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Impact of Dietary Salicylates on Iron, Zinc, and Copper Status in Preeclampsia Model Rats Induced by L-NAME
Abstract Low-dose aspirin prophylaxis is recommended for women at high risk of preeclampsia. It has been suggested that dietary salicylates may have a similar effect. Despite the known anti-inflammatory properties of salicylates, their influence on trace elements in preeclampsia remains unclear. This research investigated the effect of dietary salicylates and aspirin on iron, zinc, and copper status in rats with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)–induced preeclampsia. The study involved pregnant Sprague Dawley rats divided into six groups: control group (CH), preeclamptic rats (CP), preeclamptic rats with a low dose of dietary salicylate (LSP), preeclamptic rats with a high dose of dietary salicylate, preeclamptic rats with a low dose of aspirin (LAP), and preeclamptic rats with a high dose of aspirin. The content of trace elements in diets, liver, kidney, heart, spleen, pancreas, femur, brain, and hair was measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Salicylate concentrations in diets, serum, and urine were analyzed using HPLC and UHPLC-MS/MS systems. Administration of L-NAME resulted in elevated blood pressure across groups, and only the LAP group had blood pressure levels comparable to the CH group. Preeclampsia significantly decreased serum hepcidin levels, while salicylates abolished this effect. Salicylate administration significantly decreased iron levels in hair and increased maternal zinc concentrations in the brain. Dietary salicylates markedly increased zinc levels in the placenta. In conclusion, L-NAME–induced preeclampsia decreases maternal serum hepcidin. Treatment with salicylates modulates iron and zinc status in preeclamptic rats, with specific effects on hepcidin levels.
Impact of dietary salicylates on angiogenic factors and biochemical parameters in a rat model of preeclampsia
Background The pathophysiology of preeclampsia involves impaired cytotrophoblastic invasion, placental ischemia, inflammation, and angiogenic imbalance. Prophylactic low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction in high-risk women. This study evaluated the effect of dietary salicylates on the development of preeclampsia in rats treated with L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester). Methodology Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups and treated with dietary salicylates at two dose levels (1 and 10 mg/kg diet) or aspirin (doses adjusted to dietary salicylates). Preeclampsia was induced by administering L-NAME in drinking water from gestational days 6–19. Results Neither dietary salicylates nor aspirin, at either dose, affected blood pressure in L-NAME-treated rats. The lower dose of dietary salicylates significantly reduced urinary albumin levels. Both interventions prevented an increase in the sFlt/PLGF ratio and mitigated histopathological placental changes in preeclamptic rats. The higher dose of aspirin reduced placental VEGFR2 protein levels. Conclusion Dietary salicylate supplementation does not provide clear preventive effects against preeclampsia.
The influence of multi-strain probiotic supplementation on calcium and magnesium status in women with non-morbid obesity
The impact of soy products, isoflavones, and Lactobacillus acidophilus on iron status and morphological parameters in healthy female rats
Effect of pumpkin enriched with calcium lactate on iron status in an animal model of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Abstract The homeostasis of calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) is disturbed during menopause. The present study aimed to determine the effects of Ca-enriched pumpkin on Fe status in ovariectomized rats. A total of 48 female Wistar rats were divided into six groups. One group was fed a standard diet (C), while the other five groups were ovariectomized and fed a standard diet (OVX), a calcium lactate diet (CaL_OVX), calcium lactate-enriched pumpkin (PCaL_OVX), calcium lactate and alendronate (CaL_OVX_B), and calcium lactate-enriched pumpkin and alendronate (PCaL_OVX_B), respectively. The nutritional intervention lasted 12 weeks and rats were euthanized. Tissue samples were collected, and the iron content in the samples was assessed. A comparison of all groups showed a reduction in iron concentrations in femurs, liver, hair, spleen, and kidneys in the ovariectomized groups than in the control group. The PCaL_OVX_B group had a significantly higher blood hemoglobin concentration than the control group. Moreover, spleen and liver Fe concentrations were the highest in PCaL_OVX and PCaL_OVX_B rats among the treated groups and were comparable with the control group. These results indicate that ovariectomy decreases Fe status in rats. Calcium lactate-enriched pumpkin with and without alendronate can increase Fe concentration in liver and spleen in ovariectomized rats.
Influence of Tempeh, Daidzein, Probiotics, and Their Combination on Magnesium Status and Hematological Ratios in a Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Animal Model
Background/Objectives: Postmenopausal osteoporosis disrupts magnesium homeostasis and hematological balance, contributing to systemic inflammation and metabolic alterations. This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary interventions—tempeh, daidzein, probiotics, and their combinations—on magnesium status and hematological ratios in a postmenopausal osteoporotic Wistar rat model. Methods: Sixty-four rats were divided into one sham group (n = 8) and seven ovariectomized (OVX) groups (n = 56), with different modified diets administered for six weeks. In addition, one of the groups received alendronate bisphosphonate as a pharmacological reference to benchmark the dietary interventions against standard anti-osteoporotic therapy. Magnesium levels in the tissues and feces, along with blood hematological ratios (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and triglyceride-to-glucose index (TyG)), were evaluated. Results: The results revealed that a combination of tempeh and probiotics (OTL) significantly increased magnesium levels in the feces, spleen, and hair, while reducing liver magnesium levels. Compared to the standard groups (S and O), the hematological analysis revealed that the daidzein group (OD) had the highest MLR, while the OTL group exhibited the lowest TyG index. The alendronate bisphosphonate (OB) intervention showed no significant effect on tissue magnesium levels, feces magnesium levels, or hematological ratios. Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative association between spleen magnesium levels and the PLR (r = −0.626) and a positive relationship between liver magnesium levels and TyG (r = 0.422). Conclusions: The authors of this study concludes that while ovariectomy significantly altered magnesium status and hematological ratios, the dietary combination of tempeh, daidzein, and probiotics did not demonstrate an apparent beneficial effect on magnesium status or inflammatory ratios in a postmenopausal osteoporotic rat model. However, the findings highlight interesting aspects of magnesium status and its correlations with metabolic and inflammatory parameters, warranting further investigation.
Leptin–VEGF crosstalk in excess body mass and related disorders: A systematic review
SummaryBy 2030, it is expected that a billion people will have suffer from obesity. Adipose tissue synthesizes leptin, an adipokine that affects cardiovascular risk. Leptin intensifies the synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Our study reviews recent reports on leptin–VEGF crosstalk in obesity and related disorders. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched. One hundred and one articles involving human, animal, and in vitro research were included. In vitro studies show the crucial role of interaction between endothelial cells and adipocytes and hypoxia as a factor that intensifies leptin's effects on VEGF. Leptin–VEGF crosstalk promotes the progression of cancer. The animal research reveal that a high‐fat diet enhances leptin and VEGF crosstalk. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and procreator‐offspring programming may be involved in leptin–VEGF crosstalk. Some female‐specific characteristics of leptin–VEGF relation in obesity were observed. The human studies have shown that increased leptin and VEGF synthesis and leptin–VEGF crosstalk are factors linking obesity with elevated cardiovascular risk. The studies of the last 10 years documented a range of significant aspects of leptin–VEGF crosstalk specific for obesity and related disorders, shedding new light on the link between obesity and increased cardiovascular risk.
Dietary salicylates affect calcium and magnesium status in preeclampsia model rats induced by NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME)
The impact of soybean products and probiotics on calcium bioaccessibility from organic and inorganic calcium salts in an in vitro digestion model
Fermented soy products: A review of bioactives for health from fermentation to functionality
AbstractThe increasing prevalence of metabolic diseases and the global drive toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the need for sustainable, nutrient‐dense foods. Soybeans (Glycine max), a critical global crop, offer promising solutions; however, their predominant use as animal feed raises concerns regarding food security and environmental sustainability. Fermented soy products—including tempeh, natto, and miso—are rich in bioactive compounds such as peptides and isoflavones, which offer potential therapeutic effects and hold cultural and nutritional significance. These fermented products provide bioactive profiles with unique health‐promoting properties. This review critically examines the bioactive compounds generated through fermentation, focusing on their bioconversion pathways in the gastrointestinal tract and their metabolic implications for human health. Recent consumer demand for novel food ingredients with additional biological benefits has fueled research into advanced extraction techniques, enhancing the functional applications of bioactive compounds from these soy‐based products. This review further explores innovations in extraction methods that improve bioactive yield and sustainability, reinforcing the applicability of these compounds in health‐promoting food interventions. The originality of this review lies in its in‐depth exploration of the gastrointestinal bioconversion of fermented soy bioactive compounds alongside the latest sustainable extraction methods designed to optimize their use. Future research should aim to refine fermentation and extraction processes, investigate synergistic microbial interactions, and develop environmentally sustainable production methods. These efforts have the potential to position fermented soy products as essential contributors to global nutritional security and sustainable food systems, addressing both public health and environmental needs.
Influence of supplementation with probiotic bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Latilactobacillus curvatus on selected parameters of duodenum iron metabolism in rats on a high-fat, iron-deficient diet
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Duodenal Hydroxyphenyllactic Acid and Iron: Insights from a Rat Model of a High-Fat Iron-Deficient Diet
Cardiac rehabilitation influences serum myokine levels in patients after acute coronary syndrome: the randomised CARDIO-REH study
Abstract The role of myokines as a link between cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and cardiovascular benefits in patients recovering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is important but not well understood. We investigated the effect of CR on circulating levels of myostatin, follistatin, apelin, and follistatin-related protein 1 (FSTL1) in post-ACS patients. A total of 110 patients underwent a 2-week CR programme (group S) and were compared with 110 non-CR patients (group K). In group S, blood pressure, heart rate, anthropometrics, body composition, and serum myokine levels were measured at baseline and post-CR; in group K, these were assessed once. After CR, apelin, myostatin, and FSTL1 increased in group S. Apelin and myostatin were higher in group S post-CR compared with group K, while follistatin remained higher in group K at both time points. FSTL1 was initially higher in group K but increased post-CR in STEMI patients only; myostatin increased in NSTEMI patients. Apelin increased in STEMI patients. Apelin and myostatin levels were independent of cardiovascular risk factors. Post-CR, follistatin correlated inversely with diastolic pressure; FSTL1 was related to fat tissue, muscle mass and body mass index. CR modulates key myokines and differential myokine responses in STEMI vs. NSTEMI patients support the need for personalised rehabilitation strategies. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT03935438.
The Effect of Osmotic Dehydration Conditions on the Magnesium Content in Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)
Osmotic dehydration is a process involving a two-way mass transfer, during which water and substances dissolved in it are removed from the product and, at the same time, substances dissolved in a hypertonic solution penetrate into the tissues. This process has a significant effect on, among other things, the nutritional and sensory parameters, as well as the texture and shelf life of the dehydrated product. This study analyzed the effect of osmotic dehydration of beet on magnesium content following the addition of various chemical forms of magnesium (magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, magnesium chloride) to a hypertonic solution. Magnesium was added in concentrations of 2.5 or 5.0% relative to the mass of the solution. The following compounds were used to prepare hypertonic solutions (25 and 50%): inulin, xylitol, erythritol, and sucrose. The control sample was water. A significant increase in magnesium content in the dehydrated material was confirmed. This effect was determined by many factors, among which the most important were the chemical form of magnesium, the type of osmotically active substance, magnesium concentration, and process time. The highest magnesium content was found in samples dehydrated in a 50% inulin solution with a 5.0% addition of magnesium chloride under the following conditions: 120 min/30 °C. It was also demonstrated that osmotically dehydrated samples exhibited approximately 3–5 times lower antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC tests.
Calcium-Deficit Diet Improves Iron Content in Ovariectomized Rats
AbstractIn women, menopause is associated with disorders related to calcium and iron content, which may increase the risk of osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine the effect of calcium deficiency on the iron content in ovariectomized rats. This study included 30 3-month-old female rats, which were divided into three groups: group C (n = 10)—control group fed the standard diet; group O—ovariectomized rats fed the standard diet; and group D—ovariectomized rats fed the calcium-deficit diet. After 3 months of experimental intervention, the weight of the rats was measured, and blood and tissue samples were collected. Morphological parameters were analyzed in whole blood, and serum levels of leptin, estrogen and C-reactive protein, and total antioxidant status were determined. The iron content was measured in tissues, and histological analysis was performed in the femur. The results obtained demonstrated that ovariectomy significantly decreased the iron content in bones, hair, spleen, liver, and kidneys. The calcium-deficit diet increased the iron content in tissues and the hemoglobin level in ovariectomized rats and also enhanced the number of osteoblasts in bones compared with the O group. In conclusion, calcium deficiency improved the iron content in ovariectomized rats in this 12-week study.
Association between serum levels of calcium, magnesium, iron and copper and insulin resistance in women with full blown and not-full blown phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome
Product Development Study of Freeze-Dried Apples Enriched with Sea Buckthorn Juice and Calcium Lactate
Enriched or fortified foods are typically linked to ultra-processed foods, limiting the choice of functional food in the market. Addressing the market potential, particularly the elder population with osteoporosis, the functional food industry should consider developing a healthy snack enriched with bioactive substances. This study aimed to produce freeze-dried Polish Gala apple with improved antioxidant properties and calcium content via impregnation or osmotic dehydration process. The solutions containing various concentrations of sea buckthorn (SB) juice and inulin were prepared at different temperatures and times, then analyzed by response surface regression modelling. Subsequently, the effect of the addition of 0–6% calcium lactate (CaL) on antioxidant properties and calcium content was also studied. Freeze-dried apple, after impregnation with 93.8% SB juice, 0:100 inulin–SB juice ratio, at 30 °C for 120 min, with the addition of 4% CaL (hereafter called “4% CaL” treatment), possessed a minimum yet acceptable loss of antioxidant properties and increased calcium content (2209.13 mg Ca/100 g). UPLC-PDA revealed the altered compositions of phenolics (flavonols were dominated by isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside) and carotenoids in 4% CaL. The 4% CaL also exhibited lower polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities, moderate sensory acceptability with soft texture, and better nutritional values with lower calories when compared to the controls. This work is a scalable study, covering aspects of process design, physicochemical, nutritional, and enzymatic properties, as well as sensory profiling, which has potential for industrial implementation.
