Antioxidant effect of phenolic compounds (PC) at different concentrations in IEC-6 cells: A spectroscopic analysis.

Phenolic compounds (PC) have been proposed as natural antioxidant agents that protect cells against oxidative stress-related diseases. Nonetheless, their low bioavailability forecasts controversy about mechanisms on their in vivo scavenging activity against reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been proposed that PC reduce directly ROS concentration. An alternative or complementary action of PC could be the activation of the cell's antioxidant pathway, involving the regulation of gene expression, like that initiated by the Nrf2 transcription factor. To date there is not enough experimental data to support or discard this possibility. In the present study, we evaluated the use of several PC to prevent peroxidation of macromolecules and to elicit the activation of the Nrf2 transcription factor in H2O2-stresed IEC-6 enterocytic cell line. Synchrotron microspectroscopy demonstrated that PC compounds protected proteins, lipids and nucleic acids against oxidation induced by H2O2. Immunofluorescence results showed that treatment with quercetin (Qc), catechin (Cat) and capsaicin (Cap) induced the translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus, at the same level as did H2O2 treatment, thus mimicking the action of the endogenous cell response to peroxidation. Even though the detailed mechanism still needs to be elucidated, we demonstrated the activation of Nrf2 by PCs in response to oxidative stress.

Inhibition of α-amylase by flavonoids: Structure activity relationship (SAR).

Flavonoids are recognized to regulate animals' food digestion processes trough interaction with digestive enzymes. The binding capacity of hesperetin (HES), luteolin (LUT), quercetin (QUE), catechin (CAT) and rutin (RUT) with pancreatic α-amylase were evaluated, using UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence and molecular docking. Using p-nitrophenyl-α-d-maltopentoside (pNPG5) as substrate analog, LUT showed the best inhibitory capacity, even better than that of the positive control, acarbose (ACA). A mixed-type inhibition was observed for HES, LUT and QUE, a competitive-type for ACA, while no inhibition was observed with CAT and RUT. In agreement with kinetic results, α-amylase presented a higher affinity for LUT, when analyzed by fluorescence quenching. The binding of flavonoids to amylase followed a static mechanism, where the binding of one flavonoid per enzyme molecule was observed. Docking analysis showed that flavonoids bound near to enzyme active site, while ACA bound in another site behind the catalytic triad. Extrinsic fluorescence analysis, together with docking analysis pointed out that hydrophobic interactions regulated the flavonoid-α-amylase interactions. The present study provides evidence to understand the relationship of flavonoids structure with their inhibition mechanism.

[Comparative study of the effect of two analgesic techniques in postoperative pain control in pediatric surgery]. / Estudio comparativo de dos técnicas analgésicas en el postoperatorio de Cirugía Pediátrica.

OBJECTIVE: The study purpose was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of the association of paracetamol + metamizol versus tramadol in pediatric surgery. METHODS: A prospective, randomized and double-blinded study of 60 patients between 3 and 8 years, undergoing abdominal surgery in the ambulatory unit. Patients were divided into 2 groups who received paracetamol plus metamizol (Group I) or tramadol (Group II), prior to the end of the procedure. The anesthetic technique in all cases consisted of general anesthesia balanced. The study compared the pain intensity according to the Wong-Baker scale, the need of rescue analgesia, and the side effects every hour in the postoperative period. The statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test and T-Student test. RESULTS: The analgesia time for Group I was 202 ± 25 minutes and 215 ± 17 minutes for Group II without statistical significance. There was no significant differences (p= 0.233) in the pain scores; only 3 children in the first group had more than 4 points on the Wong-Baker scale versus 5 children in the tramadol group. The overall side effects were significantly higher (p< 0.05) in Group II, 5 patients presented vomiting compared to no child in Group I. The average dose of morphine chloride was 0.6 ± 0.2 mg. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques provide adequate pain control in the postoperative period of abdominal ambulatory surgery in pediatric patients. However, children treated with tramadol presented a greater number of side effects compared to the NSAIDs group.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia analgésica de la asociación paracetamol + metamizol frente a tramadol en Cirugía Pediátrica. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se realiza un estudio prospectivo, randomizado y a doble ciego, se seleccionaron 60 pacientes de entre 3 y 8 años programados para cirugía abdominal ambulatoria, divididos en 2 grupos, al grupo I se les administró paracetamol y metamizol intravenosos y al grupo II tramadol intravenoso, previos a la finalización de la intervención. La técnica anestésica consistió en anestesia general balanceada. Se valoró en el periodo postoperatorio la intensidad del dolor según la escala de Wong-Baker, la necesidad de analgesia de rescate y los efectos indeseables. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el test de Chi-cuadrado y la t-Student. RESULTADOS: El tiempo de analgesia para el grupo I fue de 202 ± 25 minutos y para el grupo II 215 ± 17 minutos sin significación estadística. Solo 3 niños en el grupo I presentaron valores superiores a 4 en la escala de Wong-Baker y 5 en el grupo II sin diferencias significativas (p= 0,233). En el grupo II presentaron vómitos 5 pacientes frente a ningún niño en el grupo I con diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p< 0,05). La dosis media de cloruro mórfico fue de 0,6 ± 0,2 mg. CONCLUSIONES: Ambas técnicas proporcionan una analgesia adecuada en el postoperatorio de la cirugía abdominal ambulatoria. Destaca un mayor número de efectos secundarios en el grupo del tramadol frente al grupo de los AINEs.

[Adherence to the treatment of pre surgical nasoalveolar molding in cleft lip and palate]. / Adherencia al tratamiento de moldeado nasoalveolar en pacientes con fisura labiopalatina.

OBJECTIVES: The nasoalveolar molding device (NAM) designed to decrease the size of the defect and improve nasal asymmetry, facilitates surgical intervention improving the results. However, family involvement is highly necessary due to the fact that the treatment herein referred is long and tedious. The aim of this study is to determine adherence to treatment and possible variables that can determine their rejection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated with NAM over the last 6 years (64 patients). Retrospective data collection and telephone surveys. 5 groups established depending on its respective adherence to the treatment (from rejection of the treatment to good adherence to it). Several aspects are herein analyzed related to the caregiver, the patient and the social background (degree of education, number of caregivers, distance to the hospital, etc.). Through the SPSS program, a descriptive study was carried out, analyzing the variables using chi2 with Fisher's exact correction. RESULTS: 46 surveys were completed (32 boys and 14 girls), 63% were unilateral, 91% had a cleft palate. Adherence to the treatment was good by 80%, and only 6% rejected the treatment. The adherence was significantly higher, if they had contacted with other families of patients (P < 0.01) and a higher tendency of abandonment of treatment in other nationalities than the Spanish one, although without significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to treatment is very good in general, and we can not significantly determine the variables that can condition the rejection of treatment, but contacting with family members of patients or associations of patients makes the adherence greater.

OBJETIVOS: El dispositivo de moldeamiento nasoalveolar (NAM), diseñado para aproximar los segmentos fisurados y mejorar la asimetría nasal, facilita la intervención quirúrgica mejorando los resultados. Sin embargo, necesita gran colaboración por parte de la familia por ser largo, y a veces, tedioso. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la adherencia al tratamiento y las posibles variables que puedan determinar su rechazo. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Pacientes tratados con NAM en los últimos 6 años (64 pacientes). Recogida de datos retrospectiva (historias) y encuesta telefónica. Clasificación en 5 grupos según el seguimiento del tratamiento (rechazo del tratamiento hasta un cumplimiento correcto del tratamiento). Analizamos factores relacionados con el cuidador, el paciente y el contexto social (nivel de estudios, número de cuidadores, distancia al hospital, etc.). Mediante el programa SPSS se realizó un estudio descriptivo, analizando las variables mediante chi2 con corrección exacta de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Se completaron las 46 encuestas (32 niños y 14 niñas), el 63% fueron unilaterales, el 91% con fisura palatina. El cumplimiento terapéutico fue bueno en el 80%, y solo el 7% rechazaron el tratamiento. La adherencia fue mayor, de forma significativa, si habían contactado con otras familias de pacientes (P< 0,01) y tendencia a mayor abandono en otras nacionalidades distinta a la española, aunque sin significación estadística. CONCLUSIONES: El cumplimiento terapéutico de estos pacientes es bueno de forma general, y no podemos determinar de forma significativa las variables que pueden condicionar el rechazo al tratamiento, pero si, que el contacto con familiares de afectados o asociaciones de pacientes hacen que la adherencia sea mayor.

Adherencia al tratamiento de moldeado nasoalveolar en pacientes con fisura labiopalatina / No disponible

Objetivos: El dispositivo de moldeamiento nasoalveolar (NAM), diseñado para aproximar los segmentos fisurados y mejorar la asimetría nasal, facilita la intervención quirúrgica mejorando los resultados. Sin embargo, necesita gran colaboración por parte de la familia por ser largo, y a veces, tedioso. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la adherencia al tratamiento y las posibles variables que puedan determinar su rechazo. Material y métodos: Pacientes tratados con NAM en los últimos 6 años (64 pacientes). Recogida de datos retrospectiva (historias) y encuesta telefónica. Clasificación en 5 grupos según el seguimiento del tratamiento (rechazo del tratamiento hasta un cumplimiento correcto del tratamiento). Analizamos factores relacionados con el cuidador, el paciente y el contexto social (nivel de estudios, número de cuidadores, distancia al hospital, etc.). Mediante el programa SPSS se realizó un estudio descriptivo, analizando las variables mediante chi2 con corrección exacta de Fisher. Resultados: Se completaron las 46 encuestas (32 niños y 14 niñas), el 63% fueron unilaterales, el 91% con fisura palatina. El cumplimiento terapéutico fue bueno en el 80%, y solo el 7% rechazaron el tratamiento. La adherencia fue mayor, de forma significativa, si habían contactado con otras familias de pacientes (P< 0,01) y tendencia a mayor abandono en otras nacionalidades distinta a la española, aunque sin significación estadística. Conclusiones: El cumplimiento terapéutico de estos pacientes es bueno de forma general, y no podemos determinar de forma significativa las variables que pueden condicionar el rechazo al tratamiento, pero si, que el contacto con familiares de afectados o asociaciones de pacientes hacen que la adherencia sea mayor

Objectives: The nasoalveolar molding device (NAM) designed to decrease the size of the defect and improve nasal asymmetry, facilitates surgical intervention improving the results. However, family involvement is highly necessary due to the fact that the treatment herein referred is long and tedious. The aim of this study is to determine adherence to treatment and possible variables that can determine their rejection. Materials and methods: Patients treated with NAM over the last 6 years (64 patients). Retrospective data collection and telephone surveys. 5 groups established depending on its respective adherence to the treatment (from rejection of the treatment to good adherence to it). Several aspects are herein analyzed related to the caregiver, the patient and the social background (degree of education, number of caregivers, distance to the hospital, etc.). Through the SPSS program, a descriptive study was carried out, analyzing the variables using chi2 with Fisher’s exact correction. Results: 46 surveys were completed (32 boys and 14 girls), 63% were unilateral, 91% had a cleft palate. Adherence to the treatment was good by 80%, and only 6% rejected the treatment. The adherence was significantly higher, if they had contacted with other families of patients (P < 0.01) and a higher tendency of abandonment of treatment in other nationalities than the Spanish one, although without significant differences. Conclusions: Adherence to treatment is very good in general, and we can not significantly determine the variables that can condition the rejection of treatment, but contacting with family members of patients or associations of patients makes the adherence greater

Dietary fiber and phenolic compounds as functional ingredients: interaction and possible effect after ingestion.

Dietary fiber and phenolic compounds are two recognized dietary factors responsible for potential effects on human health; therefore, they have been widely used to increase functionality of some foods. This paper focuses on showing the use of both substances as functional ingredients for enriching foods, and at the same time, describes the use of a single material that combines the properties of the two types of substances. The last part of the work describes some facts related to the interaction between dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, which could affect the bioaccessibility and absorption of phenolics in the gut. In this sense, the purpose of the present review is to compile and analyze evidence relating to the use of dietary fiber and phenolic compounds to enhance technological and nutritional properties of foods and hypothesize some of the possible effects in the gut after their ingestion.

Phenolic compounds: their journey after intake.

Plant foods are rich in phenolic compounds (PCs) that display multifaceted bioactions in health promotion and disease prevention. To exert their bioactivity, they must be delivered to and absorbed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, transported in circulation, and reach the target tissues. During the journey from ingestion to target tissues and final excretion, PCs are subjected to modifications by many factors during their absorption, deposition, metabolism and excretion (ADME) and consequently their bioefficacy may be modified. Consistent with all nutrients in foods, PCs must first be released from the food matrix through mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic forces to facilitate absorption along the GI tract, particularly in the upper small intestine section. Further, glycosylation of PCs directs the route of their absorption with glycones being transported through active transportation and aglycones through passive diffusion. After enteral absorption, the majority of PCs are extensively transformed by the detoxification system in enterocytes and liver for excretion in bile, feces, and urine. The journey of PCs from consumption to excretion appears to be comparable to many synthetic medications, but with some dissimilarities in their fate and bioactivity after phase I and II metabolism. The overall bioavailability of PCs is determined mainly by chemical characteristics, bioaccessibility, and ADME. In this review, factors accounting for variation in PCs bioavailability are discussed because this information is crucial for validation of the health benefits of PCs and their mechanism of action.

High relative humidity in-package of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables: advantage or disadvantage considering microbiological problems and antimicrobial delivering systems?

This hypothesis article states that the high relative humidity (RH) of packaged fresh-cut fruits or vegetables that is associated with spoilage can be used as an advantageous way to deliver antimicrobial compounds using cyclodextrins (CDs) as carriers. CDs can function as antimicrobial delivery systems as they can release antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds (guest molecules) as the humidity levels increase in the headspace. Hydrophobic antimicrobial guests can be complexed with CDs due to the amphiphatic nature of the host. Then, at high RH values, due to the water-CDs interaction, host-guest interactions are weakened; consequently, the antimicrobial molecule is released and should protect the product against the microbial growth. Potential antimicrobial compounds capable of forming complexes with CDs are discussed, as well as possible applications to preserve fresh-cut produce and future research in this area.