The SstI polymorphism of the apolipoprotein C-III gene determines the insulin response to an oral-glucose-tolerance test after consumption of a diet rich in saturated fats.

The S2 allele of the SstI polymorphism of the apolipoprotein (apo) C-III gene has been associated with elevated triacylglycerol concentrations, high blood pressure, and increased risk of coronary artery disease, all of which are characteristic of an insulin-resistant state. To study the effect of this mutation on carbohydrate metabolism in healthy persons, we gave 41 male subjects 3 consecutive diets. The first was rich in saturated fat [15% protein, 47% carbohydrate, 38% fat (20% saturated)], the second was a National Cholesterol Education Program Step 1 diet [15% protein, 57% carbohydrate, 28% fat (< 10% saturated)], and the last was rich in monounsaturated fat [15% protein, 47% carbohydrate, 38% fat (22% monounsaturated, < 10% saturated)]. At the end of each dietary period, subjects received an oral-glucose-tolerance test (OGTT). Apo C-III genotype significantly affected basal glucose concentrations (P < 0.045) and insulin concentrations after the OGTT (P < 0.012). APOC3*S1/APOC3*S2 subjects (n = 13) had higher insulin concentrations after the OGTT than APOC3*S1/APOC3*S1 subjects (n = 28) in the 3 periods (diet 1: P < 0.0004; diet 2: P < 0.01; diet 3: P < 0.008). Multiple regression analysis showed that this polymorphism predicted the insulin response to the OGTT (P < 0.031) and the difference between basal insulin concentrations and insulin concentrations after the OGTT (P < 0.002) with the saturated fat diet. In summary, our results suggest that the mutation in the apo C-III gene affects insulin response to an OGTT, which could result in reduced sensitivity to insulin, especially when persons consume diets rich in saturated fat.

[Mediterranean diet improves low density lipoprotein susceptibility to oxidative modifications]. / La dieta mediterránea mejora la resistencia a la oxidación de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad.

UNLABELLED: Most experts, specially from Anglo-Saxon countries, recommend a low fat diet in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, mortality rate by ischemic cardiopathy is low in Mediterranean countries, probably because of the consumption of a Mediterranean diet, with a high level of monounsaturated fats provided by the olive oil. We have conducted this study in order to investigate the possible influence of this kind of diet on the oxidation of LDL in vitro, the key element for the development of atherosclerosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 41 healthy male subjects were submitted to three consecutive 4-week diets. The first was a saturated fat-rich diet (SAT diet, 38% fat, 20% saturated). This was followed by a low fat diet (NCEP-I, 28% fat, 10% saturated) and after that a Mediterranean diet (38% fat, 22% monounsaturated fat). Plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A-I and B, -tocopherol, and the in vitro susceptibility to oxidation of LDL particles. Both hypolipidemic diets produced a significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL-c, and apo-B plasma levels. However, it was only the NCEP-I diet that revealed a decrease in the HDL-c. The shift from a saturated fat-rich diet, or a diet rich in carbohydrates, to a Mediterranean diet increased the resistance of LDL particles to oxidation increasing the lag time period (p < 0.038), and decreasing (p < 0.001) the progression rate of the curve of oxidation of LDL. Our results point out two positive consequences of the consumption of a Mediterranean diet by healthy young males, compared with the low fat diet recommended by most Anglo-Saxon experts. On the one hand, the Mediterranean diet increases HDL-c plasma levels, and on the other hand, it decreases the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. This is why the Mediterranean diet must be recommended in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Comparación de dos Sistemas de Captura de Movimiento por medio de las Trayectorias Articulares de Marcha / Comparison of two Motion Capture Systems by means of joint Trajectories of human gait

Resumen: En la actualidad, los métodos más comunes para una adecuada captura del movimiento humano en tres dimensiones requieren de un entorno de laboratorio y la fijación de marcadores, accesorios o sensores a los segmentos corporales. Sin embargo, el alto costo de estos equipos es un factor limitante en diversos entornos de trabajo. Sistemas de captura de movimiento como Microsoft Kinect TMpresentan un enfoque alternativo a la tecnología de captura de movimiento. En este trabajo se comparan dos sistemas de captura de movimiento por medio de las trayectorias articulares y las medidas antropométricas de una persona en un ciclo de marcha normal. El primero de ellos, es un sistema comercial de precisión que utiliza marcadores (Vicon TM) y el segundo, es la cámara Microsoft KinectTM. Ambos sistemas se evaluaron con el propósito de comparar la diferencia geométrica y el error RMS entre las trayectorias articulares de la marcha humana obtenidas por cada uno de los sistemas. Los resultados muestran una varianza mayor en las medidas antropométricas y trayectorias articulares para el Kinect, aunque este sistema es de bajo costo y de fácil uso e instalación, no puede ser utilizado para un análisis preciso de la cinemática de la marcha humana.

Abstract: Currently, the most common methods for proper capture of human movement in three dimensions require a laboratory environment and setting markers, accessories or sensors to the body segments. However, the high cost of equipment is a limiting factor in diverse environments. Motion capture systems such as Microsoft KinectTM present an alternative approach to motion capture technology. In this paper, two motion capture systems are compared by means of joint trajectories and anthropometric Currently, the most common methods for proper capture of human movement in three dimension measurements of a person in a normal gait cycle. The first is accurate trading system that uses markers (ViconTM), and the second is Microsoft KinectTM camera. Both systems were evaluated in order to compare the geometric difference and the RMS error between the joint trajectories for Kinct, although this system is inexpressive and easy to use and install, cannot be used for precise kinematic analysis of human walking.