Genetic Determinants of Atherogenic Indexes.

Atherogenesis and dyslipidemia increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in developed countries. While blood lipid levels have been studied as disease predictors, their accuracy in predicting cardiovascular risk is limited due to their high interindividual and interpopulation variability. The lipid ratios, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP = log TG/HDL-C) and the Castelli risk index 2 (CI2 = LDL-C/HDL-C), have been proposed as better predictors of cardiovascular risk, but the genetic variability associated with these ratios has not been investigated. This study aimed to identify genetic associations with these indexes. The study population (n = 426) included males (40%) and females (60%) aged 18-52 years (mean 39 years); the Infinium GSA array was used for genotyping. Regression models were developed using R and PLINK. AIP was associated with variation on APOC3, KCND3, CYBA, CCDC141/TTN, and ARRB1 (p-value < 2.1 × 10-6). The three former were previously associated with blood lipids, while CI2 was associated with variants on DIPK2B, LIPC, and 10q21.3 rs11251177 (p-value 1.1 × 10-7). The latter was previously linked to coronary atherosclerosis and hypertension. KCND3 rs6703437 was associated with both indexes. This study is the first to characterize the potential link between genetic variation and atherogenic indexes, AIP, and CI2, highlighting the relationship between genetic variation and dyslipidemia predictors. These results also contribute to consolidating the genetics of blood lipid and lipid indexes.

Adherence to the DASH dietary pattern is associated with blood pressure and anthropometric indicators in Mexican adults.

INTRODUCTION: Background: adherence to Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) has demonstrated to be effective in lowering blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk markers in different populations, but has never been evaluated in the Mexican population. Objective: to assess adherence to the DASH dietary pattern by using an adapted DASH adequacy index (DASH-AI), and to evaluate its association with cardiovascular risk markers in an adult Mexican population. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data of 1,490 adults aged 20-50 years. Diet was assessed with a Food Frequency Questionnaire and sodium intake by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion; the DASH-AI score was calculated based on the DASH nutrient targets. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the association between the DASH-AI score and cardiovascular risk markers (body mass index [BMI], waist circumferences, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high- and low-density lipoproteins). Results: we observed an association of the DASH-AI score with BMI, WC and DBP in the linear (BMI, : -0.55, 95 % CI: -0.77, -0.33; WC, : -1.66, 95 % CI: -2.19, -1.13; DBP, : -0.65, 95 % CI: -1.07, -0.24), and logistic (BMI > 25 kg/m2, OR: 0.82, 95 % CI: 0.74, 0.93; elevated WC, OR: 0.72, 95 % CI: 0.64, 0.81; DBP, OR: 0.83, 95 % CI: 0.72, 0 .95) models. Conclusion: compliance to the DASH-style diet was inversely associated with BMI, WC and DBP in this Mexican population. Promoting adherence to this dietary pattern in the context of Mexican diet is needed to improve cardiovascular health in this population.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: la adherencia al patrón de alimentación DASH ha mostrado ser eficaz para reducir la presión arterial y los marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular en diferentes poblaciones, pero nunca en la mexicana. Objetivo: evaluar la adherencia al patrón de alimentación DASH mediante un índice adapatado a los lineamientos DASH (DASH-AI) y evaluar su asociación con marcadores de riesgo. Métodos: análisis transversal de datos de 1490 adultos de entre 20 y 50 años de edad. La ingesta dietética se evaluó utilizando un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos y el sodio a través de la excresión urinaria en 24 horas; la puntuación DASH-AI se calculó de acuerdo con la adherencia a las recomendaciones DASH. Se realizaron modelos logísticos y lineales para estimar la asociación entre el puntaje DASH-AI y los marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular (índice de masa corporal [IMC], circunferencia de cintura (CC), presión arterial sistólica (PAS) y diastólica (PAD), glucosa, triglicéridos, colesterol total, lipoproteínas de alta y baja densidad). Resultados: observamos una asociación del DASH-AI con el IMC, la CC y la PAD en los modelos lineales (IMC : -0,55, IC del 95 %: -0,77, -0,33; CC : -1,66, IC del 95 %: -2,19, -1,33; PAD, : -0,65, IC del 95 %: -1,07, -0,24) y logístico (IMC > 25 kg/m2, OR: 0,82, IC del 95 %: 0,74, 0,93; CC elevado, OR: 0,72; IC del 95 %: 0,64, 0,81; PAD, OR: 0,83, IC del 95 %: 0,72, 0,95). Conclusión: la adherencia a la dieta DASH se asoció inversamente con el IMC, la CC y la PAD en la población estudiada. Es necesario promover la adherencia a este patrón dietético para mejorar la salud cardiovascular.

In vitro inhibition of brain phosphate-activated glutaminase by ammonia and manganese.

INTRODUCTION: As a consequence of the loss of liver function in chronic liver disease, increased levels of ammonia, manganese, and glutamine have been observed in the brain of hepatic encephalopathy patients. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we explored phosphate activated glutaminase (PAG) activity in mitochondrial enriched fractions under treatment with ammonia and manganese. METHODS: We dissected out the brain cortex, striatum, and cerebellum of male Wistar rats 250-280 g weight; brain sections were pooled to obtain enriched mitochondrial fractions by differential centrifugation. Aliquots equivalent to 200 µg of protein were incubated with semi-log increasing concentrations of ammonia and/or manganese both as chloride salts (from 0 to 10 000 µM) and glutamine (4 mM) for 30 min. Then, the glutamate produced by the reaction was determined by HPLC coupled with fluorescence detection. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Both manganese and ammonia inhibited PAG in a concentration-dependent manner. Non-linear modeling was used to determine IC50 and IC20 for ammonia (120 µM) and manganese (2 mM). We found that PAG activity under the combination of IC20 of ammonia and manganese was equivalent to the sum of the effects of both substances, being PAG inhibition more pronounced in mitochondrial fractions from cerebellum. The PAG inhibition observed here could potentially explain a pathway for glutamine accumulation, by means of the inhibition of PAG activity as a consequence of increased concentrations of manganese and ammonia in the brain under liver damage conditions.

Development of an online tool for sodium intake assessment in Mexico

[ABSTRACT]. Excess sodium intake is associated with adverse health effects, and reducing its intake is a strategy that improves population health. However, estimating sodium intake is challenging and new options for assessment are needed. This review describes the design and development of a web-based, publicly-accessible, dietary sodium intake screening tool (Calculadora de Sodio) for individuals in Mexico. Sodium data from 2017 – 2018 for 3 429 packaged foods, 655 restaurant and cafeteria foods, and 320 home-style meals and street foods (determined by chemical analysis) comprised the 71-question tool. It was piloted with 10 nutrition experts for feedback on content and face validity; and with 30 potential users to test its usability and interface. Improvements were made to content, language, and formatting following the pilot. Its predictive validity will be established in the future. The Calculadora de Sodio provides instant feedback on an individual’s average daily sodium intake, computed by frequency of intake, average number of servings, and sodium content per serving of each sodium-focused food category. This is the first web-based dietary sodium screening tool developed for the general population of Mexico. It is an efficient and practical way to assess sodium intake and can serve as a model for similar tools for other countries and regions.

[RESUMEN]. La ingesta excesiva de sodio se asocia a efectos nocivos para la salud y su reducción constituye una estrategia para mejorar la salud de la población. Sin embargo, es complicado estimar la ingesta de sodio y se necesitan nuevas alternativas para evaluarla. En este examen se describe el diseño y la creación de una herramienta en línea y de acceso público con el fin de establecer la ingesta de sodio en la alimentación (denominada la “calculadora de sodio”) para la población de México. La herramienta, consistente en 71 preguntas, incluye los datos de sodio correspondientes al 2017-2018 de 3 429 alimentos envasados, 655 alimentos de restaurantes y cafeterías y 320 comidas caseras y alimentos de puestos de venta de la calle (determinados mediante análisis químicos). Se hizo una prueba piloto con diez nutricionistas que aportaron su opinión experta en materia de validez del contenido y diseño, además de 30 usuarios potenciales que probaron la facilidad de uso y su interfaz. Tras la prueba piloto, se incluyeron mejoras de contenido, idioma y formato. En el futuro se podrá determinar su valor predictivo. La calculadora de sodio ofrece una evaluación instantánea sobre la ingesta de sodio promedio diaria de una persona, calculada según la frecuencia de la ingesta, la cantidad promedio de raciones y el contenido de sodio por ración de cada categoría de alimentos con sodio. Esta es la primera herramienta en línea de detección de sodio en los alimentos creada para la población general de México. Es una manera eficaz y práctica de evaluar la ingesta de sodio, y puede servir de modelo para herramientas similares en otros países y regiones.

[RESUMO]. A ingestão de sódio em excesso está associada a efeitos adversos à saúde, e a redução do consumo alimentar de sódio é uma estratégia que contribui para a melhoria da saúde das pessoas. Porém, como é difícil estimar a ingestão de sódio, são necessários novos métodos de avaliação. Neste estudo são apresentados o projeto e o desenvolvimento de um instrumento on-line e aberto ao público (denominado ‘’calculadora de sódio’’) para a triagem da ingestão alimentar de sódio por indivíduos no México. O instrumento contém 71 perguntas preparadas com base em dados do teor de sódio, coletados no período de 2017 a 2018, de 3.429 alimentos embalados, 655 alimentos comercializados em restaurantes e lanchonetes e 320 refeições do tipo caseiro e comidas de rua (medidos com análises químicas). Um testepiloto foi realizado com 10 especialistas em nutrição, que fizeram observações sobre a validade de conteúdo e a validade aparente do instrumento, e 30 possíveis usuários que avaliaram sua usabilidade e interface. O conteúdo, os enunciados e o formato foram aperfeiçoados após o teste-piloto. A validade preditiva do instrumento será determinada futuramente. A ‘’calculadora de sódio’’ proporciona uma avaliação imediata da ingestão alimentar média de sódio de uma pessoa, calculada pela frequência de consumo, número médio de porções e teor de sódio por porção de cada categoria de alimento que contém sódio. Este é o primeiro instrumento on-line para a triagem de sódio alimentar desenvolvido para a população do México. É um recurso eficiente e prático para avaliar a ingestão de sódio e pode servir de modelo para o desenvolvimento de instrumentos semelhantes em outros países e regiões.

Development of an online tool for sodium intake assessment in Mexico.

Excess sodium intake is associated with adverse health effects, and reducing its intake is a strategy that improves population health. However, estimating sodium intake is challenging and new options for assessment are needed. This review describes the design and development of a web-based, publicly-accessible, dietary sodium intake screening tool (Calculadora de Sodio) for individuals in Mexico. Sodium data from 2017 - 2018 for 3 429 packaged foods, 655 restaurant and cafeteria foods, and 320 home-style meals and street foods (determined by chemical analysis) comprised the 71-question tool. It was piloted with 10 nutrition experts for feedback on content and face validity; and with 30 potential users to test its usability and interface. Improvements were made to content, language, and formatting following the pilot. Its predictive validity will be established in the future. The Calculadora de Sodio provides instant feedback on an individual's average daily sodium intake, computed by frequency of intake, average number of servings, and sodium content per serving of each sodium-focused food category. This is the first web-based dietary sodium screening tool developed for the general population of Mexico. It is an efficient and practical way to assess sodium intake and can serve as a model for similar tools for other countries and regions.

La ingesta excesiva de sodio se asocia a efectos nocivos para la salud y su reducción constituye una estrategia para mejorar la salud de la población. Sin embargo, es complicado estimar la ingesta de sodio y se necesitan nuevas alternativas para evaluarla. En este examen se describe el diseño y la creación de una herramienta en línea y de acceso público con el fin de establecer la ingesta de sodio en la alimentación (denominada la "calculadora de sodio") para la población de México. La herramienta, consistente en 71 preguntas, incluye los datos de sodio correspondientes al 2017-2018 de 3 429 alimentos envasados, 655 alimentos de restaurantes y cafeterías y 320 comidas caseras y alimentos de puestos de venta de la calle (determinados mediante análisis químicos). Se hizo una prueba piloto con diez nutricionistas que aportaron su opinión experta en materia de validez del contenido y diseño, además de 30 usuarios potenciales que probaron la facilidad de uso y su interfaz. Tras la prueba piloto, se incluyeron mejoras de contenido, idioma y formato. En el futuro se podrá determinar su valor predictivo. La calculadora de sodio ofrece una evaluación instantánea sobre la ingesta de sodio promedio diaria de una persona, calculada según la frecuencia de la ingesta, la cantidad promedio de raciones y el contenido de sodio por ración de cada categoría de alimentos con sodio. Esta es la primera herramienta en línea de detección de sodio en los alimentos creada para la población general de México. Es una manera eficaz y práctica de evaluar la ingesta de sodio, y puede servir de modelo para herramientas similares en otros países y regiones.

A ingestão de sódio em excesso está associada a efeitos adversos à saúde, e a redução do consumo alimentar de sódio é uma estratégia que contribui para a melhoria da saúde das pessoas. Porém, como é difícil estimar a ingestão de sódio, são necessários novos métodos de avaliação. Neste estudo são apresentados o projeto e o desenvolvimento de um instrumento on-line e aberto ao público (denominado ''calculadora de sódio'') para a triagem da ingestão alimentar de sódio por indivíduos no México. O instrumento contém 71 perguntas preparadas com base em dados do teor de sódio, coletados no período de 2017 a 2018, de 3.429 alimentos embalados, 655 alimentos comercializados em restaurantes e lanchonetes e 320 refeições do tipo caseiro e comidas de rua (medidos com análises químicas). Um teste-piloto foi realizado com 10 especialistas em nutrição, que fizeram observações sobre a validade de conteúdo e a validade aparente do instrumento, e 30 possíveis usuários que avaliaram sua usabilidade e interface. O conteúdo, os enunciados e o formato foram aperfeiçoados após o teste-piloto. A validade preditiva do instrumento será determinada futuramente. A ''calculadora de sódio'' proporciona uma avaliação imediata da ingestão alimentar média de sódio de uma pessoa, calculada pela frequência de consumo, número médio de porções e teor de sódio por porção de cada categoria de alimento que contém sódio. Este é o primeiro instrumento on-line para a triagem de sódio alimentar desenvolvido para a população do México. É um recurso eficiente e prático para avaliar a ingestão de sódio e pode servir de modelo para o desenvolvimento de instrumentos semelhantes em outros países e regiões.

Bread Consumption Is Associated with Elevated Blood Pressure among Adults Living in Mexico City⁻A Sub-Analysis of the Tlalpan 2020 Study.

Excessive dietary sodium is associated with elevated blood pressure (EBP). Bread products are identified as one of the main sources of daily sodium intake. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between bread and others cereal products consumption with EBP. Frequency intake of a standard serving of bread and other cereal products was recorded and categorized as: ≤3 times/month or never (reference category group) and ≥ once/week. EBP was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥120 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥80 mmHg. Raw and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the association between consumption of the studied food products and blood pressure status were estimated. Overall, 2011 participants aged 37.3 ± 9.1 years old were included. In the models adjusted for relevant covariates, consumption of one piece of bolillo or telera (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.01⁻1.89) ≥ once/week was associated with an increased risk of EBP, compared to the reference category. Also, participants consuming one bowl of high-fiber breakfast cereal once/week were less likely to have EBP (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.53⁻0.98). Initiatives to reduce sodium levels in bread products such as bolillo and telera are needed in Mexico to help manage the cardiovascular risk at the population level.

Performance of Waist-To-Height Ratio, Waist Circumference, and Body Mass Index in Discriminating Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors in a Sample of School-Aged Mexican Children.

The most common tools used to screen for abdominal obesity are waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR); the latter may represent a more suitable tool for the general non-professional population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of WHtR, WC, and body mass index with lipidic and non-lipidic cardio-metabolic risk factors and the prediction capability of each adiposity indicator in a sample of school-aged Mexican children. Overall, 125 children aged 6 to 12 years were analyzed. Anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary parameters were assessed. Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. All the three adiposity indicators showed significant areas under the ROC curve (AURC) greater than 0.68 for high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triglycerides, and atherogenic index of plasma, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). A significant increased risk of having LDL-c ≥ 3.4 mmol/L was observed among children with WHtR ≥ 0.5 as compared to those with WHtR < 0.5 (odds ratio, OR: 2.82; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.75⁻7.68; p = 0.003). Fasting plasma glucose was not associated with any of the adiposity parameters. WHtR performed similarly to WC and z-BMI in predicting lipidic cardio-metabolic risk factors; however, a WHtR ≥ 0.5 was superior in detecting an increased risk of elevated LDL-c.

Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes and Their Association with Lipid Profile in Mexican People without Cardiovascular Disease: An Analysis of Interactions.

Dyslipidemia and oxidative stress are both considered to be factors involved in cardiovascular disease; however, the relationship between them has been little explored. In this work, we studied the association between the lipid profile and the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as paraoxonase-1 (PON1), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), ceruloplasmin, and catalase, as well as total antioxidant capacity (the ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP)), in 626 volunteers without cardiovascular disease. Their lipid profile was evaluated, and they were classified as having or not having high triglycerides (↑TG), high low-density cholesterol (↑LDLC), and low high-density cholesterol (↓HDLC), resulting in eight groups: Without dyslipidemia, ↑TG, ↑LDLC, ↓HDLC, ↑TG↑LDLC, ↑TG↓HDLC, ↑LDLC↓HDLC, and ↑TG↑LDLC↓HDLC. When comparisons by group were made, no significant differences in the activity of antioxidant enzymes were obtained. However, the linear regression analysis considering the potential interactions between ↑TG, ↑LDLC, and ↓HDLC suggested a triple interaction between the three lipid profile alterations on the activity of PON1 and a double interaction between ↑TG and ↑LDLC on ferroxidase-ceruloplasmin activity. The analysis presented in this work showed an association between the lipid profile and antioxidant-enzyme activity and highlighted the importance of considering the interactions between the components of a phenomenon instead of studying them individually. Longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the nature of these associations.

[Development of a screening tool for a high sodium intake in an adult Mexican population]. / Desarrollo de una herramienta de tamizaje para consumo elevado de sodio en una población adulta mexicana.

BACKGROUND: twenty-four-hour urinary sodium excretion is the reference method to assess sodium intake; however, tools that can be more easily applied in the clinical and population setting are needed. OBJECTIVES: to develop and evaluate a self-administered high-sodium food frequency questionnaire (abbreviated to CFCA-S in Spanish) as a screening tool for high sodium intake in an adult Mexico City population. METHODS: a CFCA-S including 28 sodium-rich food categories and a scoring system were developed. The 75 percentile for the total score was tested as cut-off point to classify high sodium consumers at two different levels (≥ 2,000 and ≥ 3,000 mg/day) against 24-h urinary sodium excretion as reference method. RESULTS: ninety-five participants were included (median age: 39 [25th-75th percentiles: 26-46] years; men: 39 [41.1%]). A total score of 51.2 in the CFCA-S showed a sensitivity of 31.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.1-47.5), specificity of 78.9 (95% CI: 66.7-87.5), positive predictive value of 50% (95% CI: 31.4-68.6) and negative predictive value of 63.4% (95% CI: 51.8-73.6) to classify high-sodium consumers at a level of intake ≥ 3,000 mg/day. A total score ≥ 51.2 was significantly associated with a sodium intake ≥ 3,000 mg/day, observing an odds ratio of 3.12 (CI 95%: 1.03-9.44, p = 0.04), after adjusting by sex, age, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: the sodium CFCA-S developed in this study is a practical, feasible and useful tool to identify individuals at greater risk of having a high sodium intake.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la excreción de sodio en orina de 24 horas es el método de referencia para evaluar la ingesta de sodio; sin embargo, se  requieren herramientas que puedan aplicarse de manera más práctica tanto en el ámbito clínico como en el poblacional. OBJETIVOS: desarrollar y evaluar un cuestionario autoadministrable de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos ricos en sodio (CFCA-S) como herramienta de tamizaje para consumo elevado de sodio en una población adulta de la Ciudad de México. MÉTODOS: se desarrolló un CFCA-S con 28 categorías de alimentos ricos en sodio y su sistema de puntuación respectivo. El percentil 75 del puntaje total del CFCA-S se probó como punto de corte para clasificar a las personas con alto consumo de sodio a dos niveles (≥ 2.000 y ≥ 3.000 mg/día), considerando la excreción urinaria de sodio en 24 horas como método de referencia. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 95 participantes (mediana de edad: 39 [percentiles 25-75: 26-46] años; hombres: 39 [41,1%]). Un puntaje total de 51,2 en el CFCA-S mostró una sensibilidad del 31,6% (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%: 19,1-47,5), una especificidad del 78,9% (IC 95%: 66,7-87,5), valor predictivo positivo del 50% (IC 95%: 31,4-68,6) y valor predictivo negativo del 63,4% (IC 95%: 51,8-73,6), para clasificar a las personas con consumo de sodio ≥ 3.000 mg/día. Un puntaje ≥ 51,2 se asoció significativamente con una ingesta de sodio ≥ 3.000 mg/día, resultando en una razón de momios de 3,12 (IC 95%: 1,03-9,44, p = 0,04), después de ajustar por sexo, edad e índice de masa corporal (IMC). CONCLUSIONES: el CFCA-S es una herramienta práctica, factible de aplicarse y útil para identificar a personas en riesgo de tener un consumo elevado de sodio.

Desarrollo de una herramienta de tamizaje para consumo elevado de sodio en una población adulta mexicana / Development of a screening tool for a high sodium intake in an adult Mexican population

Introducción: la excreción de sodio en orina de 24 horas es el método de referencia para evaluar la ingesta de sodio; sin embargo, se requieren herramientas que puedan aplicarse de manera más práctica tanto en el ámbito clínico como en el poblacional. Objetivos: desarrollar y evaluar un cuestionario autoadministrable de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos ricos en sodio (CFCA-S) como herramienta de tamizaje para consumo elevado de sodio en una población adulta de la Ciudad de México. Métodos: se desarrolló un CFCA-S con 28 categorías de alimentos ricos en sodio y su sistema de puntuación respectivo. El percentil 75 del puntaje total del CFCA-S se probó como punto de corte para clasificar a las personas con alto consumo de sodio a dos niveles (≥ 2.000 y ≥ 3.000 mg/día), considerando la excreción urinaria de sodio en 24 horas como método de referencia. Resultados: se incluyeron 95 participantes (mediana de edad: 39 [percentiles 25-75: 26-46] años; hombres: 39 [41,1%]). Un puntaje total de 51,2 en el CFCA-S mostró una sensibilidad del 31,6% (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%: 19,1-47,5), una especificidad del 78,9% (IC 95%: 66,7-87,5), valor predictivo positivo del 50% (IC 95%: 31,4-68,6) y valor predictivo negativo del 63,4% (IC 95%: 51,8-73,6), para clasificar a las personas con consumo de sodio ≥ 3.000 mg/día. Un puntaje ≥ 51,2 se asoció significativamente con una ingesta de sodio ≥ 3.000 mg/día, resultando en una razón de momios de 3,12 (IC 95%: 1,03-9,44, p = 0,04), después de ajustar por sexo, edad e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Conclusiones: el CFCA-S es una herramienta práctica, factible de aplicarse y útil para identificar a personas en riesgo de tener un consumo elevado de sodio

Background: twenty-four-hour urinary sodium excretion is the reference method to assess sodium intake; however, tools that can be more easily applied in the clinical and population setting are needed. Objectives: to develop and evaluate a self-administered high-sodium food frequency questionnaire (abbreviated to CFCA-S in Spanish) as a screening tool for high sodium intake in an adult Mexico City population. Methods: a CFCA-S including 28 sodium-rich food categories and a scoring system were developed. The 75 percentile for the total score was tested as cut-off point to classify high sodium consumers at two different levels (≥ 2,000 and ≥ 3,000 mg/day) against 24-h urinary sodium excretion as reference method. Results: ninety-five participants were included (median age: 39 [25th-75th percentiles: 26-46] years; men: 39 [41.1%]). A total score of 51.2 in the CFCA-S showed a sensitivity of 31.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.1-47.5), specificity of 78.9 (95% CI: 66.7-87.5), positive predictive value of 50% (95% CI: 31.4-68.6) and negative predictive value of 63.4% (95% CI: 51.8-73.6) to classify high-sodium consumers at a level of intake ≥ 3,000 mg/day. A total score ≥ 51.2 was significantly associated with a sodium intake ≥ 3,000 mg/day, observing an odds ratio of 3.12 (CI 95%: 1.03-9.44, p = 0.04), after adjusting by sex, age, and body mass index. Conclusions: the sodium CFCA-S developed in this study is a practical, feasible and useful tool to identify individuals at greater risk of having a high sodium intake

Indicators of accumulated fat are stronger associated with prehypertension compared with indicators of circulating fat: A cross-sectional study.

Recently, prehypertension has been considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease because it can progress to hypertension. The association between obesity and dyslipidemia with raised blood pressure has been reported in some studies; however, the ability of indicators of such conditions to predict prehypertension has been scarcely explored. In this cross-sectional study, we compared the ability of indicators of accumulated and circulating fat to discriminate between prehypertensive and normotensive Mexico City residents (n = 1377). The indicators were classified based on the parameters needed for their calculation: including only circulating fat (IOCFi) (e.g., Castelli risk indexes), including only accumulated fat (IOAFi) (e.g., waist circumference [WC]), and mixed (e.g., lipid accumulation product [LAP]). We compared the areas under the receiving operating characteristic curves (AURCs) and estimated the cutoff points for each indicator and their associated risk of prehypertension. The IOAFi had the greatest AURCs, followed by mixed and IOCFi; the AURCs for WC were the highest (AURC = 0.688 and 0.666 for women and men, respectively). The highest odds ratios for prehypertension were those associated with the cutoff points for IOAFi and LAP (e.g., OR = 2.8 for women with WC > 83.5 cm and OR = 2.6 for men with WC > 87.5 cm). Early detecting people at risk of cardiovascular disease is a necessity and given that WC had a better performance than the other indexes and it is relatively easy to measure, it has the potential of being used as a complementary measure in routine clinical examinations and by the general population as an auto-screening measurement to detect prehypertension.

New highlights on the health-improving effects of sulforaphane.

In this paper, we review recent evidence about the beneficial effects of sulforaphane (SFN), which is the most studied member of isothiocyanates, on both in vivo and in vitro models of different diseases, mainly diabetes and cancer. The role of SFN on oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolism is discussed, with emphasis on those nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway-mediated mechanisms. In the case of the anti-inflammatory effects of SFN, the point of convergence seems to be the downregulation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), with the consequent amelioration of other pathogenic processes such as hypertrophy and fibrosis. We emphasized that SFN shows opposite effects in normal and cancer cells at many levels; for instance, while in normal cells it has protective actions, in cancer cells it blocks the induction of factors related to the malignity of tumors, diminishes their development, and induces cell death. SFN is able to promote apoptosis in cancer cells by many mechanisms, the production of reactive oxygen species being one of the most relevant ones. Given its properties, SFN could be considered as a phytochemical at the forefront of natural medicine.

Dyslipidemia and tobacco smoking synergistically increase serum manganese / La dislipidemia y el tabaquismo aumentan de manera sinérgica el manganeso sérico

Manganese is a trace metal involved in both physiology and toxicity. The association between manganese and dyslipidemia has been scarcely revised, and results from studies in both animals and humans are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum manganese levels and dyslipidemia, considering some manganese sources and factors that could affect its concentration, especially tobacco smoking. Serum manganese concentration in 63 volunteers was determined and their smoking habits were recorded. Dietary manganese, iron, fat and alcohol consumption was also estimated by a food-frequency questionnaire. A bivariate analysis was carried out to identify those factors affecting manganese concentration. Only dyslipidemia and smoking resulted statistically significant and thus were considered for the subsequent two-way analysis of variance, to test a possible interaction between dyslipidemia and smoking. Marginal means for serum manganese were as follows: 8.32 ± 2.14 nmol/L for nonsmokers without dyslipidemia, 9.21 ± 2.22 nmol/L for smokers without dyslipidemia, 10.21 ± 2.53 nmol/L for nonsmokers with dyslipidemia, and 14.21 ± 3.44 nmol/L for smokers with dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia and tobacco smoking were synergistically associated with increased serum manganese. To maintain adequate manganese levels in the organism, other factors in addition to its dietary intake should be considered, for instance, lipid status and smoking habits, particularly in those conditions in which manganese accumulation is an issue.

El manganeso es un metal traza esencial involucrado tanto en procesos fisiológicos como en toxicidad. La asociación entre el manganeso y las dislipidemias se ha estudiado poco, y los resultados de estudios en animales y en humanos son inconsistentes. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la asociación entre el manganeso sérico y las dislipidemias, considerando algunas fuentes de manganeso y factores que pudieran afectar su concentración, especialmente el tabaquismo. Se determinaron las concentraciones séricas de manganeso de 63 voluntarios y se registraron sus hábitos de consumo de tabaco. Se estimó la ingesta de manganeso, hierro, grasa y alcohol mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo. Se realizó un análisis bivariado para identificar los factores que afectaron las concentraciones de manganeso; únicamente las dislipidemias y el tabaquismo resultaron estadísticamente significativos y se consideraron enel subsecuente análisis de varianza de dos vías, para examinar una posible interacción entre las dislipidemias y el tabaquismo. Las medias marginales para el manganeso sérico fueron: 8,32 ± 2,14 nmol/L para no fumadores sin dislipidemia, 9,21 ± 2,22 nmol/L para fumadores sin dislipidemia, 10,21 ± 2,53 nmol/L para no fumadores con dislipidemia, y 14,21 ± 3,44 nmol/L para fumadores con dislipidemia. Las dislipidemias y el tabaquismo se asociaron sinérgicamente con el aumento del manganeso sérico. Para mantener niveles adecuados de manganeso en el organismo, se deben tomar en cuenta factores adicionales a su consumo dietético, como el estatus lipídico y el tabaquismo, particularmente en condiciones en las que la acumulación de manganeso sea un problema.

Protocol for a prospective longitudinal study of risk factors for hypertension incidence in a Mexico City population: the Tlalpan 2020 cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic hypertension (HTN) is a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In Mexico, HTN prevalence has increased over time and is currently 31%. Nonetheless, information about the country's HTN incidence and its associated risk factors is scarce. Understanding this condition is a priority for identifying the scope of primary prevention. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of traditional and non-traditional risk factors on the incidence of HTN in a cohort of healthy Mexico City residents under biannual follow-up for 10 years. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A prospective longitudinal study is proposed in which clinically healthy residents of Mexico City between 20 and 50 years old will be recruited; the participants will be evaluated every 2 years over a period of 10 years or until they develop HTN. Evaluations regarding sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, diet, physical activity, stress, sleep quality, alcohol and tobacco consumption factors will be performed. The participants will be recruited from the 16 municipalities of Mexico City through promotional strategies aimed at the community and will be clinically evaluated at a tertiary care institution, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez (National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chavez), located in Mexico City, Mexico. Sample size estimated for this study is 3436, and the Cox proportional hazards model will be used to estimate HRs for the association between explanatory variables and HTN using both raw and adjusted data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the Institutional Bioethics Committee of the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez (National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chavez) under number 13-802. Findings from this study will be disseminated through scientific papers and research conferences.

Assessment of Sodium and Potassium Intake by 24 h Urinary Excretion in a Healthy Mexican Cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A high dietary sodium intake and a low potassium intake are associated with adverse cardiovascular health. Data on these nutrients consumption in Mexico is limited. The aim of this study was to assess sodium and potassium intake by 24 h urinary excretion in a clinically healthy Mexican population. We additionally explored their association with blood pressure. METHODS: 711 clinically healthy participants aged 20-50 years old recruited in the Tlalpan 2020 cohort from September 2014-December 2015, were included in this cross-sectional analysis. All participants provided a 24 h urine sample and underwent anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure evaluations. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess the association of urinary sodium, potassium, and Na/K ratio with blood pressure. RESULTS: Mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) urinary sodium and potassium in the overall population was 3150.1 (3054.2-3246.0) mg/d and 1909.5 (1859.3-1959.6) mg/d, respectively. Overall, only 121 (17%) met the WHO recommendation for sodium intake (<2000 mg/d) and 16 (2.3%) met the goal for potassium intake (≥3510 mg/d). Urinary sodium (ß coefficient 1.3, 95% CI: 0.7, 1.8, p <0.001) and potassium (ß coefficient 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.2, p <0.001) were found to be associated with systolic blood pressure in the univariate analysis but not in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium intake was higher and potassium intake was lower than the WHO recommendations in this healthy Mexican population. Sodium and potassium intakes were not associated with blood pressure at the mean levels of intake observed in this population, after adjusting for key variables.

Bumetanide increases manganese accumulation in the brain of rats with liver damage.

Hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication in cases of liver damage; it results from several factors, including the accumulation of toxic substances in the brain, e.g. manganese, ammonia and glutamine. We have previously reported that manganese favors ammonia and glutamine accumulation in the brain of cirrhotic rats, and we suggested that such effect could be mediated by manganese-elicited activation of the NKCC1 (Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransporter 1). To test this hypothesis, we used bumetanide, an NKCC1 blocker prescribed to treat ascites in cirrhotic patients; we expected that if NKCC1 was responsible for manganese-mediated ammonia buildup and the subsequent glutamine accumulation, bumetanide could counteract such effect and improve motor coordination. In addition, we considered essential to test the effect of bumetanide on manganese brain levels. We used a model of liver damage in rats, consisting in bile-duct ligation. Animals were exposed to manganese in the drinking water (1 mg/ml) for two weeks and ammonia in the food (20% w/w of ammonia acetate) during the second week after surgery. Bumetanide was administered intraperitoneally in the course of the ammonia treatment. We measured glutamine and manganese in three brain regions: frontal cortex, striatum and cerebellum. Bumetanide produced no effect on glutamine accumulation; however, because of bumetanide treatment, manganese was increased in the brain, and also the activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase in plasma; thus, we consider that the influence of bumetanide and similar diuretics on liver function and manganese homeostasis should be further studied.

Experimental evidence for curcumin and its analogs for management of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications.

Diabetes mellitus is a serious world health problem and one of the most studied diseases; a major concern about its treatment is that ß-cell mass and functionality is hard to restore. In addition, it is frequently associated with severe complications, such as diabetic nephropathy and cardiomyopathy. The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties of curcumin have made it a promising molecule for the treatment of this pathology; however, its solubility and bioavailability problems are still the subject of multiple studies. To cope with those difficulties, several approaches have been evaluated, such as the development of pharmaceutical formulations and curcumin analogs. This review discusses some of the studied therapeutic targets for curcumin in diabetes as well as the structural characteristics and targets of its analogs. The shortening of the central seven-carbon chain of curcumin has given rise to compounds without glucose-lowering effects but potentially useful for the treatment of diabetes complications; whereas preserving this chain retains the glucose-lowering properties. Most of the analogs discussed here have been recently synthesized and tested in animal models of type 1 diabetes; more studies in models of type 2 diabetes are needed.

Copper and copper proteins in Parkinson's disease.

Copper is a transition metal that has been linked to pathological and beneficial effects in neurodegenerative diseases. In Parkinson's disease, free copper is related to increased oxidative stress, alpha-synuclein oligomerization, and Lewy body formation. Decreased copper along with increased iron has been found in substantia nigra and caudate nucleus of Parkinson's disease patients. Copper influences iron content in the brain through ferroxidase ceruloplasmin activity; therefore decreased protein-bound copper in brain may enhance iron accumulation and the associated oxidative stress. The function of other copper-binding proteins such as Cu/Zn-SOD and metallothioneins is also beneficial to prevent neurodegeneration. Copper may regulate neurotransmission since it is released after neuronal stimulus and the metal is able to modulate the function of NMDA and GABA A receptors. Some of the proteins involved in copper transport are the transporters CTR1, ATP7A, and ATP7B and the chaperone ATOX1. There is limited information about the role of those biomolecules in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease; for instance, it is known that CTR1 is decreased in substantia nigra pars compacta in Parkinson's disease and that a mutation in ATP7B could be associated with Parkinson's disease. Regarding copper-related therapies, copper supplementation can represent a plausible alternative, while copper chelation may even aggravate the pathology.

Induction of ferroxidase enzymatic activity by copper reduces MPP+-evoked neurotoxicity in rats.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by decreased dopamine, intracellular inclusions (Lewy bodies) and brain iron deposits. PD has also been related with reduced ferroxidase activity, diminished antioxidant defenses and lipid peroxidation. Striatal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) into rodents reproduces the major biochemical characteristics of PD, including oxidative stress. Copper (Cu) plays an important role as prosthetic group of several proteins involved in iron metabolism and antioxidant responses, such as ceruloplasmin (Cp). In the present study, intraperitoneal CuSO4 injection (10µmol/kg) produced an insignificant increase of Cu content in striatum and midbrain (17.5% and 7%, respectively). After 10 and 11h, Cu induced 6- and 4-fold increase Cp mRNA in midbrain and striatum, respectively. Cu-supplement also produced a time-dependent increase ferroxidase activity in striatal tissue, reaching a maximum 16h after Cu treatment in midbrain; while, ferrous iron content diminished 18% in striatum and 8% in midbrain. In regard the PD model, we found that MPP(+) (10µg/8µL, intrastriatal), induced a significant (P<0.05) reduction of striatal ferroxidase activity; this effect was reverted by Cu pre-treatment 16h before MPP(+). Likewise, Cu-supplement prevented lipid fluorescent products formation in striatum, evaluated (P<0.01) 6h after MPP(+). In the long term, apomorphine-evoked circling behavior was evaluated 6 days after MPP(+) injury; Cu pre-treatment significantly reduced (P<0.05) the apomorphine-induced ipsilateral turns in MPP(+)-lesioned rats. These results suggest that Cu-induced expression of Cp could be an interesting scope against the deleterious effects of iron deposits in PD.

Manganese and ammonia interactions in the brain of cirrhotic rats: effects on brain ammonia metabolism.

Hepatic encephalopathy is a major complication of cirrhosis. Ammonia and manganese have been associated with hepatic encephalopathy underlying mechanisms. Motor impairment and brain edema are common signs of hepatic encephalopathy. In the present study a model of liver damage in rats was combined with ammonia and manganese exposure to evaluate the role of these substances separately and their interactions on brain glutamine, water content and motor coordination. Additionally, we explored brain levels of each substance -Mn and ammonia- in the presence or absence of the other. Liver damage was induced by bile duct ligation. Rats were exposed to MnCl2 in drinking water (1 mg Mn/ml) and to ammonia in chow pellets containing 20% ammonium acetate (w/w). As expected, manganese and ammonia levels increased in the brain of cirrhotic rats exposed to these substances; in these animals, glutamine brain levels also increased and positively correlated with tissue water content in cortex. A three way-ANOVA showed that manganese favored ammonia and glutamine accumulation in brain, and possibly their subsequent deleterious effects, as evidenced by the fact that manganese and ammonia accumulation in the brain of cirrhotic rats severely affected motor function. These results suggest that even when controlling ammonia levels in cirrhotic patients, reduction of manganese intake is also a potential strategy to be considered in clinical practice.