Hypolipidimic and antioxidant activities of virgin olive oil and its fractions in 2,4-diclorophenoxyacetic acid-treated rats

Objective

We examined the effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and its hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions on serum lipids, oxidative stress, and morphologic and functional liver damages induced by 2,4-diclorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D).

Methods

Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into eight groups: control; 2,4-D at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight (2,4-D); 2,4-D plus EVOO (2,4-D/EVOO); 2,4-D plus the hydrophilic fraction (2,4-D/OOHF); 2,4-D plus the lipophilic fraction (2,4-D/OOLF); only EVOO (EVOO); only the hydrophilic fraction (OOHF); and only the lipophilic fraction (OOLF). These components were administered daily by gavage for 4 wk.

Results

A hepatic architecture aberration, increased activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase enzymes, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and a decreased antioxidant defense system were observed in the 2,4-D group. The administration of EVOO restored the damage caused by 2,4-D by a significant decrease of plasma total and low-density lipoprotein levels and a moderate increase of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The 2,4-D/OOHF group exhibited a pronounced enhancement of the antioxidant defense system by an increase of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels and a decrease of plasma and liver MDA levels. However, less improvement in the liver histoarchitecture and antioxidant status was observed in rats supplemented with OOLF diet, despite its richness in α-tocopherol.

Conclusion

Extra virgin olive oil may be a potential functional food source of antioxidants than can decrease the frequency of cardiovascular diseases and liver damage.     

Adoption of preventive measures during and after the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus pandemic peak in Spain

Objective

This study describes the preventive measures adopted by the Spanish population towards 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus and their associated factors.

Method

An anonymous computer-assisted telephone interview survey was conducted in Spain in December 2009 and February 2010. Respondents were asked about their perceptions of influenza A (H1N1) virus and the preventive measures adopted. Factors associated with the adoption of preventive measures were assessed by logistic regression analyses.

Results

Out of 4892 households approached, 1627 valid responses were obtained (response rate of 33.3%). The most commonly adopted preventive measures were respiratory hygiene and hand washing. Factors independently associated with the adoption of the preventive measures recommended by the Spanish Ministry of Health were female gender, higher educational level, size of municipality of residence > 50,000 inhabitants, high perceived susceptibility to infection, high perceived effectiveness of the measures and high perceived usefulness of the information provided by the government. The presence of school-aged children in household was associated with purchasing masks and hand sanitizer.

Conclusion

In addition to demographic factors, modifiable factors such as personal beliefs and expectations play a role in the adoption of preventive measures.     

Effect of contraceptive pill on the selenium and zinc status of healthy subjects

Background

The study was conducted to ascertain the influence of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) uptake on serum zinc and selenium in contraceptive pill users.

Study Design

The concentration of zinc and selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer in 50 healthy women with normal menstrual cycles as a control group and 50 women taking low-dose OCP.

Results

The control reference values were 81.61±9.44 and 70.35±25.57 mcg/dL, which were obtained for zinc and selenium, respectively. Use of OCP resulted in a significant decrease in serum zinc levels (p≤.009, t=−3.666) and alteration of selenium levels but not significantly (p=.08, t=0.935). The duration of use beyond 3 months had no effect on the magnitude of the decrease in serum zinc levels.

Conclusions

These findings may be important because selenium is currently believed to offer protective benefits against carcinogenesis. It has been thought that the decrease in serum zinc could be reflected in a reduction of tissue zinc status due to changes in zinc absorption, excretion or tissue turnover. If these changes occur, the dietary zinc requirement would be greater in women using OCP.     

Fructose-enriched diet modifies antioxidant status and lipid metabolism in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE: High-fructose consumption in industrial countries has been shown to induce metabolic abnormalities or syndrome X. Changes in antioxidant defense are unknown in hypertension associated with metabolic disorders induced by high-fructose feeding. METHODS: Twenty spontaneously hypertensive rats were assigned to one of two groups; one received a fructose-enriched diet (60% fructose) and the other a starch diet. After a 13-wk diet period, total antioxidant status was assessed in the blood and liver by monitoring the rate of free radical-induced red blood cell hemolysis. Antioxidants (enzymes and vitamins) were determined in blood and liver. Gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (copper/zinc superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) were also investigated in hepatic tissue. RESULTS: Fructose-fed rats showed blood pressure values similar to that of control rats but had increased glycemia and insulinemia. The antioxidant capacity in the blood of the fructose-fed group represented by copper/zinc superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and ascorbic acid was lower. However, the fructose diet enhanced the total antioxidant capacity of liver correlated with increased antioxidant enzyme activities and retinol concentrations. Gutathione peroxidase mRNA expression was decreased in livers of spontaneously hypertensive rats fed the fructose diet. CONCLUSION: Fructose feeding negatively affects antioxidant capacity in the blood of hypertensive rats but improves this capacity in the liver.     

Calcium Intake and 10-Year Weight Change in Middle-Aged Adults

Objective

The goal of this study was to examine the purported effects of calcium on modulating body weight.

Design

Retrospective data was used to assess the relationship between calcium intake and weight change over an 8- to 12-year period among middle-aged adults.

Subjects

Participants were 10,591 men and women aged 53 to 57 years recruited during 2000-2002.

Statistical Analysis

Linear regression was used to model associations of 10-year weight change and calcium intake, adjusted for weight at age 45 years, energy intake, physical activity, and other factors.

Results

Calcium intake was associated with 10-year weight change only in women. Women with current calcium supplement dose of >500 mg/day had a 10-year weight gain of 5.1 kg (95% confidence interval 4.7 to 5.5) compared to 6.9 kg (95% confidence interval 6.5 to 7.4) among nonusers (P for trend=0.001). Trends were similar for total calcium intake from diet plus supplements (P for trend=0.001). Dietary calcium alone had no significant effect on 10-year weight change.

Conclusions

Increasing total calcium intake, in the form of calcium supplementation, may be beneficial to weight maintenance, especially in women during midlife.     

Evaluación económica de rituximab en combinación con fludarabina y ciclofosfamida en comparación con fludarabina y ciclofosfamida en el tratamiento de la leucemia linfática crónica

Objectives

We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of rituximab added to the chemotherapy regimen of fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide (R-FC) versus fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide (FC) for the treatment of patients with previously untreated or relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Methods

Two Markov models were built, using published results on progression-free survival (PFS) in patients receiving first- or second-line therapy with R-FC vs FC, rates of disease progression and mortality rates in Spain. Patient-elicited utilities were applied to PFS and progressed health states. The cost of drugs, supportive care, and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) were estimated over a 10-year period. Univariate and probabilistic (Monte Carlo) sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

The addition of rituximab to chemotherapy in first- and second-line therapy increased life-years gained (LYG) and QALYs compared with chemotherapy. The incremental cost per LYG and QALY gained was €20,703 and €19,343 for first-line treatment and was €23,183 and €24,781 for second-line treatment.

Conclusion

In patients with previously untreated or relapsed/refractory CLL, the addition of rituximab to the FC regimen increased life expectancy and quality-adjusted life expectancy. In both types of patient, the treatment was cost-effective.     

Changes in male reproductive system and mineral metabolism induced by soy isoflavones administered to rats from prenatal life until sexual maturity

Objective

This study aimed to determine the influence of high-dose soy isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) administered from prenatal life to sexual maturity on testosterone and estradiol levels, testicular and epididymal morphology, the number of epididymal spermatozoa, and mineral metabolism in rats.

Methods

Pregnant Wistar rats received orally soy isoflavones, daidzein, and genistein at a dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight per day. After separating sucklings from their mothers, male rats received the same dose of isoflavones until reaching the age of sexual maturity, i.e., for 3 mo.

Results

In the isoflavone-treated group, statistically significant decreased concentrations of zinc (determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry) in blood serum and increased concentrations in bone were observed. The isoflavones induced changes in the morphology of the seminiferous epithelium of rat testes. However, there were no significant changes in the number of spermatozoa in the epididymis. The levels of estradiol in serum and cauda epididymis homogenates of rats receiving phytoestrogens were significantly higher than in the control group. No differences were observed in testosterone concentrations in the serum of treated and control rats. The testosterone levels in the homogenates of the treated rat testes were significantly lower than in the control group.

Conclusion

The relatively mild effects of phytoestrogen administration on the morphology of testes and epididymides and the number of epididymal spermatozoa were observed despite the high dose used. The exposure of rats to genistein and daidzein during intrauterine life until sexual maturity influenced the mineral metabolism of the organism by significant decreases of Zn concentration in serum and increased Zn concentration in bones.     

Dietary freeze-dried black raspberry's effect on cellular antioxidant status during reflux-induced esophagitis in rats

Introduction

Esophageal cancer consists of two distinct types, esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and squamous cell carcinoma, both of which differ significantly in their etiology. Freeze-dried black raspberry (BRB) has been consistent in its ability to modulate the biomarkers and reduce the incidence of carcinogen-induced squamous cell carcinoma in rats. In our previous studies in the esophagoduodenal anastomosis (EDA) model, we have shown that the early modulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) significantly correlates with the development of reflux-induced EAC in rats. In this study we looked at the short-term effects of a BRB-supplemented diet on the modulation of antioxidant enzymes in reflux-induced esophagitis.

Methods

Male SD rats (8 wk old; n = 3-5) were randomized into three groups---sham-operated, fed control AIN-93M diet (SH-CD), EDA operated and fed either control diet (EDA-CD) or 2.5% (w/w) BRB diet (EDA-BRB). The effect of both reflux and dietary supplementation was analyzed 2 and 4 wk after EDA surgery.

Results

Animals in the EDA groups had significantly lower weight gain and diet intake compared to SH-CD (P < 0.05). The sham-operated animals received an average esophagitis score of 0.1 ± 0.1; this increased significantly in EDA-CD animals to 1.8 ± 0.14 (P < 0.001 versus SH-CD) and in EDA-BRB group to 1.7 ± 0.06 (P < 0.001 versus SH-CD), with BE changes also present. However, dietary supplementation of BRB did not alter or ameliorate the grade of esophagitis or the induction of BE. BRB diet caused a 43% increase in MnSOD levels compared to EDA-CD (0.73 ± 0.16; P = 0.09); however, this effect was not statistically significant and at 4 wk, EDA-CD (0.58 ± 0.12) showed an increase in MnSOD expression compared to SH-CD (0.34 ± 0.01).

Conclusions

In conclusion, our data suggest that dietary BRB does not increase the levels of cellular antioxidant enzymes or reduce the levels of lipid peroxidation compared to a control diet, in a short-term study of gastroesophageal reflux induction in the EDA animal model. However, it remains to be tested whether this is indicative of its ineffectiveness to inhibit reflux-induced EAC incidence over the long term.     

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis following influenza vaccination

Introduction

Approximately 5% of cases of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis are preceded by vaccination within 1 month prior to symptom onset. This occurs rarely following influenza immunization.

Methods

Case presentation and literature review.

Results

A 75-year-old woman developed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis within 3 weeks of receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine. The patient subsequently passed away, despite treatment with methylprednisolone and plasma exchange therapy.

Conclusions

The literature on post-influenza vaccination encephalomyelitis is limited. The majority of published cases had favourable outcomes following treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone. Given the limited number of cases, no incidence estimates have been published.     

Protective effects of green tea on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Objective

The intestinal mucosa is known to be adversely affected by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Previously we showed that green tea protects the intestinal mucosa from fasting-induced damage. The aim of this study is to determine whether green tea has any protective role in I/R of the intestine.

Methods

Three groups of male rats were used in this study. Group I (I/R) underwent I/R of the intestine (30 min of ischemia followed by 1 h of reperfusion). Group II (green tea + I/R) was given green tea for 2 wk before inducing I/R. Group III (control) had sham I/R. After the experiments, the jejunum was removed and the tissues were processed for histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical analysis for cell proliferation markers and antioxidant enzymes.

Results

The intestinal mucosa in group II was preserved compared with that in group I. The expressions of cellular proliferation markers (proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67) and cellular antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in group II were similar to those in group III and much less than in group I, reflecting the protective effects of green tea in group II animals.

Conclusion

In this animal model, administration of green tea before inducing I/R protects the intestinal mucosa from injury.     

Effects of oral contraception with ethinylestradiol and drospirenone on oxidative stress in women 18-35 years old

Background

Oral contraceptives (OCs) with estrogens and progestins may affect oxidative stress (OS) status.

Study design

A group of 32 women using oral contraceptives (OCU) containing 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone have been compared to a matched control group of 30 noncontraception users (NCU). Blood levels of antioxidants, trace elements and markers of lipid peroxidation were assessed by biochemical methods. A microarray analysis of whole blood mRNA levels of 200 genes involved in OS-dependant pathway was also performed.

Results

Levels of zinc, vitamin E and antibodies to oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) were not significantly different between the two groups. On the other hand, significant increases in the mean levels of lipid peroxides (+176%, p<.001), oxidized LDLs (+145%, p<.002), copper (+103%, p<.001), Cu/Zn ratio (+100%, p<.001) and a significant decrease in the mean level of β-carotene (−41%, p<.01) were observed in the OCU compared to NCU. There was a highly significant positive correlation between the lipid peroxide levels and the copper-to-zinc ratio. From the 200 genes tested by microarray, one coding for HSP70 was significantly up-regulated (log² fold change=+ 0.45, p<.02) and one coding for inducible nitric oxide synthase significantly down-regulated (log² fold change=−0.24, p<.05) in the OCU compared to the NCU.

Conclusions

The recently introduced combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone induced the heightening of lipid peroxidation correlated with high levels of copper, a situation that could be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.     

Use of combined oral contraceptives post abortion

Background

Providing combined oral contraceptives (COCs) following surgical or medical induced abortion offers women an opportune moment to initiate a reliable contraceptive method.

Study Design

We conducted a systematic review, searching MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library for articles in any language concerning COC use following spontaneous, induced (medical or surgical) or septic abortion, from 1966 through June 2008. Seven articles were identified and evaluated using the United States Preventive Services Task Force system.

Results

Immediate COC initiation after first-trimester medical or surgical induced abortion did not increase side effects or prolong vaginal bleeding compared with use of a placebo, copper-bearing intrauterine device (IUD), nonhormonal contraceptive method or COC initiation at a later time. Initiating COCs after first-trimester surgical abortion produced small increases in coagulation parameters compared with IUD use; although they are statistically significant, their clinical relevance is unlikely. No study examined second-trimester induced or spontaneous abortion, or septic abortion.

Conclusions

Evidence shows that COCs can be safely initiated immediately following surgical and medical abortion in the first-trimester of pregnancy.     

A gel-based proteomic analysis of the effects of green tea polyphenols on ovariectomized rats

Objective

Our recent study demonstrated the protective action of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) against bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats through their antioxidant capacities to scavenge reactive oxygen species. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the alterations of liver protein profiles in estrogen-deficient middle-aged rats after GTP treatment by a gel-based proteomic approach. This may lead to understanding the mechanisms of GTPs in promoting bone health.

Methods

Liver samples were obtained from 14-mo-old female OVX rats treated with no GTPs (OVX) or 0.5% (w/v) GTPs (OVX + GTP) in drinking water for 16 wk (n = 10/group). Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry was used to compare the liver protein profiles of pooled samples from the OVX and OVX + GTP groups. Liver proteins were labeled in duplicate by reversing the fluorescent dyes.

Results

Approximately 800 protein spots were detected. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase-1 and adenosine triphosphate synthase were 2.0-fold and 1.5-fold higher in the OVX + GTP group versus the OVX group, respectively, whereas the expression level of catechol-O-methyltransferase was 1.5-fold lower in the OVX + GTP group versus the OVX group. The changes of superoxide dismutase-1 and catechol-O-methyltransferase in individual liver samples were confirmed by western blots.

Conclusion

Our data provide further evidence for the antioxidant role of GTPs by increasing superoxide dismutase-1 and adenosine triphosphate synthase and the estrogen-associated effect of GTPs by decreasing catechol-O-methyltransferase.     

Magnesium and trace element intake after a lifestyle intervention

Objective

Observational studies suggest that some trace elements and magnesium (Mg) improve glucose metabolism, markers of inflammation, and oxidative stress, but supplementation studies have yielded inconsistent results. Our objective was to evaluate whether a lifestyle intervention trial, aimed at reducing total and saturated fat and increasing fiber intake, can affect also the intake of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and Mg.

Methods

Dietary intake of Se, Cr, Zn, Cu, and Mg was evaluated at baseline and at the end of a lifestyle intervention trial performed in 335 dysmetabolic adults.

Results

At baseline, trace element and Mg intake in the intervention (n = 169) and control (n = 166) groups of the trial were not significantly different. The former significantly increased their intake of Se, Mg, and Cr, while the latter reduced the intake of Mg, Zn, and Cr. Between-group differences were significant for Mg, Cr, and Se.

Conclusion

Healthier lifestyle recommendations might improve the pattern of micronutrient and Mg intake, which might play an independent role in ameliorating some metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative markers.     

Defense mechanisms and perceived adverse effects in a population of 70 HIV infected adults

Objective

We assessed the relations between defense mechanisms and perceived adverse effects of ART in a population of 70 HIV positive patients.

Design

The Bond Defense Style questionnaire was used to evaluate defense mechanisms. We used Justice's questionnaire to assess adverse effects and their psychological impact. We carried out multiple regression and mediation analyses to define the relations between the number of adverse effects, defensive styles, and the impact of adverse effects.

Results

The global model accounts for nearly 40 % of the score variance. Mature and immature defense styles bring significant contribution to understanding the impact of adverse effects, even when their number is controlled.

Conclusion

Working on defense mechanisms should lower the psychological impact of adverse effects, therefore, improving the patient's quality of life and compliance.     

In vitro Actinomyces israelii biofilm development on IUD copper surfaces

Background

Female pelvic actinomycosis may involve fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus and bladder. This condition is often associated with the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs), vaginal pessaries and/or tampons. The predominant causative agent of human actinomycosis is Actinomyces israelii, which has been found on copper IUDs retrieved from patients.

Study Design

In this work, a biofilm of A. israelii was developed in vitro on copper surfaces immersed in a simulated uterine fluid under anaerobic conditions. The biofilm was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray and atomic force microscopy.

Results

The capacity of A. israelii to develop a biofilm over copper surfaces in synthetic media was demonstrated. SEM micrographies illustrate the exopolysaccharides production and bacterial distribution.

Conclusion

A. israelii was able to attach and grow in synthetic intrauterine media and to present on the copper surface is likely due to the production of biofilm.     

Possible regulatory factors for intra-abdominal fat mass in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

Objective

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) lose body weight primarily due to decreased body fat mass. The purpose of this study was to elucidate possible factors related to reduction in the intra-abdominal fat mass of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated rats, which are frequently used as an animal model for PD.

Methods

Sham-operated (NPD: n = 4) and unilaterally 6-OHDA-injected (PD: n = 4) 14-wk-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a relatively high-fat diet for 2 wk, during which food intake and body weight were measured. After the 2-wk feeding period, intra-abdominal fat was dissected out and weighed. Carbohydrate and fat absorption-related gene expressions in the jejunum and serum insulin and glucose concentrations were analyzed.

Results

Although final body weights did not differ, total intra-abdominal fat weight, expressed relative to body weight, was significantly lower in the PD group than in the NPD group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the mRNA expression of carbohydrate and fat digestion/absorption-related genes in the jejunum, or in fat absorption efficacy assessed by fecal fat excretion. However, PD rats showed significantly lower serum insulin and higher glucose concentrations than NPD rats (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

PD model rats displayed loss of intra-abdominal fat, similar to the progressive loss of fat in PD patients. Our results provide preliminary evidence that reduced lipogenesis due to lower insulin levels, rather than impaired digestion/absorption, might have been involved in this decrease in intra-abdominal fat mass.     

Eighteen-month follow-up of infants fed evaporated milk formula.

In parts of Canada including Newfoundland and Labrador and among Aboriginal peoples, infants still consume evaporated milk (EM) formulas for cultural and economic reasons. At 3 and 6 months, full-term infants fed EM (n = 30) received low intakes of iron, thiamine, selenium and had higher weight velocity than breastfed (BF, n = 29) infants. EM infants had greater anemia, lowered transketolase activity (thiamine) and lowered glutathione peroxidase (selenium) activity (p < 0.05). To determine the later effect of early feeding deficit on nutritional status, we examined these same infants at 18 months of age. At that time, there were no differences in dietary intakes of energy, protein, zinc, copper, selenium and iron, nor in plasma levels of zinc, copper, vitamin C, nor in red blood cell activity levels of glutathione reductase (riboflavin), transketolase, glutathione peroxidase, nor in superoxide dismutase. However, EM infants weighed more and were more likely to visit a physician, have anemia, and have iron depletion than were BF infants. We conclude that infants consuming evaporated milk formulas should receive iron supplements throughout infancy.