Vishwanath M. Sardesai

Bio: Vishwanath M. Sardesai is an academic researcher from Wayne State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Polyunsaturated fatty acid & Arachidonic acid. The author has an hindex of 15, co-authored 49 publications receiving 1015 citations. Previous affiliations of Vishwanath M. Sardesai include Detroit Receiving Hospital.

The Determination of Triglycerides in Plasma and Tissues

Abstract: A simple method for the determination of plasma and tissue triglycerides is described. This procedure involves the extraction and saponification of triglycerides, the oxidation of the glycerol moiety to formaldehyde, and the conversion of formaldehyde to a yellow-colored compound, 3,5 diacetyl-1-4 dihydrolulidine, the intensity of which is determined spectrophotometrically. The recoveries of triglycerides added to plasma and tissues have been satisfactory. Plasma samples obtained from normal human subjects are found to have triglycerides in the range 83-200 mg./100 ml. From the standpoint of sensitivity, simplicity, and time required, this technic is believed to be an improvement over previously described procedures for triglyceride determination.

Role of antioxidants in health maintenance

Abstract: Free radicals are produced in the body as by products of normal metabolism and as a result of exposure to radiation and some environmental pollutants. Because they are highly reactive, they can damage cellular components and are implicated in a variety of diseases. Free radicals are normally neutralized by efficient systems in the body that include the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and the nutrient-derived antioxidant small molecules (vitamin E, vitamin C, carotenes, flavonoids, glutathione, uric acid, and taurine). In healthy individuals, a delicate balance exists between free radicals and antioxidants. In some pathologic conditions such as diabetes, and in critically ill patients, oxidative stress causes the level of antioxidants to fall below normal. Antioxidant supplements for such conditions are expected to be of benefit. As a preventive measure against certain diseases, the best approach for healthy individuals is to regularly consume adequate amounts of antioxidant-rich foods, eg, fruits and vegetables.

Nutritional role of polyunsaturated fatty acids

Abstract: In mammalian tissues there are four families of polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from the parent fatty acids: palmitoleic and oleic acids, which can be synthesized endogenously, and linoleic and linolenic acids, which must be obtained from the diet and are known as essential fatty acids. These four precursors are desaturated and chain elongated to form the long chain highly unsaturated fatty acids. The principal products of linoleic acid are arachidonic, with four double bonds (tetraene), and dihomogamma linolenic acids; those of linolenic acid are eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. These polyunsaturated acids derived from essential fatty acids when incorporated into membrane phospholipids can alter membrane fluidity, which determines the permeability of membranes and the behavior of membrane-bound enzymes and receptors. The dihomogammalinolenic, arachidonic, and eicosapentaenoic acids are also the precursors of eicosanoids, which influence many cellular processes. When the dietary amounts of linoleic and linolenic acids are inadequate, palmitoleate and oleate are desaturated and chain elongated to give rise to eicosatrienoic acids (triene). An elevated tissue triene/tetraene ratio is, therefore, used as a marker for essential fatty acid deficiency. The essential fatty acid deficiency symptoms include reduced growth rate, scaly dermatitis, impaired reproduction, and susceptibility to infection. The intake of 1 to 2% of the daily calories as linoleate and 0.2 to 0.5% as linolenate is widely acknowledged as the approximate amounts to meet the needs of essential fatty acids in humans

Natural and synthetic intense sweeteners

Abstract: Two types of intense sweeteners are available: natural sweeteners of plant origin and artificial or synthetic sweeteners. The sweeteners from natural sources with potential for commercial use include perillaldehyde, stevioside, rabaudioside, glycyrrhizin, osladin, thaumatins, and monellin. The compound miraculin, although not sweet, has the property of modifying the taste of sour food into a delightfully sweet taste. The artificial sweeteners currently in use in this country are saccharin, aspartame, and acesulfame K. In addition, sucralose, alitame, and several other sugar substitutes are in various stages of development. Although these compounds provide sweetness with minimal or no calories, some studies suggest that they may induce insulin secretion and a rise in appetite. The long-term effect of these sweeteners on weight gain and insulin secretion among various groups of the population needs to be studied.

Molybdenum: an essential trace element.

Abstract: Molybdenum is found in most foods, with legumes, dairy products, and meats being the richest sources. This metal is considered essential because it is part of a complex called molybdenum cofactor that is required for the three mammalian enzymes xanthine oxidase (XO), aldehyde oxidase (AO), and sulfite oxidase (SO). XO participates in the metabolism of purines, AO catalyzes the conversion of aldehydes to acids, and SO is involved in the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids. Molybdenum deficiency is not found in free-living humans, but deficiency is reported in a patient receiving prolonged total parenteral nutrition with clinical signs characterized by tachycardia, headache, mental disturbances, and coma. The biochemical abnormalities in this acquired molybdenum deficiency include very low levels of uric acid in serum and urine (low XO activity) and low inorganic sulfate levels in urine (low SO activity). Inborn errors of isolated deficiencies of XO, SO, and molybdenum cofactor are described. Although XO deficiency is relatively benign, patients with isolated deficiencies of SO or molybdenum cofactor exhibit mental retardation, neurologic problems, and ocular lens dislocation. These abnormalities seem to be caused by the toxicity of sulfite and/or inadequate amounts of inorganic sulfate available for the formation of sulfated compounds present in the brain. XO and AO may also participate in the inactivation of some toxic substances, inasmuch as studies suggest that molybdenum deficiency is a factor in the higher incidence of esophageal cancer in populations consuming food grown in molybdenum-poor soil.

Colloids versus crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients

Abstract: ‘This review is published as a Cochrane Review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004, Issue 4. Cochrane Reviews are regularly updated as new evidence emerges and in response to comments and criticisms, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews should be consulted for the most recent version of the Review.’ Roberts, I., Alderson, P., Bunn, F., Chinnock, P., Ker, K., Schierhout, G. 'Colloids versus crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004 (4) CD000567. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD000567.pub2

The importance of mineral elements for humans, domestic animals and plants: A review

Abstract: Minerals are inorganic nutrients, usually required in small amounts from less than 1 to 2500 mg per day, depending on the mineral. As with vitamins and other essential food nutrients, mineral requirements vary with animal species. For example, humans and other vertebrates need large amounts of calcium for construction and maintenance of bone and normal function of nerves and muscles. Phosphorus is an important constituent of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and nucleic acid and is also essential for acid-base balance, bone and tooth formation. Red blood cells can not function properly without iron in haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment of red blood cells. Iron is also an important component of the cytochromes that function in cellular respiration. Magnesium, copper, selenium, zinc, iron, manganese and molybdenum are important co-factors found in the structure of certain enzymes and are indispensable in numerous biochemical pathways. Vertebrates need iodine to make thyroid hormones. Sodium, potassium and chlorine are important in the maintenance of osmotic balance between cells and the interstitial fluid. Magnesium is an important component of chlorophyll in plants. The interactions between nutrition and diseases, nutrition and drug metabolism have been reported. Excessive intake of some minerals can upset homeostatic balance and cause toxic side effects. For example, excess sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure and excess iron can cause liver damage. Also, severe shortages or self-prescribed minerals can alter the delicate balance in body functions that promotes health. The knowledge of the biochemistry of the mineral elements is also essential because individuals suffering from a chronic illness or taking medications that affect the body’s use of specific nutrients need to be enlightened. The aim of this paper is to review the biochemical functions and the importance of the mineral elements in health and disease conditions of humans, animals and plants as this will assist in the prevention of nutrition-related diseases and maintenance of good health for humans and animals that depend on plants for food. This paper could also serve as a ready source of literature review for researchers involved in nutritional sciences. Key words: Mineral elements, humans, animals, plants, nutrition.

Cochrane Injuries Group Albumin ReviewersWhy albumin may not work

Abstract: Objective: To quantify effect on mortality of administering human albumin or plasma protein fraction during management of critically ill patients. Design: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials comparing administration of albumin or plasma protein fraction with no administration or with administration of crystalloid solution in critically ill patients with hypovolaemia, burns, or hypoalbuminaemia. Subjects: 30 randomised controlled trials including 1419 randomised patients. Main outcome measure:Mortality from all causes at end of follow up for each trial. Results: For each patient category the risk of death in the albumin treated group was higher than in the comparison group.For hypovolaemia the relative risk of death after albuminadministration was 1.46 (95% confidence interval 0.97 to 2.22), for burns the relative risk was 2.40 (1.11 to 5.19),and for hypoalbuminaemia it was 1.69 (1.07 to 2.67). Pooled relative risk of death with albumin administration was 1.68 (1.26 to 2.23). Pooled difference in the risk of death with albumin was 6% (95% confidence interval 3% to 9%) with a fixed effects model. These data suggest that for every 17 critically ill patients treated with albumin there is one additional death. Conclusions: There is no evidence that albumin administration reduces mortality incritically ill patients with hypovolaemia,burns, or hypoalbuminaemia and a strong suggestion that it may increase mortality. These data suggest that use of human albumin in critically ill patients should be urgently reviewed and that it should not be used outside the context of rigorously conducted, randomised controlled trials.