Dose- and Time-Dependent Effect of Dietary Blueberries on Diabetic Vasculature Is Correlated with Gut Microbial Signature.

Evidence from our lab and others indicates the vascular effects of dietary blueberries. In the present study, we determined dietary blueberries' dose- and time-dependent effects on diabetic vasculature and their association with gut microbes. Seven-week-old db/db diabetic male mice were fed a diet supplemented with ± freeze-dried wild blueberry powder (FD-BB) for 4, 8, or 12 weeks (three cohorts). Diets contained 0%, 1.23%, 2.46%, and 3.7% of FD-BB, equivalent to 0, ½, 1, and 1.5 human servings of wild blueberries, respectively. The non-diabetic db/+ mice fed a standard diet served as controls. Metabolic parameters, vascular inflammation, and gut microbiome were assessed. Dietary supplementation of 3.7% FD-BB improved vascular inflammation in diabetic mice without improving systemic milieu in all three cohorts. Blueberries improved diabetes-induced gut dysbiosis depending on blueberry dosage and treatment duration. Spearman's correlation indicated that the opportunistic microbes and commensal microbes were positively and negatively associated with indices of vascular inflammation, respectively. Dietary blueberries reduced the opportunistic microbe that was positively associated with vascular inflammation (Desulfovibrio), and increased the commensal microbe that was negatively associated with vascular inflammation (Akkermansia). Dietary blueberries could be a potential adjunct strategy to beneficially modulate gut microbes and improve vascular complications in diabetes.

The ER-Mitochondria Interface as a Dynamic Hub for T Cell Efficacy in Solid Tumors.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a large continuous membranous organelle that plays a central role as the hub of protein and lipid synthesis while the mitochondria is the principal location for energy production. T cells are an immune subset exhibiting robust dependence on ER and mitochondrial function based on the need for protein synthesis and secretion and metabolic dexterity associated with foreign antigen recognition and cytotoxic effector response. Intimate connections exist at mitochondrial-ER contact sites (MERCs) that serve as the structural and biochemical platforms for cellular metabolic homeostasis through regulation of fission and fusion as well as glucose, Ca2+, and lipid exchange. Work in the tumor immunotherapy field indicates that the complex interplay of nutrient deprivation and tumor antigen stimulation in the tumor microenvironment places stress on the ER and mitochondria, causing dysfunction in organellar structure and loss of metabolic homeostasis. Here, we assess prior literature that establishes how the structural interface of these two organelles is impacted by the stress of solid tumors along with recent advances in the manipulation of organelle homeostasis at MERCs in T cells. These findings provide strong evidence for increased tumor immunity using unique therapeutic avenues that recharge cellular metabolic homeostasis in T cells.

Intravenous iron therapy in a rural hospital: A retrospective chart review.

INTRODUCTION: Intravenous iron infusion therapy is commonly delivered in rural hospitals, but there are no common guidelines for dosing or choice of agent. The objective of the study was to understand present practice and alternate therapies and develop practical recommendations for small hospital use. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of all non-dialysis patients aged 15 years or older who received iron replacement therapy at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre from May 2013 to May 2019 and a literature review of available iron preparations. RESULTS: Of the 147 patients who received intravenous iron replacement, 75 were administered a single dose of 200 mg or 500 mg iron sucrose. Commonly used in pregnant patients, an increase in haemoglobin by an average of 9.2 g/L followed a 200 mg dose and 12.5 g/L after 500 mg. The 3-h infusion time for the 500 mg dose consumed considerably more nursing resources. Non-pregnant patients can be transfused more effectively with iron maltoside which can efficiently deliver larger doses of iron. CONCLUSION: We recommend iron maltoside for efficient intravenous iron replacement in non-pregnant patients and single or multiple doses of 200 mg iron sucrose during pregnancy.

Résumé Introduction: La perfusion intraveineuse de fer est fréquente dans les hôpitaux ruraux, mais il n'existe pas de lignes directrices courantes sur la posologie ou le choix de l'agent. Cette étude visait à comprendre la pratique actuelle, et les autres options thérapeutiques et d'émettre des recommandations pratiques à l'intention des petits hôpitaux. Méthodologie: Revue rétrospective des dossiers de tous les patients de 15 ans et plus non sous dialyse qui avaient reçu une supplémentation en fer à l'Hôpital SLMHC entre les mois de mai 2013 et mai 2019 et revue de la littérature sur les préparations de fer commercialisées. Résultats: Sur les 147 patients ayant reçu une perfusion de supplémentation en fer, 75 ont reçu une dose unique de 200 mg ou de 500 mg de fer-saccharose. Fréquemment utilisées chez les femmes enceintes, les doses de 200 et de 500 mg ont augmenté le taux d'Hb d'en moyenne 9,2 g/L et de 12.5 g/L, respectivement. La perfusion de 3 heures nécessaire à la dose de 500 mg a utilisé considérablement plus de ressources infirmières. Le fer-isomaltoside, qui administre efficacement des doses supérieures de fer, est perfusé plus efficacement chez les patients, à l'exclusion des femmes enceintes. Conclusion: Nous recommandons le fer-isomaltoside pour la supplémentation en fer efficace chez les patients, à l'exclusion des femmes enceintes et une dose unique ou multiple de 200 mg de fer-saccharose durant la grossesse. Mots-clés: Fer-isomaltoside, médecine rurale, perfusion intraveineuse de fer.