Curcumin and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as bioactive food components with synergistic effects on Alzheimer's disease.

Curcumin and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) are multifunctional compounds which play an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and little has been addressed about the role of these two compounds together in the progression of the disease. There is evidence of the beneficial effect of combined administration of ω-3 PUFA and other dietary supplements such as vitamins and polyphenols in the prevention of AD, although much remains to be understood about their possible complementary or synergistic activity. Therefore, the objective of this work is to review the research focused on studying the effect and mechanisms of action of curcumin, ω-3 PUFA, and the combination of these nutraceutical compounds, particularly on AD, and to integrate the possible ways in which these compounds can potentiate their effect. The most important pathophysiologies that manifest in AD will be addressed, in order to have a better understanding of the mechanisms of action through which these bioactive compounds exert a neuroprotective effect.

Antimicrobial potential of the Mayan medicine plant Matayba oppositifolia (A. Rich.) Britton against antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The bark of Matayba oppositifolia (A. Rich.) Britton (commonly known as "huaya" or "palo huacax") is commonly utilized in traditional Mayan medicine for treating diarrhea and for canker and other sores. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of M. oppositifolia bark extracts against drug-susceptible and -resistant ESKAPE-E pathogens. In addition, the phytochemical composition of the best antibacterial extract was analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bark extracts were prepared with different solvents, including water, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. These were tested against ESKAPE-E (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp., including Escherichia coli) strains using Resazurin Microtiter Assay. In addition, the composition of the most active extract was analyzed by GC-MS. RESULTS: The aqueous and organic bark extracts showed activity on drug-susceptible and -resistant ESKAPE-E microbes (MIC = 1000-31.25 µg/mL). The n-hexane bark extract was more active against the superbugs carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (MIC = 500-31.25 µg/mL) and A. baumannii (MIC = 250-125 µg/mL). The GC-MS analysis of this extract allowed the identification of 12 phytochemicals as the potential antibacterial compounds. The major compounds identified were palmitic acid (1), friedelan-3-one (2) and 7-dehydrodiosgenin (3). CONCLUSION: The present study reveals the strong in-vitro antibacterial activity of the n-hexane extract from the bark of M. oppositifolia and demonstrates the potential of natural products as a source of antibacterial compounds or phytomedicines that are specifically effective against drug-resistant ESKAPE-E bugs. Additionally, our investigation contributes to the ethnopharmacological knowledge and reappraisal of Mayan medicinal flora, as well as supports the traditional use of the bark of the medicinal plant M. oppositifolia for the treatment of infectious diseases.

Effect of CLA supplementation on factors related to vascular dysfunction in arteries of orchidectomized rats.

The vascular endothelium is a monolayer of flat epithelial cells located between the circulating blood and the underlying connective tissue. It conveys key functions that when impaired, lead to endothelial dysfunction. This condition is responsible for the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. The cardioprotective effect of sex hormones is widely known; hence, a murine orchidectomized model has been employed to study the effects caused by their deficiency. In the search for approaches to maintain vascular health, the effect of dietary fatty acids as CLA on cardiovascular diseases has been studied. Some proven beneficial properties of CLA are antioxidant, antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of a diet supplemented with 1.8 % (w/w) of CLA, administered during eight weeks, on the amount of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) produced by orchidectomy and on factors related to vascular dysfunction in the aorta and the mesenteric arteries. The diet with CLA prevented the increase in prostanoids formation and maintained the normal physiological conditions of NO and antioxidant activity. In addition, it prevented the increase in cholesterol and COPs at the vascular wall. CLA-supplemented diet prevented the orchidectomy-induced alterations on prostanoids, NO and COPs and also improved the antioxidant activity. These findings could contribute to understand the mechanisms of actions of CLA involved in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Evaluation of acrylamide-removing properties of bacterial consortia under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated the acrylamide-removing properties of probiotic monocultures; however, potential advantages of consortia over monocultures in reducing the dietary exposure to acrylamide have not been proven. Hence this work aims to assess the acrylamide (AA)-binding properties of bacterial consortia, consisting of either probiotic strains and / or representative bacteria of duodenal microbiota, exposed to simulated gastrointestinal conditions (SGC). The AA binding capacity of ten probiotic strains (PS) and six duodenal strains (NDS) was evaluated under different conditions; then, three different consortia (PS, NDS, and PS + NDS) were assessed under SGC. RESULTS: Among individual PS, Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, Lactobacillus fermentum J23, L. pentosus J37 and J24, and L. casei Shirota, exhibited the highest AA-binding capacity (80-87%), while Bifidobacterium catenulatun ATCC27676, Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus ATCC19258, and S. gallolyticus ATCC9809 were the best (ca. 68%) NDS monocultures. Probiotic strain consortia showed higher (P < 0.05) AA binding capacity (> 90%) than monoculture bacteria. Conversely, individual NDS cultures displayed higher (P < 0.05) binding capacity than NDS consortia (60%). A significant reduction (P < 0.05) in AA removal capacity was observed when consortia were exposed to SGC, PS consortia being the most effective (> 60% removal). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that consortia of specific PS could play an important role in reducing the intestinal availability of acrylamide. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

In vitro gastrointestinal stability, bioaccessibility and potential biological activities of betalains and phenolic compounds in cactus berry fruits (Myrtillocactus geometrizans).

Cactus berry (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) is a scarcely studied Mexican wild fruit. These fruits could contribute to reduce the risk of degenerative chronic diseases due to their bioactive profile. The aim of this work was to study the betalains and phenolic profile in cactus berry, their in vitro biological activities and gastrointestinal digestive stability and bioaccessibility. 43 metabolites were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF (8 betaxanthins, 8 betacyanins, 13 flavonoids, 6 phenolic acids). Phyllocactin and Isorhamnetin rhamnosyl-rutinoside (IG2) were the most abundant metabolites (5876 and 396 µg/g dw) which were also bioaccessible (16 and 21%, respectively). Pulps showed higher (p ≤ 0.05) antioxidant activity by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (27 mM Trolox equivalents). The anti-hyperglycemic activity was highest (p ≤ 0.05) in peel and pulp tissues (85% α-glucosidase and 8% α-amylase inhibition). An 83% inhibition of hyaluronidase showed high anti-inflammatory activity. Cactus berry fruit should be considered a promising fruit candidate for a sustainable healthy diet.

Curcumin Nanoemulsions Stabilized with Modified Phosphatidylcholine on Skin Carcinogenesis Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the main causes of death by disease; several alternative treatments have been developed to counteract this condition. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties; however, it has low water solubility and poor intestinal absorption. Carrier systems, such as nanoemulsions, can increase the bioavailability of lipophilic bioactive compounds. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of curcumin nanoemulsions prepared with lecithin modified with medium-chain fatty acids as an emulsifier, on the expression of the Cdk4, Ccne2, Casp8 and Cldn4 genes involved in the carcinogenesis process in K14E6 transgenic mice. METHODS: The emulsifier was prepared by interesterification of medium-chain fatty acids, pure lecithin, and immobilized phospholipase-1 on Duolite A568. An Ultraturrax homogenizer and a Branson Ultrasonic processor were used for the preparation of nano-emulsions, and a Zetasizer evaluated the particle size. qRT-PCR analysis was performed to quantify the cancer-related genes expressed in the K14E6 mice. The development and evolution of skin carcinogenesis were assessed through histological analysis to compare cell morphology. RESULTS: Ca 59% of the MCFA were incorporated via esterification into the PC within 12 hours of the reaction. An emulsifier yield used to formulate the NE of 86% was achieved. Nanoemulsions with a particle size of 44 nm were obtained. The curcumin nano-emulsion group had a 91.81% decrease in the tumorigenesis index and a reduction in tumor area of 89.95% compared to the sick group. Histological analysis showed that the group administered with free curcumin developed a microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma, as opposed to the group with nanoemulsion which presented only a slight inflammation. In gene expression, only a significant difference in Cdk4 was observed in the nanoemulsion group.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Curcumin in Gel Carriers on Mice with Atrial Edema.

Curcumin is a bioactive compound with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but has low water solubility and dermal absorption. The inflammatory process is considered as the biological response to damage induced by various stimuli. If this process fails to self-regulate, it becomes a potential risk of cancer. The objective of this work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin administered to mice with induced atrial edema using two topical vehicles: organogels and O/W-type nanogels at pH 7, Organogels and O/W-type nanogels at pH 7 were prepared, characterized and the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed. A histopathological analysis of mouse ears was performed and two gel formulations were selected. Thermograms of organogels indicated that increasing the gelling agent improved the stability of the system. Deformation sweeps confirmed a viscoelastic behavior characteristic of gels in both systems. During the anti-inflammatory activity evaluations, the nanogels demonstrated greater activity (61.8 %) than organogels; Diclofenac® (2-(2,6-dichloranilino) phenylacetic acid), used as a control medication achieved the highest inhibition (85.4%); however, the drug produced the death of 2 (40%) of the study subjects caused by secondary adverse events. Histopathological analysis confirmed the data.

Comparison of the phenolic contents and epigenetic and genetic variability of wild and cultivated watercress (Rorippa nasturtium var. aquaticum L.)

Background: Epigenetic modifications are key factors modulating the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of phytochemicals. The knowledge of plant epigenetic and genetic variations can contribute to enhance the production of bioactive compounds. These issues have been little explored thus far in Rorippa nasturtium var. aquaticum L. (watercress), an edible and medicinal plant. The aim of the current study was to determine and compare the phenolic composition and epigenetic and genetic variations between wild and cultivated watercress. Results: Significant differences were found in the quantitative phenolic composition between wild and cultivated watercress. The eight primer combinations used in the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) method revealed different epigenetic status for each watercress type, the cultivated one being the most epigenetically variable. The genetic variability revealed by the EcoRI/MspI amplification profile and also by eight inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers was different between the two types of watercress. The results of the Mantel test showed that the correlation between genetic and epigenetic variations has diminished in the cultivated type. Cluster analyses showed that the epigenetic and genetic characterizations clearly discriminated between wild and cultivated watercress. Conclusions: Relevant chemical, epigenetic, and genetic differences have emerged between wild and cultivated watercress. These differences can contribute to fingerprint and develop quality control tools for the integral and safety use and the commercialization of watercress. The richness of epialleles could support the development of tools to manipulate the watercress epigenome to develop high bioproduct­producing cultivars

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplementation prevents the formation of cholesterol oxidation products in arteries from orchidectomized rats.

Testosterone deficiency has been correlated with increased cardiovascular diseases, which in turn has been associated with increased oxidative stress. Several studies have considered cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) as oxidative stress biomarkers, since some of them play pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory roles. We have previously described the cardioprotective effects of a dosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplemented diet on the aortic and mesenteric artery function of orchidectomized rats. The aim of this study was to investigate whether impaired gonadal function alters the formation of COPs, as well as the potential preventive role of a DHA-supplemented diet on that effect. For this purpose, aortic and mesenteric artery segments obtained from control and orchidectomized rats, fed with a standard or supplemented with DHA, were used. The content of the following COPs: 7α-hydroxycholesterol, 7ß-hydroxycholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol, 5,6α-epoxycholesterol, 5,6ß-epoxycholesterol, cholestanetriol and 25-hydroxycholesterol, were analyzed by gas chromatography. The results showed that orchidectomy increased the formation of COPs in arteries from orchidectomized rats, which may participate in the orchidectomy-induced structural and functional vascular alterations already reported. The fact that the DHA-supplemented diet prevented the orchidectomy-induced COPs increase confirms the cardiovascular protective actions of DHA, which could be of special relevance in mesenteric arterial bed, since it importantly controls the systemic vascular resistance.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplemented Diet Influences the Orchidectomy-Induced Vascular Dysfunction in Rat Mesenteric Arteries.

Over the past few decades, the cardiovascular benefits of a high dietary intake of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been extensively studied. However, many of the molecular mechanisms and effects exerted by PUFAs have yet to be well explained. The lack of sex hormones alters vascular tone, and we have described that a DHA-supplemented diet to orchidectomized rats improve vascular function of the aorta. Based on these data and since the mesenteric artery importantly controls the systemic vascular resistance, the objective of this study was to analyze the effect of a DHA-supplemented diet on the mesenteric vascular function from orchidectomized rats. For this purpose mesenteric artery segments obtained from control, orchidectomized or orchidectomized plus DHA-supplemented diet were utilized to analyze: (1) the release of prostanoids, (2) formation of NO and ROS, (3) the vasodilator response to acetylcholine (ACh), as well as the involvement of prostanoids and NO in this response, and (4) the vasoconstrictor response to electrical field stimulation (EFS), analyzing also the effect of exogenous noradrenaline (NA), and the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The results demonstrate beneficial effects of DHA on the vascular function in orchidectomized rats, which include a decrease in the prostanoids release and superoxide formation that were previously augmented by orchidectomy. Additionally, there was an increase in endothelial NO formation and the response to ACh, in which NO involvement and the participation of vasodilator prostanoids were increased. DHA also reversed the decrease in EFS-induced response caused by orchidectomy. All of these findings suggest beneficial effects of DHA on vascular function by reversing the neurogenic response and the endothelial dysfunction caused by orchidectomy.

Effect of Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on the Participation of Vasodilator Factors in Aorta from Orchidectomized Rats.

Benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) against cardiovascular diseases have been reported. Vascular tone regulation is largely mediated by endothelial factors whose release is modulated by sex hormones. Since the incidence of cardiovascular pathologies has been correlated with decreased levels of sex hormones, the aim of this study was to analyze whether a diet supplemented with the specific PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could prevent vascular changes induced by an impaired gonadal function. For this purpose, control and orchidectomized rats were fed with a standard diet supplemented with 5% (w/w) sunflower oil or with 3% (w/w) sunflower oil plus 2% (w/w) DHA. The lipid profile, the blood pressure, the production of prostanoids and nitric oxide (NO), and the redox status of biological samples from control and orchidectomized rats, fed control or DHA-supplemented diet, were analyzed. The vasodilator response and the contribution of NO, prostanoids and hyperpolarizing mechanisms were also studied. The results showed that orchidectomy negatively affected the lipid profile, increased the production of prostanoids and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreased NO production and the antioxidant capacity, as well as the participation of hyperpolarizing mechanisms in the vasodilator responses. The DHA-supplemented diet of the orchidectomized rats decreased the release of prostanoids and ROS, while increasing NO production and the antioxidant capacity, and it also improved the lipid profile. Additionally, it restored the participation of hyperpolarizing mechanisms by activating potassium. Since the modifications induced by the DHA-supplemented diet were observed in the orchidectomized, but not in the healthy group, DHA seems to exert cardioprotective effects in physiopathological situations in which vascular dysfunction exists.

[Teaching Bioethics to Students of Medicine with Problem-Based Learning (PBL)]. / Enseñar Bioética a Estudiantes de Medicina Mediante el Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas (ABP).

We present the experience of the introduction of the subject of bioethics in a medical school in order to give to the 73 students of 5th degree skills to handle ethical conflicts in their practice. The main teaching method used was problem-based learning (PBL). Skills objectives are described. The course was structured with a theoretical seminar (2 hours of duration), a workshop (2 hours of duration), 4 cases of PBL (24 hours of duration in total) and a role playing workshop (2 hours of duration). The seminar was aimed at the acquisition of theoretical knowledge. The PBL cases provided critical appraisal, obtaining knowledge, and application. The Role Playing set out for the practical demonstration of skills acquired in a simulated environment. A continuous assessment of students was performed throughout their practice on the PBL cases (40% of the final score) and also a final evaluation of the course was carried out via exam (60% of the final score). Students completed a course and faculty evaluation anonymously, which came out with positive results (median score of 8.5/10).

Zinc Absorption from Fortified Milk Powder in Adolescent Girls.

Zinc (Zn) is essential for development, growth, and reproduction. The Mexican government subsidizes micronutrient-fortified milk for risk groups, with positive effect on the targeted groups' plasma Zn level, inferring a good absorption is achieved although it has not being measured. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of micronutrient-fortified milk intake during 27 days on Zn absorption in adolescent girls from northwest Mexico. Therefore, Zn absorption was evaluated in 14 healthy adolescent girls (14.1 years old) with adequate plasma Zn levels, before and after 27 days of fortified Zn milk intake. Fractional Zn absorption (FZA) was calculated from urinary ratios of stable isotopic Zn tracers administered orally and intravenously on days 0 and 27, and total absorbed Zn (TZA) was calculated. At the beginning, Zn intake was 6.8 ± 0.85 mg/d (mean ± SE), and 50 % of the adolescent girls did not achieve their requirement (7.3 mg/d). Additionally, FZA was negatively correlated with Zn intake (r =-0.61, p = 0.02), while TZA (1.06 mg/d) was insufficient to cover the physiologic requirements of adolescent girls (3.02 mg/d). At the end of the intervention, all the girls reached the Zn intake recommendation and TZA, 3.09 mg/d, which was enough to meet the physiological requirement for 57 % of the adolescent girls. Therefore, the low Zn intake and the Zn status of adolescent girls were positively impacted by Zn-fortified milk intake and its good absorption rate.

Zinc fortification decreases ZIP1 gene expression of some adolescent females with appropriate plasma zinc levels.

Zinc homeostasis is achieved after intake variation by changes in the expression levels of zinc transporters. The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary intake (by 24-h recall), absorption, plasma zinc (by absorption spectrophotometry) and the expression levels (by quantitative PCR), of the transporters ZIP1 (zinc importer) and ZnT1 (zinc exporter) in peripheral white blood cells from 24 adolescent girls before and after drinking zinc-fortified milk for 27 day. Zinc intake increased (p < 0.001) from 10.5 ± 3.9 mg/day to 17.6 ± 4.4 mg/day, and its estimated absorption from 3.1 ± 1.2 to 5.3 ± 1.3 mg/day. Mean plasma zinc concentration remained unchanged (p > 0.05) near 150 µg/dL, but increased by 31 µg/dL (p < 0.05) for 6/24 adolescents (group A) and decreased by 25 µg/dL (p < 0.05) for other 6/24 adolescents (group B). Expression of ZIP1 in blood leukocytes was reduced 1.4-fold (p < 0.006) in group A, while for the expression of ZnT1 there was no difference after intervention (p = 0.39). An increase of dietary zinc after 27-days consumption of fortified-milk did not increase (p > 0.05) the plasma level of adolescent girls but for 6/24 participants from group A in spite of the formerly appropriation, which cellular zinc uptake decreased as assessed by reduction of the expression of ZIP1.

Effect of micronutrient-fortified milk on zinc intake and plasma concentration in adolescent girls.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of dietary fortified milk with zinc and other micronutrients on zinc intake and plasma zinc content of adolescent girls. METHODS: The study included 108 schoolgirls (12-18 years old) from northwest Mexico, randomly assigned to either the control group (CG; n = 55) or the intervention group consuming a regular diet plus fortified milk (MG; n = 53). At the beginning of the study, age, weight, and height were measured. Food intake by the 24-hour recall method and plasma zinc levels assessed by absorption spectrophotometry were determined before and after 27 days of fortified milk intake. RESULTS: At baseline, no significant group-related differences were observed for energy, protein intake, zinc intake, and plasma zinc level (p > 0.05), and 35.2% of participant girls did not achieve their zinc requirement. After 27 days of treatment, there were no significant differences in energy and protein intake between groups (p > 0.05). Zinc intake was higher for MG than CG (16.7 ± 8.3 mg/d vs 10.5 ± 6.4 mg/d; p < 0.01), and there was a lower proportion of low zinc intake in MG than for CG (7 vs 16, respectively; p = 0.04). In addition, plasma zinc improved in the MG (116.6 ± 26.9 µg/dL, p < 0.01) compared with CG (98.5 ± 26.6 µg/dL), and it was mainly attributed to the fortified milk intake, as the main dietary zinc contributor. CONCLUSION: Fortified milk intake is effective in increasing both intake and plasma zinc levels of adolescent Mexican girls; therefore, it could be an adequate strategy for zinc deficiency prevention or correction among adolescent girls.

Effect of conjugated linoleic acid on body fat, tumor necrosis factor alpha and resistin secretion in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring group of dienoic derivaties of linoleic acid found mainly in beef and dairy products. CLA has been reported to reduce body fat, as well as to possess anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic and procatabolic activities in animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of CLA supplementation to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) on body fat, biochemical parameters of serum related tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and resistin secretion. Thirty rats were divided in three groups, the first group of spontaneously hypertensive rats received a standard diet (V-SHR group, n=10), a second group of SHR was fed 1.5% of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA-SHR group, n=10) and the third was the control, non-hypertensive group (KW, n=10) also on a standard diet including 7.5% of sunflower oil during eight weeks. After CLA diet administration, spontaneously hypertensive rats showed a significant reduction in blood pressure, serum glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerols, together with reduction of index of body fat, pericardic, abdominal and epididymal adipose tissue. These effects were accompanied by a decrease in the secretion of TNF-alpha and resistin.

Bioactivities of kernel extracts of 18 strains of maize (Zea mays).

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of maize kernels from 18 varieties/strains were prepared for the evaluation of inhibitory activities toward α-glucosidase and scavenging activities toward nitric oxide (NO•) and superoxide (•O(2)(-)). All ethanolic extracts of maize strains tested inhibited yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) α-glucosidase with the highest potency (49% to 54%) found for 2 purple and a yellow strains. However, inhibitory effects of maize extracts on rat intestinal α-glucosidase were as a whole about 10% as effective as with the yeast enzyme. Maize extracts were capable of scavenging NO• at the level of 0.25 mg/mL to extents ranging from 24% to 50% and 26% to 57%, respectively, for aqueous and ethanolic extracts. All tested aqueous extracts were also capable of scavenging •O(2)(-), with efficacies ranging from 8% to 38%, at the level of 1.5 mg/mL, whereas almost none of the ethanolic extracts scavenged •O(2)(-), except for one purple strain (approximately 10% effective). The effectiveness in the enzyme inhibition and antioxidant assays did not correlate with total phenolic and/or anthocyanin levels, nor with the nature of pigmentation among the maize strains evaluated. Practical Application: A diversity of pigmented maize strains was evaluated for biological activities related to mitigating oxidative stress and slowing down glucose absorption from the diet. Certain strains tended to be more abundant in these biological activities and have potential to be used in dietary regimes that are designed to promote human health.

Continuous enzymatic transesterification of sesame oil and a fully hydrogenated fat: effects of reaction conditions on product characteristics.

An immobilized lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TL IM) was employed to mediate the continuous transesterification of sesame oil and fully hydrogenated soybean oil (FHSBO) in a packed-bed reactor operating at 70 degrees C. Reactions between sesame oil (rich in LLL (15.97%), LOL (31.56%), and OLO (21.15%) [L = linoleic; O = oleic]) and the fully hydrogenated fat ((73.7% SSS, 26.3% SPS) [S = stearic; P = palmitic]) produced semi-solid fats. These products are complex mixtures of triacylglycerol (TAG) species whose compositions depend on reaction conditions. The dependence of the steady state product TAG profile on space time was determined for four initial weight ratios of sesame oil to hydrogenated fat (90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40). Except for the trial involving a weight ratio of sesame oil to FHSBO of 60:40, near equilibrium conditions were achieved at space times of 30 min-1 h. The chemical, physical, and functional properties of the product semi-solid fats were characterized. The predominant TAG species in the quasi-equilibrium products obtained from the mixture initially containing 90% (w/w) sesame oil and 10% FHSBO were LOL (26.22%) and OLO (21.92%). For transesterification of 80% sesame oil and 20% FHSBO, the major product species were OOP (21.27%), LOL (17.46%), and OLO (13.93%). OOP (24.38%) was the major product for reaction of 70% sesame oil with 30% FHSBO. Appropriate choices of reaction conditions and initial ratios of sesame oil to FHSBO lead to TAG with melting profiles and solid fat contents (SFC) similar to those of a variety of commercial products.

Toxicidad en el intestino delgado inducida por 5-fluorouracilo en un paciente con carcinoma colorrectal / 5-Fluorouracil-induced small bowel toxicity in a patient with colorectal cancer

No disponible

5-Fluorouracil-induced gastro-intestinal toxicity predominantly affects the upper and the lower gastro-intestinal tract. Although 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) can cause severe small-bowel toxicity, this has been reported only in 6 patients with colon carcinoma receiving 5-FU-based therapy. The presentation was extensive ulceration and inflammation of the small bowel with no involvement of the colon. We report another case of this toxicity, and discuss the diagnosis and mechanisms by which 5-FU can induce small-bowel toxicity

Influencia del estado nutricional sobre la efectividad de un suplemento dietario de bacterias lácticas: prevención y cura de diarreas infantiles / Influence of nutritional status on the effectiveness of a dietary supplement of live lactobacillus to prevent and cure diarrhoea in children

La influencia de la desnutrición sobre la efectividad de un suplemento de lactobacilos vivos para prevenir y curar cuadros de diarrea infantil se estudió sobre 200 niños entre 6 y 24 meses de edad, desnutridos (D) o controles (C) que recibieron a ciegas durante 90 días leche fermentada con L. Acidofilus y L. Casei (10 elevado a la 7 - 10 elevado a la 8/ml) (LB) o cantidad equivalente de leche fluida pasteurizada (L). Los episodios de diarrea se clasificaron según su duración fuera 1-4, 5-14 y diarrea prolongada (DP) si duraba más de 14 días. Los 119 niños que completaron el estudio se dividieron en 4 grupos: D-L: n=25; D-LB: n=32; C-L: n=27 y C-LB: n=35. Los aspectos preventivos se evaluaron a través del número de episodios y los terapéuticos a través de la duración de los mismos. Durante el estudio se registraron 134 episodios: 29 en D-L; 48 en D-LB; 37 en C-L y 20 en C-LB. Se presentaron 12 DP, todas en los grupos L: 3 en los controles y 9 en los desnutridos. En el grupo D-LB más del 90 por ciento de los episodios fueron de muy corta duración, porcentaje muy superior al de D-L y similar al observado en C-LB. En conclusión, la leche fermentada fue capaz de prevenir la mitad de los episodios en los controles, pero fue ineficaz en los desnutridos; sin embargo, fue efectiva para acotar la duración y evitar las DP con independencia del estado nutricional. Por ende la desnutrición afectó los aspectos preventivos de los lactobacilos que requieren del sistema inmune, pero no los curativos, eminentemente locales