Exposure to anandamide on young rats causes deficits in learning, temporal perception and induces changes in NMDA receptor expression.

Human use of marijuana at an early age has been reported to lead to cognitive impairment. However, researchers have not yet clearly determined whether this impairment is due to marijuana-induced alterations in the developing nervous system and whether this deficit persists into adulthood after marijuana use has ceased. We administered anandamide to developing rats to assess the effect of cannabinoids on development. We subsequently evaluated learning and performance on a temporal bisection task in adulthood and assessed the expression of genes encoding principal subunits of NMDA receptors (Grin1, Grin2A, and Grin2B) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Rats in two age groups, namely, 21-day-old and 150-day-old rats, received intraperitoneal injections of anandamide or the vehicle for 14 days. Both groups performed a temporal bisection test, which included listening to tones of different durations and classifying them as short or long. The expression of the Grin1, Grin2A and Grin2B mRNAs was evaluated using quantitative PCR in both age groups after extracting mRNA from the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. We observed a learning impairment in the temporal bisection task (p < 0.05) and changes in the response latency (p < 0.05) in rats that received anandamide. Furthermore, these rats exhibited decreased expression of Grin2b (p = 0.001) compared to those that received the vehicle. In human subjects, the use of cannabinoids during development induces a long-term deficit, but this deficit is not observed in subjects who use cannabinoids in adulthood. Rats treated with anandamide earlier in development took longer to learn the task, suggesting that anandamide exerts a harmful effect on cognition in developing rats. Administration of anandamide during early stages of development induced deficits in learning and other cognitive processes that depend on an adequate estimation of time. The cognitive demands of the environment must be considered when evaluating the cognitive effects of cannabinoids on developing or mature brains. High cognitive demands might induce differential expression of NMDA receptors that improves cognitive capacity, overcoming altered glutamatergic function.

Polymorphisms of TNF-alpha (- 308), IL-1beta (+ 3954) and IL1-Ra (VNTR) are associated to severe stage of endometriosis in Mexican women: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent and chronic inflammatory disease affecting up to 10% of women. It is the result of a combined interaction of genetic, epigenetic, environmental, lifestyle, reproductive and local inflammatory factors. In this study, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mapping to TNF-alpha (TNF, rs1800629) and IL-1beta (IL1B, rs1143634) and variable number tandem repeat polymorphism mapping to IL1-Ra (IL1RN intron 2, rs2234663) genetic loci are associated with risk for endometriosis in a Mexican mestizo population. METHODS: This study included 183 women with confirmed endometriosis (ENDO) diagnosed after surgical laparoscopy and 186 women with satisfied parity and without endometriosis as controls (CTR). PCR/RFLP technique was used for genotyping SNPs (rs1800629 and rs1143634); PCR for genotyping rs2234663. RESULTS: We found no statistical differences in age between groups nor among stages of endometriosis and the CTR group. We observed no difference in genotype and allele frequencies, nor carriage rate between groups in none of the three studied polymorphisms. The prevalence of TNF*2-allele heterozygotes (p = 0.025; OR 3.8), TNF*2-allele (p = 0.029; OR 3.4), IL1B*2-allele heterozygotes (p = 0.044; OR 2.69) and its carriage rate (p = 0.041; OR 2.64) in endometriosis stage IV was higher than the CTR group. Surprisingly, the carriage rate of IL1RN*2-allele (ENDO: p = 0.0004; OR 0.4; stage I: p = 0.002, OR 0.38; stage II: p = 0.002, OR 0.35; stage III: p = 0.003, OR 0.33), as well as the IL1RN*2-allele frequencies (ENDO: p = 0.0008, OR 0.55; I: p = 0.037, OR 0.60; II: p = 0.002, OR 0.41; III: p = 0.003, OR 0.38) were lower than the CTR group. Women with endometriosis stage IV (severe) had frequencies more alike to the CTR group in the IL1RN*2 allele frequency (31.2% vs. 27.2%) and carriage rate (37.5% vs. 41.9%). CONCLUSION: Although these polymorphisms are not associated with the risk of endometriosis, Mexican mestizo women with severe stage of endometriosis have higher frequencies of TNF*2-, IL1B*2- and IL1RN*2-alleles, which may explain a possible correlation with disease severity rather than predisposition or risk.

Physical and Dietary Intervention with Opuntia ficus-indica (Nopal) in Women with Obesity Improves Health Condition through Gut Microbiota Adjustment.

Obesity is a multifactorial disease resulting in excessive accumulation of fat. Worldwide, obesity is an important public health problem, affecting a large proportion of the world population. The tender cactus Opuntia ficus-indica, commonly known in Mexico as "nopal", is widely distributed in this country, Latin America, South Africa, and the Mediterranean area. Nopal cladodes are commonly marketed in different forms as fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked, and used as fresh green vegetable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of nopal to improve the health condition of participants affected by obesity, in a physical and dietary intervention, through gut microbiota modification. These results were contrasted with the effect of nopal in the gut microbiota of normal weight participants. We describe the association among biochemical, anthropometric markers, and the gut microbiota diversity found in fecal samples of the obese and normal weight groups. The results presented in this work suggest that caloric restriction, addition of nopal to the diet and physical activity, promote changes in the gut microbiota in obese women, improving the host metabolism, as suggested by the correlation between some bacterial species with biochemical and anthropometrical parameters.

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats.

The present article provides a guide for the conduction and analysis of three conditioning-based protocols to evaluate impulsivity in rats. Impulsivity is a meaningful concept because it is associated with psychiatric conditions in humans and with maladaptive behavior in non-human animals. It is believed that impulsivity is composed of separate factors. There are laboratory protocols devised to assess each of these factors using standardized automated equipment. Delay discounting is associated with the incapacity to be motivated by delayed outcomes. This factor is evaluated through intertemporal choice protocols, which consist of presenting the individual with a choice situation involving an immediate reward and a larger but delayed reward. Response inhibition deficit is associated with the incapacity to withhold prepotent responses. Differential reinforcement of low rates (DLR) and feature-negative discrimination protocols assess the response inhibition deficit factor of impulsivity. The former imposes a condition to a motivated individual in which most wait a minimum period of time for a response to be rewarded. The latter evaluates the capacity of individuals to refrain from food seeking responses when a signal of the absence of food is presented. The purpose of these protocols is to construct an objective quantitative measure of impulsivity, which serves to make cross-species comparisons, allowing the possibility of translational research. The advantages of these particular protocols include their easy set-up and application, which stems from the relatively small amount of equipment needed and the automated nature of these protocols.

SEXRAT MALE: A smartphone and tablet application to annotate and process live sexual behavior in male rodents.

BACKGROUND: In behavioral neuroscience studies, it is essential to accurately and easily record rodent sexual behavior. However, current systems are complex, expensive and often require a computer that hinders their use in situ. NEW METHOD: SEXRAT MALE is new software for the real-time annotation and process of live sexual behavior in male rodents. RESULTS: SEXRAT MALE works on smartphones and tablets Android™ operating system, and soon on iOS™. This software uses a simple algorithm based on chronometry and the counting of the behavioral states that the user taps on the screen. It can annotate, count and time a complex sequence of behavioral states by a human observer, such as genital exploration, mounting, intrusion, ejaculation, and up to nine wildcard events established by the user, such as rearing and female receptivity events. SEXRAT MALE reports time, order, duration, intervals, and the simple statistics of all events in the session through data files, which are easily importable from any statistical software. SEXRAT MALE showed greater precision among both expert and naïve observers analyzing sexual interaction, decreasing errors and providing greater accuracy of timing data. Additionally, it records and processes more information than the traditional recording, in terms of factors such as order, occurrence time, duration, events intervals, and other processed data. COMPARISON(S) WITH EXISTING METHOD: Compared to the traditional, manual method, SEXRAT MALE is more accurate, reliable, and simplifies the process of recording and processing. CONCLUSIONS: SEXRAT MALE provides a novel tool for accurately recording live male rodent sexual behavior.

Gut Microbiota and Predicted Metabolic Pathways in a Sample of Mexican Women Affected by Obesity and Obesity Plus Metabolic Syndrome.

Obesity is an excessive fat accumulation that could lead to complications like metabolic syndrome. There are reports on gut microbiota and metabolic syndrome in relation to dietary, host genetics, and other environmental factors; however, it is necessary to explore the role of the gut microbiota metabolic pathways in populations like Mexicans, where the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome is high. This study identify alterations of the gut microbiota in a sample of healthy Mexican women (CO), women with obesity (OB), and women with obesity plus metabolic syndrome (OMS). We studied 67 women, characterizing their anthropometric and biochemical parameters along with their gut bacterial diversity by high-throughput DNA sequencing. Our results indicate that in OB or OMS women, Firmicutes was the most abundant bacterial phylum. We observed significant changes in abundances of bacteria belonging to the Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae families and significant enrichment of gut bacteria from 16 different taxa that might explain the observed metabolic alterations between the groups. Finally, the predicted functional metagenome of the gut microbiota found in each category shows differences in metabolic pathways related to lipid metabolism. We demonstrate that Mexican women have a particular bacterial gut microbiota characteristic of each phenotype. There are bacteria that potentially explain the observed metabolic differences between the groups, and gut bacteria in OMS and OB conditions carry more genes of metabolic pathways implicated in lipid metabolism.

Gut Microbiota and Endothelial Dysfunction Markers in Obese Mexican Children and Adolescents.

Obesity is a metabolic disease characterized by low-grade inflammation and accompanied by dyslipidemia and up-regulation of other bioactive molecules, creating a predisposition to endothelial dysfunction and metabolic syndrome. We studied the association between gut microbiota diversity and endothelial dysfunction (EDF) markers in obese Mexican children and adolescents. We examined clinical data including metabolic factors and EDF markers in blood samples. Gut bacterial diversity was characterized by high-throughput sequencing of V3-16S rDNA libraries. Triglycerides, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistant (HOMA-IR), leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and EDF marker intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) were significantly higher in obese children and adolescents. Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant positive associations between vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and Veillonellaceae, and between ICAM-1 and Ruminococcus in obese children. In obese adolescents, there was a statistically significant positive association between total cholesterol and Ruminococcus, and between ICAM-1 and Bacteroides. LEfSe analysis showed that the genus Lactobacillus and family Coriobacteriaceae were enriched in children, and genera Collinsella and Prevotella were enriched in obese adolescents. Obese children and adolescents had higher levels of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. These results suggest that obese Mexican children and adolescents had increased levels of CRP and a reduction of adiponectin, which causes higher expression of EDF markers, affecting endothelial function and associating with changes in the gut microbiota.

The consumption of antioxidants protects against cognitive and physical disabilities in aged with obesity.

INTRODUCTION: antioxidants play an important role in the antioxidant defense system. Obesity and the aging process increase oxidative stress. The disruption of the oxidant-antioxidant balance towards oxidant condition could be related to cognitive and physical disabilities. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the consumption of antioxidants, the oxidative stress status and their relationship with cognitive and functional alterations in aged with obesity. METHOD: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 94 subjects ≥ 60 years stratified by body mass index (BMI) (76.6% were women). The antioxidants intake as well as cognitive and functional status were evaluated by validated surveys. The oxidative stress markers were thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid-hydroperoxides (LOOH). RESULTS: the antioxidants consumption of the participants was below the recommended daily intakes (RDI) independently of the BMI group. Especially, a lower consumption of vitamins E and D, selenium and ß-carotenes was observed. The concentration of TBARS was higher (p < 0.05) in the obese (1.2 µM) versus the normal weight group (0.7 µM). The concentration of LOOH in the normal weight group (17 µM) did not show statistical difference versus obese group (15 µM). The presence of obesity in aged showed an association with walking difficulties. Multivariable analysis adjusted for several variables showed that the intake of selenium, copper and magnesium is associated with lower risk of cognitive and physical disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: aged with obesity showed a higher concentration of peripheral TBARS, walking difficulties and lower intake of antioxidants. The consumption of copper, selenium, and magnesium seems to protect against cognitive and physical disabilities in aged with obesity.

Association of Intron-2 Variable Numbers of an 86-bp Tandem Repeat-Polymorphisms of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Gene and Idiopathic Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that abnormal modulation of inflammatory response is involved in the physiopathology of idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (iRSA). Factors that may participate in this process include the genetic background such as carrying specific polymorphisms of genes with functional effects. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to study the association between iRSA and the frequency of intron-2 variable number tandem repeat-polymorphisms of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL1RN). METHODS: We conducted a case-control study including 108 women with iRSA and 103 controls. Five allelic variants of IL1RN were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product length analysis. RESULTS: The most frequent IL1RN allele in this population was IL1RN*1, which was present in 78% of cases and 94% of controls, and allele IL1RN*2, in 45 (20.8%) cases and 12 (5.8%) controls. Allele IL1RN*2 was significantly associated with iRSA (odds ratio = 4.28, 95% confidence interval 2.2-8.4; p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Carrying allele IL1RN*2 had a strong association with iRSA in Mexican women. This polymorphism codifies for a low-function protein, which may allow for increased activity of IL-1 pro-inflammatory axis in iRSA.

Genetic polymorphisms of antioxidant enzymes CAT and SOD affect the outcome of clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric variables in people with obesity under a dietary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Genetic polymorphisms of antioxidant enzymes CAT, GPX, and SOD are involved in the etiology of obesity and its principal comorbidities. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of aforementioned SNPs over the output of several variables in people with obesity after a nutritional intervention. The study included 92 Mexican women, which received a dietary intervention by 3 months. Participants were genotyped and stratified into two groups: (1) carriers; mutated homozygous plus heterozygous (CR) and (2) homozygous wild type (WT). A comparison between CR and WT was done in clinical (CV), biochemical (BV), and anthropometric variables (AV), at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. RESULTS: Participants (n = 92) showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) at the end of the nutritional intervention in several CV, BV, and AV. However, two kinds of responses were observed after genotyping participants: (A) CR and WT showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in several CV, BV, and AV for the SNPs 599C>T GPX1 (rs1050450), - 251A>G SOD1 (rs2070424), and - 262C>T CAT (rs1001179). (B) Only CR showed statistically changes (p < 0.05) in several CV, BV, and AV for the SNPs - 21A>T CAT (rs7943316) and 47C>T SOD2 (rs4880). The dietary intervention effect was statistically significantly between the polymorphisms of 47C>T SOD2 and BMI, SBP, TBARS, total cholesterol, and C-LCL (p < 0.05) and between the polymorphisms of - 21A>T CAT (rs7943316) and SBP, DBP, total cholesterol, and atherogenic index (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: People with obesity display different response in several CV, BV, and AV after a nutritional intervention, depending on the antioxidant genetic background of SOD and CAT enzymes.

Genetic Polymorphisms in SOD (rs2070424, rs7880) and CAT (rs7943316, rs1001179) Enzymes Are Associated with Increased Body Fat Percentage and Visceral Fat in an Obese Population from Central Mexico.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oxidative disturbance is an important factor involved in the etiology of comorbidities associated with obesity. Genetic polymorphisms such as SOD1 -251A>G, SOD2 47 C>T, CAT -21A>T and CAT -262 C>T have been described to alter the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The aim of the present work was to analyze the association of the mentioned SNPs with obesity and their relationship with anthropometric and clinical variables in this group. METHODS: The study included 416 Mexican women (208 normal weight, NW and 208 subjects with obesity, OB). Dietary intake, anthropometric, biochemical and clinical features were evaluated and then analyzed in function of the genotypes. RESULTS: The mutated carriers (GA+GG) of SOD -251 were significantly higher in the OB group (0.24) compared to the NW group (0.08). The other SNPs showed no differences compared with control group. When comparing carrier mutated subjects with obesity vs. wild-type obese participants with the SNPs SOD1 -251, SOD2 47 and CAT -262, the carriers showed a significantly (p <0.05) higher value in body fat percentage. Also, carriers of SOD2 47 and CAT-262 showed significantly higher values (p = 0.002) and (p = 0.01), respectively, when visceral fat was compared between groups. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in carriers of mutated CAT-21. CONCLUSION: SOD1 -251A>G is associated with obesity independent of the presence of diabetes or dyslipidemia. Mutated obese carries of SOD1 -251, SOD2 47 and CAT -262 are associated with a higher distribution of fat in comparison with obese wild-type carriers.

GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE-1 PRO200LEU POLYMORPHISM (RS1050450) IS ASSOCIATED WITH MORBID OBESITY INDEPENDENTLY OF THE PRESENCE OF PREDIABETES OR DIABETES IN WOMEN FROM CENTRAL MEXICO.

INTRODUCTION: obesity affects more than a third of Mexican population. Oxidative stress participates actively in the etiology of this phenomenon. Glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-1) plays a protective role against oxidative stress. The SNP Pro200Leu (rs10504050) has been reported to affect the activity of the enzyme. OBJECTIVE: to determine the frequency of rs10504050 polymorphism in women with obesity and normal weight control, asses the concentration of peripheral TBARS and evaluate the consumption of pro and antioxidants. METHODS: 104 women with obesity and 70 healthy controls (CG) were included in the study. Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and dietary features were evaluated. GPx-1 rs10504050 was determined by PCR/RFLP method. TBARS was assayed spectrophotometrically in plasma. The subjects were stratified and compared by obesity grades and by subgroups of prediabetes and diabetes condition. Statistical analysis included ANOVA of Kruskal Wallis, Xi squared and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: for rs10504050 polymorphism there were differences (Xi2 = 6; p = 0.01) between frequency (0.61) of obese carriers (Pro/Leu plus Leu/Leu) and CG carriers (0.42), and between (Xi2 = 8; p = 0.004) morbid (IMC > 40) obesity (0.74) and CG carriers. The obese group (OB) showed a prevalence of 66% of prediabetes plus diabetes. There were no differences in frequencies of rs10504050 in OB with pre or diabetes versus CG, or versus obese participants without diabetes. TBARS concentration was greater in all the degrees of OB versus CG. CONCLUSION: GPx-1 Pro200Leu polymorphism was associated with obesity especially with morbid obesity, but not with obese participants with prediabetes or diabetes. Oxidative stress is present in all grades of obesity significantly.

Introducción: la obesidad afecta a una tercera parte de la población mexicana. El estrés oxidativo (EO) participa activamente en la etiología del fenómeno. La glutatión peroxidasa-1 (GPx-1) juega un papel protector contra el EO. El SNP Pro200Leu (rs10504050) afecta a la actividad de la enzima. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia del polimorfismo rs10504050 en mujeres con obesidad (OB) y normopeso (CG), determinar la concentración de TBARS en sangre periférica y evaluar el consumo de pro y antioxidantes. Métodos: en el estudio se incluyeron 104 mujeres con obesidad y 70 controles. El polimorfismo rs10504050 se determinó por el método PCR/RFLP. La concentración de TBARS se cuantificó mediante espectrofotometría en plasma sanguíneo. Las participantes se estratificaron y compararon por grados de obesidad y subgrupos de prediabetes y diabetes. Se emplearon las pruebas estadísticas ANOVA de Kruskal Wallis, Xi cuadrada y correlación de Pearson. Resultados: el polimorfismo rs10504050 mostró diferencias estadísticas (Xi2 = 6; p = 0,01) entre la frecuencia del grupo OB (0,61) por arrastre (Pro/Leu+Leu/Leu) y el CG (0,42), así como (Xi2 = 8; p = 0,004) entre personas con obesidad mórbida (0,74) comparadas con el CG. No hubo diferencia significativa entre las frecuencias del rs10504050 en OB con pre o diabetes, comparado con el CG, ni con personas con obesidad sin diabetes. Las concentraciones de TBARS fueron mayores en todos los grados de OB comparados con el CG. Conclusión: el polimorfismo rs10504050 se asoció con obesidad, especialmente mórbida, pero no se asoció con diabetes o prediabetes. El estrés oxidativo está presente de manera significativa en todos los grados de obesidad.

An imbalance in the production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is observed in whole blood cultures of preeclamptic women in comparison with healthy pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by whole blood samples stimulated with lipopolysaccharide from normotensive and preeclamptic women. METHODS: The synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukyn-1ß, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 were assayed by immunosorbent assays in 56 and 50 preeclamptic and normotensive women, respectively. RESULTS: Preeclamptic women showed a higher synthesis (p < 0.05) of interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6 versus normotensive group. Interleukin-10 synthesis from samples of normotensive women showed a higher production versus preeclamptic group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preeclamptic women showed an imbalance in the production of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines in comparison with normotensive women.

[Comparison of resting energy expenditure determined by indirect calorimetry and estimated by predictive formulas in women with obesity degrees I to III]. / Comparación del gasto energético en reposo determinado mediante calorimetría indirecta y estimado mediante fórmulas predictivas en mujeres con grados de obesidad I a III.

INTRODUCTION: The determination of resting energy expenditure (REE) is calculated in clinical practices by predictive formulas; however the result varies among the population due to several factors. OBJECTIVE: To compare the REE determination by indirect calorimetry and by Harris-Benedict (HB), Mifflin (MF), World Health Organization (WHO), Institute of Medicine (IOM), "Formula Rápida" (FR) and Valencia (VA) formulas, in women with obesity grades I to III. METHODS: Mexican mestizo adult women were included in the study and stratified in three groups according to their body mass index (BMI). Grade I obesity (BMI 30.0-34.9, n = 42), grade II (BMI 35.0-39.9, n = 38) and grade III (BMI > 40, n = 41). REE was determined by indirect calorimetry and by the aforementioned equations. Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Dunn test were used for statistical comparison and p < 0.05 was accepted as a statistical difference. RESULTS: There were no statistical difference between the REE values estimated by formulas HB, WHO and VA regarding the CI. The accuracy obtained from these formulas was 63%, 67% and 64%, respectively, when data were analyzed in a single group. The IOM, ER and MF formulas showed statistically significant difference versus the CI and their accuracy were 58%, 53%, and 54%, respectively. In grade III obesity VA (78%) and FR (71%) accuracy were the highest obtained. DISCUSSION: HB, WHO and VA formulas were the best to estimate REE in Mexican women with BMI > 30. In obesity grade III FR and VA formulas showed the best performance.

Introducción: La determinación del gasto energético en reposo (GER) se calcula cotidianamente a partir de fórmulas predictivas aunque el resultado varía dependiendo de la población. Objetivo: Comparar la determinación del GER mediante calorimetría indirecta y mediante las ecuaciones Harris-Benedict (HB), Mifflin (MF), Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), «Institute of Medicine¼ (IOM), Fórmula Rápida (FR) y Valencia (VA) en mujeres con grados de obesidad I a III. Métodos: Mujeres adultas mestizas mexicanas se incluyeron en el estudio y formaron 3 grupos a partir del índice de masa corporal (IMC). Obesidad grado I (IMC 30,0-34,9; n = 42), grado II (IMC 35,0-39,9; n = 38) y grado III (IMC > 40; n = 41). Se determinó el GER mediante calorimetría indirecta y mediante las ecuaciones antes señaladas. ANOVA de Kruskal-Wallis y la prueba de Dunn se emplearon para el análisis estadístico (p < 0,05 se aceptó como diferencia). Resultados: No se observó diferencia estadística entre los valores de las fórmulas HB, OMS y VA respecto a la CI. La concordancia obtenida de dichas fórmulas fue 63%, 67% y 64%, respectivamente, al analizar los datos en un solo grupo de obesidad. Asimismo, las fórmulas IOM, ER y MF mostraron diferencia estadística significativa versus la CI, siendo la concordancia 58%, 53% y 54%, respectivamente. En el grado III de obesidad la concordancia de VA (78%) y FR (71%) fue la mayor obtenida. Discusión: Las fórmulas HB, OMS y VA fueron las mejores para estimar el GER en mujeres mexicanas con IMC>30. En el grado III VA y FR muestran el mejor desempeño.

Effect of nitric oxide and TH1/TH2 cytokine supplementation over ectopic endometrial tissue growth in a murine model of endometriosis.

Using a murine model, we evaluated the growth of ectopic endometrial tissue in the presence of T helper 1 (Th1) or Th2 cytokines or a nitric oxide donor (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine [SNAP]). Female mice were autografted with endometrial tissue in the peritoneum. Different combinations and concentrations of cytokines or SNAP were injected intraperitoneally for 8 weeks. Implants were recovered, measured, and weighed. Cytokines were determined in plasma. Implants (weight and area) were smaller in mice that received interferon γ plus interleukin 2 (IFN-γ + IL-2) compared to mice treated with IL-2, IL-4 + IL-10 or saline solution, and saline solution compared to different concentrations of SNAP. The IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-4 concentrations in plasma decreased in accordance with the increase in SNAP concentrations compared to saline solution. The promotion of a Th1 milieu in the peritoneum reduced the weight and area of the implant. Different concentrations of SNAP suppressed Th1 and Th2 cytokines and enabled the growth of the implant in this murine model.

Prevalence of metilentetrahidrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism, consumption of vitamins B6, B9, B12 and determination of lipidic hydroperoxides in obese and normal weight Mexican population.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of the principal comorbidities of obesity. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme (MTHFR) participates in the metabolism of folate with the action of vitamins B6 and B12. The gene of MTHFR may present a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 677 (C677T), which can promote homocysteinemia associated to the production of free radicals. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of SNP C677T of the MTHFR, evaluate the consumption of vitamins B6, B9, B12 and determine the concentration of plasma lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) in obese and control groups. METHODS: 128 Mexican mestizo according to their body mass index were classified as normal weight (Nw; n=75) and obesity (ObeI-III; n=53). Identification of SNP C677T of MTHFR was performed by PCR-RFLP technic. The consumption of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 was assessed by a validate survey. LOOH was determined as an indicator of peripheral oxidative stress. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the frequency of the C677T polymorphism between the TT homozygous genotype in Nw (0.19) and ObeI-III (0.25). The frequency of T allele in Nw was 0.45 and 0.51 in ObI-III group. There were no statistical differences in the consumption of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 between Nw and ObI-III groups. The LOOH showed statistical difference (p < 0.05) between Nw and ObI­III group. DISCUSSION: Oxidative stress is present in all grades of obesity although there were no differences in the vitamin consumption and the SNP C677T between Nw and ObeI­III groups.

Introducción. El estrés oxidativo es un factor clave en el inicio y el desarrollo de las comorbilidades de la obesidad. La enzima metiltetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) participa en el metabolismo del folato con la acción de las vitaminas B9 y B12. El gen MTHFR puede presentar un polimorfismo de un solo nucleótido (SNP) en la posición 677 (C677T), que puede promover homocisteinemia asociada a la producción de radicales libres. Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia del SNP C677T de la MTHFR, evaluar el consumo de vitaminas B6, B9, B12 y determinar la concentración de hidroperóxidos lipídicos (LOOH) en plasma en un grupo de obesos y testigo. Métodos. Se clasificaron 128 mexicanos mestizos de acuerdo a su índice de masa corporal en normopeso (Nw; n=75) y obesidad (ObeI-III; n=53). Se identificó el SNP C677T de la MTHFR mediante la técnica de PCR-RFLP. El consumo de vitaminas B6, B9 y B12 se evaluó mediante una encuesta validada. Se determinaron LOOH como un indicador de estrés oxidativo periférico. Resultados. No hubo diferencia estadística significativa en la frecuencia del polimorfismo C677T entre homocigotos TT en Nw (0.19) y ObeI-III (0.25). La frecuencia del alelo T en Nw fue de 0.45, y 0.51 en el grupo ObeI-III. Los LOOH mostraron diferencia estadística significativa (p.

Vaginal microbiota of healthy pregnant Mexican women is constituted by four Lactobacillus species and several vaginosis-associated bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the microbiota communities in the vaginal tracts of healthy Mexican women across the pregnancy. METHODS: Vaginal swabs were obtained during the prenatal visit of women from all trimesters (n = 64) of healthy pregnant women of Mexico City. DNA was isolated from each sample, and PCR-DGGE and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments were used to identify the bacterial communities. RESULTS: 21 different microorganisms were identified in the vaginal samples. Lactobacillus genus was present in 98% of women studied. Four lactobacilli species were identified in vaginal samples. L. acidophilus was the predominant (78%) followed by L. iners (54%), L. gasseri (20%), and L. delbrueckii (6%). 17 different microorganisms related to bacterial vaginosis conditions were identified. Ureaplasma urealyticum was the predominant (21%) followed by BVAB1 (17%) and Gemella bergeriae (7.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Lactobacillus genus predominates in the vaginal samples of Mexican pregnant women associated with different microorganisms related to bacterial vaginosis conditions.

Quantitative and qualitative peritoneal immune profiles, T-cell apoptosis and oxidative stress-associated characteristics in women with minimal and mild endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess immunological variables, T-cell apoptosis and oxidative stress markers in the peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid of women with (WEN) and without (WWE) endometriosis. DESIGN: Observational and transverse case-control study. SETTING: National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, Mexico. POPULATION AND SAMPLE: Peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid obtained from 30 WWE and 32 WEN. METHODS: Blood was drawn before surgery and peritoneal fluid was collected during surgery but before any surgical procedure had been carried out. Flow cytometry, spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography and multiplex immunoassay analyses were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Peripheral and peritoneal lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3(+), CD4(+) CD3(+), CD8(+) CD3(+), CD16(+) CD56(+), human leucocyte antigen-DR(+) CD3(+) and CD19(+)), intracellular CD4(+) CD3(+) and CD8(+) CD3(+) cytokine synthesis (interleukin-2 [IL-2] and interferon-γ [IFN-γ]), CD3(+) apoptosis, malondialdehyde and ascorbate concentrations and peritoneal cytokine concentrations. RESULTS: No differences were found in peripheral and peritoneal lymphocyte subsets between the groups. Peritoneal T lymphocytes from WEN produced less IL-2 and IFN-γ than those from WWE. Peritoneal malondialdehyde concentrations were higher and ascorbate concentrations were lower in WEN than in WWE. Higher peritoneal concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, tumour necrosis factor-α and IL-6) and chemokines (IL-10, IL-8, eotaxin, vascular endothelial growth factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed, and secreted) and lower concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-15 were found in WEN. No statistical differences were found in IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and IL-13 concentrations. CONCLUSION: The alterations observed in WEN were associated with a diminished peritoneal T helper type 1 immune response. Pro-inflammatory, chemotactic, angiogenic and oxidative stress markers were altered in the peritoneal milieu of WEN. These changes appeared to contribute to the peritoneal immune alterations found.

Women with endometriosis improved their peripheral antioxidant markers after the application of a high antioxidant diet.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress has been identified in the peritoneal fluid and peripheral blood of women with endometriosis. However, there is little information on the antioxidant intake for this group of women. The objectives of this work were 1) to compare the antioxidant intake among women with and without endometriosis and 2) to design and apply a high antioxidant diet to evaluate its capacity to reduce oxidative stress markers and improve antioxidant markers in the peripheral blood of women with endometriosis. METHODS: Women with (WEN, n = 83) and without endometriosis (WWE, n = 80) were interviewed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire to compare their antioxidant intake (of vitamins and minerals). Then, the WEN participated in the application of a control (n = 35) and high antioxidant diet (n = 37) for four months. The high antioxidant diet (HAD) guaranteed the intake of 150% of the suggested daily intake of vitamin A (1050 microg retinol equivalents), 660% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C (500 mg) and 133% of the RDI of vitamin E (20 mg). Oxidative stress and antioxidant markers (vitamins and antioxidant enzymatic activity) were determined in plasma every month. RESULTS: Comparison of antioxidant intake between WWE and WEN showed a lower intake of vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and copper by WEN (p < 0.05, Mann Whitney Rank test). The selenium intake was not statistically different between groups. During the study, the comparison of the 24-hour recalls between groups showed a higher intake of the three vitamins in the HAD group. An increase in the vitamin concentrations (serum retinol, alpha-tocopherol, leukocyte and plasma ascorbate) and antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) as well as a decrease in oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxides) were observed in the HAD group after two months of intervention. These phenomena were not observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: WEN had a lower intake of antioxidants in comparison to WWE. Peripheral oxidative stress markers diminished, and antioxidant markers were enhanced, in WEN after the application of the HAD.

Effect of vitamins C and E supplementation on peripheral oxidative stress markers and pregnancy rate in women with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether vitamins C and E supplementation lowers oxidative stress marker levels and improves pregnancy rate in women with endometriosis. METHODS: Thirty-four women with endometriosis received a bar containing vitamins C and E (343 mg and 84 mg, respectively) or placebo for 6 months. Plasma and peritoneal fluid levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) were measured for all women and compared between the 2 groups. Data were analyzed by the t test or 1-way analysis of variance for parametric data and the Mann-Whitney rank sum test or Kruskall-Wallis test for nonparametric data. The Fisher exact test was used to compare pregnancy rates. RESULTS: After 4 months, the study group had lower levels of MDA and LOOHs than the control group, and the difference became statistically significant in the fourth month for MDA levels and in the sixth month for LOOH levels. The postintervention pregnancy rates were 19% and 12% in the supplementation and placebo groups, respectively, but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamins C and E supplementation was associated with a decrease in the concentration of oxidative stress markers in women with endometriosis. The pregnancy rate, however, did not improve during or after the intervention.