Molecular mechanisms by which white tea prevents oxidative stress

The flavonoid content of tea (Camellia sinensis) has beneficial properties in the prevention of diseases. However, the mechanisms by which white tea can protect against oxidative stress remain unclear. To shed light on this issue, rats were given distilled water (controls), 0.15 mg/day (dose 1) or 0.45 mg/day (dose 2) of solid tea extract/kg body weight for 12 months. All the animals received an injection of adriamycin (ADR; 10 mg/kg body weight), except half of the control group, which were given an injection of saline solution. The expression of the nuclear factor, E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), glutathione S-transferase (Gst), haem oxygenase-1 (Ho1), catalase (Cat), superoxide dismutase (Sod) and glutathione reductase (Gr) in liver was analysed by real-time PCR, and the activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) was measured spectrophotometrically. ADR significantly increased the expression of Nrf2, Gst, Nqo1, Ho1, Cat, Sod and Gr with respect to the control levels and also increased the activity of CAT, SOD and GR. The intake of white tea increased in a higher degree the expression of Nrf2, Gst, Nqo1 and Ho1 in the tea + ADR group compared with the control group and C + ADR group. In addition, tea + ADR groups decreased the expression and activity of CAT, SOD and GR in a dose-dependent manner

Molecular mechanisms by which white tea prevents oxidative stress.

The flavonoid content of tea (Camellia sinensis) has beneficial properties in the prevention of diseases. However, the mechanisms by which white tea can protect against oxidative stress remain unclear. To shed light on this issue, rats were given distilled water (controls), 0.15 mg/day (dose 1) or 0.45 mg/day (dose 2) of solid tea extract/kg body weight for 12 months. All the animals received an injection of adriamycin (ADR; 10 mg/kg body weight), except half of the control group, which were given an injection of saline solution. The expression of the nuclear factor, E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), glutathione S-transferase (Gst), haem oxygenase-1 (Ho1), catalase (Cat), superoxide dismutase (Sod) and glutathione reductase (Gr) in liver was analysed by real-time PCR, and the activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) was measured spectrophotometrically. ADR significantly increased the expression of Nrf2, Gst, Nqo1, Ho1, Cat, Sod and Gr with respect to the control levels and also increased the activity of CAT, SOD and GR. The intake of white tea increased in a higher degree the expression of Nrf2, Gst, Nqo1 and Ho1 in the tea + ADR group compared with the control group and C + ADR group. In addition, tea + ADR groups decreased the expression and activity of CAT, SOD and GR in a dose-dependent manner.

Desarrollo de una versión actualizada de una aplicación informática para investigación y práctica en nutrición humana (GRUNUMUR 2.0) / Development of a current version of a software application for research and practice in human nutrition (GRUNUMUR 2.0)

El objetivo de este trabajo es la descripción de una nueva versión de la aplicación informática GRUNUMUR, herramienta de utilidad en estudios de nutrición humana diseñada por el Grupo de investigación en Nutrición de la Universidad de Murcia. De forma similar a la primera, esta versión ofrece la posibilidad de abordar diferentes tipos de estudios: dietéticos, nutricionales y de hábitos alimentarios, epidemiológicos, así como antropométricos y clínicos. La nueva versión, denominada GRUNUMUR 2.0, compatible con la primera, dispone de un sistema de ayuda en línea para todas las funciones de la aplicación, facilitando las tareas al usuario; permite el almacenamiento seguro de un número prácticamente ilimitado de resultados, de forma ordenada y organizada, que se pueden recuperar en el momento que se precise, gracias a un sistema de copias de seguridad y mantenimiento programado y desatendido (tareas realizadas por un servidor); otra ventaja es su total accesibilidad, tanto desde la intranet universitaria (www.um.es) como desde el internet, por su funcionamiento vía navegador Web (http://senver.inf.um.es/esen); y por último, permite la exportación de los datos a Excel para su posterior tratamiento con otras aplicaciones, así como la edición de informes en PDF, para entregar a los participantes del estudio en caso necesario. La nueva versión ha sido validada por comparación de los resultados extraídos con los obtenidos de otros programas informáticos, no encontrándose diferencias significativas entre ellos para ninguna de las variables analizadas. La aplicación GRUNUMUR 2.0 es una herramienta mejorada, útil y fiable para abordar estudios de nutrición humana (AU)

The aim of this paper is the description of a new version of the software application GRUNUMUR, a useful tool for human nutrition studies designed by the Nutrition Research Group from the Murcia University. Similar to the first, this second version offers the possibility to address different types of study: dietary habits (24 h recall, 7-days dietary record and Food Frequency Questionnaire), epidemiological, anthropometrical and clinical studies. The new version, called GRUNUMUR 2.0, compatible with the first one, has an online help system for all functions of the application, providing the user tasks, allows safe storage of a virtually unlimited number of results, in an orderly and organized way, you can retrieve it when required, through a system of backups and scheduled maintenance and unattended (tasks performed by a server), another advantage is its total accessibility, both from the university intranet (www.um.es) and from the internet, it works via Web Browser (http://senver.inf.um.es/esen), and finally, allows data to be exported to Excel for further processing with other applications as well as publishing reports in PDF, to deliver study participants if necessary. The new version has been validated by comparing the extracted results with those obtained from the other software with no significant differences for any of the variables analyzed. The application GRUNUMUR 2.0 is a tool improved, useful and reliable for addressing human nutrition studies (AU)

Nutrition and prevalence of undernutrition assessed by different diagnostic criteria in nursing homes for elderly people.

BACKGROUND: Undernutrition is the state produced by the intake of insufficient energy, macronutrients or micronutrients. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition using 10 different diagnostic criteria described in the literature and to assess its association with energy intake in an institutionalised elderly population. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 213 subjects, aged 65-96 years (135 women and 78 men), who lived in seven nursing homes in the province of Murcia, on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Dietary intake and anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed, and 10 different diagnostic criteria, taken from studies of elderly subjects similar to our population, were applied. RESULTS: The mean dietary intakes appeared to cover the recommended dietary intake for a Spanish elderly population. However, only 58.2% of the studied subjects consumed 100% of the recommended dietary intake and 15.5% of the subjects had an energy intake below 80% of the recommended dietary intake. Depending on the criteria used for the diagnosis, the proportion of patients with undernutrition varied between 2% and 57%. When the relationship between undernourishment, as defined by the different methods and intake deficiency, was assessed, a statistically significant relationship was only found for five of the 10 diagnostic criteria assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Research needs to focus on the development and evaluation of specific nutritional assessment tools for application to older people aiming to improve the detection of those suffering (or who are at risk of suffering) undernutrition.

[Development of a current version of a software application for research and practice in human nutrition (GRUNUMUR 2.0)]. / Desarrollo de una versión actualizada de una aplicación informática para investigación y práctica en nutrición humana (GRUNUMUR 2.0).

The aim of this paper is the description of a new version of the software application GRUNUMUR, a useful tool for human nutrition studies designed by the Nutrition Research Group from the Murcia University. Similar to the first, this second version offers the possibility to address different types of study: dietary habits (24 h recall, 7-days dietary record and Food Frequency Questionnaire), epidemiological, anthropometrical and clinical studies. The new version, called GRUNUMUR 2.0, compatible with the first one, has an online help system for all functions of the application, providing the user tasks, allows safe storage of a virtually unlimited number of results, in an orderly and organized way, you can retrieve it when required, through a system of backups and scheduled maintenance and unattended (tasks performed by a server), another advantage is its total accessibility, both from the university intranet (www.um.es) and from the internet, it works via Web Browser (http://senver.inf.um.es/esen), and finally, allows data to be exported to Excel for further processing with other applications as well as publishing reports in PDF, to deliver study participants if necessary. The new version has been validated by comparing the extracted results with those obtained from the other software with no significant differences for any of the variables analyzed. The application GRUNUMUR 2.0 is a tool improved, useful and reliable for addressing human nutrition studies.

[Prevalence of malnutrition and influence of oral nutritional supplementation on nutritional status in institutionalized elderly]. / Prevalencia de desnutrición e influencia de la suplementación nutricional oral sobre el estado nutricional en ancianos institucionalizados.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional supplementation might be an effective strategy for improving the nutritional status and the quality of life of institutionalized fragile elderly. OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of malnutrition and its relation with disease, and the influence of dietary supplementation by means of oral formulas on the nutritional status of elderly nursing home residents were assessed. METHODS: Two studies were carried out, one a cross-sectional survey in 31 subjects and the other a longitudinal-sectional survey in 19 subjects, both groups living in a public nursing home in the city of Murcia (SE Spain). Body mass index (BMI), serum albumin concentration (ALB) and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) were assessed as markers of potential malnutrition. Illnesses were ascertained from medical records. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The prevalence of malnutrition of the total collective was high (39%), and especially in the fragile subjects (50%). The administration of oral nutritional supplements in the usual diet for 12 months significantly increased ALB and GNRI, and had no effect on body weigh and BMI. Jointly, these effects decreased the in the number of subjects at high nutritional risk and increased the number of subjects with a low or zero risk of malnutrition. CONCLUSION: The administration of oral nutritional supplements in the usual diet of this elderly collective is an effective clinical strategy in nutritional therapy.

Prevalencia de desnutrición e influencia de la suplementación nutricional oral sobre el estado nutricional en ancianos institucionalizados / Prevalence of malnutrition and influence of oral nutritional supplementation on nutritional status in institutionalized elderly

Introducción: La suplementación nutricional puede ser una efectiva estrategia para mejorar el estado nutricional y la calidad de vida de ancianos frágiles institucionalizados. Objetivos: Se ha valorado la prevalencia de desnutrición y su relación con el tipo de enfermedad, y la influencia de la suplementación de la dieta con fórmulas orales sobre el estado nutricional en ancianos institucionalizados. Métodos: Se realizaron dos estudios, uno de diseño transversal en el que participaron 31 ancianos, y otro de corte longitudinal con 19 ancianos, residentes en una institución pública para personas mayores de un área urbana de la Región de Murcia (España). Se ha determinado índice de masa corporal (IMC), concentración de albúmina sérica (ALB) e índice de riesgo nutricional geriátrico (GNRI) como marcadores de desnutrición y se ha registrado la enfermedad primaria y secundaria de los participantes. Resultados y discusión: La prevalencia de desnutrición en el colectivo de ancianos institucionalizados es elevada (39%), y especialmente en los residentes más frágiles (50%). La administración de suplementos nutricionales orales con la dieta habitual durante 12 meses ha incrementado significativamente la ALB y el GNRI y no ha tenido efecto sobre el peso corporal e IMC. Estos efectos beneficiosos se han traducido en la reducción en el número de ancianos con alto riesgo nutricional y aumento en el de bajo o nulo riesgo de desnutrición. Conclusión: La administración de suplementos nutricionales orales con la dieta habitual en un colectivo de estas características, es una medida clínica efectiva y justificada en su terapia nutricional (AU)

Background: Nutritional supplementation might be an effective strategy for improving the nutritional status and the quality of life of institutionalized fragile elderly. Objectives: The prevalence of malnutrition and its relation with disease, and the influence of dietary supplementation by means of oral formulas on the nutritional status of elderly nursing home residents were assessed. Methods: Two studies were carried out, one a crosssectional survey in 31 subjects and the other a longitudinal-sectional survey in 19 subjects, both groups living in a public nursing home in the city of Murcia (SE Spain). Body mass index (BMI), serum albumin concentration (ALB) and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) were assessed as markers of potential malnutrition. Illnesses were ascertained from medical records. Results and discussion: The prevalence of malnutrition of the total collective was high (39%), and especially in the fragile subjects (50%). The administration of oral nutritional supplements in the usual diet for 12 months significantly increased ALB and GNRI, and had no effect on body weigh and BMI. Jointly, these effects decreased the in the number of subjects at high nutritional risk and increased the number of subjects with a low or zero risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: The administration of oral nutritional supplements in the usual diet of this elderly collective is an effective clinical strategy in nutritional therapy (AU)

Dietary intake and iron status of institutionalized elderly people: relationship with different factors.

OBJECTIVES: Aims of the study were to investigate iron status in institutionalized elderly subjects and to determine its association with different factors including: age, gender, body mass index, dietary intake, consumption of iron supplements, functional status and disease. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Seven public nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS: 252 subjects, aged 65-96 years. MEASUREMENTS: Food intake was assessed by a 4-day weighed-food record. Iron status indices were measured. Barthel' s Index was used to evaluate functional status. Illnesses were ascertained from medical records. RESULTS: Anemia was found in 25.4% of subjects studied. Average dietary intakes fulfilled the amounts of Recommended Dietary Intake for Spanish elderly population, except for folate. A substantial percentage of subjects exhibited folate dietary deficit (89.2%). Mean (SD) BMI was 27.8 (6.4) kg/m2, and functional status 78.1 (26.5). Taking into account hematocrit, red blood cell count and serum iron concentration values, poor iron status was significantly more common in men (59.4, 61.4 and 16.8%, respectively) than in women (36.4, 36.4 and 6.0%, respectively). Hemoglobin concentration was positively associated with the energy and nutrient dietary intake, and negatively with age, BMI and functional status. CONCLUSIONS: Based on World Health Organization criteria, anemia was found in 25.4% of elderly subjects studied. Iron deficiency seems to be the main cause of anemia, and chronic disease the second cause of anemia. Dietary intake is not one of the principal causes of anemia in the study population, except for folate intake.

Estrategias para mejorar el valor nutricional de los menús ofertados en residencias públicas para personas mayores / Strategies for improving nutritional value of the meals offered by public nursing homes for the elderly

Introducción: En los países desarrollados, las personas mayores constituyen un grupo de alto riesgo nutricional,siendo los ancianos institucionalizados los más vulnerables de este colectivo.Objetivos: Se ha valorado nutricionalmente los menús ofertados en diferentes residencias públicas de personas mayores de la Región de Murcia (España), con el fin de estudiar su adecuación a las recomendaciones y diseñar posibles estrategias que permitan mejorar el estado nutricional de los residentes. Métodos: Se estudiaron un total de 252 menús ofertados en seis residencias y se valoró el aporte de energía y de macronutrientes, el perfil calórico, la calidad de la grasa y el contenido de fibra y colesterol. Los resultados obtenidos fueron comparados con las recomendaciones españolas para personas mayores y con las de la dieta equilibrada y mediterránea. Resultados y Discusión: El aporte energético medio de los menús superó ampliamente las cantidades recomendadas.El perfil calórico fue adecuado en proteínas, deficitario en carbohidratos y excesivo en lípidos. La calidad de la grasa se adecuó a la recomendada tanto en la dieta equilibrada como en la dieta mediterránea. Por el contrario,el aporte medio de fibra fue inferior y el de colesterol superior a los valores recomendados. Conclusiones: Entre las posibles estrategias para mejorar el valor nutricional de los menús estaría reducir el contenido de grasa y colesterol de los mismos e incrementar el de hidratos de carbono y fibra, sustituyendo algunos platos de carnes rojas por platos de legumbres,pan y cereales refinados por integrales, y productos lácteos enteros por semidesnatados (AU)

Background: In developed countries, elderly people are considered a group of high risk for possible nutritional imbalances, particularly if they are institutionalized. Objectives: In the present study, the nutritional valueof the meals offered by public nursing homes for the elderly in province of Murcia (Spain) was assessed, to compare the results with Spanish recommendations and to propose possible strategies for improving the nutritiona lstatus of the residents. Methods: We studied 252 meals offered by six nursing homes, evaluating the energy and macronutrient contents, caloric profile, fat quality and cholesterol and fiber contents. The results were compared with Spanish recommendations for elderly people, and recommendations for a balanced and Mediterranean diet. Results and Discussion: The average energy content of the meals widely fulfilled the amounts of Recommended Dietary Intake for the elderly population. The caloric profile was adequate as regards proteins, low in carbohydrates and high in lipids. The fat quality was adequate, the cholesterol content was higher and the fiber content lower that the recommended amounts. Conclusions: Among possible strategies to improve the nutritional value of the meals, could be a reduction in the fat and cholesterol contents and an increase in carbohydrate and fiber contents, by replacing some red meat dishes by legumes, bread and refined cereals by whole meal foods, and fat full dairy products by low fat equivalents (AU)

[Strategies for improving nutritional value of the meals offered by public nursing homes for the elderly]. / Estrategias para mejorar el valor nutricional de los menús ofertados en residencias públicas para personas mayores.

BACKGROUND: In developed countries, elderly people are considered a group of high risk for possible nutritional imbalances, particularly if they are institutionalized. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the nutritional value of the meals offered by public nursing homes for the elderly in province of Murcia (Spain) was assessed, to compare the results with Spanish recommendations and to propose possible strategies for improving the nutritional status of the residents. METHODS: We studied 252 meals offered by six nursing homes, evaluating the energy and macronutrient contents, caloric profile, fat quality and cholesterol and fiber contents. The results were compared with Spanish recommendations for elderly people, and recommendations for a balanced and Mediterranean diet. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The average energy content of the meals widely fulfilled the amounts of Recommended Dietary Intake for the elderly population. The caloric profile was adequate as regards proteins, low in carbohydrates and high in lipids. The fat quality was adequate, the cholesterol content was higher and the fiber content lower that the recommended amounts. CONCLUSIONS: Among possible strategies to improve the nutritional value of the meals, could be a reduction in the fat and cholesterol contents and an increase in carbohydrate and fiber contents, by replacing some red meat dishes by legumes, bread and refined cereals by wholemeal foods, and fat full dairy products by low fat equivalents.

Adiposity and dietary intake in cardiovascular risk in an obese population from a Mediterranean area.

The aim of the study was to determine the particular relevance of android fat distribution and dietary intake in cardiovascular risk in an obese Mediterranean population with high intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and to compare the findings with those from normal-weight subjects. For the study, 193 subjects aged 25-60 were selected: 118 obese (BMI > or = 27 kg/m2), and 75 normal-weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2). Cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance were assessed. Nutrient intake and body fat distribution were determined. Results show that MUFA were highly consumed in the total population (21% of total energy). The obese population was normolipidemic and normoinsulinemic. However, cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) were significantly higher than in normal-weight (P < 0.05). Obese subjects derived a greater percentage of their energy intake from total fat and lower from carbohydrates and saturated fats (P < 0.05). BMI and waist-hip ratio positively correlated with fat percentage of total energy intake and with MUFA (g/100 g fatty acids) in men, indicating that the excess of fat intake in obesity is due to a larger consumption of olive oil. CVRF were significantly and positively associated to waist circumference and WHR, both in obese and in normal-weight subjects. In conclusion, not only obesity but also android fat in normal-weight subjects are important factors in cardiovascular disease even in the Mediterranean population, with a high intake of MUFA, where these factors seem to be more relevant to cardiovascular risk than dietary composition.

[Multivalent informatics application for studies of the nutritional status of the population. Assessment of food intake]. / Una aplicación informática multivalente para estudios del estado nutricional de grupos de población. Valoración de la ingesta alimentaria.

The aim of the study is the presentation and validation of a computer program, GRUNUMUR, designed for nutritional evaluation studies in great population groups, and to describe some of the results obtained after the application of this working tool. This program includes he following types of studies: a) dietary study; b) food habits study; c) anthropometric study and d) clinical study. The main advantage of GRUNUMUR is the possibility of being periodically actualized without any important software knowledge, and to be opened to the introduction of new data bases. The software program GRUNUMUR Is one more of the multiple programs described in the literature. However, once validated, this tool has the particularity of being developed after an important experience in the nutritional field and only with a scientific purpose. The result is a reliable tool, which facilitates nutrition research.

Una aplicación informática multivalente para estudios del estado nutricional de grupos de población. Valoración de la ingesta alimentaria / A multivalent computer program for nutritional status studies in population groups. Dietary intake valuation

El objetivo de este trabajo es la presentación y validación de un programa informático, GRUNUMUR, que ha sido diseñado para estudios de evaluación nutricional en grandes colectivos de población, así como la descripción de algunos de los resultados obtenidos tras su utilización. Este programa incluye los siguientes tipos de estudios: a) estudio dietético; b) estudio sobre hábitos alimentarios; c) estudio antropométrico, y d) estudio clínico. La principal ventaja que GRUNUMUR presenta es la de poder ser periódicamente actualizado sin conocimientos profundos de informática, además de estar abierto a la introducción de otras nuevas bases de datos. El programa informático GRUNUMUR no deja de ser uno más de los múltiples descritos en la bibliografía, pero una vez validado, tiene la particularidad de que ha sido desarrollado tras una larga experiencia en el campo de la nutrición y por un interés puramente científico, que ha dado como resultado una herramienta fiable que facilita este tipo de investigaciones en nutrición (AU)

The aim of the study is the presentation and validation of a computer program, GRUNUMUR, designed for nutritional evaluation studies in great population groups, and to describe some of the results obtained after the application of this working tool. This program includes he following types of studies: a) dietary study; b) food habits study; c) anthropometric study and d) clinical study. The main advantage of GRUNUMUR is the possibility of being periodically actualised without any important software knowledge, and to be opened to the introduction of new data bases. The software program GRUNUMUR Is one more of the multiple programs described in the literature. However, once validated, this tool has the particularity of being developed after an important experience in the nutritional field and only with a scientific purpose. The result is a reliable tool, which facilitates nutrition research (AU)

Effect of protein hydrolysis on the dialysability of amino acids and minerals in infant formulas.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the dialysed quantities of amino acids and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc) in two types of infant formulas, one with a basis of native cow milk proteins and the other highly hydrolysed, to evaluate the possible application of Miller's in vitro method in amino acid and mineral availability studies. The percentage of dialysis differed between proteins. The hydrolysis treatment applied to the proteins significantly increased the dialysis percentage of almost all the amino acids. The dialysability of all the minerals was statistically greater in the formula made with a basis of hydrolysed proteins. Miller's method was seen to be of use for showing the effect which the hydrolysis treatment has on the availability of amino acids. Despite its limitations of having to be carried out in vitro, the study suggests that the nutritional value in relation with amino acids, minerals and trace elements differs between the both types of formulas.

[Feeding and assessment of nutritional status of spanish adolescents (AVENA study). Evaluation of risks and interventional proposal. I.Methodology]. / Alimentación y valoración del estado nutricional de los adolescentes españoles (estudio AVENA). Evaluación de riesgos y propuesta de intervención. I. descripción metodológica del proyecto.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a decisive period in human life due to the multiple physiological and psychological changes that take place. These changes will condition both nutritional requirements and eating/physical activity behavior. It has been demonstrated that these "adolescence" factors are of significant influence in health status during adult life. Due to its importance and adequate development the project has been granted by the Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria of the Institute of Health Carlos III. OBJECTIVE: To develop a methodology to evaluate the health and nutritional status of a representative population of Spanish adolescents. Specific attention is paid to three specific health problems: obesity, anorexia nervosa/bulimia, dislipidemia. METHODOLOGY: The following magnitudes will be studied: 1) dietary intake, food habits and nutrition knowledge; 2) daily physical activity and personal approach; 3) physical condition; 4) anthropometry and body composition; 5) hematobiochemical study: plasma lipid phenotypic and metabolic profile, blood cell counts; 6) genotipic profile of cardiovascular risk lipid factors; 7) immune function profile related to nutritional status; 8) psychological profile. CONCLUSION: This project includes the co-ordinate activity of five Spanish centers of five different cities (Granada, Madrid, Murcia, Santander, Zaragoza). Each center is specialized in a specific area and will be responsible for the corresponding part of the study. From the data obtained, we will elaborate a specific intervention program in order to improve nutrition and neutralize the risk for nutritional related problems in adolescence. By this, we will contribute to improve the health status of the Spanish population in the new millennium.

Body fat distribution in pre-and post-menopausal women: metabolic and anthropometric variables.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity is associated with coronary risk although the causality is not well established. OBJECTIVE: To compare body fat distribution and metabolic variables in obese pre- and post- menopausal women. DESIGN: The study was conducted in 55 obese female subjects (22 pre- and 33 post- menopausal) with body mass indices (BMI) from 27 to 35 Kg/m2. Body fat distribution was measured using waist and hip circumference and computerized tomography. Hormones such as estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, as well as plasma lipids such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, apoproteins A and B, were also determined. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the two groups in BMI, percentage of body fat, waist circumference, triceps, biceps, suprailiac and abdominal skinfolds. Hip circumference, subscapular skinfold and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue area were significantly lower, and waist-hip ratio, visceral area and visceral to subcutaneous area ratios significantly higher in post- menopausal women (P < 0.05). As was expected, basal plasma estrogens, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, were significantly higher in pre-menopausal women. When comparing plasma lipids, blood cholesterol and low density lipoprotein, values were significantly higher in the post-menopausal group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that body fat distribution changes according to menopausal status, with central obesity more pronounced in post- menopausal women. Metabolic abnormalities are related more to visceral adipose tissue and estrogen plasma levels than to BMI.

Interrelationship between serum lipid profile, serum hormones and other components of the metabolic syndrome.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the serum lipid profile and components of the metabolic syndrome, such as central obesity (anthropometric, computed tomography and fat cell data), insulin, sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) and different hormones influencing this important syndrome, e.g. sex steroids, leptin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The sample consisted of 85 obese patients (30 men and 55 women) who had undergone abdominal surgery. Fasting serum lipids were analysed, as well as anthropometric and computed tomography data, perivisceral and subcutaneous fat cell size and serum glucose and hormones. Abdominal fat revealed itself as an important correlator of the adverse changes in plasma lipoprotein levels, the waist-to-hip-ratio and waist-to-thigh-ratio being the best morphological correlators in men and women, respectively. Intra-abdominal fat (VA) correlated significantly and positively to perivisceral fat cell size in women, while no correlation was found between subcutaneous fat accumulation (SA) and adipocyte size in both genders. Perivisceral fat cell size showed the greatest number of correlations with the adverse plasma lipid profile compared to that in the subcutaneous depot. SHBG and sex steroids showed a negative correlation with serum lipids considered a cardiovascular risk. In contrast, TNF-alpha and C-peptide were inversely correlated with potential protector lipids. In conclusion, abdominal obesity, adipocyte hypertrophy from visceral fat, serum TNF-alpha and C-peptide seem to be the best correlators of the lipoprotein disturbance characteristic of the metabolic syndrome, whereas SHBG and sex steroids could play a protective role regarding the lipid profile associated to this syndrome.

[In vitro availability of minerals in infant foods with different protein source]. / Disponibilidad in vitro de minerales en fórmulas infantiles con distinta fuente proteica.

As the result of the digestion process, it is produced at gastrointestinal level interactions between proteins-minerals and minerals-minerals that might modify the bioavailability of the nutrients initially designed for an adequate nutrition in infant formulas. The aim of the present study is to compare the in vitro availability of some minerals and trace elements (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc) in infant formulas of initiation elaborated with different protein sources: formulas based on cow milk protein (whey-casein) versus vegetal protein (soy-based infant formulas). Also, for evaluating the effects of the different mineral supplementation in the availability of minerals, it was used infant formulas from two different manufacturers. Milk-protein based infant formulas showed for both manufacturers higher dialysis percentage (%) of phosphorus and zinc than the soy-protein based formulas. The availability of iron in the soy formula of the manufacturer A lowered significantly (P < 0.05) respect to the whey-casein based formula (9.6 +/- 2.3 versus 4.6 +/- 0.8), but not respect to the whey-casein formula of manufacturer B (9.6 +/- 1.1 versus 9.0 +/- 0.7), which might be due to the lowest proportion of phytic acid in this last commercial formula. Dialysability of all the minerals analysed from soy-protein based formulas showed significant differences depending on the manufacturer. The purification processes of the soy protein have a high repercussion in the mineral availability of soy-based infant formulas. It could be more interesting to use soy proteins more purified, with low level of phytic acid, in the elaboration of soy infants formulas, than the supplementation them with high amounts of minerals.

Site-specific differences in the fatty acid composition of abdominal adipose tissue in an obese population from a Mediterranean area: relation with dietary fatty acids, plasma lipid profile, serum insulin, and central obesity.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity is associated with coronary risk, although causality is not well established. OBJECTIVE: In an obese Mediterranean population, we measured the fatty acid composition of adipose tissue, its relation with dietary fatty acids and central fat deposition, and its influence on plasma lipids and insulin. DESIGN: Adipose tissue samples were obtained from 84 obese patients (29 men, 55 women) aged 30-70 y (body mass index, in kg/m(2): 27-35). We measured concentrations of insulin and lipids in plasma and fatty acids in subcutaneous, omental, and perivisceral fat. Dietary fatty acid intake was assessed with a 7-d diet record. RESULTS: The population studied was normolipidemic and normoinsulinemic. There were important differences in fatty acid composition between tissue sites: saturated fatty acids were higher and monounsaturated fatty acids were lower in perivisceral than in subcutaneous fat (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were found for oleic, linoleic, alpha-linolenic, and total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids between the subject's habitual diet and adipose tissue composition. Oleic and n-3 fatty acids from adipose regions were negatively correlated with apolipoprotein B and triacylglycerols; adipose tissue 22:1n-9, 20:2n-6, stearic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid were positively correlated with HDL and apolipoprotein A; and adipose tissue myristic acid was negatively correlated with apolipoprotein A (P < 0.05). Central obesity was positively associated with n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inversely associated with monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in adipose tissue (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The differences found in the composition and metabolism of perivisceral, omental, and subcutaneous fats may indicate that their atherogenic capacities also differ.

Disponibilidad in vitro de minerales en fórmulas infantiles con distinta fuente proteica / In vitro availability of minerals from infant formulas based on different protein source

Tras el proceso de digestión se producen a nivel gastrointestinal interacciones entre proteínas-minerales y minerales-minerales que pueden modificar la biodisponibilidad de los nutrientes, cuyas cantidades están inicialmente diseñadas en las fórmulas infantiles para alcanzar un equilibrio nutricional. El objetivo del presente estudio se ha centrado en comparar la disponibilidad in vitro de algunos minerales y elementos traza (calcio, fósforo, magnesio, hierro y cinc) en fórmulas infantiles de iniciación con fuentes proteicas distintas: fórmulas a base de proteína animal (suero y caseína) y vegetal (soja). Además, con el objeto de estudiar los efectos de la suplementación mineral se utilizaron preparados infantiles de dos manufacturadores distintos. Las fórmulas infantiles con proteína animal presentaron mayor diálisis ( por ciento) para fósforo y cinc, que la vegetal, para ambos fabricantes. En la fórmula de soja del fabricante A, la absorción de hierro disminuyó significativamente (P < 0,05) frente a la de suero-caseína (9,6 ñ 2,3 frente a 4,6 ñ 0,8), mientras que no ocurrió lo mismo para la del fabricante B (9,6 ñ 1,1 frente a 9,0 ñ 0,7), lo que parece ser debido al menor contenido de ácido fítico en este último preparado comercial. Los porcentajes de diálisis de todos los minerales analizados y las cantidades netas dializadas fueron estadísticamente diferentes entre las fórmulas de soja de ambos manufacturadores. Los procesos de purificación de la proteína de soja tienen una gran repercusión en la disponibilidad de minerales en las fórmulas infantiles con esta fuente proteica. Podría ser más interesante utilizar proteínas de soja más purificadas, con bajos niveles de ácido fítico, que suplementarlas con altas cantidades de minerales (AU)

As the result of the digestion process, it is produced at gastrointestinal level interactions between proteins-minerals and minerals-minerals that might modify the bioavailability of the nutrients initially designed for an adequate nutrition in infant formulas. The aim of the present study is to compare the in vitro availability of some minerals and trace elements (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc) in infant formulas of initiation elaborated with different protein sources: formulas based on cow milk protein (whey-casein) versus vegetal protein (soy-based infant formulas). Also, for evaluating the effects of the different mineral supplementation in the availability of minerals, it was used infant formulas from two different manufacturers. Milkprotein based infant formulas showed for both manufacturers higher dialysis percentage (%) of phosphorus and zinc than the soy-protein based formulas. The availability of iron in the soy formula of the manufacturer A lowered significantly (P < 0.05) respect to the whey-casein based formula (9,6 ± 2,3 versus 4.6 ± 0.8), but not respect to the whey-casein formula of manufacturer B (9.6 ± 1.1 versus 9.0 ± 0.7), which might be due to the lowest proportion of phytic acid in this last commercial formula. Dialysability of all the minerals analysed from soy-protein based formulas showed significant differences depending on the manufacturer. The purification processes of the soy protein have a high repercussion in the mineral availability of soy-based infant formulas. It could be more interesting to use soy proteins more purified, with low level of phytic acid, in the elaboration of soy infants formulas, than the supplementation them with high amounts of minerals (AU)