Association of SP-B gene 9306 A/G polymorphism (rs7316) and risk of RDS

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a severe pulmonary disease predominantly affects preterm newborns. Polymorphisms of surfactant-protein genes have been mostly evaluated as the candidate contributors in genetics of RDS. However the results are divers in different studies. We aimed at investigating the association of surfactant protein B (SPB) gene 9306 A/G polymorphism (rs7316) with RDS development.

Method: Three hundred and eighty newborns with gestational age of less than 34 weeks were included in a multicenter case–control study. Respiratory distress (RD) was scored according to Downes’ scoring system. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used for genotyping.

Result: One hundred and eighty-four neonates showed RDS and 196 did not. Gestational age (GA) was significantly lower in the RDS group compared with the controls. AA genotype and A allele were found more frequently in the RDS group than the controls (96.2% versus 63.8% and 98.1% versus 80.6%, respectively) (p =.0001).

Conclusions: This is the first report of association of SFTPB rs7316 polymorphism with RDS development in Iranian newborns. The current study suggests that GA <28-weeks is the most important factor in predisposition to RDS. Genetic background in terms of SP-B gene might be involved in predisposition to RDS in premature neonates.     

Disturbance of zinc and glucose homeostasis by methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE); evidence for type 2 diabetes

1.?The prevalence of diabetes and the other metabolic disorders has noticeably increased worldwide. A causal link between increasing risk of type 2 diabetes and exposure to environmental pollutants has been reported.

2.?We hypothesized that exposure to methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), an oxygenate additive to gasoline would hinder zinc and glucose homeostasis in rats.

3.?Male Sprague–Dawley rats received MTBE in drinking water for 90 days. At the end of the treatment, pancreas and blood samples were collected for biochemical and molecular examinations. Expression of four candidate genes, including Insulin1, Insulin2, MT1A, SLC30A8 by Real-Time Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) as well as biochemical parameters, including fasting blood glucose (FBS), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHO), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), copper (Cu²⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) levels as well as High-sensitive C-reactive protein were assessed as endpoints.

4.?This study suggested that MTBE exposure can be associated with disruption in zinc homeostasis and glucose tolerance.     

HIV-positive patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have a lower body mass index and are more physically active than HIV-negative patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the clinical and metabolic features associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are similar between HIV-positive and HIV-negative male subjects. METHODS: Twenty-six HIV-positive and 25 HIV-negative subjects with liver biopsy-proven NAFLD were compared for liver histology (extent of steatosis, steatosis grading, and fibrosis staging), blood biochemistry (glucose, insulin, C-peptide, hemoglobin A1c, and lipid profile), insulin resistance (IR) using a homeostasis model assessment, anthropometry (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, and arm muscle area), dietary intake, and physical activity. RESULTS: The 2 groups were similar for age, liver histology, and IR. HIV-positive patients had a lower BMI (26.3 +/- 0.5 vs. 30.2 +/- 1.0 kg/m; P = 0.001) and lower percentage of fat mass (19.4 +/- 0.9 vs. 22.7 +/- 1.2; P = 0.026) when compared with HIV-negative patients. Although caloric intake was similar between groups, HIV-positive patients had a higher physical activity level (8.3 +/- 1.6 vs. 4.1 +/- 0.8 units of exercise per day; P = 0.029). Blood triglycerides were significantly higher (3.14 +/- 0.39 vs. 1.86 +/- 0.20 mmol/L; P = 0.006) in HIV-positive patients. CONCLUSION: Although NAFLD was similar between the 2 groups, HIV-positive patients had a lower BMI and were more physically active compared with HIV-negative patients. This may suggest that in HIV, NAFLD is associated with factors other than those related to body fatness, such as HIV infection and treatment.     

Adequacy of nutritional intake in a Canadian population of patients with Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is frequently associated with nutritional deficiencies, often a result of disease activity and poor oral intake. This study investigated the adequacy of dietary intake, based on the Canadian Dietary Reference Intake, in ambulatory patients with Crohn's disease and a normal body mass index (BMI; calculated as kg/m(2)). This was a cross-sectional study of 74 patients with mean age of 35.7+/-1.4 years and BMI of 23.05+/-0.45. All patients completed a 7-day food record and a diary for the Crohn's Disease Activity Index. Mean Crohn's Disease Activity Index was 138.99+/-11.38. Energy and protein intakes were within the recommended levels of intake, but total carbohydrates, fat, and saturated fat intake exceeded the recommended levels of <55%, <35%, and <10% in 39.2%, 27%, and 59.5% of the patients, respectively. Micronutrient intakes were suboptimal most notably for folate, vitamins C, E, and calcium. There were no substantial differences between patients with active and inactive disease in terms of failure to meet the Dietary Reference Intake. In conclusion, in this population sample, a large number of ambulatory patients with Crohn's disease have suboptimal dietary patterns despite a normal BMI and inactive disease. Dietary counseling and supplementation may be warranted in this patient population.     

Associations of vitamin D status and metabolic dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype in apparently healthy adults

Background

Recent studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is very common globally. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with lipid metabolism. A relationship between vitamin D levels and waist circumference (WC) has been observed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D status and metabolic dyslipidemia and the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype.

Nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on disposable pencil graphite electrode modified by copper nanoparticles

A nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on a disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) modified by copper nanoparticles [Cu(NP)] was prepared for the first time. The prepared Cu(NP) exhibited an absorption peak centered at ~562 nm using UV-visible spectrophotometry and an almost homogenous spherical shape by scanning electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry of Cu(NP)-PGE showed an adsorption controlled charge transfer process up to 90.0 mVs⁻¹. The sensor was applied for the determination of glucose using an amperometry technique with a detection limit of [0.44 (±0.01) μM] and concentration sensitivity of [1467.5 (±1.3) μA/mMcm⁻²]. The preparation of the Cu(NP)-PGE sensor was reproducible (relative standard deviation = 2.10%, n = 10), very simple, fast, and inexpensive, and the Cu(NP)-PGE is suitable to be used as a disposable glucose sensor.     

Investigation of the effects of Chlorella vulgaris as an adjunctive therapy for dyslipidemia: Results of a randomised open‐label clinical trial

Aim: Chlorella vulgaris is a unicellular green microalga with several pharmacological activities including anti‐hyperlipidemic effects. In spite of interesting preclinical findings, the clinical efficacy of C. vulgaris in dyslipidemia—whether alone or in combination with statins—has not been clarified. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementation with C. vulgaris as an adjunctive therapy to atorvastatin in dyslipidemic subjects. Methods: In a randomised, open‐label clinical trial, 100 dyslipidemic subjects were randomly assigned to: (i) Chlorella group (n = 50, dropouts = 24), receiving C. vulgaris (600 mg/day) + atorvastatin (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks; or (ii) atorvastatin group (n = 50, dropouts = 13), receiving only atorvastatin (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Lipid profile and biomarkers of muscular, hepatic and renal injury were determined at baseline and at the end of the trial. Results: There were significant reductions in serum total cholesterol (P < 0.001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001) and triglycerides (P= 0.006 in Chlorella and P= 0.004 in atorvastatin group) in both groups. No significant change in serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels was observed in any of the groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were raised in both Chlorella (P= 0.034) and atorvastatin (P= 0.002) groups, whereas alkaline phosphatase was only elevated in the Chlorella group (P= 0.028). In comparison with baseline values, no significant change was observed in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and fasting blood sugar. Conclusion: Based on the results, addition of C. vulgaris to atorvastatin therapy for 8 weeks does not appear to be associated with an improved control of serum lipid profile.