Association between Moderate Alcohol Consumption and Subjective Quality of Life in Spanish Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: For the last 25 years, the debate on the benefit-risk balance of moderate alcohol consumption has been ongoing. This study explored the relationships between the pattern of alcohol consumption and subjective quality of life in healthy adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants were 247 healthy adults aged 25-45 years, with a moderate alcohol consumption, classified in three groups of alcohol intake: None (N = 37; <0.7 g/day), Low (N = 87; 0.7-<5 g/day) and Medium (N = 123; 5-16 g/day in women and 5-28 g/day in men). Information was collected with questionnaires including: alcoholic beverage frequency and pattern, quality of life (SF-36v2), anxiety, depression, health condition, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity and sleep time. RESULTS: Mean (SD) age of participants was 35.9 (6.3). In the Medium group, the mean alcohol intake was 10.98 ± 4.84 g/day on weekly bases and 24.7 ± 15.2 g/day on weekend days. Beer was the main contributor to total daily alcohol consumption. The percentage of subjects in the Medium group that showed a weekend average intake higher than moderate was 58.5% in exclusively weekend consumers and 48.2% in those who are not exclusive-weekend consumers (p = 0.278). Regarding markers of quality of life and mental health, the results did not show any significant association with alcohol consumption. In conclusion, in subjects that show weekly bases moderate intake of alcohol, weekend-day consumption levels can be high; however, no association of an overall moderate alcohol consumption pattern with quality of life was found.

Effects of Moringa oleifera Lam. Supplementation on Inflammatory and Cardiometabolic Markers in Subjects with Prediabetes.

Different parts of the Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) tree are consumed as food or food supplements for their nutritional and medicinal value; however, very few human studies have been published on the topic. The current work was aimed to provide ancillary analysis to the antidiabetic effects previously reported in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group intervention conducted in patients with prediabetes. Thus, the effect of MO leaves on blood and fecal inflammatory markers, serum lipid profile, plasma antioxidant capacity and blood pressure was studied in participants who consumed 6 × 400 mg capsule/day of MO dry leaf powder (MO, n = 31) or placebo (PLC, n = 34) over 12 weeks. Differences between groups were assessed using each biomarker's change score with, adjustment for fat status and the baseline value. In addition, a decision tree analysis was performed to find individual characteristics influencing the glycemic response to MO supplementation. No differences in the biomarker's change scores were found between the groups; however, the decision tree analysis revealed that plasma TNF-α was a significant predictor of the subject's HbA1c response (improvement YES/NO; 77% correct classification) in the MO group. In conclusion, TNF-α seems to be a key factor to identify potential respondents to MO leaf powder.

Moringa oleifera Leaf Supplementation as a Glycemic Control Strategy in Subjects with Prediabetes.

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a multipurpose plant with a high polyphenol content, which is being increasingly consumed to lessen the risk of chronic metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes; however, scientific evidence from clinical trials is scarce. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group intervention study with MO leaves as a food supplement was conducted in subjects with prediabetes. They consumed six daily capsules of MO dry leaf powder (2400 mg/day) (MO, n = 31) or placebo (PLC, n = 34) over 12 weeks. Glycemia, appetite-controlling hormones and gut microbiota composition were studied. ANCOVA with the fixed factor "treatment" and the basal value as covariate was used to compare the change score between the groups. The results showed significant differences between groups in the rate of change of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which showed opposite directions during the intervention, decreasing in MO and increasing in PLC. No different change scores were found between the groups in microbiota, hepatic and renal function markers or the appetite-controlling hormones measured. In conclusion, MO supplementation resulted in favorable changes in glycaemia markers compared to placebo in the subjects with prediabetes studied, suggesting that MO might act as a natural antihyperglycemic agent.

Association study of rs1801282 PPARG gene polymorphism and immune cells and cytokine levels in a Spanish pregnant women cohort and their offspring.

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARG) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily functioning as transcription factors to regulate cellular differentiation, development and metabolism. Moreover, it has been implicated in the regulation of lipid metabolism, as well as the maturation of monocytes/macrophages and the control of inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the Pro12Ala (rs1808212) PPARG gene polymorphism on immune molecular and cellular components in mothers and their offspring participating in the PREOBE study. METHODS: DNA from maternal venous blood samples at 24, 34 and 40 gestational weeks, plus cord blood samples was extracted. Pro12Ala PPARG polymorphism genotyping was performed, and immune system markers were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Study findings revealed no effect of rs1808212 PPARG genotypes on innate immune parameters in mothers and their offspring; however, CD4 + /CD8 + ratio were decreased at 24 and 34 weeks in pregnant women carrying the CG (Pro12Ala) rs1808212 polymorphism, (p = 0,012 and p = 0,030; respectively). Only CD19 levels in peripheral blood were significantly higher at delivery in pregnant women carrying the CC (Pro12Pro) genotype (p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, there were statistically significant differences in leukocytes and neutrophils maternal levels at 34 weeks of gestation, being lower in carriers of Pro12Ala genotype (p = 0.028 and p = 0.031, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that Pro12Ala PPARG polymorphism may have an effect on some cell and immune parameters in pregnant women during pregnancy and at time of delivery. However, newborn innate immune system does not seems to be influenced by PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism in cord blood.

Potential of Moringa oleifera to Improve Glucose Control for the Prevention of Diabetes and Related Metabolic Alterations: A Systematic Review of Animal and Human Studies.

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a multipurpose plant consumed as food and known for its medicinal uses, among others. Leaves, seeds and pods are the main parts used as food or food supplements. Nutritionally rich and with a high polyphenol content in the form of phenolic acids, flavonoids and glucosinolates, MO has been shown to exert numerous in vitro activities and in vivo effects, including hypoglycemic activity. A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed database and reference lists on the effects of MO on glucose metabolism. Thirty-three animal studies and eight human studies were included. Water and organic solvent extracts of leaves and, secondly, seeds, have been extensively assayed in animal models, showing the hypoglycemic effect, both under acute conditions and in long-term administrations and also prevention of other metabolic changes and complications associated to the hyperglycemic status. In humans, clinical trials are scarce, with variable designs and testing mainly dry leaf powder alone or mixed with other foods or MO aqueous preparations. Although the reported results are encouraging, especially those from postprandial studies, more human studies are certainly needed with more stringent inclusion criteria and a sufficient number of diabetic or prediabetic subjects. Moreover, trying to quantify the bioactive substances administered with the experimental material tested would facilitate comparison between studies.

Adipokines, cortisol and cytokine alterations in recent onset anorexia nervosa. A case-control study / Alteraciones en adipoquinas, cortisol y citocinas en anorexia nerviosa de diagnóstico reciente. Estudio caso-control

Introduction: Psychological and neuroendocrine alterations are typical characteristics in anorexia nervosa patients. The role of adipokines and cytokines as mediators of body systems' adaptations to the patients' abnormal eating behavior is not well understood. The duration of disease seems to be a determinant of nutritional status and associated hormone changes. We aimed to assess whether alterations in adipokines, cytokines and cortisol do already exist in patients with a recent disease onset by means of a case-control study. Methods: Forty-one adolescent female patients on their first-episode and diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, were matched by age and socioeconomic status (SES) (1:1) with healthy girls. Leptin, soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), adiponectin, cortisol, and the cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-alfa were examined. Results: The results showed reduced leptin and increased sOB-R and cortisol levels in AN patients. Adiponectin was also increased but opposite to the previous biomarkers did not correlate with BMI Z-score. Serum TNF-alfa and IL-2 showed significantly lower and higher values, respectively, in the AN patients than in the controls. Cortisol showed the strongest correlation with sOB-R (r = 0.436; P = 0.005). Conclusions: Our study confirms previous findings on adipokine and cortisol alterations in AN patients, while overall cytokine results did not show a clear disruption in AN patients with short disease duration. The results highlight the need to disentangle the role of the sOB-R in the interactions between leptin and cortisol secretion

Introducción: Las alteraciones psicológicas y neuroendocrinas son típicas de las pacientes con anorexia nerviosa (AN). El papel de las adipoquinas y citocinas como mediadores de la adaptación del organismo al comportamiento alimentario alterado no es bien conocido. La duración de la enfermedad parece ser un determinante del estado nutricional y de los cambios hormonales asociados. Nuestro objetivo ha sido establecer si existen alteraciones de adipoquinas, citocinas y cortisol en pacientes con un comienzo reciente de la enfermedad en un estudio caso-control. Métodos: Cuarenta y una chicas adolescentes diagnosticadas de AN en su primer episodio fueron emparejadas por edad y estado socioeconómico (1:1) con adolescentes sanas. Se midieron la leptina, el receptor soluble de leptina, la adiponectina, el cortisol y las citocinas IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 y TNF-alfa. Resultados: Las pacientes con AN mostraron niveles reducidos de leptina y elevados de receptor de leptina y cortisol. La adiponectina también se observó elevada pero, al contrario que los otros marcadores, no correlacionó con el Z-score del índice de masa corporal. Las pacientes mostraron valores de TNF-alfa e IL-2 menores y mayores, respectivamente, que las controles. El cortisol y el receptor de leptina mostraron la correlación más fuerte de todas las observadas (r = 0,436; p = 0,005). Conclusiones: Se confirman los resultados previos de adipoquinas y cortisol en pacientes con AN. Sin embargo, los resultados globales de citocinas no muestran una alteración clara en pacientes con corta duración de la enfermedad. Los resultados apuntan la necesidad de desentrañar el papel del receptor soluble de leptina en las interacciones entre leptina y cortisol

Adipokines, cortisol and cytokine alterations in recent onset anorexia nervosa. A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Psychological and neuroendocrine alterations are typical characteristics in anorexia nervosa patients. The role of adipokines and cytokines as mediators of body systems' adaptations to the patients' abnormal eating behavior is not well understood. The duration of disease seems to be a determinant of nutritional status and associated hormone changes. We aimed to assess whether alterations in adipokines, cytokines and cortisol do already exist in patients with a recent disease onset by means of a case-control study. METHODS: Forty-one adolescent female patients on their first-episode and diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, were matched by age and socioeconomic status (SES) (1:1) with healthy girls. Leptin, soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), adiponectin, cortisol, and the cytokines IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α were examined. RESULTS: The results showed reduced leptin and increased sOB-R and cortisol levels in AN patients. Adiponectin was also increased but opposite to the previous biomarkers did not correlate with BMI Z-score. Serum TNF-α and IL-2 showed significantly lower and higher values, respectively, in the AN patients than in the controls. Cortisol showed the strongest correlation with sOB-R (r=0.436; P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms previous findings on adipokine and cortisol alterations in AN patients, while overall cytokine results did not show a clear disruption in AN patients with short disease duration. The results highlight the need to disentangle the role of the sOB-R in the interactions between leptin and cortisol secretion.

Associations of Probiotic Fermented Milk (PFM) and Yogurt Consumption with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Components of the Gut Microbiota in Healthy Adults.

The current study investigates whether probiotic fermented milk (PFM) and yogurt consumption (YC) are related to both the ingested bacteria taxa and the overall gut microbiota (GM) composition in healthy adults. PFM and YC habits were analyzed in 260 subjects (51% male) by specific questionnaires, and the following groups were considered: (1) PFM groups: nonconsumers (PFM-NC, n = 175) and consumers (PFM, n = 85), divided as follows: Bifidobacterium-containing PFM (Bif-PFM; n = 33), Lactobacillus-containing PFM (Lb-PFM; n = 14), and mixed Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus-containing PFM (Mixed-PFM; n = 38); (2) PFM-NC were classified as: yogurt nonconsumers (Y-NC; n = 40) and yogurt consumers (n = 135). GM was analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing. PFM consumers showed higher Bifidobacteria taxa levels compared to NC, from phylum through to species. Specifically, Bif-PFM consumption was related to higher B. animalis levels (p < 0.001), whereas Lb-PFM consumption was associated to higher levels of Bifidobacterium (p < 0.045) and B. longum (p = 0.011). YC was related to higher levels of the yogurt starter Streptococcus thermophilus (p < 0.001). Lactobacilli and the overall GM were not related either to YC or PFM consumption. According to these results, healthy adults might benefit from PFM intake by increasing Bifidobacterium levels.

Wine and beer within a moderate alcohol intake is associated with higher levels of HDL-c and adiponectin.

The scientific evidence available on the association between moderate alcohol intake and levels of blood cardiometabolic markers is still inconsistent and difficult to interpret for future disease prevention. However, we hypothesize that moderate consumption of alcohol is associated with lower levels of inflammation markers and higher levels of protective cardiometabolic markers. Thus, this work aimed to examine the associations of moderate alcohol intake and the type of alcoholic beverage with metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. An observational, cross-sectional study including 143 apparently healthy adults 55 years of age and older was performed. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on alcoholic beverage intake frequency, food frequency, physical activity, socioeconomic status, diseases and medications, and other health-related habits. Three groups were established prior to recruitment: (1) abstainers and occasional consumers (ABS, n = 54); (2) beer consumers (BEER ≥80% of total alcohol intake; n = 40), and (3) mixed beverage consumers (MIXED; n = 49). Univariate analysis of variance models, adjusted for confounding factors and covariables, were performed. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and sP-selectin were significantly higher in the MIXED group than in the ABS group, and adiponectin was higher in the MIXED group compared to the BEER group. All alcohol consumers also had higher mean platelet volume values compared to ABS. In linear regression analyses, HDL-c, sP-selectin, and adiponectin were positively associated with wine intake (g/d) (P < .001, P = .014, and P = .017, respectively); and mean platelet volume, with beer intake (P = .017). In conclusion, this cross-sectional study showed that moderate alcohol intake is associated with higher levels of HDL-c and adiponectin compared to those in abstainers, which are mainly explained by wine intake.

Effects of ewe's milk yogurt (whole and semi-skimmed) and cow's milk yogurt on inflammation markers and gut microbiota of subjects with borderline-high plasma cholesterol levels: a crossover study.

PURPOSE: Ewe's milk yogurt is richer in proteins, minerals and short- and medium-chain fatty acids compared to cow's milk yogurt. We aimed to evaluate the effects of cow's milk yogurt (CW, 3.0% fat), semi-skimmed (ES, 2.8% fat) and whole ewe's milk yogurts (EW, 5.8% fat) on inflammatory markers and gut microbiota in subjects with borderline-high plasma cholesterol. METHODOLOGY: 30 adults (16 women) were randomized into a crossover study to consume 250 g/yogurt/day during three 5-week periods (4-week washouts). Plasma insulin, leptin, adhesion molecules, cytokines and gut microbiota composition (qPCR) were analysed. Rates of change were used to assess treatment effects both in the whole group and in subgroups of subjects with different cholesterol/HDL-c ratio (Cho-I group A: the top 6 women and 4 men values; Cho-I group B: remaining subjects). RESULTS: The yogurts showed no different effects on the inflammatory biomarkers or the microbiota of the whole group. However, ICAM-1 and P-selectin rates of change were lower after EW compared to CW and ES, respectively, in subjects of the Cho-I group A (P = 0.047 and P = 0.020). Women of this group showed lower MCP-1 rates of change after EW compared to ES and CW (P = 0.028, both). Blautia coccoides-Eubacterium rectale decreased in women of the Cho-I group A during EW vs. ES (P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Ewe's yogurt effects on inflammatory markers and microbiota were not different from those after cow's yogurt, but the attenuation of some inflammatory biomarkers with ewe's whole-milk yogurt in subjects with the highest TC/HDL-c deserves further study.

Effects of moderate beer consumption on health.

According to the scientific literature, alcohol effects on health are dose-dependent, since beneficial effects have been observed when consumed at moderate level compared to abstinence or excessive consumption, in both observational and interventional studies. There are specifically two components in fermented beverages, mainly related to the beneficial effects on health when consumed in a moderate amount, namely polyphenolic compounds and ethanol. Indeed, a higher bone density has been reported in several studies, which has been associated to its polyphenolic compounds. Regarding cardiovascular and immunological effects, both polyphenols and ethanol seem to account for the anti-inflammatory andantioxidant functions.Promising research in the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages have reported that the polyphenolic fraction of fermented drinks could benefit the gut microbiota composition and thus, host metabolism and health, suggesting that particularly, beer could be a new target for microbiome-based studies.However, it is very important to highlight that the moderate amount of beer must be consumed within an adequate lifestyle in order to avoid possible risks to develop non-communicable diseases, which are more and more frequent during the last three decades. And finally, the last message, albeit the possible benefits of the moderate consumption of fermented alcohol beverages, there are no recommendations to consume alcohol.

El consumo moderado de bebidas con alcohol se ha relacionado con ciertas propiedades beneficiosas para la salud en comparación con situaciones de abstinencia o consumo excesivo, revelando una relación con la salud del huésped que es dependiente de la dosis de alcohol. Los componentes de la cerveza más relacionados con beneficios en la salud tras un consumo moderado son los compuestos fenólicos y el alcohol. En concreto, el consumo moderado de cerveza se relaciona con una mayor densidad ósea, principalmente debido a su fracción fenólica. Sus beneficios cardiovasculares e inmunológicos también parecen estar relacionados con el contenido en componentes fenólicos y alcohol, ya que podrían ejercer propiedades antiinflamatorias y antioxidantes. Cabe destacar el interés por el estudio de la microbiota intestinal en esta área debido a ciertos estudios en los que se han demostrado cambios en la composición de grupos bacterianos tras el consumo de bebidas fermentadas, atribuido a la acción de los compuestos fenólicos en el intestino. Queda por ello abierta una gran área de investigación centrada en los efectos del consumo moderado de cerveza sobre la microbiota intestinal, hasta ahora poco estudiada. No obstante, es importante enfatizar que el consumo moderado de cerveza tiene que estar incluido en un estilo de vida adecuado para evitar un posible riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades no transmisibles, cada vez más frecuentes durante las tres últimas décadas. Finalmente, a pesar de que se han demostrado posibles beneficios del consumo moderado de las bebidas fermentadas con alcohol, no hay recomendaciones para su consumo.

Effects of moderate beer consumption on health / Efectos del consumo moderado de cerveza en la salud

According to the scientific literature, alcohol effects on health are dose-dependent, since beneficial effects have been observed when consumed at moderate level compared to abstinence or excessive consumption, in both observational and interventional studies. There are specifically two components in fermented beverages, mainly related to the beneficial effects on health when consumed in a moderate amount, namely polyphenolic compounds and ethanol. Indeed, a higher bone density has been reported in several studies, which has been associated to its polyphenolic compounds. Regarding cardiovascular and immunological effects, both polyphenols and ethanol seem to account for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. Promising research in the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages have reported that the polyphenolic fraction of fermented drinks could benefit the gut microbiota composition and thus, host metabolism and health, suggesting that particularly, beer could be a new target for microbiome-based studies. However, it is very important to highlight that the moderate amount of beer must be consumed within an adequate lifestyle in order to avoid possible risks to develop non-communicable diseases, which are more and more frequent during the last three decades. And finally, the last message, albeit the possible benefits of the moderate consumption of fermented alcohol beverages, there are no recommendations to consume alcohol

El consumo moderado de bebidas con alcohol se ha relacionado con ciertas propiedades beneficiosas para la salud en comparación con situaciones de abstinencia o consumo excesivo, revelando una relación con la salud del huésped que es dependiente de la dosis de alcohol. Los componentes de la cerveza más relacionados con beneficios en la salud tras un consumo moderado son los compuestos fenólicos y el alcohol. En concreto, el consumo moderado de cerveza se relaciona con una mayor densidad ósea, principalmente debido a su fracción fenólica. Sus beneficios cardiovasculares e inmunológicos también parecen estar relacionados con el contenido en componentes fenólicos y alcohol, ya que podrían ejercer propiedades antiinflamatorias y antioxidantes. Cabe destacar el interés por el estudio de la microbiota intestinal en esta área debido a ciertos estudios en los que se han demostrado cambios en la composición de grupos bacterianos tras el consumo de bebidas fermentadas, atribuido a la acción de los compuestos fenólicos en el intestino. Queda por ello abierta una gran área de investigación centrada en los efectos del consumo moderado de cerveza sobre la microbiota intestinal, hasta ahora poco estudiada. No obstante, es importante enfatizar que el consumo moderado de cerveza tiene que estar incluido en un estilo de vida adecuado para evitar un posible riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades no transmisibles, cada vez más frecuentes durante las tres últimas décadas. Finalmente, a pesar de que se han demostrado posibles beneficios del consumo moderado de las bebidas fermentadas con alcohol, no hay recomendaciones para su consumo

Relationship of moderate alcohol intake and type of beverage with health behaviors and quality of life in elderly subjects.

PURPOSE: This work was aimed to study the relationships of moderate alcohol intake and the type of beverages consumed with health behaviors and quality of life in elderly people. METHODS: In this observational study, 231 subjects (55-85 years) voluntarily answering to advertisements were enrolled and divided in three study groups: abstainers and occasional consumers (ABS; n = 98), moderate drinkers of beer (BEER; n = 63) and moderate drinkers of all sorts of alcoholic beverages (MIXED; n = 70). Variables assessed included physical activity, activities of daily living, Mediterranean diet-adherence score, tobacco consumption, quality of sleep, body composition, medication and perception of health through the SF-36 questionnaire. Their relationship with alcohol consumption was assessed through general linear models including confounding variables (age, sex, chronic disease prevalence and socioeconomic status). ABS were also compared to moderate drinkers (MOD = BEER + MIXED). RESULTS: The mean daily alcohol consumption in each group was (mean ± SD): ABS: 0.7 ± 1.1; BEER: 12.7 ± 8.1; MIXED: 13.9 ± 10.2 g/day. MOD and MIXED showed significantly higher physical activity (metabolic standard units; METs) than ABS (p = 0.023 and p = 0.004, respectively). MOD spent significantly less time doing housework activities than ABS (p = 0.032). Daily grams of alcohol consumption were significantly associated with METs (B = 21.727, p = 0.023). Specifically, wine consumption (g/day) was associated with METs (B = 46.196, p = <0.001) and showed borderline significant relationships with mental health (B = 0.245, p = 0.062) and vitality perception (B = 0.266, p = 0.054). CONCLUSION: Moderate alcohol consumption, and in particular wine consumption, is associated with a more active lifestyle and better perception of own health in the Spanish elderly subjects studied.