Associated factors to the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners in the Mexican adult population.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the associated factors to the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) in the Mexican adult population since its consumption has increased exponentially worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was applied to 5 038 Mexican adults to evaluate the frequency of NNS consumption and classify the population in tertiles. The sociodemographic, lifestyle and health status characteristics of the participants were compared by gradient of NNS consumption, and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the associated factors to the NNS consumption. RESULTS: The variables that showed a positive association (p≤0.01) with the consumption of NNS were economic income, BMI, smoking, physical activity, diet quality, the presence of chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemias), and the consumption of fruit. The age and the consumption of confectionery and sugar-sweetened beverages were negatively associated (p<0.01) with the consumption of NNS. CONCLUSION: The results of this study help to characterize the target population that is a consumer of NNS since it is recommended not encourage the preference for sweet taste and to promote a decrease in the consumption of both caloric and NNS, preferring the natural flavor of food.

Validity and reliability of simple surrogate indexes to evaluate beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Simple surrogate indexes (SSI) to assess beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity (IS) and insulin resistance (IR) are an easy and economic tool used in clinical practice to identify glucose metabolism disturbances. AIM: To evaluate the validity and reliability of SSI that estimate beta-cell function, IS and IR using as a reference the parameters obtained from the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 62 subjects aged 20-45 years, with a normal body mass index and without diabetes or prediabetes. SSI were compared with the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), insulin sensitivity index (Si) and disposition index (DI) obtained from the FSIVGTT using the minimal model approach. Half of the participants (n = 31) were randomly selected for a second visit two weeks later to evaluate the reliability of all the variables. RESULTS: HOMA1-%B and HOMA2-%B had a significant correlation with AIRg (Spearman Rho (rs) = 0.33 and 0.37 respectively, p < 0.01). The SSI evaluating IS/IR that showed stronger correlation (rs > 0.50) with Si were fasting insulin, HOMA1-IR, HOMA2-IR, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S, QUICKI, and the McAuley index. The parameters that showed good reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.75 were AIRg, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S, and QUICKI. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that most of the SSI are useful and reliable.

Non-Nutritive Sweeteners: Evidence on their Association with Metabolic Diseases and Potential Effects on Glucose Metabolism and Appetite.

There is ongoing debate concerning non-nutritive sweeteners, their usage, and their effects on metabolism. The association between non-nutritive sweeteners consumption, development of metabolic diseases, and changes in appetite-regulating hormones is not clear. The aim of this article is to present an overview of non-nutritive sweeteners and to examine the scientific evidence of their effects on glucose metabolism and appetite-regulating hormones. Some observational studies suggest an association between non-nutritive sweeteners consumption and development of metabolic diseases; however, adiposity is a confounder frequently found in these studies. Results of the available clinical trials are heterogeneous and not comparable because of major differences between them. Future controlled studies evaluating specific non-nutritive sweeteners, with an appropriate sample size, including a uniform study group, with sufficient exposure time, and considering adjustment for confounder variables, such as anthropometric characteristics, previous consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners, and coexistence of significant metabolic comorbidities, are needed.

[Prevalence of non-nutritive sweeteners consumption in a population of patients with diabetes in Mexico]. / Prevalencia del consumo de edulcorantes no nutritivos (ENN) en una población de pacientes con diabetes en México.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) consumption in a sample of patients with diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We applied two questionnaires, one of food frequency adapted to products containing NNS and the other of beliefs related to NNS. The prevalence of NNS consumption was determined and correlated with the body mass index, energy and sugar consumption, waist circumference, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, diabetes type, education and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: The prevalence of NNS consumption was 96%; the consumption was greater in men and in patients with type 1 diabetes. A negative correlation was found between the consumption and age and a positive correlation with glycated hemoglobin and education. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of NNS consumption is high due to the great availability of products in the market.

Sitaglitpin phosphate treatment in patients with reactive hypoglycemia secondary to dysinsulinism. Controlled, randomized, double-blind study. / Tratamiento con fosfato de sitagliptina en pacientes con hipoglucemia reactiva secundaria a disinsulinismo. Estudio controlado, aleatorizado y doble ciego.

Objective: We evaluated the effect of sitagliptin in correction of symptomatic reactive hypoglycemia. Methods: Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Thirteen patients treated with sitagliptin and 15 with placebo, with mean age of 34.3 ± 10.6 years and body mass index of 24.6 ± 5.1 kg/m2, mostly women (n = 24, 85.7%), were evaluated. Results: Basal glycemia was similar in placebo versus sitagliptin (92.3 ± 18.9 vs. 93.4 ± 17.3 mg/dl; p = 0.41) as was median and interquartile range of insulin (15.2 [8.8-43.7] vs. 14.7 µU/ml [7.0-39.0]; p = 0.44). Patients with sitagliptin recovered the first phase insulin secretion (FISP). This was related with higher glucose level at the end of the oral glucose tolerance test (79.5 [74.2-83.0] vs. 83.5 [81.2-89.7]; p = 0.003) with a similar insulin median level (13.0 [5.0-34.4] vs. 13.8 [4.8-30.6]; p = 0.32). Symptomatology was significantly lower under sitagliptin treatment (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Sitagliptin improved FISP and reduced post-prandial symptomatology. These results suggest a novel therapeutic option for patients with reactive hypoglycemia related with FISP.

Beliefs concerning non-nutritive sweeteners consumption in consumers, non-consumers, and health professionals: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Introduction: the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) has increased. Recent studies have reported possible metabolic effects of NNS, and this may influence the perception regarding their consumption in the general population and health professionals. Objective: to describe and compare the beliefs about NNS in consumers, non-consumers, and health professionals; and to explore the reasons and opinions of health professionals for recommending or not their consumption. Methods: surveys were applied to 100 consumers, 100 non-consumers and 100 health professionals (dietitians and physicians) to evaluate a positive, negative, or neutral attitude towards certain beliefs regarding NNS, including the information they have, safety, price, side effects and taste. In addition, the opinion of health professionals for recommending or not the consumption of NNS and the related reasons was evaluated. Results: statistically significant differences regarding the safety, side effects and taste of NNS were found between the three groups (p < 0.01). The most frequent opinion of health professionals (48 %) is that NNS should be limited, used as a transition and in certain patients. Consumers tend to have a more positive opinion about NNS except for the price, non-consumers have a more neutral position except for taste, and health professionals have a more negative perception of NNS in all aspects. Conclusions: the beliefs regarding NNS differed among the studied groups, which might influence their consumption or recommendation of its use.

Introducción: Introducción: el consumo de edulcorantes no nutritivos (ENN) se ha incrementado. Estudios recientes han reportado posibles efectos metabólicos de los ENN, por lo que la percepción de su consumo podría haber cambiado en población general y profesionales de la salud. Objetivo: describir y comparar las creencias sobre los ENN en consumidores, no consumidores y profesionales de la salud, así como conocer las principales opiniones de los profesionales de la salud para recomendar o no el consumo de ENN. Métodos: se aplicaron encuestas a 100 consumidores, 100 no consumidores y 100 profesionales de la salud (nutriólogos y médicos) para evaluar actitudes positivas, negativas o neutras en torno a ciertas creencias de los ENN, la información que creen tener, seguridad, precio, efectos secundarios y sabor. Además, se evaluó la opinión de los profesionales de la salud para recomendar o no su consumo y las razones asociadas. Resultados: se encontraron diferencias entre los tres grupos en torno a la seguridad, los efectos secundarios y el sabor de los ENN (p < 0.01). La postura más frecuente de los profesionales de la salud (48 %) es que los ENN deben limitarse, utilizarse transitoriamente y en ciertos pacientes. Se observó una postura más positiva con respecto a los ENN en los consumidores excepto por su precio, más neutral en los no consumidores excepto por su sabor y más negativa en los profesionales de la salud en todos los aspectos. Conclusiones: las creencias sobre los ENN difieren entre los grupos estudiados, lo cual puede influir en su consumo o en la recomendación de su uso.

Primary Barriers of Adherence to a Structured Nutritional Intervention in Patients with Dyslipidemia.

PURPOSE: To describe the primary barriers to adequately adhering to a structured nutritional intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 106 participants diagnosed with dyslipidemia and without a medical nutrition therapeutic plan were included in this two-year study conducted at the INCMNSZ dyslipidemia clinic in Mexico City. All patients were treated with the same structured strategies, including three face-to-face visits and two telephone follow-up visits. Diet plan adherence was evaluated at each site visit through a 3-day or 24-h food recall. RESULTS: Barriers to adhere to the nutritional intervention were: lack of time to prepare their meals (23%), eating outside the home (19%), unwillingness to change dietary patterns (14%), and lack of information about a correct diet for dyslipidemias (14%). All barriers decreased significantly at the end of the intervention. Female gender, current smoking, and following a plan of more than 1500 kcal (R2 = 0.18 and p-value = 0.004) were associated with good diet adherence. Participants showed good levels of adherence to total caloric intake at visit 2 and 3, reporting 104.7% and 95.4%, respectively. Adherence to macronutrient intake varied from 65.1% to 126%, with difficulties in adhering to recommended carbohydrate and fat consumption being more notable. CONCLUSION: The study findings confirm that a structured nutritional intervention is effective in reducing barriers and improving dietary adherence and metabolic control in patients with dyslipidemias. Health providers must identify barriers to adherence early on to design interventions that reduce these barriers and improve adherence.

Sucralose Consumption over 2 Weeks in Healthy Subjects Does Not Modify Fasting Plasma Concentrations of Appetite-Regulating Hormones: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The effect of nonnutritive sweeteners on appetite is controversial. Some studies have found changes in certain appetite control hormones with sucralose intake that may be through interaction with sweet taste receptors located in the intestine. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether sucralose consumption could produce changes in fasting plasma concentrations of appetite-regulating hormones, including glucagon-like peptide 1, ghrelin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine, and leptin, and secondarily in insulin resistance. DESIGN: A 2-week parallel randomized clinical trial with an additional visit conducted 1 week after dosing termination. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Sixty healthy, normal-weight individuals, without habitual consumption of nonnutritive sweeteners were recruited from July 2015 to March 2017 in Mexico City. INTERVENTION: Daily sucralose consumption at 15% of the acceptable daily intake by using commercial sachets added to food. The control group followed the same protocol without an intervention. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURED: Fasting concentrations of appetite regulating hormones before and after the intervention. Fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were measured to assess insulin resistance as a secondary outcome. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED: Basal and final concentrations were compared using Wilcoxon matched-pairs test and Mann-Whitney U test for analysis between groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate changes in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. RESULTS: Sucralose was not associated with changes in any of the hormones measured. One week postintervention, an incremental change (P=0.04) in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was found in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Sucralose intake is not associated with changes in fasting concentrations of glucagon-like peptide 1, ghrelin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine, or leptin. An increase in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance observed only at 1 week postdosing is of unknown clinical significance, if any.

Sucralose decreases insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Recently, the absence of metabolic effects from nonnutritive sweeteners has been questioned. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sucralose consumption on glucose metabolism variables. Design: We performed a randomized controlled trial involving healthy subjects without comorbidities and with a low habitual consumption of nonnutritive sweeteners (n = 33/group). Methods: The intervention consisted of sucralose consumption as 15% of Acceptable Daily Intake every day for 14 d using commercial sachets. The control group followed the same procedures without any intervention. The glucose metabolism variables (insulin sensitivity, acute insulin response to glucose, disposition index, and glucose effectiveness) were evaluated by using a 3-h modified intravenous-glucose-tolerance test before and after the intervention period. Results: Individuals assigned to sucralose consumption showed a significant decrease in insulin sensitivity with a median (IQR) percentage change of -17.7% (-29.3% to -1.0%) in comparison to -2.8% (-30.7% to 40.6%) in the control group (P= 0.04). An increased acute insulin response to glucose from 577 mU · L-1· min (350-1040 mU · L-1· min) to 671 mU · L-1· min (376-1010 mU · L-1· min) (P = 0.04) was observed in the sucralose group for participants with adequate adherence. Conclusions: Sucralose may have effects on glucose metabolism, and our study complements findings previously reported in other trials. Further studies are needed to confirm the decrease in insulin sensitivity and to explore the mechanisms for these metabolic alterations. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02589002.

Cholesterol efflux capacity of large, small and total HDL particles is unaltered by atorvastatin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Research on the biologic activities of HDL, such as cholesterol efflux capacity and HDL composition, has allowed the understanding of the effect of interventions directed to improve cardiovascular risk. Previously, statin therapy has shown conflicting results about its effects on cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL; the underlying mechanisms are unclear but studies with positive effects are associated with an increase of HDL-cholesterol levels. We investigated if 10 weeks of atorvastatin therapy changes HDL efflux capacity and the chemical composition of its subpopulations. METHODS: In a before-after design basis, HDL-cholesterol levels, chemical composition and cholesterol efflux capacity from HDL subpopulations isolated by isophynic ultracentrifugation were assessed in plasma samples from 60 patients with type 2 diabetes mellito (T2DM) at baseline and after 10 weeks of treatment with 20 mg atorvastatin. Cholesterol efflux was measured from human THP-1 cells using large, light HDL2b and small, dense 3c subpopulations as well as total HDL as acceptors. Changes of cholesterol efflux and chemical composition of HDL after treatment were analyzed. Correlations among variables potentially involved in cholesterol efflux were evaluated. RESULTS: A significant decrease of 4% in HDL-cholesterol levels was observed from 47 (42-54) to 45 (39-56) mg/dL, p = 0.02. Cholesterol efflux from total-HDL and HDL2b and 3c subfractions was maintained unchanged after treatment. The total mass of HDL remained unaffected, except for the HDL3a subpopulation accounted for by a significant increase in total protein content. No significant correlations for variables previously known to be associated with cholesterol efflux were found in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Short therapy of 10 weeks with 20 mg of atorvastatin does not modify the cholesterol efflux capacity neither the total mass of HDL2b, HDL3c and total HDL. The discrepancy with previous reports may be due to the selective effects among different classes of statins or differences in the approaches to measure cellular cholesterol efflux.

A Higher Fructose Intake Is Associated with Greater Albuminuria in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The aim of this single center cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between fructose intake and albuminuria in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This is a single center cross-sectional study. One hundred and forty-three subjects with T2DM were recruited from the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran. The median daily fructose intake was estimated with a prospective food registry during 3 days (2 week-days and one weekend day) and they were divided into low fructose intake (<25 g/day) and high fructose intake (≥ 25 g/day). Complete clinical and biochemical evaluations were performed, including anthropometric variables and a 24-hour urine collection for albuminuria determination. One hundred and thirty-six subjects were analyzed in this study. We found a positive significant association between daily fructose intake and albuminuria (ρ= 0.178, p=0.038) in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other variables significantly associated with albuminuria were body mass index (BMI) (ρ= 0.170, p=0.048), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (ρ= 0.280, p=0.001), glycated hemoglobin (A1c) (ρ= 0.197, p=0.022), and triglycerides (ρ= 0.219, p=0.010). After adjustment for confounding variables we found a significant and independent association between fructose intake and albuminuria (ß= 13.96, p=0.006). We found a statistically significant higher albuminuria (60.8 [12.8-228.5] versus 232.2 [27.2-1273.0] mg/day, p 0.002), glycated hemoglobin (8.6±1.61 versus 9.6±2.1 %), p= 0.003, and uric acid (6.27±1.8 versus 7.2±1.5 mg/dL), p=0.012, in the group of high fructose intake versus the group with low fructose intake, and a statistically significant lower creatinine clearance (76.5±30.98 mL/min versus 94.9±36.8, p=0.014) in the group with high fructose intake versus the group with low fructose intake. In summary we found that a higher fructose intake is associated with greater albuminuria in subjects with T2DM.

Validity and reliability of simple surrogate indexes to evaluate beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity

BACKGROUND: Simple surrogate indexes (SSI) to assess beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity (IS) and insulin resistance (IR) are an easy and economic tool used in clinical practice to identify glucose metabolism disturbances. AIM: To evaluate the validity and reliability of SSI that estimate beta-cell function, IS and IR using as a reference the parameters obtained from the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 62 subjects aged 20-45 years, with a normal body mass index and without diabetes or prediabetes. SSI were compared with the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), insulin sensitivity index (Si) and disposition index (DI) obtained from the FSIVGTT using the minimal model approach. Half of the participants (n = 31) were randomly selected for a second visit two weeks later to evaluate the reliability of all the variables. RESULTS: HOMA1-%B and HOMA2-%B had a significant correlation with AIRg (Spearman Rho (rs) = 0.33 and 0.37 respectively, p 0.50) with Si were fasting insulin, HOMA1-IR, HOMA2-IR, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S, QUICKI, and the McAuley index. The parameters that showed good reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.75 were AIRg, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S, and QUICKI. Conclusions: Our results suggest that most of the SSI are useful and reliable.

ANTECEDENTES: Los índices simples subrogados (ISS) que evalúan la función de célula beta, sensibilidad a la insulina (SI) y resistencia a la insulina (RI) son herramientas sencillas y económicas que se usan en la práctica clínica para identificar alteraciones del metabolismo de la glucosa. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la validez y confiabilidad de ISS para estimar la función de célula beta, SI y RI usando como referencia los parámetros de la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa intravenosa con muestreo frecuente (FSIVGTT). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 62 sujetos de 20-45 años, con índice de masa corporal normal y sin diabetes mellitus o prediabetes. Los ISS se compararon con la respuesta aguda de la insulina a la glucosa (AIRg), índice de sensibilidad a la insulina (Si) e índice de disposición (DI) obtenidos de la FSIVGTT en base al modelo mínimo. La mitad de los participantes (n = 31) se seleccionaron aleatoriamente para acudir dos semanas después y evaluar la confiabilidad de todas las variables. RESULTADOS: HOMA1-%B y HOMA2-%B presentaron una correlación significativa con AIRg (Rho de Spearman (rs) = 0,33 and 0,37, respectivamente, p 0,50) con Si fueron insulina en ayuno, HOMA1-IR, HOMA2-IR, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S, QUICKI y el índice de McAuley. Los parámetros que tuvieron buena confiabilidad (coeficiente de correlación intraclase > 0,75) fueron AIRg, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S y QUICKI. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los ISS son instrumentos útiles y confiables.

Beliefs concerning non-nutritive sweeteners consumption in consumers, non-consumers, and health professionals: a comparative cross-sectional study / Creencias sobre el consumo de edulcorantes no nutritivos en consumidores, no consumidores y profesionales de la salud: estudio transversal comparativo

Introduction: the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) has increased. Recent studies have reported possible metabolic effects of NNS, and this may influence the perception regarding their consumption in the general population and health professionals. Objective: to describe and compare the beliefs about NNS in consumers, non-consumers, and health professionals; and to explore the reasons and opinions of health professionals for recommending or not their consumption. Methods: surveys were applied to 100 consumers, 100 non-consumers and 100 health professionals (dietitians and physicians) to evaluate a positive, negative, or neutral attitude towards certain beliefs regarding NNS, including the information they have, safety, price, side effects and taste. In addition, the opinion of health professionals for recommending or not the consumption of NNS and the related reasons was evaluated. Results: statistically significant differences regarding the safety, side effects and taste of NNS were found between the three groups (p < 0.01). The most frequent opinion of health professionals (48 %) is that NNS should be limited, used as a transition and in certain patients. Consumers tend to have a more positive opinion about NNS except for the price, non-consumers have a more neutral position except for taste, and health professionals have a more negative perception of NNS in all aspects. Conclusions: the beliefs regarding NNS differed among the studied groups, which might influence their consumption or recommendation of its use. (AU)

Introducción: el consumo de edulcorantes no nutritivos (ENN) se ha incrementado. Estudios recientes han reportado posibles efectos metabólicos de los ENN, por lo que la percepción de su consumo podría haber cambiado en población general y profesionales de la salud. Objetivo: describir y comparar las creencias sobre los ENN en consumidores, no consumidores y profesionales de la salud, así como conocer las principales opiniones de los profesionales de la salud para recomendar o no el consumo de ENN. Métodos: se aplicaron encuestas a 100 consumidores, 100 no consumidores y 100 profesionales de la salud (nutriólogos y médicos) para evaluar actitudes positivas, negativas o neutras en torno a ciertas creencias de los ENN, la información que creen tener, seguridad, precio, efectos secundarios y sabor. Además, se evaluó la opinión de los profesionales de la salud para recomendar o no su consumo y las razones asociadas. Resultados: se encontraron diferencias entre los tres grupos en torno a la seguridad, los efectos secundarios y el sabor de los ENN (p < 0.01). La postura más frecuente de los profesionales de la salud (48 %) es que los ENN deben limitarse, utilizarse transitoriamente y en ciertos pacientes. Se observó una postura más positiva con respecto a los ENN en los consumidores excepto por su precio, más neutral en los no consumidores excepto por su sabor y más negativa en los profesionales de la salud en todos los aspectos. Conclusiones: las creencias sobre los ENN difieren entre los grupos estudiados, lo cual puede influir en su consumo o en la recomendación de su uso. (AU)

Effects of the Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on Glucose Metabolism and Appetite Regulating Hormones: Systematic Review of Observational Prospective Studies and Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: The effects of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) on glucose metabolism and appetite regulating hormones are not clear. There is an ongoing debate concerning NNS use and deleterious changes in metabolism. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review is to analyze the scientific available evidence regarding the effects of NNS on glucose metabolism and appetite regulating hormones. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We identified human observational studies evaluating the relation between NNS consumption and obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, in addition to clinical trials evaluating the effects of NNS in glucose metabolism and appetite regulating hormones. RESULTS: Fourteen observational studies evaluating the association between NNS consumption and the development of metabolic diseases and twenty-eight clinical trials studying the effects of NNS on metabolism were included. Finally, two meta-analyses evaluating the association between the consumption of NNS-containing beverages and the development of type 2 diabetes were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Some observational studies suggest an association between NNS consumption and development of metabolic diseases; however, adiposity is a confounder frequently found in observational studies. The effects of the NNS on glucose metabolism are not clear. The results of the identified clinical trials are contradictory and are not comparable because of the major existing differences between them. Studies evaluating specific NNS, with an adequate sample size, including a homogeneous study group, identifying significant comorbidities, with an appropriate control group, with an appropriate exposure time, and considering adjustment for confounder variables such as adiposity are needed.

Effect of tomato consumption on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level: a randomized, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiologic evidence suggests that tomato-based products could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. One of the main cardiovascular risk factors is low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the effect of tomato consumption on HDL-C levels. SUBJECT AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial. We screened 432 subjects with a complete lipid profile. Those individuals with low HDL-C (men <40 mg/dL and women <50 mg/dL) but normal triglyceride levels (<150 mg/dL) were included. Selected participants completed a 2-week run-in period on an isocaloric diet and then were randomized to receive 300 g of cucumber (control group) or two uncooked Roma tomatoes a day for 4 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 50 individuals (women = 41; 82%) with a mean age of 42 ± 15.5 years and a mean body mass index of 27.6 ± 5.0 kg/m(2) completed the study. A significant increase in HDL-C levels was observed in the tomato group (from 36.5 ± 7.5 mg/dL to 41.6 ± 6.9 mg/dL, P < 0.0001 versus the control group). After stratification by gender, the difference in HDL-C levels was only significant in women. The mean HDL-C increase was 5.0 ± 2.8 mg/dL (range 1-12 mg/dL). Twenty patients (40%) finished the study with levels >40 mg/dL. A linear regression model that adjusted for those parameters that impact HDL-C levels (age, gender, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, fasting triglyceride concentration, simple sugars, alcohol, physical activity, and omega-3 consumption) showed an independent association between tomato consumption and the increase in HDL-C (r (2) = 0.69; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Raw tomato consumption produced a favorable effect on HDL-C levels in overweight women.

Exercise increases serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels.

BACKGROUND: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) increases glucose uptake. It is unknown if FGF21 serum levels are affected by exercise. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This was a comparative longitudinal study. Anthropometric and biochemical evaluation were carried out before and after a bout of exercise and repeated after two weeks of daily supervised exercise. The study sample was composed of 60 sedentary young healthy women. The mean age was 24±3.7 years old, and the mean BMI was 21.4±7.0 kg/m². The anthropometric characteristics did not change after two weeks of exercise. FGF21 levels significantly increased after two weeks of exercise (276.8 ng/l (142.8-568.6) vs. (460.8 (298.2-742.1), p<0.0001)). The delta (final-basal) log of serum FGF21, adjusted for BMI, showed a significant positive correlation with basal glucose (r = 0.23, p = 0.04), mean maximal heart rate (MHR) (r = 0.54, p<0.0001), mean METs (r = 0.40, p = 0.002), delta plasma epinephrine (r = 0.53, p<0.0001) and delta plasma FFAs (r = 0.35, p = 0.006). A stepwise linear regression model showed that glucose, MHR, METs, FFAs, and epinephrine, were factors independently associated with the increment in FGF21 after the exercise program (F = 4.32; r²â€Š= 0.64, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum FGF21 levels significantly increased after two weeks of physical activity. This increment correlated positively with clinical parameters related to the adrenergic and lipolytic response to exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01512368.

Comparing easy and accessible parameters of glycemic control in type 2 diabetes

La determinación de hemoglobina glucosilada es estándar de oro para evaluar el control metabólico a largo plazo y se recomienda como estudio de rutina para paciente con diabetes. Su empleo en la práctica clínica tiene problemas derivados de la falta de estandarización entre los diferentes laboratorios y su costo. Estudios recientes han mostrado que la determinación de la glucemia postprandial puede resultar un mejor marcador del control glucémico que la glucemia de ayunas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue el de evaluar el valor relativo de la determinación de glucosa plasmática a diferentes horas del día y un programa sencillo y accesible a nuestra población de monitoreo en casa de glucemias capilares y glucosuria, comparado con la hemoglobina glucosilada en la evaluación del control metabólico de pacientes con diabetes tipo 2. Métodos. Sesenta pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 fueron instruidos para realizar durante un par de meses un monitoreo ambulatorio con glucemias capilares y glucosurias, al final se obtuvieron determinaciones de glucemia en varios momentos del día antes y después de los alimentos. Resultados. El promedio de las determinaciones de glucemia capilar mostró la mejor correlación con la HbA1c(r=0.84, p<0.001), seguida por el promedio de lecturas exclusivamente antes del desayuno o antes de la cena (r=0.82, p<0.001), y del valor de glucemia plasmática 2 horas posteriores al desayuno (r=0.79 p<0.001). La determinación de glucemia plasmática de ayuno mostró una correlación baja (r=0.65, p<0.001), pero una sensibilidad adecuada para predecir un control metabólico regular o malo. La duración de la diabetes y el tipo de tratamiento explicaron la varianza en los niveles de la HbA1c. Conclusiones. Los valores de glucemia de ayuno cada 2 meses, correlacionaron bien con la hemoglobina glucosilada y son el método más sencillo para evaluar el control metabólico en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 que tienen aún preservada parte de su función pancreática endógena (diabetes por menos de 10 años y que utilizan un solo agente hipoglucemiante). Una determinación a la semana de glucemias capilares en ayuno tiene mejor correlación con la hemoglobina glucosilada que una glucemia plasmática de ayuno cada 2-3 meses. Determinaciones de glucemia plasmática postprandiales a las 2 y 5 horas tienen una buena correlación con la HbAic, pero no deben de sustituir el monitoreo en casa