Influence of gut microbiota on neuropsychiatric disorders

The last decade has witnessed a growing appreciation of the fundamental role played by an early assembly of a diverse and balanced gut microbiota and its subsequent maintenance for future health of the host. Gut microbiota is currently viewed as a key regulator of a fluent bidirectional dialogue between the gut and the brain (gut-brain axis). A number of preclinical studies have suggested that the microbiota and its genome (microbiome) may play a key role in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, alterations in the gut microbiota composition in humans have also been linked to a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, including depression, autism and Parkinson’s disease. However, it is not yet clear whether these changes in the microbiome are causally related to such diseases or are secondary effects thereof. In this respect, recent studies in animals have indicated that gut microbiota transplantation can transfer a behavioral phenotype, suggesting that the gut microbiota may be a modifiable factor modulating the development or pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric conditions. Further studies are warranted to establish whether or not the findings of preclinical animal experiments can be generalized to humans. Moreover, although different communication routes between the microbiota and brain have been identified, further studies must elucidate all the underlying mechanisms involved. Such research is expected to contribute to the design of strategies to modulate the gut microbiota and its functions with a view to improving mental health, and thus provide opportunities to improve the management of psychiatric diseases. Here, we review the evidence supporting a role of the gut microbiota in neuropsychiatric disorders and the state of the art regarding the mechanisms underlying its contribution to mental illness and health. We also consider the stages of life where the gut microbiota is more susceptible to the effects of environmental stressors, and the possible microbiota-targeted intervention strategies that could improve health status and prevent psychiatric disorders in the near future.Peer reviewe

Effect of a Diet Supplemented with α-Tocopherol and β-Carotene on ATP and Antioxidant Levels after Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion

Ischemia-reperfusion injury associated with liver transplantation remains a serious complication in clinical practice. In the present study the effect of intake of α-tocopherol or β-carotene to limit liver injury by oxidative stress in ischemia and reperfusion was explored. Wistar rats were fed with diets enriched with α-tocopherol (20 mg/day) or β-carotene (3 mg/day) for 21 days. After 21 days, their livers were subjected to 15 and 30 min of ischemia and afterwards were reperfused for 60 min. The recovery of levels of ATP during reperfusion was better in the group of rats whose diets were supplemented with α-tocopherol or β-carotene than in the group control. The supplementation of the diet induced changes in the profile of enzymatic antioxidants. The supplementation with α-tocopherol and β-carotene resulted in a decreased of superoxide dismutase during the ischemia and a recovery was observed after reperfusion. Not changes were observed for the enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase and glutathione but their values were higher to those of the group control. In conclusion, the supplementation with α-tocopherol and β-carotene improve the antioxidant and energetic state of liver after ischemia and reperfusion injury

Dolor abdominal crónico en la infancia : Hacia la consulta de alta resolución en Atención Primaria

El dolor abdominal crónico genera multitud de visitas tanto en Atención Primaria como en el hospital. El trabajo muestra cómo puede ser enfocado este proceso en la consulta de Atención Primaria. Nosotros planteamos pautas diagnósticas del dolor abdominal crónico mediante analítica y estudios de imagen individualizados según las indicaciones. Nuestro objetivo es iniciar el diagnóstico y el tratamiento del dolor abdominal crónico, convirtiendo la consulta de Atención Primaria en consulta de alta resolución para esta patología.Chronic abdominal pain causes constant visits of patients in primary and hospital care. This work shows how to approach this process in Primary Care. We show the diagnosis of abdominal pain in children with individualized laboratory testing and imagine studies according to indication. Our purpose is to begin the diagnosis and the management, changing Primary Care into a high resolution form of pediatric healthcare for this [email protected]

Effect of Adding Resistant Maltodextrin to Pasteurized Orange Juice on Bioactive Compounds and Their Bioaccessibility

[EN] Resistant maltodextrin (RMD) is a water-soluble and fermentable functional fiber. RMD is a satiating prebiotic, reducer of glucose and triglycerides in the blood, and promoter of good gut health, and its addition to food is increasingly frequent. Therefore, it is necessary to study its potential effects on intrinsic bioactive compounds of food and their bioaccessibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding RMD on the bioactive compounds of pasteurized orange juice with and without pulp, and the bioaccessibility of such compounds. RMD was added at different concentrations: 0 (control sample), 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%. Ascorbic acid (AA) and vitamin C were analyzed using HPLC, whereas total phenols, total carotenoids (TC), and antioxidant capacity were measured using spectrophotometry. After that, sample in vitro digestibility was assessed using the standardized static in vitro digestion method. The control orange juice with pulp presented significantly higher values of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity than the control orange juice without pulp (p < 0.05). RMD addition before the juice pasteurization process significantly protected all bioactive compounds, namely total phenols, TC, AA, and vitamin C, as well as the antioxidant capacity (AC) (p < 0.05). Moreover, this bioactive compound protective effect was higher when higher RMD concentrations were added. However, RMD addition improved phenols and vitamin C bioaccessibility but decreased TC and AA bioaccessibility. Therefore, the AC value of samples after gastrointestinal digestion was slightly decreased by RMD addition. Moreover, orange pulp presence decreased total phenols and TC bioaccessibility but increased AA and vitamin C bioaccessibility.This research was supported by Agencia Valenciana de la Innovacio (Generalitat Valenciana) (research grant ref. INNTAL31/19/002).Arilla, E.; García-Segovia, P.; Martínez-Monzó, J.; Codoñer-Franch, P.; Igual Ramo, M. (2021). Effect of Adding Resistant Maltodextrin to Pasteurized Orange Juice on Bioactive Compounds and Their Bioaccessibility. Foods. 10(6):1-15. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10061198S11510

Stability of vitamin C, carotenoids, phenols, and antioxidant capacity of pasteurised orange juice with resistant maltodextrin storage

[EN] Resistant maltodextrin (RMD) was added at increasing concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) before pasteurisation to orange juice to analyse its potential protective effect on the health-related bioactive compounds of pasteurised orange juice throughout its storage time. Samples were characterised in terms of basic physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds at the beginning of the storage. Higher concentrations of RMD proved to better preserve the bioactive compounds of orange juice, thus obtaining a higher antioxidant capacity (AC). Stability of all samples was determined by measuring the same parameters at days 0, 15, 45, 75, 105, 136 and 170 of storage. °Brix and pH were very stable in all samples along storage, while all bioactive compouds had negative variations. However, RMD addition slightly improved ascorbic acid, vitamin C, total phenols, and total carotenoids retention, improving then its AC. This effect was greater in the 5% RMD-added samples. All bioactive compounds showed a positive Pearson¿s correlation coefficient with AC. Colour variations were also measured at days 105 and 170. All samples had a positive variation of all colour parameters, being this clearer at day 170. This work enlights the potential functionality of RMD to better preserve the health-related compounds of pasteurised orange juice.Arilla, E.; Martínez-Monzó, J.; Codoñer-Franch, P.; García-Segovia, P.; Igual Ramo, M. (2022). Stability of vitamin C, carotenoids, phenols, and antioxidant capacity of pasteurised orange juice with resistant maltodextrin storage. Food Science and Technology International. https://doi.org/10.1177/1082013222112420

Dried apple enriched with mandarin juice counteracts tamoxifen induced oxidative stress in rats

[EN] The effect of a product made of dehydrated apples enriched with mandarin juice by vacuum impregnation on markers of oxidative stress (plasma antioxidant capacity, carbonyl groups (CGs), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and alpha-tocopherol) was tested in rats. Six groups of animals were studied: one group was fed a standard diet; two groups were supplemented with dehydrated apple either impregnated or not with mandarin juice throughout 28 days; and three groups (one unsupplemented and two supplemented) were additionally treated with tamoxifen (TAM) for 21 days used for induction of oxidative stress. The rats treated with TAM showed an increase in aminotransferases, CGs and 8OHdG. All of these effects were significantly decreased in the animals after apple snack consumption; the addition of mandarin juice into the apple mainly accounts for increased levels of alpha-tocopherol in plasma and liver. These findings suggest that the food product have a protective action against oxidative stress induced by TAM in rats.We appreciate the support of the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion of Spain for its contribution through project PET2008_0015.Codoñer Franch, P.; Betoret Valls, ME.; López Jaén, AB.; Betoret Valls, N.; Fito Maupoey, P.; Valls Bellés, MV. (2013). Dried apple enriched with mandarin juice counteracts tamoxifen induced oxidative stress in rats. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 64(7):815-821. doi:10.3109/09637486.2013.798267S815821647Ainsworth, E. A., & Gillespie, K. M. (2007). Estimation of total phenolic content and other oxidation substrates in plant tissues using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. Nature Protocols, 2(4), 875-877. doi:10.1038/nprot.2007.102Alvarez-Parrilla, E., De La Rosa, L. A., Legarreta, P., Saenz, L., Rodrigo-García, J., & González-Aguilar, G. A. (2010). Daily consumption of apple, pear and orange juice differently affects plasma lipids and antioxidant capacity of smoking and non-smoking adults. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 61(4), 369-380. doi:10.3109/09637480903514041Arnaud, J., Fortis, I., Blachier, S., Kia, D., & Favier, A. (1991). Simultaneous determination of retinol, α-tocopherol and β-carotene in serum by isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography. Journal of Chromatography B: Biomedical Sciences and Applications, 572(1-2), 103-116. doi:10.1016/0378-4347(91)80476-sBenzie, I. F. F., & Strain, J. J. (1999). [2] Ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay: Direct measure of total antioxidant activity of biological fluids and modified version for simultaneous measurement of total antioxidant power and ascorbic acid concentration. Methods in Enzymology, 15-27. doi:10.1016/s0076-6879(99)99005-5Betoret, E., Betoret, N., Carbonell, J. V., & Fito, P. (2009). Effects of pressure homogenization on particle size and the functional properties of citrus juices. Journal of Food Engineering, 92(1), 18-23. doi:10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2008.10.028Betoret, E., Sentandreu, E., Betoret, N., Codoñer-Franch, P., Valls-Bellés, V., & Fito, P. (2012). Technological development and functional properties of an apple snack rich in flavonoid from mandarin juice. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 16, 298-304. doi:10.1016/j.ifset.2012.07.003Blanda, G., Cerretani, L., Bendini, A., Cardinali, A., Scarpellini, A., & Lercker, G. (2007). Effect of vacuum impregnation on the phenolic content of Granny Smith and Stark Delicious frozen apple cvv. European Food Research and Technology, 226(5), 1229-1237. doi:10.1007/s00217-007-0624-xBruno, R. S., Leonard, S. W., Atkinson, J., Montine, T. J., Ramakrishnan, R., Bray, T. M., & Traber, M. G. (2006). Faster plasma vitamin E disappearance in smokers is normalized by vitamin C supplementation. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 40(4), 689-697. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2005.10.051Bouayed, J., Hoffmann, L., & Bohn, T. (2011). Antioxidative Mechanisms of Whole-Apple Antioxidants Employing Different Varieties from Luxembourg. Journal of Medicinal Food, 14(12), 1631-1637. doi:10.1089/jmf.2010.0260Buscemi, S., Rosafio, G., Arcoleo, G., Mattina, A., Canino, B., Montana, M., … Rini, G. (2012). Effects of red orange juice intake on endothelial function and inflammatory markers in adult subjects with increased cardiovascular risk. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 95(5), 1089-1095. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.031088Choi, E. J. (2008). Antioxidative effects of hesperetin against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced oxidative stress in mice. Life Sciences, 82(21-22), 1059-1064. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2008.03.002Eilat-Adar, S., & Goldbourt, U. (2010). Nutritional recommendations for preventing coronary heart disease in women: Evidence concerning whole foods and supplements. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 20(6), 459-466. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2010.01.011Fardet, A. (2010). New hypotheses for the health-protective mechanisms of whole-grain cereals: what is beyond fibre? Nutrition Research Reviews, 23(1), 65-134. doi:10.1017/s0954422410000041Fito, P., Chiralt, A., Betoret, N., Gras, M., Cháfer, M., Martı́nez-Monzó, J., … Vidal, D. (2001). Vacuum impregnation and osmotic dehydration in matrix engineering. Journal of Food Engineering, 49(2-3), 175-183. doi:10.1016/s0260-8774(00)00220-xHaminiuk, C. W. I., Maciel, G. M., Plata-Oviedo, M. S. V., & Peralta, R. M. (2012). Phenolic compounds in fruits - an overview. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 47(10), 2023-2044. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2621.2012.03067.xHyson, D. A. (2011). A Comprehensive Review of Apples and Apple Components and Their Relationship to Human Health. Advances in Nutrition, 2(5), 408-420. doi:10.3945/an.111.000513Jedrychowski, W., Maugeri, U., Popiela, T., Kulig, J., Sochacka-Tatara, E., Pac, A., … Musial, A. (2010). Case–control study on beneficial effect of regular consumption of apples on colorectal cancer risk in a population with relatively low intake of fruits and vegetables. European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 19(1), 42-47. doi:10.1097/cej.0b013e328333d0ccJung, M., Triebel, S., Anke, T., Richling, E., & Erkel, G. (2009). Influence of apple polyphenols on inflammatory gene expression. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 53(10), 1263-1280. doi:10.1002/mnfr.200800575Kujawska, M., Ignatowicz, E., Ewertowska, M., Markowski, J., & Jodynis-Liebert, J. (2010). Cloudy apple juice protects against chemical-induced oxidative stress in rat. European Journal of Nutrition, 50(1), 53-60. doi:10.1007/s00394-010-0114-yLevine, R. L., Garland, D., Oliver, C. N., Amici, A., Climent, I., Lenz, A.-G., … Stadtman, E. R. (1990). [49] Determination of carbonyl content in oxidatively modified proteins. Methods in Enzymology, 464-478. doi:10.1016/0076-6879(90)86141-hMiller, N. J., & Rice-Evans, C. A. (1997). Factors Influencing the Antioxidant Activity Determined by the ABTS•+Radical Cation Assay. Free Radical Research, 26(3), 195-199. doi:10.3109/10715769709097799Nakayama, S., Atsumi, R., Takakusa, H., Kobayashi, Y., Kurihara, A., Nagai, Y., … Okazaki, O. (2009). A Zone Classification System for Risk Assessment of Idiosyncratic Drug Toxicity Using Daily Dose and Covalent Binding. Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 37(9), 1970-1977. doi:10.1124/dmd.109.027797Nazarewicz, R. R., Zenebe, W. J., Parihar, A., Larson, S. K., Alidema, E., Choi, J., & Ghafourifar, P. (2007). Tamoxifen Induces Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Apoptosis via Stimulating Mitochondrial Nitric Oxide Synthase. Cancer Research, 67(3), 1282-1290. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-3099Poulsen, M., Mortensen, A., Binderup, M.-L., Langkilde, S., Markowski, J., & Dragsted, L. O. (2011). The Effect of Apple Feeding on Markers of Colon Carcinogenesis. Nutrition and Cancer, 63(3), 402-409. doi:10.1080/01635581.2011.535961Re, R., Pellegrini, N., Proteggente, A., Pannala, A., Yang, M., & Rice-Evans, C. (1999). Antioxidant activity applying an improved ABTS radical cation decolorization assay. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 26(9-10), 1231-1237. doi:10.1016/s0891-5849(98)00315-3Santos, D. (2002). Carvedilol Protects against Doxorubicin-Induced Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathy. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 185(3), 218-227. doi:10.1006/taap.2002.9532Sentandreu, E., Izquierdo, L., & Sendra, J. M. (2006). Differentiation of juices from clementine (Citrus clementina), clementine-hybrids and satsuma (Citrus unshiu) cultivars by statistical multivariate discriminant analysis of their flavanone-7-O-glycosides and fully methoxylated flavones content as determined by liquid chromatography. European Food Research and Technology, 224(4), 421-429. doi:10.1007/s00217-006-0330-0Soyalan, B., Minn, J., Schmitz, H. J., Schrenk, D., Will, F., Dietrich, H., … Janzowski, C. (2010). Apple juice intervention modulates expression of ARE-dependent genes in rat colon and liver. European Journal of Nutrition, 50(2), 135-143. doi:10.1007/s00394-010-0124-9Tiana, L., Caib, Q., & Wei, H. (1998). Alterations of Antioxidant Enzymes and Oxidative Damage to Macromolecules in Different Organs of Rats During Aging. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 24(9), 1477-1484. doi:10.1016/s0891-5849(98)00025-2Vieira, F. G. K., Di Pietro, P. F., da Silva, E. L., Borges, G. S. C., Nunes, E. C., & Fett, R. (2012). Improvement of serum antioxidant status in humans after the acute intake of apple juices. Nutrition Research, 32(3), 229-232. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2011.12.008Watanabe, Y., Yoshimoto, K., Okada, Y., & Nomura, M. (2011). Effect of impregnation using sucrose solution on stability of anthocyanin in strawberry jam. LWT - Food Science and Technology, 44(4), 891-895. doi:10.1016/j.lwt.2010.11.00

La ingestión de un producto derivado de manzana deshidratada enriquecido con zumo de mandarina mediante tecnología de impregnación al vacio mejora la capacidad antioxidante y disminuye la inflamación en los niños obesos

[EN] Background: A favorable effect over development of degenerative diseases is derived of an adecuate intake of fruit and vegetables, mainly due to their antioxidant compounds Objectives: The goal of this study was to test the effect in vivo over oxidant status and inflammation in obese children of a novel food product made of dried apples enriched with mandarin juice by vacuum impregnation. Methods: A four-week intervention study was conducted in 41 obese children (> 2 standard deviation score-body mass index). Participants were instructed to follow their usual diet supplemented with 40 g/day of the developed product. Anthropometric parameters were determined including body mass index, waist circumference and estimations of body fat percentage using bioelectrical impedance. Dietary intake was assessed by questionnaire. Metabolic risk factors (blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose and insulin resistance) were recorded. To determine oxidant status, plasma total antioxidant capacity and 8- hydroxydeoxyguanosine, as marker of oxidative damage to DNA, were investigated. High-sensitive C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukins 6 and 1-α were measured as inflammatory markers. Measurements were collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention period. Results: Significant improvement in systolic blood pressure and lipid profile after intervention period was noted. A significant increase in the antioxidant capacity of plasma (ABTS and FRAP assays) and reductions in DNA oxidative damage and inflammatory markers were also found. Conclusion: Overall, adding the product to the diet contributes to ameliorate oxidant and inflammatory status in obese children and several risk factors for athe - rosclerosis.[ES] Antecedentes: Una adecuada ingesta de vegetales previene el desarrollo de enfermedades degenerativas, principalmente debido a sus compuestos antioxidantes. Objetivo: Evaluamos el efecto in vivo en los niños obesos de un nuevo producto alimenticio hecho de manzanas deshidratadas enriquecidas con zumo de mandarina mediante impregnación a vacío. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo longitudinal de cuatro semanas de duración. Se estudiaron 41 niños obesos que suplementaron su dieta habitual con 40 g/día del producto desarrollado. Se determinaron parámetros antropométricos (índice de masa corporal, circunferencia de la cintura) y estimación de la de grasa corporal con impedancia bioeléctrica. La ingesta dietética se evaluó por cuestionario. Se registraron factores de riesgo metabólico (presión sanguínea, perfil lipídico, glucosa y resistencia insulínica). El estado oxidante se investigó mediante la capacidad antioxidante total del plasma y la 8-hydroxideoxiguanosina (marcador de daño oxidativo al ADN) y como marcadores de inflamación valoramos la proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible, el factor de necrosis tumoral-α y las interleukinas 6 y 1-α. Las mediciones se recogieron al inicio y al final del período de intervención. Resultados: Encontramos una mejoría significativa en la presión arterial sistólica y en el perfil lipídico después del período de intervención. Igualmente demostramos un aumento significativo de la capacidad antioxidante del plasma, una reducción del daño oxidativo del ADN y de los marcadores inflamatorios. Conclusión: La adición a la dieta del producto elaborado con manzana deshidratada, y enriquecido con zumo de mandarina mediante impregnación al vacío, contribuye a mejorar el estado oxidante e inflamatorio en los niños obesos, así como diversos factores de riesgo cardiometabólicoWe appreciate the support of the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion of Spain for its contribution through project PET2008_0015.Codoñer Franch, P.; Betoret Valls, ME.; Betoret Valls, N.; López Jaén, AB.; Valls Bellés, MV.; Fito Maupoey, P. (2013). Dried apple snacks enriched with mandarin juice improves antioxidant capacity and decreases inflammation in obese children. Nutricion Hospitalaria. 28(4):1177-1183. https://doi.org/10.3305/nh.2013.28.4.6580S1177118328

La investigación en Pediatría en España: retos y prioridades. Plataforma INVEST-AEP

La investigación clínica es la piedra angular para el desarrollo de la Medicina, y, en el ámbito de la Pediatría, supone un reto adicional debido a las peculiaridades que diferencian a los niños de los adultos. A pesar del enorme impacto de la salud infantil en el resto de la vida, nuestra sociedad aún no está suficientemente concienciada sobre la importancia de la investigación pediátrica, que, en general, se encuentra también muy alejada del día a día de quienes nos dedicamos a esta profesión. Desde la Asociación Española de Pediatría (AEP) se ha creado una plataforma específica de investigación —INVEST-AEP— para dar respuesta específica a los retos de la investigación en el seno de nuestra sociedad. En este artículo se retrata el escenario actual de la investigación pediátrica en España y se objetivan las metas alcanzadas en los últimos años, gracias al esfuerzo de los pediatras investigadores. Además, se realiza un análisis en profundidad sobre las barreras cotidianas que dificultan el desarrollo amplio y competitivo de la investigación pediátrica, como la falta de incentivación y ausencia de formación específica de pre y posgrado, la elevada carga asistencial o la falta de infraestructuras y financiación específicas. Definimos la misión, visión y valores de INVEST-AEP para tratar de diseñar una «hoja de ruta» para la investigación pediátrica española de los próximos años. Research is the cornerstone of medical progress. Paediatric research has its own nuances and represents an additional challenge due to the intrinsic characteristics of the paediatric population compared with adults. Despite the tremendous importance of childhood health and its impact during adulthood, society is still not convinced about the importance of conducting research in paediatrics. This also applies to paediatricians themselves, who think about research as a discipline that does not directly involve them. The Spanish Academy of Paediatrics has developed a specific research platform- INVEST-AEP- to try to help and answer the challenges associated with paediatric research in the society This article reflects the current status of paediatric research in Spain, and the goals achieved over the last few years due to the effort of paediatric researchers. In addition, a deeper analysis is provided as regards: a) the barriers that represent a hurdle for the development of broad and competitive paediatric research in our day to day work; b) the limited incentives and specific pre- and post-doctoral training; c) the high clinical burden for paediatricians or; d) the lack of specific infrastructure and dedicated funding for paediatrics. The mission, vision and values of INVEST-AEP are to develop an accessible roadmap for the development and implementation of paediatric research in Spain for the next few years

Genetics of Oxidative Stress in Obesity

Obesity is a multifactorial disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in adipose tissue and peripheral organs. Its derived metabolic complications are mediated by the associated oxidative stress, inflammation and hypoxia. Oxidative stress is due to the excessive production of reactive oxygen species or diminished antioxidant defenses. Genetic variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms in antioxidant defense system genes, could alter the efficacy of these enzymes and, ultimately, the risk of obesity; thus, studies investigating the role of genetic variations in genes related to oxidative stress could be useful for better understanding the etiology of obesity and its metabolic complications. The lack of existing literature reviews in this field encouraged us to gather the findings from studies focusing on the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms in antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress-producing systems and transcription factor genes concerning their association with obesity risk and its phenotypes. In the future, the characterization of these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in obese patients could contribute to the development of controlled antioxidant therapies potentially beneficial for the treatment of obesity-derived metabolic complications.The present study was funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III-Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria (FIS) (project number: PI11/02042 and PI05/1968); Redes temáticas de investigación cooperativa (RETIC), Research Network on Maternal and Child Health and Development (SAMID) RD08/0072/0028 and SAMID RD12/0026/0015; Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Innovación y Ciencia (project number: P06-CTS 2203 and PI-0296/2007). Rupérez A.I was funded by a Formación de Profesorado Universitario (FPU) stipend from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Spanish Government (AP2009-0547)

Decreased renal function in overweight and obese prepubertal children

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a potentially modifiable risk factor for the development and progression of kidney disease, both in adults and children. We aim to study the association of obesity and renal function in children, by comparing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in nonoverweight and overweight/obese children. Secondarily, we aim to evaluate the accuracy of equations on eGFR estimation when compared to 24-h urinary creatinine clearance (CrCl). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 313 children aged 8-9 y, followed in the birth cohort Generation XXI (Portugal). Creatinine and cystatin C, GFR estimated by several formulas and CrCl were compared in 163 nonoverweight and 150 overweight/obese, according to World Health Organization growth reference. RESULTS: Overweight/obese children had significantly lower eGFR, estimated by all methods, except for CrCl and revised Schwartz formula. Despite all children having renal function in the normal range, eGFR decreased significantly with BMI z-score (differences ranging from -4.3 to -1.1 ml/min/1.73 m(2) per standard deviation of BMI). The Zappitelli combined formula presented the closest performance to CrCl, with higher correlation coefficients and higher accuracy values. CONCLUSION: Young prepubertal children with overweight/obesity already present significantly lower GFR estimations that likely represent some degree of renal impairment associated with the complex deleterious effects of adiposity