Happiness Maximization Is a WEIRD Way of Living.

Psychological science tends to treat subjective well-being and happiness synonymously. We start from the assumption that subjective well-being is more than being happy to ask the fundamental question: What is the ideal level of happiness? From a cross-cultural perspective, we propose that the idealization of attaining maximum levels of happiness may be especially characteristic of Western, educated, industrial, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) societies but less so for others. Searching for an explanation for why "happiness maximization" might have emerged in these societies, we turn to studies linking cultures to their eco-environmental habitat. We discuss the premise that WEIRD cultures emerged in an exceptionally benign ecological habitat (i.e., faced relatively light existential pressures compared with other regions). We review the influence of the Gulf Stream on the Northwestern European climate as a source of these comparatively benign geographical conditions. We propose that the ecological conditions in which WEIRD societies emerged afforded them a basis to endorse happiness as a value and to idealize attaining its maximum level. To provide a nomological network for happiness maximization, we also studied some of its potential side effects, namely alcohol and drug consumption and abuse and the prevalence of mania. To evaluate our hypothesis, we reanalyze data from two large-scale studies on ideal levels of personal life satisfaction-the most common operationalization of happiness in psychology-involving respondents from 61 countries. We conclude that societies whose members seek to maximize happiness tend to be characterized as WEIRD, and generalizing this across societies can prove problematic if adopted at the ideological and policy level.

Mitofusin-2 induced by exercise modifies lipid droplet-mitochondria communication, promoting fatty acid oxidation in male mice with NAFLD.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The excessive accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) is a defining characteristic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The interaction between LDs and mitochondria is functionally important for lipid metabolism homeostasis. Exercise improves NAFLD, but it is not known if it has an effect on hepatic LD-mitochondria interactions. Here, we investigated the influence of exercise on LD-mitochondria interactions and its significance in the context of NAFLD. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Mice were fed high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD-0.1 % methionine and choline-deficient diet (MCD) to emulate simple hepatic steatosis or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, respectively. In both models, aerobic exercise decreased the size of LDs bound to mitochondria and the number of LD-mitochondria contacts. Analysis showed that the effects of exercise on HOMA-IR and liver triglyceride levels were independent of changes in body weight, and a positive correlation was observed between the number of LD-mitochondria contacts and NAFLD severity and with the lipid droplet size bound to mitochondria. Cellular fractionation studies revealed that ATP-coupled respiration and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) were greater in hepatic peridroplet mitochondria (PDM) from HFD-fed exercised mice than from equivalent sedentary mice. Finally, exercise increased FAO and mitofusin-2 abundance exclusively in PDM through a mechanism involving the curvature of mitochondrial membranes and the abundance of saturated lipids. Accordingly, hepatic mitofusin-2 ablation prevented exercise-induced FAO in PDM. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that aerobic exercise has beneficial effects in murine NAFLD models by lessening the interactions between hepatic LDs and mitochondria, and by decreasing LD size, correlating with a reduced severity of NAFLD. Additionally, aerobic exercise increases FAO in PDM and this process is reliant on Mfn-2 enrichment, which modifies LD-mitochondria communication.

Effects of a High-Fat Diet and Docosahexaenoic Acid during Pregnancy on Fatty Acid Composition in the Fetal Livers of Mice.

A high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy promotes fat accumulation and reduces docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in the liver of the offspring at postnatal ages, which can depend on fetal sex. However, the prenatal mechanisms behind these associations are still unclear. Thus, we analyzed if an HFD alters DHA content and the expression of molecules related to fatty acid (FA) metabolism in the fetal liver. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet or HFD for 4-6 weeks before pregnancy until the gestational day (GD) 17.5. A subgroup of each diet received DHA (100 mg/Kg) orally from GD 6.5 until 16.5. On GD 17.5, maternal livers, placentas, and livers from male and female fetuses were collected for FA profiling with gas-chromatography and gene expression of molecules related to FA metabolism using qPCR. PPAR-α protein expression was evaluated using Western blot. The gene expression of placental FA transporters was also assessed. An HFD increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decreased DHA levels and protein expression of PPAR-α in the fetal livers of both sexes. DHA increased the gene expression of Ppara, Cpt1, and Acsl1 in the livers of female fetuses. Therefore, an HFD reduces DHA levels and PPAR-α, a master regulator of gene expression, in the fetal liver. In turn, the livers of female fetuses seem to be more sensitive to DHA action.

Energy (and Reactive Oxygen Species Generation) Saving Distribution of Mitochondria for the Activation of ATP Production in Skeletal Muscle.

Exercise produces oxidants from a variety of intracellular sources, including NADPH oxidases (NOX) and mitochondria. Exercise-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are beneficial, and the amount and location of these ROS is important to avoid muscle damage associated with oxidative stress. We discuss here some of the evidence that involves ROS production associated with skeletal muscle contraction and the potential oxidative stress associated with muscle contraction. We also discuss the potential role of H2O2 produced after NOX activation in the regulation of glucose transport in skeletal muscle. Finally, we propose a model based on evidence for the role of different populations of mitochondria in skeletal muscle in the regulation of ATP production upon exercise. The subsarcolemmal population of mitochondria has the enzymatic and metabolic components to establish a high mitochondrial membrane potential when fissioned at rest but lacks the capacity to produce ATP. Calcium entry into the mitochondria will further increase the metabolic input. Upon exercise, subsarcolemmal mitochondria will fuse to intermyofibrillar mitochondria and will transfer the mitochondria membrane potential to them. These mitochondria are rich in ATP synthase and will subsequentially produce the ATP needed for muscle contraction in long-term exercise. These events will optimize energy use and minimize mitochondria ROS production.

Evaluation of the Effects of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Leaves Ethanolic Extracts Supplementation on Biochemical and Hepatic Markers on Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Obesity is a significant health concern affecting 13% of the world's population. It is often associated with insulin resistance and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), which can cause chronic inflammation in the liver and adipose tissue. Obese hepatocytes show increased lipid droplets and lipid peroxidation, which can lead to the progression of liver damage. Polyphenols have been shown to have the ability to reduce lipid peroxidation, thereby promoting hepatocyte health. Chia leaves, a by-product of chia seed production, are a natural source of bioactive antioxidant compounds, such as cinnamic acids and flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, chia leaves' ethanolic extracts of two seed phenotypes were tested on diet-induced obese mice to evaluate their therapeutic potential. Results show that the chia leaf extract positively affected insulin resistance and lipid peroxidation in the liver. In addition, the extract improved the HOMA-IR index compared to the obese control group, reducing the number and size of lipid droplets and lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that chia leaf extract may help treat insulin resistance and liver damage associated with MAFLD.

Myristate induces mitochondrial fragmentation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin ligase MUL1.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases, especially metabolic-related disorders, are progressively growing worldwide due to high-fat-containing foods, which promote a deleterious response at the cellular level, termed lipotoxicity, or lipotoxic stress. At the cardiac level, saturated fatty acids have been directly associated with cardiomyocyte lipotoxicity through various pathological mechanisms involving mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and ceramide production, among others. However, integrative regulators connecting saturated fatty acid-derived lipotoxic stress to mitochondrial and cardiomyocyte dysfunction remain elusive. Methods: Here, we worked with a cardiomyocyte lipotoxicity model, which uses the saturated fatty acid myristate, which promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and insulin desensitization. Results: Using this model, we detected an increase in the mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin ligase, MUL1, a mitochondrial protein involved in the regulation of growth factor signaling, cell death, and, notably, mitochondrial dynamics. In this context, myristate increased MUL1 levels and induced mitochondrial fragmentation, associated with the decrease of the mitochondrial fusion protein MFN2, and with the increase of the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1, two targets of MUL1. Silencing of MUL1 prevented myristate-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Discussion: These data establish a novel connection between cardiomyocytes and lipotoxic stress, characterized by hypertrophy and fragmentation of the mitochondrial network, and an increase of the mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin ligase MUL1.

Exercise Induces an Augmented Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response in a Mouse Model of Obesity Produced by a High-Fat Diet.

Increase in body fat contributes to loss of function and changes in skeletal muscle, accelerating sarcopenia, a phenomenon known as sarco-obesity or sarcopenic obesity. Studies suggest that obesity decreases the skeletal muscle (SM)'s ability to oxidize glucose, increases fatty acid oxidation and reactive oxygen species production, due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Exercise improves mitochondrial dysfunction in obesity; however, it is not known if exercise regulates the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) in the SM. Our study aimed to determine the mito-nuclear UPRmt in response to exercise in a model of obesity, and how this response is associated with the improvement in SM functioning after exercise training. C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet and high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. After 8 weeks, animals were subdivided into sedentary and exercised for the remaining 4 weeks. Grip strength and maximal velocity of mice submitted to HFD improved after training. Our results show an increase in the activation of UPRmt after exercise while in obese mice, proteostasis is basally decreased but shows a more pronounced increase with exercise. These results correlate with improvement in the circulating triglycerides, suggesting mitochondrial proteostasis could be protective and could be related to mitochondrial fuel utilization in SM.

The Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Lipid Mediators on Skeletal Muscle Regeneration: A Narrative Review.

Skeletal muscle is the largest tissue in the human body, comprising approximately 40% of body mass. After damage or injury, a healthy skeletal muscle is often fully regenerated; however, with aging and chronic diseases, the regeneration process is usually incomplete, resulting in the formation of fibrotic tissue, infiltration of intermuscular adipose tissue, and loss of muscle mass and strength, leading to a reduction in functional performance and quality of life. Accumulating evidence has shown that omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their lipid mediators (i.e., oxylipins and endocannabinoids) have the potential to enhance muscle regeneration by positively modulating the local and systemic inflammatory response to muscle injury. This review explores the process of muscle regeneration and how it is affected by acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, focusing on the potential role of n-3 PUFAs and their derivatives as positive modulators of skeletal muscle healing and regeneration.

It Is Not the Virus Exposure: Differentiating Job Demands and Resources That Account for Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Health Sector Workers.

A cross-sectional study of 3860 health-sector workers across two data collections was conducted to identify the predictive power of different job demands and job resources during the COVID-19 pandemic based on four indicators of distress (COVID-19 traumatic stress, burnout, generalised anxiety, and depression) among health-sector workers. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, measurement invariance checks, and structural equation models were used to evaluate the dimensionality and the effect of the job demands and resources on distress indictors. The identified job demands were workload, confinement, loss, and virus exposure, while the identified job resources were self-efficacy, momentary recuperation, and meaning making. Loss and workload predicted the distress indicators best, while confinement and virus exposure mainly predicted COVID-19 traumatic stress and were less important for the other distress outcomes. Self-efficacy and meaning making negatively predicted distress, while momentary recuperation, controlled for the other demands and resources, was positively related to the distress indicators. Of the typical pandemic-related demands and resources, the experience of loss due to COVID-19 infection was the most important predictor of distress outcomes. Confinement, and especially the awareness of virus exposure, were far less important predictors.

Effect of Structured Phenolic Lipids with EPA/DHA and Gallic Acid against Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in Mice.

Obesity is the leading risk factor for developing metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The food industry has an essential role in searching for new strategies to improve primary food sources to revert some of the metabolic alterations induced by obesity. There is consistent evidence that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) belonging to the n-3 series, i.e., eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3, DHA) acids, could revert some alterations associated with obesity-induced metabolic diseases. A relevant tool is the synthesis of structured acylglycerols (sAG), which include EPA or DHA at the sn-2 position. On the other hand, it has been reported that a crucial role of antioxidants is the reversion of MAFLD. In this work, we studied the effects of new molecules incorporating gallic acid (GA) into EPA/DHA-rich structured lipids. Mice were fed with a high-fat diet (60%) for three months and were then divided into five groups for supplementation with sAG and sAG structured with gallic acid (structured phenolic acylglycerols, sPAG). sPAG synthesis was optimized using a 2²-screening factorial design based on the response surface methodology (RSM). Our results show that treatment of sPAG was effective in decreasing visceral fat, fasting glycemia, fasting insulin, suggesting that this new molecule has a potential use in the reversal of MAFLD-associated alterations.

The moderating role of sociodemographic and work-related variables in burnout and mental health levels of Mexican medical residents.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the moderating effects of sociodemographic and work-related variables on levels of burnout and mental health among medical residents. METHOD: A cross-sectional online survey was administered at the beginning of the second wave of COVID-19 at different public teaching hospitals where medical residents practiced in Mexico City. A total of 201 medical residents of different years completed the survey. RESULTS: Different univariate inferential analyses on the level of burnout and mental health indices showed significant differences between sex, marital status, previous reports of physical illness or psychological conditions, and residency ranking. However, the effect sizes of those differences were of low to medium size. A predictive path analysis revealed that the three stages of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and achievement dissatisfaction) negatively affect psychological wellbeing and positively affect psychological distress. Finally, even though sociodemographic variables showed some significant variation, the effect sizes were small and did not moderate the direct effect of burnout on mental health indices. CONCLUSIONS: Medical residents deling with every day medical situations, will be exposed to stressors that might increase the probability to experience emotional exhaustion. This would negatively affect levels of wellbeing and positively affect distress, despite their sociodemographic characteristics.

Self-efficacy for weight control and quality of life in Mexican patients with hemophilia / Autoeficacia para el control de peso y calidad de vida en pacientes mexicanos con hemofilia

Introduction: Perceived self-efficacy is closely related to an adequate quality of life en general well-being of people, but few studies have studied this relationship in people with hemophilia. Objective: To determine the degree of relationship between perceived self-efficacy for weight control and quality of life in people with and without hemophilia, comparing both variables in case-control groups. Methods: The sample made up, for convenience, of 40 participants, with two matched groups. The group of cases consisted of 20 males between 19 and 24 years of age (M = 19.50, SD = 1.47) with hemophilia type A. The control group consisted of 20 males who did not present hemophilia, matched in age and weight status, between the ages of 18 and 24 years of age (M= 19.59, SD= 1.44). Participants answered the "Self-efficacy for Weight Control" questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Bref" questionnaire. Descriptive statistics where used to describe the factors of each instrument. Student's t-test was used to compare differences between the two groups. Results: Only the Daily physical activity dimension showed a statistical difference in the control group. According to the Pearson correlation, a positive correlation was found between the Scheduled physical activity, Daily physical activity and Physical health dimensions. Conclusions: It is concluded that physical exercise, weight control, nutritional counseling and psychological support are essential for the quality of life, especially for people with hemophilia, which complements medical treatment.

Introducción: La autoeficacia percibida está estrechamente relacionada con una adecuada calidad de vida y el bienestar en general de las personas, pero pocos estudios han analizado esta relación en personas con hemofilia. Objetivo: Determinar el grado de relación entre la autoeficacia percibida para el control de peso y la calidad de vida en personas con y sin diagnóstico de hemofilia, comparando ambas variables en grupos caso-control. Métodos: La muestra por conveniencia estuvo compuesta por 40 participantes, clasificados en dos grupos. El grupo de casos estuvo constituido por 20 varones entre 19 y 24 años de edad (M= 19,50, DE= 1,47) con diagnóstico de hemofilia tipo A. El grupo control estuvo formado por 20 varones que no presentaban hemofilia, pareados en edad y peso, con edades entre 18 y 24 años (M= 19.59, DT= 1.44). Todos los participantes respondieron el "Cuestionario de Autoeficacia para el Control de Peso" y el "Cuestionario Breve de Calidad de Vida de la Organización Mundial de la Salud". Se obtuvieron análisis descriptivos mediante medias y desviaciones estándar sobre los factores de cada instrumento. Se utilizó la prueba t de Student para la diferencia de medias. Resultados: Se hallaron diferencias entre el grupo de casos y controles solo en la dimensión Actividad física cotidiana a favor del grupo controles. De acuerdo a la correlación de Pearson, se encontró una correlación positiva entre la dimensión Actividad física programada, Actividad física cotidiana y Salud física. Conclusiones: Se constata que el ejercicio físico, el control de peso, la asesoría nutricional y el apoyo psicológico son indispensables para la calidad de vida, en especial de las personas con hemofilia, lo cual complementa el tratamiento médico.

Effects of Occupational Therapy Program Based on Active Meditation on Hair Cortisol Levels in Undergraduate Healthcare Students.

Methods: Undergraduate students from the University of Chile's health careers were divided at random into control (n = 7) and treated groups (n = 15). The treated group participated in an active meditation program once a week for three months. This treatment included different techniques such as Chakra Sounds, Nataraj, Mandala, Kundalini, Devavani, Gourishankar, and Nadabrahma. Hair samples were taken before and after the treatment period to measure cortisol. Results: The control group increased cortisol level 168.9 ± 76.8 pg/mg compared with initial levels. The treated group shows a decrease of initial cortisol values in 28.5 ± 12.8 pg/mg after meditation protocol application. Conclusions: Blending active meditation in students' daily routine through occupational therapy intervention might prevent undergraduate students' stress in healthcare careers.

Autoestima y estilos de afrontamiento: predictores de la calidad de vida en personas con hemofilia / Self-esteem and coping skills: predictors of quality of life in patients with hemophilia

Introducción: La hemofilia es un trastorno hemorrágico que causa dolor y daños articulares graves. Las personas con esta condición de salud suelen presentar problemas psicosociales como baja autoestima y dificultad para enfrentar la enfermedad, lo cual puede impactar negativamente en su calidad de vida relacionada a la salud (CVRS). Objetivo: Analizar el efecto predictor de la autoestima y las estrategias de afrontamiento hacia la CVRS en personas con hemofilia. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, no experimental, de tipo correlacional, con muestra por conveniencia, realizado en 60 participantes con hemofilia, edades comprendidas entre 15 y 67 años (media = 27,43, desviación estándar = 11,32). Se utilizaron los cuestionarios: Calidad de Vida Específica para Hemofilia, Autoestima y Afrontamiento al Dolor Crónico. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, correlación de Pearson y análisis de regresión lineal múltiple con el método por pasos. Resultados: Se obtuvo que el nivel de CVRS fue mayormente moderado; sin embargo, se observaron niveles bajos en las dimensiones Deporte y tiempo libre y Futuro. La dimensión Éxito de la escala de autoestima correlacionó positivamente con las dimensiones Deporte y tiempo libre (r(60)= 0,59), Salud física (r(60)=0,54) y Autopercepción (r(60)=0,48) de la escala calidad de vida; además de haber mostrado un nivel alto de predicción de la calidad de vida (R 2 = 0,35, p= 0,00). Conclusiones: Se comprobó que la autoestima resulta ser una variable predictora de la CVRS de los pacientes con hemofilia. Se requiere fortalecer la autoestima y la manera de enfrentarse ante el dolor crónico en personas con este padecimiento en pro de su calidad de vida y bienestar(AU)

Introduction: Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that causes severe pain and damage to the joints. People with this health condition often present psychosocial problems such as low self-esteem and difficulty facing their disease, which can negatively impact their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objective: To analyze the predictive effect of self-esteem and coping strategies towards HRQL in people with hemophilia. Methods: This was a quantitative, non-experimental, correlational study, with a convenience sample, carried out in 60 participants with hemophilia, ages between 15 and 67 years (mean = 27.43, standard deviation = 11.32). The Specific Quality of Life for Hemophilia, Self-esteem and Coping with Chronic Pain questionnaires were used. Descriptive analyzes. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were performed with the stepwise method. Results: It was found that the level of HRQL was mostly moderate, however, low levels were observed in the Sports and free time and Future dimensions. The Success dimension of the self-esteem scale positively correlated with the Sports and free time dimensions (r(60) = 0.59). Physical health (r(60) = 0.54) and Self-perception (r(60) = 0.48) of the quality of life scale, in addition to having shown a high level of prediction of quality of life (R2 = 0.35, p = 0.00). Conclusions: It was found that self-esteem turns out to be a predictor variable of HRQL in patients with hemophilia. It is necessary to strengthen self-esteem and the way of coping with chronic pain in people with this condition in favor of their quality of life and well-being(AU)

Exercise regulation of hepatic lipid droplet metabolism.

Lipid droplets (LD) are not just lipid stores. They are now recognized as highly dynamic organelles, having a life cycle that includes biogenesis, growth, steady-state, transport, and catabolism. Importantly, LD exhibit different features in terms of size, number, lipid composition, proteins, and interaction with other organelles, and all these features exert an impact on cellular homeostasis. The imbalance of LD function causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies show that exercise attenuates NAFLD by decreasing LD content; however, reports show metabolic benefits without changes in LD amount (intrahepatic triglyceride levels) in NAFLD. Due to the multiple effects of exercise in LD features, we think that these metabolic benefits occur through changes in LD features in NAFLD, rather than only the reduction in content. Exercise increases energy mobilization and utilization from storages such as LD, and is one of the non-pharmacological treatments against NAFLD. Therefore, exercise modification of LD could be a target for NAFLD treatment. Here, we review the most up-to-date literature on this topic, and focus on recent findings showing that LD features could play an important role in the severity of NAFLD.

Model of Psychological Empowerment Based on Structural Equations for Predicting Autonomy / Modelo de empoderamiento psicológico basado en ecuaciones estructurales para predecir la autonomía

Abstract The study relies on the assumption that one of the main effects of phycological empowerment composed by attributes like self-esteem, locus of control, and assertiveness, is increased autonomy. The theoretical arguments are tested based on a structural equation model that allows estimating hypothetical relationships simultaneously. Additionally, differences in means between women and men are estimated for each phycological variable and the hypothetical model is tested separately to both sexes. 1,569 people (56% women) from five Mexican States compose the sample. The average age is 29 years and 59% of the sample has college degrees. The results suggest that psychological empowerment is strongly related to autonomy.

Resumen Este trabajo parte del supuesto de que uno de los principales efectos del empoderamiento psicológico es el incremento de la autonomía, y que atributos como la autoestima, el locus de control y la asertividad lo constituyen. Con base en ello, se probaron ambos planteamientos teóricos a través de un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales, ya que la técnica permite estimar relaciones hipotéticas simultáneamente. Asimismo, se estimaron las diferencias en las medias de cada una de las variables psicológicas entre mujeres y hombres y se probó el mismo modelo hipotético de forma separada para cada sexo. La muestra la conforman 1,569 personas (56% son mujeres) de cinco entidades federativas de México, la edad promedio es de 29 años y el 59% cuentan con estudios universitarios. Los resultados sugieren que el empoderamiento psicológico tiene una fuerte relación con la autonomía.

Skeletal muscle type-specific mitochondrial adaptation to high-fat diet relies on differential autophagy modulation.

In obesity, skeletal muscle mitochondrial activity changes to cope with increased nutrient availability. Autophagy has been proposed as an essential mechanism involved in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism. Still, the contribution of autophagy to mitochondrial adaptations in skeletal muscle during obesity is unknown. Here, we show that in response to high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, distinct skeletal muscles in mice exhibit differentially regulated autophagy that may modulate mitochondrial activity. We observed that after 4 and 40 weeks of high-fat diet feeding, OXPHOS subunits and mitochondrial DNA content increased in the oxidative soleus muscle. However, in gastrocnemius muscle, which has a mixed fiber-type composition, the mitochondrial mass increased only after 40 weeks of HFD feeding. Interestingly, fatty acid-supported mitochondrial respiration was enhanced in gastrocnemius, but not in soleus muscle after a 4-week HFD feeding. This increased metabolic profile in gastrocnemius was paralleled by preserving autophagy flux, while autophagy flux in soleus was reduced. To determine the role of autophagy in this differential response, we used an autophagy-deficient mouse model with partial deletion of Atg7 specifically in skeletal muscle (SkM-Atg7+/- mice). We observed that Atg7 reduction resulted in diminished autophagic flux in skeletal muscle, alongside blunting the HFD-induced increase in fatty acid-supported mitochondrial respiration observed in gastrocnemius. Remarkably, SkM-Atg7+/- mice did not present increased mitochondria accumulation. Altogether, our results show that HFD triggers specific mitochondrial adaptations in skeletal muscles with different fiber type compositions, and that Atg7-mediated autophagy modulates mitochondrial respiratory capacity but not its content in response to an obesogenic diet.

Synthesis of EPA- and DHA-Enriched Structured Acylglycerols at the sn-2 Position Starting from Commercial Salmon Oil by Enzymatic Lipase Catalysis under Supercritical Conditions.

There is consistent evidence that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) belonging to the n-3 series, i.e., eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3, DHA) acids, decrease the risk of heart, circulatory and inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, the bioavailability of such fatty acids has been shown to depend on their location in triacylglycerol (TG) molecules at the sn-2 position. Consequently, great attention has been accorded to the synthesis of structured acylglycerols (sAG), which include EPA or DHA at the sn-2 position. The aim of this work was to synthesize sAG starting from deodorized refined commercial salmon oil. For this, immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica (nonspecific) was used as a catalyst for the intra-interesterification process under CO2 supercritical conditions (CO2SC). According to the CO2SC reaction time, three different fractions including sAG compounds were obtained. The location of EPA and DHA at the sn-2 position in the resulting glycerol backbone was identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) analysis. In all fractions obtained, a marked decrease in the starting TG content was observed, while an increase in the DHA content at the sn-2 position was detected. The fraction obtained after the longest reaction time period (2 h) led to the highest yield of sn-2 position DHA in the resulting sAG molecule.

Zinc Supplementation and Strength Exercise in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes: Akt and PTP1B Phosphorylation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a metabolic disorder caused by chronic hyperglycemia due to a deficiency in the secretion and/or action of insulin. Zinc (Zn) supplementation and strength exercise increases insulin signaling. We evaluate the effect of Zn supplementation and strength exercise on insulin resistance in the liver of rats with diet-induced T2D through the study of phosphorylation of Akt and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Rats were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 18 weeks to induce T2D and then assigned in four experimental groups: HFD, HFD-Zn (Zn), HFD-strength exercise (Ex), and HFD-Zn/strength exercise (ZnEx) and treated during 12 weeks. Serum Zn, lipid profile, transaminases, glucose, and insulin were measured. In the liver with/without insulin stimuli, total and phosphorylated Akt (pAktSer473) and PTP1B (pPTP1BSer50) were determined by western blot. Hepatic steatosis was evaluated by histological staining with red oil and intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content. There were no differences in biochemical and body-related variables. The ZnEx group showed a higher level of pAkt, both with/without insulin. The ZnEx group also showed higher levels of pPTP1B with respect to HFD and Zn groups. The ZnEx group had higher levels of pPTP1B than groups treated with insulin. Liver histology showed a better integrity and less IHTG in Ex and ZnEx with respect to the HFD group. The Ex and ZnEx groups had lower IHTG with respect to the HFD group. Our results showed that Zn supplementation and strength exercise together improved insulin signaling and attenuated nonalcoholic liver disease in a T2D rat model.

Effects of active meditation on physical and psycho-emotional stress indicators in Chilean health sciences students. A pilot study / Efectos de la meditación activa en indicadores físicos y psicoemocionales de estrés en estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud en Chile. Un estudio piloto

Abstract Introduction: The multiple academic demands in the university environment generate high levels of stress among students. Although said stress may be useful to meet such demands, in many cases, it can have a negative impact on their health. Objective: To assess whether the implementation of active meditation in the daily routine of health sciences university students impacts their physical and psycho-emotional stress indicators. Materials and methods: Exploratory and quantitative pilot study carried out in a sample of 22 university students who agreed to participate in a 3-month active meditation elective course (18 sessions). Participants were asked to fill out the Global State Perception Questionnaire (CPGE) ex-ante and ex-post taking the course. Results: 18 participants completed the GSPC ex-ante and ex-post, but only 16 were valid for data processing. Most students reported an improvement in their perception of coping with different stressful situations after completing the course. For example, 87.5% reported remaining in a relaxed state during stressful situations, 81% stated feeling decreased mental exhaustion, and 81% said they were better at handling stressful situations. Conclusions: The implementation of active meditation in the daily routine of this group of university students decreased their physical and psycho-emotional indicators of stress. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out new studies with larger samples to confirm the positive effect of this type of course on the health of university students, which will undoubtedly lead to better academic performance as a result of a better mental state.

Resumen Introducción. Las múltiples exigencias académicas a las que los estudiantes universitarios se enfrentan les generan altos niveles de estrés; si bien el estrés puede ayudarles a afrontar tales exigencias, en muchos casos este puede causarles diversos problemas de salud. Objetivo. Evaluar si la implementación de la meditación activa en la rutina diaria de estudiantes universitarios de las ciencias de la salud tiene un efecto en sus indicadores físicos y psicoemocionales. Materiales y métodos. Estudio piloto exploratorio y cuantitativo realizado en una muestra de 22 estudiantes universitarios que aceptaron participar en un curso electivo de meditación activa de 3 meses (18 sesiones). A los participantes se les solicitó diligenciar el Cuestionario de Percepción Global de Estado (CPGE) ex ante y ex post al curso. Resultados. 18 participantes completaron el CPGE ex ante y ex post, pero solo 16 fueron válidos para el procesamiento de datos. La mayoría de los estudiantes reportó una mejora respecto a su percepción sobre cómo enfrentar diferentes situaciones estresantes luego de completar el curso, por ejemplo, el 87.5% manifestó permanecer en un estado de relajación en situaciones estresantes; el 81%, una disminución del agotamiento mental, y el 81%, un mejor manejo de las situaciones estresantes. Conclusiones. La incorporación de la meditación activa en la rutina diaria de estos estudiantes disminuyó sus indicadores físicos y psicoemocionales de estrés, por lo que es necesario realizar nuevos estudios con muestras más grandes que permitan confirmar el efecto positivo de este tipo de cursos en la salud de los estudiantes universitarios, lo que sin duda repercutirá en un mejor rendimiento académico producto de un mejor estado mental.