Alexander Leaf

Bio: Alexander Leaf is an academic researcher from Harvard University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Polyunsaturated fatty acid & Eicosapentaenoic acid. The author has an hindex of 68, co-authored 200 publications receiving 15306 citations. Previous affiliations of Alexander Leaf include University of Otago & Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Cardiovascular effects of n-3 fatty acids

Abstract: A detailed technical overview summarizes and discusses available evidence concerning the effects of fish oil n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) on reducing cardiovascular disease risks. Attention is given to: the characteristics and metabolism of n-6 and n-3 PUFA's and the effects of n-3 PUFA's on plasma lipid profiles; the role of n-3 PUFA's in reducing atherosclerosis risk; possible protection of n-3 PUFA's during myocardial infarction; the relative importance of eicosapentaenoic vs. docosahexaneoic acids; and appropriate intakes of n-3 PUFA's. The potential adverse health effects from ingesting fish oils also are discussed.(wz)

Regulation of cellular volume.

Abstract: With some 55 to 60% of body weight attributable to water and approximately two-thirds of this within cells, the constancy of body weight is testimonial to the precision with which cells regulate their water content. Understanding of how this is accomplished is still, however, largely speculative.

Calcium and ischemic injury

Abstract: ISCHEMIC diseases of the heart, kidney, and brain continue to be the primary causes of mortality and morbidity in the United States and other Western industrialized nations. The magnitude of the problem has stimulated much research directed at identifying the proximate causes of ischemic cell death. It is hoped that a clear understanding of ischemia-induced derangements of cell function will allow more rational prevention and therapy. In the past two decades, many potentially damaging factors, such as ATP depletion, plasma-membrane phospholipid degradation, activation of autolytic systems, cellular acidosis, superoxide-induced membrane damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction, have been implicated as playing a . . .

The Role of Cell Swelling in Ischemic Renal Damage and the Protective Effect of Hypertonic Solute

Abstract: The failure of blood flow to return to the kidney following a transient period of ischemia has long been recognized. The cause of this "no-reflow" has been investigated in the rat after a transient period of total obstruction of the renal arteries. The vascular pattern of the kidneys as visualized with silicone rubber injection shows a diffuse patchy ischemia throughout the kidney, which persists after release of the obstructed renal artery. Electron microscopic studies of ischemic kidneys showed that all cellular elements were swollen and limiting the available vascular space. Functional studies revealed an increase in plasma urea nitrogen and creatinine after 1 hr or longer ischemic periods. The ischemia, cell swelling, "no-reflow," and subsequent renal dysfunction occurring after obstruction to the renal arteries were corrected by the administration of hypertonic mannitol, but were unaffected by an equivalent expansion of the extracellular fluid volume either with isotonic saline or isotonic mannitol, showing that the osmotic effect was primary. The hypothesis is presented that ischemic swelling of cells may occlude small blood vessels so that recirculation does not resume even after the initial cause of the ischemia is no longer present; solutes which do not penetrate cell membranes are able to shrink swollen cells, increase the available vascular space and thus permit reflow of blood to the ischemic organ.

Essentiality of and Recommended Dietary Intakes for Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Abstract: Accessible online at: http://BioMedNet.com/karger The Workshop on the Essentiality of and Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDIs) for Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids was held at The Cloisters, National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md., USA, April 7–9, 1999. The workshop was sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism-NIH, the Office of Dietary Supplements-NIH, The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, and the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids, and cosponsored by several industry groups1. The workshop participants consisted of investigators of the role of essential fatty acids in infant nutrition, cardiovascular disease, and mental health. The first two areas were selected because they are the ones where extensive studies involving animal models, clinical intervention trials, and biochemical and

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2018 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association.

Abstract: Each chapter listed in the Table of Contents (see next page) is a hyperlink to that chapter. The reader clicks the chapter name to access that chapter. Each chapter listed here is a hyperlink. Click on the chapter name to be taken to that chapter. Each year, the American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and other government agencies, brings together in a single document the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and the cardiovascular risk factors listed in the AHA’s My Life Check - Life’s Simple 7 (Figure1), which include core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure [BP], and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update represents …

Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract: fatty acids affect cardiac function (including antiarrhythmic effects), hemodynamics (cardiac mechanics), and arterial endothelial function have helped clarify potential mechanisms of action. The present Statement will address distinctions between plant-derived (-linolenic acid, C18:3n-3) and marine-derived (eicosapentaenoic acid, C20:5n-3 [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid, C22:6n-3 [DHA]) omega-3 fatty acids. (Unless otherwise noted, the term omega-3 fatty acids will refer to the latter.) Evidence from epidemiological studies and RCTs will be reviewed, and recommendations reflecting the current state of knowledge will be made with regard to both fish consumption and omega-3 fatty acid (plant- and marine-derived) supplementation. This will be done in the context of recent guidance issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the presence of environmental contaminants in certain species of fish.