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Are There Differences in Cytokine Profiles between Vegetarians and Omnivores?
No full textBackground: According to scientific evidence, plant-based diets like vegetarian diets may be protective against chronic inflammatory disease. To date, the association of vegetarian nutrition with circulation CRP levels has been noticed and confirmed using meta-analyses. However, further studies are needed to clarify the possible associations between other inflammation markers and vegetarian diets since such data are lacking. Objective: in this study, we investigated the serum levels of a panel of cytokines in vegetarians compared to omnivores by performing flow cytometry quantification of 13 cytokines using a commercially available LEGENDplex bead-based immunoassay kit. Methods: This study included apparently healthy subjects: 80 omnivores and 80 subjects who had been on a vegetarian diet for at least 2 years (67 vegans and 13 lacto-ovo vegetarians). Omnivores and vegetarians were matched for gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). Results: Statistically significant lower circulating levels of IFN-γ (p < 0.01), TNF-α (p < 0.05), IL-6 (p < 0.05), IL-8 (p < 0.05), IL12p70 (p < 0.05), and IL-17A (p < 0.01) were found in vegetarians compared to omnivores. We also observed a trend for similar differences in IL-10 levels (p = 0.085). The levels of IL-1β, IFN-α2, MCP-1, IL-18, IL-23, and IL-33 did not statistically differ between the studied groups. Discussion: This study shows the link between plant-based diet and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, the levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines might be influenced by a plant-based diet, suggesting that this type of diet leads to the modulation of the cytokine network and inflammation responses.Proceedings of 14th European Nutrition Conference FENS 2023, Belgrade, Serbia, 14–17 November 2023
Characterization and expression analysis of heat shock proteins HfHspc1 and HfHspc4 in Haemaphysalis flava ticks
No full textIn this study, the cDNAs of heat shock cognate 90 protein 1 (HfHspc1) and heat shock cognate 90 protein 4 (HfHspc4) from Haemaphysalis flava (Acari: Ixodidae) were obtained using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approach, and the expression patterns of HfHspc1 and HfHspc4 in different developmental stages, engorgement stages and tick organs were analyzed by qPCR. The full length of HfHspc1 was 2411 bp, and its open reading frame (ORF) was 2196 bp, encoding a protein of 732 aa, containing five HSPC family signatures, with MEEVD motif at its extreme C-terminal. The full length of HfHspc4 was 2800 bp, and its ORF was 2364 bp, encoding a protein of 789 aa, containing a signal peptide and five family signatures, with HEEL motif at its extreme C-terminal. The expression of HfHspc1 and HfHspc4 was the highest in males, while it was significantly the highest in the ovaries of fully engorged females, potentially implying the roles of these proteins in the successful digestion of blood and development of eggs
Mechanism of Interleukin-17A Regulation of Mesenchymal Stroma/Stem Cell Osteogenic Differentiation
No full textThe immune and musculoskeletal systems closely interplay in bone repair and regeneration. After bone injury, the body produces high levels of cytokines and signaling molecules to balance bone formation and resorption. Interleukin (IL)-17A, a cytokine expressed early in the inflammatory process, profoundly influences osteoprogenitor cell fate, thereby contributing to bone homeostasis. In addition, mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into osteoblasts, contributing to bone repair and regeneration. Although IL-17A can influence MSCs to become early osteoprogenitor cells, it also can inhibit bone formation. However, the reasons for these dual roles are not yet fully understood. This review overviews IL-17A signaling and the mechanisms that govern MSCs' osteogenic differentiation and summarizes relevant data from the literature on IL-17A's pro- and anti-osteogenic roles
Modulating inhibitory control-related functions - A tDCS cross-over experiment
No full textInhibitory control, as an ability to suppress unwanted, inappropriate, prepotent responses and actions is critical for
goal-directed behavior and everyday life functioning in humans. Different inhibitory control functions may be
proposed such as response inhibition, resistance to distractor interference, and incorrect response interference
control. Previous imaging studies emphasize the pivotal role of right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) for response inhibition
and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) for interference control. In this study, we explored if neuromodulation of rIFG
and ACC can affect previously defined distinct inhibition-related functions. In a cross-over sham-controlled tDCS
experiment, 36 healthy young participants underwent ACC, rIFG, and sham stimulation. Electrode positioning for both
tDCS conditions was determined by previous e-field modeling. After the stimulation, we administered 1) Stop signal
task, to tap response inhibition, 2) Shape-matching task, to measure distractor interference control, and 3) Color word Stroop task, to assess response interference control. Results showed no significant effects of tDCS on key
inhibitory control measures: Stop-signal reaction time, Stroop and Shape-matching difference reaction time (RT)
scores. Within the Stroop task, planned contrasts showed that, compared to sham, tDCS significantly
slowed responses to neutral trials in both active conditions as well as incongruent trials after rIFG stimulation. The
zero effects of tDCS on inhibition are incongruent with previous findings and should be taken cautiously. Significant
effects on Stroop task RT are unexpected regarding the stimulation area and the effect direction. Nevertheless, due
to the lack of significant effects on multiple tasks, the effects obtained within Stroop task are questionable
Osteosarcopenic adiposity (OSA) phenotype and its connection with cardiometabolic disorders: Is there a cause-and-effect?
No full textThe objectives were to examine if there is a causal relationship between osteosarcopenic adiposity (OSA) syndrome (coexistence of osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and excess adiposity) and cardiometabolic disorders or if these disorders initiate the development of OSA and its worsening. The search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to include articles up to the end of 2023. Of n=539 articles retrieved, n=15 met the eligibility criteria. Only studies conducted in adults and with all three body composition compartments (bone, muscle/lean, adipose) measured were considered. The results revealed that several cardiometabolic disorders, namely, hypertension, dyslipidemia (elevated total and LDL-cholesterol, lower HDL-cholesterol), insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, lower serum vitamin D, and some inflammatory markers were accompanied by OSA. In most cases, the OSA phenotype was associated with worse outcomes than cases with healthy or less impaired body composition. Our initial questions about the reciprocal cause-and-effect relationships could be surmised with more certainty for the OSA and some cardiovascular risks (hypertension, dyslipidemia) and some metabolic abnormalities (several inflammatory markers). The results of this review underscore the importance of body composition in health and from a clinical perspective, all three body composition compartments should be measured by standardized technologies using regulated diagnostic criteria to identify OSA. Randomized trials and prospective studies in diverse groups of older and younger individuals are necessary to determine if the relationships between OSA and clinical endpoints are causal and reversible through intervention and to uncover the mechanisms
The expression of galactose on IgA paraproteins from patients with multiple myeloma
No full textIgA myeloma for patients is considered prognostically unfavourable. Also, certain IgA myeloma
difficulties are related to structural characteristic of monoclonal IgA. Myeloma IgA express O- and
N-linked glycans, but their glycans can be different from those expressed on IgA of healthy people.
It was reported that loss of Gal residue of the IgA hinge region results in IgA deposits and nephropathy.
The monoclonal IgA were detected by agarose gel electrophoresis and identified by immunoelectrophoresis.
To assess polymerization and galactose expression, IgA was isolated from myeloma
patients by affinity chromatography on Protein M agarose.
Isolated proteins were analysed by non-reducing SDS-PAGE and all isolates contained multiple
protein fractions with the most intensely coloured fractions representing IgA monomers and
dimers. Western blot was used to confirm the presence of IgA monomer and dimers, but also the
presence of incomplete IgA molecules (intermediary of IgA synthesis or degraded IgA molecules) in
all samples. Expression of galactose on IgA was assessed by lectin blot with a D-galactose-binding
lectin, Ricinus communis lectin I (RCA-I). The result showed that galactose was expressed on both
monomeric and dimeric IgA. In some isolates galactose is expressed only on monomeric form while
in other isolates galactose is strongly expressed on IgA dimer but its expression on monomeric form
was weak.
This heterogeneity underscores the structural diversity of IgA in myeloma. Understanding its
impact on disease progression necessitates correlating structural features with clinical data
Unraveling the Anticancer Efficacy and Biomolecular Properties of Ru(II)-Arene Complexes of Pyrene-Based Thiosemicarbazone Ligands: A Comprehensive In Silico/In Vitro Exploration
No full textWe report the successful synthesis and comprehensive characterization of novel Ru(II)-arene complexes incorporating pyrene-based thiosemicarbazone (TSC) ligands. Utilizing a suite of advanced spectroscopic techniques including ultraviolet–visible (UV–visible), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), the intricate structural and electronic nuances of these complexes were elucidated. X-ray crystallographic data unequivocally affirmed the ligands’ preferential coordination through the thionyl sulfur and imine nitrogen moieties with the Ru(II) ion. Rigorous density functional theory (DFT) computations reveal these complexes as exemplary electron donors, concomitantly hinting at their significant bioactive potential. Notably, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies suggest that they are potential SND1 protein inhibitors, which are essential proteins in the functioning of cancer cells. Furthermore, they have a strong affinity for binding to CT-DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA), indicating DNA intercalation and a strong protein-binding ability. Intriguingly, the Ru-arene TSC complexes unveiled potent cytotoxic activity against an array of cancerous cell lines─most notably MDA-MB-231 (IC50 = 10.2 ± 0.02 μM), A549 (IC50 = 25.7 ± 0.07 μM), and HeLa (IC50 = 20.7 ± 0.05 μM) for RuP2P emerging as a standout agent
Higher degree of dysfunctional attitudes and beliefs and higher scores of frustration intolerance in women with unsuccessful weight loss
Get PDFBackground/Aim. Obesity is a chronic and relapsing condition, and since recently, it has been considered a global epidemic. Current guidelines for tripartite treatment of obesity emphasize a program of lifestyle modifications such as medical nutrition therapy, aerobic exercise, and behavioral intervention. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether specific psychological factors (general attitudes and beliefs and frustration tolerance) could be predictors of successful weight loss, i.e., factors that can be further addressed as part of the integrated therapy approach. Methods. A total of 84 consecutive overweight and obese female participants who were apparently healthy and homogeneous in age, level of education, and marital or employment status were prescribed the same medical nutrition therapy protocol as a single six-month therapeutic intervention. Prior to starting the therapy, the General Attitude and Belief Scale (GABS) and the Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS) were administered. The participants were divided into two groups: successful (group A) and unsuccessful (group B). Group A, or the successful group [with the mean body mass index (BMI) ± standard deviation (SD) of 24.1 ± 5.81 kg/m2], consisted of 40 participants who have reached the corresponding loss, i.e., they lost ≥ 10% of the starting body weight (BW). Group B, or the unsuccessful group (with the mean BMI ± SD of 28.51 ± 2.74 kg/m2), consisted of 44 participants who have not reached the corresponding loss, i.e., they lost < 10% of the starting BW. Results. Participants in group B had significantly higher scores (p < 0.05) on the GABS subscales for the Need for Approval, Need for Comfort, and Other Downing. A statistically significant difference between groups (p < 0.05) was shown for FDS subscales of Emotional Intolerance, Entitlement, and Achievement Frustration. Conclusion. Results of our study showed that participants who were unsuccessful in medical nutrition therapy had a higher degree of dysfunctional attitudes and beliefs and higher scores of frustration intolerance when compared to successful participants. The recommendation, based on our results, would be to include psychotherapeutic techniques in the integrative obesity treatment, aimed at cognitive changes and increasing frustration tolerance
Evaluation of oxidative stress markers in rats’ blood sera following subacute administration of different oximes
No full textIntroduction: Our previous results show that K-oximes, newly developed AChE reactivators, have promising potential to replace the standard ones in the medical therapy of humans poisoned with OPCs
Management of patients with neurological diseases considering post-pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related risks and dangers — An updated European Academy of Neurology consensus statement
No full textBackground and purpose In October 2020, the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) consensus statement for management of patients with neurological diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was published. Due to important changes and developments that have happened since then, the need has arisen to critically reassess the original recommendations and address new challenges. Methods In step 1, the original items were critically reviewed by the EAN COVID-19 Task Force. In addition, new recommendations were defined. In step 2, an online survey with the recommendations forged in step 1 was sent to the Managing Groups of all Scientific and Coordinating Panels of EAN. In step 3, the final set of recommendations was made. Results In step 1, out of the original 36 recommendations, 18 were judged still relevant. They were edited to reflect the advances in knowledge and practice. In addition, 21 new recommendations were formulated to address the new knowledge and challenges. In step 2, out of the 39 recommendations sent for the survey, nine were approved as they were, whilst suggestions for improvement were given for the rest. In step 3, the recommendations were further edited, and some new items were formed to accommodate the participants' suggestions, resulting in a final set of 41 recommendations. Conclusion This revision of the 2020 EAN Statement provides updated comprehensive and structured guidance on good clinical practice in people with neurological disease faced with SARS-CoV-2 infection. It now covers the issues from the more recent domains of COVID-19-related care, vaccine complications and post-COVID-19 conditions