Protective effects of fermented goat milk on genomic stability, oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling in testis during anaemia recovery

Oxidative stress is a harmful factor for male reproductive function, and a major cause of infertility. On the other hand, fermented goat milk has positive effects on anemia recovery and mineral metabolism. This study evaluated the effect of feeding rats with fermented milks during anaemia recovery on molecular mechanisms linked to oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling in rats reproductive system. Forty male Wistar rats were placed on a pre-experimental period of 40 days (control group, receiving normal-Fe diet and Fe-deficient group, receiving low-Fe diet). Lately, rats were fed with fermented goat or cow milk-based diets during 30 days. After feeding the fermented milks, Total antioxidant status (TAS) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) increased and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 15-F2t-isoprostanes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) decreased in testis. DNA oxidative damage in testis germ cells was lower with fermented goat milk. Fermented goat milk reduced IL-6 and TNF-α in control animals, increasing INF-γ in control and anaemic rats. NRF2 and PGC-1α protein levels increased in testis after fermented goat milk consumption in control and anaemic rats. Fermented goat milk also increased TAS and decreased oxidative damage, protecting the main testis cell bioconstituents (lipids, proteins, DNA, prostaglandins) from oxidative damage and reduced inflammatory activity, preventing injuries to testis germinal epithelium. Fermented goat milk enhanced lipolysis, fatty acids degradation and immune response, attenuating inflammatory signalling, representing a positive growth advantage for testicular cells.Jorge Moreno-Fernandez was supported by fellowship from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (Spain) and is grateful to the Excellence Ph.D. Program “Nutrición y Ciencias de los Alimentos” from the University of Granada. This study was supported by Andalusian Government, Excellence Research Project No. P11-AGR-7648

The evidence-based teaching: 4 courses ECTS pilot

La docencia universitaria, dentro del sistema europeo, plantea problemas a la hora de planificar las clases de teoría, las prácticas, los seminarios, las tutorías, los exámenes y las presentaciones de temas, debido a la densidad de materia a impartir durante limitados periodos de tiempo y a la variabilidad de metodologías a emplear para que toda la información llegue al alumno y al profesor mediante mecanismos de autoaprendizaje y de feedback. Normalmente, los alumnos realizan las actividades de una manera coordinada siempre dentro de las clases teóricas, pero descoordinada en cuanto a orden temático en el resto de las actividades, generándose la necesidad de volver a explicar o al menos recordar temas que se explicaron hace meses cuando se abordan las clases prácticas y las presentaciones de temas. Durante los 4 cursos (2006/7-2009/10) de experiencia piloto en la asignatura de Fisiología de la titulación de Logopedia dentro del nuevo plan docente del Sistema Europeo que ya se implanta de manera definitiva en el curso próximo, se han adquirido estrategias y destrezas por parte del alumno y del profesor, para poder facilitar y mejorar tanto la tarea docente como la de aprendizaje. Ello ha consistido en ir introduciendo innovaciones metodológicas idóneas para el buen funcionamiento del sistema, que curso tras curso han ido favoreciendo la tarea complicada de coordinar las diferentes actividades, mediante un diseño cronológico por bloques o módulos temáticos, siempre enfocado hacia la optimización de la enseñanza basada en el aprendizaje del alumno como objetivo principal.University teaching, within the European system, creates problems in planning the lectures, internships, seminars, tutorials, reviews and presentations of issues, because the density of matter to provide for limited periods time and variability of methodologies used for all the information reach the student and teacher through self-learning mechanisms and feedback. Normally, students engaging in activities in a coordinated manner provided in the lectures, but uncoordinated in terms of thematic order in the rest of the activities, generating the need to re-explain or at least issues that were explained to remember months ago when addresses the practical sessions and presentations of topics. During the four courses (2006/7-2009/10) pilot experience in the subject of Physiology, Speech Pathology degree under the new syllabus European System already implemented definitively in the coming academic year, we have acquired strategies and skills by the student and teacher to facilitate and improve the teaching task as learning. This has consisted in introducing innovations in methodology suitable for the proper functioning of the system, course after course has been encouraging the complicated task of coordinating the various activities, with a design chronological thematic blocks or modules, always focused on the optimization of education based on student learning as its main objective

Iron Deficiency and Neuroendocrine Regulators of Basal Metabolism, Body Composition and Energy Expenditure in Rats

Although dietary iron is a determinant of iron status in animals, body fat mass has been reported to have an inverse association with iron status in human studies. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between Fe homeostasis, body composition, energy expenditure and neuroendocrine regulators for severe Fe-deficiency anaemia. Forty male Wistar albino rats recently weaned were divided at random into two groups: the control group was fed the basal diet, AIN-93G diet (normal-Fe) and the anaemic group received a low-Fe diet for 40 days. Neuroendocrine parameters that regulate basal metabolism and appetite (thyroid hormones, ghrelin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon, insulin, adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone), body composition, respiratory volumes, energy expenditure, haematological and biochemical were assessed. Total body fat was lower, whereas lean mass, free and total water were higher in the anemic group. O2 consumption, CO2 production, energy expenditure (EE) and respiratory quotient (RQ) were lower in the Fe-deficient animals. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine hormones decreased, while thyroid-stimulating hormone increased in the anemic group. Circulating levels of ghrelin were lower in the anemic group, while GIP, glucagon, insulin, corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were higher. Fe-deficiency impairs weight gain in the rats, with marked reductions in lean mass and body fat, indicating lower energy stores.This study was supported by the Excellence Project (P11-AGR-7648) from the Regional Government of Andalusia

A new insigh to bone turnover: role of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Background. Evidence has shown that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), especially the ω-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are beneficial for bone health and turnover. Objectives. This review summarizes findings from both in vivo and in vitro studies and the effects of LC PUFA on bone metabolism, as well as the relationship with the oxidative stress, the inflammatory process, and obesity. Results. Some studies in humans indicate that LCPUFA can increase bone formation, affect peak bone mass in adolescents, and reduce bone loss. However, the cellular mechanisms of action of the LCPUFA are complex and involve modulation of fatty acid metabolites such as prostaglandins, resolvins and protectins, several signaling pathways, cytokines, and growth factors, although in certain aspects there is still some controversy. LCPUFA affect receptor activator of nuclear factor κβ (RANK), a receptor found on the osteoclast, causing bone resorption, which controls osteoclast formation. Conclusions. Since fatty acids are an endogenous source of reactive oxygen species, free radicals alter the process of bone turnover; however, although there are clinical evidences linking bone metabolism and dietary lipids, more clinical trials are necessary to prove whether ω-3 PUFA supplementation plays a major role in bone health

A didactic activity of support to foment the acquisition of capabilities of the student in the study of the Physiopathology

En el nuevo entorno de aprendizaje del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES), tiene gran importancia fomentar la adquisición de competencias transversales en el alumno: trabajo en grupo, saber obtener información de forma efectiva a partir de libros, revistas y búsquedas bibliográficas, saber elaborar presentaciones audiovisuales, capacidad de comunicación oral y escrita. La Fisiopatología es una asignatura troncal anual con 6 créditos teóricos ECTS, de tercer curso de la Licenciatura de Farmacia de la Universidad Granada. Desde la puesta en marcha del Plan Piloto de implantación del EEES (curso 2007-08), se está desarrollando una técnica didáctica para fomentar el rendimiento del alumno en esta asignatura. Al comienzo de curso el profesor facilita al alumnado una relación de temas del programa de la asignatura que con carácter voluntario seleccionan en grupos reducidos (2-4 alumnos), para su preparación y posterior exposición en el aula. El profesor facilita el guión y la bibliografía del tema a desarrollar. Bajo su tutorización los alumnos elaboran el tema y la presentación en PowerPoint, que tras revisión y aprobación por el profesor es expuesto al conjunto de la clase. Previo a la exposición, el material docente se descarga en la plataforma SWAD de apoyo a la docencia. Cada trabajo es evaluado en sus contenidos, exposición y defensa representando un 15% de la calificación final de la asignatura. La valoración global de esta actividad, desarrollada a lo largo de tres cursos académicos, ha sido totalmente positiva en su aceptación, participación y calidad de los temas desarrollados.In the new environment of learning of the European Space for Higher Education (ESHE), it has a great importance to foment the acquisition of transverse capabilities in the students: teamwork, to be able to obtain information of effective form from books, scientific journals and bibliographical searches, to elaborate audio-visual presentations, capacity of oral and written communication.Physiopathology is a main annual subject with 6 theoretical ECTS credits, of the third course of the Pharmacy B. Degree of the University Granada. From the beginning in March of the Pilot Plan of introduction of the ESHE (academic course 2007-08), a didactic skill is being developed to efficiency of the student in this subject. At the beginning of the course the professor facilitates to the students a relation of topics from the program of the subject that with voluntary character they select in small groups (2-4 students), for preparation and later presentation in the classroom. The professor supplies the script and the bibliography of the topic to develop. Under its assistance, the students elaborate the topic and the presentation in PowerPoint, which after review and approval for the professor is displayed to the rest of the students. Before the exhibition, the educational material it is uploaded in the platform WSST (Web Service to Support Teaching) of the University of Granada. Every work is evaluated taking into account the contents, presentation and defense, representing 15 % of the final qualification of the subject. The global evaluation of this activity, developed along three academic courses, has been totally positive in its acceptance, participation and quality of the developed topics

Fermented Goat Milk Consumption Enhances Brain Molecular Functions during Iron Deficiency Anemia Recovery

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies worldwide. Iron plays critical roles in nervous system development and cognition. Despite the known detrimental consequences of IDA on cognition, available studies do not provide molecular mechanisms elucidating the role of iron in brain functions during iron deficiency and recovery with dairy components. In this study, 100 male Wistar rats were placed on a pre-experimental period of 40 days and randomly divided in two groups: a control group receiving a normal-Fe diet, (45 mg/kg), and an Fe-deficient group receiving a low-Fe diet (5 mg/kg). At day 40, 10 rats per group were sacrificed to anemia control, and 80 rats were divided into eight experimental groups fed with fermented goat or cow milk-based diets, with normal Fe content or Fe overload (450 mg/kg) for 30 days. IDA decreased most of the parameters related to brain molecular functions, namely dopamine, irisin, MAO-A, oxytocin, -endorphin, and alpha-MSH, while it increased synaptophysin. These alterations result in an impairment of brain molecular functions. In general, during anemia recovery, fermented goat milk diet consumption increased dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, synaptophysin, and alpha-MSH, and decreased MAO-A and MAO-B, suggesting a potential neuroprotective effect in brain functions, which could enhance brain molecular functions.This study was supported by the Excellence Research Project (P11-AGR-7648) from the Regional Government of Andalusi

Lockdown, Emotional Intelligence, Academic Engagement and Burnout in Pharmacy Students during the Quarantine

The recent appearance and rapid spread of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus meant taking unprecedented measures to control the pandemic, which in Spain forced a state of alarm and a very strict confinement, leading the university system to become virtual online teaching. Taking into account the emotional deficiencies originated during the pandemic, among the most powerful tools to achieve engagement along with the identification, control and management of emotions is emotional intelligence (EI). The present study aims to establish the effect of the current confinement on the teaching-learning process and academic performance and the impact of the application of EI on university students. In total, 47 volunteers of the second course of the Degree in Pharmacy of the University of Granada (Spain) took part in this experience. Two temporary periods were established: at the beginning of the confinement period and after teaching several concepts of emotional intelligence online for two months. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey Inventory (MBI-SS) and the Spanish version of Utrech Work Engagement Scale-Students (UWES-S) were used to evaluate the intervention. In total, 63.5% of the students presented academic burnout during the confinement before the intervention. After the EI workshops and seminars, only 31.1% presented academic burnout. Before the intervention with the emotional intelligence workshops, 44.6% experienced exhaustion, 41.7% cynicism and 60.3% felt it was ineffective in their academic performance. After the emotional intelligence workshops and seminars, 29.1% experienced exhaustion, 30.1% cynicism and 28.8% felt it was ineffective. The scores achieved after the study of EI in physiology classes led to better levels in all the variables studied. Students managed their adaptive processes more adequately and regulated their emotions better, as they felt less academic burnout and more engaged in their academic activities at the end of the study of EI through physiolog

Influence of cow or goat milk consumption on antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation during chronic iron repletion

Despite Fe deficiency and overload having been widely studied, no studies are available about the influence of milk consumption on antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation during the course of these highly prevalent cases. The objective of the present study was to assess the influence of cow or goat milk-based diets, either with normal or Fe-overload, on antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation in the liver, brain and erythrocytes of control and anaemic rats after chronic Fe repletion. Weanling male rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group receiving a normal-Fe diet (45 mg/kg) and an anaemic group receiving a low-Fe diet (5 mg/kg) for 40 d. Control and anaemic rats were fed goat or cow milk-based diets, either with normal Fe or Fe-overload (450 mg/kg), for 30 or 50 d. Fe-deficiency anaemia did not have any effect on antioxidant enzymes or lipid peroxidation in the organs studied. During chronic Fe repletion, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was higher in the group of animals fed the cow milk diet compared with the group consuming goat milk. The slight modification of catalase and glutathione peroxidise activities in animals fed the cow milk-based diet reveals that these enzymes are unable to neutralise and scavenge the high generation of free radicals produced. The animals fed the cow milk diet showed higher rates of lipid peroxidation compared with those receiving the goat milk diet, which directly correlated with the increase in SOD activity. It was concluded that goat milk has positive effects on antioxidant defence, even in a situation of Fe overload, limiting lipid peroxidatio

Multifactorial Etiology of Anemia in Celiac Disease and Effect of Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Review

Celiac disease (CD) is a multisystemic disorder with di erent clinical expressions, from malabsorption with diarrhea, anemia, and nutritional compromise to extraintestinal manifestations. Anemia might be the only clinical expression of the disease, and iron deficiency anemia is considered one of the most frequent extraintestinal clinical manifestations of CD. Therefore, CD should be suspected in the presence of anemia without a known etiology. Assessment of tissue anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibodies are indicated in these cases and, if positive, digestive endoscopy and intestinal biopsy should be performed. Anemia in CD has a multifactorial pathogenesis and, although it is frequently a consequence of iron deficiency, it can be caused by deficiencies of folate or vitamin B12, or by blood loss or by its association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other associated diseases. The association between CD and IBD should be considered during anemia treatment in patients with IBD, because the similarity of symptoms could delay the diagnosis. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in CD and may be responsible for anemia and peripheral myeloneuropathy. Folate deficiency is a well-known cause of anemia in adults, but there is little information in children with CD; it is still unknown if anemia is a symptom of the most typical CD in adult patients either by predisposition due to the fact of age or because biochemical and clinical manifestations take longer to appear

The university stage does not favor the healthy life style in women students from Granada

Objetivo: La etapa universitaria conlleva una serie de cambios emocionales, fisiológicos y ambientales que van a determinar unas costumbres y hábitos de riesgoque en muchos casos serán mantenidos a lo largo de la vida y repercutirán en su estado de salud. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar el estilo de vida (consumo de alcohol, tabaco y niveles de actividad física) de mujeres estudiantes de la Universidad de Granada. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio transversal/descriptivo y analítico en el que han participado 55 estudiantes de dos grupos de edad (18-24 y 25-31años). Se aplicó un cuestionario de estilo de vida evaluando el tipo de alcohol y frecuencia de consumo, cantidad de cigarrillos consumidos diariamente y niveles de actividad física (sedentaria, ligera, moderada e intensa). Resultados: El consumo de alcohol es mayor en el grupo de mayor edad, y con preferencia beben cerveza/vino, sin embargo el grupo más joven muestra un patrón de consumo centrado en los fines de semana siendo las bebidas destiladas las consumidas preferentemente. Una tercera parte de la población fuma con un incremento en el número de cigarros conforme aumenta la edad. Existe una correlación positiva entre tabaco y alcohol. El 88.9% del grupo de menor edad y el 52.7% del grupo de mayor edad tienen una actividad física sedentaria-ligera. Conclusión: Se sugiere la necesidad de concienciar a la población femenina universitaria sobre los beneficios del abandono del consumo de alcohol y tabaco y la práctica regular de ejercicio físico. Además, sería aconsejable desarrollar protocolos de intervención educativa en el ámbito universitario potenciando los hábitos de vida saludables.Objective: The university stage involves a series of emotional, physiological and environmental changes that will determine consumer patterns that, in many cases, will be maintained and will affect their health. The aim of this study is to analyze the lifestyle (alcohol and tobacco consumption, and levels of physical activity) of female students at the University of Granada. Several authors have noted that the student population is particularly vulnerable to develop risk customs and habits, since the period of university studies is often the time when students take first responsibility for determining their own styles and customs, which in many cases will be maintained throughout its entire life. Methodology: This is a cross / descriptive and analytical study in which 55 students participated in two age groups (18-24 and 25-31 years). A lifestyle-questionnaire was applied to evaluate the type and frequency of alcohol consumption, number of cigarettes smoked daily and physical activity levels (sedentary, light, moderate and severe). Results: Alcohol consumption is higher in the older group, and preferably drinks beer and wine; however the younger group shows a pattern of consumption centered on the weekends being preferably consumed distilled beverages. A third of the population smokes with an increase in the number of cigarettes as age increases. There is a positive correlation between snuff and alcohol. A direct positive correlation between tobacco and alcohol was observed. The 88.9% of lesser age group and 52.7% of higher age group show a sedentary-low physical activity. Conclusion: The need to sensitize the college female population on the benefits of no-consumption of alcohol and snuff, and regular physical exercise is suggested. It would also be advisable to develop protocols of educational intervention in universities promoting healthy living habits