70 research outputs found
Reinforcing the Recommendations for Future Research
(Poly)phenols have anti-diabetic properties that are mediated through the regulation of the main biomarkers associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance (IR)), as well as the modulation of other metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. A wide range of human and pre-clinical studies supports these effects for different plant products containing mixed (poly)phenols (e.g., berries, cocoa, tea) and for some single compounds (e.g., resveratrol). We went through some of the latest human intervention trials and pre-clinical studies looking at (poly)phenols against T2DM to update the current evidence and to examine the progress in this field to achieve consistent proof of the anti-diabetic benefits of these compounds. Overall, the reported effects remain small and highly variable, and the accumulated data are still limited and contradictory, as shown by recent meta-analyses. We found newly published studies with better experimental strategies, but there were also examples of studies that still need to be improved. Herein, we highlight some of the main aspects that still need to be considered in future studies and reinforce the messages that need to be taken on board to achieve consistent evidence of the anti-diabetic effects of (poly)phenols.publishersversionpublishe
Targeted and Untargeted Metabolomics to Explore the Bioavailability of the Secoiridoids from a Seed/Fruit Extract (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) in Human Healthy Volunteers: A Preliminary Study
The bark, seeds, fruits and leaves of the genus Fraxinus (Oleaceae) which contain a
wide range of phytochemicals, mostly secoiridoid glucosides, have been widely used in folk
medicine against a number of ailments, yet little is known about the metabolism and uptake of
the major Fraxinus components. The aim of this work was to advance in the knowledge on the
bioavailability of the secoiridoids present in a Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl seed/fruit extract using
both targeted and untargeted metabolomic analyses. Plasma and urine samples from nine healthy
volunteers were taken at specific time intervals following the intake of the extract and analyzed
by UPLC-ESI-QTOF. Predicted metabolites such as tyrosol and ligstroside-aglycone glucuronides
and sulfates were detected at low intensity. These compounds reached peak plasma levels 2 h
after the intake and exhibited high variability among the participants. The ligstroside-aglycone
conjugates may be considered as potential biomarkers of the Fraxinus secoiridoids intake. Using
the untargeted approach we additionally detected phenolic conjugates identified as ferulic acid and
caffeic acid sulfates, as well as hydroxybenzyl and hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde sulfate derivatives
which support further metabolism of the secoiridoids by phase I and (or) microbial enzymes.
Overall, the results of this study suggest low uptake of intact secoiridoids from a Fraxinus angustifolia
Vahl extract in healthy human volunteers and metabolic conversion by esterases, glycosidases, and
phase II sulfo- and glucuronosyl transferases to form smaller conjugated derivatives.This work was financially supported by the Centre for the Development of Industrial
Technology (CDTI) from the Spanish Government (NEMAF project) and R.G.V., P.F-B. and M-T.G.C. are
participating to the COST Action FA1403 Positive (Interindividual variation in response to consumption of plant
food bioactives and determinants involved). We acknowledge support by the CSIC Open Access Publication Initiative through its Unit of Information Resources for Research (URICI).Peer reviewe
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of flavanol-containing tea, cocoa and apple products on body composition and blood lipids: exploring the factors responsible for variability in their efficacy
Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses support the benefits of flavanols on cardiometabolic health, but the factors affecting variability in the responses to these compounds have not been properly assessed. The objectives of this meta-analysis were to systematically collect the RCTs-based-evidence of the effects of flavanol-containing tea, cocoa and apple products on selected biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk and to explore the influence of various factors on the variability in the responses to the consumption of these products. A total of 120 RCTs were selected. Despite a high heterogeneity, the intake of the flavanol-containing products was associated using a random model with changes (reported as standardized difference in means (SDM)) in body mass index (â0.15, p < 0.001), waist circumference (â0.29, p < 0.001), total-cholesterol (â0.21, p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (â0.23, p < 0.001), and triacylglycerides (â0.11, p = 0.027), and with an increase of HDL-cholesterol (0.15, p = 0.005). Through subgroup analyses, we showed the influence of baseline-BMI, sex, source/form of administration, medication and country of investigation on some of the outcome measures and suggest that flavanols may be more effective in specific subgroups such as those with a BMI â„ 25.0 kg/m2, non-medicated individuals or by specifically using tea products. This meta-analysis provides the first robust evidence of the effects induced by the consumption of flavanol-containing tea, cocoa and apple products on weight and lipid biomarkers and shows the influence of various factors that can affect their bioefficacy in humans. Of note, some of these effects are quantitatively comparable to those produced by drugs, life-style changes or other natural products. Further, RCTs in well-characterized populations are required to fully comprehend the factors affecting inter-individual responses to flavanol and thereby improve flavanols efficacy in the prevention of cardiometabolic disorders
Grape Resveratrol Increases Serum Adiponectin and Downregulates Inflammatory Genes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: A Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, One-Year Clinical Trial in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease
This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and the source are credited.[Purpose] The grape and wine polyphenol resveratrol exerts cardiovascular benefits but evidence from randomized human clinical trials is very limited. We investigated dose-depending effects of a resveratrol-containing grape supplement on stable patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) treated according to currently accepted guidelines for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.[Methods] In a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, one-year follow-up, 3-arm pilot clinical trial, 75 stable-CAD patients received 350 mg/day of placebo, resveratrol-containing grape extract (grape phenolics plus 8 mg resveratrol) or conventional grape extract lacking resveratrol during 6 months, and a double dose for the following 6 months. Changes in circulating inflammatory and fibrinolytic biomarkers were analyzed. Moreover, the transcriptional profiling of inflammatory genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was explored using microarrays and functional gene expression analysis.[Results] After 1 year, in contrast to the placebo and conventional grape extract groups, the resveratrol-containing grape extract group showed an increase of the anti-inflammatory serum adiponectin (9.6 %, pâ=â0.01) and a decrease of the thrombogenic plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) (â18.6 %, pâ=â0.05). In addition, 6 key inflammation-related transcription factors were predicted to be significantly activated or inhibited, with 27 extracellular-space acting genes involved in inflammation, cell migration and T-cell interaction signals presenting downregulation (pâ<â0.05) in PBMCs. No adverse effects were detected in relation to the study products.[Conclusions] Chronic daily consumption of a resveratrol-containing grape nutraceutical could exert cardiovascular benefits in stable-CAD patients treated according to current evidence-based standards, by increasing serum adiponectin, preventing PAI-1 increase and inhibiting atherothrombotic signals in PBMCs.This study was supported by public funds: Projects CICYT-BFU2007-60576 and Consolider-Ingenio 2010 (CSD2007-00063, Fun-C-Food) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN) and GERM-06-04486 (FundaciĂłn SĂ©neca, Murcia, Spain). Dr. TomĂ©-Carneiro received a FPI grant from MICINN and Dr. Larrosa received a JAE-DOC contract from the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientĂficas (CSIC, Spain).Peer reviewe
A landscape of the Castillian Plateau during Late Pleistocene. Paleontological aspects of the Zarzamora Cave (Segovia, Spain)
En este trabajo se exponen los aspectos paleoecológicos de la cueva de la Zarzamora (Segovia, España); un
yacimiento kĂĄrstico del Pleistoceno Superior, que se encuentra en la zona de transiciĂłn entre la Sierra de Guadarrama
y la Submeseta Norte castellana.
La asociaciĂłn de macrofauna sugiere un paisaje abierto, dominado por especies pastadoras, Ă©quidos (Equus
ferus y Equus hydruntinus) en su mayorĂa, ademĂĄs de bovinos y rinocerontes. Entre los carnĂvoros destaca la hiena
manchada (Crocuta crocuta) tanto por la abundancia de restos esqueléticos como por las evidencias de su presencia
en la cueva (coprolitos, marcas de dientes y huesos digeridos). Ademås hay félidos (cf. Panthera pardus., Lynx sp.),
cånidos (Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes) y una especie de mustélido (Meles meles).
La asociaciĂłn de micromamĂferos, tanto los taxones dominantes (Oryctolagus cuniculus, Microtus cabrerae
y Microtus duodecimcostatus) como el resto de las especies identificadas, es caracterĂstica de un periodo climĂĄtico
templado. La ausencia de especies del Pleistoceno Medio indica una edad mĂĄs reciente dentro del Pleistoceno Superior.
Los resultados del anĂĄlisis polĂnico obtenido de coprolitos de hiena corroboran la existencia de un paisaje abierto
con estepas, prados y pequeños bosquetes aclarados dominados por robles y encinas, ademås de Juniperus y taxones
mesĂłfilos.This study presents paleoecological aspects of the Zarzamora Cave karstic site (Segovia, Spain). This site is
a Late Pleistocene cave deposit in a limestone outcrop that extends from the crystalline piedmont of the Sierra de
Guadarrama to the Tertiary Castilian Plateau.
The Zarzamora Cave is a small gallery with a NE-SW direction and approximately 1 m high, 2 m wide and
around 7 m in longitudinal accessible development. The total length is still unknown due to the sediment infilling. The
âkeyhole shapedâ section suggests that the karstic system evolved from phreatic to vadose conditions.
The sedimentary infilling is around 90 cm thick and four stratigraphic units have been identified. The upper three
units are made of crystalline dolomite matrix with macro and microvertebrate fossils. The lower unit is made of plastic
clay with no paleontological evidence.
The entrance to the Zarzamora Cave is a few meters away from the entrance of the BĂșho Cave. It was during the
excavation of the latter in the late years of the 1980s that the entrance to the Zarzamora Cave was found. Then, the site
was divided in three sectors: BĂșho Cave, Zarzamora Cave and Cata Exterior.Depto. de GeodinĂĄmica, EstratigrafĂa y PaleontologĂaFac. de Ciencias GeolĂłgicasTRUEpu
El yacimiento kĂĄrstico del Pleistoceno Superior de la Cueva del Camino en el Calvero de la Higuera (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid)
Depto. de GeodinĂĄmica, EstratigrafĂa y PaleontologĂaFac. de Ciencias GeolĂłgicasTRUEpu
ÂżQuĂ© parĂĄsito soy?: aprendizaje lĂșdico de la ParasitologĂa mediante el empleo de pistas e imĂĄgenes
La ParasitologĂa emplea muchos conceptos, nombres, taxonomĂa e imĂĄgenes que complican el aprendizaje. Desarrollaremos una actividad basada en el juego para relacionar conceptos e imĂĄgenes, al tiempo que los alumnos evalĂșan su evoluciĂłn de aprendizaje. La actividad se desarrollarĂĄ en una pĂĄgina web
Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Foods and Derived Products Containing Ellagitannins and Anthocyanins on Cardiometabolic Biomarkers: Analysis of Factors Influencing Variability of the Individual Responses
peer-reviewedUnderstanding interindividual variability in response to dietary polyphenols remains essential to elucidate their effects on cardiometabolic disease development. A meta-analysis of 128 randomized clinical trials was conducted to investigate the effects of berries and red grapes/wine as sources of anthocyanins and of nuts and pomegranate as sources of ellagitannins on a range of cardiometabolic risk biomarkers. The potential influence of various demographic and lifestyle factors on the variability in the response to these products were explored. Both anthocyanin- and ellagitannin-containing products reduced total-cholesterol with nuts and berries yielding more significant effects than pomegranate and grapes. Blood pressure was significantly reduced by the two main sources of anthocyanins, berries and red grapes/wine, whereas waist circumference, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose were most significantly lowered by the ellagitannin-products, particularly nuts. Additionally, we found an indication of a small increase in HDL-cholesterol most significant with nuts and, in flow-mediated dilation by nuts and berries. Most of these effects were detected in obese/overweight people but we found limited or non-evidence in normoweight individuals or of the influence of sex or smoking status. The effects of other factors, i.e., habitual diet, health status or country where the study was conducted, were inconsistent and require further investigation.This article is based upon work from COST Action FA1403âPOSITIVe âInterindividual
variation in response to consumption of plant food bioactives and determinants involvedâ supported by COST
(European Cooperation in Science and Technology, http://www.cost.eu/). The authors thank the financial support
of the COST Action FA1403 âPOSITIVeâ to conduct a short-term scientific mission to K.C. at CEBAS-CSIC (A.G.-S.
and M.T.G.-C.) during which the data analysis was performed
Association between Mediterranean lifestyle and perception of well-being and distress in a sample population of university Italian students. Supplemental material
We investigated the extent to which adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in combination with Mediterranean lifestyle factors influenced studentsâ perceptions of subjective well-being (SWB) and distress. 939 undergraduates completed a survey to assess sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, including adherence to the MD, depression, anxiety, stress, and SWB. Data were analysed with correlation, logistic, and multiple linear regression models. Higher adherence to MD correlated with better SWB. Fruit, red meat, sweet and caffeinated beverages contributed significantly. However, it was the combination of adherence to MD with other factors, including quality of social relationships, income, smoking, sleep, and physical activity that better predicted SWB. Our results confirm the positive influence of MD on SWB. However, they also suggest the need to consider perceptions of well-being by a more holistic approach that considers physical and social factors simultaneously to improve the development of more effective educational and motivational programmesMaterials and Methods: Study Design and Ethics Sample population description Statistical methods Table 1. Participantsâ sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and health status Table 2. Participantsâ dietary preferences and eating habits. Table 3. Distribution of additional food and drink preferences of the students sample population with regards to the MD adherence classification Table 4: Correlations between sociodemographic factors, health status and lifestyle with adherence to MD Table 5. Multiple linear regression model to assess the relationship between stress, anxiety, depression, Mediterranean diet adherence, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors Table 6. Correlations between food choices and SWBPeer reviewe
Assessment of Subjective Well-Being in a Cohort of University Students and Staff Members: Association with Physical Activity and Outdoor Leisure Time during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Time spent outdoors and physical activity (PA) promote mental health. To confirm this relationship in the aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns, we explored individual levels of anxiety, depression, stress and subjective well-being (SWB) in a cohort of academic students and staff members and tested their association with sport practice, PA at leisure time and time spent outdoors. Our cross-sectional study collected data during the COVID-19 outbreak (AprilâMay 2021) on 939 students and on 238 employees, who completed an online survey on sociodemographic and lifestyle features, depression, anxiety, stress, and SWB. Results showed that the students exhibited higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, and lower levels of SWB (p < 0.001 for all domains) compared to the staff members. Correlation analysis confirmed that PA and time spent in nature were associated to high mental health scores among staff and, more consistently, among students. Finally, mediation analyses indicated that the time spent in nature, social relationships, and levels of energy play a mediator role in the relationship between sport practice and SWB. Our evidence reinforces the protective role of time spent in nature in improving mental health, and provides support for policymakers to make appropriate choices for a better management of COVID-19 pandemic consequencesP.P. was funded by Life Quality Research CentreâUIDP/04748/2020, a program financially
supported by FCTâFundação para a CiĂȘncia e Tecnolo-gia/MinistĂ©rio da Educação e CiĂȘncia.Peer reviewe
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