± 270 vs 676 ± 241 g/day, p=0.002) tertile had higher calcium intakes than those in the first. People in the second Plant Based tertile had higher plasma Vitamin D levels than those in the first (63.5 ± 16.8 vs. 52.3 ± 22.1 nmol/L, p=0.053) while those in the third Junk Food tertile had lower levels than those in the first (52.4 ± 18.5 vs. 65.4 ± 19.8 nmol/L, p=0.027). No association between Plant Based tertiles and protein intake was observed, however those in the third Meat Based (99.7 ± 25.1 vs. 50.9 ± 13.8 g/day, p=0.000) andJunk Food (87.4 ± 30.7 vs. 56.6 ± 22.2 g/day, p=0.000) tertile had higher protein intake compared to those in the first tertile.
CONCLUSION: In a healthy middle aged population with normal BMD, an increase in plant food consumption, either alone or in combination with a diet containing meat, is associated with improved bone mineralisation markers. This positive relationship is most likely due to the extensive range of micronutrients and phytochemicals packaged within plants.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Profiling of Alzheimer's disease related genes in mild to moderate vitamin D hypovitaminosis.

A vast majority of the elderly population shows a mild to moderate vitamin D deficiency .
Besides the well-known function of vitamin D , vitamin D receptor is also expressed in brain and is discussed to regulate several genes .
However very little is known whether genes are regulated , associated with Alzheimer 's disease ( AD ) .
Here we investigate 117 genes , known to be affected in AD , in mouse brain samples with a mild vitamin D hypovitaminosis comparable to the vitamin D status of the elderly population ( 20 % -30 % deficiency ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Nep and Park7 , already known to be affected by both AD and vitamin D hypovitaminosis .
The 25 most promising candidates were verified in a second independent mouse cohort , resulting in eleven genes further evaluated against three additional housekeeping genes .
Three of the remaining eight significantly altered genes are involved in APP homeostasis ( Snca , Nep , Psmb5 ) , and each one gene in oxidative stress ( Park7 ) , inflammation ( Casp4 ) , lipid metabolism ( Abca1 ) , signal transduction ( Gnb5 ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tighten the link of vitamin D and AD and underline that vitamin D influences several genes also in brain , highlighting that a strong link not only to AD but also to other neurodegenerative diseases might exist .

A vast majority of the elderly population shows a mild to moderate vitamin D deficiency. Besides the well-known function of vitamin D, vitamin D receptor is also expressed in brain and is discussed to regulate several genes. However very little is known whether genes are regulated, associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we investigate 117 genes, known to be affected in AD, in mouse brain samples with a mild vitamin D hypovitaminosis comparable to the vitamin D status of the elderly population (20%-30% deficiency). The 117 genes include two positive controls, Nep and Park7, already known to be affected by both AD and vitamin D hypovitaminosis. The 25 most promising candidates were verified in a second independent mouse cohort, resulting in eleven genes further evaluated against three additional housekeeping genes. Three of the remaining eight significantly altered genes are involved in APP homeostasis (Snca, Nep, Psmb5), and each one gene in oxidative stress (Park7), inflammation (Casp4), lipid metabolism (Abca1), signal transduction (Gnb5) and neurogenesis (Plat). Our results tighten the link of vitamin D and AD and underline that vitamin D influences several genes also in brain, highlighting that a strong link not only to AD but also to other neurodegenerative diseases might exist.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--Vitamin D deficiency is associated with dyslipidemia in Hispanic American adolescents.

In this retrospective study , vitamin D deficiency was examined with body mass index ( BMI ) and lipid levels in a sample of Hispanic American adolescents .
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among 234 subjects aged 13 to 19 years was 27.8 % .
Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with a BMI of 85 kg/mor higher ( odds ratio = 2.02 , 95 % confidence interval = 1.11-3.69 , χ= 5.37 , = .021 ) , and 55.6 % of the sample were overweight or obese ( BMI≥ 85 % ) .
In the overweight or obese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated with higher mean lipid levels compared with those with adequate vitamin D levels : total cholesterol = 165 ± 28.6 mg/dL versus 145.7 ± 27.5 mg/dL , = .0003 ; low-density lipoprotein = 92.7± 25.7 mg/dL versus 80.8 ± 21.4 mg/dL , = .007 ; and triglycerides = 148.9± 97.1 mg/dL versus 90.6 ± 40.7 mg/dL , = .0000 .
The mean triglyceride level of 148.9 mg/dL in the overweight or obese subjects was in the dyslipidemic range .
In the underweight and healthy weight subjects ( BMI≤ 84 ) , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vitamin D adequate and vitamin D deficient groups .
The effect of vitamin D on lipid levels was confirmed by regression analysis .
Elevated lipids and dyslipidemic triglyceride levels , associated with vitamin D deficiency in overweight or obese Hispanic American adolescents , indicates a need for clinical monitoring and appropriate intervention .

In this retrospective study, vitamin D deficiency was examined with body mass index (BMI) and lipid levels in a sample of Hispanic American adolescents. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among 234 subjects aged 13 to 19 years was 27.8%. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with a BMI of 85 kg/mor higher (odds ratio = 2.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.11-3.69,χ= 5.37,= .021), and 55.6% of the sample were overweight or obese (BMI≥ 85%). In the overweight or obese subjects, vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with higher mean lipid levels compared with those with adequate vitamin D levels: total cholesterol = 165 ± 28.6 mg/dL versus 145.7 ± 27.5 mg/dL,= .0003; low-density lipoprotein = 92.7± 25.7 mg/dL versus 80.8 ± 21.4 mg/dL,= .007; and triglycerides = 148.9± 97.1 mg/dL versus 90.6 ± 40.7 mg/dL,= .0000. The mean triglyceride level of 148.9 mg/dL in the overweight or obese subjects was in the dyslipidemic range. In the underweight and healthy weight subjects (BMI≤ 84), there was no statistically different lipid levels between the vitamin D adequate and vitamin D deficient groups. The effect of vitamin D on lipid levels was confirmed by regression analysis. Elevated lipids and dyslipidemic triglyceride levels, associated with vitamin D deficiency in overweight or obese Hispanic American adolescents, indicates a need for clinical monitoring and appropriate intervention.


greenmedinfo--2020-04-22--1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men with a BMI over 40 are vitamin D deficient.

BACKGROUND : Obesity is a rapidly growing health problem in most developed countries .
Excess body weight is a risk factor for many somatic and even psychological disorders , including cardiovascular disease , type 2 diabetes mellitus , osteoarthritis and several cancer types .
Recently , overweight and obesity have been shown to be related to low vitamin D status .
MATERIALS AND METHODS : The 25 ( OH ) D3 status was analyzed in a population of 2,126 patients registered in a Metabolic and Medical Lifestyle Management Clinic in Oslo , Norway .
Seasonal variation and prevalence of vitamin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass index ( BMI ) , sex and age categories .
RESULTS : For both sexes and both age groups ( < 50 years and > or = 50 years ) there was a significant decrease of serum 25 ( OH ) D3 levels with increasing BMI .
Surprisingly , not only were the 25 ( OH ) D3 levels negatively correlated with BMI , but the serum 1,25 ( OH ) 2D3 levels were also .
The seasonal variation of serum 25 ( OH ) D3 was highest in young ( < @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was highest in individuals with BMI > or = 40 , being as high as 32 % among women and 46 % among men .
CONCLUSION : The 25 ( OH ) D3 level , as well as its seasonal variation and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency , are all dependent on BMI , and age separately .
The results of the study suggest that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men with BMI > or = 40 are vitamin D deficient .

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a rapidly growing health problem in most developed countries. Excess body weight is a risk factor for many somatic and even psychological disorders, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis and several cancer types. Recently, overweight and obesity have been shown to be related to low vitamin D status.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 25(OH)D3 status was analyzed in a population of 2,126 patients registered in a Metabolic and Medical Lifestyle Management Clinic in Oslo, Norway. Seasonal variation and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency were assessed in different body mass index (BMI), sex and age categories.
RESULTS: For both sexes and both age groups (<50 years and>or = 50 years) there was a significant decrease of serum 25(OH)D3 levels with increasing BMI. Surprisingly, not only were the 25(OH)D3 levels negatively correlated with BMI, but the serum 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were also. The seasonal variation of serum 25(OH)D3 was highest in young (<50 years) non-obese men. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was highest in individuals with BMI>or = 40, being as high as 32% among women and 46% among men.
CONCLUSION: The 25(OH)D3 level, as well as its seasonal variation and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, are all dependent on BMI, and age separately. The results of the study suggest that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men with BMI>or = 40 are vitamin D deficient.