Effect of Consuming Beef with Varying Fatty Acid Compositions as a Major Source of Protein in Volunteers under a Personalized Nutritional Program.

Beef is an excellent source of nutrients; unfortunately, most nutritional recommendations suggest limiting or even avoiding it. Studies have shown that the fatty acid composition of meat influences weight loss. This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the anthropometric and serum lipid changes after a food intervention that included frequent beef consumption (120 g consumed four days/week for four weeks). Volunteers were randomly assigned to the commercial or Wagyu-Cross beef groups, with the latter beef possessing higher fat and MUFA contents. Both groups exhibited reductions in body measurements and lipid profiles; however, the Wagyu-Cross group exhibited greater changes in weight (-3.75 vs. -2.90 kg) and BMI (-1.49 vs. -1.03) than the commercial group, without a significant difference between them. No significant group differences in lipid profiles were observed; however, the Wagyu-Cross group exhibited a more favorable change in decreasing the TC concentration (-7.00 mg/dL) and LDL-C concentration (-12.5 mg/dL). We suggest that high MUFA beef could be included in weight-loss programs since it does not affect weight loss and hasn't a negative influence on lipid metabolism.

Great-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) as Biomonitors of Atmospheric Heavy Metal Pollution in Urban Areas of Monterrey, Mexico.

Heavy metals exposure has been linked to severe health problems. In Mexico, the Monterrey metropolitan area (MMA) is considered one of the most polluted industrial regions. Because birds have been used successfully as environmental biomonitors, the levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in feathers of Great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) from two sites within and one site outside the MMA were determined. One hundred birds were captured, samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Ciudad Universitaria had the highest mean values of lead and cadmium, 11.91 ppm d.w. and 1.66 ppm d.w., respectively. This was at least, 10- and 8-times higher than the two other sample sites. We believe that using Great-tailed grackles as bioindicators in conjunction with air pollutants sampling from meteorological stations in Monterrey City could help in making decisions when applying environmental remediation measures as well as in the selection of places for housing, school and work among others.

Improvement of serum lipid parameters in consumers of Mexican Wagyu-Cross beef: A randomized controlled trial.

Beef is considered an excellent source of high-quality protein and micronutrients. The high saturated fatty acid (SFA) composition of beef has been associated with cardiovascular diseases; however, this is a controversial issue because at present, no evidence has scientifically proven such an association. Wagyu cattle have been used as an option to generate high-quality fatty acids (FAs) in beef and have been crossed with local beef cattle (Wagyu-Cross). In Mexico, Wagyu-Cross is marketed assuming the same quality as purebred Wagyu meat without scientific support. This study aimed to determine whether the differences in the FA composition of Wagyu-Cross and commercial beef affected lipid metabolism in frequent consumers of beef. The study is a randomized, controlled, double-blinded phase IV clinical trial. Thirty-four volunteers completed treatments in which 120 g ground beef was consumed 3 days per week for 2 weeks. Volunteers were randomized to the "A" (commercial meat) or "B" (Wagyu-Cross meat) groups. The beef fat content was 87% higher, the SFA content was 2.3% lower, and the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) C18:1 n-9 concentrations were higher in Wagyu-Cross beef than in commercial beef. The B group exhibited a significantly larger change from baseline in the serum lipid profile in total cholesterol (TC) (-4.7% versus +6.9%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (-4.1% versus +10.0%), nonhigh-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) (-6.1% versus +4.9%), and the ratio of three atherogenic indexes-TC/HDL (-3.5% versus +6.4%), LDL/HDL (-2.8% versus +14.6%), and non-HDL/HDL (-4.7% versus +9.3%)-than the A group. This result confirms that meat FA composition is a key point for redirecting cattle breeding strategies and promotes beef as a healthful protein source. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Here, we found new evidence based on a clinical trial that beef with a favorable fatty acid composition (i.e., monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid content) is a key factor in improving parameters associated with consumer health. This information will support the design of cattle breeding strategies as an option to promote beef consumption as a healthier protein source and create opportunities for the development of the functional food industry.

Immunotyping of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in triple-negative breast cancer and genetic characterization.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) reflect the host immune response against cancer cells. Immunomodulators have been recently suggested as a novel therapeutic strategy against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the TIL profile in TNBC has not been thoroughly investigated. In the present study, the percentage, immunophenotype and genetic profiles of TILs in pre-surgical tumor samples of patients with TNBC were evaluated prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Patients diagnosed with breast cancer at Hospital San José TecSalud were consecutively and prospectively enrolled in the present study between August 2011 and August 2015. The pathological response to NAC was evaluated using the de Miller-Payne and MD Anderson Cancer Center system. TIL percentage (low, intermediate, and high) was evaluated using special hematoxylin-eosin staining on the core needle biopsies. The immunophenotype of TILs was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+. In addition, the gene expression profile of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD45, forkhead box P3, interleukin 6, programmed cell death 1 and CD274 molecule was assessed in all patients. A total of 26 samples from patients with TNBC prior to NAC were included in the present study. TILs were low in 30.7%, intermediate in 38.4% and elevated in 30.7% of tumors. CD3+ and CD4+ counts were associated with the pathological response to NAC (P=0.04). Finally, an overexpression pattern of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45 and CD20 genes was observed in patients with a partial or complete pathological response. The present results demonstrated that TILs may predict the pathological response to NAC in patients with TNBC. Furthermore, a more accurate association was identified between the high expression levels of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45 and CD20 genes and partial and complete pathological response, compared with the association between high expression and IHC alone.

Profiles of Amino Acids and Acylcarnitines Related with Insecticide Exposure in Culex quinquefasciatus (Say).

Culex quinquefasciatus Say is a vector of many pathogens of humans, and both domestic and wild animals. Personal protection, reduction of larval habitats, and chemical control are the best ways to reduce mosquito bites and, therefore, the transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens. Currently, to reduce the risk of transmission, the pyrethroids, and other insecticide groups have been extensively used to control both larvae and adult mosquitoes. In this context, amino acids and acylcarnitines have never been associated with insecticide exposure and or insecticide resistance. It has been suggested that changes in acylcarnitines and amino acids profiles could be a powerful diagnostic tool for metabolic alterations. Monitoring these changes could help to better understand the mechanisms involved in insecticide resistance, complementing the strategies for managing this phenomenon in the integrated resistance management. The purpose of the study was to determine the amino acids and acylcarnitines profiles in larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus after the exposure to different insecticides. Bioassays were performed on Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae exposed to the diagnostic doses (DD) of the insecticides chlorpyrifos (0.001 µg/mL), temephos (0.002 µg/mL) and permethrin (0.01 µg/mL). In each sample, we analyzed the profile of 12 amino acids and 31 acylcarnitines by LC-MS/MS. A t-test was used to determine statistically significant differences between groups and corrections of q-values. Results indicates three changes, the amino acids arginine (ARG), free carnitine (C0) and acetyl-carnitine (C2) that could be involved in energy production and insecticide detoxification. We confirmed that concentrations of amino acids and acylcarnitines in Cx. quinquefasciatus vary with respect to different insecticides. The information generated contributes to understand the possible mechanisms and metabolic changes occurring during insecticide exposure.

Circulating microRNA expression profile in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a highly diverse disease characterized by cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities, including altered microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures. AIM: We perform and validate a plasma miRNA expression profiling to identify potential miRNA involved in leukemogenesis METHODS: MiRNA expression profiling assay was realized in 39 B-ALL and 7 normal control plasma samples using TaqMan Low Density Array (TLDA) plates on Applied Biosystems 7900 HT Fast Real-Time PCR System. MiRNA validation was done for six miRNA differentially expressed by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Seventy-seven circulating miRNA differentially expressed: hsa-miR-511, -222, and -34a were overexpressed, whereas hsa-miR-199a-3p, -223, -221, and -26a were underexpressed (p values < 0.005 for both sets). According to operating characteristic curve analysis, hsa-miR-511 was the most valuable biomarker for distinguishing B-ALL from normal controls, with an area under curve value of 1 and 100% for sensitivity, and specificity respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring circulating levels of specific miRNA implicated in regulation of cell differentiation and/or cell proliferation such as hsa-miRNA-511, offers high sensitivity and specificity in B-ALL detection and may be potentially useful for detection of disease progression, as indicator of therapeutic response, and in the assessment of biological and/or therapeutic targets for patients with B-ALL.

Reference values for amino acids and acylcarnitines in peripheral blood in Quarter horses and American Miniature horses.

BACKGROUND: Free amino acids and acylcarnitines circulating in the blood can be used for diagnosis for metabolic illness and imbalances. To date, the normal reference ranges of amino acids and acylcarnitines in horse peripheral blood have not been established. In this study, the concentrations of 12 amino acids and 26 acylcarnitines were determined by tandem mass spectrometry in complete blood from 100 healthy horses (50 Quarter horses (QH) [23 males and 27 females] and 50 American Miniature horses (AMH) [15 males and 35 females]) with no signs of metabolic disease. The means and standard deviations were determined and data statistically analyzed. FINDINGS: Concentrations of short, medium, and long chain acylcarnitines were significantly higher in male AMH than in male QH. The concentrations of the amino acids alanine, arginine, glycine, proline (glycogenic), and leucine (ketogenic) were higher in the QH than in the AMH. Female AMH had higher concentrations of propionylcarnitine, leucine, proline, arginine, and ornithine than female QH. CONCLUSIONS: Normal reference ranges of amino acids and acylcarnitines were established for AMH and QH. Significant differences were found in concentration of these compounds between breeds and gender.

Molecular evolution and expression profile of the chemerine encoding gene RARRES2 in baboon and chimpanzee.

BACKGROUND: Chemerin, encoded by the retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (RARRES2) gene is an adipocytesecreted protein with autocrine/paracrine functions in adipose tissue, metabolism and inflammation with a recently described function in vascular tone regulation, liver, steatosis, etc. This molecule is believed to represent a critical endocrine signal linking obesity to diabetes. There are no data available regarding evolution of RARRES2 in non-human primates and great apes. Expression profile and orthology in RARRES2 genes are unknown aspects in the biology of this multigene family in primates. Thus; we attempt to describe expression profile and phylogenetic relationship as complementary knowledge in the function of this gene in primates. To do that, we performed A RT-PCR from different tissues obtained during necropsies. Also we tested the hypotheses of positive evolution, purifying selection, and neutrality. And finally a phylogenetic analysis was made between primates RARRES2 protein. RESULTS: RARRES2 transcripts were present in liver, lung, adipose tissue, ovary, pancreas, heart, hypothalamus and pituitary tissues. Expression in kidney and leukocytes were not detectable in either species. It was determined that the studied genes are orthologous. CONCLUSIONS: RARRES2 evolution fits the hypothesis of purifying selection. Expression profiles of the RARRES2 gene are similar in baboons and chimpanzees and are also phylogenetically related.

Molecular evolution and expression profile of the chemerine encoding gene RARRES2 in baboon and chimpanzee

BACKGROUND: Chemerin, encoded by the retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (RARRES2) gene is an adipocytesecreted protein with autocrine/paracrine functions in adipose tissue, metabolism and inflammation with a recently described function in vascular tone regulation, liver, steatosis, etc. This molecule is believed to represent a critical endocrine signal linking obesity to diabetes. There are no data available regarding evolution of RARRES2 in non-human primates and great apes. Expression profile and orthology in RARRES2 genes are unknown aspects in the biology of this multigene family in primates. Thus; we attempt to describe expression profile and phylogenetic relationship as complementary knowledge in the function of this gene in primates. To do that, we performed A RT-PCR from different tissues obtained during necropsies. Also we tested the hypotheses of positive evolution, purifying selection, and neutrality. And finally a phylogenetic analysis was made between primates RARRES2 protein. RESULTS: RARRES2 transcripts were present in liver, lung, adipose tissue, ovary, pancreas, heart, hypothalamus and pituitary tissues. Expression in kidney and leukocytes were not detectable in either species. It was determined that the studied genes are orthologous. CONCLUSIONS: RARRES2 evolution fits the hypothesis of purifying selection. Expression profiles of the RARRES2 gene are similar in baboons and chimpanzees and are also phylogenetically related.

Simplified amplified-fragment length polymorphism method for genotyping Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates.

A simplified amplified-fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) method was developed and applied to genotype 52 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. This method can be carried out using only one restriction enzyme (XhoI), one double strand adapter, and one PCR primer. The amounts of DNA and DNA polymerase, and the concentrations of primer and Mg(2+) in the PCR step were optimized using the Basic Sequential Simplex method. AFLP analysis of the isolates generated a total of 24 differently sized bands ranging from 1537 to 121 bp, and 52 different band patterns, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 13 bands. The results were compared with the well-established IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism (IS6110-RFLP) typing method, which rendered a total of 32 differently sized bands from 1 to 12 kbp, and 52 different band patterns, with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 15 bands. Therefore, both genotyping methods showed a discriminatory power of samples of 100%. Nevertheless, pairwise comparisons of the 1326 similarity indexes calculated for both typing methods showed a total absence of correlation between the similarity indexes of the two methods. The simplified AFLP method is expected to be more useful for genotyping M. tuberculosis isolates compared to the IS6110-RFLP method, since the former evaluates genetic variations throughout the M. tuberculosis genome. Furthermore, the relatively rapid and low-cost simplified AFLP method compares favorably to the IS6110-RFLP or conventional AFLP methods, and shows great promise for genotyping M. tuberculosis isolates, especially in developing countries or for preliminary screening.