Changes in Metabolic Regulation and the Microbiota Composition after Supplementation with Different Fatty Acids in db/db Mice.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of fatty acids on health vary and depend on the type, amount, and route of consumption. EPA and DHA have a defined role in health, unlike coconut oil. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the changes in metabolic regulation and the composition of the culture-dependent microbiota after supplementation with different fatty acids in db/db mice. Material and Methods. We were using 32 8-week-old db/db mice, supplemented for eight weeks with EPA/DHA derived from microalgae as well as coconut oil. The lipid, hormonal profiles, and composition of the culture-dependent microbiota and the phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing were determined for identification of the intestinal microbiota. RESULTS: Enriched diet with EPA/DHA reduced TNF-α, C-peptide, insulin resistance, resistin, and the plasma atherogenic index, but increased TC, LDL-c, VLDL-c, and TG without changes in HDL-c. Coconut oil raised the HDL-c, GIP, and TNF-α, with TG, insulin resistance, adiponectin, and C-peptide reduced. CONCLUSION: The most abundant microbial populations were Firmicutes and the least Proteobacteria. EPA/DHA derived from microalgae contributes to improving the systemic inflammatory status, but depressed the diversity of the small intestine microbiota. Coconut oil only decreased the C-peptide, raising TNF-α, with an unfavorable hormonal and lipid profile.

Association Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Stress Hormones With Cognitive Performance in Mexican Adolescents.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and stress hormones are associated with cognitive performance in Mexican adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 139 Mexican adolescents 10-14 years old. Participants were divided into three categories: 0, 1-2, and ≥3 CVD risk factors. These factors included: high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) <40 mg/dl; waist circumference (WC) ≥90th percentile for age and sex, systolic or diastolic blood pressure ≥90th percentile for age, sex, and height; and triacylglycerols (TGs) ≥110 mg/dl. Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), total cholesterol, cortisol, and plasma catecholamines were measured as well. Furthermore, attention, memory, and executive functions were evaluated using a validated test for Spanish-speaking individuals (Neuropsi). Results: Adolescents in the three risk categories did not show significant differences in Neuropsi test performance tasks; however, they presented different lipid and plasma norepinephrine concentrations. TG and VLDL-C were inversely associated with memory (r = -0.19, **p < .01). Multivariate regression analysis showed consistently that TG/HDL-C ratio was inversely related to attention-memory general score (standardized ß = -0.99, t = -2.30, p = .023), memory (standardized ß = -0.83, t = -2.08, p = .039), and attention-executive functions (standardized ß = -1.02, t = -2.42, p = .017). Plasma epinephrine levels presented an inverse and weak relation to the attention-executive functions score (standardized ß = -0.18, t = -2.19, p = .030). Conclusions: Cognitive performance is not completely dependent on the accumulation of risk factors, but instead on the combination of strong predictors of CVD like waist to height ratio, TG/HDL-C, and VLDL-C. Plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine have a stronger association with cognition and CVD risk than dopamine and cortisol.

Vitamins and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The present review evaluates the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and individual or combined vitamins. Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E are found decreased in diabetic subjects, possibly due to an increased need to control the excessive oxidative stress produced by abnormalities in glucose metabolism. On the other hand, retinol binding protein exerts a modulating effect, as it has adipokine functions. With respect to the B group vitamins, thiamin, pyridoxine and biotin have been found decreased but the mechanisms are not clear, however supplementation has shown some improvement of the metabolic control in diabetic patients. The absorption of folic acid and vitamin B12 is importantly decreased by the prolongued use of metformin, which is the first choice drug in uncomplicated diabetes, thus these two nutrients have been found deficient in the disease and most probably need to be supplemented regularly. On the other hand, vitamin D is considered a risk factor for the development of diabetes as well as its complications, particularly cardiovascular ones. Although some studies have found an association of vitamin K intake with glucose metabolism further research is needed. Studies on the use of multivitamin supplements have shown unconclusive results. After reviewing the evidence, no real recommendation on the use of vitamin supplements in type 2 diabetes mellitus can be issued, however patients using metformin during prolongued periods may need folic acid and vitamin B12.