Influence of age and K, Mg aspartate (Cardilan) on murine haemopoiesis

A review of select minerals influencing the haematopoietic process

Micronutrients are indispensable for adequate metabolism, such as biochemical function and cell production. The production of blood cells is named haematopoiesis and this process is highly consuming due to the rapid turnover of the haematopoietic system and consequent demand for nutrients. It is well established that micronutrients are relevant to blood cell production, although some of the mechanisms of how micronutrients modulate haematopoiesis remain unknown. The aim of the present review is to summarise the effect of Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Co, iodine, P, Se, Cu, Li and Zn on haematopoiesis. This review deals specifically with the physiological requirements of selected micronutrients to haematopoiesis, showing various studies related to the physiological requirements, deficiency or excess of these minerals on haematopoiesis. The literature selected includes studies in animal models and human subjects. In circumstances where these minerals have not been studied for a given condition, no information was used. All the selected minerals have an important role in haematopoiesis by influencing the quality and quantity of blood cell production. In addition, it is highly recommended that the established nutrition recommendations for these minerals be followed, because cases of excess or deficient mineral intake can affect the haematopoiesis process.

Cognitive function in outbred house mice after 22 weeks of drinking oxygenated water

Oxygen-enriched drinking water, which is increasingly sold worldwide, is claimed to "keep both the body and the mind healthy." However, currently there is no scientific evidence for such a statement. Therefore, we assessed the effect of 22 weeks of drinking oxygenated water on cognitive performance in healthy mice, using a spatial learning task and behavioral observations. Thirty-six female mice (age 3 to 6 months) received either hyperoxic or normal tap water (approximately 6.6 vs. 1.8 microg O(2) g(-1) day(-1), respectively) throughout the study period. Mice were weighed one to two times per month, and a blood sample was taken from the tail to determine the hematocrit. In addition, red blood cells were counted microscopically one and two months after the start of the experiment. Four weeks after the last blood sample (21 weeks after the start of the experiment), exploration behavior and locomotor activity were observed on a holeboard, and learning ability tests were performed using an elevated open maze. No significant differences were seen between groups for any of the parameters investigated. Thus, the study does not support the hypothesis that drinking oxygenated water improves cognitive function or hematological parameters in mice.