Search results for "Homeostasis"

Pro-inflammatory genetic background and zinc status in old atherosclerotic subjects.

2008

Inflammation and genetics are prominent mechanisms in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AT) and its complications. In this review we discuss the possible impact on AT development of several genetic determinants involved in inflammation, oxidative stress and cytoprotection (IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-10, CD14, TLR4, MT, HSP70). Genetic polymorphisms of these genes may affect a differential inflammatory response predisposing to AT. However, allelic polymorphisms of genes which increase the risk of AT frequently occur in the general population but, only adequate gene-environment-polymorphism interactions promote the onset of the disease. Zinc deficiency has been suggested as an environmental risk …

Senile cataract: a review on free radical related pathogenesis and antioxidant prevention

1990

Abstract Glutathione metabolism plays an essential role in the homeostasis of the lens. Thus, it is not surprising that experimental depletion of this substance leads to a process of lens disorganization similar to senile cataract and that in all types of irreversible cataract there is a decrease in the glutathione content of the lens. Therefore, it may be useful in preventive geriatrics to raise the glutathione concentration of the lens and, since glutathione monoethyl ester can cross the capsule and membranes of the lens, administration of this compound may be the treatment of choice. This could be complemented by long-term administration of small doses of acetylsalicylic acid, in the ear…

Inflammation and oxidative stress in vertebrate host–parasite systems

2008

Innate, inflammation-based immunity is the first line of vertebrate defence against micro-organisms. Inflammation relies on a number of cellular and molecular effectors that can strike invading pathogens very shortly after the encounter between inflammatory cells and the intruder, but in a non-specific way. Owing to this non-specific response, inflammation can generate substantial costs for the host if the inflammatory response, and the associated oxygen-based damage, get out of control. This imposes strong selection pressure that acts to optimize two key features of the inflammatory response: the timing of activation and resolution (the process of downregulation of the response). In this p…

The relevance of magnesium homeostasis in COVID-19

2021

Abstract Purpose In less than one and a half year, the COVID-19 pandemic has nearly brought to a collapse our health care and economic systems. The scientific research community has concentrated all possible efforts to understand the pathogenesis of this complex disease, and several groups have recently emphasized recommendations for nutritional support in COVID-19 patients. In this scoping review, we aim at encouraging a deeper appreciation of magnesium in clinical nutrition, in view of the vital role of magnesium and the numerous links between the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and magnesium-dependent functions. Methods By searching PubMed and Google Scholar from 1990 to date, we…

GLP-2: What do we know? What are we going to discover?

2014

Glucagon-like peptide 2 [GLP-2] is a 33-amino acid peptide released from the mucosal enteroendocrine L-cells of the intestine. The actions of GLP-2 are transduced by the GLP-2 receptor [GLP-2R], which is localized in the neurons of the enteric nervous system but not in the intestinal epithelium, indicating an indirect mechanism of action. GLP-2 is well known for its trophic role within the intestine and interest in GLP-2 is now reviving based on the approval of the GLP-2R agonist for treatment of short bowel syndrome [SBS]. Recently it also seems to be involved in glucose homeostasis. The aim of this review is to outline the importance of neuroendocrine peptides, specifically of GLP-2 in th…

The Active Human Gut Microbiota Differs from the Total Microbiota

2011

The human gut microbiota is considered one of the most fascinating reservoirs of microbial diversity hosting between 400 to 1000 bacterial species distributed among nine phyla with Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria representing around of the diversity. One of the most intriguing issues relates to understanding which microbial groups are active players in the maintenance of the microbiota homeostasis. Here, we describe the diversity of active microbial fractions compared with the whole community from raw human fecal samples. We studied four healthy volunteers by 16S rDNA gene pyrosequencing. The fractions were obtained by cell sorting based on bacterial RNA concentration. Bacteria…

Anemia of Chronic Disease: Pathophysiology and Laboratory Diagnosis

2005

Classic iron deficiency (ID) does not represent a challenge for the laboratory and physicians. The anemia that accompanies infection, inflammation, and cancer, commonly termed anemia of chronic disease (ACD), features apparently normal or increased iron stores. However, 20% of these patients have iron-restricted erythropoiesis (functional ID), an imbalance between the iron requirements of the erythroid marrow and the actual iron supply. Functional ID leads to a reduction in red cell hemoglobiniza-tion, causing hypochromic microcytic anemia. The diagnosis of functional ID in real time is based on measuring the hemoglobin content of reticulocytes. An examination of the biochemical markers of …

Säure-Basen-Status gelagerter und gewaschener Erythrozyten

2001

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors – current status and future prospects

2001

Prostaglandins are formed from arachidonic acid by the action of cyclooxygenase and subsequent downstream synthetases. Two closely related forms of the cyclooxygenase have been identified which are now known as COX-1 and COX-2. Both isoenzymes transform arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, but differ in their distribution and their physiological roles. Meanwhile, the responsible genes and their regulation have been clarified. COX-1, the pre-dominantly constitutive form of the enzyme, is expressed throughout the body and performs a number of homeostatic functions such as maintaining normal gastric mucosa and influencing renal blood flow and platelet aggregation. In contrast, the inducible for…

Polycerasoidol, a Natural Prenylated Benzopyran with a Dual PPARα/PPARγ Agonist Activity and Anti-inflammatory Effect

2019

Dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α/γ (PPARα/γ) agonists regulate both lipid and glucose homeostasis under different metabolic conditions and can exert anti-inflammatory activity. We investigated the potential dual PPARα/γ agonism of prenylated benzopyrans polycerasoidol (1) and polycerasoidin (2) and their derivatives for novel drug development. Nine semisynthetic derivatives were prepared from the natural polycerasoidol (1) and polycerasoidin (2), which were evaluated for PPARα, -γ, -δ and retinoid X receptor-α activity in transactivation assays. Polycerasoidol (1) exhibited potent dual PPARα/γ agonism and low cytotoxicity. Structure–activity relationship studies revealed th…