Effect of fried sunflower oil intake on mandibular biomechanical competence of growing rats.

Previous studies by us demonstrated that the consumption of thermally oxidized oil diet adversely affects body growth, lipid metabolism, bone mass and femur biomechanical competence. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing fried sunflower oil on the mandible of growing rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Male Wistar rats (21±1 day old) (n=21) were assigned at weaning to one of three diets for 8 weeks: a control diet (C), a diet containing sunflower oil (SFO) or a diet containing sunflower oil that had been repeatedly heated (SFOx); both SFO and SFOx were mixed with commercial rat chow at 13% (w/w). The consistency and viscosity of the 3 diets were similar. Zoometrics and food intake were recorded weekly. At wk=8, mandibular growth was assessed by measurements of anatomical points of cleaned bones, and mandible biomechanical competence was assessed to estimate the structural properties of the bone. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS v. 20.0. RESULTS: Rats fed SFOx diet attained the lowest final body weight (P=0.0074), mandibular weight (P=0.0001) and mandibular \length (P=0.0002). Load bearing capacity (Wf;N), load of yielding (Wy;N) and stiffness (Wy/dy;N/mm) of the mandible were negatively affected by both sunflower oil diets (fresh and fried) (P=0.001; P=0.002; P=0.003, respectively) though SFOx induced the most significant reduction in Wy/dy (C:44.4(5.4) > SFO:36.1(2.1) > SFOx: 26.3(3.7) N/ mm; P=0.003). The deleterious effect of SFOx on mandibular growth was more accentuated on the posterior part of the bone (C:11.4(0.3)=SFO:11.2(0.2)>SFOx: 10.7(0.2) mm; p=0.0005); the anterior/ posterior ratio (C:1.25(0.02)=SFO:1.27(0.02)

En estudios previos hemos demostrado los efectos adversos del consumo de una dieta rica en aceite termooxidado sobre el crecimiento corporal, el metabolismo de los lípidos, la masa ósea y la competencia biomecánica del fémur. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar el efecto de una dieta rica en aceite de girasol termooxidado (AGX) sobre los parámetros morfométricos y biomecánicos de la mandíbula de rata en crecimiento. Materiales y Método: Ratas macho Wistar de 22±1 días de edad (n=21) recibieron durante 8 semanas una de 3 dietas: control (C); dieta comercial, una dieta suplementada con aceite de girasol (AG) y una dieta suplementada con AGX. La consistencia y la viscosidad de las dietas fueron similares. Los parámetros zoométricos y el consumo de dieta se registraron semanalmente. A T=8, los animales se eutanasiaron y se obtuvieron las hemimandíbulas. El crecimiento mandibular se estimó por medidas morfométricas entre puntos anatómicos y las propiedades estructurales por biomecánica. El análisis estadístico se realizó por SPSS v. 20.0. RESULTADOS: Las ratas alimentadas con AGX presentaron menor peso corporal final (p=0.0074), peso mandibular (p=0.0001) y longitud mandibular (p=0.0002). Las propiedades estructurales de la mandíbula, Wf (p=0.001), Wy (p=0.002) y Wy/dy (p=0.003), se vieron afectadas negativamente en ratas alimentadas con AG o AGX, respecto a C; pero la rigidez ósea (Wy/dy) en AGX fue significativamente menor (C:44.4(5.4) > SFO:36.1(2.1) > SFOx: 26.3(3.7) N/mm; p=0.003). El efecto deletéreo del AGX sobre el crecimiento mandibular fue más acentuado en la región posterior (C:11.4(0.3)=SFO:11.2(0.2)>SFOx: 10.7(0.2) mm; p=0.0005). La relación anterior/posterior (C=1.25 (0.02); AG= 1.27(0.02) y AGX=1.32(0.03), p=0.001) indica que AGX indujo deformación mandibular. CONCLUSIONES: El efecto adverso del consumo de una dieta rica en AGX durante el crecimiento podría afectar los parámetros morfométricos y la biomecánica ósea en términos de rigidez ósea.

Effect of fried sunflower oil intake on mandibular biomechanical competence of growing rats / Efecto del consumo de aceite de girasol termooxidado sobre la competencia biomecánica de la mandíbula, en animales en crecimiento

ABSTRACT Previous studies by us demonstrated that the consumption of thermally oxidized oil diet adversely affects body growth, lipid metabolism, bone mass and femur biomechanical competence. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing fried sunflower oil on the mandible of growing rats. Materials and Method: Male Wistar rats (21±1 day old) (n=21) were assigned at weaning to one of three diets for 8 weeks: a control diet (C), a diet containing sunflower oil (SFO) or a diet containing sunflower oil that had been repeatedly heated (SFOx); both SFO and SFOx were mixed with commercial rat chow at 13% (w/w). The consistency and viscosity of the 3 diets were similar. Zoometrics and food intake were recorded weekly. At wk=8, mandibular growth was assessed by measurements of anatomical points of cleaned bones, and mandible biomechanical competence was assessed to estimate the structural properties of the bone. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS v. 20.0. Results: Rats fed SFOx diet attained the lowest final body weight (P=0.0074), mandibular weight (P=0.0001) and mandibular /length (P=0.0002). Load bearing capacity (Wf;N), load of yielding (Wy;N) and stiffness (Wy/dy;N/mm) of the mandible were negatively affected by both sunflower oil diets (fresh and fried) (P=0.001; P=0.002; P=0.003, respectively) though SFOx induced the most significant reduction in Wy/dy (C:44.4(5.4) > SFO:36.1(2.1) > SFOx: 26.3(3.7) N/ mm; P=0.003). The deleterious effect of SFOx on mandibular growth was more accentuated on the posterior part of the bone (C:11.4(0.3)=SFO:11.2(0.2)>SFOx: 10.7(0.2) mm; p=0.0005); the anterior/ posterior ratio (C:1.25(0.02)=SFO:1.27(0.02)<SFOx:1.32(0.03); p=0.0001) indicated that SFOx induced mandibular deformation. Conclusion: Consumption of SFOx diet during growth could affect mandibular morphometric properties and biomechanical competence, in terms of bone stiffness.

RESUMEN En estudios previos hemos demostrado los efectos adversos del consumo de una dieta rica en aceite termooxidado sobre el crecimiento corporal, el metabolismo de los lípidos, la masa ósea y la competencia biomecánica del fémur. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar el efecto de una dieta rica en aceite de girasol termooxidado (AGX) sobre los parámetros morfométricos y biomecánicos de la mandíbula de rata en crecimiento. Materiales y Método: Ratas macho Wistar de 22±1 días de edad (n=21) recibieron durante 8 semanas una de 3 dietas: control (C); dieta comercial, una dieta suplementada con aceite de girasol (AG) y una dieta suplementada con AGX. La consistencia y la viscosidad de las dietas fueron similares. Los parámetros zoométricos y el consumo de dieta se registraron semanalmente. A T=8, los animales se eutanasiaron y se obtuvieron las hemimandíbulas. El crecimiento mandibular se estimó por medidas morfométricas entre puntos anatómicos y las propiedades estructurales por biomecánica. El análisis estadístico se realizó por SPSS v. 20.0. Resultados: Las ratas alimentadas con AGX presentaron menor peso corporal final (p=0.0074), peso mandibular (p=0.0001) y longitud mandibular (p=0.0002). Las propiedades estructurales de la mandíbula, Wf (p=0.001), Wy (p=0.002) y Wy/dy (p=0.003), se vieron afectadas negativamente en ratas alimentadas con AG o AGX, respecto a C; pero la rigidez ósea (Wy/dy) en AGX fue significativamente menor (C:44.4(5.4) > SFO:36.1(2.1) > SFOx: 26.3(3.7) N/mm; p=0.003). El efecto deletéreo del AGX sobre el crecimiento mandibular fue más acentuado en la región posterior (C:11.4(0.3)=SFO:11.2(0.2)>SFOx: 10.7(0.2) mm; p=0.0005). La relación anterior/posterior (C=1.25 (0.02); AG= 1.27(0.02) y AGX=1.32(0.03), p=0.001) indica que AGX indujo deformación mandibular. Conclusiones: El efecto adverso del consumo de una dieta rica en AGX durante el crecimiento podría afectar los parámetros morfométricos y la biomecánica ósea en términos de rigidez ósea.

Cognitive impairment related to arterial stiffness in cardiovascular disease patients with severe periodontitis / Deterioro cognitivo relacionado a la rigidez arterial en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular y periodontitis grave

ABSTRACT Severe periodontal disease (SPD) associated with systemic peripheral inflammation, cognitive impairment (CI) and arterial stiffness (AS) has been recognized. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CI and arterial stiffness (AS) occur in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients with SPD. A crosssectional case-control study included hospitalized patients with CVD. Demographic characteristics, CVD and atherogenic risk factors were recorded. SPD was diagnosed by clinical and radiographic dental examinations. Dental clinical attachment level (CAL) and CAL % were recorded. A Mini-Mental State Examination test (MMSE) assessed cognition, a MMSE score of < 27 was set as the cut-off point of CI; a score > 27 was considered as no CI. Patients were categorized into: MMSE<27 (cases) and MMSE>27 (controls). AS was evaluated by pulse wave velocity (PWV). Serum VCAM-1 levels were determined in a random sample. Results: This study comprised 91 patients (cases, n=26; 29.6%; controls, n=65, 71.4%); aged 73±8 vs. 73±7 years, respectively (p=0.73), of whom 53.8% and 36.9% respectively, were women; SPD was found to be a risk factor for CI; the presence of SPD increased the risk for MMSE <27 by an average 5.39 times (model 1). PWV was associated with MMSE < 27 in the three models. The risk of having MMSE < 27 increased an average of2.404-fold for each 1-unit increase in PWV SPD and AS had significant and independent associations on the risk for development CI. MMSE negatively correlated with CAL% (r=0.69) and PWV (r=0.70). PWV positively correlated with CAL% (r=0.67). Serum VCAM-1 levels were higher in SPD with lower MMSE scores. In conclusion, SPD increases the risk of development of cognitive decline in CVD patients. PWV was directly associated with the risk of cognitive decline. These findings denote a significant opportunity to improve periodontal health in order to avert CI in CVD patients.

RESUMEN La enfermedad periodontal severa (EPS) podría estar asociada a la rigidez arterial (RA) y al deterioro cognitivo (DC). Se realizó un estudio transversal de casos y controles y se investigó la presencia de RA y DC en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) y EPS. En pacientes hospitalizados con ECVse registraron las características demográficas y factores de riesgo aterogénicos. El DC se diagnosticó a través del Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Punto de corte: MMSE<27 (casos); puntaje >27 ausencia de DC (controles). La EPS fue diagnosticada clínica y radiográficamente. Se registraron el nivel inserción clínica (NIC) y NIC %. La RA fue evaluada a través de la velocidad de onda de pulso (VOP). VCAM-1 sérico se determinó en una muestra aleatoria. Se incluyeron 91 pacientes (casos,n=26; 29.6%; controles,n=65, 71.4%); edad promedio: 73±8 vs. 73±7 años, respectivamente (p=0.73); % de mujeres: 53.8 vs. 36.9, respectivamente y EPS (n=54) y ausencia de EP (noEP) en 37. MMSE< 27 en 26 pacientes; 23 de ellos, con EPS. La presencia de EPS aumentó el riesgo de MMSE< 27 en 5.39 veces (modelo 1). La VOP se asoció a MMSE< 27 (Modelo 1, 2 y 3). El riesgo de MMSE< 27 incrementó en promedio en 2.40 veces por cada aumento de unidad de VOP. EPS y RA mostraron asociaciones significativas e independientes sobre el riesgo de DC. MMSE se correlacionó negativamente con NIC % (r=0.69) y POV (r=0.70); y POV, positivamente con NIC % (r=0.67). Los niveles séricos de VCAM-1 fueron más elevados en presencia de EPS y puntajes bajos de MMSE. Puede concluirse que en pacientes con ECV y EPS, el aumento en RA incrementaría el riesgo de DC. Estos hallazgos enfatizan la necesidad de promover y mantener la salud bucal para evitar el DC en pacientes con ECV.

Cognitive impairment related to arterial stiffness in cardiovascular disease patients with severe periodontitis.

Severe periodontal disease (SPD) associated with systemic peripheral inflammation, cognitive impairment (CI) and arterial stiffness (AS) has been recognized. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CI and arterial stiffness (AS) occur in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients with SPD. A crosssectional case-control study included hospitalized patients with CVD. Demographic characteristics, CVD and atherogenic risk factors were recorded. SPD was diagnosed by clinical and radiographic dental examinations. Dental clinical attachment level (CAL) and CAL % were recorded. A Mini-Mental State Examination test (MMSE) assessed cognition, a MMSE score of < 27 was set as the cut-off point of CI; a score ≥ 27 was considered as no CI. Patients were categorized into: MMSE<27 (cases) and MMSE≥27 (controls). AS was evaluated by pulse wave velocity (PWV). Serum VCAM-1 levels were determined in a random sample. Results: This study comprised 91 patients (cases, n=26; 29.6%; controls, n=65, 71.4%); aged 73±8 vs. 73±7 years, respectively (p=0.73), of whom 53.8% and 36.9% respectively, were women; SPD was found to be a risk factor for CI; the presence of SPD increased the risk for MMSE <27 by an average 5.39 times (model 1). PWV was associated with MMSE < 27 in the three models. The risk of having MMSE < 27 increased an average of 2.404-fold for each 1-unit increase in PWV. SPD and AS had significant and independent associations on the risk for development CI. MMSE negatively correlated with CAL% (r=0.69) and PWV (r=0.70). PWV positively correlated with CAL% (r=0.67). Serum VCAM-1 levels were higher in SPD with lower MMSE scores. In conclusion, SPD increases the risk of development of cognitive decline in CVD patients. PWV was directly associated with the risk of cognitive decline. These findings denote a significant opportunity to improve periodontal health in order to avert CI in CVD patients.

La enfermedad periodontal severa (EPS) podría estar asociada a la rigidez arterial (RA) y al deterioro cognitivo (DC). Se realizó un estudio transversal de casos y controles y se investigó la presencia de RA y DC en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) y EPS. En pacientes hospitalizados con ECV se registraron las características demográficas y factores de riesgo aterogénicos. El DC se diagnosticó a través del Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Punto de corte: MMSE<27 (casos); puntaje ≥27 ausencia de DC (controles). La EPS fue diagnosticada clínica y radiográficamente. Se registraron el nivel inserción clínica (NIC) y NIC %. La RA fue evaluada a través de la velocidad de onda de pulso (VOP). VCAM-1 sérico se determinó en una muestra aleatoria. Se incluyeron 91 pacientes (casos,n=26; 29.6%; controles,n=65, 71.4%); edad promedio: 73±8 vs. 73±7 años, respectivamente (p=0.73); % de mujeres: 53.8 vs. 36.9, respectivamente y EPS (n=54) y ausencia de EP (noEP) en 37. MMSE< 27 en 26 pacientes; 23 de ellos, con EPS. La presencia de EPS aumentó el riesgo de MMSE< 27 en 5.39 veces (modelo 1). La VOP se asoció a MMSE< 27 (Modelo 1, 2 y 3). El riesgo de MMSE< 27 incrementó en promedio en 2.40 veces por cada aumento de unidad de VOP. EPS y RA mostraron asociaciones significativas e independientes sobre el riesgo de DC. MMSE se correlacionó negativamente con NIC % (r=0.69) y POV (r=0.70); y POV, positivamente con NIC % (r=0.67). Los niveles séricos de VCAM-1 fueron más elevados en presencia de EPS y puntajes bajos de MMSE. Puede concluirse que en pacientes con ECV y EPS, el aumento en RA incrementaría el riesgo de DC. Estos hallazgos enfatizan la necesidad de promover y mantener la salud bucal para evitar el DC en pacientes con ECV.

Efficacy of phytosterols and fish-oil supplemented high-oleic-sunflower oil rich diets in hypercholesterolemic growing rats.

Phytosterols (P) and fish-oil (F) efficacy on high-oleic-sunflower oil (HOSO) diets were assessed in hypercholesterolemic growing rats. Controls (C) received a standard diet for 8 weeks; experimental rats were fed an atherogenic diet (AT) for 3 weeks, thereafter were divided into four groups fed for 5 weeks a monounsaturated fatty acid diet (MUFA) containing either: extra virgin olive oil (OO), HOSO or HOSO supplemented with P or F. The diets did not alter body weight or growth. HOSO-P and HOSO-F rats showed reduced total cholesterol (T-chol), non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-chol) and triglycerides and increased HDL-chol levels, comparably to the OO rats. Total body fat (%) was similar among all rats; but HOSO-F showed the lowest intestinal, epididymal and perirenal fat. However, bone mineral content and density, and bone yield stress and modulus of elasticity were unchanged. Growing hypercholesterolemic rats fed HOSO with P or F improved serum lipids and fat distribution, but did not influence material bone quality.

Oral Health in Children with Obesity or Diabetes Mellitus.

Oral health status must be considered in the care of children with obesity (OB) and diabetes mellitus (DM). The health of these patients' mouths may have significant effects on their overall health and evolution of their disease. Here we address periodontal disease (PD) and dental caries (DC), since these are two of the most common chronic diseases affecting OB and DM patients. OB plays a plausible role in the development of PD. Both overall OB and central adiposity are associated with increased hazards of gingivitis and its progression to PD. The inflammatory changes of PD might not be limited to the oral cavity, these may also trigger systemic consequences. Patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM, T2DM) present an increased prevalence of gingivitis and PD. In diabetics PD develops at a younger age than in the healthy population, it also worsens with the prolongation of DM. The progression to PD has been correlated with the metabolic control of the disease as it is more prevalent and more severe in patients with elevated hemoglobin A1c (A1c) levels. PD negatively affects glycemic control and other diabetes related complications and there is a general consensus that treatment of PD can positively influence these negative effects. Additionally, DC is a multifactorial oral disease that is frequently detected in those with OB and DM, although its prevalence in systematic reviews is inconclusive. The associations between gingivitis, PD and DC share similar behaviors, i.e. inadequate oral hygiene habits and unhealthy dietary intake. Insufficient tooth brushing and intake of sugary foods may result in greater detrimental oral effects. Maintaining oral health will prevent oral chronic diseases and ameliorate the consequences of chronic inflammatory processes. Thus, the care of obese and diabetic patients requires a multidisciplinary team with medical and dental health professionals.

Monounsaturated fatty acids-rich diets in hypercholesterolemic-growing rats.

The effects of replacing dietary saturated fat by different monounsaturated fatty acid (ω-9MUFA) sources on serum lipids, body fat and bone in growing hypercholesterolemic rats were studied. Rats received one of the six different diets: AIN-93G (control, C); extra virgin olive oil (OO) + C; high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) + C or atherogenic diet (AT) for 8 weeks; the remaining two groups received AT for 3 weeks and then, the saturated fat was replaced by an oil mixture of soybean oil added with OO or HOSO for 5 weeks. Rats consuming MUFA-rich diets showed the highest body fat, hepatic index and epididymal, intestinal and perirenal fat, and triglycerides. T-chol and non-HDL-chol were increased in HOSO rats but decreased in OO rats. Bone mineral content and density were higher in both OO and HOSO groups than in AT rats. This study casts caution to the generalization of the benefits of MUFA for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Globesity: the root causes of the obesity epidemic in the USA and now worldwide.

The epidemic of obesity is a well-known phenomenon affecting the world population. This pandemic has occurred since the 1980's with increasing frequency, despite multiple attempts and recommendations to mitigate the prevalence of obesity and its co-morbidities. The causes of obesity have been recognized and are largely related to a genetic predisposition and an environmental susceptibility to gain weight due to increased energy intake and reduced energy expenditures. Furthermore, various structural environmental changes that have occurred since the 1980's have created an obesogenic environment with abundance of high-caloric density, low-quality food and under activity. All of this leads to increased body weight gain and a global public health problem--not only a distinct patient's disease that generally fails to respond to diets and/or increased activity. The structural environmental changes resulted from the unintended consequences of laws that created unregulated marketing and advertisements, food subsidies to a "food industrial complex" which manufactures obesogenic foods that foster addiction to its foodstuffs. Additionally, the economic policies implemented over the last 3 to 4 decades have produced a stagnation of income and wages for the preponderance of the population with major wealth disparities between the majority of people versus the top of the socioeconomic group. The current economic realities have resulted in altered family dynamics, eating habits, and food availability compared to previous generations. The root causes of the epidemic of obesity are governmental policies and the food industry which make obesity difficult to escape in the US and now worldwide.

Switching to Omnitrope(®) from Other Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Therapies: A Retrospective Study in an Integrated Healthcare System.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted using an integrated retrospective database to evaluate the effectiveness of Omnitrope(®) (Sandoz) on children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), idiopathic short stature (ISS), and Turner Syndrome (TS) who switched from a non-Omnitrope recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) preparation during routine clinical care. METHODS: This was a retrospective study which identified patients with GHD, ISS, and TS during the study time period of January 1, 2006 and July 31, 2011. Patients were included if they switched to Omnitrope from another non-Omnitrope rhGH therapy during the study time period, were <18 years of age at time of switch, and on a prior rhGH therapy for at least 15 months pre-switch and on Omnitrope for 15 months post-switch. Auxological parameters (height, height standard deviation score [HSDS], height velocity [HV], and height velocity standard deviation score [HVSDS]) were evaluated during post-switch. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients were identified: GHD (n = 57), ISS (n = 26), and TS (n = 20). There was continuous growth in height for all 103 patients with an average rate of 6.52 cm over the 15-month post-switch period. Patients with GHD grew an average rate of 6.30 cm, patients with ISS grew an average rate of 6.58 cm, and patients with TS grew an average rate of 6.52 cm over the 15-month post-switch period. The average rate of HSDS was increased by 0.04 for all patients. The HV and HVSDS demonstrated the expected decline with advancing age and prolonged duration of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The growth trajectories of rhGH-treated patients were not negatively impacted by switching to Omnitrope and growth rates remained as expected prior to the switch.

Atherogenic cholesterol-rich diet and periodontal disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of an atherogenic cholesterol-rich diet (AT) on the alveolar bone loss in rats with ligature-induced experimental periodontitis (EP). METHODS: Female Wistar adult rats were assigned either a control (Co) or an AT diet fed for 9 weeks. The AT diet was high in saturated fat, cholesterol and energy. At week 2, animals were subjected to a unilateral ligature (L) around the left first molar (Co+L and AT+L). The contra lateral first right molar (not ligated) of both groups (Co and AT) were used as untreated controls. At week 9, blood was drawn, rats were euthanized, hemi-mandibles removed and stained digital photographs (buccal and lingual surfaces) and radiographs were obtained for quantification of alveolar bone loss (ABL). The ABL was determined by distance and area methods (mm(2)) and X-rays were used for periodontal bone support (PBS), (%). RESULTS: Rats in the AT group exhibited a 17% increase in energy intake, gained significant body weight and showed the highest serum total-cholesterol (T-C) and non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (p<0.001). The amount of lost periodontal bone was the greatest in AT+L rats. AT feedings significantly increased the buccal area and distance of bone loss when compared with the unligated-teeth (p<0.001). The rats in the AT+L group also achieved the lowest percentage of PBS (p<0.001). The AT and Co+L rats showed similar PBS. This method more clearly elucidated the effect of the cholesterol-rich AT, with and without the influence of molar ligature, compared to the morphometric analysis. CONCLUSION: The alveolar bone loss of EP was magnified by ingestion of an atherogenic diet high in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome risk factor in overweight and obese children.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome risk factors in overweight/ obese children and adolescents. METHODOLOGY: The study included 139 healthy white Argentinean children/adolescents (aged 8-14 years) who were overweight (n = 30) or obese (n = 109), based on BMI z score according to WHO, 2007. Children were referred to the Nutrition Clinic, San Martin University Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina for evaluation and treatment. Dyslipidemia was considered when one or more serum lipids (mg/dL) were out of range: total cholesterol ≥ 200, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) ≤ 40, triglycerides (TG) > 110, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) > 130 or non-HDL-C > 145 and fasting blood glucose (FBG) > 110. Additional metabolic syndrome risk factors included: increased waist circumference (WC, ≥ 90th percentile) and high blood pressure (> 90th percentile). A history of low birth weight (< 2.5 kg) and a family history of: dyslipidemia (FHDL), premature acute myocardial infarction (FHPAMI) and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (FHT2DM) were also assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of dyslipidemia among overweight and obese children was 50.4% and its pattern was: hypertriglyceridemia 31.9%, low HDL-C 29.7%, high non-HDL-C 15.8%, hypercholesterolemia 11.9%, and elevated LDL-C 10.7%. The dyslipidemia was more often detected among those with increased WC (55.4%), FHDL (51.1%), and FHT2DM (48%); prevalence was lower in those with FHPAMI (18.7%) and low birth weight (4.3%). Most children presented a variety of metabolic syndrome risk factors; only 25.8% did not have any such alterations identified. BMI z score showed a positive association with TG and negative with HDL-C. Overweight and obesity increased the odds ratios of metabolic syndrome risk factors, hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight/obese children were prone to have dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome. Excess body weight is an important harbinger of health that requires the assessment of multiple parameters to discern further health concerns that may be amenable to specific treatment.

Low dietary calcium and obesity: a comparative study in genetically obese and normal rats during early growth.

PURPOSE: A low calcium intake (LCaI) may predispose to obesity, and excessive fat mass may be detrimental to bone. The impact of Ca inadequacy would be greater in subjects predisposed to obesity. LCaI effect on obesity development during the rapid growth period was compared in two strains of rats: spontaneously obese IIMb/ß (O) and Wistar (W). Pregnant rats were fed 0.5% (N) or 0.2% (L) of Ca (OLCa, ONCa, WLCa and WNCa). Male pups were fed the maternal diet until day 60. METHODS: Body composition, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, 25 hydroxyvitamin D, Ca-phosphorus, and bone metabolism were evaluated. RESULTS: BW and body fat were higher, whereas body protein was lower in OLCa versus ONCa (p < 0.05). OLCa presented the highest body fat, glucose, non-HDL and total cholesterol, TGL, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR, liver weight, and adipose perigonadal plus retroperitoneal pads (p < 0.05). WLCa did not exhibit an increase BW and only showed a slight change in body composition with minor biochemical alterations compared to WNCa (p < 0.05). Osteocalcin, CTX, and proximal tibia and lumbar spine BMDs were lower in O than in W rats fed the same Ca diet (p < 0.05). Body ash and Ca content, and total skeleton BMC/BW were lower in OLCa and WLCa versus their corresponding NCa groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The negative effect of a low Ca diet on fat mass accumulation and lipid profile may be more evident in rats predisposed to obesity. Nevertheless, low CaI interferes with the normal glucose homeostasis leading to an increase in insulin resistance. Low CaI during early growth may be an obesogenic factor that may persist into adult life and may account for the development of obesity and some of its co-morbidities.

Validation and ease of use of a new pen device for self-administration of recombinant human growth hormone: results from a two-center usability study.

Close adherence to the recommended treatment regimen is important for the success of recombinant human growth hormone therapy, although nonadherence can be common. Ease of use and safety during use/storage are among several important factors in the design of a growth hormone injection device intended for long-term use. This study was performed to validate the usability and assess the ease of use of a new pen device (SurePal™) that has been developed to support daily administration of the recombinant human growth hormone product, Omnitrope® (somatropin). The primary objectives of the study were to assess if study participants, representing intended users of the pen in clinical practice, were able to perform an injection procedure into an injection pad effectively and safely and disassemble the pen without receiving a needlestick injury. A total of 106 participants (61 adults and 45 children/adolescents) were enrolled at two study centers (one in the US, one in Germany). Results for both primary usability tasks met the predefined acceptance criteria, with >85% of participants successfully performing each task. All of the other tasks/handling steps assessed were also successfully performed by most participants, with high success rates reflected in the high proportion of participants who classified each task as "very easy" or "easy". After a second use of the device, 87%-97% of participants rated it as "very easy" or "easy" to use. In summary, the new pen device is safe and easy to use for both adults and children, and will help to support effective, long-term daily administration of the recombinant human growth hormone product, Omnitrope®.

Low protein intake magnifies detrimental effects of ovariectomy and vitamin D on bone.

Protein-induced changes in bone and calcium homeostasis could potentially be greater in the elderly and in women at risk for osteoporosis. We hypothesize that a low protein intake would magnify the negative changes in bone metabolism seen in vitamin D (vitD) insufficiency and/or estrogen deficiency. The present study was undertaken to better understand how a low protein diet along with vitD insufficiency could affect bone metabolism using a rodent ovariectomized (OVX) model. Rats (n = 60) underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or sham operation. The first 15 days after surgery, all rats were fed a standard rodent diet. Thereafter, rats (n = 10/group) were fed a low protein diet (LP; 2.5 %) or a control diet (NP; 12.5 %) with 100 IU% vitD (+D; cholecalciferol) or without vitD (-D) for 45 days. The groups were as follows: SHAM + NP + D (control); SHAM + LP + D; SHAM + LP - D; OVX + NP + D; OVX + LP + D; OVX + LP - D. Body weight (BW) of control and OVX + NP + D groups increased while those feeding the LP diet, independently of vitD feedings, decreased (p < 0.05). The OVX + LP - D group presented the lowest serum Ca, phosphorus and osteocalcin levels and the highest CTX levels (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, total skeleton bone mineral content, proximal tibia bone mineral density, bone volume and trabecular number levels decreased as follows: SHAM + NP + D (controls) > SHAM + LP + D > OVX + NP + D > SHAM + LP - D > OVX + LP + D > OVX + LP - D (p < 0.05). A low protein diet negatively affected bone mass and magnified the detrimental effects of vitD and/or estrogen deficiencies.

Dyslipidemia is not associated with cardiovascular disease risk in an animal model of mild chronic suboptimal nutrition.

Previous studies performed in an experimental model of nutritional growth retardation (NGR) have observed metabolic adaptation. We hypothesized that changes in lipid-lipoprotein profile, glucose, and insulin levels occur, whereas overall body growth is reduced.The aim of this study was to assess serum lipid-lipoprotein profile, hepatogram, insulinemia and glycemia, and CVD risk markers in rats fed a suboptimal diet. Weanling male rats were assigned either to control (C) or NGR group. In this 4-week study, C rats were fed ad libitum a standard diet, and NGR rats received 80% of the amount of food consumed by C. Zoometric parameters, body fat content, serum lipid-lipoprotein profile, hepatogram, insulinemia, and glycemia were determined, and the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance and homeostasis model assessment and ß-cell function were calculated. Suboptimal food intake induced a significant decrease in body weight and length, which were accompanied by a reduction of 50% in body fat mass. Serum lipoproteins were significantly higher in NGR rats, with the exception of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which remained unchanged. Nutritional growth retardation rats had decreased triglycerides compared with C rats. No significant differences were detected in liver function parameters. The CVD risk markers homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-insulin resistance and homeostasis model assessment and ß-cell function were significantly lower in NGR rats. Mild chronic suboptimal nutrition in weanling male rats led to growth retardation and changes in the lipid-lipoprotein profile, glucose, and insulin levels while preserving the integrity of liver function. These data suggest a metabolic adaptation during suboptimal food intake, which ensures substrates flux to tissues that require constant energy-in detriment to body growth. The CVD risk markers suggested that mild chronic food restriction of approximately 20% could provide protection against this degenerative disease.

High-fat diets affect energy and bone metabolism in growing rats.

BACKGROUND: High-fat diets are usually associated with greater weight (W) gain and body fat (BF). However, it is still unclear whether the type and amount of fat consumed influence BF. Additionally, dietary fat intake may also have consequences on skeletal health. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in healthy growing rats the effects of high-fat diets and type of dietary fat intake (saturated or vegetable oils) on energy and bone metabolism. METHODS: At weaning, male Wistar rats (n = 50) were fed either a control diet (C; fat = 7% w/w) or a high-fat diet (20% w/w) containing either: soybean oil, corn oil (CO), linseed oil (LO), or beef tallow (BT) for 8 weeks. Zoometric parameters, BF, food intake and digestibility, and total and bone alkaline phosphatase (b-AP) were assessed. Total skeleton bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC), BMC/W, spine BMD, and bone volume (static-histomorphometry) were measured. RESULTS: Animals fed BT diet achieved lower W versus C. Rats fed high-fat vegetable oil diets showed similar effects on the zoometric parameters but differed in BF. BT showed the lowest lipid digestibility and BMC. In contrast, high vegetable oil diets produced no significant differences in BMC, BMC/W, BMD, spine BMD, and bone volume. Marked differences were observed for LO and BT groups in b-AP and CO and BT groups in bone volume. CONCLUSION: BT diet rich in saturated fatty acids had decreased digestibility and adversely affected energy and bone metabolisms, in growing healthy male rats. There were no changes in zoometric and bone parameters among rats fed high vegetable oil diets.

Salivary bone turnover markers in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women: daily and seasonal rhythm.

No studies had investigated circadian and circannual rhythms of bone biomarkers in whole saliva. We evaluated the salivary daily and seasonal rhythm of carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and bone alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP). Forty clinical and oral healthy ambulatory pre- and postmenopausal women from two southern Argentine cities: Comodoro Rivadavia (latitude 45º S) and Ushuaia (latitude 54º S) were included in the study. CTX levels were evaluated in serum, urine, and saliva, and b-ALP levels were measured in serum and saliva. In both groups of women, salivary CTX showed a maximum percentage of change early in the morning (80%) and a minimum in the late afternoon (45%), similarly to the pattern observed in urinary samples. No daily rhythm was observed in serum or salivary b-ALP. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels decreased in winter vs. summer (p < 0.01) without differences between the two studied groups. Conversely, parathormone reached higher levels in winter (p < 0.05) which induced a slight non-significant increment in salivary CTX and b-ALP levels. The results showed that, as in serum and urinary samples, salivary CTX exhibits daily and a slight seasonal rhythmicity. Whole non-stimulated saliva is a useful tool to detect several oral and systemic diseases because it has important advantages compared to serum and urinary samples. Then, it may also be a promising sample to test changes in bone metabolism contributing to diagnose and to monitor the therapy of several metabolic bone diseases.

Eusorbents and eusorption: a review of physiological events to therapeutic concepts.

Eusorbents are considered the exogenous substances that facilitate and enhance intestinal absorption. Eusorption is the process by which eusorbents affect the mechanisms of intestinal absorption. These 2 concepts should be distinguished from the well-known probiotics and prebiotics that may also play a role in benefiting the host. This review covers the eusorption paradigm in the optimization of oral rehydration and the treatment of diarrhea. The various factors that influence the validity of eusorbents to facilitate the eusorption were considered (i.e., viscosity, hydrating agents, and minerals such as zinc). The role of surface tension in solute absorption was addressed. The possible effects that eusorbents could play in the gene activation of the intestinal mucosa were also considered. This review should contribute to the understanding of absorptive enhancements of specific substances and their properties that facilitate the desired effects in health and disease.