A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Age remains one of the major risk factors for the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Studies on the prevalence of these conditions in Mexico used different methods, tools, and populations with different health statuses. All these heterogeneous results may be a problem in identifying the true prevalence of MCI and dementia in Mexico. To our knowledge, there is not a systematic review available that presents essential figures on the prevalence of these conditions in Mexico. Therefore, we intend to access the maximum number of reports published on the topic and determine the prevalence of MCI and dementia in older Mexican adults. METHODS: A systematic review using PubMed, Cochrane, Research Gate, Lilacs, and Scielo databases was performed. Meta-analysis of the prevalence of MCI and dementia was performed using a random-effects model and presented in a forest plot among cross-sectional, epidemiological, and pooled studies. RESULTS: Sixteen articles were included. The overall prevalence of MCI of 18% (95% CI 0.10-0.27) was estimated from pooled information from 12 selected studies, in women 21% (95% CI 0.08-0.38) and in men 18% (95% CI 0.06-0.33). The overall prevalence of dementia of 10% (95% CI 0.06-0.14) was estimated from pooled information from 9 selected studies, in women 14% (95% CI 0.05-0.25) and in men 10% (95% CI 0.04-0.17). CONCLUSION: Mexican older individuals have a similar prevalence of dementia and MCI as reported by international data; nevertheless, the prevalence is higher than in some Latin American countries. Mexico has particular issues that must be resolved, such as a lack of research in the southern regions of the country and the high incidence of comorbidities.

Development of a Functional Cookie Formulated with Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Mill.) I.M. Johnst) and Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus).

Chaya and amaranth are Mexican traditional foods with a high nutritional value. Many studies have demonstrated the individual beneficial effect of each. However, there is no evidence of the use of these foods on the formulation of functional foods. This study evaluated the effect of replacing 5-20% of wheat flour with chaya and amaranth flours to generate four different formulations of cookies. Proximal analysis, total polyphenols and oxalate content, antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, and sensory analysis were performed on the cookies. The results of the chemical composition showed that all cookies have a high protein content (9.21-10.10%), an adequate amount of fiber (5.34-6.63%), and a balanced ratio of unsaturated-saturated fatty acids (70:20), and they contain PUFAs (50.4-53.2 g/100 g of fatty acids), especially α-linolenic and oleic acids. All formulations presented antioxidant activity (2540 ± 65.9 to 4867 ± 61.7 Trolox equivalents (µmoles/100 g)) and polyphenols (328-790 mg/100 g); in particular, quercetin was identified in their composition. Results of the sensory analysis indicated that incorporation of chaya and amaranth flour in cookies does not affect the acceptability of the products. The inclusion of traditional foods, such as chaya and amaranth, in cookies enhances their nutritional value and increases the content of bioactive compounds associated with health effects.

Plants Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine for the Management of Urolithiasis: A Review of Preclinical Evidence, Bioactive Compounds, and Molecular Mechanisms.

Urolithiasis (UL) involves the formation of stones in different parts of the urinary tract. UL is a health problem, and its prevalence has increased considerably in developing countries. Several regions use plants in traditional medicine as an alternative in the treatment or prevention of UL. Mexico has known about the role of traditional medicine in the management of urinary stones. Mexican traditional medicine uses plants such as Argemone mexicana L., Berberis trifoliata Hartw. ex Lindl., Costus mexicanus Liebm, Chenopodium album L., Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam., Eysenhardtia polystachya (Ortega) Sarg., Selaginella lepidophylla (Hook. & Grev.) Spring, and Taraxacum officinale L. These plants contain different bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, saponins, furanochromones, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which could be effective in preventing the process of stone formation. Evidence suggests that their beneficial effects might be associated with litholytic, antispasmodic, and diuretic activities, as well as an inhibitory effect on crystallization, nucleation, and aggregation of crystals. The molecular mechanisms involving these effects could be related to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Thus, the review aims to summarize the preclinical evidence, bioactive compounds, and molecular mechanisms of the plants used in Mexican traditional medicine for the management of UL.

Recurrence of Nephrolithiasis and Surgical Events Are Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease in Adult Patients.

Background and objective: Nephrolithiasis (NL) is a public health problem in the population of Southeast Mexico because of its high prevalence and recurrence. The evolution of this pathology can result in renal damage and may even cause chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), decreased kidney function, and kidney loss in advanced stages. However, few studies support this evidence in the population. The present study aimed to determine risk factors associated with CKD in adult patients in an endemic population of Mexico. Materials and methods: A case-control study was carried out with patients diagnosed with NL. Additionally, the clinical information of patients (age, weight, height, blood pressure, comorbidities, and time of progress of NL), characteristics of the stones (number, location, and Hounsfield units), and biochemical parameters were collected. Results: The recurrence of NL was associated with CKD (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.37−2.27; p = 0.003). In addition, male sex (p = 0.016), surgical history (p = 0.011), bilateral kidney stones (p < 0.001), and urinary tract infections (p = 0.004) were other factors associated with CKD. Interestingly, thirty-two patients younger than 50 years old with >2 surgical events presented a significant decrease in GFR (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The recurrence of NL and the number of surgical events were risk factors associated with CKD in patients with NL treated in our population.

Serum IL-6: A potential biomarker of mortality among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The first case of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico was reported in February 2020, since then, high rates of mortality due to COVID-19 have been found. Cytokine storm is linked to the severity and decreasing the survival among infected patients by COVID-19. The serum levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) have been correlated to mortality in COVID-19 cases and could be used as indicator of mortality in COVID-19 cases. The aim of this study was to determine levels of IL-6 and assess its usefulness as indicator of mortality among COVID-19 patients from Mexico. METHODS: A cohort study among 38 adults (28 men, 10 women) was carried out in the Regional High Specialty Hospital of the Yucatan Peninsula in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Demographic and clinical biochemistry data were collected. The serum levels of IL-6 were measured in each patient by specific immunoassays. RESULTS: High frequency of mortality (36.84%) was found in the sample. The average age of individuals that non-survive was significantly higher (59.71 ± 13.83 years) than the survival group (43.29 ± 11.80 years). Serum levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in patients that did not survive. A correlation between IL-6 levels with lymphocyte count, LDH, CRP and procaciltonin was found. The optimal cutoff value of IL-6 was 30.95 pg/mL with high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that level of IL-6 is an indicator of mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Mexico.

Plant-based proteins: clinical and technological importance.

Healthy and sustainable diets have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, driven by a desire to consume foods that not only help health but also have a favorable influence on the environment, such as plant-based proteins. This has created controversy because plant-based proteins may not always contain all the amino acids required by the organism. However, protein extraction methods have been developed due to technological advancements to boost their nutritional worth. Furthermore, certain chemicals, such as bioactive peptides, have been identified and linked to favorable health effects. As a result, the current analysis focuses on the primary plant-based protein sources, their chemical composition, and the molecular mechanism activated by the amino acid types of present. It also discusses plant protein extraction techniques, bioactive substances derived from these sources, product development using plant protein, and the therapeutic benefits of these plant-based proteins in clinical research.

Dietary patterns in mild cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults from Yucatan, Mexico.

Background: Some dietary patterns and dietary components have an important role in preventing and helping to improve patients' quality of life of individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia. In Mexico, it is unknown what the dietary patterns are among older adults with MCI and dementia. We aimed to identify the dietary patterns of older adults with MCI and dementia living in Yucatan, Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 39 patients as controls and 34 individuals as cases (MCI and dementia). A food frequency questionnaire collected diet information, anthropometric and clinical parameters, and lifestyle characteristics. The dietary patterns were evaluated through Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). Results: The food groups that showed discrimination between groups and were classified into the dietary patterns of MCI and dementia individuals were "pastries and cookies," "soups," and "legumes." The dietary pattern of older adults without cognitive impairment was characterized by "nuts and seeds," "candies," "vegetables," "coffee and tea," and "water." The consumption of "pastries and cookies" showed an increasing correlation with serum insulin levels (r = 0.36, p = 0.01), and "soups" showed an inverse correlation with total cholesterol levels (r = -0.36, p = 0.02) in patients with MCI and dementia. In controls, there is a positive correlation between the consumption of "nuts and seeds" (r = 0.333, p = 0.01) and "vegetables" (r = 0.32, p = 0.02) with levels of urea; "coffee and tea" showed a positive association with levels of insulin (r = 0.378, p = 0.05). Conclusion: The dietary pattern of individuals with MCI and dementia has some nutritional deficiencies. Including an adequate intake of vegetables, fruits, and protein could improve the quality of life of subjects living with these conditions in Yucatan, Mexico.

Computed tomographic characterization of urinary stones in patients with urolithiasis from Southeast Mexico.

Urolithiasis (UL) is a severe public health concern in southeastern Mexico. Computed tomography (CT) is the first-line diagnostic method for patients with suspected UL. The present study aimed to characterize stones in the entire urinary system using CT and to contribute to personalized treatment in patients with UL. Patients >18 years of age with suspected UL were enrolled. Characteristics of UL included stone size, location (kidney, ureters, and bladder), composition of the stone in Hounsfield units (HU), presence of staghorn stone(s), and obstructive uropathy. Patients were stratified according to sex and age to determine whether stone size and HU were dependent on hormonal factors in females and on prostatic hyperplasia in males. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare median values. Frequencies are expressed as percentages and were analyzed using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared test. A total of 1150 patients were included in this study, of whom 744 (64.7 %) had UL in only 1 anatomical location in the urinary system, and 406 (35.3 %) had stones in ≥2 anatomical locations. Localization and stone size differed between males and females (p < 0.05). Additionally, males exhibited differences in HU (p = 0.024) and frequency of obstructive uropathy (p = 0.10) when stratified according to age (≤50 and > 50 years). In addition, females exhibited statistical differences in HU (p = 0.010) and kidney stone size (p = 0.047) dependent on age (≤47 and > 47 years). In conclusion, findings suggest that HU and stone size differ in different anatomical structures of the urinary system. In addition, differences in stone size and composition may be associated with age and sex.

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Mexican Subjects with Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review.

Background: An excess accumulation of adipose tissue in the body is an indication of overweight (OW) and obesity (OB). In Mexico, excess body weight is a public health concern due to the high prevalence of OW and OB. In the last few years, evidence has linked oxidative stress (OS) to excess body weight. It is necessary to understand this relationship to generate strategies for the prevention of OW and OB in the Mexican population. This systematic review focuses on identifying differences in OS biomarkers in the Mexican population with excess body weight in comparison to the population with normal body weight. Methods: A systematic review was performed. The studies were identified through the MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scielo, and Liliacs online databases, and the gray literature in Google Scholar. The key words used were "overweight," "obesity," "Mexico," and "oxidative stress." Results: Four studies were selected; the studies were performed in rural and urban areas of Mexico. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were the OS biomarkers that were increased in the population with excess body weight compared to subjects with normal body weight. Conclusion: According to the included studies, MDA and LDL-ox increased significantly, while the increase in the levels of circulating lipids was enhanced by the excess adipose tissue present in individuals with OW and OB.

Micro- and Macronutrient Intake and Food Group Frequency Consumed by Subjects with Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Latin America: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition has relevant role in the pathogenesis of dementia. However, in Latin American Countries (LAC), it is unknown which type of diet the subjects with dementia and cognitive dysfunction have. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this study was to determine micro- and macronutrients and food frequency intake among the LAC population with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. METHODS: A systematic review using PubMed, Cochrane, Lilacs, and Scielo databases. Energy intake as well as micro- and macronutrients intake were analyzed using a random-effect model and presented in a forest plot. RESULTS: Nine articles were included, an estimated energy intake of 1598.47 kcal (95% CI 1351.07-1845.88) was obtained. A daily consumption of 73.64 g/day (95% CI 64.07-83.2) of protein; 262.17 g/day (95% CI 214.51-309.93) of carbohydrates, and 57.91 g/day (95% CI 49.16-66.66) of fats were reported. A micronutrients daily intake consumption of 201.35µg/day of vitamin B9 (95% CI 125.32-277.38); 5.61µg/day of vitamin B12 (95% CI 2.53-8.70), and 139.67 mg/day of vitamin C (95% CI 59.33-220.02). Mineral intake of 637.32 mg/day of calcium (95% CI 288.54-986.11) and 9 mg/day of iron (95% CI 2.28-15.71) was obtained. A low intake of fruits and vegetables was found. CONCLUSION: Individuals with MCI and dementia from LAC have a nutritional deficiency characterized by a lower intake of fruits and vegetables, a high consumption of carbohydrates and protein, adequate fats intake and vitamins B12, vitamin C, and iron consumption, but a low intake of vitamin B9 and calcium.

Impact of surgical resection on the survival in Mexican patients with gastric cancer: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequent cancer types in Mexico. The primary method used as a treatment is surgical resection. The role of surgery in increasing survival is controversial. This study aimed to determine whether surgical resection increases the survival of patients with GC in a Mexican population. METHODS: A systematic review of literature searches (Evidence-based MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SciELO) and meta-analysis were performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis criteria. The published articles from 2000 to the current time were divided into cross-sectional and randomized studies. The inclusion criteria were survival, surgical resections, patients treated in Mexico, and primary GC. The effect estimation was calculated using the risk ratio (RR). The random-effects model and a confidence interval (CI) of 95% were used. RESULTS: The RR of the pooled studies was 1.09 (95% CI, 0.71-1.67). RR of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.63-1.07) was obtained in cross-sectional studies, and randomized studies showed a RR of 2.08 (95% CI, 0.25-17.07). CONCLUSION: This work is the first systematic study that assesses the role of surgery on the survival of patients with GC in the Mexican population, the results showed that surgical resection did not improve survival in patients with GC.

Modulation of MicroRNAs and Exosomal MicroRNAs after Dietary Interventions for Obesity and Insulin Resistance: A Narrative Review.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length. Their main function is to regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by inhibiting the translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). miRNAs originate in the cell nucleus from specific genes, where they can perform their function. However, they can also be found in serum, plasma, or other body fluids travelling within vesicles called exosomes and/or bound to proteins or other particles such as lipoproteins. miRNAs can form complexes outside the cell where they are synthesized, mediating paracrine and endocrine communication between different tissues. In this way, they can modulate the gene expression and function of distal cells. It is known that the expression of miRNAs can be affected by multiple factors, such as the nutritional or pathological state of the individual, or even in conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, or after any dietary intervention. In this review, we will analyse miRNAs whose expression and circulation are affected in conditions of obesity and insulin resistance, as well as the changes generated after a dietary intervention, with the purpose of identifying new possible biomarkers of early response to nutritional treatment in these conditions.

Ramon Flour (Brosimum alicastrum Swartz) Ameliorates Hepatic Lipid Accumulation, Induction of AMPK Phosphorylation, and Expression of the Hepatic Antioxidant System in a High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity Mouse Model.

Excessive consumption of fat and carbohydrates, together with a decrease in traditional food intake, has been related to obesity and the development of metabolic alterations. Ramon seed is a traditional Mayan food used to obtain Ramon flour (RF) with high biological value in terms of protein, fiber, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. However, few studies have evaluated the beneficial effects of RF. Thus, we aimed to determine the metabolic effects of RF consumption on a high-fat-diet-induced obesity mouse model. We divided male BALB/c mice into four groups (n = 5 each group) and fed them for 90 days with the following diets: Control (C): control diet (AIN-93), C + RF: control diet adjusted with 25% RF, HFD: high-fat diet + 5% sugar in water, and HFD + RF: high-fat diet adjusted with 25% RF + 5% sugar in water. The RF prevented the increase in serum total cholesterol (TC) and alanine transaminase (ALT) that occurred in the C and HFD groups. Notably, RF together with HFD increased serum polyphenols and antioxidant activity, and it promoted a decrease in the adipocyte size in white adipose tissue, along with lower hepatic lipid accumulation than in the HFD group. In the liver, the HFD + RF group showed an increase in the expression of ß-oxidation-related genes, and downregulation of the fatty acid synthase (Fas) gene compared with the HFD group. Moreover, the HFD + RF group had increased hepatic phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), along with increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) protein expression compared with the HFD group. Thus, RF may be used as a nutritional strategy to decrease metabolic alterations during obesity.

Dynamic inflammatory response among routine laboratory biomarkers and their predictive ability for mortality in patients with severe COVID-19.

Background: The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is related to several factors, including age, sex, and comorbidities (obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension). However, systemic inflammation plays a fundamental role in COVID-19 pathophysiology. Several studies have described this association employing specific biomarkers that are not routinely used in clinical practice. On the other hand, very few reports in the literature focused on the analysis of the routine laboratory biomarkers to predict the outcome of severe COVID-19 patients. Objective: We aimed to analyze the dynamic inflammatory response using routine laboratory biomarkers to predict in-hospital mortality in Mexican patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: This is a cohort study including patients with severe COVID-19. Demographic characteristics were retrieved from medical charts and biochemical parameters were measured at hospital admission and subsequently on days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 during the hospital stay; measurements were stopped when patients were discharged from the hospital (alive or death). Results: A total of 250 patients were included in the study, 40.8% of patients died. The analyzed routine laboratory parameters, such as serum levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer remained elevated in hospitalized patients who did not survive, whereas eosinophil and platelets were maintained at lower levels. In the multivariate analysis, leukocytes, and neutrophils were the best biomarkers for predicting mortality risk and were independent of age, gender, or comorbidities. Conclusion: Our results support the use of routine laboratory biomarkers as predictors of mortality in Mexican hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19.

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Their Association with Mortality among Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico.

Background: Activation of the immune system response is associated with the generation of oxidative stress (OS). Several alterations are involved in OS, such as excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased antioxidant activity, which together lead to an imbalance in redox status. The role of OS during SARS-CoV-2 infection is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine OS biomarkers and assess their usefulness as a predictor of mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: Baseline characteristics and serum samples were collected from hospitalized COVID-19 patients and compared with healthy controls. The serum OS biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were assessed by spectrophotometric and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods, respectively. Results: A total of 152 individuals were analyzed (COVID-19 patients vs. healthy controls). Compared with healthy controls (n = 76), patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 (n = 76) presented higher levels of MDA (p < 0.001) and decreased TAC (p < 0.001). A total of 37 (49%) patients with COVID-19 died. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) estimated that the combination of the OS biomarkers (MDA+TAC) (AUC = 0.6394, p = 0.037) was a significant predictor of mortality. A higher level of MDA was associated with mortality (HR, 1.05, 95% CI, 1.00-1.10, p = 0.045). Conclusion: This study concludes that OS is increased in patients with COVID-19 and is associated with mortality. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of the expression of OS biomarkers and their association with mortality among the Mexican population.

Cystatin C is a marker for acute kidney injury, but not for mortality among COVID-19 patients in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 can develop acute kidney injury (AKI), associated with adverse clinical outcomes. In Mexico, an AKI incidence of 60.7% was reported in patients with COVID-19. Serum cystatin C is a well-known marker for AKI. It has been postulated as a marker for mortality in Chinese patients with COVID-19. Information regarding levels of cystatin C in COVID-19-infected patients is nonexistent among Mexican or Latin American populations. AIM: This work aimed to assess the level of cystatin C as an indicator of AKI and mortality among COVID-19 patients from Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 38 adults was performed in the Regional High Specialty Hospital of the Yucatan Peninsula in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Baseline characteristics and clinical and biomechanical parameters were collected, and serum levels of cystatin C were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: A total of 71% (27 patients) with COVID-19 developed AKI; 78% were men, and 22% were women. In addition, 60% of individuals (16 men; 7 women) died due to COVID-19 complications. Serum levels of cystatin C were higher in those individuals who developed AKI (p = 0.001). A logistic regression model indicated that individuals with serum levels of cystatin C above 0.84 ng/mL had a 23-fold increased risk of developing AKI (OR, 23.7, 95% CI, 2.59-217.00, p = 0.005). However, increased cystatin C was not independently associated with mortality in the Mexican population (HR, 1.01, 95% CI, 0.66-1.56, p = 0.959). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that serum levels of cystatin C indicate AKI in COVID-19 patients. Although we recommend caution when using serum cystatin C levels as an indicator of mortality among the Mexican population, it is essential to note that cystatin C elevates earlier than creatinine, which is an advantage for timely clinical interventions.

Association Between Low-Grade Inflammation and Hyperuricemia in Adults With Metabolic Syndrome in Yucatán, México.

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia (HUA) is commonly diagnosed among individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Nevertheless, the association of HUA in individuals with MetS among the Mexican population is mostly unexplored. Low-grade inflammation has been postulated to have a key role in the pathogenesis of MetS and has been linked to insulin resistance (IR). However, it is uncertain whether HUA is associated with elevated levels of interleukin-6 and -10 (IL-6 and IL-10, respectively) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in individuals with MetS. Our main goal was to assess the values of inflammatory markers in a Mexican adult population without and with MetS and HUA. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including 250 adults (77 men, 173 women) was carried out at a tertiary hospital in Mérida, Yucatán, México. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-10 and hs-CRP were evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association between different conditions and inflammatory markers was analyzed using the point-biserial correlation (rpb) among patients. RESULTS: IR was positively associated with higher levels of serum uric acid (SUA). Serum levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP were found to be significantly associated with MetS, HUA and combined clinical conditions of MetS and HUA in women. Inter-relationships were stronger in women than in men. CONCLUSIONS: An association between levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP in women with MetS and HUA was found. Therefore, screening and monitoring of SUA and these markers in patients with MetS may be an alternative for treatment of these metabolic conditions.

Relationship between lipid accumulation product and oxidative biomarkers by gender in adults from Yucatan, Mexico.

Excessive adipose tissue can lead to metabolic abnormalities resulting in lipid alteration and oxidative stress (OS) status. The lipid accumulation product (LAP) index is a biomarker that indicates central lipid accumulation and has been proposed as an accurate and independent indicator of risk for several cardiometabolic related conditions. There is a lack of information about the possible association of LAP and OS biomarkers. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the relationship between LAP and OS biomarkers in adults. A cross-sectional study was performed in 250 subjects attending the Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de la Península de Yucatán. Anthropometrical and clinical parameters were measured. The serum oxidative biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated by spectrophotometry and by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), respectively. A positive and significant correlation between serum levels of MDA and LAP (r = 0.162, p = 0.010) was observed. This relationship was stronger in women (r = 0.189, p = 0.013) than in men. The association between them remained significant after adjusting for confounders (r = 0.23, p < 0.001). A cutoff of LAP of 73.73 predicts high levels of MDA in women aged between 40 and 59. LAP index was associated with OS biomarkers in women and men from Yucatan, Mexico. Therefore, the elevation of the LAP index could identify an imbalance in the redox status.

Implementation of a Technique Based on Hounsfield Units and Hounsfield Density to Determine Kidney Stone Composition.

Hounsfield units (HU) are a measure of radiodensity, related to the density of a tissue and the composition of kidney stones. Hounsfield density is what is related to the composition of kidney stones. In the standard acquisition method, these measures are arbitrary and dependent on the operator. This study describes the implementation of a technique based on the HU and Hounsfield density to predict the stone compositions of patients with nephrolithiasis. By conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy, thirty kidney stone samples corresponding to the cortex, middle, and nucleus were obtained. The HU were obtained by CT scanning with a systematic grid. Hounsfield density was calculated as the HU value divided by the stone's greatest diameter (HU/mm). With that method and after analyzing the samples by IR-spectroscopy, anhydrous uric acid and ammonium magnesium phosphate were identified as the compounds of kidney stones. Additionally, anhydrous uric acid, magnesium ammonium phosphate, and calcium oxalate monohydrate were identified via Hounsfield density calculation. The study identified HU ranges for stone compounds using a systematic technique that avoids bias in its analysis. In addition, this work could contribute to the timely diagnosis and development of personalized therapies for patients with this pathology.

Dietary Strategies by Foods with Antioxidant Effect on Nutritional Management of Dyslipidemias: A Systematic Review.

Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemias and its oxidative-related complications. Currently, there is evidence about the beneficial effects of isolated antioxidants or foods enriched or added with antioxidant compounds. However, the application of the natural foods is more integrated than the analysis of a single nutrient. Our aim is compiling scientific literature regarding the nutritional strategies by foods with antioxidant effect in blood lipids, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and oxidative and inflammatory markers of subjects with dyslipidemia. We searched in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. From a total of 263 studies screened, 16 were included. Dietary strategies included walnuts, olive oil, raw almonds, G. paraguayase, white sesame, mate tea, Brazil nut flour, red wine, granulated Brazil nuts, grapes, wolfberry fruit, fermented beverage, coffee, orange, and blackberry juices showed significant differences in blood lipids, antioxidant activity, antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative and inflammatory markers. This systematic review compiling scientific studies about dietary strategies using foods with antioxidant effect to improve the antioxidant status in dyslipidemias.