High-fat diet and glucose and albumin circadian rhythms' chronodisruption in rats

La obesidad es una de las enfermedades nutricionales más extendidas en las sociedades desarrolladas y se considera un factor de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar cómo una dieta alta en grasas puede influir en la cronobiología de los ritmos circadianos de glucosa y albúmina. Ochenta y cuatro ratas Wistar macho comunes se separaron en dos grupos: un grupo de control (n = 42) y un grupo alimentado con una dieta rica en grasas (n = 42); tanto para el grupo control como para el grupo inducido por la obesidad establecimos 7 subgrupos (6 ratas por subgrupo) para tomar muestras de sangre a las 0000, 0200, 0400, 1000, 1400, 1800 y 2200 horas. Los niveles plasmáticos de glucosa y albúmina se analizaron en muestras de sangre y sus ritmos circadianos se evaluaron mediante la prueba Cosinor. Nuestros resultados mostraron síntomas claros de cronodisrupción en las oscilaciones de glucosa y albúmina, aunque estos trastornos circadianos fueron más evidentes en los ritmos de glucosa.Obesity is one of the most widespread nutritional diseases in developed societies and it is considered a cardiovascular disease risk factor. The aim of the present work was to evaluate how a high-fat diet may influence the chronobiology of glucose and albumin circadian rhythms. Eighty-four male common Wistar rats were separated into two groups: a control group (n = 42) and a group fed a high-fat diet (n = 42); both for the control and the obesity-induced group we stablished 7 subgroups (6 rats per subgroup) to take blood samples at 0000, 0200, 0400, 1000, 1400, 1800, and 2200 hours. Glucose and albumin plasma levels were analyzed in blood samples and their circadian rhythms were evaluated through the cosinor method. Our results showed clear chronodisruption symptoms in both glucose and albumin oscillations, although these circadian disorders were more evident in glucose rhythms.• Junta de Extremadura y Fondos FEDER. Ayuda GR15051peerReviewe

Plant species in Basque Country with positive bioactive principles for sleep rhythm

Las condiciones históricas, climatológicas y edáficas del País Vasco, son las principales causas de que su extensión se vea dominada por 3 formaciones vegetales potenciales: robledales, hayedos y quejigales. Nuestro objetivo fue estudiar qué especies vegetales medicinales presentan evidencias científicas para tratar problemas de sueño. Para ello, se consultó bibliografía y bases de datos referentes a especies sedantes, hipnóticas o ansiolíticas por presentar mecanismos de actuación similares, así como sus principios activos. Se concluye el estudio con la catalogación de 22 especies vegetales del País Vasco como remedios naturales para combatir los problemas del sueño presentes en la sociedad.Historic, climatic and soil conditions of the Basque Country, are the main causes which provokes its extension is mainly dominated by 3 types of potential vegetation: oak, beech and gall. Our objective was focused in researching what plants show scientific evidences to be used within sleep problems. Scientific literature and databases were consulted in those species referenced as sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics due they act through similar mechanisms, their bioactive principles were revised too. We conclude this study with 22 plant species in Basque Country as natural sleep inducers to be used in sleep problems in our society.Junta de Extremadura y Fondos FEDER: GR10003peerReviewe

Monitoring immune modulation by nutrition in the general population: identifying and substantiating effects on human health

Optimal functioning of the immune system is crucial to human health, and nutrition is one of the major exogenous factors modulating different aspects of immune function. Currently, no single marker is available to predict the effect of a dietary intervention on different aspects of immune function. To provide further guidance on the assessment and interpretation of the modulation of immune functions due to nutrition in the general population, International Life Sciences Institute Europe commissioned a group of experts from academia, government and the food industry to prepare a guidance document. A draft of this paper was refined at a workshop involving additional experts. First, the expert group defined criteria to evaluate the usefulness of immune function markers. Over seventy-five markers were scored within the context of three distinct immune system functions: defence against pathogens; avoidance or mitigation of allergy; control of low-grade (metabolic) inflammation. The most useful markers were subsequently classified depending on whether they by themselves signify clinical relevance and/or involvement of immune function. Next, five theoretical scenarios were drafted describing potential changes in the values of markers compared with a relevant reference range. Finally, all elements were combined, providing a framework to aid the design and interpretation of studies assessing the effects of nutrition on immune function. This stepwise approach offers a clear rationale for selecting markers for future trials and provides a framework for the interpretation of outcomes. A similar stepwise approach may also be useful to rationalise the selection and interpretation of markers for other physiological processes critical to the maintenance of health and well-being