The effects of a hypocaloric diet and cinchona supplementation on nutritional status and body composition in a population of obese adults

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and disability in humans worldwide. Obesity is a chronic disease present worldwide, considered as an etiological risk factors that can cause the onset of cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the most effective therapies to reduce the cardiovascular risk associated with obesity is an healthy lifestyle represented by dietary changes and physical activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a hypocaloric diet associated with a cinchona supplementation on nutritional status and body composition in a population of obese adults. A total of forty obese subjects of both sexes with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 attending at Outpatients Clinic of the Departmental program "Physiology Nutrition Unit ", School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, were recruited. Subjects were randomized into 2 groups. The first group was treated with hypocaloric diet for 2 months plus supplementation of Cinchona (C group); the second one was treated with hypocaloric diet for 2 months plus a placebo supplementation (P group). Anthropometric measurements as well as bioimpedance analysis, abdominal fat distribution and basal metabolic rate were evaluated at baseline and after 60 days. At the end of observations, we observed a significant improvement in nutritional status and body composition in patients belonging to C group compared with subjects belonging to P group. . Therefore, this study demonstrates that the association of hypocaloric diet with a nutraceutical supplementation is able to induce a more significant weight loss than that obtained with a hypocaloric diet alone

Myricetin preserves rat pial microcirculation from injury induced by cerebral hypoperfusion and reperfusion

Background/Objective: Myricetin, a flavonoid compound, is widely diffused in vegetables, fruits and beverages, well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was aimed to investigate the acute effects of myricetin on the pial microvascular alterations and oxygen-derived free radical formation, due to 30 min cerebral blood flow lowering (CBFL) and subsequent cerebral blood flow resumption (CBFR). Methods: Rat pial microvasculature was investigated using fluorescence microscopy through a closed cranial window. At first, arterioles were classified according to the Strahler’s ordering scheme. Then, arteriolar diameter, permeability increase, leukocyte adhesion to venular walls, perfused capillary length (CPL) and red blood cell velocity (VRBC) were quantified by computerized methods. Finally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was investigated in vivo by 2′-7′-dichlorofluoresceindiacetate assay and infarct size by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Results: After 30 min CBFL and 60 min CBFR, a decrease of arteriolar diameter, CPL and VRBC was detected; furthermore, increases in microvascular leakage and leukocyte adhesion were observed in hypoperfused animals. Conversely, myricetin administration induced dose-related arteriolar dilation, reduction in microvascular permeability as well as leukocyte adhesion when compared to those detected in bilateral common carotid artery occlusion-submitted animals; moreover, CPL and VRBC were preserved. In animals treated with myricetin the ROS production was blunted and infarct size significantly reduced. Conclusion: In conclusion, myricetin acute administration showed dose-related protective effects on rat pial microcirculation during CBFL and subsequent CBFR, inducing arteriolar dilation and inhibiting ROS formation, consequently preserving the blood brain barrier integrity

The Cholinergic and ACE-2-Dependent Anti-Inflammatory Systems in the Lung: New Scenarios Emerging From COVID-19

The renin angiotensin system and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway have been recently shown to modulate lung inflammation in patients with COVID-19. We will show how studies performed on this disease are starting to provide evidence that these two anti-inflammatory systems may functionally interact with each other, a mechanism that could have a more general physiological relevance than only COVID-19 infection

Malvidin's Effects on Rat Pial Microvascular Permeability Changes Due to Hypoperfusion and Reperfusion Injury

The present study was aimed to evaluate the malvidin's protective effects on damage induced by 30 min bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) and 60 min reperfusion (RE) in rat pial microcirculation. Rat pial microcirculation was observed using fluorescence microscopy through a closed cranial window. Western blotting analysis was performed to investigate the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phosphorylated eNOS (p-eNOS) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression. Moreover, MMP-9 activity was evaluated by zymography. Finally, neuronal damage and radical oxygen species (ROS) formation were assessed. In all animals, pial arterioles were classified in five orders of branching according to Strahler's method. In hypoperfused rats, 30 min BCCAO and 60 min RE caused a decrease in arteriolar diameter, an increase in microvascular leakage and leukocyte adhesion, accompanied by decreased capillary perfusion and red blood cell velocity (VRBC). Moreover, marked neuronal damage and evident ROS generation were detected. Conversely, malvidin administration induced arteriolar dilation in dose-related manner, reducing microvascular leakage as well as leukocyte adhesion. Capillary perfusion and VRBC were protected. Nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition significantly attenuated malvidin's effects on arteriolar diameter. Western blotting analysis revealed an increase in eNOS and p-eNOS expression, while zymography indicated a decrease in MMP-9 activity after malvidin's administration. Furthermore, malvidin was able to prevent neuronal damage and to decrease ROS generation. In conclusion, malvidin protects rat pial microcirculation against BCCAO/RE injury, preventing blood-brain impairment and neuronal loss. Malvidin's effects appear to be mediated by eNOS activation and scavenger activity

Tratamiento con brace termoplástico para fracturas de húmero

Objetivo: Evaluar la satisfacción con el uso del brace termoplástico y el resultado funcional del tratamiento conservador en pacientes con fracturas de la diáfisis del húmero. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con fracturas de húmero cerradas, tratados con brace termoplástico hasta su consolidación y un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses. Se registraron los siguientes datos: tipo de fractura y localización, mecanismo de lesión, miembro lesionado, tiempo de inmovilización con yeso y uso del brace, complicaciones y tiempo de consolidación. Se evaluaron el dolor mediante la escala analógica visual, la satisfacción con la escala de Likert, el balance articular con la escala de Constant y la funcionalidad según el puntaje QuickDASH. Resultados: Se incluyó a 17 pacientes (16 mujeres, 1 hombre; edad promedio 67 años). La inmovilización inicial con yeso fue de 13 días (rango 0-32). Los pacientes usaron el brace por 8.6 semanas (rango 3-16) hasta la consolidación radiográfica en la décima semana. El seguimiento promedio fue de 24 meses (rango 12-60) y el puntaje de dolor, de 0,5 (rango 1-3). El 59% estuvo muy satisfecho con los resultados y el 41%, satisfecho. El 59% logró una flexión del hombro >150°, el 47%, una abducción >150°, el 41%, una rotación interna con pulgar entre escápulas y el 47%, una rotación externa de 70°. El puntaje QuickDASH promedio fue de 9. Conclusiones: Los pacientes se mostraron muy satisfechos con el uso del brace termoplástico para el tratamiento incruento de las fracturas de húmero y los resultados funcionales fueron aceptables

Nutraceuticals and Diet Supplements in Crohn's Disease: A General Overview of the Most Promising Approaches in the Clinic

: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disorder requiring lifelong medications. The currently approved drugs for CD are associated with relevant side effects and several studies suggest an increased use of nutraceuticals among CD patients, seeking for what is perceived as a more "natural" approach in controlling this highly morbid condition. Nutraceuticals are foods or foods' components with beneficial health properties that could aid in CD treatment for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immunoregulatory activities that come along with safety, high tolerability, easy availability and affordability. Depending on their biological effect, nutraceuticals' support could be employed in different subsets of CD patients, both those with active disease, as adjunctive immunomodulatory therapies, and/or in quiescent disease to provide symptomatic relief in patients with residual functional symptoms. Despite the increasing interest of the general public, both limited research and lack of education from healthcare professionals regarding their real clinical effectiveness account for the increasing number of patients turning to unconventional sources. Professionals should recognize their widespread use and the evidence base for or against their efficacy to properly counsel IBD patients. Overall, nutraceuticals appear to be safe complements to conventional therapies; nonetheless, little quality evidence supports a positive impact on underlying inflammatory activity

The Effects of Angiotensin II or Angiotensin 1-7 on Rat Pial Microcirculation during Hypoperfusion and Reperfusion Injury: Role of Redox Stress

Renin-angiotensin systems produce angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7), which are able to induce opposite effects on circulation. This study in vivo assessed the effects induced by Ang II or Ang 1-7 on rat pial microcirculation during hypoperfusion-reperfusion, clarifying the mechanisms causing the imbalance between Ang II and Ang 1-7. The fluorescence microscopy was used to quantify the microvascular parameters. Hypoperfusion and reperfusion caused vasoconstriction, disruption of blood-brain barrier, reduction of capillary perfusion and an increase in reactive oxygen species production. Rats treated with Ang II showed exacerbated microvascular damage with stronger vasoconstriction compared to hypoperfused rats, a further increase in leakage, higher decrease in capillary perfusion and marker oxidative stress. Candesartan cilexetil (specific Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist) administration prior to Ang II prevented the effects induced by Ang II, blunting the hypoperfusion-reperfusion injury. Ang 1-7 or ACE2 activator administration, preserved the pial microcirculation from hypoperfusion-reperfusion damage. These effects of Ang 1-7 were blunted by a Mas (Mas oncogene-encoded protein) receptor antagonist, while Ang II type 2 receptor antagonists did not affect Ang 1-7-induced changes. In conclusion, Ang II and Ang 1-7 triggered different mechanisms through AT1R or MAS receptors able to affect cerebral microvascular injury

Adaptive and Innate Cytotoxic Effectors in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) Subjects with Stable Disease

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is characterised by the expansion of a neoplastic mature B cell clone. CLL clinical outcome is very heterogeneous, with some subjects never requiring therapy and some showing an aggressive disease. Genetic and epigenetic alterations and pro-inflammatory microenvironment influence CLL progression and prognosis. The involvement of immune-mediated mechanisms in CLL control needs to be investigated. We analyse the activation profile of innate and adaptive cytotoxic immune effectors in a cohort of 26 CLL patients with stable disease, as key elements for immune-mediated control of cancer progression. We observed an increase in CD54 expression and interferon (IFN)-γ production by cytotoxic T cells (CTL). CTL ability to recognise tumour-targets depends on human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-class I expression. We observed a decreased expression of HLA-A and HLA-BC on B cells of CLL subjects, associated with a significant reduction in intracellular calnexin that is relevant for HLA surface expression. Natural killer (NK) cells and CTL from CLL subjects show an increased expression of the activating receptor KIR2DS2 and a reduction of 3DL1 and NKG2A inhibiting molecules. Therefore, an activation profile characterises CTL and NK cells of CLL subjects with stable disease. This profile is conceivable with the functional involvement of cytotoxic effectors in CLL control

Microvascular blood flow improvement in hyperglycemic obese adult patients by hypocaloric diet

The present study was aimed to assess the changes in skin microvascular blood flow (SBF) in newly diagnosed hyperglycemic obese subjects, administered with hypocaloric diet. Adult patients were recruited and divided in three groups: NW group (n=54), NG (n=54) and HG (n=54) groups were constituted by normal weight, normoglycemic and hyperglycemic obese subjects, respectively. SBF was measured by laser Doppler perfusion monitoring technique and oscillations in blood flow were analyzed by spectral methods under baseline conditions, at 3 and 6 months of dietary treatment. Under resting conditions, SBF was lower in HG group than in NG and NW ones. Moreover, all subjects showed blood flow oscillations with several frequency components. In particular, hyperglycemic obese patients revealed lower spectral density in myogenic-related component than normoglycemic obese and normal weight ones. Moreover, postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) was impaired in hyperglycemic obese compared to normoglycemic and normal weigh subjects. After hypocaloric diet, in hyperglycemic obese patients there was an improvement in SBF accompanied by recovery in myogenic-related oscillations and arteriolar responses during PORH. In conclusion, hyperglycemia markedly affected peripheral microvascular function; hypocaloric diet ameliorated tissue blood flow

Effects of physical exercise associated with a diet enriched with natural antioxidants on cerebral hypoperfusion and reperfusion injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension. The reduction in the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) causes endothelial dysfunction, altering the functions of cerebral blood vessels. Physical exercise and intake of antioxidants improve the redox state, increasing the vascular NO production and/or the decrease in NO scavenging by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present study was aimed at assessing the effects of physical exercise associated with a diet enriched with antioxidants from the Annurca apple in preventing the microvascular damage due to cerebral hypoperfusion and reperfusion injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The rat pial microcirculation was investigated by intravital fluorescence microscopy through a parietal closed cranial window. As expected, SHRs subjected to physical exercise or an antioxidants-enriched diet showed a reduction of microvascular permeability, ROS formation, and leukocyte adhesion to venular walls, with a major effect of the antioxidants-enriched diet, when compared to untreated SHRs. Moreover, capillary perfusion was preserved by both treatments in comparison with untreated SHRs. Unexpectedly, the combined treatments did not induce higher effects than the single treatment. In conclusion, our results support the efficacy of physical activity or antioxidant supplement in reducing the microvascular alterations due to hypertension and ascribe to an antioxidants-enriched diet effective microvascular protection in SHRs