Increase In Calcium Levels Research Articles

Innovations in radiotherapy for tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Radiotherapy sensitivity is associated with the prognosis of patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). In the present study, we proposed to explore the specific mechanism of interventional radiology (IR) therapy for TSCC in vitro and in vivo. TSCC cells were treated with 6 Gy IR and tumor bearing mice were treated with 20 Gy × 1 IR. DIA quantitative proteomics along with bioinformatics analysis were conducted in TSCC cells to investigate differential proteins related to IR and relation of which involved in TMEM147 and SPHK1 was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy& autophagy flux along with calcium signaling pathway detection were performed in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that IR induced increasing calcium levels accompanied by up-regulated TMEM147 and down-regulated SPHK1 along with enhancing autophagy together with apoptosis. The effect of calcium overloading induced by IR on autophagy and apoptosis was dependent on increasing TMEM147 and decreasing SPHK1. However, IR-induced autophagy and apoptosis tended to be independent of only increasing calcium levels when down-regulating TMEM147 or up-regulating SPHK1 expression in vitro and in vivo. Our study suggested that calcium-mediated TMEM147/SPHK1 may promote autophagy and apoptosis to improve radiotherapy sensitivity in TSCC.

Expanding the role of mobile apps in preventing hyperphosphatemia in patients undergoing haemodialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Improper diets of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis are likely to develop hyperphosphatemia, which can also result in other complications such as lacking of calcium and protein. Meanwhile, dietary management using Mobile Apps can provide specific diet programs for every patient to control nutrition.</p><p><strong>Objectives</strong>: This review aims to identify the effectiveness of Mobile App based self-management dietary program to control phosphate, calcium, and albumin level for patients with hemodialysis.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: This systematic review and meta-analysis follows PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis) Guideline. Study selection was done using several electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Springer, EBSCO, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Proquest, SAGE, Taylor & Francis, and SCOPUS. Bias risk was analyzed with Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 Tool, then meta-analysis was made using Review Manager V5.4.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>:This study included 5 randomized controlled studies that were later interpreted with meta-analysis. Based on the result, there are significant effect for phosphate level reduction (pooled MD -0.63, 95% CI [-1.18,-0.08], p=0.02, I2=82%) and calcium level increase (pooled MD=-0.51, 95% CI [-0.77,-0.24], p=0.0002, I2=0%). Meanwhile, there is no significant change in albumin level (pooled MD=-0.09, 95% CI [-0.33,0.16], p=0.49, I2=0%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: In conclusion, mobile App based self-management diet significantly reduces phosphate level and is likely to maintain albumin level for hemodialysis patients. This intervention also has the potential to increase calcium levels to prevent bone disease.</p>

Vitamin D in Cancer Prevention and Treatment: A Review of Epidemiological, Preclinical, and Cellular Studies.

Inhibition of human carcinomas has previously been linked to vitamin D due to its effects on cancer cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis induction. The anticancer activity of vitamin D has been confirmed by several studies, which have shown that increased cancer incidence is associated with decreased vitamin D and that dietary supplementation of vitamin D slows down the growth of xenografted tumors in mice. Vitamin D inhibits the growth of cancer cells by the induction of apoptosis as well as by arresting the cells at the G0/G1 (or) G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Aim and Key Scientific Concepts of the Review: The purpose of this article is to thoroughly review the existing information and discuss and debate to conclude whether vitamin D could be used as an agent to prevent/treat cancers. The existing empirical data have demonstrated that vitamin D can also work in the absence of vitamin D receptors (VDRs), indicating the presence of multiple mechanisms of action for this sunshine vitamin. Polymorphism in the VDR is known to play a key role in tumor cell metastasis and drug resistance. Although there is evidence that vitamin D has both therapeutic and cancer-preventive properties, numerous uncertainties and concerns regarding its use in cancer treatment still exist. These include (a) increased calcium levels in individuals receiving therapeutic doses of vitamin D to suppress the growth of cancer cells; (b) hyperglycemia induction in certain vitamin D-treated study participants; (c) a dearth of evidence showing preventive or therapeutic benefits of cancer in clinical trials; (d) very weak support from proof-of-principle studies; and (e) the inability of vitamin D alone to treat advanced cancers. Addressing these concerns, more potent and less toxic vitamin D analogs have been created, and these are presently undergoing clinical trial evaluation. To provide key information regarding the functions of vitamin D and VDRs, this review provided details of significant advancements in the functional analysis of vitamin D and its analogs and VDR polymorphisms associated with cancers.

Blood Coagulation Activities and Influence on DNA Condition of Alginate-Calcium Composites Prepared by Freeze-Drying Technique.

The aim of this research was to synthesize and characterize alginate-calcium composites using a freeze-drying method, with a focus on their potential applications in biomedicine. This study specifically explored the biochemical properties of these composites, emphasizing their role in blood coagulation and their capacity to interact with DNA. Additionally, the research aimed to assess how the cross-linking process influences the structural and chemical characteristics of the composites. Detailed analyses, including microscopic examination, surface area assessment, and atomic absorption spectrometry, yielded significant results. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of calcium chloride concentration on the calcium content in alginate composites. Specifically, the study assessed how varying concentrations of the cross-linking solution (ranging from 0.5% to 2%) influence the calcium ion saturation within the composites. This investigation is essential for understanding the physicochemical properties of the materials, including calcium content, porosity, and specific surface area. The results are intended to identify the optimal cross-linking conditions that maximize calcium enrichment efficiency while preserving the material's structural integrity. The study found that higher calcium chloride concentrations in alginate cross-linking improve the formation of a porous structure, enhanced by two-stage freeze-drying. Increased calcium levels led to a larger surface area and pore volume, and significantly higher calcium content. Furthermore, assays of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) showed a reduction in clotting time for alginate composites containing calcium ions, indicating their potential as hemostatic agents. The aPTT test showed shorter clotting times with higher calcium ion concentrations, without enhanced activation of the extrinsic clotting pathway. The developed alginate material with calcium effectively supports hemostasis and reduces the risk of infection. The study also explored the capacity of these composites to interact with and modify the structure of plasmid DNA, underscoring their potential for future biomedical applications.

Indications and adverse events of teriparatide: based on FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS).

Teriparatide is approved for osteoporosis. Post-marketing surveillance is critical given its widespread use. To investigate adverse events (AEs) associated with teriparatide using the FAERS database, compare association strengths for key AEs, and explore potential applications to provide clinical reference. FAERS data from 2004 to 2023 were analyzed. Reports where teriparatide was the primary suspect drug were included. Adverse events were mapped to System Organ Classes and Preferred Terms. Disproportionality analysis using ROR, PRR, BCPNN and EBGM algorithms was conducted to detect safety signals. Out of 107,123 reports with teriparatide as the primary suspect, key AEs identified included pain in extremity (PRR: 4.54), muscle spasms (PRR: 5.11), fractures (PRR range: 17.67-552.95), and increased calcium levels (PRR: 50.73). Teriparatide exhibited a stronger association with increased calcium levels (PRR: 50.73) compared to fractures (PRR range: 17.67-552.95). Notably, only 10.86% of AE reports were submitted by physicians and another 10% by other health professionals. Subset analyses showed a higher consistency of reported AEs from health professionals compared to the general dataset. Off-label uses were noted in conditions such as arthritis (0.57%) and cancer (0.12%). For osteoporosis, main AEs were pain (18.2%), fractures (12.4%), muscle spasms (7.7%), and nausea (6.5%), while glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis AEs included fractures (24.1%), pain (13.2%), decreased bone density (9.8%), and nausea (5.1%). Our findings provide real-world safety data on teriparatide, revealing key AEs and their association strengths. The low proportion of reports by healthcare professionals suggests the need for cautious interpretation. Continuous vigilance and further research are imperative to guide teriparatide's clinical use.

Clinical effects of a home care program for patients with peritoneal dialysis in a tertiary care hospital.

Digital health technologies have been rapidly adopted during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. In Korea, a home care program, including face-to-face educational consultation and remote patient monitoring, was initiated to improve patients' quality of life. This study focused on patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis to verify the long-term clinical effectiveness of this home care program. This retrospective cohort study was designed as a pre-post study to analyze the clinical impact of a home care program for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis in a single tertiary care hospital. A total of 186 patients were selected from June 2017 to May 2022 to identify clinical changes after program implementation by analyzing changes in peritonitis incidence and laboratory test results. Interrupted time series analyses with ordinary least squares linear regression and chi-square tests were used. At baseline, the incidence of peritonitis continuously increased by 0.480 cases per 1,000 patient-months (p = 0.02). After program initiation, the trend significantly decreased by 0.886 cases per 1,000 patient-months (p = 0.02). In addition, the proportion of individuals reaching the clinical target range had increased calcium levels (4.9%p, p = 0.003), stable hemoglobin (1.2%p, p = 0.477), phosphorus (2.8%p, p = 0.09), potassium (-1.6%p, p = 0.22), while parathyroid hormone levels decreased (-6.6%p, p = 0.005). With a reduction in peritonitis incidence and overall improvement in laboratory test results, our study suggests that conducting a home care program for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis is clinically effective.

Bisphenol A and bisphenol AF co-exposure induced apoptosis of human ovarian granulosa cells via mitochondrial dysfunction

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical primarily utilized in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins that are present in various consumer products. While the BPA impacts on female reproductive toxicity have been widely investigated, very little is currently identified about the mixed toxicity of BPA and bisphenol AF (BPAF), another common BPA derivative that is used in many industrial applications. In this study, we assessed the effect of co-exposure of BPA (30 and 50 μM) and BPAF (3 and 5 μM) on mitochondrial dysfunction in human granulosa cells (KGN cells) for 24 h. Our results exhibited that high-concentration bisphenol individual or their mixture exposure of KGN cells induced significant mitochondrial dysfunction by reducing mitochondrial mass, reducing ATP production, and damaging the mitochondrial respiratory chain. In addition, we found that the combination of BPA and BPAF significantly induced mitochondrial stress by increasing calcium levels and the production of ROS in mitochondria. Mitochondrial stress induced by BPA and BPAF was determined to be a mechanism that promoted cell apoptosis after pretreating the cells with the mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant and the calcium chelator. Our results provide novel evidence of the cytotoxicity of mixtures of different bisphenol compounds.

Effect of lipid emulsion on vasoconstriction induced by epinephrine or norepinephrine in isolated rat aorta.

Epinephrine (EPI) or norepinephrine (NOR) is widely used to treat cardiovascular collapse during lipid emulsion (LE) resuscitation for drug toxicity. However, the effect of LE on the vasoconstriction caused by EPI or NOR remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an LE (Intralipid) on the vasoconstriction caused by EPI and NOR in isolated rat aorta. The effect of LE on the vasoconstriction caused by EPI or NOR in isolated rat aorta was examined. Additionally, the effect of LE on the calcium increase caused by EPI or NOR was investigated. The distribution constant (KD: lipid to aqueous phase) of EPI or NOR between a LE (1%) and an aqueous phase was determined. LE (1 and 2%) did not significantly alter vasoconstriction caused by EPI or NOR in isolated endothelium-intact aorta. Moreover, the LE did not significantly alter the increased calcium level caused by EPI or NOR. The log KD of EPI in the LE (1%) was -0.71, -0.99, and -1.00 at 20, 50, and 100 mM ionic strength, respectively. The log KD of NOR in the LE (1%) was -1.22, -1.25, and -0.96 at 20, 50, and 100 mM ionic strength, respectively. Taken together, the Intralipid emulsion did not alter vasoconstriction induced by EPI or NOR that seems to be due to the hydrophilicity of EPI or NOR, leading to sustained hemodynamic support produced by EPI or NOR used during LE resuscitation.

Glutamate-Mediated Excitotoxicity in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Neurodevelopmental and Adult Mental Disorders.

Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain wherein it controls cognitive functional domains and mood. Indeed, brain areas involved in memory formation and consolidation as well as in fear and emotional processing, such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, are predominantly glutamatergic. To ensure the physiological activity of the brain, glutamatergic transmission is finely tuned at synaptic sites. Disruption of the mechanisms responsible for glutamate homeostasis may result in the accumulation of excessive glutamate levels, which in turn leads to increased calcium levels, mitochondrial abnormalities, oxidative stress, and eventually cell atrophy and death. This condition is known as glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and is considered as a pathogenic mechanism in several diseases of the central nervous system, including neurodevelopmental, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders. On the other hand, these disorders share neuroplasticity impairments in glutamatergic brain areas, which are accompanied by structural remodeling of glutamatergic neurons. In the current narrative review, we will summarize the role of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in both the pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions of neurodevelopmental and adult mental diseases with a focus on autism spectrum disorders, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders. Indeed, glutamatergic drugs are under preclinical and clinical development for the treatment of different mental diseases that share glutamatergic neuroplasticity dysfunctions. Although clinical evidence is still limited and more studies are required, the regulation of glutamate homeostasis is attracting attention as a potential crucial target for the control of brain diseases.

The Effect of Milkfish Bone Meal (Chanos chanos) Addition and Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) Concentration on the Physicochemical and Organoleptic Characteristics of Tortilla Chips

Tortillas are a corn-based snack, yellow, and have a thin shape and crunchy texture. The addition of fish bone meal can increase calcium levels but also decrease the texture of the tortilla. The addition of sodium bicarbonate aims to improve the texture by increasing the swelling power and crispness of the product. This research aims to determine the effect of the substitution of milkfish bone meal with the addition of sodium bicarbonate on the physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of tortilla chips. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors and two replications, factor I was the concentration of milkfish bone meal (10%, 15%, and 20%) and factor II was the concentration of sodium bicarbonate (0.25%, 0.50 %, and 0.75%). The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA and continued with the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% level. The results of the research show that there is a real interaction with ash content, protein content, fat content, and calcium content. The research results of the best treatment based on physicochemical parameters were tortilla chips with the addition of fish bone meal 10% and a sodium bicarbonate concentration of 0.75%. This is the best-treated tortilla chip product with a water content value of 5.080%; ash content 2.995%; protein content 5.87%; fat content 5.380%; carbohydrates 82.521%, calcium 3.396%, expansion volume 19.912%; breaking power 278,350 gf; amylose 37.750%; and starch content 62.516%;

Suppression of Contraction Raises Calcium Ion Levels in the Heart of Zebrafish Larvae.

Zebrafish larvae have emerged as a valuable model for studying heart physiology and pathophysiology, as well as for drug discovery, in part thanks to its transparency, which simplifies microscopy. However, in fluorescence-based optical mapping, the beating of the heart results in motion artifacts. Two approaches have been employed to eliminate heart motion during calcium or voltage mapping in zebrafish larvae: the knockdown of cardiac troponin T2A and the use of myosin inhibitors. However, these methods disrupt the mechano-electric and mechano-mechanic coupling mechanisms. We have used ratiometric genetically encoded biosensors to image calcium in the beating heart of intact zebrafish larvae because ratiometric quantification corrects for motion artifacts. In this study, we found that halting heart motion by genetic means (injection of tnnt2a morpholino) or chemical tools (incubation with para-aminoblebbistatin) leads to bradycardia, and increases calcium levels and the size of the calcium transients, likely by abolishing a feedback mechanism that connects contraction with calcium regulation. These outcomes were not influenced by the calcium-binding domain of the gene-encoded biosensors employed, as biosensors with a modified troponin C (Twitch-4), calmodulin (mCyRFP1-GCaMP6f), or the photoprotein aequorin (GFP-aequorin) all yielded similar results. Cardiac contraction appears to be an important regulator of systolic and diastolic Ca2+ levels, and of the heart rate.

Capsiate ameliorates secondary hyperparathyroidism by improving insulin sensitivity and inhibiting angiogenesis.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism has a significant impact on the overall well-being of the body. Capsiates, known for their antioxidant and metabolic properties, have emerged as a promising alternative treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism. This study aims to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of capsiates in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. To achieve our research objectives, we conducted a study on patients' serum and examined changes in metabolic markers using serum metabolomics. We induced secondary hyperparathyroidism in rat through dietary intervention and divided them into four groups. The first group, referred to as the Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) group, received a low-calcium and high-phosphate diet (0.2% calcium, 1.2% phosphorus). The second group served as the control group, receiving a standard phosphate and calcium diet (0.6% calcium, 0.6% phosphorus). The third group, called the capsiates group, consisted of rat from the control group treated with capsiates (intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg capsiates for 2 weeks after 2 weeks of dietary intervention). The fourth group was the capsiates-treated PTH group. Subsequently, we conducted ribose nucleic acid (RNA) sequencing on parathyroid gland cells and evaluated serum thyroxine levels, oxidative stress, expression of proteins associated with vascular neogenesis, measurement of SOD, GSH and 3-nitrotyrosine, micro-CT and histological staining. The serum metabolomic data revealed a significant decrease in capsiate levels in the secondary hyperparathyroidism group. Administration of capsiates to PTH rat resulted in increased calcium levels compared to the PTH group. Additionally, the PTH + Capsiates group showed significantly lower levels of PTH and phosphate compared to the PTH group. The PTH group exhibited a notable increase in the quantity and size of mitochondria compared to the control group. Following capsiates administration to the PTH group, there was a significant reduction in the number of mitochondria and length of microvilli, but an increase in the size of mitochondria compared to the PTH group. Sequencing analysis revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 (VEGFR1) play crucial roles in this process. Vascular-related variables and downstream signalling were significantly elevated in hyperthyroidism and were alleviated with capsaicin treatment. Finally, combining capsiates with the PTH group improved bone mineral density, Tb.N, BV.TV, Cs.Th, Tt.Ar, OPG, Ob.TV and Oc.TV, as well as the mineral apposition rate, but significantly decreased Tb.Sp and Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor-κ B Ligand (RANKL) compared to the PTH group. The findings suggest that capsiates can improve secondary hyperparathyroidism and ameliorated osteoporosis outcomes by inhibiting angiogenesis and reducing oxidative stress.

Fresh goat's milk and Long-term aerobic exercise improve bone health in Athletes

Objective: To analyze the effect of fresh goat's milk intake and long-term aerobic exercise on serum calcium and its relationship to bone resorption in male athletes. Methods: This research was an experimental study using a pretest-posttest design with a control group design. Subjects were 29 gymnastics athlete volunteers: trial group (n=19) and control group (n=10), male, aged 19-26 years. The treatments were fresh goat milk (1x250ml/day, given from 07.00 p.m to 08.00 p.m) and aerobic exercise (3-5 times/week, medium intensity, duration 50-60 minutes), for 90 days. Results: The results showed that serum calcium levels in the trial group were significantly higher than in the control group (9.58±0.26; 9.87±0.32 vs. 9.74±0.42; 9.37±0.38: p=0.001) after consumption of goat milk and long-term regular physical exercise. The results also showed that there was a significant decrease in CTx-1 levels in the trial group compared with the control group (0.603±0.25; 0.45±0.16 vs. 0.73±0.32; 0.76±0.30: p=0.001) after goat milk intake and regular aerobic exercise. Conclusion: Consumption of fresh goat's milk and long-term aerobic exercise increased calcium levels and decreased CTx-1 levels. Therefore, the combination of both therapies reduces bone resorption, and fresh goat's milk is allowed to be consumed regularly as a sports nutrition to reduce the risk of premature osteoporosis in athletes.

Comparative Study of BMD in Type 2 Diabetic and Non-diabetic Male Patients

Introduction: Osteoporosis and diabetes are both common human diseases. The prevalence of both is increasing individually and in combination, due to better detection methods and changing definitions. Due to the different pathogenesis of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), one of which is a predominant autoimmune process while the other mainly a metabolic disorder, it is not surprising that there is no uniform entity of diabetic bone disease as such, although such term has been proposed in the past but never gained momentum. Paradoxically, an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture in T2DM has been repeatedly demonstrated and this was independent of bone mineral density (BMD). This association with fracture adds uncertainty around the actual association between diabetes mellitus and BMD. This study aims to study the population of diabetes at tertiary care center when they are compared with non-diabetics in terms of BMD. Aims of Study: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in T2DM and non-diabetic male patients using Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA scan). Materials and Methods: Patients for the study included male patients between 40 and 60 years of age group attending outpatient department, health checkup, and admitted in the ward of Saifee Hospital, Department of Medicine. In 200 (100 type 2 diabetic males and 100 non-diabetic males), DEXA Scan was performed in the Department of Imaging, Saifee Hospital from June 2017 to April 2019. Results: Type 2 diabetics were significantly associated with the presence of osteoporosis compared to non-diabetics (P = 0.001). Type 2 diabetics were significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) >25 (P = 0.0) and diabetics had a significantly higher BMI compared to non-diabetics (P = 0.0001). Type 2 diabetics above 50 years of age were significantly associated with osteoporosis (P = 0.000) and diabetics with osteoporosis were significantly older compared to diabetics without osteoporosis (P = 0.0018). Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a correlation between T2DM, increasing age, glycemic control, increased BMI, increased calcium levels, and decreased BMD. Thus, physician treating diabetes must anticipate decreased BMD and rule out or correct all of these factors in patients of diabetes to prevent the complications of decreased BMD in these groups of patients. Therefore, early detection and treatment of osteoporosis/osteopenia by estimation of BMD in Type 2 diabetic males, strict diabetic control with target hemoglobin A1c <6.5, weight control with target BMI <25, supplementation with Vitamin D3 should be advocated. Keywords: Diabetes, osteoporosis, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan.

Genetic Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Control Study

Vitamin D effects are mediated by vitamin D receptors (VDRs), which are influenced by various genetic polymorphisms, including ApaI and BsmI. These polymorphisms have been linked to several diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to compare the frequency and association of VDR ApaI and BsmI gene polymorphisms, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-(OH)-D) levels, and calcium (Ca) levels between a RA group and a matched healthy control group. In one hundred RA patients and fifty healthy controls, the genotypes of the VDR ApaI and BsmI gene polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP). Both Serum 25-(OH)-D level and calcium level were measured in the two groups. There was no significant difference between the cases and controls regarding the VDR ApaI gene polymorphism (p = 0.89). A significant difference was observed between the cases and controls in terms of the VDR BsmI gene polymorphism (p = < 0.001). The serum levels of 25-(OH)-D and calcium were significantly lower in the RA group compared to the control group (p = 0.04 and < 0.001 respectively). Significantly higher serum vitamin D levels were associated with the aa genotype (p = 0.007). Significantly increased calcium levels were associated with the AA genotype (p = 0.02). No significant difference was found among BsmI polymorphisms regarding vitamin D and Ca levels (p = 0.25 and 0.87 respectively). Vitamin D receptor gene BsmI polymorphism but not ApaI polymorphism could be a marker of RA susceptibility. Vitamin D and Ca levels are negatively affected by RA. Vitamin D receptor gene ApaI polymorphism contributes to vitamin D and Ca levels.

Tunneling nanotube-transmitted mechanical signal and its cellular response

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are elastic tubular structures that physically link cells, facilitating the intercellular transfer of organelles, chemical signals, and electrical signals. Despite TNTs serving as a multifunctional pathway for cell-cell communication, the transmission of mechanical signals through TNTs and the response of TNT-connected cells to these forces remain unexplored. In this study, external mechanical forces were applied to induce TNT bending between rat kidney (NRK) cells using micromanipulation. These forces, transmitted via TNTs, induced reduced curvature of the actin cortex and increased membrane tension at the TNT-connected sites. Additionally, TNT bending results in an elevation of intracellular calcium levels in TNT-connected cells, a response attenuated by gadolinium ions, a non-selective mechanosensitive calcium channel blocker. The degree of TNT deflection positively correlated with decreased actin cortex curvature and increased calcium levels. Furthermore, stretching TNT due to the separation of TNT-connected cells resulted in decreased actin cortex curvature and increased intracellular calcium in TNT-connected cells. The levels of these cellular responses depended on the length changes of TNTs. Moreover, TNT connections influence cell migration by regulating cell rotation, which involves the activation of mechanosensitive calcium channels. In conclusion, our study revealed the transmission of mechanical signals through TNTs and the subsequent responses of TNT-connected cells, highlighting a previously unrecognized communication function of TNTs. This research provides valuable insights into the role of TNTs in long-distance intercellular mechanical signaling.

The incidence of chronic diarrhea decreases with increasing serum calcium levels: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2005–2010

BackgroundChronic diarrhea is difficult to prevent and treat due to its complex etiology and pathogenesis. It places a huge burden on patients and public healthcare. It is known that the regulation of body homeostasis relies heavily on calcium. However, in the general population, the relationship between calcium and chronic diarrhea remains uncertain.MethodsWe assessed the association between serum calcium and diarrhea using data from the 2005–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Serum calcium level was measured from collected blood samples. Diarrhea was assessed using the Bristol Stool Scale (BSFS) (types 1–7). The stability of the results was assessed using logistic regression and sensitivity analysis. The dose–response association between serum calcium and the risk of diarrhea was analyzed using a restricted cubic spline plot.ResultsThis study included 12,342 participants. In each of the five models, an increased calcium level was negatively associated with the incidence of diarrhea (OR[95%CI]:0.26 [0.13–0.53], 0.28 [0.14–0.58], 0.4 [0.19–0.82], 0.27 [0.11–0.64] and 0.24 [0.10–0.59], respectively). When serum calcium was analyzed as a categorical variable, a significant association between serum calcium and diarrhea prevalence was found. The restricted cubic spline plot showed a linear relationship between serum calcium and diarrhea. Sensitivity analysis confirmed that the results were stable.ConclusionThe results of our cross-sectional study suggest that a higher level of serum calcium may reduce the incidence of diarrhea. In the future, this finding should be further validated in a randomized controlled trial.

Impact of medically supervised fasting on the vitamin D, glycemic control, quality of life and need for medication among type 2 diabetes mellitus: Protocol for a randomized control trial (FAVIT Trial)

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of prolonged medically supervised fasting (PMSF) for 6 months on vitamin D levels and diabetes-related clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods This is an open-label, parallel arm, randomized control trial; 170 T2DM patients from a complementary medicine setting, aged between 20 and 70 years, with a body mass index &gt;25 kg/m2 and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels &gt;6% and &lt;12%, treated with lifestyle advice and/or oral hypoglycemic drugs, will be randomized to receive PMSF or a diabetic diet (DD), along with their usual care. The patients will be initially trained in PMSF and DD for a duration of 10 days in the study setting, followed by 5 months of practice at their respective residences. The PMSF will fast for five days a month for three consecutive months after the initial exposure, whereas the DD group will follow the same diet for 6 months. Other than fasting days, the PMSF group will follow the same DD as the control group. The primary outcome is an improvement in vitamin D levels, and the secondary outcomes include serum calcium, insulin levels, insulin resistance, blood cell counts, anthropometrics, quality of life, medication score, compliance rate, and disease perception. Discussion In this study, we hypothesize that PMSF would gradually increase vitamin D levels, which would increase calcium levels, which would promote insulin secretion and upregulate its function. This may help reduce the need for diabetic medication and result in diabetic remission.

A Study on Renal Failure Management in Patients Diagnosed With Multiple Myeloma.

Renal impairment, often occurring as a result of multiple myeloma, poses a significant risk to patient health and quality of life. Therefore, the study was conducted with the objective of investigating the management of renal failure in patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma in Saudi Arabia. A retrospective observational study was conducted duringthe period from January to August 2023 for the duration of eight months. The data were collected from the patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, available from the medical records of Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected from a cohort of 85 patients with multiple myeloma. Amongpatients, males were 62 (72.94%), and females were 23 (27.06%). The mean (SD) age was 68.43 (7.24) years.Among the cohort, 42 (49.1%) were International Staging System (ISS) stage III, and 32 (37.6%) were light chain myeloma. Most patients underwent novel agent-based treatment regimens (a combination of immunomodulator, proteasome inhibitor, and monoclonal antibody; 59, 69.41%), followed by conventional therapy; 16, 18.82%). Multivariate analysis of patient survival showed significant associations with three variables: increased calcium level (P=0.007), eGFR <30 mL/min (P=0.004), and novel agent induction (P=0.001). This study sheds light on the intricate management of renal failure in multiple myeloma patients, specifically within the Saudi population. The observed associations between survival and various variables emphasize the critical role of renal function in overall patient outcomes.

The calcium-clot connection: investigating the association between primary hyperparathyroidism and acute venous thromboembolism.

Primary hyperthyroidism (PHPT) is a relatively uncommon disease and leads to increased calcium levels. Ionized calcium, known as clotting Factor IV, may lead to overt coagulation cascade activation, increasing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). National Inpatient Sample Database was used to sample individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism, and baseline demographics and comorbidities were collected using ICD-10 codes. Patients with missing data and age less than 18 were excluded. Moreover, patients with other types of hyperparathyroidism and risk factors for VTE, such as malignancy, thrombophilia, chronic kidney and liver disease, fractures, trauma, oral contraceptive/steroid use, and organ transplant, were excluded. Greedy propensity matching using R was performed to match patients with and without primary hyperparathyroidism on age, race, gender, and 10 other comorbidities, including chronic deep venous thromboembolism. Univariate analysis pre- and post-match were performed. Binary logistic regression was performed after matching to assess whether primary hyperparathyroidism was an independent risk factor for acute VTE. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 460,529 patients included in the study, 1114 (6.5%) had PHPT. Baseline comorbidities were more common in the PHPT group. On univariate analysis, patients with PHPT were more likely to have acute VTE (2.5% vs. 1.4%; p < 0.001). After 1:1 matching, PHPT patients were twice as likely to have Acute VTE. (OR: 2.1 [1.08-4.1]; p < 0.025). These findings suggest an association between PHPT and VTE, which should be further investigated to prevent the increasing incidence of VTE and its recurrence.