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Nutrients Jan 2021Although creatine has been mostly studied as an ergogenic aid for exercise, training, and sport, several health and potential therapeutic benefits have been reported....
Although creatine has been mostly studied as an ergogenic aid for exercise, training, and sport, several health and potential therapeutic benefits have been reported. This is because creatine plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, particularly during metabolically stressed states, and limitations in the ability to transport and/or store creatine can impair metabolism. Moreover, increasing availability of creatine in tissue may enhance cellular metabolism and thereby lessen the severity of injury and/or disease conditions, particularly when oxygen availability is compromised. This systematic review assesses the peer-reviewed scientific and medical evidence related to creatine's role in promoting general health as we age and how creatine supplementation has been used as a nutritional strategy to help individuals recover from injury and/or manage chronic disease. Additionally, it provides reasonable conclusions about the role of creatine on health and disease based on current scientific evidence. Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that creatine supplementation has several health and therapeutic benefits throughout the lifespan.
Topics: Aging; Biological Availability; Chronic Disease; Creatine; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 33572884
DOI: 10.3390/nu13020447 -
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County,... Sep 2021The market for food supplements is booming thanks to their increased consumption. European regulations include different ways in which vitamins and minerals are... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The market for food supplements is booming thanks to their increased consumption. European regulations include different ways in which vitamins and minerals are administered, without making it clear to the consumer whether one formulation has advantages over the other. The aim of this review was to compare the bioavailability of different forms of magnesium and analyze the differences between them.
METHODS
Based on a PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) research question, a search strategy was established for magnesium bioavailability studies comparing different forms in the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. We found 433 studies, out of which 14 were finally selected.
RESULTS
Inorganic formulations appear to be less bioavailable than organic ones, and the percentage of absorption is dose dependent.
CONCLUSIONS
All magnesium dietary supplements can maintain physiological levels in healthy people without prior deficit, although this cannot be assured in older people or those with illnesses or previous subphysiological levels.
Topics: Aged; Biological Availability; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Magnesium; Minerals; Vitamins
PubMed: 34111673
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2021.111294 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Dec 2016Hyaluronic acid is a widely available, biocompatible, polysaccharide with distinguishing physiochemical properties which inspire its application throughout several... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hyaluronic acid is a widely available, biocompatible, polysaccharide with distinguishing physiochemical properties which inspire its application throughout several fields of medicine.
OBJECTIVE
We aim to investigate the application of hyaluronic acid and its effectiveness throughout several fields of medicine, including several therapies administered and prescribed by general health practitioners.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review on randomized controlled trials about the physiochemical properties of hyaluronic acid and its application through primary care. Studies included in this review were peer reviewed and met our inclusion criteria.
FINDINGS
Factors were clustered into the following: uses throughout several fields of medicine, physiochemical properties, bioavailability, tolerance, effectiveness, and adverse effects. Therapies with hyaluronic acid provided long-lasting, pain relieving, moisturizing, lubricating, and dermal filling effect. Tissue hydration, elasticity, and durability improved.
CONCLUSIONS
Adjunct therapy with hyaluronic acid provides longer-lasting therapeutic effect when compared to the use of glucocorticosteroids and NSAIDs in osteoarthritic chronic diseases, is well-established in ophthalmology due to its lubricating properties for the corneal endothelium, and improves tissue hydration and cellular resistance to mechanical damage in aesthetic dermatology, and has marginal adverse effects. Several trials indicated its role in tumor markers, liver diseases, and in pharmaceuticals, but further research would be necessary to draw conclusive results in those fields.
Topics: Biological Availability; Cosmetic Techniques; Dermal Fillers; Dry Eye Syndromes; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Neoplasms; Osteoarthritis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Viscosupplements
PubMed: 27324942
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12237 -
Drug Metabolism and Disposition: the... Nov 2015Modeling and simulation of drug disposition has emerged as an important tool in drug development, clinical study design and regulatory review, and the number of... (Review)
Review
Modeling and simulation of drug disposition has emerged as an important tool in drug development, clinical study design and regulatory review, and the number of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling related publications and regulatory submissions have risen dramatically in recent years. However, the extent of use of PBPK modeling by researchers, and the public availability of models has not been systematically evaluated. This review evaluates PBPK-related publications to 1) identify the common applications of PBPK modeling; 2) determine ways in which models are developed; 3) establish how model quality is assessed; and 4) provide a list of publically available PBPK models for sensitive P450 and transporter substrates as well as selective inhibitors and inducers. PubMed searches were conducted using the terms "PBPK" and "physiologically based pharmacokinetic model" to collect published models. Only papers on PBPK modeling of pharmaceutical agents in humans published in English between 2008 and May 2015 were reviewed. A total of 366 PBPK-related articles met the search criteria, with the number of articles published per year rising steadily. Published models were most commonly used for drug-drug interaction predictions (28%), followed by interindividual variability and general clinical pharmacokinetic predictions (23%), formulation or absorption modeling (12%), and predicting age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and disposition (10%). In total, 106 models of sensitive substrates, inhibitors, and inducers were identified. An in-depth analysis of the model development and verification revealed a lack of consistency in model development and quality assessment practices, demonstrating a need for development of best-practice guidelines.
Topics: Animals; Computer Simulation; Drug Interactions; Humans; Models, Biological; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Pharmacokinetics
PubMed: 26296709
DOI: 10.1124/dmd.115.065920 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... 2014Presently alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the most widely used vegetarian LC3PUFA, but only marginal amounts are converted into eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic... (Review)
Review
Presently alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the most widely used vegetarian LC3PUFA, but only marginal amounts are converted into eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); both of which are strongly related to human health. Currently, fish oils represent the most prominent dietary sources of EPA and DHA; however, these are unsuitable for vegetarians. Alternative sources include flaxseed, echium, walnut, and algal oil but their conversion to EPA and DHA must be considered. The present systematic review sets out to collate information from intervention studies examining the bioavailability of alternative vegetarian long chain omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC3PUFA) sources. Ten key papers published over the last 10 years were identified with seven intervention studies reporting that ALA from nut and seed oils was not converted to DHA at all. Three studies showed that ingestion of micro-algae oil led to significant increases in blood erythrocyte and plasma DHA. Further work is now needed to identify optimal doses of alternative vegetarian LC3PUFAs and how these can be integrated within daily diets. The potential role of algal oils appears to be particularly promising and an area in which further research is warranted.
Topics: Biological Availability; Diet, Vegetarian; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Echium; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fish Oils; Functional Food; Humans; Juglans; Linseed Oil; Nuts; Plant Oils; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 24261532
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2011.596292 -
Human Reproduction Update Sep 2019A defining feature of sexual reproduction is the transmission of genomic information from both parents to the offspring. There is now compelling evidence that the...
BACKGROUND
A defining feature of sexual reproduction is the transmission of genomic information from both parents to the offspring. There is now compelling evidence that the inheritance of such genetic information is accompanied by additional epigenetic marks, or stable heritable information that is not accounted for by variations in DNA sequence. The reversible nature of epigenetic marks coupled with multiple rounds of epigenetic reprogramming that erase the majority of existing patterns have made the investigation of this phenomenon challenging. However, continual advances in molecular methods are allowing closer examination of the dynamic alterations to histone composition and DNA methylation patterns that accompany development and, in particular, how these modifications can occur in an individual's germline and be transmitted to the following generation. While the underlying mechanisms that permit this form of transgenerational inheritance remain unclear, it is increasingly apparent that a combination of genetic and epigenetic modifications plays major roles in determining the phenotypes of individuals and their offspring.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
Information pertaining to transgenerational inheritance was systematically reviewed focusing primarily on mammalian cells to the exclusion of inheritance in plants, due to inherent differences in the means by which information is transmitted between generations. The effects of environmental factors and biological processes on both epigenetic and genetic information were reviewed to determine their contribution to modulating inheritable phenotypes.
SEARCH METHODS
Articles indexed in PubMed were searched using keywords related to transgenerational inheritance, epigenetic modifications, paternal and maternal inheritable traits and environmental and biological factors influencing transgenerational modifications. We sought to clarify the role of epigenetic reprogramming events during the life cycle of mammals and provide a comprehensive review of how the genomic and epigenomic make-up of progenitors may determine the phenotype of its descendants.
OUTCOMES
We found strong evidence supporting the role of DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications and even non-protein-coding RNA in altering the epigenetic composition of individuals and producing stable epigenetic effects that were transmitted from parents to offspring, in both humans and rodent species. Multiple genomic domains and several histone modification sites were found to resist demethylation and endure genome-wide reprogramming events. Epigenetic modifications integrated into the genome of individuals were shown to modulate gene expression and activity at enhancer and promoter domains, while genetic mutations were shown to alter sequence availability for methylation and histone binding. Fundamentally, alterations to the nuclear composition of the germline in response to environmental factors, ageing, diet and toxicant exposure have the potential to become hereditably transmitted.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
The environment influences the health and well-being of progeny by working through the germline to introduce spontaneous genetic mutations as well as a variety of epigenetic changes, including alterations in DNA methylation status and the post-translational modification of histones. In evolutionary terms, these changes create the phenotypic diversity that fuels the fires of natural selection. However, rather than being adaptive, such variation may also generate a plethora of pathological disease states ranging from dominant genetic disorders to neurological conditions, including spontaneous schizophrenia and autism.
Topics: Animals; Biological Evolution; DNA Methylation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Genome; Germ Cells; Heredity; Histone Code; Histones; Humans; Mammals; Mutation; Parents; Phenotype
PubMed: 31374565
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz017 -
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Sep 2015It is common to advise that analgesics, and especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), be taken with food to reduce unwanted gastrointestinal adverse... (Review)
Review
AIMS
It is common to advise that analgesics, and especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), be taken with food to reduce unwanted gastrointestinal adverse effects. The efficacy of single dose analgesics depends on producing high, early, plasma concentrations; food may interfere with this. This review sought evidence from single dose pharmacokinetic studies on the extent and timing of peak plasma concentrations of analgesic drugs in the fed and fasting states.
METHODS
A systematic review of comparisons of oral analgesics in fed and fasting states published to October 2014 reporting kinetic parameters of bioavailability, time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax ), and its extent (Cmax ) was conducted. Delayed-release formulations were not included.
RESULTS
Bioavailability was not different between fasted and fed states. Food typically delayed absorption for all drugs where the fasting tmax was less than 4 h. For the common analgesics (aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, paracetamol) fed tmax was 1.30 to 2.80 times longer than fasted tmax . Cmax was typically reduced, with greater reduction seen with more rapid absorption (fed Cmax only 44-85% of the fasted Cmax for aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen and paracetamol).
CONCLUSION
There is evidence that high, early plasma concentrations produces better early pain relief, better overall pain relief, longer lasting pain relief and lower rates of remedication. Taking analgesics with food may make them less effective, resulting in greater population exposure. It may be time to rethink research priorities and advice to professionals, patients and the public.
Topics: Acetaminophen; Administration, Oral; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Aspirin; Biological Availability; Dipyrone; Drug Liberation; Food-Drug Interactions; Humans
PubMed: 25784216
DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12628 -
The Science of the Total Environment Dec 2022This systematic review aims to summarize the current knowledge on biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on human health based on mammalian systems. An...
This systematic review aims to summarize the current knowledge on biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on human health based on mammalian systems. An extensive search of the literature led to a total of 133 primary research articles on the health relevance of MNPs. Our findings revealed that although the study of MNP cytotoxicity and inflammatory response represents a major research theme, most studies (105 articles) focused on the effects of polystyrene MNPs due to their wide availability as a well characterised research material that can be manufactured with a large range of particle sizes, fluorescence labelling as well as various surface modifications. Among the 133 studies covered in this review, 117 articles reported adverse health effects after being exposed to MNPs. Mammalian in vitro studies identified multiple biological effects including cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, genotoxicity, embryotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, renal toxicity and even carcinogenicity, while rodent in vivo models confirmed the bioaccumulation of MNPs in the liver, spleen, kidney, brain, lung and gut, presenting adverse effects at different levels including reproductive toxic effects and trans-generational toxicity. In contrast, the remaining 16 studies indicated an insignificant impact of MNPs on humans. A few studies attempted to investigate the mechanisms or factors driving the toxicity of MNPs and identified several determining factors including size, concentration, shape, surface charge, attached pollutants and weathering process, which, however, were not benchmarked or considered by most studies. This review demonstrates that there are still many inconsistencies in the evaluation of the potential health effects of MNPs due to the lack of comparability between studies. Current limitations hindering the attainment of reproducible conclusions as well as recommendations for future research directions are also presented.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Environmental Pollutants; Mammals; Microplastics; Particle Size; Plastics; Polystyrenes
PubMed: 35987230
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158111 -
Pharmaceutics Dec 2022The exact mechanisms of nucleic acid (NA) delivery with gene electrotransfer (GET) are still unknown, which represents a limitation for its broader use. Further, not... (Review)
Review
The exact mechanisms of nucleic acid (NA) delivery with gene electrotransfer (GET) are still unknown, which represents a limitation for its broader use. Further, not knowing the effects that different experimental electrical and biological parameters have on GET additionally hinders GET optimization, resulting in the majority of research being performed using a trial-and-error approach. To explore the current state of knowledge, we conducted a systematic literature review of GET papers in in vitro conditions and performed meta-analyses of the reported GET efficiency. For now, there is no universal GET strategy that would be appropriate for all experimental aims. Apart from the availability of the required electroporation device and electrodes, the choice of an optimal GET approach depends on parameters such as the electroporation medium; type and origin of cells; and the size, concentration, promoter, and type of the NA to be transfected. Equally important are appropriate controls and the measurement or evaluation of the output pulses to allow a fair and unbiased evaluation of the experimental results. Since many experimental electrical and biological parameters can affect GET, it is important that all used parameters are adequately reported to enable the comparison of results, as well as potentially faster and more efficient experiment planning and optimization.
PubMed: 36559197
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122700 -
European Review For Medical and... Apr 2015Chlorhexidine (CHX) is one of the most widely used antiseptic, especially in dentistry. At low concentrations CHX is bacteriostatic and at high concentrations acts... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Chlorhexidine (CHX) is one of the most widely used antiseptic, especially in dentistry. At low concentrations CHX is bacteriostatic and at high concentrations acts bactericidal causing cell death by cytolysis. In this study, we performed a systematic review of pharmaco-biological activity and application of CHX.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Articles for inclusion in this review were retrieved from online databases PubMed/Medline. The selected papers were included in the present manuscript according to their relevance for the topic.
RESULTS
Totally 75 papers were enrolled in this research. CHX has strong biocidal activity against Gram-positive bacteria and weaker activity against Gram-negative bacteria. It is also active against yeasts, some dermatophytes and some lipophilic viruses. The most widely application CHX has found in dentistry and antisepsis. Numerous studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of CHX in reducing of plaque accumulation, in tooth caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and in alveolar osteitis. Unfortunately, CHX exhibits cytotoxic activity on human cells, can cause colorization of teeth and fillings, and its activity depends on the pH of the environment and the presence of organic substances.
CONCLUSIONS
CHX play a valuable role in the dentistry and antisepsis. However, it can also cause side effects, limiting its application time.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antisepsis; Biological Availability; Chlorhexidine; Dental Plaque; Humans
PubMed: 25912596
DOI: No ID Found