Correlación entre la adicción a la comida y niveles del ácido araquidónico en adultos con obesidad tras intervenciones nutricionales

Introducción: Los endocannabinoides son una diana en el tratamiento de la obesidad y se producen a partir de ácidos grasos esenciales, los derivados del ácido linoleico actúan como agonistas de los receptores cannabinoides tipo 1 (CB1), asimismo, los derivados del ácido linolénico ejercen efectos de antagonistas de dichos receptores, por lo cual se plantea que modificar el consumo dietario de los ácidos grasos omega 3 y 6 podría modular la activación del sistema endocannabinoide, lo que podría ser favorable para personas con adicción a la comida, considerando cómo este sistema promueve la actividad de las vías dopaminérgicas que se alteran en la adicción a sustancias psicoactivas. Objetivo: Analizar la correlación entre el puntaje de adicción a la comida por la escala mYFAS 2.0 y los niveles plasmáticos de ácido araquidónico en adultos con obesidad tras modular la ingesta de alimentos fuente de ácidos grasos esenciales. Metodología: Se desarrolló un estudio piloto con diseño de ensayo clínico cruzado en dos tiempos, en donde los participantes recibieron los tratamientos estándar y experimental, en estos se brindaron planes siguiendo recomendaciones para el manejo nutricional de la obesidad, adicionalmente, el tratamiento experimental contó con pautas para disminuir el consumo del Omega 6 y aumentar el consumo de Omega 3 para obtener una relación menor a 5:1 entre estos ácidos grasos. Resultados: Se observó una disminución significativa en el puntaje de adicción a la comida y los niveles plasmáticos de ácido araquidónico en los participantes tras recibir el tratamiento experimental, presentando una correlación directamente proporcional entre estas, por otro lado, el tratamiento estándar estuvo asociado a una correlación inversamente proporcional entre estos. Conclusiones: El descenso en las concentraciones plasmáticas del ácido araquidónico fue asociado a un menor puntaje en la escala mYFAS 2.0 de adicción a la comida en los participantes de este estudio tras su exposición al tratamiento experimental.

Introduction: Endocannabinoids are a target in obesity treatment and they are produced from the essential fatty acids, the metabolites of linoleic acid act as agonists of the cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1), likewise, the metabolites of the linolenic acid act as inverse agonists of such receptors, hence, it is proposed that modifying the dietary intake of the essential fatty acids (Omega 6 and 3) may modulate the activation of the endocannabinoid system, this could be favorable for people with food addiction, considering how this system promotes the activity of the dopaminergic pathways that are altered in the psychoactive substances addiction. Objective: To analyze the correlation between the food addiction score and plasmatic levels of arachidonic acid in adults with obesity following a modulation of the dietary intake of essential fatty acids n-6 and n-3 food sources. Methods: A pilot study was carried out with a two-period crossover clinical trial design, in which the participants received standard and experimental treatments, in these programs, plans were provided following guidelines for the nutritional management of obesity, in addition, the experimental treatment included recommendations to reduce the intake of linoleic acid and to increase the intake of linolenic acid to obtain a ratio lower to 5:1 between these fatty acids. Results: A significant decrease in the food addiction score and plasmatic levels of arachidonic acid was observed in the participants exposed to the experimental treatment, showing a directly proportional correlation, moreover, the standard treatment was associated to inverse correlations between these variables. Conclusion: The decrease in plasmatic arachidonic acid levels was associated with lower scores on the mYFAS 2.0 of food addiction in the participants of this study following their exposure to the experimental treatment.

Ad libitum consumption of milk supplemented with omega 3, 6, and 9 oils from infancy to middle age alters behavioral and oxidative outcomes in male mice

We tested the hypothesis that administration of omega (ω)-9, ω-3, and ω-6 to mice can prevent oxidative alterations responsible for behavioral and cognitive alterations related with aging. Twenty-eight-day-old mice received skim milk (SM group), SM enriched with omega oil mixture (EM group), or water (control group) for 10 and 14 months, equivalent to middle age. Mice were evaluated for behavioral alterations related to depression and memory and oxidative status [brain levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and myeloperoxidase (MPO)]. The 10-month EM group increased immobility time during the forced swimming test compared with control, indicating increased stress response. The 14-month SM- and EM-treated groups increased sucrose consumption compared with control, showing an expanded motivational state. The 14-month SM group decreased the number of rearings compared with the 14-month control and EM groups. The number of entries and time spent in the central square of the open field was higher in the 10-month EM group than in the control, revealing an anxiolytic-like behavior. TBARS decreased in the hippocampus and striatum of the 10-month EM group compared with the control. A similar decrease was observed in the striatum of the 10-month SM group. GSH levels were higher in all 14-month treated groups compared with 10-month groups. MPO activity was higher in the 14-month EM group compared with the 14-month control and SM groups, revealing a possible pro-inflammatory status. In conclusion, omega oils induced conflicting alterations in middle-aged mice, contributing to enhanced behavior and anxiolytic and expanded motivational state, but also to increased stress response and pro-inflammatory alterations.

A Comparative Study of Licochalcone A Moisturiser versus Topical Hydrocortisone in Treating Mild-to-Moderate Atopic Dermatitis

Background@#Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for patients with atopic dermatitis. However, adverse effects associated with long-term steroid use often limit its use. This interventional study compared the efficacy of a proprietary moisturiser containing licochalcone A, omega-6 fatty acids, and ceramide 3 against 1% hydrocortisone cream in treating patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.@*Methods@#Patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis affecting either the cubital fossa or popliteal fossa symmetrically were given twice-daily applications of the moisturiser and hydrocortisone on opposite sides of the body and monitored for a total of three weeks in a non-randomised half body, doubleblind study. Hydrocortisone was switched to aqueous cream after two weeks, whereas the application of the moisturiser continued until study completion. The assessment of SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index and Dermatology Life Quality index was performed at baseline and every subsequent follow-up visit to measure patients’ response to treatment. @*Results@#The licochalcone A (LA) moisturiser and 1% hydrocortisone (HC) cream both demonstrated significant reduction in sign and symptom scores after only 1 week of treatment (percentage of reduction in sign and symptom scores: 52.8% [LA] vs 58.5% [HC]). Further reduction in mean sign and symptom scores for both treatments was observed at week 2 (61.3% [LA] vs 56.8% [HC]) and also at week 3 when HC was switched to aqueous cream (70.5% [LA] vs 63.5% [HC→aqueous cream]) (p<0.001 vs baseline within the same treatment arm at weeks 1, 2 and 3). When comparing the mean difference in SCORAD index for both individual as well as total skin signs and symptoms between LA and HC (i.e. inter-arm comparison), there was no significant difference between the two treatments for all the assessed parameters. Patients reported improvements in itching, sleeplessness, and overall quality of life over the course of treatment.@*Conclusion@#The licochalcone A moisturiser can be considered as an effective steroid-sparing alternative to topical corticosteroids in managing mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.

Omega-3 and Menopause / 대한폐경학회지

Menopause is a turning point in women that is based on the sex hormone change. Many women are very conscious about the postmenopausal period. After menopause, women complain about vasomotor symptoms, night sweat, psychological problems, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and urogenital symptoms. Nowadays, food and alternative treatment for postmenopausal symptoms are introduced. The average life span is now increasing, and postmenopausal care is important for public health. Long chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids, however, all mammals, including humans, should obtain them from their diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have emerged as an adjuvant and alternative source for relieving postmenopusal complains or disease. Among alternative treatment or food behavior change for postmenopusal symptoms, we will review the current issues on the relationship between the role and the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in relieving postmenopausal symptoms.

Effectiveness of the use of an omega 3 and omega 6 combination(EquazenTM) in paediatric patients with refractory epilepsy / Eficácia do uso de uma combinação de ômega 3 com ômega 6 (EquazenTM) em pacientes pediátricos com epilepsia refratária

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is considered a health problem. 85% of patients are satisfactorily controlled with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and 15% have refractory seizures. The combination of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (EquazenTM) can contribute to changes in ionic currents and to stabilization of neurotransmitter's function resulting in cell membrane equilibrium. These changes lead to potential seizure control. OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and safety in the treatment of refractory epilepsy with a supplement combining EPA, DHA (omega 3 fatty acids) and GLA (omega 6 fatty acids). METHODS: We reviewed patients from the Neurology Department of the Children's Hospital of Mexico who have refractory epilepsy, evaluating clinical characteristics of seizures, number of seizures and AEDs. 792 mg of EPA, DHA and GLA per day (6 capsules of EquazenTM) were administrated for four weeks in order to assess the frequency of seizures as well as tolerability and probable side effects. RESULTS: The study was conducted with a total of 13 patients with follow-up four weeks after the start of supplementation. We obtained a satisfactory clinical response with ≥ 80% decrease in the daily number of seizures in more than 60% of patient. The mean of number of seizures over all patients was reduced significantly from 26.61±37.2 to 5.92 daily. In addition a significant improvement in the neurocognitive capacity was observedin all patients. CONCLUSION: The co-adjuvant supplementation with EquazenTM may result in a reduction of the number of seizures in refractory epilepsy having in addition significant impact on neurocognitive aspects. To enhance the quality of life of epileptic patient supplementation with a specific combination of EPA, DHA and GLA should be reconsidered.

INTRODUÇÃO: epilepsia é considerada um problema de saúde em que 85% dos pacientes são satisfatoriamente controlados com drogas antiepilépticas (DAE) e 15% tem crises refratárias. A combinação de ácidos graxos ômega 3 e ômega 6 (EquazenTM) pode contribui em mudanças em correntes iônicas e estabilização de neurotransmissores, resultando em equilíbrio da membrana celular. Estas mudanças levam a potencial controle de crises. OBJETIVO: comparar a eficácia e segurança suplementos combinando EPA, DHA (ácidos graxos ômega 3) e GLA (ácidos graxos ômega 6) no tratamento da epilepsia refrataria. MÉTODOS: crianças com epilepsia refratária do Departamento de Neurologia do Hospital Infantil do México tiveram avaliadas as características de suas crises, frequência e numero de DAEs. EPA, DHA e GLA (6 capsulas de Equazem - 729mg) foram administrados em um período de 4 semanas, sendo acessados tolerabilidade, efeitos colaterais e frequência de crises. RESULTADOS: 13 pacientes foram avaliados por 4 semanas após o início da suplementação. Um controle clínico satisfatório (redução de 80% ou mais das crises) foi obtido em 60% dos pacientes (26.61±37.2 crises para 5.92 crises ao dia), além de significativa melhora em sua capacidade neurocognitiva. CONCLUSÃO: a suplementação de Equazen pode determinar redução no número de crises em epilepsia refratária e determinar melhora em parâmetros neurocognitivos. O uso da combinação EPA, DHA, GLA deveria ser reconsiderado neste cenário.

O papel dos ácidos graxos essenciais no perfil de eicosanoides e sua repercussão na resposta imune / The role of essential fatty acids on the eicosanoids profile and its impact on immune response

Dietary lipids, especially essential fatty acids are subject of great interest to the scientific community due to their role in the of eicosanoids formation.The purpose of this review was to investigate the role of essential fatty acidsin the profile of eicosanoids synthesized in the body and its effect on immune response, specifically in inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. The omega-3 and omega-6 families of fatty acids are structurally and functionally distinct, leading to the formation of metabolites with different physiological activities. Through the action of specific enzymes, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, linoleic acid is a precursor of 2-series prostaglandins and 4-series leukotrienes, which are highly active mediators of inflammation, whereas ?-linolenic acid produce the 3-seriesprostaglandins and 5-series leukotrienes, compounds with anti-inflammatory action in the body. These compounds are involved in the development of several infl ammatory and autoimmune diseases, and theproportion in which the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are present in the diet will defi ne the profile of eicosanoids generated, thus contributing to the progression or control of diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. The lack of specifi c benchmarksfor the consumption of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for each disease and limited data about the concentration of different fatty acids in food are challenges that must be overcome in future research.

Los lípidos de la dieta, especialmente los ácidos grasos esenciales, han representado tema de gran interés para la comunidad científica debido a su papel en la formación de eicosanoides. El objetivo de esta revisión fue investigar el papel de los ácidos grasos esenciales en el perfil deeicosanoides sintetizados en el organismo y suefecto sobre la respuesta inmune, específicamenteen los cuadros inflamatorios y enfermedades autoinmunes. Las familias de los ácidos grasos omega-3 y omega-6 son estructuralmente y funcionalmente distintas, y conducen a la formación de metabolitos con actividad fisiológica diferente. Por medio de la acción de enzimas específicas, la ciclooxigenasas y lalipoxigenasas, el ácido linoleico es un precursor de las prostaglandinas de la serie 2 y leucotrienosde la serie 4, que son muy activos mediadores de la inflamación, mientras que el ácido ?-linolénico forma prostaglandinas de la serie 3 y leucotrienos de la serie 5, compuestos conacción anti inflamatoria en el organismo. Estos compuestos están involucrados en el desarrollo de varias enfermedades inflamatorias y autoinmunes, y la proporción en que los ácidos grasos esenciales, omega-3 y omega-6, aparecenen la dieta define el perfil de eicosanoides generados, lo que contribuye al progreso o alcontrol de enfermedades como asma, artritis reumatoide y ateriosclerosis. La falta deparámetros de consumo de ácidos grasosomega-3 y omega-6 específicos para cadaenfermedad y los datos limitados sobre la concentración de los diferentes ácidos grasos en alimentos son desafios que deben ser superados en futuras investigaciones.

Os lipídios dietéticos, em especial os ácidos graxos essenciais, têm representado tema de grande interesse para a comunidade científica devido ao seu papel na formação de eicosanoides. Diante disso, o objetivo da presente revisão foi investigar o papel desses ácidos graxos no perfil de eicosanoides sintetizados no organismo e sua repercussão na resposta imune, especificamente em quadros inflamatórios e de doenças autoimunes. As famílias de ácidos graxos ômega-6 e ômega-3 são estruturalmente e funcionalmente distintas, levando à formação de metabólitos com atividade fisiológica diferente. Por meio da ação de enzimas específicas, cicloxigenases e lipoxigenases, ácido linoléico é precursor de prostaglandinas da série 2 e leucotrienos da série 4, os quais são mediadores altamente ativos na inflamação, enquanto que, o ácido ?-linolênicoforma prostaglandinas da série 3 e leucotrienosda série 5, compostos com ação anti-inflamatória no organismo. Tais compostos estão envolvidos no desenvolvimento de várias doenças de natureza inflamatória e auto-imune, e a proporção com que os ácidos graxos essencia isômega-6 e ômega-3 aparecem na dieta definirá o perfil de eicosanoides gerados, contribuindo para a progressão ou o controle de doenças como asma, artrite reumatóide e aterosclerose. A ausência de parâmetros de referência de consumo de ácidos graxos essenciais específicos para cada enfermidade e a limitação de informações relativas à concentração dos diferentes ácidos graxos em alimentos representam desafios que devem ser superados com pesquisas futuras.

Types and amount of dietary fat and colon cancer risk: Prevention by omega-3 fatty acid-rich diets

Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignancy in the Western world including the United Sates. In recent years there is a strong upward trend in colon cancer risk in Japan mainly due to Americanization of Japanese food habits. Several epidemiological studies point to a strong association between nutrient composition of the diet and cancer of the colon. The role of types of dietary fat, especially saturated fats of animal origin, n-6- and n-3-rich polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the etiology of colorectal cancer has become increasingly apparent. Epidemiological studies indicate a positive association between the dietary intake of saturated fat and/or animal fat and colon cancer risk and an inverse relationship between the intake of fish and fish oil rich in n-3 PUFAs and colon cancer development. Although the evidence from case-control studies and international correlational studies is not totally consistent, these inconsistencies may have arisen, at least in part, from methodological limitations. Animal, model studies have unequivocally provided evidence that the colon tumor-promoting effect of dietary fat depends on its fatty acid composition and that high dietary n-3 PUFAs lacks colon tumor-promoting effect, as compared to diets high in n-6 PUFAs or saturated fats. Diets rich in n-3 PUFAs inhibit colon carcinogenesis through the modulation of colonicras-p21, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase activities and apoptosis. Gene expression analysis using DNA microarrays indicates that n-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid activates cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors such as p21, p27, p57 and p19 and inactivates antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family of genes, and prostagland in family of genes. These results suggest that decreasing the intake of n-6 PUFAs and saturated fats and increasing that of n-3 PUFAs, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid has the potential to be a major component of colon cancer control.