Iron supplementation during malaria infection in pregnancy and childhood:A review

Malaria presents a significant global public health challenge,with severe malarial anaemia being a primary manifestation of the disease.The understanding of anaemia caused by malaria remains incomplete,making the treatment more complex.Iron is a crucial micronutrient essential for haemoglobin synthesis,oxygen delivery,and other vital metabolic functions in the body.It is indispensable for the growth of human beings,as well as bacteria,protozoa,and viruses in vitro and in vivo.Iron deficiency is among the most common nutritional deficiencies and can have detrimental effects during developmental stages of life.Malaria-induced iron deficiency occurs due to the hemolysis of erythrocytes and the suppression of erythropoiesis,leading to anaemia.Meeting iron requirements is particularly critical during pivotal life stages such as pregnancy,infancy,and childhood.Dietary intake alone may not suffice to meet adequate iron requirements,thus highlighting the vital role of iron supplementation.While iron supplementation can alleviate iron deficiency,it can exacerbate malaria infection by providing additional iron for the parasites.However,in the context of pregnancy and childhood,iron supplementation combined with malaria prevention and treatment has been shown to be beneficial in improving birth outcomes and ensuring proper growth and development,respectively.This review aims to identify the role and impact of iron supplementation in malaria infection during the life stages of pregnancy and childhood.

Effect of organic mineral supplementation in reducing oxidative stress in Holstein calves during short‑term heat stress and recovery conditions

Background This study investigated the effects of inorganic and organic minerals on physiological responses,oxidative stress reduction,and rumen microbiota in Holstein bull calves(123.81±9.76 kg;5 months old)during short-term heat stress(HS)and recovery periods.Eight Holstein calves were randomly assigned to four treatment groups:no mineral supplementation(Con),inorganic minerals(IM),organic minerals(OM),and high-concentration organic minerals(HOM)and two thermal environments(HS and recovery)using 4×2 factorial arrangement in a crossover design of four periods of 35 d.Calves were maintained in a temperature-controlled barn.The experimental period consisted of 14 d of HS,14 d of recovery condititon,and a 7-d washing period.Results Body temperature and respiration rate were higher in HS than in the recovery conditions(P<0.05).Selenium concentration in serum was high in the HOM-supplemented calves in both HS(90.38μg/dL)and recovery periods(102.00μg/dL)(P<0.05).During the HS period,the serum cortisol was 20.26 ng/mL in the HOM group,which was 5.60 ng/mL lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The total antioxidant status was the highest in the OM group(2.71 mmol Trolox equivalent/L),followed by the HOM group during HS,whereas it was highest in the HOM group(2.58 mmol Trolox equivalent/L)during the recovery period(P<0.05).Plasma malondialdehyde and HSP70 levels were decreased by HOM supplementation during the HS and recovery periods,whereas SOD and GPX levels were not significantly affected(P>0.05).The principal coordinate analysis represented that the overall rumen microbiota was not influenced by mineral supplementation;however,temperature-induced microbial structure shifts were indicated(PERMANOVA:P<0.05).At the phylum level,Firmicutes and Actinobacteria decreased,whereas Fibrobacteres,Spirochaetes,and Tenericutes increased(P<0.05),under HS conditions.The genus Treponema increased under HS conditions,while Christensenella was higher in recovery conditions(P<0.05).Conclusion HOM supplementation during HS reduced cortisol concentrations and increased total antioxidant status in Holstein bull calves,suggesting that high organic mineral supplementation may alleviate the adverse effects of HS.

Impact of Different Rates of Nitrogen Supplementation on Soil PhysicochemicalProperties and Microbial Diversity in Goji Berry

Goji berry(Lycium barbarum L.)is substantially dependent on nitrogen fertilizer application,which can signifi-cantly enhance fruit yield and Goji berry industrial development in Ningxia,China.This study aimed to analyze the functions of differential nitrogen application rates including low(N1),medium(N2),and high(N3)levels in soil microbial community structure(bacterial and fungal)at 2 diverse soil depths(0-20,20-40 cm)through high-throughput sequencing technology by targeting 16S RNA gene and ITS1&ITS2 regions.All the observed physicochemical parameters exhibited significant improvement(p<0.05)with increased levels of nitrogen and the highest values for most parameters were observed at N2.However,pH decreased(p<0.05)gradually.The alpha and beta diversity analyses for bacterial and fungal communities’metagenome displayed more similarities than differences among all groups.The top bacterial and fungal phyla and genera suggested no obvious(p>0.05)differences among three group treatments(N1,N2,and N3).Furthermore,the functional enrichment analysis demonstrated significant(p<0.05)enrichment of quorum sensing,cysteine and methionine metabolism,and transcriptional machinery for bacterial communities,while various saprotrophic functional roles for fungal communities.Conclusively,moderately reducing the use of N-supplemented fertilizers is conducive to increasing soil nitrogen utilization rate,which can contribute to sustainable agriculture practices through improved soil quality,and microbial community structure and functions.

Impact of Periconceptional Multi-micronutrient Supplementation on Gestation:A Population-based Study

Objective To examine the effect of periconceptional multi‐micronutrient supplementation on gestation and birth outcomes.Methods A population‐based community intervention program was conducted in 18 counties in China.Participants were divided into an intervention group,who received multi‐micronutrient supplementation from at least 3 months before pregnancy throughout the first trimester,and a control group.Pregnant women were followed up to record information about birth outcomes.Maternal socio‐economic characteristics and main birth outcomes were evaluated.Gestational age was further analyzed using survival analysis,to determine the time distribution of delivery.Results Periconceptional multi‐micronutrient supplementation was associated with higher birth weight,birth length and occipitofrontal head circumference,and with lower incidence rates for stillbirth,low birth weight,and preterm birth.Moreover,periconceptional multi‐micronutrient supplementation changed the time distribution of delivery,making the deliveries more clustered in the period between day 275 and day 295 of gestation.Conclusion Our study shows that periconceptional multi‐micronutrient supplementation is beneficial for fetal development and optimizes all measured aspects of health in neonates in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in China.The change in time distribution of deliveries caused by multi‐micronutrient supplementation needs further clarification.

Effect of Acacia albida Leaf Supplementation on Reproductive Parameters and Pre-Weaning Growth of Arabian Lambs

A trial on Acacia albida leaf supplementation on reproductive parameters and pre-weaning growth of Arabian lambs was conducted from September 2020 to May 2021 at the small ruminant station of the Livestock Research Institute for Development (IRED) in N’Djamena, Chad. Forty-eight (48) Arabian sheep (45 non-pregnant females and 3 males for a sex ratio of 1 ram to 15 ewes) with an average weight of 20.3 ± 1.2 kg and aged approximately 2 years were divided into 3 groups of 15 ewes each. The supplemented group received in addition to the dominant forage of the pasture (300 g of Dactyloctenium aegyptium + 300 g of Cenchrus ciliaris + 600 g of Panicum maximum), 400 g and 600 g of Acacia albida leaves/animal/day while the control group received only 300 g of Dactyloctenium aegyptium + 300 g of Cenchrus ciliaris + 600 g of Panicum maximum. From the results of this study, it appears that the ewes that received 400 g of Acacia albida leaves had a significantly higher fertility rate and birth mortality rate (93.03% and 6.25% respectively). Animals in the control group had a significantly higher pre-weaning mortality rate than those receiving Acacia albida leaves as a supplement (16.66% versus 6.66% and 14.28% respectively). The highest weight of the lambs was observed in the ration supplemented with 600 g of Acacia albida leaves (12209.66 g). The total weight gain, as well as the average daily weight gain of the lambs receiving the 600 g Acacia albida leaf ration was significantly higher than those of the other rations. Supplementation with 400 g and 600 g of Acacia albida leaves can be recommended as a protein supplement for breeding ewes and pre-weaned lambs.

Effect of perioperative branched chain amino acids supplementationin liver cancer patients undergoing surgical intervention: Asystematic review

performed independently by authors(Yap KY,Chi H,Ng S)identified 50 studies for full-text evaluation.Finally,12 prospective RCTs and 4 non-randomised studies(1 non-randomised trial and 3 observational studies)were included.A detailed PRISMA diagram is shown in Figure 1.The studies included were assessed for risk of bias,with a summary of the assessment shown in Figure 2 and Table 1 for trials and non-interventional studies,respectively.The PRISMA checklist is appended in Supplementary Figure 1.

Assessment of effectiveness of oral supplementation of isolated fiber of carrot on metabolic parameters in mature rats

This present study was conducted to evaluate the metabolic effects of isolated fi ber of carrot supplementation in rats.Physicochemical properties of fi ber were determined.The groups were as follows:animals fed a standard diet,control group;high fi ber supplementation(70 mg);low fi ber supplementation(35 mg);for 12 weeks.Blood samples were collected at the time of sacrifi ce.The weights of heart,liver,kidneys and spleen of the experimental rats with respect to body weight were recorded.Commercial kits were used to determine serum glucose concentration,lipid profi le(cholesterol,HDL-cholesterol,triglycerides),and the two main aminotransferases glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase(GOT)/glutamate-pyruvate transaminase(GPT).A histopathological assay was performed on the heart,liver,and spleen tissues of animals.Supplementation with fi ber favors weight loss in female((242.03±23.73)-(197.81±10.45)g);and male rats((262.50±32.21)-(213.96±12.56)g and induces a decrease in glucose levels in the supplemented animals.With the exception of total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,the other lipid fractions decrease signifi cantly in rats supplemented.Fiber supplementation did not induce changes in the dissected organs of the supplemented animals.In conclusion supplementation of fiber,improves glucose control,lower plasma lipid concentrations and reduced body weight in normal rats.

Maternal Supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii to Sows from Late Gestation through Lactation Impacts the Neutrophil Function of the Sow and the Innate Immune Status of Progeny Short-Term

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the potential immunomodulatory effect of maternal supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (Scb) from late gestation until the end of lactation on the immune phenotype of her progeny. Eighteen sows were fed 2 boluses per day of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CMCN-1079 (probiotic;PRO, n = 9) or placebo (CON, n = 9) starting at gestational day (GD) 84 and continuing until 21 days post-farrowing (end of lactation). Sow blood samples were collected every 7 days post-supplementation during gestation and 24-h post-farrowing and end of lactation. Blood samples were taken from 84 female pigs (n = 42 per sow treatment group) at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days old to assess innate and adaptive immune measures. Minimal effects of Scb supplementation were found on sow immune status during gestation and lactation, except for PRO-treated sows that had enhanced neutrophil function (P and mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation after 51 days of treatment (P < 0.0001). Overall, pigs from PRO-treated sows had higher C5a- and IL-8-induced neutrophil chemotaxis, NK cytotoxicity, and mitogen-induced B-lymphocyte proliferation than those from CON sows (P inimal effect on the sows but postnatal maternal exposure to Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii supplementation modulated the immune status of the progeny beyond the lactation period resulting in those from PRO-treated sows having more enhanced neutrophil function and B-cell proliferative response in the short term. Therefore, these data imply that including yeast probiotics in maternal diets may have carry-over effects in priming offspring’s immune function, especially neutrophil function and B-cell proliferation in the short term.

Cohort Study on Benefit of Martial Supplementation with EDTA Sodium Iron in Management of Gravidic Anemia at the University Clinics of Kinshasa

Background: Anemia is mainly attributed to nutritional deficiency, especially iron deficiency, which predominates during pregnancy, and is associated with parasitic diseases such as malaria and intestinal parasitosis, acute or chronic diseases such as sickle cell disease, tuberculosis, HIV infection and various micronutrients disorders. It is associated with an increased risk of low birth weight and prematurity and can contribute to impaired cognitive development in early childhood, as well as to maternal mortality. The impact on the fetus is even greater if maternal anemia onset is at an early stage, or prior to pregnancy. Iron salts, such as sulfate or fumarate, are widely used in the treatment of gravidic anemia, but due to various gastrointestinal side effects, many pregnant women are not compliant with treatment. Sodium iron EDTA, on the other hand, is highly absorbable and bioavailable. The latter improves hematological values and appears to be free from the usual iron-related side effects, hence compliance with this supplementation. Objectives: To evaluate the evolution of hemoglobin levels after sodium iron EDTA supplementation at the university Clinics of Kinshasa, to determine the frequency of gravidic anemia, the dose-dependent benefit of sodium iron EDTA supplementation in pregnant women and to identify factors associated with insufficient hemoglobin gain after supplementation. Methods: This longitudinal cohort will take place in the gynecology department of the University Clinics of Kinshasa from September 2022 to August 2023 and will include at least 54 pregnant women with anemia. Conclusion: The study will enable us to better assess the benefits of sodium iron EDTA in improving hematological values, as well as its tolerability in pregnant women suffering from anemia during pregnancy in our environment.

Efficacy of probiotics supplementation in amelioration of celiac disease symptoms and enhancement of immune system

Patients with celiac disease(CD)have a mucosal layer that is unable to regulate the gut microbiota,leaving the host vulnerable to dangerous infections and antigens.When compared to healthy people,this dysbiosis is marked by a decrease in intra-and intergeneric biodiversity,which demonstrates an imbalance between helpful bacteria and possibly harmful or proinflammatory species.The early gut microbiota is influenced by the genotype of newborns with the HLADQ2 haplotypes,and this may modify how gluten is handled in the intestinal lumen,polarize innate or adaptive immune responses,and result in glutensensitive enteropathy.The outcome of gluten digestion can vary depending on the composition of the intestinal gut bacteria and the partial conversion of gluten into peptides larger than ten amino acids in the small intestines,which can be immunogenic.In the small intestine,114 different bacterial strains belonging to 32 different species have 27 of them exhibiting peptidolytic activity.Thus,the individual risk of developing a gluten-related illness is further influenced by microbial composition and gluten degrading capacity.The conclusion that lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium spp.may be used as a probiotic supplement in CD patients is based on their shared possession of the most extensive peptidolytic and proteolytic activity thought to be engaged in the breakdown of gluten among all potential bacterial genera present in the gut microbiota.In children with CD autoimmunity,daily oral dose of Lactobacillus.plantarum HEAL9 and Lactobacillus.paracasei 8700:2 was found to modify the peripheral immune response.Bifidobacterium.breve strains have demonstrated a beneficial effect on reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-production in CD children on gluten-free diets.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate supplementation in health and diseases

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEAS)is a hormone produced by the zona reticularis of the adrenal gland and the ovaries.Initially considered as an inert compound merely serving as an intermediate in the conversion of cholesterol to androgens,interest in DHEA began to grow in the 1960s when it was found that DHEAS is the most abundant steroid hormone in human plasma and that its levels decline with age.In many countries,DHEA is considered a nutritional supplement.It has been used for a multitude of conditions which include sexual dysfunction,infertility,genitourinary syndrome of menopause,musculoskeletal disorders,cardiovascular diseases,ageing,neurological diseases,autoimmune conditions,adrenal insufficiency,and anorexia nervosa.We describe an overview of the historical evolution of DHEA,its physiology,and the disease states where it has been evaluated as a supplement.

Adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation and associated factors amongmothers receiving antenatal care in Lira district, Uganda

Background:Prenatal iron and folic acid supplementation is an economical strategy for reducing iron and folic acid deficiency anemia among expectant mothers in resource-limited countries like Uganda.This study aimed to assess the level of compliance with iron and folic acid supplementation(IFAS)and identify associated factors among mothers receiving prenatal services in Lira district,Uganda.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinic of Lira Regional Referral Hospital,involving 252 pregnant mothers.Adherence levels to IFAS were evaluated using a visual analogue scale,and associated factors were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire.The data were analyzed using SPSS software,and the results were presented in tables.Results:Only 46%of the mothers attending the antenatal clinic adhered to IFAS during the 30 days preceding the study.Participants who had good knowledge of IFAS before recruitment(odds ratio(OR)1.49,95%confidence interval(CI)1.12–1.97),utilized reminder techniques(OR 1.05,95%CI 1.02–1.09),and received support from their partners or relatives(OR 1.56,95%CI 1.07–2.29)were more likely to have good adherence.The main reasons for missing IFAS were forgetfulness and fear of taking too many tablets.Conclusions:There was a low adherence rate to IFAS among mothers attending antenatal clinics in Lira district.Further investigations are recommended to identify barriers to adherence,and comprehensive health education programs should be provided to pregnant mothers.

Review on dietary supplements as an effective improvement of Alzheimer's disease:focus on structures and mechanisms

Alzheimer’s disease(AD),the major form of neurodegenerative diseases that can severely impede normal cognitive function,makes it one of the most common fatal diseases.There are currently over 50 million AD patients worldwide.The neuropathology of AD is perplexing and there is a scarcity of disease-modifying treatments.Currently,early diagnosis of AD has been made possible with the discovery of biological markers associated with pathology,providing strong support for the improvement of the disease status.The search for inhibitors of AD markers from dietary supplements(DSs)has become a major hot topic.Especially with the widespread use of DSs,DSs containing polyphenols,alkaloids,terpenes,polysaccharides and other bioactive components can prevent AD by reducing Aβdeposition,inhibiting tau protein hyperphosphorylation,reconstructing synaptic dysfunction,weakening cholinesterase activity,regulating mitochondrial oxidative stress,neuronal inflammation and apoptosis.This review summarizes the anti-AD effects of the main DSs and their bioactive constituents,as well as the potential molecular mechanisms covers from 2017 to 2023.Additionally,we discussed the opportunities and challenges faced by DSs in the process of AD prevention and treatment,aiming to further provide new perspectives for functional food development.

Efficacy of a Diabetes Specific Nutritional Supplement (DSNS) on Glycemic Response in Prediabetic Adults: A Two-Armed, Open-Labelled Randomized Controlled Study

It is well known that Diabetes Specific Nutritional Supplements (DSNSs) are linked to improved glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. However, data on efficacy of DSNSs in prediabetics is limited. This was a two-armed, open-labelled, randomized controlled six-week study on 199 prediabetics [30 - 65 years;Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) 5.7% - 6.4% and/or Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) 100-125 mg/dl]. Two parallel phases were conducted: Acute Blood Glucose Response (ABGR) and Intervention phase. Prediabetic participants were randomized into test (n = 100) and control (n = 99). The primary objective was to assess the ABGR of DSNS versus an isocaloric snack, measured by incremental Area under the Curve (iAUC). Test and control received 60 g of DSNS and 56 g of isocaloric snack (cornflakes) respectively, both in 250 ml double-toned milk on visit days 1, 15, 29 and 43. Postprandial Blood Glucose (PPG) was estimated at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes. During the 4 weeks intervention phase, the test group received DSNS with lifestyle counselling (DSNS + LC) and was compared with the control receiving lifestyle counselling alone (LC alone). Impact was studied on FBG, HbA1C, anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, nutrient intake, and physical activity. The impact of DSNS was also studied using CGM between two 14-day phases: CGM1 baseline (days 1 - 14) and CGM2 endline (days 28 - 42). DSNS showed significantly lower PPG versus isocaloric snack at 30 (p 12, and chromium were reported by DSNS + LC versus LC alone. No other significant changes were reported between groups. It may be concluded that DSNS may be considered as a snack for prediabetic or hyperglycemic individuals requiring nutritional support for improved glycemic control.

Parent-offspring relationship recognition based on SSR and mtDNA confirmed resource supplement effect of Fenneropenaeus chinensis release

The resource of Fenneropenaeus chinensis has declined sharply due to excessive fishing intensity,ecological changes and diseases.In order to supplement the fishing yield and restore resources of F.chinensis,the relevant authorities have carried out the activities of stock enhancement and releasing.It can increase biomass and recover resources.However,compared with increasing biomass,there were still few reports on its effect on the recovery of resources.Resource recovery is a process related to whether the released individuals can form a reproductive population.Up to now,there has been a lack of evidence whether the released F.chinensis can complete the entire life history,and form reproduction population.In this study,gravid female shrimp after spawning migration were captured from coastal waters of Haiyang,Qingdao,and Yellow Sea.After identifying parentage relationships using simple sequence repeat(SSR)and mtDNA haplotype,it was finally confirmed that there were eight released individuals in the recapture samples.It was confirmed for the first time that at least part of the released F.chinensis can complete overwintering and reproductive migration,and maintain the migration habits as their wild counterparts.Therefore,we infered that the released shrimp can reproduce under natural conditions,these F.chinensis can form reproductive populations theoretically if without human intervention.These results indicated that enhancenment and release activities have a positive effect on resource recovery.

Effects of a Regional Chinese Diet and Its Vitamin Supplementation on Proliferation of Human Esophageal Cancer Cell Lines

Objective To study the effects of a local diet popular in Yanling region （YT diet） on the proliferation of two human cell lines （Eca-109 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma line and HL7702 normal liver epithelial cell line） in rats by a sero-physiological approach. Methods Male SD rats were divided into six groups and fed respectively with a conventional diet and the YT diet （one of the five experimental diets） supplemented with two vitamin mixtures （Mix.1： vitamins A, E, and folic acid; Mix.2：mix.1 plus riboflavin and vitamin C） at two different doses. On the 30th day, sera were collected from the rats and added into a medium for cell culture, with 10% FBS used as a serum control. The effects were assessed by MTT assay, DNA synthesis and flow cytometry assays. Results Compared with the control, the sera from rats fed with the YT diet significantly promoted the proliferation of Eca-109 cells, which was, however, reversed by the supplementation with two vitamin mixtures at high doses. Surprisingly, the same treatment produced contrary effects on HL7702 cells as compared with Eca-109 cells. Conclusion The sera from rats fed with the YT diet could promote the proliferation of human esophageal cancer cell line Eca-109, whereas the sera from those fed with the YT diet supplemented with vitamin mixtures might have inhibitory effects on the proliferation of Eca-109 ceils.

Hormonal replacement therapy and aging: Asian practical recommendations on testosterone supplementation

<abstract>Profound and diffuse alterations in the production of gonadal and adrenal androgens as well as growth hormone are associated with aging. To convey this concept more appropriately, partial endocrine deficiency in the aging male (PEDAM) was introduced as a term for the phenomenon of hormonal alterations in the aging male. Hormones responsible for some of the manifestations associated with male aging are testosterone, growth hormone, dehydroepiansdrosterone (DHEA), melatonin, thyroid hormones and leptin. Of these, testosterone has been widely investigated and its beneficial and adverse effects on male bodily systems are relatively well established. However, a serious body of confusion and misunderstandings surrounding the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of men suspected of having androgen deficiency has been raised. Therefore, it is timely to provide practical criteria for diagnosis and treatment to avoid misconception about the use of testosterone in the aging male. To provide an understanding and information of the issues, the following headings are summarized: (1) Important clinical consideration on testosterone supplementation in the aging male; (2) Asian practical recommendations on testosterone supplementation in the aging male.

Change of BMD after Weaning or Resumption of Menstruation in Chinese Women with Different FokI VDR-genotypes:A Randomized,Placebo-controlled,Calcium Supplementation Trial

Objective To investigate the effect of calcium supplementation on bone mineral density （BMD） in Chinese women with different Fokl vitamin D receptor （VDR） genotypes （FF, Ff, and ff） after weaning or resumption of menstruation during lactation. Methods A total of 40 subjects with the same Fokl VDR genotype were randomly divided into two groups： one received calcium tablet （600 mg once daily as CaCO3） and the other placebo tablet once daily for 1 year. At baseline, BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at lumbar spine （L2-L4） and at left hip whereas serum PICP, serum OC, and urinary CTX, serum 25（OH）VitD3, and serum estradiol were measured at weaning and I year thereafter. Results After the intervention, BMD at lumbar spine and at left hip increased significantly in all these women with a trend among different Fokl VDR genotypes such as FF 〉 Ff 〉 ff （P〈O.05, 〈0.01, and 〈0.001, respectively）. BMD at lumbar spine in women with FF VDR genotype increased much more rapidly than in those with ff VDR genotype （P〈0.05）. Compared with the control group women with the FF genotype regained more BMD after calcium supplementation （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Daily calcium 600 mg supplementation has beneficial effect on the bone health of women with FF VDR genotype.

Association of Estrogen Receptor-α Gene PvuII Polymorphisms with the Effect of Calcium Supplementation on Skeletal Development in Chinese Pubertal Girls

Objective To investigate the association of estrogen receptor alpha （ER-c0 PvulI polymorphisms with the effect of calcium supplementation on bone development in Chinese pubertal girls, and to study the importance of calcium supplementation by maximizing the peak bone mass at their pubertal stage for bone development and osteoporosis prevention and the role of estrogen in regulating bone mass. Methods Ninety-four pubertal girls were recruited in the study and divided into two groups and three sub-groups according to the ER-α PvulI polymorphisms. One year before and after calcium supplementation, bone mineral density （BMD） was measured by DEXA, while BGP, BAP, TRACP5b, and 25-OH-VitD3, as well as estrogen were detected by ELISA. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the effect of ER-ct polymorphisms on bone development. Results The absolute increase and percentage change of BGP were significantly higher in the supplemented group than in the control group （P〈0.05）. In the intervened group, The increase and percentage change of the total body and radio distal 1/3 BMD were higher in PP than in PP genotype （P〈0.05）, and the increase of BAP in Pp was also higher than PP in the same group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion PP genotype shows a better response to calcium supplementation than the other Pvull polymorphisms.

Microalgae:A potential alternative to health supplementation for humans

Microalgae has been consumed in human diet for thousands of years.It is an under-exploited crop for production of dietary foods.Microalgae cultivation does not compete with land and resources required for traditional crops and has a superior yield compared to terrestrial crops.Its high protein content has exhibited a huge potential to meet the dietary requirements of growing population.Apart from being a source of protein,presence of various bio-active components in microalgae provide an added health benefit.This review describes various microalgal sources of proteins and other bio-active components.One of the heavily studied group of bio-active components are pigments due to their anticarcenogenic,antioxidative and antihypertensive properties.Compared to various plant and floral species,microalgae contain higher amounts of pigments.Microalgal derived proteins have complete Essential Amino Acids(EAA)profiles and their protein content is higher than conventional sources such as meat,poultry and dairy products.However,microalgal based functional foods have not flooded the market.The lack of awareness coupled with scarce incentives for producers result in under-exploitation of microalgal potential.Application of microalgal derived components as dietary and nutraceutical supplements is discussed comprehensively.