Effects of maternal l-citrulline supplementation on renal function and blood pressure in offspring exposed to maternal caloric restriction: The impact of nitric oxide pathway

Maternal undernutrition can cause reduced nephron number and glomerular hypertrophy, consequently leading to adult kidney disease. We intended to elucidate whether NO deficiency evolves to kidney disease vulnerability in offspring from mothers with caloric restriction diets and whether maternal l-citrulline (l-Cit) supplementation can prevent this. Using a rat model with 50% caloric restriction, four groups of 3-month-old male offspring were sacrificed to determine their renal outcome: control, caloric restriction (CR), control treated with 0.25% l-citrulline solution during the whole period of pregnancy and lactation (Cit), and CR treated in the same way (CR + Cit group). The CR group had low nephron numbers, increased glomerular diameter, and an increased plasma creatinine level compared with the control group. Maternal l-Cit supplementation prevented these effects. The CR + Cit and Cit groups developed hypertension beginning at 4 and 8 weeks of age, respectively. Plasma asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA and SDMA) levels were increased, but l-arginine/ADMA ratios (AAR) were decreased in the CR group vs the control group. This was prevented by maternal l-Cit supplementation. Renal cortical neuronal NOS-α (nNOSα) protein abundance was significantly decreased in the Cit and CR + Cit groups. Collectively, reduced nephron number, reduced renal nNOSα expression, increased ADMA, and decreased AAR contribute to the developmental programming of adult kidney disease and hypertension. Although maternal l-Cit supplementation prevents caloric restriction-induced low nephron number and renal dysfunction, it also induces hypertension.     

Birth weight and other perinatal factors and childhood CNS tumors: A case–control study in California

AimsWe conducted a large registry-based study in California to investigate the association of perinatal factors and childhood CNS tumors, with analysis by tumor subtype.MethodsWe linked California cancer and birth registries to obtain information on 3308 cases and 3308 controls matched on age and sex. We examined the association of birth weight, gestational age, birth order, parental ages, maternal conditions during pregnancy, newborn abnormalities and the risk of childhood CNS tumors using conditional logistic regression, with adjustment for potential confounders.ResultsThe odds ratio (OR) per 1000 g increase in birth weight was 1.11 (95% CI: 0.99–1.24) for total childhood CNS tumors, 1.17 (95% CI: 0.97–1.42) for astrocytoma and 1.28 (95% CI: 0.90–1.83) for medulloblastoma. Compared to average-for-gestational age, large-for-gestational age infants were at increased risk of glioma (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 0.99–3.48), while small-for-gestational age infants were at increased risk of ependimoma (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.10–6.30). Increased risk of childhood CNS tumors was observed for 5-year increase in maternal and paternal ages (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00–1.12 and 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00–1.10 respectively). Increased risk of astrocytoma was detected for 5-year increase in paternal age (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.00–1.16) and increased risk of glioma for maternal age ≥ 35 years old (OR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.00–3.52). Maternal genital herpes during pregnancy was associated with a pronounced increase in risk of total CNS tumors (OR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.16–6.51). Other (non-sexually transmitted) infections during pregnancy were associated with decreased risk of total CNS tumors (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09–0.85). Maternal blood/immune disorders during pregnancy were linked to increased risk of CNS tumors (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.08–4.83) and medulloblastoma (OR = 7.13, 95% CI: 0.82–61.03). Newborn CNS abnormalities were also associated with high risk of childhood CNS tumors (OR = 4.08, 95% CI: 1.13–14.76).ConclusionsOur results suggest that maternal genital herpes, blood and immunological disorders during pregnancy and newborn CNS abnormalities were associated with increased risk of CNS tumors. Maternal infections during pregnancy were associated with decreased risk of CNS tumors. Advanced maternal and paternal ages may be associated with a slightly increased risk of CNS tumors. Factors associated with CNS tumor subtypes varied by subtype, an indicator of different etiology for different subtypes.     

Estimating the cortex and autonomic nervous activity during a mental arithmetic task

The cerebral cortex has massive connections with autonomic nervous system and then arouses cardiovascular events, but the coupling mechanism between brain and heart is not clear. In this study the heart rate variability (HRV) and directed transfer function (DTF) methods are used to investigate the cortico-cortical functional coupling and direction of information flow between brain and heart during a mental arithmetic (MA) task. Electroencephalogram (EEG) and ECG were used for measuring neural/cardiac activity. Forty-three healthy male subjects were voluntarily participated in the study. Our results showed compared with control, LF/HF and LFn significantly increased while HF, HFn and total power significantly decreased (P < 0.05) during MA task. HR (79 ± 1.7 beats/min) was also significantly higher compared with the control (71 ± 1.4 beats/min). Moreover, MA task trigger the neurons of pre-central and central areas and then information transmit from front to back, and finished information integration at parietal and occipital locations. Our findings suggested that MA task caused an increase of the coupling of brain regions and quickened heart rate by virtue of increasing sympathetic activity and decreasing parasympathetic activity. The regulation from post-central areas to heart as well as feedback regulation from heart to central areas exists in the MA task.     

A randomized placebo-controlled study on high-dose oral algal docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in children with cystic fibrosis

Low plasma concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are reported in unsupplemented cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Forty-one CF patients aged from 6 to 12 years were randomized to receive high-dose DHA (100 mg/kg/day in the first month and 1 g per day thereafter through a 12-month supplementation) or placebo (germ oil). Primary outcome was percentage change in plasma AA:DHA ratio. Secondary outcomes were changes in the number of pulmonary exacerbations compared to previous year, lung function, BMI, skinfold thicknesses, and body composition assessed by DXA and in serum concentrations of C-reactive protein, cytokines and vitamin (α-tocopherol and retinol). Compared to the control group plasma AA:DHA ratio decreased in the intervention group after 6 months (median percentage changes: ?73% in the intervention group vs. ?10% in the control group, P=0.001). No differences were detected between groups for secondary outcomes. Despite a decrease of the AA/DHA ratio, DHA supplementation for one year did not induce any significant biochemical and clinical improvement in CF patients.     

Reduction of prothrombin and Factor V levels following supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is sex dependent: a randomised controlled study

BackgroundLCn-3PUFA comprised of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) offer cardioprotection involving a decrease in coagulant activity; however, the evidence is equivocal. We have previously demonstrated that the acute (24 h) effects and chronic (4 weeks) effects of LCn-3PUFA supplementation on platelet aggregation in human subjects are sex specific. This study investigated the mechanisms of the sex-dependent effects of LCn-3PUFA with 4 weeks supplementation of EPA-rich vs. DHA-rich oils on procoagulant and platelet activity in healthy subjects.DesignA double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised trial was conducted in 94 healthy adults: male (n=41) and female (n=53). Platelet coagulation parameters including factors I, II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, vWF:Ag and endogenous thrombin potential were measured at baseline and 4 weeks postsupplementation with EPA-rich or DHA-rich oil capsules.ResultsWe have previously reported that platelet aggregation is specifically reduced by supplementation with EPA in males and DHA in females. This sex-specific effect was also observed for decreases in plasma levels of Factor II (−7.9±3.8%, P=.026), Factor V (−6.5±4.5%, P=.022) and vWF:Ag (−7.3±2.1%, P=.034) and was most pronounced in males supplemented with EPA. In contrast, DHA-mediated reduction in platelet aggregation in females was not accompanied by any significant changes in the coagulation parameters tested.ConclusionSignificant interactions between sex and specific LCn-3PUFA exist to reduce procoagulant activity differentially in males vs. females and could have profound effects on managing risk of thrombotic disease.     

Protective effects of maternal methyl donor supplementation on adult offspring of high fat diet-fed dams

Obesity has become a global public health problem associated with metabolic dysfunction and chronic disorders. It has been shown that the risk of obesity and the DNA methylation profiles of the offspring can be affected by maternal nutrition, such as high-fat diet (HFD) consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate whether metabolic dysregulation and physiological abnormalities in offspring caused by maternal HFD can be alleviated by the treatment of methyl donors during pregnancy and lactation of dams. Female C57BL/6 mice were assigned to specific groups and given different nutrients (control diet, Control + Met, HFD and HFD + Met) throughout gestation and lactation. Offspring of each group were weaned onto a control diet at 3 weeks of age. Physiological (weight gain and adipose composition) and metabolic (plasma biochemical analyses) outcomes were assessed in male and female adult offspring. Expression and DNA methylation profiles of obesogenic-related genes including PPAR γ, fatty acid synthase, leptin and adiponectin were also detected in visceral fat of offspring. The results showed that dietary supplementation with methyl donors can prevent the adverse effects of maternal HFD on offspring. Changes in the expression and DNA methylation of obesogenic-related genes indicated that epigenetic regulation may contribute to the effects of maternal dietary factors on offspring outcomes.     

Heifer nutrition during early- and mid-pregnancy alters fetal growth trajectory and birth weight

Maternal nutrient intake during gestation can alter fetal growth. Whilst this has been studied extensively in the sheep, less is known about effects in the bovine. Composite-breed beef heifers were allocated to either a high (H/? = 76 MJ metabolisable energy (ME) and 1.4 kg crude protein (CP)) or low (L/? = 62 MJ ME and 0.4 kg CP daily) nutritional treatment at artificial insemination. Half of each nutritional group changed to an opposite nutritional group at the end of the first trimester (?/H = 82 MJ ME and 1.4 kg CP; ?/L = 62 MJ ME and 0.4 kg CP daily), resulting in 4 treatment groups: HH (n = 16); HL (n = 19); LH (n = 17); LL (n = 19). During the third trimester all heifers were fed the same diets. Fetuses were measured at 4-weekly intervals beginning at day 39 of gestation. Calves were also measured at birth for physical body variables. Low maternal nutrient intake was associated with decreased crown-rump length at day 39 (P < 0.01) and increased thoracic diameter at day 95 (P < 0.01). Umbilical cord diameter was reduced in L/? fetuses in the first trimester (P < 0.05) but was greater in ?/L fetuses in the second trimester compared to their respective H counterparts (P < 0.05). Calf birth weight was decreased in association with ?/L maternal diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, fetal development of cattle may be affected by maternal nutrition as early as day 39 of gestation. This may be followed by either compensatory fetal growth, or alternatively, preferential fetal tissue growth that is dependant upon maternal nutrition. Clearly, calf birth weight may be altered by maternal nutrition during mid-gestation.     

Suppression of acute ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis by docosahexaenoic acid is associated with downregulation of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 and inflammatory cytokines

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hepatic steatosis. Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to be effective in reducing hepatic accumulation of triglycerides (TG) by downregulation of TG biosynthesis in the liver. The aim of this study was to examine whether supplementation with the n-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can effectively reduce acute alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis. Acute alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis was generated in 9-week-old male mice (C57BL/6J) by oral gavage of ethanol (4.7 g/kg BW) diluted in water (60%, v/v), with or without DHA (250 mg/kg BW), every 12 h for 3 administrations. Compared to the control (ethanol-alone) group, animals supplemented with DHA were protected against ethanol-induced TG accumulation in the liver. Accordingly, hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) expression, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6 and TNF-α) in the liver were significantly reduced, whereas the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme that can improve cell survival in liver tissue, was markedly increased in DHA-supplemented mice compared to the control animals. There were no differences in serum TG level and hepatic production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) between the two groups. Our findings demonstrate that DHA supplementation protects against acute ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis, which may be associated with reduced expression of SCD-1 and inflammatory cytokines.     

Improved compensatory postural adjustments of the deep abdominals following exercise in people with chronic low back pain

The purpose of this study was to determine if 8 weeks of exercise affects motor control in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP), measured by anticipatory (APAs) and compensatory postural adjustments (CPAs). APAs and CPAs were measured prior to and following 8 weeks in two groups of people with CLBP: an exercise group (n = 12) who attended three exercise sessions per week for 8 weeks; and a non-exercise control group (n = 12) who were advised to continue their usual activities for the duration of the study. APAs and CPAs were recorded during unilateral arm flexion, bilaterally from rectus abdominis (RA), transverse abdominis/internal oblique (TA/IO), and erector spinae (ES) via surface electromyography. Analysis of muscle onsets and APA amplitudes suggests APAs did not change for either group. Ipsi-lateral TA/IO CPAs increased for the exercise group and ipsi-lateral TA/IO CPAs decreased for the control group. Only exercise promoted a pattern of TA/IO activity during CPAs similar to healthy individuals, suggesting improved control of rotational torques. These results show motor control improvement following exercise in people with CLBP, highlighted by improved side specific control of TA/IO.     

Docosahexanoic acid diet supplementation attenuates the peripheral mononuclear cell inflammatory response to exercise following LPS activation

Exercise induces changes in circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The aim was to investigate the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) diet supplementation on the plasma cytokine levels and on the peripheral mononuclear (PBMCs) cells cytokine production after a training season or an acute bout of exercise. Fifteen male soccer players were randomly assigned to a placebo or an experimental group. The experimental group consumed an almond-based beverage enriched with DHA, whereas the placebo group consumed the same beverage without DHA. Three blood samples were taken: in basal conditions at the beginning of the nutritional intervention and after eight weeks of training season in basal and post-exercise conditions. The DHA content increased in erythrocytes after 8 weeks of training and supplementation. Neither diet supplementation with DHA nor training season altered the basal plasma cytokines and growth factors. Only acute exercise significantly increased plasma IL6 in experimental and placebo groups. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation induced the inflammatory response in PBMCs, with a significant production rate of TNFα, IL6 and IL8 mainly after acute exercise. DHA supplementation significantly reduced the rate of TNFα and IL6 production by stimulated PBMCs. Acute exercise increased the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein levels in PBMCs, although the increase was only statistically significant in the placebo group. In conclusion, a training season does not induce significant changes in the circulating cytokine profile in well-trained soccer players. Exercise increases the PBMCs cell capabilities to produce cytokines after TLR4 stimulation with LPS and this rate of cytokine production is attenuated by diet DHA supplementation.     

The relationship between fetal and maternal selenium concentrations in sheep and goats

In this study, biological samples (slaughterhouse material) were collected from 30 sheep and 36 goats and classified according to gestational stage into either early or late gestation. Samples consisted of allantoic fluid, amniotic fluid, fetal liver, fetal kidney, fetal thyroid gland, maternal plasma and liver to determine selenium (Se) concentrations throughout gestation. The Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid, fetal liver and kidney increased significantly (p < 0.01) during late gestation. Concurrently, the Se concentrations in amniotic fluid, maternal plasma and liver decreased significantly (p < 0.01) over time. Significant (p < 0.01) positive relationships were recorded between the age of the fetus and Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid (r = 0.57–0.75), fetal liver (r = 0.43–0.59) and kidney (r = 0.80–0.81) in both sheep and goats. A significant (p < 0.05) positive relationships were also recorded between the Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid and fetal liver (r = 0.35–0.37), the maternal plasma and liver Se concentrations (r = 0.37–0.57) between sheep and goats. A significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation was recorded between the Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid with maternal plasma of sheep (r = −0.41) as well as between the fetal liver and maternal liver Se (r = −0.22 to 0.50) and a negative correlation (r = −0.42 to 0.43) (p < 0.01) between Se concentrations in the fetal liver and amniotic fluid in both sheep and goats, respectively. Se concentration in the fetal liver was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that of the kidney and thyroid. In the thyroid gland no morphological differences were noted. Strong fetal–maternal relationships in Se concentration were evident throughout the gestational period and dams seem to sacrifice Se levels in order to maintain that in the fetus. Se concentrations in the amniotic and allantoic fluids could be used as a possible indicator of the Se status of the fetus throughout gestation.     

Chronic central ghrelin infusion reduces blood pressure and heart rate despite increasing appetite and promoting weight gain in normotensive and hypertensive rats

Acute studies showed that ghrelin acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and sympathetic activity. However, the long-term CNS cardiovascular actions of ghrelin are still unclear. We tested whether chronic intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of ghrelin causes sustained reductions in BP, HR and whether it alters baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) and autonomic input to the heart. A cannula was placed in the lateral ventricle of male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats for ICV infusions via osmotic minipump (0.5 μl/h). BP and HR were measured 24-h/day by telemetry. After 5 days of control measurements, ghrelin (0.21 nmol/h) or saline vehicle were infused ICV for 10 days followed by a 5-day post-treatment period. Chronic ICV ghrelin infusion increased food intake (22 ± 3 to 26 ± 1 g/day) leading to ∼50 g body weight gain. BP fell slightly during ghrelin infusion while HR decreased by ∼26 bpm. In control animals BP and HR increased modestly. ICV Ghrelin infusion caused a 50% reduction in sympathetic tone to the heart but did not alter BRS. We also tested if the depressor responses to ICV ghrelin infusion were enhanced in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) due to their high basal sympathetic tone. However, we observed similar BP and HR responses compared to normotensive rats. These results indicate that ghrelin, acting via direct actions on the CNS, has a sustained effect to lower HR and a modest impact to reduce BP in normotensive and hypertensive animals despite increasing appetite and body weight.     

Physiological pathways involved in nutritional muscle dystrophy and healing in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvae

The potential muscle regeneration after nutritional dystrophy caused by high dietary DHA contents in fish and the physiological pathways involved are still unknown. To better understand this process, an experiment was conducted for 3 weeks in 14 day-old European sea bass larvae using different DHA ratios (1 or 5%). After this period, part of the larvae fed 5% DHA diet was switched to 1% DHA diet (“wash-out”) for another 2 weeks. Larvae fed 5% DHA diet showed altered oxidative status as indicated by the highest TBARS values, antioxidant enzymes (AOE) expression and incidence of muscular lesions. Accordingly, “washed-out” larvae showed lower dry weight and α-TOH content. IGF-I gene expression was elevated in 5% DHA larvae at 35 dph, suggesting increased muscle mitogenesis that was corroborated by the increase in myosin heavy chain expression. It can be concluded that high dietary DHA contents alter the oxidative status and cause muscular lesions in European sea bass larvae, with morphological and molecular aspects of mammalians muscular degenerative disease.     

Mid-trimester maternal plasma cytokines and CRP as predictors of spontaneous preterm birth

Most previous studies of maternal cytokines and preterm birth have analyzed immunologic biomarkers after the onset of labor or membrane rupture; fewer have examined the systemic (blood) immune response prior to labor onset. We carried out a case–control study nested in a large (n = 5337) prospective, multi-center cohort. Cohort women had an interview, examination, and venipuncture at 24–26 weeks. Frozen plasma samples in women with spontaneous preterm birth (n = 207) and approximately 2 term controls per case (n = 444) were analyzed using Luminex multianalyte profiling technology. Fresh placentas were fixed, stained, and blindly assessed for histologic evidence of infection/inflammation, decidual vasculopathy, and infarction, and vaginal swabs were analyzed for bacterial vaginosis and fetal fibronectin concentration. High maternal matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) concentration, but none of the other cytokines or C-reactive protein (CRP), was significantly associated with spontaneous preterm birth [adjusted OR = 1.7 (1.1–2.4)] and showed a dose–response relation across quartiles. No association was observed, however, between maternal MMP-9 and placental infection/inflammation, bacterial vaginosis, or vaginal fetal fibronectin concentration. Our results require confirmation in future studies but suggest that a systemic immune response implicating MMP-9 may have an etiologic role in spontaneous preterm birth.     

Characterization of anticancer properties of 2,6-diisopropylphenol–docosahexaenoate and analogues in breast cancer cells

The present study describes the characterization and evaluation of novel anticancer conjugates, 2,6-diisopropylphenol–docosahexaenoate (PP–DHA), and its analogues including 2,4-diisopropylphenol–docosahexaenoate (DIPP–DHA), 2-isopropylphenol–docosahexaenoate (IPP–DHA), 2-cyclohexanephenol-docosahexaenoate (CHP–DHA) and phenol–docosahexaenoate (P–DHA) on breast cancer cell lines. Representative breast cancer cell lines, based on estrogen α receptor (ER) and oncogene Her-2 expression, were used and include MDA-MB-231 (ER-negative, Her-2-negative), MCF-7 (ER-positive, Her-2-negative) AU565 (ER-negative, Her-2-positive) and MDA-MB-361 (ER-positive, Her-2-positive). The PP–DHA conjugate significantly inhibited cell growth and induced cell loss in the breast cancer cell lines similarly; however, this conjugate was not effective against normal mammary epithelial cells. The effect of various conjugates were in PP–DHA > IPP–DHA > DIPP–DHA > CHP–DHA >> P–DHA order. PP–DHA and IPP–DHA conjugates were stable in human and mouse serum. Furthermore, the non-hydrolyzable amide-linked conjugate analogues affected breast cancer cells in a manner similar to that of the ester-linked conjugates. This suggests that ester-linked PP–DHA and IPP–DHA conjugates were stable during treatment to breast cancer cells due to structural hindrance. PP–DHA did not affect PPARα or PPARγ activities but its anticancer effects appear to be mediated in part though the inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. Further experiments are needed to confirm their molecular target and to test the effectiveness of these compounds in an in vivo model for their anticancer properties. In conclusion, these results suggest that the novel PP–DHA and IPP–DHA conjugates and their amide derivatives may be useful for the treatment of breast cancer.     

Pregnancy and maternal iron deficiency stimulate hepatic CRBPII expression in rats

Iron deficiency impairs vitamin A (VA) metabolism in the rat but the mechanisms involved are unknown and the effect during development has not been investigated. We investigated the effect of pregnancy and maternal iron deficiency on VA metabolism in the mother and fetus. 54 rats were fed either a control or iron deficient diet for 2 weeks prior to mating and throughout pregnancy. Another 15 female rats followed the same diet and were used as non-pregnant controls. Maternal liver, placenta and fetal liver were collected at d21 for total VA, retinol and retinyl ester (RE) measurement and VA metabolic gene expression analysis. Iron deficiency increased maternal hepatic RE (P < .05) and total VA (P < .0001), fetal liver RE (P < .05), and decreased placenta total VA (P < .05). Pregnancy increased Cellular Retinol Binding Protein (CRBP)-II gene expression by 7 fold (P = .001), decreased VA levels (P = .0004) and VA metabolic gene expression (P < .0001) in the liver. Iron deficiency increased hepatic CRBPII expression by a further 2 fold (P = .044) and RBP4 by ~ 20% (P = .005), increased RBPR2 and decreased CRBPII, LRAT, and TTR in fetal liver, while it had no effect on VA metabolic gene expression in the placenta. Hepatic CRBPII expression is increased by pregnancy and further increased by iron deficiency, which may play an important role in VA metabolism and homeostasis. Maternal iron deficiency also alters VA metabolism in the fetus, which is likely to have consequences for development.     

Weekly iron folic acid supplementation plays differential role in maintaining iron markers level in non-anaemic and anaemic primigravida: A randomized controlled study

Anaemia during pregnancy is most commonly observed and highly prevalent in South-East Asia. Various effective programmes have been laid down for its management, mainly daily supplementation of iron folic acid (IFA) tablets. Following the same, standard obstetrical practice has included the IFA supplementation without requiring the determination of iron deficiency. In this study, a total of 120 primigravida (N = 60; non-anaemic (Hb > 11 g/dl) and N = 60 anaemic (Hb = 8–11 g/dl)) were selected among those attending the Antenatal Clinic in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India. They were supplemented with daily and weekly IFA tablets till 6 weeks postpartum. Corresponding changes in haemoglobin level on advance of pregnancy, side effects and compliance associated with daily and weekly IFA supplementation and its associations with iron status markers were studied. The inflammatory markers were also estimated. The statistical significance level (p < 0.05) between the groups were assessed by applying unpaired t-test using SPSS (version 16.0). The obtained results publicized the salutary role of daily IFA supplementation in improving the haemoglobin level and iron status markers in anaemic pregnant women though the levels could not reach up to the non-anaemic haemoglobin levels. However, weekly IFA supplementation seems to be a better approach in non-anaemic pregnant women where almost comparable results were obtained in terms of haematological parameters, gestation length and birth weight.ConclusionWeekly IFA supplementation found to be as effective as daily supplementation in iron sufficient non-anaemic pregnant women whereas anaemic pregnant women should be prescribed daily IFA supplementation irrespective of iron replete/deplete state.     

Endarterectomy patients with elevated levels of circulating IL-16 have fewer cardiovascular events during follow-up

Background and purposeIncreased interleukin 16 (IL-16) levels in carotid plaques have been associated with reduced incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events during follow-up in patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA). In the present study we aimed to determine whether high circulating levels of IL-16 also are associated with a decreased risk of CV events after CEA.MethodsPatients, who had their carotid plaques surgically removed (n = 473), were followed for a mean follow-up time of 3.1 years. Plasma levels of IL-16 the day before surgery were analyzed by proximity extension assay (PEA) and associated with the occurrence of CV events during follow-up (n = 98).ResultsHigh levels of circulating IL-16 were independently associated with a decreased risk of CV events when comparing the highest versus the lowest IL-16 tertile (hazard ratio [HR] 0.47; 95% CI 0.27–0.81; P = 0.007), as well as with CV deaths (HR 0.25; 95% CI 0.09–0.70; P = 0.008).ConclusionThese present findings indicate an association between IL-16 and less clinical complications of atherosclerosis in a population with known advanced carotid disease.