High serum coenzyme Q10, positively correlated with age, selenium and cholesterol, in Inuit of Greenland. A pilot study

Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells versus Omega n − 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Gentamicin-Induced Cardiac Degeneration

This study compared the cardioprotective action of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and PUFAs in a rat model of gentamicin (GM)-induced cardiac degeneration. Male Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups of eight rats each: group I (control group), group II (gentamicin-treated rats receiving gentamicin intraperitoneally (IP) at dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 10 consecutive days), group III (gentamicin and PUFA group receiving gentamicin IP at dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 10 consecutive days followed by PUFAs at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks), and group IV (gentamicin and MSC group receiving gentamicin IP at dose of 100 mg/kg/day followed by a single dose of MSCs (1 × 10⁶)/rat IP). Cardiac histopathology was evaluated via light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), caspase-3 (apoptosis), Bcl2, and Bax expression was performed. Moreover, cardiac malonaldehyde (MDA) content, catalase activity, and oxidative stress parameters were biochemically evaluated. Light and electron microscopy showed that both MSCs and PUFAs had ameliorative effects. Their actions were mediated by upregulating PCNA expression, downregulating caspase-3 expression, mitigating cardiac MDA content, catalase activity, and oxidative stress parameters. MSCs and PUFAs had ameliorative effects against gentamicin-induced cardiac degeneration, with MSCs showing higher efficacy compared to PUFAs.

Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: Current State of the Problem

The burden of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases is increasing with every year. Although the management of these conditions has improved greatly over the years, it is still far from perfect. With all of this in mind, there is a need for new methods of prophylaxis and treatment. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential compound of the human body. There is growing evidence that CoQ10 is tightly linked to cardiometabolic disorders. Its supplementation can be useful in a variety of chronic and acute disorders. This review analyses the role of CoQ10 in hypertension, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, viral myocarditis, cardiomyopathies, cardiac toxicity, dyslipidemia, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, cardiac procedures and resuscitation.

Applying a systems approach to thyroid physiology: Looking at the whole with a mitochondrial perspective instead of judging single TSH values or why we should know more about mitochondria to understand metabolism

Classical thinking in endocrine physiology squeezes our diagnostic handling into a simple negative feedback mechanism with a controller and a controlled variable. In the case of the thyroid this is reduced to TSH and fT3 and fT4, respectively. The setting of this tight notion has no free space for any additions. In this paper we want to challenge this model of limited application by proposing a construct based on a systems approach departing from two basic considerations. In first place since the majority of cases of thyroid disease develop and appear during life it has to be considered as an acquired condition. In the second place, our experience with the reversibility of morphological changes makes the autoimmune theory inconsistent.

While medical complexity can expand into the era of OMICS as well as into one where manipulations with the use of knock-outs and -ins are common in science, we have preferred to maintain a simple and practical approach. We will describe the interactions of iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and coenzyme Q10 with the thyroid axis. The discourse will be then brought into the context of ovarian function, i.e. steroid hormone production. Finally the same elemental players will be presented in relation to the basic mitochondrial machinery that supports the endocrine.

We propose that an intact mitochondrial function can guard the normal endocrine function of both the thyroid as well as of the ovarian axis. The basic elements required for this function appear to be magnesium and iron. In the case of the thyroid, magnesium-ATP acts in iodine uptake and the heme protein peroxidase in thyroid hormone synthesis. A similar biochemical process is found in steroid synthesis with cholesterol uptake being the initial energy-dependent step and later the heme protein ferredoxin 1 which is required for steroid synthesis. Magnesium plays a central role in determining the clinical picture associated with thyroid disease and is also involved in maintaining fertility. With the aid of 3D sonography patients needing selenium and/or coenzyme Q10 can be easily identified. By this we firmly believe that physicians should know more about basic biochemistry and the way it fits into mitochondrial function in order to understand metabolism. Contemplating only TSH is highly reductionistic.

Outline

•

Author's profiles and motivation for this analysis

•

The philosophical alternatives in science and medicine

•

Reductionism vs. systems approach in clinical thyroid disease guidelines

•

The entry into complexity: the involvement of the musculoskeletal system

•

Integrating East and West: teachings from Chinese Medicine and from evidence based medicine (EBM)

•

Can a mathematical model represent complexity in the daily thyroid practice?

•

How effective is thyroxine treatment?

•

Resolving the situation of residual symptoms in treated patients with thyroid disease

•

Importance of iron, zinc and magnesium in relation to thyroid function

•

Putting together new concepts related to thyroid function for a systems approach

•

Expanding our model into general aspects of medicine

Selenium and coenzyme Q10 interrelationship in cardiovascular diseases--A clinician's point of view

A short review is given of the potential role of selenium deficiency and selenium intervention trials in atherosclerotic heart disease. Selenium is an essential constituent of several proteins, including the glutathione peroxidases and selenoprotein P. The selenium intake in Europe is generally in the lower margin of recommendations from authorities. Segments of populations in Europe may thus have a deficient intake that may be presented by a deficient anti-oxidative capacity in various illnesses, in particular atherosclerotic disease, and this may influence the prognosis of the disease. Ischemic heart disease and heart failure are two conditions where increased oxidative stress has been convincingly demonstrated. Some of the intervention studies of anti-oxidative substances that have focused on selenium are discussed in this review. The interrelationship between selenium and coenzyme Q10, another anti-oxidant, is presented, pointing to a theoretical advantage in using both substances in an intervention if there are deficiencies within the population. Clinical results from an intervention study using both selenium and coenzyme Q10 in an elderly population are discussed, where reduction in cardiovascular mortality, a better cardiac function according to echocardiography, and finally a lower concentration of the biomarker NT-proBNP as a sign of lower myocardial wall tension could be seen in those on active treatment, compared to placebo.

Physical activity affects plasma coenzyme Q10 levels differently in young and old humans

Coenzyme Q (Q) is a key lipidic compound for cell bioenergetics and membrane antioxidant activities. It has been shown that also has a central role in the prevention of oxidation of plasma lipoproteins. Q has been associated with the prevention of cholesterol oxidation and several aging-related diseases. However, to date no clear data on the levels of plasma Q during aging are available. We have measured the levels of plasmatic Q10 and cholesterol in young and old individuals showing different degrees of physical activity. Our results indicate that plasma Q10 levels in old people are higher that the levels found in young people. Our analysis also indicates that there is no a relationship between the degree of physical activity and Q10 levels when the general population is studied. However, very interestingly, we have found a different tendency between Q10 levels and physical activity depending on the age of individuals. In young people, higher activity correlates with lower Q10 levels in plasma whereas in older adults this ratio changes and higher activity is related to higher plasma Q10 levels and higher Q10/Chol ratios. Higher Q10 levels in plasma are related to lower lipoperoxidation and oxidized LDL levels in elderly people. Our results highlight the importance of life habits in the analysis of Q10 in plasma and indicate that the practice of physical activity at old age can improve antioxidant capacity in plasma and help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Population groups in dietary transition

Background

Little is known about the effects of dietary acculturation in minority groups in the Nordic countries, including immigrants from non-Western societies.

Methods

A search was performed in Medlin33e/PubMed and SweMed+ for articles published in 1990–2011.

Results

A total of 840 articles were identified, with a final 32 articles used to tabulate results which were included in the primary analysis. High rates of vitamin D deficiency (23 articles) were found in immigrants of non-Western origin; deficiency rates were very high among both pregnant and non-pregnant women, and also among children, with young children of immigrant parents showing 50 times higher risk for rickets when compared to children of indigenous parents. The risk of iron deficiency (two articles) was high among immigrant women, while the results were inconclusive regarding children. High rates of dental caries (seven articles) were found among pre-school and younger school children of immigrant origin, while the risk of caries was not as evident among older children. In a secondary analysis, including 48 articles (results not tabulated), overweight and obesity (14 articles) were seen in many immigrant groups, resulting in a high prevalence of diabetes (2 review articles from a total of 14 original articles) and incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD; seven articles). For hypertension (three articles), dyslipidemia (four articles), and dietary patterns among immigrants (10 articles), the results were contradictory.

Conclusions

Risk of vitamin D deficiency is alarmingly high in the Nordic countries among immigrants of non-Western origin, especially among women. Dental caries is high among immigrant children aged 0–7 years due to a higher intake of sugary products. Overweight and obesity, associated with a higher risk of diabetes and CHD, are prevalent in many immigrant groups and need further attention.

Protective effects of selenium against DNA adduct formation in Inuit environmentally exposed to PCBs

Dietary habits that expose populations to potential toxicants as well as protective agents simultaneously are a realistic scenario where a meaningful assessment of the interactions and net benefit or damage can be made. A group of Inuit from Salluit, Northern Canada are exposed to high levels of PCBs and selenium, both present in the Inuit traditional foods such as blubber from sea mammals and fatty fish. Blood samples were collected from 83 Inuit, 22-70 years old. Blood selenium and PCB levels were determined previously and ranged from 227 to 2069µg/L and 1.7 to 143µg/L, respectively. DNA isolated from white blood cells were analyzed by modified (32)P-postlabeling adductomics technology that detects a multitude of highly polar to lipophilic adducts. The levels of 8-oxodG adducts ranged from 470 to 7400 adducts/10(9) nucleotides. Other as yet unidentified polar adducts showed a 30 to 800-fold inter-individual variability. Adduct levels were negatively associated with PCB and selenium levels. The subjects were classified into high and low ratio groups, with respect to selenium/PCB. In the high ratio group, the coefficient of selenium is significantly negatively correlated with 8-oxodG (r = -0.38, p = 0.014) and total adducts (r = -0.41, p = 0.009) while there was no correlation within the low selenium/PCB group. This study suggests that increasing selenium has mitigating effect in reducing DNA adducts and therefore, possible negative effects of PCB were not seen. A protective effect of selenium is highlighted.

Environmental contaminants and redox status of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E in Inuit from Nunavik

The Inuit are heavily exposed to potentially prooxidant contaminants such as methylmercury (MeHg) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) through their traditional diet. This diet is also an abundant source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), selenium, and antioxidants, which might reduce cardiovascular risk. Although Inuit from Nunavik have low concentrations of plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and elevated glutathione-related antioxidant defenses, the variance in OxLDL was predicted by PCB and blood glutathione, leaving the issue of contaminant-associated oxidative stress unresolved. The objective of the study was to assess oxidative stress in these Inuit by measuring the plasma concentrations and redox states of alpha-tocopherol and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), 2 sensitive biomarkers of oxidative stress, in relation to exposure. Plasma lipophilic antioxidants were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-coupled electrochemical detection; and their relations to PCB, MeHg, n-3 PUFA, selenium, and OxLDL were assessed by multivariate analyses. Ubiquinol-10, ubiquinone-10, and ubiquinone-10 to CoQ10(total) ratio were elevated as compared with white populations but showed no associations with PCB, MeHg, or n-3 PUFA. Ubiquinol-10 (beta = .23, P = .007) and CoQ10(total) (beta = .27, P = .009) were predicted by blood selenium; and alpha-tocopherol, by PCB (beta = 4.12, P = .0002), n-3 PUFA (beta = 9.16, P = .02), and OxLDL (beta = 3.04, P = .05). Unexpectedly, the alpha-tocopheryl quinone to alpha-tocopherol ratio, in the reference range, was negatively predicted by PCB (beta = -0.41, P = .02). Using sensitive biomarkers of redox alterations, we found no evidence for MeHg- or PCB-associated oxidative stress in these Inuit. However, despite robust blood antioxidant defenses, the unusually elevated ubiquinone-10 to CoQ10(total) ratio (0.21 +/- 0.11) suggests some form of oxidative stress of unknown origin.

Protective effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrate on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

The protective effect of PUFA concentrate prepared from fish oil on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in male albino rats was investigated with respect to changes in the levels of diagnostic marker enzymes, cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, phospholipids, reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxides (LPO). Administration of PUFA concentrate significantly prevented the isoproterenol-induced elevation in the levels of plasma diagnostic marker enzymes (ALT [93.5%], AST [95.6%], LDH [94.7%] and CPK [96.1%]). PUFA concentrate feeding exerted a significant antilipidemic effect against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction by reducing the levels of lipid components in plasma (cholesterol [71.5%], triglycerides [79.7%] and free fatty acids [70.7%] and heart tissue (cholesterol [81.4%], triglycerides [76.3%] and free fatty acids [78.6%]). A tendency to prevent the isoproterenol-induced phospholipids depletion (74.4%) in the myocardium of experimental rats was also observed. The level of lipid peroxidation was also found to be significantly lower in PUFA treated animals (2.72+/-0.15nmol/ml in plasma; 1.18+/-0.08nmol/mg protein in heart tissue) as compared to that of isoproterenol-injected groups (5.77+/-0.43nmol/ml in plasma; 2.14+/-0.15nmol/mg protein in heart tissue) of rats. Also the level of reduced GSH significantly higher in the heart tissue of PUFA administered experimental rats (5.65+/-0.98 microg/g) as compared to myocardial infarction induced control rats (2.39+/-0.18 microg/g). The results of the present study indicate that the overall cardioprotective effect of PUFA concentrate is probably related to its ability to inhibit lipid accumulation by its hypolipidaemic property.

Conceptual foundations of the UCSD Statin Study: a randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of statins on cognition, behavior, and biochemistry

BACKGROUND

Statin cholesterol-lowering drugs are among the most prescribed drugs in the United States. Their cardiac benefits are substantial and well supported. However, there has been persistent controversy regarding possible favorable or adverse effects of statins or of cholesterol reduction on cognition, mood, and behavior (including aggressive or violent behavior).

METHODS

The literature pertaining to the relationship of cholesterol or statins to several noncardiac domains was reviewed, including the link between statins (or cholesterol) and cognition, aggression, and serotonin.

RESULTS

There are reasons to think both favorable and adverse effects of statins and low cholesterol on cognition may pertain; the balance of these factors requires further elucidation. A substantial body of literature links low cholesterol level to aggressive behavior; statin randomized trials have not supported a connection, but they have not been designed to address this issue. A limited number of reports suggest a connection between reduced cholesterol level and reduced serotonin level, but more information is needed with serotonin measures that are practical for clinical use. Whether lipophilic and hydrophilic statins differ in their impact should be assessed.

CONCLUSION

There is a strong need for randomized controlled trial data to more clearly establish the impact of hydrophilic and lipophilic statins on cognition, aggression, and serotonin, as well as on other measures relevant to risks and quality-of-life impact in noncardiac domains.

Diet and mental health in the Arctic: is diet an important risk factor for mental health in circumpolar peoples?--a review

BACKGROUND

The people living in Arctic and Subarctic environments have adapted to cold temperatures, short growing seasons, and low precipitation, but their traditional ways are now changing due to increased contact with Western society. The rapid alteration of circumpolar cultures has led to generational changes in diet from traditional foods to the processed groceries common in modern stores.

OBJECTIVES

Develop a link between changing traditional diets and mental health that may have substantial consequences for circumpolar peoples.

METHODS

Review of English language literature pertaining to the northern circumpolar environments of the world that consist of the Arctic and Subarctic areas. Electronic resources such as ISI Web of Science and PubMed were utilized, using keywords such as arctic, circumpolar, diet, omega-3 fatty acids, mental health, seasonal affective disorder, and suicide. In addition, we used the cited references of obtained articles and the extensive University of Alaska Fairbanks library collections to identify additional publications that were not available from the electronic resources. The years covered were not restricted to any particular period, although 83% of the sources were published in the last 16 years.

CONCLUSION

The change in traditional diets has already led to increased health problems, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, while the mental health of circumpolar peoples has also declined substantially during the same time period. The decline in mental health is characterized by increased rates of depression, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, and suicide, that now often occur at higher rates than in lower-latitude populations. Studies in non-circumpolar peoples have shown that diet can have profound effects on neuronal and brain development, function, and health. Therefore, we hypothesize that diet is an important risk factor for mental health in circumpolar peoples.

Iodine content of traditional Greenlandic food items and tap water in East and West Greenland

OBJECTIVES

The iodine intake level is important for the occurrence of thyroid disorders in a population. The iodine intake in Greenland has been proposed to be more than ten times the recommended level. However, no measurements have been performed to determine the iodine content of Greenlandic food items, drinking water, and beverages available in East and West Greenland.

STUDY DESIGN

Food samples were collected at the local market, kalaalimineerniarfik, in Nuuk and Ammassalik, and tap water was obtained from all towns in Greenland. Beverages were purchased at Kalaallit Niuerfiat KNI Pisiniarfik.

RESULTS

Iodine content of seal, whale, wild fowl, reindeer, and musk ox varied between 4 and 195 microg/kg with low values for terrestrial animals (< 10 microg/kg) and higher values for marine animals (10-195 microg/kg). The iodine content of fish varied from 9 microg/kg in freshwater fish to 1,380 microg/kg in a sample of cod. The iodine content of sea mammals was: blubber 130 microg/kg; viscera 70 microg/kg; meat 21 microg/kg. No difference was observed between animals from East Greenland and West Greenland (P > 0.1). Iodine content of tap water was below 3.3 microg/l for all towns. Two sorts of beer had a high iodine content, up to 240 microg/l. The iodine content of all other beverages was 5-38 microg/l.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a relatively high iodine content in marine animals but low iodine content in tap water and beverages in Greenland. The food and drinking water evaluated in the present study indicate adequate iodine intake in this area and do not support the notion that Greenland is an area of excessive iodine intake.

Oxidized forms of peroxiredoxins and DJ-1 on two-dimensional gels increased in response to sublethal levels of paraquat

We previously found hydroperoxide-responsive proteins (HPRPs), which are comprised of peroxiredoxin I (Prx I), Prx II, Prx III, Prx VI, HSP27, G3PDH and two unidentified proteins (HPRP-2' and HPRP-5'), in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. It was demonstrated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE) that most HPRPs are converted into variants with lower pI upon exposure to hydroperoxides. In this study, we examined the HPRP response on 2D gels upon exposure of human endothelial cells (ECV304) to paraquat (PQ2+), which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells. PQ2+ exerted cytotoxic effects in a dose-(10 microM-10 mM) and time-(24-168 h) dependent manner. Two-dimensional PAGE analysis revealed that HPRP-2', and oxidized forms of Prx I, Prx II and Prx III were clearly increased upon exposure of cells to sublethal levels of PQ2+. Microsequence analysis revealed that both HPRP-2 and -2' were identical with human DJ-1. Moreover immunoblot analysis confirmed the increase of oxidized forms of Prx II, Prx III and DJ-1 in response to sublethal levels of PQ2+. PQ2+ treatment failed to increase fluorescence intensity derived from DCF, which is believed to be an indicator for intracellular levels of hydroperoxide. Although pentachlorophenol (PCP), an uncoupler of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, clearly elevated the fluorescence, PCP had no effect on HPRP response. These observations indicated that DCF-derived fluorescence is not correlated with HPRP response. We consider that the response of Prxs and DJ-1 on 2D gels could reflect endogenous production of ROS in PQ(2+)-treated cells, and might be a sensitive indicator of oxidative stress status.