Effects of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer: Mexican consensus and recommendations.

Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating immune responses, including effector response to infection and surveillance of tumors. This article summarizes the current scientific evidence on the effects of supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, precancerous lesions, and various stages of cervical cancer development and treatment while also examining the underlying molecular pathways involved. Our findings indicate that a higher dietary fiber intake is associated with a reduced risk of HPV infection, while certain probiotics have shown promising results in clearing HPV-related lesions. Additionally, certain strains of probiotics, prebiotics such as inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides, and synbiotics decrease the frequency of gastrointestinal adverse effects in cervical cancer patients. These agents attain their results by modulating crucial metabolic pathways, including the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, and suppressing the activity of oncogenes, thus attenuating tumorigenesis. We conclude that although further human studies are necessary, robust evidence in preclinical models demonstrates that prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics play an essential role in cervical cancer, from infection to carcinogenesis and its medical treatment. Consequently, we strongly recommend conducting high-quality clinical trials using these agents as adjuvants since they have proven safe.

Evidence of impaired H-reflex and H-reflex rate-dependent depression in diabetes, prediabetes and obesity: a mini-review.

Diabetes Mellitus is a public health problem associated with complications such as neuropathy; however, it has been proposed that these may begin to develop during prediabetes and may also be present in persons with obesity. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the presence of signs and/or symptoms of peripheral nerve dysfunction in people living with diabetes, which increases the risk of developing complications and has a deleterious impact on quality of life. As part of the therapeutic protocol for diabetes, screening tests to identify peripheral neuropathy are suggested, however, there are no recommendations for people with prediabetes and obesity without symptoms such as pain, numbness, or paresthesias. Moreover, clinical screening tests that are usually used to recognize this alteration, such as tendon reflex, temperature sensation, and pressure and vibration perception, might be subjective as they depend on the evaluator's experience thus the incorrect application of these tests may not recognize the damage to small or large-nerve fibers. Recent evidence suggests that an objective study such as the impairment of the rate-dependent depression of the H-reflex could be used as a biomarker of spinal disinhibition and hence may provide more information on sensorimotor integration.

Anthocyanins: Potential Therapeutic Approaches towards Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

Overweight and obesity are present in about three-quarters of the adult population in Mexico. The inflammatory mechanisms subjacent to visceral white adipose tissue are accountable for the initiation and development of cardiometabolic alterations, including type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes are pillars within its therapeutics and, thus, current dietary modifications should include not only hypocaloric prescriptions with balanced macronutrient intake, preferably by increasing the amount of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, but in concomitance, bioactive substances, such as anthocyanins, have been correlated with lower incidence of this disease.

Effects of Spirulina maxima on a Model of Sexual Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats.

Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima (SM) is a cyanobacterium that has a long history of being used as human food. In recent years, several investigations have shown its beneficial biological effects, among which its antioxidant capacity has been highlighted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of SM on body weight, glycemia, sexual behavior, sperm quality, testosterone levels, sex organ weights, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic male rats (a disease characterized by an increase in reactive oxygen species). The experiment consisted of six groups of sexually expert adult males (n = 6): (1) control (vehicle); (2) streptozotocin (STZ)-65 mg/kg; (3) SM-400 mg/kg; (4) STZ + SM-100 mg/kg; (5) STZ + SM-200 mg/kg; and (6) STZ + SM-400 mg/kg. Sexual behavior tests were performed during the first 3 h of the dark period under dim red illumination. Our results showed that SM significantly improved sexual behavior and sperm quality vs. diabetic animals. Likewise, while the enzymatic activities of SOD and GPx increased, TBARS lipoperoxidation decreased and testosterone levels increased. In view of the findings, it is suggested that SM may potentially be used as a nutraceutical for the treatment of diabetic male sexual dysfunction due to its antioxidant property.

Memory improvement in senile rats after prebiotic and probiotic supplementation is not induced by GLP-1.

INTRODUCTION: The mechanism underlying the memory improvement induced by prebiotic and probiotic supplementation remains unclear. Glucagon-like peptide type 1 (GLP-1) could play an important role since it is induced by prebiotics and enhances memory and learning. AIMS: We correlated the levels of GLP-1 with spatial memory in senile animals to determine its role in memory improvement after prebiotic and probiotic supplementation. METHODS: Senile rats were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) water (control); (2) Enterococcus faecium (probiotic); (3) agave inulin (prebiotic); and (4) E. faecium + agave inulin (symbiotic). Each supplement was administered by an orogastric cannula for 5 weeks. In the fifth week, spatial memory was assessed using the Morris Water Maze test (MWM). We extracted the hippocampus, intestine, and serum. GLP-1 levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: A significant decrease in escape latency time in the MWM was observed in all groups treated with supplements. The symbiotic group achieved the highest reduction (15.13 s ± 6.40) (p < 0.01). We did not find a significant increase in GLP-1 levels nor a direct correlation of its levels with spatial memory improvement (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prebiotic and probiotic supplementation improved spatial memory in senile animals. However, this beneficial effect did not correlate with GLP-1 levels.

The effect of plant-based diets on meta-inflammation and associated cardiometabolic disorders: a review.

Meta-inflammation is a chronic, low-grade state of inflammation secondary to cardiometabolic disorders related to overweight (OW), obesity (OB), consumption of poor nutritional and hypercaloric diets with excessive amounts of lipids and sugars. It can lead to severe metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have reported that plant-based diets (PBDs) can be a useful non-pharmacological therapeutic tool for the prevention and treatment of meta-inflammation, since it has been reported that patients following PBDs have lower serum levels of proinflammatory markers, a reduction in weight, and an overall healthier lipid profile. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology of meta-inflammation, the growing worldwide trend toward adoption of PBDs, and how PBDs act to reduce meta-inflammation.

Potential applications of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) on diabetic neuropathy: mini-review.

Diabetes Mellitus is a highly prevalent disease in Mexico and in the world, among whose complications is diabetic neuropathy. DN is a group of disorders that present signs and/or symptoms of peripheral nerve dysfunction and have different clinical manifestations in both peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. As a part of the mechanisms by which DN develops, oxidative stress and inflammation have been described. Cocoa is a plant origin product which includes around 300 components and through different studies, it has been suggested that cocoa has different mechanisms of action through which exerts its beneficial effects on health. It has been proposed that cocoa has hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and thus, potentially have a beneficial direct or indirect effect on diabetic neuropathy. Specially in preclinical studies, the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effect of cocoa has been evaluated through different mechanisms of action. However, most of the studies presented concerning this complication, are in vitro or preclinical studies, so there is still a great area of opportunity regarding the use of cocoa on diabetic neuropathy.

Phycobiliproteins extract from Spirulina protects against single-dose cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice.

Cadmium (Cd) is known for its many toxic effects on male population such as hypogonadism and fertility difficulties, which are oftenly associated with oxidative stress. As beneficial food, Spirulina(Sp) has been proved efficient against the heavy metal toxicity. This capacity can be associated with its phycobiliproteins (PBP). In this study, the capability of PBP and Sp to treat Cd-induced oxidative damage on the testes and spermatozoa was considered. CD-1 strain mice were orally treated with either Sp or PBP for 10 days prior to single-dose Cd challenge. Sperm quality determinations and testicle histology analysis were performed. Testosterone on serum was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Oxidative damage was determined. Antioxidant enzyme activity was analyzed by measuring the activity of super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat), and glutathione peroxidase (GpX). The motility and viability of sperm decrease with Cd and improve with PBP and Sp, as the acrosomal reaction (AR) is diminished by PBPs. Testosterone levels decrease due to Cd, and only Sp maintains elevated levels. Cd increases the production of malondialdehyde in the spermatozoa, but not in testes; this production of malondialdehyde in the spermatozoa decreases in the presence of PBP. ROS only decreases with Cd, FBP, and Sp at high concentrations. Advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP) decrease with Cd and PBPs. Cat and GpX increase their activity with Cd and are altered by FBP. Cd produces vascular alterations testes. Within the seminiferous tubule, it produces areas of necrosis and apoptosis, which improve with PBPs and Sp. PBPs have a strong antioxidant activity as they show protective properties against Cd oxidative-induced toxicity on testes and sperm.

Pre-Hispanic Foods Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), Nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica) and Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) as New Alternative Ingredients for Developing Functional Cookies.

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotusostreatus), nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica) and amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) are pre-Hispanic foods widely consumed in Mexico. However, there are no standard products developed with these ingredientsas functional cookies. This study evaluated the impact of partial replacement (50%) of whole-wheat flour (WWF) with three formulations of P. ostreatus, nopal and amaranth flours (POF, NF and AF, respectively) on the nutritional/antioxidant properties of fortified cookies. The proportion of the flours' ingredients (WWF:AF:NF:POF) were 100% WWF (traditional cookies), 50:35:10:5 (F1), 50:30:15:5 (F2) and 50:40:5:5 (F3). Proximal composition, phenolic/flavonoid contents, and ABTS•+ scavenging activity were determined in flours and cookies.POF, NF and AF possess a high nutritional value comprising polyphenols/flavonoids and a significant antioxidant potential. Total protein, ash and flavonoids were higher in fortified cookies than in controls. Cookies prepared with F2-the highest nopal level-contained 5.29% of dietary fiber and five times higher polyphenol content than control cookies. The ABTS•+ scavenging ability was similar in the three enriched cookies (87.73-89.58%), but higher than that in traditional cookies (75.60%). The applicability of POF/NF/AF for replacing up to 50% of WWF in the production of functional cookies was demonstrated without compromising products' acceptability.This research promotes renewable local bioresouces for a sustainable agri-food chain, especially edible mushrooms.

Phycobiliproteins Ameliorate Gonadal Toxicity in Male Mice Treated with Cyclophosphamide.

Cyclophosphamide (CP)-which is used to treat autoimmune diseases and cancer-is related to gonadotoxicity attributed to oxidative stress. As phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are strong antioxidants that are unexplored as protective agents against male gonadotoxicity, our work aimed to investigate the effects of PBP crude extract on testicular damage and sperm parameter alterations caused by CP in mice. Three doses of PBP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were tested in the experimental groups (n = 8 per group), administered concomitantly with 100 mg/kg CP. After 42 days receiving PBP daily and CP weekly, body and relative testicular weights, serum testosterone levels, testicular lipoperoxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity levels, and testicular histology and sperm parameter alterations were assessed. The results showed that PBP crude extract at 200 mg/kg prevented testosterone serum reduction, body weight loss, lipoperoxidation and enzyme activity increments, and sperm parameter alterations and partially ameliorated relative testicular weight reductions and histological damage in CP-treated mice. In conclusion, we showed that PBP crude extract (200 mg/kg) mitigated oxidative damage in the testes and ameliorated alterations in sperm parameters in mice treated with CP (100 mg/kg); therefore, PBP extract could be considered as a potential protective agent against CP toxicity.

The effect of enteral stimulation on the immune response of the intestinal mucosa and its application in nutritional support.

The intestine plays a fundamental role as a regulator of the mucosal immune response, mostly through the production and secretion of secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) by the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Enteral stimulation, a balance between the commensal microbiota and pathogenic microorganisms, in addition to an adequate nutritional status is required for the optimal immune function of the intestine. Fasting subjects or those supported only with parenteral nutrition, show a progressive anatomical and physiological deterioration of the GALT, triggering a series of alterations resulting in a decrease in the intestinal immune response, modification in the type of microbiota, and changes that lead to or aggravate malnutrition. Patients with malnutrition present an increase in the rate of nosocomial infections, hospital length of stay, and mortality. An adequate nutritional assessment at hospital admission and avoiding long periods of fasting are paramount to prevent these unfavorable outcomes. Herein, we present a mini-state of the art review on the role and importance of enteral stimulation by GALT-mediated immune response.

Traditional Mexican foods as functional agents in the treatment of cardiometabolic risk factors.

Major cardiometabolic risk phenotypes include insulin resistance (IR), hyperinsulinemia, overweight, obesity and dyslipidemia, which contribute to the current prevalent chronic disease pandemia worldwide. Among traditional treatments, dietary habits represent one of the most difficult and controversial aspects to implement in handling metabolic disturbances. The use of herbal remedies by latinos and hispanics, as part of self-care of metabolic diseases has been well documented in several studies, mainly because they are "natural", consistent with their culture, family-related, accessible, and affordable. Phytochemicals are present in fruits, vegetables and various plants, and constitute nonessential nutrients such as vitamins or minerals, many of them being consumed in a popular way or used as herbal remedies or dietary supplements. In this narrative review, we present evidence on traditional endemic Mexican foods such as cacao, corn, common bean, prickle pear, chili, avocado and salba-chia as functional agents to improve the metabolic status in risk phenotypes.

Effects of a Low-Dose Spirulina/Turmeric Supplement on Cardiometabolic and Antioxidant Serum Markers of Patients With Abdominal Obesity.

Obesity is one of the greatest public health problems worldwide. It is associated with underlying low-grade inflammation, thus is a risk factor for the development of cardiometabolic alterations. Functional foods, such as spirulina and turmeric, in the form of nutraceutics have been considered to exert not only an antioxidant effect but also modulate mechanisms in the metabolic pathways underlying cardiometabolic disruptions. We aimed to study the effectiveness of supplementation with a Spirulina maxima/Turmeric longa mixture (266 mg/156.6 mg) on body composition, lipemic, and antioxidant status in patients with abdominal obesity. To achieve this, 43 patients were included (control group, n = 21, and experimental, n = 22), in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Both groups were daily supplemented, orally, for 12 weeks. After 3-month supplementation (altogether with individualized dietary management), both groups showed a decrease in body weight, fat mass, and abdominal circumference; however, no intergroup statistical differences were found. The same phenomenon was observed concerning biochemical metabolic markers; nevertheless, an obvious trend favoring spirulina/turmeric supplementation can be appreciated. Finally, both groups significantly increased their serum antioxidant status, although the supplemented groups showed a two-fold accrue vs. placebo.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on neoadjuvant chemotherapyinduced toxicity in patients with locally advanced breast cancer: a randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial / Efecto de la suplementación con ácidos grasos omega-3 sobre la toxicidad secundaria a quimioterapia neoadyuvante en pacientes con cáncer de mama localmente avanzado: ensayo clínico aleatorizado

Background: antineoplastic treatment for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) includes neodjuvant chemotherapy (NeoCT). However, side effects occur frequently, affecting the functional capacity and quality of life of patients as a result of the proinflammatory state of this therapy. In this work, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA Ω-3) were administered as they have been reported to modulate some molecular pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which is associated with toxicity secondary to the administration of anthracyclines. Objective: to evaluate the effects of PUFA Ω-3 on the toxicity, side effects, body composition, cardiometabolic profile and quality of life in women with LABC after NeoCT. Methods: fifty-three women with LABC were included in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients randomly received 2.4 g/day of PUFA Ω-3 (EPA 1.6 g and DHA 0.8 g) or placebo during NeoCT with adriamycin/cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel+/-trastuzumab. Adverse effects related to chemotherapy were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, version 4.03) and the Subjective Global Scale of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Body composition and cardiometabolic blood profile were also evaluated. Results: no significant differences were found between groups in the hematological and anthropometric toxicity parameters. Within the Edmonton scale, xerostomia presented a significant improvement (p = 0.032) in patients supplemented with PUFA Ω-3. Conclusion: supplementation with PUFA Ω-3 showed no change in body composition, cardiometabolic profile or toxicity due to NeoCT. It only showed significant improvement in xerostomia

Introducción: uno de los tratamientos para el cáncer de mama localmente avanzado (CMLA), es la quimioterapia neoadyuvante (QTNeo). Sin embargo, los efectos secundarios afectan el estado funcional y la calidad de vida de los pacientes, especialmente por el estado inflamatorio que originan. En este trabajo se administraron los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega 3 (AGPI Ω-3), ya que modulan negativamente algunas vías moleculares como las que inducen la activación del factor nuclear-kappa B (NF-κB), involucrado con los mecanismos de toxicidad secundaria a la administración de antraciclinas. Objetivo: valorar el efecto de los AGPI n-3, sobre la toxicidad de la QTneo, la composición corporal, el perfil cardiometabólico y la calidad de vida en mujeres con CMLA durante la QTNeo. Métodos: se incluyeron cincuenta y tres mujeres con CMLA, en un estudio clínico doble ciego controlado con placebo. Las pacientes recibieron aleatoriamente 2,4 g/día de AGPI Ω-3 (EPA 1,6 g y DHA 0,8 g) o placebo durante la quimioterapia neoadyuvante con adriamicina/ciclofosfamida seguido de paclitaxel +/- trastuzumab. Se evaluaron los eventos adversos relacionados con la quimioterapia mediante los Criterios de terminología común para eventos adversos (CTCAE, versión 4.03) y la escala Global subjetiva del Sistema de Evaluación de los Síntomas de Edmonton (ESAS), la composición corporal y la toxicidad cardiometabólica. Resultados: no hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos en los parámetros de toxicidad hematológica y antropométricos. La xerostomía de la escala de Edmonton, presento una mejora significativa (p = 0,032) en los pacientes suplementados con AGPI Ω-3. Conclusión: la suplementación con AGPI Ω-3 no mostró cambios en la composición corporal ni en la toxicidad del tratamiento neoadyuvante, solamente se encontró una mejoría significativa en la xerostomía

Hoffa's Fat Pad-associated Solitary Neurofibroma as the Cause of Anterior Knee Pain: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Infrapatellar peripheral neural tumors, particularly neurofibromas, are rather rare entities reported in the literature. They are slow-growing lesions that usually do not exhibit clinical manifestations other than interspecific swelling or pain; hence, their diagnosis can be quite challenging. Therefore, scrutiny should include not only traditional clinical assessment and imaging but also more specific molecular biology techniques, such as immunohistochemistry. CASE REPORT: We present the clinical, imaging, histological, and immunohistochemical features of a unique case of solitary neurofibromain a 33-year-old female presenting chronic anterior knee pain. The tumor was completely removed through a surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: Although cases of a solitary neurofibroma originating within Hoffa's fat pad are extremely rare; the entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis when symptomatology is not alleviated with appropriate treatments.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on neoadjuvant chemotherapy-induced toxicity in patients with locally advanced breast cancer: a randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Background: antineoplastic treatment for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) includes neodjuvant chemotherapy (NeoCT). However, side effects occur frequently, affecting the functional capacity and quality of life of patients as a result of the proinflammatory state of this therapy. In this work, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA Ω-3) were administered as they have been reported to modulate some molecular pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which is associated with toxicity secondary to the administration of anthracyclines. Objective: to evaluate the effects of PUFA Ω-3 on the toxicity, side effects, body composition, cardiometabolic profile and quality of life in women with LABC after NeoCT. Methods: fifty-three women with LABC were included in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients randomly received 2.4 g/day of PUFA Ω-3 (EPA 1.6 g and DHA 0.8 g) or placebo during NeoCT with adriamycin/cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel+/-trastuzumab. Adverse effects related to chemotherapy were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, version 4.03) and the Subjective Global Scale of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Body composition and cardiometabolic blood profile were also evaluated. Results: no significant differences were found between groups in the hematological and anthropometric toxicity parameters. Within the Edmonton scale, xerostomia presented a significant improvement (p = 0.032) in patients supplemented with PUFA Ω-3. Conclusion: supplementation with PUFA Ω-3 showed no change in body composition, cardiometabolic profile or toxicity due to NeoCT. It only showed significant improvement in xerostomia.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: uno de los tratamientos para el cáncer de mama localmente avanzado (CMLA), es la quimioterapia neoadyuvante (QTNeo). Sin embargo, los efectos secundarios afectan el estado funcional y la calidad de vida de los pacientes, especialmente por el estado inflamatorio que originan. En este trabajo se administraron los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega 3 (AGPI Ω-3), ya que modulan negativamente algunas vías moleculares como las que inducen la activación del factor nuclear-kappa B (NF-κB), involucrado con los mecanismos de toxicidad secundaria a la administración de antraciclinas. Objetivo: valorar el efecto de los AGPI n-3, sobre la toxicidad de la QTneo, la composición corporal, el perfil cardiometabólico y la calidad de vida en mujeres con CMLA durante la QTNeo. Métodos: se incluyeron cincuenta y tres mujeres con CMLA, en un estudio clínico doble ciego controlado con placebo. Las pacientes recibieron aleatoriamente 2,4 g/día de AGPI Ω-3 (EPA 1,6 g y DHA 0,8 g) o placebo durante la quimioterapia neoadyuvante con adriamicina/ciclofosfamida seguido de paclitaxel +/- trastuzumab. Se evaluaron los eventos adversos relacionados con la quimioterapia mediante los Criterios de terminología común para eventos adversos (CTCAE, versión 4.03) y la escala Global subjetiva del Sistema de Evaluación de los Síntomas de Edmonton (ESAS), la composición corporal y la toxicidad cardiometabólica. Resultados: no hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos en los parámetros de toxicidad hematológica y antropométricos. La xerostomía de la escala de Edmonton, presento una mejora significativa (p = 0,032) en los pacientes suplementados con AGPI Ω-3. Conclusión: la suplementación con AGPI Ω-3 no mostró cambios en la composición corporal ni en la toxicidad del tratamiento neoadyuvante, solamente se encontró una mejoría significativa en la xerostomía.

Probiotics and Prebiotics as a Therapeutic Strategy to Improve Memory in a Model of Middle-Aged Rats.

Aging is associated with morphological, physiological and metabolic changes, leading to multiorgan degenerative pathologies, such as cognitive function decline. It has been suggested that memory loss also involves a decrease in neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In recent years, microbiota has been proposed as an essential player in brain development, as it is believed to activate BDNF secretion through butyrate production. Thus, microbiota modulation by supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics may impact cognitive decline. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotics and prebiotics supplementation on the memory of middle-aged rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized in four groups (n = 13 per group): control (water), probiotic (E. faecium), prebiotic (agave inulin), symbiotic (E. faecium + inulin), which were administered for 5 weeks by oral gavage. Spatial and associative memory was analyzed using the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Pavlovian autoshaping tests, respectively. Hippocampus was obtained to analyze cytokines [interleukin (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α)], BDNF and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Butyrate concentrations were also evaluated in feces. The symbiotic group showed a significantly better performance in MWM (p < 0.01), but not in Pavlovian autoshaping test. It also showed significantly lower concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.01) and the reduction in IL-1ß correlated with a better performance of the symbiotic group in MWM (p < 0.05). Symbiotic group also showed the highest BDNF and butyrate levels (p < 0.0001). Finally, we compared the electrophysiological responses of control (n = 8) and symbiotic (n = 8) groups. Passive properties of CA1 pyramidal cells (PCs) exhibited changes in response to the symbiotic treatment. Likewise, this group showed an increase in the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA)/AMPA ratio and exhibited robust long-term potentiation (LTP; p < 0.01). Integrated results suggest that symbiotics could improve age-related impaired memory.

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study on the effects of (-)-epicatechin on the triglyceride/HDLc ratio and cardiometabolic profile of subjects with hypertriglyceridemia: Unique in vitro effects.

BACKGROUND: Cardiometabolic disruptions such as insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemias, are known to increase the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Several screening tools for assessing cardiometabolic risk have been developed including the TG/HDLc ratio, which has been, demonstrated to possess a strong association with insulin resistance and coronary disease. Dietary modifications, together with regular moderate exercise have proven to be effective in attenuating cardiometabolic disruptions. However, they often exhibit poor long-term patient compliance. Nutraceutics, including (-)-epicatechin (EPI), have gained increasing interest as coadjuvant effective and safe therapies that are able to attenuate hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hypoalphalipoproteinemia. METHODS: The aims of this study were: 1) to compare the in vitro effect of EPI vs. (+)-catechin on fructose induced triglyceride accumulation and mitochondrial function in Hep2 cells in culture, 2) to evaluate the efficacy of EPI treatment in reducing fasting blood triglycerides and improving the TG/HDLc ratio in hypertriglyceridemic patients with a total daily dose of 100mg of EPI. Secondary clinical variables included total cholesterol, LDLc, fructosamine, glucose, insulin, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein blood levels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our results provide preliminary evidence as to favorable effects of EPI on glycemia homeostasis, lipid profile and systemic inflammation such bioactive actions are not class-effects (i.e. limited to their antioxidant potential) but instead, may result from the specific activation of associated downstream signaling pathways since catechin has no effects.

Is Local Nitric Oxide Availability Responsible for Myocardial Salvage after Remote Preconditioning? / A Disponibilidade de Óxido Nítrico Local é Responsável por Resgate Miocárdio após Pré-Condicionamento Remoto?

Abstract Background: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) represents an attractive therapy for myocardial protection, particularly when ischemic events can be anticipated. Although several hypothetic mechanisms have been proposed, no definite molecular pathways have been elucidated. Objective: We evaluated the effect of brachial circulation cuff occlusion on myocardial ischemic tolerance, necrosis, and nitric oxide (NO) in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Methods: 46 patients were randomly allocated into two groups: control and RIPC before PCI procedures. Electrocardiographic analysis, serum concentrations of troponin I (cTn-I) were measured at baseline and 24 hours after PCI. A blood sample from the atherosclerotic plaque was drawn to determine nitrate and nitrites. Results: RIPC increased the availability of NO in the stented coronary artery. Control patients presented a small but significant increase in cTn-I, whilst it remained unchanged in preconditioned group. The preconditioning maneuver not only preserved but also enhanced the sum of R waves. Conclusions: RIPC induced an intracoronary increase of NO levels associated with a decrease in myocardial damage (measured as no increase in cTn-I) with electrocardiographic increases in the sum of R waves, suggesting an improved myocardium after elective PCI.

Resumo Fundamento: Pré-condicionamento isquêmico remoto (PCIR) é uma terapia para proteção miocárdica, em particular quando é possível prever eventos isquêmicos. Embora vários mecanismos hipotéticos tenham sido propostos, nenhuma via molecular definitiva foi elucidada. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da oclusão da circulação braquial com manguito sobre a tolerância à isquemia miocárdica, a necrose miocárdica e a biodisponibilidade de óxido nítrico (NO) em pacientes com cardiopatia isquêmica submetidos a intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP) eletiva. Métodos: 46 pacientes foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: controle e PCIR antes da ICP. Análise eletrocardiográfica e medidas da concentração sérica de troponina I (cTn-I) foram realizadas na condição basal e 24 horas após ICP. Coletou-se amostra de sangue da placa aterosclerótica para determinar os níveis de nitratos e nitritos. Resultados: O PCIR aumentou a disponibilidade de NO na artéria coronária que recebeu o stent. O grupo controle apresentou um aumento pequeno, mas significativo, da cTn-I, que permaneceu inalterada no grupo pré-condicionado. O pré-condicionamento não só preservou, como melhorou o somatório de ondas R no eletrocardiograma. Conclusões: O PCIR induziu aumento intracoronariano dos níveis de NO associado com redução do dano miocárdico (medido como aumento da cTn-I) e com aumento do somatório de ondas R, sugerindo melhora miocárdica após ICP eletiva.