Characterization of hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects of PHAR-DBH-Me a new cannabinoid receptor agonist.

The effect of PHAR-DBH-Me, a cannabinoid receptor agonist, on different cardiovascular responses in adult male rats was analyzed. The blood pressure was measured directly and indirectly. The coronary flow was measured by Langendorff preparation, and vasomotor responses induced by PHAR-DBH-Me in aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine (PHEN) were analyzed. The intravenous injection of the compound PHAR-DBH-Me (0.018-185 µg/kg) resulted in decreased blood pressure; maximum effect was observed at the dose of 1,850 µg/kg. A concentration-dependent increase in the coronary flow was observed in a Langendorff preparation. In the aortic rings, with and without endothelium, pre-contracted with PHEN (10-6 M), the addition of PHAR-DBH-Me to the superfusion solution (10-12-10-5 M), produced a vasodilator response, which depends on the concentration and presence of the endothelium. L-NAME inhibited these effects. Addition of CB1 receptor antagonist (AM 251) did not modify the response, while CB2 receptor antagonist (AM630) decreased the potency of relaxation elicited by PHAR-DBH-Me. Indomethacin shifted the curve concentration-response to the left and produced an increase in the magnitude of the maximum endothelium dependent response to this compound. The maximum effect of PHAR-DBH-Me was observed with the concentration of 10-5 M. These results show that PHAR-DBH-Me has a concentration-dependent and endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect through CB2 receptor. This vasodilation is probably mediated by the synthesis/release of NO. On the other hand, it is suggested that PHAR-DBH-Me also induces the release of a vasoconstrictor prostanoid.

[Food consumption in and around the school]. / Consumo alimentario dentro y fuera de la escuela.

BACKGROUND: elementary school students usually stay in school 4.5 hours a day in Mexico. The main food consumption is outside school. The objective was to explore behaviors on food consumption beyond the school environment. METHODS: descriptive trial that included 173 children, both sexes, from public elementary school in Mexico City. Eating habits were obtained through questionnaire and anthropometric characteristics from physical measurement. RESULTS: participants reported to consume soft drinks and canned juices at high frequency and quantity (80 %) and low consumption of animal foods. They also eat industrialized dairy products with high caloric content and low in protein. Moreover, 30 % of children eat 4 or 5 times a day, whereas 10 % eat one or two times a day. These results were associated with the somatometric characteristics of the children, 37.6 % of whom presented as overweight or obese while 12 % were underweight. CONCLUSIONS: it is necessary that health education involves teachers, parents and children in programs for obesity prevention with the objective of increasing healthy behaviors.

Introducción: en México, los niños de primaria permanecen aproximadamente 4.5 horas en la escuela, por lo que fuera de ese espacio es donde consumen la mayor parte de sus alimentos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue explorar las conductas alimentarias más allá del entorno escolar que pudieran favorecer la obesidad. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de niños de una escuela primaria oficial en el Distrito Federal. Los hábitos alimentarios se conocieron por un cuestionario y las características antropométricas, por medición física. Resultados: los participantes indicaron consumir refrescos y jugos enlatados con alta frecuencia y en cantidades importantes (80 %), así como productos lácteos industrializados con alto valor calórico y bajo contenido de proteínas; ingerían pocos alimentos de origen animal; 30 % comía cuatro o cinco veces al día y 10 %, una o dos veces. Los resultados se asociaron con las características omatométricas de los niños, 37.6 % de los cuales presentó sobrepeso u obesidad y 12 %, bajo peso. Conclusiones: para la prevención de la obesidad son necesarios programas de educación que involucren a profesores, padres de familia y escolares, para obtener conductas saludables y preservar la salud.

Correction: Effect of curcuminoids and curcumin derivate products on thioredoxin-glutathione reductase from Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Evidence suggesting a curcumin oxidation product as a suitable inhibitor.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220098.].

Effect of curcuminoids and curcumin derivate products on thioredoxin-glutathione reductase from Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Evidence suggesting a curcumin oxidation product as a suitable inhibitor.

Curcuma is a traditional ingredient of some Eastern cuisines, and the spice is heralded for its antitumoral and antiparasitic properties. In this report, we examine the effect of the curcuminoides which include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bis-demethoxycurcumin (BDMC), as well as curcumin degradation products on thioredoxin glutathione reductase from Taenia crassiceps cysticerci Results revealed that both DMC and BDMC were inhibitors of TGR activity in the micromolar concentration range. By contrast, the inhibitory ability of curcumin was a time-dependent process. Kinetic and spectroscopical evidence suggests that an intermediary compound of curcumin oxidation, probably spiroepoxide, is responsible. Preincubation of curcumin in the presence of NADPH, but not glutathione disulfide (GSSG), resulted in the loss of its inhibitory ability, suggesting a reductive stabilizing effect. Similarly, preincubation of curcumin with sulfhydryl compounds fully protected the enzyme from inhibition. Degradation products were tested for their inhibitory potential, and 4-vinylguaiacol was the best inhibitor (IC50 = 12.9 µM), followed by feruloylmethane (IC50 = 122 µM), vanillin (IC50 = 127 µM), and ferulic aldehyde (IC50 = 180 µM). The acid derivatives ferulic acid (IC50 = 465 µM) and vanillic acid (IC50 = 657 µM) were poor inhibitors. On the other hand, results from docking analysis revealed a common binding site on the enzyme for all the compounds, albeit interacting with different amino acid residues. Dissociation constants obtained from the docking were in accord with the inhibitory efficiency of the curcumin degradation products.

Gender- and hydration- associated differences in the physiological response to spinning.

INTRODUCTION: There is scarce and inconsistent information about gender-related differences in the hydration of sports persons, as well as about the effects of hydration on performance, especially during indoor sports. OBJECTIVE: To determine the physiological differences between genders during in indoor physical exercise, with and without hydration. METHODS: 21 spinning sportspeople (12 men and 9 women) participated in three controlled, randomly assigned and non-sequential hydration protocols, including no fluid intake and hydration with plain water or a sports drink (volume adjusted to each individual every 15 min), during 90 min of spinning exercise. The response variables included body mass, body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. RESULTS: During exercise without hydration, men and women lost ~2% of body mass, and showed higher body temperature (~0.2°C), blood pressure (~4 mmHg) and heart rate (~7 beats/min) compared to exercises with hydration. Body temperature and blood pressure were higher for men than for women during exercise without hydration, differences not observed during exercise with hydration. Between 42-99% of variance in body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate could be explained by the physical characteristics of subjects and the work done. CONCLUSIONS: During exercise with hydration (either with water or sport drink), the physiological response was similar for both genders. Exercise without hydration produced physical stress, which could be prevented with either of the fluids (plain water was sufficient). Gender differences in the physiological response to spinning (body temperature, mean blood pressure and heart rate) can be explained in part by the distinct physical characteristics of each individual.

Introducción: La información sobre las diferencias relacionadas con el sexo en cuanto a la hidratación de las personas deportistas, así como sobre los efectos de la hidratación sobre el rendimiento, especialmente en deportes de interior, es escasa e inconsistente. Objetivo: Determinar las diferencias fisiológicas entre sexos durante el ejercicio físico en el interior con y sin hidratación. Métodos: Veintiuna personas deportistas (12 hombres y 9 mujeres) participaron en tres protocolos de hidra tación, no secuenciales, controlados y distribuidos al azar, que incluían falta de hidratación, hidratación con agua corriente e hidratación con una bebida para deportistas (ajustando el volumen a cada individuo cada 15 minutos), durante 90 minutos de ejercicio spinning. Las variables de respuesta incluían masa corporal, temperatura corporal, frecuencia cardíaca y presión sanguínea. Resultados: Durante el ejercicio sin hidratación los hombres y mujeres perdieron cerca de un 2 % de la masa corporal y mostraron una temperatura corporal (~0,2° C), presión sanguínea (~4 mm Hg) y frecuencia cardíaca (~7 latidos/min) superiores en comparación con los ejercicios sin hidratación. La temperatura corporal y la presión sanguínea fueron superiores en hombres que en mujeres durante el ejercicio sin hidratación, diferencias que no se observaron durante el ejercicio con hidratación. Entre el 42 y el 99 % de la varianza de la temperatura corporal, la presión sanguínea y la frecuencia cardíaca pudo explicarse por las características físicas de los individuos y el trabajo realizado. Conclusiones: Durante el ejercicio con hidratación (ya fuese con agua o una bebida para deportistas), la respuesta fisiológica fue similar en ambos sexos. El ejercicio sin hidratación produjo estrés físico que pudo ser evitado con cualquiera de los dos tipos de líquidos (el agua corriente fue suficiente). Las diferencias en la respuesta fisiológica al spinning (temperatura corporal, presión sanguínea media y la frecuencia cardíaca) pudieron explicarse en parte por características físicas individuales diferenciales.

Effect of Spirulina maxima on postprandial lipemia in young runners: a preliminary report.

Trained people exhibit low plasma concentrations of triacylglcyerols in both fasting and postprandial states. Exercise practice is commonly believed to improve postprandial lipemia. In addition, elevated postprandial lipemia is an indicator of poor lipid clearance, and it has been associated with atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and obesity. Spirulina maxima is an edible microorganism with a high nutritional value. When it is consumed, beneficial properties to health have been demonstrated, such as hypolipemic and antihypertensive properties in human beings. This work evaluates the effects of orally administrated S. maxima on postprandial lipemia in a young Mexican sporting population after 15 days of consumption, as a possible alternative treatment to improve their lipid clearance. Forty-one runners (10-26 years old; 21 men and 20 women) volunteered to participate in the study. All of them were physically active for at least 1 year before the study and were not undergoing training during the study. The subjects consumed 5 g of Spirulina during 15 days. Before and after the treatment with Spirulina, they consumed (12 h fasting) a standardized meal with high fat content (53.2% total calories). Postprandial lipemia was measured at 1.5, 3, and 4.5 h after the fatty meal. Fasting plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations were lower after Spirulina treatment than before treatment. In addition, the postprandial area under the curve of TAG concentrations was lower after the treatment with Spirulina. Sixty-two percent of the youngest runners (10-16 years) studied exhibited the best response to the treatment. Orally administered S. maxima decreased postprandial lipemia in sporting teenagers. The youngest people were the most responsive to the beneficial effects of Spirulina on postprandial lipemia.

Protective effect of Spirulina platensis on fatty liver induced by a single sublethal dose of carbon tetrachloride in wistar rats / Efecto protector de la Spirulina platensis sobre el hígado graso inducido con tetracloruro de carbono, a una dosis subletal, en ratas Wistar

It has been reported that Spirulina maxima and other natural products are effective in attenuating hepatic damage. In this study were analyzed the effects of five days dietary Spirulina platensis (5 percent) in rats with fatty liver induced by CCl4 (2 mL/kg b.w.). Animals were sacrificed at 24 and 48 h post-treatment. In the liver were evaluated total lipids by gravimetry and lipid profile by enzymatic-colorimetric methods, the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitric oxide by chemical methods. In serum, alanine aminotransferase (kinetic method) and lipid profile were evaluated. The most important effects on the liver were: attenuation in lipid peroxidation, minimal variations on the total fatty acid methyl esters profile, and nitric oxide. These results suggest that Spirulina platensis could be used for fatty liver treatment as an alimentary supplement.

Se ha reportado que la Spirulina maxima y otros productos naturales son efectivos para atenuar el daño hepático. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la Spirulina platensis dietaria (5 por ciento) durante cinco días en ratas con hígado graso inducido por CCl4 (2 mL/kg p.c.). Los animales fueron sacrificados a las 24 y 48 h postratamiento. En el hígado se evaluaron los lípidos totales por gravimetría y el perfil de lípidos por métodos enzimático-colorimétricos, la concentración de sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico y óxido nítrico por métodos químicos. En suero fueron evaluados alanina aminotransferasa (método cinético) y perfil de lípidos. Los principales efectos sobre el hígado fueron: la atenuación de la lipoperoxidación, variaciones mínimas en el perfil de metil ésteres de ácidos grasos totales y del óxido nítrico. Estos resultados sugieren que la Spirulina platensis podría ser utilizada como suplemento alimenticio en el tratamiento de hígado graso.

Gender- and hydration-associated differences in the physiological response to spinning / Respuestas fisiológicas asociadas al género e hidratación durante el spinning

Introduction: There is scarce and inconsistent information about gender-related differences in the hydration of sports persons, as well as about the effects of hydration on performance, especially during indoor sports. Objective: To determine the physiological differences between genders during in indoor physical exercise, with and without hydration. Methods: 21 spinning sportspeople (12 men and 9 women) participated in three controlled, randomly assigned and non-sequential hydration protocols, including no fluid intake and hydration with plain water or a sports drink (volume adjusted to each individual every 15 min), during 90 min of spinning exercise. The response variables included body mass, body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Results: During exercise without hydration, men and women lost ~2% of body mass, and showed higher body temperature (~0.2oC), blood pressure (~4 mmHg) and heart rate (~7 beats/min) compared to exercises with hydration. Body temperature and blood pressure were higher for men than for women during exercise without hydration, differences not observed during exercise with hydration. Between 42-99% of variance in body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate could be explained by the physical characteristics of subjects and the work done. Conclusions: During exercise with hydration (either with water or sport drink), the physiological response was similar for both genders. Exercise without hydration produced physical stress, which could be prevented with either of the fluids (plain water was sufficient). Gender differences in the physiological response to spinning (body temperature, mean blood pressure and heart rate) can be explained in part by the distinct physical characteristics of each individual (AU)

Introducción: La información sobre las diferencias relacionadas con el sexo en cuanto a la hidratación de las personas deportistas, así como sobre los efectos de la hidratación sobre el rendimiento, especialmente en deportes de interior, es escasa e inconsistente. Objetivo: Determinar las diferencias fisiológicas entre sexos durante el ejercicio físico en el interior con y sin hidratación. Métodos: Veintiuna personas deportistas (12 hombres y 9 mujeres) participaron en tres protocolos de hidratación, no secuenciales, controlados y distribuidos al azar, que incluían falta de hidratación, hidratación con agua corriente e hidratación con una bebida para deportistas (ajustando el volumen a cada individuo cada 15 minutos), durante 90 minutos de ejercicio spinning. Las variables de respuesta incluían masa corporal, temperatura corporal, frecuencia cardíaca y presión sanguínea. Resultados: Durante el ejercicio sin hidratación los hombres y mujeres perdieron cerca de un 2 % de la masa corporal y mostraron una temperatura corporal (~0,2o C), presión sanguínea (~4 mm Hg) y frecuencia cardíaca (~7 latidos/min) superiores en comparación con los ejercicios sin hidratación. La temperatura corporal y la presión sanguínea fueron superiores en hombres que en mujeres durante el ejercicio sin hidratación, diferencias que no se observaron durante el ejercicio con hidratación. Entre el 42 y el 99 % de la varianza de la temperatura corporal, la presión sanguínea y la frecuencia cardíaca pudo explicarse por las características físicas de los individuos y el trabajo realizado. Conclusiones: Durante el ejercicio con hidratación (ya fuese con agua o una bebida para deportistas), la respuesta fisiológica fue similar en ambos sexos. El ejercicio sin hidratación produjo estrés físico que pudo ser evitado con cualquiera de los dos tipos de líquidos (el agua corriente fue suficiente). Las diferencias en la respuesta fisiológica al spinning (temperatura corporal, presión sanguínea media y la frecuencia cardíaca) pudieron explicarse en parte por características físicas individuales diferenciales (AU)

Los ácidos grasos y la lipotoxicidad: implicaciones metabólicas / Fatty acids and lipotoxicity: metabolic implications

La obesidad constituye un gran problema de salud pública, y México se encuentra dentro de los primeros lugares en términos de prevalencia e incidencia. En adultos es el principal factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de resistencia a la insulina, síndrome metabólico, diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y sus complicaciones a corto y largo plazo. El exceso de tejido adiposo central tiene como consecuencia un aumento en la lipólisis basal con la liberación subsecuente de ácidos grasos al torrente sanguíneo; al llegar a sus células blanco, éstos son captados para ser metabolizados. El aumento de los ácidos grasos intracelulares tiene como consecuencia la activación de vías metabólicas no oxidativas, como lo es la formación de ceramidas, la degradación lisosomal y la generación de estrés de retículo endoplasmático. Este último tiene como consecuencia la activación de vías de señalización relacionadas con el inicio de la muerte celular programada. Dicho aumento en la apoptosis es característica en enfermedades relacionadas con la deposición ectópica de ácidos grasos en tejidos, como la esteatohepatitis no alcohólica, disfunción β-pancreática y cardiotoxicidad. Comprender estos mecanismos es necesario para iniciar medidas destinadas al control de peso y sus complicaciones.

Obesity is a major public health problem, Mexico is in first place in terms of prevalence and incidence, in adults is the main risk factor for developing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. Central fat excess, results in an increase in basal lipolysis with subsequent release of fatty acids into the bloodstream, to reach their target cells, this fatty acids are taken by the cells to be metabolized. The increase in intracellular fatty acids results in the activation of non-oxidative metabolic pathways, such as the formation of ceramides, lysosomal degradation, pattern recognition receptors activation and endoplasmic reticulum stress generation. The endoplasmatic reticulum stress results in activation of signaling pathways associated with programmed cell death activation. This increase in apoptosis is characteristic of diseases associated with ectopic fatty acids deposition in tissues, such non alcoholic steatohepatitis, β-pancreatic cell dysfunction and cardiotoxicity. Understanding these mechanisms is mandatory to start measures aimed at controlling weight and its complications.