Importancia de la nutrición en el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) / Importance of nutrition in attention deficit hiperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Introducción: La alimentación puede influir sobre las macro y microestructuras cerebrales y la función de neurotransmisores; todo esto, en su conjunto, va a tener impacto sobre el desarrollo cognitivo. El sistema nervioso central es más vulnerable a la influencia nutricional en aquellos periodos en los que el crecimiento, desarrollo y plasticidad son más intensos. El trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) es el desorden del neurodesarrollo más frecuente en la edad pediátrica, afecta entre un 2 y un 12 por ciento de los niños y adolescentes. Se estima que la prevalencia en la Argentina es similar al del resto del mundo, esto es, alrededor de un 5% en menores de 18 años. La alimentación juega un papel fundamental en la salud de quienes padecen este trastorno, ya que puede contribuir de forma considerable a mejorar tanto su salud, como su calidad de vida. Por lo expuesto, el objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una actualización bibliográfica, sobre el efecto que la alimentación en general y algunos nutrientes en particular (azúcares simples, ácidos omega3, dieta mediterránea, minerales, microbiota intestinal) tienen sobre esta patología psiquiátrica. Métodos: Se tomó como base las publicaciones en Pub Med y LILACS en el periodo 2015-2021, trabajos completos, en español e inglés. Resultados y conclusiones: De esta revisión bibliográfica emergen muchas dudas por falta de evidencias concretas y se vislumbra la necesidad de seguir estudiando y analizando los efectos de la alimentación en los individuos, de los diferentes rangos de edad, que padecen TADH. Pero también surgen algunos consejos nutricionales que, junto con el tratamiento farmacológico correspondiente, serán de utilidad para mejorar la calidad de vida de estos niños/jóvenes/adultos

Introduction: Diet can influence brain macro and microstructures and neurotransmitter function; all this together will have an impact on cognitive development. The central nervous system is more vulnerable to nutritional influence in those periods when growth, development and plasticity are more intense. Attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity (ADHD) is the most frequent neurodevelopmental disorder in pediatric age, affects between 2 and 12 percent of children and adolescents. It is estimated that the prevalence in Argentina is similar to that of the rest of the world, that is, around 5% in those under 18 years of age. Diet plays a fundamental role in the health of those who suffer from this disorder, since it can contribute considerably to improving both their health and their quality of life. Therefore, the objective of this work is to carry out a bibliographic update on the effect that food in general and some nutrients in particular (simple sugars, omega3 acids, Mediterranean diet, minerals, intestinal macrobiotic), have on this psychiatric pathology. Methods: The publications in Pub Med and LILACS in the period 2015-2021, complete works, in Spanish and English, were taken as a basis. Results and conclusions: many doubts arise, from this bibliographic review, due to the lack of concrete evidence and the need to continue studying and analyzing the effects of diet on individuals, of different ranges of age, who suffer from ADHD. But there are also some nutritional tips that, together with the corresponding pharmacological treatment, will be useful to improve the quality of life of these children/young people/adults

Utilidad de la determinación del perfil de ácidos grasos / Usefulness of the determination of the fatty acids profile

Resumen Al tener en cuenta las consecuencias de los desequilibrios nutricionales en el desarrollo de las enfermedades, se considera importante determinar el perfil de ácidos grasos (AG) en dietas con distintas fuentes lipídicas y su impacto sobre los AG del suero de ratas. Se prepararon dietas con distintas fuentes lipídicas y completas en el resto de los nutrientes. Las fuentes lipídicas fueron: manteca, aceite de oliva, aceite de girasol alto oleico, aceite de girasol y aceite de soja (control). Los animales recibieron las dietas durante 10 días. Se determinó el perfil de AG de las dietas y del suero de las ratas por cromatografía gaseosa. Los cambios en el perfil de AG en suero se producen en función de la fuente lipídica aportada por la dieta. Por ende, es importante esta determinación como diagnóstico de la deficiencia de ácidos grasos esenciales, EPA y DHA, cuyas funciones son fundamentales para el funcionamiento del organismo.

Abstract Taking into account the consequences of nutritional imbalances in the development of diseases, it is considered important to determine the profile of fatty acids (FA) in diets with different lipid sources and their impact on serum FA of growing rats. Diets with different lipid sources and complete in the rest of the nutrients were prepared. The lipid sources used were butter, olive oil, high oleic sunflower oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil (control). Animals were fed with experimental and control diets for 10 days. The FA profile of the diets and of rat serum was determined by gas chromatography (GC). Changes in FA profile in serum occur depending on the source of fat provided by the diet. Therefore, the determination of fatty acids is of utmost importance, as a diagnosis of the deficiency of essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, whose functions are essential for the proper functioning of the body.

Resumo Tendo em conta as consequências dos desequilíbrios nutricionais no desenvolvimento das doenças, considera-se importante determinar o perfil de ácidos graxos (AG) em dietas com diferentes fontes lipídicas e o seu impacto nos AG do soro de ratos. Foram elaboradas dietas com diferentes fontes lipídicas e completas no restante dos nutrientes. As fontes lipídicas utilizadas foram: manteiga, azeite, óleo de girassol alto oleico, óleo de girassol e óleo de soja (controle). Os animais foram alimentados com dietas por 10 dias. O perfil de AG das dietas e o soro dos ratos foi determinado por cromatografia gasosa. Alterações no perfil de AG em soro ocorrem dependendo da fonte lipídica fornecida pela dieta. Por isso, esta determinação é de extrema importância, como diagnóstico da deficiência de ácidos graxos essenciais, EPA e DHA, cujas funções são essenciais para o funcionamento do organismo.

Efecto de la suplementación con ácidos grasos n-3 sobre el perfil de lípidos séricos de ratas

RESUMEN La grasa alimentaria influye en la modulación de las funciones inmunitarias y los procesos inflamatorios; la mayor parte del impacto se atribuye a los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (AGPI). Los ácidos grasos esenciales (AGE), como el Ácido Linoleico (AL; 18:2n-6) y el Ácido α-Linolénico (AAL; 18:3n-3), que deben ser incorporados con la dieta, son precursores de otros ácidos grasos de gran importancia para el organismo. El AAL, perteneciente a la familia n-3, da origen a los ácidos Eicosapentaenoico (EPA; 20:5n-3) y Docosahexaenoico (DHA; 22:6n-3). Ellos confieren flexibilidad, fluidez y permeabilidad a las membranas, que favorece la salud cardiovascular, reduce el riesgo de deficiencias en la visión y el desarrollo neural de bebés y niños y de demencia en adultos mayores; algunos son precursores en la síntesis de prostaglandinas. También se han observado efectos en la prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades coronarias, hipertensión, diabetes, artritis, inflamaciones, desórdenes autoinmunes y cáncer. Estos efectos pueden explicarse a través de las acciones específicas de cada uno de ellos. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el efecto de una dieta a base de manteca, con y sin la suplementación de AGPI n-3 sobre los lípidos y perfil de AG séricos, de ratas en período de crecimiento activo. Ratas Wistar al destete, recibieron durante 10 días una dieta normocalórica a base de manteca (M). Los otros grupos recibieron la misma dieta suplementada con 24 mg/día de aceite de pescado (MP) -aportador de EPA y DHA- o aceite de chía (MCh)- que proporciona ácido α-linolénico (AAL). El control recibió dieta según AIN´93. Se determinó colesterol total y triglicéridos por métodos enzimáticos y el perfil de ácidos grasos sérico, por cromatografía gaseosa. Resultados: Los grupos M, MP y MCh mostraron niveles más bajos de linoleico y más altos de oleico serie n-9, comparados con C. Sólo M y MP presentan valores bajos de AAL. Los grupos MP y MCh presentaron altos niveles de EPA y DHA. La suplementación con aceite de chía, es más beneficiosa que con aceite de pescado, incrementando el EPA y DHA sérico junto con el AAL. Conclusión: No sólo es importante el porcentaje de lípidos dietarios que se consumen sino también el perfil de ácidos grasos que componen los alimentos.

ABSTRACT Dietary fat influences the modulation of immune functions and inflammatory processes; most of the impact is attributed to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Essential fatty acids, such as Linoleic Acid (AL) and α-Linolenic Acid (ALA), which must be incorporated in the diet, are precursors of other fatty acids of great importance for the body. ALA, belonging to n-3 family, gives rise to Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. They confer flexibility, fluidity and selective permeability to the membranes, which favor cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of deficiencies in vision and neural development in infants and children, and dementia in older adults; some are precursors in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Effects have also been observed in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. These effects can be explained through the specific actions of each of them. The objective was to analyze the effect of a butter-based diet, with and without n-3 fatty acid supplementation, on the lipids and serum fatty acid profile of rats in a period of active growth. Wistar rats at weaning received a normo-caloric butter-based diet for 10 days (M). The other groups received the same diet supplemented with 24 mg / day of fish oil (MP) -providing EPA and DHA- or chia oil (MCh)- containing linolenic acid (ALA). The control (C) received a diet according to AIN'93. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were determined by enzymatic methods and the serum fatty acid profile, by gas chromatography. Results: M, MP and MCh groups showed lower levels of linoleic and higher levels of oleic-n-9, compared to C. Only M and MP have low values of ALA. The MP and MCh groups presented high levels of EPA and DHA. Chia oil supplementation is more beneficial than fish oil, increasing serum EPA and DHA along with ALA. Conclusion: Not only the dietary lipids percentage is important but also the fatty acid profile of the source too.

Importancia de los ácidos grasos Omega 3 en la salud / Importance of Omega 3 fatty acids in health

La grasa alimentaria influye en la modulación de las funciones inmunitarias y los procesos inflamatorios; la mayor parte del impacto se atribuye a los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, LCPUFA, sus siglas en inglés). Los ácidos grasos esenciales (AGE), como el ácido linoleico (AL) y el ácido α-linolénico (AAL), que deben incorporarse por la dieta, son precursores de otros AG de gran importancia para el organismo. El AAL, perteneciente a la familia ω3, da origen a los ácidos eicosapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA). Ellos confieren flexibilidad, fluidez y permeabilidad selectiva a las membranas lo que favorece la salud cardiovascular, reduce el riesgo de deficiencias en la visión y el desarrollo neural de bebés y niños, y de demencia en adultos mayores; algunos son precursores en la síntesis de prostaglandinas. También se observan efectos en la prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades coronarias, hipertensión, diabetes, artritis, inflamaciones, desórdenes autoinmunes y cáncer. Estos efectos pueden explicarse a través de las acciones específicas de cada uno de ellos1-3. El EPA ejerce: efecto hipotrigliceridémico a nivel de LDL y VLDL, efecto hipocolesterolémico por aumento de eflujo biliar y del transporte reverso de colesterol, y efecto antitrombótico por formación de eicosanoides de la serie 3. El DHA aumenta la fluidez de las membranas neuronales, gliales, y de conos y bastoncitos, disminuye la apoptosis neuronal, facilita el reciclaje de neurotransmisores, regula la expresión de enzimas involucradas en el metabolismo de lípidos como ligando de PPARs (peroxisome proliferator activated receptors) e inhibe la resistencia a la insulina a los tejidos musculares y adiposo3-7. Las recomendaciones de ingesta son: ácidos grasos poliinsaturados ω6: 2,5-9% de ingesta energética/diaria, y ácidos grasos poliinsaturados ω3: 0,6-2,0% de ingesta energética/diaria8

Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential since the human body does not produce them and they are obtained mainly from the diet. They confer flexibility, fluidity and selective permeability to the membranes, which favors cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of deficiencies in vision and neural development in infants and children, and dementia in older adults; some of them are precursors in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Some effects have also been seen in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. These effects can be explained through the specific actions of each of them. Dietary fat influences the modulation of immune functions and inflammatory processes; most of the impact is attributed to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). The EPA exerts: hypotriglyceridemic effect at LDL and VLDL level; hypocholesterolemic effect due to increase in bile efflux and reverse cholesterol transport; antithrombotic effect due to the formation of Series 3 eicosanoids. DHA: increases the fluidity of neuronal, glial, and cone and rod membranes; decreases neuronal apoptosis; facilitates the recycling of neurotransmitters; regulates the expression of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism as a ligand for PPARs; inhibits insulin resistance to muscle and fat tissues. The intake recommendations are: 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids: 2.5-9% of energy intake/daily, and ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: 0.6-2.0% of energy intake/daily

Effect of Diets with Different Lipid's Sources On Serum and Brain Fatty Acids Profile: Experimental Model.

BACKGROUND: The importance of diet in health is widely accepted and recognized. Diet lipid profile is important to prevent chronic diseases and improve the quality of an individual's life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this report is to analyze the effect of different sources of dietary lipids with standard and high concentration on growing rats. METHODS: Experimental diets contained 15 or 42% kcal of fat, provided by butter (B), olive oil (O), high oleic sunflower oil (HO), and sunflower oil (S). Control diet (C) was normocaloric with 15% kcal of fat provided by soy oil. All diets were complete in the other nutrients according to AIN 1993 and were administered for 40 days. RESULTS: Daily intake was similar in all groups. The administration of these diets provoked changes in serum fatty acid profile in response to the different sources of dietary lipids used; no changes were observed in the brain´s fatty acids. CONCLUSION: These results would suggest that the organism tries first to supply the brain´s fatty acid needs at the expense of its modification in serum.

Perfil bioquímico nutricional en un grupo de pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello / Nutritional biochemical profile in a group of patients with head and neck cancer / Perfil bioquímico nutricional num grupo de pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el estado nutricional mediante diferentes parámetros bioquímicos en 17 pacientes adultos de ambos sexos, con cáncer de cabeza y cuello, seleccionados y asistidos en el Instituto Oncológico A. Roffo al inicio del tratamiento. Las muestras de sangre fueron recolectadas en ayunas y sobre el suero separado por centrifugación se determinaron las siguientes fracciones proteicas: transtiretina (TTR), transferrina (Transf), fracciones de complemento C3 y C4 (C3c, C4c), ceruloplasmina (Cp), haptoglobina (Hp), proteína C reactiva (PCR), por inmunodifusión radial cuantitativa en placas (Binding Site, Reino Unido; Diffu-Plate, Biocientífica SA, Argentina); la concentración de IL-4 fue determinada por el método de Elisa y se evaluó el estado antioxidante total (TAS) (Kit RANDOX, Reino Unido). Sobre el 58% de los pacientes (n=10) se analizó el perfil de ácidos grasos por cromatografía gaseosa. Los ácidos oleico, linoleico, araquidónico (AA), α-linolénico, eicosapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA) fueron identificados por el tiempo de retención y calculados como porcentaje del total de los ácidos grasos. Los resultados fueron expresados como X±DE y comparados con valores obtenidos en individuos sanos (VR). Los resultados muestran una disminución en los niveles séricos de TTR, C3c, Transf, e IL4 con aumento concomitante de Cp y Hp con respecto a los VR; estos resultados indican un comprometido estado nutricional e inflamatorio. También se observa un estado antioxidante total deprimido y disminución en la concentración de ácidos grasos esenciales (ω3 y ω6). El análisis global de estos hallazgos demuestra la importancia de la evaluación nutricional temprana y periódica de estos pacientes; esto permitiría realizar una valoración precoz de la necesidad de un apropiado tratamiento nutricional específico.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional status of 17 patients suffering from head and neck cancer, who attended Angel Roffo Institute of Oncology, at the beginning of the specific treatment, through the use of biochemical parameters. Blood samples were collected from fasting patients. Specific serum protein fractions transthyretin (TTR), transferrin (Transf), C3 and C4 complement fractions (C3c,C4c); ceruloplasmin (Cp), haptoglobin (Hp) and C-reactive protein (RCP) were measured by single radial immunodiffusion technique on agar gel layers (Binding Site, UK; Diffu-Plate, Biocientífica SA, Argentina). The level of IL-4 was determined by Elisa method and total antioxidant status (TAS) by Randox Kit (UK). On 58% of patients (n=10) the fatty acid profile was analyzed. Results expressed as X±SD were compared with reference values performed in a group of healthy individuals. Data showed lower TTR, C3c, Transferrin and IL-4 together with higher Cp and Haptoglobin sera levels than reference values. The results pointed out to a depressed nutritional status and inflammation. Also, diminishment in the total antioxidant status and in essential fatty acids ω3 and ω6 was observed. These findings showed the importance of an early and periodic nutritional evaluation that could help to perform an adequate nutritional support concomitant with the specific treatment.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o estado nutricional através de diferentes parâmetros bioquímicos em 17 pacientes adultos de ambos os sexos, com câncer de cabeça e pescoço, selecionados e assistidos, no Instituto Oncológico A. Roffo, no início do tratamento. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas em jejum e sobre o soro separado por centrifugação foram determinadas as seguintes frações proteicas: transtirretina (TTR), transferrina (Transf), frações de complemento C3 e C4 (C3c, C4c), ceruloplasmina (Cp), haptoglobina (Hp), proteína C reativa (PCR), por imunodifusão radial quantitativa em placas (Binding Site, Reino Unido; Diffu-Plate, Biocientífica SA, Argentina); a concentração de IL-4 foi determinada pelo método de Elisa e se avaliou o estado antioxidante total (TAS) (Kit RANDOX, Reino Unido). Sobre 58% dos pacientes (n=10) foi analisado o perfil de ácidos graxos por cromatografia gasosa. Os ácidos oleico, linoleico, araquidônico (AA), α-linolênico, eicosapentaenoico (EPA) e docosahexaenoico (DHA) foram identificados pelo tempo de retenção e calculados como percentual do total dos ácidos graxos. Os resultados foram expressos como X±DE e comparados com valores obtidos em indivíduos saudáveis (VR). Os resultados mostram uma diminuição nos níveis séricos de TTR, C3c, Transf, e IL4 com aumento concomitante de Cp e Hp com relação aos VR; estes resultados indicam um comprometido estado nutricional e inflamatório. Também se observa um estado antioxidante total deprimido e diminuição na concentração de ácidos graxos essenciais (ω3 e ω6). A análise global destes achados demonstra a importância da avaliação nutricional precoce e periódica destes pacientes; isto permitiria realizar uma avaliação precoce da necessidade de um adequado tratamento nutricional específico.

Dietas con diferentes fuentes y concentraciones lipídicas: modificaciones sobre el perfil de ácidos grasos en suero y cerebro. Modelo experimental / Diets with different sources and lipidic concentrations: alterations on the profile of serum fatty acids and brain. Experimental model

Un adecuado perfil de ácidos grasos en la dieta es importante para el crecimiento y desarrollo del sistema nervioso durante las distintas etapas de la vida. El sistema nervioso central está constituido predominantemente por lípidos, gran parte de ellos está formado por ácidos grasos esenciales que no pueden ser sintetizados por el organismo y deben ser aportados por la dieta. Los ácidos grasos omega 3 y omega 6 resultan determinantes en el desarrollo cerebral. El objetivo fue analizar el efecto de dietas con diferentes fuentes lipídicas, con contenido recomendado y alto de lípidos, administradas durante 10 días a ratas en período de crecimiento activo. Se evaluaron los niveles séricos de triglicéridos, colesterol total y el perfil de ácidos grasos en suero y cerebro. Se realizaron experiencias utilizando dietas conteniendo F%15 ó 42 (F%=kcal lipídicas/100 kcal totales). Las fuentes lipídicas utilizadas fueron las siguientes: manteca (Dieta M), aceite de oliva (Dieta O), aceite de girasol alto oleico (Dieta AO), aceite de girasol (Dieta G). La dieta control en todas las experiencias fue normocalórica (F%=15, aceite de soja). Los resultados demostraron que sólo el grupo M que recibió una dieta con un F%=42 presentó aumento del colesterol total y triglicéridos. En suero los grupos M, O y AO mostraron aumento de ácido oleico y disminución de ácidos linolénico y linoleico. El grupo G sólo presentó disminución de ácido linolénico. El perfil de ácidos grasos en cerebro en todas las experiencias no mostró cambios. La modificación en el perfil de ácidos grasos en suero de los grupos M, O y AO estuvo relacionada con la fuente de lípidos utilizada para su elaboración y no con el F% de la dietas. Por otra parte, los cambios que presentaron los ácidos grasos en suero no se observaron en cerebro. Estos resultados sugerirían que el organismo trata de suplir las necesidades de ácidos grasos del cerebro a expensas de su modificación en suero.

Diet lipid profile is important for the growth and development of the nervous system during the different stages of life. The central nervous system consists predominantly of lipids, many of themare composed of fatty acids, which cannot be synthesized by the body and must be supplied by diet. The ω3 and ω6 fatty acids are determinants in the development of the brain. The objective of this sutudy is to analyze the effect of different sources of dietary lipids with normal and high concentration, on serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and fatty acids profile in serum and brain of growing rats. Experimental diets contained F% 15 and 42 (F%=kcal of lipids/ total kcal), provided by butter (M), olive oil (O), sunflower oil high oleic acid (AO) and sunflower oil (G). Control diet (C) was normocaloric, with 15%kcal of lipids provided by soy oil. Only the M group that received a diet with F%=42 increase total cholesterol and triglycerides. M, O and AO groups in serum, show increase of oleic acid and decrease of linolenic and linoleic acids. G group has only decrease linolenic acid. Brain fatty acids profile in all the experiences shows no changes. The administration of these diets provoked changes in serum fatty acid profile in response to the differences sources of dietary lipids used and not with the F% of the diets. On the other hand, changes in serum fatty acids profile, were not observed in brain. These results suggest that the body tries to compensate the fatty acids needs of the brain at the expense of its modification in serum

Dietary modulation of thymic enzymes.

Malnutrition is a complex syndrome caused by an inadequate intake of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins which affects the immune system. Nutritional imbalances, present in children with energy-protein malnutrition and infections, make defining the specific effects of each of them on the thymus difficult. For this reason, it is necessary to design an experimental model in animals that could define a single variable. As the thymus atrophy described in humans is similar to that observed in murines, a rat experimental model makes the extrapolation to man possible. Some authors suggest that the activity of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) and Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase (PNP)--involved in purine metabolism--have an influence on T lymphocyte development and the immune system, due to intracellular accumulation of toxic levels of deoxynucleotides. Studies in our group, performed in an experimental model on Wistar growing rats, have demonstrated that protein deficiency or imbalance in the profile of essential amino acids in the diet, produce loss of thymus weight, reduction in the number of thymocytes, a diminished proportion of T cells presenting the W3/13 antigenic determinant and DNA content with concomitant increase in cell size, and the proportion of immature T cells and activity of ADA and PNP, without modifying the activity of 5´Nucleotidase in the thymus. It is important to point out that there were neither differences in energy intake between experimental groups and their controls, nor clinical symptoms of deficiency of other nutrients. The increase in these thymic enzyme activities was an alternative mechanism to avoid the accumulation of high levels of deoxynucleotides, which would be toxic for T lymphocytes. On the other hand, the administration of a recovery diet, with a high amount of high quality protein, was able to reverse the mentioned effects. The quick reply of Adenosine Deaminase to nutritional disorders and the following nutritional recovery, points out to this determination as a potential functional marker of nutritional status. Some authors have demonstrated an increase in ADA activity, in serum and other biological fluids in patients with various diseases involving defense mechanisms. According to these findings, it could be inferred that ADA activity in serum would follow the same behavior as observed in a rat thymus. So, we have analyzed if its determination could be considered a functional biochemical parameter in populations at nutritional risk. We analyzed the serum ADA activity in groups of individuals with altered nutritional status evaluated through different markers--young adult patients with Nervous Anorexia, overweight or obese school children, children suffering cystic fibrosis. The results show a statistically significant increase in the ADA activity in all groups, with respect to their healthy controls--same age range and socio economic status. The results obtained to date suggest the importance of including the determination of serum Adenosine Deaminase activity in the biochemical evaluation of the nutritional status, as a functional marker related to defense mechanisms.

Fluoxetine potentiation of omega-3 fatty acid antidepressant effect: evaluating pharmacokinetic and brain fatty acid-related aspects in rodents.

We previously reported that combined fluoxetine administration at antidepressant doses renders additive antidepressant effects, whereas non-antidepressant doses potentiate the omega-3 fatty acid antidepressant effect. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate putative pharmacokinetic and brain omega-3 fatty acid-related aspects for fluoxetine potentiation of omega-3 fatty acid antidepressant effect in rats. Coadministration of omega-3 fatty acids with a non-antidepressant dose of fluoxetine (1 mg/kg day) failed to affect both brain fluoxetine concentration and norfluoxetine plasma concentration profile. Fluoxetine plasma concentrations remained below the sensitivity limit of the detection method. Either antidepressant (10 mg/kg day) or non-antidepressant (1 mg/kg day) doses of fluoxetine in combination with omega-3 fatty acids increased hippocampal docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5 omega-3) levels. Although individual treatments had no effects on DPA concentration, DPA increase was higher when omega-3 were combined with the non-antidepressant dose of fluoxetine. Chronic DPA administration exerted antidepressant-like effects in the forced swimming test while increasing hippocampal docosahexaenoic (22:6 omega-3) and DPA levels. Our results suggest no pharmacokinetic interaction and reveal specific hippocampal DPA changes after fluoxetine and omega-3 combined treatments in our experimental conditions. The DPA role in the synergistic effect of fluoxetine and omega-3 combined treatments will be for sure the focus of future studies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 103:3316-3325, 2014.

Dietas con diferentes fuentes lipídicas: su efecto en el perfil de ácidos grasos séricos de la rata / Diets with different lipid sources: their effect on fatty acid serum profile of the rat

The importance of diet in maintaining health is widely accepted and recognized. Diet lipid profile is important to prevent chronic diseases and improve the quality of life of individuals. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of different sources of dietary lipids with normal and high concentration, on the fatty acid profile of growing rats. Experimental diets contained 15 and 40% kcal from fat, provided by butter (B), olive oil (O), high oleic acid sunflower oil (SO) and sunflower oil (S). Control diet (C) was normocaloric, with 15%kcal of fat provided by soy oil. All diets were complete in the others nutrients and were administered for 40 days. Daily intake was similar in all groups. B, O and SO groups had increased serum oleic acid and a decrease in serum essential fatty acids with respect to C. These results are seen independent of the fat proportion (F%) of the diet. S group showed an increase in linoleic acid only when F% was 40. The administration of these diets provoked changes in serum fatty acid profile levels in response to the differences sources of dietary lipids used; only some changes observed in S group were in response to the high fat percentage.

El perfil de lípidos de una dieta es importante para prevenir enfermedades crónicas y mejorar la calidad de vida de los individuos. Objetivo: estudiar el efecto de dietas con diferentes fuentes y concentraciones lipídicas sobre el perfil de ácidos grasos en suero de ratas en período de crecimiento activo. Las dietas experimentales, contenían 15 y 40 Kcal% de lípidos aportados por: manteca (M); aceite de oliva (O); aceite de girasol alto oleico (AO) y aceite de girasol (G). El control recibió dieta normocalórica (fuente lipídica: aceite de soja). Los grupos M, O y AO presentaron un aumento en los niveles séricos del ácido oleico, con disminución de los ácidos grasos esenciales (AGE) con respecto al grupo C. Estos resultados se observan independientemente del F% de la dieta. El grupo G muestra aumento de ácido linoleico sólo cuando el F% de la dieta fue 40. La administración de estas dietas provocó cambios en el perfil de ácidos grasos en suero en respuesta a las diferentes fuentes aportadas por las dietas, sólo algunos cambios observados en el grupo G fueron también en respuesta al alto porcentaje de grasa.

Effects of high-fat diets from different sources on serum and thymus lipid profile: study in an experimental model.

BACKGROUND: A balanced diet is important to maintain an optimal health status and to prevent noncommunicable chronic diseases. The principal objective of this study was to analyze the effect of diets containing high fat levels from different sources, on serum and thymus lipid profile, in adult rats. METHODS: Experimental diets contained 50% kcal of fat, provided by butter (B) or sunflower oil (S); control diet (C) was isocaloric, with 15 kcal of fat per 100 total kcal, provided by soy oil. Diets were otherwise complete in all nutrients and were administered for 40 days. RESULTS: Group B had higher levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides than C; S serum lipid profile did not differ from C, despite the higher fat content. Regarding serum and thymus FA profile, B showed an increase of saturated fatty acids and lower levels of ω6 and ω3 FA, and S had lower levels of ω3 fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of high-fat diets, during 40 days to adult rats, provoked specific variations on serum and thymus fatty acids, as a consequence of differences in FA profile of their lipid sources. These results reflect the impact that eating habits have on health status. It is important to put emphasis not only on the reduction of total fat intake, but also on choosing healthy sources of fat, replacing saturated fatty acids by polyunsaturated and including oils with higher content of ω3 to keep a balanced ω6/ω3 ratio.

Specific nutritional supplement (Supportan®) in the supportive care of the radio-chemotherapy treatment of head and neck cancers: biochemical parameters. Preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: This is a preliminary study of a specific nutritional supplement -Supportan(®) - for the clinical support of patients with locally advanced head and neck (H&N) cancers who underwent treatment with concurrent radiochemotherapy (RT-CHT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven patients received nutritional supplement (Supportan(®)) plus habitual diet during a median time of treatment with RT on 7.8 weeks plus concurrent weekly CHT(S). Specific serum protein fractions as a potential useful tool to evaluate the nutritional status were determined. The main objective was to assess the compliance with the above-mentioned treatment. RESULTS: Patients completed the nutritional support, 5 / 7 patients via oral route and 2/7 patients through nasogastric tube. All studied patients, that completed treatment, had not severe mucositis -ulcera, hemrraghe and/ or infection. None of them had another severe toxicity by treatment nor had impairment of Pefomance Status. No differences in all specific sera proteins were observed between S and To. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study of few patients, we have observed a potential usefulness of Supportan(®) in the compliance of concurrent RT-CHT in patients with H&N cancers; moreover, its administration was useful to maintain the initial biochemical nutritional profile.

Potentiation of omega-3 fatty acid antidepressant-like effects with low non-antidepressant doses of fluoxetine and mirtazapine.

Despite the advances in psychopharmacology, the treatment of depressive disorders is still not satisfactory. Side effects and resistance to antidepressant drugs are the greatest complications during treatment. Based on recent evidence, omega-3 fatty acids may influence vulnerability and outcome in depressive disorders. The aim of this study was to further characterize the omega-3 antidepressant-like effect in rats in terms of its behavioral features in the depression model forced swimming test either alone or in combination with antidepressants fluoxetine or mirtazapine. Ultimately, we prompted to determine the lowest dose at which omega-3 fatty acids and antidepressant drugs may still represent a pharmacological advantage when employed in combined treatments. Chronic diet supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids produced concentration-dependent antidepressant-like effects in the forced swimming test displaying a behavioral profile similar to fluoxetine but different from mirtazapine. Fluoxetine or mirtazapine at antidepressant doses (10 and 20 mg/kg/day, respectively) rendered additive effects in combination with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (720 mg/kg/day). Beneficial effects of combined treatment were also observed at sub-effective doses (1 mg/kg/day) of fluoxetine or mirtazapine, since in combination with omega-3 fatty acids (720 mg/kg/day), antidepressants potentiated omega-3 antidepressant-like effects. The antidepressant-like effects occurred in the absence of changes in brain phospholipid classes. The therapeutic approach of combining omega-3 fatty acids with low ineffective doses of antidepressants might represent benefits in the treatment of depression, especially in patients with depression resistant to conventional treatments and even may contribute to patient compliance by decreasing the magnitude of some antidepressant dose-dependent side effects.

Ciertas enzimas se relacionan con mecanismos de defensa en los desequilibrios nutricionales / Certain enzymes are related to defence mechanisms in cases of eating disorders

Algunos investigadores señalan la estrecha interrelación entre el desarrollo y funcionamiento de los linfocitos T con la actividad de la adenosina desaminasa (ADA). Trabajos previos de nuestro grupo, en modelos experimentales, demostraron que el estrés nutricional causado por la distorsión de nutrientes en la dieta provoca incremento en la actividad de la ADA en timo de rata. Se demostró aumento en la actividad de esta enzima en suero de pacientes con enfermedades que comprometen los mecanismos de defensa. Se analizó si la actividad de ADA sérica podría considerarse parámetro bioquímico funcional en el seguimiento de poblaciones en riesgo nutricional. Para ello se la estudió en suero de individuos, con compromiso del estado nutricional evaluado a través de diferentes indicadores, en diferentes situaciones fisiopatológicas. Se estudiaron mujeres con anorexia nerviosa; escolares obesos y niños con fibrosis quística. Los valores de cada grupo fueron comparados con los obtenidos en individuos sanos de igual edad (C). Los resultados muestran un incremento en la actividad de ADA estadísticamente significativo con respecto a C. El análisis integral refuerza la hipótesis de proponer la determinación en la actividad sérica de ADA como un indicador funcional relacionado con los mecanismos de defensa en los estudios de nutrición.(AU)

Ciertas enzimas se relacionan con mecanismos de defensa en los desequilibrios nutricionales / Certain enzymes are related to defence mechanisms in cases of eating disorders

Algunos investigadores señalan la estrecha interrelación entre el desarrollo y funcionamiento de los linfocitos T con la actividad de la adenosina desaminasa (ADA). Trabajos previos de nuestro grupo, en modelos experimentales, demostraron que el estrés nutricional causado por la distorsión de nutrientes en la dieta provoca incremento en la actividad de la ADA en timo de rata. Se demostró aumento en la actividad de esta enzima en suero de pacientes con enfermedades que comprometen los mecanismos de defensa. Se analizó si la actividad de ADA sérica podría considerarse parámetro bioquímico funcional en el seguimiento de poblaciones en riesgo nutricional. Para ello se la estudió en suero de individuos, con compromiso del estado nutricional evaluado a través de diferentes indicadores, en diferentes situaciones fisiopatológicas. Se estudiaron mujeres con anorexia nerviosa; escolares obesos y niños con fibrosis quística. Los valores de cada grupo fueron comparados con los obtenidos en individuos sanos de igual edad (C). Los resultados muestran un incremento en la actividad de ADA estadísticamente significativo con respecto a C. El análisis integral refuerza la hipótesis de proponer la determinación en la actividad sérica de ADA como un indicador funcional relacionado con los mecanismos de defensa en los estudios de nutrición.