Distinct Beneficial Effects Research Articles

Raisins and additional walking have distinct effects on plasma lipids and inflammatory cytokines

BackgroundRaisins are a significant source of dietary fiber and polyphenols, which may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by affecting lipoprotein metabolism and inflammation. Walking represents a low intensity exercise intervention that may also reduce CVD risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of consuming raisins, increasing steps walked, or a combination of these interventions on blood pressure, plasma lipids, glucose, insulin and inflammatory cytokines.ResultsThirty-four men and postmenopausal women were matched for weight and gender and randomly assigned to consume 1 cup raisins/d (RAISIN), increase the amount of steps walked/d (WALK) or a combination of both interventions (RAISINS + WALK). The subjects completed a 2 wk run-in period, followed by a 6 wk intervention. Systolic blood pressure was reduced for all subjects (P = 0.008). Plasma total cholesterol was decreased by 9.4% for all subjects (P < 0.005), which was explained by a 13.7% reduction in plasma LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) (P < 0.001). Plasma triglycerides (TG) concentrations were decreased by 19.5% for WALK (P < 0.05 for group effect). Plasma TNF-α was decreased from 3.5 ng/L to 2.1 ng/L for RAISIN (P < 0.025 for time and group × time effect). All subjects had a reduction in plasma sICAM-1 (P < 0.01).ConclusionThis research shows that simple lifestyle modifications such as adding raisins to the diet or increasing steps walked have distinct beneficial effects on CVD risk.

Poly(amido amine)s as Gene Delivery Vectors: Effects of Quaternary Nicotinamide Moieties in the Side Chains

To evaluate the effect of quaternary nicotinamide pendant groups on gene delivery properties, a series of poly(amido amine) (co)polymers were synthesized by Michael addition polymerization of N, N'-cystaminebisacrylamide with variable ratios of 1-(4-aminobutyl)-3-carbamoylpyridinium (Nic-BuNH(2)), and tert-butyl-4-aminobutyl carbamate (BocNH-BuNH(2)), yielding poly(amido amine)s (NicX-NHBoc) with X=0, 10, 30, and 50 % of quaternary nicotinamide groups in the polymer side chains. Deprotection of the pendant Boc-NH groups afforded an analogous series of polymers (NicX-NH(2)) with higher charge density (due to the presence of protonated primary amino groups in the side chains) and subsequent acetylation yielded a series of polymers (NicX-NHAc) of lower hydrophobicity than the Boc-protected polymers. The polymers with the Boc-protected or the acetylated amino groups showed high buffer capacity in the range pH 5.1-7.4, which is a property that can contribute to endosomal escape of polyplexes. The presence of quaternary nicotinamide groups has distinct beneficial effects on the gene vector properties of these polymers. The polymers containing >or=30 % of quaternary nicotinamide groups in their side chains condense DNA into small, nanosized particles (<or=200 nm) with positive surface charge (>or=+15 mV). Fluorescence experiments using ethidium bromide as a competitor showed that the quaternary nicotinamide groups intercalate with DNA, contributing to a more intimate polymer-DNA binding and shielding. Polyplexes of nicotinamide-functionalized poly(amido amine)s NicX-NHBoc and NicX-NHAc, formed at 12/1 polymerDNA mass ratio, efficiently transfect COS-7 cells with efficacies up to four times higher than that of PEI (Exgen 500), and with essentially absence of cytotoxicity. NicX-NH(2) polymers, possessing protonated primary amino groups in their side chains, have a higher cytotoxicity profile under these conditions, but at lower 3/1 polymer-DNA mass ratio also these polymers are capable of efficient transfection, while retaining full cell viability.

Raisins and increased walking affect lipoprotein metabolism, reduce inflammation and alter satiety hormones

Raisins are a significant source of dietary fiber and polyphenols, which may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by affecting lipoprotein metabolism and inflammation. Walking represents a low intensity exercise intervention that may also reduce CVD risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of consuming raisins, increasing steps walked, or a combination of these interventions on plasma apolipoproteins and inflammatory cytokines. Thirty‐four men and postmenopausal women were matched for weight and gender and randomly assigned to consume 1 cup raisins/d (RAISIN), increase the amount of steps walked/d (WALK) or a combination of both interventions (RAISIN + WALK). The subjects completed a 2 wk run‐in period, followed by a 6 wk intervention. Plasma apolipoproteins (apo), inflammation markers and appetite hormones were measured at baseline and post‐intervention. Plasma apo CIII was decreased for WALK (P &lt; 0.05), which most likely contributed to the reduction in plasma triglycerides (TG) concentrations from 1.49 mmol/L to 1.2 mmol/L for WALK (P &lt; 0.05 for group effect). Plasma TNF‐α was decreased from 3.5 ng/L to 2.1 ng/L for RAISIN (P &lt; 0.025 for time and group X time effect). All subjects had a reduction in plasma sICAM‐1 (P &lt; 0.01). Plasma ghrelin was increased for both the RAISIN and the RAISIN + WALK groups (P &lt; 0.05), possibly related to an increase in leptin due to raisin intake (P&lt; 0.01). This research shows that simple lifestyle modifications such as adding raisins to the diet or increasing steps walked can alter lipoprotein metabolism and decrease inflammation, resulting in distinct beneficial effects on CVD risk [Supported by the California Raisin Marketing Board]

Hormone Replacement Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting 2-3 times more women as compared to men. The peak incidence of RA in women coincides with the years around menopause when the production of estradiol (E2) and progesterone diminishes. The course of RA is also influenced by hormonal changes. The condition often ameliorates during pregnancy followed by flares after delivery. Animal studies have revealed distinct beneficial effects on arthritis by E2. Studies of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal RA have disclosed improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) and recently also beneficial effects on disease activity was found. However, in view of side effects by conventional HRT, its use has to be individualized for any given patient and there is a need for new therapeutic agents selectively inducing potent anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects, but without the adverse effects associated with HRT. This review will discuss: - Hormonal factors and gender associated with RA. - Sex hormones and the influence on the immune system and bone. - The effects of treatment with sex hormones on disease activity in RA. - The effects of HRT on BMD and bone and cartilage turnover in RA.

Mediators in polytrauma--pathophysiological significance and clinical relevance.

Multiple trauma induces an inflammatory response syndrome of the whole body that is triggered by (a) hemorrhage inducing an ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) syndrome and (b) fractures or organ contusions inducing tissue-repair processes. I/R injury generates oxyradical/proteolytic metabolites and adhesion molecules, while tissue and endothelial injury directly stimulate complement, coagulation and kinin pathways. Membrane-derived phospholipase A2 and lipid mediators potentiate cellular interactions and increase microvascular permeability. The tissue-repair process mediates macrophage/monocyte and T-cell activation which releases pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Mediator action follows a "three-level model", proposing that depending on the degree of traumatic injury cellular and humoral responses may spread from a cellular to an organ and then a systemic level. The systemic response can result in a severe immunological dys-homeostasis that potentially hazards the survival of the trauma patient by uncontrollable cellular dysfunction, appearing clinically as multiple organ-dysfunction syndrome. Blood-mediator concentrations often parallel the inflammatory process; initially, high levels of cytokines are followed by severe organ dysfunction. However, interpretation of these data remains difficult due to distinct beneficial or detrimental effects of mediators on the different levels of inflammation and missing prognostic threshold values, indicating a risk of adverse effects. Future studies must determine pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators directly, during the intensive care therapy, and evaluate their clinical relevance prospectively for the different levels of inflammation at local and systemic sites.

Livedo Reticularis in Patients With Parkinsonism Receiving Amantadine

Asymptomatic livedo reticularis has appeared in ten of 18 female patients with parkinsonism treated with amantadine hydrochloride. Although no serious effects have been seen to date, a livedo reticularis type manifestation has been associated at times with serious collagen disorders such as periarteritis nodosa and lupus erythematosus. Although amantadine has distinct beneficial effects in parkinsonism, long-term use should be viewed with some caution.

Livedo reticularis in patients with parkinsonism receiving amantadine

Asymptomatic livedo reticularis has appeared in ten of 18 female patients with parkinsonism treated with amantadine hydrochloride. Although no serious effects have been seen to date, a livedo reticularis type manifestation has been associated at times with serious collagen disorders such as periarteritis nodosa and lupus erythematosus. Although amantadine has distinct beneficial effects in parkinsonism, long-term use should be viewed with some caution.