greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Lactoferrin contributes a renoprotective effect in acute kidney injury and early renal fibrosis.

Patients with acute kidney injury ( AKI ) who survive the acute stage are at notable risk for chronic kidney disease ( CKD ) progression .
There is no single therapy that can effectively prevent the AKI to CKD transition .
Autophagy is a cytoplasmic component degradation pathway and has complex functions in several diseases , such as renal fibrosis .
Previous research has shown that lactoferrin has important functions in antioxidant defense and other defense systems , protecting kidneys against various injuries .
The present study investigated the effect of lactoferrin in protecting against the AKI to CKD transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-fold changes in clinical kidney tissues from AKI and CKD patients .
Among the 62 overlay genes , the mRNA levels of LTF were significantly upregulated in the kidney tissues of AKI and CKD patients .
Lactoferrin induced autophagy via the activation of the AMPK and inhibition of Akt/mTOR pathway in human kidney proximal tubular cells .
Lactoferrin suppressed oxidative stress-induced cell death and apoptosis by augmenting autophagy .
Lactoferrin has an antifibrotic role in human kidney tubular cells .
In a mouse model of folic acid-induced AKI to CKD transition , treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppressed renal fibrosis through the inhibition of apoptosis and the induction of autophagy .
These findings identify lactoferrin as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of the AKI to CKD transition .

Patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who survive the acute stage are at notable risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. There is no single therapy that can effectively prevent the AKI to CKD transition. Autophagy is a cytoplasmic component degradation pathway and has complex functions in several diseases, such as renal fibrosis. Previous research has shown that lactoferrin has important functions in antioxidant defense and other defense systems, protecting kidneys against various injuries. The present study investigated the effect of lactoferrin in protecting against the AKI to CKD transition. We identified 62 consensus genes with two-fold changes in clinical kidney tissues from AKI and CKD patients. Among the 62 overlay genes, the mRNA levels of LTF were significantly upregulated in the kidney tissues of AKI and CKD patients. Lactoferrin induced autophagy via the activation of the AMPK and inhibition of Akt/mTOR pathway in human kidney proximal tubular cells. Lactoferrin suppressed oxidative stress-induced cell death and apoptosis by augmenting autophagy. Lactoferrin has an antifibrotic role in human kidney tubular cells. In a mouse model of folic acid-induced AKI to CKD transition, treatment with lactoferrin recovered renal function and further suppressed renal fibrosis through the inhibition of apoptosis and the induction of autophagy. These findings identify lactoferrin as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of the AKI to CKD transition.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Lactoferrin reduces mycobacterial Trehalose 6,6'-dimycolate induced M1-type inflammation.

Primary Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Mtb ) infection results in the formation of a densely packed granulomatous response that essentially limits entry and efficacy of immune effector cells .
Furthermore , the physical nature of the granuloma does not readily permit entry of therapeutic agents to sites where organisms reside .
The Mtb cell wall mycolic acid , trehalose 6,6'-dimycolate ( TDM ) , is a physiologically-relevant molecule to model macrophage mediated events during establishment of the tuberculosis-induced granuloma pathogenesis .
No current therapeutic modalities focus to modulate host immune responses to ameliorate tuberculosis disease .
Previous studies identified lactoferrin ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proven to modulate inflammation , as able to ameliorate granuloma cohesiveness .
Therefore , a series of studies were enabled to further examine the effect of recombinant human LF ( rHLF ) on histological progression of the TDM-induced pathology .
Treatment with rHLF demonstrated significant reduction in size and number of inflammatory foci following TDM injection , with reduced pulmonary pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β .
LF allowed greater penetration of fluoroquinolone therapeutic to sites of pathology ; TDM alone treated mice demonstrated exclusion of ofloxacin to regions of inflammatory response , whereas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responding foci .
Finally , recent findings support the hypothesis that this mycobacterial mycolic acid can specifically recruit M1-like polarized macrophages ; rHLF treatment was shown to limit the level of this M1-like phenotypic recruitment , corresponding highly with the occurrence of the decreased inflammatory response .

Primary Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection results in the formation of a densely packed granulomatous response that essentially limits entry and efficacy of immune effector cells. Furthermore, the physical nature of the granuloma does not readily permit entry of therapeutic agents to sites where organisms reside. The Mtb cell wall mycolic acid, trehalose 6,6'-dimycolate (TDM), is a physiologically-relevant molecule to model macrophage mediated events during establishment of the tuberculosis-induced granuloma pathogenesis. No current therapeutic modalities focus to modulate host immune responses to ameliorate tuberculosis disease. Previous studies identified lactoferrin (LF), a natural iron-binding protein proven to modulate inflammation, as able to ameliorate granuloma cohesiveness. Therefore, a series of studies were enabled to further examine the effect of recombinant human LF (rHLF) on histological progression of the TDM-induced pathology. Treatment with rHLF demonstrated significant reduction in size and number of inflammatory foci following TDM injection, with reduced pulmonary pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. LF allowed greater penetration of fluoroquinolone therapeutic to sites of pathology; TDM alone treated mice demonstrated exclusion of ofloxacin to regions of inflammatory response, whereas rHLF treated animals demonstrated increased penetration to responding foci. Finally, recent findings support the hypothesis that this mycobacterial mycolic acid can specifically recruit M1-like polarized macrophages; rHLF treatment was shown to limit the level of this M1-like phenotypic recruitment, corresponding highly with the occurrence of the decreased inflammatory response.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Lactoferrin supplementation might reduce late-onset sepsis in very low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND : Very low birthweight or preterm infants are at increased risk of adverse outcomes including sepsis , necrotising enterocolitis , and death .
We assessed whether supplementing the enteral diet of very low-birthweight infants with lactoferrin , an antimicrobial protein , reduces all-cause mortality or major morbidity .
METHODS : We did a multicentre , double-blind , pragmatic , randomised superiority trial in 14 Australian and two New Zealand neonatal intensive care units .
Infants born weighing less than 1500 g and aged less than 8 days , were eligible and randomly assigned ( 1:1 ) using minimising web-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pasteurised bovine lactoferrin supplements or no lactoferrin supplement added to breast or formula milk until 34 weeks ' post-menstrual age ( or for 2 weeks , if longer ) , or until discharge from the study hospital if that occurred first .
Designated nurses preparing the daily feeds were not masked to group assignment , but other nurses , doctors , parents , caregivers , and investigators were unaware .
The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge or major morbidity ( defined as brain injury , necrotising enterocolitis , late-onset sepsis at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retinopathy treated before discharge ) assessed in the intention-to-treat population .
Safety analyses were by treatment received .
We also did a prespecified , PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis , which included this study and other relevant randomised controlled trials , to estimate more precisely the effects of lactoferrin supplementation on late-onset sepsis , necrotising enterocolitis , and survival .
This trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry , ACTRN12611000247976 .
FINDINGS : Between June 27 , 2014 , and Sept 1 , 2017 , we recruited 1542 infants ; 771 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 771 to the control group .
One infant who had consent withdrawn before beginning lactoferrin treatment was excluded from analysis .
In-hospital death or major morbidity occurred in 162 ( 21 % ) of 770 infants in the intervention group and in 170 ( 22 % ) of 771 infants in the control group ( relative risk [ RR ] 0·95 , 95 % CI 0·79-1·14 ; p=0·60 ) .
Three suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions occurred ; two in the lactoferrin group , namely unexplained late jaundice and inspissated milk syndrome , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one in the control group had fatal inspissated milk syndrome .
Our meta-analysis identified 13 trials completed before Feb 18 , 2020 , including this Article , in 5609 preterm infants .
Lactoferrin supplements significantly reduced late-onset sepsis ( RR 0·79 , 95 % CI 0·71-0·88 ; p < 0·0001 ; I=58 % ) , but not necrotising enterocolitis or all-cause mortality .
INTERPRETATION : Lactoferrin supplementation did not improve death or major morbidity in this trial , but might reduce late-onset sepsis , as found in our meta-analysis of over 5000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products with demonstrated biological activity , be large enough to detect moderate and clinically important effects reliably , and assess greater doses of lactoferrin in infants at increased risk , such as those not exclusively receiving breastmilk or infants of extremely low birthweight .

BACKGROUND: Very low birthweight or preterm infants are at increased risk of adverse outcomes including sepsis, necrotising enterocolitis, and death. We assessed whether supplementing the enteral diet of very low-birthweight infants with lactoferrin, an antimicrobial protein, reduces all-cause mortality or major morbidity.
METHODS: We did a multicentre, double-blind, pragmatic, randomised superiority trial in 14 Australian and two New Zealand neonatal intensive care units. Infants born weighing less than 1500 g and aged less than 8 days, were eligible and randomly assigned (1:1) using minimising web-based randomisation to receive once daily 200 mg/kg pasteurised bovine lactoferrin supplements or no lactoferrin supplement added to breast or formula milk until 34 weeks' post-menstrual age (or for 2 weeks, if longer), or until discharge from the study hospital if that occurred first. Designated nurses preparing the daily feeds were not masked to group assignment, but other nurses, doctors, parents, caregivers, and investigators were unaware. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge or major morbidity (defined as brain injury, necrotising enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis at 36 weeks' post-menstrual age, or retinopathy treated before discharge) assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety analyses were by treatment received. We also did a prespecified, PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis, which included this study and other relevant randomised controlled trials, to estimate more precisely the effects of lactoferrin supplementation on late-onset sepsis, necrotising enterocolitis, and survival. This trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12611000247976.
FINDINGS: Between June 27, 2014, and Sept 1, 2017, we recruited 1542 infants; 771 were assigned to the intervention group and 771 to the control group. One infant who had consent withdrawn before beginning lactoferrin treatment was excluded from analysis. In-hospital death or major morbidity occurred in 162 (21%) of 770 infants in the intervention group and in 170 (22%) of 771 infants in the control group (relative risk [RR] 0·95, 95% CI 0·79-1·14; p=0·60). Three suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions occurred; two in the lactoferrin group, namely unexplained late jaundice and inspissated milk syndrome, but were not attributed to the intervention and one in the control group had fatal inspissated milk syndrome. Our meta-analysis identified 13 trials completed before Feb 18, 2020, including this Article, in 5609 preterm infants. Lactoferrin supplements significantly reduced late-onset sepsis (RR 0·79, 95% CI 0·71-0·88; p<0·0001; I=58%), but not necrotising enterocolitis or all-cause mortality.
INTERPRETATION: Lactoferrin supplementation did not improve death or major morbidity in this trial, but might reduce late-onset sepsis, as found in our meta-analysis of over 5000 infants. Future collaborative studies should use products with demonstrated biological activity, be large enough to detect moderate and clinically important effects reliably, and assess greater doses of lactoferrin in infants at increased risk, such as those not exclusively receiving breastmilk or infants of extremely low birthweight.
FUNDING: Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Anti-neoplastic and Immunomodulatory Potency of Co-Treatment Based on Bovine Lactoferrin and/or Mura

Anti-neoplastic and Immunomodulatory Potency of Co-Treatment Based on Bovine Lactoferrin and/or Muramyl Dipeptide in Tumor-Bearing Mice

The current study investigates anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory activities of co-treatment based on bovine lactoferrin ( bLF ) and/or muramyl dipeptide ( MDP ) with or without cisplatin ( Cis ) in tumor-bearing mice .
In the present study , bLF ( 100 mg/kg ; orally ) and MDP ( 0.5 mg/kg ; subcutaneously ) was administered alone or together .
MDP or bLF was co-treated with Cis ( 1 mg/kg ; intraperitoneally ) in mice-bearing Ehrlich solid carcinoma .
Tumor size , tumor mass proliferation , apoptosis using immunohistochemistry , the alteration in spleen cell proliferation , phenotype using flow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differential counts were detected .
Treatment with Cis or ( bLF and MDP ) significantly reduced tumor size , upregulated the pro-apoptotic p53 expression and downregulated the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and proliferative marker PCNA expression compared to non-treated tumor-bearing animals .
Moreover , co-treatment of MDP and Cis significantly potentiated the reduction of the tumor size , downregulated the Bcl-2 and PCNA expression and upregulated the p53 expression compared to Cis-treated animals .
While bLF and Cis co-treatment positively controlled PCNA and p53 expression compared to tumor-bearing animals , it significantly potentiated the reduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bcl-2 expression compared to Cis-treated animals .
Co-treatment of ( bLF and MDP ) , ( bLF and Cis ) or ( MDP and Cis ) increased the spleen cell proliferation and altered the immunological profile of the CD3+CD4+ , CD3+CD8+ , CD3+CD4+CD69+ , CD3+CD8+CD69+ and CD11b+Ly6G+ cells to achieve better immune response against tumor .
In conclusion , co-treatments based on bLF and/or MDP are promising therapies against cancer , through their potency to control proliferation , enhance apoptosis and improve the immune status against tumor cells .

The current study investigates anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory activities of co-treatment based on bovine lactoferrin (bLF) and/or muramyl dipeptide (MDP) with or without cisplatin (Cis) in tumor-bearing mice. In the present study, bLF (100 mg/kg; orally) and MDP (0.5 mg/kg; subcutaneously) was administered alone or together. MDP or bLF was co-treated with Cis (1 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) in mice-bearing Ehrlich solid carcinoma. Tumor size, tumor mass proliferation, apoptosis using immunohistochemistry, the alteration in spleen cell proliferation, phenotype using flow cytometry and white blood cells total and differential counts were detected. Treatment with Cis or (bLF and MDP) significantly reduced tumor size, upregulated the pro-apoptotic p53 expression and downregulated the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and proliferative marker PCNA expression compared to non-treated tumor-bearing animals. Moreover, co-treatment of MDP and Cis significantly potentiated the reduction of the tumor size, downregulated the Bcl-2 and PCNA expression and upregulated the p53 expression compared to Cis-treated animals. While bLF and Cis co-treatment positively controlled PCNA and p53 expression compared to tumor-bearing animals, it significantly potentiated the reduction of the tumor size and downregulated the Bcl-2 expression compared to Cis-treated animals. Co-treatment of (bLF and MDP), (bLF and Cis) or (MDP and Cis) increased the spleen cell proliferation and altered the immunological profile of the CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD3+CD4+CD69+, CD3+CD8+CD69+ and CD11b+Ly6G+ cells to achieve better immune response against tumor. In conclusion, co-treatments based on bLF and/or MDP are promising therapies against cancer, through their potency to control proliferation, enhance apoptosis and improve the immune status against tumor cells.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--A Timeline--Pandemic and Erosion of Freedoms Have Been Decades in the Making

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greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--This case report suggests that a ketogenic diet may improve hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the conte

Mitochondrial diseases are rare metabolic disorders which can cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy .
We describe a 3-year-old girl who was diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ m.5559A > G in the mitochondrial-tRNAgene ( MT-TW ) ) .
Echocardiography showed left ventricular @ @ @ @ @ ( 9 mm , Z-score 3.26 ) .
Antioxidant supplementation associated with a high-fat ketogenic @ @ @ @ @ , as expected , neurological status .
In addition , heart parameters improved with a @ @ @ @ @ at the age of six ( 6 mm , Z-score 1.05 ) .
This case @ @ @ @ @ diet may improve hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the context of mitochondrial disease .

Mitochondrial diseases are rare metabolic disorders which can cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We describe a 3-year-old girl who was diagnosed for mitochondrial disease (mutation m.5559A>G in the mitochondrial-tRNAgene (MT-TW)). Echocardiography showed left ventricular hypertrophy with an enlarged septum (9 mm, Z-score 3.26). Antioxidant supplementation associated with a high-fat ketogenic diet were introduced and improved, as expected, neurological status. In addition, heart parameters improved with a normalization of interventricular septum thickness at the age of six (6 mm, Z-score 1.05). This case report suggests that a ketogenic diet may improve hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the context of mitochondrial disease.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Long-term intake of ketogenic diets containing MCTs may additively enhance endurance training–induce

Long-term intake of ketogenic diets containing MCTs may additively enhance endurance training–induced increases in ketolytic capacity in skeletal muscle.

Long-term intake of a ketogenic diet enhances utilization of ketone bodies , a particularly energy-efficient substrate , during exercise .
However , physiological adaptation to an extremely low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to upregulate pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 ( PDK4 , a negative regulator of glycolytic flux ) content in skeletal muscle , resulting in impaired high-intensity exercise capacity .
This study aimed to examine the effects of a long-term ketogenic diet containing medium-chain triglycerides ( MCTs ) on endurance training-induced adaptations in ketolytic and glycolytic enzymes of rat skeletal muscle .
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on either a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-chain triglyceride-containing ketogenic diet ( LKD ) , or an MCT-containing ketogenic diet ( MKD ) .
Half the rats in each group performed a 2-h swimming exercise , 5 days a week , for 8 weeks .
Endurance training significantly increased 3-oxoacid CoA transferase ( OXCT , a ketolytic enzyme ) protein content in epitrochlearis muscle tissue , and MKD intake additively enhanced endurance training-induced increases in OXCT protein content .
LKD consumption substantially increased muscle PDK4 protein level .
However , such PDK4 increases were not observed in the MKD-fed rats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ketogenic diets containing MCTs may additively enhance endurance training-induced increases in ketolytic capacity in skeletal muscle without exerting inhibitory effects on carbohydrate metabolism .

Long-term intake of a ketogenic diet enhances utilization of ketone bodies, a particularly energy-efficient substrate, during exercise. However, physiological adaptation to an extremely low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to upregulate pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4, a negative regulator of glycolytic flux) content in skeletal muscle, resulting in impaired high-intensity exercise capacity. This study aimed to examine the effects of a long-term ketogenic diet containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) on endurance training-induced adaptations in ketolytic and glycolytic enzymes of rat skeletal muscle. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on either a standard diet (CON), a long-chain triglyceride-containing ketogenic diet (LKD), or an MCT-containing ketogenic diet (MKD). Half the rats in each group performed a 2-h swimming exercise, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks. Endurance training significantly increased 3-oxoacid CoA transferase (OXCT, a ketolytic enzyme) protein content in epitrochlearis muscle tissue, and MKD intake additively enhanced endurance training-induced increases in OXCT protein content. LKD consumption substantially increased muscle PDK4 protein level. However, such PDK4 increases were not observed in the MKD-fed rats. In conclusion, long-term intake of ketogenic diets containing MCTs may additively enhance endurance training-induced increases in ketolytic capacity in skeletal muscle without exerting inhibitory effects on carbohydrate metabolism.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Short-term physiological effects of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet: effects on adiponectin levels

Short-term physiological effects of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet: effects on adiponectin levels and inflammatory states.

Adipose tissue is a multifunctional organ involved in many physiological and metabolic processes through the production of adipokines and , in particular , adiponectin .
Caloric restriction is one of the most important strategies against obesity today .
The very low-calorie ketogenic diet ( VLCKD ) represents a type of caloric restriction with very or extremely low daily food energy consumption .
This study aimed to investigate the physiological effects of a VLCKD on anthropometric and biochemical parameters such as adiponectin levels , as well as analyzing oligomeric profiles and cytokine serum levels in obese subjects before and after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At baseline and after eight weeks of intervention , anthropometric and biochemical parameters , such as adiponectin levels , were recorded .
Our findings showed a significant change in the anthropometric and biochemical parameters of these obese subjects before and after a VLCKD .
We found a negative correlation between adiponectin and lipid profile , visceral adipose tissue ( VAT ) , C-reactive protein ( CRP ) , and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α ) , which confirmed the important involvement of adiponectin in metabolic and inflammatory diseases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a VLCKD not only in the treatment of obesity but also in the establishment of obesity-correlated diseases .

Adipose tissue is a multifunctional organ involved in many physiological and metabolic processes through the production of adipokines and, in particular, adiponectin. Caloric restriction is one of the most important strategies against obesity today. The very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) represents a type of caloric restriction with very or extremely low daily food energy consumption. This study aimed to investigate the physiological effects of a VLCKD on anthropometric and biochemical parameters such as adiponectin levels, as well as analyzing oligomeric profiles and cytokine serum levels in obese subjects before and after a VLCKD. Twenty obese subjects were enrolled. At baseline and after eight weeks of intervention, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, such as adiponectin levels, were recorded. Our findings showed a significant change in the anthropometric and biochemical parameters of these obese subjects before and after a VLCKD. We found a negative correlation between adiponectin and lipid profile, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which confirmed the important involvement of adiponectin in metabolic and inflammatory diseases. We demonstrated the beneficial short-term effects of a VLCKD not only in the treatment of obesity but also in the establishment of obesity-correlated diseases.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Ketogenic diet led to rapid weight loss.

OBJECTIVE : the aim of the current work was to evaluate the response time to a method of weight loss that includes dietary guidelines , physical exercise and emotional support .
The response was defined as a loss of 10 % of the baseline weight .
METHODS : data was obtained from the patients ' record recruited in Promet Lipoinflamación , an observational study of real world data in obese or overweight patients treated with a multidisciplinary method and based initially on a very-low-calorie ketogenic ( VLCK ) diet .
Weight loss rate was evaluated through a survival analysis Kaplan-Meier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
RESULTS : 6,369 subjects were included and 74.4 % managed to reach a weight loss of 10 % in a mean time of 57.64 days ( IC 95 % : 56.95-58.33 ) .
The factors associated with a greater probability of reaching a loss of 10 % or more were male gender ( RR : 1.37 , p < 0.001 ) , obesity types I , II and III vs. overweight ( RR : 1.24 , p < 0.001 , 1.26 , p < 0.001 and 1.22 , p < 0.001 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 55 years old ( RR : 2.17 , p < 0.001 ) .
CONCLUSION : Results obtained through real clinical practice show that the method produces fast and intense weight loss .
Three out of four patients lost at least 10 % of body weight in an average of 58 days .

OBJECTIVE: the aim of the current work was to evaluate the response time to a method of weight loss that includes dietary guidelines, physical exercise and emotional support. The response was defined as a loss of 10% of the baseline weight.
METHODS: data was obtained from the patients' record recruited in Promet Lipoinflamación, an observational study of real world data in obese or overweight patients treated with a multidisciplinary method and based initially on a very-low-calorie ketogenic (VLCK) diet. Weight loss rate was evaluated through a survival analysis Kaplan-Meier and related factors through Cox regression).
RESULTS: 6,369 subjects were included and 74.4% managed to reach a weight loss of 10% in a mean time of 57.64 days (IC 95%: 56.95-58.33). The factors associated with a greater probability of reaching a loss of 10% or more were male gender (RR: 1.37, p<0.001), obesity types I, II and III vs. overweight (RR: 1.24, p<0.001, 1.26, p<0.001 and 1.22, p<0.001, respectively) and young age vs. more than 55 years old (RR: 2.17, p<0.001).
CONCLUSION: Results obtained through real clinical practice show that the method produces fast and intense weight loss. Three out of four patients lost at least 10% of body weight in an average of 58 days.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Aberrant mitochondrial morphology and function in the BTBR mouse model of autism is improved by two

Aberrant mitochondrial morphology and function in the BTBR mouse model of autism is improved by two weeks of ketogenic diet.

Autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that exhibits a common set of behavioral and cognitive impairments .
Although the etiology of ASD remains unclear , mitochondrial dysfunction has recently emerged as a possible causative factor underlying ASD .
The ketogenic diet ( KD ) is a high-fat , low-carbohydrate diet that augments mitochondrial function , and has been shown to reduce autistic behaviors in both humans and in rodent models of ASD .
The aim of the current study was to examine mitochondrial bioenergetics in the BTBR mouse model of ASD and to determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We also investigated changes in mitochondrial morphology , which can directly influence mitochondrial function .
We found that BTBR mice had altered mitochondrial function and exhibited smaller more fragmented mitochondria compared to C57BL/6J controls , and that supplementation with the KD improved both mitochondrial function and morphology .
We also identified activating phosphorylation of two fission proteins , pDRP1and pMFF , in BTBR mice , consistent with the increased mitochondrial fragmentation that we observed .
Intriguingly , we found that the KD decreased pDRP1levels in BTBR mice , likely contributing to the restoration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data suggest that impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics and mitochondrial fragmentation may contribute to the etiology of ASD and that these alterations can be reversed with KD treatment .

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that exhibits a common set of behavioral and cognitive impairments. Although the etiology of ASD remains unclear, mitochondrial dysfunction has recently emerged as a possible causative factor underlying ASD. The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that augments mitochondrial function, and has been shown to reduce autistic behaviors in both humans and in rodent models of ASD. The aim of the current study was to examine mitochondrial bioenergetics in the BTBR mouse model of ASD and to determine whether the KD improves mitochondrial function. We also investigated changes in mitochondrial morphology, which can directly influence mitochondrial function. We found that BTBR mice had altered mitochondrial function and exhibited smaller more fragmented mitochondria compared to C57BL/6J controls, and that supplementation with the KD improved both mitochondrial function and morphology. We also identified activating phosphorylation of two fission proteins, pDRP1and pMFF, in BTBR mice, consistent with the increased mitochondrial fragmentation that we observed. Intriguingly, we found that the KD decreased pDRP1levels in BTBR mice, likely contributing to the restoration of mitochondrial morphology. Overall, these data suggest that impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics and mitochondrial fragmentation may contribute to the etiology of ASD and that these alterations can be reversed with KD treatment.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--A comparative review of established diets for prevention of cardiovascular disease and newer dietary

A comparative review of established diets for prevention of cardiovascular disease and newer dietary strategies.

As part of a population-based approach to combating obesity , the American Heart Association has published specific dietary guidelines for the management of obesity and cardiovascular disease prevention .
These guidelines give a primary view of healthy dietary changes and goals which may reduce cardiovascular risk .
The American Heart Association guideline on Cardiovascular Prevention focuses on the benefits of a Plant-Based Diet and the Mediterranean diet .
In addition to these recommendations , several other diets exist with variable long-term cardiovascular outcomes .
In recent years , the ketogenic and intermittent fasting diets have been emerging and have garnered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategies , and we will include them in our discussion of the potential long-term benefits related to cardiovascular risks .
As the guidelines emphasize , all of the diets we will cover throughout this review must be discussed at the level of the individual patient with their primary care provider , and can not be exercised without informed consent regarding the potential outcomes .
Further research is required , and caution is advised before prescribing any of these diets to patients in the long-term , due to the potential to exacerbate cardiovascular risk @ @

As part of a population-based approach to combating obesity, the American Heart Association has published specific dietary guidelines for the management of obesity and cardiovascular disease prevention. These guidelines give a primary view of healthy dietary changes and goals which may reduce cardiovascular risk. The American Heart Association guideline on Cardiovascular Prevention focuses on the benefits of a Plant-Based Diet and the Mediterranean diet. In addition to these recommendations, several other diets exist with variable long-term cardiovascular outcomes. In recent years, the ketogenic and intermittent fasting diets have been emerging and have garnered their own respective followings as weight loss strategies, and we will include them in our discussion of the potential long-term benefits related to cardiovascular risks. As the guidelines emphasize, all of the diets we will cover throughout this review must be discussed at the level of the individual patient with their primary care provider, and cannot be exercised without informed consent regarding the potential outcomes. Further research is required, and caution is advised before prescribing any of these diets to patients in the long-term, due to the potential to exacerbate cardiovascular risk factors.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Successful treatment of intractable epilepsy with ketogenic diet therapy in twins with ALG3-CDG.

BACKGROUND : Congenital disorders of glycosylation ( CDG ) is a heterogeneous group of congenital metabolic diseases with multisystem clinical @ @ @ @ @ very rare subtype with only 24 cases reported so far .
CASE : Here , @ @ @ @ @ dysmorphic features , growth retardation , microcephaly , intractable epilepsy , and hemangioma in the @ @ @ @ @ regions .
RESULTS : We studied two siblings by whole exome sequencing .
A pathogenic @ @ @ @ @ : c.165C > T ; p.Gly55= ) that had been previously associated with congenital glycolysis @ @ @ @ @ .
Their intractable seizures were controlled by ketogenic diet .
CONCLUSION : Although prominent findings @ @ @ @ @ seen in our patients have been extensively reported before , presence of hemangioma is a @ @ @ @ @ used as an indication for ALG3-CDG diagnosis .
Our patients are the first reported cases @ @ @ @ @ with ketogenic diet .
This report adds ketogenic diet as an option for treatment of @ @ @ @ @

BACKGROUND: Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) is a heterogeneous group of congenital metabolic diseases with multisystem clinical involvement. ALG3-CDG is a very rare subtype with only 24 cases reported so far.
CASE: Here, we report two siblings with dysmorphic features, growth retardation, microcephaly, intractable epilepsy, and hemangioma in the frontal, occipital and lumbosacral regions.
RESULTS: We studied two siblings by whole exome sequencing. A pathogenic variant in ALG3 (NM_005787.6: c.165C > T; p.Gly55=) that had been previously associated with congenital glycolysis defect type 1d was identified. Their intractable seizures were controlled by ketogenic diet.
CONCLUSION: Although prominent findings of growth retardation and microcephaly seen in our patients have been extensively reported before, presence of hemangioma is a novel finding that may be used as an indication for ALG3-CDG diagnosis. Our patients are the first reported cases whose intractable seizures were controlled with ketogenic diet. This report adds ketogenic diet as an option for treatment of intractable epilepsy in ALG3-CDG.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Exploring the mechanisms of action of the antidepressant effect of the ketogenic diet.

The ketogenic diet ( KD ) is characterized by a diet ratio of 4:1 fat to non-fat energy sources .
For decades KD has been successfully used to control seizures in epilepsy patients .
Investigations into its mechanism of action suggest that it may have an effect on the metabolic , nervous , immune , and digestive systems .
In this review , we postulate that KD may also improve depressive symptoms - for that , we highlight the similarities between depression and epilepsy , describe the extent to which body systems involved in both conditions are affected by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could improve MDD outcomes .
Research into animal models and human patients have reported that KD can increase mitochondrial biogenesis and increase cellular resistance to oxidative stress both at the mitochondrial and genetic levels .
Its effect on neurotransmitters alters cell-to-cell communication in the brain and may decrease hyperexcitability by increasing Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ( GABA ) and decreasing excitatory neurotransmitter levels .
Its anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by decreasing chemo- and cytokine levels , including TNF-alpha and IL-1 levels .
Finally , KD can alter gut microbiota ( GM ) .
Certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disorder ( MDD ) when compared to healthy individuals .
Recent evidence points to Bacteroidetes as a potential treatment predictor as it seems to increase in KD treatment responders for epilepsy .
Each of these observations contributes to the presumed modulatory effects of KD on mood and supports its potential role as antidepressant .

The ketogenic diet (KD) is characterized by a diet ratio of 4:1 fat to non-fat energy sources. For decades KD has been successfully used to control seizures in epilepsy patients. Investigations into its mechanism of action suggest that it may have an effect on the metabolic, nervous, immune, and digestive systems. In this review, we postulate that KD may also improve depressive symptoms - for that, we highlight the similarities between depression and epilepsy, describe the extent to which body systems involved in both conditions are affected by the KD, and ultimately hypothesize how KD could improve MDD outcomes. Research into animal models and human patients have reported that KD can increase mitochondrial biogenesis and increase cellular resistance to oxidative stress both at the mitochondrial and genetic levels. Its effect on neurotransmitters alters cell-to-cell communication in the brain and may decrease hyperexcitability by increasing Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and decreasing excitatory neurotransmitter levels. Its anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by decreasing chemo- and cytokine levels, including TNF-alpha and IL-1 levels. Finally, KD can alter gut microbiota (GM). Certain strains of microbiota predominate in major depressive disorder (MDD) when compared to healthy individuals. Recent evidence points to Bacteroidetes as a potential treatment predictor as it seems to increase in KD treatment responders for epilepsy. Each of these observations contributes to the presumed modulatory effects of KD on mood and supports its potential role as antidepressant.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Ketogenic diet has anti-depression effects.

Depression is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder , of which the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear .
The ketogenic diet ( KD ) has been reported to exhibit preventative effects on depressive-like behaviors in rodents .
However , the therapeutic effects of KD on depressive-like behaviors have not been illustrated thus far .
Here , we found that KD treatment dramatically ameliorated depressive-like behaviors in both repeated social defeat stress ( R-SDS ) and lipopolysaccharide ( LPS ) models , indicating the potential therapeutic effects of KD on depression .
Our electrophysiological studies further showed that neuronal excitability was increased in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mice exposed to R-SDS or LPS , which can be reversed in the presence of KD treatment .
Moreover , R-SDS and LPS were also found to induce robust microglial inflammatory activation in the LHb .
Importantly , these phenotypes were rescued in mice fed with KD .
In addition , we found that the protein level of innate immune receptor Trem2 in the LHb was significantly decreased in depression models .
Specific knockdown of Trem2 in LHb microglia induced depressive-like behaviors , increased neuronal excitability as well as robust microglial inflammatory activation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects of KD on depressive-like behaviors , which are probably mediated via the restoration of microglial inflammatory activation and neuronal excitability .
Besides , we also proposed an unrecognized function of Trem2 in the LHb for depression .
Our study sheds light on the pathogenesis of depression and thereby offers a potential therapeutic intervention .

Depression is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder, of which the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. The ketogenic diet (KD) has been reported to exhibit preventative effects on depressive-like behaviors in rodents. However, the therapeutic effects of KD on depressive-like behaviors have not been illustrated thus far. Here, we found that KD treatment dramatically ameliorated depressive-like behaviors in both repeated social defeat stress (R-SDS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) models, indicating the potential therapeutic effects of KD on depression. Our electrophysiological studies further showed that neuronal excitability was increased in the lateral habenula (LHb) of mice exposed to R-SDS or LPS, which can be reversed in the presence of KD treatment. Moreover, R-SDS and LPS were also found to induce robust microglial inflammatory activation in the LHb. Importantly, these phenotypes were rescued in mice fed with KD. In addition, we found that the protein level of innate immune receptor Trem2 in the LHb was significantly decreased in depression models. Specific knockdown of Trem2 in LHb microglia induced depressive-like behaviors, increased neuronal excitability as well as robust microglial inflammatory activation. Altogether, we demonstrated the therapeutic effects of KD on depressive-like behaviors, which are probably mediated via the restoration of microglial inflammatory activation and neuronal excitability. Besides, we also proposed an unrecognized function of Trem2 in the LHb for depression. Our study sheds light on the pathogenesis of depression and thereby offers a potential therapeutic intervention.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--The ketogenic diet appeared to be an effective therapeutic modality for intractable pediatric epilep

The ketogenic diet appeared to be an effective therapeutic modality for intractable pediatric epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex.

OBJECTIVE : For epilepsy with tuberous sclerosis complex ( TSC ) , ketogenic diet ( KD ) therapy has been consistently reported to be more beneficial than the average KD therapy response .
Herein , we aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of a KD on patients with TSC and intractable epilepsy .
METHODS : This study included 31 patients with intractable epilepsy and TSC who were treated with the KD , and an intention-to-treat analysis was performed .
RESULTS : Overall , 21 of the 31 patients ( 67.7 % ) had > 50 % reduction in seizures at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thirteen of the 31 patients ( 41.9 % ) were seizure-free for at least 3 months , but 10 of these 13 patients ( 76.9 % ) experienced seizure recurrence during the 24-month follow-up period .
Finally , at 24 months of the KD observational period , there was > 50 % response in 10 of the 31 patients ( 32.3 % ) , including seizure-free patients ( 6 of 31 patients , 19.4 % ) .
Most of the patients ( 12 of 13 , 92.3 % ) who experienced seizure freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within 1 month after initiating the KD , and this result was the only factor associated with seizure freedom in the current study .
CONCLUSION : The KD appeared to be an effective therapeutic modality for intractable pediatric epilepsy in TSC , but it did not exhibit guaranteed efficacy over a long-term period .

OBJECTIVE: For epilepsy with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), ketogenic diet (KD) therapy has been consistently reported to be more beneficial than the average KD therapy response. Herein, we aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of a KD on patients with TSC and intractable epilepsy.
METHODS: This study included 31 patients with intractable epilepsy and TSC who were treated with the KD, and an intention-to-treat analysis was performed.
RESULTS: Overall, 21 of the 31 patients (67.7%) had>50% reduction in seizures at 3 months after initiating the KD. Thirteen of the 31 patients (41.9%) were seizure-free for at least 3 months, but 10 of these 13 patients (76.9%) experienced seizure recurrence during the 24-month follow-up period. Finally, at 24 months of the KD observational period, there was>50% response in 10 of the 31 patients (32.3%), including seizure-free patients (6 of 31 patients, 19.4%). Most of the patients (12 of 13, 92.3%) who experienced seizure freedom had>50% reduction in seizures within 1 month after initiating the KD, and this result was the only factor associated with seizure freedom in the current study.
CONCLUSION: The KD appeared to be an effective therapeutic modality for intractable pediatric epilepsy in TSC, but it did not exhibit guaranteed efficacy over a long-term period.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Hyperbaric oxygen-treated keloid tissue demonstrated lower expression levels of IL-12p40, MIP-1β, an

Hyperbaric oxygen-treated keloid tissue demonstrated lower expression levels of IL-12p40, MIP-1β, and PDGF-BB.

BACKGROUND : Our study aimed to screen and explore the expression of inflammatory factors in keloid patients and to investigate how hyperbaric oxygen ( HBO ) therapy affects the expression levels of interleukin-12p40 ( IL-12p40 ) , macrophage inflammatory protein-1β ( MIP-1β ) , platelet-derived growth factor-BB ( PDGF-BB ) , and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ( IL-1Ra ) .
OBJECTIVE : 30 patients were randomly selected and divided into the following 3 groups : keloid samples from keloid patients treated with HBO therapy ( A ) , keloid samples from keloid patients treated without HBO therapy ( B ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals who had no clear scarring ( C ) .
Each group included 10 samples .
METHODS : Inflammatory factors in the keloid tissues were measured with the MILLIPLEX multiplexed Luminex system .
Hematoxylin and eosin staining , immunohistochemical staining , and Western blotting were used to observe the morphological differences in different tissues and the expression levels .
RESULTS : The expression levels of inflammatory mediators , including IL-12p40 , MIP-1β , PDGF-BB , and IL-1Ra , in keloid tissues were significantly different from those in samples of normal skin .
Hematoxylin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infiltration in keloid tissue .
Significantly different expression levels were observed in group A , B , and C. CONCLUSION : Significantly altered levels of inflammatory factors in the samples from keloid patients were observed , suggesting that formation of a keloid is potentially related to inflammatory responses .
HBO therapy could significantly affect the expression levels of IL-12p40 , MIP-1β , PDGF-BB , and IL-1Ra , indicating that the effects of HBO therapy are associated with the attenuation of inflammatory responses .

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to screen and explore the expression of inflammatory factors in keloid patients and to investigate how hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy affects the expression levels of interleukin-12p40 (IL-12p40), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra).
OBJECTIVE: 30 patients were randomly selected and divided into the following 3 groups: keloid samples from keloid patients treated with HBO therapy (A), keloid samples from keloid patients treated without HBO therapy (B), and normal control skin samples derived from individuals who had no clear scarring (C). Each group included 10 samples.
METHODS: Inflammatory factors in the keloid tissues were measured with the MILLIPLEX multiplexed Luminex system. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blotting were used to observe the morphological differences in different tissues and the expression levels.
RESULTS: The expression levels of inflammatory mediators, including IL-12p40, MIP-1β, PDGF-BB, and IL-1Ra, in keloid tissues were significantly different from those in samples of normal skin. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed significantly greater inflammatory infiltration in keloid tissue. Significantly different expression levels were observed in group A, B, and C.
CONCLUSION: Significantly altered levels of inflammatory factors in the samples from keloid patients were observed, suggesting that formation of a keloid is potentially related to inflammatory responses. HBO therapy could significantly affect the expression levels of IL-12p40, MIP-1β, PDGF-BB, and IL-1Ra, indicating that the effects of HBO therapy are associated with the attenuation of inflammatory responses.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Hyperbaric oxygen treatment might have the potential to alleviate radiotherapy-related gastrointesti

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment might have the potential to alleviate radiotherapy-related gastrointestinal complications.

Radiotherapy is a routine treatment for pelvic cancer patients .
While it had been proven effective , gastrointestinal side effects remain a concern , impairing the quality of life .
A few studies focused on the effects of hyperbaric oxygen ( HBO ) treatment to alleviate radiation-induced gastrointestinal complications .
This meta-analysis aimed to critically review and summarize existing literature , assessing the effectiveness of HBO therapy for the treatment of radiation-induced gastrointestinal side effects.Medical literature search was performed with PubMed , Cochrane Library , and EMBASE up to March 14 , 2019 .
Literatures about HBO treatment upon patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rectum , or prostate cancers ) radiotherapy were collected , and the effects of HBO treatment on radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal complications were evaluated .
A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect size .
Subgroup analyses were performed to search for sources of heterogeneity .
Publication bias was detected with Funnel plots and Egger 's test.Three different radiotherapy-related gastrointestinal complications , including rectal bleeding , diarrhea , and pain , were analyzed after screening .
It was revealed that the improvement rates were considerable in rectal bleeding ( 0.81 , 95 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 0.75 , 95 % CI : 0.61-0.90 ) and slightly in pain ( 0.58 , 95 % CI : 0.38-0.79 ) .
Subgroup analysis revealed factors that significantly influenced the heterogeneity of rectal bleeding , diarrhea , and pain ( evaluation criteria , follow-up time , and scoring system , respectively ) .
No significant publication bias was detected.HBO treatment might have the potential to alleviate radiotherapy-related gastrointestinal complications , including rectal bleeding , diarrhea , and pain , but more data are needed for further conclusions .
Other symptoms were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies was insufficient .
More large-scale and prospective studies are needed for better evaluation of HBO 's therapeutic values .

Radiotherapy is a routine treatment for pelvic cancer patients. While it had been proven effective, gastrointestinal side effects remain a concern, impairing the quality of life. A few studies focused on the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment to alleviate radiation-induced gastrointestinal complications. This meta-analysis aimed to critically review and summarize existing literature, assessing the effectiveness of HBO therapy for the treatment of radiation-induced gastrointestinal side effects.Medical literature search was performed with PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE up to March 14, 2019. Literatures about HBO treatment upon patients undergoing pelvic cancer (endometrial, cervix, rectum, or prostate cancers) radiotherapy were collected, and the effects of HBO treatment on radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal complications were evaluated. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect size. Subgroup analyses were performed to search for sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was detected with Funnel plots and Egger's test.Three different radiotherapy-related gastrointestinal complications, including rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and pain, were analyzed after screening. It was revealed that the improvement rates were considerable in rectal bleeding (0.81, 95% CI: 0.74-0.89) and diarrhea (0.75, 95% CI: 0.61-0.90) and slightly in pain (0.58, 95% CI: 0.38-0.79). Subgroup analysis revealed factors that significantly influenced the heterogeneity of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and pain (evaluation criteria, follow-up time, and scoring system, respectively). No significant publication bias was detected.HBO treatment might have the potential to alleviate radiotherapy-related gastrointestinal complications, including rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and pain, but more data are needed for further conclusions. Other symptoms were not further analyzed, as the number of studies was insufficient. More large-scale and prospective studies are needed for better evaluation of HBO's therapeutic values.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Respiratory conditions in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): important considerations regarding no

Respiratory conditions in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): important considerations regarding novel treatment strategies to reduce mortality.

A novel virus named 2019 novel coronavirus ( 2019-nCoV/SARS-CoV-2 ) causes symptoms that are classified as coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) .
Respiratory conditions are extensively described among more serious cases of COVID-19 , and the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome ( ARDS ) is one of the hallmark features of critical COVID-19 cases .
ARDS can be directly life-threatening because it is associated with low blood oxygenation levels and can result in organ failure .
There are no generally recognized effective treatments for COVID-19 , but treatments are urgently needed .
Anti-viral medications and vaccines are in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months or even years to fully develop .
At present , management of COVID-19 with respiratory and ventilator support are standard therapeutic treatments , but unfortunately such treatments are associated with high mortality rates .
Therefore , it is imperative to consider novel new therapeutic interventions to treat/ameliorate respiratory conditions associated with COVID-19 .
Alternate treatment strategies utilizing clinically available treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy ( HBOT ) , packed red blood cell ( pRBC ) transfusions , or erthropoiesis-stimulating agent ( ESA ) therapy were hypothesized to increase oxygenation of tissues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilator treatments .
It was also revealed that alternative treatments currently being considered for COVID-19 such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine by increasing hemoglobin production and increasing hemoglobin availability for oxygen binding and acetazolamine ( for the treatment of altitude sickness ) by causing hyperventilation with associated increasing levels of oxygen and decreasing levels of carbon dioxide in the blood may significantly ameliorate COVID-19 respiratory symptoms .
In conclusion , is recommend , given HBOT , pRBC , and ESA therapies are currently available and routinely utilized in the treatment of other conditions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients with serious respiratory conditions and that future controlled-clinical trials explore the potential usefulness of such treatments among COVID-19 patients with respiratory conditions .

A novel virus named 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV/SARS-CoV-2) causes symptoms that are classified as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Respiratory conditions are extensively described among more serious cases of COVID-19, and the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the hallmark features of critical COVID-19 cases. ARDS can be directly life-threatening because it is associated with low blood oxygenation levels and can result in organ failure. There are no generally recognized effective treatments for COVID-19, but treatments are urgently needed. Anti-viral medications and vaccines are in the early developmental stages and may take many months or even years to fully develop. At present, management of COVID-19 with respiratory and ventilator support are standard therapeutic treatments, but unfortunately such treatments are associated with high mortality rates. Therefore, it is imperative to consider novel new therapeutic interventions to treat/ameliorate respiratory conditions associated with COVID-19. Alternate treatment strategies utilizing clinically available treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions, or erthropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) therapy were hypothesized to increase oxygenation of tissues by alternative means than standard respiratory and ventilator treatments. It was also revealed that alternative treatments currently being considered for COVID-19 such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine by increasing hemoglobin production and increasing hemoglobin availability for oxygen binding and acetazolamine (for the treatment of altitude sickness) by causing hyperventilation with associated increasing levels of oxygen and decreasing levels of carbon dioxide in the blood may significantly ameliorate COVID-19 respiratory symptoms. In conclusion, is recommend, given HBOT, pRBC, and ESA therapies are currently available and routinely utilized in the treatment of other conditions, that such therapies be tried among COVID-19 patients with serious respiratory conditions and that future controlled-clinical trials explore the potential usefulness of such treatments among COVID-19 patients with respiratory conditions.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Ketogenic diet improves and restores redox status and biochemical indices in monosodium glutamate-in

Ketogenic diet improves and restores redox status and biochemical indices in monosodium glutamate-induced rat testicular toxicity.

This study investigated the effect of ketogenic diet on monosodium glutamate ( MSG ) -induced testicular dysfunction .
Forty-six male @ @ @ @ @ g ) were grouped into two groups ( 23 rats each ) ; control group @ @ @ @ @ mg/kg bw ) for 28 days .
At the 29th day , 5 rats from @ @ @ @ @ establish testicular dysfunction .
The remaining animals from the control group was further divided into @ @ @ @ @ 42 days ; untreated group , ketogenic diet only and curcumin only as the standard @ @ @ @ @ ) .
In the pre-treatment , the administration of MSG resulted in a significant ( @

This study investigated the effect of ketogenic diet on monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced testicular dysfunction. Forty-six male rats (180 ± 40 g) were grouped into two groups (23 rats each); control group and MSG-induced group (4 mg/kg bw) for 28 days. At the 29th day, 5 rats from both group were sacrificed to establish testicular dysfunction. The remaining animals from the control group was further divided into three sub-groups and treated for 42 days; untreated group, ketogenic diet only and curcumin only as the standard drug (150 mg/kg bw). In the pre-treatment, the administration of MSG resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the testis-body weight ratio, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), nitric oxide (NO), glycogen, protein and antioxidant enzymes in the testis. In the post treatment, the MSG only group significantly reduced testicular cholesterol, catalase (CAT) and NO. In contrast, MSG + ketogenic diet group showed a significant increase in levels of rat testicular acid phosphatase (ACP), ALP, cholesterol, HMG-CoA, TG, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and NO. The ketogenic diet showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of NO, ALP, cholesterol, HMG CoA reductase and (TG). In addition, significant increases in levels of rat testicular ACP, ALP, HMG-CoA, (CAT), SOD and GSH were recorded for MSG + Curcumin group. Taken together, the findings support the prospects of ketogenic diet to enhancethe testicular function in rats.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Ketogenic, hypocaloric diet improves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Background and objectives : Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis ( NASH ) is strongly associated with obesity .
A weight loss of≥10 % is necessary to improve NASH severity , but this goal has rarely been achieved in published studies using different diet protocols .
The effect of a ketogenic , hypocaloric , commercial diet ( `` Ideal Protein , '' IP ) on body weight , metabolic markers , and liver tests in a group of NASH patients is evaluated in this study .
Daily calorie intake was tailored to achieve a weight loss of≥10 % .
Methods : We analyzed 38 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IP diet between 2014 and 2018 and compared their outcomes with 6 control patients who declined the diet .
All patients were evaluated by a trained health coach in weekly intervals throughout the study period .
Clinical and laboratory data obtained before and at 6.5 months after intervention were compared using paired t-testing .
Results : The patients on the IP diet experienced a significant weight reduction ( 217± 8 lb .
194± 7 lb ; mean ± S.E.M . )
, corresponding to an average weight loss of 9.7 % ± @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blood pressure ( 133 ± 3 mmHg .
123± 3 mmHg ) , triglycerides ( 200 ± 21 mmol/L .
132± 11 mmol/L ) , hemoglobin A1c ( 6.71 % ± 0.29 % .
5.74 % ± 0.19 % ) , SGPT ( 97.3 ± 11.1 IU/L .
44.2± 5.9 IU/L ) , SGOT ( 82.4 ± 10.5 IU/L .
32.8± 5.2 IU/L ) , and Fib-4 scores ( 2.25 ± 0.23 .
1.40± 0.13 ) were also observed ( < 0.05 in all cases ) .
In the IP group , 50.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In contrast , no significant changes were observed in the control group .
The IP diet was well tolerated , and no safety signals were noticed .
Conclusions : A ketogenic , hypocaloric resulted in striking weight loss and significant improvements in metabolic parameters and liver tests , suggesting that this approach carries promise for the dietary management of patients with NASH .

Background and objectives: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is strongly associated with obesity. A weight loss of≥10% is necessary to improve NASH severity, but this goal has rarely been achieved in published studies using different diet protocols. The effect of a ketogenic, hypocaloric, commercial diet ("Ideal Protein,"IP) on body weight, metabolic markers, and liver tests in a group of NASH patients is evaluated in this study. Daily calorie intake was tailored to achieve a weight loss of≥10%.
Methods: We analyzed 38 patients with NASH who were placed on the IP diet between 2014 and 2018 and compared their outcomes with 6 control patients who declined the diet. All patients were evaluated by a trained health coach in weekly intervals throughout the study period. Clinical and laboratory data obtained before and at 6.5 months after intervention were compared using paired t-testing.
Results: The patients on the IP diet experienced a significant weight reduction (217± 8 lb. 194± 7 lb; mean ± S.E.M.), corresponding to an average weight loss of 9.7% ± 1.6%. Significant changes in systolic blood pressure (133 ± 3 mmHg. 123± 3 mmHg), triglycerides (200 ± 21 mmol/L. 132± 11 mmol/L), hemoglobin A1c (6.71% ± 0.29%. 5.74%± 0.19%), SGPT (97.3 ± 11.1 IU/L. 44.2± 5.9 IU/L), SGOT (82.4 ± 10.5 IU/L. 32.8± 5.2 IU/L), and Fib-4 scores (2.25 ± 0.23. 1.40± 0.13) were also observed (<0.05 in all cases). In the IP group, 50.5% of patients lost≥10% body weight. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the control group. The IP diet was well tolerated, and no safety signals were noticed.
Conclusions: A ketogenic, hypocaloric resulted in striking weight loss and significant improvements in metabolic parameters and liver tests, suggesting that this approach carries promise for the dietary management of patients with NASH.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Ketogenic diets alter the gut microbiome resulting in decreased intestinal Th17 cells.

Very low-carbohydrate , high-fat ketogenic diets ( KDs ) induce a pronounced shift in metabolic fuel utilization that elevates circulating @ @ @ @ @ the consequences of these compounds for host-microbiome interactions remain unknown .
Here , we show @ @ @ @ @ and mouse gut microbiota in a manner distinct from high-fat diets ( HFDs ) .
@ @ @ @ @ stool samples from an 8-week inpatient study revealed marked shifts in gut microbial community structure @ @ @ @ @ .
Gradient diet experiments in mice confirmed the unique impact of KDs relative to HFDs @ @ @ @ @ bifidobacteria .
In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that ketone bodies selectively inhibited bifidobacterial @ @ @ @ @ and human microbiome transplantations into germ-free mice revealed that the KD-associated gut microbiota reduces the @ @ @ @ @ cells.Together , these results highlight the importance of trans-kingdom chemical dialogs for mediating the host @ @ @ @ @

Very low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diets (KDs) induce a pronounced shift in metabolic fuel utilization that elevates circulating ketone bodies; however, the consequences of these compounds for host-microbiome interactions remain unknown. Here, we show that KDs alter the human and mouse gut microbiota in a manner distinct from high-fat diets (HFDs). Metagenomic and metabolomic analyses of stool samples from an 8-week inpatient study revealed marked shifts in gut microbial community structure and function during the KD. Gradient diet experiments in mice confirmed the unique impact of KDs relative to HFDs with a reproducible depletion of bifidobacteria. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that ketone bodies selectively inhibited bifidobacterial growth. Finally, mono-colonizations and human microbiome transplantations into germ-free mice revealed that the KD-associated gut microbiota reduces the levels of intestinal pro-inflammatory Th17 cells.Together, these results highlight the importance of trans-kingdom chemical dialogs for mediating the host response to dietary interventions.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--The ketogenic diet regimen is considered to be a promising support therapy for patients with differe

The ketogenic diet regimen is considered to be a promising support therapy for patients with different types of advanced cancer.

A ketogenic diet is expected to be an effective support therapy for patients with cancer , but the degree and duration of carbohydrate restriction are unclear .
We performed a case series study of a new ketogenic diet regimen in patients with different types of stage IV cancer .
Carbohydrates were restricted to 10 g/day during week one , 20 g/day from week two for three months , and 30 g/day thereafter .
A total of 55 patients participated in the study , and data from 37 patients administered the ketogenic diet for three months were analyzed .
No severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observed .
Total ketone bodies increased significantly , and both fasting blood sugar and insulin levels were suppressed significantly for three months after completion of the study .
Five patients showed a partial response on Positron emission tomography-computed tomography ( PET-CT ) at three months .
Three and seven patients showed complete and partial responses , respectively at one year .
Median survival was 32.2 ( maximum : 80.1 ) months , and the three-year survival rate was 44.5 % .
After three months on the ketogenic diet , the serum Alb , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score could be used to stratify the patients into groups with significantly different survival rates ( < 0.001 , log-rank test ) .
Our ketogenic diet regimen is considered to be a promising support therapy for patients with different types of advanced cancer .

A ketogenic diet is expected to be an effective support therapy for patients with cancer, but the degree and duration of carbohydrate restriction are unclear. We performed a case series study of a new ketogenic diet regimen in patients with different types of stage IV cancer. Carbohydrates were restricted to 10 g/day during week one, 20 g/day from week two for three months, and 30 g/day thereafter. A total of 55 patients participated in the study, and data from 37 patients administered the ketogenic diet for three months were analyzed. No severe adverse events associated with the diet were observed. Total ketone bodies increased significantly, and both fasting blood sugar and insulin levels were suppressed significantly for three months after completion of the study. Five patients showed a partial response on Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) at three months. Three and seven patients showed complete and partial responses, respectively at one year. Median survival was 32.2 (maximum: 80.1) months, and the three-year survival rate was 44.5%. After three months on the ketogenic diet, the serum Alb, BS, and CRP (ABC) score could be used to stratify the patients into groups with significantly different survival rates (<0.001, log-rank test). Our ketogenic diet regimen is considered to be a promising support therapy for patients with different types of advanced cancer.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--In vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of Carica papaya seed on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes

The present study was aimed to investigate theandinhibitory effects ofseeds onα-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes , as this is known to be an antidiabetic mechanism .
Analysis of the extracts of the seeds for phytochemicals revealed the presence of a significant amount of saponins , alkaloids , flavonoids , phenols , terpenoids , and steroids .
The seed extracts ofexhibited good antioxidant capacity using 2 , 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydroxyl ( DPPH ) , thiobarbituric reactive substance ( TBARS ) and ferric reducing antioxidant power ( FRAP ) method .
The results of the inhibitory studies of the extracts revealed that the hexane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the most potent inhibitor ofα-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme when compared to other extracts using their ICvalues .
In the animal study , different doses ( 250 , 500 and 1000 mg/kg/body weight ) of the extracts ofseed were administered orally for 120 min , to normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats , and were compared with acarbose 100 mg/kg/body weight and control group for the effect on postprandial hyperglycemia .
The extract of ethyl acetate ( at doses of 250 , 500 and 1000 mg/kg/body weight ) significantly reduced postprandial glucose levels in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ethyl acetate extracts by GC-MS analysis revealed 20 bioactive compounds while the FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of this functional groups : -C=C , -C-Cl , -C-O , -O-H , -CH , -C=O , -C=C=C , -N=C=S , -O=C=O and -N-H inseed extracts .
It was concluded that the inhibition ofα-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes and the prevention of oxidative stress in postprandial hyperglycemia could be some of the possible mechanisms by which they exert their anti-diabetic properties .

The present study was aimed to investigate theandinhibitory effects ofseeds onα-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, as this is known to be an antidiabetic mechanism. Analysis of the extracts of the seeds for phytochemicals revealed the presence of a significant amount of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, and steroids. The seed extracts ofexhibited good antioxidant capacity using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH), thiobarbituric reactive substance (TBARS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method. The results of the inhibitory studies of the extracts revealed that the hexane extract followed by the ethyl acetate extract was the most potent inhibitor ofα-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme when compared to other extracts using their ICvalues. In the animal study, different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/body weight) of the extracts ofseed were administered orally for 120 min, to normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and were compared with acarbose 100 mg/kg/body weight and control group for the effect on postprandial hyperglycemia. The extract of ethyl acetate (at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/body weight) significantly reduced postprandial glucose levels in these animals. The characterization of hexane and ethyl acetate extracts by GC-MS analysis revealed 20 bioactive compounds while the FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of this functional groups: -C=C, -C-Cl, -C-O, -O-H, -CH, -C=O, -C=C=C, -N=C=S, -O=C=O and -N-H inseed extracts. It was concluded that the inhibition ofα-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes and the prevention of oxidative stress in postprandial hyperglycemia could be some of the possible mechanisms by which they exert their anti-diabetic properties.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Therapeutic application of Carica papaya leaf extract in the management of human diseases.

INTRODUCTION : Papaya ( Carica papaya Linn . )
belongs to the family Caricaceae and is well known for its therapeutic and nutritional properties all over the world .
The different parts of the papaya plant have been used since ancient times for its therapeutic applications .
Herein , we aimed to review the anticancer , anti-inflammatory , antidiabetic and antiviral activities of papaya leaf .
METHODS : All information presented in this review article regarding the therapeutic application of Carica papaya leaf extract has been acquired by approaching various electronic databases , including Scopus , Google scholar , Web @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keywords Carica papaya , anticancer , anti-inflammatory , immunomodulatory , and phytochemicals were explored until December 2019 .
RESULTS : The papaya plant , including fruit , leaf , seed , bark , latex , and their ingredients play a major role in the management of disease progression .
Carica papaya leaf contains active components such as alkaloids , glycosides , tannins , saponins , and flavonoids , which are responsible for its medicinal activity .
Additionally , the leaf juice of papaya increases the platelet counts in people suffering from dengue fever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that papaya leaf extract has strong medicinal properties such as antibacterial , antiviral , antitumor , hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory activity .
Furthermore , clinical trials are needed to explore the medicative potential of papaya leaf .
Graphical abstract Graphical abstract showing the medicinal properties of Carica papaya leaf .

INTRODUCTION: Papaya (Carica papaya Linn.) belongs to the family Caricaceae and is well known for its therapeutic and nutritional properties all over the world. The different parts of the papaya plant have been used since ancient times for its therapeutic applications. Herein, we aimed to review the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antiviral activities of papaya leaf.
METHODS: All information presented in this review article regarding the therapeutic application of Carica papaya leaf extract has been acquired by approaching various electronic databases, including Scopus, Google scholar, Web of science, and PubMed. The keywords Carica papaya, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and phytochemicals were explored until December 2019.
RESULTS: The papaya plant, including fruit, leaf, seed, bark, latex, and their ingredients play a major role in the management of disease progression. Carica papaya leaf contains active components such as alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids, which are responsible for its medicinal activity. Additionally, the leaf juice of papaya increases the platelet counts in people suffering from dengue fever.
CONCLUSION: The major findings revealed that papaya leaf extract has strong medicinal properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, clinical trials are needed to explore the medicative potential of papaya leaf. Graphical abstract Graphical abstract showing the medicinal properties of Carica papaya leaf.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--People with hypertension have a relatively low serum vitamin C.

Background : Hypertension is regarded as a major and independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases , and numerous studies observed an inverse correlation between vitamin C intake and blood pressure .
Aim : Our aim is to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin C and blood pressure , including the concentration differences and the correlation strength .
Method : Two independent researchers searched and screened articles from the National Library of Medicine , Cochrane Library , Web of Science , China National Knowledge Infrastructure , VIP databases , and WANFANG databases .
A total of 18 eligible studies were analyzed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 14 English articles and 4 Chinese articles .
Results : In the evaluation of serum vitamin C levels , the concentration in hypertensive subjects is 15.13 mol/L lower than the normotensive ones ( mean difference = -15.13 , 95 % CI [ -24.19 , -6.06 ] , and= 0.001 ) .
Serum vitamin C has a significant inverse relation with both systolic blood pressure ( Fisher 's = -0.17 , 95 % CI [ -0.20 , -0.15 ] , < 0.00001 ) and diastolic blood pressure ( Fisher 's = -0.15 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] , < 0.00001 ) .
Conclusions : People with hypertension have a relatively low serum vitamin C , and vitamin C is inversely associated with both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure .

Background: Hypertension is regarded as a major and independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, and numerous studies observed an inverse correlation between vitamin C intake and blood pressure.
Aim: Our aim is to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin C and blood pressure, including the concentration differences and the correlation strength.
Method: Two independent researchers searched and screened articles from the National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP databases, and WANFANG databases. A total of 18 eligible studies were analyzed in the Reviewer Manager 5.3 software, including 14 English articles and 4 Chinese articles.
Results: In the evaluation of serum vitamin C levels, the concentration in hypertensive subjects is 15.13 mol/L lower than the normotensive ones (mean difference = -15.13, 95% CI [-24.19, -6.06], and= 0.001). Serum vitamin C has a significant inverse relation with both systolic blood pressure (Fisher's = -0.17, 95% CI [-0.20, -0.15],<0.00001) and diastolic blood pressure (Fisher's = -0.15, 95% CI [-0.20, -0.10],<0.00001).
Conclusions: People with hypertension have a relatively low serum vitamin C, and vitamin C is inversely associated with both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-22--Cardiac toxicity of heavy metals cadmium and mercury and pharmacological intervention by vitamin C.

Mercury and cadmium are highly dangerous metals that can lead to disastrous effects in animals and humans .
The aim of the current research was to elucidate the poisonous effects of mercuric chloride and cadmium chloride individually and in combination on biochemical profiles of plasma and their accumulation in heart .
The therapeutic effect of vitamin C against these metals in rabbits was also studied .
Mercuric chloride ( 1.2 μg/g ) , cadmium chloride ( 1.5 μg/g ) , and vitamin C ( 150 μg/g of body weight ) were orally given to treatment groups of the rabbits ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 5-vitamin + CdCl ; 6-vitamin + HgCl ; 7-CdCl+ HgCl , and 8-vitamin + CdCl+ HgCl .
After the biometric determination of all intoxicated rabbits , biochemical parameters , viz low-density lipoproteins ( LDL ) , high-density lipoproteins ( HDL ) , cholesterol , creatine kinase , and troponin T ( TnT ) were analyzed using available kits .
Levels of cholesterol ( 0.7 ± 0.1 mmol/l ) , creatine kinase ( 2985.2 ± 11 IU/L ) , LDL ( 20.35 ± 1.31 mg/dl ) , and troponin T ( 1.22 ± @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Mercury and cadmium are highly dangerous metals that can lead to disastrous effects in animals and humans. The aim of the current research was to elucidate the poisonous effects of mercuric chloride and cadmium chloride individually and in combination on biochemical profiles of plasma and their accumulation in heart. The therapeutic effect of vitamin C against these metals in rabbits was also studied. Mercuric chloride (1.2 μg/g), cadmium chloride (1.5 μg/g), and vitamin C (150 μg/g of body weight) were orally given to treatment groups of the rabbits (1-control; 2-vitamin; 3-CdCl; 4-HgCl; 5-vitamin + CdCl; 6-vitamin + HgCl; 7-CdCl+ HgCl, and 8-vitamin + CdCl+ HgCl. After the biometric determination of all intoxicated rabbits, biochemical parameters, viz low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), cholesterol, creatine kinase, and troponin T (TnT) were analyzed using available kits. Levels of cholesterol (0.7 ± 0.1 mmol/l), creatine kinase (2985.2 ± 11 IU/L), LDL (20.35 ± 1.31 mg/dl), and troponin T (1.22 ± 0.03 μg/l) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased. HDL (84.78 ± 4.30 mg/dl) was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased, while supplementation of vitamin C decreased the adverse effects of CdCland HgClon biochemical parameters in all metal-exposed groups. A similar trend was also seen in rabbits treated with CdCl+ vitamin and vitamin + CdCl+ HgCl. Accumulation of Cd and Hg was higher in heart tissues. This study, therefore, provides awareness on the cardiac toxicity of mercury and cadmium chlorides in the rabbits and the possible protective role of vitamin C against the perturbations induced by metals.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-23--Bad Air Kills Children, Leads to Pneumonia, Studies Confirm

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greenmedinfo--2020-05-23--Herbal treatments for migraine: a systematic review of randomised-controlled studies.

Herbal treatments are often used as a treatment for migraine .
Therefore , an evaluation of their safety and efficacy is important .
Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines , and Cochrane Collaboration 's tool for assessing the risk of bias , a systematic literature review of randomised , controlled human trials assessing the effects of herbal treatments delivered as a single ingredient for the acute or prophylactic treatment of migraine were conducted .
Studies were identified through electronic database searches on Medline ( Pubmed ) , Cochrane Library , Scopus , and CINAHL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects on migraine of feverfew , butterbur , curcumin , menthol/peppermint oil , coriander , citron , Damask rose , chamomile , and lavender .
Overall , findings on the efficacy of feverfew were mixed and there was positive , albeit limited evidence for butterbur .
There were positive , preliminary findings on curcumin , citron , and coriander as a prophylactic treatment for migraine , and the use of menthol and chamomile as an acute treatment .
However , the risk of bias was high for many studies .
The results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicines , via their multifactorial physiological influences , present as potential options to enhance the treatment of migraine .
However , further high-quality research is essential to examine their efficacy and safety as a treatment for migraine .

Herbal treatments are often used as a treatment for migraine. Therefore, an evaluation of their safety and efficacy is important. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias, a systematic literature review of randomised, controlled human trials assessing the effects of herbal treatments delivered as a single ingredient for the acute or prophylactic treatment of migraine were conducted. Studies were identified through electronic database searches on Medline (Pubmed), Cochrane Library, Scopus, and CINAHL. Nineteen studies were identified examining the effects on migraine of feverfew, butterbur, curcumin, menthol/peppermint oil, coriander, citron, Damask rose, chamomile, and lavender. Overall, findings on the efficacy of feverfew were mixed and there was positive, albeit limited evidence for butterbur. There were positive, preliminary findings on curcumin, citron, and coriander as a prophylactic treatment for migraine, and the use of menthol and chamomile as an acute treatment. However, the risk of bias was high for many studies. The results of this systematic review suggest that several herbal medicines, via their multifactorial physiological influences, present as potential options to enhance the treatment of migraine. However, further high-quality research is essential to examine their efficacy and safety as a treatment for migraine.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-23--The effect of music therapy and aromatherapy with chamomile-lavender essential oil on the anxiety of

The effect of music therapy and aromatherapy with chamomile-lavender essential oil on the anxiety of clinical nurses.

Nurses may be anxious due to critical and emergencies , and anxiety can affect their professional performance .
Non-pharmacological interventions , as a safe method , can reduce anxiety .
This study aimed to determine the effect of music therapy and aromatherapy with chamomile - lavender essential oil on the anxiety of clinical nurses .
This was a randomized , double-blind clinical trial .
One hundred twenty nurses from clinical wards of Besat Hospital in Sanandaj , Iran , were selected between 2018 and 2019 by purposeful sampling .
The samples were randomly assigned to three groups with different interventions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with chamomile-lavender essential oil and music therapy , and aromatherapy with chamomile-lavender essential oil , along with a control group as well .
The anxiety of nurses was measured based on the Beck Anxiety Inventory before the intervention and after three work shifts .
The data were analyzed using the SPSS v.22 software .
One-way ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses .
The findings showed that the mean scores of the anxiety of nurses after the intervention in the three groups namely the group for which music therapy was applied , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil was used and the group for which both music therapy and aromatherapy with chamomile-lavender essential oil were applied , were ( 39.28 ) , ( 37.82 ) and ( 40.03 ) , respectively .
Therefore , the obtained mean score of each group was significantly lower than that of the control group ( 56.08 ) ( p < 0.0001 ) .
The results showed that the interventions of music therapy and aromatherapy with chamomile-lavender essential oil could reduce the anxiety of nurses .
Therefore , it is recommended to use music therapy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the anxiety of nurses in the clinical setting .

Nurses may be anxious due to critical and emergencies, and anxiety can affect their professional performance. Non-pharmacological interventions, as a safe method, can reduce anxiety. This study aimed to determine the effect of music therapy and aromatherapy with chamomile - lavender essential oil on the anxiety of clinical nurses. This was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. One hundred twenty nurses from clinical wards of Besat Hospital in Sanandaj, Iran, were selected between 2018 and 2019 by purposeful sampling. The samples were randomly assigned to three groups with different interventions, namely music therapy, both aromatherapy with chamomile-lavender essential oil and music therapy, and aromatherapy with chamomile-lavender essential oil, along with a control group as well. The anxiety of nurses was measured based on the Beck Anxiety Inventory before the intervention and after three work shifts. The data were analyzed using the SPSS v.22 software. One-way ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses. The findings showed that the mean scores of the anxiety of nurses after the intervention in the three groups namely the group for which music therapy was applied, the group for which aromatherapy with chamomile-lavender essential oil was used and the group for which both music therapy and aromatherapy with chamomile-lavender essential oil were applied, were (39.28), (37.82) and (40.03), respectively. Therefore, the obtained mean score of each group was significantly lower than that of the control group (56.08) (p<0.0001). The results showed that the interventions of music therapy and aromatherapy with chamomile-lavender essential oil could reduce the anxiety of nurses. Therefore, it is recommended to use music therapy and aromatherapy with chamomile-lavender essential oil to reduce the anxiety of nurses in the clinical setting.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-23--Anti-inflammatory activity of a fixed combination of probiotics and herbal extract.

BACKGROUND : Inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD ) is an inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract , characterized by chronic and relapsing immune system activation , often diagnosed in adolescence , with a rising incidence in pediatric populations .
IBD results from altered interactions between gut microbes and the intestinal immune system which induce an aberrant immune response , thus anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapies are generally used .
Recent interest has been given to the identification of integrative and complementary approaches that could be able to restore and preserve the intestinal barrier function .
METHODS : In this work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combination of probiotics and herbal extract ( ColikindGocce® , CKG ) in an in vitro model of intestinal inflammation .
CaCo-2cells stimulated with LPS-conditioned monocytes culture medium was used as a paradigm of intestinal inflammation .
The possible effect of CKG in maintaining the homeostasis of the intestinal epithelial barrier was investigated by measurement of the trans- epithelial electrical resistance , the paracellular permeability , and the release of inflammatory cytokines ( TNF-α , IL8 , and IL10 ) .
RESULTS : Results obtained in this work demonstrated that CKG is able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ induced by inflammation , ameliorating the transepithelial electrical resistance and the paracellular permeability of the Caco-2 monolayer ; moreover , CKG is able to counteract the increased release of TNF-a and IL-8 induced by inflammatory stimulus , thus reducing the intestinal inflammation .
CONCLUSIONS : This work underlines the protective effect of CKG on intestinal barrier , reducing the damages induced by inflammatory stimulus .
This suggests CKG as an interesting product in the management of intestinal inflammatory conditions .

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by chronic and relapsing immune system activation, often diagnosed in adolescence, with a rising incidence in pediatric populations. IBD results from altered interactions between gut microbes and the intestinal immune system which induce an aberrant immune response, thus anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapies are generally used. Recent interest has been given to the identification of integrative and complementary approaches that could be able to restore and preserve the intestinal barrier function.
METHODS: In this work, we tested the effect of a fixed combination of probiotics and herbal extract (ColikindGocce®, CKG) in an in vitro model of intestinal inflammation. CaCo-2cells stimulated with LPS-conditioned monocytes culture medium was used as a paradigm of intestinal inflammation. The possible effect of CKG in maintaining the homeostasis of the intestinal epithelial barrier was investigated by measurement of the trans- epithelial electrical resistance, the paracellular permeability, and the release of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL8, and IL10).
RESULTS: Results obtained in this work demonstrated that CKG is able to prevent the impairment of intestinal barrier function induced by inflammation, ameliorating the transepithelial electrical resistance and the paracellular permeability of the Caco-2 monolayer; moreover, CKG is able to counteract the increased release of TNF-a and IL-8 induced by inflammatory stimulus, thus reducing the intestinal inflammation.
CONCLUSIONS: This work underlines the protective effect of CKG on intestinal barrier, reducing the damages induced by inflammatory stimulus. This suggests CKG as an interesting product in the management of intestinal inflammatory conditions.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-23--Gut microbiota and covid-19-possible link and implications.

Covid-19 is a major pandemic facing the world today caused by SARS-CoV-2 which has implications on our understanding of infectious diseases .
Although , SARS-Cov-2 primarily causes lung infection through binding of ACE2 receptors present on the alveolar epithelial cells , yet it was recently reported that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in the faeces of infected patients .
Interestingly , the intestinal epithelial cells particularly the enterocytes of the small intestine also express ACE2 receptors .
Role of the gut microbiota in influencing lung diseases has been well articulated .
It is also known that respiratory virus infection causes perturbations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental factors and genetics play an important role in shaping gut microbiota which can influence immunity .
Gut microbiota diversity is decreased in old age and Covid-19 has been mainly fatal in elderly patients which again points to the role the gut microbiota may play in this disease .
Improving gut microbiota profile by personalized nutrition and supplementation known to improve immunity can be one of the prophylactic ways by which the impact of this disease can be minimized in old people and immune-compromised patients .
More trials may be initiated to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food including prebiotics/probiotics along with current therapies .

Covid-19 is a major pandemic facing the world today caused by SARS-CoV-2 which has implications on our understanding of infectious diseases. Although, SARS-Cov-2 primarily causes lung infection through binding of ACE2 receptors present on the alveolar epithelial cells, yet it was recently reported that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in the faeces of infected patients. Interestingly, the intestinal epithelial cells particularly the enterocytes of the small intestine also express ACE2 receptors. Role of the gut microbiota in influencing lung diseases has been well articulated. It is also known that respiratory virus infection causes perturbations in the gut microbiota. Diet, environmental factors and genetics play an important role in shaping gut microbiota which can influence immunity. Gut microbiota diversity is decreased in old age and Covid-19 has been mainly fatal in elderly patients which again points to the role the gut microbiota may play in this disease. Improving gut microbiota profile by personalized nutrition and supplementation known to improve immunity can be one of the prophylactic ways by which the impact of this disease can be minimized in old people and immune-compromised patients. More trials may be initiated to see the effect of co-supplementation of personalized functional food including prebiotics/probiotics along with current therapies.


greenmedinfo--2020-05-23--The consequences of altered microbiota in immune-related chronic kidney disease.

The normal gut microbiome modulates host enterocyte metabolism and shapes local and systemic immunity .
Accumulation of urea and other @ @ @ @ @ disease induces gut dysbiosis and intestinal wall inflammation ( leaky gut ) .
There are @ @ @ @ @ generate short-chain fatty acids , which are an important nutrient source for host enterocytes and @ @ @ @ @ the host immune system .
Anaerobic proteolytic bacteria that express urease , uricase and indole @ @ @ @ @ as Enterobacteria and Enterococci , are increased .
Microbial-derived uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate @ @ @ @ @ the pathophysiology of immune-related kidney diseases such as diabetic nephropathy , lupus nephritis and immunoglobulin @ @ @ @ @ .
Animal and clinical studies suggest potential benefits of dietary and probiotic interventions in slowing @ @ @ @ @ diseases .

The normal gut microbiome modulates host enterocyte metabolism and shapes local and systemic immunity. Accumulation of urea and other waste products in chronic kidney disease induces gut dysbiosis and intestinal wall inflammation (leaky gut). There are decreased numbers of bacteria that generate short-chain fatty acids, which are an important nutrient source for host enterocytes and also contribute to regulation of the host immune system. Anaerobic proteolytic bacteria that express urease, uricase and indole and p-cresol enzymes, such as Enterobacteria and Enterococci, are increased. Microbial-derived uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate and trimethylamine N-oxide contribute to the pathophysiology of immune-related kidney diseases such as diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis and immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. Animal and clinical studies suggest potential benefits of dietary and probiotic interventions in slowing the progression of immune-related kidney diseases.