scholarly journals Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Diet and Nutrition: Considerations during the COVID-19 Crisis

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Iddir ◽  
Alex Brito ◽  
Giulia Dingeo ◽  
Sofia Sosa Fernandez Del Campo ◽  
Hanen Samouda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
World Health ◽  
Adequate Diet ◽  
Micronutrient Status ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

The coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) was announced as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Challenges arise concerning how to optimally support the immune system in the general population, especially under self-confinement. An optimal immune response depends on an adequate diet and nutrition in order to keep infection at bay. For example, sufficient protein intake is crucial for optimal antibody production. Low micronutrient status, such as of vitamin A or zinc, has been associated with increased infection risk. Frequently, poor nutrient status is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, which in turn can impact the immune system. Dietary constituents with especially high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity include vitamin C, vitamin E, and phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. Several of these can interact with transcription factors such as NF-kB and Nrf-2, related to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, respectively. Vitamin D in particular may perturb viral cellular infection via interacting with cell entry receptors (angiotensin converting enzyme 2), ACE2. Dietary fiber, fermented by the gut microbiota into short-chain fatty acids, has also been shown to produce anti-inflammatory effects. In this review, we highlight the importance of an optimal status of relevant nutrients to effectively reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby strengthening the immune system during the COVID-19 crisis.

scholarly journals The Effect of Doxycycline on Pus Cells and Oxidative Stress in Male Patients with Leukocytospermia

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 95-99
Author(s):  
Richa Aggarwal
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Doxycycline Treatment ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

ABSTRACT Objective The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined leukocytospermia as > 106 WBC/ml of semen. However, the clinical significance of leukocytospermia is currently a subject of controversy. Evidence from several recent studies indicates that leukocytospermia could significantly contribute to oxidative stress and male infertility. Several clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of antibiotic therapy to treat patients with pyospermia in an attempt to improve fertility. Currently, doxycycline is the most common antibiotic used to treat pyospermia though larger trials are needed to demonstrate its efficacy in treating pyospermia. Materials and methods Hundred male partners with semen analysis showing the presence of significant leukocytospermia (WBC > 1 × 106/ml), sterile semen culture and satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study and given doxycycline 100 mg bd for 14 days. Semen analysis for pus cells and oxidative stress (ROS) measurement was done before and after the treatment. Results Mean pus cell count before and after treatment with doxycycline was 2.28 ± 1.26 × 106/ml and 1.21 ± 0.58 ×106/mL respectively, the effect being statistically significant (p < 0.05). Resolution of leukocytospermia was seen in 61.4% (54/88) cases after doxycycline treatment. Mean oxidative stress (RLU/ sec/million sperms) before and after doxycycline therapy was 79.72 ± 133.9 and 25.44 ± 47.8, the difference being significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion Study results show that treatment with broad spectrum antibiotic like doxycycline leads to significant decrease in the number of pus cells present in semen thereby significantly decreasing the oxidative stress. How to cite this article Aggarwal R. the Effect of Doxycycline on Pus Cells and Oxidative Stress in Male Patients with Leukocytospermia. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2014;5(3):95-99.

scholarly journals A Review of the Effects of Oral Contraceptives on Nutrient Status, with Especial Consideration to Folate in UK

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Michael P. Wakeman
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Oral Contraceptives ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
World Health ◽  
Food Supplementation ◽  
Adequate Diet ◽  
Health Organization

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used by a significant number of women, often commencing at early adolescence.  Whilst most research has investigated the physiological effects of OCs, some studies have identified impacts upon nutritional status of certain vitamins and minerals. In this context, a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) is relevant, since women who take OCs-especially in less well-developed countries might not always have adequate diet. Furthermore, women whose life style is unhealthy, those with malabsorption pathologies, or have genetic polymorphisms that affect vitamin metabolism might also be at risk of the negative impacts on an individual’s nutrient status. This literature review investigates the effects that oral contraceptives might have upon nutrient status. It identifies potential interactions with Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E and folic acid as well as magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, co-enzyme Q10, and beta-carotene status. It then examines the possible consequences that induced depletion of folic acid might cause with especial focus on neural tubes defects in UK, where food supplementation with this vitamin is not yet mandatory. It suggests that in those using this form of contraception or hormone replacement therapy, it is valid to consider appropriate nutritional supplements as a complementary first line strategy in order to prevent possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

scholarly journals GLP-1 Analog Liraglutide Improves Vascular Function in Polymicrobial Sepsis by Reduction of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1175
Author(s):  
Johanna Helmstädter ◽  
Karin Keppeler ◽  
Franziska Aust ◽  
Leonie Küster ◽  
Katie Frenis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Vascular Inflammation ◽  
Cecal Ligation ◽  
Isometric Tension ◽  
Polymicrobial Sepsis ◽  
Dot Blot ◽  
Markers Of Inflammation ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Sepsis causes high mortality in the setting of septic shock. LEADER and other trials revealed cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs like liraglutide (Lira). We previously demonstrated improved survival in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia by inhibition of GLP-1 degradation. Here we investigate the effects of Lira in the polymicrobial sepsis model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with Lira (200 µg/kg/d; 3 days) and sepsis induced by CLP after one day of GLP-1 analog treatment. Survival and body temperature were monitored. Aortic vascular function (isometric tension recording), protein expression (immunohistochemistry and dot blot) and gene expression (qRT-PCR) were determined. Endothelium-dependent relaxation in the aorta was impaired by CLP and correlated with markers of inflammation (e.g., interleukin 6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase) and oxidative stress (e.g., 3-nitrotyrosine) was higher in septic mice, all of which was almost completely normalized by Lira therapy. We demonstrate that the GLP-1 analog Lira ameliorates sepsis-induced endothelial dysfunction by the reduction of vascular inflammation and oxidative stress. Accordingly, the findings suggest that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1 analogs may be a valuable tool to protect the cardiovascular system from dysbalanced inflammation in polymicrobial sepsis.

scholarly journals Methodologies to Assess the Bioactivity of an Herbal Extract on Immunity, Health, Welfare and Production Performance in the Chicken: The Case of Melissa officinalis L. Extract

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angélique Travel ◽  
Angélique Petit ◽  
Perrine Barat ◽  
Anne Collin ◽  
Camille Bourrier-Clairat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Redox Balance ◽  
Herbal Extracts ◽  
Melissa Officinalis ◽  
Starting Conditions ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

The potential of herbal extracts containing bioactive compounds to strengthen immunity could contribute to reducing antimicrobial use in poultry. This study aimed at developing a reliable and robust methodological pipeline to assess the ability of herbal extracts to strengthen chicken innate defenses, especially concerning inflammation and oxidative stress. This methodology was applied to Melissa officinalis L. (MEL) extract, recognized for its biological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Different methods were used to (1). guarantee the quality of MEL extract and its capacity to stimulate the innate immune system; (2). evaluate the relevance of an ex vivo model to mimic inflammatory and oxidative stress challenges to replace LPS injection in chickens; (3). analyse the effects of feed supplemented with MEL extract on inflammation and oxidative stress induced ex vivo; (4). assess the effects of MEL extract on the redox balance, health, welfare and performance in broilers exposed to suboptimal starting conditions through a large-scale approach. The quality of MEL extract preparations, through phytochemical quantification of rosmarinic acid (RA), revealed varying concentrations of RA in the different MEL extracts. RA concentrations remained stable for at least 9 months and in feed three months after incorporating MEL extract. When incubated with chicken cell lines MEL extract showed potential metabolic activation and ability to stimulate immune functions but induced cytotoxicity at high concentrations. The original ex vivo model of inflammation developed on chicken blood cells enabled inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers to be expressed and revealed antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of blood cells from chickens fed MEL extract. The experimental model of chicken suboptimal starting conditions validated beneficial effects of MEL extract on the redox balance and also evidenced improved performance during the growth phase, a tendency for fewer muscle defects but a higher severity of pododermatitis lesions without affecting other welfare indicators. This study grouped methods and tools that could be combined according to the plant extract, the needs of professionals working in poultry production systems and staff responsible for animal health, welfare and feeding.

scholarly journals Dietary Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma Prevents Cognitive Decline in Senescent Mice and Reduces Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alba Garcia-Just ◽  
Lluïsa Miró ◽  
Anna Pérez-Bosque ◽  
Concepció Amat ◽  
Javier Polo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Brain Tissue ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Samp8 Mice ◽  
And Oxidative Stress ◽  
Spray Dried

ABSTRACT Background Aging is characterized by chronic, low-grade inflammation that correlates with cognitive decline. Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) reduces immune activation in rodent models of inflammation and aging. Objective We investigated whether the anti-inflammatory properties of SDP could ameliorate age-related cognitive deterioration and preserve brain homeostasis in an aging mouse model of senescence. Methods Male senescence-accelerated prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were used. In Experiment 1, cognitive performance (n  = 10–14 mice/group) was analyzed by the novel object recognition test in 2-mo-old mice (2M group) and in mice fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with 8% SDP for 2 (4M-CTL and 4M-SDP groups) and 4 mo (6M-CTL and 6M-SDP groups). In Experiment 2, the permeability of the blood–brain barrier and junctional proteins in brain tissue was assessed, as well as synaptic density, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory genes and proteins in mice from the 2M, 6M-CTL, and 6M-SDP groups ( n = 5–11). Statistical analyses included one-factor ANOVA followed by Fisher's posthoc test. Results 6M-SDP mice had better cognitive performance than 6M-CTL mice in both short-term (P = 0.024) and long-term (P = 0.017) memory tests. In brain tissue, 6M-SDP mice showed reduced brain capillary permeability (P = 0.034) and increased ZO1 and E-cadherin expression (both P <0.04) compared with 6M-CTL mice. SDP also prevented the NFκB activation observed in 6M-CTL mice (P = 0.002) and reduced Il6 expression and hydrogen peroxide concentration (both P <0.03) observed in 6M-CTL mice. SDP also increased the concentration of IL10 (P = 0.027), an anti-inflammatory cytokine correlated with memory preservation. Conclusions In senescent SAMP8 mice, dietary supplementation with SDP attenuated cognitive decline and prevented changes in brain markers of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

scholarly journals Garlic and Onion Attenuates Vascular Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Fructose-Fed Rats

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcela Alejandra Vazquez-Prieto ◽  
Cecilia Rodriguez Lanzi ◽  
Carina Lembo ◽  
Claudio Rómulo Galmarini ◽  
Roberto Miguel Miatello
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Vascular Inflammation ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide ◽  
New Evidence ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

This study evaluates the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory properties of garlic (G) and onion (O) in fructose-fed rats (FFR). Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats were assigned to control (C), F (10% fructose in drinking water), F+T (tempol 1 mM as control antioxidant), F+G, and F+O. Aqueous G and O extracts were administered orally in doses of 150 and 400 mg/kg/d respectively, and along with tempol, were given during the last 8 weeks of a 14-week period. At the end of the study, FFR had developed insulin resistance, aortic NADPH oxidase activity, increased SBP, plasma TBARS and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression in mesenteric arteries, and a decrease in heart endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Garlic and onion administration to F rats reduced oxidative stress, increased eNOS activity, and also attenuated VCAM-1 expression. These results provide new evidence showing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of these vegetables.

scholarly journals Oxidative Stress and Immune System in Vitiligo and Thyroid Diseases

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Colucci ◽  
Federica Dragoni ◽  
Silvia Moretti
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Thyroid Autoimmunity ◽  
Thyroid Diseases ◽  
Thyroid Disorders ◽  
Autoimmune Thyroid ◽  
Dermatological Disease ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Vitiligo is an acquired dermatological disease frequently associated with autoimmune thyroid disorders. Several theories have been proposed so far to unravel the complex vitiligo pathogenesis. Currently, the autocytotoxic and the autoimmune theories are the most accredited hypothesis, since they are sustained by several important clinical and experimental evidences. A growing body of evidences shows that autoimmunity and oxidative stress strictly interact to finally determine melanocyte loss. In this scenario, associated thyroid autoimmunity might play an active and important role in triggering and maintaining the depigmentation process of vitiligo.

scholarly journals The Role of Micronutrients to Support Immunity for COVID-19 Prevention

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukhtar H. Ahmed ◽  
Arez Hassan ◽  
Judit Molnár
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
The Body ◽  
World Health ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus, named as SARS-CoV-2, as a global pandemic in early 2020 after the disease spread to more than 180 countries leading to tens of thousands of cases and many deaths within a couple of months. Consequently, this paper aims to summarize the evidence for the relationships between nutrition and the boosting of the immune system in the fight against the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. This review, in particular, assesses the impact of vitamin and mineral supplements on the body’s defence mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2. The results revealed that there is a strong relationship between the ingestion of biological ingredients like vitamins C–E, and minerals such as zinc, and a reduction in the effects of coronavirus infection. These can be received from either nutrition rich food sources or from vitamin supplements. Furthermore, these macromolecules might have roles to play in boosting the immune response, in the healing process and the recovery time. Hence, we recommend that eating healthy foods rich in vitamins C–E with zinc and flavonoids could boost the immune system and consequently protect the body from serious infections. Graphical Abstract

scholarly journals Repurposing of Chloroquine and Its Derivative, Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19: Implications for People Living with HIV in Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiagoziem Otuechere
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
World Health ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Proven Efficacy ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Living With Hiv

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic. Unfortunately, finding a vaccine or developing drugs from the scratch is a time-consuming luxury given the widespread and high fatality rates of the virus. In the short term, repurposing of drugs already in use seem to be the most rational step to quickly and effectively curb the virus. Several antiviral agents had been proposed as possible remedies, but the 4-aminoquinolines, Chloroquine (CHQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCHQ) appear to be generating more interest. They are generic, cheaply available and have proven efficacy against malaria parasites in Africa. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), on the other hand, targets the immune system thereby reducing the patient&rsquo;s ability to fight infections. Sadly, 68% of the global HIV burden occur in Africa. It is therefore anticipated that incidence of severe forms of COVID-19 could occur in Africa because of associated endemic conditions that compromise the immune system. With CHQ and HCHQ being considered for clinical use against COVID-19, there is a need to highlight their potential merits and confounding variables in the subgroup of patients with or without HIV.

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