1,721,236 research outputs found

    The environment as a determinant of successful aging or frailty

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    The number of elderly persons is rising rapidly, and healthspan is a key factor in determining the well-being of individuals and the sustainability of national health systems. Environmental health is crucial for a “successful aging”. Complex relationships between environmental factors and non-communicable diseases play a major role, causing or accelerating disabilities. Besides genetic factors, aging results from the concurrence of several environmental factors starting from early (i.e. in utero) life, able to increase susceptibility to diseases in adulthood, and to promote frailty in the elderly. In aged people, an unhealthy environment contributes to a fast and early decline and increases vulnerability. Exposure to pollutants facilitates the onset and progression of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic and neurologic diseases through direct effects and epigenetic mechanisms negatively affecting biological age. Healthy diet, healthy environment and constant physical activity could counteract, at least in part, the negative effects of environmental stressors. Almost all environmental factors generating detrimental effects on aging are modifiable, with relevant implications in terms of primary prevention measures potentially leading to decreased frailty, to an increase in the number of years lived without diseases or disability, and to a significant reduction in health expenditure

    Right ventricular diastolic dysfunction might correlate with body mass index as well as with AHI in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

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    In the manuscript, au -thors clearly demonstrate that right ventricular dysfunction is anearly phenomenon, which begins before the development of heartfailure and pulmonary hypertension, in patients with obstructivesleep apnea (OSAS). Li and co-workers also showed that this ven-tricular dysfunction positively correlated with the degree of OSAS,expressed in terms of apnea hypopnea index (AHI).1 In other words,increased levels of AHI significantly correlated with an impairmentof right ventricular dysfunction

    Phytocompounds modulating Aquaporins: clinical benefits are anticipated

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    A series of plant-derived bioactive compounds belonging to the class of polyphenols, terpenes and capsaicinoids, interact with important pathophysiological pathways at a molecular, cellular and systemic level. Mechanisms of action include altering cell growth and differentiation, apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, redox balance and metabolic and energy homeostasis. These effects might also involve the expression and function of Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of membrane channel proteins, involved in several body functions. The ultimate translational beneficial effect of such phytocompounds on AQPs in health and disease is a matter of intensive research. Results might provide novel therapeutic approaches to a number of human diseases. Here, we give an updated overview of this fast growing and promising field, discussing a number of phytocompounds and their action on AQPs and related potential clinical achievements
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