Postnatal zinc deficiency due to giardiasis disrupts hippocampal and cerebellar development.

BACKGROUND: Giardiasis and zinc deficiency have been identified as serious health problems worldwide. Although Zn depletion is known to occur in giardiasis, no work has investigated whether changes occur in brain structures. METHODS: Three groups of gerbils were used: control (1), orogastrically inoculated on day 3 after birth with trophozoites of two isolates of Giardia intestinalis (HGINV/WB) group (2 and 3). Estimates were made at five ages covering: establishment of infection, Giardia population growth, natural parasite clearance and a post-infection age. QuantiChrome zinc assay kit, cresyl violet staining and TUNEL technique were used. RESULTS: A significant decrease (p<0.01) in tissue zinc was observed and persisted after infection. Cytoarchitectural changes were observed in 75% of gerbils in the HGINV or WB groups. Ectopic pyramidal neurons were found in the cornus ammonis (CA1-CA3). At 60 and 90 days of age loss of lamination was clearly visible in CA1. In the dentate gyrus (DG), thinning of the dorsal lamina and abnormal thickening of the ventral lamina were observed from 30 days of age. In the cerebellum, we found an increase (p<0.01) in the thickness of the external granular layer (EGL) at 14 days of age that persisted until day 21 (C 3 ± 0.3 µm; HGINV 37 ± 5 µm; WB 28 ± 3 µm); Purkinje cell population estimation showed a significant decrease; a large number of apoptotic somas were observed scattered in the molecular layer; in 60 and 90 days old gerbils we found granular cell heterotopia and Purkinje cell ectopia. The pattern of apoptosis was different in the cerebellum and hippocampus of parasitized gerbils. CONCLUSION: The morphological changes found suggest that neuronal migration is affected by zinc depletion caused by giardiasis in early postnatal life; for the first time, the link between giardiasis-zinc depletion and damaged brain structures is shown. This damage may explain the psychomotor/cognitive delay associated with giardiasis. These findings are alarming. Alterations in zinc metabolism and signalling are known to be involved in many brain disorders, including autism.

N-Acetylcysteine Attenuates Cisplatin Toxicity in the Cerebrum and Lung of Young Rats with Artificially Induced Protein Deficiency.

Neurotoxicity is a major obstacle in the effectiveness of Cisplatin in cancer chemotherapy. In this process, oxidative stress and inflammation are considered to be the main mechanisms involved in brain and lung toxicity. The aim of the present work was to study the influence of the amount of protein on some oxidative parameters in the brain and lungs of rats treated with Cisplatin (CP) and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) as neuroprotectors. Four groups of Wistar rats, each containing six animals, were fed with a protein diet at 7% for 15 days. Thereafter, the groups were given either a unique dose of CP® 5 mg/kg or NAC® 5 mg/kg as follows: group 1 (control), NaCl 0.9% vehicle; group 2, CP; group 3, NAC; and group 4, NAC + CP. The animals were sacrificed immediately after the treatments. Blood samples were collected upon sacrifice and used to measure blood triglycerides and glucose. The brain and lungs of each animal were obtained and used to assay lipid peroxidation (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), serotonin metabolite (5-HIAA), catalase, and the activity of Ca+2, and Mg+2 ATPase using validated methods. TBARS, H2O2, and GSH were found to be significantly decreased in the cortex and cerebellum/medulla oblongata of the groups treated with CP and NAC. The total ATPase showed a significant increase in the lung and cerebellum/medulla oblongata, while 5-HIAA showed the same tendency in the cortex of the same group of animals. The increase in 5-HIAA and ATPase during NAC and CP administration resulted in brain protection. This effect could be even more powerful when membrane fluidity is increased, thus proving the efficacy of combined NAC and CP drug therapy, which appears to be a promising strategy for future chemotherapy in malnourished patients.

Oleic acid reduces oxidative stress in rat brain induced by some anticancer drugs.

Oleic acid (OA) is a monounsaturated compound with many health-benefitting properties such as obesity prevention, increased insulin sensitivity, antihypertensive and immune-boosting properties, etc. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of oleic acid (OA) and some anticancer drugs against oxidative damage induced by nitropropionic acid (NPA) in rat brain. Six groups of Wistar rats were treated as follows: Group 1, (control); group 2, OA; group 3, NPA + OA; group 4, cyclophosphamide (CPP) + OA; group 5, daunorubicin (DRB) + OA; and group 6, dexrazoxane (DXZ) + OA. All compounds were administered intraperitoneally route, every 24 h for 5 days. Their brains were extracted to measure lipoperoxidation (TBARS), H2O2, Ca+2, Mg+2 ATPase activity, glutathione (GSH) and dopamine. Glucose, hemoglobin and triglycerides were measured in blood. In cortex GSH increased in all groups, except in group 2, the group 4 showed the highest increase of this biomarker. TBARS decrease, and dopamine increase in all regions of groups 4, 5 and 6. H2O2 increased only in cerebellum/medulla oblongata of group 5 and 6. ATPase expression decreased in striatum of group 4. Glucose increased in group 6, and hemoglobin increased in groups 4 and 5. These results suggest that the increase of dopamine and the antioxidant effect of oleic acid administration during treatment with oncologic agents could result in less brain injury.

Post COVID-19 Vertigo in a Patient with Hypothyroidism: A Case Report.

Case Summary: Female nurse, 44-years-old with a weight of 127 pounds. She attended our emergency clinic for an urgent care due to post COVID-19 vertigo and anxiety. Her problem began with severe, short-lived attacks of objective-circular type vertigo, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The symptoms occurred when she assumed a lying position, turn right and sat or stood upright. Interventions: The patient received medical prescription for hypothyroidism, vertigo and anxiety symptoms. Oral route feeding was started and was well tolerated. Outcomes: The patient showed good evolution with the treatment. Currently, she is at home with daily intake of levothyroxine and losartan without complications. Conclusion: The clinical case suggests that in patients with hypothyroidism, COVID-19 infection may trigger and exacerbate vertigo and anxiety.

Intake of oligoelements with cytarabine or etoposide alters dopamine levels and oxidative damage in rat brain.

Research on the relationships between oligoelements (OE) and the development of cancer or its prevention is a field that is gaining increasing relevance. The aim was to evaluate OE and their interactions with oncology treatments (cytarabine or etoposide) to determine the effects of this combination on biogenic amines and oxidative stress biomarkers in the brain regions of young Wistar rats. Dopamine (DA), 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-Hiaa), Glutathione (Gsh), Tiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and Ca+2, Mg+2 ATPase enzyme activity were measured in brain regions tissues using spectrophometric and fluorometric methods previously validated. The combination of oligoelements and cytarabine increased dopamine in the striatum but decreased it in cerebellum/medulla-oblongata, whereas the combination of oligoelements and etoposide reduced lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that supplementation with oligoelements modifies the effects of cytarabine and etoposide by redox pathways, and may become promising therapeutic targets in patients with cancer.

K-wire is more damaging than standard or acrylic drill bits when evaluating torsional properties of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculi) femurs.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare drilling variables and torsional mechanical properties of rabbit femora after bicortical drilling with a 1.5-mm standard surgical drill bit, acrylic drill bit, and K-wire. SAMPLES: 24 pairs of rabbit femora. METHODS: After drilling under controlled axial displacement rate, each bone was biaxially loaded in compression followed by rapid external torsion to failure. Maximum axial thrust force, maximum drill torque, integral of force and displacement, change in temperature, maximum power spectral density of the torque signal, torque vibration, and torque and angle at the yield and failure points were collected. Pre- and postyield stiffness, yield and failure energies, and postyield energy were calculated. RESULTS: The work required to drill through the cis- and transcortices (integral of force and displacement) was greater for the K-wire, followed by the acrylic and then standard drill bits, respectively. The K-wire demonstrated higher maximum torque than the drill bits at the ciscortex, and the force of drilling was significantly greater. The vibration data was greater with the acrylic and standard drill bits than the K-wire. There was no difference in torsional strength between drilling types. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mechanical differences exist between different drill bits and K-wire and demonstrate that the K-wire is overall more damaging than the surgical drill bit.

Assessment of the Roles of Magnesium and Zinc in Clinical Disorders.

The ability and facility of magnesium (Mg2+) and zinc (Zn2+) to interact with phosphate ions confer them the characteristics of essential trace elements. Trace elements are extremely necessary for the basic nucleic acid chemistry of cells of all known living organisms. More than 300 enzymes require zinc and magnesium ions for their catalytic actions, including all the enzymes involved in the synthesis of ATP. In addition, enzymes such as isomerases, oxidoreductases, lyases, transferases, ligases and hydrolases that use other nucleotides to synthesize DNA and RNA require magnesium and zinc. These nucleotides may trigger oxidative damage or important changes against free radicals. In the same way, nucleotides may play an important role in the pathophysiology of degenerative diseases, including in some clinical disorders, where vascular risk factors, oxidative stress and inflammation work to destabilize the patients` homeostatic equilibrium. Indeed, reduced levels of zinc and magnesium may lead to inadequate amount of antioxidant enzymes, and thus, acts as an important contributing factor for the induction of oxidative stress leading to cellular or tissue dysfunction. Hence, the development of zinc or magnesium enzyme inhibitors could be a novel opportunity for the treatment of some human disorders. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to assess the clinical benefits of zinc and magnesium in human health and their effects in some clinical disorders.

Analysis of Adverse Drug Reactions in Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy: An Intensive Pharmacovigilance Study.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by the presence of spontaneous seizures, with a higher incidence in the pediatric population. Anti-seizure medication (ASM) may produce adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with an elevated frequency and a high severity. Thus, the objective of the present study was to analyze, through intensive pharmacovigilance over 112 months, the ADRs produced by valproic acid (VPA), oxcarbazepine (OXC), phenytoin (PHT), and levetiracetam (LEV), among others, administered to monotherapy or polytherapy for Mexican hospitalized pediatric epilepsy patients. A total of 1034 patients were interviewed; 315 met the inclusion criteria, 211 patients presented ADRs, and 104 did not. A total of 548 ASM-ADRs were identified, and VPA, LEV, and PHT were the main culprit drugs. The most frequent ADRs were drowsiness, irritability, and thrombocytopenia, and the main systems affected were hematologic, nervous, and dermatologic. LEV and OXC caused more nonsevere ADRs, and PHT caused more severe ADRs. The risk analysis showed an association between belonging to the younger groups and polytherapy with ADR presence and between polytherapy and malnutrition with severe ADRs. In addition, most of the severe ADRs were preventable, and most of the nonsevere ADRs were nonpreventable.

Ultrasound assessment of muscle mass and correlation with clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Muscular atrophy implies structural and functional alterations related to muscular force production and movement. This condition has been reported to be the main reason for generalized muscle weakness; it reflects the severity of the disease and can have a profound impact on short- and long-term clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether muscle atrophy ultrasound parameters early predict muscle weakness, morbidity, or 28-days mortality. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational single center cohort study. Ultrasound was used to determine the cross-sectional area and muscle thickness of the rectus femoris on the first and third day of ICU stay. The main outcome was the incidence of significant muscle atrophy (≥ 10%). RESULTS: Ultrasound measurements were made in 31 patients, 58% (18/31) of which showed significant muscle atrophy. The relative loss of muscle mass per day was 1.78 at 5% per day. The presence of muscle atrophy presents increased risk for limb muscle weakness and handgrip weakness. The 28-days mortality rate was similar in both subgroups. CONCLUSION: The presence of muscle atrophy presents an increased clinical risk for the development of limb ICUAW and handgrip, although these observations were not statistically significant. The results could be used to plan future studies on this topic.

Leucodistrofia metacromática del adulto: reporte de caso / Adult-onset metachromatic leukodystrophy

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La leucodistrofia metacromática (LDM) es una enfermedad poco frecuente que se caracteriza por desmielinización progresiva a nivel del sistema nervioso central y periférico. En la mayoría de los casos, es causada por una actividad deficiente de la enzima arilsulfatasa-A. Pertenece al grupo de las leucodistrofias, que son trastornos hereditarios de la sustancia blanca asociados con una variabilidad fenotípica y una heterogeneidad genética importante. El fenotipo de la LDM suele relacionarse con la edad de presentación, que puede variar desde la infancia hasta la adultez. Cuando se presenta en la edad adulta, puede debutar con manifestaciones neuropsiquiátricas, lo que lleva con frecuencia a diagnósticos erróneos. REPORTE DE CASO: Se presenta el caso de una paciente adulta que debutó con un cuadro clínico caracterizado por cambios comportamentales progresivos, con posterior inicio de manifestaciones clínicas motoras. El diagnóstico de LDM se sospechó a partir de la clínica y los hallazgos típicos en la resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral, y se confirmó con la detección de actividad deficiente de la arilsulfatasa-A (ARSA) y la secuenciación del gen ARSA que confirmó la mutación en estado homocigoto, compatible con este diagnóstico. DISCUSIÓN: Destacamos en este caso la importancia de la sospecha clínica, el reconocimiento temprano y el manejo multidisciplinario como factores pronósticos del curso de la enfermedad, ya que en la actualidad no hay tratamiento definitivo para la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an infrequent disease characterized by progressive demyelination of the central and peripheral nervous system. In most cases, it is caused by deficient activity of arylsulfatase-A. It belongs to the group of leukodystrophies, which are inherited white matter disorders that can be associated with significant phenotypic variability and genetic heterogeneity. The phenotype in MLD is usually related to the age of onset, which can vary from childhood to adulthood. Adult-onset MLD can debut with neuropsychiatry symptoms, which can often lead to misdiagnosis. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an adult female patient who presented with progressive behavioral changes, followed by motor manifestations. MLD was initially suspected based on the clinical presentation and the characteristic findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with subsequent confirmation by detection of deficient arylsulfatase-A (ARSA) activity and ARSA gene sequencing, which demonstrated homozygosity, compatible with this diagnosis. DISCUSSION: We highlight the importance of clinical suspicion, early recognition and multidisciplinary management as a prognostic factor for the course of the disease, since there is currently no definitive treatment for the disease.

Inflammatory Process and Immune System in Major Depressive Disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric illnesses in the general population. In mental disorders, the activation of inflammatory pathways in the brain is a major producer of excitotoxicity and an inducer of oxidative stress. The occurrence of these 2 events is partly responsible for the neuronal damage inherent in patients with mental disorders. In the case of MDD, the release of hormone and increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma and indicators of oxidative stress have been identified as consequences of this event. The most important affectations in patients with MDD are changes in their cognitive and executive functions due to brain inflammation. Hence, these biomarkers can serve as diagnostic and severity classification tools and treatment. In this work, we described the communication pathway between the immune and neuroendocrine systems in MDD and suggested possible therapeutic options for the disease.

Oseltamivir induces favorable response on oxidative damage in the brain of rats treated with Bezafibrate.

AIM: The purpose was to measure the effect of Oseltamivir on oxidative biomarkers and dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in brain of rats with induced hypotriglyceridemia by Bezafibrate.Male young Wistar rats were treated as follows: group 1, NaCl 0.9%, (Controls); group 2, Oseltamivir (100 mg/kg); group 3, single dose of Bezafibrate (150 mg/kg); group 4, four dose of Bezafibrate; group 5, single dose of Bezafibrate + Oseltamivir and group 6, four doses of Bezafibrate + Oseltamivir. Drugs were given orally. Triglycerides, Dopamine, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), Glutathione (GSH), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation, as well as total ATPase activity were measured using validated methods. RESULTS: Oseltamivir treated animals showed lower GSH and lipid peroxidation levels and an increment in 5-HIAA in the three evaluated brain regions. Treatment with Oseltamivir also reduces H2O2 in the cortex and cerebellum/medulla oblongata. ATPase enzyme increased in these regions in the groups that were administered with Bezafibrate in repeated doses and in combination with Oseltamivir in single dose. Dopamine concentrations decreased in groups treated with Oseltamivir in the three evaluated regions. Also, there was a decrease in dopamine concentrations in the cerebellum/medulla oblongata of the animals treated with the combination of Oseltamivir and Bezafibrate.Innovation and conclusion: Animals with bezafibrate induced hypo-triglyceridemia that received Oseltamivir, either in single or repeated doses, have a higher improvement of their antioxidant activity and also experienced changes in the dopaminergic and serotonergic system in their brain, intending establish the beneficial of joint administration of both drugs in obese patients.

Epidemiología del cáncer pancreático en Quito: 1986-2016 / Epidemiology of pancreatic cancer in Quito, 1986 - 2016

Resumen Introducción: El cáncer de páncreas se encuentra entre los tipos de cáncer más mortales en el mundo, con una tasa de supervivencia neta del 9% a los 5 años. Si bien ha mejorado la comprensión de la fisiopatología, las opciones de detección temprana y tratamiento siguen siendo un desafío importante para la Salud Pública mundial. Este artículo busca describir la tendencia temporal de incidencia y mortalidad en la ciudad de Quito, de 1986 a 2016, así como la evolución de su base diagnóstica. Metodología: Utilizando datos del Registro de Cáncer de Base Poblacional de Quito, se calcularon las tasas anuales de incidencia y mortalidad estandarizadas por edad según sexo. El análisis incluyó la distribución de los casos de acuerdo con la base diagnóstica. El análisis de regresión joinpoint se realizó para estimar el cambio porcentual anual promedio (CPAP). Resultados: Durante el período de análisis, la tasa de incidencia disminuyó de 3.8 a 3.1 casos en hombres (CPAP: -1.0* Intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%): -1,9; -0.1) y se mantuvo estable en mujeres. La tasa de mortalidad se incrementó en mujeres (CPAP: 1.3* IC95%:0.2; 2.4) y se mantuvo estable en hombres. Con el tiempo, la proporción de verificación histológica de los casos se incrementó en un 109% en hombres y en un 76% en mujeres. Conclusiones: Se evidencia una mejora en la calidad de registro de la información; sin embargo, la proporción de verificación histológica es aún baja en Quito comparado con las estimaciones a nivel regional. Se subraya la necesidad de intensificar los esfuerzos del diagnóstico oportuno y adecuado.

Abstract Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the world, with a 9% net survival rate in 5 years. Although the understanding of its pathophysiology has improved, early detection options continue to be a challenge for global public health. This article describes the temporal trend of incidence and mortality in Quito, Ecuador, from 1986 to 2016, as well as the evolution of its diagnostic criteria. Methodology: Using data of the population-based Quito Cancer Registry, standardized annual incidence and mortality rates were calculated by age according to sex. The analysis included case distribution according to diagnostic basis. To estimate the average annual percentage change (AAPC), Joinpoint Regression Analysis was performed. Results: During the analysis period, incidence rate decreased from 3.8 to 3.5 cases in men (AAPC: -1.0; CI 95%: -1.9; -0.1) and remained stable in women. The mortality rate increased in women (AAPC: 1.3*; CI 95%: 0.2; 2.4) and remained stable in men. Over time, the proportion of histological verification has increased 109% in men and 76% in women. Conclusions: An improvement in the quality of information recording is evident; however, the proportion of histological verification is still low in Quito compared to the regional level. The study underscores the need to intensify efforts for adequate and timely diagnosis.

Consumption of Cooked Common Beans or Saponins Could Reduce the Risk of Diabetic Complications.

Several risks for diseases, such as atherosclerosis, renal diseases, and diabetes, have inextricably been linked with obesity. Nowadays, this health-risk-laden disease is being managed with assorted types of drugs, some of which guarantee modest benefits. The chronic inflammatory effect of obesity has a negative effect in insulin signaling, a situation attributable to insulin resistance that culminates in high blood sugar inputs seen in diseases such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Food such as beans with different bioactive compounds could reduce the risk of diabetic complications. Demand for bean products is growing because of its robust contents of several health-promoting components, eg, saponins. Saponins are characterized by containing lower glucose and cholesterol levels and have been doted with antioxidant activities, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects. In this writing, the attributes of saponins in providing substantial health and nutritional benefits in humans, as well as in improving and ameliorating diabetic complications, were reviewed.

Sildenafil alters biogenic amines and increases oxidative damage in brain regions of insulin-hypoglycemic rats.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of sildenafil on dopamine, 5-hydroxyindol acetic acid (5-HIAA) and selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in the brain of hypoglycemic rats. The animals were treated intraperitoneally as follows: group 1 (control), saline solution; group 2, insulin (10 U per rat or 50 U kg-1); group 3, insulin + single dose of sildenafil (50 U kg-1 + 50 mg kg-1); group 4, insulin + three doses of sildenafil every 24 hours (50 U kg-1 + 50 mg kg-1). In groups 2, 3 and 4, insulin was administered every 24 hours for 10 days. Blood glucose was measured after the last treatment. On the last day of the treatment, the animals´ brains were extracted to measure the levels of oxidative stress markers [H2O2, Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase, glutathione and lipid peroxidation (TBARS)], dopamine and 5-HIAA in the cortex, striatum and cerebellum/medulla oblongata by validated methods. The results suggest that administration of insulin in combination with sildenafil induces hypoglycemia and hypotension, enhances oxidative damage and provokes changes in the brain metabolism of biogenic amines. Administration of insulin and sildenafil promotes biometabolic responses in glucose control, namely, it induces hypoglycemia and hypotension. It also enhances oxidative damage and provokes changes in the brain metabolism of biogenic amines.

Latrophilins: A Neuro-Centric View of an Evolutionary Conserved Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor Subfamily.

The adhesion G protein-coupled receptors latrophilins have been in the limelight for more than 20 years since their discovery as calcium-independent receptors for α-latrotoxin, a spider venom toxin with potent activity directed at neurotransmitter release from a variety of synapse types. Latrophilins are highly expressed in the nervous system. Although a substantial amount of studies has been conducted to describe the role of latrophilins in the toxin-mediated action, the recent identification of endogenous ligands for these receptors helped confirm their function as mediators of adhesion events. Here we hypothesize a role for latrophilins in inter-neuronal contacts and the formation of neuronal networks and we review the most recent information on their role in neurons. We explore molecular, cellular and behavioral aspects related to latrophilin adhesion function in mice, zebrafish, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, including autism spectrum, bipolar, attention deficit and hyperactivity and substance use disorders.

Insulin plus zinc induces a favorable biochemical response effects on oxidative damage and dopamine levels in rat brain.

The aim was to determine the effect of zinc (Zn) and insulin on oxidative stress and levels of dopamine in brain of rats. Wistar rats were treated either with zinc alone or combined with insulin during 10 days. After the last dose blood glucose was measured. Their brains were extracted to measure H2O2, Ca+2, Mg+2 ATPase, glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (Tbars) and Dopamine. Zn does not possess anti-glycemic effect like Insulin however, it is noticeable that the combination of Insulin plus Zn induces a major glucose reduction (p < 0.0001) than Insulin alone. In cerebellum/medulla oblongata, the groups treated with Insulin and Zn show a significantly increase in dopamine (p < 0.005). Insulin plus Zn reduced GSH level in cortex. Insulin plus Zn reduced level of H2O2 in Striatum and in cerebellum/medulla oblongata. Lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced by the administration of Insulin as in the combination of Insulin and Zn in all regions (p < 0.0001). In cerebellum medulla oblongata, ATPase activity showed an increase only in the group treated with Insulin + Zn. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the use of insulin plus Zn produce favorable changes on oxidative stress and this as consequence on the levels of dopamine.

The Use of Trace and Essential Elements in Common Clinical Disorders: Roles in Assessment of Health and Oxidative Stress Status.

During the early life, the diet of infants is mainly dominated by milk. Milk is a natural food rich in trace elements focus on essential elements. These elements are very necessary for human metabolism and since they cannot be synthesized by the body, the only source available for the humans to obtain them is by ingestion of natural food. This mini-review aims at updating the knowledge on trace elements, outlining their natural food sources, and their possible implications in common clinical disorders in early and adult life. However, it was found that consumption of food with micronutrients and trace elements may release intracellular compounds and offer oxidative protection or exacerbate oxidative damage to metabolically compromised cells.

Cytarabine and Ferric Carboxymaltose (Fe+3) Increase Oxidative Damage and Alter Serotonergic Metabolism in Brain.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure the effect on brain biomarkers after treatment with anticancer compounds - cytarabine (CT) and ferric carboxymaltose (FC) (Fe+3) in Wistar rats. METHODS: The Wistar rats were treated as follows: group 1 (control), NaCl 0.9%; group 2, CT (25 mg/k), group 3, FC(Fe+3) (50 mg/k) and group 4, CT + FC(Fe+3). The animals were sacrificed and their brains were obtained and used to measure lipoperoxidation (TBARS), H2O2, Na+, K+ ATPase, glutathione (GSH), serotonin metabolite (5-HIAA) and dopamine. The results indicated an enhancement of lipid peroxidation in the cortex and striatum of groups treated with FC(Fe+3) and CT, while GSH decreased in the cortex of group treated with CT + FC(Fe+3). Dopamine decreased in the cortex of the rats that received CT, while in the striatum, 5HIAA increased in all groups. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the treatment with CT and FC(Fe+3) boosted oxidative stress and led to an alteration in momoamine concentrations in the brain.

Effect of a respiratory muscle training program on lung function, respiratory muscle strength and resting oxygen consumption in sedentary young people / Efecto de un programa de entrenamiento muscular respiratorio en la función pulmonar, la fuerza muscular respiratoria y el consumo de oxígeno en reposo en personas jóvenes sedentarias

Abstract Introduction: Physical inactivity is a risk factor for developing noncommnunicable diseases, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. To counter this, different types of interventions have been proposed, including respiratory muscle training (RMT). Objective: To determine the effect of a respiratory muscle training program on respiratory muscle strength, lung function and resting oxygen consumption in sedentary subjects. Materials and methods: Pretest-posttest experimental study conducted in sedentary students. Lifestyle and the level of physical activity was determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the FANTASTIC questionnaire, while respiratory muscle strength was established by means of expiratory and inspiratory pressure using a Dwyer Series 477 meter, and lung function and oxygen consumption was determined by spirometry and indirect calorimetry whit Vmax Encore 29C® calorimeter. Respiratory muscle training was performed for eight weeks with Threshold IMT system. R software, version 3.1.2, was used for statistical analysis. Results: Clinically and statistically significant improvements were found in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (pre: 81.23±22.00/post: 96.44±24.54 cmH2O; p<0.001); maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) (pre: 94.84±21.63/post: 107.39±29.15 cmH2O; p<0.05); pulmonary function FEV1 [(pre: 3.33±0.88/post: 3.54±0.90L) (p<0.05)]; and FEV1/FVC ratio [(pre: 87.78±7.67/post: 93.20±6.02% (p<0.01)]. Conclusion: The respiratory muscle training protocol implemented for eight weeks using the Threshold IMT system improved strength and FEV1. There were no significant changes in oxygen consumption.

Resumen Introducción. El sedentarismo es un factor de riesgo para desarrollar enfermedades crónicas y generar alteraciones respiratorias y cardiovasculares. Para contrarrestar esto, se han planteado modalidades de intervención como el entrenamiento muscular respiratorio (EMR). Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de un programa de EMR sobre fuerza muscular respiratoria, función pulmonar y consumo de oxígeno en reposo de sujetos sedentarios. Materiales y métodos. Estudio experimental pre y post-intervención con estudiantes sedentarios. El nivel de actividad física y estilo de vida se determinó con el International Physical Activity Questionnaire y el cuestionario Fantástico, la fuerza muscular respiratoria por medio de presión inspiratoria y espiratoria máxima con medidor Dwyer Series 477 y la función pulmonar y el consumo de oxígeno mediante espirometría y calorimetría indirecta, con calorímetro Vmax Encore 29C®. Se realizó EMR durante ocho semanas con sistema Threshold IMT. El análisis estadístico se hizo con el software R versión 3.1.2. Resultados. Se encontraron cambios clínicos y estadísticamente significativos en presión inspiratoria máxima (pre: 81.23±22.00/post: 96.44±24.54 cmH2O; p<0.001); presión espiratoria máxima (pre: 94.84±21.63/post: 107.39±29.15 cmH2O; p<0.05), función pulmonar VEF1 (pre: 3.33±0.88/post: 3.54±0.90 litros (p<0.05), y relación VEF1/CVF (pre: 87.78±7.67/post: 93.20±6.02% (p<0.01). Conclusión. El protocolo de EMR de ocho semanas con sistema Threshold IMT mejoró los parámetros de fuerza y VEF1, sin cambios significativos en el consumo de oxígeno.