Introduction
Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and density, as well as change in microarchitecture of bone tissue leading to decreased bone strength. In vitro research shows nicotine can increase osteoblast activity and proliferation, also suppress osteoclast activity. Therefore we explore nicotine anti-resorptive property by in vivo true experimental and randomized posttest only controlled group research that was conducted in 18-20 weeks old
Rattus norvegicus
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Methods
Twenty-five female rats were divided into five groups, with 5 rats per group. The first group represented normal rats (Sham), while the second to fifth group underwent bilateral ovariectomy. The second group serves as positive control group (ovariectomy-only/OVX). The third to fifth group serve as dose 1 (P1-0.25mg/kg), dose 2 (P2-0.5 mg/kg), and Dose 3 (P3-0.75 mg/kg) treatment group receiving daily per-oral nicotine for 28 days, started 3 weeks post- ovariectomy. After 28 days treatment, the serum was checked.
Results
Nicotine has dose-dependent manner on serum osteocalcin and serum DPD level. Level of osteocalcin in P2 group was significantly lower (Mann-Whitney, p = 0.008) compared to OVX group (59.4% lower). Level of DPD in all group was not significantly different (ANOVA, p < 0.05) but shows lowest level in P2 group. For serum calcitonin level, there's no significant different between groups.
Conclusion
Nicotine at right low-dose might be able to inhibit osteoclast activity, thus open a possibility of anti-resorptive property of nicotine.
Background: Vitamin D is involved in human immune system homeostasis and thought to be beneficial for COVID-19 patients, including pediatric population. However, there is still a paucity of information on association of serum vitamin D levels and COVID-19 clinical manifestation in pediatric patients. This study evaluated the association between serum vitamin D levels and clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in pediatric patients. Methods: We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for articles reporting association between vitamin D and COVID-19 clinical manifestations in pediatric patients. We searched for English-written articles only. PRISMA-MOOSE guideline and quality checklist was complied and statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Results: Ten studies with total of 1,225 patients reported were reviewed. Low vitamin D levels was significantly associated with higher incidence of severe COVID-19 with pooled OR was 5.57 (1.59-19.55; p=0.007). Clinical symptoms were compared between low and normal vitamin D levels. Incidence of fever, cough, ageusia, anosmia, headache, and fatigue were not significantly different between group, with pooled RR was 2.13 (0.13-33.73; p=0.59), 1.25 (0.25-6.22; p=0.78), 0.47 (0.05-4.76; p=0.52), 1.25 (0.21-7.41; p=0.81), 0.91 (0.33-2.55; p=0.86), and 1.02 (0.47-2.22; p=0.96), respectively. The mean count of leukocytes and lymphocytes in the two groups were also not significantly different with pooled RR was -0.49 (-1.39-0.41; p=0.28), and -0.73 (-1.65-0.20; p=0.12), respectively. Conclusion: Low serum vitamin D level (<20 ng/ml) is associated with the severity of COVID-19 in pediatric patients, but do not affect symptoms and laboratory parameters. Vitamin D supplementation might be beneficial for children undergo medical quarantine and isolation.
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