Serum levels of vitamin A, selenium and better dietary total antioxidant capacity are related to lower oxidative DNA damage: a cross-sectional study of individuals at cardiovascular risk

Sodium Alginate Attenuates H2O2-Induced Myocardial DNA Damage via VSNL1 Regulating the CNP/NPR-B Signaling Pathway

Myocardial DNA damage plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, frequently leading to adverse outcomes such as myocardial infarction and heart failure. This study elucidated the protective effects of sodium alginate (SA) against myocardial DNA damage and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) -stimulated AC16 cells were employed as an in vitro model to induce myocardial DNA damage, and CCK-8 assays established that SA exhibited no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 800 µM. The protective effects of SA on myocardial DNA damage were shown to be mediated by VSNL1 using immunofluorescence, western blotting and qPCR analyses. To further substantiate this mechanism, lentiviral transduction was utilized to achieve VSNL1 overexpression, whereas targeted siRNA silencing was employed for VSNL1 knockdown. Following VSNL1 overexpression, a reduction in γ-H2AX protein expression was observed, accompanied by increased levels of CNP and NPR-B proteins on the cell membrane, as well as a decrease in intracellular calcium ion concentrations. Conversely, knockdown of VSNL1 reduced the protective effects of SA, highlighting its critical role in the mediation of cardioprotective mechanisms. Taken together, these findings suggest that SA exerts a potential protective effect against myocardial DNA damage through upregulating VSNL1, activating the CNP/NPR-B signaling pathway, and decreasing intracellular calcium ion accumulation. These results underscore that SA is a promising therapeutic candidate for the attenuation of myocardial injury.

Bee Pollen Phytochemicals and Nutrients as Unequaled Pool of Epigenetic Regulators: Implications for Age-Related Diseases

Bee pollen is characterized by an exceptional diversity and abundance of micronutrients and bioactive phytochemicals. This richness remains very sparsely investigated, but accumulating evidence strongly supports a promising future for bee pollen in human nutrition and medicine. Epigenetic regulation is among the most compelling biomedical topics that remain completely untapped in bee pollen and bee derivative research. In our current research, we identified numerous ubiquitous compounds that are consistently present in this matrix, regardless of its botanical and geographical origins, and that have been well studied and documented as epigenetic regulators in recent years. Given the relative newness of both bee pollen biomedical research and epigenetic studies within nutritional, pharmaceutical, and medical sciences, this review aims to bridge these valuable fields and advance related experimental investigations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that has aimed to comprehensively investigate the epigenetic modulatory potential of bee pollen compounds. Our findings have also unveiled several intriguing phenomena, such as a dual effect of the same compound depending on the cellular context or the effect of some compounds on the cross-generational heritability of epigenetic traits. Although experimental studies of epigenetic regulation by bee pollen as a whole or by its extract are still lacking, our current study clearly indicates that this research avenue is very promising and worth further investigations. We hope that our current work constitutes a foundational cornerstone of future investigations for this avenue of research.

Vitamin A and its influence on tumour extracellular matrix

Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient renowned for its role in visual health and cellular regulation. Its derivatives influence cell differentiation, proliferation, and tissue homeostasis, making them significant in cancer research due to their effects on both normal and tumour cells. This review explores the intricate relationship between vitamin A metabolism and the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cancer. The ECM profoundly affects tumour behaviour, including proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Alterations in the ECM can facilitate tumour progression, and vitamin A derivatives have shown potential in modulating these changes. Through transcriptional regulation, vitamin A impacts ECM components and matrix metalloproteinases, influencing tumour dynamics. The review highlights the potential of vitamin A and its derivatives as adjunctive agents in cancer therapy. Despite promising laboratory findings, their clinical application remains limited due to challenges in translating these effects into therapeutic outcomes. Future research should focus on the modulation of retinol metabolism within tumours and the development of targeted therapies to enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient prognosis.

The L-shaped relationship between composite dietary antioxidant index and sarcopenic obesity in elderly adults: a cross-sectional study

Background

This study aimed to examine the associations of the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) with sarcopenic obesity (SO) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database.

Methods

Data were gathered from NHANES between 2001 and 2004. To examine the relationship between CDAI and the occurrence of SO, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Subgroup analyses were performed to demonstrate the stability of the results. Restricted cubic splines were utilized to examine the non-linear correlations.

Results

A total of 2,333 elderly individuals were included in the study. In the multivariate logistic regression crude model, we revealed an odds ratio (OR) of 0.928 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.891-0.965, p < 0.001] for the correlation between CDAI and SO. The ORs were 0.626 (95% CI, 0.463-0.842) and 0.487 (95% CI, 0.354-0.667) for CDAI tertiles 2 and 3, respectively (p for trend <0.001), after full adjustment. The subgroup analysis findings demonstrated a reliable and enduring connection between CDAI and SO across various subgroups. However, the strength of the correlation between CDAI and SO was significantly affected by diabetes (p for interaction = 0.027). Moreover, restricted cubic spline analysis revealed an L-shaped relationship.

Conclusion

The present study identified an L-shaped correlation between CDAI and SO in elderly participants' demographics. The implications of these findings were significant for future studies and the formulation of dietary guidelines.

Association between composite dietary antioxidant index and atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease in adults: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The objective of our study was to examine the association between composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in adults.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data was gathered from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2001 and 2018. To examine the connection between CDAI and ASCVD, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Restricted cubic splines were utilized to examine non-linear correlations, and the inflection point was identified using a two-piecewise linear regression approach. Subgroup analyses were performed to demonstrate stability of results. A total of 44,494 individuals were included in the study. The multivariate logistic regression model was fully adjusted and revealed an odds ratio of 0.968 (95% CI: 0.959-0.978; P < 0.001) for the correlation between CDAI and ASCVD. Furthermore, individuals in the highest quartile of CDAI exhibited a decreased risk of ASCVD compared to those in the lowest quartile [0.716 (0.652-0.787); P < 0.001]. Moreover, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis revealed non-linear relationship between CDAI and ASCVD, with inflection point at -0.387. The analysis of subgroups showed that the importance of CDAI remained consistent among various age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research revealed an inverse and non-linear relationship between CDAI and ASCVD in adults. The implications of these findings are significant for future studies and the formulation of dietary guidelines.

Role of Vitamins in Cardiovascular Health: Know Your Facts-Part 2

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity/mortality world-wide, hence preventive interventions are crucial. Observational data showing beneficial CV effects of vitamin supplements, promoted by self-proclaimed experts, have led to ~50% of Americans using multivitamins; this practice has culminated into a multi-billion-dollar business. However, robust evidence is lacking, and certain vitamins might incur harm. This two-part review focuses on the attributes or concerns about specific vitamin consumption on CVD. The evidence for indiscriminate use of multivitamins indicates no consistent CVD benefit. Specific vitamins and/or combinations are suggested, but further supportive evidence is needed. Data presented in Part 1 indicated that folic acid and certain B-vitamins may decrease stroke, whereas niacin might raise mortality; beta-carotene mediates pro-oxidant effects, which may abate the benefits from other vitamins. In Part 2, data favor the anti-oxidant effects of vitamin C and the anti-atherogenic effects of vitamins C and E, but clinical evidence is inconsistent. Vitamin D may provide CV protection, but data are conflicting. Vitamin K appears neutral. Thus, there are favorable CV effects of individual vitamins (C/D), but randomized/controlled data are lacking. An important caveat regards the potential toxicity of increased doses of fat-soluble vitamins (A/D/E/K). As emphasized in Part 1, vitamins might benefit subjects who are antioxidant-deficient or exposed to high levels of oxidative-stress (e.g., diabetics, smokers, and elderly), stressing the importance of targeting certain subgroups for optimal results. Finally, by promoting CV-healthy balanced-diets, we could acquire essential vitamins and nutrients and use supplements only for specific indications.

Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity-A New Indicator of Healthy Diet Quality in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Polish Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as well as healthy diet quality, in a representative sample (n = 5690) of the whole Polish adult population (WOBASZ II study). Daily food consumption was estimated by the single 24 h dietary recall method. Antioxidant vitamins (C, E, and β-carotene) and minerals (Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu) from the diet and supplements were calculated using 5D Diet software, and dietary total polyphenol intake (DTPI) was determined using the Phenol-Explorer database and our database. Total diet quality was measured by the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) based on World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for the prevention of CVD. DTAC was calculated using the data on food consumption and the antioxidant potential of foods measured by the FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential) method. It was shown that higher DTAC was associated with a higher intake of polyphenols, antioxidant vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, a higher quartile of DTAC was associated with a reduced odds ratio for cardiovascular diseases in a Polish population, as well as with a higher HDI. Therefore, dietary recommendations for the prevention and therapy of CVDs should take into account a high DTAC. DTAC, measured by the FRAP method, can be considered an indicator of healthy diet quality.