Search Results (2,095)

Vitamin D is crucial for ideal bone health and good muscle function, both essential requirements for successful joint arthroplasty. Hence, vitamin D deficiency has recently been identified as a predictor of poorer outcomes in patients scheduled to undergo total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Moreover, there is ample evidence today that vitamin D deficiency is associated with periprosthetic joint infection. Yet, vitamin D deficiency seems to be frequent in patients who are scheduled to undergo TJA. However, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients who require revision arthroplasty (rTJA) is largely unknown. Further, risk factors of vitamin D deficiency in these patients remain to be elucidated. For this reason, the primary objective of this study was to assess the vitamin D status of patients scheduled to undergo rTJA of the hip, knee and shoulder. The secondary objective was to identify potential risk factors for hypovitaminosis D in these patients. Serum vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels of 249 patients who were scheduled for rTJA were assessed over a period of twelve months at a high-volume TJA centre. Collectively, 23% of patients reported a routine intake of vitamin D supplements (58/249). Notably, 81% of patients (155/191) who did not report a routine vitamin D intake presented with insufficient vitamin D levels (below 30 ng/mL), while only 19% of patients (36/191) had sufficient vitamin D levels. Of those who reported a routine vitamin D intake, 75% (43/58) had sufficient vitamin D levels, while 25% (15/58) showed insufficient vitamin D status. Patients who did not routinely take any vitamin D supplements had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to patients who reported regular vitamin D intake (19.91 ng/mL vs. 40.66 ng/mL). Further, BMI and nicotine abuse were identified as potential risk factors for hypovitaminosis D in patients without vitamin D supplementation. Moreover, the season of spring seems to be a risk factor in patients with vitamin D supplementation, while age itself did not appear to be a significant risk factor for low vitamin D levels. In conclusion, we found an alarmingly high rate of vitamin D deficiency in patients scheduled to undergo rTJA. Notably, reported routine vitamin D supplementation showed significantly increased serum vitamin D levels compared to patients with no reported supplementation. Due to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, we believe that vitamin D status should routinely be assessed in patients who are scheduled to undergo rTJA. Full article

Indole alkaloids, a class of plant-derived nitrogen-containing compounds, have emerged as promising candidates for osteoporosis treatment. Their favorable biocompatibility profile demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models, and low reported toxicity make them attractive alternatives to existing therapies. This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of specific indole alkaloids, including vindoline, rutaecarpine, harmine, and its derivatives, in promoting bone health and managing osteoporosis. Full article

Background and Objectives: Proteomics encompasses the exploration of protein composition, regulation, function, and pathways. Its influence spans diverse clinical fields and holds promise in addressing various women’s health conditions, including cancers, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disorders. However, no comprehensive summary of proteomics and menopausal health exists. Our objective was to summarize proteomic profiles associated with diseases and disorders in peri- and postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane database, Elsevier, and ScienceDirect until 2022. A total of 253 studies were identified, and 41 studies met the inclusion criteria to identify data of interest. These included the study design, disease, and proteomics/proteins of significance, as described by the authors. Results: The 41 studies covered diverse areas, including bone disorders (10 studies), cardiovascular diseases (5 studies), oncological malignancies (10 studies), and various conditions, such as obesity, nonalcoholic liver disease, the effects of hormone replacement therapy, and neurological diseases (16 studies). The results of our study indicate that proteomic profiles correlate with heart disease in peri- and postmenopausal women, with distinct sex differences. Furthermore, proteomic profiles significantly differ between women with and without osteoporosis. Additionally, patients with breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer exhibit notable variations in proteomic profiles compared to those without these conditions. Conclusions: Proteomics has the potential to enhance risk assessment and disease monitoring in peri- and postmenopausal women. By analyzing unique protein profiles, clinicians can identify individuals with heightened susceptibility to specific diseases or those already affected by established conditions. This review suggests that there is sufficient preliminary data related to proteomics in peri- and postmenopausal women for early identification of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancers, disease monitoring, and tailoring individualized therapies. Rigorous validation studies involving large populations are essential before drawing definitive conclusions regarding the clinical applicability of proteomic findings. Full article

Myasthenia gravis (MG) patients often require long-term glucocorticoid therapy, which may affect bone health. This study aimed to assess long-term changes in bone mineral density (BMD), evaluate osteoporotic fracture incidence, and examine the relationship between MG-specific factors and bone health outcomes over a 10-year period. This single-center, prospective cohort study included 28 MG patients. BMD, T-scores, Z-scores, and bone turnover markers were measured at baseline. FRAX^® scores were calculated and adjusted for glucocorticoid dose. Fracture occurrence was monitored for over 10 years. Five (17.9%) patients experienced major osteoporotic fractures during follow-up. The fracture group had significantly lower baseline BMD and T-scores than the no-fracture group. Baseline FRAX^® scores for major osteoporotic fracture risk were significantly higher in the fracture group (median 19.0% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.001). The fracture group progressed from osteopenia at baseline to osteoporosis by the end of this study. This study highlights the importance of early and regular bone health assessments in MG patients, particularly those receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy. The FRAX^® tool may be valuable for fracture risk stratification in this population. These findings can inform clinical practice and improve long-term management strategies for MG patients who are at risk of osteoporotic fractures. Full article

Climate change has led to increased and varying pest infestation patterns, triggering a rise in pesticide usage and exposure. The effects of oxamyl, a widely used nematicide in Egypt, encompasses typical signs of carbamate intoxication; nevertheless, long-term effects of oxamyl exposure, particularly on the nervous system, require further elucidation. This study systematically investigated the mechanism and manifestations of repeated subacute exposure to sublethal doses of oxamyl in male SD rats. Data showed a dose-dependent genotoxic effect, manifested as increased bone marrow micronuclei and decreased brain expression of key genes involved in neurogenesis and neuronal development. Coincidently, brain histopathology showed dose-dependent neurodegeneration in various regions, associated with a significant increase in GFAP immunoreactivity, indicative of neuroinflammation. Biochemical examination revealed a typical pattern of cholinesterase inhibition by carbamates in serum and brain tissue, as well as increased oxidative stress markers in the brain such as SOD activity reduction, alongside an increase in NO and MDA. The ability of Ginseng at a 100 mg/Kg dose to ameliorate the effects of oxamyl exposure was investigated. Ginseng use, either as a protective or therapeutic regimen, attenuated the observed genotoxic, neuroinflammatory, and biochemical alterations. Our results indicate that repeated exposure to oxamyl triggers an integrative neurotoxic response, driven by genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, that could trigger an increase in neurological and cognitive disorders. These findings emphasize the urgent need for confirmatory translational studies in human subjects to assess these changes and inform policy decisions regarding safe levels of usage and appropriate agricultural and public health practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lifelong team handball/football training on regional bone health and body composition in elderly women. Methods: Seventeen elderly women team handball/football players (65.9 ± 5.7 years) and twenty-one untrained age-matched women (controls) (67.7 ± 5.1 years) participated. Whole-body and regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of arms, legs, and lower spine (L1–L4) were performed. Results: We observed 8% and 9% higher bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), respectively, at the whole-body level and in the legs and 11.5% higher BMC in the legs in team handball/football players compared to untrained age-matched controls (p < 0.05). Higher total and leg lean body mass (p < 0.05), along with lower total body fat percentage (p < 0.05) and higher T- and Z-scores, markers of fragility risk fracture (0.294 ± 1.461 vs. −0.538 ± 1.031; 1.447 ± 1.278 vs. 0.724 ± 0.823, respectively), were also found in team handball/football players compared to controls (p < 0.05). No significant differences in nutritional habits were observed between groups. Conclusions: Our study suggest that the beneficial effects of lifetime handball/football practice on bone preservation in elderly women occur independently from nutritional intake, which emphasize the potential role of team sports in osteoporosis prevention. Future studies should focus on the cofounding factors and causative mechanisms mediated by team sport practice in osteoporosis prevention. Full article

Potassium is a cation involved in the resting phase of membrane potential. Diets rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and coffee have high potassium content. The shift from a pre-agriculture diet to today’s consumption has led to reduced potassium intake. Indeed, the Western diet pattern is characterized by a high daily intake of saturated fats, sugars, sodium, proteins from red meat, and refined carbohydrates with a low potassium intake. These reductions are also mirrored by high sodium intakes and a high consumption of acid-generating food, which promote a chronic state of low-grade metabolic acidosis. The low-grade metabolic acidosis is a cause of the bone-wasting effect. Therefore, a long-standing acidotic state brings into play the bone that contributes to the buffering process through an increase in osteoclastic resorption. In consideration of this background, we carried out a review that focused on the pathophysiological mechanisms of the relationship between dietary potassium intake and bone health, underlining the detrimental effects of the Western dietary patterns characterized by low potassium consumption. Full article

Background/Objectives: Swimming is a popular and cost-effective way to prevent sedentary behavior and improve physical conditioning and health during early adolescence. However, information on its impact and benefits on daily life activities is lacking. This systematic review aims to summarize the chronic effects of swimming on physical conditioning and physical health outcomes in early adolescents. Methods: The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed and PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and International Symposium of Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming proceedings databases were searched. Eligibility criteria were defined on the PICOS framework (healthy adolescents in early puberty, swimming programmes or training, passive or active control groups, general effects on physical conditioning or health, longitudinal) and risk of bias was assessed using RoBANS 2. Results: From 2365 records, 20 non-randomized studies met the defined criteria. High heterogeneity in sample size and intervention was observed. While studies related to physical conditioning (n = 5) focused on physiological variables and muscular function, the evidence regarding physical health outcomes (n = 15) explored bone accrual, haemodynamics, body composition, musculoskeletal system, and lung growth. High overall risk of bias (70%) was observed due to strict criteria. Conclusions: Swimming exercise seems to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiac output, haemodynamics, heart growth, motor performance, and body composition of early adolescents. Despite clear evidence that exists on these chronic effects, research on bone health, postural deficit, motor skills, and sleep quality is still missing. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a significant global health challenge and affects approximately 50 million people worldwide. This overview of published reviews provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate correlations between AD and body composition, focusing particularly on obesity. We used a systematic approach to collect and analyze relevant reviews on the topic of obesity and Alzheimer’s disease. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, was conducted. We searched keywords such as “Alzheimer’s disease”, “body composition”, “lean mass”, “bone mass”, and “fat mass”. We considered only reviews written within the past 5 years and in English. Fifty-six relevant reviews were identified that shed light on the multiple connections between AD and body composition. The review involves several aspects, including the impact of lean mass, bone mass, and endocrinological factors related to obesity, as well as inflammation, neuroinflammation, and molecular/genetic factors. The findings highlight the complex interplay of these elements in the development of AD, underscoring the need for holistic approaches to reduce the risk of AD and to explore innovative strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Full article

The aim of this study was to examine the association between fluoride exposure and bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016. The fluoride concentrations in the water samples, plasma samples, and urine samples were measured electrometrically using an ion-specific electrode. Total body less head BMD (TBLH BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Weighted generalized linear regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) regression models were used to analyze the relationships between the three types of fluoride exposure and TBLH BMD. We performed subgroup analyses stratified by sex. A total of 1413 US children and adolescents were included in our study. In our linear regression models, we found inverse associations between fluoride concentrations in water and plasma and TBLH BMD. Additionally, we discovered a non-linear association between fluoride concentrations in water and plasma and TBLH BMD. No significant association or non-linear relationship was found between urine fluoride levels and TBLH BMD. This nationally representative sample study provides valuable insight into the intricate connection between fluoride exposure and skeletal health in children and adolescents. Full article

Seaweed extracts, especially fucoidan, are well known for their immune-modulating abilities. In this current study, we extracted fucoidan from Costaria costata, a seaweed commonly found in coastal Asia, and examined its anti-inflammatory effect. Fucoidan was extracted from dried C. costata (FCC) using an alcohol extraction method at an extraction rate of 4.5 ± 0.21%. The extracted FCC comprised the highest proportion of carbohydrates, along with sulfate and uronic acid. The immune regulatory effect of FCC was examined using bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Pretreatment with FCC dose-dependently decreased the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules and major histocompatibility complex. In addition, FCC prevented morphological changes in LPS-induced BMDCs. Moreover, treatment of LPS-induced BMDCs with FCC suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In C57BL/6 mice, oral administration of FCC suppressed LPS-induced lung inflammation, reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Finally, the administration of FCC suppressed LPS-induced sepsis. Therefore, FCC could be developed as a health supplement based on the observed anti-inflammatory effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: The long-term effects of implant properties, such as implant length, platform switch, and crown splinting, on peri-implant health require more investigation. Therefore, the aim was to assess the long-term peri-implant health and patient satisfaction in a patient cohort, obtained from two prospective randomized controlled trials, who received 8.5 mm long dental implants, with either splinted or solitary suprastructures and with or without a platform switch, over a period of 15 years. Methods: One hundred and twenty-two patients received either one or two 8.5 mm long dental implants (223 dental implants) with and without platform switch, restored with either a solitary (n = 89) or a splinted (n = 134) restoration in the posterior region. Clinical and radiographical parameters and patient satisfaction were prospectively recorded at 1 month, and 1, 5, and 15 years after the placement of the restoration. Patient satisfaction was recorded with a self-administered questionnaire using a 5-point scale and a visual analog scale (0–10). Results: Eighty-one patients with one hundred and fifty-four implants were assessed after a 15-year follow-up. The clinical parameters were low and comparable between the implant types (OsseoTite XP Certain, OsseoTite XP Certain Prevail, NanoTite XP Certain, NanoTite XP Certain Prevail, PalmBeach Gardens, FL, USA) over time. The implants that incorporated a platform switch showed significantly less bone loss than the implants without a platform switch (−0.37 mm, 95% CI −0.69 to −0.05 mm, p = 0.024 and β = −0.47, 95% CI −0.80 to −0.14, p = 0.006). The implants with splinted restorations experienced more bone loss over time compared to the implants with solitary restorations (0.39 mm, 95% CI 0.15–0.63, p = 0.002). Patient satisfaction was high after 15 years. Conclusions: All the tested dental implants with 8.5 mm length provide satisfactory 15-year results with regard to the clinical and radiographical parameters as well as patient satisfaction. The platform-matched implants were associated with more bone loss compared to the platform-switched implants, and the implants with splinted crowns portrayed more bone loss than the solitary implant crowns. Full article

Nanotechnology, now established as a transformative technology, has revolutionized medicine by enabling highly targeted drug delivery. The use of organic nanocarriers in drug delivery systems significantly enhances the bioavailability of vitamins and their analogs, thereby improving cellular delivery and therapeutic effects. Vitamin D, known for its crucial role in bone health, also influences various metabolic functions, such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, and immunomodulation, and is increasingly explored for its anticancer potential. Given its versatile properties and biocompatibility, vitamin D is an attractive candidate for encapsulation within drug delivery systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of vitamin D synthesis, metabolism, and signaling, as well as its applications in customized drug delivery. Moreover, it examines the design and engineering of organic nanocarriers that incorporate vitamin D and discusses advances in this field, including the synergistic effects achieved through the combination of vitamin D with other therapeutic agents. By highlighting these innovations, this review provides valuable insights into the development of advanced drug delivery systems and their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Full article

Preclinical research on diabetes and obesity has been carried out in various animal models over the years. These animal models are developed from genetic manipulation that affects their body metabolism, chemical-induced procedures, diet alteration/modifications, or combinations of the aforementioned approaches. The diabetic and obesity animal models have allowed researchers to not only study the pathological aspect of the diseases but also enable them to screen and explore potential therapeutic compounds. Besides several widely known complications such as macrovascular diseases, diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy, type 2 diabetes mellitus is also known to affect bone health. There is also evidence to suggest obesity affects bone health. Therefore, continuous research needs to be conducted to find a remedy or solution to this matter. Previous literature reported evidence of bone loss in animal models of diabetes and obesity. These findings, as highlighted in this review, further augment the suggestion of an inter-relationship between diabetes, obesity and bone loss. Full article

This study looked at how desalinated seawater, which has low minerals and high boron, could affect bone health. Prior research suggests that low mineral water may harm bone health and boron could be beneficial, but the overall impact on bone health is still unclear. Eighty-nine-week-old male Balb/C mice were allocated into eight groups and administered either tap water or purified water with varying boron concentrations (0, 5, 40, and 200 mg/L). They were kept in an environment mimicking tropical conditions (35–40 °C, 70–80% humidity) and underwent daily treadmill exercise for 13 weeks. At the 14th week, serum, femora, and lumbar vertebrae were collected for mineral metabolism, bone biomarker, microstructure, and biomechanics evaluation. Boron exposure improved bone formation, microstructure, and biomechanics initially but the benefits weakened with higher levels of exposure (p < 0.05). Co-exposure to purified water elevated serum boron but weakened the promotion of boron on bone minerals and the bone benefits of boron compared to tap water (p < 0.05). Thus, when studying the health effects of boron in desalinated seawater, it is crucial to look at various health effects beyond bone health. Furthermore, it is important to consider the mineral composition of drinking water when using boron for bone health benefits. Full article