Caloric restriction mimetics as a therapeutic approach to metabolic syndrome

Caloric restriction is a reduction in caloric intake without reaching a state of malnutrition, and it affects multiple cellular signaling pathways. Experimental data shows that this leads to an increase in longevity or in maintaining a healthy state for an extended period in both invertebrates and vertebrates, including mammals. Certain food compounds or drugs possess the ability to replicate these effects through shared mechanisms; they are known as caloric restriction mimetics (CRM). What they have in common is the ability to induce autophagy by stimulating deacetylation of cellular proteins. In addition, they modulate energy metabolism and reduce oxidative stress.The current review aims to explore mechanisms and potential outcomes of CRM utilization in addressing metabolic syndrome, with an emphasis on polyphenols and metformin. Their influence on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as their modulation of gut microbiota emphasize their suitability for managing metabolic syndrome. These effects are at least partially mediated by the same cellular signaling pathways that are activated by caloric restriction, such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), sirtuins, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1ɑ), and many others, participating in complex interactions.The data suggests that CRM is an innovative approach in the prevention and therapy of age-related and non-communicable diseases, showcasing significant potential for targeting metabolic syndrome

Lavender essential oil in dentistry

Лавандула е род цъфтящи растения от семейството на ментата. Най-често използваното растение от този род е Lavandula angustifolia, която произхожда от Средиземноморието, но се среща често и в България. Лавандуловото етерично масло съдържа линалол, линалилацетат, гераниол. Етеричното му масло е широко използвано с кулинарни, козметични или медицински цели поради успокояващите, антисептични, противовъзпалителни, анксиолитични и антидепресантни свойства. Целта на този научен литературен обзор е да анализира данните за настоящата употреба на лавандулово масло в денталната медицина и да оцени нуждата от допълнителни проучвания. Свързаните с темата статии бяха събрани и прегледани. Данните бяха обективно анализирани и беше направен систематичен обзор. Главните цели, с които лавандуловото масло се използва в денталната медицина, са да се намали стресът и безпокойството, лошата миризма, като антибактериално и противогъбично средство. Има данни за употребата на лавандуловото масло в протетичната дентална медицина и в лечението на орални лезии. В заключение, събраните данни показаха обещаващи резултати относно ефекта на лавандуловото масло в различни направления на денталната медицина. В много други дентални области предстои да бъде проучен. Ние насърчаваме провеждането на допълнителни проучвания върху свойствата на това растение с перспективата да се установят нови по-безопасни и по-ефективни подходи в денталната практика.Lavandula or lavender is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family. The most commonly used flowering plant of this genus is Lavandula angustifolia that is native to the Mediterranean, but also very common in Bulgaria. Lavender essential oil contains linalool, linalylacetate, geraniol. Its essential oil is widely used with culinary, cosmetic or medical purposes due to its soothing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties. The aim of this scientific literature review is to analyze the data on the current use of lavender oil in dental medicine and to evaluate the need of further studies. Related articles were gathered and reviewed. The data were objectively analyzed and a systematic review was made. The main purposes for which lavender oil is used in dentistry are to reduce stress and anxiety, malodor, as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. There is evidence of the use of lavender oil in prosthodontics and treatment of oral lesions. In conclusion, collected data showed promising results of the effect of lavender oil in different branches of dental medicine. In many other dental areas it is yet to be explored. We encourage conducting further studies on this flowering plant`s properties with the perspective of establishing new safer and more effective approaches in the dental practice

Curcuma - therapeutic applications in dental medicine

Непрекъсното увеличаващата се бактериална резистентност към повечето антибиотици, както и възможните странични ефекти на използваните понастоящем медикаменти подтикват учените да се фокусират върху разработването на алтернативни медицински подходи. Куркумата е тревисто целогодишно растение от семейството на джинджифила, познато със своите терапевтични свойства - антиоксидантно, противовъзпалително, болкоуспокояващо, противогъбичково, противораково. Настоящото проучване цели да направи обзор на съществуващата информация за използването на куркума в денталната медицина. Цялата информация е събрана, използвайки следните бази данни: PubMed, ScienceDirect и Google Scholar. Разгледаната литература показа, че куркумата има значителен терапевтичен ефект върху много проблеми на денталното здраве. Лечебните й свойства се посочват като полезни при пародонтални заболявания, като добавка към почистване на зъбен камък и заглаждане на кореновата повърхност, ползотворни са също в терапията на орална субмукозна фиброза, потискане на кариесогенни бактерии, включително и Streptococcus mutans. Това са някои от многото приложения на куркумата в областта на денталната медицина. В заключение, събраните данни показаха значителен ползотворен ефект на куркумата в различни направления на денталанат медицина. Ние препоръчваме и насърчаваме допълнително проучване на свойствата на това растение с перспектива за откриване и развиване на нови подходи към известните дентални състояния.the antibiotics as well as possible side effects of the currently used medications have recently led scientists to focus on developing alternative medical approaches. Curcuma longa or turmeric is rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, known for a variety of therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal, anticancer. The present study aims at reviewing the existing literature regarding the use of curcuma in the field of dental medicine. All the data were gathered using the following search engines: PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Reviewed literature showed that curcuma has a significant therapeutic effect on a number of dental health problems. Its healing properties are reported to be useful in treating periodontal diseases, as an adjunct to scaling and root planing, beneficial in the therapy of oral submucous fibrosis, in inhibition of cariogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans. These are some of the many applications of turmeric in the field of dentistry. In conclusion, collected data showed significant beneficial effect of curcuma in different branches of dental medicine. Therefore, we encourage and recommend further exploration of this plant`s properties with the prospect of discovering and developing new approaches to common dental conditions

Effects of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice on oxidative stress, energy homeostasis, and liver function in overweight and healthy-weight individuals

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are disorders of energy metabolism, associated with oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation. Aronia melanocarpa fruits are rich in polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. The fruit juice exhibits lipid-lowering, antihyperglycemic, and hepatoprotective activities in experimental settings.Aim: The study aimed to examine the effects of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice on oxidative stress, energy homeostasis, and liver function in overweight and healthy-weight volunteers.Materials and Methods: The study included 11 overweight and 11 healthy-weight individuals. The participants consumed 50 mL of 100% Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice 3 times daily for 3 months. Blood samples were obtained at the baseline and the end of the study. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the serum activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Energy metabolism and liver function were assessed by standard biochemical tests. C-reactive protein was measured as a non-specific inflammatory marker.Results: The fruit juice increased the activity of SOD and reduced the serum level of TBARS in the overweight group. The CAT activity was insignificantly increased in both groups. Aronia decreased the level of gamma-glutamyl transferase and reduced slightly the C-reactive protein, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels in the overweight group. The liver function tests and the lipid profile were not affected.Conclusion: Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice improved the parameters of oxidative status. The present pilot study confirmed the beneficial effects of Aronia fruits on human metabolic health

Coconut - Therapeutic Applications in Dental Medicine

Introduction: The aim of this scientific literature review is to analyze the data on the current use of coconut oil in dental medicine and to evaluate the need of further studies.Materials and Methods: Related articles were gathered and reviewed using several search engines. Target articles were clinical trials, randomized studies, case reports and reviews. The data were objectively analyzed and a systematic review was made.Results: The application of products from coconut - coconut oil and water are not significantly represented in dentistry. Our analysis showed that the main reasons for the use of coconut are because of its antifungal and antibacterial qualities and he is mainly compared to the gold standard in dentistry - chlorhexidine. It is an easily usable, safe and cost-effective agent with minimal side effects. It has significant reduction in values of S. mutans count, Lactobacillus count, plaque scores, and gingival scores comparable to chlorhexidine.Conclusion: In conclusion, more studies should be focused on the Cocos nucifera, in order to evaluate its potential use in dental medicine. Given the positive effects of this oil in the oral cavity, our opinion is that its active ingredients should be incorporated in oral hygiene means. Coconut oil could be an alternative of chlorhexidine in the formula of products for oral hygiene, because it has known benefits such as: antiseptic properties, safe for oral tissues, affordable. Moreover, no side effects have been reported yet. We also recommend researching its potential use in the corrective and supportive phase of periodontal therapy. There are no studies regarding the immunomodulating effect of coconut oil. The application of coconut oil in herpes treatment is debatable and more studies should be carried out

Successful Root Canal Treatment Management of Taurodont Teeth

Introduction: The aim of this scientific literature review is to compare the management of different root canal treatments of taurodont teeth and to highlight the most appropriate techniques. Materials and Methods: All the data were gathered using several search engines and the target articles were case reports and literature reviews.Results: The results show that the main difficulties regarding root canal treatment of taurodont teeth were related with the abnormal morphology and anatomy of the root canal system and that requires modern shaping, irrigating and filling techniques and the use of magnifying equipment. Our analysis reveals the most suitable shaping technique for root canal treatment of such teeth is RECIPROC® systems. Due to the abnormal root canal system the irrigation protocol must include passive ultrasonic irrigation of the solutions. The filling must be modified warm lateral condensation in the apical part of the canal and warm vertical compaction in the coronal part of the canal and in the elongated pulp chamber. Conclusion: As a conclusion, root canal treatment of taurodont teeth is a challenge regardless of the diagnosis of the tooth or the type of taurodontism. The clinicians should be using all the benefits of modern endodontics. Mesotaurodont and hypertaurodont teeth are associated with X-linked inherited syndromes and when diagnosing such teeth, genetic consultation and analysis is recommended. More studies should be focused on the issues of prevalence of this condition in our country and more advanced protocol for root canal treatment of each type of taurodont teeth is needed

Effect of Anethole on Visceral Obesity and Serum Triglycerides and Cholesterol Levels in Rats on a High-Calorie Diet

Obesity is a disorder of high prevalence and social significance. Anethole is an aromatic compound found in anise and fennel essential oils. It produces antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other beneficial effects.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anethole, administered in increasing concentrations, on visceral adiposity and serum lipids in rats on a high-calorie diet (HCD).Fifty male Wistar rats were allocated into 5 groups: control, HCD, HCD+62.5A, HCD+125A, and HCD+250A. The HCD groups received a high-fat high-fructose diet and 10% fructose solution, and the control group received a standard laboratory diet and tap water. The HCD+62.5A, HCD+125A, and HCD+250A groups were treated daily orally with anethole dissolved in sunflower oil in a volume of 3 mL/kg at doses of 62.5 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg, and 250 mg/kg, respectively. The control and HCD groups received the solvent in the same volume and route of administration. The duration of the experiment was 10 weeks. At its end, blood samples were taken for biochemical tests and visceral adipose tissue was weighed. The results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's post-test with the statistical program GraphPad Prism 5.0.The visceral obesity index was significantly increased (p<0.05) in all groups receiving HCD except for HCD+250A. There was no significant increase in plasma triglycerides and cholesterol in the HCD group compared to the control one. Anethole treatment did not change significantly the triglyceride and cholesterol levels compared to these of the HCD group.Anethole treatment affected beneficially the development of visceral obesity and did not change significantly serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels in rats receiving a high-calorie diet

Second Black Sea Symposium For Young Scientists In Biomedicine March 27-30, 2014, Varna, Bulgaria

Варненски медицински форум (Varna Medical Forum) V. 3, Suppl 1(2014