Protective effects of boron and vitamin E on ethylene glycol-induced renal crystal calcium deposition in rat.

OBJECTIVES: Kidney stone disease is a common form of renal disease. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E (Vit E) and boron, are substances that reduce the damage caused by oxidation. METHODS: Adult male rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6). In group 1, rats received standard food and water for 28 days (control group); in group 2, standard rodent food and water with 0.75% ethylene glycol/d (dissolved in drinking water) (EG Group); in group 3, similar to group 2, with 3 mg of boron/d (dissolved in water) (EG+B Group); in group 4, similar to group 2, with 200 IU of vitamin E injected intraperitoneally on the first day and the 14th day, (EG+Vit E Group); in group 5, mix of groups 3 and 4, respectively (EG+B+Vit E Group). RESULTS: Kidney sections showed that crystals in the EG group increased significantly in comparison with the control group. Crystal calcium deposition score in groups of EG+B (160), EG+Vit E, and EG+B+Vit E showed a significant decrease compared to EG group. Measurement of the renal tubules area and renal tubular epithelial histological score showed the highest significant dilation in the EG group. Tubular dilation in the EG+B+Vit E group decreased compared to the EG+B and EG+Vit E groups. CONCLUSIONS: Efficient effect of boron and Vit E supplements, separately and in combination, has a complimentary effect in protection against the formation of kidney stones, probably by decreasing oxidative stress.

The efficacy of antioxidant therapy against oxidative stress and androgen rise in ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats.

Administration of natural antioxidants has been used to protect against nephrolithiasis. Urolithiasis was induced by ethylene glycol (EG) in Wistar rats. For 4 weeks, group 1 (control) was fed with a standard commercial diet. Group 2 received the same diet with 0.75% of EG. Group 3 received EG plus the diet and water added with antioxidant nutrients and lime juice as the dietary source of citrate (EG + AX). Group 4 same as group 3 with no EG in water. For 8 weeks, group 5 was fed the standard diet with EG in water for the first 28 days, followed by no EG. Group 6 received the diet with EG for the first 28 days, followed by discontinuation of EG and addition of antioxidant nutrients. Group 7 were provided the diet with antioxidant nutrients for 8 weeks. Group 8 received the diet with antioxidant nutrients for 4 weeks, followed by antioxidant nutrients with EG for the next 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected and kidneys were removed. The size and the mean number of crystal deposits in EG-treated groups was significantly higher than the EG-treated groups, added with antioxidant nutrients and lime juice. After 4 weeks, the mean concentration of malondialdehyde in group 2 was higher than the group 3, and significantly lower in group 4; and in groups 7 after 8 weeks, as well. After 8 weeks, supplementation developed less mean number of deposits in group 6 as compared to group 5; and in group 8, the crystal deposits was substantially less than either group 2 or group 5 (EG-treated rats). Elevated concentration of androgens (as promoters of the formation of renal calculi) as a result of EG consumption decreased following antioxidant supplementations. Results showed a beneficial effect of antioxidant and provided superior renal protection on treating and preventing stone deposition in the rat kidney.

Boron and antioxidants complex: a new concept for the treatment of kidney stones without rigorous pain.

OBJECTIVE: Stone disease is an increasingly common form of renal disease. Diet plays an important role in expression of the tendency to stone formation. Renal epithelial cell injury by reactive oxygen species is a pre-requisite step and the administration of natural antioxidants has been used to protect against nephrolithiasis. Considering the nutrients, boron as an ultra-trace element is revealing to enhance the antioxidant defense mechanism and along vitamin status seems to have an impact on the stone removal. METHODS: A male patient with urolithiasis received daily boron plus antioxidants supplement and asked to consume enough of the dairy serving products plus adequate liquids. RESULT: Ultrasonography assessment revealed continuous stone removal or disposal without hydronephrosis with significant pain alleviation and reduction in hematuria. The lithiasic residues were collected. The 9*20 mm size of the one eliminated stone is of noteworthy. CONCLUSION: Successful and comfortable kidney stone repulsion with a minor pain and bleeding indicates that this impact of boron plus antioxidants deserves further study and clarification.

Significant pain alleviation, cease of hematuria, and renal stone removal after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with adjuvant boron therapy - case report.

OBJECTIVE: Stone disease is an increasingly common form of renal disease. Therapy to prevent stones rests in lowering supersaturation uses both diet and medication. Environmental factors, especially diet, play an important role in the expression of the tendency to stone formation. Effective treatment decreases stone recurrence and need to use procedures to stone removal. Considering the nutrients, boron as an ultratrace element of the plant food is assumed to have an impact on the stone removal. METHOD: Female patient with a 10.0 mm stone in the lower pole underwent an extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and received 10 mg of boron supplement/day for two weeks. RESULTS: Ultrasonography assessment revealed complete stone removal or disposal without hydronephrosis with a significant pain alleviation and significant reduction in ureter bleeding or hematuria along with a little burning sensation in the genital region. The expulsion was confirmed by the collection of the lithiasic residues. CONCLUSIONS: Successful and comfortable kidney stone repulsion with a minor pain and bleeding indicates that the impact of boron in this issue deserves further study and clarification.

Whole body vibration as a safe exercise training method induces no impaired alterations on rat plasma antioxidant biomarkers.

UNLABELLED: Whole body vibration (WBV) has been regarded as an exercise training method and as a non-pharmacological supportive treatment option appearing to be efficient in chronic disease conditions, such as bone disorders and for cardio-respiratory fitness. Since, data on the safety and efficacy of vibration on oxidative stress parameters are lacking, it was decided to assess the effects of WBV on the plasma antioxidant biomarkers in adult male Wistar rat model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats weighing 140-180 g, were divided into control and vibration group. Vibration training consisted of vertical sinusoidal whole body vibration for 8 weeks, followed by blood collection. RESULTS: The vibrated rats weighed more than the control group (1353.0 ± 21.0 vs. 157.0 ± 36.0g, P < 0.048). The plasma Cu and Zn concentrations, vitamin C, uric acid, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were similar in the vibration group. No major differences was observed for selected plasma antioxidant parameters . DISCUSSION: The potential effects of physiological responses of WBV on several physiological systems are without deteriorations concerning plasma antioxidant status.

Association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with urolithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: The NAFLD is related to metabolic disorders and is negatively associated with kidney function. Renal stone disease (urolithiasis) is an increasing form of a common renal disease that is a multifactorial disorder influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic, mainly environmental factors. The association between the fatty liver and renal calculi, as a specific underlying risk factor, has received no attention, so far. Therefore, in this study, a possible relationship between fatty liver with renal calculi and urolithiasis is investigated. METHODS: In a cross sectional study, a total of 11245 ultrasonography reports revealing the condition of fatty liver, kidney stones (urolithiasis), or a combination of both of them, were categorized and evaluated statistically. Descriptive statistics determined the number (frequency and percentage) of each condition. The statistical significance of the association between fatty liver and kidney stone, and vice versa, was evaluated using McNemar's test. The Chi Square Test assessed the relationship between genders. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) assessed the likelihood of characteristics of urolithiasis for fatty liver patients. RESULTS: We found 8% frequency of urolithiasis among subjects with healthy liver. NAFLD was identified in 30%, while urolithiasis in 11% subjects from all individuals studied. The present study diagnosed urolithiasis in 17% of patients with fatty liver. Its occurrence was more common in men than women. Data revealed more common diagnosis of fatty liver (48%) in patients with urolithiasis, which was also higher in males than females. The higher NAFLD was linked with urolithiasis, indicating a greater chance of their association. Interestingly, the detection frequency of urolithiasis in the patients with NAFLD was also markedly higher (odds ratio: 2.4, 95% CI 2.1-2.7). The NAFLD appears to be an independent variable as a risk factor for stone formation. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that the prevalence of urolithiasis is significantly higher in the NAFLD than healthy subjects. This result suggests that NAFLD may be involved in the mechanism of the onset of the urolithiasis. It is suggested that lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and changes in the urinary constituents in the NAFLD may be considered as a risk factor in the progression of stone formations.

Effect of consumption of fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D and boron with regular physical activity on bone mechanical properties and corresponding metabolic hormones in rats.

The consumption of fatty acids, nutrients, and regular physical activity, individually influence bone mechanical properties in rats. To investigate their effects in combination, male rats were divided into the seven groups: G1: regular food and drinking water; G2: same as Gr.1 + physical activity (Whole body vibration; WBV); G3: same as Gr.2 + Calcium, Vit. D, Boron; G4: same as Gr.3 + canola oil; G5: same as Gr.3 + sunflower oil; G6: same as Gr.3 + mix of sunflower oil and canola oil; and G7: same as Gr.3 + coconut oil; and treated for 8 weeks. Analysis between the control with the groups 2 and 3 revealed that vibration in the G2 increased the body weight (P = 0.04), with no other major difference in plasma and bone indices. Comparison between the control with the G4-G7 (the oil groups) revealed that the rats in the G5 had a lower body weight (15 % less) and a significant increase in plasma levels of Estradiol in the G7 was noted. In addition, levels of Testosterone in the G4 and G7, and Free Testosterone in the G7 had a remarkable increase. Similar trend was observed for plasma levels of Vit. D in the G4 and G5. The stiffness and the breaking strength of the femur in the G7, and the breaking strength of the lumbar in the G7 compared to the control and the G4 and G5 was significantly higher and tended to increase in comparison to the G6. Better and stronger measurements observed for coconut oil is warranted to further study its effect on biomechanical properties of bones.

Effect of combination therapy of fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D and boron with regular physical activity on cardiovascular risk factors in rat.

The effect of consumption of fatty acids and selected nutrients, along with regular physical activity, on cardiovascular risk factors in rats was investigated.Male rats were divided into the seven groups: Group 1: regular food and drinking water, Group 2: same as Group. 1 + physical activity (whole body vibration; WBV), Group 3: same as Group. 2 + calcium, vitamin D, boron, Group 4: same as Group. 3 + canola oil, Group 5: same as Group. 3 + sunflower oil, Group 6: same as Group. 3 + mix of sunflower oil and canola oil, Group 7: same as Group. 3 + coconut oil. Rats were treated for 8 weeks, and analysis of the frozen plasmas was performed. A- Analysis between the treatment groups and control revealed that vibration training in Group 2 increased body weight (P = 0.04), plasma creatin kinase (CK), (P = 0.02), and estradiol (E2), (P = 0.03). Rats in Group 5 consumed less food and plasma levels of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) increased significantly (P = 0.02) in Group 6 and in Group 7 (p<0.05). B- Analysis of data among Group 4 - 7 (the oil consuming groups) and Group 3 revealed significant differences in cholesterol (Chol), LDL-C, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), C- reactive protein (hs-CRP), estradiol (E2), atherogenic index (AI), and risk factor (RF), (p<0.05). In addition, plasma levels of testosterone (T) and free testosterone (FT) in Group 7 had a remarkable but non-significant increase. As a result of vibration training, a similar trend was observed for vitamin D in Group 2-7. The findings show that WBV is effective in improving health status by influencing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Moreover, canola oil and sunflower oil, separately, showed beneficial impacts on CVD risk factors; whereas their combination had negative impacts on lipid profile. Coconut oil revealed to be efficient to provide health benefits in terms of CVD treatments.

Whole body vibration is a safe exercise training method and induces no impaired alterations on rat plasma parameters.

UNLABELLED: Whole body vibration (WBV) has been regarded as an exercise training method and as a non-pharmacological supportive treatment option appearing to be efficient for chronic disease conditions, such as bone disorders and cardio-respiratory fitness. Since, data on the safety and efficacy of vibration on plasma parameters are lacking, therefore, it was decided to assess the effects of WBV on the plasma parameters in adult male Wistar rat model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats, weighing 140­180 g, were divided into control and the vibration group. Vibration training consisted of vertical sinusoidal whole body vibration for 8 weeks, followed by blood collection. RESULTS: The vibrated rats weighed more than the control group (approximately 14% more). Plasma CK, E2 and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the vibration group compared with the controls. The mean of Vit. D level was 15% higher; hsCRP level was 11% lower and IL-6 level was 32% higher in the vibration group. No difference was observed for other selected plasma parameters. DISCUSSION: The potential effects of physiological responses of WBV on several physiological systems are without deteriorations in plasma parameters.

Regular physical activity as a basic component of lifestyle modification reduces major cardiovascular risk factors among male armored force personnel of Shabestar army installation in Iran.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular/Coronary Heart Disease (CVD) is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The most important risk factors for CVD are well-established and are strongly influenced by lifestyle changes. Clearly, physical activity has been shown to be extremely important in reducing the burden of this disease. The aim of this case-control study was to examine the association between intensity of activities and CVD risk factors in healthy military personnel. PARTICIPANTS: Two group of subjects (active [engaging in three session of field exercises/week] =50, and inactive [with no experience of field exercise]=50) were classified by a questionnaire containing demographic, health history, type and level of physical activity, and employment information. METHODS: Anthropometric indices, lipid-lipoprotein profile, arterial pressures, and fasting blood glucose were assessed. Independent sample t-tests were used for comparison. RESULTS: Physically active subjects had significantly (p≤ 0.05) lower measures of body mass indices (except height), lower levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (S/DBP), risk factor (TC/HDL ratio), atherogenic index (LDL/HDL ratio), and higher levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was normal in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce the risk factors of developing CVD and preventing its progression significantly, it clearly serves to underscore the beneficial properties of physical activity and to promote its effectiveness as a support for healthier lifestyles in the community and particularly among military personnel. The findings of this study substantiate the need for physical exercise to reduce signs and symptoms associated with CVD risk, even among a young, healthy, generally active population. Further, that these results would appear to corroborate the concept of increasing physical activity, including aerobic activity, as a preventative measure.

Determinant role of gonadal sex hormones in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis in a male subject - a document for male predominancy (case study).

OBJECTIVE: Urolithiasis is a multifactorial disorder influenced by both intrinsic and environmental factors. Among the studied factors, male gender with a three times higher incidence of urolitlithiasis than female gender is considered as a risk factor, but the influence of sex hormones on urinary stone formation remains undetermined. Since the association between serum testosterone and urolithiasis has yet received only limited attention, the pathogenesis of this male predisposition still remains to be elucidated and thus the reason for this male predominance remains apparently obscure. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this case study, one healthy 38-year old male who participated in a nutrition study developed a minor flank pain and has been subjected to ultrasonography which showed 4-5 mm calculi located within renal middle calyxes of both kidneys. In addition, the results of twice repeated estimation of testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, dihydrotestosterone and sex hormone binding globulin revealed hyperandrogenicity as also confirmed by the estimation of those hormones in eight males of the same age. CONCLUSION: So far, the association between serum gonadal steroids and urolithiasis in males received only limited attention and the recommendation for steroid investigation as a basic evaluation to rule out treatable systemic causes in urolithiasis patients is warranted. This rare finding in man seems to be the first report on this issue presented.

Public health impact and medical consequences of earthquakes

Un terremoto de gran magnitud en una zona urbana es uno de los peores desastres naturales que pueden ocurrir en ciertas partes del mundo. La mayor parte de las medidas aplicables para mitigar los traumatismos tienen que implantarse antes de que el desastre ocurra. Los investigadores han identificado algunos factores de riesgo importantes en relación con las heridas que se asocian, de un modo directo o indirecto, con los terremotos. Como el colapso estructural es el factor de riesgo individual más importante, la seguridad antisísmica debe ocupar un lugar priotario en el uso del terreno y en el diseño y construcción de edificios seguros. Para poder entender mejor los tipos de traumatismos ocasionados por los terremotos, es indispensable que se integren los estudios epidemiológicos con los de otras disciplinas, tales como la ingeniería, la arquitectura, las ciencias sociales y la medicina. Es esencial, además, tener un mejor conocimiento epidemiológico de los factores de riesgo de morir o de sufrir distintos tipos de heridas y enfermedades como consecuencia de los terremotos a fin de poder determinar qué materiales, instrumental y personal se necesitan para responder de manera eficaz. En zonas propensas a los desastres, el adiestramiento y la educación en primerios auxilios y métodos de rescate debe ser parte integral de todo programa comunitario de respuesta a emergencias y desastres. Lamentablemente, entre terremotos de gran magnitud transcurren períodos relativamente largos, con el resultado de que las autoridades sanitarias se enfrentan al reto especial de tener que comunicarle eficazmente al público los peligros planteados por los terremotos y la necesidad de planificar acciones y emprenderlas antes de que ocurra el siniestro. Pese a los grandes adelantos científicos que se han producido en seismología e ingeniería antisísmica en años recientes, lograr que se adopten normas estrictas de seguridad antisís-mica es una meta que aún no se ha alcanzado en muchas partes del mundo.

A suggested method for the prediction of the oxidation resistance of low density lipoprotein by determination of the lag time.

A simple clinical blood test, which measures the total antioxidant status of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and therefore its vulnerability to oxidative stress is suggested, and as a first stage this was tried on a small sample of eight healthy adult males. The body's natural defence and repair systems try to handle all free radicals, but these systems are not hundred percent effective. Thereby, the role of antioxidants (particularly natural antioxidants) becomes evident and vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and compounds like beta-carotene are under especially extensive study. Vitamin C is the most abundant water-soluble antioxidant acting in extracellular fluid, while Vitamin E is the most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant, and it protects the polyunsaturated fatty acids within the LDL from oxidation and helps to prevent the process of atherogenesis. The determination of 'lag-phase' during continuous monitoring of oxidation of LDL in vitro is a convenient and objective procedure for determining the susceptibility of LDL from different donors towards oxidation as well as of pro- and anti-oxidants. The Lag-time for LDL samples, obtained from eight healthy adult males was found to be between 40-50 minutes. The measurement of this Lag-phase could be a highly promising routine method for measuring the total antioxidant status of LDL.

Sulfur mustard intoxication, oxidative stress, and antioxidants.

Sulfur Mustard (SM) is a potent alkylating agent with electrophilic property which has been used as a chemical warfare agent in at least 12 conflicts. It has reemerged as a major threat in recent years. Medical attention is primarily concerned with its action on the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract which may be complicated by damage to ophthalmic, pulmonary, and gasterointestinal systems, followed by bone marrow depression. The cytotoxicity of SM and production of reactive oxygen substances (ROS) has been proposed to result from electrophilic or oxidative stress with depletion of cellular detoxifying thiol levels including glutathione. Also, ROS are transformed by iron-requiring reactions into highly toxic oxidants that cause a chain reaction with membrane phospholipids to form lipid peroxides, leading to loss of membrane function, membrane fluidity, and finally membrane integrity. Provision and availability of scavengers of ROS and electrophilic compounds such as glutathione, sulfhydryls compounds, antioxidants, and substances that will increase production of endogenous scavengers may be considered protective and useful. Thereby, the role of substances such as selenium, copper, zinc, and antioxidants including vitamin E, vitamin C, and compounds like beta-carotene against SM cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation might be interesting to be investigated in experimental animal models.

The significance of water in sport and weight control.

Intake of food and drink during exercise can be effective in enhancing performance, in so far as it prevents or ameliorates exercise-induced changes to body homeostasis. Loss of body fluids containing water and electrolytes during exercise is mostly by sweating. Sweat rates during a sporting event or activity will vary according to a number of factors, including the size of the athlete and his or her degree of acclimatization, the intensity of exercise, environmental conditions and the clothing worn. The mismatch of fluid intake and fluid losses may lead to a body water deficit. It has generally been considered that decreases in performance become apparent when hypohydration exceeds 2% of body weight; that performance decrements become substantial when fluid losses exceed 5% of body weight; and that when fluid losses approach 6-10% of body weight, heat stroke and heat exhaustion become life-threatening. Hypohydration also affects mental functioning. Therefore, the effect of hypohydration on real-life sport may be greater than that shown in laboratory studies of physiological performance.