Excess Iodine Consumption Induces Oxidative Stress and Pancreatic Damage Independently of Chemical Form in Male Wistar Rats: Participation of PPAR-γ and C/EBP-ß.

BACKGROUND: Human beings consume different chemical forms of iodine in their diet. These are transported by different mechanisms in the cell. The forms of iodine can be part of thyroid hormones, bind to lipids, be an antioxidant, or be an oxidant, depending on their chemical form. The excessive consumption of iodine has been associated with pancreatic damage and diabetes mellitus type 2, but the association between disease and the chemical form consumed in the diet is unknown. This research analyzes the effect of excessive iodine consumption as Lugol (molecular iodine/potassium iodide solution) and iodate on parameters of pancreatic function, thyroid and lipid profiles, antioxidant and oxidant status, the expression of IR/Akt/P-Akt/GLUT4, and transcription factors PPAR-γ and CEBP-ß. METHODS: Three groups of Wistar rats were treated with 300 µg/L of iodine in drinking water: (1) control, (2) KIO3, and (3) Lugol. RESULTS: Lugol and KIO3 consumption increased total iodine levels. Only KIO3 increased TSH levels. Both induced high serum glucose levels and increased oxidative stress and pancreatic alpha-amylase activity. Insulin levels and antioxidant status decreased significantly. PPAR-γ and C/EBP-ß mRNA expression increased. CONCLUSION: The pancreatic damage, hypertriglyceridemia, and oxidative stress were independent of the chemical form of iodine consumed. These effects depended on PPAR-γ, C/EBP-ß, GLUT-4, and IR.

Chronic unpredictable mild stress increases serum aldosterone without affecting corticosterone levels and induces hepatic steatosis and renal injury in young adult male rats.

Stress is often associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Stress is associated with components of metabolic syndrome and inflammation. The present study hypothesizes that aldosterone, more than corticosterone, promotes chronic stress-hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, as well as renal inflammation and fibrosis in young adult rats. Thirty-two young adult male Wistar rats of 51 days old were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): Control (C), chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), control plus vehicle (C plus veh), CUMS plus eplerenone, a selective aldosterone blocker (CUMS plus EP). On postnatal day 51, eplerenone was administered orally through a gastric tube two hours before the start of the stress test. The CUMS paradigm was administered once daily at different times, with no repetition of the stressor sequence for four weeks. Renal inflammation and fibrosis were measured, as well as liver glycogen, triacylglycerol, and fibrosis levels. The serum concentrations of corticosterone, aldosterone, sodium, and creatinine were measured in urine and serum. The CUMS group showed a high level of serum aldosterone without affecting the level of corticosterone, increased urinary sodium, tubular atrophy, glomerular sclerosis, the presence of inflammation, and fibrosis, without affecting creatinine, increased glycogen content, triacylglycerol, and moderate fibrosis in the liver, and treatment with eplerenone prevented the inflammation, fibrosis, glycogen, and triacylglycerol. Our results show that chronic stress-induced aldosterone promotes hepatic steatosis and renal injury more than corticosterone. The prevention by eplerenone supports our hypothesis.

[Effect of a multivitamin on insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress in a Wistar rat model of induced obesity]. / Efecto de un multivitamínico sobre la resistencia a la insulina, inflamación y estrés oxidante en un modelo de obesidad inducida en ratas Wistar.

Introduction: Introduction: excessive accumulation of adipose tissue is accompanied by alterations in the inflammatory state and increased oxidative stress, and these variables are associated with insulin resistance and increased glucose and insulin levels. On the other hand, vitamins and minerals reinforce the antioxidant and inflammatory capacity, for this reasons we propose that they could contribute to the control of insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolism in a rat model of obesity. Objective: to analyze the effect of a multivitamin supplement on markers of insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress in obese rats on a cafeteria diet. Methods: thirty-five 28-day-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1, standard diet control; 2, standard diet plus multivitamin; 3, obese on a cafeteria diet; and 4, obese on a cafeteria diet plus multivitamin. After the treatments, glucose levels, HbA1c, insulin, TNF-α, IL-6, oxidative stress and lipid profile were analyzed by colorimetric methods, as well as the percentage of adipose tissue, Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index y Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI). Results: multivitamin supplementation significantly decreased visceral adipose tissue, HOMA index, glucose, HbA1c, oxidant stress, and inflammatory markers in the obese plus multivitamin rat group, compared with the obese cafeteria diet rat group and the standard diet rat control group. However, the group that was administered only the multivitamin without the cafeteria diet had increased levels of total adipose tissue, glucose, and oxidative stress, as well as the QUICKI index relative to the control group with the standard diet. Conclusion: co-administration of a multivitamin supplement may improve insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism and lipid profile; strengthen antioxidant status; and decrease inflammation during weight gain. However, it was not expected that added sugars in multivitamin supplement can also increase total adipose tissue, oxidative stress and glucose levels, so it is suggested to use sugar-free multivitamins in the future.

Introducción: Introducción: la acumulación excesiva de tejido adiposo se acompaña de alteraciones en el estado inflamatorio y aumento del estrés oxidativo, variables que se asocian con la resistencia a la insulina e incremento en los niveles de glucosa e insulina. las vitaminas y minerales refuerzan la capacidad antioxidante e inflamatoria, por lo que planteamos que podrían coadyuvar en el control de resistencia a la insulina y en el metabolismo de la glucosa y lípidos en un modelo de obesidad en rata. Objetivo: analizar el efecto de un suplemento multivitamínico sobre marcadores de resistencia a la insulina, inflamación y estrés oxidativo en ratas obesas con dieta de cafetería. Métodos: se dividieron aleatoriamente 35 ratas macho Wistar de 28 días de edad en cuatro grupos: 1, control dieta estándar; 2, dieta estándar más multivitamínico; 3, obesas con dieta de cafetería; y 4, obesas con dieta de cafetería más multivitamínico. Después de los tratamientos se analizaron los niveles de glucosa, HbA1c, insulina, TNF-α, IL-6, estrés oxidativo y perfil de lípidos por métodos colorimétricos, así como el porcentaje de tejido adiposo y los índices Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) y Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI). Resultados: el suplemento multivitamínico disminuyó significativamente el tejido adiposo visceral, el índice HOMA, la glucosa, la HbA1c, el estrés oxidante y los marcadores inflamatorios en el grupo obeso más multivitamínico, en comparación con el grupo obeso con dieta de cafetería y el grupo control con dieta estándar. Sin embargo, en el grupo al que se le administró solo el multivitamínico sin dieta de cafetería aumentaron sus niveles de tejido adiposo total, glucosa y estrés oxidativo, así como el índice QUICKI con relación al grupo control con dieta estándar. Conclusión: la coadministración de un suplemento multivitamínico puede mejorar la sensibilidad a la insulina, el metabolismo de glucosa y el perfil de lípidos; fortalecer el estado antioxidante; y disminuir la inflamación durante el incremento de peso. Sin embargo, no se esperaba que los azúcares añadidos en el suplemento multivitamínico también pueden incrementar el tejido adiposo total y los niveles de estrés oxidativo y glucosa, por lo que se sugiere a futuro utilizar multivitamínicos libres de azúcares.

El confinamiento por COVID-19 modifica los estilos de vida saludables en adultos: Una revisión sistemática / Confinement due to COVID-19 modifies healthy lifestyles in adults: A systematic review

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar las evidencias científicas sobre los cambios ocurridos en los estilos de vida saludables asociados al confinamiento por COVID-19 en población adulta de 19 a 59 años. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática siguiendo los criterios de la guía PRISMA durante el período de búsqueda de marzo de 2020 a febrero de 2022 en las bases de datos PubMed, Google académico y Cochrane usando las palabras clave "COVID-19, lifestyles, obesity, confinement, quarantine" previamente validadas en MeSH del NCBI y DeCs. Resultados: La búsqueda en las bases de datos de PUBMED, google académico y Cochrane arrojó un total de 702 artículos, tras eliminar los artículos duplicados, se recuperaron 94 artículos, después del primer y segundo cribado se excluyeron 45 artículos, trabajando finalmente con 49 artículos. La evidencia muestra que el confinamiento modificó negativamente los estilos de vida saludables favoreciendo conductas como sedentarismo, asociado a mayor tiempo en el uso de dispositivos electrónicos. Además, incrementó el consumo de alimentos hipercalóricos, la ingesta de alimentos poco saludables entre comidas, raciones más grandes e incrementó en el número de comidas al día, aunado a la disminución en la actividad física, el incremento del consumo de alcohol y cigarros factores que influyeron en el desarrollo de sobrepeso y obesidad. Conclusiones: Las evidencias muestran cambios negativos en los estilos de vida saludables que se asociaron con sobrepeso y obesidad durante el confinamiento por COVID-19, ante este panorama se requieren de estrategias de intervención integrales basados en programas de nutrición saludable y activación física con la finalidad de disminuir o revertir los efectos causados por el confinamiento.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on the changes that have occurred in healthy lifestyles associated with confinement by COVID-19 in the adult population between 19 and 59 years of age. Materials and methods: A systematic review was carried out following the criteria of the PRISMA guide during the search period from March 2020 to February 2022 in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases using the keywords COVID-19, healthy lifestyles, obesity, overweight, confinement, quarantine, lockdown, previously validated in NCBI MeSH and DeCs. Results: The search in the PUBMED, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases yielded a total of 702 articles. After eliminating duplicate articles, 94 articles were recovered. After the first and second screening, 45 articles were excluded, finally working with 49 articles. Evidence shows that confinement negatively modified healthy lifestyles, favoring behaviors such as a sedentary lifestyle, associated with longer use of electronic devices. In addition, there was an increase in the consumption of hypercaloric foods, the intake of unhealthy foods between meals, larger portions, and an increase in the number of meals per day, together with a decrease in physical activity, an increase in the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, factors that influenced the development of overweight and obesity. Conclusions: The evidence shows negative changes in healthy lifestyles that were associated with overweight and obesity during the confinement by COVID-19, in view of this panorama, comprehensive intervention strategies are required based on healthy nutrition programs and physical activation with the purpose of to reduce or reverse the effects caused by confinement.

Sociodemographic Barriers to Physical Activity and Healthy Diet Through Social Networks in Mexican Breast Cancer Survivors.

Introduction Female breast cancer (BC) survivors are affected by poor eating habits and physical inactivity due to certain environmental, physical, and social barriers to healthy lifestyles. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic, physical, and economic barriers hindering the adoption of physical activity (PA) and a healthy diet, as well as providing insights into how BC survivors cope with these barriers using social networks. Methods A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted, with a self-administered questionnaire and open-ended questions to determine the barriers to PA and healthy eating, while in the second phase, an interpretive qualitative study was carried out with semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics, odds ratios (ORs), correspondence analysis, and multivariate analysis were used to estimate the association between moderate to vigorous PA and fruit and vegetable consumption and BC covariates. Results During the COVID-19 lockdown, 150 Mexican BC survivors were studied. The multivariate analysis showed that age (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.0 to 7.03), socioeconomic level (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3 to 8.2), and overweight (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.5 to 9.7) were significantly associated with low schooling. BC diagnosis of less than three years and age > 40 years were associated with lack of exercise. Survivors individually addressed the challenges associated with BC without the support of specialists. As a result, they sought information on social networks. Conclusions Regarding BC survivors, age > 40 years, low socioeconomic status, and being overweight were important gaps to PA and a healthy diet. In the testimonials, the primary obstacle to engaging in PA was lack of time, while the high cost of food was the most frequently cited reason for not following a healthy diet. Many of the individuals maintained a poor diet with a low intake of fruits and vegetables. Thus, appropriate information must be provided using technologies to develop skills to deal with BC.

[Hematologic and nutritional states are associated with the development of preeclampsia in a Mexican population]. / Los estados hematológico y nutricional se asocian con el desarrollo de preeclampsia en una población mexicana.

Introduction: Introduction: nutrient and trace element deficiency are risk factors for the development of preeclampsia; these nutrients induce changes in the hematologic state, which can be used to prevent complications during pregnancy. Objective: this research will analyze the nutritional and hematological status during the 3 trimesters of gestation in pregnant women with preeclampsia to evaluate its association with gestational alterations. Method: a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytic study was conducted on 78 pregnant women who attended a prenatal control clinic, 11 of whom were diagnosed with preeclampsia. The hematological parameters were determined through hematometry. To get the nutritional intake profile of the pregnant women, a frequency of food consumption questionnaire was used. Results: the normotensive group´s arterial pressure (PA) was significantly lower than that of pregnant women with preeclampsia. The hematological profile changed during pregnancy, and platelet value was much higher in preeclamptic women. The nutritional status of pregnant women in the third trimester consumed more macronutrients and micronutrients than in the first and second trimesters, and this pattern was observed in pregnant women with preeclampsia. When compared to pregnant women with preeclampsia, normotensive women received more minerals and vitamins. Conclusion: hematological values are modified during each trimester of gestation, and pregnant women with preeclampsia had high platelet values compared to normotensive women. Our data show a greater intake of minerals and vitamins in normotensive pregnant women as compared to those who developed preeclampsia; therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women be provided with nutritional guidance in order to prevent pregnant complications.

Introducción: Introducción: la insuficiencia de nutrientes y elementos traza son factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de preeclampsia; estos nutrientes pueden provocar cambios en el estado hematológico que pueden usarse para la prevención de complicaciones durante la gestación. Objetivo: la presente investigación analizará el estado nutrimental y hematológico durante los 3 trimestres de gestación en mujeres gestantes con preeclampsia para evaluar su relación con esta alteración gestacional. Método: se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo y analítico en 78 gestantes que acudían a control prenatal, 11 de ellas diagnosticadas de preeclampsia. Los parámetros hematológicos fueron determinados por cartometría hemática. Se aplicó un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos para obtener el perfil de ingesta de nutrientes de las gestantes. Resultados: la presión arterial (PA) del grupo de normotensas fue significativamente menor en comparación con las gestantes con preeclampsia. El perfil hematológico varía durante la gestación y el valor de plaquetas fue significativamente más alto en las gestantes con preeclampsia. El estado nutrimental de las gestantes en el tercer trimestre tuvo mayor consumo de macronutrientes y micronutrientes comparado con el primero y el segundo trimestres de gestación; este mismo patrón se observó en las gestantes con preeclampsia. Las gestantes normotensas tuvieron un mayor aporte de minerales y de vitaminas con respecto a las gestantes con preeclampsia. Conclusión: los valores hematológicos se modifican durante cada trimestre de gestación. Las gestantes con preeclampsia tuvieron valores altos de plaquetas comparadas con las normotensas. Nuestros datos muestran un mayor aporte de minerales y vitaminas en las gestantes normotensas comparadas con aquellas que han desarrollado preeclampsia, por lo que se recomienda que la atención de las gestantes se acompañe de orientación nutrimental para prevenir complicaciones.

Iodine induces toxicity against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata through oxidative stress.

Background and Objectives: Candida species are antifungal-resistant opportunistic infections that spread through contaminated medical staff hands and hospital surfaces creating a nosocomial infection risk. Iodine's antibacterial properties are well established; however, its antifungal properties remain unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the antifungal effects of lugol on cell viability and oxidative stress on Candida albicans and Candida glabrata strains. Materials and Methods: MTT reduction test and sensitivity growth assay were used to determine viability and minimal inhibitory concentration, colorimetric tests were used to analyzing lipoperoxidation and antioxidant status in C. albicans, parental C. glabrata, C. glabrata lacking catalase gene (cta1) and superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 double mutants (sod1Δ sod2Δ) strains exposure to lugol were used. Results: In both C. albicans and C. glabrata wild types lugol treatment decreased cellular viability in a dose-dependent manner at 30 mm. The cytotoxic lugol effect was characterized by the increase of oxidative stress and the reduction of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. C. glabrata strains lacking catalase (cta1) and superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 double mutants (sod1Δ sod2Δ) were less resistant to lugol than parental C. glabrata strains. Conclusion: In Candida strains iodine lugol solution has antifungal properties, producing cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 activities are involved in resistance of Candida to iodine.

Hypothyroidism modifies differentially the content of lipids and glycogen, lipid receptors, and intraepithelial lymphocytes among oviductal regions of rabbits.

Hypothyroidism affects the content of triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), oxidized lipids, glycogen, and infiltration of immune cells into the ovary and uterus. This study aimed to analyze the impact of hypothyroidism on the lipid content of different regions of the oviduct. Control (n = 6) and hypothyroid (n = 6; 10 mg/kg/day of methimazole in the drinking water for 30 days) adult rabbits were used. In the fimbriae/infundibulum (FIM/INF), ampulla, (AMP), isthmus (IST), and utero-tubal junction (UTJ), the TAG and TC concentrations, presence of oxidized lipid, relative expressions of perilipin A (PLIN A), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), and farnesoid X receptor (FXRα) were analyzed. The content of glycogen and glycans, as well as the infiltration of lymphocytes, were also quantified. In the FIM/INF, hypothyroidism reduced the content of TC, expression of C/EBPα, and presence of glycans while increased the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes. In the AMP and IST-UTJ regions, hypothyroidism increased the content of TAG, oxidized lipids, expression of PPARγ, and glycogen content but decreased the expression of PLIN-A. The FXRα expression in secretory cells of IST-UTJ was higher in the hypothyroid rabbits compared to controls. Additionally, hypothyroidism reduced the C/EBPα expression and the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes in the AMP and IST-UTJ regions, respectively. We demonstrated that the effect of hypothyroidism depends on the oviductal region, possibly associated with different physiological functions specific to each region. These alterations may be related to infertility, tubal disturbances, and ectopic pregnancy observed in hypothyroid women.

Brown Seaweed Egregia menziesii's Cytotoxic Activity against Brain Cancer Cell Lines.

Brown seaweeds contain bioactive compounds that show anti-tumorigenic effects. These characteristics have been repeatedly observed in the Lessoniaceae family. Egregia menziesii, a member of this family, is distributed in the North Pacific and its properties have been barely studied. We evaluated herein the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative activity of extracts of this seaweed, through toxicity assay in Artemia salina and lymphocytes, and MTT proliferation assay, in Bergmann glia cells, 3T3-L1 and brain cancer cell lines. E. menziesii's extracts inhibited the spread of all the tested cell lines. The hexane extract showed the highest cytotoxic activity, while the methanol extract was moderately cytotoxic. Interestingly, seaweed extracts displayed a selective inhibition pattern. These results suggest that E. menziesii's extracts might be good candidates for cancer prevention and the development of novel chemotherapies due to its highest cytotoxicity in transformed cells compare to glia primary cultures.

Body mass index is associated with interleukin-1, adiponectin, oxidative stress and ioduria levels in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: iodine contributes to maintain the balance of the reduced and oxidized species and is also required for thyroid hormones synthesis as triiodothyronine (T3), which regulates energy metabolism in adults. Increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and abnormalities in adipocytokines secretions that are associated with obesity and chronic disease. OBJECTIVE: the aim of the study is to investigate the association between ioduria, oxidative stress, total antioxidant status, adiponectin and interleukin-1 (IL-1) with BMI in healthy adults. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed in 114 healthy adult volunteers, aged 25-44 years, divided according to their BMI in three groups: normal weight (BMI < 25), overweight (BMI ≤ 25 to < 30), obesity (BMI ≥ 30). Adiponectin and IL-1 were measured by immune-enzymatic assays; oxidative stress, by determination of malondialdehyde (MDA); and total antioxidant status (TAS) and ioduria were measured by colorimetric assays. Statistical association was done by Spearman's test. RESULTS: overweight and obese subjects have higher serum levels of MDA, TAS and IL-1 vs normal weight subjects. Moreover, overweight and obese subjects have lower levels of iodine and adiponectin vs normal weight subjects. MDA was positively related only with obese subjects (r = 0.787, p = 0.008) and TAS with overweight (r = 0.398, p = 0.049) and obese subjects (r = 0.448, p = 0.030). In contrast, a reverse correlation with ioduria was found in obese subjects (r = 0.463, p = 0.001). Adiponectin was negatively related only in obese subjects (r = -0.477, p = 0.001), while, IL-1 was positively related with the increase of BMI (overweight r = 0.287, p = 0.050; and obesity r = 0.515, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: alteration in IL-1, adiponectin and oxidative stress levels were found to be related to overweight and obesity; also, iodine levels decreased when BMI increased, contributing to loss of redox equilibrium. All this data may play an important role in etiopathogenesis of chronic disease related to the increase of BMI.

Iodine levels are associated with oxidative stress and antioxidant status in pregnant women with hypertensive disease

BACKGROUND: The antioxidant function of iodine and iodine deficiency as a risk factor of preeclampsia have been previously reported. AIM: To analyze the association between iodine deficiency, oxidative stress and antioxidant status with hypertensive disease of pregnancy (HPD). METHOD: Fifty-seven pregnant women were recruited in the last trimester of pregnancy; 20 were diagnosed with hypertensive disease (HPD) of pregnancy and 37 were normotensive pregnant women. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), TSH, free T4 (fT4), total antioxidant status (FRP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and oxidative stress (TBARS) were evaluated by colorimetric methods. RESULTS: UIC median for all pregnant women was 151.9 µg/l. The UIC for pregnant women with HPD was 50-149 µg/l, compared to 150-249 µg/l in normotensive women. No significant differences in levels of TSH and fT4 in normotensive pregnant compared with HPD women were found. Pregnant women with HPD had significant high levels of TBARS, and significant low levels of FRP, SOD, CAT and UIC compared to normotensive pregnant. In addition, pregnant women with optimal levels of UIC had a higher SOD activity (r = 0.354, p = 0.011), while iodine deficiency was associated with HPD (r = -0,281, p = 0.039). Similarly, pregnant women with HPD had a significant negative association with SOD activity (r = -0.702, p = 0.005), CAT (r = -0.409, p = 0.002), and FRP (r = -0.624, p = 0.003), and a positive association with TBARS (r = 0.744, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Iodine contributes to redox balance during pregnancy; its deficiency is associated with HPD. This study shows the importance of iodine during pregnancy.

Iodine Affects Differentiation and Migration Process in Trophoblastic Cells.

Iodine deficiency is associated with oxidative stress increase and preeclampsia during gestation, suggesting that iodine concentration plays an important role in the normal placenta physiology. The question raised is to analyze the effect of iodine deficiency on oxidative stress, viability, differentiation, and migration process and changes in the expression of differentiation and migration markers. Iodine deprivation was done using potassium perchlorate (KCLO4) to block sodium iodide symporter (NIS) transporter and 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid DIDS to inhibit pendrine (PEN) transport for 3-48 h. Then trophoblast cells were treated with low iodine doses of 5-500 µM and high iodine doses of 100-5000 µM. Oxidative stress, viability, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hGC) were measured by colorimetric methods. Migration throphoblast cells were evaluated by both wound healing and Boyden chamber assays. Changes in mRNA expression were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Iodine deprivation induces a significant increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), viability, and migration process vs control cells. We found a significant overregulation in the mRNA's peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-gamma), Snail, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) mRNA's in cells deprived of iodine, as well as a down glial cell missing-1 (GCM-1) regulation, hGC, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), and E-cadherin mRNA expression. The expression of hypoxic induction factor alpha (HIFα) mRNA does not change with iodine deprivation. In cells deprived of iodine, supplementing low iodine doses (5-500 µM) does not induce any significant changes in viability. However, ROS and migration process were decreased, although we found an increased human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretion as a differentiation marker. In addition, we found that PPAR-gamma, Snail, and MPP-9 mRNAs expression are downregulated with low iodine doses, in contrast with GCM-1, PAPP-A, hGC, and E-cadherin that increase their expression vs cells deprived of iodine. High iodine doses (1000-5000 µM) have shown cytotoxic effects. Based on our results, iodine is important for keeping the proliferation/differentiation balance in the placenta.

The superoxide dismutases of Candida glabrata protect against oxidative damage and are required for lysine biosynthesis, DNA integrity and chronological life survival.

The fungal pathogen Candida glabrata has a well-defined oxidative stress response, is extremely resistant to oxidative stress and can survive inside phagocytic cells. In order to further our understanding of the oxidative stress response in C. glabrata, we characterized the superoxide dismutases (SODs) Cu,ZnSOD (Sod1) and MnSOD (Sod2). We found that Sod1 is the major contributor to total SOD activity and is present in cytoplasm, whereas Sod2 is a mitochondrial protein. Both SODs played a central role in the oxidative stress response but Sod1 was more important during fermentative growth and Sod2 during respiration and growth in non-fermentable carbon sources. Interestingly, C. glabrata cells lacking both SODs showed auxotrophy for lysine, a high rate of spontaneous mutation and reduced chronological lifespan. Thus, our study reveals that SODs play an important role in metabolism, lysine biosynthesis, DNA protection and aging in C. glabrata.

Isolation of Vibrio cholera El Tor Inaba From Lemna minor and Eichhornia crassipens Roots in Veracruz, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: During epidemic periods, the strain Vibrio cholera El Tor has been isolated from the aquatic macrophyte roots of Eichhornia crassipens and Lemna minor, suggesting that aquatic plants could be environmental reservoirs through either a non-specific association or a commensalism relationship. Therefore, it is important to understand V. cholera reservoirs in order to establish prevention strategies against this pathogen. OBJECTIVES: Our interest was to determine whether V. cholera could be isolated and typified from L. minor and E. crassipens roots. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2004 to 2005, plants were collected from various ecological niches and the roots were used to isolate V. cholera. Standard bacteriological, biochemical and serological tests were used for its typification. RESULTS: In five out of the nine ecological niches explored, we collected either L. minor or E. crassipens, as these specimens cohabited only in two niches. V. cholera was isolated from both L. minor and E. crassipens roots. The isolated V. cholera showed the same biochemical characteristics as the pure V. cholera strain which was used as a control. The isolated V. cholera corresponded to V. cholera O1 El Tor Inaba, which is the same serotype related to the last outbreak in Mexico. CONCLUSIONS: For first time V. cholera El Tor Inaba has been isolated several years after the last emergence of cholera in Mexico. A viable and cultivable V. cholera strain, sourced from freshwater niches in E. crassipens and L. minor roots, suggests the importance of these plants as a permanent aquatic reservoir for these organisms. The monitoring of E. crassipens and L. minor is the responsibility of health institutions in order to evaluate the ongoing risks.

Association between the serum concentration of triiodothyronine with components of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk, and diet in euthyroid post-menopausal women without and with metabolic syndrome.

PURPOSE: To determine the association between the serum concentration of triiodothyronine (T3) with components of metabolic syndrome (MetS), cardiovascular risk (CVR), and diet in euthyroid post-menopausal women without and with MetS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 120 voluntary women of an indigenous population from Tlaxcala-México. Euthyroid status was assessed measuring the serum concentration of thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroid hormones, while that of estradiol was measured to confirm the postmenopausal condition. MetS was diagnosed using the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Scientific Statement (AHA/NHLBI) criterion. Estimation of CVR was calculated based on the Framingham scale. Diet components were evaluated based on survey applications. Correlations, logistic regression analyses, ANOVA or Kruskall-Wallis, and chi-square tests were used to determine significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between women without MetS and women with MetS having different serum concentrations of T3. RESULTS: Triiodothyronine was positively correlated with insulin but negatively correlated with glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and CVR. Compared to women without MetS, women with MetS and low-normal T3 concentration showed a high risk for hyperglycemia and moderate/high risk for CVR. In contrast, a high-normal T3 concentration increased the risk to have a big waist circumference, a high concentration of HDL-C, and insulin resistance. Diet analysis showed a high grade of malnutrition in women from all groups. The intake of calories was positively affected by the T3 concentration, albeit it did not affect the extent of malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to concentrations of TSH, total thyroxin (T4), and free T4, the concentration of serum T3 was strongly correlated with cardio-metabolic variables in euthyroid postmenopausal women. In comparison to women without MetS, a high-normal serum concentration of T3 in women with MetS is positively associated with reduced glycaemia and CVR but negatively related to body mass index (BMI), insulin, insulin resistance, and HDL-C. Although the analyzed population had a nutritional deficiency, both calories and iron intake were positively affected by the T3 concentration. Our results suggest the necessity of health programs monitoring T3 in old people in order to treat hyperglycemia, cardio-metabolic components, and the ageing anorexia.

Oxidative stress increased in pregnant women with iodine deficiency.

Iodine is an essential element trace for the synthesis of maternal thyroid hormones needed to support normal fetal development; it also acts as an antioxidant directly or induce antioxidant enzymes indirectly. Iodine deficiency and oxidative stress are associated with pregnancy complications. This study aimed to assess the urinary iodine concentration and its relationship with the antioxidant and oxidative stress status during gestation. Pregnant women were consecutively recruited from an obstetric clinic during all gestation trimesters, and urinary iodine concentration, antioxidant, and oxidative stress were determined. Results showed that 70 % of pregnant women have optimal iodine levels (150-200 µg/L), while approximately 30 % showed mild iodine deficiency (50-99 µg/L). Oxidative stress was significantly higher, and the antioxidant status was also compromised as evidenced by decreased total antioxidant status and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in pregnant women with mild iodine deficiency than pregnant women with optimal iodine levels. Significant positive correlations were noted between optimal iodine levels and total antioxidant status. Oxidative stress was significantly correlated with mild iodine deficiency. However, no significant correlation was found between iodine levels and SOD and catalase activities. In conclusion, for the first time, these data suggest a correlation between iodine levels and the antioxidant status during pregnancy.

[Levels of oxidative stress in serum and dietary behavior in adults in a rural area of Jalisco, Mexico]. / Indicadores de estrés oxidativo en suero y comportamiento alimentario en adultos de una zona rural de Jalisco, México.

INTRODUCTION: The feeding behavior establishes a relation of humans with food, includes food habits that could be involved with oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relation of indicators of oxidative stress (lipid peroxides) and antioxidant (ascorbic acid, catalase, superoxide dismutase) with feeding behavior in adults of Teocuhitatlan Corona, Jalisco, Mexico. METHOD: Study observational, descriptive, cross-sectional of 44 adults with 43 to 88 years, was used a instrument of feeding behavior. The questionnaire were related to indicators of oxidative stress. Were used descriptive statistics, frequency distribution and analysis of covariance with adjustment variables, was considered significant p <0.05. RESULTS: The values of serum lipid peroxides were related to behaviors: consider the nutritional content as most important when choosing food (p = 0.042), dislike milk (p = 0.027), intake of sweets between meals (p = 0.001), habitual inclusion of vegetables and salads in main meal (p = 0.018). We do not found association in to values of ascorbic acid, cholesterol in low density lipoproteins and enzymatic activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase with food behaviors. DISCUSSION: The feeding behaviors analyzed in this study may be involved with development of oxidative stress and could be have protective or harmful effect in development to complications of chronic non-communicable diseases and aging in this population. This suggests to analyze demographic and socio-cultural aspects of region and besides analyzing the consumption and metabolic markers related to food.

Introducción: El comportamiento alimentario establece la relación del ser humano con la alimentación, comprende hábitos alimentarios que podrían intervenir en el desarrollo del estrés oxidativo. Objetivos: Evaluar la relación de indicadores de estrés oxidativo (lipoperóxidos) y capacidad antioxidante (ácido ascórbico, catalasa, superóxido dismutasa) con el comportamiento alimentario en adultos que residen en Teocuitatlán de Corona, Jalisco, México. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, comparativo de 44 adultos de 43 a 88 años de edad. Se aplicó un instrumento de comportamiento alimentario. Los resultados del cuestionario se relacionaron con los indicadores de estrés oxidativo. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, distribución de frecuencias y análisis de co-varianza con ajuste de variables, se consideró una significancia de p.

Oxidative stress response to menadione and cumene hydroperoxide in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida glabrata.

Candida glabrata is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause severe invasive infections and can evade phagocytic cell clearance. We are interested in understanding the virulence of this fungal pathogen, in particular its oxidative stress response. Here we investigated C. glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans responses to two different oxidants: menadione and cumene hydroperoxide (CHP). In log-phase, in the presence of menadione, C. glabrata requires Cta1p (catalase), while in a stationary phase (SP), Cta1p is dispensable. In addition, C. glabrata is less resistant to menadione than C. albicans in SP. The S. cerevisiae laboratory reference strain is less resistant to menadione than C. glabrata and C. albicans; however S. cerevisiaeclinical isolates (CIs) are more resistant than the lab reference strain. Furthermore, S. cerevisiae CIs showed an increased catalase activity. Interestingly, in SP C. glabrata and S. cerevisiae are more resistant to CHP than C. albicans and Cta1p plays no apparent role in detoxifying this oxidant.

Oxidative stress response to menadione and cumene hydroperoxide in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida glabrata

Candida glabrata is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause severe invasive infections and can evade phagocytic cell clearance. We are interested in understanding the virulence of this fungal pathogen, in particular its oxidative stress response. Here we investigated C. glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans responses to two different oxidants: menadione and cumene hydroperoxide (CHP). In log-phase, in the presence of menadione, C. glabrata requires Cta1p (catalase), while in a stationary phase (SP), Cta1p is dispensable. In addition, C. glabrata is less resistant to menadione than C. albicans in SP. The S. cerevisiae laboratory reference strain is less resistant to menadione than C. glabrata and C. albicans; however S. cerevisiaeclinical isolates (CIs) are more resistant than the lab reference strain. Furthermore, S. cerevisiae CIs showed an increased catalase activity. Interestingly, in SP C. glabrata and S. cerevisiae are more resistant to CHP than C. albicans and Cta1p plays no apparent role in detoxifying this oxidant.