Common Beans as a Source of Amino Acids and Cofactors for Collagen Biosynthesis.

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are widely consumed in diets all over the world and have a significant impact on human health. Proteins, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and other micro- and macronutrients are abundant in these legumes. On the other hand, collagens, the most important constituent of extracellular matrices, account for approximately 25-30 percent of the overall total protein composition within the human body. Hence, the presence of amino acids and other dietary components, including glycine, proline, and lysine, which are constituents of the primary structure of the protein, is required for collagen formation. In this particular context, protein quality is associated with the availability of macronutrients such as the essential amino acid lysine, which can be acquired from meals containing beans. Lysine plays a critical role in the process of post-translational modifications facilitated with enzymes lysyl hydroxylase and lysyl oxidase, which are directly involved in the synthesis and maturation of collagens. Furthermore, collagen biogenesis is influenced by the cellular redox state, which includes important minerals and bioactive chemicals such as iron, copper, and certain quinone cofactors. This study provides a novel perspective on the significant macro- and micronutrients present in Phaseolus vulgaris L., as well as explores the potential application of amino acids and cofactors derived from this legume in the production of collagens and bioavailability. The utilization of macro- and micronutrients obtained from Phaseolus vulgaris L. as a protein source, minerals, and natural bioactive compounds could optimize the capacity to promote the development and durability of collagen macromolecules within the human body.

Durvillaea antarctica: A Seaweed for Enhancing Immune and Cardiometabolic Health and Gut Microbiota Composition Modulation.

Durvillaea antarctica is the seaweed that is the most consumed by the Chilean population. It is recognized worldwide for its high nutritional value in protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. This is a narrative review in which an extensive search of the literature was performed to establish the immunomodulator, cardiometabolic, and gut microbiota composition modulation effect of Durvillaea antarctica. Several studies have shown the potential of Durvillaea antarctica to function as prebiotics and to positively modulate the gut microbiota, which is related to anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic effects. The quantity of Bacteroides was negatively correlated with that of inflammatory monocytes and positively correlated with the levels of several gut metabolites. Seaweed-derived polysaccharides modulate the quantity and diversity of beneficial intestinal microbiota, decreasing phenol and p-cresol, which are related to intestinal diseases and the loss of intestinal function. Additionally, a beneficial metabolic effect related to this seaweed was observed, mainly promoting the decrease in the glycemic levels, lower cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk. Consuming Durvillaea antarctica has a positive impact on the immune system, and its bioactive compounds provide beneficial effects on glycemic control and other metabolic parameters.

The Role of the α Cell in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes: A World beyond the Mirror.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic metabolic disorders, and insulin has been placed at the epicentre of its pathophysiological basis. However, the involvement of impaired alpha (α) cell function has been recognized as playing an essential role in several diseases, since hyperglucagonemia has been evidenced in both Type 1 and T2DM. This phenomenon has been attributed to intra-islet defects, like modifications in pancreatic α cell mass or dysfunction in glucagon's secretion. Emerging evidence has shown that chronic hyperglycaemia provokes changes in the Langerhans' islets cytoarchitecture, including α cell hyperplasia, pancreatic beta (ß) cell dedifferentiation into glucagon-positive producing cells, and loss of paracrine and endocrine regulation due to ß cell mass loss. Other abnormalities like α cell insulin resistance, sensor machinery dysfunction, or paradoxical ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) opening have also been linked to glucagon hypersecretion. Recent clinical trials in phases 1 or 2 have shown new molecules with glucagon-antagonist properties with considerable effectiveness and acceptable safety profiles. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors) have been shown to decrease glucagon secretion in T2DM, and their possible therapeutic role in T1DM means they are attractive as an insulin-adjuvant therapy.

Prevalencia y características del síndrome metabólico en adultos ingresados a un centro asistencial por ataque cerebrovascular isquémico / Prevalence and characteristics of metabolic syndrome in adults admitted to a health care center for ischemic stroke

INTRODUCCIÓN: Chile ha experimentado un aumento de la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico (SM) entre la población adulta. Se sugiere que las manifestaciones fisiopatológicas de los componentes de este síndrome estarían relacionadas con el desarrollo de un posible ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico. OBJETIVO: determinar la frecuencia y las características del SM en una muestra de adultos después de un ACV isquémico. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo y transversal que consistió en revisar las variables relacionadas con el SM en 180 pacientes adultos ingresados a una clínica por ACV isquémico entre los años 2011 y 2017. Se consideraron las mediciones del peso y la talla para obtener el IMC y el estado nutricional. También se midieron la circunferencia de la cintura (CC), la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) y la diastólica (PAD), el colesterol total, el colesterol-HDL, el colesterol-LDL, los triglicéridos (TG) y la glucemia. RESULTADOS: el 62,8 % de la muestra presentaba SM. El IMC (IC: 28,5-29,9; p = 0,001), la CC (IC: 101,3-105,3; p = 0,001), la PAS (IC: 147,4-155,7; p = 0,000), la PAD (IC: 87,7-93,6; p = 0,000), la glucemia (IC: 132,9-159,2; p = 0,000) y los TG (IC: 181,2-228,8; p = 0,000) eran mayores en el grupo con SM. El colesterol-HDL (IC: 35,5-39,2; p = 0,000) era más bajo en este mismo grupo. La mayor edad (p = 0,007), el género masculino (p = 0,017) y el estado nutricional de exceso (p = 0,000) presentaron una asociación positiva con el SM. Entre los sujetos con SM, no hubo diferencias al comparar los componentes que definen el SM entre hombres y mujeres. CONCLUSIÓN: nuestros hallazgos revelan una alta frecuencia de SM en las personas adultas ingresadas a una clínica por diagnóstico de ACV isquémico

BACKGROUND: Chile has experienced an increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among the adult population. MS is proposed as a predictor for the occurrence of vascular defects causing ischemic stroke. OBJECTIVE: to determine the frequency and characteristics of MS in a sample of adults after an ischemic ACV. METHODS: a descriptive, cross-sectional study that consisted of reviewing variables related to MS in 180 adult patients admitted to a clinic for an ischemic stroke between the years 2011 and 2017. Weight and height measurements were considered to obtain BMI and nutritional status. Waist circumference (CC), systolic (PAS) and diastolic blood pressure (PAD), total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and glycemia were also measured. RESULTS: 62.8 % of the sample had MS. BMI (CI, 28.5-29.9; p = 0.001), CC (CI, 101.3-105.3; p = 0.001), PAS (CI, 147.4-155.7; p = 0.000), PAD (CI, 87.7-93.6; p = 0.000), glycemia (CI, 132.9-159.2; p = 0.000), and TG (CI, 181.2-228.8; p = 0.000) were higher in the group with SM. HDL-cholesterol (CI, 35.5-39.2; p = 0.000) was lower in this same group. Older age (p = 0.007), male gender (p = 0.017), and excess nutritional status (p = 0.000) had a positive association with MS. Of the subjects with MS, there were no differences obtained when comparing the components that define MS between men and women. CONCLUSION: our findings reveal a high frequency of MS in adults admitted to a clinic for ischemic stroke

[Prevalence and characteristics of metabolic syndrome in adults admitted to a health care center for ischemic stroke]. / Prevalencia y características del síndrome metabólico en adultos ingresados a un centro asistencial por ataque cerebrovascular isquémico.

INTRODUCTION: Background: Chile has experienced an increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among the adult population. MS is proposed as a predictor for the occurrence of vascular defects causing ischemic stroke. Objective: to determine the frequency and characteristics of MS in a sample of adults after an ischemic ACV. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study that consisted of reviewing variables related to MS in 180 adult patients admitted to a clinic for an ischemic stroke between the years 2011 and 2017. Weight and height measurements were considered to obtain BMI and nutritional status. Waist circumference (CC), systolic (PAS) and diastolic blood pressure (PAD), total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and glycemia were also measured. Results: 62.8 % of the sample had MS. BMI (CI, 28.5-29.9; p = 0.001), CC (CI, 101.3-105.3; p = 0.001), PAS (CI, 147.4-155.7; p = 0.000), PAD (CI, 87.7-93.6; p = 0.000), glycemia (CI, 132.9-159.2; p = 0.000), and TG (CI, 181.2-228.8; p = 0.000) were higher in the group with SM. HDL-cholesterol (CI, 35.5-39.2; p = 0.000) was lower in this same group. Older age (p = 0.007), male gender (p = 0.017), and excess nutritional status (p = 0.000) had a positive association with MS. Of the subjects with MS, there were no differences obtained when comparing the components that define MS between men and women. Conclusion: our findings reveal a high frequency of MS in adults admitted to a clinic for ischemic stroke.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: Chile ha experimentado un aumento de la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico (SM) entre la población adulta. Se sugiere que las manifestaciones fisiopatológicas de los componentes de este síndrome estarían relacionadas con el desarrollo de un posible ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia y las características del SM en una muestra de adultos después de un ACV isquémico. Métodos: estudio descriptivo y transversal que consistió en revisar las variables relacionadas con el SM en 180 pacientes adultos ingresados a una clínica por ACV isquémico entre los años 2011 y 2017. Se consideraron las mediciones del peso y la talla para obtener el IMC y el estado nutricional. También se midieron la circunferencia de la cintura (CC), la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) y la diastólica (PAD), el colesterol total, el colesterol-HDL, el colesterol-LDL, los triglicéridos (TG) y la glucemia. Resultados: el 62,8 % de la muestra presentaba SM. El IMC (IC: 28,5-29,9; p = 0,001), la CC (IC: 101,3-105,3; p = 0,001), la PAS (IC: 147,4-155,7; p = 0,000), la PAD (IC: 87,7-93,6; p = 0,000), la glucemia (IC: 132,9-159,2; p = 0,000) y los TG (IC: 181,2-228,8; p = 0,000) eran mayores en el grupo con SM. El colesterol-HDL (IC: 35,5-39,2; p = 0,000) era más bajo en este mismo grupo. La mayor edad (p = 0,007), el género masculino (p = 0,017) y el estado nutricional de exceso (p = 0,000) presentaron una asociación positiva con el SM. Entre los sujetos con SM, no hubo diferencias al comparar los componentes que definen el SM entre hombres y mujeres. Conclusión: nuestros hallazgos revelan una alta frecuencia de SM en las personas adultas ingresadas a una clínica por diagnóstico de ACV isquémico.

D-Tagatose Is a Promising Sweetener to Control Glycaemia: A New Functional Food.

The objective of the current research was to review and update evidence on the dietary effect of the consumption of tagatose in type 2 diabetes, as well as to elucidate the current approach that exists on its production and biotechnological utility in functional food for diabetics. Articles published before July 1, 2017, were included in the databases PubMed, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and Scielo, including the terms "Tagatose", "Sweeteners", "Diabetes Mellitus type 2", "Sweeteners", "D-Tag". D-Tagatose (D-tag) is an isomer of fructose which is approximately 90% sweeter than sucrose. Preliminary studies in animals and preclinical studies showed that D-tag decreased glucose levels, which generated great interest in the scientific community. Recent studies indicate that tagatose has low glycemic index, a potent hypoglycemic effect, and eventually could be associated with important benefits for the treatment of obesity. The authors concluded that D-tag is promising as a sweetener without major adverse effects observed in these clinical studies.

[CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH INTAKE OF TURMERIC, CATECHINS, PROANTHOCYANIDINS AND OMEGA-3]. / ENFERMEDAD RENAL CRÓNICA Y SU RELACIÓN CON LA INGESTA DE CÚRCUMA, CATEQUINAS, PROANTOCIANIDINAS Y OMEGA-3.

Chronic renal disease is characterized by decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 ml/min/ 1.73m2 and/or the presence of kidney damage independent of the cause for a period of 3 months or more. The treatment of more advanced stages of chronic kidney disease is dialysis, and most common form of hemodialysis. This treatment is costly in our country reaching USD 900 per person. The main cause of admission to dialysis, diabetic nephropathy remains with 34% of all revenue. This alone makes any improvement in the treatment of CKD is highly desirable. There is evidence available about the fundamental role of turmeric, proanthocyanidins, catechins and omega-3 on how these compounds are related to the response to treatment of chronic kidney disease for various reasons.

La enfermedad renal crónica se caracteriza por disminución de la velocidad de filtración glomerular (VFG) < 60 ml/min/1,73m2 y/o la presencia de daño renal independiente de la causa durante un periodo superior a tres meses. El tratamiento de las etapas más avanzadas de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) es la diálisis, y su forma más frecuente la hemodiálisis. Este tratamiento tiene un coste elevado en nuestro país, correspondiendo a USD 900 mensuales por persona. La causa principal de ingreso a diálisis corresponde a la nefropatía diabética, con un 34% de todos los ingresos. Solo estos indicadores justifican los esfuerzos en investigación por mejorar el tratamiento de la ERC. Existe evidencia disponible acerca del rol fundamental de cúrcuma, prontocianidinas, catequinas y omega-3 sobre cómo estos compuestos se relacionan con una mejor respuesta al tratamiento de la enfermedad renal crónica por distintas causas1.

Enfermedad renal crónica y su relación con la ingesta de cúrcuma, catequinas, proantocianidinas y omega-3 / Chronic kidney disease and its relationship with intake of turmeric, catechins, proanthocyanidins and omega-3

La enfermedad renal crónica se caracteriza por disminución de la velocidad de filtración glomerular (VFG) < 60 ml/min/1,73m2 y/o la presencia de daño renal independiente de la causa durante un periodo superior a tres meses. El tratamiento de las etapas más avanzadas de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) es la diálisis, y su forma más frecuente la hemodiálisis. Este tratamiento tiene un coste elevado en nuestro país, correspondiendo a USD 900 mensuales por persona. La causa principal de ingreso a diálisis corresponde a la nefropatía diabética, con un 34% de todos los ingresos. Solo estos indicadores justifican los esfuerzos en investigación por mejorar el tratamiento de la ERC. Existe evidencia disponible acerca del rol fundamental de cúrcuma, prontocianidinas, catequinas y omega-3 sobre cómo estos compuestos se relacionan con una mejor respuesta al tratamiento de la enfermedad renal crónica por distintas causas (AU)

Chronic renal disease is characterized by decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 ml/min/ 1.73m2 and/or the presence of kidney damage independent of the cause for a period of 3 months or more. The treatment of more advanced stages of chronic kidney disease is dialysis, and most common form of hemodialysis. This treatment is costly in our country reaching USD 900 per person. The main cause of admission to dialysis, diabetic nephropathy remains with 34% of all revenue. This alone makes any improvement in the treatment of CKD is highly desirable. There is evidence available about the fundamental role of turmeric, proanthocyanidins, catechins and omega-3 on how these compounds are related to the response to treatment of chronic kidney disease for various reasons (AU)