Nutrition
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Plasm adiponectin is decreased in smokers. Adiponectin is emerging as a potential key molecular marker in atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum adiponectin levels and early atherosclerosis in smokers. Furthermore, the role of the KATP channel in the down-regulation of adiponectin by smoking was preliminarily explored. ⋯ Serum adiponectin level was an independent predictor of early atherosclerosis in smokers. Nicotine might decrease adiponectin in part through altering KATP channels in adipocytes.
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Although green and yellow vegetables have beneficial effects against type 2 diabetes, the relationship of their nutritive content with insulin resistance is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of serum β-carotene and retinol concentrations with glucose and insulin concentrations. ⋯ Our findings suggest that higher serum β-carotene levels, associated with higher intake of green and yellow vegetables, confer beneficial effects against insulin resistance.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) and markers of vitamin D status in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ⋯ Intestinal inflammation, not the loss of albumin-bound vitamin D in the gut, is the primary intestinal determinant of vitamin D status in IBD. The extraintestinal determinants are seasons and skin pigmentation, but not adiposity and hepatic inflammation.
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Garlic (Allium sativum) has been considered a wonder herb for years with a reputation of disease prevention. Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein enzyme responsible for telomere integrity, is strongly up-regulated in different types of cancers. The aim of this study was to reveal the role of diallyl disulfide (DADS), an organosulfur component of garlic, on telomerase activity in human lymphoma with an emphasis on key transcription factors c-Myc and Sp-1. ⋯ These findings strongly suggest that DADS down-regulate telomerase activity through c-Myc-, Sp-1-, and Mad1-dependent transcriptional down-regulation of hTERT.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D3 with midupper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC), handgrip strength and length of hospital stay (LOS) after hip fracture. ⋯ In conclusion, vitamin D serum levels were associated with handgrip strength but not with muscle mass or length of hospital stay after hip fracture.