Androstenedione (a Natural Steroid and a Drug Supplement): A Comprehensive Review of Its Consumption, Metabolism, Health Effects, and Toxicity with Sex Differences

Androstenedione is a steroidal hormone produced in male and female gonads, as well as in the adrenal glands, and it is known for its key role in the production of estrogen and testosterone. Androstenedione is also sold as an oral supplement, that is being utilized to increase testosterone levels. Simply known as “andro” by athletes, it is commonly touted as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. By boosting testosterone levels, it is thought to be an enhancer for athletic performance, build body muscles, reduce fats, increase energy, maintain healthy RBCs, and increase sexual performance. Nevertheless, several of these effects are not yet scientifically proven. Though commonly used as a supplement for body building, it is listed among performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) which is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, as well as the International Olympic Committee. This review focuses on the action mechanism behind androstenedione’s health effects, and further side effects including clinical features, populations at risk, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and toxicokinetics. A review of androstenedione regulation in drug doping is also presented.

An Oral Combination of Turmeric-Pomegranate (With Ginger) Prevents Viral (Cold/ Flu) Episodes in Immunocompromised Patients

The aim of this pharma standard (“PS”) supplement, registry was the evaluation – in a period of 3 months – of the effects of the use of a standardized combination (oral supplement including turmeric, pomegranate and ginger) in preventing common, winter, viral events (cold and flu episodes). Results: No safety or tolerability problem was observed with the supplement. The two resulting registry management groups – standard management (SM) and SM+the supplement combination – were comparable. The number of viral (cold/flu) episodes (lasting more than 3 days), and the total number of subjects with any episode was in favor of the group managed with the preventive supplement combination (p<0.05). The average number of days of disease and the lost working days were lower with the combination (Phyto Relief). The use of other OTC products and the number of complications were significantly lower (<0.05) with the supplement combination. The number of subjects with a clinical extension of the disease to more than 7 days with bronchial or tracheal complications was also lower (p<0.05) with the supplements in comparison with the SM group. Salivation was improved more in the supplemented group (p<0.05). The results of this concept, preliminary study in mildly immuno-compromised subjects shows that Phyto Relief may help prevent some episodes of cold/flu and help (by shortening the length of the episodes) the evolution of viral episodes when used early, when the initial symptoms can be identified. More specific evaluations and larger prevention studies are needed, in a more heterogenous population. The extension of this supplementary prevention to more subjects and for longer periods may indicate a more permanent effect of this supplement combination on improving local, mucosal immunity and resistance to viral spread. Conclusions: The evaluation of immunocompromised subjects is significant in clinical conditions prevention (winter viral episodes) with this natural combination which may also avoid prolonged respiratory complications.

MO909MULTICENTER EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF MALNUTRITION INFLAMATION IN DIALYSIS “EMID” IN SPANISH DIALYSIS CENTERS

Background and Aims There is a high prevalence of malnutrition (PEW) in patients on dialysis (HD-PD). There is no single tool to diagnose it, varying the percentage according to the one used. Aim To assess prevalence of malnutrition-inflammation by MIS scale (malnutrition-inflammation-score) in HD or PD patients of Spanish dialysis units. Method We evaluated 2937 patients on dialysis (HD+PD) in Spain were evaluated on the MIS scale strata (Kalantar-Zadeh 1999) also analyzing: Common data Age, sex, dialysis time, Charlson-I., RRF, albumin,prealbumin,Kt/V transferrin, CRP, DM , Specific-HD HD type, AVF or Catheter , Specific-PD PD-type, transport type. Statistical analysis with SPSS.23 software, using parametric and non-parametric test. Results We evaluate 2748 HD patients, median age 71 (RIC20), 65.90% male, median MIS 6 (RIC4), DM 36.91%, T in HD 36m (RIC54), FRR 35.44% , Charlson Index 7 (RIC4) and 186 in PD (62.96% men), median -age 62 (RIC 24), median-MIS 4 (RIC 2), T in PD of 18.5 m (RIC 23.5),DM 30.77%, FRR 79.89%, I Charlson 5 (RIC 4), In PDA 99pac-52.38%. Prevalence of global malnutrition (MIS&gt;2) was 89% considering HD+DP and 50% when MIS&gt;5 (table 1) In PD the higher normonutrides greater Kt/V in manual vs automatic not the malnourished ones. FRR significantly in greater % in normonutrides. No differences in malnutrition depending on carrier type. CRP sig major in MIS&gt;2 and &gt;5 In HD, Normo versus malnourished and with MIS&gt;5 significant difference: HD type, CRP, HD Type, AVF vs catheter, age,sex. The prescription for Oral supplement was low and higher in HD 12.4% vs DP 6.3%. Conclusions 1.- There is a high prevalence of malnutrition on dialysis being higher in HD. 2.- In PD, FRR major and CRP minor in well-nourished versus malnourished. 3.- In HD: Normo versus malnourished and with MIS&gt;5 significant difference: HD type, CRP,Charlson I. AVF vs catheter, age,sex. 4.- There is a percentage of malnourished patients with very low percentage of oral supplement.

Phytorelief-CC in Prevention of Flu and Cold: A 4 To 6 Month Registry Study

The aim of this supplement, registry study was to evaluate the effects of the use of standardized, oral supplement (PhytoRelief CC, Alchem). Phyto-Relief CC includes anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-edema natural compounds.