El impacto del ácido docosahexaenoico en la salud mental materna: revisión sistematizada de la literatura

Introduction: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid from the omega-3 series that appears to be key to perinatal mental health. For this, the aim of this review is to evaluate the effect of DHA on maternal mental health during pregnancy and lactation with respect to depression and anxiety. The present scoping review was carried out following the methodology of Arksey and O'Malley (2005). The selection of studies was carried out in accordance with PRISMA by means of systematic searches in the PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Medline databases. The results classified according to the effectiveness of DHA. In most (n = 9) of the 14 studies finally included, DHA plasma levels with or without other polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids were significantly lower in pregnant women with depressive and anxiety symptoms. However, no study reported a beneficial effect of DHA on mental health during the postpartum period. The majority used detection method was the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (n = 11). The prevalence of depressive symptoms ranged between 5.9 % and 50 %. As a conclusion, although more research is needed in this area, these exploratory results suggest that DHA could play an important role in preventing the pathogenesis of depression and anxiety during gestation.Introducción: El ácido docosahexaenoico (DHA) es un ácido graso esencial poliinsaturado de la serie omega-3 que parece ser clave para la salud mental perinatal. Por ello, el objetivo de esta revisión es evaluar el efecto del DHA sobre la salud mental materna durante el embarazo y la lactancia con respecto a la depresión y la ansiedad. La presente revisión se llevó a cabo siguiendo la metodología de Arksey y O’Malley (2005). La selección de estudios se realizó de acuerdo con PRISMA mediante búsquedas sistemáticas en las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO y Medline. Los resultados se catalogaron según la eficacia del DHA. En la mayoría (n = 9) de los 14 estudios finalmente incluidos, los niveles plasmáticos de DHA con o sin otros ácidos grasos omega-3 poliinsaturados fueron significativamente más bajos en mujeres embarazadas con síntomas de depresión y ansiedad. Sin embargo, ningún estudio informó un efecto beneficioso del DHA sobre la salud mental durante el periodo posparto. El método de detección más utilizado fue la Escala de Depresión Posparto de Edimburgo (n = 11). La prevalencia de síntomas depresivos osciló entre el 5,9 % y el 50 %. Como conclusión, aunque se necesita más investigación en este ámbito, los resultados exploratorios parecen indicar que el DHA juega un papel importante en la prevención de la patogenia de la depresión y la ansiedad durante el periodo de gestación

Adipose tissue homeostasis orchestrates the oxidative, energetic, metabolic and endocrine disruption induced by binge drinking in adolescent rats

Binge drinking (BD) is the most common alcohol consumption model for adolescents, and has recently been related to the generation of high oxidation and insulin resistance (IR). White adipose tissue (WAT) is a target organ for insulin action that regulates whole-body metabolism by secreting adipokines. The present study aimed to analyse the oxidative, inflammatory, energetic and endocrine profile in the WAT of BD-exposed adolescent rats, to obtain an integrative view of insulin secretion and WAT in IR progression. Two groups of male adolescent rats were used: control (n = 8) and BD (n = 8). An intermittent i.p. BD model (20% v/v) was used during 3 consecutive weeks. BD exposure led to a pancreatic oxidative imbalance, which was joint to high insulin secretion by augmenting deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1) pancreatic expression and serum adipsin levels. However, BD rats had hyperglycaemia and high homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance value (HOMA-IR). BD exposure in WAT increased lipid oxidation, as well as decreased insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and AKT expression, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), forkhead box O3A (FOXO3a) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and adipocyte size. BD also affected the expression of proteins related to energy balance, such as SIRT-1 and AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), affecting the adipokine secretion profile (increasing resistin/adiponectin ratio). BD altered the entire serum lipid profile, increasing the concentration of free fatty acids. In conclusion, BD led to an oxidative imbalance and IR process in WAT, which modified the energy balance in this tissue, decreasing the WAT lipogenic/lipolytic ratio, affecting adipokine secretion and the systemic lipid profile, and contributing to the progression of IR. Therefore, WAT is key in the generation of metabolic and endocrine disruption after BD exposure during adolescence in rats.Andalusian Regional Government, which support the CTS-193 research group (2021/CTS-193; 2019/CTS-193)USE-22 212-V, Andalusian Regional Governmen

Aceite de oliva y su relación con el envejecimiento, una aproximación mitocondrial

Ageing represents a great concern in developed countries because the high number of people included in this group (indeed, a further increase in the rate of old people it is expected in the near future). Another important aspect concerning ageing is the number of pathologies related with this phenomenon like Alzheimer, Parkinson, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. According to the free radical theory of ageing and its further mitochondrial extension, ageing is the result of the oxidative insult to the organism throughout the life. Some of the damages are not entirely repaired and are accumulated, leading to organism malfunction. Such oxidative-stress related events are particularly important in mitochondria and specially at the mitochondrial DNA level (less protected and more prone to oxidation than nuclear DNA and with a not well established repairing system). Such mitochondrial damage directly affects to the cell energy delivery system, being that, at least in part, the explanation for the structural and functional impairments related to age. Oxidative stress is related with the fatty acid composition of membranes. The intake of a type of fat affects in a direct way the fatty acids and antioxidants composition of subcellular membranes (including mitochondrial membranes) and in an indirect way the susceptibility of the membrane to oxidation. Thus, if we build specific biological membranes according to particular types of fats, we would be able to positively affect the way and intensity in which different organs would age. This work hypothesis represents a new point of view in the investigation of ageing and might have important consequences. According to the above-mentioned premises, this work reviews the convenience to use virgin olive oil as dietary fat from the point of view of mitochondrial ageing.El envejecimiento preocupa enormemente en los países desarrollados por el alto número de personas incluidas en este grupo de población (se espera un aumento de este colectivo en el futuro). También es importante la incidencia de patologías relacionadas con el envejecimiento tales como Alzheimer, Parkinson, diabetes, enfermedades cardiovasculares y cáncer. Según la teoría de los radicales libres del envejecimiento y su posterior extensión mitocondrial, el envejecimiento proviene del daño oxidativo al organismo a lo largo de la vida. Parte del daño no es reparado y se acumula, dando lugar a un funcionamiento celular incorrecto. Tales eventos oxidativos son muy importantes a nivel mitocondrial, especialmente en su ADN, menos protegido y más susceptible a la oxidación que el nuclear y con un sistema de reparación aun sin elucidar en su totalidad. El daño mitocondrial afecta a la producción de energía celular, lo cual puede explicar las alteraciones estructurales y funcionales asociadas al envejecimiento. El estrés oxidativo se relaciona con la composición en ácidos grasos de las membranas biológicas. La ingesta de un tipo de grasa afecta a la composición en ácidos grasos y antioxidantes de las membranas subcelulares y a la susceptibilidad de las mismas a la oxidación. Por tanto, si construyéramos membranas basadas en determinadas grasas, podríamos condicionar el modo e intensidad del envejecimiento en determinados órganos y tejidos. Esta hipótesis de trabajo representa un novedoso enfoque dentro del estudio del envejecimiento que podría tener importantes consecuencias. Según las premisas anteriores, el presente trabajo revisa la conveniencia del empleo en la dieta de aceite de oliva virgen de forma preferencial desde el punto de vista del envejecimiento mitocondrial.Financial support to the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (ECI) (grants ALI95-1036-C05-04, 1FD97-0457-C02-01 and AGL2003-05693). Dr. José L. Quiles and Dr. Julio J. Ochoa are supported by a ‘‘Ramón y Cajal’’ contract from ECI and the University of Granada

Impact of Early Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sleep on the Fetal Programming of Disease in the Pregnancy: A Narrative Review

Early programming is the adaptation process by which nutrition and environmental factors alter development pathways during prenatal growth, inducing changes in postnatal metabolism and diseases. The aim of this narrative review, is evaluating the current knowledge in the scientific literature on the e ects of nutrition, environmental factors, physical activity and sleep on development pathways. If in utero adaptations were incorrect, this would cause a mismatch between prenatal programming and adulthood. Adequate caloric intake, protein, mineral, vitamin, and long-chain fatty acids, have been noted for their relevance in the o spring brain functions and behavior. Fetus undernutrition/malnutrition causes a delay in growth and have detrimental e ects on the development and subsequent functioning of the organs. Pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable period for the development of food preferences and for modifications in the emotional response. Maternal obesity increases the risk of developing perinatal complications and delivery by cesarean section and has long-term implications in the development of metabolic diseases. Physical exercise during pregnancy contributes to overall improved health post-partum. It is also interesting to highlight the relevance of sleep problems during pregnancy, which influence adequate growth and fetal development. Taking into account these considerations, we conclude that nutrition and metabolic factors during early life play a key role of health promotion and public health nutrition programs worldwide to improve the health of the o spring and the health costs of hospitalization.University of Granad

Development of a game as a learning and Evaluation method

El empleo de recursos multimedia fomenta la curiosidad científica y apoya y refuerza el proceso de aprendizaje y evaluación. Necesitamos fomentar la capacidad del alumno para trabajar en equipo y compartir conocimientos y su participación en el desarrollo de la práctica docente. En este sentido un grupo de profesores de la Universidad de Granada estamos diseñando un programa de software libre, basado en un juego didáctico, el trivial, que sirva de herramienta multimedia para el aprendizaje y la evaluación del alumno. El sistema permite al profesor definir la composición de los equipos y las partidas que éstos pueden jugar. Este proyecto está financiado por la Unidad de Innovación Docente de la Universidad de Granada y está de acuerdo con la política de utilización de software libre de la UGR. Asimismo, de acuerdo con dicha política, estamos valorando liberar el software desarrollado.The use of multimedia tools improves scientific curiosity, provides support and reinforces the process of learning and evaluation at the classroom. It is very important to estimulate some student’s skills as their capacity to working in group, their ability of to share knowledgement as well as their participation through the process of the teaching-learning process. According to the above mentioned issues, a team of proffesors at the University of Granada are developping a free software based tool. The software, inspired in the popular game “Trivial PursuitTM” would help as a multimedia tool for the learning and evaluation of the student. The system allows the teacher to define team composition and the games to be played

Antioxidant and Immune-Related Implications of Minerals in COVID-19: A Possibility for Disease Prevention and Management

Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic appeared, both governments and the scientific community have focused their efforts on the search for prophylactic and therapeutic alternatives in order to reduce its effects. Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been approved and administered, playing a key role in the overcoming of this situation. However, they have not reached the whole world population, and several doses will be needed in the future in order to successfully protect individuals. The disease is still here, so other strategies should be explored with the aim of supporting the immune system before and during the infection. An adequate diet is certainly associated with an optimal inflammatory and oxidative stress status, as poor levels of different nutrients could be related to altered immune responses and, consequently, an augmented susceptibility to infections and severe outcomes derived from them. Minerals exert a wide range of immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, which may be useful for fighting this illness. Although they cannot be considered as a definitive therapeutic solution, the available evidence to date, obtained from studies on similar respiratory diseases, might reflect the rationality of deeper investigations of the use of minerals during this pandemic

Implications of Vitamins in COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment through Immunomodulatory and Anti-Oxidative Mechanisms

This manuscript was supported by the Vicerrectorado de Investigacion y Transferencia of University of Granada, "Programa de Estimulacion a la Investigacion".Since the appearance of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its announcement as a global pandemic, the search for prophylactic and therapeutic options have become a priority for governments and the scientific community. The approval of several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 is being crucial to overcome this situation, although the victory will not be achieved while the whole population worldwide is not protected against the virus. This is why alternatives should be studied in order to successfully support the immune system before and during a possible infection. An optimal inflammatory and oxidative stress status depends on an adequate diet. Poor levels of several nutrients could be related to an impaired immune response and, therefore, an increased susceptibility to infection and serious outcomes. Vitamins exert a number of anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, which can be of use to fight against this and several other diseases (especially vitamin D and C). Even though they cannot be considered as a definitive therapeutic option, in part owing to the lack of solid conclusions from well-designed clinical trials, currently available evidence from similar respiratory diseases may indicate that it would be rational to deeply explore the use of vitamins during this global pandemic.Vicerrectorado de Investigacion y Transferencia of University of Granada, "Programa de Estimulacion a la Investigacion

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

Analyses of mineral compositions in habitually consumed pre-cooked frozen foods

La realización del presente estudio analítico ha tenido como principal objetivo ampliar y mejorar los datos que actualmente vienen reflejados en las tablas de composición de alimentos españoles, aportando datos que, además de propios, corresponden a alimentos ampliamente distribuidos en el mercado español y son consumidos de forma habitual en nuestro país. El análisis de los diferentes minerales se ha realizado en 28 alimentos precocinados congelados, previamente seleccionados, entre los que se incluyen pastas, pizzas, arroces y fritos de mayor consumo. Este tipo de alimentos son susceptibles de sufrir pérdidas en minerales debido a los procesos de elaboración, congelación y pretratamiento culinario a que son sometidos antes de su consumo, por lo que es de gran interés el conocimiento de su composición mineral, dando respuesta a las exigencias de un amplio grupo de profesionales y consumidores que requieren de esta información nutricional.The objective of the present study was to extend and improve existing information on the composition of common food products currently consumed in Spain, as well as to engender new data concerning their mineral composition. The mineral analyses from a selection of 28 different frozen pre-cooked food products (including such products as pastas, pizzas, rice and other fried food products) showed that these kinds of products are highly susceptible to mineral loss, due to the different preparation processes involved in pre-cooking and freezing, before consumption. Thus, it is of great interest to know mineral composition of this kind of products, answering nutritional questions of professionals and consumers

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