Vitamin D Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Classical Functions to Pleiotropic Actions and Implications for Chronic Kidney Disease| Chapter 2 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 7

 

Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone essential for maintaining calcium and phosphate balance, as well as promoting bone health. However, its roles extend beyond these traditional functions, engaging in complex interactions with various metabolic processes that have important implications for global health. Despite the body's ability to produce vitamin D through sun exposure, deficiency has become a widespread problem affecting people of all ages and regions. The physiological effects of vitamin D are mediated through its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], which binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) found throughout the body. This binding controls the expression of hundreds of genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, immune response, and inflammation. These mechanisms explain why vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of various non-skeletal diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and infectious diseases. Adding to this complexity is the phenomenon of non-classical activation. In many extra-renal tissues, such as immune cells, the endothelium, and the parathyroid gland, 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) is expressed, allowing for local production of active vitamin D. This enables tissue-specific regulation independent of the body’s systemic calcium needs. Understanding this non-classical pathway is especially important for addressing the pathology of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In patients with CKD, the gradual loss of renal 1α-hydroxylase activity hampers classical vitamin D activation. At the same time, disruption of local non-classical vitamin D activation in various tissues has become a key factor in increased inflammation, immune imbalance, and higher cardiovascular risk in this population. This study offers a comprehensive review of vitamin D metabolism, covering its synthesis and both classical and non-classical modes of action. It underscores the serious consequences of vitamin D deficiency and emphasises the importance of maintaining optimal levels, particularly for high-risk groups such as those with CKD.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Samuel Adinoyi Adavba
Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v7/6482

A Review on the Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Human Health | Chapter 6 | Disease and Health: Research Developments Vol. 7

Probiotics and prebiotics play a crucial role in maintaining human health by modulating the gut microbiota, enhancing immune function, and preventing various diseases. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms, confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts, while prebiotics, which are non-digestible dietary fibres, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Their synergistic action has been linked to improved gastrointestinal health, reduced inflammation, enhanced metabolic functions, and potential applications in oral and systemic diseases. Recent advancements in research highlight their role in modulating the gut-brain axis, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving overall well-being. This review explores the mechanisms, clinical applications, and future prospects of probiotics and prebiotics in human health.

 

Author (s) Details

Harshkumar N Patel
Department of Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Vadnagar, Gujarat, India.

 

Amar C Sajjan
Department of Microbiology, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana, India.

 

Sanyuth Reddy Regalla
Gitam Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Anand Jadhao
Department of Physiology, SRMS Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Jitendra Patel
Department of Physiology, GMERS Medical College, Vadnagar, Gujarat, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrd/v7/4812

Understanding the Suppression of B-Cell Activation by Human Cord Blood-Derived Stem Cells (CB-SCs) through the Galectin-9-Dependent Mechanism | Chapter 3 | Medical Research and Its Applications Vol. 7

Human cord blood-derived stem cells (CB-SCs) display a unique phenotype, with both embryonic and hematopoietic markers that distinguish them from other known types of stem cells, including hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). It was demonstrated that the direct immune modulation of CB-SCs on the activated B cells via the Gal-9-mediated mechanism leads to the marked suppression of B-cell proliferation and phenotypic changes. The Stem Cell Educator therapy was developed among multiple clinical trials based on the immune modulations of multipotent cord blood-derived stem cells (CB-SCs) on different compartments of immune cells, such as T cells and monocytes/macrophages, in type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. However, the effects of CB-SCs on the B cells remained unclear. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune education of CB-SCs, we explored the modulations of CB-SCs on human B cells. CB-SCs were isolated from human cord blood units and confirmed by flow cytometry with different markers for their purity. B cells were purified by using anti-CD19 immunomagnetic beads from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Next, the activated B cells were treated in the presence or absence of coculture with CB-SCs for 7 days before undergoing flow cytometry analysis of phenotypic changes with different markers. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to evaluate the levels of galectin expressions on CB-SCs with or without treatment of activated B cells in order to find the key galectin that was contributing to the B-cell modulation. Flow cytometry demonstrated that the proliferation of activated B cells was markedly suppressed in the presence of CB-SCs, leading to the downregulation of immunoglobulin production from the activated B cells. Phenotypic analysis revealed that treatment with CB-SCs increased the percentage of IgD+CD27− naïve B cells, but decreased the percentage of IgD−CD27+ switched B cells. The transwell assay showed that the immune suppression of CB-SCs on B cells was dependent on the galectin-9 molecule, as confirmed by the blocking experiment with the anti-galectin-9 monoclonal antibody. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that both calcium levels of cytoplasm and mitochondria were downregulated after the treatment with CB-SCs, causing the decline in mitochondrial membrane potential in the activated B cells. Western blot exhibited that the levels of phosphorylated Akt and Erk1/2 signaling proteins in the activated B cells were also markedly reduced in the presence of CB-SCs. CB-SCs displayed multiple immune modulations on B cells through the galectin-9-mediated mechanism and calcium flux/Akt/Erk1/2 signaling pathways. The data advance our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Stem Cell Educator therapy to treat autoimmune diseases in clinics.

 

Author (s) Details

Wei Hu
Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA.

Xiang Song
Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA.

Haibo Yu
Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA.

Sophia Fan
Throne Biotechnologies, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA.

Andrew Shi
Throne Biotechnologies, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA.

Jingyu Sun
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.

Hongjun Wang

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.

Laura Zhao

Throne Biotechnologies, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA.

Yong Zhao (MD, PhD)
Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA.Throne Biotechnologies, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mria/v7/476

Prospects of Phytochemicals as Antimicrobial Growth-Promoters for Poultry Feed | Chapter 5| Research Aspects in Agriculture and Veterinary Science Vol. 5

 The use of phytogenics or plant extracts as a suitable alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters has produced some intriguing results, with multiple primary data reports clarifying their favourable effects. Most chicken farmers are concerned about gastrointestinal health and minimising mortality in the absence of in-feed antibiotics. As a result, the antibacterial power of phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants, as well as their ability to preserve health in poultry birds by reducing subclinical bacteria-induced zoonotic enteropathogenic diseases, cannot be overstated. The leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) were harvested fresh and oven dried to a moisture level of 15%. The phytochemical analysis of their methanol extract generated by cold maceration was performed using the appropriate procedure for each phytochemical identified. Each extract was subjected to a separate qualitative and quantitative examination. Saponins and terpenoids were extensively found (+++) in V. amygdalina and somewhat detected (+) in A. indica, according to qualitative analysis. Both plants had high levels of phenolic compounds (+++), but only A. indica had high levels of tannins. Flavonoids were found in both plants (++). V. amygdalina had a relatively high concentration of total phenolic content and overall flavonoid content, according to quantitative study. V. amygdalina had a total phenolic content of 44.76 mg Gallic acid equivalent / g of extract and 57.21 mg Rutin equivalent / g of extract (total flavonoid content), while A. indica had a total phenolic content of 25.77 mg Gallic acid equivalent / g of extract (total flavonoid content) and 24.45 mg Rutin equivalent /g of extract (total flavonoi Both plants have the potential to regulate the gut bacteria population towards helpful bacteria (Lactobacillus) rather than pathogenic bacteria, according to in vivo primary research (Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli). Broiler experiments with aqueous extracts of bitter leaf and neem leaf elucidated the antibacterial growth promoter potential of their phytochemicals in vitro and in vivo.

Author(s) Details:

Ruth, T. S. Ofongo,
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Please see the link here:  https://stm.bookpi.org/RAAVS-V5/article/view/5714

Determination of a Possible Benefit of 4-Aminoquinoline Drugs to Reset Post-Acute Inflammation in Old Age | Chapter 14 | Recent Developments in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 7

 Chronic low-amplitude systemic inflammation is common in the elderly, and it contributes to various aspects of the frailty phenotype, including sarcopenia, low mood, and higher degrees of reliance on others for vital activities, as well as increased all-cause mortality. Patients with this type of "inflammaging" had elevated baseline levels of many pro-inflammatory cytokines in their peripheral blood, including tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta, as well as persistently elevated C-reactive protein. There is an obvious need to find therapies, such as medicines, that can reduce inflammation by assisting the innate immune system in returning to a less inflamed state. Such qualities can be seen in a variety of pharmacological classes. The goal of this chapter is to provide a summary of the background science on the relationship between ageing, inflammation, and frailty, followed by an explanation of the established role of methyl-xanthines, particularly theophylline, as immune modulating drugs, and finally a case for the use of 4-aminoquinolines, such as chloroquine, in a similar role. The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of various groups of medications are compared, leading to the recommendation that formal clinical trials of chloroquine as an adjuvant immune modulator for "inflammaging" and persistent post-acute inflammation in old age be done.

Author(S) Details

Stephen Allen
The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Dorset, UK and Centre for Postgraduate Medical Research and Education, Bournemouth University, Dorset, UK.

Divya Tiwari
The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Dorset, UK and Centre for Postgraduate Medical Research and Education, Bournemouth University, Dorset, UK.

View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/RDMMR-V7/article/view/4539