Vitamin C may lower blood pressureEffect of vitamin C and hawthorn beverage formula on blood pressure and oxidative stress in heat-exposed workers: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.
Moderate relevance to cardiovascular research.
We conducted a study to evaluate the effects of a vitamin C supplement combined with a hawthorn beverage on blood pressure and oxidative stress among workers exposed to heat. This involved a 40-day cluster-randomized controlled trial where participants were split into two groups: one received the vitamin C and hawthorn drink, while the other was provided with slightly salted water.
Throughout the study, we measured blood pressure and levels of a specific oxidative stress marker at different intervals. Notably, we observed significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among those who consumed the vitamin C and hawthorn beverage compared to the control group. This suggests that the combination may help manage elevated blood pressure linked to heat exposure.
The findings highlight the potential role of vitamin C, especially when paired with other beneficial compounds in the hawthorn beverage, in combating oxidative stress and promoting cardiovascular health in individuals working in challenging environmental conditions.
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Zinc nanoparticles reduce heart damageRole of zinc oxide nanoparticles supplementation on alleviate side effects of cisplatin induced cardiotoxicity in rats.
Moderate relevance to cardiovascular research
We focused our research on how zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) might help reduce heart damage caused by cisplatin, a well-known chemotherapy drug. In this study, we used rats divided into different groups, some receiving varying doses of ZnONPs and others serving as control groups.
Our findings indicated that as the dosage of ZnONPs increased up to 50 mg/kg, there was a marked improvement in cardiovascular markers. We observed reduced levels of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell damage in the heart tissues of those treated with ZnONPs. More specifically, measures related to heart tissue health and serum biomarkers showed that rats receiving higher doses exhibited recovery similar to that of healthy rats.
Overall, we concluded that ZnONPs serve as a protective agent against cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity, showcasing their potential in improving heart health during cancer treatment.
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Zinc counters heart cell injuryZn protects H9C2 cardiomyocytes by alleviating MAMs-associated apoptosis and calcium signaling dysregulation.
Highly relevant to cardiovascular health
We set out to investigate how zinc might help protect heart cells from damage caused by a lack of blood flow, known as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Using H9C2 cells, which are derived from rat heart tissue, we simulated this injury by depriving these cells of oxygen and then reintroducing it while treating them with zinc.
Through this process, we found that zinc treatment significantly increased cell viability compared to those that did not receive zinc. Cells exposed to ischemia showed typical signs of trauma, like heightened levels of apoptosis—or programmed cell death—and calcium overload, which can further damage cells.
Interestingly, zinc seemed to tackle these issues by lowering the levels of certain proteins related to cell death. It also played a role in regulating calcium levels by interacting with various cellular pathways. In fact, when we silenced specific proteins involved in these pathways, the protective benefits of zinc were even more pronounced.
Our findings suggest that zinc can relieve the harmful effects of ischemia by mitigating cell death and regulating calcium overload, which offers hope for future treatments for heart-related conditions impacted by blood flow interruptions.
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Elderberry infusion boosts heart healthImproved lipid profile and increased serum antioxidant capacity in healthy volunteers after Sambucus ebulus L. fruit infusion consumption.
Strong relevance to cardiovascular effects
We explored the impact of Sambucus ebulus L. (elderberry) fruit infusion on cardiovascular health by examining its effects on body weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid profiles in 21 healthy volunteers aged 20 to 59. Each participant consumed 200 ml of elderberry infusion daily for 30 days, allowing us to measure changes in their health markers.
After the intervention period, we observed notable improvements in key health indicators. There was a significant reduction in triglycerides by 14.92%, total cholesterol by 15.04%, and LDL cholesterol by 24.67%. Additionally, the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol increased by 42.77%, indicating a healthier lipid profile.
We also noted enhancements in serum antioxidant capacity and total thiol levels. This first human study on the effects of elderberry fruit infusion suggests promising potential for improving cardiovascular health and addressing oxidative stress-related issues. Overall, the findings indicate that incorporating elderberry into our diet could be beneficial for heart health.
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Antioxidants show promise for FGRThe Use of Antioxidants for Cardiovascular Protection in Fetal Growth Restriction: A Systematic Review.
Lower relevance due to context
This systematic review focused on the potential effects of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, on cardiovascular health in cases of fetal growth restriction (FGR). We assessed various studies that examined how these treatments might enhance cardiac and vascular outcomes in affected individuals.
Our exploration revealed that a majority of the studies indicated some level of cardiovascular protection following antioxidant intervention. Specifically, 71% of the studies noted improvements in at least one of the cardiac or vascular parameters in growth-restricted offspring. Vitamin C, along with other antioxidants, was highlighted as part of several approaches to reduce oxidative stress, which is known to contribute to cardiovascular issues.
However, it's essential to note that the specific impact of vitamin C alone was not extensively distinguished from its combined effects with other antioxidants. This ambiguity makes it challenging to pin down its isolated benefits.
Overall, while antioxidant treatments present a promising avenue for addressing cardiovascular deficits associated with FGR, crucial gaps in research remain, preventing us from determining the most effective strategies for clinical use.
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