Nitrite Attenuates the In Vitro Inflammatory Response of Immune Cells to the SARS-CoV-2 S Protein without Interfering in the Antioxidant Enzyme Activation.

SARS-CoV-2 induces a hyperinflammatory reaction due to the excessive release of cytokines during the immune response. The bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contributes to the low-grade inflammation associated with the metabolic syndrome, enhancing the hyperinflammatory reaction induced by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The intake of sodium nitrate, a precursor of nitrite and nitric oxide, influences the antioxidant and pro-inflammatory gene expression profile after immune stimulation with LPS in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from metabolic syndrome patients. We aimed to assess the inflammatory and antioxidant responses of immune cells from metabolic syndrome patients to exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein) together with LPS and the effect of nitrite in these responses. Whole blood samples obtained from six metabolic syndrome patients were cultured for 16 h at 37 °C with four different media: control medium, control medium plus LPS (100 ng/mL), control medium plus LPS (100 ng/mL) plus S protein (10 ng/mL), and control medium plus LPS (100 ng/mL) plus S protein (10 ng/mL) plus nitrite (5 µM). Immune stimulation with the LPS/S protein enhanced nitrate biosynthesis from nitrite oxidation and probably from additional organic precursors. In vitro incubations with the LPS/S protein enhanced the expression and/or release of pro-inflammatory TNFα, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TLR4, as well as the expression of the anti-inflammatory IL-1ra and IL-10 and antioxidant enzymes. Nitrite attenuated the pro- and anti-inflammatory response induced by the S protein without interfering with the activation of TLR4 and antioxidant enzyme expression, raising the possibility that nitrite could have potential as a coadjutant in the treatment of COVID-19.

A trait-based approach to assess niche overlap and functional distinctiveness between non-indigenous and native species.

Our understanding of the community assembly processes acting on non-indigenous species (NIS), as well as the relationship with native species is limited, especially in marine ecosystems. To overcome this knowledge gap we here develop a trait-based approach based on the functional distinctiveness metric to assess niche overlap between NIS and native species, using high-resolution data on benthic invertebrate communities in the Baltic Sea. Our results show that NIS retain a certain degree of similarity with native species, but display one or a few singular unique traits (e.g., bioturbation ability). Furthermore, we demonstrate that community assembly processes, including both environmental filtering and limiting similarity affect NIS establishment, but that their effects may be highly context dependent, as illustrated by pronounced spatial patterns in distinctiveness. Finally, our trait-based approach provides a generic framework applicable to other areas and organisms, to better understand and address biological invasions.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Increases Growth Factors Favouring the Healing Process of Diabetic Wounds.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the clinical application of oxygen at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure. HBOT has been effectively used to manage diverse clinical pathologies, such as non-healing diabetic ulcers. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effects of HBOT on the plasma oxidative and inflammation biomarkers and growth factors in patients with chronic diabetic wounds. The participants received 20 HBOT sessions (five sessions/week), and blood samples were obtained at sessions 1, 5 and 20, before and 2 h after the HBOT. An additional (control) blood sample was collected 28 days after wound recovery. No significant differences were evident in haematological parameters, whereas the biochemical parameters progressively decreased, which was significant for creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The pro-inflammatory mediators, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), progressively decreased throughout the treatments. Biomarkers of oxidative stress--plasma protein levels of catalase, extracellular superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and protein carbonyls--were reduced in accordance with wound healing. Plasma levels of growth factors--platelet-derived growth factor (PDFG), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α)-- were increased as a consequence of HBOT and reduced 28 days after complete wound healing, whereas matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) progressively decreased with the HBOT. In conclusion, HBOT reduced oxidative and pro-inflammatory mediators, and may participate in activating healing, angiogenesis and vascular tone regulation by increasing the release of growth factors.

5-Dodecanolide, a Compound Isolated from Pig Lard, Presents Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Properties.

BACKGROUND: Pork lard (PL) is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory agent. We propose to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory properties of PL, and elucidate which compounds could be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS: The anti-inflammatory effects of PL were tested in a rat model of zymosan-induced hind paw inflammation. Further, the hydroalcoholic extract from PL was obtained, the composition analyzed, and the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts and isolated components assayed using immune cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RESULTS: Applying the ointment on the inflamed rat feet reduced the foot diameter, foot weight, and activities of antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory markers of circulating neutrophils. The main components of the hydroalcoholic extract were 5-dodecanolide, oleamide, hexadecanoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, hexadecanamide, and resolvin D1. CONCLUSIONS: PL reduces the immune response in an animal model stimulated with zymosan. Hydroalcoholic PL extract and its components (5-Dodecanolide, Oleamide, and Resolvin D1) exerted an anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-stimulated neutrophils and peripheral mononuclear cells reducing the capability to produce TNFα, as well as the activities of antioxidant and pro-inflammatory enzymes. These effects are attributable to 5-dodecanolide, although the effects of this compound alone do not reach the magnitude of the anti-inflammatory effects observed by the complete hydroalcoholic extract.

Erythrocytes and Skeletal Muscle Unsaturated and Omega-6 Fatty Acids Are Positively Correlated after Caloric Restriction and Exercise.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional intervention studies with fatty acid (FA) supplements assess the efficacy of the intervention by measuring the changes in erythrocyte membrane lipid profiles reflected in tissue composition changes. The aim was to determine the effects of caloric restriction (CR) on erythrocytes lipid composition and to compare and correlate these changes with skeletal muscle acid profiles after CR. METHODS: Erythrocytes were obtained from 11 healthy men before and after 4 weeks of 33% CR in post-exercise conditions; muscle biopsies were obtained from the same athletes after 4 weeks of 33% CR in post-exercise conditions. Samples were used for FA determination by chromatography. RESULTS: CR significantly modified erythrocyte FAs composition. Skeletal muscle FA profile was significantly different from that for the erythrocytes. The erythrocyte FA profile was more saturated (52.1 ± 1.5% and 32.8 ± 0.9%, respectively) and less monounsaturated (21.0 ± 0.8% and 39.0 ± 2.0%, respectively) than the skeletal muscle FA profile and similarly polyunsaturated. CONCLUSIONS: CR modifies erythrocyte lipid composition, mainly omega-6 FAs. Erythrocyte monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and omega-6 FAs, but not the saturated and omega-3 FAs, were significantly positively correlated with skeletal muscle FAs. There is a discordance between saturated and omega-3 FAs from erythrocyte and from muscle, but monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and omega-6 fatty acids are positively correlated.

Body image satisfaction and weight concerns among a Mediterranean adult population.

BACKGROUND: People tend to underestimate their current weight and overestimate their height minimizing health risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess body weight satisfaction, acceptance of body image, weight concern and dieting habits among a Mediterranean adult population. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey was carried out (2009-2010) in the Balearic Islands, Spain. A random sample (n = 1081) of young (18-35 y.o.) and middle-aged adults (36-55 y.o.) was interviewed and anthropometrically measured. RESULTS: Women were more dissatisfied being overweight, less dissatisfied being underweight, and more worried about weight gain than men. Middle-aged participants were more dissatisfied with body shape and underestimated body weight than young's. Employed women defined better current weight than unemployed, but unemployed were more worried about body weight gain. Overweight adults were more likely to underestimate their body weight but were also very worried about weight gain and more likely to report current dieting than their leaner counterparts. Active participants self-reported better body weight and were more satisfied with body image than sedentary. CONCLUSIONS: Most of studied population reported body image dissatisfaction, but half of them are not worried about it. Women were more concerned about their body weight status. Practice of physical activity is a positive factor in self-perception. Holistic strategies are needed to avoid promoting unreal bodies, as well as the acceptance of the real body image.

Training and acute exercise modulates mitochondrial dynamics in football players' blood mononuclear cells.

PURPOSE: Regular physical activity induces oxidative stress but also causes adaptations in antioxidant defences including the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway, which activates target genes related to antioxidant defences such as uncoupling proteins (UCPs), and mitochondrial biogenesis mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). The aim of the study was to determine the effect of long-term training and acute exercise on oxidant/antioxidant status and the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS: Twelve professional football players performed an 8-week exercise programme comprising a daily 2-h football training session. Blood samples were taken before and after the training season. RESULTS: The results reported a significant increase in antioxidant protein levels and in mitochondrial proteins in resting conditions after the 8-week training period. PGC1α, UCP-2 and mitofusin 2 protein levels also increased after acute exercise compared to pre-exercise levels. After the training, the expression of PGC1α, cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV and mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 messenger RNA (mRNA) significantly augmented after the acute physical activity compared to pre-exercise levels; while no changes occurred in these mRNA in basal conditions. NF-κB activation and ROS production reported a significant increase after acute exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Training increases the levels of proteins related to mitochondrial biogenesis and improves the antioxidant capabilities of mitochondria in PBMCs among well-trained football players. Acute exercise may act as an inducer of mitochondrial biogenesis through NF-κB activation and PGC1α gene expression.

Compliance with the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) among Balearic Islands' Adolescents and Its Association with Socioeconomic, Anthropometric and Lifestyle Factors.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To assess the compliance levels of adolescents in the Balearic Islands with the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED Index) and to assess its associations with socioeconomic, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey (n = 1,231; 12-17 years) carried out in 2007-2008. The degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) was evaluated using the KIDMED Index. Body composition, body image, socioeconomic factors, and physical activity were also assessed. RESULTS: Around 30% of adolescents showed high adherence to MedDiet and 15.7% showed poor adherence. More boys (32.0%) than girls (25.2%) showed high adherence to MedDiet. However, the proportion of adolescents who were reported to skip breakfast was higher among girls than boys (30.0 vs. 19.2%, respectively). The OR for poor adherence to MedDiet was higher in adolescents who usually attend mass media during mealtime, in boys eating ≤3 occasions/day, and in physically inactive girls. In boys, poor adherence to MedDiet was associated with lower OR in the age range 12-13 and in those who wished to have a thin body shape. In girls, high parental educational level, time spent on media <2 h/day and eating breakfast regularly were also associated with lower OR for poor adherence to MedDiet. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of adolescents in Balearic Islands showed poor adherence to MedDiet.

Diet supplementation with DHA-enriched food in football players during training season enhances the mitochondrial antioxidant capabilities in blood mononuclear cells.

PURPOSE: Exercise induces oxidative stress and causes adaptations in antioxidant defenses. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of a 2-month diet supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the pro-oxidant and antioxidant status of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during football training and after acute exercise. METHODS: Fifteen male football players, in a randomized double-blind trial, ingested a beverage enriched with DHA or a placebo for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected in basal conditions before and after the training period and after an acute and intense exercise. RESULTS: The training season increased the carbonyl and nitrotyrosine index but decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Basal catalase activity decreased in both groups after 8 weeks of training, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity increased mainly in the placebo group. Protein levels of uncoupling proteins (UCP2 and UCP3) and inducible nitric oxide synthase significantly increased after the training period. Acute exercise induced redistribution in the number of circulating cells, increased the MDA levels and nitrotyrosine index, and decreased the levels of nitrate. Acute exercise also increased PBMCs reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after immune stimulation. Diet supplementation with DHA significantly increased the UCP3 levels after training and the superoxide dismutase protein levels after acute exercise, and reduced the production of ROS after acute exercise. CONCLUSION: Docosahexaenoic acid increased the antioxidant capabilities while reducing the mitochondrial ROS production in a regular football training period and reduced the oxidative damage markers in response to acute exercise.

Effect of polyphenol supplements on redox status of blood cells: a randomized controlled exercise training trial.

PURPOSE: The effect of endogenous antioxidants can be either an immediate response (relying on enzymatic activities) or a long-term adaptation (relying on gene modulation events), both susceptible to be modified by antioxidants from diet and supplementation. The aim of this work was to delve in these aspects in circulating white blood cells in a group of volunteers (n = 33, 20-22 years) performing eccentric exercises and consuming or not (n = 8) different polyphenolic antioxidants (Lippia citriodora extract-PLX(®) n = 8, almond beverage n = 9 or a mixture of both n = 8) during 21 days. METHODS: We have designed a single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant gene expression were determined. RESULTS: Neutrophils and lymphocytes expressed high amounts of oxidative markers compared to plasma. Concerning enzymatic activities, increased superoxide dismutase levels were detected when certain supplements were consumed. However, catalase levels did not change. As for glutathione peroxidase levels, no differences were detected in lymphocytes, while neutrophils expressed increased levels in both placebo and PLX(®) groups. Glutathione reductase activity was decreased in all groups, except in neutrophils of PLX(®) group. At the level of gene expression, neither PLX(®) nor the almond beverage interfered with the expression of genes coding for the corresponding enzymes. However, the combined intake of both supplements affected the expression of glutathione reductase and Cu-Zn and Mn-superoxide dismutases in neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these results suggest that blood cell types respond and adapt differently to exercise-induced oxidative damage.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and consumption of functional foods among the Balearic Islands' adolescent population.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) between consumers and non-consumers of functional foods among the Balearic Islands' adolescent population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional nutritional survey carried out (2007-2008) in the Balearic Islands, a Mediterranean region. Dietary assessment was based on a semi-quantitative FFQ and two non-consecutive 24 h recalls. Anthropometric measurements and questions related to socio-economic status, physical activity and adherence to the MD were assessed. SETTING: Data obtained from a representative sample of all inhabitants living in the Balearic Islands aged 12-17 years. SUBJECTS: A random sample (n 1961) of the adolescent population was interviewed. RESULTS: The mean adherence to the MD among consumers of functional foods was 56.42 (sd 6.05) % and 55.76 (sd 5.41) % among non-consumers. Consumption of fruit juice, fibre-rich bread/cookies, cereal bars, fish and soya milk was higher among adolescents with high MD adherence, and consumption of modified milk, probiotics, breakfast cereals and infusions was higher among adolescents with low MD adherence. Daily intakes of functional dietary components from plant foods (dietary fibre, vitamins C and E, carotene, folic acid) were higher among adolescents with high MD adherence. CONCLUSIONS: The Balearic Islands' adolescent population had moderate adherence to the MD; higher adherence was observed among consumers of functional foods. Average daily intakes of functional foods and functional dietary components were higher among adolescents with high adherence to the MD. Gender, age and low parental education were risk factors for low adherence to the MD, mainly among non-consumers of functional foods.

The prevalence of excessive weight in Balearic Islands' young and middle-aged women and its association with social and socioeconomic factors: a ten-year trend (2000-2010).

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about trends in the socioeconomic patterning of overweight and obesity in women provides insights into the nature of the obesity epidemic. Therefore the aim was to assess a ten-year trend (2000-2010) in the prevalence of excessive weight in Balearic Islands' women and its association with socioeconomic factors. METHOD: Young (18-35 year-old) and middle-aged (36-55 year-old) women were selected from two population-based cross-sectional nutritional surveys carried out in the Balearic Islands, Spain. The participation rate was 80% during 1999-2000 and 92.5% during 2009-2010. Measured weight and height was obtained, and body mass index (kg/m(2)) was classified as follows: overweight (25.0 < 30), obese (≥ 30) and excessive weight (≥ 25). In both surveys, a general questionnaire including questions relating to socioeconomic status factors was used. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of excessive weight with socioeconomic variables and to test the interaction between the survey period and the socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: Overall, while the prevalence of obesity mainly remained stable over the study period, the prevalence of overweight increased from 21.0 to 24.8%. Young women showed an increased prevalence of overweight and excessive weight, from 14.1 to 20.9% and from 20.9 to 28.6%, respectively. Significant differences were not found in middle-aged women. Over the whole period, the incidence of excessive weight was higher among middle-aged and foreign women, but lower in women with a high educational profile and in employment. The prevalence of excessive weight in young women was also around 2.5 times higher in women who were living with at least one child at home. The tendency towards excessive weight in employed women decreased significantly between 2000 and 2010 in the younger age group (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.22-0.82). CONCLUSIONS: No significant increase in the prevalence of overweight/obesity was observed in middle-aged women, with a low level of education being the single socioeconomic variable associated with excessive weight in this target group. Overweight/obesity increased in young women with unemployment being the distinguishing socioeconomic factor associated with this increase.

Exercise in a hot environment influences plasma anti-inflammatory and antioxidant status in well-trained athletes.

Exercise in thermally stressful environmental conditions can enhance oxidative stress. We sought to measure the plasma antioxidant defenses and cytokine response together with oxidative damage post-exercise in a temperate versus a hot environment. The plasma concentrations of vasoactive endothelin-1 and vascular angiogenic growth factor were also evaluated. Male athletes (n=9) volunteered to participate. The athletes randomly performed two bouts of treadmill exercise of 45min at 75-80% of maximal oxygen uptake in a climatic-controlled chamber under two different conditions: temperate environment (10-12°C, 40-55% humidity) and hot, humid environment (30-32°C, 75-78% humidity). Venous blood samples were obtained immediately pre- and post-bout and on recovery after 2h. Serum glucose, malondialdehyde and lactate concentrations were significantly increased post-exercise in hot but maintained in the temperate environment; these post-exercise values were significantly higher after exercise in hot than in temperate. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine concentration, plasma phosphocreatine kinase and catalase activities, creatinine and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and interleukin-6 significantly increased post-exercise in hot but maintained in temperate environment. The post-exercise circulating values of antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase-1 and endothelin were significantly higher in the hot than in temperate environment. Exercise in a hot and humid environment resulted in mild hyperthermia with elevated perceived exertion and thermal stress. Hyperthermic environment induced hyperglycemia, lactatecidemia and more cellular and oxidative damage than exercise in a temperate environment but also induced a post-exercise antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response in plasma. These results suggest that environmental temperature needs to be taken into account when evaluating exercise-related oxidative stress and inflammation.

Scuba diving induces nitric oxide synthesis and the expression of inflammatory and regulatory genes of the immune response in neutrophils.

OBJECTIVE: Scuba diving, characterized by hyperoxia and hyperbaria, could increase reactive oxygen species production which acts as signaling molecules to induce adaptation against oxidative stress. The aim was to study the effects of scuba diving immersion on neutrophil inflammatory response, the induction of oxidative damage, and the NO synthesis. DESIGN: Nine male divers performed a dive at 50 m depth for a total time of 35 min. Blood samples were obtained at rest before the dive, after the dive, and 3 h after the diving session. MEASUREMENTS: Markers of oxidative and nitrosative damage, nitrite, and the gene expression of genes related with the synthesis of nitric oxide and lipid mediators, cytokine synthesis, and inflammation were determined in neutrophils. RESULTS: The mRNA levels of genes related with the inflammatory and immune response of neutrophils, except TNF-α, myeloperoxidase, and toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, significantly increased after the recovery period respect to predive and postdive levels. NF-κB, IL-6, and TLR4 gene expression reported significant differences immediately after diving respect to the predive values. Protein nitrotyrosine levels significantly rose after diving and remained high during recovery, whereas no significant differences were reported in malondialdehyde. Neutrophil nitrite levels as indicative of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity progressively increased after diving and recovery. The iNOS protein levels maintained the basal values in all situations. CONCLUSION: Scuba diving which combines hyperoxia, hyperbaria, and acute exercise induces nitrosative damage with increased nitrotyrosine levels and an inflammatory response in neutrophils.

Acute Antioxidant Response to Two Types of Exercises: 2000 M Run vs. Burpee Test.

Physical activity results in oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increased production of reactive oxygen, nitrogen species, and inflammatory mediators. The management of these components is instrumental for antioxidant adaptation to exercise and post-exercise recovery. Therefore, the present report aims to study the antioxidant response to two types of exercise (a 2000 m run and a burpee test) in healthy volunteers after a long period of inactivity (1-2 months). Antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers (protein carbonyls and malondialdehyde content) were measured in neutrophils, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and plasma. These parameters were determined under basal conditions and immediately post-exercise. Compared to those in basal state, neutrophil superoxide dismutase (28.3 vs. 22.9 pkat/109 cells), glutathione peroxidase (147.5 vs. 120.1 nkat/109 cells), and catalase (106.3 vs. 57.9 k/109 cells) were activated significantly (p < 0.05) after the burpee test. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibited only significant (p < 0.05) catalase activation (113.6 vs. 89.4 k/109 cells) after the burpee test. Other enzymes, such as glutathione reductase and myeloperoxidase, tended to increase post-exercise, although the differences from baseline were not significant. Finally, compared to basal conditions, the protein carbonyl (24.5 vs. 14.5 mmol/L) and malondialdehyde (39.6 vs. 18.3 mmol/L) contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) in neutrophils and in plasma (115.1 vs. 97.8 and 130.2 vs. 123.4 µmol/L, respectively) after the burpee test. In conclusion, high-intensity exercise seems to induce immediate oxidative stress in inactive individuals, and the acute antioxidant response was slightly greater after the burpee test than after the 2000 m run. Glutathione-dependent antioxidant systems are activated immediately as protective mechanisms.

Antioxidants restore protoporphyrinogen oxidase in variegate porphyria patients.

BACKGROUND: Variegate porphyria (VP) is the result of decreased protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPOX) activity and results in the accumulation of porphyrins and porphyrin precursors. Our aims were to analyse the basal antioxidant defences and oxidative damage markers and the effects of a diet supplementation with vitamins E and C on the oxidant/antioxidant status and PPOX gene expression in lymphocytes of variegate porphyria (VP) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve women affected by VP and 12 control women participated in a randomized and double-blind crossover study. Each participant took either 50 mg/day vitamin E and 150 mg/day vitamin C or a placebo for 6 months. RESULTS: Lymphocyte PPOX gene expression, together with catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, was reduced in VP women. No differences were observed in the levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl derivatives. Stimulated lymphocyte H2 O2 production was higher in porphyric women. Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins increased PPOX expression in VP patients. Glutathione reductase (GRd) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were higher in the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphocytes from VP patients show reduced PPOX expression and present a greater susceptibility to producing H2 O2 and impaired H2 O2 detoxifying mechanisms. Supplementation with vitamins E and C restores PPOX expression in VP patients and enhances GRd and SOD activity, suggesting the potential benefits of a diet rich in vitamins E and C in these patients.

Proposal for a Breakfast Quality Index (BQI) for children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To propose and apply an instrument to assess the breakfast quality of children and adolescents in the Mediterranean area. DESIGN: Randomized, cross-sectional survey of breakfast consumption using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ administered at school by trained dietitians between Tuesday and Friday. A Breakfast Quality Index (BQI) score was developed, assigning a positive value to the consumption of cereals, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, MUFA, Ca and compliance with energy recommendations, and to the absence of SFA and trans-rich fats. Data were analysed by Student's t test and ANOVA. SETTING: Schools in Granada and Balearic Islands (Spain). SUBJECTS: All schoolchildren (n 4332) aged 8-17 years at randomly selected and representative schools between 2006 and 2008, stratified by age and sex. RESULTS: Breakfast was not consumed by 6·5 % of participants. BQI score was highest for children aged 7-9 years and decreased with age (P = 0·001). Females scored higher in all age groups. The lowest score was in males aged 14-17 years and the highest in females aged 7-9 years (P = 0·006). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed BQI appears useful to estimate the breakfast quality of schoolchildren and to form a basis for nutrition education.

Sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of functional food consumption in an adult population of the Balearic Islands.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Studies about functional food (FF) consumption among south Europeans are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of FF consumption in adult inhabitants of the Balearic Islands. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional, nutritional survey was conducted. The target population consisted of all inhabitants aged 16-65 years living in the Balearic Islands. FFs were selected from a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were also assessed. RESULTS: A high percentage of the population consumed FFs (skimmed milk, fiber-rich bread/cookies, probiotics, breakfast cereals and tea). Gender was a significant determinant for FF consumption. Females were more likely to consume soy milk, fiber-rich bread/cookies and tea; males preferred to consume breakfast cereals. FF consumption was significantly associated with increasing age in both genders. Fiber-rich bread/cookies were especially consumed by individuals with medium education, and breakfast cereals were consumed by respondents with a medium income. Physically active adults were more likely to consume soy milk, breakfast cereals, probiotics and red wine, and obese individuals were less likely to consume breakfast cereals and fiber-rich bread/cookies. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of the study population consumed FFs. Gender, age, marital status, education level, body mass index and physical activity are factors associated with FF consumption.

Body image and eating patterns among adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Data on the association between body self-perception and eating patterns among adolescents are scarce. This study assessed the association between body image and eating patterns among normal-weight, overweight and obese adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey (n = 1231; 12-17 years old) was carried out in the Balearic Islands, Spain. Anthropometry, body image, socio-economic determinants, and food consumption were studied. RESULTS: Fifty-one percent of boys and sixty percent of girls that wished to be thinner had less than or equal to 3 eating occasions per day. Overfat girls that wish to be thinner skipped breakfast more frequently than normal-fat girls. Overfat boys and girls that wished a thinner body reported lower consumption of several food groups than normal-fat adolescents and overfat boys satisfied with their own body image (i.e. breakfast cereals, pasta and rice dishes, other oils and fats, high fat foods, soft drinks and chocolates in boys; and dairy products and chocolates in girls).A restriction of Western diet foods and energy intake was associated with a wish to be thinner among overfat adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Many overfat boys were satisfied with their body image while practically all overfat girls reported wishing a thinner body. Meal patterns and food consumption were associated with body dissatisfaction and overfat status among adolescents.

Prevention of neutrophil protein oxidation with vitamins C and E diet supplementation without affecting the adaptive response to exercise.

The authors studied the effects of antioxidant diet supplementation with an almond-based beverage on neutrophil antioxidants, nitrite, and protein oxidative alterations after exercise. Fourteen trained male amateur runners were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to receive antioxidant supplementation (152 mg/d vitamin C and 50 mg/d vitamin E) or placebo using an almond-based beverage for 1 mo and participated in a half-marathon race. Blood samples were taken before and after the half-marathon and after 3 hr recovery. Supplementation significantly increased basal neutrophil vitamin C compared with placebo (p < .05). Exercise increased neutrophil vitamin E levels in the supplemented group and decreased vitamin C in both groups after recovery (p < .05). Neutrophil catalase and glutathione peroxidase gene expression and nitrite levels were significantly increased as result of exercise (p < .05). Nitrotyrosine and protein carbonyl derivates increased only in the placebo group after exercise (p < .05), and these values remained high at recovery. No significant differences were evidenced in caspase-3 activity and DNA damage. Antioxidant supplementation with vitamins C and E reduced the exercise-induced oxidation of proteins in neutrophils, without altering the antioxidant adaptive response, as evidenced by the increased catalase and glutathione peroxidase gene expression.