Nutrition
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the effects of different dietary regimens on susceptibility to experimental acute kidney injury: The roles of SIRT1 and TGF-β1.
Mortality due to acute kidney injury (AKI) is high despite its reversibility, and studies on efficient treatments for accelerating the recovery of or preventing AKI are of great significance. The amount of daily calorie intake and how it is taken affect body organs and how cells respond to it. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of four types of diets: calorie restriction (CR), time-restriction eating (TR), intermittent fasting (IF), and high-fat diet (HF), on renal injury indicators in male rats. ⋯ The results of the present study showed that CR and TR can be introduced as a treatment method to prevent AKI. These diets can increase the resistance of kidney cells against injuries, possibly by increasing SIRT1, decreasing TGF-β1, and improving antioxidant status; and they have renoprotective effects.
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The cytokine storm presented in the hyperimmune response is related to poor prognosis in people with COVID-19. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of the most prominent cytokines, especially on mucosal surfaces during infection, causing the cytokine storm. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the precursors of eicosanoids, which play critical roles in immune regulation and inflammation. The balance between ω-3 and ω-6 levels in the cell membrane has a critical role in regulating the equilibrium between proinflammatory and antiinflammatory processes and inducing IL-6 production. The present study focused on inflammatory and antiinflammatory mechanisms in COVID-19 over PUFAs and on relating their levels with disease prognosis and severity. ⋯ The ratio of arachidonic acid to eicosopentaenoic acid, and ω-3 PUFAs, can be systemic signs of poor prognosis, increased lung damage, and high mortality in COVID-19, together with IL-6.
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Undernutrition is a major public health concern, particularly in children. The burden is higher in developing countries. Undernutrition is considered when there is one or more of the following: stunting, underweight, or wasting. Childhood undernutrition can have numerous long-term effects: a lower physical capacity for work, lower intellectual quotients, greater risk for morbidity and mortality, and cognitive impairment. Undernourished children also can have poor cognitive scores, a high absenteeism rate, and high class repetition compared with non-undernourished children. The aim of this study was to assess undernutrition and its associated factors among public and private primary school children in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia. ⋯ The prevalence of undernutrition was high. Children in public schools were highly vulnerable to undernutrition compared with those in private schools. Not having a family car, snack frequency no more than twice daily, and vigorous intensity sports increase the risk for undernutrition among public school children. Family income below the median, not preferring sweets, and not having a habit of eating while reading increase the risk for undernutrition among private school children. It is better to give attention to healthy dietary habits and healthy lifestyles to reduce childhood undernutrition.
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Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) controls the production and degradation of biologically active vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, and phosphate reabsorption in the kidney as a hormone synthesized by bone cells. Additional paracrine effects in other organs exist as well. As a biomarker, the FGF23 plasma concentration increases in renal and cardiovascular diseases, and is correlated with outcome. The regulation of FGF23 is incompletely understood and dependent on several factors, including oxidative stress. L-homocysteine is an amino acid produced in methionine metabolism, and can be converted into further metabolites depending on the availability of vitamin B. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a potential cardiovascular risk factor. Our study aimed to explore whether homocysteine impacts FGF23 synthesis. ⋯ Homocysteine is a potent stimulator of FGF23 production, an effect at least in part mediated by oxidative stress. The homocysteine-dependent upregulation of FGF23 presumably contributes to its role as a cardiovascular risk factor.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Observational Study
Diet and mental health in pregnancy: Nutrients of importance based on large observational cohort data.
To determine associations between dietary intake and well-being in pregnancy. ⋯ Maternal nutrition and well-being are related during early pregnancy. Our findings suggest that fiber, magnesium, and particular B vitamins may be of importance for promoting positive mental well-being during pregnancy.