Citrulline

Ensayo clínico doble ciego en hombres entrenados durante 6 semanas. La suplementación con L-citrulina (8g) mostró mejoras en rendimiento de fuerza, reducción del esfuerzo percibido y marcadores de fatiga, con perfil de seguridad favorable frente a citrulina malato.

Estudio en deportistas de equipo masculinos: 3 días de suplementación con citrulina malato mejoró el rendimiento en sprints repetidos de corta duración. Los autores concluyen que puede ser útil como ergogénico agudo en deportes de equipo con alta intensidad intermitente.

Introdução: A Leishmania infantum é o agente etiológico causador da leishmaniose visceral, doença que afeta milhões de pessoas ao redor do mundo. Este estudo explora o potencial terapêutico da suplementação com L-Citrulina, um aminoácido não essencial, na modulação da resposta imune e atenuação da progressão dessa doença em modelos murinos. Métodos: Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos de acordo com o início da suplementação de L-citrulina: tratamento prévio (Grupo A) e tratamento sincrônico (Grupo B), cada um contendo 20 animais. Após 7 dias do início da suplementação no grupo A, 10 camundongos dos grupos A e B foram inoculados com 1x106 promatigotas de L. infantum e os demais receberam solução salina. Após 7 dias de infecção, todos os animais foram analisados clinicamente. Além disso, estes tiveram o peso corporal analisado em três momentos: 7 dias antes da infecção, no dia da infecção e após 7 dias de infecção ao final, os valores foram tabelados e analisados estatisticamente. Resultados: Foi possível verificar que suplementação de L-Citrulina resultou em um maior percentual de ganho de peso corporal nos animais tanto infectados quanto não infectados nos períodos analisados. No grupo tratado sincronicamente com a infecção, os animais infectados apresentaram ganho de peso significativo quando comparado ao que receberam solução salina. Conclusão: A suplementação de L-Citrulina pode enquadrar-se como uma estratégia nutricional promissora durante tratamento da infecção por L. infantum, logo, torna-se interessante avaliar os efeitos do uso desse aminoácido em humanos e em outras doenças hipercatabolicas.

The prevalent practice of substituting fishmeal with plant protein frequently leads to disturbances in bile acid metabolism, subsequently increasing the incidence of metabolic liver diseases. Bile acid nutrients such as cholesterol, taurine and glycine have been shown to enhance bile acid synthesis and confer beneficial effects on growth. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of cholesterol-taurine-glycine (Ch-Tau-Gly) supplement on bile acid metabolism and liver health in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) fed a plant-based diet. Two isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated: (1) plant protein-based diet (PP); (2) PP supplemented 0.5% cholesterol, 0.5% taurine and 1.3% glycine (CTG). Each experimental diet was randomly fed to quadruplicate groups of 30 feed-trained spotted seabass in each tank. The results revealed that supplementing plant-based diet with Ch-Tau-Gly supplement led to an increase in carcass ratio (meat yield) in spotted seabass (P < 0.05), indirectly contributing positively to their growth. The dietary supplement effectively suppressed endogenous cholesterol synthesis in the liver, promoted the expression of bile acid synthesis enzyme synthesis, and simultaneously the expression of intestinal fxr and its downstream genes, including hnf4α and shp (P < 0.05). The reduction in Lactobacillus_salivarius and bile salt hydrolase (BSH) were observed in CTG group with concurrently increased conjugated chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) bile acids (P < 0.05), suggesting the enhancement of the hydrophilicity of the bile acid pool. In CTG group, fatty liver was alleviated with a corresponding increase in lipid metabolism, characterized by a downregulation of genes associated with lipogenesis and lipid droplet deposition, along with an upregulation of genes related to lipolysis. Our study underscored the ability of Ch-Tau-Gly supplement to influence the gut microbiota, leading to an increase in the levels of conjugated CDCA (P < 0.05) i

The broiler industry is pivotal in meeting the growing global demand for highly nutritious animal protein foods. Hence, there is a continuous interest in identifying novel, alternative, and even unconventional feed resources that could help sustainably support chicken meat production and quality. In this view, the microalga Spirulina (Arthrospira, formerly Spirulina, platensis), due to its unique chemical composition and some ecological advantages offered by its cultivation over traditional agriculture, has attracted great attention in the poultry sector for potential application in broiler diets, either as a functional supplement or a replacer of conventional protein sources such as soybean meal. The studies conducted so far seem to have confirmed many of the initial expectations regarding the advantages that may derive from dietary Spirulina supplementation, documenting its capacity to positively influence the intestinal and general health status of broiler chickens, leading to improved or preserved productive performance (under normal or challenging conditions, respectively), as well as to increased disease resistance and survivability. Furthermore, dietary Spirulina supplementation has been shown to induce positive changes in some important traits of broiler meat quality. However, at present, the inclusion of Spirulina in broiler diet, especially but not solely in relation to the use as an alternative protein source, presents several technical and economic limitations. To increase the overall awareness around the actual usefulness and practical usability of Spirulina as a novel natural component of the broiler diet, this review paper seeks to provide a comprehensive and integrated presentation of what is currently known about this topic, highlighting critical issues that are still pending and would require further research efforts.

An increase in systemic inflammation (inflammaging) is one of the hallmarks of aging. Epigenetic (DNA methylation) clocks can quantify the degree of biological aging and this can be reversed by lifestyle and pharmacological intervention. We aimed to investigate whether a multi-component nutritional supplement could reduce systemic inflammation and epigenetic age in healthy older adults. We recruited 80 healthy older participants (mean age ± SD: 71.85 ± 6.23; males = 31, females = 49). Blood and saliva were obtained pre and post a 12-week course of a multi-component supplement, containing: Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Omega 3 fish oils, Resveratrol, Olive fruit phenols and Astaxanthin. Plasma GDF-15 and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were quantified as markers of biological aging and inflammation respectively. DNA methylation was assessed in whole blood and saliva and used to derive epigenetic age using various clock algorithms. No difference between the epigenetic and chronological ages of participants was observed pre- and post-treatment by the blood-based Horvath or Hannum clocks, or the saliva-based InflammAge clock. However, in those with epigenetic age acceleration of ≥ 2 years at baseline, a significant reduction in epigenetic age (p = 0.015) and epigenetic age acceleration (p = 0.0058) was observed post-treatment using the saliva-based InflammAge clock. No differences were observed pre- and post-treatment in plasma GDF-15 and CRP, though participants with CRP indicative of an elevated cardiovascular disease risk (hsCRP ≥ 3µg/ml), had a reduction in CRP post-supplementation (p = 0.0195). Our data suggest a possible benefit of combined nutritional supplementation in individuals with an accelerated epigenetic age and inflammaging.

Modulation of the host microbiota through probiotics has been shown to have beneficial effects on health in the growing body of research. Exercise increases the amount and diversity of beneficial microorganisms in the host microbiome. Although low- and moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to reduce physiological stress and improve immune function, high-intensity prolonged exercise can suppress immune function and reduce microbial diversity due to intestinal hypoperfusion. The effect of probiotic supplementation on sports performance is still being studied; however, questions remain regarding the mechanisms of action, strain used, and dose. In this review, the aim was to investigate the effects of probiotic supplements on exercise performance through modulation of gut microbiota and alleviation of GI symptoms, promotion of the immune system, bioavailability of nutrients, and aerobic metabolism. Probiotic supplementation may improve sports performance by reducing the adverse effects of prolonged high-intensity exercise. Although probiotics have been reported to have positive effects on sports performance, information about the microbiome and nutrition of athletes has not been considered in most current studies. This may have limited the evaluation of the effects of probiotic supplementation on sports performance.

The prevalence of dietary supplement use among athletes continues to rise with 60–80% of athletes often reporting current or previous use of dietary supplements. While select dietary ingredients have been shown to improve acute performance and enhance training adaptations over time, it is important to still consider the risk vs. reward for athletes before opting to consume a dietary supplement. Previous work has indicated that certain dietary supplements may pose risks for inadvertent doping, may be susceptible to mislabelling, could be banned by certain governing bodies of sport, or pose health risks for certain populations. The purpose of the current narrative review is to summarize the prevalence of adulteration in dietary sport supplement products, outline the risks of inadvertent doping for athletes, and highlight best practices regarding safe supplementation strategies. Analytical studies have found anywhere from 14 to 50% of samples analyzed from dietary supplement products have tested positive for anabolic agents or other prohibited substances. It is important for the consumer to adhere to safe supplementation strategies, which include following serving size recommendations, cross-referencing ingredient profiles with the list of prohibited substances, choosing quality products that have been verified by a third-party certification program, and being cognizant of consuming multiple dietary supplement products with overlapping ingredient profiles. Once these practices have been considered, it is reasonable for an athlete to utilize dietary supplements as a strategy to optimize performance and health, with a low risk of failing a drug test (adverse analytical finding) and experiencing adverse events.

Background This trial aimed to investigate the effects of rutin supplement in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods In this trial with a double-blind and controlled design, fifty patients were randomly divided into intervention (n = 25) and control groups (n = 25) and were treated with 1 g of rutin or placebo for three months, respectively. At the baseline and end of the intervention, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), pulse pressure (PP), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), serum levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and quality of life (QOL) parameters, were evaluated. Results Rutin consumption caused a significant reduction in SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, and HR, with a significant increase in SOD, CAT, and GPx and some QOL parameters (emotional limitations, energy and freshness, mental health, social performance, and general health) compared with baseline (p for all <0.05). Also, the mean changes of emotional limitations, energy and freshness, mental health, and general health (unadjusted p for all <0.05) and GPX and SOD (adjusted p for all <0.05) were significantly higher in the rutin group compared with the placebo group. Although, in the supplement group compared with the placebo group, the mean changes of SBP, DBP, MAP, PP, and HR were significantly lower (adjusted p for all <0.05). Conclusion Rutin consumption improved blood pressure, the levels of antioxidant enzymes, and QOL in patients with T2DM.

Objetivo: Identificar os efeitos presentes da dimetilarginina assimétrica, L-arginina e L-citrulina no sistema cardiovascular. Métodos: Revisão integrativa realizada em setembro de 2021, na base de dados Pubmed. Cruzaram-se os descritores ADMA, L-arginina, L-citrulina e N-Metilarginina (L-NMMA) e sistema cardiovascular, selecionaram-se 10 artigos. Resultados: A L-Arginina ajuda no processo de vascularização e vasodilatação, auxiliando no processo de aceleração da angiogênese. A suplementação solo de L-citrulina amplia a disponibilidade de L-arginina e a síntese de NO em jovens e idosos com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Entretanto, a suplementação de L-citrulina foi ineficaz na melhora na disfunção endotelial vascular em adultos velhos com IC. A L-Arginina associada a L-Citrulina é benéfica sobre a PA e fisiologia padrão cardiovascular. A síntese de óxido nítrico (NOS) é afetada quando há maior presença de dimetil-arginina assimétrica (ADMA) no plasma. Sob tal circunstância, ocorre agravos, visto que a NOS está envolvida em processos, como inflamação, sistema imune, função endotelial e vasodilatação. Considerações finais: Constatou-se que as potencialidades relacionadas ao uso desses substratos sobressaem suas fragilidades, entretanto, a ADMA evidenciou potencialidade de malefícios evidentes em uma proporção maior. Os efeitos da L-arginina, adjunto a L-citrulina, mostrou-se um possível potencial de correções em pequenos vasos sanguíneos devido ao alto potencial vasodilatador.

Increase in drug resistance as well as ineffective immunization efforts against various pathogens (viruses, bacteria and fungi) pose a significant threat to the poultry industry. Spirulina is one of the most widely used natural ingredients which is becoming popular as a nutritional supplement in humans, animals, poultry and aquaculture. It contains protein, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, pigments, and essential amino acids. Moreover, it also has considerable quantities of unique natural antioxidants including polyphenols, carotenoids, and phycocyanin. Dietary supplementation of Spirulina can beneficially affect gut microbial population, serum biochemical parameters, and growth performance of chicken. Additionally, it contains polyphenolic contents having antibacterial effects. Spirulina extracts might inhibit bacterial motility, invasion, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing in addition to acting directly on the bacterium by weakening and making the bacterial cell walls more porous, subsequently resulting in cytoplasmic content leakage. Additionally, Spirulina has shown antiviral activities against certain common human or animal viruses and this capability can be considered to exhibit potential benefits against avian viruses also. Spirulan, a calcium-rich internal polysaccharide of Spirulina, is potentially responsible for its antiviral effect through inhibiting the entry of several viruses into the host cells, boosting the production of nitric oxide in macrophages, and stimulating the generation of cytokines. Comparatively a greater emphasis has been given to the immune modulatory effects of Spirulina as a feed additive in chicken which might boost disease resistance and improve survival and growth rates, particularly under stress conditions. This manuscript reviews biological activities and immune-stimulating properties of Spirulina and its potential use as a dietary supplement in poultry to enhance growth, gut health and disease resistance.

Lithium‐rich manganese‐based cathode materials (LLMO) are considered as the promising candidates for realizing high energy density lithium‐ion batteries. However, the severe structure deterioration and capacity fading hinder their large‐scale application. Herein, an innovative electrochemical lithium supplement strategy is put forward to inhibit the structure collapse and enhance the cycling stability of Lithium‐rich manganese‐based cathodes. Besides, combining with the superior Li‐ion conductor Li6.25La3Zr2Al0.25O12 (LLZAO), remarkable rate capability is achieved. As a result, a capacity retention of 95.7% after 300 cycles at 1.0 C (1.0 C = 200 mA g−1), as well as a stable cycling at 5.0 C with discharge capacity of 136.9 mAh g−1, are harvested. Moreover, the excess lithium ions in LLZAO mitigate the spinel‐like phase transformation via inserting into the lithium layer and stabilizing the cathode structure. In addition, the lithium ions migration behavior in the elaborated cathode is thoroughly expounded and the correlation between diffusion kinetics and LLZAO is revealed. These findings boost the updating of LLMO and pave a new pathway for stabilizing LLMO structures.

The IOC made recommendations for recording and reporting epidemiological data on injuries and illness in sports in 2020, but with little, if any, focus on female athletes. Therefore, the aims of this supplement to the IOC consensus statement are to (i) propose a taxonomy for categorisation of female athlete health problems across the lifespan; (ii) make recommendations for data capture to inform consistent recording and reporting of symptoms, injuries, illnesses and other health outcomes in sports injury epidemiology and (iii) make recommendations for specifications when applying the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-Sport Injury and Illness Surveillance (STROBE-SIIS) to female athlete health data. In May 2021, five researchers and clinicians with expertise in sports medicine, epidemiology and female athlete health convened to form a consensus working group, which identified key themes. Twenty additional experts were invited and an iterative process involving all authors was then used to extend the IOC consensus statement, to include issues which affect female athletes. Ten domains of female health for categorising health problems according to biological, life stage or environmental factors that affect females in sport were identified: menstrual and gynaecological health; preconception and assisted reproduction; pregnancy; postpartum; menopause; breast health; pelvic floor health; breast feeding, parenting and caregiving; mental health and sport environments. This paper extends the IOC consensus statement to include 10 domains of female health, which may affect female athletes across the lifespan, from adolescence through young adulthood, to mid-age and older age. Our recommendations for data capture relating to female athlete population characteristics, and injuries, illnesses and other health consequences, will improve the quality of epidemiological studies, to inform better injury and illness prevention strategies.

BACKGROUND Patients often experience severe pain after scoliosis correction surgery. Esketamine and dexmedetomidine each improves analgesia but can produce side-effects. We therefore tested the hypothesis that a mini-dose esketamine-dexmedetomidine combination safely improves analgesia. METHODS Two hundred male and female adults having scoliosis correction surgery were randomised to patient-controlled sufentanil analgesia (4 μg kg-1 in normal saline) with either a combined supplement (esketamine 0.25 mg ml-1 and dexmedetomidine 1 μg ml-1) or placebo. The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate-to-severe pain within 72 h, defined as a numeric rating scale (NRS: 0=no pain and 10=worst pain) score ≥4 at any of seven time points. Amongst secondary outcomes, subjective sleep quality was assessed with an NRS score (0=best sleep and 10=worst sleep) for the first five postoperative nights. RESULTS There were 199 subjects included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Mean infusion rates were 5.5 μg kg-1 h-1 for esketamine and 0.02 μg kg-1 h-1 for dexmedetomidine. The primary outcome incidence was lower with the combined supplement (65.7% [65/99]) than with placebo (86.0% [86/100]; relative risk 0.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.65-0.90; P=0.001). Subjects given the combined supplement had lower pain intensity at rest at five time points (median difference -1 point; P≤0.005), lower pain intensity with movement at six time points (median difference -1 point; P≤0.001), and better subjective sleep quality for the first 5 postoperative nights (median difference -2 to -1 points; P<0.001). Adverse events did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS The mini-dose esketamine-dexmedetomidine combination safely improved analgesia and subjective sleep quality after scoliosis correction surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04791059.

This editorial discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in the healthcare sector, emphasizing their potential as supplements rather than substitutes for medical professionals. While AI chatbots have demonstrated significant potential in managing routine tasks, processing vast amounts of data, and aiding in patient education, they still lack the empathy, intuition, and experience intrinsic to human healthcare providers. Furthermore, the deployment of AI in medicine brings forth ethical and legal considerations that require robust regulatory measures. As we move towards the future, the editorial underscores the importance of a collaborative model, wherein AI chatbots and medical professionals work together to optimize patient outcomes. Despite the potential for AI advancements, the likelihood of chatbots completely replacing medical professionals remains low, as the complexity of healthcare necessitates human involvement. The ultimate aim should be to use technology like AI chatbots to enhance patient care and outcomes, not to replace the irreplaceable human elements of healthcare.

Meta-analisis. Citrulina malato mejoro rendimiento deportivo en ejercicio de alta intensidad y redujo fatiga.