Oral supplementation of fucoxanthin-rich brown algae extract ameliorates cisplatin-induced testicular damage in hamsters.

Oxidative stress is recognized as a common pathology that affects up to half of all men infertile. Fucoxanthin possesses antioxidant activity, and several investigators have reported anti-inflammatory action. This study extracted powder of Sargassum glaucescens by acetone to obtained fucoxanthin rich-brown algae extract (FXE). The objective of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of fucoxanthin extract from Sargassum glaucescens on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophage cells and its protective effects of against Cisplatin (CP)-induced reproductive damage in hamsters. Eighty male Syrian hamsters were injected with and without CP, then daily oral gavage with various concentrations of fucoxanthin for 5 days. Treatment with FXE reduced the level of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde in RAW 264.7 cells and the rats' testis as well as protective effects on mitochondrial membrane potential. The FXE administration also improved testosterone level and alpha-glucosidase activity. The sperm count also increased after treated with FXE, whereas sperm abnormality was reduced. Histopathological analysis showed that FXE successfully improved the seminiferous tubules morphology. According to these findings, fucoxanthin extract from Sargassum glaucescens can be used as an alternative for the treatment of testicular damage.

Prescriptions for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and monitoring of serum creatinine and potassium in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) are commonly used in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We studied the status of ACEI/ARB prescriptions and serum creatinine (Scr) and potassium monitoring in CKD patients. A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who had at least two sets of Scr data at outpatient visit. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on the second Scr value was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease four-variable equation. CKD was defined and staged according to the National Kidney Foundation Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Guideline. Patients with diabetes and/or hypertension with an eGFR over 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and without proteinuria were defined as the CKD-at-risk group. The percentages and factors associated with ACEI/ARB prescription and Scr and potassium monitoring were calculated and analyzed by logistic regression. Among the 5714 subjects included, ACEIs/ARBs were prescribed to over 50% of patients in the CKD-at-risk group and in CKD stages 1-5. After adjusting for age, sex, potassium level, eGFR, and co-morbidities, the odds ratios for prescriptions of ACEIs/ARBs were 1.66 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44-1.91, p < 0.001) and 2.80 (95% CI 2.12-3.70, p < 0.001) in CKD stage 3, and stages 4 and 5, respectively, compared with the reference group (eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). During the year of ACEI/ARB treatment, Scr was monitored in 91.6% of ACEI/ARB-treated patients, while potassium was monitored in only 38.1%. Renal function status was the independent factor for monitoring of Scr and potassium. In conclusion, prescription of ACEIs/ARBs was common in all stages of CKD. Most patients underwent Scr monitoring, but potassium monitoring was less frequent, and this should be improved in clinical practice.