Foot and ankle ability measure: validación de la versión española de 29 ítems en el área de rehabilitación / Foot and ankle ability measure: Validation of a Spanish version with 29 items in rehabilitation setting

Objetivo: El Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) es un cuestionario extendido internacionalmente para patología de pie y tobillo. El propósito del estudio fue desarrollar y validar la versión española de 29 ítems del cuestionario FAAM para las subescalas de Actividades de la Vida Diaria (AVD) y DEPORTE en el área de rehabilitación. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional en dos fases. Primero, se hizo una adaptación transcultural del cuestionario FAAM con una traducción doble al español y doble traducción inversa al inglés. Posteriormente, se validaron las propiedades psicométricas. Los participantes (n = 147), con patología de pie y tobillo, completaron la versión española del FAAM para AVD y DEPORTE, el cuestionario SF-36 y la Escala Analógica Visual de Dolor (EVA). La muestra se empleó para determinar la estructura factorial, consistencia interna y validez convergente y, un subgrupo (n = 46), para determinar la fiabilidad a las 48-72 h. Resultados: La estructura factorial de la versión española del FAAM para AVD y DEPORTE fue unidimensional demostrando alta consistencia interna en ambas subescalas (AVD y DEPORTE, α = 0,97 y α = 0,93, respectivamente). Los valores de fiabilidad fueron de ICC = 0,90 y ICC = 0,76, respectivamente. La validez convergente del cuestionario FAAM con la EVA dolor (r = 0,50) y con la función física de la SF-36 (r = 0,64) se correlacionó moderadamente. Conclusiones: La versión española del FAAM de 29 ítems es un instrumento de medida válido para patologías de pie y tobillo con unas propiedades psicométricas similares a la versión original y a las versiones en otros idiomas.(AU)

Objective: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is an internationally widely used outcome measure of foot and ankle disorders available in several languages. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a FAAM Spanish-version with 29 items of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and SPORT subscales in rehabilitation setting. Materials and methods: A two-stage observational study was conducted. The FAAM was cross-culturally adapted to Spanish through a double-forward translation and a double-backward translation; the psychometric properties were then validated. The participants (n = 147), with various chronic foot and ankle disorders, completed the Spanish version of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure ADL and SPORT, SF-36, and a pain intensity visual analogue scale (Pain VAS). The full sample was used to determine the factor structure, the internal consistency, and the convergent criterion validity, and a subgroup (n = 46) was used to determine the reliability at 48–72 h. Results: The factor structure of Spanish version of FAAM ADL and SPORT subscales were both one-dimensional, demonstrating high internal consistency (α = 0.97 and α = 0.93, respectively). The reliability values were ICC = 0.90 and ICC = 0.76, respectively. The convergent validity criterion of Spanish version of FAAM with the Pain VAS (r = 0.50) and Physical Function of SF-36 (r = 0.64) were moderately correlated. Conclusions: The Spanish version of FAAM with 29 items are a valid foot and ankle disorder outcome measure with similar psychometric properties to the original version and versions in other languages.(AU)

[Foot and ankle ability measure: Validation of a Spanish version with 29 items in rehabilitation setting]. / Foot and ankle ability measure: validación de la versión española de 29 ítems en el área de rehabilitación.

OBJECTIVE: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is an internationally widely used outcome measure of foot and ankle disorders available in several languages. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a FAAM Spanish-version with 29 items of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and SPORT subscales in rehabilitation setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-stage observational study was conducted. The FAAM was cross-culturally adapted to Spanish through a double-forward translation and a double-backward translation; the psychometric properties were then validated. The participants (n = 147), with various chronic foot and ankle disorders, completed the Spanish version of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure ADL and SPORT, SF-36, and a pain intensity visual analogue scale (Pain VAS). The full sample was used to determine the factor structure, the internal consistency, and the convergent criterion validity, and a subgroup (n = 46) was used to determine the reliability at 48-72 h. RESULTS: The factor structure of Spanish version of FAAM ADL and SPORT subscales were both one-dimensional, demonstrating high internal consistency (α = 0.97 and α = 0.93, respectively). The reliability values were ICC = 0.90 and ICC = 0.76, respectively. The convergent validity criterion of Spanish version of FAAM with the Pain VAS (r = 0.50) and Physical Function of SF-36 (r = 0.64) were moderately correlated. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of FAAM with 29 items are a valid foot and ankle disorder outcome measure with similar psychometric properties to the original version and versions in other languages.

Supplementation with liquid whey and ACIDAL® ML in drinking water affect gut pH and microflora and productive performance in laying hens.

1. As the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been banned in many regions, there has been an on-going search for possible alternative compounds, such as prebiotics and organic acids. 2. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of liquid whey (LW) and organic acid (ACIDAL® ML) supplementation on performance, eggs characteristics, gut pH and health status in laying hens. 3. Seven hundred and fifty, Isa Brown chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments groups (n = 150) and each treatment had five replicates of 30 birds each. The birds were reared for 48 weeks. The treatments were administered in the drinking water at doses of: 250 ml/l of LW (Lacto25), 500 ml/l of LW (Lacto50) or 1 ml/l of ACIDAL® ML (Aci). A positive control group (T+) was treated with 500 mg/l of Tetracolivit (an antibiotic). The negative control group (T-) did not receive any treatment in the drinking water. 4. Administration of LW or ACIDAL® ML in the drinking water reduced (P < 0.05) the pH in the crop, proventriculus, ileum and caeca, as well as total coliform bacteria and E. coli, but increased Lactobacillus spp. in the ileum and caecum, compared to the negative control. 5. Oviposition was earlier in the birds in both the Lacto50 and Aci groups. The weight of birds at first lay and point of lay in the four treated groups was higher than those in negative control group. Furthermore, egg production was increased by 10.44% in birds receiving Lacto25, but the weight and quality traits were unaffected, while the egg shell ratio was higher in the Aci group compared to the other treatments. 6. The data indicated that addition of LW or ACIDAL® ML improved hens' performance by modifying gut pH and microflora.

Validation and reliability of a Spanish version of Simple Shoulder Test (SST-Sp).

BACKGROUND: The Simple Shoulder Test (SST-Sp) is a widely used outcome measure. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a Spanish-version SST (SST-Sp). METHODS: A two-stage observational study was conducted. The SST was initially cross-culturally adapted to Spanish through double forward and backward translation and then validated for its psychometric characteristics. Participants (n = 66) with several shoulder disorders completed the SST-Sp, DASH, VAS and SF-12. The full sample was employed to determine factor structure, internal consistency and concurrent criterion validity. Reliability was determined in the first 24-48 h in a subsample of 21 patients. RESULTS: The SST-Sp showed three factors that explained the 56.1% of variance, and the internal consistency for each factor was α = 0.738, 0.723 and 0.667, and reliability was ICC = 0.687-0.944. The factor structure was three-dimensional and supported construct validity. Criterion validity determined from the relationship between the SST-Sp and DASH was strong (r = -0.73; p < 0.001) and fair for VAS (r = -0.537; p < 0.001). Relationships between SST-Sp and SF-12 were weak for both physical (r = -0.47; p < 0.001) and mental (r = -0.43; p < 0.001) dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: The SST-Sp supports the findings of the original English version as being a valid shoulder outcome measure with similar psychometric properties to the original English version.

Spinal cord infarction in carriers of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase-polymorphism-like unique risk factor: report of two cases.

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVE: To present two cases of spinal cord infarction (SCI) in carriers of the C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism. SETTING: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Section for Rehabilitation and Traumatology, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain. METHODS: Two cases are presented, one with SCI at the C7 level American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) A and one at the C5 level (ASIA A). One patient presented an acute onset of tetraplegia and the other a centromedular syndrome. In both cases the patients were carriers of the MTHFR polymorphism, which is a unique risk factor. RESULTS: Increased blood levels of homocysteine related to mutation of the MTHFR gene increase the risk of a thrombotic episode, triggering the development of SCI. These two cases increase the limited number reported in the recent literature regarding MTHFR polymorphism carriers suffering from thrombotic SCI. CONCLUSION: MTHFR mutation can be considered a risk factor for thrombotic SCI, but it is not the sole risk factor. We propose that a consensus regarding the inclusion of anticoagulation treatment after confirmation of the diagnosis in these patients is needed.

Alterations in the antioxidant defense system in prepubertal children with a history of extrauterine growth restriction.

PURPOSE: The role of oxidative stress is well known in the pathogenesis of acquired malnutrition. Intrauterine growth restriction has been associated with an imbalance in oxidative stress/antioxidant system. Therefore, early postnatal environment and, consequently, extrauterine growth restriction might be associated with alterations in the antioxidant defense system, even in the prepubertal stage. METHODS: This is a descriptive, analytical, and observational case-control study. The study included two groups; 38 Caucasian prepubertal children born prematurely and with a history of extrauterine growth restriction as the case group, and 123 gender- and age-matched controls. Plasma exogenous antioxidant (retinol, ß-carotene, and α-tocopherol) concentrations were measured by HPLC; antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were determined in lysed erythrocytes by spectrophotometric techniques. RESULTS: Catalase and glutathione peroxidase concentrations were significantly lower in extrauterine growth restriction children than in controls (P < 0.001). Lower plasma retinol concentrations were found in the case group (P = 0.029), while concentrations of ß-carotene and α-tocopherol were higher (P < 0.001) in extrauterine growth restriction prepubertal children as compared with controls. After correction by gestational age, birth weight, and length, statistically significant differences were also found, except for retinol. CONCLUSIONS: Prepubertal children with a history of extrauterine growth restriction present alterations in their antioxidant defense system. Knowing these alterations may be important in establishing pharmacological and nutritional treatments as this situation might be associated with higher metabolic disorders in adulthood.

Effects of parenteral nutrition formulas on plasma lipid profile in children with bone marrow transplantation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Children undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) often require parenteral nutrition (PN). This is a comparative study of plasma lipid profiles in BMT children after fish oil or soybean PN. METHODS: A total of 14 children with BMT requiring PN for at least 10 days were recruited during 24 months. They were randomized to receive a lipid emulsion enriched with ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, or soybean oil. Clinical monitoring was performed. Blood samples were collected before and after administration of PN to analyze the lipid profile. RESULTS: There were no complications associated with PN. The increase in TG levels was more pronounced after administration of an enriched ω3 emulsion and the decrease in cHDL and apo A was greater after administration of soybean. The ω3 group showed an increase in eicosapentaenoic and a decrease in arachidonic acids compared to the soybean group. Both groups showed similar levels of linolenic acid. CONCLUSION: PN with soybean or ω3 emulsions for 10 days is safe in children. However, research in children are necessary in order to examine the impact of the duration of PN and the type of lipid formula used, and determine their health benefits in relation to the fatty acid profile.

Valoración del peso, talla e IMC en niños, adolescentes y adultos jóvenes de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid / Evaluation of weight, height and BMI in children, adolescents and young adults from the Community of Madrid

Introducción: Recientemente se han fusionado los datos de 4 estudios de crecimiento realizados en poblaciones de Andalucía, Barcelona, Bilbao y Zaragoza, configurándose el estudio transversal español de crecimiento 2008.Con el objetivo de comprobar si existían o no diferencias entre la población de Madrid y las incluidas en el estudio español y de esta forma evaluar la aplicabilidad de este estándar de referencia también en nuestra comunidad autónoma, hemos realizado un estudio transversal en la Comunidad de Madrid valorando peso, talla e IMC en una muestra de sujetos. Pacientes y métodos: Hemos analizado una muestra de 6.463 sujetos (3.055 mujeres y 3.408 varones) con edades comprendidas entre 3 y 24 años. Todos estaban sanos, eran de raza caucásica y tenían origen español. Las diferencias entre los datos de Madrid y las poblaciones incluidas en el estudio transversal español 2008 se evaluaron mediante regresión lineal múltiple del logaritmo de la talla, el peso y el IMC ajustado por grupo de edad y por área geográfica de procedencia. Se ha utilizado el procedimiento de comparaciones múltiples de Tukey para los contrastes de los diferentes rangos de edad. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el paquete estadístico SAS versión 8.2. Resultados: Se exponen los valores de la media aritmética y desviación estándar de peso, talla e IMC por grupos de edades para varones y mujeres, así como su distribución percentilada. No encontramos diferencias de relevancia clínica para los valores de peso, talla e IMC de nuestra población y los correspondientes del estudio transversal español 2008. Respecto a otros estudios realizados hace más de 20 años observamos un incremento en los valores de todos los percentiles de peso y talla. Conclusiones: En resumen, los datos de referencia que ofrece el estudio español de crecimiento 2008 son aplicables en la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid. Además teniendo en cuenta que la comparación de los estudios transversales recientes realizados en 5 comunidades autónomas (Andalucía, Aragón, Cataluña, Madrid y País Vasco) no mostraron diferencias significativas en las medias de los parámetros antropométricos de peso, talla, IMC, ni en la talla final, podría considerarse a la población española actual como una población homogénea desde el punto de vista antropométrico y extender por tanto la aplicabilidad del estudio español de crecimiento 2008 al resto del país (AU)

Introduction: The data of four growth studies involving populations from Andalusia, Barcelona, Bilbao and Zaragoza have recently been reported as part of the Spanish Cross-sectional Growth Study 2008 (SCGS).With the aim of detecting possible differences between the population of the Madrid region and those of the SCGS, and by so-doing assess the applicability of the conclusions of this reference work to the Madrid region, a cross-sectional study of the latter was undertaken, recording the weight, height and body mass index (BMI). Subjects and methods: We have analyzed 6463 subjects (3055 females and 3408 males) aged 3–24 years. All subjects were healthy, Caucasian, and of Spanish origin. Differences between the results of the Madrid and SCGS studies were sought by multiple linear regression analysis of the log of the height, weight and BMI data adjusted for age and geographical area. The Tukey multiple comparisons test was used to analyse differences in age ranges. All calculations were performed using SAS v. 8.2 software. Results: Means and standard deviations are provided for the weight, height and BMI of women and men; distributions by percentiles are also provided.No differences of clinical importance were seen in the weight, height or BMI between the subjects of the Madrid region and those of the SCGS. However, comparisons with the results of other studies performed more than 20 years ago revealed an increase in the weight and height values in all percentiles. Conclusions: In summary, the official Spanish SCGS reference data for 2008 are similar to those recorded for the Madrid region. Bearing in mind that recent cross-sectional studies undertaken in Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia, the Basque Country and the present work show no significant differences in mean weights, heights or BMIs in any age group, nor in the final height attained by adults, the Spanish population would appear to be anthropometrically homogeneous. The conclusions of the SCGS may therefore be applicable to the entire country (AU)

[Evaluation of weight, height and BMI in children, adolescents and young adults from the Community of Madrid]. / Valoración del peso, talla e IMC en niños, adolescentes y adultos jóvenes de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: The data of four growth studies involving populations from Andalusia, Barcelona, Bilbao and Zaragoza have recently been reported as part of the Spanish Cross-sectional Growth Study 2008 (SCGS). With the aim of detecting possible differences between the population of the Madrid region and those of the SCGS, and by so-doing assess the applicability of the conclusions of this reference work to the Madrid region, a cross-sectional study of the latter was undertaken, recording the weight, height and body mass index (BMI). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We have analyzed 6463 subjects (3055 females and 3408 males) aged 3-24 years. All subjects were healthy, Caucasian, and of Spanish origin. Differences between the results of the Madrid and SCGS studies were sought by multiple linear regression analysis of the log of the height, weight and BMI data adjusted for age and geographical area. The Tukey multiple comparisons test was used to analyse differences in age ranges. All calculations were performed using SAS v. 8.2 software. RESULTS: Means and standard deviations are provided for the weight, height and BMI of women and men; distributions by percentiles are also provided. No differences of clinical importance were seen in the weight, height or BMI between the subjects of the Madrid region and those of the SCGS. However, comparisons with the results of other studies performed more than 20 years ago revealed an increase in the weight and height values in all percentiles. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the official Spanish SCGS reference data for 2008 are similar to those recorded for the Madrid region. Bearing in mind that recent cross-sectional studies undertaken in Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia, the Basque Country and the present work show no significant differences in mean weights, heights or BMIs in any age group, nor in the final height attained by adults, the Spanish population would appear to be anthropometrically homogeneous. The conclusions of the SCGS may therefore be applicable to the entire country.

Plant-derived health: the effects of turmeric and curcuminoids.

Plants contain numerous polyphenols, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and hereby to increase resistance to disease. Examples of such polyphenols are isothiocyanates in cabbage and broccoli, epigallocatechin in green tee, capsaicin in chili peppers, chalones, rutin and naringenin in apples, resveratrol in red wine and fresh peanuts and curcumin/curcuminoids in turmeric. Most diseases are maintained by a sustained discreet but obvious increased systemic inflammation. Many studies suggest that the effect of treatment can be improved by a combination of restriction in intake of proinflammatory molecules such as advanced glycation end products (AGE), advanced lipoperoxidation end products (ALE), and rich supply of antiinflammatory molecules such as plant polyphenols. To the polyphenols with a bulk of experimental documentation belong the curcuminoid family and especially its main ingredient, curcumin. This review summarizes the present knowledge about these turmericderived ingredients, which have proven to be strong antioxidants and inhibitors of cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), lipoxygenase (LOX) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) but also AGE. A plethora of clinical effects are reported in various experimental diseases, but clinical studies in humans are few. It is suggested that supply of polyphenols and particularly curcuminoids might be value as complement to pharmaceutical treatment, but also prebiotic treatment, in conditions proven to be rather therapy-resistant such as Crohn's, long-stayed patients in intensive care units, but also in conditions such as cancer, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Sunflower oil does not protect against LDL oxidation as virgin olive oil does in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the in vivo effects of a diet rich in virgin olive oil or sunflower oil on the lipid profile and on LDL susceptibility to oxidative modification in free-living Spanish male patients with peripheral vascular disease. METHODS: A total of 20 Spanish male subjects diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10) receiving different supplements, virgin olive oil and sunflower oil for 4 months. RESULTS: The adaptation of patients to the experimental supplements was demonstrated since plasma and LDL fatty acids composition reflected dietary fatty acids. No differences in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol or HDL-cholesterol concentrations were found between the groups of patients. A significantly higher LDL susceptibility to oxidation was observed after sunflower oil intake in comparison with virgin olive oil, in spite of an increase in LDL alpha-tocopherol concentration in sunflower oil group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study provide further evidence that sunflower-oil-enriched diets does not protect LDL against oxidation as virgin olive oil does in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Virgin olive and fish oils enhance the hepatic antioxidant defence system in atherosclerotic rabbits.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In this study we report the effects of sunflower, virgin olive and fish oils on the lipid profile and antioxidant defence system in liver mitochondria from rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis. METHOD: An atherogenic control group were fed for 50 days on a diet containing 3% lard and 1.3% cholesterol. Four groups were fed for an additional period of 30 days with a diet enriched in different oils: sunflower oil, virgin olive oil, refined olive oil and fish oil. A control group was fed with a standard chow. RESULTS: The atherogenic diet caused important changes in the hepatic mitochondria lipid profile and in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defence system accompanied with an increase in the content of hydroperoxides in liver mitochondria. The administration of virgin olive and fish oils showed a better profile in the antioxidant system as well as decrease in the content of hydroperoxides. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of cholesterol- and lard-enriched diet leads to a high impairment in the hepatic antioxidant defence system. However, the replacement of that diet by other unsaturated fat-enriched diets using virgin olive, sunflower and fish oil enhances hepatic antioxidant defence system, virgin olive and fish oil diet provide the best results.

Sunflower, virgin-olive and fish oils differentially affect the progression of aortic lesions in rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis.

In this study we report the effects of sunflower, virgin olive and fish oils on the progression of aortic lesions. A total of 24 male New Zealand rabbits (six per each group) were fed for 50 days on a diet containing 3% lard and 1.3% cholesterol, to induce atherosclerosis. An atherogenic control group (A) was killed after this period and three groups were fed for an additional period of 30 days with a diet composed of (1.75 g of supplemented oil and 98.25 of standard chow): sunflower oil (S), virgin olive oil (O) and fish oil (F). A control group (n=6) was fed with a standard chow diet for 80 days. LDL lipid composition and histological analysis of aortic atherosclerotic lesions were assayed. The atherogenic diet caused a significant increase of cholesterol levels in LDL and aorta tissue. Cholesterol ester content rose significantly in the aortic arch of groups S, O and F. Fatty streaks were found in all aortic sections, although only group S showed a significant progression of the lesion compared with group A. We conclude that the replacement of a high cholesterol-saturated fat diet by another cholesterol free-unsaturated fat diet does not regress atherosclerosis in rabbit. However, sunflower oil provokes a significant progression in lesion development, whereas diet enrichment with extra virgin olive oil and, to a lesser extent, fish oil, stops this progression.

[Protective effect of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids on the development of cardiovascular disease]. / Efectos protectores de los ácidos grasos monoinsaturados y poliinsaturados sobre el desarrollo de la enfermedad cardiovascular.

Cardiovascular disease has a multifactorial aetiology, as is illustrated by the existence of numerous risk indicators, many of which can be influenced by dietary means. In this article, the effects of unsaturated fatty acids on cardiovascular disease are reviewed, with special emphasis on the modifications of the lipoprotein profile and the mechanism by which fatty acids may affect the immune response on the development of the atherosclerotic lesion. Atherosclerosis occurs fundamentally in three stages: dysfunction of the vascular endothelium, fatty streak and fibrous cap formation. Each of the three stages is regulated by the action of vasoactive molecules, growth factors and cytokines, mediators of the immune response. Dietary lipid quality can affect the lipoprotein metabolism, altering their concentrations in the blood, permitting a greater or lesser recruitment of them in the artery wall. The replacement of dietary saturated fat by mono- or polyunsaturated fats significantly lowers the plasma-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. Likewise, an enriched monounsaturated fatty acid diet prevents LDL oxidative modifications more than an enriched polyunsaturated diet, and the oxidation of LDL in patients with peripheral vascular disease mediated by n-3 fatty acids can be reduced by the simultaneous consumption of olive oil. However, strong controversy surrounds the effect of the different unsaturated fatty acids. The type of dietary fat can directly or indirectly influence some of the mediating factors of the immune response; n-3 fatty acids have powerful antiinflammatory properties. Dietary fatty acids strongly determine the susceptibility of lipoproteins to oxidation, which also has an impact on the activation of molecules of adhesion and other inflammatory factors. Moreover, several works have demonstrated a direct effect of fatty acids on the genetic expression of many of those factors. Finally, certain aspects of blood platelet function, blood coagulability, and fibrinolytic activity associated with cardiovascular risk, are modulated by dietary fatty acids; n-3 fatty acids strongly inhibits platelet aggregation and activate thrombolytic processes.

Chronic diarrhea impairs intestinal antioxidant defense system in rats at weaning.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of severe protein-energy malnutrition on the antioxidant defense system in the small and large intestine in rats at weaning. Chronic diarrhea and the subsequent malnutrition were induced by oral intake of a lactose-enriched diet. Twenty rats were weaned at 21 days of age, and the control group was fed a semipurified synthetic diet for two weeks. The malnourished group was fed the same diet but carbohydrates were replaced by lactose, and they developed diarrhea one day after. Rats were killed, and macroscopic and histological features were analyzed, DNA content was measured, and alkaline phosphatase, myeloperoxidase, and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activities were determined to assess the degree of intestinal injury. Glutathione levels as well as the activities of intestinal glutathione transferase, glutathione reductase, total glutathione peroxidase, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were measured to study the antioxidant defense system. Malnourished rats showed loss of body weight and an increase in length and weight in jejunum and ileum, while no significant changes were observed in colon. Epithelial cells showed fewer and shorter microvilli, larger mitochondria with low inner density and loss of cristae, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. The protein-to-DNA ratio was higher in the jejunum, ileum, and colon of malnourished rats. Glutathione levels decreased 40% in jejunum and 50% in colon of malnourished rats. A 40-50% decrease in the activity of all the enzymes of the antioxidant defense system was observed in the jejunum and ileum of malnourished rats, while only catalase and glutathione transferase activities decreased 50% in colon. These results suggest that early chronic diarrhea and severe protein-energy malnutrition impair the antioxidant defense system in both the small and large intestine, which may have a role in the pathogenesis and maintenance of the vicious circle of malabsorption-diarrhea-malnutrition in infancy.

Efectos farmacológicos y nutricionalesde los extractos de Curcuma longa L.y de los cucuminoides / Pharmacological and nutritional effects of Curcuma longa L. extracts and curcuminoids

La Curcuma longa L., es una planta de origen asiático muy usada comúnmente como una especia en la cultura asiática. El principal componente es la curcumina, uno de los ingredientes activos responsables de su actividad biológica. Se sabe que esta sustancia es estable en el estómago y en el intestino delgado; su elevada lipofilia le permite una rápida absorción gastrointestinal por difusión pasiva. Tras su administración, es metabolizada y excretada principalmente por bilis y heces, y también por orina. Sus principales metabolitos también son bioactivos. Desde antiguo, se han descrito muchas propiedades para los extractos de Curcuma longa y para la curcumina. Se conoce su actividad antibacteriana, antifúngica y antiparasitaria, y recientemente se ha demostrado su capacidad para inhibir la integrasa del HIV-1. También se han demostrado efectos específicos en otros tejidos y órganos, como la piel, el sistema gastrointestinal y respiratorio y en el hígado. Todas estas propiedades son debidas a distintos mecanismos de acción. Se ha demostrado que la cúrcuma posee efectos antiinflamatorios, a través de la modulación del metabolismo de los eicosanoides, tiene capacidad inmunomoduladora, principalmente alterando el perfil de las citoquinas Thl de los linfocitos T helper, y actividad hipolipidémica, disminuyendo el colesterol, los triglicéridos y los fosfolípidos plasmáticos así como en las LDL. Hay muchos estudios que demuestran la capacidad de la cúrcuma para estabilizar membranas y para prevenir la peroxidación lipídica, un proceso fundamental en el establecimiento, la progresión y las complicaciones de muchas patologías como las enfermedades hepáticas, renales, cardiovasculares, neurodegenerativas, en la diabetes y en las cataratas. Las últimas investigaciones sobre los efectos biológicos de los extractos de cúrcuma y de los curcuminoides están encaminados a estudiar su actividad anticancerosa, principalmente frente al cáncer de piel, colon y duodeno (AU)

Oral administration of a turmeric extract inhibits LDL oxidation and has hypocholesterolemic effects in rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis.

The oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Curcumin is a yellow pigment obtained from rhizomes of Curcuma longa and is commonly used as a spice and food colouring. Curcumin and turmeric extracts have several pharmacological effects including antitumour, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiinfectious activities although the precise mechanisms involved remain to be elicited. We evaluated the effect of an ethanol-aqueous extract obtained from rhizomes of C. longa on LDL oxidation susceptibility and plasma lipids in atherosclerotic rabbits. A total of 18 rabbits were fed for 7 weeks on a diet containing 95.7% standard chow, 3% lard and 1. 3% cholesterol, to induce atherosclerosis. The rabbits were divided into groups, two of which were also orally treated with turmeric extract at doses of 1.66 (group A) and 3.2 (group B) mg/kg body weight, respectively. A third group (group C) acted as a control. Plasma and LDL lipid composition, plasma alpha-tocopherol, plasma retinol, LDL TBARS, LDL lipid hydroperoxides and analysis of aortic atherosclerotic lesions were assayed. The low but not the high dosage decreased the susceptibility of LDL to lipid peroxidation. Both doses had lower levels of total plasma cholesterol than the control group. Moreover, the lower dosage had lower levels of cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides in LDL than the 3.2-mg dosage. In conclusion, the use of this extract could be useful in the management of cardiovascular disease in which atherosclerosis is important.

An ethanolic-aqueous extract of Curcuma longa decreases the susceptibility of liver microsomes and mitochondria to lipid peroxidation in atherosclerotic rabbits.

Atherosclerosis is characterized by oxidative damage which affects lipoproteins, the walls of blood vessels and subcellular membranes. This study evaluates the antioxidant capacity of a Curcuma longa extract on the lipid peroxidation of liver mitochondria and microsome membranes in atherosclerotic rabbits. Male rabbits fed a 3% (w/w) lard and 1.3% (w/w) cholesterol diet were randomly assigned to three groups. Two groups were treated with different dosages of a turmeric extract (A and B) and the third group (control) with a curcumin-free solution. Basal and in vitro 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced hydroperoxide and TBARS productions in liver mitochondria and microsomes were analyzed. Group A had the lowest concentration of mitochondrial hydroperoxides. In microsomes, the basal hydroperoxide levels were similar in all groups but, after the induction of oxidation, group C registered the highest value; TBARS production followed the same trend in mitochondria. These findings suggest that active compounds in curcuma extract may be protective in preventing lipoperoxidation of subcellular membranes in a dosage-dependent manner.

Noninvasive radioisotopic diagnosis of acute heart rejection.

In a prospective protocol for noninvasive diagnosis and follow-up of acute heart rejection 162 examinations were performed in 36 patients who underwent heart transplantation. The follow-up period ranged from 15 days to 44 months. The protocol comprised multiple gated acquisition ventriculography with albumin labeled with 99mTc (740 MBq), acquired using a forward/backward by thirds framing mode, 32 frames/cycle, and 10 million total counts. Parameters of left ventricular diastolic function were analyzed. Antimyosin antibody labeled with indium 111 (74 MBq) was injected, and myocardium/lung uptake ratios were obtained at 48 hours in counts per pixel. Endomyocardial biopsy was performed in all patients within 48 hours. The results were evaluated by comparison of mean values of each parameter and global and individual correlation analysis in relation to the presence or absence of rejection and treatable (moderate or severe) or nontreatable (mild or absent) rejection. Antimyosin and diastolic function parameters showed significant differences (p less than 0.001) between patients with and without rejection and between patients with treatable and nontreatable rejection. Global correlation with biopsy existed (p less than 0.05) for antimyosin (r = 0.75), average filling rate (r = 0.61), and peak filling rate (r = 0.56). Individual correlation exhibited significance in all patients only for antimyosin (r = 0.78 to 0.98). In eight patients average filling rate also showed significant correlation (r = 0.65 to 0.88). In conclusion, these results provide a noninvasive diagnosis of cardiac allograft rejection episodes and allow an accurate selection between treatable and nontreatable rejection. Individual patient follow-up is possible with antimyosin. The study of diastolic function is also useful in this setting.