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1.
A review of the mechanisms of mineral-based metabolism in early Earth analog rock-hosted hydrothermal ecosystems.
Amenabar, MJ, Boyd, ES
World journal of microbiology & biotechnology. 2019;(2):29
Abstract
Prior to the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis ~ 2.8-3.2 Ga, life was dependent on chemical energy captured from oxidation-reduction reactions involving minerals or substrates generated through interaction of water with minerals. Terrestrial hydrothermal environments host abundant and diverse non-photosynthetic communities and a variety of minerals that can sustain microbial metabolism. Minerals and substrates generated through interaction of minerals with water are differentially distributed in hot spring environments which, in turn, shapes the distribution of microbial life and the metabolic processes that support it. Emerging evidence suggests that terrestrial hydrothermal environments may have played a role in supporting the metabolism of the earliest forms of microbial life. It follows that these environments and their microbial inhabitants are increasingly being studied as analogs of early Earth ecosystems. Here we review current understanding of the processes that lead to variation in the availability of minerals or mineral-sourced substrates in terrestrial hydrothermal environments. In addition, we summarize proposed mechanisms of mineral substrate acquisition and metabolism in microbial cells inhabiting terrestrial hydrothermal environments, highlighting the importance of the dynamic interplay between biotic and abiotic reactions in influencing mineral substrate bioavailability. An emphasis is placed on mechanisms involved in the solubilization, acquisition, and metabolism of sulfur- and iron-bearing minerals, since these elements were likely integrated into the metabolism of the earliest anaerobic cells.
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2.
The interplay between mineral metabolism, vascular calcification and inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): challenging old concepts with new facts.
Viegas, C, Araújo, N, Marreiros, C, Simes, D
Aging. 2019;(12):4274-4299
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most powerful predictors of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD), with heightened susceptibility to vascular intimal and medial calcification associated with a high cardiovascular mortality. Abnormal mineral metabolism of calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) and underlying (dys)regulated hormonal control in CKD-mineral and bone disorder (MBD) is often accompanied by bone loss and increased vascular calcification (VC). While VC is known to be a multifactorial process and a major risk factor for CVD, the view of primary triggers and molecular mechanisms complexity has been shifting with novel scientific knowledge over the last years. In this review we highlight the importance of calcium-phosphate (CaP) mineral crystals in VC with an integrated view over the complexity of CKD, while discuss past and recent literature aiming to highlight novel horizons on this major health burden. Exacerbated VC in CKD patients might result from several interconnected mechanisms involving abnormal mineral metabolism, dysregulation of endogenous calcification inhibitors and inflammatory pathways, which function in a feedback loop driving disease progression and cardiovascular outcomes. We propose that novel approaches targeting simultaneously VC and inflammation might represent valuable new prognostic tools and targets for therapeutics and management of cardiovascular risk in the CKD population.
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3.
Electrolyte minerals intake and cardiovascular health.
Mohammadifard, N, Gotay, C, Humphries, KH, Ignaszewski, A, Esmaillzadeh, A, Sarrafzadegan, N
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2019;(15):2375-2385
Abstract
Appropriate intake of micronutrient, such as electrolyte minerals is critical for the well-being of the cardiovascular health system. However, there are some debates regarding the impacts of dietary and/or supplemental intake of these minerals, on the risk of cardiovascular events and associated risk factors. High sodium intake is adversely associated with the risk of hypertension. Although many reports refered to the positive association of Na intake and cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, however, other studies indicated that low Na intake is related to higher risk of all-cause mortality and HF-related events. By contrast, dietary potassium, magnesium and calcium have an inverse correlation with cardiovascular events and risk factors, especially with blood pressure. There are some controversies about cardiovascular effects and all-cause mortality of high Ca intake, including no effect, preventive or adverse effect with or without vitamin D. Calcium supplementation might be beneficial for prevention of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality only in individuals with low intake. Moreover, calcium intake showed a J- or U-shaped association with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Due to the controversies of the effect of electrolyte minerals especially sodium and calcium intake on cardiovascular events, large scale, well-designed long-term randomized clinical trials are required to evaluate the effect of minerals intake on cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. In this review, we discuss the role of dietary and or supplemental sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, in cardiovascular health, as well as their clinical applications, benefits, and risks for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, in general population.
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4.
Disentangling the complexity and diversity of crosstalk between sulfur and other mineral nutrients in cultivated plants.
Courbet, G, Gallardo, K, Vigani, G, Brunel-Muguet, S, Trouverie, J, Salon, C, Ourry, A
Journal of experimental botany. 2019;(16):4183-4196
Abstract
A complete understanding of ionome homeostasis requires a thorough investigation of the dynamics of the nutrient networks in plants. This review focuses on the complexity of interactions occurring between S and other nutrients, and these are addressed at the level of the whole plant, the individual tissues, and the cellular compartments. With regards to macronutrients, S deficiency mainly acts by reducing plant growth, which in turn restricts the root uptake of, for example, N, K, and Mg. Conversely, deficiencies in N, K, or Mg reduce uptake of S. TOR (target of rapamycin) protein kinase, whose involvement in the co-regulation of C/N and S metabolism has recently been unravelled, provides a clue to understanding the links between S and plant growth. In legumes, the original crosstalk between N and S can be found at the level of nodules, which show high requirements for S, and hence specifically express a number of sulfate transporters. With regards to micronutrients, except for Fe, their uptake can be increased under S deficiency through various mechanisms. One of these results from the broad specificity of root sulfate transporters that are up-regulated during S deficiency, which can also take up some molybdate and selenate. A second mechanism is linked to the large accumulation of sulfate in the leaf vacuoles, with its reduced osmotic contribution under S deficiency being compensated for by an increase in Cl uptake and accumulation. A third group of broader mechanisms that can explain at least some of the interactions between S and micronutrients concerns metabolic networks where several nutrients are essential, such as the synthesis of the Mo co-factor needed by some essential enzymes, which requires S, Fe, Zn and Cu for its synthesis, and the synthesis and regulation of Fe-S clusters. Finally, we briefly review recent developments in the modelling of S responses in crops (allocation amongst plant parts and distribution of mineral versus organic forms) in order to provide perspectives on prediction-based approaches that take into account the interactions with other minerals such as N.
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5.
Nitric oxide and plant mineral nutrition: current knowledge.
Buet, A, Galatro, A, Ramos-Artuso, F, Simontacchi, M
Journal of experimental botany. 2019;(17):4461-4476
Abstract
Plants under conditions of essential mineral deficiency trigger signaling mechanisms that involve common components. Among these components, nitric oxide (NO) has been identified as a key participant in responses to changes in nutrient availability. Usually, nutrient imbalances affect the levels of NO in specific plant tissues, via modification of its rate of synthesis or degradation. Changes in the level of NO affect plant morphology and/or trigger responses associated with nutrient homeostasis, mediated by its interaction with reactive oxygen species, phytohormones, and through post-translational modification of proteins. NO-related events constitute an exciting field of research to understand how plants adapt and respond to conditions of nutrient shortage. This review summarizes the current knowledge on NO as a component of the multiple processes related to plant performance under conditions of deficiency in mineral nutrients, focusing on macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and magnesium, as well as micronutrients such as iron and zinc.
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6.
[Maximum levels of vitamins and minerals in food supplements in Europe].
García Gabarra, A
Nutricion hospitalaria. 2019;(3):729-733
Abstract
EU legislation established the factors that should be applied for the setting of maximum levels of vitamins and minerals in food supplements and other foods enriched with these nutrients, considering the different sensitivity of the population groups, in order to minimize the risks of an excessive intake. A decade and a half later, these maximum levels have not yet been set. Because of this delay, in many European countries maximum daily amounts have been established for food supplements, with great differences from one country to another. In France, these maximum levels have just been updated taking into account the age, the physiological situation and the state of health of the population groups: children of 1-3 years, children of 3-10 years, adolescents of 11-17 years, adults, women with probability of pregnancy, pregnant women, lactating women, menopause, old people, smokers, patients receiving anticoagulant treatment, renal patients, etc.
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7.
Iron from a geochemical viewpoint. Understanding toxicity/pathogenicity mechanisms in iron-bearing minerals with a special attention to mineral fibers.
Gualtieri, AF, Andreozzi, GB, Tomatis, M, Turci, F
Free radical biology & medicine. 2019;:21-37
Abstract
Iron and its role as soul of life on Earth is addressed in this review as iron is one of the most abundant elements of our universe, forms the core of our planet and that of telluric (i.e., Earth-like) planets, is a major element of the Earth's crust and is hosted in an endless number of mineral phases, both crystalline and amorphous. To study iron at an atomic level inside the bulk of mineral phases or at its surface, where it is more reactive, both spectroscopy and diffraction experimental methods can be used, taking advantage of nearly the whole spectrum of electromagnetic waves. These methods can be successfully combined to microscopy to simultaneously provide chemical (e.g. iron mapping) and morphological information on mineral particles, and shed light on the interaction of mineral surfaces with organic matter. This review describes the crystal chemistry of iron-bearing minerals of importance for the environment and human health, with special attention to iron in toxic minerals, and the experimental methods used for their study. Special attention is devoted to the Fenton-like chain reaction involving Fe2+ in the formation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. The final part of this review deals with release and adsorption of iron in biological fluids, coordinative and oxidative state of iron and in vitro reactivity. To disclose the very mechanisms of carcinogenesis induced by iron-bearing toxic mineral particles, crystal chemistry and surface chemistry are fundamental for a multidisciplinary approach which should involve geo-bio-scientists, toxicologists and medical doctors.
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8.
[Subclinical micronutrients deficiencies related to metabolic syndrome].
Jiménez Ortega, AI, Martínez García, RM, Velasco Rodríguez-Belvis, M, Ruiz Herrero, J, Salas González, MªD, Ortega, RM
Nutricion hospitalaria. 2018;(Spec No6):60-63
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is the name given to a set of risk factors that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. There are different cut-off points to establish the definition of metabolic syndrome according to various international organizations, although in all definitions are considered four main data related to: 1) obesity; 2) alteration of glucose metabolism; 3) alteration of lipid metabolism; and 4) hypertension. Strategies for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome include changes in lifestyle (diet and physical activity), along with pharmacological treatment in certain cases. There is little evidence of the effect of different micronutrients in this syndrome, although there are many investigations in this line.
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9.
Maca Cosmetics: A Review on Constituents, Therapeutics and Advantages.
Li, Y, Wang, S, Xin, Y, Zheng, M, Xu, F, Xi, X, Cao, H, Cui, X, Guo, H, Han, C
Journal of oleo science. 2018;(7):789-800
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Abstract
Herbal cosmetics are the focus of attention nowadays, they have various therapeutics, including, anti-oxidant, anti-radiation, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory. Maca contains polysaccharides, phenolics, alkaloids, minerals and amino acids, which is said to suitable component for cosmetics due to the single action or synergy action. The review summarized the existed and potential therapeutic effects of maca ingredients in cosmetics. And compared to the marketed cosmetics, maca cosmetics have the merits of mild, low-toxicity and the clear relationship efficacy.
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10.
Exploiting algal mineralization for nanotechnology: bringing coccoliths to the fore.
Skeffington, AW, Scheffel, A
Current opinion in biotechnology. 2018;:57-63
Abstract
Complex mineral structures are produced by many microalgal species. Pioneering work on diatom silica has demonstrated the potential of such structures in nanotechnology. The calcified scales of coccolithophores (coccoliths) have received less attention, but the large diversity of architectures make coccoliths attractive as parts for nano-devices. Currently coccolith calcite can be modified by the incorporation of metal ions or adsorption of enzymes to the surface, but genetic modification of coccolithophores may permit the production of coccoliths with customized architectures and surface properties. Further work on the laboratory cultivation of diverse species, the physiochemical properties of coccoliths and on genetic tools for coccolithophores will be necessary to realize the full potential of coccoliths in nanotechnology.