The association of dietary Beta-carotene and vitamin A intake on the risk of esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: dietary β-carotene and vitamin A intake have shown some potential effect in the development of esophageal cancer. This meta-analysis was performed to investigate the association of β-carotene and vitamin A intake on the risk of esophageal cancer. METHODS: the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Wanfang Med online databases were systematically searched to collect the relevant articles regarding the impact of β-carotene and vitamin A intake on esophageal cancer risk. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were combined using the Review Manager Version 5.3 software. RESULTS: this meta-analysis included 14 articles. The highest category of β-carotene intake may significantly reduce the risk of esophageal cancer compared with the lowest category (OR = 0.62, 95 % CI = 0.50-0.77). Similar significant results were found in American and European populations but not in other populations with β-carotene intake. An inverse association was found between vitamin A intake and esophageal cancer risk (OR = 0.79, 95 % CI = 0.63-0.99). No potential publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS: our study suggested that dietary β-carotene and vitamin A intake may reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. More relevant studies are needed to further explore this association, as there were some limitations in our análisis

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Hypercarotenemia / Hipercarotenemia

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Suplementacion con vitaminas liposolubles en pacientes con fibrosis quistica: ¿es suficiente con Aquadek’s®? / Fat-soluble vitamins supplementation in patients with cystic fibrosis: is enough Aquadek’s®?

Introducción y objetivo: Conocer si la suplementación un nuevo polivitamínico (Aquadek’s®) durante 12 meses es segura y eficaz en pacientes con Fibrosis Quística (FQ). Material y Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, longitudinal y no controlado en pacientes con FQ insuficientes pancreáticos, clínicamente estables, que recibieron suplementación con Aquadek’s® (2 comprimidos masticables) durante 12 meses en lugar de su suplementación habitual. Se evaluaron niveles séricos de retinol, betacarotenos, 25 OH vitamina D y α-tocoferol un año antes, al inicio y tras un año de tratamiento. Análisis estadístico: Pruebas t para datos pareados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 28 pacientes entre 6 y 39 años (mediana 18,5 años). La suplementación con Aquadek’s® supuso un incremento en la dosis de vitaminas A y una disminución del número de comprimidos administrados. Al inicio, un 89% presentaban algún tipo de dé- ficit vitamínico: (61% pro-Vitamina A y 54% vitamina D). Tras un año, se produjo un incremento de los niveles de betacarotenos: 160 mcg/l (IC 95% 98-222) (p<0,001) y disminuyó el porcentaje de pacientes con deficiencia de dicha pro-vitamina un 46% (IC 95% 22-64) (p<0,001). Vitamina D aumentaron un 18% (IC 95% 2-32) (p=0,025). En ningún caso los niveles séricos sobrepasaron los límites indicativos de toxicidad. Conclusiones: La suplementación con Aquadek’s® en el formato de comprimidos masticables es segura y eficaz para mantener el estatus de las vitaminas A y E en pacientes con FQ mayores de 6 años, aunque es insuficiente para mantener niveles séricos de 25 OH vitamina D dentro de las recomendaciones para esta enfermedad (AU)

Introduction and objective: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel polyvitaminic (Aquadek’s®) in patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Material and Methods: Prospective, longitudinal and non-randomized study. CF patients with pancreatic insufficiency and clinically stable were given Aquadek’s® (two chewable tablets) daily for 12 months. Serum levels of retinol, beta-carotene, 25 OH vitamin D and α-tocopherol were evaluated twelve months before, at baseline and 12 months after. Statistical analysis: paired ttests. Results: 28 patients aged 6 to 39 years (median 18.5 years) were included. Aquadek’s® supplementation led to an increase in vitamin A dose and a decrease in the number of tablets administered. At baseline, 89% had at least one vitamin deficiency (61% pro-Vitamin A and 54% vitamin D). After one year, serum beta-carotene levels were increases 160 (95% CI 98-222) mcg/l (p<0,001) and decreased the percentage of patients with pro-vitamin A deficiency 46% (95% CI 22-64) (p<0,001). The proportion of patients with vitamin D insufficiency increased 18% (95% CI 2-32) (p =0.025). In any case serum levels exceeded the upper limits used to assess the risk of toxicity. Conclusions: Two daily Aquadek’s® chewable tablets are safe and effective for maintaining vitamin A and E status of CF patients older than 6 years, although it is insufficient to normalize serum 25OHvitaminD according to the current recommendations for this disease (AU)

The relationship between nutritional status, vitamin A and zinc levels and oxidative stress in patients with ataxia-telangiectasia

BACKGROUND: Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare and degenerative disease that leads to varying degrees of immunodeficiency, oxidative stress, and malnutrition. Vitamin A and zinc are essential for immune function and antioxidant defence. OBJECTIVE: To compare levels of retinol, beta carotene, and zinc in patients with ataxia-telangiectasia and healthy controls. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study with 14 AT patients and 14 healthy controls matched for age and gender. All participants underwent a nutritional and laboratory evaluation comprising concentrations of retinol, beta carotene, serum and erythrocyte zinc, malondialdehyde (MDA), T lymphocyte numbers (CD4+ and CD8+) and immunoglobulin (IgA). RESULTS: The AT patients showed high rates of malnutrition with reduced lean body mass when compared to the control group. However, the concentrations of MDA, retinol, beta carotene, and serum and erythrocyte zinc in AT patients were similar to those of the control group. The retinol levels presented a negative correlation with MDA and positive correlation with IgA serum level. CONCLUSIONS: The AT patients assessed showed no change in nutritional status for vitamin A and zinc; however, they presented severe impairment in overall nutritional status observed and correlation between retinol with MDA and IgA

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Consumo alimentar e níveis plasmáticos de vitaminas antioxidantes em crianças e adolescentes obesos com e sem doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica / Food intake and plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins in obese children and adolescents with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Objetivo: Comparar o consumo alimentar e os ní- veis séricos de vitaminas antioxidantes entre crianças e adolescentes obesos com e sem doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica. Métodos: Estudo transversal observacional, composto por 37 crianças e adolescentes obesos atendidos em primeira consulta em um Ambulatório de Pediatria de um Hospital Universitário do interior de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Os indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos após exame de ultrassonografia, sendo um grupo composto por crianças obesas com esteatose, e outro por crianças obesas sem a doença. Os grupos foram comparados quanto a parâmetros antropométricos, bioquímicos e de consumo alimentar. Verificou-se também o risco de determinada alteração nos referidos parâmetros significar maior chance para desenvolvimento de esteatose hepática. Resultados: O grupo de obesos com esteatose apresentou menor ingestão dietética das vitaminas antioxidantes A, C e E, e redução dos níveis séricos de betacaroteno e alfa tocoferol, quando comparado ao grupo de crianças obesas sem esteatose, contudo, não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos. Somente os níveis séricos de ácido ascórbico apresentaram redução significativa no grupo com esteatose (0,94 mg/dL ± 0,21), em relação ao grupo sem a doença (1,28 mg/dL ± 0,34). As alterações bioquímicas e de consumo alimentar de vitaminas antioxidantes não demonstraram associação significativa com risco de desenvolvimento da doença. Conclusão: Hábitos alimentares de crianças obesas com e sem esteatose evidenciam um consumo deficiente de vitaminas antioxidantes, aliado a reduções nos níveis séricos. Essas alterações ainda não podem ser consideradas fatores de risco para desenvolvimento da doença, mas sugerem maior cuidado nutricional para evitar a progressão da esteatose simples para esteato hepatite e cirrose hepática. A intervenção no estilo de vida se faz necessária, além de novos estudos visando um correto planejamento dietoterápico (AU)

Objective: To compare dietary intake and serum levels of antioxidant vitamins among obese children and adolescents with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study composed by 37 obese children and adolescents from the first visit in a Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of a university hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The subjects were divided into two groups after ultrasound examination, with a group of obese children with steatosis, and another for obese children without the disease. The groups were compared regarding anthropometric, biochemical and food consumption parameters. There was also the risk of certain changes in these parameters mean greater chance for development of hepatic steatosis. Results: The group of obese patients with steatosis had lower dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, and reduced serum levels of beta-carotene and alpha tocopherol compared to the obese group without steatosis, however, there was no statistical difference between the groups. Only serum ascorbic acid levels were significantly reduced in the group with steatosis (0.94 mg / dL ± 0.21) compared to those without the disease (1.28 mg / dL ± 0.34). Thus, biochemical and dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins changes were not significantly associated with risk of developing the disease. Conclusion: Feeding habits of obese children with and without steatosis show a deficient intake of antioxidant vitamins, combined with reductions in serum levels. These changes can’t yet be considered risk factors for developing the disease, but suggest greater nutritional care to prevent the progression of simple steatosis to steatohepatitis hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. The lifestyle intervention is needed, and new studies to a correct diet therapy planning (AU)

The relationship between serum vitamin A and breast cancer staging before and after radiotherapy / La relación entre la concentración de vitamina A y estadificación del cáncer de mama antes y después de la radioterapia

Introduction: Several adverse effects of radiotherapy have been associated with the process of increased oxidative stress in the organism. In this context, vitamin A noteworthy for its important role in combating oxidative stress, in addition to its chemoprotective effect. Objective: To assess the serum levels of vitamin A (retinol and β-carotene) and their relationship to breast cancer staging in patients before and after radiotherapy. Methods: This is a prospective study of women with breast cancer who were evaluated from October 2011 to September 2012 before (T0) and after radiotherapy (T1-7 days). Serum retinol and β-carotene levels were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The assignment of breast cancer stages was based on the classification of malignant tumors that has been proposed by the International Union Against Cancer. Results: 230 patients (mean age 63.6 years, SD ± 9.38) were evaluated. There was a significant reduction in the serum retinol (45.1 ± 18.2 μg/dL at T0 to 27.1 ± 11.7 μg/dL at T1, p < 0.001) and β-carotene (209.0 ± 153.6 μg/L at T0 to 47.7 ± 25.5 μg/L at T1, p < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in serum retinol (p < 0.001) and β-carotene (p = 0.003) levels based on the disease stage. Conclusions: It is recommended the early establishment of adequation serum concentrations of retinol and beta-carotene, offering nutritional assistance for those patients with deficiencies, in order to minimize the harmful effects of radiation (AU)

Introducción: Varios efectos adversos de la radioterapia se han asociado con el proceso de aumento de estrés oxidativo en el organismo. En este contexto, la vitamina A se destaca por su papel importante en la lucha contra el estrés oxidativo, además de su efecto quimioprotector. Objetivo: Evaluar los niveles séricos de la vitamina A (retinol y β-caroteno) y su relación con la estadificación del cáncer de mama en pacientes antes y después de la radioterapia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de mujeres con cáncer de mama que fueron evaluadas desde octubre 2011 a septiembre 2012 antes (T0) y después de la radioterapia (T1-7 días). Retinol sérico y los niveles de β-caroteno se analizaron mediante cromatografía líquida de alto rendimiento. La asignación de las etapas del cáncer de mama se basa en la clasificación de los tumores malignos que se han propuesto por la Unión Internacional contra el Cáncer. Resultados: 230 pacientes (edad media de 63,6 años, SD + 9,38) fueron evaluados. Hubo una reducción significativa en el retinol sérico (45.1 ± 18.2 μg/dL en T0 a 27.1 ± 11.7 μg/dL en T1, p < 0.001) y β-caroteno (209.0 ± 153.6 μg/L en T0 a 47.7 ± 25.5 μg/L en T1, p < 0.001). También hubo una diferencia significativa en el retinol sérico (p < 0,001) y los niveles de β-caroteno (p = 0,003) sobre la base de la etapa de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: Se recomienda el pronto establecimiento de la adecuación de las concentraciones séricas de retinol y beta-caroteno, ofreciendo asistencia nutricional para los pacientes con deficiencias, con el fin de minimizar los efectos nocivos de la radiación (AU)

Diet supplementation with beta-carotene improves the serum lipid profile in rats fed a cholesterol-enriched diet

The present study investigated the underlying mechanism associated with the hypocholesterolemic activity of beta-carotene by examining its effects on the serum lipid profile, fecal cholesterol excretion, and gene expression of the major receptors, enzymes, and transporters involved in cholesterol metabolism. Female Fischer rats were divided into three groups and were fed either a control or a hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented or not supplemented with 0.2 % beta-carotene. After 6 weeks of feeding, blood, livers, and feces were collected for analysis, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed. Dietary supplementation with 0.2 % beta-carotene decreased serum total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, the atherogenic index, and hepatic total lipid and cholesterol contents. These changes were accompanied by an increase in the total lipid and cholesterol contents excreted in the feces. The qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated that the hypercholesterolemic diet promoted a decrease in the gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase, and low-density lipoprotein receptor and an increase in the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor á and cholesterol-7a-hydroxylase. The expression of these genes and gene expression of ATP-binding cassette subfamily G transporters 5and 8 were unaffected by beta-carotene supplementation. In conclusion, the decrease in serum cholesterol and the elevation of fecal cholesterol obtained following beta-carotene administration indicate that this substance may decrease cholesterol absorption in the intestine and increase cholesterol excretion into the feces without a direct effect on the expression of cholesterol metabolism genes (AU)

Valoración no invasiva de los niveles de Beta-carotenos en pielen adultos colombianos / No disponible

Introducción Los pigmentos carotenoides poseen propiedades antioxidantes y beneficiosas para la salud de los seres humanos. Se ha sugerido la utilización de la espectroscopia de resonancia Raman (ERR) como un método fiable para su medición en tejidos como la dermis. No obstante, antes de poder utilizar esta técnica, es preciso recolectar datos sobre su variabilidad y reproducibilidad. Objetivo Evaluar la reproducibilidad de la técnica de ERR, para (..) (AU)

Introduction Carotenoid pigments have antioxidant properties beneficial for human health. Use of resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) as a reliable method for measuring carotenoid levels in tissues such as dermis has been suggested. However, data about the variability and reproducibility of this technique should be collected before it can be used. Objective To assess reproducibility of RRS for (..) (AU)

Retinol, β-carotene, α-tocopherol and vitamin D status in Europeanadolescents; regional differences an variability: A review / Estado de retinol, β-caroteno, α-tocopherol y vitamina D en adolescentes europeos; diferencias regionales y variabilidad: revisión

Currently, blood levels to define vitamin deficiency or optimal status in adolescents are extrapolated from adults. This may be not adequate as vitamin requirements during adolescence depend on the process of sexual maturation, rapid increasing height and weight, among other factors. In order to establish the state of the art, Medline database (www.ncvi.nlm.nih.gov) was searched for studies published in Europe between 1981 and 2010related to liposoluble vitamin status in adolescents. A comparison of the vitamin status published in there viewed articles was difficult due to the lack of studies, lack of consensus on cut-off levels indicating deficiency and optimal vitamin levels and the different age-ranges used. In spite of that, deficiency prevalence varied for vitamin D (13-72%), vitamin A (3%), E (25%) and β-carotene (14-19%). Additional factors were considered as possible determinants. We conclude that it is necessary to establish a consensus on acceptable ranges and cut-offs of these vitamins during adolescence. Representative data are still missing; therefore, there is a high need to get deeper into the investigation on liposoluble vitamins in this population group (AU)

En la actualidad, los diferentes valores sanguíneos que definen un estado óptimo o deficiente de vitaminas liposolubles en los adolescentes son extrapolados de los adultos. Sin embargo, podría no ser lo adecuado debido a que los requerimientos vitamínicos de los adolescentes están marcados por el proceso de maduración sexual y crecimiento entre otros factores. Para establecer el punto de partida, la base de datos Medline (www.ncvi.nlm.nih.gov) ha sido el medio utilizado para la búsqueda de los estudios publicados sobre el estado en vitaminas liposolubles en adolescentes europeos entre los años 1981 y 2010. Compararlos diferentes resultados obtenidos en los diferentes estudios fue difícil debido a la carencia de estudios, a la falta de consenso en los puntos de corte que indican deficiencia y estado óptimo y a los diferentes rangos de edad utilizados. A pesar de esto, en función de los estudios, se observa una variabilidad en la prevalencia de deficiencia de vitamina D (13-72%), vitamina A (3%), E (25%) y β-caroteno (14-19%). Otros factores adicionales fueron considerados como posibles determinantes del estado vitamínico. Se identifica la necesidad de establecer un consenso sobre los rangos aceptables y puntos de corte de estas vitaminas para este grupo de población y profundizar en la investigación de las vitaminas liposolubles en el periodo de la adolescencia (AU)

Serum concentrations of vitamin A and oxidative stress in critically ill patients with sepsis / Concentraciones séricas de vitamina A y estrés oxidativo en pacientes críticos con sepsis

Introduction: Sepsis is one of the main causes of mortality in patients in Intensive Care Units. As a result of the systemic inflammatory response and of the decrease of the aerobic metabolism in sepsis, the oxidative stress occurs. Vitamin A is recognized by the favorable effect that it exerts on the immune response to infections and antioxidant action. Objetive: To bring new elements for reviewing of the nutritional support addressed to critically ill patients with sepsis, with emphasis to vitamin A. Methods: Critically ill patients with sepsis had circulating concentrations of retinol, β-carotene, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and C-reactive protein (CRP) measured in Medicosurgical Intensive Care Unit in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The patients were divided into two groups: patients who were receiving nutritional support and those without support. At the act of the patient's admission, APACHE II score was calculated. Results: 46 patients were studied (with diet n = 24 and without diet n = 22). Reduced levels of retinol and β-carotene were found in 65.2% and 73.9% of the patients, respectively. Among the patients who presented lower concentrations of CRP it was found higher β-carotene inadequacy (64.8%) and 50% of retinol inadequacy. There was no significant difference as regards retinol, TBARS and APACHE II levels among the patients with and without nutritional support. However, higher levels of CRP (p = 0.001) and lower levels of serum β-carotene (p = 0.047) were found in patients without nutritional support. Conclusions: Septic patients presented an important inadequacy of retinol and β-carotene. The present study bring elements to the elaboration/review of the nutritional protocol directed to the group studied, especially as regards vitamin A intake (AU)

Introducción: La sepsis es una de las principales causas de mortalidad en pacientes en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Como consecuencia de la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y de la disminución del metabolismo aeróbico en la sepsis se produce estrés oxidativo. La vitamina A es reconocida por el efecto favorable que ejerce sobre la respuesta inmunitaria a las infecciones y por su acción antioxidante. Objetivo: Aportar nuevos elementos a la hora de revisar el soporte nutricional de los pacientes críticos con sepsis, con un énfasis sobre la vitamina A. Métodos: Se midieron las concentraciones circulantes de retinol, β-caroteno, ácido tiobarbitúrico-sustancias reactivas (ATBSR) y proteína C reactiva (PCR) de pacientes críticos con sepsis en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Medicoquirúrgica de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Se dividió a los pacientes en dos grupos: pacientes que recibían soporte nutricional y aquellos que no. Se calculó la puntuación APACHE en el momento de su ingreso. Resultados: Se estudiaron 46 pacientes (con dieta n = 24 y sin dieta n = 22). Se hallaron concentraciones disminuidas de retinol y β-caroteno en el 65,2% y 73,9% de los pacientes, respectivamente. De entre los pacientes que presentaron las menores concentraciones de PCR, se halló una mayor inadecuación de β-caroteno (64,8%) y un 50% de inadecuación de retinol. No hubo diferencias significativas con respecto al retinol, ATBSR y las puntuaciones APACHE II entre los pacientes con y sin soporte nutricional. Sin embargo, se hallaron mayores concentraciones de PCR (p = 0,001) y menores concentraciones séricas de β-caroteno (p = 0,047) en los pacientes sin soporte nutricional. Conclusiones: Los pacientes sépticos presentaron una inadecuación importante de retinol y β-caroteno. El presente estudio aporta elementos a la elaboración/revisión del protocolo nutricional dirigido al grupo estudiado, especialmente con respecto de la toma de vitamina A (AU)

Valoración de los diferentes tratamientos empleados en la leucoplasia oral / Evaluation of differents treatments used in oral leukoplakias

El tratamiento de la leucoplasia oral (LO) se basa en la premisa de la detección precoz y el manejo activo de estos pacientes para prevenir el desarrollo del carcinoma oral de células escamosas (COCE). No se han definido todavía para esta entidad clínica protocolos de tratamiento estandarizados para reducir el riesgo de transformación maligna. Se han empleado numerosos tratamientos, tanto médicos como quirúrgicos No se ha encontrado ningún tratamiento que sea efectivo para prevenir la transformación maligna; y si bien algunos tratamientos (vitamina A, los retinoides, el betacaroteno y el licopeno) son efectivos para la resolución clínica, ninguno puede prevenir las recidivas y/o la malignización. Tampoco se han comprobado evidencias de que existan ventajas obvias en realizar tratamiento quirúrgico. Se realiza una revisión de los tratamientos empleados en los últimos años en las LO así como se comentan algunas revisiones realizadas sobre este aspecto (AU)

Treatment of oral leukoplakia (OL) is based on early detection and the active management of these patients in order to prevent the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Nowadays, does not exist standardized protocols to decrease the risk of malignat transformation. A great number of different medical and surgical treatments had been employed, but none of them has proved to be effective in the prevention of malignant transformation, and although some of them (vitamin A, retinoids, betacarotens and licopene) are effective for the clinical resolution, none of them can prevent relapses and/or malignization. As well, surgical treatment has no showed evidences of advantage. It had been performed a literature review about the differents treatments employed in recent years in OL and comments about some reviews in this topic are made (AU)

Carotenodermia en paciente con colitis ulcerosa / Carotenodermia in a patient with ulcerative colitis

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Carotenodermia en paciente con colitis ulcerosa / Carotenodermia in a patient with ulcerative colitis

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Influence of culture conditions of Gordonia jacobaea MV-26 on canthaxanthin production / Influencia de las condiciones de cultivo de Gordonia jacobea MV-26 en la producción de cantaxantina

El interés comercial del uso de pigmentos naturales aislados a partir de microorganismos se ha incrementado en los últimos años y las moléculas pertenecientes al grupo de los poliisoprenoides (p.e. β-caroteno, astaxantina y cantaxantina) se han convertido en un foco de atención. La bacteria Gordonia jacobaea es capaz de sintetizar y acumular grandes cantidades de cantaxantina (β-β’ -caroteno-4,4’ -diona), muy usada en la industria alimentaria y de cosméticos. En este trabajo estudiamos la influencia de diferentes materias primas de bajo coste en la fermentación y la acumulación de cantaxantina por una cepa mutante hiperpigmentada de G. jacobaea. Se ha observado que la producción de cantaxantina y el momento en el que se alcanza la máxima producción varía según los diferentes medios empleados (AU)

Commercial interest in the use of natural pigments isolated from microorganisms has increased in recent years; hence, molecules belonging to the polyisoprenoid group (i.e. β-carotene, astaxan thin, and canthaxanthin) have beenthe focus of much attention. The bacterium Gordonia jacobaea readily synthesizes and accumulates large amounts of canthaxanthin (β-β’ -carotene-4,4’ -dione), which is widely used in the food and cosmetics industries. In the present work, the effects of different low-cost raw materials on fermentation and canthaxanthin accumulation by a hyperpigmented strain of G. jacobaea were studied. Canthaxanthin production and peak levels of accumulation varied according to the different media used (AU)

Increased dietary beta-carotene intake associated with better asthma quality of life

Asthma prevalence and morbidity have steadily increased in last decades in face of our imporved knowledge of the disease. Changing patterns and interactions among asthma risk factors may contribute to these trends, in which diet is a recognized risk factor for asthma occurrence. Although a possible protective role of dietary antioxidants in asthma has been proposed, little is known about possible relationship between dietary intake and asthma severity, if any. Our objective was to investigate whether asthma severity is associated with antioxidants consumption. We found that better asthma quality of life was associated in females'. with increased consumption of beta-carotene, even after adjustment or energy intake and potentiaJ confounders (p=0.023) and in males, with lesser consumption of dietary iron (13.9±2.1 vs. 17.8±2.1 mg. p=0.026: after adjustment for energy intake and confounders, p=0.012). Our study shows promising results that need further investigation relating these two nutrients involved in several antioxidant mechanisms (AU)

La prevalencia y la morbilidad del asma han aumentado de forma continua a lo largo de las últimas décadas, a pesar de los avances en nuestro conocimiento de la enfermedad. Cambios en los perfiles e interacciones entre factores de riesgo del asma podrían contribuir a esta tendencia, y entre ellos la dieta es un factor de riesgo reconocido para el desarrollo de asma. Aunque se ha sugerido un posible papel protctor de los antioxidantes dietarios en el asma, es poco lo que se sabe acerca de la posbile relación, si es que existe una, entre ingesta dietaria y gravedad del asma. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar si la gravedad del asma muestra asociación con el consumo de antioxidantes. Hemos observado que existe una asociación entre mejor calidad de vida en el asma y el consumo aumentado de B-caroteno en mujeres, incluso después del ajuste en función de la ingesta calórica y de posibles factores de confusión (p=0,0023), y entre mejor calidad de vida en el asma y menor consumo dietario de hierro (13,9±2.1 frente 17.8 ± 2.1 mb; p=0.026) en varones, asimismo tras ajuste según ingesta calórica y factores de confusión. Nuestro estudio ofrece resultados prometedores que requieren y justifican investigación adicional acerca de estos dos nutrientes involucrados en diversos mecanismos antioxidantes (AU)

Phaffia rhodozyma: colorful odyssey / Phaffia rhodozyma: odisea de colores

Phaffia rhodozyma was isolated by Herman Phaff in the 1960s, during his pioneering studies of yeast ecology. Initially, the yeast was isolated from limited geographical regions, but isolates were subsequently obtained from Russia, Chile, Finland, and the United States. The biological diversity of the yeast is more extensive than originally envisioned by Phaff and his collaborators, and at least two species appear to exist, including the anamorph Phaffia rhodozyma and the teleomorph Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous. The yeast has attracted considerable biotechnological interest because of its ability to synthesize the economically important carotenoid astaxanthin (3,3'-dihydroxy-beta, beta-carotene-4,4'-dione) as its major pigment. This property has stimulated research on the biology of the yeast as well as development of the yeast as an industrial microorganism for astaxanthin production by fermentation. Our laboratory has isolated several mutants of the yeast affected in carotenogenesis, giving colonies a vivid array of pigmentation. We have found that nutritional and environmental conditions regulate astaxanthin biosynthesis in the yeast, and have demonstrated that astaxanthin protects P. rhodozyma from damage by reactive oxygen species. We proposed in the 1970s that P. rhodozyma could serve as an economically important pigment source in animal diets including salmonids, lobsters, and the egg yolks of chickens and quail, in order to impart characteristic and desirable colors. Although P. rhodozyma/Xanthomyces dendrorhous has been studied by various researchers for nearly 30 years, it still attracts interest from yeast biologists and biotechnologists. There is a bright and colorful outlook for P. rhodozyma/X. dendrorhous from fundamental and applied research perspectives (AU)

Phaffia rhodozyma fue aislada por Herman Phaff en la década de 1960, cuando realizó sus estudios pioneros en ecología de levaduras. Inicialmente dicha levadura fue aislada a partir de muestras de regiones geográficas limitadas, pero subsecuentemente fueron obteniéndose aislados en Rusia, Chile, Finlandia y los Estados Unidos. La diversidad biológica de esta levadura es mucho más amplia que la visión original que tuvieron Phaff y sus colaboradores, y finalmente parece que existen dos especies que incluyen la anamórfica Phaffia rhodozyma y la teleomórfica Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous. Estas levaduras han atraído un considerable interés biotecnológico debido a su capacidad de sintetizar un carotenoide de importancia económica como la astaxantina (3,3'-dihydroxy-beta,beta-carotene-4,4'-dione) que es el pigmento mayoritario. Esta propiedad ha estimulado la investigación de la biología de las levaduras y el desarrollo de las levaduras como microorganismos de aplicación industrial en la producción de astaxantina por fermentación. Nuestro laboratorio ha aislado algunos mutantes de estas levaduras afectados en la carotenogénesis, que dan colonias con un conjunto variado de pigmentación con colores vivos. Hemos encontrado que la nutrición y las condiciones ambientales regulan la biosíntesis de astaxantina en la levadura, y hemos demostrado que la astaxantina protege a P. rhodozyma del daño ocasionado por las especies reactivas de oxígeno. En la década de 1970 propusimos que P. rhodozyma podría ser una fuente de importancia económica de pigmento para dietas de animales como los salmónidos, las langostas, y para las yemas de huevo de pollos y codornices, para obtener características y colores deseados. Aunque P. Rhodozyma/X. Dendrorhous ha sido estudiada por varios investigadores durante casi treinta años, aún atrae el interés de biólogos y biotecnólogos de levaduras. Existe un brillo y una perspectiva de color para P. rhodozyma /X. Dendrorhous desde las perspectivas fundamental y de investigación aplicada (AU)

Actividad antioxidante de los alcaloides deBocconia arborea. Estudio sobre seis métodos de análisis / Antioxidant activity of alkaloids from Bocconia arborea. A study on six testing methods

El fraccionamiento de la actividad antioxidante dirigida por actividad, junto con el análisis químico, llevaron al aislamiento de tres alcaloides de benzofenantridina del extracto de metanol de la corteza de Bocconia arborea. La identificación se basó en métodos espectroscópicos. Se analizó la actividad antioxidante de los alcaloides aislados 6acetonildihidroqueleritrina, queleritrina y dihidroqueleritrina en ensayos de tiocianato, la actividad de barrido de los radicales libres, el método de decoloración del -caroteno y el ensayo de la desoxirribosa. Todos los alcaloides mostraron actividad antioxidante significativa en ácido linoleico y -caroteno. Además de conceder protección frente a la desoxirribosa, la peroxidación liposómica y los lípidos microsomiales de la peroxidación, también presentaron efectos de barrido en los radicales de 1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazil. (AU)

Estudio AREDS y degeneración macular asociada a la edad / AREDS and age-related macular degeneration

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Hydroa vacciniforme: una rara forma de fotosensibilidad infantil / Hydroa vacciniforme: a rare photosensitivity disorder in childhood

Hydroa vacciniforme es una fotodermatosis infantil caracterizada por la aparición de vesículas en zonas expuestas que dejan cicatrices deprimidas; se controla con fotoprotección y desaparece durante la adolescencia. Presentamos el caso de un niño de 10 años con la clínica típica que mejoró con el uso de fotoprotectores, pero sólo el empleo de cloroquina consiguió la resolución del cuadro en 8 meses (AU)