Silicon-enriched meat positively improves plasma lipidaemia and lipoproteinaemia, LDLr, and insulin capability and the signalling pathway induced by an atherogenic diet in late-stage type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.

The impact of silicon as a functional ingredient in restructured meat (RM) on lipoprotein composition, metabolism, and oxidation on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) markers has never been studied. This study aims to evaluate the effect of silicon-enriched-meat consumption on lipidaemia, lipoprotein profile and metabolism, plasma arylesterase, and TBARS and their relationships with glycaemia, insulinaemia, and insulin-signaling markers in late-stage-T2DM rats fed a high-saturated-fat-high-cholesterol (HSFHC) diet. Saturated-fat diets with or without added cholesterol were formulated by mixing a 70% purified diet with 30% freeze-dried RM with or without added silicon. Three groups of seven Wistar rats each were tested. The ED group received the control RM in the framework of a high-saturated-fat diet as early-stage T2DM control. The other two groups received streptozotocin-nicotinamide administration together with the HSFHC diet containing the control RM (LD) or silicon-enriched RM (LD-Si). Scores were created to define the diabetic trend and dyslipidaemia. The ED rats showed hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, and triglyceride-rich-VLDLs, suggesting they were in early-stage T2DM. LD rats presented hyperglycaemia, hypoinsulinaemia, and reduced HOMA-beta and insulin signaling markers typical of late-stage T2DM along with hypercholesterolaemia and high amounts of beta-VLDL, IDL, and LDL particles and low arylesterase activity. All these markers were significantly (p < 0.05) improved in LD-Si rats. The diabetic trend and diabetes dyslipidaemia scores showed a high and significant correlation (r = 0.595, p < 0.01). Silicon-enriched-meat consumption counterbalances the negative effects of HSFHC diets, functioning as an active hypolipemic, antioxidant, and antidiabetic dietary ingredient in a T2DM rat model, delaying the onset of late-stage diabetes.

Autofagia un sistema celular de limpieza clave para la salud. Una visita al Premio Nobel de Fisiología o Medicina de 2016 / Autophagy, a key cellular cleansing system for health. A visit to the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Introducción: En 2016, el Instituto Karolinska premió a Yoshinori Ohsumi con el Premio Nobel de Fisiologíay Medicina por sus estudios en autofagia. Posteriormente muchas investigaciones han demostrado laimportancia de este proceso en la salud. Métodos: Se revisan tres aspectos: a) la información del Comité del Nobel sobre las investigaciones delgalardonado; b) los mecanismos moleculares implicados en la autofagia; y c) la relación entre autofagia ysalud. Resultados: Se presentan los aspectos más relevantes de la investigación sobre la autofagia, desde lasinvestigaciones de De Duve con los lisosomas hasta algunos detalles moleculares relevantes. Se comentan datos biográficos de Ohsumi y aspectos de su investigación que llevaron al Nobel; tambiénlas características de los tres tipos de autofagia: macrofagia, microfagia y dependiente de chaperonas. Esteproceso es altamente dependiente del estado nutricional, del estrés y de la expresión de ciertos genes,particularmente los de autofagia (ATG). Alteraciones en la expresión o la existencia de polimorfismos enATG originan cambios significativos en la formación de los autofagosomas. Se explica la importancia en lasalud y algunas patologías muy prevalentes del reciclado de células completas y de sus componentesaislados, así como el papel de la interacción de algunos fármacos en la función autofágica. Conclusión: La autofagia es un proceso celular muy común, altamente dependiente del estado nutricionaly de la expresión y polimorfismos de los ATG. Es determinante en la maduración, desarrollo y salud, yparticipa de forma relevante en el envejecimiento y en la prevención de enfermedades degenerativas.(AU)

Introduction: In 2016, the Karolinska Institute awarded Yoshinori Ohsumi the Nobel Prize in Physiologyand Medicine for his studies on autophagy. Subsequently, many investigations have demonstrated the roleof this process in health. Methods: Three aspects are reviewed: a) the information given by the Nobel Committee on the laureate’sresearch; b) the molecular mechanisms involved in autophagy; and c) the relationship between autophagyand health. Results: The most relevant aspects of autophagy research are presented, from De Duve's research withlysosomes to some relevant molecular details. Ohsumi's biographical data and aspects of his research thatled to the Nobel are discussed; also,the characteristics of the three types of autophagy: macrophagy, microphagy and chaperone-dependent. Autophagy is highly dependent on nutritional status, stress, and the expression of certain genes, particularlythe so-called autophagy-related genes (ATG). Alterations in the expression or the existence ofpolymorphisms in ATG cause significant changes in the formation of autophagosomes. The importance inhealth and some very prevalent pathologies of the recycling of whole cells and their isolated components isexplained, as well as the role of the interaction of some drugs in the autophagic function.Conclusion: Autophagy is a very common cellular process, highly dependent on nutritional status and ATGexpression and polymorphisms. It is determinant in maturation, development, and health, and participatesin a relevant way in aging and in the prevention of degenerative diseases.(AU)

Autophagy, a relevant process for metabolic health and type-2 diabetes / Autofagia, un proceso relevante para la salud y la diabetes tipo 2

Autophagy is a very active process that plays an important role in cell and organ differentiation and remodelling, being a crucial system to guarantee health. This physiological process is activated in starvation and inhibited in the presence of nutrients. This short review comments on the three types of autophagy: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy, as well as different aspects that control autophagy and its relationship with health and degenerative diseases. As autophagy is highly dependent on functional autophagy (ATG) proteins integrating the phagophore, the role of some key ATG genes and epigenes are briefly commented on. The manuscript deepens discussing some central aspects of type-2 diabetes mellitus and their relationship with the cell cleaning process and mitochondria homeostasis maintenance, as well as the mechanisms through which antidiabetic drugs affect autophagy. Well-designed studies are needed to elucidate whether autophagy plays a casual or causal role in T2DM. (AU)

La autofagia es un proceso muy activo que juega un papel importante en la diferenciación y remodelación de células y órganos, siendo un sistema crucial para garantizar la salud. Este proceso fisiológico se activa en la inanición y se inhibe en presencia de nutrientes. En esta breve revisión se definen los tres tipos de autofagia: macroautofagia, microautofagia y autofagia mediada por chaperonas, y los diferentes aspectos que controlan la autofagia y su relación con la salud y las enfermedades degenerativas. Como la autofagia depende en gran medida de las proteínas funcionales de autofagia (ATG) que integran el fagóforo, se comenta brevemente el papel clave de algunos genes y epigenes de las ATG. El manuscrito profundiza discutiendo algunos aspectos centrales de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2) y su relación con el proceso de limpieza celular y el mantenimiento de la homeostasis mitocondrial, así como los mecanismos a través de cuales los fármacos antidiabéticos afectan a la autofagia. Se necesitan estudios bien diseñados para dilucidar si la autofagia juega un papel de casualidad o causalidad en el desarrollo de la DMT2. (AU)

Autophagy, a relevant process for metabolic health and type-2 diabetes.

Introduction: Autophagy is a very active process that plays an important role in cell and organ differentiation and remodelling, being a crucial system to guarantee health. This physiological process is activated in starvation and inhibited in the presence of nutrients. This short review comments on the three types of autophagy: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy, as well as different aspects that control autophagy and its relationship with health and degenerative diseases. As autophagy is highly dependent on functional autophagy (ATG) proteins integrating the phagophore, the role of some key ATG genes and epigenes are briefly commented on. The manuscript deepens discussing some central aspects of type-2 diabetes mellitus and their relationship with the cell cleaning process and mitochondria homeostasis maintenance, as well as the mechanisms through which antidiabetic drugs affect autophagy. Well-designed studies are needed to elucidate whether autophagy plays a casual or causal role in T2DM.

Introducción: La autofagia es un proceso muy activo que juega un papel importante en la diferenciación y remodelación de células y órganos, siendo un sistema crucial para garantizar la salud. Este proceso fisiológico se activa en la inanición y se inhibe en presencia de nutrientes. En esta breve revisión se definen los tres tipos de autofagia: macroautofagia, microautofagia y autofagia mediada por chaperonas, y los diferentes aspectos que controlan la autofagia y su relación con la salud y las enfermedades degenerativas. Como la autofagia depende en gran medida de las proteínas de autofagia funcional (ATG) que integran el fagóforo, se comenta brevemente el papel clave de algunos genes y epigenes de las ATG. El manuscrito profundiza discutiendo algunos aspectos centrales de la diabetes mellitus de tipo 2 (DMT2) y su relación con el proceso de limpieza celular y el mantenimiento de la homeostasis mitocondrial, así como los mecanismos a través de cuales los fármacos antidiabéticos afectan a la autofagia. Se necesitan estudios bien diseñados para dilucidar si la autofagia juega un papel de casualidad o causalidad en el desarrollo de la DMT2.

Proanthocyanidins: Impact on Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Action Mechanisms in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome.

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of risk factors, such as central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension, which increase the probability of causing premature mortality. The consumption of high-fat diets (HFD), normally referred to high-saturated fat diets, is a major driver of the rising incidence of MS. In fact, the altered interplay between HFD, microbiome, and the intestinal barrier is being considered as a possible origin of MS. Consumption of proanthocyanidins (PAs) has a beneficial effect against the metabolic disturbances in MS. However, there are no conclusive results in the literature about the efficacy of PAs in improving MS. This review allows a comprehensive validation of the diverse effects of the PAs on the intestinal dysfunction in HFD-induced MS, differentiating between preventive and therapeutic actions. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of PAs on the gut microbiota, providing a system to facilitate comparison between the studies. PAs can modulate the microbiome toward a healthy profile and strength barrier integrity. Nevertheless, to date, published clinical trials to verify preclinical findings are scarce. Finally, the preventive consumption of PAs in MS-associated dysbiosis and intestinal dysfunction induced by HFD seems more successful than the treatment strategy.

Nos la dan con queso / Someone is pulling the wool over our eyes

“Te la dan con queso” es un refrán que surgió a raíz de una estratagema de engaño, por parte de los bodegueros, para vender a mayor precio vinos de baja calidad. Este artículo comienza revisando aspectos básicos del nacimiento de la Nutrición como Ciencia comentando muy fugazmente sus etapas química, biológica, experimental, y metabólica, para luego reflexionar sobre el momento actual en el que la Nutrición se ha hecho muy plural y compleja. Hoy tratamos de encontrar las líneas maestras de una nutrición que sea adecuada, válida y eficaz para todos, tanto desde el punto de vista preventivo como curativo. Esta Nutrición, conocida con el nombre de Nutrición de Precisión, está basada en el estudio y conocimiento de la interacción de lo que comemos con nuestro genoma y el ambioma. Por eso denunciamos que personas sin formación en nutrición, se atrevan a dar consejos nutricionales casi dogmáticos, que crean hábitos incorrectos y situaciones de salud precarias. Para luchar contra los bulos y noticias erróneas sobre nutrición que aparecen continuamente en los medios de comunicación y en las redes sociales, y denunciar que "nos la dan con queso", están surgiendo nuevas metodologías (p. ej. los "Infogramas") que utilizan esquemas sencillos conteniendo información científica contrastada que se difunden en las propias redes sociales para intentar desmontar algunos "fakes" que se consideran virales.(AU)

"Que no te la den con queso" (free translation, “Don´t let someone pull the wool over your eyes”) is an expression that arose from a winemaker’s deception stratagem, to sell wines of poor quality at a high price. This article stars describing basic aspects of the beginning of Nutrition as a Science, commenting very briefly on its chemical, biological, experimental, and metabolic stages, to then reflect on the current moment in which Nutrition has become very plural and complex. Today we try to find the guidelines for an adequate, valid, and effective nutrition for everyone under a preventive and curative points of view. This Nutrition, known as Precision Nutrition, is based on the study and knowledge of the interaction among what we eat with, our genome. and the ambiome. That is why we denounce that people without training in nutrition dare to give almost dogmatic nutritional advice, which creates incorrect habits and precarious health situations. In order to fight against the hoaxes and erroneous news about nutrition that continually appear in the media and social networks, and to denounce that "someone is pulling the wood over our eyes”, new methodologies are emerging (e.g. "Infograms") that use simple diagrams containing contrasted scientific information that are disseminated in the social networks themselves to try to dismantle some "fakes" that are considered viral.(AU)

[Vitamin D and polymorphisms of VDR and GC genes in the severity and mortality from COVID-19. A systematic review]. / Vitamina D y polimorfismos de los genes VDR y GC en la severidad y mortalidad por COVID-19. Una revisión sistemática.

Introduction: Previous studies have pointed to a possible relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of the disease promoted by SARS-CoV-2, reducing respiratory and cardiovascular complications caused by a hyperreaction of the immune system known as "cytokine storm". This vitamin exerts multiple functions that depend on the presence and levels of different proteins, such as the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and the existence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the genes that encode these proteins. The objective of this review is to assess whether some VDR and GC SNPs are risk factors for the most severe forms of COVID-19 disease and whether they condition the response to vitamin D supplementation. A search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scielo, finding that genotypes in patients affected by COVID-19, were rarely performed, although some studies find a relationship between different alleles and the severity of the disease. The ApaI polymorphism of the VDR gene stands out, as the minor allele "a" increases the risk of mortality from COVID-19 (OR = 11.828, CI: 2,493-56,104, p = 0.002). Results divergency in the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation suggest the need for a larger number of studies. In conclusion, the study of VDR and GC polymorphisms seems essential to effectively treat vitamin D deficiency and particularly to protect against COVID-19. Well-designed studies are needed to elucidate whether plasma vitamin D levels play a role of casuality or causality.

Introducción: Estudios previos han señalado una posible relación entre la deficiencia de la vitamina D y la severidad de la enfermedad promovida por el SARS-CoV-2, reduciendo las complicaciones respiratorias y cardiovasculares causadas por una respuesta exacerbada del sistema inmune. Esta vitamina ejerce múltiples funciones que dependen de la presencia y niveles de diferentes proteínas, como el receptor de la vitamina D (VDR) y la proteína de unión de la vitamina D (DBP), y de la existencia de polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido (SNP) de los genes que codifican a estas proteínas. El objetivo de esta revisión es evaluar si algunos SNP de VDR y GC son factores de riesgo de las formas más severas de la enfermedad COVID-19 y si condicionan la respuesta a la suplementación con vitamina D. Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed, Google Scholar y Scielo, encontrándose que son escasos los genotipados en pacientes afectados por COVID-19, aunque algunos trabajos hallan una relación entre diferentes alelos y la severidad de la enfermedad. Destaca el polimorfismo ApaI del gen VDR, el cual alelo menor "a" aumenta el riesgo de mortalidad por COVID-19 (OR = 11,828, CI: 2.493-56.104, p = 0,002). La divergencia de resultados en la eficacia de la suplementación de vitamina D sugiere la necesidad de un mayor número de estudios. En conclusión, el estudio de polimorfismos VDR y GC resulta fundamental para tratar eficazmente la deficiencia de vitamina D y en particular en la protección frente a COVID-19. Se necesitan estudios bien diseñados para dilucidar si los niveles plasmáticos de vitamina D juegan un papel de casualidad o causalidad.

Vitamina D y polimorfismos de los genes VDR y GC en la severidad y mortalidad por COVID-19. Una revisión sistemática / Vitamin D and polymorphisms of VDR and GC genes in the severity and mortality from COVID-19. A systematic review

Estudios previos han señalado una posible relación entre la deficiencia de la vitamina D y la severidad de la enfermedad promovida por el SARS-CoV-2, reduciendo las complicaciones respiratorias y cardiovasculares causadas por una respuesta exacerbada del sistema inmune. Esta vitamina ejerce múltiples funciones que dependen de la presencia y niveles de diferentes proteínas, como el receptor de la vitamina D (VDR) y la proteína de unión de la vitamina D (DBP), y de la existencia de polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido (SNP) de los genes que codifican a estas proteínas. El objetivo de esta revisión es evaluar si algunos SNP de VDR y GC son factores de riesgo de las formas más severas de la enfermedad COVID-19 y si condicionan la respuesta a la suplementación con vitamina D. Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed, Google Scholar y Scielo, encontrándose que son escasos los genotipados en pacientes afectados por COVID-19, aunque algunos trabajos hallan una relación entre diferentes alelos y la severidad de la enfermedad. Destaca el polimorfismo ApaI del gen VDR, el cual alelo menor “a” aumenta el riesgo de mortalidad por COVID-19 (OR = 11,828, CI: 2.493-56.104, p = 0,002). La divergencia de resultados en la eficacia de la suplementación de vitamina D sugiere la necesidad de un mayor número de estudios. En conclusión, el estudio de polimorfismos VDR y GC resulta fundamental para tratar eficazmente la deficiencia de vitamina D y en particular en la protección frente a COVID-19. Se necesitan estudios bien diseñados para dilucidar si los niveles plasmáticos de vitamina D juegan un papel de casualidad o causalidad. (AU)

Previous studies have pointed to a possible relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of the disease promoted by SARS-CoV-2, reducing respiratory and cardiovascular complications caused by a hyperreaction of the immune system known as “cytokine storm”. This vitamin exerts multiple functions that depend on the presence and levels of different proteins, such as the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and the existence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the genes that encode these proteins. The objective of this review is to assess whether some VDR and GC SNPs are risk factors for the most severe forms of COVID-19 disease and whether they condition the response to vitamin D supplementation. A search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scielo, finding that genotypes in patients affected by COVID-19, were rarely performed, although some studies find a relationship between different alleles and the severity of the disease. The ApaI polymorphism of the VDR gene stands out, as the minor allele “a” increases the risk of mortality from COVID-19 (OR = 11.828, CI: 2,493-56,104, p = 0.002). RESULTS divergency in the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation suggest the need for a larger number of studies. In CONCLUSION, the study of VDR and GC polymorphisms seems essential to effectively treat vitamin D deficiency and particularly to protect against COVID-19. Well-designed studies are needed to elucidate whether plasma vitamin D levels play a role of casuality or causality. (AU)

Could Duodenal Molecular Mechanisms be Involved in the Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Silicon Used as Functional Ingredient in Late-Stage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

SCOPE: Hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in the late-stage. Consumption of bioactive compounds as functional ingredients would help achieve therapeutic goals for cholesterolemia. Silicon has demonstrated a hypocholesterolemic effect and the ability to reduce fat digestion. However, it is unclear whether silicon exerts such effect in late-stage T2DM (LD) and the intestinal mechanisms involved. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three groups of eight rats were included: early-stage T2DM control (ED), LD, and the LD group treated with silicon (LD-Si) once the rats were diabetic. Morphological alterations of the duodenal mucosa, and levels of markers involve in cholesterol absorption and excretion, beside cholesterolemia, and fecal excretion were assayed. Silicon included as a functional ingredient significantly reduces cholesterolemia in part due to: 1) reducing cholesterol intestinal absorption by decreasing the absorptive area and Acetyl-Coenzyme A acetyltransferase-2 (ACAT2) levels; and 2) increasing cholesterol excretion to the lumen by induction of the liver X receptor (LXR) and consequent increase of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter (ABCG5/8). CONCLUSIONS: These results provide insight into the intestinal molecular mechanisms by which silicon reduces cholesterolemia and highlights the efficacy of the consumption of silicon-enriched functional foods in late-stage T2DM.

Aprendizaje basado en errores. Una propuesta como nueva estrategia didáctica / Error-based learning. A proposal as a new didactic strategy

Introducción: Este trabajo reúne información preliminar sobre un proyecto cuya hipótesis es que la inclusión de errores en algunos temas por parte del profesor induce a los alumnos a buscarlos, localizarlos, discutirlos y conocerlos, llevando a un mejor conocimiento de la asignatura y por tanto a adquirir las competencias que marca el Plan Bolonia.Métodos: El proyecto que se concibió para aplicar un método basado en el error, pero con potenciación mediante gamificación en cinco asignaturas de tres grados de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. A causa de la pandemia COVID-19 se tuvieron que modificar algunos objetivos planificados al solicitar la concesión del proyecto, obteniéndose datos objetivos, muchos aun sin evaluar totalmente, de dos asignaturas. Un 10% de los temas explicados tenían errores. Se hicieron evaluaciones con la plataforma Kahoot! y mediante cuestionarios tipo test. Las preguntas tenían cuatro posibles respuestas, de las que solo una era cierta. Se realizaron además un examen parcial liberatorio y un examen final donde se ubicaron preguntas de los temas con errores y sin errores.Resultados: Aunque muchos datos están aún siendo evaluados estadísticamente para conocer el grado de contribución de los temas con errores respecto a sin errores, así como de la gamificación, los resultados sugieren una nota superior y del orden de un 8,2% en los temas con errores. Estas diferencias fueron mucho mayores en el caso de los alumnos de Farmacia (15%, p<0,05) que del Doble grado de Farmacia y Nutrición Humana y Dietética (-4,3%, no significativa). Los alumnos de Farmacia mostraron una nota final superior en relación con el curso anterior, aspecto que no aconteció con los del doble grado. La gamificación se consideró, particularmente efectiva en los alumnos de Farmacia como una iniciativa estimulante y válida.(AU)

Introduction: This work gathers information about a project not yet completed which hypothesis is that the inclusion of errors, by the teacher, in some lessons induces students to search, find, discuss and know them, leading to a better knowledge of the subject and therefore, acquire the competencies set by the Bologna plan.Methods: A method based on error but enhanced by gamification in five subjects of three degrees of the Complutense University of Madrid was conseived. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the planned objectives set when applying for the funding of the project had to be modified. Having objective data, although part still has not been evaluated. A total of 10% of lessons with errors were introduced. Evaluations were conducted with the Kahoot! platform and through multiple choice questionnaires. The questions had four possible answers, of which only one was correct. In addition, partial and final examination were also carried out with questions about the lessons taught with errors and without errors.Results: Although many data are still being statistically evaluated to know the degree of contribution of the topics with errors vs. without errors, as well as gamification, the results suggest a higher score (8.2%) in the topics with errors. These differences were much greater in the case of Pharmacy students (15%, p <0.05) than in the Double degree of Pharmacy and Human Nutrition and Dietetics (-4.3%, not significant). Pharmacy students showed a higher final grade in relation to the previous year, an aspect that did not happen with the double degree students. Gamification was considered particularly effective in Pharmacy students as a stimulating and valid initiative.(AU)

Telómeros, telomerasa y envejecimiento. Una visita al Premio Nobel de Fisiología y Medicina de 2009 / Telomeres, telomerase and aging. A visit to the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine

Introducción: En octubre de 2009, Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Carol W. Greider y Jack W. Szostak fueron galardonados por sus descubrimientos sobre los telómeros y la enzima telomerasa con el Premio Nobel de Fisiología y Medicina. Posteriormente muchas investigaciones, entre las que destacan la de científicos españoles han demostrado el papel de los telómeros en el envejecimiento y en algunas patologías relacionadas.Métodos: Para la realización de este trabajo se ha revisado tres aspectos: a) la información dada por el Comité del Nobel sobre las investigaciones de los tres galardonados; b) los mecanismos moleculares implicados en el proceso de protección de los telómeros por la acción de la telomerasa y c) la relación entre envejecimiento y sistema telómeros/telomerasa.Resultados: En las células eucariotas los telómeros constituyen el extremo terminal de los cromosomas, los cuales se acortan en cada división celular. Cuando el acortamiento es crítico, se induce daño persistente al ADN en estos extremos, senescencia, apoptosis y pérdidas de la capacidad regenerativa de los tejidos. Dada la imposibilidad de replicación completa de los telómeros por la ADN polimerasa después de cada división celular, la telomerasa, una ribonucloproteína retrotranscriptasa, actúa alargando los extremos de los cromosomas, utilizando como molde una porción de su propio ARN. Muchos factores determinan la longitud de los telómeros, sobresaliendo el acortamiento de los telómeros y la pérdida de actividad telomerásica. Además, existen multitud de factores que condicionan las diferencias entre edad fisiológica y edad cronológica.Conclusión: Entre las muchas teorías sobre el envejecimiento sobresale la que relaciona el acortamiento de los telómeros con la senescencia. No obstante se requieren más estudios en los que se determine qué mecanismos epigenéticos y de otra índole condicionan la pérdida de actividad telomerásica y la longitud de los telómeros.(AU)

Introduction: In October 2009, Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Carol W. Greider, and Jack W. Szostak were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for their discoveries about telomeres and the enzyme telomerase. Subsequently, many investigations, including that of Spanish scientists, have demonstrated the role of telomeres in aging and in some very prevalent pathologies.Methods: Three topics were reviewed to perform this article: a) the information given by the Nobel Committee on the research of the three winners of 2009 award; b) the molecular mechanisms involved in the protection process of telomeres by the telomerase enzyme; and c) the relationship between aging and the telomere/telomerase system.Results: In eukaryotic cells, telomeres constitute the terminal end of chromosomes, which are shortened within each cell division. When the shortening becomes critical, persistent DNA damage at these ends, senescence, apoptosis and loss of the tissues regenerative capacity are induced. Given the unfeasibility of telomeres complete replication by the DNA polymerase after each cell division, the telomerase, a reverse transcriptase ribonucloprotein, works by lengthening the ends of chromosomes, using as a template a portion of its own RNA. Several factors determine the length of telomeres and/or the loss of telomerase activity, with aging standing out. In addition, there are many factors that determine the differences between physiological and chronological age.Conclusion: Among aging theories, the one relating the shortening of telomeres with senescence stands out. However, more studies are required to determine which epigenetic and other mechanisms determine the loss of telomerase activity and the length of telomeres.(AU)

Carob fruit extract-enriched meat, as preventive and curative treatments, improves gut microbiota and colonic barrier integrity in a late-stage T2DM model.

Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that dietary fiber and proanthocyanidins play an important role on gut microbiota (GM), colonic integrity and body health. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent disease in which the modifications in the GM and colonic markers stand out. This manuscript hypothesizes the consumption of functional meat enriched in carob fruit extract [CFE; CFE-restructured meat (RM)] ameliorates the dysbiosis and colonic barrier integrity loss in a late-stage T2DM rat model induced by the conjoint action of a high-saturated-fat/high-cholesterol diet (Chol-diet) and a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) plus a nicotinamide (NAD) injection. Three groups of eight rats were used: (1) D group, a T2DM control group, fed the Chol-diet; (2) ED group, a T2DM preventive strategy group fed the CFE-Chol-diet since the beginning of the study; and (3) DE group, a T2DM curative treatment group, fed the CFE-Chol-diet once the diabetic state was confirmed. The study lasted 8 weeks. Amount and variety of GM, feces short-chain-fatty acids (SCFAs), colonic morphology [crypt depth and density, goblet cells, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) indexes] and tight junctions were evaluated. A global colonic index combining 17 markers (GCindex) was calculated. ED rats displayed higher levels of GM richness, SCFAs production, crypt depth, and goblet cells than the D group. DE group showed lower Enterobacteriaceae abundance and greater TUNEL index and occludin expression in the distal colon than D counterpart. GCindex differentiated the colonic health status of the experimental groups in the order (ED > DE > D; P < 0.001) as a 17-51 range-quotation, ED, DE, and D groups displayed the values 43, 32.5, and 27, respectively. Thus, CFE-RM used as a T2DM preventive therapy could induce higher GM richness, more adequate SCFAs production, and better colonic barrier integrity. Furthermore, CFE-RM used with curative purposes induced more modest changes and mainly at the distal colonic mucosa. Further studies are needed to confirm this study's results, to ascertain the benefits of consuming proanthocyanidins-rich fiber during different T2DM stages.

Functional Meat Products as Oxidative Stress Modulators: A Review.

High meat consumption has been associated with increased oxidative stress mainly due to the generation of oxidized compounds in the body, such as malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxy-nonenal, oxysterols, or protein carbonyls, which can induce oxidative damage. Meat products are excellent matrices for introducing different bioactive compounds, to obtain functional meat products aimed at minimizing the pro-oxidant effects associated with high meat consumption. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the concept and preparation of healthy and functional meat, which could benefit antioxidant status. Likewise, the key strategies regarding meat production and storage as well as ingredients used (e.g., minerals, polyphenols, fatty acids, walnuts) for developing these functional meats are detailed. Although most effort has been made to reduce the oxidation status of meat, newly emerging approaches also aim to improve the oxidation status of consumers of meat products. Thus, we will delve into the relation between functional meats and their health effects on consumers. In this review, animal trials and intervention studies are discussed, ascertaining the extent of functional meat products' properties (e.g., neutralizing reactive oxygen species formation and increasing the antioxidant response). The effects of functional meat products in the frame of diet-gene interactions are analyzed to 1) discover target subjects that would benefit from their consumption, and 2) understand the molecular mechanisms that ensure precision in the prevention and treatment of diseases, where high oxidative stress takes place. Long-term intervention-controlled studies, testing different types and amounts of functional meat, are also necessary to ascertain their positive impact on degenerative diseases.

Diabesity negatively affects transferrin saturation and iron status. The DICARIVA study.

AIMS: The relationship between iron status, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has scarcely been tested. This study hypothesizes that patients with obesity and T2DM have altered iron metabolism. METHODS: 537 T2DM patients were selected from the cross-sectional DICARIVA study excluding patients with high-sensitivity-C-reactive-protein (hs-CRP) ≥  10 mg/L. Three groups according to body mass index (BMI) and waist perimeter (WP) were analysed: a) BMI < 30 kg/m2, non-high WP (n = 105); b) BMI < 30 kg/m2, high WP (n = 202); and c) diabesity, BMI ≥  30 kg/m2, high WP (n = 230). Group differences on cardiometabolic and iron status markers were tested. RESULTS: Women had significantly lower iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) but higher transferrin and total iron binding capacity than men. Triglycerides/HDL-c ratio, as insulin-resistance (IR) marker, was higher in men while hs-CRP in women. TSAT was inversely related to BMI and hs-CRP. The diabesity group showed the highest hs-CRP (p < 0.001) and IR (p < 0.001) with the lowest TSAT (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Low TSAT was highly prevalent in diabesity, mainly in women, suggesting that IR, inflammation, and abdominal adiposity alter iron transport and accumulation. The convenience of iron supplementation in diabesity patients with low TSAT should be urgently assessed, due the pro-oxidant effects of excess iron.

The Effect of Emulsifying Protein and Addition of Condensed Tannins on n-3 PUFA Enriched Emulsions for Functional Foods.

This paper examines the effect of the type of the emulsifying protein (EP) (sodium caseinate (SC) and whey protein isolate (WPI)) on both oil-in-water liquid-like emulsions (Es) and the corresponding cold gelled emulsions (GEs), and also the effect of addition of carob extract rich in condensed tannins (T). The systems, intended as functional food ingredients, were studied in various different respects, including rheological behaviour, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion with determination of the release of non-extractable proanthocyanidins (NEPA) from T, antioxidant activity and lipolysis. EP significantly affects the rheological behaviour of both Es and GEs. T incorporation produced a structural reinforcement of GEs, especially in the case of SC. The digests from Es displayed a higher antioxidant activity than those from GEs. T lipase inhibition was observed only in the formulations with WPI. Our results highlight the importance, in the design of functional foods, of analyzing different variables when incorporating a bioactive compound into a food or emulsion in order to select the better combination for the desired objective, owing to the complex interplay of the various components.

En el mes de la concesión de los Premios Nobel, rendimos homenaje a Alfred Nobel y a los galardonados con el Premio de Fisiología y Medicina de 2020 / In the month of the Nobel Prize Awards, we pay tribute to Alfred Nobel and to the recipients of the 2020 Prize in Physiology and Medicine

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El Premio Nobel de la Paz 2020 se concede al Programa Mundial de los Alimentos. Un pequeño reconocimiento de los que amamos la Nutrición y admiramos a los que luchan contra el hambre en el mundo / The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to the World Food Programme. A small recognition of those of us who love Nutrition and admire those who fight against hunger in the world

Cada una de los 690 millones de personas que padecen inseguridad alimentaria en el mundo tiene derecho a vivir en paz y sin hambre. Este breve artículo es un pobre homenaje hacia el Programa Mundial de Alimentos (WFP) de las Naciones Unidas galardonado con el premio Nobel de la Paz. Se hace un reducido comentario sobre aspectos históricos y burocráticos del Nobel, y se comentan algunos antecedentes relacionados con el actual premio Nobel. El artículo discute la importancia decisiva de la organización WFP que lucha contra el hambre y la utilización de esta calamidad que asola a muchos millones de personas como arma política e incluso de guerra. Se hace una mención resumida de los proyectos en marcha de esta organización. En palabras de su director ejecutivo (sic) Sin paz, no podemos lograr nuestro objetivo global de hambre cero; y mientras haya hambre, nunca tendremos un mundo pacífico. Por ello este galardón tiene a nuestro entender gran importancia. El artículo revisa aspectos específicos sobre el Programa Mundial de Alimentos, su mediación para conseguir un sistema alimentario sostenible, la situación actual debida a la pandemia del COVID-19, el contraste entre paz y guerra en la producción de alimentos, y la existencia de alianzas en la ONU, la FAO y los galardonados con el Premio Nobel de la paz para asegurar que el hambre no sea utilizada como arma política y de guerra

Each one of the 690 million of people who suffer food insecurity in the world have the right to live in peace and free of hunger. This brief article is a humble tribute to The World Food Programme (WFP) of the Union Nations who was awarded with the Nobel Peace prize. A short comment is made on the historical and bureaucratical aspects of the Nobel, and some background related to the present winner of the Nobel peace prize. This article discusses the role of the WFP in the fight against hunger. At the same time the fact that something as horrible as hunger is used as a political weapon is highlighted. It also mentions a summary of the ongoing projects of this organization. In the words of the executive director of the WFP (sic): Without peace, we cannot achieve our global goal of zero hunger; and while there is hunger, we will never have a peaceful world. That is the reason why this Nobel prize has such a big meaning for us. The article reviews specific aspects of the World Food Program, its mediation to achieve a sustainable food system, the current situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the contrast between peace and war in food production, and the existence of alliances at the UNO, FAO and Nobel Peace Laureates to ensure hunger is not used as a political and war weapon

Carob fruit extract-enriched meat improves pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, hepatic insulin signaling and lipogenesis in late-stage type 2 diabetes mellitus model.

The inclusion of functional bioactive compounds of dietary fiber in meat products has been demonstrated to exert a significant impact on human health. Carob fruit extract (CFE) is a dietary fiber rich in proanthocyanidins with known antioxidant, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects. Consumption of CFE-enriched meat (CFE-RM) may provide interesting benefits in late-stage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To explore the antidiabetic mechanisms of CFE-RM, we used a model of late-stage T2DM in Wistar rats fed a high-saturated-fat/high-cholesterol diet (Chol-diet) and injected streptozotocin plus nicotinamide (D group). The effects of CFE-RM were tested by incorporating it into the diet as preventive strategy (ED group) or curative treatment (DE group). CFE-RM had a positive effect on glycemia, enhancing hepatic insulin sensitivity and improving pancreatic ß-cell regeneration in both ED and DE groups. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry suggested that CFE-RM increased levels of insulin receptor ß and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, as well as the downstream target phospho-Akt (at Ser473). CFE-RM also up-regulated glucose transporter 2, which improves the insulin-mediated glucose uptake by the liver, and promoted phosphorylation of glycogen synthesis kinase-3ßprotein (at ser9), consequently increasing the hepatic glycogen content. In addition, CFE-RM decreased fatty liver by suppressing de novo lipogenesis activation due to down-regulation of liver X receptor-α/ß, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c and carbohydrate-response element-binding protein transcription factors. Our findings suggest that the consumption of CFE-RM included in the diet as a functional food should be considered as a suitable nutritional strategy to prevent or manage late-stage T2DM.

COVID-19 y Día de la Madre Tierra / COVID-19 and the Mother Earth's day

Este breve artículo no tiene otro objetivo que hacer una reflexión sobre diferentes aspectos de nuestra existencia que confluyen en mantener viva y vivible nuestra casa "La Tierra". Ha sido escrito en momentos difíciles y crueles donde España ya supera los 23.000 decesos y los españoles nos encontramos confinados sufriendo una cuarentena, provocada por el COVID-19. El pasado veintidós de abril hemos celebrado, como muchos años atrás, el Día de la Madre Tierra; hecho que sin duda ha influido en la elección del título de este artículo, cuyas líneas pretenden trazar las relaciones que existen entre los procesos del declive medioambiental y la creciente aparición de nuevas pandemias. Después de una brevísima exposición de algunas características centrales sobre el Coronavirus el artículo trata de reflexionar sobre el concepto de solidaridad y otredad. No se busca en este trabajo a culpables, sino reflexionar y desempolvar "viejos" escritos como la Carta de la Tierra que siguen siendo nuevos y muy desconocidos, los cuales hay obligatoriamente que leer e implantar para convertirnos en auténticos hijos pródigos

This brief article has no other purpose than to make a reflection on different aspects of our existence that come together in keeping our house, the "Earth" alive and livable. It has been written in difficult and cruel moments in which Spain already exceeds 23,000 deaths and we Spaniards, are confined suffering a quarantine caused by COVID-19. Last April 22nd we celebrated, like many years before, a day dedicated to our Mother Earth; fact that has motivated the tittle of this article, which strives to trace the relationships that exist between the processes of environmental collapse and the emergence of new pandemics. After a brief exposition of some central characteristics about the Coronavirus, the article reflect on the concept of solidarity and otherness. There is no search for culprits in this work, only an instigation to reflect and dust-off "old" writings such as the Earth's Charter that are still new and very unknown, and which we must be read and implemented in order to become authentic prodigal children