Hypercortisolaemia and Hyperinsulinaemia Interaction and their Impact upon Insulin Resistance/Sensitivity Markers at Birth

Information on insulin resistance/sensitivity in term-normoweight neonates is scarce. The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis and pancreas are implicated in several aspects of foetal maturation and programming. This study aims to analyse the effects of a combination of hyperinsulinaemia plus hypercortisolaemia in such neonates together with their mothers℉ gestational glucose tolerance on growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF)-1, glucose, and insulin resistance/sensitivity markers [homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)/quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)] at birth. Furthermore, the importance of pregnancy diet quality on these markers is discussed. In a selected group of 187 term-normoweight non-distressed neonates, about 9% had increased insulin and cortisol cord-blood concentrations. In spite of normality criteria applied, the combination of hypercortisolaemia and hyperinsulinaemia at birth was associated with higher body weight, body length, glucose, HOMA-IR, GH, IGF-1 and glucose/insulin ratio values than those of neonates presenting low/normal concentrations of insulin and cortisol. Hyperinsulinaemia preferentially to hypercortisolaemia affected the markers studied. Impaired glucose tolerance prevalence was higher in mothers whose neonates were hyperinsulinaemic at birth. The hyperinsulinaemic plus hypercortisolaemic status was more prevalent in neonates whose mothers had poor Mediterranean diet adherence. Results show the importance of analysing insulin and cortisol in cord-blood even in term-normoweight neonates

Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of maize embryos exposed to camptothecin

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Camptothecin is a plant alkaloid that specifically binds topoisomerase I, inhibiting its activity and inducing double stranded breaks in DNA, activating the cell responses to DNA damage and, in response to severe treatments, triggering cell death.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of maize embryos that had been exposed to camptothecin were conducted. Under the conditions used in this study, camptothecin did not induce extensive degradation in the genomic DNA but induced the transcription of genes involved in DNA repair and repressed genes involved in cell division. Camptothecin also affected the accumulation of several proteins involved in the stress response and induced the activity of certain calcium-dependent nucleases. We also detected changes in the expression and accumulation of different genes and proteins involved in post-translational regulatory processes.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study identified several genes and proteins that participate in DNA damage responses in plants. Some of them may be involved in general responses to stress, but others are candidate genes for specific involvement in DNA repair. Our results open a number of new avenues for researching and improving plant resistance to DNA injury.</p

A Nori but not a Konbu, dietary supplement decreases the cholesterolaemia, liver fat infiltration and mineral bioavailability in hypercholesterolaemic growing Wistar rats

The nutritional consequences of algae consumption in young populations consuming hypercholesterolaemic diets have hardly been investigated. This study tests the effect of algae supplementation of cholesterol-enriched balanced diets on growth, dietary efficiency ratio, mineral intake and absorption, organ weight and structure and cholesterolaemia in growing Wistar rats. Three groups of ten rats each were fed for 3 weeks with experimental diets containing 93% casein-soyabean oil base with 2.4% cholesterol-raising agent and 7% supplement. The control group received cellulose (35%), group 2 consumed Nori (33.8% fibre) and group 3 consumed Konbu (36.1% fibre). Food intake and body weight gain were not significantly affected. Algae groups presented significantly higher dietary efficiency ratio values than control rats. Apparent absorption of several minerals appeared significantly affected, mainly in Nori-fed rats, with a significant decrease in the ratio of Zn and Cu intakes and apparent absorption. Nori diet significantly decreased plasma cholesterol. Algae supplement did not significantly affect organ size and structure. Control and Konbu rats showed severe liver fat infiltration, while Nori rats exhibited a significantly lower degree of lipid-like hepatocyte vacuolization but light to moderate leukocyte infiltration. Light to moderate scaling off of the epithelium and moderate submucosa oedema was observed in all groups. Although long-term studies are needed to check the possible extrapolation of these data to human subjects, it can be concluded that a Nori, but not a Konbu, dietary supplement reverses the negative effect of dietary cholesterol intake and also appears to be related to mineral availability in growing subjects. © 2007 The Authors.This work was granted by the Spanish Ministerio de Investigación y Ciencia, Project AGL 2005-07204-C02-C1/ALI.Peer Reviewe

Aceite de oliva, clave de vida en la Cuenca Mediterránea

In this paper some historical aspects of olive oil are reviewed, as well as its cultural and nutritional importance. The different types of olive oil as their characteristics are described and their benefits discussed in the framework of the Mediterranean diet. Mediterranean Diet and frying are non separable concepts. In fact, this is a culinary technique extendedly employed in the Mediterranean Basin. Moreover, some advices are given to properly use the olive oil as fresh as in frying. Based on the low cardiovascular mortality found in the Mediterranean cohorts respect to other counterparts from different World parts, this diet has been proposed as a model to get a correct nutritional status and to get a significant protection against degenerative diseases very prevalent in Developed countries. The classical Mediterranean diet can be defined with a pyramidal structure based in vegetable foods, being obliged the inclusion of virgin olive oil as practically the only culinary food. Its also contains small amounts of foods from animal origin (mainly fish and dairy products). Wine daily consumed with moderation during meals is also one of its important characteristics. Such dietetic model implies the balance between energy income and expenditure. Beneficial effects of olive oils are discussed in three subsections focussing them on health aspects of great social and economical importance: Aging and longevity; cardiovascular disease and cancer. Such benefits have been attributed to its fatty acid composition, very rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, and moderate in saturate and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, virgin olive oils contain antioxidant compounds and the polyunsaturated fatty acid/tocopherol ratio is more adequate to prevent from lipid oxidation than that of most consumed oils. In the virgin and extra virgin olive oils have been found and quantified biophenols with very important antioxidant properties and role in atherogenesis and cancer. Some recent papers and the proposed molecular mechanisms are also presented and discussed. The review ends concluding that consuming olive oil helps to get a more correct lipid profile and in line with very actual nutritional guidelines and recommendations.En este trabajo se revisan algunos aspectos históricos sobre el aceite de oliva, así como su importancia cultural y nutricional. Posteriormente, se definen los diferentes tipos de aceites de oliva y sus características principales y se discuten los beneficios del consumo de aceite de oliva virgen en el ámbito de la dieta mediterránea. Se insiste que no hay dieta mediterránea sin consumir alimentos fritos, ya que la fritura es una técnica muy extendida y muy utilizada en la Cuenca Mediterránea y se dan ciertos consejos sobre la utilización del aceite en crudo y en fritura. Basado en la baja mortalidad cardiovascular encontrada en países del Área Mediterránea respecto a poblaciones de otras latitudes, se señala que esta dieta ha sido propuesta como modelo a seguir para conseguir un estatus nutricional correcto y una adecuada protección contre enfermedades degenerativas muy prevalentes en las sociedades desarrolladas. La dieta mediterránea clásica se define con una estructura piramidal que está basada principalmente en alimentos vegetales, siendo obligado el consumo diario de aceite de oliva virgen, el cual es, con mucho, su principal fuente de grasa culinaria. Contiene además pequeñas cantidades de alimentos de origen animal (en forma de pescados y lácteos) y el consumo diario moderado de bebidas alcohólicas, principalmente en forma de vino tinto y consumido durante las comidas, es otra de sus características. Dicho modelo dietético implica equilibrio entre ingesta y gasto energético. Los efectos beneficiosos del aceite de oliva se tratan en extensión en tres subapartados donde se revisan sus acciones en aspectos de salud de gran importancia social y económica: Longevidad y supervivencia; enfermedad cardiovascular y cáncer. Tales beneficios se han atribuido a su composición en ácidos grasos, muy rico en ácidos grasos monoinsaturados y con una concentración moderada en ácidos grasos saturados y poliinsaturados. Además posee compuestos antioxidantes y la relación ácidos grasos poliinsaturados/tocoferoles es más adecuada que la de otros aceites para prevenir la oxidación lipídica. En los aceites de oliva virgen y virgen extra se han encontrado y cuantificado biofenoles con propiedades antioxidantes muy importantes y con papeles en la modulación de la aterogénesis y posiblemente en el cáncer. Se presentan y discuten algunos trabajos recientes donde se señalan posibles mecanismos de acción de estos compuestos. La revisión termina planteando que el consumo de aceite de oliva ayuda a alcanzar un perfil lipídico dietético más correcto y en línea con los objetivos y recomendaciones nutricionales actuales

Mesa Redonda sobre Interacciones Fármaco-nutrientes. RANF 15 de marzo de 2018

El pasado quince de marzo tuvo lugar una sesión científica titulada Relevancia Clínica de las interacciones de los Alimentos en la Farmacoterapia en la que actuaron como ponentes D. Mariano Madurga Sanz y el Dr. D. José Manuel Martínez Sesmero

La obesidad un grave problema de Salud Pública

Obesity is a complex and multifactorial chronic disease where, several genetic, metabolic, hormonal, social, cultural factors are at work. Their interaction induces a energy intake and expenditure unbalance, originating significant increase in the body fat and weight. In fact a high proportion of adults and relevant of children are already obese in many countries. In this chapter the different classes of obesity are defined, as well as the adequate methods and ranges to be applied in its diagnosis and evaluation. Current mapping of obesity, as well as its negative clinical implications and associations with most prevalent chronic diseases (e.g. Metabolic syndrome) are discussed. According to some estimates the cost of obesity in some countries may represent up to 12% of health cost. The analysis of factors involved in such pandemic origin suggests that rapid and deep social changes have occurred clearly affecting lifestyle and eating habits. Some relevant policies and strategies as the Spanish NAOS born to arrest such growing epidemic are discussed. The analysis of the factors involved in its origin have led to recognize the importance of creating supportive environments for healthier food choices and physical activities in order to guarantee more adequate and healthier lifestyles.La obesidad es una enfermedad multifactorial en la que confluyen múltiples factores de tipo genético, metabólico, hormonal, social, cultural, que de forma coordinada e interactiva originan un desbalance entre el ingreso y el gasto energético, que deja de responder a ajustes corporales, desencadenado a largo plazo una ganancia significativa de la masa grasa y del peso. De hecho en bastantes países del mundo existe una elevadísima proporción de adultos y niños con obesidad. En este capítulo se definen los diferentes tipos de obesidad y los métodos y medidas más adecuados para su evaluación y diagnóstico. Se comenta el mapa actual de la obesidad en el mundo y en España y las consecuencias clínicas de la obesidad en el adulto y en el niño, analizando la contribución del sobrepeso/obesidad a las enfermedades crónicas más prevalentes, con especial mención del Síndrome metabólico. El análisis de los factores implicados señala que el coste de la obesidad puede representar hasta el 12% del gasto sanitario en algunos países. Se señala que la pandemia actual de obesidad ha coincidido con profundos cambios en la población que atañen tanto a la actividad física como a los hábitos alimentarios. Se analizan y comentan algunas de las acciones y estrategias desarrolladas para combatir tal epidemia, destacando entre ellas la estrategia NAOS en España. En estas acciones se ha reconocido la importancia de crear ambientes favorables para potenciar las opciones alimentarias y de actividad física más saludables que garanticen configurar hábitos de vida más correctos

Pseudotomodon Trigonatus (false tomodon snake): Habitat

Pseudotomodon trigonatus is a dipsadid snake endemic to Argentina. It is mainly distributed in the Monte Desert ecoregion, but it also occurs in the Mountain Chaco (Giraudo and Scrocchi 2002. Smithsonian Herpetological Information Service 1321–53; Avila 1997. Herpetol. Rev. 28:98). It is generally associated with xerophytic environments in the Monte Desert, and in rocky habitats in the Mountain Chaco...Fil: Pelegrin, Nicolas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal; ArgentinaFil: Lara Resendiz, Rafael Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal; ArgentinaFil: Muniz Leao, Suelem. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal; ArgentinaFil: Sánchez, José Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal; Argentin

Iron Status Biomarkers and Cardiovascular Risk

Both iron excess and deficiency may be related to oxidative stress. Serum ferritin, the main marker of iron status, and hepcidin, the key regulator of iron metabolism, are increased in inflammation states and their links with insulin resistance are emerging topics. We have reviewed the role of iron deficiency/overload in cardiovascular risk, including our own results. Most studies deal with the association between iron deposition in tissues and cardiovascular risk, while decreased iron status is predominantly related to protection against atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Less information is available on the role of iron status in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Serum ferritin is positively correlated with several indicators of cardiovascular risk in healthy adults and diabetics, thus excess body iron is related to cardiometabolic alterations including vascular and heart damage, central obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Our data in an ample sample of T2DM adults suggest that body iron stores, evaluated as ferritin, are clearly related with some key markers of the so-called lipidic triad (high triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol) levels together with the presence of small and dense low-density lipoprotein particles which also is in the frame of the dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome