A novel high-throughput image based rapid Folin-Ciocalteau assay for assessment of reducing capacity

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Talanta 152 (2016): 82-89, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2016.01.051The aim of the presented work was to develop a novel high-throughput rapid Folin-Ciocalteau assay for the quantification of reducing capacity based on image scanner (Image-F-C assay). The original rapid F-C assay using a 96-well plate was improved by adding a neutralization step that stabilizes the formed color, enabling image acquisition using a flatbed scanner. The effects of reaction volume, scanning orientation and model of flatbed scanner were assessed based on linearity, sensitivity and reproducibility of gallic acid standard curve. Euclidean distance calculated from R (Red), G (Green) and B (Blue) values was chosen, based on linearity and sensitivity, in order to quantify the reducing capacity. An in-house program using free ImageJ macro language was written to calculate automatically the RGB values of each well. The Image-F-C assay is linear within the range of 0-20 mg L-1 of gallic acid (R2 ≥ 0.9939). The reducing capacity of herbal infusions using the new method was: tymus (251 ± 11), digestive (166 ± 9), sen (88 ± 7), chamomile (54 ± 3), green tea (615 ± 12), lemon black tea (143 ± 4), coffee (576 ± 20), and fruit juices Biofrutas mediterraneo (939 ± 35), pineapple juice (520 ± 27) and apple juice (226 ± 17) and an inter-day relative standard error < 8% was observed. Bland-Altman and correlation analyses showed that there were no significant differences between the reducing capacity values measured by the new Image-F-C and the original rapid F-C assay.We are grateful for the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Project UAM-60), for supporting this wor

Endothelium in diseased states

International audienc

Bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds from cocoa shell subjected to in vitro digestion and its antioxidant activity in intestinal and hepatic cells

The cocoa shell is a by-product generated by the cocoa processing industry that could be used as a nutraceutical owing to the significant amounts of bioactive compounds it contains. This work aimed to study the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds present in the flour (CSF) and an aqueous extract (CSE) from cocoa shells through an in vitro simulated digestion and to assess their antioxidant capacity in vitro by using intestinal and hepatic cell culture models (IEC-6 and HepG2 cells). The bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds was determined using a simulated in vitro digestion model (INFOGEST). Total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant activity were measured using in vitro techniques. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated in IEC-6 and HepG2 cells after t-BOOH stimulation. TPC present in CSE were more bioaccessible than phenolic compounds present in CSF. During digestion, the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds from CSF fluctuated in the gastric (2.8 mg/g), intestinal (7.6 mg/g), and colonic (5.7 mg/g) phases. Similarly, for the phenolics of CSE, the bioaccessibility increased from 50.6 mg/g in the gastric phase to 53.4 mg/g in the intestinal phase and decreased in the colonic phase to 37.2 mg/g. The in vitro antioxidant capacity followed a similar behavior, increasing throughout the digestion in CSF (8.8- to 10.6-fold) and CSE (6.0- to 7.4-fold). Digested CSF and CSE were not cytotoxic for IEC-6 and HepG2 cells and protected their viability under oxidative stress conditions (93–100%). t-BOOH-induced ROS were prevented by CSF (72–88%) and CSE (81–94%) bioaccessible fractions in both intestinal and hepatic cells. In conclusion, cocoa shells are a source of potentially bioavailable antioxidant phenolic compounds that may protect cells from oxidative stress

Slower growth during lactation rescues early cardiovascular and adipose tissue hypertrophy induced by fetal undernutrition in rats

Low birth weight (LBW) and accelerated growth during lactation are associated with cardiometabolic disease development. LBW offspring from rats exposed to undernutrition during gestation (MUN) develops hypertension. In this rat model, we tested if slower postnatal growth improves early cardiometabolic alterations. MUN dams were fed ad libitum during gestation days 1–10, with 50% of the daily intake during days 11–21 and ad libitum during lactation. Control dams were always fed ad libitum. Pups were maintained with their own mother or cross-fostered. Body weight and length were recorded weekly, and breastmilk was obtained. At weaning, the heart was evaluated by echocardiography, and aorta structure and adipocytes in white perivascular fat were studied by confocal microscopy (size, % beige-adipocytes by Mitotracker staining). Breastmilk protein and fat content were not significantly different between groups. Compared to controls, MUN males significantly accelerated body weight gain during the exclusive lactation period (days 1–14) while females accelerated during the last week; length growth was slower in MUN rats from both sexes. By weaning, MUN males, but not females, showed reduced diastolic function and hypertrophy in the heart, aorta, and adipocytes; the percentage of beige-type adipocytes was smaller in MUN males and females. Fostering MUN offspring on control dams significantly reduced weight gain rate, cardiovascular, and fat hypertrophy, increasing beige-adipocyte proportion. Control offspring nursed by MUN mothers reduced body growth gain, without cardiovascular modifications. In conclusion, slower growth during lactation can rescue early cardiovascular alterations induced by fetal undernutrition. Exclusive lactation was a key period, despite no modifications in breastmilk macronutrients, suggesting the role of bioactive components. Our data support that lactation is a key period to counteract cardiometabolic disease programming in LBW and a potential intervention window for the mothe

Association of maternal body composition and diet on breast milk hormones and neonatal growth during the first month of lactation

Introduction: Preterm birth is associated with altered growth patterns and an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases, with breast milk (BM) being a counteracting factor. Preterm infants also show alterations in adipokines and gut hormones influencing appetite and metabolism. Since these hormones are present in BM, it is possible that their levels may equilibrate deficiencies improving infant growth. We aimed to assess 1) the BM levels of ghrelin, resistin, leptin, insulin, peptide YY, and the gastrointestinal peptide in women with preterm and term labor; 2) the relationship between BM hormones and neonatal growth; and 3) the influence of maternal body composition and diet on these BM hormones. Methods: BM from 48 women (30 term and 18 preterm labor) was collected at days 7, 14, and 28 of lactation. Maternal body composition was evaluated by bioimpedance, and neonate anthropometric parameters were collected from medical records. The maternal dietary pattern was assessed by a 72-h dietary recall at days 7 and 28 of lactation. BM hormones were analyzed by the U-Plex Ultra-sensitive method. Data were analyzed using linear regression models. BM from women with preterm labor had lower ghrelin levels, with the other hormones being significantly higher compared to women with term delivery. Results: In premature infants, growth was positively associated with BM ghrelin, while, in term infants, it was positively associated with insulin and negatively with peptide YY. In the first week of lactation, women with preterm labor had higher body fat compared to women with term labor. In this group, ghrelin levels were positively associated with maternal body fat and with fiber and protein intake. In women with term labor, no associations between anthropometric parameters and BM hormones were found, and fiber intake was negatively associated with peptide YY. Discussion: Preterm labor is a factor influencing the levels of BM adipokines and gut hormones, with BM ghrelin being a relevant hormone for premature infant growth. Since ghrelin is lower in BM from women with preterm labor and the levels are associated with maternal fat storage and some dietary components, our data support the importance to monitor diet and body composition in women who gave birth prematurely to improve the BM hormonal statusThis research was funded by Promotion of Knowledge Transfer program (PTC-2020) from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in collaboration with Alter Farmacia, SA, Spanish Ministry of Science, and Innovation (RTI2018-097504-B-I00

Factors associated with obstetric violence implicated in the development of postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review

Postpartum depression (PPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continue to be prevalent, and disabling women with mental disorders and obstetric violence (OV) may be a trigger for them, particularly during maternity. We aimed to analyze the association between manifestations of OV with the development of PPD and PTSD during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. This systematic review was based on the PRISMA 2020 statement and explored original articles published between 2012 and 2022. A total of 21 articles were included in the analysis, and bias was assessed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project’s Quality Assessment Tool. The highest rate of PPD symptoms appeared in women under 20 years old, multiparous, and with low education levels. The higher PTSD ratio was present in women under 35 years, primiparous, and with secondary studies. The mode of labor (instrumental or C-section) was identified as a major risk factor of PPD, being mediator variables of the informal coercion of health professionals and dissatisfaction with newborn healthcare. Instead, partner support during labor and high satisfaction with healthcare during birth were protective factors. Regarding PTSD, the mode of labor, several perineal tears, and the Kristeller technique were risk factors, and loss of autonomy and coercion modulated PTSD symptomatology. The protective factors for PTSD were respect for the labor plan, adequate communication with health professionals, social support during labor, and the skin-to-skin procedure. This systematic review provides evidence that OV contributes to PPD and PTSD, being important in developing standardized tools to prevent it. This study recommends changes in maternal healthcare policies, such as individualized healthcare assistance, humanized pregnancy protocols, and women’s mental health follow-up, and improvements in the methodological quality of future researchThis research was funded by Instituto de las Mujeres, Ministerio de Igualdad (Spain), grant number PAC22-20/2ACT/2

Arterial stiffness is associated with adipokine dysregulation in non-hypertensive obese mice

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Vascular Pharmacology 77 (2016): 38-47, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vph.2015.05.012The aim of this study was to characterize alterations in vascular structure and mechanics in murine mesenteric arteries from obese non-hypertensive mice, as well as their relationship with adipokines. Four-week old C57BL/6J male mice were assigned either to a control (C, 10% kcal from fat) or a high-fat diet (HFD, 45% kcal from fat) for 32 weeks. HFD animals weighed 30% more than controls (p < 0.001), exhibited similar blood pressure, increased leptin, insulin and superoxide anion (O2radical dot−) levels, and reduced adiponectin levels and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Arterial structure showed an outward remodeling with an increase in total number of both adventitial and smooth muscle cells in HFD. Moreover, HFD mice exhibited an increased arterial stiffness assessed by β-values (C = 2.4 ± 0.5 vs HFD = 5.3 ± 0.8; p < 0.05) and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV, C = 3.4 ± 0.1 vs HFD = 3.9 ± 0.1; p < 0.05). β-Values and PWV positively correlated with leptin, insulin or O2radical dot− levels, whereas they negatively correlated with adiponectin levels and NO bioavailability (p < 0.01). A reduction in fenestrae number together with an increase in type-I collagen amount (p < 0.05) were observed in HFD. These data demonstrate that HFD accounts for the development of vascular remodeling and arterial stiffness associated with adipokine dysregulation and oxidative stress, independently of hypertension developmentThis work was supported by grants from Ministerio de Ciencia e Investigación (BFU2011-25303), Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (SAF2009-09714, SAF2011-25303, BFU2012-35353), Grupos Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM; GR-921641), Fundación Universitaria CEU-San Pablo, Fundación Mutua Madrileña and Sociedad para el Estudio de la Salud Cardiometabólica (SESCAMET). MGO is recipient of a Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia fellowshi

Development and validation of a questionnaire to assess adherence to the healthy food pyramid in Spanish adults

We aimed to design and validate a new questionnaire of adherence to healthy food pyramid (HFP) (AP-Q), to improve previous instruments. The questionnaire was self-administered and included 28 questions from 10 categories (physical activity, health habits, hydration, grains, fruits, vegetables, oil type, dairy products, animal proteins, and snacks). A population of 130 Spanish adults answered it, obtaining scores from each category and a global score of HFP adherence (AP-Q score). Validation was performed through principal components analysis (PCA) and internal consistency by Cronbach’s alpha. AP-Q was also externally validated with Kidmed-test, answered by 45 individuals from the cohort. The global AP-Q score was 5.1 1.3, with an internal consistency of 64%. The PCA analysis extracted seven principal components, which explained 68.5% of the variance. The global AP-Q score was positively associated with Kidmed-test score. Our data suggest that AP-Q is a complete and robust questionnaire to assess HFP adherence, with several advantages: easy to complete, cost-e ective, timesaving and has the competency to assess, besides diet, several features a ecting health status, lacking in other instruments. We suggest that AP-Q could be useful in epidemiological research, although it requires additional calibration to analyze its reproducibility and validation in other populationsFinanced by Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Khon Kaen University (KKU: 0514.7.I.12-1948

Maternal resources, pregnancy concerns, and biological factors associated to birth weight and psychological health

Cognitive maternal adaptation during pregnancy may influence biological variables, maternal psychological, and neonatal health. We hypothesized that pregnant women with numerous general resources and less negative emotions would have a better coping with a positive influence on neonatal birth weight and maternal psychological health. The study included 131 healthy pregnant women. A blood sample was obtained in the first trimester to assess biological variables (polyphenols, hematological and biochemical parameters). Psychological variables (negative affect, anxiety, optimism, resilience, family–work conflicts, pregnancy concerns, general resources, and life satisfaction) were evaluated at several time points along gestation, and birth weight was recorded. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to associate the above parameters with maternal psychological outcome at the end of gestation (depression, resilience, and optimism) and neonatal outcome (birth weight). Maternal depression was associated with leukocytes (β = 0.08 ± 0.03, p-value = 0.003), cholesterol (β = 0.01 ± 0.002, p-value = 0.026), and pregnancy concerns (β = 0.31 ± 0.09, p-value = 0.001). Maternal resilience was associated with leukocytes (β = −0.14 ± 0.09, p-value = 0.010) and life satisfaction (β = 0.82 ± 0.08, p-value = 0.001), and maternal optimism was associated with polyphenol levels (β = 0.002 ± 0.001, p-value = 0.018) and life satisfaction (β = 0.49 ± 0.04, p-value = 0.001). Birth weight was associated with maternal resilience (β = 370.2 ± 97.0, p-value = 0.001), red blood cells (β = 480.3 ± 144.4, p-value = 0.001), and life satisfaction (β = 423.3 ± 32.6, p-value = 0.001). We found associations between maternal psychological, blood variables, and birth weight and maternal depression. This study reveals the relevance of psychological health during pregnancy for maternal and neonatal outcome, and it emphasizes the need to consider it in preventive policies in the obstetric fiel

Association of maternal body composition and diet on breast milk hormones and neonatal growth during the first month of lactation

Preterm birth is associated with altered growth patterns and an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases, with breast milk (BM) being a counteracting factor. Preterm infants also show alterations in adipokines and gut hormones influencing appetite and metabolism. Since these hormones are present in BM, it is possible that their levels may equilibrate deficiencies improving infant growth. We aimed to assess 1) the BM levels of ghrelin, resistin, leptin, insulin, peptide YY, and the gastrointestinal peptide in women with preterm and term labor; 2) the relationship between BM hormones and neonatal growth; and 3) the influence of maternal body composition and diet on these BM hormone