Impact of mediterranean diet promotion on environmental sustainability: a longitudinal analysis

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to estimate the differences in environmental impact (greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication) after one year of promoting a Mediterranean diet (MD).

METHODS

Baseline and 1-year follow-up data from 5800 participants in the PREDIMED-Plus study were used. Each participant's food intake was estimated using validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires, and the adherence to MD using the Dietary Score. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The association between MD adherence and its environmental impact was calculated using adjusted multivariate linear regression models.

RESULTS

After one year of intervention, the kcal/day consumed was significantly reduced (-125,1 kcal/day), adherence to a MD pattern was improved (+0,9) and the environmental impact due to the diet was significantly reduced (GHG: -361 g/CO2-eq; Acidification:-11,5 g SO2-eq; Eutrophication:-4,7 g PO4-eq; Energy use:-842,7 kJ; and Land use:-2,2 m2). Higher adherence to MD (high vs. low) was significantly associated with lower environmental impact both at baseline and one year follow-up. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the factors analysed, both at baseline and at one-year follow-up, in spite of the reduction observed in their consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

A program promoting a MD, after one year of intervention, significantly reduced the environmental impact in all the factors analysed. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the dimensions analysed.

Association between type 2 diabetes and depressive symptoms after a 1-year follow-up in an older adult Mediterranean population

OBJECTIVES

To examine the cross-sectional association between baseline depressive symptoms and the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and its association with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and other metabolic variables, and the prospective association of depressive symptoms and HbA1c after 1 year of follow-up.

METHODS

n = 6224 Mediterranean older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome (48% females, mean age 64.9 ± 4.9 years) were evaluated in the framework of the PREDIMED-Plus study cohort. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II and HbA1c was used to measure metabolic control.

RESULTS

The presence of T2D increased the likelihood of higher levels of depressive symptoms (χ2 = 15.84, p = 0.001). Polynomial contrast revealed a positive linear relationship (χ2 = 13.49, p = 0.001), the higher the depressive symptoms levels, the higher the prevalence of T2D. Longitudinal analyses showed that the higher baseline depressive symptoms levels, the higher the likelihood of being within the HbA1c ≥ 7% at 1-year level (Wald-χ2 = 24.06, df = 3, p < .001, for the full adjusted model). Additionally, depressive levels at baseline and duration of T2D predicted higher HbA1c and body mass index, and lower physical activity and adherence to Mediterranean Diet at 1 year of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports an association between T2D and the severity of depressive symptoms, suggesting a worse metabolic control from mild severity levels in the short-medium term, influenced by lifestyle habits related to diabetes care. Screening for depressive symptoms and a multidisciplinary integrative therapeutic approach should be ensured in patients with T2D.

Intensive Weight-Loss Lifestyle Intervention Using Mediterranean Diet and COVID-19 Risk in Older Adults: Secondary Analysis of PREDIMED-Plus Trial

OBJECTIVES

We tested the effects of a weight-loss intervention encouraging energy-reduced MedDiet and physical activity (PA) in comparison to ad libitum MedDiet on COVID-19 incidence in older adults.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of PREDIMED-Plus, a prospective, ongoing, multicentre randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Community-dwelling, free-living participants in PREDIMED-Plus trial.

PARTICIPANTS

6,874 Spanish older adults (55-75 years, 49% women) with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome.

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomised to Intervention (IG) or Control (CG) Group. IG received intensive behavioural intervention for weight loss with an energy-reduced MedDiet intervention and PA promotion. CG was encouraged to consume ad libitum MedDiet without PA recommendations.

MEASUREMENTS

COVID-19 was ascertained by an independent Event Committee until December 31, 2021. COX regression models compared the effect of PREDIMED-Plus interventions on COVID-19 risk.

RESULTS

Overall, 653 COVID-19 incident cases were documented (IG:317; CG:336) over a median (IQR) follow-up of 5.8 (1.3) years (inclusive of 4.0 (1.2) years before community transmission of COVID-19) in both groups. A significantly lowered risk of COVID-19 incidence was not evident in IG, compared to CG (fully-adjusted HR (95% CI): 0.96 (0.81,1.12)).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no evidence to show that an intensive weight-loss intervention encouraging energy-reduced MedDiet and PA significantly lowered COVID-19 risk in older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome in comparison to ad libitum MedDiet. Recommendations to improve adherence to MedDiet provided with or without lifestyle modification suggestions for weight loss may have similar effects in protecting against COVID-19 risk in older adults with high cardiovascular risks.

Explaining the complex impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children with overweight and obesity: a comparative ecological analysis of parents' perceptions in three countries

BACKGROUND

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed children's eating and physical activity behaviours. These changes have been positive for some households and negative for others, revealing health inequalities that have ramifications for childhood obesity. This study investigates the pandemic's impact on families of children aged 2-6 years with overweight or obesity.

METHODS

Drawing on interviews conducted as part of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) for childhood obesity, thematic analysis was used to examine how parents of pre-schoolers perceived changes in their eating, screentime and physical activity behaviours between the first and second waves of Covid-19. Parents (n = 70, representing 68 families) were interviewed twice during a period of 6 months in three countries with markedly different pandemic policies - Sweden, Romania, and Spain. The analysis is informed by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, which embeds home- and school-based influences within societal and policy contexts.

RESULTS

The findings show that, although all participants were recruited from an RCT for families of children with excess weight, they reported different responses to the pandemic's second wave, with some children engaging in healthier eating and physical activity, and others engaging in comfort eating and a more sedentary lifestyle. Differences in children's obesity-related behaviours were closely related to differences in parents' practices, which were, in turn, linked to their emotional and social wellbeing. Notably, across all sites, parents' feeding and physical activity facilitation practices, as well as their emotional and social wellbeing, were embedded in household resilience. In resilient households, where parents had secure housing and employment, they were better able to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, whereas parents who experienced household insecurity found it more difficult to cope.

CONCLUSIONS

As the Covid-19 pandemic is turning into a long-term public health challenge, studies that address household resilience are crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment responses to childhood obesity.

Simultaneous analysis of saturated and unsaturated oxylipins in 'ex vivo' cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells and neutrophils

Oxylipins are a family of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids peroxidation products with bioactive properties. We have developed an improved method for the measurement of ex vivo oxylipin production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and neutrophils. We aimed to develop an analytical method to determine the production rates of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), PUFA-oxylipin, and saturated-oxylipins by stimulated PBMCs and neutrophils based on solid phase extraction and HPLC-MS/MS technology. A UHPLC system coupled to a Q-Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer was used to identify and quantify oxylipin production. For each oxylipin and PUFA their differential response was calculated with respect to a deuterated internal standard factor (ISF). To calculate oxylipin and PUFAs in the culture samples, the individual ISF was used for each oxylipin and PUFA with respect to the deuterated internal standard. PBMCs and neutrophils showed a different pattern of oxylipin production and fatty acid secretion. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) did not stimulate oxylipin production or fatty acids secretion in PBMCs, whereas phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation increased the production rate of 5-HETE, 15-HETE, 15-HEPE, 17-DoHE, PGE2, AA, and DHA. LPS stimulation decreased 16-hydroxyl-palmitatte (16-OHPAL) production and DHA secretion in neutrophils, while PMA stimulation increased the production rate of AA and its derivate oxylipins, 5-HETE, 15-HETE, and PGE2. In conclusion, we have developed a new method to determine oxylipins derived from both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in culture cell media. This method has enough sensitivity, and accuracy, to determine oxylipin production and fatty acid secretion by PBMCs and neutrophils.

Fermented dairy products, diet quality, and cardio-metabolic profile of a Mediterranean cohort at high cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Fermented dairy products have been associated with a better diet quality and cardio-metabolic profile. However, in Mediterranean populations, these associations have not been well characterized. The aim of this study was to assess the diet quality and the associations between the consumption of total fermented dairy products and their subtypes and the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) components in a Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Baseline cross-sectional analyses were conducted on 6,572 men and women (mean age: 65 years) with overweight or obesity and MetS recruited into the PREDIMED-Plus cohort. A 143-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used, and anthropometrical, biochemical, and blood pressure measurements were recorded. Multivariate-adjusted Cox regressions were fitted to analyze the association between quartiles of consumption of fermented dairy products and their subtypes and MetS components to estimate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Participants who were high consumers of fermented dairy products reported a higher consumption of fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, and whole bread and a lower consumption of white bread, alcohol, and cookies. Participants in the higher quartile showed a lower prevalence of the low HDL-cholesterol component of the MetS (RR=0.88; 95% CI: 0.78-0.98) than those in the lowest quartile of cheese consumption. Cheese consumption was inversely associated with the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia. Total fermented dairy products, yogurt, and its types were not associated with any of the MetS components.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to nonconsumers, participants consuming fermented dairy products reported a better diet quality and, particularly, cheese consumers presented a lower prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-cholesterol plasma levels, which are MetS components.

Effects of dietary almond- and olive oil-based docosahexaenoic acid- and vitamin E-enriched beverage supplementation on athletic performance and oxidative stress markers

Functional beverages based on almonds and olive oil and enriched with α-tocopherol and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could be useful in modulating oxidative stress and enhancing physical performance in sportsmen. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with functional beverages on physical performance, plasma and erythrocyte fatty acids' and polyphenol handling, oxidative and nitrative damage, and antioxidant and mitochondrial gene expression in young and senior athletes. Athletes performed maximal exercise tests before and after one month of dietary supplementation and blood samples were taken immediately before and one hour after each test. The beverages did not alter performance parameters during maximal exercise. Supplementation increased polyunsaturated and reduced saturated plasma fatty acids while increasing the DHA erythrocyte content; it maintained basal plasma and blood polyphenol levels, but increased the blood cell polyphenol concentration in senior athletes. Supplementation protects against oxidative damage although it enhances nitrative damage in young athletes. The beverages enhance the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after exercise in young athletes.

Seasonal variation and diet quality among Spanish people aged over 55 years

There is evidence supporting the importance of a healthy diet; however, there are few studies analyzing the seasonal variation of food intake. The present study was aimed to evaluate seasonal variation of food and energy intake in Spanish elderly also to investigate diet quality based on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score. From a cross-sectional study, 28 individuals (39% males) aged over 55 years volunteered for a longitudinal follow-up. Dietary assessment was evaluated through 24-h dietary recalls. Energy and nutrient intake were calculated using DIAL software. Furthermore, diet quality was measured using HEI. Data was analyzed considering the interaction of sex, age, fitness status, and body composition. Cereals intake was significantly lower in summer than in winter and autumn (both p < 0.05); whereas, drinks intake was significantly higher in summer than in winter, spring, and autumn (all p < 0.01). Daily energy intake was significant higher in spring than in summer, and in autumn than in summer (p < 0.05), and energy intake from lunch was also statistically higher in spring than in summer (p < 0.01). The HEI was classified as good; however, a negative and significant association was observed between HEI and cholesterol, alcohol, and monounsaturated fatty acids intake (p < 0.01). Cereals and drinks intake and total daily energy intake changed according to seasons. This should be considered in nutritional studies. Diet quality seems not to be affected by these seasonal changes, and HEI did not show a good association with the majority of foods and macro- and micronutrients.

Better Body Composition and Lipid Profile Can Be Associated with Vitamin D Status in Spanish Elderly? The PHYSMED Study

Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk for lipid metabolism disorders, but this relationship has provided inconsistent results in elderly. Thus the aim was to assess the association between body composition and blood lipid profile levels on serum 25-hydrovitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration in Spanish elderly. A cross-sectional multicentre study was carried out in 383 participants (58.2% females) aged of 55-88 years. Fasting blood samples analyzed serum concentrations of 25(OH)D, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). Body composition parameters (fat mass, fat free mass) were obtained by bioimpedance, waist circumference (WC), physical activity and vitamin D intake were also evaluated. BMI, fat mass and total fat mass were lower in vitamin D sufficient subjects than vitamin D insufficient and deficient subjects, but this difference was not significant (p>0,05). Those with vitamin D adequate levels also showed lower TC/HDL ratio than those who had inadequate (insufficient or deficient) vitamin D levels (p=0.04). Significant association between 25(OH)D and BMI, waist circumference, total muscle mass, TC/HDL-c ratio, HDL and TG (for all p≤ 0.05) was found after controlling for some confounders. Subjects with inadequate HDL levels (<40mg/dL) showed 1.7 times higher odds than vitamin D deficiency than those with adequate HDL levels (>60mg/dL) (95% CI= 1.10 to 2.85 p= 0.017) and WC was negatively associated with vitamin D status odds ratio of 0.98 (0.96 to 1.00; p= 0.04). Vitamin D concentration was positively correlated with HDL-c and total muscle mass, as well as negatively correlated with WC, LDL-c/HDL-c and TC/HDL-c independently of age, gender and some confounders.

Effects of dietary Docosahexaenoic, training and acute exercise on lipid mediators

Background

Eicosanoids mediate initiation and resolution of inflammation. Our aim was evaluating the effects of training, exercise and docosahexaenoic (DHA) supplementation on plasma eicosanoids levels and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) eicosanoids production.

Methods

Fifteen male footballers were distributed to placebo and experimental groups. Experimental group consumed DHA-enriched beverage (1.16 g DHA/day) for 8 weeks, placebo group consumed a placebo beverage. Blood samples were taken before and after the nutritional intervention in basal conditions and 2 h after acute exercise.

Results

Training increased basal Prostaglandin E1 (PGE₁) plasma levels and PBMCs cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) protein levels in both groups, but COX-1 protein levels only in the experimental group. Acute exercise increased plasma PGE₂ and PBMCs active NFκβ levels. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PBMCs increases eicosanoids production (PGE₁, PGE₂, RvD1) in both groups and increased LPS-stimulated PBMCs active NFκβ. DHA supplementation increased COX-2 levels but decreased LPS-stimulated PBMCs PGE₁ and PGE₂ production. Neither DHA supplementation nor acute exercise altered the expression of NFκβ, COX-2, 15-LOX2, 5-LOX, or IL-1β genes in PBMCs.

Conclusions

The increase of PGE₁ plasma levels after training promoted systemic anti-inflammatory and vasodilator environment. Exercise and DHA supplementation acted synergistically by increasing plasma PGE₂ with anti-inflammatory effects. Exercise primed PBMCs to enhance PGE₁, PGE₂ and RvD1 production in response to LPS.

Trial registration

The project was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02177383).

Competitive apnea diving sessions induces an adaptative antioxidant response in mononucleated blood cells

The aim was evaluating the effects of hypoxia/reoxygenation repetitive episodes during 5 days of apnea diving (3-day training/2-day competition) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) antioxidant defenses, oxidative damage, and plasma xanthine oxidase activity. Blood samples, from seven professional apnea divers, were taken under basal conditions the previous morning to the first training session (pre-diving basal), 4 h after ending the competition (4 h post-diving) and the following morning (15 h after last dive) in basal conditions (post-diving basal). Glucose levels significantly decreased whereas triglycerides increased at 4 h post-diving, both returning to basal values at post-diving basal. Glutathione reductase and catalase activity significantly increased after 4 h post-diving remaining elevated at post-diving basal. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities and catalase protein levels progressively increased after diving with significant differences respect to initial values at post-diving basal. No significant differences were observed in circulating PBMCs and oxidative damage markers. Plasma xanthine oxidase activity and nitrite levels, but not the inducible nitric oxide synthetase, significantly increased 4 h post-diving, returning to the basal values after 15 h. In conclusion, chronic and repetitive episodes of diving apnea during five consecutive days increased plasma xanthine oxidase activity and nitric oxide production which could enhance the signalling role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species for PBMCs antioxidant adaptation against hypoxia/reoxygenation.

Effects of total dietary polyphenols on plasma nitric oxide and blood pressure in a high cardiovascular risk cohort. The PREDIMED randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hypertension is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly. The aims of this work were to evaluate if a one-year intervention with two Mediterranean diets (Med-diet) could decrease blood pressure (BP) due to a high polyphenol consumption, and if the decrease in BP was mediated by plasma nitric oxide (NO) production.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An intervention substudy of 200 participants at high cardiovascular risk was carried out within the PREDIMED trial. They were randomly assigned to a low-fat control diet or to two Med-diets, one supplemented with extra virgin olive oil (Med-EVOO) and the other with nuts (Med-nuts). Anthropometrics and clinical parameters were measured at baseline and after one year of intervention, as well as BP, plasma NO and total polyphenol excretion (TPE) in urine samples. Systolic and diastolic BP decreased significantly after a one-year dietary intervention with Med-EVOO and Med-nuts. These changes were associated with a significant increase in TPE and plasma NO. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between changes in urinary TPE, a biomarker of TP intake, and in plasma NO (Beta = 4.84; 95% CI: 0.57-9.10).

CONCLUSIONS

TPE in spot urine sample was positively correlated with plasma NO in Med-diets supplemented with either EVOO or nuts. The statistically significant increases in plasma NO were associated with a reduction in systolic and diastolic BP levels, adding to the growing evidence that polyphenols might protect the cardiovascular system by improving the endothelial function and enhancing endothelial synthesis of NO.

Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation promotes erythrocyte antioxidant defense and reduces protein nitrosative damage in male athletes

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of long-term docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) dietary supplementation on the erythrocyte fatty acid profile and oxidative balance in soccer players after training and acute exercise. Fifteen volunteer male athletes (age 20.0 ± 0.5 years) were randomly assigned to a placebo group that consumed an almond-based beverage (n = 6), or to an experimental group that consumed the same beverage enriched with DHA (n = 9) for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken in resting conditions at the beginning and after 8 weeks of nutritional intervention and training in resting and in post-exercise conditions. Oxidative damage markers (malonyldialdehyde, carbonyl and nitrotyrosine indexes) and the activity and protein level of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and peroxidase) were assessed. The results showed that training increased antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes. The experimental beverage increased DHA from 34.0 ± 3.6 to 43.0 ± 3.6 nmol/10(9) erythrocytes. DHA supplementation increased the catalytic activity of superoxide dismutase from 1.48 ± 0.40 to 10.5 ± 0.35 pkat/10(9) erythrocytes, and brought about a reduction in peroxidative damage induced by training or exercise. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with DHA changed the erythrocyte membrane composition, provided antioxidant defense and reduced protein peroxidative damage in the red blood cells of professional athletes after an 8-week training season and acute exercise.

Docosahexanoic acid diet supplementation attenuates the peripheral mononuclear cell inflammatory response to exercise following LPS activation

Exercise induces changes in circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The aim was to investigate the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) diet supplementation on the plasma cytokine levels and on the peripheral mononuclear (PBMCs) cells cytokine production after a training season or an acute bout of exercise. Fifteen male soccer players were randomly assigned to a placebo or an experimental group. The experimental group consumed an almond-based beverage enriched with DHA, whereas the placebo group consumed the same beverage without DHA. Three blood samples were taken: in basal conditions at the beginning of the nutritional intervention and after eight weeks of training season in basal and post-exercise conditions. The DHA content increased in erythrocytes after 8weeks of training and supplementation. Neither diet supplementation with DHA nor training season altered the basal plasma cytokines and growth factors. Only acute exercise significantly increased plasma IL6 in experimental and placebo groups. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation induced the inflammatory response in PBMCs, with a significant production rate of TNFα, IL6 and IL8 mainly after acute exercise. DHA supplementation significantly reduced the rate of TNFα and IL6 production by stimulated PBMCs. Acute exercise increased the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein levels in PBMCs, although the increase was only statistically significant in the placebo group. In conclusion, a training season does not induce significant changes in the circulating cytokine profile in well-trained soccer players. Exercise increases the PBMCs cell capabilities to produce cytokines after TLR4 stimulation with LPS and this rate of cytokine production is attenuated by diet DHA supplementation.

Fluid intake from beverages across age groups: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Fluid intake, especially water, is essential for human life and also necessary for physical and mental function. The present study aimed to assess beverage consumption across age groups.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted. Original research in English language publications and available studies (or abstracts in English) from 2000 to 2013 was searched for by using the medical subheading (MeSH) terms: ('beverage' OR 'fluid' [Major]) AND ('consumption' [Mesh] OR 'drinking' [Mesh] OR 'intake' [Mesh]) AND ('child' [Mesh] OR 'adolescent' [Mesh] OR 'adult' [Mesh]). Article selection was restricted to those papers covering healthy populations of all age groups in a nationwide sample, or from a representative sample of the population of a city or cities, which examined the trends or patterns of beverage intake and the determinants of beverage intake. Sixty-five studies were identified with respect to beverage consumption across age groups. The papers were screened by thoroughly reading titles or abstracts. Full-text articles were assessed by three investigators.

RESULTS

Total beverage intake varied between 0.6 and 3.5 L day(-1) among all age groups (males more than females). Plain water contributed up to 58%, 75% and 80% of the total beverage intake in children, adolescents and adults, respectively. Milk consumption was higher among children; consumption of soft drinks was higher among adolescents; and the consumption of tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages was higher among adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Plain water is the main water source for all age groups and the consumption of other beverages varies according to age.

Body mass index, life-style, and healthy status in free living elderly people in Menorca Island

OBJECTIVES

To assess the BMI, life-style, and healthy status, and explore relationships between these parameters, among Menorca's free living elderly people.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey carried out in Menorca Island in 2009. A random sample (n=450) of the elderly population (≥65 years) was interviewed. Anthropometric measurements and a general questionnaire incorporating questions related to socio-demographic and life-style factors and health status were used.

RESULTS

Approximately five per cent of elders were underweight and 60% overweight or obese. Underweight were positively and overweight and obesity negatively affected by age. The prevalence of central obesity, according to the WC cut-off points, was 66.8% in men and 85.1% in women. Low education, socioeconomic status and physical activity were risk factors for malnutrition and overweight/obesity. A possible cognitive impairment was found among elderly persons with BMI<22 kg/m2. A J-shaped association between BMI and hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, heart failure and other CV diseases, a U-shaped relation between BMI and diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and chronic bronchitis, and an inverted J-shape between BMI and gastric ulcer, osteoporosis and bone fractures, cancer, and prostatitis (in men) were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Both low and high BMI are associated with a wide range of prevalent conditions and diseases in Menorca elderly men and women.

[Characteristics of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration and low intake of lutein and zeaxanthin]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the characteristics of patients with wet AMD and low intake of lutein and zeaxanthin in our population.

METHODS

A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with active wet AMD. A full blood count, a lipid and liver profile, a dietary interview (24-hour recall), and an anthropometric study were performed. Lutein-zeaxanthin (LZ) intake results split the patents in two groups.Group 1 ("sufficient" intake): patients with ≥1,400 mg/day intake in women and 1,700 mg/day in men (2/3 of the average daily intake in a normal population). Group 2: patients with daily intakes below that of group 1. A descriptive and comparative statistical study was performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients with a mean age of 78.9 years. Group 1: eleven patients (21% of the sample). Group 2: forty-one patients. The subjects with adequate intake of LZ had higher a body mass index and waist circumference. Between 70-80% of patients in group 1 had inadequate intake of vitamin A, C and E and zinc.

CONCLUSIONS

Seventy-nine per cent of the patients with wet AMD have a deficient daily intake in lutein-zeaxanthin. The population with adequate intake is associated with an increased body mass index and waist circumference, and in addition, most of them have an insufficient intake of vitamin A, C, E and zinc.

Metabolic syndrome in adolescents in the Balearic Islands, a Mediterranean region

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in adolescents in the Balearic Islands, in the western Mediterranean Sea.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in the Balearic Islands (2007-2008). A random sample (n=362, 143 boys and 219 girls) of the adolescent population (12-17 years) was interviewed, anthropometrically measured, and provided a fasting blood sample. The MetS prevalence was determined by the ATP III criteria adapted for youths. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) was defined according to a score constructed considering the consumption of MD components: high monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)/saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio, moderate ethanol consumption, high legume, cereals and roots, fruit, vegetables, and fish consumption, and low meat and milk consumption. The overall MetS prevalence was 5.8% (boys 10.5%, girls 2.7%). MetS criteria were met by 10.0% of overweight, 45.5% of obese and in 1.8% of normal weight adolescents. Half of the adolescents (49.7%) had at least one MetS component. None of the adolescents had all five risk factors. High triglyceride level (90.5%), hypertension (85.7%), low HDL cholesterol level (78.9%) and central obesity (71.4%) were common among adolescents with MetS whereas hyperglycaemia (0.6%) was infrequent. Higher adherence to MD was associated with significantly lower odds ratio of having MetS, but half of the adolescents showed high adherence to MD.

CONCLUSION

MetS prevalence was significant among adolescents in the Balearic Islands, especially among obese boys. A high adherence to MD in adolescents was associated with a low prevalence of the MetS criteria.

Dietary patterns of the Andean population of Puna and Quebrada of Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina

The aim of the present study was to describe dietary patterns in a representative sample from Puna and Quebrada of Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina. A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in a representative sample (n 1236) of individuals from these regions. For the present study, only children aged 2–9 years (n 360), adolescents aged 10–18 years (n 223) and adults aged 18 years or over (n 465) were considered. Breast-fed children, pregnant women and lactating women were excluded. Dietary data collection methods comprised one 24 h recall and a semi-quantitative FFQ. We used principal component (PC) analyses to identify prevailing dietary patterns. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the determinants of the identified dietary patterns. Two dominant PC were identified: PC1 reflected a ‘Western-like’ diet with an emphasis on not-autochthon foods. This pattern tended to be present in urban areas of the Quebrada region and was associated with a younger age, a higher level of development, and a worse diet quality. PC2 reflected an ‘Andean-like’ diet including a variety of autochthon crops. This was preferred by individuals living in rural areas from Puna with a high level of development during the post-harvest season, and was associated with a greater diet quality. These results suggest that the nutrition transition phenomenon is a reality in certain sectors of this population and might be one of the leading causes of the observed double burden of malnutrition.

Nutritional status of the Andean population of Puna and Quebrada of Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina

OBJECTIVE

To assess the nutritional status of the Andean population of Puna and Quebrada of Humahuaca, Jujuy, using anthropometric measurements.

DESIGN AND SUBJECTS

A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in a representative sample (n = 1236) of individuals from these regions. Children aged 2-9 years, adolescents (10-17 years) and adults (>or=18 years; pregnant and lactating women excluded) were considered. Height-for-age, weight-for-height and body mass index (BMI) were calculated in children and adolescents and compared with World Health Organization/National Center for Health Statistics/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference standards using Z-scores or percentiles, in order to assess the prevalence of stunting, wasting/thinness and excess weight. In adults, BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip (WHR) ratio were used to identify obesity and central adiposity.

RESULTS

Stunting (height-for-age Z-score <-2 standard deviations) and obesity (BMI >or= 95th percentile) were found to be major nutritional problems in children and adolescents. Stunting was prevalent in 10.7% of children and 12.4% of adolescents; 8.2% of children and 3.5% of adolescents were obese. Adults were short (mean: 155.8 cm) and values of overweight (32.3%), obesity (18.3%) and central adiposity (mean WC: 86.5 cm) were high. Older adults and those with higher economic development showed higher prevalence of obesity and central adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS

The present population may be at the early stages of nutritional transition as symptoms of undernutrition and overnutrition coexist at the population level. These results suggest that rates of growth retardation may be decreasing owing to improved nutritional conditions; however, this could be accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of other diet-related chronic diseases.

Diet quality of young people in southern Spain evaluated by a Mediterranean adaptation of the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I)

The aim of this study was to assess whether the recently developed Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) was useful to evaluate the diet quality of a young Mediterranean population. A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in southern Spain (Granada-Andalucia) from 2002 to 2005. Dietary information (24 h recall and FFQ) and socio-demographic and lifestyle data were collected from a representative sample of the population (n 288, 44.1 % females and 55.9 % males) aged 6-18 years (mean 12.88 (sd 2.78) years). DQI-I was designed according to the method of Kim et al. modified by Tur et al. for Mediterranean populations. It focused on four main characteristics of a high-quality diet (variety, adequacy, moderation and overall balance). This young population from southern Spain obtained 56.31 % of the total DQI-I score, indicating a poor-quality diet. A higher score was associated with a longer breakfast and greater physical activity. The DQI-I may require further modification for application in Mediterranean populations, differentiating between olive oil and saturated fats, among other changes. Further research is needed to develop a new diet quality index adapted to the Mediterranean diet.

Scuba diving enhances endogenous antioxidant defenses in lymphocytes and neutrophils

The aim was to study the effects of a scuba diving session on the lymphocyte antioxidant system, NO synthesis, the capability to produce reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant response in neutrophils. For that purpose seven male divers performed an immersion at a depth of 40 m for 25 min. The same parameters were measured after an hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment at resting conditions in a hyperbaric chamber. Lymphocyte H2O2 production rose after diving and after HBO treatment. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase activities increased after diving in lymphocytes, while after HBO exposure only increased GPx activity. Lymphocyte HO-1 mRNA expression increased after diving and after HBO exposure, while iNOS levels and nitrite levels significantly increased after diving. The hyperoxia associated to scuba diving leads to a condition of oxidative stress with increased lymphocyte H2O2 production, HO-1 expression, NO synthesis and antioxidant enzyme adaptations in order to avoid oxidative damage.

Nutritional Assessment of Patients Affected by Porphyria Variegata

AIMS

To describe the nutritional status and dietary practices of patients affected by porphyria variegata, paying special attention to the consumption of nutrients that may help or hinder the condition, and to assess the compliance with prevalent nutritional recommendations.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. 24 individuals affected by porphyria variegata (16 females and 8 males; mean age 46.8 (SD 19.5) years) from the Balearic Islands (Spain) recruited through the Balearic Porphyria Association. Dietary questionnaires (7-day dietary record and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire), socio-demographic, lifestyle and health status interviews and anthropometric measurements were carried out.

RESULTS

According to current recommendations for the Spanish population and to specific recommendations for porphyria patients, the daily intake of saturated fat (13.2% of total energy), sugars (16.9% of total E), cholesterol (387 mg) and alcoholic beverages (1.1 servings per day) were too high whereas the consumption of total carbohydrates (43.5% of total E), vitamin E (69.5% of RDI), beta-carotene (63.1% of RDI) and vitamin D (42.4% of RDI) was lower than recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary pattern observed among porphyria variegata patients was in line with current dietary trends in the Balearic Islands. Nutritional recommendations to these individuals for the management of porphyria are poorly met. It is necessary to translate these recommendations into food-based dietary guidelines based on prevailing dietary patterns.

Vitamin C supplementation influences the antioxidant response and nitric oxide handling of erythrocytes and lymphocytes to diving apnea

OBJECTIVE

We have investigated the influence of vitamin C diet supplementation on the antioxidant response and nitrite levels in lymphocytes and erythrocytes during diving apnea.

SUBJECTS

Seven male professional apnea divers participated in a double blind crossover study. Divers were randomly assigned to either vitamin C supplemented or placebo groups. The subjects did not take any other supplements than the ones provided for this study.

INTERVENTION

One group was supplemented with vitamin C capsules (1 g per day) for 7 days while the other group took a placebo composed of lactose. The usual dietary habits of participants were assessed using a self-reported 7-days 24-h recall before the day of the study. Blood samples were taken under basal conditions, immediately after diving apnea for 4 h and after 1 h of recovery.

RESULTS

Catalase activity increased in erythrocytes (23%) and superoxide dismutase increased in lymphocytes (35%) during the recovery only in the placebo group. Lymphocyte ascorbate levels increased in the supplemented group after diving (85%) and maintained high at recovery. Plasma nitrite levels increased about twofold in both groups during the recovery. Erythrocyte nitrite levels increased after diving (50%) and about twofold during the recovery in the supplemented group. Nitrite levels and iNOS levels in lymphocytes were higher in the placebo group than in the supplemented during the recovery. Erythrocyte carbonyl derivates were unchanged in all situations.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin C supplementation influenced the antioxidant response and NO handling in erythrocytes and lymphocytes to the oxidative stress induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation.

Dietary intake and nutritional risk among free-living elderly people in Palma de Mallorca

OBJECTIVE

To describe the dietary intake of free-living, non-institutionalised, elderly people of Palma de Mallorca, and to evaluate their nutritional status and risk of undernutrition.

DESIGN

Anthropometric and dietary survey (3-day food record), and risk of undernutrition (MNA-SF) were assessed in 230 (89 men and 141 women) free-living elderly people (average age 72.7 +/- 5.9 years) in Palma de Mallorca.

RESULTS

Prevalence of undernutrition (1% in men and 5% in women), overweight (56% in men and 39% in women) and obesity (17% in men and 21% in women) were found. Mean daily energy intake (+/- SD) was 5.7 +/- 1.5 MJ in men and 5.3 +/- 1.3 MJ among women. The contribution of macronutrients to the total energy intake was different from the Recommended Intake for the elderly, since it was too derived from proteins, fats, SFA and sugars, but in only small amounts was derived from complex carbohydrates. Animal protein intake was two-thirds the total protein intake. Dietary fibre was low. Cholesterol/SFA ratio showed dietary risk of atherogenic potential. High percentages of elderly persons showed inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in dietary complex carbohydrate and fibre, a decrease in fats, especially SFA, and a balanced intake of animal/vegetable proteins and fats are recommended. Dietary supplementation, especially with calcium, vitamin C and E, and occasionally vitamin D, may be useful to improve nutritional and health status of free-living elderly people in Palma de Mallorca.

Differential response of plasma and immune cell's vitamin E levels to physical activity and antioxidant vitamin supplementation

OBJECTIVE

To assess the differential response of plasma, lymphocyte and neutrophil vitamin E levels to high-intensity physical activity and to vitamin C and E supplementation.

SUBJECTS

In all, 14 male trained amateur runners (32-36 y old) were randomly divided in two groups (supplemented and placebo), and participated in a half marathon race. The subjects did not take any other supplements than the ones provided for this study.

INTERVENTION

Vitamin C (152 mg/day) and E (50 mg/day) supplementation was administrated to athletes for a month, using a new almond-based isotonic and energetic beverage (supplemented group). The usual dietary habits of participants were assessed using a self-reported 7-day 24-h recall before the day of the study. To avoid the beverage influence, nonenriched vitamin C and E almond-based isotonic and energetic beverage was given to the placebo group. After 1 month, subjects participated in a half marathon race (21 km run). Vitamin E concentration was determined in plasma, neutrophils and lymphocytes before and immediately after the race, and 3 h after finishing the race.

RESULTS

Daily energy intake and caloric profile of supplemented and placebo group were not different except for vitamin C and E supplementation. Vitamin supplementation and exercise had no effect on vitamins E levels in plasma. The exercise significantly (P<0.05) increased the lymphocyte vitamin E concentration both in the placebo (+119%) and supplemented groups (+128%), and neutrophil vitamin E content in the supplemented group (+88%). These levels remained significantly (P<0.05) high after the short recovery. After exercise, vitamin E levels in lymphocytes and neutrophils of supplemented subjects were practically twice the levels before exercise, whereas neutrophil vitamin E content of the placebo group was close to those in plasma.

CONCLUSION

After endurance exercise, lymphocytes increased their vitamin E content in the supplemented and placebo subjects whereas this trend in neutrophils was just observed in the supplemented group. The determination of vitamin E content in lymphocytes and neutrophils after exercise is a useful tool to assess the functional status of vitamin E.

Pre-exercise antioxidant enzyme activities determine the antioxidant enzyme erythrocyte response to exercise

Free radical production increases during exercise and oxidative damage occurs in several tissues. We examined the effects of three different exercise tests on the pattern of change of erythrocyte enzyme antioxidant activities. The tests were a short maximal exercise test, a submaximal prolonged exercise test and a cycling stage during competition. The participants were amateur and professional cyclists with different training statuses and different basal erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. The maximal test produced no changes in the erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities of amateur sportsmen. The submaximal test, performed at 80% of maximal oxygen uptake, decreased erythrocyte catalase (12%), glutathione peroxidase determined with H2O2 (14%) and glutathione reductase (16%); superoxide dismutase activity increased by about 25%. The cycling stage performed by professional cyclists increased erythrocyte catalase (29%) and glutathione reductase (10%) activities. The in vivo changes in glutathione reductase activity were confirmed by in vitro measurements: hydrogen peroxide decreased and the presence of catalase increased the activity of this enzyme. In conclusion, we suggest that the different erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme responses to diverse exercise tests can be explained by the effects of hydrogen peroxide and the superoxide anion on the antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes.

Olive oil and the Mediterranean diet: beyond the rhetoric

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association of food, nutrient and energy intakes with olive oil consumption in Spain.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study by face-to-face interview.

SETTING

Population-based random sample derived from the Catalan Nutrition Survey.

SUBJECTS

In total, 1600 individuals between 18 and 60 y of age.

INTERVENTION

Two 24-h recalls were administered to measure food and nutrient intakes. Food consumption and nutrient intakes were analyzed comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of olive oil consumption.

RESULTS

Those with the highest consumption of olive oil (greater than 13.5% of total calories, fourth quartile) consumed less cereal, baked goods, whole milk, sausages, candy, fruit juice and soft drinks, but more fish, eggs, vegetables and added fats, as compared to those with the lowest olive oil consumption (less than 6.8% of total calories, first quartile). The group with the greatest olive oil consumption also demonstrated high total fat intake, although saturated fats showed a lower percentage of total energy intake. Vitamin intake was more adequate in those with the highest consumption of olive oil.

CONCLUSION

Olive oil is a key contributor to the healthy aspects attributed to the Mediterranean diet, and as such, nutritional objectives in Mediterranean countries should address reducing saturated fats, without modifying quantities of olive oil.

Alcohol consumption among school adolescents in Palma de Mallorca

AIMS

To describe alcohol consumption of adolescent boys and girls in Palma de Mallorca, and its relationship with physical activity and socio-demographic factors.

METHODS

Four hundred and forty five adolescents (171 boys, 274 girls; 14-18 years old) selected from the school census (participation 96%), using two-stage probability sampling were studied. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was administered and alcohol intake was analysed. Physical activity was computed as a ratio of energy expended in basal metabolic rate. Socio-demographic data were collected, and categorized as gender, mother's level of education, parental occupational status, and mother's region of origin.

RESULTS

About 60% of adolescents, 53% of boys and 65% of girls, reported alcohol consumption, which increased with age in boys (91% when they were 18 years old), but remained constant in girls. The adolescents consumed alcohol mainly on weekends; average consumption was four drinks per drinking day, and the most consumed drinks were mild distilled spirits. The mother's educational level and adolescents' physical activity were negatively and significantly related to alcohol consumption, whereas the adolescents from occupational upper-class parents and non Majorcan/Balearic mothers were positively and significantly related to alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased penetration of alcohol into the adolescents' environment may result in misuse of consumption. To give more information to parents and adolescents on considering alcohol to be a drug, and to promote physical activity among adolescents may be contributing factors towards decreased alcohol consumption among the latter age group.

Diet supplementation with vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene cocktail enhances basal neutrophil antioxidant enzymes in athletes

Exercise increases oxygen consumption and causes a disturbance of intracellular pro-oxidant-antioxidant homeostasis. Few data are available as to the cumulative effects of exercise on the antioxidant defenses of the neutrophil. We studied the effects of 90 days' supplementation with placebo or an antioxidant cocktail of vitamin E (500 mg/day) and beta-carotene (30 mg/day) and the last 15 days also with vitamin C (1 g/day) on sportsmen's basal neutrophil antioxidant defenses. We analyzed the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and the activities and levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione disulfide in neutrophils purified from antecubital vein blood of sportsmen before and after diet supplementation. Plasma vitamin E, beta-carotene and vitamin C concentrations in the antioxidant-supplemented group were approximately 1.6, 10, and 1.2 times higher respectively than those of the placebo group. The antioxidant-supplemented group presented a significantly higher glutathione versus glutathione disulfide ratio in neutrophils (about 20%) than the placebo one. Antioxidant supplementation enhances the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in neutrophils.

Vitamins in Spanish food patterns: the eVe Study

OBJECTIVE

To describe vitamin intakes in Spanish food patterns, identify groups at risk for inadequacy and determine conditioning factors that may influence this situation.

DESIGN

Pooled-analysis of eight cross-sectional regional nutrition surveys.

SUBJECTS

Ten thousand two hundred and eight free-living subjects (4728 men, 5480 women) aged 25-60 years. Respondents of population nutritional surveys carried out in eight Spanish regions (Alicante, Andalucia, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Catalunya, Galicia, Madrid and Basque Country) from 1990 to 1998. The samples were pooled together and weighted to build a national random sample.

METHODS

Dietary assessment by means of repeated 24-hour recall using photograph models to estimate portion size. Adjusted data for intra-individual variation were used to estimate the prevalence of inadequate intake. A Diet Quality Score (DQS) was computed considering the risk for inadequate intake for folate, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E. DQS scores vary between 0 (good) and 4 (very poor). Influence of lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity) was considered as well.

RESULTS

Inadequate intakes (<2/3 Recommended Dietary Intake) were estimated in more than 10% of the sample for riboflavin (in men), folate (in women), vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E. More than 35% of the sample had diets classified as poor quality or very poor quality. Factors identified to have an influence on a poor-quality diet were old age, low education level and low socio-economical level. A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, usual consumption of alcohol and being overweight were conditioning factors for a poor-quality diet as well.

CONCLUSION

Results from The eVe Study suggest that a high proportion of the Spanish population has inadequate intakes for at least one nutrient and nearly 50% should adjust their usual food pattern towards a more nutrient-dense, healthier diet.

Effect of atrial natriuretic peptide on alpha-methyl-D-glucoside intestinal active uptake in rats

In vivo, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) inhibits water and sodium absorption by the intestine. In addition, ANP inhibits glucose (re)absorption at the level of both the intestine and kidney. ANP also decreases sodium absorption in the rat small intestine in vitro, but only if glucose is present on the luminal side of the tissue. These findings suggest that ANP inhibits the sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) of enterocytes. In the present study the inhibitory effect of 1 microM ANP on SGLT1 in rat small intestine and colon was tested. For this purpose, the apparent kinetic constants of SGLT1 were determined using radioactive alpha-methyl-D-glucoside (alpha-MG), a non-metabolizable glucose analogue that selectively serves the luminal Na+-dependent intestinal uptake, but not the serosal-facilitated diffusion sugar carrier. In both tissues, incubation with ANP increased Km without modifying the Vmax. In addition, Vmax in the small intestine was found to be higher than in the colon. The evidence presented here suggests that ANP, through its second messenger, may be a competitive inhibitor of SGLT1. Since SGLT1 is also expressed in the brush-border membrane of the renal proximal tubule, we suggest that this peptide might regulate the hydro-saline balance at intestinal and proximal tubular nephron levels.

Kinetic constants of alpha-methyl-D-glucoside transport in the chick small intestine during perinatal development

The kinetic parameters of alpha-methyl-D-glucoside (alpha Glc1Me) have been determined in the small intestine in order to establish developmental and regional changes in the apical transport in embryos and newly hatched chicks. Results show that the apparent Michaelis constant (Km) values did not change during the period studied in each region of the small intestine. However, the ileum showed a smaller Km than that of the duodenum and jejunum, indicating an increase of the affinity of the carrier in the distal portion of the intestine and a significant contribution of the ileum to overall sugar absorption in the perinatal period. There were important changes in the diffusional component and in the mediated transport system capacity during this period, as well as in the different regions of the intestine. Significant increases in the maximal rate of transport (Vmax) were observed in all regions during the embryonic period until the second day after hatching, followed by a decline during the first week. During all the period studied, Vmax values from the jejunum were significantly greater than those from both the duodenum and the ileum at every age studied showing that the jejunum is the segment that is best suited for Na(+)-mediated uptake. Such changes which occur when the need for nutrients for rapid development are at their highest are not solely a result of diet composition, but rather in accordance with a genetic programme.

Effect of dietary fatty acids on jejunal and ileal oleic acid uptake by rat brush border membrane vesicles

To test the effect of dietary fatty acids on fatty acid uptake, the influx kinetics of a representative long-chain fatty acid, 3H-oleic acid, in both the jejunum and ileum of rats has been studied using brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV). Animals were fed with semipurified diets containing 5 g fat/100 g diet, as corn oil (control group), safflower oil (unsaturated group) and coconut oil hydrogenated (saturated group). With increasing unbound oleate concentration in the medium, the three dietary groups showed saturable kinetics in both jejunal and ileal BBMV (controls: Vmax = 0.15 +/- 0.01 nmol x mg protein-1 x 5 min-1 and Km = 136 +/- 29.1 nmol for jejunum, and Vmax = 0.23 +/- 0.03 nmol x mg protein-1 x 5 min-1 and Km = 196 +/- 50.3 nmol for ileum; unsaturated: Vmax = 0.28 +/- 0.05 nmol x mg protein-1 x 5 min-1 and Km = 242.7 +/- 91.8 nmol for jejunum, and Vmax = 1.29 +/- 0.06 nmol x mg protein-1 x 5 min-1 and Km = 509.8 +/- 97.5 nmol for ileum; saturated: Vmax = 0.03 +/- 0.01 nmol x mg protein-1 x 5 min-1 and Km = 124.5 +/- 72.6 nmol for jejunum, and Vmax = 0.04 +/- 0.01 nmol x mg protein -1.5 min-1 and Km = 205.6 +/- 85.3 nmol for ileum). These results support the theory that feeding an isocaloric diet containing only unsaturated fatty acids enhanced oleic acid uptake, and feeding an isocaloric diet containing only saturated fatty acids decreased oleic acid uptake. The results obtained in the present work also show the adaptative ability of jejunum and ileum to the type of dietary fat.

Oleic acid uptake by jejunal and ileal rat brush border membrane vesicles

In previous works, a membrane fatty acid transport system has been identified in brush border membrane vesicles, but no different intestinal regions were considered in these studies. To test the existence of a proximal-to-distal gradient of fat absorption along the small intestine, transmembrane influx kinetics of a representative long-chain fatty acid, 3H-oleic acid, in both jejunum and ileum of rat has been studied using brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV). With increasing concentration of unbound oleate in the medium, both jejunal and ileal BBMV showed saturable uptake kinetics (Vmax = 0.15 +/- 0.01 nmol.mg protein-1 x 5 min-1 and Km = 136 +/- 29.1 nmol for jejunum, and Vmax = 0.23 +/- 0.03 nmol.mg protein-1 x 5 min1 and Km = 196 +/- 50.3 nmol for ileum). These results support the hypothesis that oleic acid uptake occurs via a carrier-mediated transport mechanism in both jejunum and ileum. Furthermore, the existence of a proximal-to-distal gradient for fat absorption was apparent with a higher density of transport units (Vmax) in ileum compared to jejunum.

Changes in intestinal alpha-methyl-D-glucoside uptake due to pregnancy and lactation in rats

Uptake of alpha-methyl-D-glucoside, a nonmetabolizable glucose analogue, by everted intestinal sleeves was studied in virgin, pregnant and lactating rats. The animals showed an increase in jejunal and ileal tissue mass, mucosal mass, nominal surface area, and enzymatic activities. No changes were observed in the carrier affinity throughout the breeding stages. Nevertheless there was a significant increase in glucose carrier density (Vmax) per unit of length of jejunum and ileum in pregnant and lactating animals. Integrating the results obtained, and increased overall ability to transport hexoses by nonspecific adaptation can be observed in breeding stages.

Disaccharidase activities in pregnant and lactating rats

The changes in intestinal disaccharidase activities in pregnancy and lactation could be explained as a result of an adaptation to the energy demands of each reproductive stage. To examine these changes, disaccharidase activities (lactase, sucrase, maltase, and trehalase) were measured in the jejunum and ileum of virgin, pregnant and lactating Wistar rats. Minor changes in disaccharidase activities were observed in pregnancy, whereas an increase of disaccharidase activities per small intestine length normalized to body mass was observed in lactation.

Effect of cafeteria diet on alpha-MG intestinal absorption in rats

The effect of a cafeteria diet (a hypercaloric diet) on the accumulative ability of the mediated and non-mediated small intestine transport of alpha-methyl-D-glucoside (alpha-MG) in developing female Wistar rats was studied using everted intestinal slices. Cafeteria diet increased intestinal active transport and decreased intestinal passive diffusion of alpha-MG in 30-day-old rats. No differences in alpha-MG intestinal absorption were found in cafeteria vs control rats after the development of obesity in cafeteria diet fed rats. A link between gastrointestinal functions and the development of obesity induced by cafeteria diet is suggested.

Morphological adaptive changes of small intestinal tract regions due to pregnancy and lactation in rats

In order to know the adaptive changes of small intestine regions (duodenum, and proximal, medial and distal jejunum-ileum) due to the reproductive stage (virgin, pregnancy and lactation), the weight, mucosal proportion, mucosal DNA and protein contents and protein/DNA ratio in female Wistar rats were measured. Pregnancy induces hypertrophy of the proximal half of the small intestine (duodenum and proximal jejunum-ileum), whereas lactation induces hyperplasia in all small intestinal regions and also hypertrophy but only in the duodenum.

Dietary effects upon calcium oxalate urolithiasis risk

An animal model involving rats fed with different diets (high protein, high carbohydrate, high lipid, high fiber and control balanced diet) was used to evaluate the dietary effects on the main oxalocalcic urolithogenic parameters. It was found that the inhibitory factors that prevent calcium oxalate stone formation (citrate and magnesium) were clearly more favorable in the group of rats fed with a balanced diet. However, factors favouring the heterogeneous calcium phosphate nucleation were also found in the balanced diet. On the other hand, factors facilitating the heterogeneous uric acid nucleation were found in rats treated with high protein, high lipid, high carbohydrate and high fiber diets. In conclusion it seems that the balanced diet appears to be the less lithogenic one.

Effect of starvation on the in vivo intestinal absorption of sugars and amino acids in young chickens (Gallus domesticus)

The effect of different patterns of starvation (acute and intermittent) on the in vivo intestinal absorption of glucose and tryptophan during the first days of Gallus domesticus chicks life was measured. Both acute and intermittent starvation increase duodenal absorption of glucose and jejunal absorption of tryptophan. Intermittent starvation tends to reduce the effect of age which normally decreases intestinal uptake of nutrients. This effect is clearer for glucose absorption than for tryptophan absorption.

Regional development of alpha-methyl-D-glucoside transport in the small intestine of chick embryos and newly-hatched chicks

A regional study of the intestinal hexose transport shows the role played by duodenum, jejunum and ileum during the chick perinatal development. From at least two days before hatching the three regions of small intestine accumulate alpha-Méthyl-D-Glucose (alpha-MG) by mediated transport mechanisms, and phloridzin inhibit about 90% of the uptakes. This ability reaches the maximal level at 1 day after hatch in the three regions. Before hatching the jejunum shows higher transport levels than the observed values in the duodenum and ileum, but the three regions show similar values at 1 day after hatch. In the following days, the alpha-MG transport ability is strongly reduced in the duodenum, slightly reduced in the jejunum and maintained in the ileum until at least 7 day-old chicks.

Gastrointestinal emptying in the final days of incubation of the chick embryo

1. The gastrointestinal (GI) emptying of the chick embryo was studied in days 19 and 20 of incubation using radioactive (14C-PEG-4000) and coloured (Evans Blue dye) tracer markers. 2. Following administration by oral cannula, the percentages of tracer marker recovered in the yolk sac and the GI tract showed the existence of a GI motor pattern in both 19 d and 20 d chick embryos and suggested that the fluids drunk by the chick embryo during the final days of incubation could have reached the yolk sac from the GI tract via the vitelline diverticulum.

An animal model to study the effects of diet on risk factors of calcium stone formation

The effects of diet on the formation of calcium oxalate stones were studied in 150-day-old rats by measuring the diuresis, pH, and urinary and blood concentrations of promoting and inhibitory substances. An increase in phosphate (promoting) and magnesium (inhibiting), and a decrease in citrate (inhibiting) and pH were found in the urine of rats fed with a high protein diet. No differences were observed in the plasma concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. These results confirm epidemiological and clinical studies in humans that have shown that any diet rich in protein can change the concentrations of these substances in urine.