New study shows recent nationwide effort to stop bullying in schools beginning to pay off
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nationwide-effort-to-stop-bullying-in-schools-beginning-to-pay-off-study-shows/
Monday, May 1, 2017
Could fasting every other day help you lose weight?
A new study looks at the potential benefits – and pitfalls – of the alternate-day fasting diet trend
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/could-fasting-every-other-day-help-you-lose-more-weight/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/could-fasting-every-other-day-help-you-lose-more-weight/
Mayim Bialik Talks About 'Girling Up' and Mental Health Stigma
Neuroscientist and "Big Bang Theory" actor Mayim Bialik talks about her book "Girling Up" and fighting the stigma of mental health.
From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/mayim-bialik-big-brain-theory?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Low-Dose Aspirin May Lower Breast Cancer Risk
But experts say it's too soon to recommend it for this purpose
From: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20170501/low-dose-aspirin-may-lower-risk-for-common-breast-cancer-by-20-percent?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Certain antibiotics linked to miscarriage risk
A new study finds certain meds seem safer than others, but overall danger is low, researchers say
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/certain-antibiotics-linked-to-miscarriage-risk/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/certain-antibiotics-linked-to-miscarriage-risk/
The Connection Between Salt and Weight
As researchers look into salt’s previously unknown role in hunger and weight gain, recent studies shed light on why salt may encourage us to overeat.
From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20170501/salt-weight-connection?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Thunderstorms Can Trigger Asthma Flares
Weather forecasts may help public and emergency workers be ready to treat wheezing
From: http://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20170501/thunderstorms-can-trigger-asthma-flares-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Website counsels women on abortion pills without prescription
Citing increasingly restrictive laws on reproductive rights, an international advocacy group is now offering online advice on how women can use abortion-inducing drugs at home
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/website-counsels-women-taking-abortion-pills-without-prescription/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/website-counsels-women-taking-abortion-pills-without-prescription/
Guaca-moolah? Avocado prices are surging
Cinco de Mayo celebrations will be costlier this year, thanks to higher demand and a smaller crop
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/avocado-prices-are-surging-cinco-de-mayo-guacamole-guaca-moolah/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/avocado-prices-are-surging-cinco-de-mayo-guacamole-guaca-moolah/
Mosquito menace: Orkin's top 20 U.S. cities
Orkin is out with its annual list of U.S. cities with the biggest mosquito problems
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/mosquitoes-top-20-cities/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/mosquitoes-top-20-cities/
Does Fasting Every Other Day Boost Weight Loss?
Only if you can stick with the regimen, and study finds most dieters can't
From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20170501/could-fasting-every-other-day-help-you-lose-more-weight?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Exercise and Vitamin D: A Heart-Healthy Combo
Together, the two offer more protection against disease than either does alone, study suggests
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20170501/exercise-and-vitamin-d-a-heart-healthy-combo?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Mayo Clinic – Mitral Heart Valve Patient Back to Cycling Thanks to Robotic Heart Surgery
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdV6OCew7Mw
Postexercise Dietary Protein Ingestion Increases Whole-Body Leucine Balance in a Dose-Dependent Manner in Healthy Children [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]
Background: Protein ingestion is important in enhancing whole-body protein balance in children. The effect of discrete bolus protein ingestion on acute postexercise recovery has yet to be determined.
Objective: This study determined the effect of increasing doses of ingested protein on postexercise whole-body leucine balance in healthy, active children.
Methods: Thirty-five children (26 boys, 9 girls; age range: 9–13 y; weight mean ± SD: 44.9 ± 10.6 kg) underwent a 5-d adaptation diet (0.95 g protein ⋅ kg–1 ⋅ d–1) before performing 20 min of cycling 3 times with a concurrent, primed, constant infusion of [13C]leucine. After exercise, participants consumed an isoenergetic beverage (140 kcal) containing variable amounts of bovine skim-milk protein and carbohydrates (sucrose) (0, 5, 10, and 15 g protein made up with 35, 30, 25, and 20 g carbohydrates, respectively). Blood and breath samples were taken over the 3 h of recovery to determine non–steady state whole-body leucine oxidation (LeuOX) and net leucine balance (LeuBAL).
Results: LeuOX (secondary outcome) peaked 60 min after beverage ingestion and demonstrated a relative dose-response over the 3 h of recovery (15 g = 10 > 5 > 0 g; P < 0.001). LeuBAL (primary outcome) demonstrated a dose-response over the 3 h [15 g (24.2 ± 8.2 mg/kg) > 10 g (11.6 ± 4.3 mg/kg) > 5 g (5.7 ± 1.9 mg/kg) > 0 g (–3.0 ± 1.7 mg/kg); all P < 0.01] with all conditions different from zero (all P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Over the 3-h postexercise period, LeuBAL was negative with carbohydrate ingestion alone; however, the co-ingestion of carbohydrates and 5 g high-quality dietary protein was sufficient to promote a positive postexercise whole-body protein balance in healthy, active children. Moreover, LeuBAL increased in a dose-dependent manner within the protein range studied. Children should consider consuming a source of dietary protein after physical activity to enhance whole-body anabolism. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01598935.
From: Volterman, K. A., Moore, D. R., Breithaupt, P., Godin, J.-P., Karagounis, L. G., Offord, E. A., Timmons, B. W. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/147/5/807?rss=1
Single High-Dose Vitamin A Supplementation to Neonatal Piglets Results in a Transient Dose Response in Extrahepatic Organs and Sustained Increases in Liver Stores [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]
Background: Neonatal vitamin A (VA) supplementation is being evaluated as a public health policy for preventing infant mortality, but inconsistencies in mortality trials demand mechanistic work to determine biological plausibility.
Objectives: We investigated the absorption, distribution, and storage of single large oral VA doses administered shortly after birth.
Methods: Fifty pregnant sows (Sus scrofas domesticas) were fed a VA-free diet. Male and female newborn piglets (n = 313) were orally administered 0, 25,000, 50,000, or 200,000 IU VA in oil within 12 h of birth when mean ± SD weight was 1.56 ± 0.25 kg. Blood was drawn to determine absorption and storage 0.5–240 h after administration. Metabolic and postnatal dose-timing substudies were performed. Liver, lung, kidney, spleen, and adrenal VA concentrations were determined 7–240 h after administration.
Results: Serum retinol and retinyl ester concentrations responded to treatment (P < 0.0001); however, differences between groups disappeared by 96 h. Liver VA concentrations responded to treatment (P < 0.0001), which persisted for 240 h. Liver VA for control piglets at 10 d (mean ± SD: 0.05 ± 0.02 μmol/g) was ≤0.1 μmol/g (deficiency), whereas groups that received VA maintained concentrations >0.1 μmol/g. Extrahepatic tissue VA concentrations displayed treatment effects (P ≤ 0.0077); groups that received treatments had higher VA concentrations than controls at early time points. Lung, kidney, and spleen VA did not differ between groups by 96 h, whereas adrenal glands did not differ by 240 h. Body weight was affected by treatment (P = 0.0002); VA-deficient piglets weighed 23–29% more than all treated groups 240 h after administration.
Conclusions: A high dose of VA administered to newborn piglets was well absorbed, appeared in serum primarily as retinyl esters, and was taken up dose-dependently in all tissues studied; however, enhancement did not persist in sera, lungs, kidneys, spleens, or adrenal glands. Short-term impacts of retinoid signaling on weight gain remain to be elucidated, and longer follow-up studies are needed.
From: Gannon, B. M., Davis, C. R., Nair, N., Grahn, M., Tanumihardjo, S. A. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/147/5/798?rss=1
A Novel Organic Selenium Compound Exerts Unique Regulation of Selenium Speciation, Selenogenome, and Selenoproteins in Broiler Chicks [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]
Background: A new organic selenium compound, 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (SeO), displayed a greater bioavailability than sodium selenite (SeNa) or seleno-yeast (SeY) in several species.
Objective: This study sought to determine the regulation of the speciation of selenium, expression of selenogenome and selenocysteine biosynthesis and degradation-related genes, and production of selenoproteins by the 3 forms of selenium in the tissues of broiler chicks.
Methods: Day-old male chicks (n = 6 cages/diet, 6 chicks/cage) were fed a selenium-deficient, corn and soy–based diet [base diet (BD), 0.05 mg Se/kg] or the BD + SeNa, SeY, or SeO at 0.2 mg Se/kg for 6 wk. Plasma, livers, and pectoral and thigh muscles were collected at weeks 3 and 6 to assay for total selenium, selenomethionine, selenocysteine, redox status, and selected genes, proteins, and enzymes.
Results: Although both SeY and SeO produced greater concentrations (P < 0.05) of total selenium (20–172%) and of selenomethionine (≤15-fold) in the liver, pectoral muscle, and thigh than those of SeNa, SeO further raised (P < 0.05) these concentrations by 13–37% and 43–87%, respectively, compared with SeY. Compared with the BD, only SeO enhanced (P < 0.05) the mRNA of selenoprotein (Seleno) s and methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 (Msrb1) in the liver and thigh (62–98%) and thioredoxin reductase (TXRND) activity in the pectoral and thigh muscles (20–37%) at week 3. Furthermore, SeO increased (P < 0.05) the expression of glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) 3, GPX4, SELENOP, and SELENOU relative to the SeNa group by 26–207%, and the expression of Selenop, O-phosphoseryl-transfer RNA (tRNA):selenocysteinyl-tRNA synthase, GPX4, and SELENOP relative to the SeY group by 23–55% in various tissues.
Conclusions: Compared with SeNa or SeY, SeO demonstrated a unique ability to enrich selenomethionine and total selenium depositions, to induce the early expression of Selenos and Mrsb1 mRNA and TXRND activity, and to enhance the protein production of GPX4, SELENOP, and SELENOU in the tissues of chicks.
From: Zhao, L., Sun, L.-H., Huang, J.-Q., Briens, M., Qi, D.-S., Xu, S.-W., Lei, X. G. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/147/5/789?rss=1
The Growth-Promoting Effect of Dietary Nucleotides in Fish Is Associated with an Intestinal Microbiota-Mediated Reduction in Energy Expenditure [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]
Background: Nucleotides have been used as functional nutrients to improve the growth and health of animals, including fish. The mechanism involved in the growth-promotion effect of nucleotides is still unclear.
Objective: We investigated the bioenergetic mechanism underlying the growth-promotion effect of nucleotides in zebrafish and the associated roles played by the intestinal microbiota.
Methods: Larval zebrafish were fed a control or a 0.1% mixed nucleotides–supplemented diet for 2 wk. Standard metabolic rate, the minimal rate of energy expenditure by animals at rest, was evaluated by oxygen consumption with the use of a respirometer. The expressions of fasting-induced adipose factor (Fiaf), inflammatory cytokines, and genes involved in fatty acid (FA) oxidation were tested by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. The intestinal microbiota from the nucleotide-fed fish (NT fish) or control fish was transferred to 3-d postfertilization germ-free zebrafish in which oxygen consumption and expression of cytokines and fiaf were evaluated.
Results: Compared with controls, nucleotide supplementation at 0.1% increased the weight and energy gains of zebrafish by 10% and 25%, respectively (P < 0.01). Standard metabolic rate was 28% lower in NT fish than in controls (P < 0.001). Nucleotide supplementation downregulated the inflammatory tone in the head kidney of the fish. Moreover, NT fish had a 51% lower intestinal expression of fiaf than did controls (P < 0.05), which was consistent with decreased expression of key genes involved in FA oxidation [carnitine:palmitoyl transferase 1a (cpt1a) and medium-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (mcad)] in liver and muscle. Germ-free zebrafish colonized with microbiota from NT fish had a 25% lower standard metabolic rate than did those colonized by control microbiota (P < 0.01), whereas direct nucleotide feeding of germ-free zebrafish did not affect standard metabolic rate relative to germ-free controls that were not fed nucleotides. Furthermore, germ-free zebrafish colonized with nucleotide microbiota exhibited downregulated inflammatory tone and 33% lower fiaf expression compared with their control microbiota–colonized counterparts.
Conclusions: The growth-promoting effect of dietary nucleotides in zebrafish involves 2 intestinal microbiota-mediated mechanisms that result in reduced standard metabolic rate: 1) lower inflammatory tone and 2) reduced FA oxidation associated with increased microbial suppression of intestinal fiaf.
From: Guo, X., Ran, C., Zhang, Z., He, S., Jin, M., Zhou, Z. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/147/5/781?rss=1
Intestinal Barrier Function and the Gut Microbiome Are Differentially Affected in Mice Fed a Western-Style Diet or Drinking Water Supplemented with Fructose [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]
Background: The consumption of a Western-style diet (WSD) and high fructose intake are risk factors for metabolic diseases. The underlying mechanisms are largely unclear.
Objective: To unravel the mechanisms by which a WSD and fructose promote metabolic disease, we investigated their effects on the gut microbiome and barrier function.
Methods: Adult female C57BL/6J mice were fed a sugar- and fat-rich WSD or control diet (CD) for 12 wk and given access to tap water or fructose-supplemented water. The microbiota was analyzed with the use of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Barrier function was studied with the use of permeability tests, and endotoxin, mucus thickness, and gene expressions were measured.
Results: The WSD increased body weight gain but not endotoxin translocation compared with the CD. In contrast, high fructose intake increased endotoxin translocation 2.6- and 3.8-fold in the groups fed the CD + fructose and WSD + fructose, respectively, compared with the CD group. The WSD + fructose treatment also induced a loss of mucus thickness in the colon (–46%) and reduced defensin expression in the ileum and colon. The lactulose:mannitol ratio in the WSD + fructose mice was 1.8-fold higher than in the CD mice. Microbiota analysis revealed that fructose, but not the WSD, increased the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio by 88% for CD + fructose and 63% for WSD + fructose compared with the CD group. Bifidobacterium abundance was greater in the WSD mice than in the CD mice (63-fold) and in the WSD + fructose mice than in the CD + fructose mice (330-fold).
Conclusions: The consumption of a WSD or high fructose intake differentially affects gut permeability and the microbiome. Whether these differences are related to the distinct clinical outcomes, whereby the WSD primarily promotes weight gain and high fructose intake causes barrier dysfunction, needs to be investigated in future studies.
From: Volynets, V., Louis, S., Pretz, D., Lang, L., Ostaff, M. J., Wehkamp, J., Bischoff, S. C. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/147/5/770?rss=1
Acetate Dose-Dependently Stimulates Milk Fat Synthesis in Lactating Dairy Cows [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]
Background: Acetate is a short-chain fatty acid (FA) that is especially important to cows because it is the major substrate for de novo FA synthesis. However, the effect of acetate supply on mammary lipid synthesis is not clear.
Objective: The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of increasing acetate supply on milk fat synthesis in lactating dairy cows.
Methods: Six multiparous lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to treatments in a replicated design to investigate the effect of acetate supply on milk fat synthesis. Treatments were 0 (control), 5, 10, and 15 mol acetate/d continuously infused into the rumen for 4 d. Rumen short-chain FAs, plasma hormones and metabolites, milk fat concentration, and milk FA profile were analyzed on day 4 of each treatment. Polynomial contrasts were used to test the linear and quadratic effects of increasing acetate supply.
Results: Acetate increased milk fat yield quadratically (P < 0.01) by 7%, 16%, and 14% and increased milk fat concentration linearly (P < 0.001) by 6%, 9%, and 11% for 5, 10, and 15 mol acetate/d, respectively, compared with the control treatment. Increased milk fat yield predominantly was due to a linear increase in 16-carbon FAs (P < 0.001) and a quadratic increase in de novo synthesized FAs (<16-carbon FAs; P < 0.01), indicating that there was stimulation of de novo synthesis pathways. Apparent transfer of acetate to milk fat was 33.4%, 36.2%, and 20.6% for 5, 10, and 15 mol/d, respectively. Acetate infusion linearly increased the relative concentration of rumen acetate (P < 0.001) before feeding, but not after feeding. Acetate linearly increased plasma ß-hydroxybutyric acid by 29%, 50%, and 78%, respectively, after feeding compared with the control treatment (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Increasing acetate supply to lactating cows increases milk fat synthesis, suggesting that nutritional strategies that increase ruminal acetate absorption would be expected to increase milk fat by increasing de novo FA synthesis.
From: Urrutia, N. L., Harvatine, K. J. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/147/5/763?rss=1
Keep your seasonal allergies in check
Seasonal allergies can be frustrating. When spring crawls in, many people begin to experience all-too-familiar itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and congestion. Symptoms of seasonal allergies are the result of an immune system in overdrive in response to pollen and other allergens. Those bothersome symptoms are intended to protect you from unwanted foreign particles, but in this situation they end up causing misery. There are quite a few options when it comes to controlling allergy symptoms, but we want to watch out for a few that can be quite dangerous when used incorrectly.
Nasal steroids
The first-line treatment for seasonal allergies is an intranasal corticosteroid such as fluticasone propionate (Flonase). These sprays are available without a prescription and you can use them as-needed. Nasal steroid sprays have been shown to help with both nasal symptoms of runny nose and congestion, as well as eye symptoms. When using these sprays, it is important to direct the spray away from the nasal septum, as there have been some cases of nosebleeds from using these sprays. If this happens, stop using the medication and let your doctor know.
To date, most studies looking at the effect of intermittent use of nasal steroids on growth in children have been inconclusive. However, a large study reported a slight reduction in the rate of growth when nasal steroids were used daily over 52 weeks by children before puberty. Therefore, it’s a good idea to discuss steroid nasal sprays with your doctor if you find your child needs it on a more regular basis.
Oral antihistamines
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratidine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) can also be quite helpful. The key is to take the medicine before symptoms develop, such as early in the morning. Another important thing to remember is that some of these medications can cause drowsiness and should be used cautiously during the day, especially if you are driving.
Decongestants
Nasal decongestant sprays such as phenylephrine and oxymetazoline (Afrin) should be used cautiously. Although they may work well in the short term when used occasionally, if used regularly for more than a few days (approximately five days), you may find your nose more congested than usual. This is called rebound congestion or rhinitis medicamentosa. I usually recommend patients not use these products for more than three days. Using these sprays too often causes a biochemical change in certain receptors on your cells, resulting in a vicious cycle of dependence — the more you use it, the worse your symptoms, and the more you need to use it. If this happens, stop using the medication, and talk to your doctor about switching to another type of nasal spray (intranasal glucocorticoid spray) which has been shown to help with this condition.
Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine may help reduce symptoms as well. You should also use these medications cautiously. They mainly work by constricting blood vessels, and may cause side effects such as increased blood pressure, palpitations, headaches, nervousness, and irritability. These medications should not be used by patients with a history of uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, strokes, glaucoma, or other conditions.
Alternative therapies
Other therapies that have been shown to be beneficial include nasal saline irrigation. Irrigating the nasal passages with prepared solutions, such as with neti pots, has been shown to improve symptoms of runny nose, congestion, and itchy throat, and to improve quality of sleep in children with acute sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. When using these products, however, make sure you are using distilled, sterilized, purified, or previously boiled water, as there have been rare cases of fatal infections by amoeba when using tap water that was contaminated. Although the evidence for menthol rubs such as Vicks is limited, some patients find that rubbing a little menthol ointment under the nose can sometimes also offer congestion relief.
Sources
Growth Velocity Reduced with Once-Daily Fluticasone Furoate Nasal Spray in Prepubescent Children with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, July 2014.
Fluticasone Reverses Oxymetazoline-Induced Tachyphylaxis of Response and Rebound Congestion. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2010.
Efficacy of Nasal Irrigation in the Treatment of Acute Sinusitis in Children. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2009.
Naegleria fowleri — Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed March 2017.
The post Keep your seasonal allergies in check appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Dominic Wu, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/keep-your-seasonal-allergies-in-check-2017050111649
Are Bullies Getting Run Out of U.S. Schools?
Abuse rates dropped about 2 percent a year over a decade, survey finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20170501/are-bullies-getting-run-out-of-us-schools?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Many U.S. kids go days without eating vegetables
American toddlers are more likely to eat french fries than veggies, a new survey shows
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/children-not-eating-vegetables-survey/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/children-not-eating-vegetables-survey/
Meet the Investigator: Kristin R. Swanson, Ph.D.
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PejsRX5WeA
New tumor-shrinking nanoparticle to fight cancer, prevent recurrence
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly8rlaF4pTc
Infectious Diseases A Z Why pregnant women need Tdap vaccine
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qpj6rmXCwU
Mayo Clinic Minute: Reducing dust mite allergies
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jIcZr-btQQ
Some Antibiotics Linked to Miscarriage Risk
Study finds certain meds seem safer than others, but overall danger is low, researchers say
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20170501/some-antibiotics-linked-to-miscarriage-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Toddlers Eat More French Fries Than Vegetables
Federal stats show some don't eat any veggies at all, and some infants don't get any breast milk
From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170501/us-toddlers-eat-more-french-fries-than-vegetables?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Just the Facts — May 1, 2017
Providers participating in Medicaid
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/may/just-the-facts-may-1-2017
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/may/just-the-facts-may-1-2017
Found
Dr. Ruchika Khetarpal stands up during the ADA Annual Conference on Membership as ADA Executive Director Kathleen T. O’Loughlin encouraged attendees to complete their Find-a-Dentist profile.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/may/found
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/may/found
Boat size
Former Olympic athlete and journalist Adam Kreek demonstrates the width of a boat he and three others rowed across the Atlantic Ocean.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/may/boat-size
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/may/boat-size
Rationale for the use of statins in liver disease
The evolution of chronic liver injuries from benign and manageable dysfunction to life threatening end-stage liver disease with severe complications renders chronic liver disease a global health burden. Because of the lack of effective medication, transplantation remains the only and final curative option for end-stage liver disease. Since the demand for organ transplants by far exceeds the supply, other treatment options are urgently required to prevent progression and improve end-stage liver disease. Statins are primarily cholesterol-lowering drugs used for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to the primary effect, statins act beneficially through different pleiotropic mechanisms on inflammation, fibrosis, endothelial function, thrombosis, and coagulation to improve chronic liver diseases. However, concerns remain about the efficacy and safety of statin treatment because of their potential hepatotoxic risks, and as of now, these risks impede broader use of statins in the treatment of chronic liver diseases. The aim of this review is to comprehensively describe the mechanisms by which statins improve prospects for different chronic liver diseases with special focus on the pathophysiological rationale and the clinical experience of statin use in the treatment of liver diseases.
From: Schierwagen, R., Uschner, F. E., Magdaleno, F., Klein, S., Trebicka, J. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/312/5/G407?rss=1
Gut-liver axis at the frontier of host-microbial interactions
Liver and intestine are tightly linked through the venous system of the portal circulation. Consequently, the liver is the primary recipient of gut-derived products, most prominently dietary nutrients and microbial components. It functions as a secondary "firewall" and protects the body from intestinal pathogens and other microbial products that have crossed the primary barrier of the intestinal tract. Disruption of the intestinal barrier enhances microbial exposure of the liver, which can have detrimental or beneficial effects in the organ depending on the specific circumstances. Conversely, the liver also exerts influence over intestinal microbial communities via secretion of bile acids and IgA antibodies. This mini-review highlights key findings and concepts in the area of host-microbial interactions as pertinent to the bilateral communication between liver and gut and highlights the concept of the gut-liver axis.
From: Brandl, K., Kumar, V., Eckmann, L. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/312/5/G413?rss=1
Emerging tools to study enteric neuromuscular function
Investigating enteric neuromuscular function poses specific challenges that are not encountered in other systems. The gut has a complex cellular composition, and methods to study diverse multicellular interactions during physiological gut functions have been limited. However, new technologies are emerging in optics, genetics, and bioengineering that greatly expand the capabilities to study integrative functions in the gut. In this mini-review, I discuss several areas where the application of these technologies could benefit ongoing efforts to understand enteric neuromuscular function. I specifically focus on technologies that can be applied to study specific cellular networks and the mechanisms that link activity to function.
From: Gulbransen, B. D. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/312/5/G420?rss=1
Mechanism of salutary effects of melatonin-mediated liver protection after trauma-hemorrhage: p38 MAPK-dependent iNOS/HIF-1{alpha} pathway
Although melatonin attenuates the increases in inflammatory mediators and reduces organ injury during trauma-hemorrhage, the mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored whether melatonin prevents liver injury after trauma-hemorrhage through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent, inducible nitrite oxide (iNOS)/hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α pathway. After a 5-cm midline laparotomy, male rats underwent hemorrhagic shock (mean blood pressure ~40 mmHg for 90 min) followed by fluid resuscitation. At the onset of resuscitation, rats were treated with vehicle, melatonin (2 mg/kg), melatonin plus p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 (2 mg/kg), or melatonin plus the melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole (2.5 mg/kg). At 2 h after trauma-hemorrhage, histopathology score of liver injury, liver tissue myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde, adenosine triphosphate, serum alanine aminotransferase, and asparate aminotransferase levels were significantly increased compared with sham-operated control. Trauma-hemorrhage resulted in a significant decrease in the p38 MAPK activation compared with that in the sham-treated animals. Administration of melatonin after trauma-hemorrhage normalized liver p38 MAPK phosphorylation and iNOS and HIF-1α expression and attenuated cleaved caspase 3 and receptor interacting protein kinase-1 levels. Coadministration of SB203580 or luzindole abolished the melatonin-mediated attenuation of the trauma-hemorrhage-induced increase of iNOS/HIF-1α protein expression and liver injury markers. Taken together, our results suggest that melatonin prevents trauma-hemorrhage-induced liver injury in rats, at least in part, through melatonin receptor-related, p38 MAPK-dependent iNOS/HIF-1α pathway.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY Trauma-hemorrhage resulted in a significant decrease in liver p38 MAPK activation and increase in nitrite oxide synthase (iNOS) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression. Administration of melatonin after trauma-hemorrhage normalized liver p38 MAPK phosphorylation and iNOS and HIF-1α expression, which was abolished by coadministration of SB203580 or luzindole. Melatonin prevents trauma-hemorrhage-induced liver injury in rats via the melatonin receptor-related, p38 MAPK-dependent iNOS/HIF-1α pathway.
From: Hsu, J.-T., Le, P.-H., Lin, C.-J., Chen, T.-H., Kuo, C.-J., Chiang, K.-C., Yeh, T.-S. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/312/5/G427?rss=1
Dilated cardiomyopathy
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dilated-cardiomyopathy/basics/definition/con-20032887
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