Publications by authors named "D Mafra"
Effects of intradialytic bicycle ergometer exercise on transcription factors NF-ĸB and Nrf2 in patients with chronic kidney disease: A randomized crossover clinical trial.
J Bodyw Mov Ther
October 2024
Purpose: To evaluate the effects of an intradialytic aerobic exercise training program on the expression of transcription factors nuclear factor κappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), related to inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, respectively, in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis.
Methods: This was a longitudinal, randomized clinical trial with a washout period and crossover performed with 33 patients randomized into two groups: Exercise (individualized intradialytic aerobic exercise on an adapted stationary exercise bike) three times per week for three months and control (without exercise). After the washout period (1 month), the exercise group became the control, and the other group performed the exercises for another three months.
Article Synopsis
- - Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have elevated levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a harmful substance linked to heart disease, and the study explores how gut microbes, specifically methanogenic archaea, might help reduce TMAO by consuming its precursor, trimethylamine (TMA).
- - The study involved 25 CKD patients, where TMAO levels were measured and gut microbial DNA was sequenced, revealing high TMAO levels and a connection to archaea, particularly a significant negative correlation with the genus Methanobrevibacter.
- - This research is pioneering in linking TMAO levels with archaea in CKD patients, highlighting the potential role of specific
Protective Effects of Annona Atemoya Extracts on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Renal Function in Cadmium-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel)
October 2024
Background: Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal from agricultural activities, and its exposure can lead to impaired renal function by increasing reactive oxygen species. The atemoya fruit is known for its high phenolic and antioxidant compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of atemoya extracts on renal function, oxidative stress parameters, and inflammatory biomarkers in a cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity model.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPropolis possesses many bioactive compounds that could modulate the gut microbiota and reduce the production of uremic toxins in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effects of propolis on the gut microbiota profile and uremic toxin plasma levels in HD patients. These are secondary analyses from a previous double-blind, randomized clinical study, with 42 patients divided into two groups: the placebo and propolis group received 400 mg of green propolis extract/day for eight weeks.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Nattokinase (NK), derived from the traditional Asian food natto, has been shown to lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality due to its properties that help dissolve blood clots and prevent thrombosis.
- Recent studies suggest NK may also combat inflammation and oxidative stress, linking it to potential benefits in treating various non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
- This review analyzes the current literature and emphasizes NK's therapeutic promise, highlighting its dual role in improving cardiovascular health and its newfound anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.