Experiences and perceptions of people with celiac disease, food allergies and food intolerance when dining out.

Introduction: Eating out is a common practice in modern society. Celiac disease (CeD) and food allergy (FA) are among the most common conditions responsible for adverse reactions to food. Despite their different origins, both require treatment with restrictive diets (avoidance of gluten and/or specific allergens) and this results posing similar challenges when eating out. Our objective was to learn about the experiences/perceptions of consumers with CeD and FA when dining out, as well as the challenges they face in food service environments. Methods: An ad hoc questionnaire was used to record consumer perceptions, food service characteristics and resulting adverse reactions. Results: 377 individuals living in Santiago, Chile, provided complete information and were analyzed (160 CeD, 105 FA). 301 participants (79.8%) declared eating out, 33.6% reported experiencing an adverse reaction at least once while eating out. 94.4% of the 377 participants believed that the serving staff had little or no knowledge about his/her condition. Consumers reporting symptoms as severe adverse reactions were more common among celiac than allergic patients (p < 0.001). Discussion: The study showed no significant differences based on consumer-related characteristics (p:NS). The consequences of eating out did not vary based on individual's data, including diagnosis, age, frequency of eating out, adverse reactions experienced, or intensity. These findings suggest that the most important determinants of risk associated with eating out are characteristics of the food service, like availability of information, staff training, and establishment's facilities like equipment available, exclusive utensils for customers with special dietary needs and kitchen and bathrooms organization.

Melatonin induces fat browning by transdifferentiation of white adipocytes and de novo differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

The role of melatonin in obesity control is extensively accepted, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. Previously we demonstrated that chronic oral melatonin acts as a brown-fat inducer, driving subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) into a brown-fat-like function (beige) in obese diabetic rats. However, immunofluorescence characterization of beige depots in sWAT and whether melatonin is a beige-fat inducer by de novo differentiation and/or transdifferentiation of white adipocytes are still undefined. Lean (ZL) and diabetic fatty (ZDF) Zücker rats were subdivided into two groups, control (C) and oral melatonin-supplemented (M, 10 mg kg-1 day-1) for 6 weeks. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from both rat inguinal fat and human lipoaspirates followed by adipogenesis assays with or without melatonin (50 nM for 12 h in a 24 h period, 12 h+/12 h-) mimicking the light/dark cycle. Immunofluorescence and western-blot assays showed the partial transdifferentiation of white adipocytes in both ZL and ZDF rats, with increasing thermogenic and beige markers, UCP1 and CITED1 and decreasing white adipocyte marker ASC-1 expression. In addition, melatonin increased UCP1, CITED1, and PGC1-α expression in differentiated adipocytes in both rats and humans. These results demonstrate that melatonin increases brown fat in obese diabetic rats by both adipocyte transdifferentiation and de novo differentiation. Furthermore, it promotes beige MSC adipogenesis in humans. This may contribute to the control of body weight attributed to melatonin and its metabolic benefits in human diabesity.

Improving type 2 diabetes mellitus glycaemic control through lifestyle modification implementing diet intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus represents a significant health problem. Many studies have reported that intensive nutritional intervention by itself or in addition to medications is the best method to improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, in clinical practice, dietary education is not implemented as an integral part in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyse the scientific evidence concerning the role of nutritional intervention in the glycaemic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: We searched Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases from inception till May 2019 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that include dietary interventions in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: A total of 28 studies were included. Our results demonstrated that lifestyle interventions significantly lowered glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels compared to the usual care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, overall weighted mean difference, WMD = - 0.51 (- 0.67, - 0.35). Strategies combining individualized and group-based activities were the most effective, WMD = - 0.95 (- 1.24, - 0.66). Most of stratified analyses did not totally resolve heterogeneity, but improvement in HbA1c levels has been consistently observed. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence from RCTs shows that lifestyle intervention is more effective than the standard care regarding the glycaemic control of type 2 diabetic patients, particularly when there is a weight loss. It is time to translate this evidence to the primary health care practice. The protocol of the present systematic review was registered in PROSPERO, registration number CRD42018090469.

Serum zinc and copper concentrations and ratios in cirrhotic patients: correlation with severity index.

INTRODUCTION: zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential elements that play an important role in the whole-body metabolism and seems to have a role in the pathogenesis of the liver cirrhosis (LC). OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study is to evaluate the influence on serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios of different factors like cirrhosis, severity index, age, sex, death, and disease complications. METHODS: ninety-three patients with LC were included. The severity index was measured by the Child-Pugh index (CPI). RESULTS: mean serum Cu concentration and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls (p ≤ 0.001). Serum Zn concentrations were reduced with higher cirrhosis severity (specifically low vsmedium severity CPI, p < 0.05). Mean serum Cu concentration was significantly higher in the oldest (> 50 years) versusyoungest (< 30 years) age group. Serum Zn concentrations were lower and Cu/Zn ratios were higher (p < 0.05) in patients that died. Among complications, significantly higher serum Zn concentrations were found in cirrhotic patients with ascites than in those with bacteremia-sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: levels of Zn, Cu and Cu/Zn ratio are affected by the presence of hepatic cirrhosis. Serum Zn concentrations are lower with higher severity of cirrhosis, while those for Cu are increased in cirrhotic patients. We can observe that the presence of elevated Cu/Zn ratios in these patients might be useful in the evaluation of suspected liver cirrhosis.

Serum zinc and copper concentrations and ratios in cirrhotic patients: correlation with severity index / Concentraciones séricas de zinc, cobre y sus cocientes correspondientes en pacientes cirróticos: correlación con el índice de severidad

Introduction: zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential elements that play an important role in the whole-body metabolism and seems to have a role in the pathogenesis of the liver cirrhosis (LC).Objective: the aim of this study is to evaluate the influence on serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios of different factors like cirrhosis, severity index, age, sex, death, and disease complications. Methods: ninety-three patients with LC were included. The severity index was measured by the Child-Pugh index (CPI).Results: mean serum Cu concentration and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls (p ≤ 0.001). Serum Zn concentrations were reduced with higher cirrhosis severity (specifically low vsmedium severity CPI, p < 0.05). Mean serum Cu concentration was significantly higher in the oldest (> 50 years) versusyoungest (< 30 years) age group. Serum Zn concentrations were lower and Cu/Zn ratios were higher (p < 0.05) in patients that died. Among complications, significantly higher serum Zn concentrations were found in cirrhotic patients with ascites than in those with bacteremia-sepsis. Conclusions: levels of Zn, Cu and Cu/Zn ratio are affected by the presence of hepatic cirrhosis. Serum Zn concentrations are lower with higher severity of cirrhosis, while those for Cu are increased in cirrhotic patients. We can observe that the presence of elevated Cu/Zn ratios in these patients might be useful in the evaluation of suspected liver cirrhosis

Introducción: el zinc (Zn) y el cobre (Cu) son elementos esenciales ya que juegan un papel fundamental en el metabolismo en general y parecen tener implicación en la patogénesis de la cirrosis hepática (CH). Objetivos: el objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la influencia sobre los niveles séricos de Zn y Cu, y sobre los cocientes entre los niveles de Cu y Zn de diferentes factores como la cirrosis, el índice de severidad, la edad, el sexo, la mortalidad y las complicaciones de la enfermedad. Metodología: noventa y tres pacientes con CH fueron incluidos en el estudio y el grado de severidad se midió utilizando el índice Child-Pugh (ICP). Resultados: las concentraciones séricas de Cu y los cocientes entre los niveles de Cu y Zn se encontraron significativamente aumentados en los pacientes con respecto a los controles sanos (p ≤ 0.001). A mayor grado de severidad cirrótica, se obtuvieron valores medios de Zn significativamente disminuidos (concretamente en los enfermos con ICP bajo frente a los que tenían un ICP medio, p < 0.05). La media de las concentraciones séricas de Cu fue significativamente superior en el grupo de sujetos de mayor edad (> 50 años) con respecto al grupo más joven (< 30 años). En aquellos pacientes que habían sufrido un deceso, las concentraciones séricas de Zn estaban significativamente disminuidas, mientras que los cocientes entre los niveles de Cu y Zn se encontraron elevadas (p < 0.05). En cuanto a las complicaciones de la enfermedad, obtuvimos valores séricos significativamente elevados de Zn en aquellos pacientes cirróticos que padecían ascitis respecto a los que presentaban bacteriemia-sepsis. Conclusiones: los valores de Zn, Cu y los cocientes entre los niveles de Cu y Zn se encuentran afectados en la enfermedad cirrótica. Las concentraciones séricas de Zn son bajas cuando existe un mayor grado de severidad de la cirrosis hepática, mientras que los valores de Cu apararen incrementados en los pacientes con esta enfermedad. Podemos observar que la presencia de valores elevados de los cocientes entre los niveles de Cu y Zn podría ser de utilidad en la evaluación de la posible presencia de la enfermedad

Antioxidant activity and nutritional status in anorexia nervosa: effects of weight recovery.

Few studies are focused on the antioxidant status and its changes in anorexia nervosa (AN). Based on the hypothesis that renutrition improves that status, the aim was to determine the plasma antioxidant status and the antioxidant enzymes activity at the beginning of a personalized nutritional program (T0) and after recovering normal body mass index (BMI) (T1). The relationship between changes in BMI and biochemical parameters was determined. Nutritional intake, body composition, anthropometric, hematological and biochemical parameters were studied in 25 women with AN (19.20 ± 6.07 years). Plasma antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes activity were measured. Mean time to recover normal weight was 4.1 ± 2.44 months. Energy, macronutrients and micronutrients intake improved. Catalase activity was significantly modified after dietary intake improvement and weight recovery (T0 = 25.04 ± 1.97 vs. T1 = 35.54 ± 2.60 µmol/min/mL; p < 0.01). Total antioxidant capacity increased significantly after gaining weight (T0 = 1033.03 ± 34.38 vs. T1 = 1504.61 ± 99.73 µmol/L; p < 0.01). Superoxide dismutase activity decreased (p < 0.05) and glutathione peroxidase did not change. Our results support an association between nutrition improvement and weight gain in patients with AN, followed by an enhancement of antioxidant capacity and catalase antioxidant system.

Effect of Physical Activity, Nutritional Education, and Consumption of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Lipid, Physiological, and Anthropometric Profiles in a Pediatric Population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nutritional education and vigorous physical activity on health-related parameters. METHODS: The sample group consisted of 134 children from 5 rurally located schools. Participants were divided between 5 different experimental groups: control group (CG), physical activity group (PA), nutritional education group (NE), combined intervention group (PA+NE), and a combined intervention group with additional substitution of normally used oil for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO; PA+NE+EVOO). The intervention consisted of 60 minute sessions of physical activity held twice a week as well as nutritional education sessions held over 6 months. RESULTS: Students in the groups receiving physical activity reduced their fat percentage and increased their muscle mass post intervention. At posttest the lipid profile improved in all intervention groups. The proportion of macronutrients and dietary cholesterol improved in the groups receiving nutritional education. The posttest comparison showed significantly lower fat percentage, sum of skinfolds and waist circumference in NE relative to CG and PA relative to CG. Diastolic blood pressure and glycaemia were significantly lower in PA+NE+EVOO relative to CG. CONCLUSION: A school-based program consisting of nutritional education or nutritional education plus a physical activity program showed a positive effect on health-related parameters in children.

Evaluación del impacto del ayuno en Ramadán en el estilo de vida y salud / Evaluating the impact of the Ramadan fasting on the life style and health

Fundamentos: Durante el Ramadán, los individuos de confesión islámica se abstienen de comer y beber desde la salida del sol hasta su puesta. El objetivo fundamental de este estudio es evaluar cómo influye el precepto del Ramadán en los hábitos alimenticios de las personas, su sueño, actividad física, actividad u ocupación diarios y también determinar cómo varía la incidencia y la frecuencia de ciertos síntomas y patologías. Material y métodos: Se procedió a un estudio transversal en el cual se realizó un cuestionario a 200 personas de las que se encontraron ayunando en el mes de Ramadán del 2013. El cuestionario constó de cinco partes y trató sobre los hábitos alimenticios, los hábitos de sueño de estas personas, su actividad diaria y actividad física, también de cómo varia la incidencia de patologías y de sintomatologías. Resultados: Ante una inadecuada higiene de vida, el Ramadán cambia radicalmente los hábitos alimenticios de las personas, influye en sus adicciones, altera la naturaleza de su sueño, baja el ritmo de su ocupación diaria y de su actividad física. Afecta al estado de ánimo de las personas y aumenta su irritabilidad (42%). Aumenta la frecuencia de padecer dolor de cabeza (49%) y náuseas (34%). Altera la memoria (17%) y la concentración en algunas personas (18%). Aumenta a su vez la incidencia de padecer indigestiones, acidez gástrica y molestias digestivas (40%), estreñimiento (36%), flatulencia y dispepsia (36%), induce también una bajada de la temperatura corporal (49%) y provoca una sequedad bucal en casi todos los individuos (73%). Las molestias dentales (30%) y la halitosis (39%) son otras de las consecuencias del Ramadán. Conclusiones: Amortiguar este gran impacto que tiene el Ramadán sobre la salud de las personas seria primordial informar, prevenir y mejorar al máximo la higiene de vida por motivo de este periodo sería la solución (AU)

Background: During Ramadan individuals abstain totally from drinking and eating from sunrise to sunset. The principal objective of this study is to evaluate how the precept of Ramadan influences food habits, sleeping, physical activities, and daily routines and occupations, and determine the variety and frequency of some symptoms and pathologies. Methods: A data was collected by questioning 200 volunteers muslims in the period of Ramadan. They indicated they were fasting. The questionnaire asked about the food habits of these individuals, their sleeping patterns, daily and physical activities, and the variety of pathologies and symptomologies. Results: Due to an inadequate hygiene of life, Ramadan fasting can change radically food habits, influences addictions, alters the nature of sleeping, reduces the rhythm of daily occupation and physical activities; influences the state of mind and rises irritation (42%), increases the frequency of headache (49%) and nauseas (34%); alters the memory (17%) and the concentration (18%) , increases the occurrence of ingestion illnesses, gastric acidity and digestive problems (40%), constipation (36%) , flatulency and dyspepsia (36%) , decreases the corporal temperature (49%) and provokes mouth dryness in almost all individuals (73%). Dental troubles (30%) and halitosis (39%) are some of Ramadan consequences. Conclusions: So often the great impact of Ramadan may have on the health is primordial. Inform, prevent, educate and enhance to the maximum the life hygiene during this period is the solution (AU)

Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics insights into diabetes etiopathogenesis.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered a global pandemic, and the incidence of DM continues to grow worldwide. Nutrients and dietary patterns are central issues in the prevention, development and treatment of this disease. The pathogenesis of DM is not completely understood, but nutrient-gene interactions at different levels, genetic predisposition and dietary factors appear to be involved. Nutritional genomics studies generally focus on dietary patterns according to genetic variations, the role of gene-nutrient interactions, gene-diet-phenotype interactions and epigenetic modifications caused by nutrients; these studies will facilitate an understanding of the early molecular events that occur in DM and will contribute to the identification of better biomarkers and diagnostics tools. In particular, this approach will help to develop tailored diets that maximize the use of nutrients and other functional ingredients present in food, which will aid in the prevention and delay of DM and its complications. This review discusses the current state of nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics and epigenomics research on DM. Here, we provide an overview of the role of gene variants and nutrient interactions, the importance of nutrients and dietary patterns on gene expression, how epigenetic changes and micro RNAs (miRNAs) can alter cellular signaling in response to nutrients and the dietary interventions that may help to prevent the onset of DM.

Serum Zn levels and Cu/Zn ratios worsen in hemodialysis patients, implying increased cardiovascular risk: a 2-year longitudinal study.

The objective of this study was to analyze serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios in 116 hemodialysis patients (HPs) over a 2-year longitudinal study at four time points (6-month intervals). The relation exerted on these values by 26 biochemical and nutritional indexes, the age and drug consumption of the patients, and the etiology of their disease were also evaluated. A healthy control group (n = 50) was also studied. Mean serum Zn concentrations were lower (p = 0.009) and the Cu/Zn ratios higher (p = 0.009) in HPs than in controls. Serum Cu levels in HP did not differ to those of controls. At all four sampling times, the mean serum Zn levels and Cu/Zn ratios were lower and higher, respectively, in HPs than in the controls. There was a significant reduction in serum Zn levels and an increase in Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios in HPs from the second to the fourth sampling. Serum Zn levels of the HPs diminish with age older than 50 years. Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in patients consuming antihypercalcemic or anti-infarction drugs, whereas serum Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratios were significantly lower in those treated with diuretics. Diminished Zn levels were negatively correlated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in HPs; however, enhanced Cu/Zn ratios were positively correlated with total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Both findings indicate an increased cardiovascular risk. We conclude that this study contributes the first evidence of a correlation between marked dyslipidemia and worsened Cu/Zn ratios in HPs, implying an increased risk of diseases associated with elevated oxidative stress, inflammation, and depressed immune function, such as cardiovascular diseases.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption and antioxidant status in healthy institutionalized elderly humans.

Recent studies show that the elderly have increased oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense systems. Our study aims to evaluate the effects of daily consumption of EVOO in the healthy institutionalized elderly. We studied anthropometric, biochemical and antioxidant parameters in 62 subjects aged 65-96 years after a 6-week daily intake of polyphenol-rich EVOO with high oleuropein derivative contents. Subjects were divided into a control group (CG) who maintained their dietary habits (n=39) and an olive group (OG) who consumed EVOO as the only added fat, plus a daily dose of 50ml (n=23). We found a significant reduction of total cholesterol (TC), HDL, LDL and TGs in OG subjects and a significant increase of HDL levels. There was no significant variation in the CG parameters. In OG the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma increased with significant differences over CG. Plasma hydroxytyrosol (OH-Tyr) concentration showed a significant increase after EVOO intervention. Daily consumption of EVOO was found to have positive effects on lipid profiles, OH-Tyr levels and TAC. The results also show a significant increase of catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes and a decrease (p<0.05) in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GH-PX) activity after EVOO intake. To our knowledge, no other study has examined the effects of EVOO consumption on biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzyme activity in healthy elderly subjects. In conclusion, our results show that nutritional intervention with EVOO improves antioxidant status in healthy elderly people.

Results of a 7-week school-based physical activity and nutrition pilot program on health-related parameters in primary school children in southern Spain.

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of nutrition education combined with sessions of vigorous extracurricular physical activity (VEPA) on the improvement of health related parameters in children in primary education. The sample group consisted of 54 children in the fifth year of primary education divided into two groups: an intervention group (IG) of 25 students and a control group (CG) of 29 students. The intervention lasted 7 weeks and consisted of 13 sessions of VEPA combined with sessions of nutritional education that were attended by the students in the IG as well as their parents. During the intervention the IG showed a decrease in the body fat percentage, total cholesterol, cholesterol linked to low- density lipoproteins and blood pressure, together with an increase in cholesterol linked to high-density lipoproteins, and an improvement in the maximum oxygen uptake and dietary intake profile compared with the CG, which showed an increase in the percentage of fats and no significant changes (p < .05) in other parameters. The results of this study provide evidence that a 7-week program of nutritional education and vigorous short-duration physical activity can improve health related parameters in children.

Altered serum selenium and uric acid levels and dyslipidemia in hemodialysis patients could be associated with enhanced cardiovascular risk.

In the present study, the first objective was to follow up serum selenium (Se) concentrations in 117 hemodialysis patients (HPs) during a 2-year longitudinal study, relating concentrations to biochemical indexes (n = 6; namely lipoprotein profile, uric acid, and total protein levels). It was also evaluated whether the disease is associated with an enhanced cardiovascular risk. A healthy control group (n = 50) was also studied. Mean serum Se levels were significantly lower in HPs than in the controls (p = 0.002); mean levels significantly increased from the first to third blood sampling (p < 0.001). HPs showed a marked dyslipidemia, with a significant reduction in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and a significant increase in triglyceride levels (p < 0.001). HPs showed a marked hyperuricemia (p < 0.001). Serum selenium levels in HPs were correlated negatively with uric acid levels (inflammation biomarker; p < 0.01). In HPs, serum Se levels are reduced due to their disease (chronic renal failure). Serum Se levels rose until the third blood sampling. The marked dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia found in HPs and the negative correlation between the serum Se and uric acid levels in these patients could imply an enhanced cardiovascular risk.

Evaluación del estado nutricional en niñosy jóvenes escolarizados en Granada / Assessment of the nutritional state in children and adolescent students of Granada

El objetivo de este estudio ha sido analizar el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el grado de actividad física y valorar el estado nutricional de niños y jóvenes escolarizados en Granada. Para ello se realizó un estudio nutricional en una muestra formada por 77 sujetos, 37 niños (16 varones y 21 mujeres) con una media de edad de 11.46 ± 0.55 años y 40 jóvenes (20 varones y 20 mujeres) con una media de edad de 15.8 ± 0.75 años, mediante un registro dietético de 3 días. Además se evaluó el IMC y el grado de actividad o sedentarismo realizando encuestas personales. Los resultados nos muestran como el aporte calórico de los macronutrientes fue desequilibrado: alto de lípidos (36.11%) y prótidos (16.78%) y bajo de hidratos de carbono (47.09%). Con respecto a los micronutrientes, las dietas evaluadas fueron, en general, adecuadas, excepto en el caso de la vitamina E, ácido fólico, potasio y calcio para todos los grupos; magnesio para todos los grupos a excepción del grupo de niños género femenino; y hierro para el grupo de jóvenes género femenino, donde se observan deficiencias. El IMC medio está dentro de los valores de normopeso, sin embargo un alto porcentaje de los sujetos estudiados tienen unos IMC superiores a los establecidos como normopeso. El número de sujetos activos va disminuyendo con la edad, independientemente del género. Analizando los resultados parece conveniente realizar algún tipo de intervención nutricional y de actividad física para prevenir posibles trastornos como es el caso de la obesidad (AU)

The objective of this study was to analyze the Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity, and to assess the nutritional state of children and adolescent students of Granada. The nutritional assessment was developed in a sample of 77 subjects, 37 children (16 boys and 21 girls) aged 11.46 ± 0.55 years and 40 adolescents (20 boys and y 20 girls) aged 15.8 ± 0.75 years, by means of a 3 day dietetic recording. BMI has been also studied, as well as the grade of physical activity or sedentary pattern by means of personal interviews. The results show calorie support of macronutrients was misbalanced, high in lipids (36.11%) and proteins (16.78%), and low in carbohydrates (47.09%). In respect to micronutrients, evaluated diets were, in general, adequate, except in the case of E vitamin, Folic Acid, Potassium, and Calcium for all the groups; Magnesium for all the groups except children girls; and Iron for the adolescent girls. Mean BMI is within the values of normal weight, although a high percentage of the studied subjects sows higher values of BMI than the considered as normal. The number of subjects physically active is decreasing with age independently of gender. Should be important to carry out an intervention in nutritional pattern as well as in physical activity to prevent disorders as obesity (AU)

An extra-virgin olive oil rich in polyphenolic compounds has antioxidant effects in OF1 mice.

Extra-virgin olive oil (OO) is becoming more important in daily diets due to its beneficial effects on health, most of which are because of its antioxidant content. We studied the antioxidant activity and mechanisms of an extra-virgin OO that is rich in phenolics on pancreatic islets and liver in control mice (CTL) fed a nonpurified diet and in mice supplemented with 50 microL/d sunflower oil (SO) or 50 microL/d extra-virgin OO for 4 d. Plasma hydroxytyrosol concentration was determined by HPLC-diode array detector. Plasma antioxidant capacity, enzymatic activities, and lipid peroxidation were measured by spectrophotometry. Islet function was studied by measuring insulin release. Islet cell gene expression was examined using quantitative RT-PCR. The plasma hydroxytyrosol concentration was greater in OO mice than in CTL or SO mice (P < 0.05) and was greater in SO mice than in CTL mice. The ratio of reduced:oxidized glutathione and the antioxidant capacity in plasma was greater in OO mice than in CTL or SO mice (P < 0.05) and higher in SO mice than in CTL mice. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was greater in OO mice than in CTL or SO mice (P < 0.05) and was also higher in SO mice than in CTL mice. Protection against liver cell and beta cell membrane lipid peroxidation was greater in OO mice than in CTL or SO mice (P < 0.05) and was greater in SO mice than in CTL mice. Catalase (CAT) expression in the islet of Langerhans was higher in OO mice than in CTL mice and SO mice (P < 0.05). The CAT and glutathione peroxidase 1 activities in the islet of Langerhans were 25% greater in OO mice than in CTL mice and higher than in SO mice (P < 0.05) and they were greater in SO mice than in CTL mice. These results indicate that, in metabolic tissues, protection by extra-virgin OO against oxidative stress occurs primarily through a direct antioxidant effect as well as through an indirect mechanism that involves greater expression and activity of certain enzymes with antioxidant activities.

Study of the phenolic composition of spanish and italian monocultivar extra virgin olive oils: Distribution of lignans, secoiridoidic, simple phenols and flavonoids.

The aim of the present study was to compare the phenolic content in selected monocultivar extra virgin olive oils. Analyses were carried out by HPLC/DAD/MS on Picual, Picuda, Arbequina and Hojiblanca oils from Spain and Seggianese and Taggiasca oils from Italy. Oils from cultivar Picual showed similar characteristics to those of Seggianese oils, with total amounts of secoiridoids of 498.7 and 619.2mg/L, respectively. The phenolic composition of Arbequina oils is close to that of the Taggiasca variety with lignans among the main compounds. The determination of free and linked OH-Tyr, by way of an acid hydrolysis, represents a rapid and suitable method, especially when standards are not available, to determine antioxidant potentialities in terms of MPC, particularly for fresh extra virgin olive oils rich in secoiridoidic derivatives.