Role of SERCA and the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content on calcium waves propagation in rat ventricular myocytes.

In Ca(2+)-overloaded ventricular myocytes, SERCA is crucial to steadily achieve the critical sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) level to trigger and sustain Ca(2+) waves, that propagate at constant rate (ʋwave). High luminal Ca(2+) sensitizes RyR2, thereby increasing Ca(2+) sparks frequency, and the larger RyR2-mediated SR Ca(2+) flux (dF/dt) sequentially activates adjacent RyR2 clusters. Recently, it was proposed that rapid SERCA Ca(2+) reuptake, ahead of the wave front, further sensitizes RyR2, increasing ʋwave. Nevertheless, this is controversial because rapid cytosolic Ca(2+) removal could instead impair RyR2 activation. We assessed whether rapid SR Ca(2+) uptake enhances ʋwave by changing SERCA activity (ҡDecay) over a large range (∼175%). We used normal (Ctrl) and hyperthyroid rat (HT; reduced phospholamban by ∼80%) myocytes treated with thapsigargin or isoproterenol (ISO). We found that ʋwave and dF/dt had a non-linear dependency with ҡDecay, while Ca(2+) waves amplitude was largely unaffected. Furthermore, SR Ca(2+) also showed a non-linear dependency with ҡDecay, however, the relationships ʋwave vs. SR Ca(2+) and ʋwave vs. dF/dt were linear, suggesting that high steady state SR Ca(2+) determines ʋwave, while rapid SERCA Ca(2+) uptake does not. Finally, ISO did not increase ʋwave in HT cells, therefore, ISO-enhanced ʋwave in Ctrl depended on high SR Ca(2+).

Validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the 10-item CD-RISC in patients with fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: No resilience scale has been validated in Spanish patients with fibromyalgia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the 10-item CD-RISC in a sample of Spanish patients with fibromyalgia. DESIGN: Observational prospective multicenter study. SAMPLE: Patients with diagnoses of fibromyalgia recruited from primary care settings (N = 208). INSTRUMENTS: In addition to sociodemographic data, the following questionnaires were administered: Pain Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS), the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (10-item CD-RISC), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ), and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). RESULTS: Regarding construct validity, the factor solution in the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was considered adequate, so the KMO test had a value of 0.91, and the Barlett's test of sphericity was significant (χ2 = 852.8; gl = 45; p < 0.001). Only one factor showed an eigenvalue greater than 1, and it explained 50.4% of the variance. PCA and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) results did not show significant differences between groups. The 10-item CD-RISC scale demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.89 for a six-week interval). The 10-item CD-RISC score was significantly correlated with all of the other psychometric instruments in the expected direction, except for the PVAS (-0.115; p = 0.113). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that the Spanish version of the 10-item CD-RISC shows, in patients with fibromyalgia, acceptable psychometric properties, with a high level of reliability and validity.

Relación entre la presión intrabdominal en diálisis peritoneal con las hernias y fugas / The link between intra-abdominal pressure in peritoneal dialysis and hernias and fugues

La presión intrabdominal normal es igual a la atmosférica (cero). En Diálisis Peritoneal con la introducción del líquido intraperitoneal, la presión intrabdominal aumenta. En varios estudios se aconseja que esta no supere los 16-20 cm. H2O. Además de las posibles molestias abdominales, una presión intrabdominal elevada puede tener relación con los problemas de la pared abdominal, como hernias y fugas y tener implicaciones en el transporte peritoneal y el déficit de ultrafiltración. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron: conocer los niveles de presión intrabdominal de los enfermos prevalentes en diálisis peritoneal, valorar los factores que influyen en llos valores de esta presión y estudiar retrospectivamente la relación entre presión intrabdominal y desarrollo de hernias y fugas. Realizamos un estudio transversal, observacional y retrospectivo de valoración de la presión intrabdominal en los enfermos prevalentes, estables, con más de tres meses en diálisis peritoneal. La presión intrabdominal se midió mediante el método descrito por Durand: paciente en decúbito supino, con el volumen peritoneal diurno. La presión intrabdominal final es la media entre las mediciones realizadas durante la inspiración y la espiración, se expresa en cm. de H2O, y se especifica el volumen drenado. También se realizó una medida en sedestación y en bipedestación. Se estudiaron 34 pacientes, 66% varones, edad media de 61.2±14 años, 3 con poliquistosis renal, un índice de comorbilidad de Charlson medio de 7,9, un índice de masa corporal medio de 27.4±4.2 y un tiempo medio en DP de 21±12 meses. El volumen medio diurno fue de 1796±385 mL y el nocturno de 2100±254 mL. Un 32% de los pacientes tenían antecedentes de cirugía abdominal y un 5% de hernias, reparadas antes del inicio de la diálisis peritoneal. La media de presión intrabdominal en decúbito fue de 17.5±4.1 cm. de H2O, y un volumen medio por superficie corporal de 1141±253 ml/m2. Un 23.5 % tenían una presión intrabdominal mayor a 20 cm. de H2O. En sedestación la media fue de 28±5.5 cm. de H2O y en bipedestación de 43.7±5.3 cm. de H2O. Los enfermos con presión intrabdominal > 20 cm. H2O tenían más porcentaje de hernias (50% vs 12 %) y fugas pericatéter (37 % vs. 12 %). Como principales conclusiones, podemos destacar que los niveles de presión intrabdominal de nuestros pacientes son algo más elevados que en otras series. A mayor edad, mayor comorbilidad y mayor índice de masa corporal, la presión intrabdominal es más elevada. Los enfermos con presión intrabdominal elevada presentaron más episodios de hernias y fugas (AU)

Normal intra-abdominal pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure (zero). In peritoneal dialysis the introduction of intra-peritoneal liquid increases intra-abdominal pressure. In various studies it is recommended that this does not exceed 16-20cm H2O. In addition to possible abdominal discomfort, high intra-abdominal pressure can be linked to problems with the abdominal wall, such as hernias and fugues, and have implications for peritoneal transport and ultrafiltration deficit. The aims of this study were the following: to find out the intra-abdominal pressure levels in the prevalent type of patients in peritoneal dialysis, to assess the factors influencing the values for this pressure and to study the relationship between intra-abdominal pressure and the development of hernias and fugues, retrospectively. A transversal, observational and retrospective study was conducted to measure intra-abdominal pressure in the prevalent, stable patients who had been on peritoneal dialysis for more than three months. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured using the method described by Durand: patient in a supine position, with diurnal peritoneal volume. The final intra-abdominal pressure is the average of the measurements taken during inspiration and expiration, is expressed in cm H2O and the volume drained is specified. Measurements were also taken in sitting and standing positions. 34 patients were studied, 66% of them male, with an average age of 61.2±14 years, 3 with polycystic kidney disease, an average Charlson comorbidity index of 7.9, an average body mass index of 27.4±4.2 and an average of 21±12 months on PD. Average diurnal volume was 1796±385 mL and nocturnal 2100±254 mL. 32% of the patients had a history of abdominal surgery and 5% of hernias, remedied before the start of peritoneal dialysis. The average intra-abdominal pressure lying down was 17.5±4.1cm H2O, with an average volume by body surface of 1141±253ml/m2. 23.5 % had an intra-abdominal pressure of over 20cm H2O. In a sitting position the average was 28±5.5cm H2O and standing up it was 43.7±5.3cm H2O. Patients with an intra-abdominal pressure of > 20cm H2O had a higher percentage of hernias (50% vs 12%) and pericatheter fugues (37% vs. 12%). As the principal conclusions, we would stress that the intra-abdominal pressure levels in our patients were rather higher than in other series. The greater the age, comorbidity and major body mass index, the higher the intra-abdominal pressure. Patients with high intra-abdominal pressure have more episodes of hernias and fugues (AU)

Gender difference in the prediction of weight loss by leptin among overweight adults.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Leptin plays an important role in energy metabolism. The primary objective of the study was to investigate whether baseline leptin levels predict weight loss during a dietary intervention in overweight and obese individuals. METHODS: A total of 324 individuals (138 men and 186 women, aged 20-40 years, BMI 27.5-32.5) were recruited in Iceland, Ireland and Spain. The intervention lasted for 8 consecutive weeks, and subjects were instructed to follow a diet, energy restricted by 30%. Anthropometric variables were assessed before and after the intervention. Leptin concentration was measured at baseline and corrected for fat mass. Linear models were used to find out which variables predicted weight loss. RESULTS: At end point, significant weight loss was observed (5.16 +/- 3.06 kg, p < 0.001). High baseline leptin concentrations were a significant negative predictor of weight loss in men (p = 0.028), with a predicted difference of 1.8 kg between the lowest and highest leptin quartile. CONCLUSION: Our study underlines the importance of leptin in energy metabolism. Plasma leptin concentrations at baseline are a predictor of weight loss in overweight men after an 8-week dietary intervention. The same effect was not observed in overweight women, which suggests that the role of leptin in the regulation of weight is gender specific.

Tachyphylaxis effects on postprandial oxidative stress and mitochondrial-related gene expression in overweight subjects after a period of energy restriction.

BACKGROUND: Postprandially induced oxidative stress can cause damage to mitochondrial components and initiate cellular degradative processes; which are related to obesity comorbidities. AIM OF THE STUDY: This trial sought to determine whether weight loss induced by caloric restriction provides antioxidant protection to reduce the postprandial response of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress markers. METHODS: A group of overweight/obese volunteers (n = 17; 39 +/-7 years, 32.5 +/- 4.8 kg/m(2)) followed an 8-week hypocaloric diet. Volunteers provided blood samples at fasting and 2-h after a test drink (CHO: 95% E, PROT: 5% E and containing antioxidants) and these were examined for postprandial oxidative stress responses, before and after the nutritional intervention. The expression of four mitochondrial-related genes, COX15, NDUFS2, MGST2 and TNF-alfa, was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by quantitative RT-PCR. Lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress biomarkers, total antioxidant capacity (AOP), uric acid and glutathione peroxidase were also determined. RESULTS: Before nutritional treatment, the test drink induced a postprandial increase in lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress biomarkers with a concomitant increase in the AOP. The increase in postprandial oxidative stress biomarkers was accompanied by a decrease in PBMC COX15 mRNA levels. Interestingly, after the weight loss period (-5.8 +/- 2.3%), the postprandial-induced changes were lower than at the beginning of the study and involved oxidative stress biomarkers and the COX15 and MGST2 transcripts. This finding suggests the occurrence of a tachyphylactic process. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate for the first time that the well-known effect of energy restriction on oxidative stress is accompanied by a tolerance mechanism on the postprandial oxidative stress response and mitochondrial function-related genes. Indeed, the COX15 and MGST2 gene expression assays in PBMC emerged as valuable nutrigenomic biomarkers of the oxidative response under energy-restriction conditions.

Legume-, fish-, or high-protein-based hypocaloric diets: effects on weight loss and mitochondrial oxidation in obese men.

The nutritional composition of dietary intake could produce specific effects on metabolic variables such as mitochondrial oxidation, whose understanding could contribute to apply more individualized weight-lowering strategies. This study assessed the effects of four hypocaloric diets with high protein content or different food distribution on metabolic changes and mitochondrial oxidation accompanying weight loss. Thirty-five obese men (body mass index of 31.8 +/- 3.0 kg/m(2) and 38 +/- 7 years old) were randomly assigned to one of the four treatments (8 weeks): control diet (C-diet); legume diet (L-diet); fatty fish diet (FF-diet); or high-protein diet (HP-diet). Body composition, blood pressure, resting energy expenditure, mitochondrial oxidation, blood biomarkers, and dietary intake were assessed. The HP-diet and L-diet achieved the greater body weight reduction (-8.4 +/- 1.2% and -8.3 +/- 2.9%, respectively), as compared to the C-diet (-5.5 +/- 2.5%; P = .042). The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were reduced in all dietary groups except for the FF-diet. Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly improved by the L-diet (P < .05), while the homeostatic model assessment index of insulin resistance value was significantly reduced in those men following the HP-diet. Mitochondrial oxidation was specifically activated by the HP-diet and L-diet at the end of the study. Interestingly, a lineal regression model explained about 25% (P = .029) of the mitochondrial oxidation variability as influenced by the diet changes once adjusted by resting energy expenditure. The specific consumption of legumes or high protein content within a hypocaloric diet could activate mitochondrial oxidation, which could involve additional benefits to those associated with the weight reduction.

A nutrigenomic inflammation-related PBMC-based approach to predict the weight-loss regain in obese subjects.

BACKGROUND: Long-term maintenance of a dietary-induced weight loss continues to be a major health problem and warrants research on innovative approaches to understand weight stability. We investigated the role of the proinflammatory status on weight changes in obese subjects receiving a low-calorie diet (LCD) and during the subsequent 6-month weight maintenance period. METHODS: Eighty-four subjects (age: 34.2 +/- 0.53 years; body mass index, BMI: 30.4 +/- 1.8 kg/m(2)) followed an 8-week LCD intervention and were contacted again 6 months later. Body composition, circulating proinflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and leptin] and mRNA levels of inflammation-related genes [TNFalpha and nuclear factor (NF) kappaB transcription subunits] in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were evaluated. RESULTS: The 6-month weight regain was predicted by high concentrations of TNFalpha at LCD completion (OR = 4.21, p = 0.036) along with the baseline amount of fat mass (OR = 7.23, p = 0.029). In addition, baseline leptin concentrations (p = 0.028) as well as mRNA levels of TNFalpha and NFkappaB subunits were higher at the end of the dietary intervention (p < 0.05) in PBMC of subjects who regained >or=10% of the dietary-induced weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate a role for the proinflammatory state and body adiposity in the prediction of weight-loss regain. This relationship could contribute to the design of more personalized nutritional treatments in obese patients and favor the weight maintenance process.

Effects of seafood consumption and weight loss on fasting leptin and ghrelin concentrations in overweight and obese European young adults.

BACKGROUND: Energy restriction affects circulating leptin and ghrelin concentrations. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: To investigate whether seafood consumption affects fasting leptin and ghrelin concentrations in addition to weight loss. METHODS: In this 8-week dietary intervention, subjects (324 Icelandic, Spanish and Irish subjects, 20-40 years, BMI 27.5-32.5 kg/m(2)) were randomized to energy-restricted diets (-30%) of identical macronutrient composition but different amount of seafood: control (no seafood); lean fish (150 g cod, three times per week); fatty fish (150 g salmon, three times per week); EPA&DHA [daily docosahexaenoic (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) capsules]. Anthropometric data, ghrelin, leptin, and insulin were measured at baseline and endpoint. Linear models investigated the effects of seafood on fasting leptin, ghrelin and insulin. RESULTS: Body weight (-5.2 +/- 3.0 kg), leptin (-34.8%) and insulin (-13.5%) decreased, while ghrelin increased (5.6%) (all P < 0.001). According to linear models endpoint insulin was significantly lower in the EPA&DHA group (-16.4%, P = 0.025) compared to control, endpoint leptin in men was lower in the salmon group (-22.9%, P = 0.026), and the EPA&DHA group tended to have higher endpoint ghrelin (5.6%, P = 0.060), an effect seen only in women indicated by a significant gender x EPA&DHA interaction. Weight loss explained the effects of fatty seafood on leptin and ghrelin, but not insulin. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of fatty seafood can modulate fasting insulin, ghrelin and leptin during an 8-week intervention. Effects are partly gender specific and are partly explained by weight loss. Consumption of lean fish does not affect circulating hormones in comparison to control. The most consistent effect on circulating hormones is mediated by weight loss.

Effects of two energy-restricted diets differing in the carbohydrate/protein ratio on weight loss and oxidative changes of obese men.

INTRODUCTION: Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets are a current challenge in the nutritional treatment of obesity. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of a low-carbohydrate high-protein diet with a traditional hypocaloric diet on weight loss and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nineteen obese men (age 36+/-6 years; body mass index 34+/-2 kg/m2) were randomized to follow one of the two diets-control diet (15% protein; 30% lipids; 55% carbohydrates) or high-protein diet (30% protein; 30% lipids; 40% carbohydrates)-over an 8-week period. Anthropometry, biochemical variables, resting energy expenditure and mitochondrial oxidation were measured at the start and at the end of the intervention. RESULTS: The high-protein diet produced a greater weight loss (-8.3+/-1.2% versus -5.5+/-2.5%, P = 0.012) than the control diet. Interestingly, an activation in the mitochondrial oxidation was found in the high-protein-fed group. This stimulation was positively correlated with the final resting energy expenditure and negatively associated with the final fat mass content. CONCLUSION: Low-carbohydrate high-protein diets could involve specific changes in mitochondrial oxidation that could be related to a higher weight loss.

CD36 gene promoter polymorphisms are associated with low density lipoprotein-cholesterol in normal twins and after a low-calorie diet in obese subjects.

Common polymorphisms of the CD36 fatty acid transporter gene have been associated with lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease. Association of a CD36 promoter single nucleotide polymorphism genotype with anthropometry and serum lipids was investigated in normal subjects, and in obese subjects during an 8-week low calorie diet and 6-month weight-maintenance period. 2728 normal female Twins UK subjects (mean body mass index 24.8 +/- 4.4 kg/m2; age 47.3 +/- 12.5 y) and 183 obese male and female Spanish subjects (mean body mass index 30.6 +/- 3.0 kg/m2; age 35.0 +/- 5.0 y) were genotyped for the CD36-22674 T/C (rs2151916) promoter single nucleotide polymorphism. In the Twins UK full cohort, the C-allele was associated with lower low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = .02, N = 2396). No associations were found in the obese Spanish subjects at baseline, but 6 months after the end of the low-calorie diet, the C-allele was associated with lower total- (p = .03) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = .01) and higher high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = .01). Intake of saturated fatty acids was lower in carriers of the C-allele at baseline, but not significantly so (p = .11). However, 6 months after the end of the low-calorie diet, elements of the lipid profile were correlated with saturated fatty acid intake: total cholesterol r = .21, p = .060; low density lipoprotein-cholesterol: r = .25, p = .043; high density lipoprotein-cholesterol: r = -.26, p = .007. CD36 promoter SNP allele -22674C is therefore associated with lower serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in normal female twins and with improved lipid profile during weight loss and maintenance in obese subjects.

Enhanced short-term improvement of insulin response to a low-caloric diet in obese carriers the Gly482Ser variant of the PGC-1alpha gene.

AIM: The Gly482Ser missense mutation of the transcriptional coactivator, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) has been involved in insulin function impairments, with conflicting results. The current study investigated the relationships of carrying this polymorphism with insulin resistance (IR) during a short-term weight-loss and the subsequent weight follow-up. METHODS: The Gly482Ser was genotyped in 180 Spanish volunteers [body mass index: 31.4+/-3.2kg/m(2); age: 35+/-5 years]. Specific phenotypical measurements were determined at baseline, following an 8-week low-calorie diet (LCD) as well as after 6-month and 1-year of follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline the Ser482Ser genotype was associated with higher HOMA-IR and insulin concentrations than the other genotypes (p<0.05), which was accompanied by an increased higher risk of IR (OR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.24-7.15). After following the LCD, such increased risk of insulin insensitivity in Ser482Ser carriers was toned down (p>0.05). This outcome was sustained after 6-month and 1-year of follow-up (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data show an increased risk of IR in obese carrying the rs8192673 Ser482Ser genotype. This risk was markedly reduced by an energy-restricted diet, which was sustained 6 months and 1 year after the diet therapy. This observation allows identifying obese subjects who might personally profit most from an energy-restrictive treatment concerning insulin response and lead to more individualized prognostic and therapeutic decisions.

Differential expression of oxidative stress and inflammation related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to a low-calorie diet: a nutrigenomics study.

Nutrigenomics is a new application of omics technologies in nutritional science. Nutrigenomics aims to identify molecular markers of diet-related diseases and mechanisms of interindividual variability in response to food. The aim of this study was to evaluate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as a model system and readily available source of RNA to discern gene expression signatures in relation to personalized therapy of obesity. PBMC were collected from obese men before and after an 8-week low-calorie diet (LCD) to lose weight. Changes in gene expression before and after the LCD were initially screened using a DNA-microarray platform and validated by qRT-PCR. Global gene expression analysis identified 385 differentially expressed transcripts after the LCD. Further analyses showed a decrease in some specific oxidative stress and inflammation genes. Interestingly, expression of these genes was directly related to body weight, while a lower IL8 gene expression was associated with higher fat mass decrease. Collectively, these observations suggest that PBMCs are a suitable RNA source and model system to perform nutrigenomics studies related to obesity and development of personalized dietary treatments. IL8 gene expression warrant further research as a putative novel biomarker of changes in body fat percentage in response to an LCD.

A diet rich in long chain omega-3 fatty acids modulates satiety in overweight and obese volunteers during weight loss.

Long chain omega-3 fatty acids (LC n-3 FA) are considered nutritional factors with a potential to modulate food intake. Thus, the aim of the current study was to determine whether appetite could be affected by LC n-3 FA when included in a calorie-restricted diet to treat overweight or obesity. Appetite was explored in volunteers (31+/-5 years; BMI: 28.3+/-1.5 kg/m(2)) during the last 2 weeks of an 8-week energy-restricted balanced diet (weight loss=-5.9+/-3.1%) providing either a low (<260 mg/day; n=112) or a high amount (>1300 mg/day; n=121) of LC n-3 FA. Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids were measured to detect diet-related changes in fatty acids and a validated visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure hunger sensations directly after and 2h after a test dinner. The LC n-3 FA content in erythrocyte membrane was lower in the low LC n-3 FA group (10.5+/-2.5% vs. 12.5+/-2.6%; p<0.001) after the intervention. The VAS assessment revealed lower hunger sensations in the high LC n-3 FA group immediately after the test dinner (fullness: p=0.045) and after 120 min (fullness: p=0.008; hunger: p=0.039). Correlation analysis showed a positive relation between n-3 FA/n-6 FA ratio in erythrocyte membrane and fullness 2h postprandial (r=0.139; p=0.032). In conclusion, LC n-3 FA intake modulates postprandial satiety in overweight and obese volunteers during weight loss. Further research is needed to investigate whether LC n-3 FA improve compliance to the nutritional treatment of overweight and obesity as well as weight loss maintenance.

Influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on soluble cellular adhesion molecules as biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in young healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Serum levels of soluble cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) and blood lipid parameters have been used as markers of inflammatory processes associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The present study evaluated the effects of the intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in fish and fish oil within energy-restricted diets, on soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-five healthy European subjects aged between 20 and 40 years, were randomized to one of four hypocaloric dietary groups: control (sunflower oil capsules, no seafood), lean fish (3 x 150 g portions of cod/week), fatty fish (3 x 150 g portions of salmon/week), fish oil ((docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)+eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) capsules, no seafood)). Diets rich in lean fish significantly decreased ICAM-1 levels, around 5% from baseline to endpoint (p<0.05), and had no effect on VCAM-1 levels. No significant differences were observed in sICAM-1 levels after the intervention with fatty fish or fish oils. On the other hand, these two seafood based diets were responsible for a significant increase of VCAM-1 levels [fatty fish; 16.1% and fish oil; 21.9%] respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CAMs as inflammatory biomarkers in young and healthy subjects are not conclusive for the evaluation of CVD risk. Hypocaloric fish diets had a different effect on CAMs, being lean fish responsible for the highest decrease in ICAM-1. On the other hand, VCAM-1 results allow speculation that a low dose of n-3 PUFA may be anti-inflammatory contrarily to a high dose which can have a pro-inflammatory effect. CAMs mechanism is complex and affected by multiple factors such as lifestyle, gender, and n-3 dose and source.

Energy-restricted diets based on a distinct food selection affecting the glycemic index induce different weight loss and oxidative response.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Low glycemic index (GI) based diets could influence the accompanying physiological adaptations to energy restriction in the treatment of obesity. It was aimed to investigate the effects of two energy-restricted diets with different food distribution and GI values on weight loss and energy metabolism in the nutritional treatment of obesity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participants (n=32; BMI: 32.5+/-4.3 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to follow two energy-restricted diets with higher-GI or lower-GI for 8 weeks. The energy restriction was -30% in relation to energy expenditure. Anthropometry, energy expenditure and mitochondrial oxidation were assessed at baseline and at the endpoint of the intervention. Body weight was also measured one year after the treatment. The work was approved by the ethical committees of the University of Navarra (54/2006). RESULTS: Volunteers consuming the lower-GI diet showed a significantly higher weight loss than their counterparts (-5.3+/-2.6% vs -7.5+/-2.9%; p=0.032), although the decrease in resting energy expenditure (REE) was similar between groups (p=0.783). Mitochondrial oxidation was significantly affected by the type of diet (p=0.001), being activated after the lower-GI treatment (p=0.022). Interestingly, one year after the nutritional intervention weight regain was only statistically significant in the higher-GI group (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Lower-GI energy-restricted diets achieved through a specific differential food selection can improve the energy adaptations during obesity treatment, favouring weight loss and probably weight maintenance compared with higher-GI hypocaloric diets.

[Omega-3 fatty acids inclusion as part of an energy restricted diet to improve the effect on blood lipids]. / Inclusión de ácidos grasos omega-3 en una dieta hipocalórica para mejorar el efecto en el perfil de lípidos circulantes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The type of dietary fat influences the blood lipid profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on circulating cholesterol levels and other lipids, when included in an energy-restricted diet to nutritionally treat obesity. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty-five patients (BMI: 30.5 [1.3], age: 33 [6] years), were randomly assigned during 8 weeks one of the following diets: omega-3 fatty acids supplemented (EPA + DHA), enriched in salmon (150 g/day, 3 times/week) or control (placebo). Anthropometry and blood measurements were determined at baseline (day 0) and at endpoint (day 56). RESULTS: Circulating total cholesterol statistically decreased after the slimming nutritional intervention in all experimental groups, being more pronounced in the enriched diet group (p < 0.001). The HDL-c levels decreased in both placebo (p = 0.004) and omega-3 supplemented (p = 0.053) dietary groups, while subjects who followed the salmon diet did not show such changes in HDL-c (p = 0.936). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that a balanced hypocaloric diet enriched in salmon results in a beneficial effect on the plasma lipid profile that could be mediated by the salmon composition as a whole, and not only by the omega-3 content.

Inclusión de ácidos grasos omega-3 en una dieta hipocalórica para mejorar el efecto en el perfil de lípidos circulantes / Omega-3 fatty acids inclusion as part of an energy restricted diet to improve the effect on blood lipids

Fundamento y objetivo: El tipo de grasa ingerida influye en el perfil de lípidos circulantes. El objetivo de la intervención nutricional fue evaluar los efectos de los ácidos grasos omega-3, incluidos en una dieta hipocalórica para el tratamiento dietético de la obesidad, en el colesterol y otros lípidos circulantes. Material y método: El estudio se realizó en 35 pacientes (índice de masa corporal = 30,5 [1,3; edad, 33 [6] años) que siguieron durante 8 semanas una de las siguientes dietas: con suplemento de omega-3 (EPA + DHA), enriquecida en salmón (150 g/día, 3 veces/semana) o control (placebo). Los días 0 y 56 se llevó a cabo la antropometría y se extrajeron muestras de sangre. Resultados: La intervención dietética de adelgazamiento indujo a un descenso significativo de los valores plasmáticos de colesterol total, en todos los grupos experimentales, siendo más marcado en el grupo de dieta enriquecida con salmón (p < 0,001). Los niveles de colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad descendieron en los grupos control (p = 0,004) y suplementado (p = 0,053), mientras que se mantuvieron sin cambios en el grupo de la dieta enriquecida con salmón (p = 0,936). Conclusiones: El seguimiento de una dieta hipocalórica equilibrada rica en salmón parece ejercer un efecto beneficioso en el perfil lipídico plasmático en personas con sobrepeso, que podría estar mediado por la composición global del pescado azul y no sólo por la presencia de ácidos grasos omega-3

Background and objective: The type of dietary fat influences the blood lipid profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on circulating cholesterol levels and other lipids, when included in an energy-restricted diet to nutritionally treat obesity. Material and method: Thirty-five patients (BMI: 30.5 [1.3], age: 33 [6] years), were randomly assigned during 8 weeks one of the following diets: omega-3 fatty acids supplemented (EPA + DHA), enriched in salmon (150 g/day, 3 times/week) or control (placebo). Anthropometry and blood measurements were determined at baseline (day 0) and at endpoint (day 56). Results: Circulating total cholesterol statistically decreased after the slimming nutritional intervention in all experimental groups, being more pronounced in the enriched diet group (p < 0.001). The HDL-c levels decreased in both placebo (p = 0.004) and omega-3 supplemented (p = 0.053) dietary groups, while subjects who followed the salmon diet did not show such changes in HDL-c (p = 0.936). Conclusions: These data suggest that a balanced hypocaloric diet enriched in salmon results in a beneficial effect on the plasma lipid profile that could be mediated by the salmon composition as a whole, and not only by the omega-3 content

Impact of interleukin 6 -174G>C polymorphism on obesity-related metabolic disorders in people with excess in body weight.

Low-grade inflammation has been related to obesity, insulin resistance, and related metabolic disorders. In this context, the -174G>C gene polymorphism of the proinflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6) cytokine has also been associated with these diseases. Based on this, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of IL-6 -174G>C polymorphism in the risk of developing metabolic alterations in people with excessive body weight. One hundred six Caucasian volunteers (body mass index, 33.2 +/- 5.3 kg/m(2)) were recruited to assess the potential relationship between carrying the -174G>C polymorphism and the risk of developing obesity-related metabolic disorders, such as hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance evaluated by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index. Subjects carrying the C allele showed higher plasma insulin concentrations and systolic blood pressure than homozygotes for the G allele. A multiple regression analysis showed that the presence of the C allele induced an increase in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index as compared with GG subjects (adjusted R(2) = .26, P < .001). Analyzing the mentioned obesity-related diseases, an enhanced prevalence of presenting high risk of developing these complications was found for the GC and CC genotypes relative to GG, with an adjusted odds ratio of 5.2 (P = .003). This association remained significant after controlling for multiple comparisons by the 10,000-permutation test (P = .004838). These data demonstrate that the occurrence of C allele of IL-6 -174 G>C gene polymorphism in people with excessive body weight is accompanying a higher risk of developing obesity-related metabolic disorders, especially insulin resistance.

Impact of fish intake on oxidative stress when included into a moderate energy-restricted program to treat obesity.

BACKGROUND: The role of some nutritional factors and hypocaloric diets on oxidative balance is a matter of debate, especially related to the prevention and treatment of obesity and co-morbidities. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim was to investigate the antioxidant capacity of different energy restricted diets in the treatment of obesity, paying emphasis to the effect of incorporating omega-3 fatty acids with or without other seafood components. METHODS: The study was a randomized 8-weeks parallel intervention trial prescribed to lose weight, which was implemented in 276 subjects aged 31.4 +/- 5.4 y.o. following four different balanced hypocaloric diets (TEE-30%): fish-restricted (control), cod and salmon based diets and DHA+EPA supplemented administration. At baseline (day 0) and at the end of the trial (day 56), anthropometry, dietary intake, erythrocyte membrane fatty acid content, circulating malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasma antioxidant status (AOP) were determined. RESULTS: Overall, percent weight loss was -5.8 +/- 3.2% (P < 0.001) and the AOP statistically increased after the energy restriction period (P = 0.015), basically due to the seafood-based diets. In contrast, MDA statistically only decreased (P = 0.026) after the cod-based diet intake with no changes after the other nutritional treatments. In fact, the cod-based intervention statistically decreased oxidative stress when expressed as the MDA/AOP ratio (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: A moderate calorie-restricted cod-based diet was found as a useful strategy to lose weight, which was accompanied by a specific improvement on oxidative stress markers. The low saturated fat content and the seafood protein source of this diet may be important factors involved in these findings.

Amino acid uptake from a probiotic milk in lactose intolerant subjects.

This trial was designed to assess the effect of live probiotic consumption on leucine assimilation from fresh and pasteurised yoghurt in volunteers with different lactose digestibility. Thirty-three volunteers (mean age 32, s.d. 7 years) participated in this parallel single-blind study (16 of them with moderate lactose intolerance). Breath samples were taken before and at 15 min intervals over 3-h after the ingestion of fresh and pasteurised yoghurt extrinsically labelled with (1-(13)C)leucine. The 13C enrichment in breath was measured by isotopic rate mass spectrometry and mathematically converted to a percentage of assimilated leucine (100-%13C-dose in breath) and the assimilation kinetic constant (min(-1)). The 13C-leucine assimilation was statistically higher after the fresh yoghurt intake than after the pasteurised product intake (P=0.032) while the kinetic constant of assimilation was slower in intolerance status (P=0.014) although a product-related effect (P=0.445) was not found. In conclusion, fresh yoghurt intake resulted in higher short-term leucine assimilation, while lactose intolerance appears to negatively affect the assimilation rate of leucine from dairy products. These findings offer new insight on acute in vivo amino acid assimilation in the presence of probiotics and moderate lactose intolerance.