Modificación de estilos de vida de adolescentes chilenos durante el primer confinamiento por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Confinement is an effective measure to control COVID-19, but it can have repercussions on lifestyle-related behaviors, especially among adolescents. Poor quality diet and low physical activity could trigger weight gain and the appearance of chronic non-communicable diseases at an early age. AIM: To investigate the changes in eating and physical activity patterns before and during the first COVID-19 confinement in Chilean adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chilean adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years were invited to answer an online survey with 47 questions about dietary habits and physical activity. RESULTS: The survey was answered by 420 participants and only four adolescents declined to answer it. Changes in eating patterns were evidenced, such as an increase in lunch consumption from 54.1 to 83%, and a decrease in the consumption of both healthy and unhealthy foods. Also, significant changes were observed in physical activity patterns, and an increase in the time spent sitting, from 4.7 to 5.8 hours during confinement. CONCLUSIONS: The first confinement for COVID-19 modified eating and physical activity patterns in Chilean adolescents towards unhealthy habits, which if maintained, could negatively affect their health and quality of life.

Modificación de estilos de vida de adolescentes chilenos durante el primer confinamiento por COVID-19 / Lifestyle modifications of chilean adolescents during the first COVID-19 confinement

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Confinement is an effective measure to control COVID-19, but it can have repercussions on lifestyle-related behaviors, especially among adolescents. Poor quality diet and low physical activity could trigger weight gain and the appearance of chronic non-communicable diseases at an early age. AIM: To investigate the changes in eating and physical activity patterns before and during the first COVID-19 confinement in Chilean adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chilean adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years were invited to answer an online survey with 47 questions about dietary habits and physical activity. RESULTS: The survey was answered by 420 participants and only four adolescents declined to answer it. Changes in eating patterns were evidenced, such as an increase in lunch consumption from 54.1 to 83%, and a decrease in the consumption of both healthy and unhealthy foods. Also, significant changes were observed in physical activity patterns, and an increase in the time spent sitting, from 4.7 to 5.8 hours during confinement. CONCLUSIONS: The first confinement for COVID-19 modified eating and physical activity patterns in Chilean adolescents towards unhealthy habits, which if maintained, could negatively affect their health and quality of life.

Connection between miRNA Mediation and the Bioactive Effects of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica): Exogenous miRNA Resistance to Food Processing and GI Digestion.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) and its bioactive compounds are associated with beneficial health effects, which might be enabled, at least in part, through miRNA regulation, despite recent controversial studies suggesting that exogenous dietary miRNAs may reach host circulation and target cells to regulate gene expression. Here, a computational analysis was performed to explore the processes and pathways associated with genes targeted either by (1) host-expressed miRNAs (endogenous) modulated by the bioactive compounds in broccoli or (2) miRNAs derived from broccoli (exogenous). In addition, the stability of exogenous miRNAs from broccoli was assessed after broccoli was subjected to the usual processing methods and in vitro digestion-simulating gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. Overall, bioinformatic results show that the anticarcinogenic and cancer-preventive properties attributed to cruciferous vegetables might be mediated, at least in part, through miRNA-related mechanisms. Moreover, results show that broccoli-derived miRNAs can survive common food-processing conditions and GI digestion.

Intestinal miRNAs regulated in response to dietary lipids.

The role of miRNAs in intestinal lipid metabolism is poorly described. The small intestine is constantly exposed to high amounts of dietary lipids, and it is under conditions of stress that the functions of miRNAs become especially pronounced. Approaches consisting in either a chronic exposure to cholesterol and triglyceride rich diets (for several days or weeks) or an acute lipid challenge were employed in the search for intestinal miRNAs with a potential role in lipid metabolism regulation. According to our results, changes in miRNA expression in response to fat ingestion are dependent on factors such as time upon exposure, gender and small intestine section. Classic and recent intestinal in vitro models (i.e. differentiated Caco-2 cells and murine organoids) partially mirror miRNA modulation in response to lipid challenges in vivo. Moreover, intestinal miRNAs might play a role in triglyceride absorption and produce changes in lipid accumulation in intestinal tissues as seen in a generated intestinal Dicer1-deletion murine model. Overall, despite some variability between the different experimental cohorts and in vitro models, results show that some miRNAs analysed here are modulated in response to dietary lipids, hence likely to participate in the regulation of lipid metabolism, and call for further research.

Intestinal Lipid Metabolism Genes Regulated by miRNAs.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) crucial roles in translation repression and post-transcriptional adjustments contribute to regulate intestinal lipid metabolism. Even though their actions in different metabolic tissues have been elucidated, their intestinal activity is yet unclear. We aimed to investigate intestinal miRNA-regulated lipid metabolism-related genes, by creating an intestinal-specific Dicer1 knockout (Int-Dicer1 KO) mouse model, with a depletion of microRNAs in enterocytes. The levels of 83 cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism-related genes were assessed in the intestinal mucosa of Int-Dicer1 KO and Wild Type C57BL/6 (WT) littermates mice at baseline and 2 h after an oral lipid challenge. Among the 18 genes selected for further validation, Hmgcs2, Acat1 and Olr1 were found to be strong candidates to be modulated by miRNAs in enterocytes and intestinal organoids. Moreover, we report that intestinal miRNAs contribute to the regulation of intestinal epithelial differentiation. Twenty-nine common miRNAs found in the intestines were analyzed for their potential to target any of the three candidate genes found and validated by miRNA-transfection assays in Caco-2 cells. MiR-31-5p, miR-99b-5p, miR-200a-5p, miR-200b-5p and miR-425-5p are major regulators of these lipid metabolism-related genes. Our data provide new evidence on the potential of intestinal miRNAs as therapeutic targets in lipid metabolism-associated pathologies.

COVID-19 Lockdown and Changes of the Dietary Pattern and Physical Activity Habits in a Cohort of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The COVID-19 lockdown clearly affected the lifestyle of the population and entailed changes in their daily habits, which involved potential health consequences, especially on patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to examine the impact of the lockdown caused by COVID-19 pandemic on both nutrition and exercise habits, as well as the psychological effects in patients with T2DM, compared to their usual diet and physical activity level previous to the complete home confinement. We also intended to analyse any potential variables that may have influenced these lifestyle modifications. A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Food Craving Questionnaire-State (FCQ-S) and Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait (FCQ-T) were used. Our results showed an increase in vegetable, sugary food and snack consumption. An association between levels of foods cravings and snack consumption was also found. Data also showed a high percentage of physical inactivity before the COVID-19 lockdown, which was exacerbated during the home confinement. These findings emphasise the great importance to do further research with larger study samples to analyse and explore dietary habits and to develop public health policies to promote a healthy lifestyle in terms of diet and physical activity in these patients, especially after this strict period of lockdown.

Changes of Physical Activity and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Adolescents from Different Countries during Covid-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study.

AIM: to describe physical activity and ultra-processed foods consumption, their changes and sociodemographic predictors among adolescents from countries in Europe (Italy and Spain) and Latin America (Brazil, Chile, and Colombia) during the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic period. METHODS: Cross-sectional study via web survey. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and weekly ultra-processed food consumption data were used. To compare the frequencies of physical activity status with sociodemographic variables, a multinomial logistic and a multiple logistic regression for habitual ultra-processed foods was performed. In final models, p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Sample of 726 adolescents, mostly females (59.6%) aged 16-19 years old (54.3%). Adolescents from Latin America presented odds ratio (OR) 2.98 (CI 95% 1.80-4.94) of being inactive and those whose mothers had higher level of education were less active during lockdown [OR 0.40 (CI 95% 0.20-0.84)]. The habitual ultra-processed consumption was also high during this period in all countries, and more prevalent in Latin America. CONCLUSION: A higher prevalence of inactivity was observed in this population, but reductions of physical activity and habitual ultra-processed consumption during the pandemic were more pronounced in Latin America. Our findings reinforce the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle, i.e., exercise and diet, during periods of social isolation.

Covid-19 Confinement and Changes of Adolescent's Dietary Trends in Italy, Spain, Chile, Colombia and Brazil.

Confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic can influence dietary profiles, especially those of adolescents, who are highly susceptible to acquiring bad eating habits. Adolescents' poor dietary habits increase their subsequent risk of degenerative diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular pathologies, etc. Our aim was to study nutritional modifications during COVID-19 confinement in adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, compare them with their usual diet and dietary guidelines, and identify variables that may have influenced changes. Data were collected by an anonymous online questionnaire on food intake among 820 adolescents from Spain, Italy, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. The results show that COVID-19 confinement did influence their dietary habits. In particular, we recorded modified consumption of fried food, sweet food, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Moreover, gender, family members at home, watching TV during mealtime, country of residence, and maternal education were diversely correlated with adequate nutrition during COVID-19 confinement. Understanding the adolescents' nutrition behavior during COVID-19 lockdown will help public health authorities reshape future policies on their nutritional recommendations, in preparation for future pandemics.

Low Phytanic Acid-Concentrated DHA Prevents Cognitive Deficit and Regulates Alzheimer Disease Mediators in an ApoE-/- Mice Experimental Model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the main cause of dementia and cognitive impairment. It has been associated with a significant diminution of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in the brain. Clinical trials with DHA as a treatment in neurological diseases have shown inconsistent results. Previously, we reported that the presence of phytanic acid (PhA) in standard DHA compositions could be blunting DHA's beneficial effects. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the effects of a low PhA-concentrated DHA and a standard PhA-concentrated DHA in Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice. Behavioral tests and protein expression of pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, antioxidant factors, and AD-related mediators were evaluated. Low PhA-concentrated DHA decreased Aß, ß-amyloid precursor protein (APP), p-tau, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII), caspase 3, and catalase, and increased brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) when compared to standard PhA-concentrated DHA. Low PhA-concentrated DHA decreased interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) protein expression in ApoE-/- mice when compared to standard PhA-concentrated DHA. No significant differences were found in p22phox, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1), and tau protein expression. The positive actions of a low PhA-concentrated DHA were functionally reflected by improving the cognitive deficit in the AD experimental model. Therefore, reduction of PhA content in DHA compositions could highlight a novel pathway for the neurodegeneration processes related to AD.

Effects of Low Phytanic Acid-Concentrated DHA on Activated Microglial Cells: Comparison with a Standard Phytanic Acid-Concentrated DHA.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) is an essential omega-3 (ω-3) long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid of neuronal membranes involved in normal growth, development, and function. DHA has been proposed to reduce deleterious effects in neurodegenerative processes. Even though, some inconsistencies in findings from clinical and pre-clinical studies with DHA could be attributed to the presence of phytanic acid (PhA) in standard DHA treatments. Thus, the aim of our study was to analyze and compare the effects of a low PhA-concentrated DHA with a standard PhA-concentrated DHA under different neurotoxic conditions in BV-2 activated microglial cells. To this end, mouse microglial BV-2 cells were stimulated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and co-incubated with DHA 50 ppm of PhA (DHA (PhA:50)) or DHA 500 ppm of PhA (DHA (PhA:500)). Cell viability, superoxide anion (O2-) production, Interleukin 6 (L-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), glutathione peroxidase (GtPx), glutathione reductase (GtRd), Caspase-3, and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein expression were explored. Low PhA-concentrated DHA protected against LPS or H2O2-induced cell viability reduction in BV-2 activated cells and O2- production reduction compared to DHA (PhA:500). Low PhA-concentrated DHA also decreased COX-2, IL-6, iNOS, GtPx, GtRd, and SOD-1 protein expression when compared to DHA (PhA:500). Furthermore, low PhA-concentrated DHA increased BDNF protein expression in comparison to DHA (PhA:500). The study provides data supporting the beneficial effect of low PhA-concentrated DHA in neurotoxic injury when compared to a standard PhA-concentrated DHA in activated microglia.

Nanotechnology, a new paradigm in atherosclerosis treatment. / Nanotecnología, un nuevo paradigma en el tratamiento de la aterosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis, a known and prevalent disease, causes progressive deterioration of affected vessels, inducing a blood flow reduction with different complications, and its symptoms usually manifest in advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, the classic therapeutic alternatives are insufficient because the damages are many times irreversible. For this reason, there is a need to implement intelligent forms of drug administration and develop new therapeutic targets that reduce the progression of atherosclerotic lesion. The implementation of new tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this cardiovascular disease is of special interest, focusing our attention on achieving a more effective control of the immune system. Finally, this review highlights the latest knowledge about nanotechnology as a powerful, modern, and promising therapeutic alternative applied to atherosclerotic disease, as well as warning of the potential complications with their use.

Proanthocyanidins block aldosterone-dependent up-regulation of cardiac gamma ENaC and Nedd4-2 inactivation via SGK1.

Aldosterone plays a central role in the development of cardiac pathological states involving ion transport imbalances, especially sodium transport. We have previously demonstrated a cardioprotective effect of proanthocyanidins in aldosterone-treated rats. Our objective was to investigate for the first time the effect of proanthocyanidins on serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), epithelial Na+ channel (γ-ENaC), neuronal precursor cells expressed developmentally down-regulated 4-2 (Nedd4-2) and phosphoNedd4-2 protein expression in the hearts of aldosterone-treated rats. Male Wistar rats received aldosterone (1mg kg-1day-1)+1% NaCl for 3weeks. Half of the animals in each group were simultaneously treated with the proanthocyanidins-rich extract (80% w/w) (PRO80, 5mg kg-1day-1). Hypertension and diastolic dysfunction induced by aldosterone were abolished by treatment with PRO80. Expression of fibrotic, inflammatory and oxidative mediators were increased by aldosterone-salt administration and blunted by PRO80. Antioxidant capacity was improved by PRO80. The up-regulated aldosterone mediator SGK1, ENaC and p-Nedd4-2/total Nedd4-2 ratio were blocked by PRO80. PRO80 blunted aldosterone-mineralocorticoid-mediated up-regulation of ENaC provides new mechanistic insight of the beneficial effect of proanthocyanidins preventing the cardiac alterations induced by aldosterone excess.