Nutrition
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Beneficial effects of aged garlic extract and coenzyme Q10 on vascular elasticity and endothelial function: the FAITH randomized clinical trial.
Aged garlic extract (AGE) is associated with a significant decrease in atherosclerotic plaque progression and endothelial function improvement. Similarly, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has significant beneficial effects on endothelial function. A stressful lifestyle is a well-known risk factor for the presence and progression of atherosclerosis. This study investigated the effect of AGE plus CoQ10 on vascular elasticity measured by pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and endothelial function measured by digital thermal monitoring (DTM) in firefighters. ⋯ The combination of AGE and CoQ10 was independently associated with significant beneficial effects on vascular elasticity and endothelial function in firefighters with high occupational stress, highlighting the important role of AGE and CoQ10 in atherosclerotic prevention of such individuals.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Oral resveratrol and calcium fructoborate supplementation in subjects with stable angina pectoris: effects on lipid profiles, inflammation markers, and quality of life.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of short-term (60-d) oral supplementation with calcium fructoborate, resveratrol, and their combination on the clinical and biological statuses of subjects with stable angina pectoris. ⋯ The results indicate that the combination of resveratrol and calcium fructoborate has beneficial effects in patients with angina
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Diabetic macular edema and retinopathy are low-grade inflammatory conditions. Infusions of antitumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) antibody and antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) antibody have been shown to be at least partly effective in the treatment of diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Intravitreal therapy of diabetic macular edema by the anti-TNF-α antibody has been found to produce significant side effects and anti-VEGF therapy to be ineffective. ⋯ The retina is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially in ω-3, and several studies have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent diabetic retinopathy. Lipoxins, resolvins, and protectins derived from various polyunsaturated fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory actions and suppress the production of interleukin-6, and TNF-α and VEGF have antiangiogenic actions. In view of these evidences, I propose that lipoxins, resolvins, and protectins could be of significant benefit in the prevention and management of diabetic macular edema and retinopathy.
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Muscle disuse is often observed after injury or during periods of illness, resulting in the loss of muscle mass and strength, with sometimes debilitating consequences. Although substantial advancements have been made in determining the mechanisms responsible for the etiology of muscle disuse atrophy in rodents, only in recent years have studies of any significant number focused on reaffirming these findings in humans. In this review, we discuss the processes responsible for disuse atrophy as based on current evidence and highlight where gaps in our knowledge persist. Furthermore, given the emphasis placed on resistance exercise and nutrition as potential therapeutic countermeasures, we consider recent advancements in the study of resistance exercise and nutrition in the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis and the associated implications when devising effective treatment strategies.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Evaluation of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system in healthy iron-replete infants receiving iron prophylaxis.
Iron supplementation is commonly recommended for infants; however, there are some reports that it causes oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of iron supplementation at 4 mo of age, for a period of 2 mo, on lipid peroxidation and free radical scavenging enzymes. ⋯ Our study indicates that the supplemental use of elemental iron 10 mg/d for a period of 2 mo in healthy iron-replete infants did not cause lipid peroxidation or an impairment of antioxidant status.