First trimester elevations of hematocrit, lipid peroxidation and nitrates in women with twin pregnancies who develop preeclampsia

Twin pregnancies are considered a risk factor for preeclampsia, an obstetric complication with high maternal and infant morbi-mortality. We hypothesize that alterations in maternal hematocrit, plasma lipid peroxidation and nitrates in the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with preeclampsia development in twin pregnancies. Blood samples were extracted from 102 healthy women with twin pregnancies at tenth week of gestation to assess hematological parameters and plasma levels of malondialdehyde and nitrates. Logistic regression model showed an association between red blood cells (OR = 38.8; p-value = 0.009), hematocrit (OR = 1.6; p-value = 0.017), malondialdehyde (OR = 1.5; p-value = 0.002), and nitrates (OR = 1.1; p-value = 0.045) and preeclampsia development. These parameters are potential biomarkers for early preeclampsia detection in twin pregnancies. Future research is needed to assess their value in predictive algorithmsThis work was supported by Multidisciplinary Research Project [CEMU, 2013-10], Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) and collaborative project Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Khon Kaen University [KKU: 0514.7.I.12-1948

Physical exercise, fitness and dietary pattern and their relationship with circadian blood pressure pattern, augmentation index and endothelial dysfunction biological markers: EVIDENT study protocol

Background: Healthy lifestyles may help to delay arterial aging. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship of physical activity and dietary pattern to the circadian pattern of blood pressure, central and peripheral blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, carotid intima-media thickness and biological markers of endothelial dysfunction in active and sedentary individuals without arteriosclerotic disease. Methods/Design Design: A cross-sectional multicenter study with six research groups. Subjects: From subjects of the PEPAF project cohort, in which 1,163 who were sedentary became active, 1,942 were sedentary and 2,346 were active. By stratified random sampling, 1,500 subjects will be included, 250 in each group. Primary measurements: We will evaluate height, weight, abdominal circumference, clinical and ambulatory blood pressure with the Radial Pulse Wave Acquisition Device (BPro), central blood pressure and augmentation index with Pulse Wave Application Software (A-Pulse) and SphymgoCor System Px (Pulse Wave Analysis), pulse wave velocity (PWV) with SphymgoCor System Px (Pulse Wave Velocity), nutritional pattern with a food intake frequency questionnaire, physical activity with the 7-day PAR questionnaire and accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X), physical fitness with the cycle ergometer (PWC-170), carotid intima-media thickness by ultrasound (Micromax), and endothelial dysfunction biological markers (endoglin and osteoprotegerin). Discussion: Determining that sustained physical activity and the change from sedentary to active as well as a healthy diet improve circadian pattern, arterial elasticity and carotid intima-media thickness may help to propose lifestyle intervention programs. These interventions could improve the cardiovascular risk profile in some parameters not routinely assessed with traditional risk scales. From the results of this study, interventional approaches could be obtained to delay vascular aging that combine physical exercise and diet

Relationship of the phytochemicals from coffee and cocoa by-products with their potential to modulate biomarkers of metabolic syndrome in vitro

This study aimed to compare the phytochemicals from coffee and cocoa by-products and their relationship with the potential for reducing markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, and insulin resistance in vitro. We characterized the phytochemical profile of extracts from coffee husk, coffee silverskin, and cocoa shell and evaluated their in vitro biological activity in RAW264.7 macrophages and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Pearson correlations and principal component regressions were performed to find the contribution of phytochemicals and underlying mechanisms of action. Coffee husk and silverskin extracts were mainly composed of caffeine and chlorogenic acid. Major components in cocoa shell included theobromine and protocatechuic acid. Both coffee and cocoa by-product extracts effectively reduced inflammatory markers in macrophages and adipocytes (NO, PGE2, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6) and the production of reactive oxygen species (21.5–66.4%). Protocatechuic and chlorogenic acids, together with caffeine, were suggested as main contributors against inflammation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, extracts reduced lipid accumulation (4.1–49.1%) in adipocytes by regulating lipolysis and inducing adipocyte browning. Gallic and chlorogenic acids were associated with reduced adipogenesis, and caffeine with adipocyte browning. Extracts from coffee and cocoa by-products also modulated the phosphorylation of insulin receptor signaling pathway and stimulated GLUT-4 translocation (52.4–72.9%), increasing glucose uptake. The insulin-sensitizing potential of the extracts was mainly associated with protocatechuic acid. For the first time, we identified the phytochemicals from coffee and cocoa by-products and offered new insights into their associations with biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, and insulin resistance in vitroThis research was founded by the USDA–NIFA–HATCH project to E.G.D.M. (1014457) and UAM-Santander (2017/EEUU/01). M. Rebollo-Hernanz received funding from the FPU program of the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities for his predoctoral fellowship (FPU15/04238) and the support for the international research stays at the University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign (EST17/00823, EST18/0064