Evaluation of Neuro-Hormonal Dynamics after the Administration of Probiotic Microbial Strains in a Murine Model of Hyperthyroidism.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis has received increasing attention in recent years through its bidirectional communication system, governed by the ability of gut microorganisms to generate and regulate a wide range of neurotransmitters in the host body. In this research, we delve into the intricate area of microbial endocrinology by exploring the dynamic oscillations in neurotransmitter levels within plasma and brain samples. Our experimental model involved inducing hyperthyroidism in mice after a "probiotic load" timeframe using two strains of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces boulardii, and their combination). These probiotic interventions continued throughout the experiment and were intended to uncover potential modulatory effects on neurotransmitter levels and discern if certain probiotic strains exhibit any protection from hyperthyroidism. Moreover, we aimed to outline the eventual connections between the gut microbiota and the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. As our study reveals, there are significant fluctuations in crucial neurotransmitters within the hyperthyroidism model, related to the specific probiotic strain or combination. These findings could support future therapeutic approaches, help healthcare professionals choose between different probiotic therapies, and also allow us proceed with caution when administering such treatments, depending on the health status of hyperthyroid patients.

The Current Strategy in Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Therapies in Menopause-A Comprehensive Review.

Menopause is a natural stage of hormonal aging in women, accompanied by a series of symptoms that reduce the quality of life of a fully active person. As no therapy is entirely satisfactory, the race for a better option is in full swing. Our study objective is to investigate the most recent menopause studies on pharmacological resources, emerging therapies, and the particularities of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). For this purpose, a comprehensive search was conducted in two main databases (PubMed and Web of Science) guided by the specific keywords "menopause" and "therapy" or "estrogen" or "progesterone" or "hormone replacement" during the last ten years period. Studies were eligible if they met certain criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCT) in adult women with menopause and hormonal or non-hormonal therapies. We selected 62 RCTs, which are focused on four main topics: (a) epidemiology of menopause-related symptoms, (b) hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) selective estrogen receptor modulators, (c) emerging therapies, and (d) menopause. HRT has proven a real health benefit for menopausal women; besides, complementary interventions must be considered. Further studies are needed on menopause and menopause-related therapies. The continuous updating of clinical experience will strengthen the therapeutic benefit and the decision to treat patients safely. This goal will fully access all therapeutic resources to address an unresolved health issue of active adult women.

Effect of thermally treated barley dietary fiber against hypercholesterolemia.

Dietary fiber is a nondigestible constituent of vegetal foods, formed by insoluble and soluble dietary fiber. The intake of dietary fiber, especially soluble dietary fiber, is limited and demands researcher's attention. The modification of cereal's dietary fiber, predominantly insoluble fiber, could be one possible solution. The current study evaluated the comparative effects of several thermal treatments on the modification of insoluble dietary fiber in barley and explored their therapeutic potential in vivo against hypercholesterolemia. The two cultivars of barley, Haider-93 and Jau-87, were thermally treated using different techniques, and dietary fiber was extracted. Successively, the intake of these dietary fibers was evaluated for its antilipidemic activity in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. In the first phase, thermal treatments especially cooking without soaking increased the soluble fiber (68.08%). The roasting all increased the soluble fiber contents, however, at relatively lower rate (53.91%). The results of efficacy study revealed that biochemical parameters in control animals were within the normal clinical ranges, thus appraising the safe status of the experimental diets. The thermally treated barley fiber decreased total cholesterol (12.14%-12.63%), low-density lipoprotein (14.12%-14.85%), and triglycerides (2.25%-4.32%). The study recorded increasing trends for high-density lipoprotein in both normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. In the nutshell, thermal modification of dietary fiber increased the ratio of soluble to insoluble dietary fiber that improved its hypocholesterolemic potential. The thermally treated barley dietary fiber is effective in reducing the lipid profile in Sprague-dawley rats than untreated dietary fiber and, therefore, can be considered as a functional food and ingredient to cope different lifestyle diseases.

Predictive Factors for Platelet Count Variation After Splenectomy in Non-Traumatic Diseases.

BACKGROUND: The spleen plays a central role in a range of diseases. As such, great emphasis has been placed on the procedure of spleen removal, the benefits and the numerous associated complications. Given the immediate risk of the thrombotic complications, the aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory patient characteristics in non-traumatic diseases of the spleen, and to investigate possible predictive factors for platelet count variation following the procedure. METHODS: A total of 72 patients who underwent splenectomy were included in this retrospective study. Correlation coefficients as well as multiple linear regressions were used to assess the relationship between post-splenectomy platelet count and various preoperative clinical and laboratory patient characteristics. RESULTS: Following multiple linear regression analysis, we determined that 54.93% of post-splenectomy platelet count variation was explained by admission platelet count (p = 0.00), lymphocyte count (p = 0.04), WBC count (p = 0.00), LOS (p = 0.00), patient gender (p = 0.00), spleen accessibility on admission (p = 0.02) and PT (p = 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: Platelet count variation following splenectomy for non-traumatic diseases can be predicted by assessing preoperative patient characteristics. The implications of this study suggest that by means of a prediction model, patient care could benefit from assessing and addressing various preoperative factors that lead to these complications.

Splenic Tuberculosis--Case Report.

The authors advance the case of a patient aged 42, with cardiovascular disorders who is hospitalized for non-specific, but persistent symptomatology: asthenia, fatigability, dyspnoea, night sweats. The clinical (splenomegaly), abdominal ultrasonographic (splenic hypo-echogenic lesions) and computed tomographic (splenic hypo-dense lesions) elements lead to a splenic disorder, but the association of intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal adenopathies(CT revealed) raises suspicion of a chronic lymphoproliferative syndrome. Splenectomy by open approach is performed and the surprise comes from histopathology: splenic tuberculosis. Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of tuberculosis with splenic localization are presented.