Ca Supplementation Research Articles

Calcium and ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid mitigate toxicity and alteration of gene expression associated with cadmium stress in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) shoots.

In the aim to estimate the protective role of calcium (Ca) and ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) against cadmium (Cd)-induced damage, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds were exposed to 200 μM Cd stress for 6 days or 3 days then subjected to co-treatment of the metal with either 100 mM CaCl2 or 100 μM EGTA for 3 additional days. The addition of Ca and EGTA improved seedling growth. This protecting effect was correlated to the alleviation of the metal-induced oxidative stress, exemplified by the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents. Besides, Ca and EGTA stimulated thioredoxin (Trx) and thioredoxin reductase (NTR) activities (2.75- and 1.75-fold increase when compared to Cd-stressed, respectively) protecting, thereby, protein -SH groups from the Cd-mediated oxidation, and modulated ferredoxin (Fdx) activity to a control level. Moreover, Ca and EGTA reinstated the glutathione redox steady state, mainly via preserving a high level of glutathione reduced form (GSH). This effect coincided with the maintaining of the Cd-stimulated glutathione reductase (GR) activity and the decline of glutathione peroxidase (GPX, 43% lower than Cd-stressed shoots) activity. Ca and EGTA counteracted the inhibitory effect of Cd on the activity and gene expression of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) isoenzyme and modulated the activities of catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Overall, our results provided evidence that Ca and EGTA supplement could be a promising approach in the remediation of Cd-contaminated environment.

A Systematic Review of the Calcium Content of the Normal Human Prostate Gland

Introduction: There is much lack of knowledge concerning most prostatic malfunction, especially the reasons and detailed nature of its pathologies. In spite of advances in medical science, the differential diagnosis of prostatic pathologies has steadily increased in complexity and controversy. A proposal has been made that prostatic calcium (Ca) content determinations may aid in resolving these issues for prostate disorders and especially as an indicator of its carcinoma risk. As a result many measurements of normal prostatic Ca have been made. Materials and methods: Here we analyze data published concerning Ca prostatic levels in healthy subjects. In all 1911 items in the literature of the years dating back to 1921 were identified in the following databases: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science and ELSEVIER-EMBASE. This data was subject to an analysis employing both the “range” and “median” of means. In this way the disparate nature of published Ca content of normal prostates was evaluated. From the papers examined, 36 were selected for the objective analysis of data from their 1357 healthy patients.. Results: On a wet mass basis prostatic Ca levels spanned the interval from 73 mg/kg to 1280 mg/kg with 360 mg/kg as the median of their means. It is accepted that the prostatic Ca content is contingent on a wide variety of aspects of the host’s milieu, including androgen levels, zone of human prostate sampled, relative amounts of different types of prostatic tissue studied, Ca content of food and drink, Ca supplement intake, age, and the method of analysis. Conclusions: The data encompassed a wide range of values and the sample was small, hence it is advisable that further studies be performed.

Effects of dietary p ‐coumaric acid on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, humoral immunity and immune‐related gene expression in common carp, Cyprinus carpio

The efficacy of p-coumaric acid (CA) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, humoral immunity and immune gene expressions of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was tested in the present study. Fish were fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg CA for 56 days. According to regression analysis, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and weight gain (WG%) were polynomially related to dietary CA levels. The optimum p-coumaric acid supplementation level, based upon these parameters, was 1.35%–1.44%. Furthermore, dietary CA supplementation at levels of 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg significantly improved the serum immune parameters (total Ig, lysozyme and ACH50). Dietary CA especially at 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg increased the intestinal IL-8 and TNF-α, while not affecting the expression of IL-1β and lysozyme gene. The highest and lowest mortality rates 14 days postchallenge with A. hydrophila were recorded in fish fed control and 1.5 g/kg CA, respectively. In conclusion, the oral administration of CA especially at 1 and 1.5 g/kg inclusion levels has the potential to improve growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune responses of common carp.

Independent and Combined Effects of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation on Blood Lipids in Overweight or Obese Premenopausal Women: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background:Dyslipidemia is often associated with obesity and contributes to the increased risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. This study was designed to evaluate the independent or combined effect of calcium and vitamin D (Ca + Vit D) supplementation on blood lipid profile in overweight or obese premenopausal women.Methods:This study is a triple-blind, randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial. About 100 overweight or obese (body mass index (BMI) of 25–40 kg/m2) premenopausal (aged 30–50 years) women, recruited from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) clinics, were allocated into 4 groups: (1) calcium (Ca) supplementation (2 tablets per day; each containing 500 mg calcium carbonate), (2) vitamin D (Vit D) supplementation (2 tablets per day; each containing 200 IU vitamin D3), (3) Ca + Vit D supplementation (2 tablets per day; each containing 500 mg calcium carbonate plus 200 IU vitamin D3), (4) placebo supplementation (2 tablets per day, containing micro-cellulose). All participants received a 500 kcal energy-restricted diet. Blood lipids, serum vitamin D, and anthropometric indices were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. Physical activity and 3-day dietary records were taken at baseline and every 4 weeks during the intervention.Results:At 8 weeks, triglyceride levels were significantly decreased in the Ca group (P = 0.002). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were decreased in the Ca + Vit D group (P = 0.04) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decreased in both the Ca and Ca + Vit D groups (P = 0.006, P = 0.004, respectively). The results of one-way ANOVA indicated that changes in the serum lipid profile levels were not significantly different among the four groups (P = 0.90, P = 0.86, P = 0.61, P = 0.27, and P = 0.19, respectively for TG, TC, LDL, HDL, and LDL/HDL). The results were not significant even after adjusting for potential covariates.Conclusions:Although the results were not significantly different among the four treated groups at 8 weeks, within-group changes like the reduction in triglyceride and LDL levels, respectively in the Ca group and Ca + Vit D group, and HDL levels in both the Ca and Ca + Vit D groups were significant. These changes may have potentially significant public health implications.

Effects of Calcium Nitrate Levels and Soaking Durations on Cocopeat Nutrient Content

Cocopeat, a by-product of the coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), is an important soilless media that contains high potassium (K), sodium (Na), and electrical conductivity (EC) depending on its source. Methods for extracting these elements and thus lowering EC are yet to be standardized. This study was therefore carried out to investigate two extraction methods of these elements in cocopeat. A greenhouse pot experiment was carried out at the Climate and Water Smart Agriculture Centre of Egerton University, Kenya. It was laid out in a 5 × 4 factorial completely randomized design. Five soaking durations (12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours) and four calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) levels (0, 60, 100, and 150 g) were used. The experiment was done in two folds: the leachate and treated cocopeat examination for their chemical properties. The General Linear Model procedures were used for Analysis of Variance at (P ≤ 0.05). The results showed that the addition of Ca(NO3)2 100 g extracted significantly more K and Na in the leachate than Ca(NO3)2 0.0 g and 60 g. The EC levels in the leachate increased with the application levels of Ca(NO3)2 while the pH levels were reducing. In the treated cocopeat, Ca(NO3)2 100 g and soaking duration 36 hours significantly reduced K and Na and sufficiently supplemented Ca and N. Irrespective of Ca(NO3)2 and soaking durations, after the cocopeat is washed, the EC and pH values fall within their suitable ranges. There was a strong negative correlation between Ca and Na, Ca and K, and between Na and EC. Also, strong positive correlation between Ca and N and Ca and EC. Effective supplementation of Ca and N, and optimal reduction of K and Na by 78.44% and 92%, respectively can be achieved with 100 g of Ca(NO3)2 1.5 kg-1 of cocopeat in 15 liters of water with a soaking duration of 36 hours.

Comparative study of serum calcium and serum magnesium levels in patients of preeclampsia and normotensive patients

Introduction: Hypertension disorders are major factors responsible for morbidity and mortality in pregnancy and preeclampsia is the leading cause. The etio-pathology of PE is not known even after significant research done on it. Only thing which we can do is try to reduce the incidence and severity by predicting its occurrence. In our study we are trying to know the effect of serum calcium and serum magnesium on pre-eclampsia. Materials and Methods: Total 256 pregnant patients attending D.Y. Patil hospital were included in our study. They were divided into two groups namely normotensive and hypertensive. The diagnosis of Pre-eclampsia was made by standard protocol, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied for selection of case after permission from ethical committee of the institution and consent of the patients. In them we estimated serum calcium and serum magnesium levels and the correlation of these levels was studied with the pre-eclampsia related factors. Results: Both groups comparable in terms of age, gravida, parity, high risk factors, BMI. The data was analysed by application of statistical test of significance. Conclusion: Our study shows that low levels of calcium and magnesium are found in serum of pre-eclampsia patients as compared to normotensive cases of the study population. Also since calcium deficiency plays role in aetiology of pre-eclampsia antenatal administration of Ca supplements was done and its effect was studied to find out whether it is useful in reducing the severity of PE. Keywords: Hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, Pre-eclampsia, S. calcium, S. magnesium.

Inositol polyphosphate multikinase IPMK-1 regulates development through IP3/calcium signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans

Inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK) is a conserved protein that initiates the production of inositol phosphate intracellular messengers and is critical for regulating a variety of cellular processes. Here, we report that the C. elegans IPMK-1, which is homologous to the mammalian inositol polyphosphate multikinase, plays a crucial role in regulating rhythmic behavior and development. The deletion mutant ipmk-1(tm2687) displays a long defecation cycle period and retarded postembryonic growth. The expression of functional ipmk-1::GFP was detected in the pharyngeal muscles, amphid sheath cells, the intestine, excretory (canal) cells, proximal gonad, and spermatheca. The expression of IPMK-1 in the intestine was sufficient for the wild-type phenotype. The IP3-kinase activity of IPMK-1 is required for defecation rhythms and postembryonic development. The defective phenotypes of ipmk-1(tm2687) could be rescued by a loss-of-function mutation in type I inositol 5-phosphatase homolog (IPP-5) and improved by a supplemental Ca2+ in the medium. Our work demonstrates that IPMK-1 and the signaling molecule inositol triphosphate (IP3) pathway modulate rhythmic behaviors and development by dynamically regulating the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ in C. elegans. Advances in understanding the molecular regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis and regulation of organism development may lead to therapeutic strategies that modulate Ca2+ signaling to enhance function and counteract disease processes. Unraveling the physiological role of IPMK and the underlying functional mechanism in C. elegans would contribute to understanding the role of IPMK in other species, especially in mammals, and benefit further research on the involvement of IPMK in disease.

PSVII-23 Using low-moisture molasses-based blocks to supplement Ca salts of soybean oil to forage-fed beef cows

Abstract This experiment compared plasma fatty acid (FA) profile of forage-fed beef cows receiving a molasses-based supplement enriched with Ca salts of soybean oil [(CSSO); 24.7% of dry matter (DM)] via a self-fed low-moisture block (LMB) or hand-fed granular concentrate daily (CONC). Thirty-six cows were allocated to 1 of 9 drylot pens, which were enrolled in a replicated 3 x 2 Latin square design with 2 periods of 42 d. Pens were randomly assigned to receive 1 of the 3 treatments, in a manner that pens did not receive the same treatment in both periods. Cows received hay for ad libitum consumption during the study. Hay intake was recorded daily from d 0 to 42, and LMB intake was recorded from d 14 to 42. The CONC was offered at 0.420 kg/cow daily (DM basis) from d 0 to 13, and then adjusted (d 14 to 42) to match LMB intake. Average LMB intake during the initial 13 d was 0.846 ± 0.107 kg/cow daily (DM basis). Supplement DM intake did not differ (P = 0.39) between LMB and CONC cows from d 14 to 42. No treatments effects were noted (P ≥ 0.40) for hay intake, BCS, and BW. Plasma FA profile did not differ (P ≥ 0.20) between treatments on d 0. From d 14 to 42, plasma concentrations of linoleic acid, ω-6 polyunsaturated FA, and total FA were greater (P < 0.01) in CONC and LMB vs. NOSUPP cows. Plasma concentrations of these FA were also greater (P ≤ 0.03) in LMB vs. CONC cows on d 14, but did not differ (P ≥ 0.35) on d 28 and 42. Inclusion of CSSO into LMB resulted in similar incorporation of ω-6 polyunsaturated and total FA in the circulation compared with CONC offered at the same daily rate.

Remediation of fluoride contaminated soil with nano-hydroxyapatite amendment: Response of soil fluoride bioavailability and microbial communities

Nano-hydroxyapatite (NHAP), possessing high defluoridation capacity, has been widely used to remove fluoride (F) from polluted water, but little is known about how it affects the bioavailability and toxicity of soil F towards plants. Here, the impact of NHAP (2% w/w) amendment on immobilization, speciation and accumulation of F was studied in a soil-plant system. The results revealed that the NHAP amendment worked effectively to reduce levels of water-soluble F (37.3%−87.8%) and increase available P (76.6%–147%). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated that the formation of insoluble CaF2 and the ion exchange of F− with OH− into NHAP might be involved in the mechanism of F immobilization and soil pH elevation. Exposure to NHAP significantly decreased the abundance of Cyanobacteria in tested soils, and Gemmatimonadetes abundance in bulk soil was significantly higher than that in rhizosphere soil at 1,000 mg kg−1 F spiked level. Additionally, NHAP amendment decreased F accumulation in wheat shoots (9.10%–18.7%) and roots (3.88%–22.4%), which could mainly be attributed to the reduction of soil bioavailable F and the supplement of Ca from NHAP. These results suggest that NHAP could be a promising amendment to be applied to acidic soil contaminated with F.

An observational study on Ca supplementation and dietary intake during pregnancy on low birth weight and small for gestational age.

To evaluate the effects of dietary Ca intake and Ca supplementation during pregnancy on low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA) infants. A birth cohort study was conducted in 2010-2012 at the Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital in Lanzhou, China. A birth cohort study. Totally, 9595 pregnant women who came to the hospital for delivery at 20 weeks of gestation or more, and who were 18 years of age or older. Compared with non-users, Ca supplement users had a reduced risk of LBW infants (OR = 0·77, 95 % CI: 0·63, 0·95) and a reduced risk of nulliparous women giving birth to LBW infants (OR = 0·75, 95 % CI: 0·58, 0·98) (P < 0·05). More specifically, both the use of Ca supplement before conception and during pregnancy (OR = 0·44, 95 % CI: 0·19, 0·99) and during pregnancy only (OR = 0·80, 95 % CI: 0·65, 0·99) had the main effect of reducing risk of nulliparous women giving birth to LBW infants (P < 0·05). There was no association between Ca supplementation and SGA (OR = 0·87, 95 % CI: 0·75, 1·01) (P > 0·05). However, higher dietary Ca intake during pregnancy decreases the risk of both LBW (quartile 2: OR = 0·72, 95 % CI: 0·55, 0·94; quartile 3: OR = 0·68, 95 % CI: 0·50, 0·62) and SGA infants (quartile 2: OR = 0·77, 95 % CI: 0·63, 0·95; quartile 3: OR = 0·71, 95 % CI: 0·57, 0·88, quartile 4: OR = 0·71, 95 % CI: 0·57, 0·88) (P < 0·05). Ca supplementation and adequate dietary intake of Ca during pregnancy are associated with a decreased risk of LBW infants born to nulliparous women.

Dietary Intakes of Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Sodium by the General Adult Population Aged 20-50 Years in Shiraz, Iran: A Total Diet Study Approach.

In the present total diet study, the dietary intake of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and sodium (Na) by healthy adults in Shiraz, Iran, was estimated from the foods as consumed. A total of 580 individual food items were collected, prepared, and pooled into 129 composite samples. The metal concentration was then evaluated using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry. The mean intakes of Zn (12.92 mg/d), Cu (3.80 mg/d), and Mg (412.68 mg/d) exceeded the estimated average requirements (EARs), but they were well below the upper limits. A high prevalence of inadequate intake was observed for Ca (91.6%) and P (89.7%), which was mainly due to nutritionally imbalanced diets. Sodium intake for average and high consumers (97.5th percentile) was 123.6% and 237.8% of the tolerable upper intake level of 2300 mg/d, respectively, with 70% of the participants having intakes higher than this threshold value. Nutrition education, nutritional rehabilitation, Ca supplementation, food fortification, mandatory reduction of salt content in processed foods, and discretionary salt use (in home cooking or at the table) are among the possible strategies that can be adopted to combat the health problems.

Effects of oral calcium bolus supplementation on intracellular polymorphonuclear leukocyte calcium levels and functionality in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows

The objectives of this study were (1) to characterize Ca levels and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) function in primiparous and multiparous animals following oral Ca bolus supplementation, and (2) to determine differential responses of boluses containing a lower dose of Ca than traditionally used in primiparous animals on Ca levels and PMN function. Jersey × Holstein crossbred animals (n = 104) were enrolled within 24 h of parturition. All animals were blocked by time relative to calving and randomly assigned to treatment. The Ca boluses were composed of a mixture of Ca chloride, Ca sulfate, and Ca propionate. For objective 1, animals were assigned to control (CON; no Ca supplementation), or a series of 2 Ca boluses given 24 h apart for a total of 50 g of Ca. Objective 2 treatments included control (CON; no Ca supplementation), a series of 2 Ca boluses given 24 h apart containing 50 g of Ca, or a series of 2 Ca boluses given 24 h apart containing 25 g of Ca. Blood samples were collected on d 1 (<24 h), 2, 3, 5, and 7 relative to parturition. Total serum Ca, serum haptoglobin, PMN intracellular Ca, PMN intracellular Ca after stimulation with an environmental Escherichia coli, PMN L-selectin surface expression, and PMN phagocytic and oxidative burst activities were analyzed. For objective 1 a tendency was detected for a treatment difference on basal intracellular PMN Ca and a treatment difference on E. coli-stimulated intracellular PMN Ca. We detected a parity × DIM effect for PMN oxidative burst intensity. However, no other interactions or parity effects on other functional PMN variables were detectable. In primiparous animals, we found a treatment difference for E. coli-stimulated intracellular PMN Ca among animals given 50 g of Ca but no treatment difference on basal intracellular PMN Ca. The 50 g of Ca treatment increased both PMN phagocytosis and oxidative burst intensities. Supplementing animals with 50 g of oral Ca increased intracellular PMN Ca and influenced PMN function.

Ultrastructure of Cells and Microanalysis in Malus domestica Borkh. 'Szampion' Fruit in Relation to Varied Calcium Foliar Feeding.

Calcium is one of the most poorly reutilized nutrients. Its deficiencies cause various physiological disturbances and, consequently, reduce the quantity and quality of yields. Reduced content of Ca2+ ions in cells leads to development of, e.g., bitter pit in apples. Efficient and instantaneous mitigation of Ca2+ deficiencies is provided by foliar feeding. There are no detailed data on the effect of foliar feeding with various calcium forms on the cell structure or on the microanalysis and mapping of this element in apple fruit cells. Therefore, we carried out comparative studies of the ultrastructure of epidermis and hypodermis cells, to assess the content and distribution of calcium in the cell wall, cytoplasmic membrane, cytoplasm, and precipitates of Malus domestica Borkh. ‘Szampion’ fruit exposed to four Ca treatments, including the control with no additional Ca supplementation (I) and foliar applications of Ca(NO3)2 (II), CaCl2 (III), and Ca chelated with EDTA (IV). Light and transmission electron microscopy and an X-ray microanalyzer were used and showed a beneficial effect of calcium preparations on the ultrastructure of fruit epidermis and hypodermis cells, manifested in the presence of a normally developed cell wall with a regular middle lamella, preserved continuity of cytoplasmic membranes, and stabilized cell structure. In the selected elements of apical epidermis cells, the highest level of Ca2+ ions was detected in the middle lamella, cell wall, plasmalemma, and cytoplasm. The highest increase in the Ca2+ content in these cell constituents was recorded in treatment IV, whereas the lowest value of the parameters was noted in variant III.

A Study of Vitamin D Supplementation to Patients with Chronic Diseases Admitted to Ain Shams University Hospital

Background: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency have become a common problem worldwide. Vitamin D has been associated with all causes of mortality in chronic diseases which are significantly associated with a longer hospital stay and poor outcome. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the role of empirical vitamin D supplementation in hospitalized patients and its relation to the length of stay and outcome of hospitalization. Study design: Case control study performed on eighty patients admitted to Internal Medicine Department at Ain Shams University Hospital, with acute deterioration of their chronic illness. Two groups of diseases were included, chronic liver diseases (CLD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods: Twenty patients of each group were given vitamin D 200,000 IU IM within 3 days of admission (Intervention group) and 20 patients of each group (control group) did not receive vitamin D. Patients were sampled for their vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus levels on admission prior to intervention. Results: CLD and CHF Intervention groups had a non-significant correlation between vitamin D supplementation with length of hospital stay and mortality in comparison with control groups (P =1.000) (p=0.823) respectively. On the other hand, we found baseline vitamin D deficiency was an independent predictor of mortality (P value .018). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with longer hospital stay and poor outcome of hospital admission. Beneficial effect of empirical vitamin D supplementation can't be achieved with single dose vitamin D (200,000 IU) on CHF and CLD hospitalized patients.

Structural characterization of calcium-binding sunflower seed and peanut peptides and enhanced calcium transport by calcium complexes in Caco-2 cells.

Peptide-Ca complexes can promote Ca absorption. The present study aimed to determine the transport mechanism and structural characteristics of sunflower seed and peanut peptides with high Ca binding capacity with respect to developing third-generation Ca supplements and functional food ingredients. High Ca-binding fractions of 1-3 kDa sunflower seed peptide (SSP4 ) and ≥ 10 kDa peanut peptide (PP1 ) had higher amount of Ca transported than CaCl2 and two hydrolyzed proteins in Caco-2 cells. SSP4 and PP1 were separated by Ca ion metal chelate affinity chromatography, and high Ca-binding fractions were observed for SSP4 -P2 and PP1 -P2 . The amino acid sequences of SSP4 -P2 and PP1 -P2 were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Seven and eight peptides were identified from SSP4 -P2 and PP1 -P2 , respectively. These peptides had molecular weights ranging from 1500 Da to 2500 Da and a large number of characteristic amino acid sequences, such as EEEQQQ, EQ-QQQ-QQ, QQ-QQQQQ, E-EEE, EE-EEQ, RR, Q-QQ-QQQ, EE-EQ-EE-Q, QQ-QQQQ, and Q-QQQQ, where 'E' is glutamic acid and 'Q' is glutamine. SSP4 and PP1 can promote Ca transport in Caco-2 cells without affecting cell permeability. The amino acid sequences of SSP4 -P2 and PP1 -P2 with high Ca-binding abilities contain characteristic sequences, such as continuous glutamic acid and glutamine, and have low molecular weights. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Inorganic Salt Solutions on Vigour, Viability, Oxidative Metabolism and Germination Enzymes in Aged Cabbage and Lettuce Seeds.

This study assessed the potential of pre-hydration treatment with aqueous solutions (electrolysed [cathodic water; CW] and non-electrolysed) prepared from four different inorganic ion combinations: 1 mM CaCl2, 1 µm CaCl2 and 1 mM MgCl2 (CaMg, hereafter), 1 mM MgCl2 and 1 mM NaCl to invigorate controlled deteriorated (CDd) Brassica oleracea (cabbage) and Lactuca sativa (lettuce) seeds by assessing germination, vigour and biochemical markers (electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation products, protein carbonylation, and defence and germination associated enzymes) of oxidative stress. Additionally, the possible effects of pH of electrolysed CaMg and NaCl solutions were assessed. The inorganic salt solutions were applied to fresh seeds and seeds deteriorated to 75% viability (P75), 50% viability (P50) and 25% viability (P25); deionised water served as control. The pre-hydration treatment did not enhance normal seedling production in cabbage. However, Ca-containing and CW hydration treatments (CaCl2 CW, CaMg and CaMg CW [6.5], MgCl2 CW, NaCl CW and NaCl CW [6.5]) promoted normal seedling production of CDd lettuce seeds, while seedling vigour was enhanced by CaMg, CaMg CW (6.5), NaCl CW and NaCl CW (6.5) in CDd cabbage seeds, and CaCl2, CaCl2 CW, CaMg, CaMg CW (6.5), MgCl2 CW, NaCl CW and NaCl CW (6.5) in CDd lettuce seeds. The supplementation of Ca, a component of the ionised solutes, and/or the reducing potential of CW contributed to increased normal seedling production in lettuce seeds irrespective of the pH of treatment solutions or degree of deterioration. Overall, the pre-hydration treatments enhanced endogenous antioxidants leading to reduced levels of electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and enhanced germination enzyme activities in lettuce seeds. The study concluded that pre-hydration with selected inorganic salt solutions can invigorate debilitated lettuce seeds.

Supplementation of Calcium and Fluoride-Free Water Mitigates Skeletal Fluorosis in Fluoride-Intoxicated Rats.

Fluorosis is a public health concern in 25 countries around the globe. The present study is about the mitigation of fluoride (F) toxicity by giving F-free water (FFW) and calcium (Ca). A study was conducted by taking 76 Wistar rats in two phases, phase I (6 months), where rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal-Ca diet (NCD) 0.5%; low-Ca diet (LCD) 0.25%; NCD + 100 ppm F and LCD + 100 ppm F in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. F and Ca were given through water and diet respectively. Phase II is the reversal of fluorosis for 3 months, where LCD group 2 was treated with NCD. Groups 3 and 4 were divided into two subgroups each: 3X and 3Y, and 4X and 4Y, respectively. Groups 3X and 4X received FFW with NCD. Group 3Y continued as phase I and 4Y NCD and F. The biochemical expression, gene expression, biomechanical properties and DXA were studied by standard methods. The results revealed that in phase I, bone turnover was significantly increased whereas bone mineral content and biomechanical properties of group 4 were significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) as compared with that of all other groups. Trabecular separation and total porosity increased in groups 2 and 4. Expression of osteocalcin, osteonectin and osteopontin genes was significantly downregulated in group 4. Bone turnover in group 4X was normalised. Expressions of osteocalcin, osteonectin and osteopontin were upregulated after providing NCD and FFW. In conclusion, low calcium aggravates skeletal fluorosis which could be mitigated on supplementation of Ca and FFW.

Magnesium deficiency with high calcium-to-magnesium ratio promotes a metastatic phenotype in the CT26 colon cancer cell line.

Magnesium (Mg) plays important roles in maintaining genomic stability and cellular redox. Mg also serves as nature's physiological calcium (Ca) channel antagonist, controlling intracellular Ca entry. Because Ca is the most important second messenger, its intracellular concentration is tightly regulated. Excess intracellular Ca can activate aberrant signaling pathways leading to the acquisition of pathological characteristics and cell injury. Several epidemiological studies have linked Mg deficiency (MgD) and increased Ca:Mg ratios with higher incidences of colon cancer and increased mortality. While it is estimated that less than 50% of the US population consumes the recommended daily allowance for Mg, Ca supplementation is widespread. Therefore, we studied the effect of MgD, with variable Ca:Mg ratios on cellular oxidative stress, cell migration, calpain activity, and associated signaling pathways using the CT26 colon cancer cell line. MgD (with Ca:Mg ratios >1) elevated intracellular Ca levels, calpain activity and TRPM7 expression, as well as oxidative stress and cell migration, consistent with observed degradation of full-length E-cadherin, β-catenin, and N-terminal FAK. MgD was accompanied by enhanced degradation of IκBα and the transactivation domain containing the C-terminus of NF-κB p65 (RelA). MgD-exposed CT26 cells exhibited increased p53 degradation and aneuploidy, markers of genomic instability. By contrast, these pathological changes were not observed when CT26 were cultured under MgD conditions where the Ca:Mg ratio was kept at 1. Together, these data support that exposure of colon cancer cells to MgD with physiological Ca concentrations (or increasing Ca:Mg ratios) leads to the acquisition of a more aggressive, metastatic phenotype.

Effects of Different Doses of Calcium on the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway and Rho/ROCK Signaling Pathway in the Bone of Fluorosis Rats.

For this study, we investigate more deeply the effect calcium (Ca) develops on the mechanism underlying fluoride-triggered osteocyte apoptosis. We detected the morphology of osteocytes by HE staining, mitochondrial microstructure by using the transmission electron microscope, and the biochemical indexes related to bone metabolism and the expression of apoptosis-related genes. These results showed that NaF brought out the reduced osteocytes and ruptured mitochondrial outer membrane, with a significantly increased StrACP activity by 10.414IU/L at the 4th week (P < 0.05), markedly upregulating the mRNA expression of Bax, Cyto-C, Apaf-1, caspase-7, ROCK-1, BMP-2, and BGP (P < 0.01), as well as caspase-6 (P< 0.05), while downregulating Bcl-2 by 61.3% (P < 0.01). Through immunohistochemical analysis, we also found that NaF notably increased the protein expression of ROCK-1 (P < 0.05) and Cyto-C, BMP-2, and BGP (P < 0.01), suggesting that NaF triggered the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. Nevertheless, 1% Ca supplementation in diet notably enhanced the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 by 39.3% (P < 0.01), thus blocking the increment of the expression of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway-related genes and ROCK-1. Meanwhile, Ca could attenuate the StrACP activity by 10.741IU/L at the 4th week (P < 0.05) and protect the integrity of the mitochondrial outer membrane. These findings strongly suggest that 1% Ca abated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by increasing the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 expression, and effectively inhibited the hyper-activation of ROCK-1, dually protecting the structural integrity of the mitochondrial outer membrane and maintaining normal cellular metabolic function.

Parathyroid hormone response in treatment of subclinical hypocalcemia in postpartum dairy cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate different treatments of postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows with emphasis on PTH response. Twenty four cows with subclinical hypocalcemia (Ca 1.4–2.0 mmol/L), out of 180 Holstein cows tested, were assigned in one of three equal groups: (1) CON received no Ca supplementation, (2) PO-Ca received 1000 mL of oral Ca suspension, immediately after establishing hypocalcemia, and 500 mL of the suspension 12 h after, (3) IV-Ca intravenously received 500 mL of Ca immediately after establishing hypocalcemia. The blood samples were taken up to 48 h after initial treatment for determination of Ca, iP, Mg and PTH concentrations. Urine pH was also evaluated up to 48 h after initial treatment. Compered to CON cows that were hypocalcemic up to the 48 h, Ca concentrations were significantly higher in PO-Ca up to hour 8 and IV-Ca up to hour 24. At first 2 h, PTH concentrations were significantly lower, compared to CON, only in IV-Ca, while at hour 4 PTH concentrations were significantly lower in both treated groups. At hours 24 and 48, PTH concentrations were significantly lower only in PO-Ca compared to CON group. Urine pH values in CON indicate alkalosis and were significantly lower both in PO-Ca and IV-Ca group, up to 12 h and 24 h respectively. In conclusion, both treatments mitigated hypocalcemia in cows, but with significantly different PTH response. Due to adequate PTH response, normocalcemia is established in CON and expected transient hypocalcemia is avoided in IV-Ca cows.