Effect of consumption of fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D and boron with regular physical activity on bone mechanical properties and corresponding metabolic hormones in rats

The consumption of fatty acids, nutrients, and regular physical activity, individually influence bone mechanical properties in rats. To investigate their effects in combination, male rats were divided into the seven groups: G1: regular food and drinking water; G2: same as Gr.1 + physical activity (Whole body vibration; WBV); G3: same as Gr.2 + Calcium, Vit. D, Boron; G4: same as Gr.3 + canola oil; G5: same as Gr.3 + sunflower oil; G6: same as Gr.3 + mix of sunflower oil and canola oil; and G7: same as Gr.3 + coconut oil; and treated for 8 weeks. Analysis between the control with the groups 2 and 3 revealed that vibration in the G2 increased the body weight (P = 0.04), with no other major difference in plasma and bone indices. Comparison between the control with the G4-G7 (the oil groups) revealed that the rats in the G5 had a lower body weight (15 % less) and a significant increase in plasma levels of Estradiol in the G7 was noted. In addition, levels of Testosterone in the G4 and G7, and Free Testosterone in the G7 had a remarkable increase. Similar trend was observed for plasma levels of Vit. D in the G4 and G5. The stiffness and the breaking strength of the femur in the G7, and the breaking strength of the lumbar in the G7 compared to the control and the G4 and G5 was significantly higher and tended to increase in comparison to the G6. Better and stronger measurements observed for coconut oil is warranted to further study its effect on biomechanical properties of bones.     

Novel Treatment for Lead Exposure in Children with Autism

The pathogenesis of some cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has been altered with changes in the balance of certain trace and toxic elements. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in smoker and nonsmoker male CVD patients (n?=?457) of two age groups (31–45) and (46–60). The both elements were determined in biological samples (scalp hair, blood, and urine) of CVD patients and healthy referents for comparison purpose. The concentrations of Zn and Cd were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. It was observed that the mean values of Cd were significantly higher in the biological samples of smokers CVD as compared to nonsmoker CVD patients, while the level of Zn was lower in both smoker and nonsmoker patients. The concentrations of Zn in whole blood and scalp hair samples were lower in CVD patients as compared to referents (p?>?0.001). Results showed significant changes of levels of Cd and Zn in blood and scalp hair samples of CVD patients when compared with healthy referents, while reverse in the case of urine samples. It was observed that low Zn levels were associated with both smoker and nonsmoker CVD patients, while increased cadmium accumulation was observed in smoker patients as compared to nonsmoker patients (p?>?0.025).     

The morphospace of Late Permian coiled nautiloids

Occurrences of Late Permian coiled nautiloids are widespread but they have never been analysed in terms of spatial and temporal disparity changes. Morphometric analyses using the cardinal Raupian conch parameters: conch width index, umbilical width index and whorl expansion rate with subsequent analysis by using principal components analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling, allow the construction of a nautiloid morphospace. The analyses show that there is a stable disparity in the coiled nautiloids from the Wuchiapingian to the Changhsingian. Differences between the three major Late Permian nautiloid occurrences (Salt Range, South China and Transcaucasus-NW Iran) are considerably small; the South Chinese occurrences, however, are characterized by many endemic genera. The most important variation in morphospace occupation is caused by environmental differences such as water depth.     

The effect of electroconvulsive therapy on blood glucose,creatinine levels,and lipid profile and its association with the type of psychiatric disorders

Although the mechanism of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is not clearly known, its effects on hormones have been widely studied. However, there are controversies about the effect of ECT on blood glucose level. In addition, the possible effects of ECT on the blood cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels are ignored research areas.     

Malondialdehyde,Bcl-2, Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase may Mediate the Association of Sonic Hedgehog Protein and Oxidative Stress in Autism

Sonic hedgehog signaling and brain-derived neurotrophic factor play a neuro-protective role against oxidative stress in autism. Sonic hedgehog also increases Bcl-2 expression and the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The level or activity of Bcl-2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase are decreased in autism. Sonic hedgehog also decreases the production of malondialdehyde that its level is high in autism. Therefore, it is supposed that sonic hedgehog may be associated with oxidative stress in autism through other pathways too.     

Targeting of Glycine Site on NMDA Receptor as a Possible New Strategy for Autism Treatment

The exact pathophysiology of the neurodevelopment disorder of autism is not clear and there is not any curative approach for it. There is only one FDA-approved medication for its management. Therefore, providing of novel treatments is highly required. The hypofunction of GABAergic system and glutamate toxicity are generally believed to have a causal role for autism. The antagonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) glutamate receptor improves autism. Glycine is required for the activation of NMDA receptor. The antagonist of glycine site decreases NMDA receptor conductance. It is hypothesis that glycine site antagonists can be tested as a new strategy for the management of autism.     

Targeting the mitochondrial electron transport chain in autism,a systematic review and synthesis of a novel therapeutic approach

Autism is a complex developmental disorder with an unknown etiology and without any curative treatment. The mitochondrial electron transfer chains play a major role in the production of ATP, and the generation and management of reactive oxidative stress (ROS). This paper is a systematic review of the role of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in autism, and a consequent hypothesis for treating autism is synthesized.An electronic search with pre-specified inclusion criteria was conducted in order to retrieve all the published articles about the mitochondrial electron transport chain in autism. The two databases of PUBMED and Google Scholar were searched.From one hundred twenty five retrieved titles, 12 (three case control study and 9 case reports) articles met inclusion criteria. All of the included studies indicated dysfunction of electron transport chain in autism.The mitochondrial electron transfer chain seems impaired in some children with autism and ROS production is additionally enhanced. It is hypothesized that interventions involving alternative electron shuttling may improve autism through lowering the production of ROS. In addition, it is expected that this alternative electron shuttling to cytochrome c might enhance the production of ATP which is impaired in the disorder.