The diagnostic prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) shows boys to be more affected than girls. Due to this reason, there is a lack of research including and observing ASD girls. Present study was aimed to detect hormones of steroidogenesis pathway in prepubertal girls (n = 16) diagnosed with ASD and sex and age matched neurotypical controls (CTRL, n = 16). Collected plasma served for detection of conjugated and unconjugated steroids using gas chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. We observed higher levels of steroids modulating ionotropic receptors, especially, GABAergic steroids and pregnenolone sulfate in ASD group. Concentration of many steroids throughout the pathway tend to be higher in ASD girls compared to CTRL. Pregnenolone and its isomers together with polar progestins and androstanes, i.e. sulfated steroids, were found to be higher in ASD group in comparison with CTRL group. Based on steroid product to precursor ratios, ASD group showed higher levels of sulfated/conjugated steroids suggesting higher sulfotransferase or lower steroid sulfatase activity and we also obtained data indicating lower activity of steroid 11β-hydroxylase compared to CTRL group despite higher corticosterone level observed in ASD. These findings need to be generalized in future studies to examine both genders and other age groups.
- MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- plynová chromatografie s hmotnostně spektrometrickou detekcí MeSH
- poruchy autistického spektra * metabolismus MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- pregnenolon * metabolismus krev MeSH
- steroidy metabolismus krev MeSH
- studie případů a kontrol MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND: Newly diagnosed people with multiple sclerosis frequently report fatigue, pain, depression and anxiety. Preventative programmes may be beneficial, but there is limited evidence of their effectiveness, especially long-term follow-up. METHODS: The programme consisted of 6-month face to face intervention (an introductory workshop, psychology-led group sessions and individual physical therapy) followed by 6-month self-guided therapy. Outcome measures were taken at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes measures were self-report questionnaires for fatigue, satisfaction with life and disease acceptance. Secondary outcomes were spirometry, spiroergometric parameters and neuroactive steroid levels. RESULTS: From 22 participants enrolled, 17 completed the first 6 months and 13 the follow-up. Fatigue measured on the Fatigue scale for motor and cognitive functions decreased significantly at 6 months (p = 0.035) and at follow-up (p = 0.007). The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (p = 0.035) and Satisfaction With Life Scale (p = 0.007) significantly increased at follow-up. Spirometry, spiroergometric parameters, steroid hormones and neuroactive steroids levels did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: This programme reduces fatigue and improves satisfaction with life in this patient group with improvements sustained at 12 months. People who participated more frequently showed greater benefit. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The paper describes the effects of a complex preventative intervention for people with newly diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis. The study found that this programme reduces fatigue and improves satisfaction with life with long-term benefit (at 12-month follow up). The individuals who participated less frequently experienced fewer benefits.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Recently deceased professor Luboslav Stárka was a world-renowned doctor who devoted his whole life to the study and therapeutic use of steroids, and was particularly interested in vitamin D. He knew from his own experience and from deep knowledge that this vitamin, one of the oldest steroids in development, must have a number of effects in addition to the undeniably positive effects on bones. He commissioned our task force to address the issues surrounding vitamin D, leading to years of studies with robust results made possible by the use of chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), a so-called gold standard of measurement that is a cornerstone of recent scientific studies. This led to a whole series of scientific publications, the aim of which was to point out the possibility of using the abilities of vitamin D and thus also the gift that nature has given us.
- MeSH
- chromatografie kapalinová MeSH
- hormony MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- steroidy * MeSH
- vitamin D * MeSH
- vitaminy MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Vitamin D is a lipid-soluble vitamin that can be found in some foods. It is also produced endogenously (in the presence of ultraviolet light), transported through the blood to the targets organs and this is the reason to consider vitamin D as a hormone. It is known that vitamin D has genomic and non-genomic effects. This review is focused mainly on the vitamin D receptors, the importance of vitamin D as a neuromodulator, the role of vitamin D in the pathophysiology of devastating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and the benefit of vitamin D and its derivates in alleviating these disorders.
- MeSH
- Alzheimerova nemoc * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nemoci nervového systému * MeSH
- Parkinsonova nemoc * MeSH
- vitamin D terapeutické užití MeSH
- vitaminy MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Cílem této části pilotní studie základního výzkumu je objektivizace výsledků vlivu komplexní lázeňské léčebně rehabilitační péče (KLLRP) s přidaným koloběhem a bez něj na změnu délky vybraných kosterních svalů mladších školních dětí věku 6–12 let. K objektivizaci byly použity dva odlišné způsoby: vyšetření testy dle Jandy a vyšetření systémem Computer Kinesiology (CK). Autoři prezentují sumární výsledky z let 2020 a 2021. Shoda výsledků z obou vyšetření u většiny testů poskytuje možnost pro další výzkumy využít pouze systém CK. Sledování hladin slinného kortizolu bylo použito jako objektivního dokladu reaktivity dětí na pohybovou zátěž. Pilotní studie objektivně dle pravidel medicíny založené na důkazech prokázala pozitivní vliv KLLRP na pohybové chování dětí. Lepších výsledků dosahovaly děti s přidaným koloběhem. Statistické vyhodnocení korelačních koeficientů změn hladin slinného kortizolu neprokázaly vztah ke sledovanému parametru změny délky svalů (míře protažení).
The aim of this part of the pilot study of basic research is to objectify the results of the effect of complex spa and rehabilitation treatment with and without added kick scooter riding on the changes in the length of selected skeletal muscles of younger school children (6–12 years). Two different methods were used for objectification: examination by Janda’s tests and examination by the Computer Kinesiology (CK) system. The authors present the summary results from a two-year study (2020 and 2021). The concordance of the results from both examinations for most tests provides the possibility to use only the CK system for further research. Monitoring of salivary cortisol levels was used as objective evidence of children’s reactivity to exercise. A pilot study, according to the rules of evidence-based medicine, objectively showed a positive effect of comprehensive spa and rehabilitation care on children’s movement behavior. Children with added kick scooter activity achieved better results. Statistical evaluation of correlation coefficients of changes in salivary cortisol levels showed no relationship with the observed parameter of muscle length change (stretch rate).
Vitamin D is no longer considered an agent only affecting calcium phosphate metabolism. A number of studies over the past few years have demonstrated its role in immunomodulation and its influence on the development and functioning of the brain and nervous system. In the current epidemiological crisis caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the immunoprotective role of vitamin D has been discussed by some authors regarding whether it contributes to protection against this serious disease or whether its use does not play a role. Non-standard approaches taken by laboratories in examining the serum levels of the vitamin D metabolite calcidiol have contributed to inconsistent results. We examined the serum of 60 volunteers in the spring and autumn of 2021 who declared whether they were taking vitamin D at the time of sampling. Furthermore, the tested participants noted whether they had experienced COVID-19. A newly developed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was used to measure calcidiol levels. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) model of Statgraphics Centurion 18 statistical software from Statgraphics Technologies was used for calculations. The results of this study showed that those who took vitamin D suffered significantly less often from COVID-19 than those who did not take vitamin D.
Aged people are the most susceptible group to COVID-19 infection. Immunosenescence characterized by impairment of immune function with inflamm-aging contributes to pathophysiological alterations, among which endocrine and metabolic diseases are not exception. Diabetes, obesity along with impairment of disorders of thyroid functions are the most frequent ones, the common feature of which is failure of immune system including autoimmune processes. In the minireview we discussed how COVID-19 and aging impact innate and adaptive immunity, diabetes and selected neuroendocrine processes. Mentioned is also beneficial effect of vitamin D for attenuation of these diseases and related epigenetic issues. Particular attention is devoted to the role of ACE2 protein in the light of its intimate link with renin-angiotensin regulating system.
- MeSH
- adaptivní imunita MeSH
- COVID-19 imunologie metabolismus patofyziologie virologie MeSH
- endokrinní systém imunologie metabolismus patofyziologie virologie MeSH
- imunosenescence MeSH
- interakce hostitele a patogenu MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- přirozená imunita MeSH
- renin-angiotensin systém * MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 imunologie patogenita MeSH
- stárnutí imunologie metabolismus MeSH
- věkové faktory MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
The aging of human populations, including those in Europe, is an indisputable fact. The challenge for the future is not simply prolonging human life at any cost or by any means but rather extending self-sufficiency and quality of life. Even in the most advanced societies, the eternal questions remain. Who will take care of the older generations? Will adult children's own circumstances be sufficient to support family members as they age? For a range of complex reasons, including socioeconomic conditions, adult children are often unable or unwilling to assume responsibility for the care of older family members. For this reason, it is imperative that aging adults maintain their independence and self-care for as long as possible. Movement is an important part of self-sufficiency. Moreover, movement has been shown to improve patients' clinical status. At a time when the coronavirus pandemic is disrupting the world, older people are among the most vulnerable. Our paper explores current knowledge and offers insights into the significant benefits of movement for the elderly, including improved immunity. We discuss the biochemical processes of aging and the counteractive effects of exercise and endogenous substances, such as vitamin D.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 imunologie patologie virologie MeSH
- cvičení * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mozkový neurotrofický faktor metabolismus MeSH
- obezita patologie MeSH
- psychický stres MeSH
- sarkopenie patologie MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 izolace a purifikace MeSH
- stárnutí * MeSH
- vitamin D aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Vitamin D is a micronutrient with pleiotropic effects in humans. Due to sedentary lifestyles and increasing time spent indoors, a growing body of research is revealing that vitamin D deficiency is a global problem. Despite the routine measurement of vitamin D in clinical laboratories and many years of efforts, methods of vitamin D analysis have yet to be standardized and are burdened with significant difficulties. This review summarizes several key analytical and clinical challenges that accompany the current methods for measuring vitamin D. According to an external quality assessment, methods and laboratories still produce a high degree of variability. Structurally similar metabolites are a source of significant interference. Furthermore, there is still no consensus on the normal values of vitamin D in a healthy population. These and other problems discussed herein can be a source of inconsistency in the results of research studies.
- MeSH
- hodnocení stavu výživy * MeSH
- klinické laboratorní techniky metody normy MeSH
- laboratoře normy MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nedostatek vitaminu D diagnóza MeSH
- referenční hodnoty MeSH
- referenční standardy MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- vitamin D analýza MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Numerous recent studies show that vitamin D deficiency potentiates various chronic physical and psychiatric disorders and diseases. It has been shown that a similar range of disorders is also associated with latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908). For instance, among cancer, diabetes and schizophrenia patients, we find a higher prevalence of both toxoplasmosis and vitamin D deficiency. Theoretically, therefore, vitamin D deficiency could be the missing link between toxoplasmosis and these disorders. We tested this hypothesis by searching for decreased vitamin D levels in the serum of subjects infected with T. gondii (furthermore called Toxoplasma-infected subjects) in two cross-sectional and one case-control study. Results of the first cross-sectional study (N = 72) suggest that Toxoplasma-infected neurasthenic patients have non-significantly lower levels of calcidiol than Toxoplasma-free patients (study A: P = 0.26 in women, P = 0.68 in men). However, two other studies (study B: N = 400; study C: N = 191) showed a non-significantly higher concentration of vitamin D in Toxoplasma-infected subjects than in Toxoplasma-free subjects both in men (study B: P = 0.70, study C: P = 0.55) and in women (study B: P = 0.64, study C: P = 0.12). Taken together, our preliminary results thus do not support the hypothesis that toxoplasmosis could be associated with vitamin D decrease.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- duševní poruchy komplikace MeSH
- kalcifediol krev MeSH
- latentní infekce komplikace MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nedostatek vitaminu B etiologie MeSH
- průřezové studie MeSH
- schizofrenie komplikace MeSH
- studie případů a kontrol MeSH
- Toxoplasma MeSH
- toxoplazmóza komplikace MeSH
- vitamin D krev MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
