Cardioprotective Effect of a Virgin Olive Oil Enriched with Bioactive Compounds in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Olive oil and its derivatives have been described to exert beneficial effects on hypertensive states and cardiovascular disease prevention. We studied the effects of chronic consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), enriched in bioactive compounds from olive fruit and leaves, on blood pressure, endothelial function, oxidative and inflammatory status, and circulating cholesterol levels, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Thirty SHR were randomly assigned to three groups: a control untreated SHR group, an SHR group (1 mL/rat/day) of a control olive oil (17.6 mg/kg of phenolic compounds), and an SHR group (1 mL/rat/day) of the enriched EVOO (750 mg/kg of phenolic compounds) for eight weeks. Ten Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were included as healthy controls. Long-term administration of the enriched EVOO decreased systolic blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy, and improved the ex vivo aortic endothelial dysfunction measured in SHR. Moreover, enriched oil supplementation reduced the plasma levels of Angiotensin II and total cholesterol, and the urinary levels of endothelin-1 and oxidative stress biomarkers, while pro-inflammatory cytokines were unaffected. In conclusion, sustained treatment with EVOO, enriched in bioactive compounds from the olive fruit and leaves, may be an effective tool for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels alone or in combination with pharmacological anti-hypertensive treatment.

Effects of Virgin Olive Oils Differing in Their Bioactive Compound Contents on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

A regular consumption of virgin olive oil (VOO) is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to assess whether the raw intake of an optimized VOO (OVOO, 490 ppm of phenolic compounds and 86 ppm of triterpenes), and a functional olive oil (FOO, 487 ppm of phenolic compounds and enriched with 389 ppm of triterpenes) supplementation (30 mL per day) during three weeks would provide additional health benefits to those produced by a standard VOO (124 ppm of phenolic compounds and 86 ppm of triterpenes) on oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers. Fifty-one healthy adults participated in a randomized, crossover, and controlled study. Urinary 8-hidroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, plasma interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF- α) concentrations were lower after the intervention with the FOO than after the OVOO (p = 0.033, p = 0.011 and p = 0.020, respectively). In addition, IL-8 was lower after the intervention with FOO than after VOO intervention (p = 0.002). This study provides a first level of evidence on the in vivo health benefits of olive oil triterpenes (oleanolic and maslinic acids) in healthy humans, decreasing DNA oxidation and plasma inflammatory biomarkers. The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02520739.

Evaluating the reliability of specific and global methods to assess the phenolic content of virgin olive oil: Do they drive to equivalent results?

Despite the huge number of different published methodologies, there is an open debate regarding which one is the most convenient analytical strategy for the determination of phenolic compounds from virgin olive oils. Diverse technical issues together with the disparity of criteria regarding results expression cause a lot of confusion. Herewith, a systematic comparison between specific (a powerful and LC-MS method) and global methodologies (the Folin-Ciocalteau (FC) colorimetric assay, the International Olive Council (IOC) method and hydrolysis plus HPLC-DAD) has been carried out. Thus, these strategies have been applied to the analysis of 50 extra virgin olive oils (covering all the possible quantitative ranges of these substances). This is the first time in which the individual LC-MS quantification of so many phenolic substances is included in this kind of comprehensive comparison. The outcomes of all the strategies have been thoroughly confronted and their equivalence (or divergence) has been carefully evaluated, establishing possible correspondence factors. The LC-MS individual determination with the pure standard of every analyte represented the ideal situation; when only the commercially available standards were used, a drastic change was observed in the absolute concentrations of oleuropein derivatives (in terms of hydroxytyrosol). Total phenolic content (summing individual levels) proved to be higher (1.9-3.0 times when data was expressed in mg/kg) than the values given by the three non-specific methods (with R2 from 0.84 to 0.90). In any case, the IOC method, the FC assay and the hydrolysis approach could be considered as feasible strategies when a global value is pursued. Good correlations between their results were found (R2 > 0.89), with the following equivalence factors: FC(mg caffeic acid/kg) ≈ 0.60 IOC(mg TY/kg); IOC(mg TY/kg) ≈ 1.27 Sum acid hydrolysis(mg TY+HTY/kg); FC(mg HTY/kg) ≈ 1.04 Sum acid hydrolysis(mg TY+HTY/kg).

[Smoking prevalence and associated factors during pregnancy in Andalucía 2007-2012]. / Prevalencia de tabaquismo durante el embarazo y factores asociados en Andalucía 2007-2012 (*).

BACKGROUND: Smoking during pregnancy is the most important preventable perinatal health problem. The aim of this research is to determine smoking prevalence in pregnant women at different times of pregnancy in Andalucía, using biochemical validation methods and to explore factors associated with it. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. The study population was pregnant women followed in andalusian public health centers. A random sample of 40 health centers, stratified by number of pregnancies was collected, with 1813 pregnant enrolled in 3 independent samples (beginning and end of pregnancy, postpartum). The smoke exposure was measured by urinary cotinine, self-report and carbon monoxide in exhaled air. Control variables were socio-demographic, obstetric and related to smoking habit. A logistic regression was performed to explore factors associated with pregnancy smoking. RESULTS: The mean prevalence in the whole sample was 21.6%, which was lower at the end of pregnancy (15.6%) and postpartum (16.7%) than at the beginning (30.3%). Daily smokers fell from 56.3% before pregnancy to 14% at the end (according to selfreport). Most of the quitters gave up before pregnancy (21.8%) or when they noticed they were pregnant (23.6%). Deception rate was 19.6%, varying according to gestational age and the amount of tobacco consumed. Younger age (OR: 0.956, CI 0.92-0.99), be exposed to second hand smoke at home (OR: 3.48, CI 2.6 to 4.7), a higher level of consumption before pregnancy (6-10 OR 13.1 CI 3 to 56.9,> 10 OR 25.1 CI 5.8 to 109.6), greater gestational age at measurement (end OR: 0.5 CI: 0.4-0.8; immediate postpartum OR 0.4 CI 0.3-0.6) and lower educational level (no education and first grade compared to university OR: 1.98, CI 1.22 to 3.22) were identified as factors associated. CONCLUSION: Consumption variations with gestational age compel to indicate the time of measurement in prevalence studies. The profile of the pregnant smoker was being young, poorly educated, exposed to tobacco smoke at home and with a previous history of heavy smoking.

Prevalencia de tabaquismo durante el embarazo y factores asociados en Andalucía 2007-2012 / Smoking prevalence and associated factors during pregnancy in Andalucía 2007-2012

Fundamentos: El tabaquismo durante la gestación constituye el principal problema prevenible de salud perinatal. El objetivo es establecer la prevalencia de tabaquismo de las mujeres gestantes en distintos momentos del embarazo así como explorar factores asociados al mismo. Métodos: estudio transversal. La población diana fueron las mujeres cuyo control de embarazo se realizaba en centros de salud públicos. Muestra aleatoria representativa de 40 centros estratificados según número de embarazos. Participaron 1.813 mujeres seleccionadas en 3 muestras independientes (inicio y final del embarazo y posparto). La exposición se midió mediante cotinina en orina, autodeclaración y monóxido de carbono. Se registraron variables ociodemográficas, de tabaquismo y clínico-obstétricas. Se realizó una regresión logística para identificar los factores asociados al tabaquismo. Resultados: La prevalencia media fue 21,6%, menor al final del embarazo (15,6%) y en el puerperio (16,7%) y mayor en el principio del embarazo (30,3%). Las mujeres fumadoras diarias pasaron del 56,3% antes del embarazo al 14% al final (autodeclaración). El 21,8% de los abandonos se produjo antes del embarazo y el 23,6% cuando las mujeres supieron que estaban embarazadas. La ocultación del consumo fue 19,6% . Fueron factores asociados ser joven (OR: 0,956; IC: 0,92-0,99), estar ex- puesta al tabaco en el hogar (OR: 3,48; IC: 2,6-4,7), consumo pregestacional alto (6-10 OR: 13,1 IC: 3-56,9; >10 OR: 25,1 IC: 5,8-109,6), mayor edad gestacional en la medición (al final OR: 0,5 IC: 0,4-0,8; posparto inmediato OR: 0,4 IC: 0,3-0,6) y menor nivel de estudios (sin estudios y primer grado comparadas con universitarias OR: 1,98; IC: 1,22-3,22) . Conclusiones: El perfil de la mujer gestante fumadora es el de una mujer joven con bajo nivel educativo, expuesta al humo de tabaco en el hogar y con alto consumo pregestacional (AU)

Background: Smoking during pregnancy is the most important preventable perinatal health problem. The aim of this research is to determine smoking prevalence in pregnant women at different times of pregnancy in Andalucía, using biochemical validation methods and to explore factors associated with it. Methods: Cross-sectional study. The study population was pregnant women followed in andalusian public health centers. A random sample of 40 health centers, stratified by number of pregnancies was collected, with 1813 pregnant enrolled in 3 independent samples (beginning and end of pregnancy, postpartum). The smoke exposure was measured by urinary cotinine, self-report and carbon monoxide in exhaled air. Control variables were socio-demographic, obstetric and related to smoking habit. A logistic regression was performed to explore factors associated with pregnancy smoking. Results: The mean prevalence in the whole sample was 21.6%, which was lower at the end of pregnancy (15.6%) and postpartum (16.7%) than at the beginning (30.3%). Daily smokers fell from 56.3% before pregnancy to 14% at the end (according to selfreport). Most of the quitters gave up before pregnancy (21.8%) or when they noticed they were pregnant (23.6%). Deception rate was 19.6%, varying according to gestational age and the amount of tobacco consumed. Younger age (OR: 0.956, CI 0.92- 0.99), be exposed to second hand smoke at home (OR: 3.48, CI 2.6 to 4.7), a higher level of consumption before pregnancy (6-10 OR 13.1 CI 3 to 56.9,> 10 OR 25.1 CI 5.8 to 109.6), greater gestational age at measurement (end OR: 0.5 CI: 0.4-0.8; immediate postpartum OR 0.4 CI 0.3-0.6) and lower educational level (no education and first grade compared to univer- sity OR: 1.98, CI 1.22 to 3.22) were identified as factors associated. Conclusion: Consumption variations with gestational age compel to indicate the time of measurement in prevalence studies. The profile of the educated, exposed to tobacco smoke at home and with a previous history of heavy smoking (AU)

[Validity of smoking measurements during pregnancy: specificity, sensitivity and cut-off points]. / Validez de distintas medidas de consumo de tabaco durante el embarazo: especificidad, sensibilidad y puntos de corte dónde y cuándo.

BACKGROUND: Non-disclosure by pregnant women smokers of their smoking habit questions the validity of self-declarations. The purpose of this research is to determine the rate of Non disclosure and to establish the validity of exhaled CO as a method of biochemical validation. METHOD: Data obtained in a Randomised Clinical Trial in 12 Health Centres in Malaga. 454 pregnant women smokers, of whom 104 declared that they had stopped smoking at the start. Measurement of the habit: self-declaration, carbon monoxide (CO) and cotinine in the urine in those subjects who declared that they no longer smoked. The ROC curve was obtained for the CO, calculating the area under the curve and the sensitivity and specificity for different cut-off points. Using the CO as the gold standard, the validity of the self-declarations was determined in terms of sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Cotinine/self-declaration comparison: rate of Non disclosure 15.4% (IC 95% 9.3-24.1). Cotinine/CO comparison: Area under the ROC curve of 0.838 (IC 95% 0.740-0.935). For a cut-off point of 9, recommended in the relevant bibliography, we achieved 100% specificity with 12.5% sensitivity. CO/self-declaration comparison (cut-off point 9): False negations 0.8%, prevalence of spontaneous abandonment of smoking habit 58.1%. CONCLUSIONS: A percentage of Non disclosure similar to other studies and the validity of CO as a method for the identification of women smokers are confirmed. At cut-off point 9, the validity of CO and self-declaration would be similar, with the prevalence of spontaneous abandonment increasing up to unreal figures. At the present time, the evidence is not sufficient in order to recommend 9 as the CO cut-off point. The results suggest that this should be lower. More extensive research is necessary in pregnant women who state that they do not smoke, using an appropriate methodology.

Validez de distintas medidas de consumo de tabaco durante el embarazo: especificidad, sensibilidad y puntos de corte dónde y cuándo / Validity of smoking measurements during pregnancy: scpecificity sensitivity and cut-off points

Fundamentos: La ocultación del hábito tabáquico en mujeres embarazadas fumadoras cuestiona la validez de la autodeclaración. Los objetivos de esta investigación son determinar el índice de ocultación y establecer la validez del CO en aire espirado como método de validación bioquímica. Método: Datos obtenidos de un Ensayo Clínico Aleatorizado en 12 Centros de Salud de Málaga. 454 mujeres embarazadas fumadoras de las cuales manifestaron abandonar 104 al inicio. Medición del habito: autodeclaración, monóxido de carbono (CO) y cotinina en orina en las que declararon no fumar. Para el CO se obtuvo la curva ROC calculándose el área bajo la curva y la sensibilidad y especificidad para diferentes puntos de corte. Empleando el CO como patrón oro se determinó la validez de la autodeclaración, en términos de la sensibilidad y la especificidad. Resultados: Comparación cotinina/autodeclaración: tasa de ocultación 15,4% (IC 95% 9,3-24,1). Comparación cotinina/CO: Área bajo la curva ROC de 0,838 (IC 95% 0,740-0,935). Para punto de corte de 9, recomendado en la bibliografía, logramos especificidad 100% con sensibilidad 12,5%. Comparación CO/autodeclaración (punto de corte 9): Falsos negativos 0.8%, prevalencia abandono espontáneo 58,1%. Conclusiones: Se confirma un porcentaje de ocultación similar a otros estudios y la validez del CO como método para la identificación de mujeres fumadoras. En punto de corte 9, la validez de CO y autodeclaración serían similares, aumentando hasta cifras irreales la prevalencia del abandono espontáneo En la actualidad no hay pruebas suficientes para recomendar el 9 como punto de corte de CO. Los resultados sugieren que este debería ser inferior. Son necesarias investigaciones más amplias en mujeres gestantes que se declaren no fumadoras con una metodología adecuada (AU)

Background: Non disclosure by pregnant women smokers of their smoking habit questions the validity of self-declarations. The purpose of this research is to determine the rate of Non disclosure and to establish the validity of exhaled CO as a method of biochemical validation. Method: Data obtained in a Randomised Clinical Trial in 12 Health Centres in Malaga. 454 pregnant women smokers, of whom 104 declared that they had stopped smoking at the start. Measurement of the habit: self-declaration, carbon monoxide (CO) and cotinine in the urine in those subjects who declared that they no longer smoked. The ROC curve was obtained for the CO, calculating the area under the curve and the sensitivity and specificity for different cut-off points. Using the CO as the gold standard, the validity of the self-declarations was determined in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Results: Cotinine/self-declaration comparison: rate of Non disclosure 15.4% (IC 95% 9.3-24.1). Cotinine/CO comparison: Area under the ROC curve of 0.838 (IC 95% 0.740-0.935). For a cut-off point of 9, recommended in the relevant bibliography, we achieved 100% specificity with 12.5% sensitivity. CO/self-declaration comparison (cut-off point 9): False negations 0.8%, prevalence of spontaneous abandonment of smoking habit 58.1%. Conclusions: A percentage of Non disclosure similar to other studies and the validity of CO as a method for the identification of women smokers are confirmed. At cut-off point 9, the validity of CO and self-declaration would be similar, with the prevalence of spontaneous abandonment increasing up to unreal figures. At the present time, the evidence is not sufficient in order to recommend 9 as the CO cut-off point. The results suggest that this should be lower. More extensive research is necessary in pregnant women who state that they do not smoke, using an appropriate methodology (AU)

El tratamiento de los trastornos de ansiedad a las puertas del siglo XXI / Treatment of anxiety disorders in the beginning of the 21st century

Los trastornos de ansiedad constityuyen una amplia categoría de problemas psicológicos que se encuentran sólidamente representados en la cuarta edición del Manual diagnóstico y estadistico de los trastornos mentales (DSM-IV) (APA, 1994)y que tienen una elevada prevalencia en la población general. Las intervenciones cognitivo-conductuales han sido procedimientos de una alta eficacia a la hora de tratar los trastornos de ansiedad, comprendiendo un importante conjunto de téc-nicas específicas. El presente artículo aborda las úitimas investigaciones sobre el tratamiento de los diferentes trastornos de ansiedad, como la fobia específica, la fobia social, el trastornos de pánico, el trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo, el trastorno por estrés postraumático y el trastorno por ansiedad generalizada. Se expone una revisión general de los tratamientos cognitivo-conductuales y fisiológicos utiliza-dos hoy día para los trastornos anteriores y se ofrecen algunas directrices para la mejora futura para el aumento de la eficacia de estos tipos de tratamiento (AU)