Two Pools of ATP Detected in the Brains of Pediatric Patients with Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disorders (MOGAD) by 3D 31P MR Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) at 7T

Over the past four decades, ATP, the obligatory energy molecule for keeping all cells alive and functioning, was thought to contribute only one set of 31P MR signals in the human brain. Here we report for the first time the simultaneous detection of two pools of ATP in the human brain by high-resolution 3D 31P MRSI at ultrahigh field 7T. These two ATP pools differ in cytosolic Mg2+ concentration (1:0.5 ratio), with a resonance separation of 0.5 ppm at beta-ATP, a well-established imaging marker of intracellular Mg2+ concentration. Mg2+ is a cofactor of ATPase and its deficiency is associated with immune dysfunction, free radical damage, perturbations in Ca2+ homeostasis, development of atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia, and a number of neurological disorders, such as cerebral vasospasm, stroke, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Our study documents reduced Mg levels in the brain of patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disorders (MOGAD), which is an idiopathic, inflammatory, demyelinating condition of the central nervous system (CNS) more common in pediatric patients. Low-Mg2+ ATP signals in MOGAD were detected mostly in the white matter regions, which may suggest Mg2+ deficiency in oligodendrocytes, which are primarily responsible for maintenance and generation of the axonal myelin sheath. This preliminary study demonstrates the utility of the 7T 3D 31P MSRI for revealing altered energy metabolism with reduced Mg availability at a normal ATP level. The potential correlation between [Mg2+] and disease progression over time should be assessed in larger cohorts.

CHARACTERISTIC OF FREE-RADICAL DAMAGE AND ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION STATE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF MALABSORPTION SYNDROME

Oxidation processes play an important role in damage of the renal structures, especiallyagainst a background of other serious pathologies, in particular, malabsorptionsyndrome.The study of the mechanisms of mutual aggravation and progression of kidneydamage against a background of malabsorption is a very urgent problem of the presenttime.Purpose - to investigate the state of free radical oxidation of lipids, proteins andantioxidant defense in patients with chronic kidney disease of different ages withoxaluria against a background of malabsorption syndrome.Material and methods. 98 patients with chronic kidney disease of the I-II stages(pyelonephritis) with the presence of oxaluria against a background of malabsorptionsyndrome of different age were examined.The age of the patients under examination was32 - 64. All patients underwent a study of the system of free radical oxidation of lipidsand proteins.Results. chronic kidney disease with the presence of oxaluria is accompanied by asignificant increase in the blood content of free radical oxidation products, namelyaldehyde and ketone dinitrophenylhydrazones, especially of a neutral nature,malondialdehyde, as well as a significant decrease in the indicators of the antioxidantdefense system, which manifested itself to a greater extent in patients with older age.groups.Conclusion. An essential factor in the development and progression of chronic kidneydisease with the presence of oxaluria against a background of malabsorption syndromeis an increase in the intensity of free radical oxidation of lipids and proteins (mainly dueto aldehyde and ketondinitrophenylhydrazones of a neutral nature).

Characterization and Anti-aging Tests of Peel-Off Gel Masks Made from Ethanolic Extract of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

BACKGROUND: Yarrow extract (Achillea millefolium) is recognized to have powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage, skin whitening, and anti-aging properties. As a result, the application of antioxidants on the skin can be packaged into a peel-off gel mask preparation for face skin care. AIM: The goal of this study is to see how different concentrations of PVA and HPMC as film-forming and gelling agents affect the quality of peel-off gel masks made from ethanol extract of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) as an antiaging ingredient. METHODS: In order to obtain 5 formulas that will be made into preparations and evaluate the quality of the preparations, this research method uses quantitative analysis methods and statistical analysis using One Way ANOVA by varying the concentrations of PVA (7-10%) and HPMC (2-4%) in order to obtain 5 formulas that will be made into preparations and evaluated the quality of the preparations. Organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, syneresis, skin irritation, viscosity, spreadability, and drying time of the mask were all evaluated. RESULT: The results of the experiment with different concentrations of PVA and HPMC enhanced dispersion and drying time, but had no effect on the viscosity value decrease. CONCLUCION: The quality of the peel off gel mask prepared from the ethanol extract of Yarrow was significantly affected by PVA and HPMC concentrations (p<0.05).

Oxidative Stress and Cognitive Decline: The Neuroprotective Role of Natural Antioxidants

Free- radicals (Oxygen and Nitrogen species) are formed in mitochondria during the oxidative phosphorylation. Their high reactivity, due to not-engaged electrons, leads to an increase of the oxidative stress. This condition affects above all the brain, that usually needs a large oxygen amount and in which there is the major possibility to accumulate “Reacting Species.” Antioxidant molecules are fundamental in limiting free-radical damage, in particular in the central nervous system: the oxidative stress, in fact, seems to worsen the course of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this review is to sum up natural antioxidant molecules with the greatest neuroprotective properties against free radical genesis, understanding their relationship with the Central Nervous System.

Formulation and Evaluation of Skin Anti-aging Nanocream Containing Canola (Brassica napus L.) Oil

Canola (Brassica napus L.) oil high in vitamin E is good for skin care. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant that protects our skin from free radical damage and keeps the skin elasticity, evenness, reduces blemishes, acne scars, and slows down the skin’s aging. This study aimed to formulate canola oil nano cream and find out canola oil nano cream gives a higher anti-aging effect than canola oil cream. Nanocream as anti-aging formulated in four variations of canola oil concentration 2,5%, 5%, 7,5% and 10%. Nanocream was tested IC50, and observed the characteristics and stability. Then, continue to irritation test and anti-aging activity of nanocream compared with cream on the skin of volunteers. The result showed that nanocream of variation canola oil was in a different color and distinctive smell. The preparation was stable in 12 weeks room temperature storage, homogenous, and no phase separation. Particle size was 5882.17 nm, 348.47 nm, 321.16 nm, 318.16 nm initially and increased after 12 weeks. There was no irritation, and anti-aging activity was higher than cream. Canola oil can be formulated as nanocream, stable in 12 weeks storage, and nano cream has higher anti-aging activity than cream.

Micronutrients in Sepsis and COVID-19: A Narrative Review on What We Have Learned and What We Want to Know in Future Trials

Sepsis remains the leading cause of mortality in hospitalized patients, contributing to 1 in every 2–3 deaths. From a pathophysiological view, in the recent definition, sepsis has been defined as the result of a complex interaction between host response and the infecting organism, resulting in life-threatening organ dysfunction, depending on microcirculatory derangement, cellular hypoxia/dysoxia driven by hypotension and, potentially, death. The high energy expenditure driven by a high metabolic state induced by the host response may rapidly lead to micronutrient depletion. This deficiency can result in alterations in normal energy homeostasis, free radical damage, and immune system derangement. In critically ill patients, micronutrients are still relegated to an ancillary role in the whole treatment, and always put in a second-line place or, frequently, neglected. Only some micronutrients have attracted the attention of a wider audience, and some trials, even large ones, have tested their use, with controversial results. The present review will address this topic, including the recent advancement in the study of vitamin D and protocols based on vitamin C and other micronutrients, to explore an update in the setting of sepsis, gain some new insights applicable to COVID-19 patients, and to contribute to a pathophysiological definition of the potential role of micronutrients that will be helpful in future dedicated trials.

The effects of flavonoids, green tea polyphenols and coffee on DMBA induced LINE-1 DNA hypomethylation

The intake of carcinogenic and chemopreventive compounds are important nutritional factors related to the development of malignant tumorous diseases. Repetitive long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1) DNA methylation pattern plays a key role in both carcinogenesis and chemoprevention. In our present in vivo animal model, we examined LINE-1 DNA methylation pattern as potential biomarker in the liver, spleen and kidney of mice consuming green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract (catechins 80%), a chinese bayberry (Morella rubra) extract (myricetin 80%), a flavonoid extract (with added resveratrol) and coffee (Coffee arabica) extract. In the organs examined, carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced hypomethylation was prevented by all test materials except chinese bayberry extract in the kidneys. Moreover, the flavonoid extract caused significant hypermethylation in the liver compared to untreated controls and to other test materials. The tested chemopreventive substances have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and regulate molecular biological signaling pathways. They increase glutathione levels, induce antioxidant enzymes, which decrease free radical damage caused by DMBA, and ultimately, they are able to increase the activity of DNA methyltransferase enzymes. Furthermore, flavonoids in the liver may inhibit the procarcinogen to carcinogen activation of DMBA through the inhibition of CYP1A1 enzyme. At the same time, paradoxically, myricetin can act as a prooxidant as a result of free radical damage, which can explain that it did not prevent hypomethylation in the kidneys. Our results demonstrated that LINE-1 DNA methylation pattern is a useful potential biomarker for detecting and monitoring carcinogenic and chemopreventive effects of dietary compounds.

Regulation of photosynthetic electron flow on dark to light transition by ferredoxin:NADP(H) oxidoreductase interactions

During photosynthesis, electron transport is necessary for carbon assimilation and must be regulated to minimize free radical damage. There is a longstanding controversy over the role of a critical enzyme in this process (ferredoxin:NADP(H) oxidoreductase, or FNR), and in particular its location within chloroplasts. Here we use immunogold labelling to prove that FNR previously assigned as soluble is in fact membrane associated. We combined this technique with a genetic approach in the model plant Arabidopsis to show that the distribution of this enzyme between different membrane regions depends on its interaction with specific tether proteins. We further demonstrate a correlation between the interaction of FNR with different proteins and the activity of alternative photosynthetic electron transport pathways. This supports a role for FNR location in regulating photosynthetic electron flow during the transition from dark to light.

Comprehensive Review on Alzheimer’s Disease: Causes and Treatment

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a disorder that causes degeneration of the cells in the brain and it is the main cause of dementia, which is characterized by a decline in thinking and independence in personal daily activities. AD is considered a multifactorial disease: two main hypotheses were proposed as a cause for AD, cholinergic and amyloid hypotheses. Additionally, several risk factors such as increasing age, genetic factors, head injuries, vascular diseases, infections, and environmental factors play a role in the disease. Currently, there are only two classes of approved drugs to treat AD, including inhibitors to cholinesterase enzyme and antagonists to N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA), which are effective only in treating the symptoms of AD, but do not cure or prevent the disease. Nowadays, the research is focusing on understanding AD pathology by targeting several mechanisms, such as abnormal tau protein metabolism, β-amyloid, inflammatory response, and cholinergic and free radical damage, aiming to develop successful treatments that are capable of stopping or modifying the course of AD. This review discusses currently available drugs and future theories for the development of new therapies for AD, such as disease-modifying therapeutics (DMT), chaperones, and natural compounds.