The Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development (BOND) project is designed to provide evidence-based advice to anyone with an interest in the role of nutrition in health. Specifically, the BOND program provides state-of-the-art information and service with regard to selection, use, and interpretation of biomarkers of nutrient exposure, status, function, and effect. To accomplish this objective, expert panels are recruited to evaluate the literature and to draft comprehensive reports on the current state of the art with regard to specific nutrient biology and available biomarkers for assessing nutrients in body tissues at the individual and population level. Phase I of the BOND project includes the evaluation of biomarkers for 6 nutrients: iodine, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin B-12. This review represents the second in the series of reviews and covers all relevant aspects of folate biology and biomarkers. The article is organized to provide the reader with a full appreciation of folate's history as a public health issue, its biology, and an overview of available biomarkers (serum folate, RBC folate, and plasma homocysteine concentrations) and their interpretation across a range of clinical and population-based uses. The article also includes a list of priority research needs for advancing the area of folate biomarkers related to nutritional health status and development.

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Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development (BOND)-Iron Review.

Chemistry and biology of eukaryotic iron metabolism.

Iron, an essential nutrient, is not readily available to plants because of its low solubility. In addition, iron is toxic in excess, catalyzing the formation of hydroxyl radicals that can damage cellular constituents. Consequently, plants must carefully regulate iron uptake so that iron homeostasis is maintained. The Arabidopsis IRT1 gene is the major transporter responsible for high-affinity iron uptake from the soil. Here, we show that the steady state level of IRT1 mRNA was induced within 24 h after transfer of plants to iron-deficient conditions, with protein levels peaking 72 h after transfer. IRT1 mRNA and protein were undetectable 12 h after plants were shifted back to iron-sufficient conditions. Overexpression of IRT1 did not confer dominant gain-of-function enhancement of metal uptake. Analysis of 35S-IRT1 transgenic plants revealed that although IRT1 mRNA was expressed constitutively in these plants, IRT1 protein was present only in the roots when iron is limiting. Under these conditions, plants that overexpressed IRT1 accumulated higher levels of cadmium and zinc than wild-type plants, indicating that IRT1 is responsible for the uptake of these metals and that IRT1 protein levels are indeed increased in these plants. Our results suggest that the expression of IRT1 is controlled by two distinct mechanisms that provide an effective means of regulating metal transport in response to changing environmental conditions.

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Expression of the IRT1 metal transporter is controlled by metals at the levels of transcript and protein accumulation.

The roles of iron in health and disease

Molecular and ionic mimicry and the transport of toxic metals.

Nramp2 Expression Is Associated with pH-dependent Iron Uptake across the Apical Membrane of Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells

https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1016/S0014-5793%2801%2902953-2

Zinc regulates the function and expression of the iron transporters DMT1 and IREG1 in human intestinal Caco‐2 cells

https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1016/S0014-5793%2801%2903225-2

Rapid regulation of divalent metal transporter (DMT1) protein but not mRNA expression by non-haem iron in human intestinal Caco-2 cells

pH dependent iron uptake across the apical membrane of intestinal Caco 2 cells is associated with Nramp2 expression

Introduction The theory of miasms as expressed by Hahnemann has separated views amongst homoeopaths and is still a topic which has not been fully explored, especially in today’s time (Mathur 2009:177). The Cancerinic miasm is focused around the disease of cancer. Cancer as a disease is the second leading cause of death globally and continues to grow rapidly and uncontrollably. Homoeopathy looks at miasms from a holistic viewpoint, incorporating the mind, body and emotions. This study aims to link this clinical view of disease with the practice of miasmatic prescription in homoeopathy. The Cancerinic miasm is a very complex theory that needs to be explored in a fully descriptive way and this has not been done in a national context before. Aim The aim of this study was to explore the Cancerinic miasm and its clinical application in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) context using the experiences of registered homoeopaths that are currently practicing in KZN, South Africa. The study focused on gaining information from the participants based on the three main objectives: the knowledge of miasmatic prescribing; the knowledge of the Cancerinic miasm and the clinical application of the Cancerinic miasm in the context of KZN, South Africa. Methodology This study followed a qualitative methodology which was based on an exploratory and descriptive design. This study was conducted throughout KZN, where 12 homoeopathic practitioners were purposefully sampled through the expert purposive sampling method, according to their knowledge and experience on the topic. The participants were selected based on a set of inclusion criteria. A semi-structured interview was set up at their place of practice and was audio-recorded under confidential ethical standards. The data collected was analysed through the Thematic Analysis approach, to observe patterns and develop themes from the information. Results The results gathered produced three major themes, each having a number of subthemes attached. Considering Theme 1, the participants gave a rich understanding of miasmatic theory and saw it as valuable to use in practice. Theme 2 focused on the Cancerinic miasm where various themes, contributions and symptoms emerged and the prevalence of the miasm in South Africa was discussed. A few of the key areas of focus within the data was surrounding cancer, apartheid and gender roles. Theme 3 discussed the clinical application of the Cancerinic miasm in the context of KZN, South Africa. The participants viewed the miasm as being highly prevalent in their practices. There were dynamic methods used based on the experiences of the participants with regard to their case taking, prescription and treatment of patients. The participants gave detailed examples of Cancerinic cases in their private practices and discussed their treatment process and outcomes of these cases. Conclusion Overall, the study produced rich data regarding the Cancerinic miasm in the context of KZN, South Africa, where unique viewpoints and clinical applications were discussed. Further studies like this are recommended by the researcher to be conducted throughout South Africa. This will broaden the understanding of the miasm and gain a holistic and uniquely South African viewpoint, which incorporates more diversity regarding age, race, gender and socioeconomic factors. These can then be compared and analysed with international studies to create a complete and rich data source of the Cancerinic miasm. 

S Tandy

Papers

Nramp2 Expression Is Associated with pH-dependent Iron Uptake across the Apical Membrane of Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells

Zinc regulates the function and expression of the iron transporters DMT1 and IREG1 in human intestinal Caco‐2 cells

Rapid regulation of divalent metal transporter (DMT1) protein but not mRNA expression by non-haem iron in human intestinal Caco-2 cells

pH dependent iron uptake across the apical membrane of intestinal Caco 2 cells is associated with Nramp2 expression

Experienced of registered homoeopaths regarding clinical application of the Cancerinic miasm in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa