Potential Anticancer Activity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Fruits of Different Color: In Vitro and In Silico Evidence.

Pomegranate (PMG; Punica granatum L.) fruits possess a well-balanced nutrient/phytochemical composition, with proven adjuvant benefits in experimental cancer chemotherapy; however, such bioactivity could be affected by PMG's phenogenotype (varietal). Here, the chemical and phytochemical (UPLC-DAD-MS2) composition, antioxidant capacity and anticancer potential [in vitro (MTT assay) and in silico (foodinformatics)] of three PMG fruits of different aryl color [red (cv. Wonderful), pink (cv. Molar de Elche), and white (cv. Indian)] were evaluated. The macro/micronutrient (ascorbic acid, tocols, carotenoids), organic acid (citric/malic), and polyphenol content were changed by PMG's varietal and total antioxidant activity (ABTS, alcoholic > hexane extract) in the order of red > pink > white. However, their in vitro cytotoxicity was the same (IC50 > 200 µg.mL-1) against normal (retinal) and cancer (breast, lung, colorectal) cell lines. Sixteen major phytochemicals were tentatively identified, four of them with a high GI absorption/bioavailability score [Ellagic (pink), vanillic (red), gallic (white) acids, D-(+)-catechin (white)] and three of them with multiple molecular targets [Ellagic (52) > vanillic (32) > gallic (23)] associated with anticancer (at initiation and promotion stages) activity. The anticancer potential of the PMG fruit is phenogenotype-specific, although it could be more effective in nutraceutical formulations (concentrates).

Synergistic Interactions between Tocol and Phenolic Extracts from Different Tree Nut Species against Human Cancer Cell Lines.

Tree nuts are rich in polar (phenolic compounds) and non-polar (tocols) antioxidants, with recognized effects in the prevention of diseases such as cancer. These biomolecules possess antiproliferative activity on cancer cells; however, the combined effect of both types of compounds has been scarcely studied, and this approach could give valuable information on the real anticancer potential of tree nuts. In the present study, the antiproliferative activity of pure tocols and phenolic compounds, tocol- and phenolic-rich extracts (TRE and PRE, respectively) from tree nuts and the extracts combinations, was evaluated in four cancer (HeLa, MCF7, PC3, A549) and one control (ARPE) cell lines. The most sensible cell lines were HeLa and MCF7. TRE and PRE from nuts were chemically characterized; γ and δ tocopherols, total tocols, total tocopherols and total phenolic compounds were negatively correlated with cell viability in MCF7 cells. In HeLa cells, only δ and total tocopherols were negatively correlated with cell viability. TRE and PRE had a low effect in reducing cell viability of the cancer cell lines, the most effective extracts were those of emory oak acorn (EOA), pecan nut (PEC) and walnut (WAL), and these were further studied for their pharmacological interactions, using the combination index and the isobologram methods. Combinations of both extracts showed a synergistic and strongly synergistic behavior in the three nuts (EOA, PEC and WAL), with combination indexes between 0.12 and 0.55. These results highlight the need to understand the interactions among components found in complex natural extracts or food products in order to fully understand their bioactivities.

[Functional feeding to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders associated with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review]. / Alimentación funcional para aliviar desórdenes gastrointestinales asociados a trastornos del espectro autista: Una revisión sistemática.

Introduction: Background: gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs) are common comorbidities in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); treatments with gluten- and casein-free (LGLC) diets or prebiotic/probiotic supplements may reduce the severity of GIDs. Objective: to integrate and discuss the evidence on the effectiveness of LGLC diet therapies and prebiotic/probiotic supplements on GIDs in patients with ASD. Methodology: the guidelines for the publication of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) were used. Participant characteristics, dietary interventions, prebiotic/prebiotic supplementation, effects of interventions on GIDs, risk of bias, and safety of treatments were analyzed. Results: fifteen investigations were analyzed; the prevalence of GIDs among patients with ASD was high (58 %; range, 27-83 %). In more than 20 % of the patients managed with LGLC diets or supplements GID severity decreased (mainly constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain). Increases in the counts of beneficial bacteria and a decrease in the proportion of pathogenic bacteria were reported after supplement use. However, all these investigations had significant methodological biases. Conclusions: although reductions in the frequency and severity of some GIDs have been found, the effectiveness of these treatments has not been proven yet. Given the methodological differences in the investigations, the design of rigorous studies to evaluate the therapeutic effects of these treatments on gastrointestinal health in patients with ASD is warranted.

Introducción: Antecedentes: los trastornos gastrointestinales (TGI) son comorbilidades comunes en los pacientes con trastornos del espectro autista (TEA); los tratamientos con dietas libres de gluten y caseína (LGLC) o suplementos de prebióticos/probióticos podrían reducir la severidad de los TGI. Objetivo: integrar y discutir la evidencia sobre la efectividad de las terapias con dietas LGLC y suplementos de prebióticos/probióticos sobre los TGI en pacientes con TEA. Metodología: se utilizaron las guías para la publicación de revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis (PRISMA). Se analizaron las características de los participantes, las intervenciones dietéticas, la administración de suplementos de prebióticos/prebióticos, los efectos de las intervenciones sobre los TGI, el riesgo de sesgo de los estudios y la seguridad de los tratamientos. Resultados: se analizaron quince investigaciones; la prevalencia de los TGI entre los pacientes con TEA fue alta (58 %; rango, 27-83 %). En más del 20 % de los pacientes intervenidos con dietas LGLC o suplementos disminuyó la severidad de los TGI (principalmente estreñimiento, diarrea y dolor abdominal). Se reportaron aumentos en los conteos de bacterias benéficas y una disminución de la proporción de bacterias patógenas tras el uso de los suplementos. Sin embargo, todas estas investigaciones presentaron sesgos metodológicos importantes. Conclusiones: aunque se han encontrado reducciones en la frecuencia y severidad de algunos TGI, la efectividad de estos tratamientos aún no se ha comprobado. Dadas las diferencias metodológicas de las investigaciones, se justifica el diseño de estudios rigurosos para evaluar los efectos terapéuticos de estos tratamientos sobre la salud gastrointestinal en pacientes con TEA.

¿Quién está consumiendo productos dietéticos en Perú? Reporte de consumo de una encuesta transversal no probabilística

Objetivo: Identificar el perfil y la percepción de los consumidores de productos dietéticos en las poblaciones de Lima, Arequipa y Trujillo en Perú. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal analítico realizado en sujetos mayores de 18 años que eran residentes en las ciudades de Lima, Arequipa y Trujillo en Perú. El estudio se realizó en dos etapas. En la primera etapa, se realizaron entrevistas personales, para lo cual se empleó cuestionarios estructurados y estandarizados. En la segunda etapa, se diseñó un cuestionario estructurado con preguntas abiertas y cerradas relacionadas con los hábitos de uso y compra de productos dietéticos. Resultados: Se entrevistaron a 890 personas, de las cuales el 42 % señalaron que consumían productos dietéticos, de los cuales las vitaminas y los minerales eran los productos de mayor consumo. Se observó que los consumidores mantenían una frecuencia diaria y una antigüedad de consumo entre 3 y 12 meses. Además, se identificó que la recomendación de los familiares y amigos sobre el consumo de productos dietéticos tenía un nivel de confianza similar a las recomendaciones de médicos y nutricionistas. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio en una muestra representativa obtenida en Lima, Arequipa y Trujillo nos indican que un alto porcentaje de la población se encuentra satisfecha consumiendo productos dietéticos con regularidad. Es importante señalar que no existen diferencias significativas entre el porcentaje de la población encuestada que consume productos dietéticos por recomendación de un nutricionista y la que los consume por sugerencia de familiares y amigos. Esto indica que es necesario mejorar los hábitos nutricionales con estrategias de educación sobre hábitos alimenticios y la adaptación del uso de productos dietéticos a una dieta balanceada. Estos resultados podrían permitir que la población haga un uso más eficaz de los productos dietéticos como herramienta para reducir deficiencias nutricionales.

Objective: To identify the profile and perception of dietary supplement users in the population of Lima, Arequipa and Trujillo, Peru. Materials and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study conducted with subjects over 18 years of age residing in the cities of Lima, Arequipa and Trujillo, Peru. The study was performed in two steps. In the first step, personal interviews were held using structured and standardized surveys. In the second step, a structured survey was designed with open and closed questions related to the purchasing and consumption habits of dietary supplements. Results: Eight hundred ninety (890) people were interviewed, out of which 42 % reported to be dietary supplement users, being vitamins and minerals the most commonly used products. It was observed that these users had been taking daily doses of dietary supplements for 3 to 12 months. Additionally, it was found that family and friends served as a source of information on dietary supplements similar to the one provided by doctors and nutritionists. Conclusions: The results of this study conducted with a representative sample from Lima, Arequipa and Trujillo showed that a high percentage of the population was satisfied with using dietary supplements regularly. It is important to point out that there were no significant differences between the percentage of the surveyed population that used dietary supplements recommended by nutritionists and the one which used them on family and friends' recommendation. This suggests that it is necessary to improve nutritional habits with educational strategies on eating habits and adapt the use of dietary supplements to a balanced diet. These results could allow the population to use dietary supplements more effectively as a tool to reduce nutritional deficiencies.

Peptides, Exopolysaccharides, and Short-Chain Fatty Acids from Fermented Milk and Perspectives on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are characterized by chronic inflammatory processes and an imbalanced immune response along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Pharmacological treatments have been widely used, although their long-term application has adverse side effects. On the other hand, milks fermented with specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been shown to be useful as alternative or complementary aids. Many metabolites such as peptides, exopolysaccharides, and short-chain fatty acids are produced during milk fermentation. These components have been shown to change the pH of the gastrointestinal lumen, aid intestine mucosal recovery, modulate the microbiota, and reduce the inflammatory response (innate and adaptive immune system), both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the objective of the present review is to describe how these bioactive compounds from fermented milk by specific LAB can decrease the deleterious symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Gastrointestinal metabolism of monomeric and polymeric polyphenols from mango (Mangifera indica L.) bagasse under simulated conditions.

Mango bagasse (MB) is an agro-industrial by-product rich in bioactive polyphenols with potential application as a functional ingredient. This study aimed to delineate the metabolic fate of monomeric/polymeric MB polyphenols subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The main identified compounds by LC/MS-TOF-ESI were phenolic acids [gallic acid (GA) and derivates, and chlorogenic acid], gallotannins and derivatives [di-GA (DA) and 3GG-to-8GG], benzophenones [galloylated maclurins (MGH, MDH)], flavonoids [Quercetin (Quer) and (QuerH)] and xanthones [mangiferin isomers]. The bioaccessibility depended on the polyphenols' structure, being Quer, 5G to 8G the main drivers. The results suggested that the gastrointestinal fate of MB polyphenols is mainly governed by benzophenones and gallotannins degalloylation and spontaneous xanthone isomerization in vitro to sustain GA bioaccessibility.

In vitro digestibility and release of a mango peel extract encapsulated within water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) emulsions containing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Mango peel is a rich source of phenolic compounds (PC), which can be used in food fortification. The use of water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) emulsions represents a potential strategy to encapsulate, protect and incorporate PC from mango peel into food products. Moreover, even though non-digestible biopolymers are usually incorporated into emulsions to enhance stability, little is known about the effect on the digestibility and release of PC. In this study, a mango peel extract (MPE) was encapsulated using W1/O/W2 emulsions containing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC; 0, 0.5, 1.0% w/w) in W2, and their colloidal stability, lipid digestibility kinetics (free fatty acid release), and release (in terms of antioxidant activity) under in vitro digestion conditions were evaluated. The presence of CMC in emulsions caused flocculation of droplets, which remained unchanged during the gastric phase, suggesting that bridging flocculation occurred. Moreover, a slower lipid digestion rate was observed in emulsions containing CMC, with k-values ranging between 0.21 and 0.25 min-1, compared to emulsions without CMC (around 0.14 min-1). However, although CMC may slow down the lipolysis reaction during the first 40 min due to physical or steric hindrance, at the end of the intestinal phase, emulsions with or without CMC had a similar final FFA release. Moreover, MPE release was triggered under gastric conditions, probably by osmotic imbalance, showing a constant antioxidant activity value during the intestinal phase only in emulsions containing CMC. This study provides relevant insights to design double emulsions as delivery systems of water-soluble bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity, such as PC.

Fiber and phenolic compounds contribution to the hepatoprotective effects of mango diets in rats fed high cholesterol/sodium cholate.

The present study evaluated the contribution of mango fiber (MF) and mango phenolic compounds (MP) to the hepatoprotective effect of freeze-dried mango pulp (FDM) cultivar (cv.) "Ataulfo" diets in high cholesterol/sodium cholate (HCC)-fed rats. Male Wistar rats were fed with a HCC diet for 12 weeks, either untreated, or supplemented with MF, MP, FDM, or a control diet (no HCC; n = 6/group). All mango treatments significantly decreased hepatic cholesterol deposition and altered its fatty acid profile, whereas MF and MP mitigated adipose tissue hypertrophy. MF caused a lower level of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α/ß, IFN-γ, TNF-α) whereas FDM increased the anti-inflammatory ones (IL-4, 6, 10). Mango treatments increased catalase (CAT) activity and its mRNA expression; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was normalized by MF and FDM, but its activity was unrelated to its hepatic mRNA expression. Changes in CAT and SOD mRNA expression were unrelated to altered Nrf2 mRNA expression. Higher hepatic PPARα and LXRα mRNA levels were found in MP and MF. We concluded that MF and MP are highly bioactive, according to the documented hepatoprotection in HCC-fed rats; their mechanism of action appears to be related to modulating cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism as well as to stimulating the endogenous antioxidant system.

Formulation and characterization of an optimized functional beverage from hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and green tea (Camellia sinensis L.).

Hibiscus sabdariffa and Camellia sinensis are traditionally consumed as beverages and are good sources of health-promoting phenolic compounds. The objective of this work was to use response surface methodology to develop an optimized functional beverage with high total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and acceptable for potential consumers. Optimum infusion conditions were 4.9 g of hibiscus calyces or C. sinensis leaves/100 ml of water at 26 ℃ for 291 min. These conditions yielded a total phenolic content of 14.80 ± 1.4 and 33.02 ± 0.34 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 ml for hibiscus and green tea, respectively. The optimized beverages were combined in a 7:3 (hibiscus:green tea, v/v) ratio; a consumer preference test showed that this combination had an acceptable taste according to untrained panelists. A chromatographic analysis showed that this formulation contained flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins as its main components. Our data suggested that hibiscus and green tea phenolic compounds were efficiently extracted using near-ambient temperature water for prolonged times, contrary to routine methods (high temperature, short time). Our method also preserved antioxidant capacity, possibly by avoiding chemical changes/degradation due to high temperatures. This process can be used to produce organoleptically acceptable functional beverages that deliver a varied phenolic compound profile to the consumer.

Hypolipidemic Effect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima Supplementation and a Systematic Physical Exercise Program in Overweight and Obese Men: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Crossover Controlled Trial.

Low-fat diets, lipid-modifying nutraceuticals and a higher level of physical activity are often recommended to reduce dyslipidemia. A double-blind, randomized, crossover, controlled trial was designed to evaluate the independent and synergistic effects of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima supplementation (4.5 g·day-1) with or without performing a physical exercise program (PEP: aerobic exercise (3 days·week-1) + high-intensity interval training (2 days·week-1)) on blood lipids and BMI of 52 sedentary men with excess body weight. During six weeks, all participants were assigned to four intervention treatments (Spirulina maxima with PEP (SE), placebo with PEP (Ex), Spirulina maxima without PEP (Sm), placebo without PEP (C; control)) and plasma lipids were evaluated spectrophotometrically pre- vs. post intervention in stratified subgroups (overweight, obese and dyslipidemic subjects). Pre/post comparisons showed significant reductions in all plasma lipids in the SE group, particularly in those with dyslipidemia (p ≤ 0.043). Comparing the final vs. the initial values, BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in all treatment groups compared to C. Changes were observed mostly in SE interventions, particularly in dyslipidemic subjects (p < 0.05). Spirulina maxima supplementation enhances the hypolipidemic effect of a systematic PEP in men with excess body weight and dyslipidemia.

Mango phenolics increase the serum apolipoprotein A1/B ratio in rats fed high cholesterol and sodium cholate diets.

BACKGROUND: Serum lipoproteins are in dynamic equilibrium, partially controlled by the apolipoprotein A1 to apolipoprotein B ratio (APOA1/APOB). Freeze-dried mango pulp (FDM) is a rich source of phenolic compounds (MP) and dietary fiber (MF), although their effects on lipoprotein metabolism have not yet been studied. RESULTS: Thirty male Wistar rats were fed with four different isocaloric diets (3.4 kcal g-1 ) for 12 weeks: control diet, high cholesterol (8 g kg-1 ) + sodium cholate (2 g kg-1 ) diet either alone or supplemented with MF (60 g kg-1 ), MP (1 g kg-1 ) or FDM (50 g kg-1 ). MP and FDM reduced food intake, whereas MF and MP tended to increase serum APOA1/APOB ratio, independently of their hepatic gene expression. This suggests that lipoprotein metabolism was favorably altered by mango bioactives, MP also mitigated the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis that resulted from the intake of this diet. CONCLUSION: We propose that phenolics are the most bioactive components of mango pulp, acting as anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective agents, with a mechanism of action tentatively based on changes to the main protein components of lipoproteins. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima Supplementation and a Systematic Physical Exercise Program on the Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Overweight or Obese Subjects: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Crossover Controlled Trial.

Excess weight and obesity are major risk factors for many chronic diseases, and weight-loss interventions often include systematic exercise and nutritional supplements. The purpose of this study was to determine the independent/synergistic effects of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima supplementation (six weeks, 4.5 g·day-1) and a systematic physical exercise program (six weeks, twice weekly) on the body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness of overweight and obese subjects. To achieve this, 27 overweight and 25 obese sedentary male subjects were assigned to four interventions through a randomized double-blind, crossover controlled trial: A physical exercise program, with (SE) or without (Ex) Spirulina maxima; or no-exercise program, with (Sm) and without (C) Spirulina maxima. The body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters were taken during a maximum intensity test. As compared to the C group, the body fat percentage of the SE, Sm and Ex groups was reduced (p < 0.05), while their maximal oxygen uptake improved (r = -0.40), and obese subjects benefited more significantly. Weight loss, the time to reach fatigue and the onset of blood lactate accumulation were improved in both of the Spirulina maxima supplemented groups, regardless of the subjects' body weight. Spirulina maxima supplementation synergistically improves the effects of systematic exercise on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters in overweight, but mostly in individuals with obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials, NCT02837666. Registered 19 July 2016.

Selected Physiological Effects of a Garcinia Gummi-Gutta Extract in Rats Fed with Different Hypercaloric Diets.

Garcinia gummi-gutta (GGG) rind extract is effective for reducing appetite, body weight and adiposity of obese rodents fed high-fat (HF), high-sugar (HS) or high fat/sugar (HFS)-based diets, but these effects have not been simultaneously evaluated. Thirty obese (~425 g) male Wistar rats were fed for eleven weeks with six hypercaloric diets (4.1 kcal/g; five rats/diet) non-supplemented (HF, HS, HFS), or supplemented (HF+, HS+, HFS+) with GGG extract (5.9%), while rats from the control group (375 g) were fed a normocaloric diet (3.5 kcal/g). Body weight, dietary intake, body fat distribution, and histological and biochemical parameters were recorded. Compared to control rats, non-supplemented and supplemented groups consumed significantly less food (14.3% and 24.6% (−4.3 g/day), respectively) (p < 0.05). Weight loss was greater in the HF+ group (35⁻52 g), which consumed 1.9 times less food than the HS+ or HFS+ fed groups. The HF and HFS groups showed 40% less plasma triacylglycerides and lower glucose levels compared to the HF+. GGG-supplemented diets were associated with lower ketonuria. The HF+ diet was associated with the best anti-adiposity effect (as measured with the dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and Soxhlet methods). The severity of hepatocyte lipidosis was HF > control > HF+, and no signs of toxicity in the testes were observed. The results indicate that GGG is more effective when co-administered with HF diets in obese rats.

Gallic Acid Content and an Antioxidant Mechanism Are Responsible for the Antiproliferative Activity of 'Ataulfo' Mango Peel on LS180 Cells.

Mango "Ataulfo" peel is a rich source of polyphenols (PP), with antioxidant and anti-cancer properties; however, it is unknown whether such antiproliferative activity is related to PP's antioxidant activity. The content (HPLC-DAD), antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, ORAC), and antiproliferative activities (MTT) of free (FP) and chemically-released PP from mango 'Ataulfo' peel after alkaline (AKP) and acid (AP) hydrolysis, were evaluated. AKP fraction was higher (µg/g DW) in gallic acid (GA; 23,816 ± 284) than AP (5610 ± 8) of FR (not detected) fractions. AKP fraction and GA showed the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH/FRAP/ORAC) and GA's antioxidant activity follows a single electron transfer (SET) mechanism. AKP and GA also showed the best antiproliferative activity against human colon adenocarcinoma cells (LS180; IC50 (µg/mL) 138.2 ± 2.5 and 45.7 ± 5.2) and mouse connective cells (L929; 93.5 ± 7.7 and 65.3 ± 1.2); Cheminformatics confirmed the hydrophilic nature (LogP, 0.6) and a good absorption capacity (75%) for GA. Data suggests that GA's antiproliferative activity appears to be related to its antioxidant mechanism, although other mechanisms after its absorption could also be involved.

Mango-bagasse functional-confectionery: vehicle for enhancing bioaccessibility and permeability of phenolic compounds.

Functional confectionery can be exploited as a vehicle for the protection of phenolic compounds (PCs) and for enhancing absorption during the gastrointestinal (GI) process. In this study, a confection containing 20% of mango bagasse (MB), gelatin and pectin was formulated. The PC profile, antioxidant capacity, in vitro bioaccessibility and apparent permeability (Papp) during mouth-stomach-intestine digestion (15, 30, 60, 120 min) and in vitro colonic fermentation (6, 12, 24 h) were evaluated for MB and the mango bagasse confection (MBC). HPLC-DAD analysis showed that mangiferin (830.69 µg g-1) was the most abundant compound in MBC. Total PCs (4.14 mg g-1), quercetin (244.83 µg g-1), and gallic acid (GA) (285.43 µg g-1) were highly bioaccessible mainly at the intestine at 60-120 min of digestion. GA was the most bioaccessible compound. Total flavonoids (TFs) and condensed tannins (CTs) had the maximum bioaccessibility in the mouth and stomach, respectively. For the permeability studies, PCs showed efflux rather than uptake in the intestine. Those compounds that exhibited intestinal absorption were mangiferin > GA > total PCs > TFs, whereas quercetin and CT absorption was negligible. The antioxidant capacity remained unchanged along the GI, mangiferin and quercetin being the most likely compounds to exert this activity. Overall results indicate that MBC has higher bioaccessibility, absorption and antioxidant capacity than MB, suggesting an effective protective role of gelatin and pectin, giving insight into the potential of MBC as a functional food.

Double-blind randomised controlled trial of the independent and synergistic effect of Spirulina maxima with exercise (ISESE) on general fitness, lipid profile and redox status in overweight and obese subjects: study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: In order to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors, a healthy diet must include dietary antioxidants from different sources (eg, Spirulina maxima) and regular practice of exercise should be promoted. There is some evidence from animal studies that S. maxima and exercise decrease cardiovascular disease risks factors. However, very few studies have proved the independent or synergistic effect of S. maxima plus exercise in humans. This study attempts to address the independent and synergistic effects in overweight and obese subjects participating in a systematic physical exercise programme at moderate intensity on general fitness, plasma lipid profile and antioxidant capacity. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Using a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced crossover study design, 80 healthy overweight and obese subjects will be evaluated during a 12-week isoenergetic diet accompanied by 4.5 g/day S. maxima intake and/or a physical systematic exercise programme at moderate intensity. Body composition, oxygen uptake, heart rate, capillary blood lactate, plasma concentrations of triacylglycerols, total, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, antioxidant status, lipid oxidation, protein carbonyls, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and paraoxonase will be assessed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study and all the procedures have been approved by the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez Bioethics Committee. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02837666.

Lipidomic and Antioxidant Response to Grape Seed, Corn and Coconut Oils in Healthy Wistar Rats.

Specialty oils differ in fatty acid, phytosterol and antioxidant content, impacting their benefits for cardiovascular health. The lipid (fatty acid, phytosterol) and antioxidant (total phenolics, radical scavenging capacity) profiles of grapeseed (GSO), corn (CO) and coconut (CNO) oils and their physiological (triacylglycerides, total and HDL-cholesterol and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in serum and fatty acid and phytosterol hepatic deposition) and genomic (HL, LCAT, ApoA-1 and SR-BP1 mRNA hepatic levels) responses after their sub-chronic intake (10% diet for 28 days) was examined in healthy albino rats. Fatty acid, phytosterol and antioxidant profiles differed between oils (p ≤ 0.01). Serum and hepatic triacylglycerides and total cholesterol increased (p ≤ 0.01); serum HDL-Cholesterol decreased (p < 0.05); but serum FRAP did not differ (p > 0.05) in CNO-fed rats as compared to CO or GSO groups. Hepatic phytosterol deposition was higher (+2.2 mg/g; p ≤ 0.001) in CO- than GSO-fed rats, but their fatty acid deposition was similar. All but ApoA-1 mRNA level increased in GSO-fed rats as compared to other groups (p ≤ 0.01). Hepatic fatty acid handling, but not antioxidant response, nor hepatic phytosterol deposition, could be related to a more efficient reverse-cholesterol transport in GSO-fed rats as compared to CO or CNO.

Spirulina y su efecto hipolipemiante y antioxidante en humanos: una revisión sistemática / Spirulina and its hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects in humans: a systematic review

Varias enfermedades crónicas transmisibles (p. ej. SIDA) y no transmisibles, entre ellas las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV), cursan con estrés oxidativo (EOX) y dislipidemia. Según estudios in vitro en animales y algunos en humanos, la Spirulina puede reducir esta patología. Mediante una revisión sistemática de los últimos cinco años (palabras clave: Spirulina AND cholesterol, Spirulina AND oxidative stress) se localizaron ocho estudios de intervención en humanos, encontrándose que la administración (1-10 g/d) subcrónica (0,5-6 meses) parece tener efecto hipolipemiante y antioxidante. Sin embargo, ningún estudio fue correctamente aleatorizado y/o controlado, y tampoco se proponen los mecanismos biológicos que respalden estos efectos. El nivel de evidencia encontrado y la ausencia de diseños experimentales apropiados no permiten comprobar el valor de la Spirulina como alimento funcional para prevenir la dislipidemia y el EOX y, por este medio, disminuir las ECV; sin embargo, no encontramos manuscritos que refieran efectos nocivos de su ingesta (AU)

Several chronic transmissible (e.g. AIDS) and non transmissible diseases like cadiovascular disease, are associated with oxidative stress (EOX) and dyslipidemia. Has been reported that Spirulina can reduce them, this has been demonstrated in vitro and in animal models but scarcely in humans. Through a systematic review on last 5 years (keywords: Spirulina AND cholesterol, Spirulina AND oxidative stress) 8 intervention studies with humans were reported, finding that oral (1-10 g/d) subchronic (0.5-6 month) administration of Spirulina appears to have and hypolipidemic and antioxidant effect. However, no study was properly randomized and/or controlled and no biological mechanism was proposed to support these findings. The level of evidence and the absence of appropriate experimental designs do not allow validating Spirulina as a functional food for preventing dyslipidemic diseases and EOX, and hereby decrease the CVD. We do not found papers relating harmful effect (AU)

Avances en terapia farmacológica y fitoquímica de la adipogénesis / Advances in pharmacological and phytochemical adipogenesis therapy

La principal función de los adipocitos es el almacenamiento de lípidos cuando hay exceso de energía y la movilización de la misma cuando hay deficiencia. Una de las características de la obesidad es el aumento de la cantidad y el tamaño de los adipocitos, lo que implica la diferenciación de preadipocitos (PAD). El tejido adiposo (TA) tiene su origen en la etapa prenatal y puede seguir expandiéndose durante la vida adulta a partir de células precursoras, ya que los adipocitos maduros no pueden multiplicarse por división celular. El presente estudio proveerá información reciente de los eventos que se producen durante el origen y diferenciación de los PAD, así como los factores implicados en la regulación de la adipogénesis y los mecanismos que regulan las funciones fisiológicas del TA (AU)

The main function of the adipocyte is lipid storage when there is a positive energy balance and lipid release when there is and energy deficiency. One characteristic of obesity is an increase in the number and size of adipocytes, which implies pre adipocyte (PAD) differentiation. The adipose tissue (AT) has its origins in the prenatal stage and may continue to expand during adulthood from precursor cells since mature adipocytes cannot multiply by cell division. This study provide updates on the events that occur during the origin and differentiation of PAD, the factors involved in the regulation of adipogenesis and mechanisms that regulate physiological functions of AT (AU)

Yoga, bioenergetics and eating behaviors: A conceptual review.

Yoga is an ancient oriental discipline that emerged from mystical and philosophical concepts. Today it is practiced in the west, partly due to the promotion of its benefits to improve the lifestyle and overall health. As compared to non-Hatha Yoga (HY) practitioners, healthier and better-eating patterns have been observed in those who practice it. Agreement with the brought benefits, HY can be used as a therapeutic method to correct abnormal eating behaviors (AEB), obesity, and some metabolic diseases. However, the energy expenditure during traditional protocols of HY is not high; hence, it is not very effective for reducing or maintaining body weight or to improve cardiovascular conditioning. Even so, several observational studies suggest significant changes in eating behaviors, like a reduction in dietary fat intake and increments in that of fresh vegetables, whole grains and soy-based products, which in turn may reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Given the inconsistency of the results derived from cross-sectional studies, more case-control studies are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of HY as an alternative method in the clinical treatment of disordered eating and metabolic diseases.