Association between anthropometric indices and cardiometabolic risk factors in pre-school children.

BACKGROUND: The world health organization (WHO) and the Identification and prevention of dietary- and lifestyle-induced health effects in children and infants- study (IDEFICS), released anthropometric reference values obtained from normal body weight children. This study examined the relationship between WHO [body mass index (BMI) and triceps- and subscapular-skinfolds], and IDEFICS (waist circumference, waist to height ratio and fat mass index) anthropometric indices with cardiometabolic risk factors in pre-school children ranging from normal body weight to obesity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 232 children (aged 4.1 ± 0.05 years) was performed. Anthropometric measurements were collected and BMI, waist circumference, waist to height ratio, triceps- and subscapular-skinfolds sum and fat mass index were calculated. Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model analysis insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), blood lipids and apolipoprotein (Apo) B-100 (Apo B) and Apo A-I were determined. Pearson's correlation coefficient, multiple regression analysis and the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were run. RESULTS: 51% (n = 73) of the boys and 52% (n = 47) of the girls were of normal body weight, 49% (n = 69) of the boys and 48% (n = 43) of the girls were overweight or obese. Anthropometric indices correlated (p < 0.001) with insulin: [BMI (r = 0.514), waist circumference (r = 0.524), waist to height ratio (r = 0.304), triceps- and subscapular-skinfolds sum (r = 0.514) and fat mass index (r = 0.500)], and HOMA-IR: [BMI (r = 0.509), waist circumference (r = 0.521), waist to height ratio (r = 0.296), triceps- and subscapular-skinfolds sum (r = 0.483) and fat mass index (r = 0.492)]. Similar results were obtained after adjusting by age and sex. The areas under the curve (AUC) to identify children with insulin resistance were significant (p < 0.001) and similar among anthropometric indices (AUC > 0.68 to AUC < 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: WHO and IDEFICS anthropometric indices correlated similarly with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. The diagnostic accuracy of the anthropometric indices as a proxy to identify children with insulin resistance was similar. These data do not support the use of waist circumference, waist to height ratio, triceps- and subscapular- skinfolds sum or fat mass index, instead of the BMI as a proxy to identify pre-school children with insulin resistance, the most frequent alteration found in children ranging from normal body weight to obesity.

Grape polyphenols reduce blood pressure and increase flow-mediated vasodilation in men with metabolic syndrome.

We evaluated the effects of grape polyphenols in individuals classified with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Men (n = 24) aged 30-70 y were randomly assigned to consume either a freeze-dried grape polyphenol powder (GRAPE) or a placebo for 30 d in a double-blind, crossover design, separated by a 3-wk washout period. Participants were asked to maintain their usual diet and physical activity during the study and abstain from consuming polyphenol-rich foods. MetS criteria including blood pressure (BP) and markers of vascular endothelial function including brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), plasma total nitrite + nitrate (NOx) to estimate NO production, plasma soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were measured at the end of each dietary period. Systolic BP (P < 0.0025) and plasma sICAM-1 concentrations (P < 0.025) were lower, whereas the FMD response was higher (P < 0.0001), during the GRAPE compared with the placebo period. In addition, changes in sVCAM-1 concentrations between periods were positively correlated with changes in systolic BP (r = 0.45; P < 0.05). Although NOx concentrations did not differ between periods, changes in systolic BP were negatively correlated with changes in NOx concentrations (r = -0.44; P < 0.05), indicating the vasodilating properties of NO. Other MetS variables did not differ between the GRAPE and placebo periods. These results suggest that GRAPE polyphenols may potentiate vasorelaxation and reduce BP and circulating cell adhesion molecules, resulting in improvements in vascular function.

Waist-to-height ratio may be an alternative tool to the body mass index for identifying Colombian adolescents with cardiometabolic risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: Background: there is limited information about the usefulness of the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) to identify Colombian adolescents with cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF). Objective: to compare the utility of WHtR, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) to identify adolescents with CRF. Methods: a study with 346 youths (aged 14.0 ± 2.3 years) was performed. Anthropometric measurements were collected and BMI, WC and WHtR were calculated. Fasting blood lipids, glucose and insulin were measured; the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was computed. The presence of multiple non-WC metabolic syndrome (MetS) factors (high HOMA-IR, high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) was analyzed. The area under the curve (AUC) and the odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Results: the BMI, WC and WHtR were comparable at identifying adolescents with high HOMA-IR (AUC = 0.686, 0.694 and 0.641, respectively), low HDL-C (AUC = 0.623, 0.652 and 0.572, respectively) and multiple non-WC MetS factors (AUC = 0.694, 0.715 and 0.688, respectively). The OR of having multiple non-WC MetS factors was similar in overweight adolescents (1.65, 95% CI: 0.86-3.14) and those with WHtR ≥ 0.50 (3.76, 95% CI: 1.95-7.3). There were no OR differences of having multiple non-WC MetS factors among adolescent with obesity (9.88, 95% CI: 3.1-31.7), WC ≥ P90 (18.3, 95% CI: 4.0-83.5) and WHtR ≥ 0.55 (11.0, 95% CI: 3.0-4.4). Conclusions: WHtR, BMI and WC have similar capacities to identify Colombian adolescents with CRF. WHtR showed to be an alternative tool to BMI and WC measurements when screening adolescents for cardiometabolic risk.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: hay información limitada sobre la utilidad de la relación cintura-estatura (rCE) para identificar adolescentes colombianos con factores de riesgo cadiometabólicos (FRC). Objetivo: comparar la utilidad de la rCE, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la circunferencia de cintura (CC) para identificar adolescentes con FRC. Metodología: se evaluaron 346 jóvenes (14,0 ± 2,3 años). Se obtuvieron medidas antropométricas, IMC, CC, rCE, glucosa, insulina y lípidos sanguíneos en ayunas e índice HOMA-IR. Se analizó la presencia de múltiples factores del síndrome metabólico (MetS) diferentes a la CC (HOMA-IR alto, triglicéridos aumentados, concentración del colesterol de alta densidad [HDL-C] baja). Se calculó el área bajo la curva (AUC) y razón de ventajas (OR). Resultados: el IMC, CC y rCE fueron similares para identificar adolescentes con alto HOMA-IR (AUC = 0,686, 0,694 y 0,641, respectivamente), bajo HDL-C (AUC = 0,623, 0,652 y 0,572, respectivamente) y múltiples factores del MetS diferentes a la CC (AUC = 0,694, 0,715 y 0,688, respectivamente). La OR de tener esta última condición fue similar en adolescentes con sobrepeso (1,65, IC 95%: 0,60-3,14) y aquellos con rCE ≥ 0,50 (3,76, IC 95%: 1,95-7,3). La presencia de múltiples factores del MetS diferentes a la CC en adolescentes con obesidad (9,88, IC 95%: 3,1-31,7), CC ≥ P90 (18,3, IC 95%: 4,0-83,5) y rCE ≥ 0,55 (11,0, IC 95%: 3,0 a 4,4) fue similar. Conclusión: rCE, IMC y CC tienen capacidades similares para identificar adolescentes colombianos con FRC. El rCE demostró ser una herramienta alternativa al IMC y la CC cuando se tamizan adolescentes para identificar la presencia de FRC.

Proteomic analysis of the venom and characterization of toxins specific for Na+ - and K+ -channels from the Colombian scorpion Tityus pachyurus.

The Colombian scorpion Tityus pachyurus is toxic to humans and is capable of producing fatal accidents, but nothing is known about its venom components. This communication reports the separation of at least 57 fractions from the venom by high performance liquid chromatography. From these, at least 104 distinct molecular weight compounds were identified by mass spectrometry analysis. The complete amino acid sequences of three peptides were determined and the partial sequences of three others were also identified. Electrophysiological experiments conducted with ion-channels expressed heterologously on Sf9 cells showed the presence of a potent Shaker B K(+)-channel blocker. This peptide (trivial name Tpa1) contains 23 amino acid residues closely packed by three disulfide bridges with a molecular mass of 2,457 atomic mass units. It is the third member of the sub-family 13, for which the systematic name is proposed to be alpha-KTx13.3. The mice assay showed clearly the presence of toxic peptides to mammals. One of them named Tpa2, containing 65 amino acid residues with molecular mass of 7,522.5 atomic mass units, is stabilized by four disulfide bridges. It was shown to modify the Na(+)-currents of F-11 and TE671 cells in culture, similar to the beta scorpion toxins. These results demonstrate the presence of toxic peptides in the venom of T. pachyurus and confirm that accidents with this species of scorpion should be considered an important human hazard in Colombia.

Efficacy and safety of two whole IgG polyvalent antivenoms, refined by caprylic acid fractionation with or without beta-propiolactone, in the treatment of Bothrops asper bites in Colombia.

The efficacy and safety of two whole IgG polyvalent antivenoms (A and B) were compared in a randomised, blinded clinical trial in 67 patients systemically envenomed by Bothrops asper in Colombia. Both antivenoms were fractionated by caprylic acid precipitation and had similar neutralising potencies, protein concentrations and aggregate contents. Antivenom B was additionally treated with beta-propiolactone to lower its anticomplementary activity. Analysing all treatment regimens together, there were no significant differences between the two antivenoms (A=34 patients; B=33 patients) in the time taken to reverse venom-induced bleeding and coagulopathy, to restore physiological fibrinogen concentrations and to clear serum venom antigenaemia. Blood coagulability was restored within 6-24 h in 97% of patients, all of whom had normal coagulation and plasma fibrinogen levels 48 h after the start of antivenom treatment. Two patients (3.0%) had recurrent coagulopathy and eight patients suffered recurrence of antigenaemia within 72 h of treatment. None of the dosage regimens of either antivenom used guaranteed resolution of venom-induced coagulopathy within 6 h, nor did they prevent recurrences. A further dose of antivenom at 6 h also did not guarantee resolution of coagulopathy within 12-24 h in all patients. The incidence of early adverse reactions (all mild) was similar for both antivenoms (15% and 24%; P>0.05).

Fatty Acid Content of Plasma Triglycerides May Contribute to the Heterogeneity in the Relationship Between Abdominal Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: About one-third of the people with abdominal obesity do not exhibit the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Fatty acids in plasma triglycerides (TGs) may help to explain part of this heterogeneity. This study compared TG fatty acid profile of adults with and without abdominal obesity and examined the associations of these fatty acids with MetS components. METHODS: Fifty-four abdominally obese subjects were matched by age and sex with 54 adults without abdominal obesity. People were classified with MetS according to the harmonizing criteria for MetS. Fatty acids in plasma TGs were analyzed by gas chromatography. RESULTS: There were no differences in fatty acids of plasma TGs between people with and without abdominal obesity. However, there were differences between abdominally obese people with and without MetS. The abdominally obese group with MetS had higher palmitic (+2.9%; P = 0.012) and oleic (+4.0%; P = 0.001) acids and lower linoleic (-6.4%; P = 0.018) and arachidonic (-1.2%; P = 0.004) acids. After adjustment for abdominal obesity, age, and sex, a stepwise regression analysis showed that palmitic acid positively contributed to the variance in insulin (ß = +1.08 ± 1.01; P = 0.000) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index (ß = +1.09 ± 1.01; P = 0.000) and myristic acid positively contributed to the variance in systolic blood pressure (ß = +1.09 ± 1.03; P = 0.006). In contrast, linoleic acid negatively contributed to the variance in glucose (ß = -0.321 ± 0.09; P = 0.001) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP; ß = -1.05 ± 1.01; P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in the plasma TG fatty acid profile between people with and without abdominal obesity. Likewise, fatty acids in plasma TGs associated with many of the MetS variables independently of abdominal obesity. These results suggest that the plasma TG fatty acid profile may help to explain part of the heterogeneity between abdominal obesity and the MetS.

A Larger Body Mass Index is Associated with Increased Atherogenic Dyslipidemia, Insulin Resistance, and Low-Grade Inflammation in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The consequences of increased body mass index (BMI) on the metabolic disorders associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have not been thoroughly examined. METHODS: We analyzed data from 262 individuals, 97 men and 165 women (aged 18-70 years), classified with MetS to investigate whether variations in BMI could be associated with parameters of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, or low-grade inflammation. We hypothesized that increases in BMI would positively correlate with the major dysregulations in metabolism that define MetS. For this purpose, individuals were separated into four subgroups based on their BMI: normal weight (<25 kg/m(2)), overweight (≥25 to <30 kg/m(2)), obese (≥30 to <40 kg/m(2)), and morbidly obese (≥40 kg/m(2)). RESULTS: As expected, body weight and waist circumference increased significantly as BMI increased (P < 0.0001). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lower in the normal BMI group compared with the other three BMI groups (P = 0.001). Markers of HDL metabolism were adversely impacted in elevated BMI groups, as both high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and large HDL decreased as BMI increased (P = 0.01). BMI was negatively correlated with HDL-C (r = -0.193, P = 0.002), HDL size (r = (-)0.227, P = 0.002), and large HDL (r = -0.147, P = 0.037). In addition, plasma insulin was highest in subjects classified as morbidly obese (P < 0.0001). There was also a strong positive correlation between BMI and plasma insulin (r = 0.413, P < 0.0001), whereas adiponectin, a marker of insulin sensitivity, was negatively correlated with BMI (r = -0.288, P = 0.001). Finally, BMI was positively correlated with proinflammatory C-reactive protein (r = 0.312, P = 0.0001) and interleukin-6 (r = 0.238, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study suggest that the physiological factors associated with increased BMI exacerbate the metabolic abnormalities characteristic of MetS.

[Toxicological and immunological aspects of scorpion venom (Tytius pachyurus): neutralizing capacity of antivenoms produced in Latin America]. / Aspectos toxinológicos e inmunoquímicos del veneno del escorpión Tityus pachyurus Pocock de Colombia: capacidad neutralizante de antivenenos producidos en Latinoamérica.

The toxicity and immunochemical properties of Tityus pachyurus Pocock scorpion venom was characterized, as well as the neutralization capacity against it by three anti-scorpion antivenoms (Alacramyn, Instituto Bioclón, México; Suero antiescorpiónico, Instituto Butantán, Sao Paulo, Brasil; and Suero antiescorpiónico, Centro de Biotecnología, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela). The venom yield, obtained by manual milking, 680+/-20 microg venom, a 50% lethal dose in mice was 4.8 microg/kg (90 microg for an 18-20 g mouse). The most common symptoms of venom poisoning in mice were sialorrhea, respiratory distress, profuse sweating, ataxia, behavior alterations (restlessness, somnolence) and hyperglycemia at 3 and 24 hours after subcutaneous venom injection (0.5 LD50). The neutralizing capacity of Bioclón (México City) and Butantán (Sao Paulo) antivenoms (for a 50% effective dose) was 330 and 292 microg venom/ml antivenom, respectively. The Biotecnología (Caracas) antivenom did not neutralize the lethal effect of venom. By electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was demonstrated that the venom contains proteins from less than 14 kd to 97 kd. The Western blots indicated immunological reactivity of the three antivenoms with most of venom components, including proteins of low molecular mass (<14 kd). The results allow to conclude that T. pachyurus venom is neutralized efficiently by anti-scorpion antivenoms produced in México and Brasil.

Increased dairy consumption differentially improves metabolic syndrome markers in male and female adults.

BACKGROUND: Effects of dairy consumption on metabolic health and adiposity are inconsistent. Most clinical trials have investigated dairy intake, frequently during caloric restriction, in overweight or obese populations but not in a metabolic syndrome population. We investigated the effect of increased dairy intake without caloric restriction on anthropometrics, plasma lipids, and glucose in typically low-dairy consumers who met the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) metabolic syndrome criteria. METHODS: Male (n=14) and female (n=23) adults (54.1 ± 9.7 years) with metabolic syndrome were randomized to consume low-fat dairy (LFD) (10 oz of 1% milk, 6 oz of nonfat yogurt, 4 oz of 2% cheese) or carbohydrate control (CNT) (1.5-oz granola bar and 12 oz of 100% juice) foods for 6 weeks in a crossover study design. Anthropometrics, metabolic syndrome parameters, insulin resistance, and parathyroid hormone were measured. Body composition was analyzed by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan for a subset of subjects (n=22). RESULTS: LFD modulated metabolic syndrome parameters differently according to gender. Following LFD, men had lower glucose (95.4 ± 9.1 vs. 98.9 ± 10.6 mg/dL, P=0.048), whereas women had lower body weight (BW), waist circumference, and body mass index (P<0.01) compared to CNT. Women also had lower energy intake following LFD compared to CNT. Increases in phosphorus (a dairy nutrient) were negatively correlated with decreases in BW (r=-0.537; P<0.01) and body fat in women (r=-0.593, P<0.025), whereas the decreases in energy intake had no correlation with anthropometrics. CONCLUSIONS: Three dairy servings/day promoted small but significant improvements differentially by gender in a metabolic syndrome population.

Waist-to-height ratio may be an alternative tool to the body mass index for identifying Colombian adolescents with cardiometabolic risk factors / La relación cintura-estatura puede ser un indicador alternativo al índice de masa corporal para identificar adolescentes colombianos con factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos

Background: there is limited information about the usefulness of the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) to identify Colombian adolescents with cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF). Objective: to compare the utility of WHtR, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) to identify adolescents with CRF. Methods: a study with 346 youths (aged 14.0 ± 2.3 years) was performed. Anthropometric measurements were collected and BMI, WC and WHtR were calculated. Fasting blood lipids, glucose and insulin were measured; the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was computed. The presence of multiple non-WC metabolic syndrome (MetS) factors (high HOMA-IR, high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) was analyzed. The area under the curve (AUC) and the odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Results: the BMI, WC and WHtR were comparable at identifying adolescents with high HOMA-IR (AUC = 0.686, 0.694 and 0.641, respectively), low HDL-C (AUC = 0.623, 0.652 and 0.572, respectively) and multiple non-WC MetS factors (AUC = 0.694, 0.715 and 0.688, respectively). The OR of having multiple non-WC MetS factors was similar in overweight adolescents (1.65, 95% CI: 0.86-3.14) and those with WHtR ≥ 0.50 (3.76, 95% CI: 1.95-7.3). There were no OR differences of having multiple non-WC MetS factors among adolescent with obesity (9.88, 95% CI: 3.1-31.7), WC ≥ P90 (18.3, 95% CI: 4.0-83.5) and WHtR ≥ 0.55 (11.0, 95% CI: 3.0-4.4). Conclusions: WHtR, BMI and WC have similar capacities to identify Colombian adolescents with CRF. WHtR showed to be an alternative tool to BMI and WC measurements when screening adolescents for cardiometabolic risk

Introducción: hay información limitada sobre la utilidad de la relación cintura-estatura (rCE) para identifi car adolescentes colombianos con factores de riesgo cadiometabólicos (FRC). Objetivo: comparar la utilidad de la rCE, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la circunferencia de cintura (CC) para identifi car adolescentes con FRC. Metodología: se evaluaron 346 jóvenes (14,0 ± 2,3 años). Se obtuvieron medidas antropométricas, IMC, CC, rCE, glucosa, insulina y lípidos sanguíneos en ayunas e índice HOMA-IR. Se analizó la presencia de múltiples factores del síndrome metabólico (MetS) diferentes a la CC (HOMA-IR alto, triglicéridos aumentados, concentración del colesterol de alta densidad [HDL-C] baja). Se calculó el área bajo la curva (AUC) y razón de ventajas (OR). Resultados: el IMC, CC y rCE fueron similares para identificar adolescentes con alto HOMA-IR (AUC = 0,686, 0,694 y 0,641, respectivamente), bajo HDL-C (AUC = 0,623, 0,652 y 0,572, respectivamente) y múltiples factores del MetS diferentes a la CC (AUC = 0,694, 0,715 y 0,688, respectivamente). La OR de tener esta última condición fue similar en adolescentes con sobrepeso (1,65, IC 95%: 0,60-3,14) y aquellos con rCE ≥ 0,50 (3,76, IC 95%: 1,95-7,3). La presencia de múltiples factores del MetS diferentes a la CC en adolescentes con obesidad (9,88, IC 95%: 3,1-31,7), CC ≥ P90 (18,3, IC 95%: 4,0-83,5) y rCE ≥ 0,55 (11,0, IC 95%: 3,0 a 4,4) fue similar. Conclusión: rCE, IMC y CC tienen capacidades similares para identifi car adolescentes colombianos con FRC. El rCE demostró ser una herramienta alternativa al IMC y la CC cuando se tamizan adolescentes para identificar la presencia de FRC

Whole egg consumption improves lipoprotein profiles and insulin sensitivity to a greater extent than yolk-free egg substitute in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated if daily egg feeding, along with carbohydrate restriction, would alter lipoprotein metabolism and influence atherogenic lipoprotein profiles and insulin resistance in men and women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: In a randomized, single-blind, parallel design, participants consumed either 3 whole eggs/day (EGG, n=20) or the equivalent amount of yolk-free egg substitute (SUB, n=17), as part of a moderately carbohydrate-restricted diet (25%-30% energy) for 12 weeks. Plasma lipids, apolipoproteins (apos), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activities were assessed at baseline and week 12. Lipoprotein particle concentrations and sizes were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS: Atherogenic dyslipidemia improved for all individuals as evidenced by reductions in plasma triglycerides, apoC-III, apoE, oxLDL, VLDL particle diameter, large VDL, total IDL, small LDL, and medium LDL particles (P<0.05). Furthermore, there were increases in HDL-cholesterol, large LDL and large HDL particles (P<0.05) for all individuals. However, there were greater increases in HDL-cholesterol and large HDL particles, and reductions in total VLDL and medium VLDL particles for those consuming EGG compared to SUB (P<0.05). Plasma insulin and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were reduced, while LCAT activity, and both HDL and LDL diameters increased over time in the EGG group only (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating daily whole egg intake into a moderately carbohydrate-restricted diet provides further improvements in the atherogenic lipoprotein profile and in insulin resistance in individuals with MetS.

Egg consumption modulates HDL lipid composition and increases the cholesterol-accepting capacity of serum in metabolic syndrome.

We recently demonstrated that daily whole egg consumption during moderate carbohydrate restriction leads to greater increases in plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and improvements in HDL profiles in metabolic syndrome (MetS) when compared to intake of a yolk-free egg substitute. We further investigated the effects of this intervention on HDL composition and function, hypothesizing that the phospholipid species present in egg yolk modulate HDL lipid composition to increase the cholesterol-accepting capacity of subject serum. Men and women classified with MetS were randomly assigned to consume either three whole eggs (EGG, n = 20) per day or the equivalent amount of egg substitute (SUB, n = 17) throughout a 12-week moderate carbohydrate-restricted (25-30 % of energy) diet. Relative to other HDL lipids, HDL-cholesteryl ester content increased in all subjects, with greater increases in the SUB group. Further, HDL-triacylglycerol content was reduced in EGG group subjects with normal baseline plasma HDL-C, resulting in increases in HDL-CE/TAG ratios in both groups. Phospholipid analysis by mass spectrometry revealed that HDL became enriched in phosphatidylethanolamine in the EGG group, and that EGG group HDL better reflected sphingomyelin species present in the whole egg product at week 12 compared to baseline. Further, macrophage cholesterol efflux to EGG subject serum increased from baseline to week 12, whereas no changes were observed in the SUB group. Together, these findings suggest that daily egg consumption promotes favorable shifts in HDL lipid composition and function beyond increasing plasma HDL-C in MetS.

Effects of carbohydrate restriction and dietary cholesterol provided by eggs on clinical risk factors in metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: There are a limited number of clinical interventions evaluating the effects of dietary cholesterol in individuals at elevated risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of whole egg intake in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: Men (n = 12) and women (n = 25) with MetS were instructed to follow a moderate carbohydrate-restricted diet (<30% energy) and randomly assigned to consume either three whole eggs (EGG, n = 20) or egg substitute (SUB, n = 17)/d for 12 weeks. Dietary intake, MetS parameters, and body composition were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: Total carbohydrate (P < .001) intake decreased in all participants over time. The EGG group consumed more dietary cholesterol (P < .001) and choline (P < .001) than the SUB group. MetS was reduced in both groups, with improvements noted in dyslipidemia and decreases in waist circumference (P < .01), weight (P < .001), and percent body fat (P < .001). Reductions in plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (P < .001) and serum amyloid A (P < .05) were seen in the EGG group only. Notably, increases in dietary cholesterol were associated with reductions in plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (r = -0.340, P = .04). Plasma C-reactive protein, adiponectin, interleukin-6 interleukin-10, and cell adhesion molecules were unaffected by the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that on a moderate carbohydrate background diet, accompanied by weight loss, the inclusion of whole eggs improves inflammation to a greater extent than yolk-free egg substitute in those with MetS.

Dietary cholesterol affects plasma lipid levels, the intravascular processing of lipoproteins and reverse cholesterol transport without increasing the risk for heart disease.

The associations between dietary cholesterol and heart disease are highly controversial. While epidemiological studies and clinical interventions have shown the lack of correlation between cholesterol intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, there is still concern among health practitioners and the general population regarding dietary cholesterol. In this review, several clinical studies utilizing cholesterol challenges are analyzed in terms of changes that occur in lipoprotein metabolism resulting from excess consumption of cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol has been shown to increase both LDL and HDL in those individuals who respond to a cholesterol challenge without altering the LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio, a key marker of CVD risk. Further, dietary cholesterol has been shown to increase only HDL with no changes in LDL with average cholesterol consumption and during weight loss interventions. Ingestion of cholesterol has also been shown to increase the size of both LDL and HDL particles with the associated implications of a less atherogenic LDL particle as well as more functional HDL in reverse cholesterol transport. Other changes observed in lipoprotein metabolism are a greater number of large LDL and decreases in small LDL subfractions. All this information put together points to specific roles of dietary cholesterol in substantially altering intravascular processing of lipoproteins as well as reverse cholesterol transport.

A Mediterranean-style, low-glycemic-load diet decreases atherogenic lipoproteins and reduces lipoprotein (a) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein in women with metabolic syndrome.

The objective was to assess the impact of a Mediterranean-style, low-glycemic-load diet (control group, n = 41) and the same diet plus a medical food (MF) containing phytosterols, soy protein, and extracts from hops and Acacia (MF group, n = 42) on lipoprotein atherogenicity in women with metabolic syndrome. Plasma lipids, apolipoproteins (apos), lipoprotein subfractions and particle size, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, and lipoprotein (a) were measured at baseline, week 8, and week 12 of the intervention. Three-day dietary records were collected at the same time points to assess compliance. Compared with baseline, women decreased energy intake from carbohydrate (P < .001) and fat (P < .001), whereas they increased energy intake from protein (P < .001). A significant increase in energy from monounsaturated fatty acids was also observed as well as increases in eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, whereas trans-fatty acid intake was reduced (P < .00001). The atherogenic lipoproteins, large very low-density lipoprotein (P < .0001) and small LDL (P < .0001), were reduced, whereas the ratio of large high-density lipoprotein to smaller high-density lipoprotein particles was increased (P < .0001). Apolipoprotein B was reduced for all women (P < .0001), with a greater reduction in the MF group (P < .025). Oxidized LDL (P < .05) and lipoprotein (a) (P < .001) were reduced in both groups at the end of the intervention. Consumption of a Mediterranean-style diet reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease by decreasing atherogenic lipoproteins, oxidized LDL, and apo B. Inclusion of an MF may have an additional effect in reducing apo B.

Grape consumption increases anti-inflammatory markers and upregulates peripheral nitric oxide synthase in the absence of dyslipidemias in men with metabolic syndrome.

We evaluated the effects of grape consumption on inflammation and oxidation in the presence or absence of dyslipidemias in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Men with MetS (n = 24), 11 with high triglycerides and low HDL and 13 with no dyslipidemia were recruited and randomly allocated to consume daily either 46 g of lyophilized grape powder (GRAPE), equivalent to 252 g fresh grapes, or placebo with an identical macronutrient composition and caloric value as GRAPE for four weeks. After a three-week washout, participants followed the alternate treatment. We measured changes between placebo and GRAPE periods in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers both in circulation and in gene expression. Changes in plasma adiponectin (p < 0.05), interleukin (IL)-10 (p < 0.005) and in mRNA expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (p < 0.25) were increased in the GRAPE compared to the placebo period only in those individuals without dyslipidemia. Additionally, plasma IL-10 was negatively correlated with NOX2 expression, a marker of oxidative stress (r = -0.55, p < 0.01), while iNOS expression was positively correlated with the expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (r = 0.642, p < 0.01), a key anti-oxidative enzyme. Grape consumption displayed anti-oxidative and increased anti-inflammatory markers in the absence of the inflammatory milieu associated with dyslipidemias.

A Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet increases plasma carotenoids and decreases LDL oxidation in women with metabolic syndrome.

Thirty-five women with metabolic syndrome and high plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (≥100 mg/dl) participated in a dietary intervention consisting of a Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet for 12 weeks. Participants were randomly allocated to consume diet only (n=15) or diet plus a medical food containing soy protein and plant sterols (n=20). Plasma concentrations of carotenoids, lipoprotein subfractions and oxidized LDL (OxLDL) were measured. Independent of treatment, women had a significant increase in plasma lutein (P<.0001) and ß-carotene (P<.0001), while plasma lycopene was reduced (P<.05) after 12 weeks. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was reduced from 138±35 to 114±33 mg/dl (P<.0001). In addition, decreases were observed in the atherogenic subfractions: large very low-density lipoprotein (P<.05), small LDL (P<.00001) and medium high-density lipoprotein (P<.05). Oxidized LDL was significantly reduced by 12% in both groups (P<.01). Changes in OxLDL were inversely correlated with plasma lutein (r=-.478, P<.0001). The data indicate that women complied with the dietary regimen by increasing fruits and vegetable intake. Decreased consumption of high-glycemic foods frequently co-consumed with lycopene-rich tomato sauce such as pasta and pizza may be responsible for the lowering of this carotenoid in plasma after 12 weeks. These results also suggest that plasma lutein concentrations may protect against oxidative stress by reducing the concentrations of OxLDL.

Comparative study of the efficacy and safety of two polyvalent, caprylic acid fractionated [IgG and F(ab')2] antivenoms, in Bothrops asper bites in Colombia.

The efficacy and safety of two polyvalent horse-derived antivenoms in Bothrops asper envenomings were tested in a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial performed in Colombia. Both antivenoms were manufactured from the same pool of hyperimmune plasma. Antivenom A was made of F(ab')2 fragments, generated by pepsin digestion and caprylic acid precipitation, whereas antivenom B consisted of whole IgG molecules produced by caprylic acid precipitation followed by ion-exchange chromatography. Besides the different nature of the active substance, antivenom B had higher protein concentration, slightly higher turbidity and aggregate content. No significant differences were observed in the efficacy of antivenoms. Both halted local and systemic bleeding (P = 0.40) within 6-12 h of treatment in 100% of the cases, and restored blood coagulation (P = 0.87) within 6-24 h in 84.7% of patients, and within 48 h in all of them, in agreement with restoration of plasma fibrinogen concentration. Venom concentrations in serum dropped significantly (P < 0.001), to very low levels, 1 h after antivenom infusion. Nevertheless, eight patients (11.1%), four for each antivenom, presented recurrence of venom antigenaemia at different times, from 6 to 96 h, with clinical significance (recurrent coagulopathy) only in one group B patient (2.9%). Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity was increased, as a consequence of local myonecrosis. There was no significant difference (P = 0.51) in the incidence of early adverse reactions to antivenom administration (28.9% for patients of group A and 20.6% for patients of group B), most of the reactions being mild, mainly cutaneous. The most frequent complications were cellulitis (16.7%), abscess formation (5.6%), acute renal failure (8.3%), and compartmental syndrome (5.6%). In conclusion, IgG and F(ab')2 antivenoms, prepared by caprylic acid fractionation, presented similar efficacy and safety profiles for the treatment of B. asper envenomings in Colombia.

Intervalos biológicos de referencia del perfil lipídico / Biological reference intervals of lipid profile

Introducción: La clasificación de la concentración de cualquier analito como patológico o no implica que el valor de la medición sea comparado con valores de individuos similares, para lo cual es necesario obtener intervalos biológicos de referencia (IBR). Los IBR del perfil lipídico adoptados por los laboratorios clínicos son principalmente los propuestos por las casas comerciales y los obtenidos por los paneles de expertos. Sumado a las limitadas publicaciones sobre los IBR del perfil lipídico para nuestra población, es oportuno precisar que variables como el sexo y la edad pueden estar relacionadas con modificaciones en el metabolismo lipídico. Objetivo: Estimar los intervalos biológicos de referencia del perfil lipídico en una población atendida en un laboratorio de Medellín. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal en 81 individuos sanos; los IBR se estimaron a partir del estadístico X±[Zα/2*(DE/√n)], confianza de 95% y precisión de 5%. En el análisis bivariado se utilizó Anova y la prueba t Student. Todo fue realizado en SPSS 21.0®. En los IBR de hombres y mujeres sólo se hallaron diferencias en el colesterol total y los índices colesterol total/cholesterol HDL y triglicéridos/cholesterol HDL. Analizando los grupos etarios, se hallaron diferencias en los triglicéridos y el cholesterol VLDL siendo menor en los adultos jóvenes en comparación con los adultos medios y mayores; para el índice triglicéridos/cholesterol HDL se halló diferencia entre los adultos jóvenes y mayores. Conclusión: Este estudio permitió determinar los IBR del perfil lipídico, los cuales son importantes para el diseño de estrategias de prevención primaria para dislipidemias en la población estudiada. (Acta Med Colomb 2016; 41: 29-35).

Introduction: The classification of the concentration of any analyte as pathological or not, implies that the measurement be compared to values of similar individuals, for which is necessary to obtain Biological Reference Intervals (BRI). The BRI of lipid profile adopted by clinical laboratories are mainly the offered by commercial houses and those obtained by expert panels. In addition to the limited literature on BRI of lipid profile for our population, it is appropriate to specify that variables such as sex and age may be related to changes in lipid metabolism. Objective: to estimate the biological reference intervals of lipid profile in a population treated at a laboratory in Medellin. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in 81 healthy individuals; BRI were estimated statistical X ± [Zα / 2 * (DE / √ n)], 95% confidence and accuracy of 5%. Anova and t Student test was used in the bivariate analysis. Everything was done in SPSS 21.0®. In the BRI of men and women differences were only found in total cholesterol levels and total / HDL cholesterol and triglycerides / HDL cholesterol. Analyzing age groups, differences in triglycerides and VLDL-C were found, being these lower in young adults compared with the middle-aged adults and the elderly; for index triglycerides / VLDL cholesterol difference between young and older adults was found. Conclusion: this study allowed determining the BRI of lipid profile, which are important for designing strategies for primary prevention of dyslipidemia in the studied population. (Acta MedColomb 2016; 41: 29-35).

A Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet improves variables of metabolic syndrome in women, and addition of a phytochemical-rich medical food enhances benefits on lipoprotein metabolism.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has highlighted the need for effective dietary interventions to combat this growing problem. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet (control arm, n = 44) or the same diet plus a medical food containing phytosterols, soy protein, and extracts from hops and acacia (intervention arm, n = 45) on cardiometabolic risk variables in women with MetS. METHODS: In this 12-week, 2-arm randomized trial, baseline, week 8 and 12, fasting blood samples were drawn to measure plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, and homocysteine. Dietary records were also collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There were decreases in fat and sugar intake (P < .001 for both) and increases in docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid intake (P < .001 for both) over time, consistent with the prescribed diet. Regarding MetS variables, there were decreases in waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and plasma triglycerides in all subjects (P < .001 for all) with no differences between arms. Plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) B, and apo B/apo A1 were reduced over time but to a greater extent in the intervention arm (P < .05 for all), indicating the medical food had a greater effect in altering lipoprotein metabolism. Further, medical food intake was associated with reduced plasma homocysteine (P < .01) compared to the control arm. CONCLUSION: A Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet effectively reduces the variables of MetS. Addition of the medical food results in a less atherogenic lipoprotein profile and lower plasma homocysteine.