Effects of Two Training Modalities on Body Fat and Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Women.

Henríquez, S, Monsalves-Alvarez, M, Jimenez, T, Barrera, G, Hirsch, S, de la Maza, MP, Leiva, L, Rodriguez, JM, Silva, C, and Bunout, D. Effects of two training modalities on body fat and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 2955-2964, 2017-Our objective was to compare the effects of a low-load circuit resistance training protocol and usual aerobic training in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women with at least 1 feature of the metabolic syndrome were randomly allocated to a low-load circuit resistance training protocol or traditional aerobic training in a braked cycle ergometer. The intervention consisted in supervised sessions lasting 40 minutes, 3 times per week, during 6 months. At baseline and at the end of the intervention, fasting serum lipid levels, serum interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, 8 isoprostanes, and insulin resistance (assessed through QUICKI and HOMA-IR) were measured. Body fat was measured by double-beam X-ray absorptiometry and by computed tomography densitometric quantification at lumbar 3 vertebral level. Twenty-one women aged 58 (54-59) years were allocated to aerobic training and 21 women aged 55 (52-61) years were allocated to the low-load circuit resistance training protocol. Eighteen and 16 women in each group completed the 6 months training period. Women in both groups experienced significant reductions in blood pressure, total body, subcutaneous, and intraabdominal body fat. Reductions in total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels were also observed. No changes in insulin resistance indexes, 8 isoprostanes, C-reactive protein, or interleukin 6 were observed in either group. No significant differences between treatment groups were observed in any of the measured parameters. We conclude that low-load circuit resistance training and aerobic training resulted in the same reductions in body fat and serum lipid levels.

Irisin is weakly associated with usual physical activity in young overweight women

PURPOSE: To determine if irisin plasma levels are associated with regular physical activity, body composition and metabolic parameters in women subjected to calorie restriction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 42 women aged 34 ± 13 years with a body mass index of 27.7 ± 1.8 kg/m2, who were subjected to a calorie restriction for three months. At baseline and at the end of the study, weight, waist and hip circumference, laboratory parameters, body composition by DEXA, resting and activity energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and 72 hours actigraphy were measured. Fasting serum irisin was quantified using an ELISA kit. RESULTS: After the intervention period, participants lost 1.5 (0.4-3.4) kg and irisin levels did not change. Irisin baseline levels were positively but weakly correlated with the level of physical activity. This association was lost at the end of the intervention. No association was found between irisin levels and body composition or insulin sensitivity or their changes after calorie restriction. No association between serum irisin levels and PGC-1αexpression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum irisin was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Fasting serum irisin was weakly associated with usual physical activity and did not change after calorie restriction.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin excretion, and survival among patients consulting in public Chilean public primary care clinics.

Chronic renal disease (CRD) in its pre-dialysis stage is an important risk factor for mortality among adults. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of CRD on mortality among consultants in Chilean public primary care clinics. We obtained information about serum creatinine, urinary albumin excretion (UAE), blood pressure, and body mass index of 5224 consultants [3379 females aged 67 (59-75) years and 1845 males aged 68 (59-75) years] in three clinics of Metropolitan Santiago. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to determine risk factors for mortality, determined 41 months after obtaining the blood samples. During the follow-up period, 262 patients died (33% due to circulatory causes and 29% due to tumors). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that there was a significant association between survival, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and UAE. Cox models showed that serum creatinine, UAE, a lower body mass index, and a history of diabetes were significant mortality predictors. A sensitivity analysis performed eliminating extreme ages (less than 50 and more than 80 years), included high diastolic pressure as a predictor of survival. We conclude that among patients with CRD in its pre-dialysis stage, UAE is an important predictor of survival, along with serum creatinine. A low body mass index was associated with a higher mortality.

Is L-methionine a trigger factor for Alzheimer's-like neurodegeneration?: Changes in Aß oligomers, tau phosphorylation, synaptic proteins, Wnt signaling and behavioral impairment in wild-type mice.

BACKGROUND: L-methionine, the principal sulfur-containing amino acid in proteins, plays critical roles in cell physiology as an antioxidant and in the breakdown of fats and heavy metals. Previous studies suggesting the use of L-methionine as a treatment for depression and other diseases indicate that it might also improve memory and propose a role in brain function. However, some evidence indicates that an excess of methionine can be harmful and can increase the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes, heart diseases, certain types of cancer, brain alterations such as schizophrenia, and memory impairment. RESULTS: Here, we report the effects of an L-methionine-enriched diet in wild-type mice and emphasize changes in brain structure and function. The animals in our study presented 1) higher levels of phosphorylated tau protein, 2) increased levels of amyloid-ß (Aß)-peptides, including the formation of Aß oligomers, 3) increased levels of inflammatory response,4) increased oxidative stress, 5) decreased level of synaptic proteins, and 6) memory impairment and loss. We also observed dysfunction of the Wnt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the results of our study indicate that an L-methionine-enriched diet causes neurotoxic effects in vivo and might contribute to the appearance of Alzheimer's-like neurodegeneration.

Folates Induce Colorectal Carcinoma HT29 Cell Line Proliferation Through Notch1 Signaling.

Folic acid (FA) consumption at high levels has been associated with colon cancer risk. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this association. The Notch signal pathway has been implicated in the regulation of cellular proliferation. Our aim was to demonstrate that high concentrations of FA or its reduced form, 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF), increase colorectal carcinoma HT29 cell proliferation through an increase of Notch1 activation and to prove if the inhibition of Notch1 activation by gamma secretase inhibitor, reduce the effect of folic acid. HT29 cells were cultured in high (400 nM), low (20 nM), or 0 nM FA or 5-MTHF concentrations during 96 h with or without DAPT (gamma secretase inhibitor). Cell proliferation was determined by the methylthiazole tetrazolium method, and Notch1-intracellular domain (NICD) was analyzed by flow cytometry. HT29 cells exposed to 400 nM FA or 5-MTHF showed higher proliferation rate than those exposed to 20 nM of FA or 5-MTHF (P < 0.01) during 96 h. NICD expression increased at higher FA or 5-MTHF concentrations compared with lower concentrations (P < 0.01). This effect on proliferation was partially reversible when we blocked Notch1 activation with the inhibitor of γ-secretase (P < 0.05).These data suggest that high concentration of FA and 5-MTHF induce HT29 cell proliferation activating Notch1 pathway.

Bariatric surgery decreases carotid intima-media thickness in obese subjects.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has long been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of substantial weight loss induced by bariatric surgery on carotid intima media thickness (C-IMT) (surrogate marker of early atherosclerosis) and classic factors of cardiovascular risk (CVRFs). METHODS: thirty-one obesity patients were evaluated for bariatric surgery. Twenty-seven were undergone surgery, 14 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (GBS) and 13 sleeve gastrectomy. The four obese patients who did not undergo surgery, were performed the same evaluations. MEASUREMENTS: Body weight, BMI, blood pressure, total cholesterol, TC levels, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, HOMA IR, and US B-mode C-IMT was measured. RESULTS: After 354 ± 92 days follow up, 27 patients that underwent bariatric surgery evidenced a mean body mass index decrease from 38 to 27 k/m² (p < 0.001), simultaneously was observed improvement in CVRFs, 10 years Framingham risk and a significant reduction of therapeutic requirements. C-IMT diminished from a mean of 0.58 ± 0.14 mm to 0.49 ± 0.09 mm (p = 0.0001). Four patients that did not undergo surgery increased C-IMT from 0.52 ± 0.12 to 0.58 ± 0.13 mm (p = 0.03) with no significant changes in CVRFs. CONCLUSION: Weight loss, one year after bariatric surgery, GBS and sleeve gastrectomy, decreases C-IMT; improve CVRFs and 10 years Framingham risk.

Introducción: La obesidad se ha asociado a un aumento del riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de la baja de peso a través de la cirugía bariátrica en el grosor íntima media carotídea (GIMc, marcador subrogado de aterosclerosis subclínica) y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos. Métodos: Un total de 31 pacientes obesos fueron evaluados para cirugía bariátrica, 27 fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente, 14 sometidos a un bypass gástrico en Y de Roux y 13 a gastrectomía en manga. En los 4 pacientes que no fueron sometidos a cirugía bariátrica se realizó las mismas evaluaciones. Parámetros: peso, índice de masa corporal (IMC), presión arterial, colesterol total, LDL, HDL, triglicéridos, glicemia e insulina de ayunas, HOMA IR y medición del GIMc mediante ultrasonido. Resultados: Luego de 354 + 92 días de seguimiento, en los 27 pacientes intervenidos se evidenció una disminución del IMC promedio de 38 a 27 k/m2 (p < 0,001), al mismo tiempo se observó una reducción en los marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular, en el riesgo de Framingham a 10 años, y una significativa reducción de la terapia farmacológica. El promedio del GIMc se redujo de 0,58 ± 0,14 mm a 0,49 ± 0,09 mm (p = 0,0001). Los cuatro pacientes que no fueron intervenidos presentaron un aumento del GIMc 0,52 ± 0,12 a 0,58 ± 0,13 mm (p = 0,03) sin cambios significativos en los marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular durante el período observado. Conclusión: La pérdida de peso inducida por la cirugía bariátrica, tanto bypass gástrico como gastrectomía en manga, a un año de seguimiento disminuye el GIMc, mejora los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y el riesgo de Framingham a 10 años.

Natural killer cell cytotoxicity is not regulated by folic acid in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: Folate supplementation may be associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer and a derangement of immune function. Among the latter, Natural killer (NK) cells are involved in non-MHC-restricted natural immunity against malignant target cells. Abnormalities in NK cell number or function have been associated with a higher cancer risk. The aim of this study was to study in vitro the possible effect of different concentrations of 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF) or folic acid on NK cell cytotoxic function, and expression of the stimulatory and inhibitory receptors KIRDL4, KIRDL3, and NKG2D. METHODS: Volunteer-derived peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) and highly enriched NK cells (95% CD56+ CD16+) were grown in folic acid free-RPMI 1640, supplemented either with folic acid or 5-MTHF (15-100 nM) during 72 h to 96 h. RESULTS: No differences in the cytolytic activity of PBMC and enriched NK cells were observed. After 96 h of in vitro culture without folate or supplemented with FA or 5-MTHF (30 or 100 nM), there were no changes in the percentage of HPNK receptor-positive cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that a high dose of 5-MTHF or folic acid does not influence NK cell function in vitro.

Estudio piloto sobre entrenamiento físico durante hemodiálisis / A pilot study on physical training of patients in hemodialysis

Background: Exercise training during the dialytical procedure may have positive cardiovascular effects and prevent or revert muscle wasting in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Aim: To evaluate the effects of an exercise training program in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Material and Methods: Fifteen patients on chronic hemodialysis aged 21 to 69 years (three females) were included in the study. Nine of these were included in an exercise training program. During 16 weeks, exercise sessions were carried out during each dialytical procedure that included a warm-up period, aerobic exercises done using standing cycles, and resistance exercises, performed using Thera-Band® elastic bands and loops. Borg scale was used to control the intensity of training. At baseline and at the end of the study, a blood sample prior and after the dialytical procedure was obtained to measure C reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. Quadriceps muscle strength, six minutes´ walk and quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire, were also measured. Results: Four experimental subjects did not complete the study period, two that withdrew before starting, one due to problems with the venous access and one that decided to withdraw after 1 month of training. Among the five patients that finished the training period, significant improvements in the six minutes´ walk and quadriceps strength were observed in the experimental group. No significant changes were observed among controls. No changes were observed in either group in C reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 6 levels or quality of life. Conclusions: Among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis exercise training improves endurance and muscle strength.

Validación del cuestionario de calidad de vida (WHOQOL-BREF) en adultos mayores chilenos / Validation of the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire among Chilean older people

Background: The WHOQOL-BREF is a generic questionnaire to measure quality of life created by the Study Group on Quality of Life of the World Health Organization. Aim: To adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the WHOQOL-BREF instrument in a group of Chilean older subjects living in Metropolitan Santiago. Material and Methods: A linguistic-cultural adaptation of the Spanish version of the WHOQOL-BREF was performed and tested in a pilot study. Subsequently, the modified scale was applied to a group of 1186 older women aged 72 ± 8 years and 334 men aged 72 ± 7 years. The psychometric properties such as internal consistency, item-total correlation of responses, and construct validity were evaluated. A confirmatory factor analysis was done to check if the dimensions described in the original version, were evaluated. Analyses were performed with STA-TA statistical software 10.0 and LISREL 8.50. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the dimensionsphysical health, psychological, social relationships and environment, described by the authors in their original description, were maintained. The instrument had a good internal consistency with a Cronbach alpha of 0.88 for the total scale and rangingfrom 0.70 to 0.79 in each of the dimensions. Conclusions: The evaluated version of the WHOQOL-BREF has an acceptable reliability and validity, and suggests that it is suitable for the assessment of Quality of Life in elderly people in Chile.

[A pilot study on physical training of patients in hemodialysis]. / Estudio piloto sobre entrenamiento físico durante hemodiálisis.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training during the dialytical procedure may have positive cardiovascular effects and prevent or revert muscle wasting in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. AIM: To evaluate the effects of an exercise training program in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients on chronic hemodialysis aged 21 to 69 years (three females) were included in the study. Nine of these were included in an exercise training program. During 16 weeks, exercise sessions were carried out during each dialytical procedure that included a warm-up period, aerobic exercises done using standing cycles, and resistance exercises, performed using Thera-Band(®) elastic bands and loops. Borg scale was used to control the intensity of training. At baseline and at the end of the study, a blood sample prior and after the dialytical procedure was obtained to measure C reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. Quadriceps muscle strength, six minutes' walk and quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire, were also measured. RESULTS: Four experimental subjects did not complete the study period, two that withdrew before starting, one due to problems with the venous access and one that decided to withdraw after 1 month of training. Among the five patients that finished the training period, significant improvements in the six minutes' walk and quadriceps strength were observed in the experimental group. No significant changes were observed among controls. No changes were observed in either group in C reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 6 levels or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis exercise training improves endurance and muscle strength.

[Quality of life of patients subjected to gastric bypass more than one year ago: influence of socioeconomic status]. / Calidad de vida en pacientes operadas de bypass gástrico hace más de un año: Influencia del nivel socioeconómico.

BACKGROUND: The study of the effects of bariatric surgery on quality of life in patients of different socioeconomic levels (SEL) is worthwhile. AIM: To study quality of life (QoL), eating behavior, depressive symptoms and sexuality in patients subjected to a gastric bypass (GBP) more than 1 year before. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample was composed of 33 GPB patients (19 high SEL and 14 low SEL), and 27 non-operated women (18 high SEL and 9 low SEL) of similar weight and age, as controls. Assessment included medical history anthropometry radiological densitometry. Eating behavior was assessed using the three factor eating questionnaire, quality of life using SF-36 and the Bariatric Analysis of Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck scale version II and sexual behavior using the female sexual function index (FSFI). RESULTS: QoL was lower in operated patients from low SEL, especially when compared to high SEL control women. Operated patients had a predominantly restrictive pattern of eating behavior Eating behavior disorders were detected in 5 of 33 operated patients versus 4 of 27 controls (p =ns). Sexual function was absent or dysfunctional in 22 operated versus 8 controls (p =0,02). No significant differences were observed for depressive symptoms, between operated patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: In the long term, QoL of bariatric patients, especially those from low SEL, is inferior to control women and Chilean general population. Operated patients have restrictive eating patterns and lower sexual satisfaction indexes. Frequency of depressive symptoms was high both in bariatric and control women.

Calidad de vida en pacientes operadas de bypass gástrico hace más de un año: Influencia del nivel socioeconómico / Quality of life of patients subjected to gastric bypass more than one year ago: Influence of socioeconomic status

Background: The study of the effects of bariatric surgery on quality of life in patients of different socioeconomic levels (SEL) is worthwhile. Aim: To study quality of life (QoL), eating behavior, depressive symptoms and sexuality in patients subjected to a gastric bypass (GBP) more than 1 year before. Material and methods: The sample was composed of 33 GPB patients (19 high SEL and 14 low SEL), and 27 non-operated women (18 high SEL and 9 low SEL) of similar weight and age, as controls. Assessment included medical history anthropometry radiological densitometry. Eating behavior was assessed using the three factor eating questionnaire, quality of life using SF-36 and the Bariatric Analysis of Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck scale version II and sexual behavior using the female sexual function index (FSFI). Results: QoL was lower in operated patients from low SEL, especially when compared to high SEL control women. Operated patients had a predominantly restrictive pattern of eating behavior. Eating behavior disorders were detected in 5 of 33 operated patients versus 4 of 27 controls (p =ns). Sexual function was absent or dysfunctional in 22 operated versus 8 controls (p =0,02). No significant differences were observed for depressive symptoms, between operated patients and controls. Conclusions: In the long term, QoL of bariatric patients, especially those from low SEL, is inferior to control women and Chilean general population. Operated patients have restrictive eating patterns and lower sexual satisfaction indexes. Frequency of depressive symptoms was high both in bariatric and control women.

Colon cancer in Chile before and after the start of the flour fortification program with folic acid.

BACKGROUND: Folate depletion is associated with an increased risk of colorectal carcinogenesis. A temporal association between folic acid fortification of enriched cereal grains and an increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in the USA and Canada has, however, been recently reported. AIM: To compare the rates of hospital discharges owing to colon cancer in Chile before and after the start of the mandatory flour fortification program with 220 microg of synthetic folic acid/100 g of wheat flour. METHODS: Cancer and cardiovascular hospital discharge rates were compared using rate ratios between two study periods, 1992-1996, before folic acid fortification and 2001-2004, after the flour fortification with folic acid was established in the country. Standard errors of the log rate ratio to derive confidence intervals, and to test the null hypothesis of no difference, were calculated. RESULTS: The highest rate ratio between the two periods was for colon cancer in the group aged 45-64 years (rate ratio: 2.6, confidence interval: 99% 2.93-2.58) and in the 65-79 years (rate ratio: 2.9, confidence interval: 99% 3.25-2.86). CONCLUSION: Our data provide new evidence that a folate fortification program could be associated with an additional risk of colon cancer.

Relationship between protein and mitochondrial DNA oxidative injury and telomere length and muscle loss in healthy elderly subjects.

A blood sample and muscle biopsies were obtained from 54 elderly subjects. Twenty-seven subjects aged 77+/-3 years, had experienced a change in fat free mass (FFM) of +194+/-282g/year (lean body mass maintainers) and 27 subjects aged 78+/-3 years, had a change in FFM of -487+/-209g/year (lean body mass losers). Muscle biopsies were also obtained from 10 healthy subjects aged 34+/-4 years. In muscle, the ratio of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to nuclear DNA (nDNA) and telomere length were assessed and deposition of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal adducts (4HNE) was visualized by electron microscopy. In FFM maintainers, losers and young controls, the ratio of mtDNA to nDNA was 2.1 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.1-31.7), 1.5 (95% CI, 0.2-15.7) and 18.6 (95% CI, 2.8-46.2), respectively. 4HNE deposition was 5.9 (95% CI, 1.5-28), 4.9 (95% CI, 0.9-13) and 3.4 (95% CI, 1.1-4.6) gold particles/microm(2), respectively. Telomere length, expressed as T/S ratio, was 0.06 (95% CI, 0.01-0.16), 0.06 (95% CI, 0.03-0.27) and 0.34 (95% CI, 0.1-1.34), respectively (p<0.02 or less for all comparisons between elderly and young subjects).

Weight increase is associated with skeletal muscle immunostaining for advanced glycation end products, receptor for advanced glycation end products, and oxidation injury.

BACKGROUND: Tissue accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is associated with ageing, both in diabetics and nondiabetic subjects. AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess immunostaining for AGEs, specifically carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and receptor for AGEs (RAGE), in muscle tissue of healthy male subjects differing in age and weight stability. METHODOLOGY: Muscle tissue was obtained during hernia surgery in middle-aged men reporting weight maintenance (WM, n = 10) or weight gain (WG, n = 7), and also in 4 elderly men. Tissue inmunostaining for CML and RAGE was performed. RESULTS: Intensity of CML and RAGE staining were highly correlated (r = 0.84) and also significantly associated with weight change and age. Muscle AGEs accretion was statistically associated with muscle expression of oxidative injury (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal) and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha). DISCUSSION: The increase of skeletal muscle AGEs/RAGE and markers of inflammation and oxidative injury in association with weight gain and old age suggest a pathogenic role of AGEs in weight gain and in sarcopenia of aging.

Evaluación a largo plazo del estado nutricional, composición corporal y densidad mineral ósea en mujeres operadas de bypass gástrico: impacto del nivel socioeconómico / Nutritional status, body composition and bone mineral density in gastric bypass females: impact of socioeconomic level

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) has had a positive impact on co-morbidities associated with obesity. However, in the long-term it can induce micronutrient deficiencies. Aim: To perform a complete nutritional assessment in a group of women previously operated of RYGBP, from different socioeconomic levéis (SEL). Patients and Methods: Thirty three women (19 high SEL and 14 low SEL), were assessed by dietary recalls, anthropometric measurements, muscle strength, bone mineral density, routine clinical laboratory, serum levéis of vitamin B12, 250H-vitamin D, Mate, calcium, ferritine, ceruloplasmin and indicators ofbone turnover (parathohormone, osteocalcin and urinary pyridinolines). Their valúes were compared to those of 30 control women (18 high SEL and 12 low SEL). Results: Low SEL operated women consumed fewer vitamin and mineral supplements compared with their high SEL pairs. No cases of vitamin B12, folie acid or copper deficiencies were detected. Frequency of iron deficieney was similar in patients and controls. Vitamin D insufficieney was higher amongpatients than in controls (p =0,04 7), regardless SEL. Patients had also a higher frequency of high serum PTH and osteocalcin and urinary pyridinoline levéis. However, no differences in bone mineral density were observed between operated women and controls. Conclusions: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies were lower than expected among operated women. However, problems associated with vitamin D deficieney were highly prevalent among patients operated of RYGBP, irrespective SEL. These alterations were only detectable through speciñe markers at this stage, because they did not transíate into lower bone mineral density (BMD) of surgicalpatients, probably due to the higher pre-operative BMD of these morbidobese patients.

Lack of effect of diet-induced hypomethylation on endothelium-dependent relaxation in rats.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is a key process in atherosclerosis. Hypomethylation is one of the postulated mechanisms involved in atherogenesis and is mainly secondary to a decrease in essential factors such as, folate and vitamin B12 for the biosynthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the main methyl-group donor for methylation reactions. AIM: To investigate in an animal model, whether hypomethylation, secondary to folate or vitamin B12 deficiency, affects endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) induced by acetylcholine (ACh). METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 12 rats each: folate and B12 deficiency (FB12D 0mg folate/kg, 0 microg/kg B12), folate deficiency (FD 0mg folate/kg and 50 microg/kg B12), B12 deficiency (B12D: 8 mg/kg folate and 0 microg/kg B12 and control diet (CD)). After eight weeks the animals were killed and thoracic aorta and liver removed. Serum concentration of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 were determined. Hepatic levels of SAM and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) were measured, as indicator of hypomethylation. ACh-induced EDR and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced endothelium-independent relaxation (EIR), in isolated aorta rings were evaluated. RESULTS: Hcy concentrations were significantly increased in the folate and B12 deficient groups. SAM and the SAM/SAH ratio were lower in the FD and FB12D than in the control and B12D group. Folate, B12 deficiency, serum Hcy levels and hepatic SAM/SAH ratio did not affect EDR neither EIR. CONCLUSIONS: In adult Wistar rats, chronic folate or folate plus vitamin B12 deficiency generates hypomethylation which is not related to an alteration of endothelial function.

Efecto del probiótico Saccharomyces boulardii en la prevención de la diarrea asociada con antibióticos en adultos ambulatorios en tratamiento con amoxicilina / Effect of probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii on prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adult outpatients with amoxicillin treatment

Background: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is one of the most common adverse effects of antimicrobials. Any antimicrobial can potentially produce diarrhea but beta-lactamics have a higher risk. Among these, amoxicillin is widely indicated in ambulatory practice. One ofthe alternatives suggested to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, is the use of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii. Aim: To evalúate whether the concomitant use of Saccharomyces boulardii and amoxicillin can prevent antibiotic associated diarrhea in ambulatory adults with acute infections diseases, without provoking other adverse effects. Material and Methods: Eighty six adults (aged 15 to 81 years) with acute infectious diseases, excluding those arising in the gastrointestinal tract, that received a prescription of oral amoxicillin for 5 to 10 days, were included. In a controlled randomized, double blind trial, 41 patients were assigned to receive lyophilized Saccharomyces boulardii (500 mg/day) duríng 12 days, and 45 patients were assigned to placebo for the same period. Results: Ten percent of patients (9/86) reported acute diarrhea, 9,8 percent (4/41) in the experimental group and 11.196 (5/45) in the control group (p = 100). No adverse effects were associated to the use of the probiotic. Conclusions: Saccharomyces boulardii (500 mg/day) did not prevent diarrhea related to amoxicillin.

Methylation status in healthy subjects with normal and high serum folate concentration.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the impact of high serum folate concentration on erythrocyte S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) concentrations, SAM/SAH ratio, CpG methylation levels across the promoter region of the extracellular superoxide dismutase (ec-SOD) gene, and ec-SOD activity in healthy men. METHODS: Serum folate levels were measured in 111 subjects who were categorized in quintiles according to their folate status. Subjects located at the lowest, middle, and upper quintiles were selected for assessment of SAM and SAH by high-performance liquid chromatography, C677T genotype of the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, ec-SOD methylation of CpG sites in lymphocytes genomic DNA by bisulfate treatment, and ec-SOD activity by a chemical assay. RESULTS: Sixteen subjects were in the lowest serum folate quintile (<23.6 nmol/L), 17 in the middle (>34-<42 nmol/L), and 14 in the highest (>45nmol/L). SAM concentration was higher in the upper than in the middle and lowest quintiles (5.57 +/- 1.58, 2.52 +/- 0.97, 2.29 +/- 1.2 micromol/L; P < 0.0001). SAH concentration was higher in the upper compared with the lowest quintile (0.76 +/- 0.24 versus 0.52 +/- 0.23 micromol/L, P < 0.001). There were no differences in the SAM/SAH ratio, ec-SOD activity, methylation status of CpG sites of the ec-SOD gene, and TMTHFR C677T genotype between groups. CONCLUSION: Serum folate concentrations in the highest quintile among healthy humans are associated with increased erythrocyte SAM and SAH concentrations, but not with SAM/SAH ratio or with methylation levels of CpG sites across the promoter region of the ec-SOD gene. Further research is required to determine if these findings are beneficial or harmful.

Indicadores antropométricos, composición corporal y limitaciones funcionales en ancianos / Anthropometry, body composition and functional limitations in the elderly

Background: Functional limitations limit the independence and jeopardize the quality of life of elderly subjects. Aim: To assess the association between anthropometric measures and body composition with functional íimitations in community-living older people. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 377 people >6 5 years old (238 women), randomly selected from the SABE/Chile project. Complete anthropometric measurements were done. Handgrip muscle strength was measured using dynamometers. Body composition was determined using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Functional limitations were assessed using self reported and observed activities. Results: Body mass index was strongly associated with fat mass (men r =0.87; women r =0.91) and with lean mass (men r =0.55; women r =0.62). Males had significantly greater lean mass (48.9 kg vs 34.9 kg), and bone mass than females (2.6 kg vs 1.8 kg) and women had higher fat mass than men (26.3 kg vs 22.9 kg). The prevalence of functional íimitations was high, affecting more women than men (63.7 percent vs 37.5 percent, p <0.01). Functional íimitations were associated with lower handgrip strength in both sexes. In the multiple regression models, with functional íimitations as dependent variable and anthropometric measures as contributing variables, only hand grip strength had a significant association (negative) with functional íimitation in both genders. Age was also a significant risk factor for functional íimitations among women. Conclusions: Hand grip strength was strongly and inversely associated with functional íimitations. Handgrip dynamometry is an easy, cheap and low time-consuming indicator for the assessment of functional íimitations and the evaluation of geriatric interventions aimed to improve functional ability.