Significant Changes In Blood Glucose Research Articles

Do polyphenols affect body fat and/or glucose metabolism?

Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions with 51% of the population expected to be obese by 2030. Recently, polyphenols have been highlighted as an effective approach to managing obesity and associated risks. Polyphenols are a large class of bioactive plant compounds classified into two major categories: flavonoids which are distinguished by the fundamental C6-C3-C6 skeleton and non-flavonoids. This systematic review evaluated the effect of different polyphenol sources in overweight and obese people with and without type 2 diabetes. The primary outcome was lipid profile and the secondary outcomes were blood glucose, HbA1c (%), HOMA-IR, weight, and body mass index. A search was undertaken in PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Wiley for randomized control trials that assessed different sources of polyphenols in overweight and obese people with or without type 2 diabetes. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool. The search yielded 935 studies, of which six randomized control trials met the inclusion criteria. Five studies found no significant difference in lipid profile between the control and intervention groups in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol. However, one study showed significant differences in triglycerides (p = 0.04) and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.05) between the two groups with no significant difference in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. There were no significant changes in blood glucose observed in the included studies, with only two studies reporting a significant difference in A1c between the groups. Four studies found no difference in HOMA-IR, while one study showed a significant decrease in HOMA-IR in the intervention group compared to the control group. Three studies reported no difference in BMI or weight between the two groups. The data associated with the specific health benefits of polyphenols and their sources in people with overweight, obese, and type 2 diabetes are still limited, so further research is required to support their use and prove their benefits.

Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction treats type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with acute myocardial infarction via chemerin/ CMKLR1/PPARα signaling pathway

This study aims to investigate the effects of Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction(GXBD) on type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) combined with acute myocardial infarction(AMI) in rats via chemerin/chemokine-like receptor 1(CMKLR1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα) signaling pathway, and to explore the mechanism of GXBD in alleviating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. The SD rats were randomized into control, model, positive control, and low-and high-dose GXBD groups. The rat model of T2DM was established by administration with high-fat emulsion(HFE) by gavage and intraperitoneal injection with streptozotocin, and then coronary artery ligation was performed to induce AMI. The control and model groups were administrated with the equal volume of normal saline, and other groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage. Changes in relevant metabolic indicators were assessed by ELISA and biochemical assays, and the protein levels of chemerin, CMKLR1, and PPARα in the liver, abdominal fat, and heart were determined by Western blot. The results showed that GXBD alleviated the myocardial damage and reduced the levels of blood lipids, myocardial enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines, while it did not lead to significant changes in blood glucose. Compared with the model group, GXBD down-regulated the expression of chemerin in peripheral blood and up-regulated the expression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) and protein kinase A(PKA) in the liver. After treatment with GXBD, the protein levels of chemerin and CMKLR1 in the liver, abdominal fat, and heart were down-regulated, while the protein levels of PPARα in the liver and abdominal fat were up-regulated. In conclusion, GXBD significantly ameliorated the disorders of glycolipid metabolism in the T2DM-AMI model by regulating the chemerin/CMKLR1/PPARα signaling pathway to exert a protective effect on the damaged myocardium. This study provides a theoretical basis for further clinical study of GXBD against T2DM-AMI and is a manifestation of TCM treatment of phlegm and turbidity causing obstruction at the protein level.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promote microcirculation in aged diabetic mice by TGF-β1 signaling pathway

BackgroundMicrovascular dysfunction is one of the most common pathological characteristics in Type 2 diabetes. Human mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hUCMSCs-Exo) have diverse functions in improving microcirculation; however, the molecular mechanism of hUCMSCs-Exo in regulating burn-induced inflammation is not well understood.MethodshUCMSCs-Exo were extracted by hypervelocity centrifugation method, and exosome morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy, exosome diameter distribution was detected by particle size analysis, and exosome specific proteins were identified by Western blot.2. DB/DB mice were randomly divided into exosomes group and PBS group. Exosomes and PBS were injected into the tail vein, respectively, and the calf muscle tissue was taken 28 days later. 0.5% Evans blue fluorescence assessment microvascular permeability. The expression of CD31 was detected by immunofluorescence.The morphology and function of microvessels in muscle tissue of lower limbs was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy.3. TMT proteomics was used to detect the changes of differential protein expression in lower limb muscle tissues of the PBS group and the exosome group, and data analysis was performed to screen key signal molecules and their involved biological pathways. Key signal molecules CD105 were verified by Western blot. The expression of TGF-β1 in exosomes were evaluated by Western blot.ResultsElectron microscopy showed that hUCMSCs-Exo presented a uniform vesicle structure, and NTA showed that its diameter was about 160 nm. Western blot showed positive expression of specific proteins CD9, CD81 and TSG101 on exosomes.2. There is no significant change in blood glucose and body weight before and after the exosome treatment. The exosome group can significantly reduce the exudation of Evans blue. Compared with the PBS group. Meanwhile, CD31 immunofluorescence showed that the red fluorescence of exosome treatment was significantly increased, which was higher than that of PBS group. Transmission electron microscopy showed smooth capillary lumen and smooth and complete surface of endothelial cells in the exosome group, while narrow capillary lumen and fingerlike protrusion of endothelial cells in the PBS group.3.Quantitative analysis of TMT proteomics showed that there were 82 differential proteins, including 49 down-regulated proteins and 33 up-regulated proteins. Go enrichment analysis showed that the differential proteins were involved in molecular function, biological process, cell components,among which CD105 was one of the up-regulated proteins. Through literature search, CD105 was found to be related to endothelial cell proliferation. Therefore, this study verified the changes of CD105 in the exosome group, and it was used as the mechanism study of this study. 4. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of CD105 protein in lower limb muscle tissue of exosome group was significantly increased compared with that of PBS group. Based on the fact that CD105 is a component of the TGF-β1 receptor complex and exosomes are rich in growth factors and cytokines, this study further examined the expression of TGF-β1 in exosomes, and the results showed that exosomes had high expression of TGF-β1.ConclusionBy improving the integrity of microvascular endothelial cells, hUCMSCs-Exo can improve the permeability of microvessels in diabetic lower muscle tissue, further promote the proliferation of lower limb muscle cells and inhibit the apoptosis of tissue cells. The mechanism may be associated with exosomes rich in TGF-β1, which is likely to promote endothelial cell proliferation and improve permeability through binding to the endothelial CD105/TβR-II receptor complex, while promoting angiogenesis and protecting skeletal muscle cells from apoptosis.

The effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Rheum ribes on insulin-resistance and apolipoproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial

Background and aimPrevious studies have shown that Rheum ribes (R. ribes) could be effective in controlling the blood glucose levels. This study was conducted to determine the effects of R. ribes supplementation on glycemic indices and apolipoproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsIn the present randomized double-blind controlled trial, 60 type 2 diabetic patients aged 30–60 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 20–30 kg/m2 and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 6–8% were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 450 mg of aqueous R. ribes extract (AG), 450 mg of ethanolic R. ribes extract (EG), or placebo (PG) three times daily for 6 weeks. At the baseline and at the end of the study, blood glucose levels, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the homeostatic model assessment of β-cell dysfunction (HOMA-B), as well as apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA1) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) were measured.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in the serum levels of insulin in AG and EG groups (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively), HOMA-IR (P = 0.01 and P = 0.001, respectively), HOMA-B (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively), ApoB (P = 0.006 and P = 0.03, respectively), ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (P = 0.016 and P = 0.04, respectively). However, a significant increase in ApoA1 (P = 0.08 and P = 0.05, respectively) with no significant changes in blood glucose, at the end of study compared to beginning values, were observed. None of the variables showed a significant change in PG. At the end of the study; while there were significant differences in insulin (P = 0.04), HOMA-IR (P = 0.03), HOMA-B (P = 0.01), ApoB (P = 0.02), and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (P = 0.03) among the groups but ApoA1 had no significant change.ConclusionConsumption of R. ribes intake could have beneficial effects on insulin resistance and apolipoproteins in type 2 diabetic patients. (Registered at en.irct.ir, identification number: IRCT201410142709N31).

Assesment of serum taurine level as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy

Objective: Measuring of serum taurine as an early marker to detect and prevent complications of Diabetic nephropathy. Method: Ninty diabetic patients (male and female) were chosen from Ahmed Maher hospital after their approval, eighty patients classified into four groups (diabetic control group, early stage group, before dialysis group, after dialysis group) according to its Complete clinical examination, investigation and biochemical analysis, twenty diabetic controlled patients not suffered from kidney impairment considered as diabetic control group. ten frank healthy non diabetic persons enrolled as volunteers. Complete clinical examination, investigation and biochemical analysis (liver and kidney functions, lipid profile), add to measuring Blood sugar, HbA1c, and the recent biomarker taurine, was measured for all patient and volunteers. Results: The data showed non-significant change in lipid profile, creatinine in urine, and serum Albumine in all patients regarding to control group (P>0.05). that Liver function in all groups demonstrated non significance between groups,but values recorded significant changes in all groups of patients related to frank control group (p<0.05). Kidney function (urea – creatinine) values recorded very highly significant changes in all groups of patients related to frank control group (p<0.00), except controlled diabetic group and Early stage of diabetic nephropathy. also, there is a highly significant changes in blood glucose and HbA1c (P>0.001). On the other hand, the data showed extremely significant decrease in serum taurine in all diabetic patients according to the severity of diabetic nephropathy compared to that recorded in healthy control (P<0.000). Conclusion: Serum taurine is reduced in diabetic patients with advanced conditions of diabetic nephropathy. Taurine Level is considered as an early marker (prognostic) to detect and prevent the diabetic nephropathy complications.

Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Cardiovascular Risk Factor Parameters

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) was thought to be effective on physiological parameters. Aim: To determine the effects of high-intensity interval training on lipid profile and other physiological parameters predominantly in men. Study design: Retrospective observational study Place and duration of study: United Medical & Dental College Karachi from 1st August 2021 to 31st January 2022. Methodology: One hundred and twenty six male subjects, either healthy or those with comorbid conditions like HTN and Type 2 DM, aged 20 to 70 years, and weighing ≥50 kg, were included. The subjects were required to complete pre and post-testing, which consisted of measures of body weight, blood glucose, lipid profile, serum glutamic pyruvic transferase (SGPT) and serum uric acid which were measured at baseline and 12 weeks after HIIT. Result: The mean age was 47.66±7.52 years. Body weight, blood glucose, SGPT and lipid profile significantly improved after HIIT training (p<0.05), while there was only a mean decline of 0.20±1.33 mg/dL (p=0.081) in the serum uric acid after HIIT. Conclusion: It was observed that 12 weeks with HIIT showed a significant change in blood glucose and lipid profile levels, indicating that HIIT might help reduce cardiovascular risk. Keywords: High-intensity interval training, Lipid profile, Glucose, Body weight, Cardiovascular risk factors

N-Acetylcysteine Enhances the Recovery of Ischemic Limb in Type-2 Diabetic Mice

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus that occurs without effective therapy. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress play critical roles in the development of diabetic cardiovascular complications. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reduces ischemia-induced ROS production. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of NAC on the recovery of ischemic limb in an experimental model of type-2 diabetes. TALLYHO/JngJ diabetic and SWR/J non-diabetic mice were used for developing a CLI model. For NAC treatment, mice received NAC (1 mg/mL) in their drinking water for 24 h before initiating CLI, and continuously for the duration of the experiment. Blood flow, mechanical function, histology, expression of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD)-1, SOD-3, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx)-1, catalase, and phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, Akt, and eNOS in ischemic limb were evaluated in vivo or ex vivo. Body weight, blood glucose, plasma advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), plasma insulin, insulin resistance index, and plasma TNF-a were also evaluated during the experiment. NAC treatment effectively attenuated ROS production with preserved expressions of SOD-1, Gpx-1, catalase, phosphorylated Akt, and eNOS, and enhanced the recovery of blood flow and function of the diabetic ischemic limb. NAC treatment also significantly decreased the levels of phosphorylated IRS-1 (Ser307) expression and plasma TNF-α in diabetic mice without significant changes in blood glucose and AGEs levels. In conclusion, NAC treatment enhanced the recovery of blood flow and mechanical function in ischemic limbs in T2D mice in association with improved tissue redox/inflammatory status and insulin resistance.

Acute Response to One Bout of Dynamic Standing Exercise on Blood Glucose and Blood Lactate Among Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy Who are Nonambulant.

To investigate the acute exercise effects of dynamic standing exercise on blood glucose and blood lactate among children and adolescents with cerebral palsy who are nonambulant. Twenty-four participants with cerebral palsy who are nonambulant performed 30 minutes of dynamic standing exercise using a motorized device enabling assisted passive movements in an upright weight-bearing position. Capillary blood samples were taken from the fingertip for measurement of blood glucose and blood lactate at rest and at the end of exercise. At rest, the participants had hyperlactatemia that was unaffected after exercise, presented as median and interquartile range at rest 1.8 (1.3:2.7) mmol/L, and after exercise 2.0 (1.1:2.5) mmol/L. Children and adolescents with Gross Motor Function Classification System, level V, had higher lactate levels at rest (2.5 [1.8:2.9] vs 1.4 [1.0:2.0]; P = .030) and after exercise (2.3 [2.0:2.6] vs 1.2 [0.9:2.2]; P = .032) compared with children and adolescents with Gross Motor Function Classification System, level IV, respectively. A statistically significant larger decrease in blood lactate levels after exercise was observed in children and adolescents with higher resting blood lactate levels (ρ = .56; P = .004). There were no statistically significant changes in blood glucose. Forty percentage of the participants had mild hyperlactatemia at rest and participants with the highest blood lactate levels at rest had the greatest decrease in blood lactate levels after one bout of exercise. Children and adolescents who were classified with the highest level of the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale had higher blood lactate levels. More studies are needed on how to prevent chronically high resting levels of lactate with exercise in children with cerebral palsy who are nonambulant.

Vitamin D supplementation and cardiometabolic risk factors among diverse schoolchildren: a randomized clinical trial

There remains a lack of evidence demonstrating a potential relationship between vitamin D and cardiometabolic risk among children. We examined the effect of 3 different dosages of vitamin D on cardiometabolic risk factors among children at risk of deficiency. Racially diverse schoolchildren aged 8-15 y were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to supplementation with 600, 1000, or 2000 IU vitamin D3/d for 6 mo. Changes in HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood glucose over 6 mo and at 12 mo (6 mo post-supplementation) were assessed. Subgroup analyses were also performed by weight status and race. Among 604 children, 40.9% were vitamin D-inadequate at baseline (<20ng/mL; mean±SD: 22.0±6.8ng/mL), 46.4% were overweight/obese, and 60.9% had ≥1 suboptimal blood lipids or glucose. Over 6 mo, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased in all 3 dosage groups from baseline (mean±SE change: 4.4±0.6ng/mL, 5.7±0.7ng/mL, and 10.7±0.6ng/mL for 600, 1000, and 2000 IU/d, respectively; P<0.001). Whereas HDL cholesterol and triglycerides increased in the 600 IU group (P=0.002 and P=0.02, respectively), LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol decreased across dosage groups. At 6 mo post-supplementation, HDL cholesterol remained elevated in the 600 and 1000 IU groups ( P<0.001 and P=0.02, respectively) whereas triglycerides remained elevated in the 1000 and 2000 IU groups (P=0.04 and P=0.006, respectively). The suppression of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol persisted in the 2000 IU group only (P=0.04 and P<0.001, respectively). There were no significant changes in blood glucose and similar responses were observed overall by weight status and racial groups across dosages. Vitamin D supplementation demonstrated generally positive effects on HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol, especially at the lower dosage of 600 IU/d, with several significant changes persisting during the post-supplementation period. Increases in triglycerides across dosage groups may be due to natural changes during adolescence warranting further study.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01537809.

The effect of vitamin K1 on VEGF levels in chick embryos with type 1 diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy induced by streptozotocin

Objective: Hyperglycemia caused by Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is associated with long-term dysfunction such as diabetic retinopathy (DRP). The most effective growth factor in the development of DRP is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Vitamin K1 reduces hyperglycemia and prevents the development of DM. In this study, we aimed to create streptozotocin (STZ) induced DM and DRP in chick embryos and to show whether vitamin K1 can prevent early-stage DRP by measuring VEGF levels.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The 140 specific pathogen-free (SPF) fertilized chicken eggs were used in this study. Three different STZ doses were administered to 120 SPF eggs for an induced DM model. Three different vitamin K1 doses were administered in each STZ dose group. On the 12th day and 18th day the remaining 20 SPF eggs were separated as control groups. On the 18th-day, blood glucose, blood insulin and VEGF levels were measured.&#x0D; Results: 0.45 mg/egg STZ dose (STZ3) was determined as the optimal/ideal dose for the DM model. When the group-administered STZ3 and vitamin K1 were evaluated among themselves; it was determined that there were significant changes in blood glucose, blood insulin, VEGF levels of the STZ3+K1-3 group compared to the STZ3+K1-1 and STZ3+K1-2 groups (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Vitamin K1 increases blood insulin levels and decreases blood glucose levels. When hyperglycemia reduces, the VEGF levels reduce. Vitamin K1 protects from DRP by reducing VEGF levels.

Morphological Analysis of the Hindbrain Glucose Sensor-Hypothalamic Neural Pathway Activated by Hindbrain Glucoprivation.

Lowered glucose availability, sensed by the hindbrain, has been suggested to enhance gluconeogenesis and food intake as well as suppress reproductive function. In fact, our previous histological and in vitro studies suggest that hindbrain ependymal cells function as a glucose sensor. The present study aimed to clarify the hindbrain glucose sensor-hypothalamic neural pathway activated in response to hindbrain glucoprivation to mediate counterregulatory physiological responses. Administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), an inhibitor of glucose utilization, into the fourth ventricle (4V) of male rats for 0.5 hour induced messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of c-fos, a marker for cellular activation, in ependymal cells in the 4V, but not in the lateral ventricle, the third ventricle or the central canal without a significant change in blood glucose and testosterone levels. Administration of 2DG into the 4V for 1 hour significantly increased blood glucose levels, food intake, and decreased blood testosterone levels. Simultaneously, the expression of c-Fos protein was detected in the 4V ependymal cells; dopamine β-hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells in the C1, C2, and A6 regions; neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA-positive cells in the C2; corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA-positive cells in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN); and NPY mRNA-positive cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Taken together, these results suggest that lowered glucose availability, sensed by 4V ependymal cells, activates hindbrain catecholaminergic and/or NPY neurons followed by CRH neurons in the PVN and NPY neurons in the ARC, thereby leading to counterregulatory responses, such as an enhancement of gluconeogenesis, increased food intake, and suppression of sex steroid secretion.

A Pharmacokinetic Study of High‐Dose Intravenous Vitamin C in Healthy Volunteers and Oncological Patients

Purpose : High-dose intravenous vitamin C (IVC) is used in a variety of disorders and clinical trials (e.g. cancer, sepsis, burn, infection, fatigue, chelation). However, reliable pharmacokinetic (PK) data is limited and misinformation exists in clinical applications of vitamin C. Here we conducted a study in healthy volunteers and cancer patients to detail the PK of escalating doses of IVC from 1 to 100 g. Methods : A single-site standard PK study was conducted in 12 healthy volunteers and 12 cancer patients. Healthy subjects received a single-dose IVC infusion at 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, or 75 g, while the 100 g was administered as 4-dose infusions separated by 1-week; oncology subjects received 25, 50, 75, or 100 g of IVC with 4-dose infusions at each dose level separated by 1-week. Blood and urine samples were collected pre-infusion and at various time points within 24 hours post-infusion. Complete blood counts, blood chemistry, metabolic parameters were measured. Urine oxalate, urate, and ascorbate were also detected. Pharmacokinetic parameters were computed using noncompartmental methods. Adverse events were monitored during the study. Results : In healthy subjects, ascorbate maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under the concentration-time curve over 24 hours (AUC0-24) increased proportionally with the IVC doses. Half-life (t1/2) of ascorbate was stable on these doses (1.8 ± 0.3 h). No saturation of clearance was observed. When receiving 100 g of IVC, oncology patients had significantly lower Cmax than healthy participants (oncology: 151 ± 42 mg/dL vs. healthy: 578 ± 58 mg/dL) and AUC0-24 (oncology: 942 ± 225 hr*mg/dL vs. healthy: 2499 ± 55 hr*mg/dL), but a longer half-life (oncology: 5.4 ± 2.6 hours vs. healthy: 1.8 ± 0.3 hours). Consequently, the 24-h total ascorbate excretion in urine was significantly lower in oncology subjects than healthy subjects at 100 g (oncology: 38.6 ± 10.0 g vs. healthy: 107.4 ± 1.9 g). No adverse events were observed except for Grade 1 chills in one oncology participant at 100 g. MTD was not reached. There were no significant changes in blood glucose or ECG tracings in all participants. The blood calcium decreased immediately after patients received the IVC at the high dose levels (75 and 100 g), but the change was temporary and likely related to osmolarity of the infuscate. IVC had no significant effect on blood counts or indicators of liver and kidney functions including ALT, AST, albumin-to-creatinine ratio and urea nitrogen. Conclusion : Intravenously administered ascorbate resulted in systemic pharmacological concentrations with Cmax linearly correlated with the dose. Disease conditions such as cancer may change the Cmax and t1/2, presumably because of tissue utilization. Ascorbate was exclusively excreted through urine. High does up to 100 g/infusion did not change blood counts or major blood chemistry, nor kidney or liver functions. This study is the first to report pharmacokinetics of escalating doses of IVC from 1 to 100 g with sampling over 24-hours in both healthy and oncology subjects. The data could be used to clarify existing misinformation and to guide future clinical trials.

CT-based staging and prognosis of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia: correlation with blood glucose levels.

Based on the latest epidemic situation and field experience, this study aims to explore the correlation of computed tomography (CT) stages and blood glucose level in patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19). The clinical data of first and multiple CT imaging re-examination and blood glucose levels from 62 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were collected for a retrospective analysis to determine the correlation between glucose level and CT-based staging. Of the 62 COVID-19 patients, 48 cases of early stage and 14 cases of advanced stage were found in the CT data of the first diagnosis. These 62 cases were currently under follow-up (17-32 days): 18 cases in early stage-resorption stage, 25 cases in early stage-advanced stage-resorption stage, 12 cases in advanced stage-resorption stage, 5 cases in early stage -advanced stage-severe stage-resorption stage, and 2 cases in advanced stage-severe stage-resorption stage. Among them, the CT of 14 patients with advanced stage at the first diagnosis showed multiple stage lesions (advanced stage + early stage) at the same time. Patients presented with statistically significant changes in blood glucose at early stage-resorption stage, early stage-advanced stage-resorption stage, advanced stage-resorption stage, and early stage-advanced stage-severe stage-resorption stage (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant alterations were observed in the glucose level of patients with advanced stage-severe stage-resorption stage (p>0.05). Alteration of blood glucose is positively correlated with CT-based staging of COVID-19. Blood glucose is of great value in clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 and in determining the stage and prognosis of this disease.

Effect of diets containing oak kernel on the rumen fermentation and digestibility, blood metabolites and liver enzymes in Khuzestani buffalo

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of oak kernel on rumen digestibility and fermentation, blood metabolites and liver enzymes of Khuzestani buffalo. Sixteen male buffaloes, one year old were fed with experimental diets containing different levels of oak kernel (0, 15.8%, 31.58% and 47.37% equal to 0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5% tannin, respectively) in a completely randomized design for 35 days. In end of experiment, dry matter intake, digestibility, rumination behaviour, rumen and blood parameters were measured. The results showed that oak kernel increased dry matter intake and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter but the digestibility of protein, NDF and ADF was decreased. Incorporation of 47.37% oak kernel in the diet caused significant decrease in ammonia- N and protozoa population of buffalo rumen, but pH and total fatty acids were not affected. The rumination activity in diet containing 47.37% oak kernel was the lowest. With the increasing oak kernel in the buffalo diet, blood cholesterol level decreased, but there were no significant changes in blood glucose, urea, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate and alanin amino transferase enzymes between the experimental treatments. Therefore, even if the digestibility of ADF and CP decreased by adding of oak kernel but the using of oak kernel up to 47.37% in buffalo diet had no negative effect on the rumen fermentation characteristics, digestibility and blood metabolites, hence it may be used in buffalo’s diet.

Leveraging Fitness Tracker and Personalized Exercise Prescription to Promote Breast Cancer Survivors' Health Outcomes: A Feasibility Study.

Purpose: This feasibility study investigated whether a year-long combined fitness wristband-based and personalized exercise prescription intervention improves Chinese breast cancer survivors’ (BCSs) health outcomes. Methods: Ninety-five BCSs (Xage = 44.81 ± 7.94; XBMI = 22.18 ± 3.48) were recruited from Southern region of China and were delivered the exercise intervention across 12 months, using a single group pretest–posttest design. Participants’ lipid profile (e.g., total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides), blood glucose, breast cancer biomarkers (e.g., carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen 15-3), and functional fitness (e.g., strength in arms and legs, endurance, balance, agility, and flexibility) were assessed at baseline and 12-month post-intervention. Results: Thirty-three BCSs successfully completed the intervention. A significant change in blood glucose (mean difference (MD): −0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.41–−0.03, t = −2.25, p = 0.028) was observed, with participants demonstrating lower levels of blood glucose at the 12-month post-intervention versus the baseline assessment. Notable changes in functional fitness were also discerned, including agility and balance (MD: −0.47, 95% CI: −0.68–−0.26, t = −4.336, p < 0.001), aerobic endurance (MD: 89.25, 95% CI: 73.82–104.68, t = 11.336, p < 0.001), lower-body flexibility (left) (MD: 4.58, 95% CI: −4.4–13.56, t = 4.653, p < 0.001), and lower-body flexibility (right) (MD: 4.84, 95% CI: −4.65–14.33, t = 4.092, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The observations suggested that our behavioral change program might promote certain health outcomes in Chinese BCSs, yet we are unable to recommend such a program given existing limitations. Future randomized control trials with diverse samples are warranted to confirm our findings.

Study of Insulin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticle Effects on TGF-β1 and Fibronectin Expression in Kidney Tissue of Type 1 Diabetic Rats.

In diabetes, the increasing blood glucose levels through oxidative stress, with increase in inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, such as TGF-β1, can cause long-term complications, including nephropathy. Subcutaneous injection of insulin is a common method used to treat Type 1 diabetes, which can lead to problems such as hypoglycemia and edema. In the present study, we examined the effect of insulin in its two injectable and oral forms on the expression of TGF-β1 and fibronectin in kidney tissue of STZ diabetic rats. A total of 25 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: C: normal control, D: diabetic control, D+NP, oral insulin-loaded trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles (8IU/kg), and subcutaneously injected insulin (8IU/kg). The groups were treated from 8th to 10th weeks. After 10weeks, FBS was measured. Also, the TGF-β1 and fibronectin mRNA expression and serum TGF-β1 protein were examined in the kidney tissue. Structural changes in the kidney tissue were studied using H&E staining. After 10weeks of diabetes induction, the rats showed significant change in blood glucose, weight, serum TGF-β1, Fibronectin and TGF-β1 expression of kidney in diabetic groups (p < 0.05). Oral insulin-loaded trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles treatment, similar to injected insulin, significantly ameliorate blood glucose and rats' weight (p < 0.05). However, the reduction in fibronectin and TGF-β1 expression and serum TGF-β1 protein by both treatments was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). These data showed that oral insulin-loaded trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles were better therapeutic intervention than injected insulin for Type 1 diabetes.

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Counseling Program for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients.

To determine if a cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention counseling program for lupus patients decreases the prevalence of CVD risk factors. The assessment phase of a 3-year CVD prevention counseling program included the evaluation of CVD risk factors, diet, exercise habits, and medications. The education phase included discussion of the above risk factors, as well as CVD and thrombosis prevention strategies. Patients were prospectively followed every 3-6 months for risk assessment and continued education by a nurse practitioner and a medical doctor. Between March 2009 and December 2014, 121 patients were included. At baseline, abnormal blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol profile, and body mass index were found in 50 (41%), 7 (6%), 82 (68%), and 77 (64%) patients, respectively. During the 3-year followup, among those with abnormal baseline values, prevalence of abnormal blood pressure significantly decreased (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.92-0.96, P < 0.0001) with significant mean ± SD systolic blood pressure improvement (-6.12 ± 2.16 mm Hg; P < 0.05). The prevalence of abnormal cholesterol profile significantly decreased (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.92-0.96) with significant improvements in mean ± SD high-density lipoprotein (+5.4 ± 0.36 mg/dl; P < 0.0001) and triglyceride levels (-12.6 ± 5.40 mg/dl; P < 0.05), and no significant change in blood glucose and body mass index was observed. At baseline, 100 (83%) and 95 (79%) patients had poor diet and physical activity, respectively; during the followup, both significantly improved in the entire population. Our data suggest that a CVD prevention counseling program decreases the prevalence of some CVD risk factors in lupus patients.

Effects of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 and Renal Fibrosis in Rats with Diabetic Nephropathy

We undertook this study to observe the effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and renal fibrosis in rats with diabetic nephropathy and to explore its main mechanism. Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group (NC group, n=10), diabetic nephropathy group (DN group, n=10), stem cell transplantation group (MSC group, n=10). BMSCs were transplanted to rats in the MSC group via caudal vein infusion (2×10(6)/mL). At the end of 12weeks, blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine and renal mass index were measured. Morphology and collagen deposition in rat kidney were observed by HE and Masson staining, respectively. Expressions of PAI-1, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad3 in rat kidney were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with DN group, 24-h protein, serum creatinine and renal mass index decreased significantly in MSC group. No significant changes in blood glucose (p >0.05) were shown. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot showed that expressions of PAI-1, TGF-β1 and Smad3 in NC group were lower than DN group. Expression of each protein in MSC group was between two groups (p <0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that PAI-1 and TGF-β1 (r=0.987, p <0.05) and Smad3 (r=0.974, p <0.05) showed a significant positive correlation. TGF-β1 and Smad3 (r=0.962, p <0.05) were positively correlated. BMSCs significantly inhibited renal fibrosis in rats with DN. The mechanism may be related to inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway, decreasing the expression of PAI-1 protein and reducing the accumulation of extracellular matrix, thereby balancing the fibrinolytic system.

Ascorbic acid supplementation does not alter oxidative stress markers in healthy volunteers engaged in a supervised exercise program

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of ascorbic acid (AA) consumption on the oxidative stress status of untrained volunteers participating in a supervised exercise program. The study included 46 young adults (average age, 23.5 ± 0.59 years; 37 females, 9 males) who remained sedentary (n = 16) or participated in 30 min of outdoor aerobic running (n = 30) at an intensity corresponding to 65%-75% of maximum heart rate for 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Exercised subjects were randomly assigned to an exercise group without AA supplementation (control; n = 10) or received either 250 mg (n = 10) or 500 mg (n = 10) of AA supplementation previous to each exercise session. Blood samples were taken on day 0 and day 84 to evaluate metabolic profiles and antioxidant status. Sedentary subjects underwent in a single bout of aerobic running to determine total antioxidant status (TAS) and malondiadehyde (MDA) at pre- and postexercise with or without AA supplementation. No significant change in TAS was observed. Plasma MDA significantly increased at postexercise (P < 0.05), and AA supplementation decreased MDA level significantly (P < 0.05). After 3 months of exercise, there was no significant change in blood glucose, lipid profile, MDA, TAS, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase activities amongst groups. Supplementation of AA was associated with minor and inconsistent reductions in SOD, GPx, and catalase activities (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that pre-exercise supplementation of ascorbic acid does not alter oxidative stress markers in the plasma and erythrocytes of young adults engaged in a supervised exercise program.