Effects of Fiber Purified Extract of Carob Fruit on Fat Digestion and Postprandial Lipemia in Healthy Rats.

Increased postprandial lipemia is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Carob fruit extract (CFE) contains condensed tannins, and their intake has been inversely related to CVD. The objective was to evaluate the in vitro pancreatic lipase activity in the presence of CFE and the in vivo effect of CFE on postprandial lipemia of healthy Wistar rats in acute and subchronic digestibility studies and to relate it with changes in fat digestion and absorption. CFE significantly reduced pancreatic lipase activity. A peak delay and a dose-dependent decrease in plasma triglyceride and cholesterol areas under the curve were observed, effects that increased after the subchronic treatment. The levels of nondigested, nonabsorbed triglycerides of the remaining intestinal lumen fat were significantly higher in the maximum dose of CFE administrated versus the control ( P < 0.05). This study demonstrates for the first time the hypolipemic properties of CFE from the first administration, modifying postprandial lipemia by reducing the extents of fat digestion and absorption.

Can nonalcoholic beer, silicon and hops reduce the brain damage and behavioral changes induced by aluminum nitrate in young male Wistar rats?

Aluminum consumption has been associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies suggest that regular beer intake reverses the pro-oxidant and inflammatory statuses induced by aluminum nitrate intoxication. This paper aims to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant capacity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of non-alcoholic beer (NABeer), silicon or hops, as well as their effect on animal behavior (e.g. curiosity, immobilization, rearing, grooming, swimming) and brain antioxidant enzyme (activity and gene expression) and anti-inflammatory status in aluminum nitrate intoxicated rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: 1) Control, 2) Aluminum nitrate (450 µg/kg/day), 3) Aluminum nitrate plus NABeer, 4) Aluminum nitrate plus hops, and 5) Aluminum nitrate plus silicon. Hops showed the highest in vitro antioxidant capacity and silicon the highest anticholinesterase activity. In the Aluminum group the brain aluminum/silicon ratio increased with impairment of brain antioxidant and inflammatory statuses. NABeer, silicon and hops block the negative effect on the in vivo antioxidant and inflammatory statuses induced by Aluminum nitrate and improve swimming and rearing behavioral tests. The various positive results suggest that NABeer is useful as a functional multi-target drink in the prevention of some neurodegenerative events caused by aluminum intoxication. More studies are required to conclude present results.

Fiber purified extracts of carob fruit decrease carbohydrate absorption.

The postprandial state plays a central role in the development and setting of chronic diseases. Condensed tannins (CT) are polyphenols with a known ability to modify carbohydrate digestion and absorption. The high concentration of CT in the pulp of carob fruit suggests a potential antidiabetic effect. The aim of this work was to analyze the in vitro and in vivo effects of carob fruit extract (CFE) on the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. α-Glucosidase activity and glucose diffusion were tested in vitro using 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 mg mL-1 CFE concentrations. Two in vivo absorption studies, acute and subchronic, were carried out in four groups of 6 two-month-old male Wistar rats (control and CFE 25, 50 and 150 mg per kg b.w.), administering 1 mL of olive oil and 0.5 g per kg b.w. of glucose solution by oral gavage. CFE significantly inhibited α-glucosidase activity, through a competitive mechanism, from 1 mg mL-1, and also reduced glucose diffusion in a dose-dependent manner. In the acute study, CFE (50 and 150 mg per kg b.w.) significantly reduced the area under the curve (AUC) of blood glucose. Subchronic CFE administration induced further AUC decreases; and CFE at 150 mg per kg b.w. reduced sodium-glucose-linked transporter-1 (SGLT1) levels in the duodenum. This study demonstrates the hypoglycemic properties of CFE, highlighting its potential role as a suitable nutritional strategy in diabetic patients.

[Maternal nutrition during pregnancy conditions the fetal pancreas development, hormonal status and diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome biomarkers at birth]. / La alimentación de la madre durante el embarazo condiciona el desarrollo pancreático, el estatus hormonal del feto y la concentración de biomarcadores al nacimiento de diabetes mellitus y síndrome metabólico.

Pregnancy is a vital period where several hyperplasic, hypertrophic processes together with metabolic adaptation and preparation for extra-uterine life take place. Present review accounts for central aspects of nutrition throughout gestation on the embryonic and fetal periods. It is centered in the major changes occurring in fetal pancreas, with special mention to the susceptibility of this main glucose homeostasis organ to support nutritional changes during maturation and development. Studies performed in animal models as human are commented considering the role of maternal nutrition on ß-cell mass size, insulin and other pancreatic hormones production, and insulin sensitivity. Details of both the thrifty genotype and phenotype hypothesis are given, indicating that hypo/subnutrition causes metabolic adaptations that permit the future body to grow and develop itself in limited environmental and energetic conditions. The Barker hypothesis is considered suggesting that this metabolic hypothesis is a double-edged sword in the actual abundance World. Lastly the review, taking into account our own research and other papers, analyses less known aspects that relate maternal diet with insulin resistance/sensitivity markers at delivery. Particularly the role of the saturated fatty acid/carbohydrate and omega-6/omega-3 ratios in the frame of maternal diet is reviewed considering the quality of those diets under the Healthy Eating Index and the Adherence to Mediterranean Diet scores and the relationship with insulin resistance profile at birth. Present review ends indicating that nutritional habits should be strongly stated before gestation in order to assure a proper nutrition since the first moment of pregnancy. This will support an adequate fetal and pancreatic growth and development, and in turn, adequate glucose homeostasis during pregnancy and later in life, slowing down or preventing from degenerative diseases related with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

El embarazo es una etapa de vital importancia, donde tienen lugar múltiples procesos hiperplásicos, hipertróficos, de adaptación metabólica y de preparación para la vida extrauterina. En esta revisión se analizan aspectos centrales de la nutrición durante el embarazo, tanto en la etapa embrionaria como fetal. Se exponen los cambios más importantes que tienen lugar en el páncreas fetal, con especial mención de la susceptibilidad de este órgano central en la homeostasis de la glucosa a enfrentarse a cambios nutricionales durante su desarrollo y maduración. Se comentan algunos estudios realizados en modelos animales y en la especie humana con especial mención del papel de la nutrición materna sobre la masa de células-ß, la producción de insulina y otras hormonas y la sensibilidad a la insulina. Se detallan aspectos sobre las hipótesis del genotipo y fenotipo ahorrador, señalando que la hiponutrición causa adaptaciones metabólicas que permiten al futuro ser medrar en un ambiente de nutrientes y energía reducido. Se revisan algunos aspectos de la hipótesis de Barker y se indica que la adaptación metabólica que preconiza es un arma de doble filo en el mundo actual de abundancia que nos encontramos. Por último se revisan trabajos de nuestro grupo y de otros autores, en aspectos menos estudiados que relacionan la calidad de la dieta materna con alteraciones de marcadores de resistencia/sensibilidad a la insulina en el momento del parto. En especial se estudia el papel de la relación ácidos grasos saturados/hidratos de carbono y la de ácidos grasos omega-6/omega-3 en el marco de dietas inadecuadas bajo el punto de vista del índice de alimentación saludable o de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea que condicionan en el neonato un perfil de resistencia a la insulina. La revisión incide además en que los hábitos nutricionales deben estar fuertemente instaurados ya en la etapa pregestacional para asegurar una buena alimentación desde las primeras semanas del embarazo, y asegurar un desarrollo fetal y en particular pancreático que posibilite una homeostasis adecuada de la glucosa durante el embarazo y en etapas posteriores de la vida evitando, o al menos frenando, el desarrollo y la instauración de enfermedades degenerativas asociadas con el síndrome metabólico y la diabetes tipo 2.

La alimentación de la madre durante el embarazo condiciona el desarrollo pancreático, el estatus hormonal del feto y la concentración de biomarcadores al nacimiento de diabetes mellitus y síndrome metabólico / Maternal nutrition during pregnancy conditions the fetal pancreas development, hormonal status and diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome biomarkers at birth

El embarazo es una etapa de vital importancia, donde tienen lugar múltiples procesos hiperplásicos, hipertróficos, de adaptación metabólica y de preparación para la vida extrauterina. En esta revisión se analizan aspectos centrales de la nutrición durante el embarazo, tanto en la etapa embrionaria como fetal. Se exponen los cambios más importantes que tienen lugar en el páncreas fetal, con especial mención de la susceptibilidad de este órgano central en la homeostasis de la glucosa a enfrentarse a cambios nutricionales durante su desarrollo y maduración. Se comentan algunos estudios realizados en modelos animales y en la especie humana con especial mención del papel de la nutrición materna sobre la masa de células-β, la producción de insulina y otras hormonas y la sensibilidad a la insulina. Se detallan aspectos sobre las hipótesis del genotipo y fenotipo ahorrador, señalando que la hiponutrición causa adaptaciones metabólicas que permiten al futuro ser medrar en un ambiente de nutrientes y energía reducido. Se revisan algunos aspectos de la hipótesis de Barker y se indica que la adaptación metabólica que preconiza es un arma de doble filo en el mundo actual de abundancia que nos encontramos. Por último se revisan trabajos de nuestro grupo y de otros autores, en aspectos menos estudiados que relacionan la calidad de la dieta materna con alteraciones de marcadores de resistencia/sensibilidad a la insulina en el momento del parto. En especial se estudia el papel de la relación ácidos grasos saturados/hidratos de carbono y la de ácidos grasos omega-6/omega-3 en el marco de dietas inadecuadas bajo el punto de vista del índice de alimentación saludable o de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea que condicionan en el neonato un perfil de resistencia a la insulina. La revisión incide además en que los hábitos nutricionales deben estar fuertemente instaurados ya en la etapa pregestacional para asegurar una buena alimentación desde las primeras semanas del embarazo, y asegurar un desarrollo fetal y en particular pancreático que posibilite una homeostasis adecuada de la glucosa durante el embarazo y en etapas posteriores de la vida evitando, o al menos frenando, el desarrollo y la instauración de enfermedades degenerativas asociadas con el síndrome metabólico y la diabetes tipo 2 (AU)

Pregnancy is a vital period where several hyperplasic, hypertrophic processes together with metabolic adaptation and preparation for extra-uterine life take place. Present review accounts for central aspects of nutrition throughout gestation on the embryonic and fetal periods. It is centered in the major changes occurring in fetal pancreas, with special mention to the susceptibility of this main glucose homeostasis organ to support nutritional changes during maturation and development. Studies performed in animal models as human are commented considering the role of maternal nutrition on β-cell mass size, insulin and other pancreatic hormones production, and insulin sensitivity. Details of both the thrifty genotype and phenotype hypothesis are given, indicating that hypo/subnutrition causes metabolic adaptations that permit the future body to grow and develop itself in limited environmental and energetic conditions. The Barker hypothesis is considered suggesting that this metabolic hypothesis is a double-edged sword in the actual abundance World. Lastly the review, taking into account our own research and other papers, analyses less known aspects that relate maternal diet with insulin resistance/sensitivity markers at delivery. Particularly the role of the saturated fatty acid/carbohydrate and omega-6/omega-3 ratios in the frame of maternal diet is reviewed considering the quality of those diets under the Healthy Eating Index and the Adherence to Mediterranean Diet scores and the relationship with insulin resistance profile at birth. Present review ends indicating that nutritional habits should be strongly stated before gestation in order to assure a proper nutrition since the first moment of pregnancy. This will support an adequate fetal and pancreatic growth and development, and in turn, adequate glucose homeostasis during pregnancy and later in life, slowing down or preventing from degenerative diseases related with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (AU)

Maternal diets with low healthy eating index or Mediterranean diet adherence scores are associated with high cord-blood insulin levels and insulin resistance markers at birth.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Few studies have used healthy eating index (HEI) and mediterranean diet adherence (MDA) scores to evaluate the diet quality during pregnancy. To determine the relationship between first trimester diet quality and insulin sensitivity/resistance biomarkers at birth. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Cord-blood insulin sensitivity/resistance biomarkers of the offspring of 35 women whose diets were 'adequate' or 'inadequate' according to their HEI score (>70 or ≤ 70, respectively) and their 13-point MDA score (≥ 7 or <7, respectively). RESULTS: Low HEI-score diets contained less (g/1000 kcal) carbohydrates (CHO; P=0.027) and fibre (P=0.011), and more fats (P<0.001) and cholesterol (P<0.001), and contributed (percentage contribution to total energy (%En)) fewer CHO (P=0.005), more fats (P=<0.001) and saturated fatty acid (SFA; P=0.002) than their high HEI-score counterparts. Low MDA-score diets contained less (g/1000 kcal) fibre (P<0.001) and more cholesterol (P=0.05), had lower polyunsaturated fatty acids+monounsaturated fatty acid/SFA (PUFA+MUFA/SFA; P=0.05) and higher SFA/CHO (P=0.021) and ω-6/ω-3 PUFA ratios (P=0.044) than their respective counterparts. Women consuming the low HEI- or low MDA-score diets had low-fasting glycaemia (P=0.016 or P=0.025, respectively) but delivered infants with high insulinaemia (P=0.048 or P=0.017, respectively), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; P=0.031 or P=0.049, respectively) and glycaemia (P=0.018 or P=0.048, respectively). The relative risk (RR) of high-neonatal glycaemia and insulinaemia were 7.6 (P=0.008) and 6.7 (P=0.017) for low vs high HEI-score groups. High HOMA-IR and high glucose RR were, respectively, 3.4 (P=0.043) and 3.9 (P=0.016) in neonates from the <7 MDA- vs ≥ 7 MDA-score group. These RRs were not affected by potential confounders. CONCLUSION: Maternal diets with low HEI- or MDA-scores during the first trimester of pregnancy negatively affect insulin resistance markers at birth.

Effects of maternal glucose tolerance, pregnancy diet quality and neonatal insulinemia upon insulin resistance/sensitivity biomarkers in normoweight neonates / Efectos de la tolerancia a la glucosa y calidad de la dieta materna durante embarazo y de los niveles de insulina al nacimiento sobre biomarcadores de resistencia/sensibilidad a la insulina en neonatos normopeso

Introduction: Differences in neonatal insulin sensitivity/resistance markers due to the maternal impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) have not been tested. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score has been employed for evaluating pregnancy diet quality. Aims: To study, the effect of neonatal insulinemia, maternal IGT and diet HEI score upon insulin sensitivity/resistance at birth. Methods: 176 singleton, normoweight, full-term, Caucasian Spanish neonates, delivered without fetal distress whose mothers were screened for gestational IGT were studied. Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) and Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMAIR) were calculated. Diet followed during the third month of pregnancy was recorded and the respective HEI score calculated in a sample of 29 mothers. Results: As quartile for cord blood insulin levels increased, glucose, the insulin/cortisol ratio and HOMA-IR(all p < 0.001) and IGF-I (p < 0.01) increased while QUICKI and the glucose/insulin ratio (both p < 0.001) and GH (p <0.05) decreased. Neonates from IGT mothers had higher insulin, HOMA-IR (both p < 0.01) and insulin/cortisol ratio(p < 0.05) and lower GH, QUICKI (both p < 0.01) and glucose/insulin ratio (p < 0.05) than their normal maternal glucose tolerance (NGT) counterparts. Neonatal insulinemia influences more than IGT on the insulin resistance/sensitivity markers at birth. Mothers of hyperinsulinemic neonates showed lower HEI scores (p < 0.05).Conclusion: A large percentage of full-term normoweightinfants with hyperinsulinemia showed altered insulin resistance markers. Their mothers consumed low quality diets. Screening strategies focused on neonatal glycemia and insulinemia together with maternal nutritional assessment and advice during pregnancy should be considered (AU)

Introducción: Los efectos de la disminución de la tolerancia a la glucosa (DTG) materna sobre la insulinorresistencia neonatal han sido poco estudiados. La puntuación del Índice de Alimentación Saludable (HEI) es útil para evaluar la calidad de la dieta en gestantes. Objetivos: Estudiar la asociación de insulinemia neonatal y DTG materna con la resistencia/sensibilidad a la insulina al nacimiento y con el HEI materno. Métodos: Se estudiaron 176 neonatos españoles, caucásicos, a término, normopeso, de embarazo único y sin distrés fetal, cuyas madres fueron cribadas para DTG en elembarazo. Se calcularon el Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) y el Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR). En 29 madres se estudió la dieta consumida durante el tercer mes de gestación y se calculó su respectivo HEI. Resultados: Al aumentar el cuartil de insulina en sangre de cordón, aumentaron glucosa, cociente insulina/cortisol, HOMA-IR (p < 0,001) e IGF-I (p < 0,01), y disminuyeron QUICKI y cociente glucosa/insulina (p < 0,001) y GH (p < 0,05). Los neonatos de madres con DTG tuvieron mayores niveles de insulina, HOMA-IR (p < 0,01) y cociente insulina/cortisol (p < 0,05) y menores de GH,QUICKI (p < 0,01) y el cociente glucosa/insulina (p < 0,05)que los de madres con tolerancia a la glucosa normal. La insulinemia neonatal influye más en los marcadores de resistencia/sensibilidad a la insulina que la DTG. Las madres de los niños hiperinsulinémicos tuvieron HEI más bajos (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Un gran porcentaje de neonatos con hiperinsulinemia muestran marcadores de insulinorresistencia alterados. Sus madres ingirieron dietas de baja calidad. Debe considerarse la necesidad del cribado de glucosa e insulina en estos neonatos y el asesoramiento y evaluación nutricional durante el embarazo (AU)

Blood pressure of omnivorous and semi-vegetarian postmenopausal women and their relationship with dietary and hair concentrations of essential and toxic metals / Presión arterial en mujeres omnívoras y semivegetarianas postmenopáusicas y su relación con los metales esenciales y tóxicos en la dieta y en el cabello

Objective: This study aims to ascertain the relationships between mineral consumption, hair mineral content, and blood pressure. Methods: The study involved 26 postmenopausal women from enclosed religious communities, 14 were semi-vegetarians and 12 were omnivores. Mineral dietary assessment was performed using a 14-d precise weight method and Food tables. Hair mineral levels were measured by means Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry(ICP-OES). Multivariable step wise linear regression analyses were performed to find out the variables that affected most blood pressure. Results: In general terms, the omnivorous diet contained a significantly higher mineral content than the semi-vegetarian one. The mineral intake from both diets implied no health risk to the women studied, as their estimated daily intake (EDI) of toxic elements such as Cd and Pb was lower than their respective provisional tolerable weekly intake(PTWI) of these minerals. Hair of the semi-vegetarians contained higher amounts of Al (p < 0.01), Ba (p < 0.01), K (p <0.001), Na (p < 0.001), Pb (p < 0.001) and Mn (p < 0.01) but lower levels of Ca (p < 0.05) and Zn (p < 0.05) than that of their omnivorous counterparts. The omnivores presented significantly higher systolic (p < 0.01) and diastolic (p < 0.05) pressures than the semi-vegetarians. Levels of hair Co (R2 = 0.328;p = 0.032) and hair K (R2 = 0.409; p = 0.014)) were explicative for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. Conclusion: Several dietary mineral and hair contents were higher in semi-vegetarian women suggesting that the hair is an important mineral excretion via contributing to maintain blood pressure at low levels (AU)

Objetivo: Se pretende establecer una relación entre consumo y niveles de minerales en cabello y tensión sanguínea en mujeres postmenopáusicas. Métodos: El estudio se ha realizado en 26 mujeres postmenopáusicas pertenecientes a dos comunidades religiosas de clausura, siendo 14 semivegetarianas y 12 omnívoras. La determinación de la ingesta de minerales se realizó mediante pesada precisa durante 14 días y las Tablas de Composición de Alimentos. Los niveles de minerales en cabello fueron determinados mediante Espectrometría de Masas con Fuente de Ionización de Plasma de Acoplamiento Inductivo (ICP-MS) y Espectrometría de Emisión Atómica con Fuente de Excitación de Plasma de Acoplamiento Inductivo (ICP-OES). Se realizó un análisis lineal múltiple por pasos para explicar los variables que más influían en la presión arterial. Resultados: En términos generales, la dieta omnívora posee un contenido en minerales significativamente superiora la semivegetariana. La ingesta mineral de ambas dietas no implica riesgo para la salud de las mujeres estudiadas ya que la ingesta diaria de elementos tóxicos como Cd y Pb, estimada (IDA) está por debajo de sus respectivas ingestas semanales tolerables provisionales (ISTP). En las semivegetarianas el cabello contienen cantidades mayores de Al (p <0,01), Ba (p < 0,01), K (p < 0,001), Na (p < 0,001), Pb (p <0,001) y Mn (p < 0,01) y niveles inferiores de Ca (p < 0,05) y (..) (AU)

[Beneficial effects of chocolate on cardiovascular health]. / Efectos beneficiosos del chocolate en la salud cardiovascular.

Since ancient times, numerous health beneficial effects have been attributed to chocolate, closing up its consumption to a therapeutic use. The present study reviews some relevant studies about chocolate (and its bioactive compounds) on some cardiovascular risk factors and stresses the need of future studies. The consumption of cocoa/ chocolate (i) increases plasma antioxidant capacity, (ii) diminishes platelet function and inflammation, and (iii) decreases diastolic and systolic arterial pressures. Data currently available indicate that daily consumption of cocoa-rich chocolate (rich in polyphenols) may at least partially lower cardiovascular disease risk. Further studies are required in order to establish the bioavailability and mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds in chocolate. The study of the interaction of chocolate and its components with candidate genes will also supply necessary information regarding the individuals best suited to benefit from a potential cardiovascular disease treatment with chocolate.

Efectos beneficiosos del chocolate en la salud cardiovascular / Beneficial effects of chocolate on cardiovascular health

Desde la antigüedad se ha atribuido al chocolate propiedades saludables que lo han aproximado más hacia un uso terapéutico que alimentario. El presente trabajo revisa algunos estudios relevantes de los efectos del chocolate (y sus componentes activos) sobre diferentes factores de riesgo cardiovascular y señala la necesidad de futuros estudios. El consumo de cacao/chocolate (i) incrementa la actividad antioxidante, (ii) modula la función plaquetaria e inflamación y (iii) disminuye la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica. Aunque no existe consenso sobre la cantidad óptima a consumir, puede sugerirse que el consumo diario de chocolate rico en cacao (y polifenoles) es una buena elección para reducir, al menos parcialmente, el riesgo cardiovascular. No obstante, son necesarios más estudios que profundicen sobre la biodisponibilidad y mecanismos de acción de los componentes activos del chocolate. El estudio de la interacción del chocolate y sus componentes con genes candidatos aportará información fundamental de los individuos “diana” que podrían beneficiarse del potencial efecto saludable del chocolate en el tratamiento cardiovascular (AU)

Since ancient times, numerous health beneficial effect shave been attributed to chocolate, closing up its consumption to a therapeutic use. The present study reviews some relevant studies about chocolate (and its bioactive compounds)on some cardiovascular risk factors and stresses the need of future studies. The consumption of cocoa/chocolate (i) increases plasma antioxidant capacity, (ii) diminishes platelet function and inflammation, and (iii) decreases diastolic and systolic arterial pressures. Data currently available indicate that daily consumption of cocoa-rich chocolate (rich in polyphenols) may at leastpartially lower cardiovascular disease risk. Further studies are required in order to establish the bioavailability and mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds in chocolate. The study of the interaction of chocolate andits components with candidate genes will also supply necessary information regarding the individuals best suitedto benefit from a potential cardiovascular disease treatment with chocolate (AU)

Effect of walnut-enriched meat on the relationship between VCAM, ICAM, and LTB4 levels and PON-1 activity in ApoA4 360 and PON-1 allele carriers at increased cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular risk depends largely on paraoxonase (PON-1) and apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4) gene polymorphisms. To compare the effects of consumption of walnut-enriched meat versus low-fat meat (LM) on selected soluble adhesion molecules and leukotrienes (LTB4). SUBJECTS/METHODS: In all 22 subjects at increased cardiovascular risk were taken. It is a non-blinded, cross-over, placebo-controlled study. Two 5-week experimental periods separated by 4-6 week wash-out interval. Participants consumed walnut-enriched meat during one period and LM during the other. Diet characteristics, HDLc, Apo A1, paraoxonase, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and LTB4 were analysed. PON-1 55, PON-1 192 and APOA4 360 polymorphism effects were also assessed. RESULTS: Individuals consuming walnut-enriched meat displayed higher paraoxonase activity (P<0.001), lower levels of sICAM and aVCAM (P=0.046, P=0.012, respectively) and leukotriene B4 (P=0.044), and lower paraoxonase-1/HDLc and paraoxonase-1/Apo A1 ratios (both, P<0.001) than those consuming LM. Paraoxonase levels correlated negatively with those of sICAM (r=-0.471, P<0.01). Significant decreases (at least P<0.05) were observed in sICAM concentrations in PON-1 55LM+MM, PON-1 QQ192 and APOA4-2 carriers while decreases in sVCAM in QR+RR and APOA4-1 carriers were observed. Paraoxonase-1/HDLc and paraoxonase-1/Apo A1 ratios were significantly influenced by paraoxonase polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS: Walnut-enriched meat appears as a functional meat as consumed in the framework of a mix diet lowered the concentration of some selected inflammatory chemoattractant biomarkers. This effect was largely influenced by PON-1 and Apo A4-360 polymorphisms.

Blood pressure of omnivorous and semi-vegetarian postmenopausal women and their relationship with dietary and hair concentrations of essential and toxic metals.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to ascertain the relationships between mineral consumption, hair mineral content, and blood pressure. METHODS: The study involved 26 postmenopausal women from enclosed religious communities, 14 were semi-vegetarians and 12 were omnivores. Mineral dietary assessment was performed using a 14-d precise weight method and Food tables. Hair mineral levels were measured by means Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Multivariable stepwise linear regression analyses were performed to find out the variables that affected most blood pressure. RESULTS: In general terms, the omnivorous diet contained a significantly higher mineral content than the semi-vegetarian one. The mineral intake from both diets implied no health risk to the women studied, as their estimated daily intake (EDI) of toxic elements such as Cd and Pb was lower than their respective provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of these minerals. Hair of the semi-vegetarians contained higher amounts of Al (p < 0.01), Ba (p < 0.01), K (p < 0.001), Na (p < 0.001), Pb (p < 0.001) and Mn (p < 0.01) but lower levels of Ca (p < 0.05) and Zn (p < 0.05) than that of their omnivorous counterparts. The omnivores presented significantly higher systolic (p < 0.01) and diastolic (p < 0.05) pressures than the semi-vegetarians. Levels of hair Co (R² = 0.328; p = 0.032) and hair K (R² = 0.409; p = 0.014)) were explicative for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. CONCLUSION: Several dietary mineral and hair contents were higher in semi-vegetarian women suggesting that the hair is an important mineral excretion via contributing to maintain blood pressure at low levels.

Effects of maternal glucose tolerance, pregnancy diet quality and neonatal insulinemia upon insulin resistance/sensitivity biomarkers in normoweight neonates.

INTRODUCTION: Differences in neonatal insulin sensitivity/ resistance markers due to the maternal impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) have not been tested. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score has been employed for evaluating pregnancy diet quality. AIMS: To study, the effect of neonatal insulinemia, maternal IGT and diet HEI score upon insulin sensitivity/ resistance at birth. METHODS: 176 singleton, normoweight, full-term, Caucasian Spanish neonates, delivered without fetal distress whose mothers were screened for gestational IGT were studied. Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) and Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMAIR) were calculated. Diet followed during the third month of pregnancy was recorded and the respective HEI score calculated in a sample of 29 mothers. RESULTS: As quartile for cord blood insulin levels increased, glucose, the insulin/cortisol ratio and HOMA-IR (all p < 0.001) and IGF-I (p < 0.01) increased while QUICKI and the glucose/insulin ratio (both p < 0.001) and GH (p < 0.05) decreased. Neonates from IGT mothers had higher insulin, HOMA-IR (both p < 0.01) and insulin/cortisol ratio (p < 0.05) and lower GH, QUICKI (both p < 0.01) and glucose/ insulin ratio (p < 0.05) than their normal maternal glucose tolerance (NGT) counterparts. Neonatal insulinemia influences more than IGT on the insulin resistance/sensitivity markers at birth. Mothers of hyperinsulinemic neonates showed lower HEI scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A large percentage of full-term normoweight infants with hyperinsulinemia showed altered insulin resistance markers. Their mothers consumed low quality diets. Screening strategies focused on neonatal glycemia and insulinemia together with maternal nutritional assessment and advice during pregnancy should be considered.

Similitudes, diferencias y agonismos en los efectos pleiotropicosde las estatinas y los acidos grasos omega-3 / Similarities, differences and agonisms of pleiotropic effects of statins and omega-3 fatty acids

Este trabajo compara los efectos pleiotrópicos de las estatinas y los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega-3 (AGP n-3) en el tratamiento y prevención de enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) y revisa las posibles interacciones de estos dos grupos de compuestos. Las estatinas son uno de los descubrimientos más importantes realizados en el campo de la medicina cardiovascular en las últimas décadas. Sus efectos beneficiosos cardiovasculares, reduciendo el número de eventos fatales en pacientes con aterosclerosis, se extienden más allá de su capacidad para reducir los niveles de colesterol. Los efectos pleiotrópicos de las estatinas involucran sus propiedades anti-inflamatorias y antiagregantes y su capacidad para normalizar la función endotelial. Además, estos fármacos pueden generar actividad antiarrítmica, mejorar la sensibilidad a la insulina y contrarrestar la hipertensión y la obesidad. La baja tasa de enfermedad coronaria documentada en los esquimales corrobora los efectos cardioprotectores de los AGP n-3 en particular de los AGP eicosapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico más allá de sus efectos hipolipemiantes. La reducción de las muertes relacionadas con enfermedades cardiovasculares atribuibles a la acción del ácido graso α-linolénico parece estar relacionado a sus potentes propiedades antiarrítmicas. Además, como un precursor del EPA y este a su vez de la formación de tromboxano A3, prostaciclina I3, prostaglandinas de la serie-3 y leucotrienos de la serie 5 e inhibidor/modulador de la formación de tromboxano A2, prostaciclina I2, prostaglandinas de la serie 2 y leucotrienos de la serie 4, el ácido α-linolénico puede reducir la inflamación y la trombogénesis. Los resultados de algunos estudios sugieren que el uso combinado de estatinas y AGP n-3 mejora la protección cardiovascular y reduce la tasa de mortalidad relacionada con ECV, por lo que en este trabajo también se revisan las posibles sinergias entre ambos grupos de compuestos en el tratamiento de CVD y se concluye que pueden obtenerse claros beneficios (AU)

This paper compares the pleiotropic effects of statins and omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and deals with the possible interactions of those compounds. Statins represent one of the most important discoveries to have been made in the field of cardiovascular medicine in recent decades. Their beneficial cardiovascular effects, which have reduced the number of fatal events in patients with atherosclerosis, encompass more than their ability to lower cholesterol levels. The pleiotropic effects of statins involve their anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet properties and their ability to normalize endothelial function. In addition, these drugs may display antiarrhythmic activity, improve insulin sensitivity and counteract hypertension and obesity. The low rate of coronary disease documented in Eskimos corroborates the cardioprotective effects of the n-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids beyond their hypolipemic effects. The reduction of CVD-related deaths attributable to the action of α-linolenic fatty acid appears to be related to its strong antiarrhythmic properties. In addition, as a precursor of EPA and this last fatty acid of thromboxane A3, prostacyclin I3, serie-3 prostaglandines and serie 5-leukotrines and inhibitor/modulator of thromboxane A2, prostacyclin I2, serie-2 prostaglandines and serie 4-leukotrienes formation, the α-linolenic acid may reduce inflammation and thrombogenesis. As results of some studies suggest that the combined use of statins and n-3 PUFA improves cardiovascular protection and reduces the CVD-related mortality rate; the paper also reviews the possible synergism between both groups of compounds on CVD treatment and concludes that clear benefits may be obtained (AU)

The effect of consuming meat enriched in walnut paste on platelet aggregation and thrombogenesis varies in volunteers with different apolipoprotein A4 genotype / El efecto del consumo de carne enriquecida en pasta de nuez sobre la agregacion plaquetaria y la trombogenesis varia en voluntarios con diferente genotipo para la apolipoproteina A4

Background and aim: Low-fat meat (LM) has been considered adequate under a cardiovascular disease point of view. Meat enriched in walnut paste (WM) consumption produces beneficial antithrombogenic effects but with striking inter-individual variability that may be related to gene polymorphism. Variants in the APOA4 gene (APOA4) polymorphism are known to affect the cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to compare the effects of consumption of WM and LM on platelet aggregation, production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostacyclin I2 (PGI2), and the TXA2/PGI2 ratio in 22 volunteers with different APOA4 polymorphism. Subjects and Methods: Six volunteers carried the Gln allele (APOA4-2) while 16 were homozygous for the His allele (APOA4-1). Platelet aggregation, TXA2 (measured as TXB2), PGI2 (measured as 6-keto-PGF1α), and the thrombogenic ratio (TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α) were determined at baseline and at weeks 3 and 5 for the WM and LM dietary periods. Results: Platelet aggregation decreased significantly (P<0.05) more in APOA4-1 than in APOA4-2 volunteers at 3-wk WM period, while TXB2 levels dropped more in APOA4-2 than in APOA4-1 volunteers at 5-wk WM period. TXB2 levels and the TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α ratio decreased significantly more (P<0.05) after 5 wk treatment in APOA4-2 than in APOA4-1 carriers on the WM diet than on the LM counterpart. However, 6-keto-PGF1α levels increased more (P<0.05) in APOA4-1 than in APOA4-2 volunteers after the 5-wk WM period than after the 5-wk LM diet. Conclusions: Present results suggest that consumption of WM with respect to LM decrease the thrombogenic risk more in Gln carriers than in His/His (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos: La carne con bajo contenido graso (LM) se considera adecuada bajo el punto de vista cardiovascular. La ingesta de carne enriquecida en pasta de nuez (WM), mejora los efectos antitrombogénicos con una variabilidad inter-individual que puede estar relacionada con el polimorfismo genético. Variaciones en los genes APOA4 (APOA4) del polimorfismo afectan el riesgo cardiovascular. Este estudio compara los efectos de la ingesta de WM y LM sobre la agregación plaquetaria, la producción de tromboxano A2 (TXA2) y prostaciclina I2 (PGI2), y el cociente TXA2/PGI2 ratio en 22 voluntarios con diferentes polimorfismos APOA4. Material y métodos: Seis voluntarios portaban el alelo Gln (APOA4-2) frente a los 16 homozigotos para el alelo His (APOA4-1). La agregación plaquetaria, el TXA2 (medido como TXB2), la PGI2 (medida como 6-keto-PGF1α), y el cociente trombogenético (TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α) se determinaron al comienzo y en las semanas 3 y 5 de los periodos de WM y LM. Resultados: La agregación plaquetaria disminuyó significativamente más (P <0.05) en los voluntarios APOA4-1 que en los APOA4-2 en la semana 3 del periodo WM. El descenso de los niveles de TXB2 fue mayor para los voluntarios APOA4-2 que para los APOA4-1 en la semana 5 del periodo WM. Después de 5 semanas con dieta WM, la concentración de TXB2 y el cociente TXB2/6-keto- PGF1α disminuyeron significativamente más (P<0.05) en los individuos APOA4-2 que en los APOA4-1 que con la dieta LM. Sin embargo, después de 5 semanas, la dieta WM con respecto a la LM incrementó más (P <0.05) los niveles de 6-keto-PGF1α en los voluntarios APOA4-1 que en los APOA4-2. Conclusiones: Estos resultados sugieren que la ingesta de WM en comparación d LM, disminuye más el riesgo trombogénico en los voluntarios portadores de Gln que en los que His/His (AU)

[Iron deficiency and overload. Implications in oxidative stress and cardiovascular health]. / Deficiencia y sobrecarga de hierro: implicaciones en el estado oxidativo y la salud cardiovascular.

Although iron is an essential mineral for maintaining good health, excessive amounts are toxic. Nowadays, much interest is focused on the mechanisms and regulation of iron metabolism by down-regulation of the hormone hepcidin. The HAMP gene encodes for hepcidin appears to be exceptionally preserved. Disorders of iron metabolism could lead to iron overload, mainly causing the rare disease hereditary hemochromatosis, or on the other hand, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. Currently, these alterations constitute an important problem of public health. The genetic variation implicated in iron overload and iron deficiency anaemia, involves mutations in several genes such as HFE, TFR2,HAMP, HJV, Tf and TMPRSS6. Iron has the capacity to accept and donate electrons easily and can catalyze reactions of free radicals production. Therefore, iron overload causes lipid peroxidation and increases cardiovascular risk. Recently, a relationship between iron metabolism and insulin resistance and obesity has been described. In contrast, regarding a possible relationship between iron deficiency anaemia and cardiovascular disease, many aspects remain controversial. This review presents an overview of the most recent information concerning iron metabolism, iron bioavailability and iron overload/deficiency related diseases. The relation between iron and cardiovascular risk, in iron overload and in iron deficiency situations, is also examined. Finally, strategies to modify dietary iron bioavailability in order to prevent iron deficiency or alleviate iron overload are suggested.

Deficiencia y sobrecarga de hierro; implicaciones en el estado oxidativo y la salud cardiovascular / Iron deficiency and overload implications in oxidative stress and cardiovascular health

El hierro es un metal esencial para la vida, pero en cantidades elevadas resulta tóxico. La regulación del metabolismo del hierro es actualmente un tema de intensa investigación al haberse descrito el papel clave de la hepcidina, hormona cuyo gen HAMP está muy conservado. Las alteraciones del metabolismo del hierro dan lugar a sobrecarga, destacando la hemocromatosis hereditaria clasificada como enfermedad rara, o en el otro extremo deficiencia de hierro y anemia ferropénica que constituyen un problema de Salud Pública de proporciones mundiales. Las variantes genéticas implicadas en sobrecarga y deficiencia de hierro se han centrado en los genes HFE, TFR2, HAMP, HJV, Tf y TMPRSS6. El hierro tiene la capacidad de ceder o donar electrones con facilidad y puede catalizar reacciones vía radicales libres e incrementar el estrés oxidativo. Así, la peroxidación lipídica y riesgo cardiovascular son consecuencias de la sobrecarga de hierro. Recientemente, se ha descrito también una relación entre el metabolismo del hierro y la resistencia a la insulina y la obesidad. Por el contrario, aún existe gran controversia en cuanto a la relación anemia ferropénica-enfermedad cardiovascular. Esta revisión presenta de forma breve los conocimientos actuales sobre la regulación del metabolismo del hierro, su biodisponibilidad y los trastornos por sobrecarga y deficiencia de hierro, para posteriormente examinar las relaciones existentes entre el hierro y el riesgo cardiovascular, tanto en la deficiencia como en la sobrecarga. Finalmente presenta propuestas para desde la nutrición utilizar estrategias para paliar la sobrecarga o prevenir la anemia por falta de hierro (AU)

Although iron is an essential mineral for maintaining good health, excessive amounts are toxic. Nowadays, much interest is focused on the mechanisms and regulation of iron metabolism by down-regulation of the hormone hepcidin. The HAMP gene encodes for hepcidin appears to be exceptionally preserved. Disorders of iron metabolism could lead to iron overload, mainly causing the rare disease hereditary hemochromatosis, or on the other hand, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. Currently, these alterations constitute an important problem of public health. The genetic variation implicated in iron overload and iron deficiency anaemia, involves mutations in several genes such as HFE, TFR2,HAMP, HJV, Tf and TMPRSS6. Iron has the capacity to accept and donate electrons easily and can catalyze reactions of free radicals production. Therefore, iron overload causes lipid peroxidation and increases cardiovascular risk. Recently, a relationship between iron metabolism and insulin resistance and obesity has been described. In contrast, regarding a possible relationship between iron deficiency anaemia and cardiovascular disease, many aspects remain controversial. This review presents an overview of the most recent information concerning iron metabolism, iron bioavailability and iron overload/deficiency related diseases. The relation between iron and cardiovascular risk, in iron overload and in iron deficiency situations, is also examined. Finally, strategies to modify dietary iron bioavailability in order to prevent iron deficiency or alleviate iron overload are suggested (AU)

Major diet-drug interactions affecting the kinetic characteristics and hypolipidaemic properties of statins.

Concomitant administration of statins with food may alter statin pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics, increasing the risk of adverse reactions such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis or reducing their pharmacological action. This paper reviews major interactions between statins and dietary compounds. Consumption of pectin or oat bran together with Lovastatin reduces absorption of the drug, while alcohol intake does not appear to affect the efficacy and safety of Fluvastatin treatment. Grapefruit juice components inhibit cytochrome P-4503A4, reducing the presystemic metabolism of drugs such as Simvastatin, Lovastatin and Atorvastatin. Follow-up studies on the therapeutic effect of statins in patients consuming a Mediterranean-style diet are necessary to assure the correct prescription because the oil-statin and minor oil compound-statin possible interactions have been only briefly studied. Preliminary study suggests that olive oil can increase the hypolipaemiant effect of Simvastatin with respect sunflower oil. The consumption of polyunsaturated rich oils, throughout the cytochrome P- 450 activation could decrease the half-life of some statins and therefore their hypolipaemic effects. The statins and n-3 fatty acids combined therapy gives rise to pharmacodinamic interaction that improves the lipid profile and leads greater cardioprotection. Although statins are more effective in high endogenous cholesterol production subjects and plant sterols are more effective in high cholesterol absorption efficacy subjects, plant esterols-statins combined therapy generates very positive complementary effects. This review ends suggesting possible diet-stain interactions that require further investigations (e.g. types of olive oils, fruit juices other than grapefruit, fibre or consumption of alcoholic beverages rich in polyphenols or ethanol).

Major diet-drug interactions affecting the kinetic characteristics and hypolipidaemic properties of statins / Principales interacciones dieta-fármaco que afectan la cinética y propiedadas hipolipemiantes de las estatinas

Concomitant administration of statins with food may alter statin pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics, increasing the risk of adverse reactions such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis or reducing their pharmacological action. This paper reviews major interactions between statins and dietary compounds. Consumption of pectin or oat bran together with Lovastatin reduces absorption of the drug, while alcohol intake does not appear to affect the efficacy and safety of Fluvastatin treatment. Grapefruit juice components inhibit cytochrome P-4503A4, reducing the presystemic metabolism of drugs such as Simvastatin, Lovastatin and Atorvastatin. Follow-up studies on the therapeutic effect of statins in patients consuming a Mediterranean-style diet are necessary to assure the correct prescription because the oil-statin and minor oil compound-statin possible interactions have been only briefly studied. Preliminary study suggests that olive oil can increase the hypolipaemiant effect of Simvastatin with respect sunflower oil. The consumption of polyunsaturated rich oils, throughout the cytochrome P- 450 activation could decrease the half-life of some statins and therefore their hypolipaemic effects. The statins and n-3 fatty acids combined therapy gives rise to pharmacodinamic interaction that improves the lipid profile and leads greater cardioprotection. Although statins are more effective in high endogenous cholesterol production subjects and plant sterols are more effective in high cholesterol absorption efficacy subjects, plant esterols-statins combined therapy generates very positive complementary effects. This review ends suggesting possible diet-stain interactions that require further investigations (e.g. types of olive oils, fruit juices other than grapefruit, fibre or consumption of alcoholic beverages rich in polyphenols or ethanol) (AU)

La administración conjunta de estatinas y alimentos puede producir reacciones adversas, como miopatía o rabdomiolisis, o reducir su acción farmacológica. Este artículo revisa las interacciones más importantes entre estatinas y componentes dietéticos. El consumo de pectina o de salvado de avena junto con Lovastatina reduce la absorción del fármaco, mientras que la ingesta de alcohol no afecta la eficacia ni la seguridad del tratamiento con Fluvastatina. Algunos componentes del zumo de pomelo inhiben el citocromo P-450 A4, reduciendo el metabolismo presistémico de la Simvastatina, Lovastatina y Atorvastatina. Se necesitan estudios de seguimiento sobre los efectos terapéuticos de las estatinas en pacientes que consumen dieta Mediterránea para asegurar la correcta prescripción, ya que no existen estudios de posibles interacciones entre el aceite o sus compuestos minoritarios y las estatinas. Un estudio preliminar sugiere que el aceite de oliva respecto al de girasol incrementa la acción hipolipemiante de la Simvastatina. El consumo de aceites ricos en ácidos grasos poliinsaturados, a través de la activación de citocromo P-450, podría disminuir la vida media de las estatinas y, por tanto, sus efectos hipolipemiantes. La terapia combinada estatinas y ácidos grasos n-3 da lugar a una interacción farmacodinámica que mejora el perfil lipídico e induce mayor cardioprotección. Aunque las estatinas son más efectivas en individuos con alta producción endógena de colesterol y los esteroles de plantas en aquellos que presentan mayor absorción de colesterol, la terapia conjunta induce efectos complementarios muy positivos. Se concluye la revisión sugiriendo más estudios en aquellas interacciones entre alimentos (ej. tipos de aceite de oliva, de zumos, de fibra o el consumo de bebidas alcohólicas ricas en polifenoles o etanol) y estatinas (AU)

[Similarities, differences and agonisms of pleiotropic effects of statins and omega-3 fatty acids]. / Similitudes, diferencias y agonismos en los efectos pleiotrópicos de las estatinas y los ácidos grasos omega-3.

This paper compares the pleiotropic effects of statins and omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and deals with the possible interactions of those compounds. Statins represent one of the most important discoveries to have been made in the field of cardiovascular medicine in recent decades. Their beneficial cardiovascular effects, which have reduced the number of fatal events in patients with atherosclerosis, encompass more than their ability to lower cholesterol levels. The pleiotropic effects of statins involve their anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet properties and their ability to normalize endothelial function. In addition, these drugs may display antiarrhythmic activity, improve insulin sensitivity and counteract hypertension and obesity. The low rate of coronary disease documented in Eskimos corroborates the cardioprotective effects of the n-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids beyond their hypolipemic effects. The reduction of CVD-related deaths attributable to the action of α-linolenic fatty acid appears to be related to its strong antiarrhythmic properties. In addition, as a precursor of EPA and this last fatty acid of thromboxane A3, prostacyclin I3, serie-3 prostaglandines and serie 5-leukotrines and inhibitor/modulator of thromboxane A2, prostacyclin I2, serie-2 prostaglandines and serie 4-leukotrienes formation, the α-linolenic acid may reduce inflammation and thrombogenesis. As results of some studies suggest that the combined use of statins and n-3 PUFA improves cardiovascular protection and reduces the CVD-related mortality rate; the paper also reviews the possible synergism between both groups of compounds on CVD treatment and concludes that clear benefits may be obtained.