The Effects of Magnesium and Vitamin E Co-Supplementation on Hormonal Status and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Synergistic approach of magnesium and vitamin E may benefit clinical symptoms of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through improving their metabolic profiles and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This study was designed to determine the effects of magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation on hormonal status and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women with PCOS. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 women with PCOS, aged 18�40 years old. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to take 250 mg/day magnesium plus 400 mg/day vitamin E supplements or placebo (n = 30 each group) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after the 12-week intervention to quantify related variables. Magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in hirsutism (β � 0.37; 95 CI, � 0.70, � 0.05; P = 0.02) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β � 0.67 mg/L; 95 CI, � 1.20, � 0.14; P = 0.01), and a significant increase in plasma nitric oxide (NO) (β 3.40 μmol/L; 95 CI, 1.46, 5.35; P = 0.001) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (β 66.32 mmol/L; 95 CI, 43.80, 88.84; P < 0.001). Overall, magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation for 12 weeks may benefit women with PCOS on hirsutism, serum hs-CRP, plasma NO, and TAC levels. Clinical trial registration number http://www.irct.ir: IRCT2017082733941N8. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature

The effects of magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes

Background: Diabetes is the most common medical condition in pregnant women and its complications affect both mother and fetus. The beneficial effects of vitamin D on gestational diabetes have been shown, though data on the effects of co-administration of vitamin D with other nutrients on pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes (GDM) are scarce. This study was aimed to determine the effects of magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation on parameters of inflammation and oxidative stress, and pregnancy outcomes among women with GDM. Methods: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with GDM not taking oral hypoglycemic agents. Patients were randomly assigned to take magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D supplements (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 6 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected from participants at baseline and after the 6-week intervention to measure related biomarkers. Results: Magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (- 1.2 ± 3.5 vs. + 0.8 ± 2.0 mg/L, P = 0.01) and plasma malondialdehyde concentrations (- 0.3 ± 0.3 vs. + 0.3 ± 1.1 μmol/L, P = 0.003), as well as a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity levels (+ 38.2 ± 76.5 vs. -16.3 ± 93.5 mmol/L, P = 0.01), compared to placebo. We found a decreasing trend in newborns' weight (3089.8 ± 519.9 vs. 3346.3 ± 411.1 g, P = 0.05) and the rate of macrosomia (3.3 vs. 16.7, P = 0.08) in the magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D supplemented women. Conclusions: Overall, the findings of this study have demonstrated that magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation for 6 weeks to women with GDM may reduce biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. This study was retrospectively registered on 25 April 2017 in the Iranian website (www.irct.ir) for clinical trials registration (http://www.irct.ir: IRCT201704225623N109). © 2019 The Author(s)

The effects of magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes

Background: Diabetes is the most common medical condition in pregnant women and its complications affect both mother and fetus. The beneficial effects of vitamin D on gestational diabetes have been shown, though data on the effects of co-administration of vitamin D with other nutrients on pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes (GDM) are scarce. This study was aimed to determine the effects of magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation on parameters of inflammation and oxidative stress, and pregnancy outcomes among women with GDM. Methods: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with GDM not taking oral hypoglycemic agents. Patients were randomly assigned to take magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D supplements (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 6 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected from participants at baseline and after the 6-week intervention to measure related biomarkers. Results: Magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (- 1.2 ± 3.5 vs. + 0.8 ± 2.0 mg/L, P = 0.01) and plasma malondialdehyde concentrations (- 0.3 ± 0.3 vs. + 0.3 ± 1.1 μmol/L, P = 0.003), as well as a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity levels (+ 38.2 ± 76.5 vs. -16.3 ± 93.5 mmol/L, P = 0.01), compared to placebo. We found a decreasing trend in newborns' weight (3089.8 ± 519.9 vs. 3346.3 ± 411.1 g, P = 0.05) and the rate of macrosomia (3.3 vs. 16.7, P = 0.08) in the magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D supplemented women. Conclusions: Overall, the findings of this study have demonstrated that magnesium-zinc-calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation for 6 weeks to women with GDM may reduce biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. This study was retrospectively registered on 25 April 2017 in the Iranian website (www.irct.ir) for clinical trials registration (http://www.irct.ir: IRCT201704225623N109). © 2019 The Author(s)

Grouping of Barley Genotypes Using Molecular and Morphological Markers, and Dry Matter Remobilization to Grain under Water Deficit

Water availability at critical times of growth in crops is the most important limiting factor for economic performance in arid and semi-arid regions. Water stress tolerance in a plant genotype depends on some physiological and morphological traits including affecting components in yield stability and dry matter remobilization under drought conditions. In this study, 26 lines along to 14 varieties of winter barley were evaluated for dry matter remobilization (amount, efficiency and contribution of remobilization) and some morphological traits. Mean comparisons between genotypes showed   Sahra cultivar and naked barley Chamico were the highest and  lines of Dari-friz88-A-3, Dari-friz88-A-8, Dari-Dayton friz88-A-6 and Dayton were the lowest in terms of traits related to remobilization of stem and peduncle to grain during grain filling. The highest yield of seed belonged to line of F-A3-3 in the all levels of stress. This line also had high seed weight, number of grains per spike, and amount, efficiency and contribution of dry matter remobilization of stem and peduncle to grain.  Genotyping was also applied using   markers of AFLP, ISSR and RAPD. The genotypes were classified to four categories with range of similarity coefficients from 0.33 to 0.958. The lowest and highest genetic distance obtained among lines of F-ERB-84-11 and F-A3-3 and lines of Dari-friz-A-8 and naked barley Alanda, respectively. Results showed that AFLP markers had the most efficiency to determine polymorphism and genetic diversity among the genotypes

Binary-fluid-solid interaction based on the Navier-Stokes-Korteweg equations

We consider a computational model for binary-fluid-solid interaction based on an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation of the Navier-Stokes-Korteweg equations, and we assess the predictive capabilities of this model. Due to the presence of two distinct fluid components, the stress tensor in the binary-fluid exhibits a capillary component in addition to the pressure and viscous-stress components. The distinct fluid-solid surface energies of the fluid components moreover lead to preferential wetting at the solid substrate. Compared to conventional FSI problems, the dynamic condition coupling the binary-fluid and solid subsystems incorporates an additional term associated with the binary-fluid-solid surface tension. We consider a formulation of the Navier-Stokes-Korteweg equations in which the free energy associated with the standard van-der Waals equation of state is replaced by a polynomial double-well function to provide better control over the diffuse-interface thickness and the surface tension. For the solid subsystem, we regard a standard hyperelastic model. We explore the main properties of the binary-fluid-solid interaction problem and establish a dissipation relation for the aggregated system. In addition, we present numerical results based on a fully monolithic approach to the complete nonlinear system. To validate the computational model, we consider the elasto-capillary interaction of a sessile droplet on a soft solid substrate and compare the numerical results with a corresponding solid model with fabricated fluid loads and with experimental data

Quality of life of hemodialysis and renal transplantation patients

The quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease is an important indicator of disease burden. To achieve a better quality of life, some medical treatment might be replaced by other approaches. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life of renal-transplanted and hemodialysis patients in Iran. Two hundred hemodialysis and 200 renal transplantation patients were recruited from 5 major hospitals and renal patients' support society in Tehran, Iran. The data were collected using the Persian versions of the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index-Dialysis and Transplantation Version. The quality-of-life mean scores of renal transplantation patients were significantly better compared with those of the hemodialysis patients (21.36 SD, 4.06 vs 20.35 SD, 5.14; P = .03). The questionnaire demonstrated significant differences in health/functioning and familial subscale of quality of life between the transplanted and hemodialysis patients (p < .05). The better quality of life of transplant patients, in comparison with hemodialysis patients, is an important reason for advising kidney transplants in renal failure patients. To improve the patients' quality of life, kidney transplantation might be effective for the end-stage renal disease. With regard to socioeconomic problem in most of the patients with renal failure, comprehensive insurance and referral to renal and transplanted patients' support society are suggested for those who have undergone different renal replacement therapies. Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Dietary and fluid adherence in iranian hemodialysis patients

Adherence to fluid restrictions and dietary and medication guidelines is important for adequate management of hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aimed at assessing the factors suggestive of adherence in uremic patients on HD. Two hundred HD patients were recruited by census method. Data on blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum potassium and phosphate levels, and interdialytic weight gain (IWG) were collected from medical records and analyzed. Most of the patients (56) did not adhere to fluid restrictions. Nonadherence to phosphate, potassium, and BUN levels was 25.5, 5.5, and 4.5, respectively. In addition, there was a relationship between BUN, serum potassium and phosphate levels, and IWG with educational status (p � .05). However, there was no correlation between BUN, serum potassium and phosphate levels, and IWG with sex, age, financial status, marital status, and duration of dialysis (p > .05). Based on the results, most of the patients adhered to dietary and medication regimens. Educational level of the patients was associated with adherence to fluid restriction. It was concluded that dietary compliance may be improved by using dietary counseling techniques and that education motivates patients to change and comply with dietary recommendations. © 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Evaluation of combining ability in Cucurbita pepo L. and Cucurbita moschata Duchesne accessions for fruit and seed quantitative traits

A complete diallel cross study of seven Iranian accessions of Cucurbita, including five C. pepo (four naked seed and one true seed type) and two C. moschata accessions, was carried out during two planting seasons at University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran. Investigated traits were fruit number, fruit yield, seed yield, fruit weight, seed weight, ratio of fruit weight/seed weight, 100 seeds weight and seed number. ANOVA for all of the characteristics except fruit number indicated significant differences among the genotypes. Analysis of variance of the diallel data set also revealed high and significant effects of general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) between genotypes in respect of fruit yield, seed yield, seed weight, ratio of fruit weight/seed weight and seed number. The GCA of fruit weight and seed weight and the SCA of 100 seeds weight were significant. The reciprocal effects were significant for all the measured traits. Heritability in broad (h2 b) and narrow (h2 n) estimates were generally high for fruit yield, seed yield, seed weight, fruit weight/seed weight and seed number, while they were low for fruit weight and 100 seeds weight. Favourable heterosis over the best parent was found for fruit yield, fruit weight and 100 seeds weigh

Effect of Exposure to 900 MHz GSM Mobile Phone Radiofrequency Radiation on Estrogen Receptor Methylation Status in Colon Cells of Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Background: Over the past several years, the rapidly increasing use of mobile phones has raised global concerns about the biological effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can be associated with effects on the nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, hematopoietic and ocular systems. In spite of genetic diversity, the onset and progression of cancer can be controlled by epigenetic mechanisms such as gene promoter methylation. There are extensive studies on the epigenetic changes of the tumor suppressor genes as well as the identification of methylation biomarkers in colorectal cancer. Some studies have revealed that genetic changes can be induced by exposure to RF radiation. However, whether or not RF radiation is capable of inducing epigenetic alteration has not been clarified yet. To date, no study has been conducted on the effect of radiation on epigenetic alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC). Several studies have also shown that methylation of estrogen receptor α (ERα), MYOD, MGMT, SFRP2 and P16 play an important role in CRC. It can be hypothesized that RF exposure can be a reason for the high incidence of CRC in Iran. This study aimed to investigate whether epigenetic pattern of ERα is susceptible to RF radiation and if RF radiation can induce radioadaptive response as epigenetic changes after receiving the challenge dose (γ-ray). Material and Method: 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 equal groups (Group I: exposure to RF radiation of a GSM cell phone for 4 hours and sacrificed after 24 hours; Group II: RF exposure for 4 hours, exposure to Co-60 gamma radiation (3 Gy) after 24 hours and sacrificed after 72 hrs; Group III: only 3Gy gamma radiation; Group 4: control group). DNA from colon tissues was extracted to evaluate the methylation status by methylation specific PCR. Results: Our finding showed that exposure to GSM cell phone RF radiation was capable of altering the pattern of ERα gene methylation compared to that of non-exposed controls. Furthermore, no adaptive response phenomenon was induced in the pattern of ERα gene methylation after exposure to the challenging dose of Co-60 γ-rays. Conclusion: It can be concluded that exposure to RF radiation emitted by GSM mobile phones can lead to epigenetic detrimental changes in ERα promoter methylation pattern