Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation promotes erythrocyte antioxidant defense and reduces protein nitrosative damage in male athletes.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of long-term docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) dietary supplementation on the erythrocyte fatty acid profile and oxidative balance in soccer players after training and acute exercise. Fifteen volunteer male athletes (age 20.0 ± 0.5 years) were randomly assigned to a placebo group that consumed an almond-based beverage (n = 6), or to an experimental group that consumed the same beverage enriched with DHA (n = 9) for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken in resting conditions at the beginning and after 8 weeks of nutritional intervention and training in resting and in post-exercise conditions. Oxidative damage markers (malonyldialdehyde, carbonyl and nitrotyrosine indexes) and the activity and protein level of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and peroxidase) were assessed. The results showed that training increased antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes. The experimental beverage increased DHA from 34.0 ± 3.6 to 43.0 ± 3.6 nmol/10(9) erythrocytes. DHA supplementation increased the catalytic activity of superoxide dismutase from 1.48 ± 0.40 to 10.5 ± 0.35 pkat/10(9) erythrocytes, and brought about a reduction in peroxidative damage induced by training or exercise. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with DHA changed the erythrocyte membrane composition, provided antioxidant defense and reduced protein peroxidative damage in the red blood cells of professional athletes after an 8-week training season and acute exercise.

Docosahexanoic acid diet supplementation attenuates the peripheral mononuclear cell inflammatory response to exercise following LPS activation.

Exercise induces changes in circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The aim was to investigate the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) diet supplementation on the plasma cytokine levels and on the peripheral mononuclear (PBMCs) cells cytokine production after a training season or an acute bout of exercise. Fifteen male soccer players were randomly assigned to a placebo or an experimental group. The experimental group consumed an almond-based beverage enriched with DHA, whereas the placebo group consumed the same beverage without DHA. Three blood samples were taken: in basal conditions at the beginning of the nutritional intervention and after eight weeks of training season in basal and post-exercise conditions. The DHA content increased in erythrocytes after 8weeks of training and supplementation. Neither diet supplementation with DHA nor training season altered the basal plasma cytokines and growth factors. Only acute exercise significantly increased plasma IL6 in experimental and placebo groups. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation induced the inflammatory response in PBMCs, with a significant production rate of TNFα, IL6 and IL8 mainly after acute exercise. DHA supplementation significantly reduced the rate of TNFα and IL6 production by stimulated PBMCs. Acute exercise increased the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein levels in PBMCs, although the increase was only statistically significant in the placebo group. In conclusion, a training season does not induce significant changes in the circulating cytokine profile in well-trained soccer players. Exercise increases the PBMCs cell capabilities to produce cytokines after TLR4 stimulation with LPS and this rate of cytokine production is attenuated by diet DHA supplementation.

Dietary factors associated with subclinical inflammation among girls.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary patterns and biomarkers of inflammation have been scarcely associated. The aim was to assess dietary factors associated with subclinical inflammation among girls. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Fasting blood samples were collected from 12- to 17-year old girls (n=219) to measure adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and food intake were also measured. Western (WDP) and Mediterranean (MDP) dietary patterns were identified. RESULTS: BMI and WHtR were associated with adiponectin, leptin and hs-CRP (the last, only associated with BMI). Intakes of ß-carotene equivalents and vitamin C were associated with adiponectin; saturated fatty acids (SFA), vitamin A, manganese and selenium with leptin; linoleic acid with PAI-1; and oleic acid and vitamin E with IL-6. Selenium was inversely associated with adiponectin, whereas magnesium was positively associated with IL-6. MDP was associated with higher plasma concentrations of adiponectin (ß=0.174, P<0.05); after adjustment for BMI, associations were not significant (ß=0.144, P=0.076). WDP was negatively associated with adiponectin (ß=-0.177, P<0.05) and positively with IL-6 (ß=0.183, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical inflammation is detectable with increasing BMI and also WHtR. Measures of adiposity (BMI and WHtR) are significant predictors of adiponectin, leptin and hs-CRP. Dietary patterns per se have a small role in affecting inflammatory markers among adolescents.

Inflammatory markers and metabolic syndrome among adolescents.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The alarming increase in obesity worldwide is of concern, owing to the associations of obesity with metabolic syndrome (MetS), which has been associated with a proinflammatory state characterized by elevated plasma concentrations of several markers of inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess levels of inflammatory markers and their association with MetS among adolescents. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A random sample of adolescents (n=362, 143 boys and 219 girls, 12-17 years) was interviewed, anthropometrically measured and provided a fasting blood sample. Circulating levels of adiponectin, leptin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured. The association between inflammatory markers and sex, age, body mass index (BMI) status, MetS, physical activity and blood pressure was also calculated. RESULTS: Adiponectin levels are inversely associated and leptin levels are directly associated with MetS and BMI, but directly with gender (females show higher levels than boys), and PAI-1 levels are directly associated with MetS, among adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin, adiponectin and PAI-1 may be used as biomarkers to predict MetS among adolescents.

Metabolic syndrome in adolescents in the Balearic Islands, a Mediterranean region.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in adolescents in the Balearic Islands, in the western Mediterranean Sea. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in the Balearic Islands (2007-2008). A random sample (n=362, 143 boys and 219 girls) of the adolescent population (12-17 years) was interviewed, anthropometrically measured, and provided a fasting blood sample. The MetS prevalence was determined by the ATP III criteria adapted for youths. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) was defined according to a score constructed considering the consumption of MD components: high monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)/saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio, moderate ethanol consumption, high legume, cereals and roots, fruit, vegetables, and fish consumption, and low meat and milk consumption. The overall MetS prevalence was 5.8% (boys 10.5%, girls 2.7%). MetS criteria were met by 10.0% of overweight, 45.5% of obese and in 1.8% of normal weight adolescents. Half of the adolescents (49.7%) had at least one MetS component. None of the adolescents had all five risk factors. High triglyceride level (90.5%), hypertension (85.7%), low HDL cholesterol level (78.9%) and central obesity (71.4%) were common among adolescents with MetS whereas hyperglycaemia (0.6%) was infrequent. Higher adherence to MD was associated with significantly lower odds ratio of having MetS, but half of the adolescents showed high adherence to MD. CONCLUSION: MetS prevalence was significant among adolescents in the Balearic Islands, especially among obese boys. A high adherence to MD in adolescents was associated with a low prevalence of the MetS criteria.

Differential response of plasma and immune cell's vitamin E levels to physical activity and antioxidant vitamin supplementation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the differential response of plasma, lymphocyte and neutrophil vitamin E levels to high-intensity physical activity and to vitamin C and E supplementation. SUBJECTS: In all, 14 male trained amateur runners (32-36 y old) were randomly divided in two groups (supplemented and placebo), and participated in a half marathon race. The subjects did not take any other supplements than the ones provided for this study. INTERVENTION: Vitamin C (152 mg/day) and E (50 mg/day) supplementation was administrated to athletes for a month, using a new almond-based isotonic and energetic beverage (supplemented group). The usual dietary habits of participants were assessed using a self-reported 7-day 24-h recall before the day of the study. To avoid the beverage influence, nonenriched vitamin C and E almond-based isotonic and energetic beverage was given to the placebo group. After 1 month, subjects participated in a half marathon race (21 km run). Vitamin E concentration was determined in plasma, neutrophils and lymphocytes before and immediately after the race, and 3 h after finishing the race. RESULTS: Daily energy intake and caloric profile of supplemented and placebo group were not different except for vitamin C and E supplementation. Vitamin supplementation and exercise had no effect on vitamins E levels in plasma. The exercise significantly (P<0.05) increased the lymphocyte vitamin E concentration both in the placebo (+119%) and supplemented groups (+128%), and neutrophil vitamin E content in the supplemented group (+88%). These levels remained significantly (P<0.05) high after the short recovery. After exercise, vitamin E levels in lymphocytes and neutrophils of supplemented subjects were practically twice the levels before exercise, whereas neutrophil vitamin E content of the placebo group was close to those in plasma. CONCLUSION: After endurance exercise, lymphocytes increased their vitamin E content in the supplemented and placebo subjects whereas this trend in neutrophils was just observed in the supplemented group. The determination of vitamin E content in lymphocytes and neutrophils after exercise is a useful tool to assess the functional status of vitamin E.

Dietary intake and nutritional risk among free-living elderly people in Palma de Mallorca.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the dietary intake of free-living, non-institutionalised, elderly people of Palma de Mallorca, and to evaluate their nutritional status and risk of undernutrition. DESIGN: Anthropometric and dietary survey (3-day food record), and risk of undernutrition (MNA-SF) were assessed in 230 (89 men and 141 women) free-living elderly people (average age 72.7 +/- 5.9 years) in Palma de Mallorca. RESULTS: Prevalence of undernutrition (1% in men and 5% in women), overweight (56% in men and 39% in women) and obesity (17% in men and 21% in women) were found. Mean daily energy intake (+/- SD) was 5.7 +/- 1.5 MJ in men and 5.3 +/- 1.3 MJ among women. The contribution of macronutrients to the total energy intake was different from the Recommended Intake for the elderly, since it was too derived from proteins, fats, SFA and sugars, but in only small amounts was derived from complex carbohydrates. Animal protein intake was two-thirds the total protein intake. Dietary fibre was low. Cholesterol/SFA ratio showed dietary risk of atherogenic potential. High percentages of elderly persons showed inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, vitamin D, and vitamin E. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in dietary complex carbohydrate and fibre, a decrease in fats, especially SFA, and a balanced intake of animal/vegetable proteins and fats are recommended. Dietary supplementation, especially with calcium, vitamin C and E, and occasionally vitamin D, may be useful to improve nutritional and health status of free-living elderly people in Palma de Mallorca.

[Comparative study of the analyzers L-9100 (Merck-Hitachi) and HA-8121 (Menarini) for the determination of glycosylated hemoglobin]. / Estudio comparativo de los analizadores L-9100 (Merck-Hitachi) y HA-8121 (Menarini) para la determinación de hemoglobina glucosilada.

A comparison study about the determination of HbA1c by L-9100 (Merck Hitachi) and HA-8121 (Menarini) was made. HbA1c was measured by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The within-run imprecision was CV < 3% (for HA-8121) and CV < 4.9% (for L-9100). The between-run imprecision was CV < 1% (for L-9100) and CV < 2% (for HA-121). Analysis of means (Student test) showed that both instruments were statistically different for HbA1Ac measurements (p < 0.001). The results of regression analysis (Passsing-Bablock test) were as follows: y = 0.88x + 0.58 (y = L-9100, r = 0.982, p = 0.005). In conclusion, the results showed that there are statistical differences between both instruments. Regression and correlation was good, but the data also showed that there is a constant and proportional error. We must make a new reference range values.

[Evaluation of the hematologic autoanalyzer Coulter Maxm]. / Evaluación del autoanalizador hematológico Coulter Maxm.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of the Coulter MaxM autoanalyser, based on volume, cell conductivity and laser-beam dispersion, and to assess the automated leucocyte differential count (LDC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total number of 2,016 blood samples drawn on tri-K EDTA as anticoagulant were studied. The following data were analysed: 1-Intra- and inter-assay inaccuracy, the findings being expressed as mean and variation coefficient (CV%). 2- Correlation with the results attained with other systems (Coulter STKS and Technicon H1); The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for this analysis. 3- Assessment of the morphologic suspect warning flags, optic microscope examination being used as reference. 4- Stability of the samples along time; the samples were analysed at 2, 6, 24 and 48 hours after withdrawal, and the Scheffe's test was used for comparison of results. 5- Performance speed. RESULTS: 1- The intra-assay inaccuracy was found acceptable for all the values except the basophil count (CV: 30.8%). The lack of reproducibility for basophil count is similar to that observed in the Coulter STKS system. 2- Correlation: Optimal LDC was found for neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes. Excellent correlation with the Coulter STKS was seen except for haemoglobin, haematocrit and basophil count. The correlation with the Technicon H1 was better then with the STKS, except for basophil and monocyte counts. The correlation with basophil count was low with every system. 3- Warning flags appeared in 13.4% of the samples, the worse results corresponded to basophils, monocytes, stabs and atypical lymphocytes. 4- Samples stored at 4 degrees C for 24 hr had not significant variations in LDC. Those ones stored at 20-25 degrees C only showed significant variations after 24 hr in the monocyte count. 5- The working speed was 60 samples processed and printed in one hour. CONCLUSION: The Coulter MaxM autoanalyser is a useful machine for laboratories and provides a 5-class LDC plus a sound screen for leucocyte morphologic anomalies.

Glycosaminoglycans and oxalocalcic urolithiasis.

A very simple analytical procedure with dimethylmethylene blue as photometric reagent was applied for the evaluation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) urinary excretions and concentrations in both sexes, calcium oxalate stone formers, and a control group. The GAG concentrations varied significantly in stone formers (males and females) and in the control group; moreover, in some individual cases, a deficit of urinary GAGs was clearly detected. Apart from important inhibitory effects of GAGs on heterogenous calcium oxalate nucleation, the low urinary GAG content could be the cause of a pathological epithelium, favoring stone formation. The dimethylmethylene blue method is recommended as a quick screening procedure to determine a GAG deficit.

Community-acquired bacteremia caused by Serratia plymuthica. Case report and review of the literature.

We present a case of a 50-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital as a result of a process affecting the lower respiratory tract, associated with a community-acquired bacteremia due to Serratia plymuthica. The patient was treated with erythromycin and gentamicin and was discharged to home 7 days after admission with complete clinical cure. In view of the lack of reports concerning human infections by S. plymuthica, we present our case and review the literature concerning the microbiological and clinical characteristics of this unusual human pathogen.

Infections with Pseudomonas paucimobilis: report of four cases and review.

Pseudomonas paucimobilis (formerly CDC group IIK, biotype 1) is a strictly aerobic, nonfermenting, oxidase- and catalase-positive, gram-negative bacillus that is widely distributed in water and soil. Its name derives from the difficulty encountered in demonstrating its motility, even in liquid media. This microorganism is responsible for two types of infection in humans: sporadic or community-acquired infections, probably of endogenous or environmental origin (bacteremia, meningitis, urinary tract infection, and wound infection); and outbreaks of nosocomial infection associated with the contamination of sterile fluids employed in hospitals. We present four cases of infection caused by P. paucimobilis (two of bacteremia, one of leg ulcer infection, and one of cervical adenitis). The majority of infections produced by P. paucimobilis have a good prognosis; no deaths related to this entity have been reported in the literature. The published results of susceptibility tests suggest that the aminoglycosides (either alone or in combination with a beta-lactam antibiotic) or the quinolone may be the agents of choice in the treatment of these infections.

[Detection of strains of E. coli producing STa toxin in the feces of patients with diarrhea using a competitive ELISA system]. / Detección de cepas de E. coli productoras de toxina STa en las heces de pacientes con diarrea mediante un sistema ELISA competitivo.

We evaluate the presence of heat-stable STa toxin producers E. coli strains from stools of patients with acute diarrhoea. As detection method, we used a commercially-available enzyme-linked competitive assay (ELISA). Over a three months period, 279 E. coli strains were analyzed. Only two (0.71%) were STa toxin producers. Both isolates are from pediatric cases (2 and 4 years of age), without any epidemiologic relationship between them. Therefore, we conclude that this infection could be considered as a non-epidemic community-acquired diarrhoeal disease.

Pneumonia caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica in a patient with a thoracic trauma.

We report a case of pneumonia, caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, in a previously healthy, immunocompetent 37-year-old male patient who had suffered chest injury in a car accident. The patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where endotracheal intubation was performed. Seventy-two hours later he presented with fever associated with pulmonary affection which was diagnosed as right lobar pneumonia. Abundant colonies of B. bronchiseptica were isolated from the pharyngeal exudate and respiratory secretions, suggesting prior oropharyngeal colonization by B. bronchiseptica, as a result of repeated contact with his dog, with subsequent infection of the lower respiratory tract assisted by the process of intubation. We review different human infections produced by B.bronchiseptica as well as the antibiotic susceptibility studies performed.

Analysis of the autoagglutination phenomenon, serogroup and hydrophobicity as virulence markers in mesophilic aeromonads isolated from stool cultures.

The autoagglutination phenomenon (AA) was studied in 71 strains of mesophilic aeromonads isolated from stool cultures of patients with acute diarrhea (28 Aeromonas hydrophila, 20 Aeromonas sobria, and 23 Aeromonas caviae). Two phenotypes were considered in the AA+ strains: SP+ (self-pelleting) and PAB+ (precipitation after boiling). Serogrouping of the strains was performed only with the 0:11 serum. Other properties studied were agglutination with acriflavine (Acr) and crystal violet uptake (CVB). Phenotype AA+ was found in 29.5% of the strains; 7% of these AA+ strains exhibited the SP+ PAB+ pattern and 22.5% the SP- PAB+ pattern. The species Aeromonas hydrophila comprised the highest proportion (28.5%), and Aeromonas caviae the lowest (13%). Fifty percent of the PAB+ strains of Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas sobria belonged to serotype 0:11. None of the PAB+ strains of Aeromonas caviae belonged to this serotype. 8.4% of the strains were Acr+ and 23.9% CVB+.