Efectos sobre el perfil lipídico en humanos de un extracto de algarroba(ceratonia siliqua L. ) rico en polifenoles, incluido en un lácteo como alimento funcional; estudio piloto / Effects on the lipid profile in humans of a polyphenol-rich carob (Ceratonia siliqua L. ) extract in a dairy matrix like a functional food: a pilot study

The design of functional foods enriched in nutrients that favorably alter the lipid profile to prevent cardiovascular diseases and stimulate bowel function is of great interest. We have assayed a non-extractable-tannates-rich carob-fiber (PF-1®) in a milk matrix developed by Biosearch S.A. to discover its effects on the lipid profile and bowel function of human volunteers. A 4-week interventional study (400 mL daily consumption of this functional food, containing 20 g of PF-1®/L), was conducted: blood samples were analyzed for lipid profile, glucose, transaminases, creatinine and fat-soluble vitamins. The body-mass index and bowel function of the participants in the study were also measured. A tendency for triglyceride levels to diminish was observed in all participants (P = 0.066), and in the normal-cholesterol group in particular (P = 0.078). Another tendency to total cholesterol levels fell in the hypercholesterolemic group (P = 0.061) was also found. In the normal-cholesterol group, total cholesterol (CT), HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels significantly increased with the consumption of the functional food (P < 0.05). A better bowel function was also recorded by volunteers. This preliminary study highlights the possible positive influence of this functional food on the regulation of the lipid profile and bowel function in humans (AU)

El diseño de alimentos funcionales enriquecidos en nutrientes que alteran favorablemente el perfil lipídico para prevenir las enfermedades cardiovasculares y estimular la función intestinal es de gran interés. Hemos probado una fibra de algarroba rica en tanatos no extraíbles (PF-1®), incluida en una matriz de leche desarrollada por Biosearch S.A. para descubrir sus efectos sobre el perfil lipídico y sobre el intestino en voluntarios humanos. Se desarrolló un estudio de intervención de 4 semanas (consumo diario de 400 mL de este alimento funcional, que contiene 20 g de PF-1®/L). Sobre las muestras de sangre extraídas se analizó el perfil lipídico, glucosa, transaminasas, creatinina y vitaminas liposolubles. También se midieron el índice de masa corporal y la función intestinal de los participantes en el estudio. Se observó una tendencia decreciente a la significación estadística de los niveles de triglicéridos (TG) particularmente en el grupo con colesterol normal (P = 0,078). Los niveles totales de colesterol se redujeron con tendencia a la significancia en el grupo con hipercolesterolemia (P = 0,061). En el grupo de colesterol normal, el colesterol total (CT), colesterol HDL y colesterol LDL aumentaron significativamente con el consumo del alimento funcional (P < 0,05). También se registró una mejor función intestinal de los voluntarios. Este estudio preliminar pone de relieve la posible influencia positiva de este alimento funcional en la regulación del perfil lipídico y la función intestinal en humanos (AU)

Avaliação de colesterol e triglicerídeos séricos em cães saudáveis suplementados com ômega n-3 / Evaluation of serum cholesterol and triglycerides in healthy dogs supplemented with ômega-3 N

A análise da concentração sérica de colesterol e triglicerídeos foi realizada em 20 cães, sem raça definida, saudáveis, 10 machos e 10 fêmeas, previamente e após a suplementação por 30 dias com ácidos graxos poli-insaturados de cadeia longa derivados do ômega n-3 (497mg ácido docosa-hexaenoico e 780mg ácido eicosapentanoico). A concentração sérica de colesterol apresentou redução significativa após a suplementação em ambos os sexos (271,6±79,8mg/dL; 236,2±67,6mg/dL, antes e após suplementação, respectivamente). Em relação à concentração sérica de triglicerídeos, houve redução apenas nas fêmeas (57,8±12,1mg/dL; 45,2±7,8mg/dL, antes e após suplementação, respectivamente), não havendo efeito da suplementação nos machos.

The analysis of serum cholesterol and triglycerides was performed in 20 healthy mongrel dogs, 10 male and 10 female, before and after supplementation for 30 days with fatty acids of long chain polyunsaturated derived from omega-3 n (497mg docosahexaenoic acid and 780mg eicosapentaenoic acid). The serum cholesterol presented a significant reduction after supplementation in both sexes (271.6±79.8mg/dL; 236,2±67,6mg/dL, before and after supplementation respectively). Regarding serum triglycerides, there was a reduction only in females (57.8±12,1mg/dL; 45.2±7,8mg/dL, before and after supplementation respectively), with no effect of supplementation in males.

Analysis of the presence of cardiovascular and analgesic/anti-inflammatory/antipyretic pharmaceuticals in river- and drinking-water of the Madrid Region in Spain.

Interest in the presence of pharmaceuticals in wastewater, in the water of our rivers and, to a lesser extent, in our drinking water, has been growing in recent decades. Many of these substances, currently classified as "emerging pollutants", are biologically active compounds and continuously released in effluents. As sewage treatment plants (STPs) are not adequately equipped to eliminate all of these substances completely, some are discharged directly into rivers. In Spain, as in most of its neighbouring countries, there is an elevated use of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (which are extremely prevalent among the older adult population) and anti-inflammatory medications, which are obtainable over the counter without a medical prescription. This study therefore sought to determine to what degree pharmaceuticals with the highest regional prescription and/or use rates, such as cardiovascular and analgesic/anti-inflammatory/antipyretic medications, were present in the principal rivers (Jarama, Manzanares, Guadarrama, Henares and Tagus) and tap-water samples of the Madrid Region (MR). Samples were taken downstream the discharge of 10 of the most important region's STPs and the most frequently used drugs in the region were analysed for. Of the 24 drugs analysed, 21 were detected at concentrations ranging from 2 ng L⁻¹ to 18 µg L⁻¹. The highest drug concentrations corresponded to ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, atenolol, frusemide (furosemide), gemfibrozil and hydrochlorthiazide, and in most cases exceeded the amounts reported in the scientific literature. No traces of these groups of pharmaceuticals were detected in the drinking water analysed. On the basis of the high concentrations detected, we believe that an environmental surveillance system should be implemented to assess the continuous discharge of these pharmaceuticals and their possible ecotoxicological effects. At the same time, efforts to raise the awareness of the public about responsible use and the proper disposal of such substances at purpose-designated collection points should be increased. Furthermore sewage treatment processes should be suitably adapted to increase the rates of removal of these drugs.