Leptin in early life: A key factor for the development of the adult metabolic profile

Leptin levels during the perinatal period are important for the development of metabolic systems involved in energy homeostasis. In rodents, there is a postnatal leptin surge, with circulating leptin levels increasing around postnatal day (PND) 5 and peaking between PND 9 and PND 10. At this time circulating leptin acts as an important trophic factor for the development of hypothalamic circuits that control energy homeostasis and food seeking and reward behaviors. Blunting the postnatal leptin surge results in long-term leptin insensitivity and increased susceptibility to diet-induced obesity during adulthood. Pharmacologically increased leptin levels in the postnatal period also have long-term effects on metabolism. Nevertheless, this effect is controversial as postnatal hyperleptinemia is reported to both increase and decrease the predisposition to obesity in adulthood. The different effects reported in the literature could be explained by the different moments at which this hormone was administered, suggesting that modifications of the neonatal leptin surge at specific time points could selectively affect the development of central and peripheral systems that are undergoing modifications at this moment resulting in different metabolic and behavioral outcomes. In addition, maternal nutrition and the hormonal environment during pregnancy and lactation may also modulate the offspring’s response to postnatal modifications in leptin levels. This review highlights the importance of leptin levels during the perinatal period in the development of metabolic systems that control energy homeostasis and how modifications of these levels may induce long-lasting and potentially irreversible effects on metabolis

Exercises of Communication for courses related to Business Management and Organizational Behaviour of the Bachelor’s degree in Tourism

Nos basamos en los estudios que caracterizan a los estudiantes de turismo como aprendices activos. Esto significa que son personas que prefieren aprender mediante situaciones y problemas concretos. Por lo tanto, disfrutan más cuando los docentes utilizan estrategias de aprendizaje activo como la metodología de estudios de casos, el aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP) o las dinámicas de aprendizaje cooperativo versus a las clases magistrales o las exposiciones teóricas. Se proponen dos actividades prácticas para utilizar en la docencia de las asignaturas relacionadas con la dirección de empresas y el comportamiento organizacional del grado de turismo sobre la comunicación grupal.We build on studies that characterize tourism studnets as activist learners. This means that they prefer to learn from concrete problems and situations. Therefore, they enjoy the most when instructors active learning strategies such as the case study method, problem-based learning, or cooperative learning compared to wide theoretical classes and expositions. We propose two practical activities to be used when teaching courses related to tourism business management and organizational behavior of the bachelor’s degree in tourism on the topic of groups’ communication

Postnatal overfeeding during lactation induces endothelial dysfunction and cardiac insulin resistance in adult rats

Early overnutrition is associated with cardiometabolic alterations in adulthood, likely attributed to reduced insulin sensitivity due to its crucial role in the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to assess the long-term effects of early overnutrition on the development of cardiovascular insulin resistance. An experimental childhood obesity model was established using male Sprague Dawley rats. Rats were organized into litters of 12 pups/mother (L12-Controls) or 3 pups/mother (L3-Overfed) at birth. After weaning, animals from L12 and L3 were housed three per cage and provided ad libitum access to food for 6 months. L3 rats exhibited elevated body weight, along with increased visceral, subcutaneous, and perivascular fat accumulation. However, heart weight at sacrifice was reduced in L3 rats. Furthermore, L3 rats displayed elevated serum levels of glucose, leptin, adiponectin, total lipids, and triglycerides compared to control rats. In the myocardium, overfed rats showed decreased IL-10 mRNA levels and alterations in contractility and heart rate in response to insulin. Similarly, aortic tissue exhibited modified gene expression of TNFα, iNOS, and IL-6. Additionally, L3 aortas exhibited endothelial dysfunction in response to acetylcholine, although insulin-induced relaxation remained unchanged compared to controls. At the molecular level, L3 rats displayed reduced Akt phosphorylation in response to insulin, both in myocardial and aortic tissues, whereas MAPK phosphorylation was elevated solely in the myocardium. Overfeeding during lactation in rats induces endothelial dysfunction and cardiac insulin resistance in adulthood, potentially contributing to the cardiovascular alterations observed in this experimental mode

Beneficial effects of an aged black garlic extract in the metabolic and vascular alterations induced by a high fat/sucrose diet in male rats

Aged black garlic (ABG) is a functional food with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies also report its beneficial metabolic effects in a context of obesity or diabetes, although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. The aim of this work was to analyze the effects of an ABG extract in the vascular and metabolic alterations induced by a high-fat/sucrose diet in rats. For this purpose, male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed either a standard chow (controls; n = 12) or a high-fat/sucrose diet (HFD; n = 24) for 16 weeks. From week 8 on, half of the HFD rats were treated with a commercial ABG extract concentrated in S-allyl cysteine and melanoidins (ABG10+®; 250 mg/kg daily by gavage; 5 mL/kg). ABG10+®-treated rats showed lower mean caloric intake, body weight, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), insulin and leptin serum concentrations and higher high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and adiponectin serum concentrations than non-treated rats. In the hypothalamus, ABG10+® treatment induced an increase in the gene expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and a decrease in leptin receptor (ObR) mRNA levels. No significant changes were found in visceral adipose tissue except for an overexpression of β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-ADR) in ABG-treated rats. In subcutaneous adipose tissue, ABG10+® treatment decreased adipose weight and downregulated the gene expression of PPAR-γ, LPL, ObR and HSL. In brown adipose tissue, an overexpression of InsR, GLUT-4, UCP-1 and β3-ADR in ABG10+®-treated rats was found, whereas PPAR-γ mRNA levels were significantly decreased. Regarding vascular function, ABG10+® treatment attenuated the obesity-induced vasoconstriction in response to potassium chloride both in presence/absence of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). On the contrary, aorta segments from ABG-treated rats showed and improved relaxation in response to acetylcholine only when PVAT was present, with this fact possible being related to the decreased gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in this tissue. In conclusion, ABG10+® administration partially improves the metabolic and vascular alterations induced by a high-fat/high-sucrose diet in rats through modifications in the gene expression of proteins and neuropeptides involved in inflammation, fat metabolism and food intake regulation. Further studies are required to assess the bioavailability of ABG between rats and humans.This study has been funded by Pharmactive Biotech Products S.L

Case study: Analysis of time distribution in Physical Education

The use of time effectively as well as practice time is an important aspect for learning the contents of physical education. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the distribution of time in: Compulsary Secondary Education and 1º Bachillerato. The motor activity and non-activity times were analyzed in 4 sessions at each level. The study involved 166 adolescents. The results showed similar time periods of motor and passive involvement, with no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the two: activity range between 45% and 55%. The higher levels of education (4th ESO and 1 Bachillerato) had higher practice time than the lower levels, with no significant differences between groups (F4, 13 = 31,019; p>0,05). Within the passive time, it was observed that the time devoted to the initial general information occupied at least 19.58%. The results allow to conclude that the level of education does not determine the time of motor activity of the physical education session. On the other hand, the low time of motor activity suggests the need to think about the time dedicated to the weekly physical activity and the education classes

Case study: Analysis of time distribution in Physical Education.

La utilización del tiempo de forma eficaz, así como el tiempo de práctica es un aspecto troncal de la Educación Física ya que de ello depende en gran medida el aprendizaje del alumnado. El presente trabajo tuvo por objetivo analizar y comparar la distribución del tiempo Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) y 1º Bachillerato. Para ello, se analizaron los tiempos motrices y pasivos de 4 sesiones en cada nivel, donde participaron 72 alumnos y 94 alumnas. Los resultados indicaron tiempos similares de tiempo compromiso motriz y pasivo, sin observarse diferencias significativas (p>0,05) entre ambos y con una oscilación entre el 45% y un 55%. Los niveles superiores de enseñanza (4º ESO y 1º Bachillerato) tuvieron mayores tiempos de práctica que los niveles inferiores, sin diferencias significativas entre grupos (F4, 13 = 31,019; p>0,05). Dentro del tiempo pasivo, se observó que el tiempo dedicado a la información inicial general ocupó al menos un 19,58%. Los resultados permiten concluir que los niveles de enseñanza no determinan el tiempo motriz de la sesión de Educación Física. Por otro lado, el bajo tiempo de compromiso motriz sugiere la necesidad de reflexionar sobre la actividad física semanal y tiempo dedicado a las clases de Educación Física.The use of time effectively as well as practice time is an important aspect for learning the contents of physical education. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the distribution of time in: Compulsary Secondary Education and 1º Bachillerato. The motor activity and non-activity times were analyzed in 4 sessions at each level. The study involved 166 adolescents. The results showed similar time periods of motor and passive involvement, with no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the two: activity range between 45% and 55%. The higher levels of education (4th ESO and 1 Bachillerato) had higher practice time than the lower levels, with no significant differences between groups (F4, 13 = 31,019; p>0,05). Within the passive time, it was observed that the time devoted to the initial general information occupied at least 19.58%. The results allow to conclude that the level of education does not determine the time of motor activity of the physical education session. On the other hand, the low time of motor activity suggests the need to think about the time dedicated to the weekly physical activity and the education classes.peerReviewe

Efecto relativo de la edad en el circuito profesional de Pádel.

El pádel ha pasado a ser a uno de los deportes más practicados en España. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar el Efecto Relativo de la Edad (RAE) en los jugadores del circuito de World Pádel Tour (WPT) (n=395) teniendo en cuenta el mes de nacimiento, género, nacionalidad, edad y ranking. La distribución trimestral observada no fue significativamente diferente (χ2; p>.05) a la esperada para el grupo general o para cualquiera de las subcategorías analizadas. Por tanto, no parece confirmarse un efecto de la edad relativa en los jugadores profesionales de pádel analizados, considerando el ranking, género y nacionalidad, a diferencia de lo que ocurre en otros deportes de raqueta. En este sentido, esta investigación constata que la fecha de nacimiento no es un factor relevante en el circuito de WPT y confirma que llegar a la élite del pádel no se basa exclusivamente en factores físicos y antropométricos.post-print59 K

In vivo grading of lipids in fatty liver by near-infrared autofluorescence and reflectance

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is rapidly increasing worldwide. When untreated, it may lead to complications such as liver cirrhosis or hepatocarcinoma. The diagnosis of NAFLD is usually obtained by ultrasonography, a technique that can underestimate its prevalence. For this reason, physicians aspire for an accurate, cost-effective, and noninvasive method to determine both the presence and the specific stage of the NAFLD. In this paper, we report an integrated approach for the quantitative estimation of the density of triglycerides in the liver based on the use of autofluorescence and reflectance signals generated by the abdomen of obese C57BL6/J mice. Singular value decomposition is applied to the generated spectra and its corresponding regression model provided a determination coefficient of 0.99 and a root mean square error of 240 mg/dl. This, in turn, enabled the quantitative imaging of triglycerides density in the livers of mice under in vivo conditionsMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovacion, Grant/Award Number: IJC2020-045229-I; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion, Grant/Award Number: NANONERVPID2019-106211RB-I0

Tyrosine Phosphorylation Modulates the Vascular Responses of Mesenteric Arteries from Human Colorectal Tumors

The aim of this study was to analyze whether tyrosine phosphorylation in tumoral arteries may modulate their vascular response. To do this, mesenteric arteries supplying blood flow to colorectal tumors or to normal intestine were obtained during surgery and prepared for isometric tension recording in an organ bath. Increasing tyrosine phosphorylation with the phosphatase inhibitor, sodium orthovanadate produced arterial contraction which was lower in tumoral than in control arteries, whereas it reduced the contraction to noradrenaline in tumoral but not in control arteries and reduced the relaxation to bradykinin in control but not in tumoral arteries. Protein expression of VEGF-A and of the VEGF receptor FLT1 was similar in control and tumoral arteries, but expression of the VEGF receptor KDR was increased in tumoral compared with control arteries. This suggests that tyrosine phosphorylation may produce inhibition of the contraction in tumoral mesenteric arteries, which may increase blood flow to the tumor when tyrosine phosphorylation is increased by stimulation of VEGF receptors

Reliable and remote monitoring of absolute temperature during liver inflammation via luminescence-lifetime-based nanothermometry

Temperature of tissues and organs is one of the first parameters affected by physiological and pathological processes, such as metabolic activity, acute trauma, or infection-induced inflammation. Therefore, the onset and development of these processes can be detected by monitoring deviations from basal temperature. To accomplish this, minimally invasive, reliable, and accurate measurement of the absolute temperature of internal organs is required. Luminescence nanothermometry is the ideal technology for meeting these requirements. Although this technique has lately undergone remarkable developments, its reliability is being questioned due to spectral distortions caused by biological tissues. In this work, how the use of bright Ag2S nanoparticles featuring temperature-dependent fluorescence lifetime enables reliable and accurate measurement of the absolute temperature of the liver in mice subjected to lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation is demonstrated. Beyond the remarkable thermal sensitivity (≈ 3% °C–1 around 37 °C) and thermal resolution obtained (smaller than 0.3 °C), the results included in this work set a blueprint for the development of new diagnostic procedures based on the use of intracorporeal temperature as a physiological indicatorY.S. J.L., and I.Z.-G. contributed equally to this work. This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia under project PID2019-106211RB-I00 and Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad under project MAT2017-83111R, by the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (B2017/BMD-3867 RENIM-CM), and co-financed by the European Structural and Investment fund. Additional funding was provided by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 FET Open program (Grant Agreement No. 801305, NanoTBTech), and also by COST action CA17140. Y.S. acknowledges a scholarship from the China Scholarship Council (No. 201806870023). I.Z.-G. thanks UCM-Santander for a predoctoral contract (CT63/19-CT64/19). M.F was funded by a research contract from the Community of Madrid (PEJ-2018-AI/SAL-11315). E.X. is grateful for a Juan de la Cierva Formación scholarship (FJC2018-036734-I). J.L. is grateful for FPI scholarship PID2019-106211RB-100. A. B. acknowledges funding from Comunidad de Madrid through TALENTO grant ref. 2019-T1/IND-1401