Analysis of the interaction between transcription factor 7-like 2 genetic variants with nopal and wholegrain fibre intake: effects on anthropometric and metabolic characteristics in type 2 diabetes patients.

The transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) genetic variants have shown differential effect on low-fat and high-fat diet in obese subjects. Nopal is a Mexican variety of cactus that is a traditional food and has been used in the treatment of diabetes. Its hypoglycaemic effect may be because of its soluble fibre (mucopolysaccharide) content. This study analysed the effects of the rs7903146 and rs12255372 TCF7L2 variants on anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who consumed fibre from either nopal tortilla or wholegrain bread for 8 weeks. We followed-up seventy-four patients who consumed an individualised isoenergetic diet that included nopal tortilla (Diet 1) and sixty-three patients with a diet that included wholegrain bread (Diet 2). Anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal measures were collected at baseline and final intervention. The size effect and carry-over effect were estimated. To assess the interaction of genotype and diets, we used a general linear model repeated-measures analysis. Minor allele frequency of rs7903146T was 0·27 and for rs12255372T it was 0·13. At 8 weeks after Diet 1 intake, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference decreased (P=0·00015) in rs7903146CC and rs12255372GG genotypes. In particular, patients carrying of the rs7903146CC and consuming Diet 1 showed a reduction in waist circumference of more than 2·5 cm compared with Diet 2 (P<0·001). No significant interaction between rs7903146 or rs12255372 and diet was seen in this study. In conclusion, in the carriers of the rs7903146CC and rs12255372GG wild types, significant changes in all anthropometric measures were observed, and had better response to both diets.

Exposure to organic solvents and cytogenetic damage in exfoliated cells of the buccal mucosa from shoe workers.

PURPOSE: We determined the solvents mainly used in shoe making and their genotoxic effects. METHODS: Thirty-four exposed shoe workers and 34 unexposed control subjects, paired by age and sex, were compared. Occupational exposure was determined by using monitors 3M. Solvents were assessed by gas chromatography. Exfoliated buccal cells were obtained from each subject to determine the incidence of micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities. One thousand cells were counted in each subject. RESULTS: Solvents detected were acetone, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, and toluene. The incidence of nuclear abnormalities was significatively higher in the exposed group when compared to the control group. A positive relationship between the incidence of micronuclei and the toluene concentration in the environment was found. CONCLUSIONS: Toluene shows an important genotoxic effect. As the micronuclei test is an effective, fast, simple and low cost biomarker to identify cytogenetic effects, we suggest its utilization as a preventive test of genotoxicity.

The effect of hormone replacement therapy on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors in menopausal women with moderate hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of injectable hormone replacement therapy (HRT) vs a placebo in hypertensive menopausal women. DESIGN AND METHODS: Prospective randomised double-blind study over 90 days. Fifty-five menopausal women with mild to moderate hypertension, stopped their antihypertensive medication and were studied for 2 weeks. Diastolic BP increased to over 105 mm Hg in five patients who were not included in the study. The remaining patients were randomly allocated to three groups: placebo (PL), estradiol valeranate 10 mg (E), and estradiol valeranate 4 mg plus prasterone enantate 200 mg (E+P). A further five patients were excluded from the study for different reasons. RESULTS: Standing and recumbent BP decreased in the PL group but did not change in the E and E+P patients. No change was observed in the serum levels of total cholesterol or low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol at the end of the trial. Plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone and insulin levels decreased during the study; PRA fell more significantly in the E+P group, the aldosterone reduction was highly significant in both hormone treated groups, specially the E+P group. Plasma insulin decreased in all groups and FSH levels were lower in the two treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a randomised controlled trial no rise in BP was found after 90 days in hypertensive women with two forms of HRT. There was an unexpected fall in BP in those women allocated to placebo injections.

Association of sexual activity and bacteriuria in women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

A group of 215 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) (147 women and 68 men) were selected by home interview, and accepted to undergo clinical examination including urine culture, in order to determine the frequency of bacteriuria and its possible associations with clinical and laboratory findings. Bacteriuria was found in 17.7% of women and 1.5% of men. Univariate and multivariate analysis performed for the group of women revealed sexual intercourse and pyuria as the only factors associated with the frequency of bacteriuria. It was concluded that asymptomatic bacteriuria may be associated with sexual activity in women with NIDDM.