Search results for "Protective"

The Small Heat Shock Protein α-Crystallin B Shows Neuroprotective Properties in a Glaucoma Animal Model

2017

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to irreversible retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and is one of the main causes of blindness worldwide. The pathogenesis of glaucoma remains unclear, and novel approaches for neuroprotective treatments are urgently needed. Previous studies have revealed significant down-regulation of α-crystallin B as an initial reaction to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), followed by a clear but delayed up-regulation, suggesting that this small heat-shock protein plays a pathophysiological role in the disease. This study analyzed the neuroprotective effect of α-crystallin B in an experimental animal model of glaucoma. Significant IOP elevation induced b…

Genetic 3’UTR variation is associated with human pigmentation characteristics and sensitivity to sunlight

2017

Sunlight exposure induces signalling pathways leading to the activation of melanin synthesis and tanning response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the expression of genes involved in pigmentation pathways by binding to the complementary sequence in their 3'untranslated regions (3'UTRs). Therefore, 3'UTR SNPs are predicted to modify the ability of miRNAs to target genes, resulting in differential gene expression. In this study, we investigated the role in pigmentation and sun-sensitivity traits, as well as in melanoma susceptibility, of 38 different 3'UTR SNPs from 38 pigmentation-related genes. A total of 869 individuals of Spanish origin (526 melanoma cases and 343 controls) were analysed.…

Uncoupling of eNOS in Cardiovascular Disease

2017

Abstract Under physiological conditions, nitric oxide (NO) produced by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) represents a key vasoprotective factor. Under conditions of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, eNOS may become uncoupled. Uncoupled eNOS generates superoxide at the expense of NO and contributes significantly to endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. Major mechanisms of eNOS uncoupling include depletion of tetrahydrobiopterin, an essential cofactor for the eNOS enzyme, and deficiency of l -arginine, the eNOS substrate, and/or eNOS S-glutathionylation. Reversal of eNOS uncoupling may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention …

Protection in a model of liver injury is parallel to energy mobilization capacity under distinct nutritional status

2019

International audience; Objective: Dietary and energetic restrictions are endowed with protection against experimental injuries. However, a drop in cell energetic status under a critical threshold may prevent protection, as previously observed for livers isolated from rat donors undergoing 18-h fasting versus feeding. The aim of this study was to further explore, in the latter model, links between nutritional status, energy availability, and protection through lengthening of rat fasting to 24 h and withdrawal of energy sources from perfusions.Methods: Energy-free perfused ex vivo livers from fed, 18-h-fasted, and 24-h-fasted rats were studied during 135 min for cytolysis (potassium, asparta…

Neurological aspects of medical use of cannabidiol

2017

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is among the major secondary metabolites of Cannabis devoid of the delta-9-tetra-hydrocannabinol psychoactive effects. It is a resorcinol-based compound with a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic properties, including neuroprotective effects in numerous pathological conditions. CBD neuroprotection is due to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities and the modulation of a large number of brain biological targets (receptors, channels) involved in the development and maintenance of neurodegenerative diseases. Objective: The aim of the present review was to describe the state of art about the pre-clinical research, the potential use and, when existing, t…

2019

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality in women in developed countries. CVD risk rises with age, yet for women there is a rapid increase in CVD risk that occurs after the onset of menopause. This observation suggests the presence of factors in the middle-aged women that accelerate the progression of CVD independent of chronological aging. Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) is a well-established protective factor against CVD. However, its role in attenuating atherogenic lipid profile changes and CVD risk in post-menopausal women has not been well-established. The present study is part of the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) study, a population-based…

Effects of Infant Formula With Human Milk Oligosaccharides on Growth and Morbidity: A Randomized Multicenter Trial

2017

Objectives:The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of infant formula supplemented with 2 human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) on infant growth, tolerance, and morbidity. Methods:Healthy infants, 0 to 14 days old, were randomized to an intact-protein, cow's milk-based infant formula (control, n=87) or the same formula with 1.0g/L 2fucosyllactose (2FL) and 0.5g/L lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) (test, n=88) from enrollment to 6 months; all infants received standard follow-up formula without HMOs from 6 to 12 months. Primary endpoint was weight gain through 4 months. Secondary endpoints included additional anthropometric measures, gastrointestinal tolerance, behavioral patterns, and morbidit…

Was ist noch „normal“? Mütterliches Erziehungsverhalten als Puffer und Risikofaktor für das Auftreten von psychischen Störungen und Identitätsdiffusi…

2018

What is "normal"? Maternal parenting behavior as risk and protective factor for psychopathology and identity diffusion Objectives: This study analyzes the implications of today's highly altered maternal parenting behaviors on children's development and psychological health. Methods The relationship between maternal parenting behaviors (support, psychological control, and anxious monitoring) and delayed identity development or identity diffusion as well as internalizing or externalizing symptomatology was investigated in a sample of 732 youths (301 adolescents, 351 young adults, and 80 patients). Cluster analysis identified two types of maternal parenting behaviors: authoritative maternal be…

Secure attachment and individual protective factors against internalized homophobia

2019

This article explores the relationship between internalized homophobia and three main variables: attachment to mother, father, and peers; ego resiliency; and self-esteem. We recruited 51 Italian gay men and 54 lesbian women aged between 18 and 30, and asked them to complete self-report measures. The results showed that internalized homophobia negatively correlated with the security of attachment to father and self-esteem. On the other hand, no significant association was found between ego resiliency and internalized homophobia. The implications of these findings are considered in the discussion, along with the potential role of preventive programs targeting attachment relationships and self…

What Dimension of Meaning in Life is the Stronger Predictor of Borderline Personality Disorder Symptom?

2019

Researchers seem to view meaning in life as consisting of different dimensions: coherence, purpose, and significance. Meaning in life has been found to be a protective factor against several mental...