Loss of function mutations at the tomato SSI2 locus impair plant growth and development by altering the fatty acid desaturation pathway.

The stearoyl-ACP desaturase (SACPD) is a key enzyme in the regulation of saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratio, playing a crucial role in regulating membrane stability and fluidity, as well as photosynthesis efficiency, which makes it an important research focus in crop species. This study reports the characterization and molecular cloning of pale dwarf (pad), a new tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) T-DNA recessive mutant, which exhibits a dwarf and chlorotic phenotype. Functional studies of the T-DNA tagged gene were conducted, including phylogenetic analysis, expression and metabolomic analyses, and generation of CRISPR/Cas9 knockout lines. The cloning of T-DNA flanking genomic sequences and a co-segregation analysis found the pad phenotype was caused by a T-DNA insertion disrupting the tomato homologue of the Arabidopsis SUPPRESSOR OF SALICYLIC ACID INSENSITIVITY 2 (SlSSI2), encoding a plastid localized isoform of SACPD. The phenotype of CRISPR/Cas9 SlSSI2 knockout lines confirmed that the morphological abnormalities in pad plants were due to SlSSI2 loss of function. Functional, metabolomic and expression analyses proved that SlSSI2 disruption causes deficiencies in 18:1 fatty acid desaturation and leads to diminished jasmonic acid (JA) content and increased salicylic acid (SA) levels. Overall, these results proved that SSI2 plays a crucial role in the regulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles in tomato, and revealed that SlSSI2 loss of function results in an inhibited JA-responsive signalling pathway and a constitutively activated SA-mediated defence signalling response. This study lays the foundation for further research on tomato SACPDs and their role in plant performance and fitness.

Valoración del estatus de hierro en un grupo de estudiantes de la universidad de Granada: influencia del estilo de vida / Assessment of iron status in a group of students at the university of ranada: lifestyle influence

INTRODUCCIÓN: La deficiencia de hierro por carencias nutricionales es la principal causa de anemia en el mundo 1. Cuando el aporte de hierro es insuficiente para cubrir los requerimientos se produce deficiencia de hierro. Según un estudio realizado en Andalucía el 12,7% de la población adulta observada presentaba déficit de hierro 2. OBJETIVO: Conocer el estatus de hierro en una población de jóvenes sanos de la Universidad de Granada y establecer la relación que existe con el estilo de vida y hábitos alimenticios. METODOLOGÍA: El estudio se ha llevado a cabo con 71 estudiantes sanos (15 hombres y 56 mujeres) de la Universidad de Granada con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 31 años. Se les extrajo muestras de sangre para proceder a la determinación en suero de los parámetros bioquímicos de estado nutricional en hierro, hemoglobina, índices hematológicos, hematíes, hematocrito y reticulocitos. Se determinaron parámetros antropométricos como índice de masa corporal. Se efectuó una encuesta a cada uno de ellos en la que se recopiló información referida a su estilo de vida como actividad física, consumo de alcohol y tabaco. Además se realizó una encuesta nutricional de frecuencias de consumo para una serie de alimentos relacionados con el metabolismo del hierro(AU)

CONCLUSIÓN/DISCUSIÓN: Tanto en hombres como en mujeres se observan valores normales de hemoglobina por lo que se descarta la presencia de anemia. Sin embargo, existe déficit de hierro sérico con un porcentaje correspondiente al 20% de los hombres y 14,5% de las mujeres. Se encontraron valores disminuidos de hematocrito en 6% de los hombres y 1,8% de las mujeres. El 1,8% de las mujeres presenta valores de VCM inferiores a 80 fL. En el análisis estadístico se observan diferencias significativas (P<0.001) entre el sexo y las variables hemoglobina, hematocrito y concentración de hematíes siendo estos parámetros menores en mujeres que en hombres. Existen diferencias significativas (P<0.04) entre edad y concentración de hierro sérico resultando menor en el grupo de edad comprendidos entre 18 y 24 años que en el de 25 a31años. Los hábitos de consumo de tabaco y alcohol y realización de ejercicio físico no parecen influir significativamente sobre estos parámetros y en estas condiciones experimentales. Los hábitos de consumo de alimentos son los adecuados, incluyendo alimentos ricos en hierro hemo y no hemo. En conclusión, el estatus de hierro de los jóvenes de la Universidad de Granada objeto del estudio está dentro de los valores normales tanto en ingesta de hierro como en sus indicadores nutricionales a pesar de las dificultades de este colectivo en conseguir una alimentación equilibrada cuanti y cualitativamente debido a su estilo de vida(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Iron deficiency, as a result of a nutritional deficiency, is the leading cause of anaemia in the world 1. When iron input is insufficient to meet the requirements, iron deficiency starts to develop. According to a study in Andalusia, 12.7% of the observed adult population had iron deficiency 2. OBJECTIVE: To determine the status of iron in a healthy young group in the University of Granada and establish the relationship between this and their lifestyle and dietary habits. METHODS: The study has been done with 71 healthy students (15 men and 56 women) from the University of Granada, aged from 18 to 31 years old. Blood samples were obtained to proceed to the determination of serum biochemical markers of the nutritional iron status, haemoglobin, haematological indexes, red blood cells, haematocrit and reticulocytes. Anthropometric parameters as body mass index were determined. A survey was made to each of them, which compiled information related to lifestyle such as physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking habits. We also carried out a nutritional survey on consumption frequency for a number of foods associated with iron metabolism(AU)

CONCLUSION / DISCUSSION: In both men and women it is observed normal haemoglobin value, so that we can rule out the presence of anaemia. However, there is a serum iron deficiency with a share of 20% in the observed men and 14.5% in the women. Decreased haematocrit values are foundin 6% of the men and 1.8% of the women. 1.8% of women presented MCV values below 80 fL. In the statistical analysis significant differences (P <0.001) are observed between sex and the variables haemoglobin, haematocrit and red cells concentration, being these parameters lower in the women observed than in the men. There are significant differences (P <0.04) between age and serum iron concentration being lower in the age group between 18 and 24 years old than in the group from 25 to31 years old. Smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity do not seem to significantly influence on these parameters and on these experimental conditions. Consumption patterns of food are adequate, including foods rich in heme and non heme iron. In conclusion, the iron status of young people at the University of Granada object of our study is within the normal range in both iron intake and iron nutritional markers in spite of the difficulties of this group to get a balanced diet quantitatively and qualitatively because of their lifestyle(AU)

Estudio epidemiológico sobre el metabolismo proteico y su relación con diversos hábitos en jóvenes universitarios / Epidemioligic research of the metabolism of proteins and its relationship with several university students´ habits

INTRODUCCIÓN: El consumo de alcohol y el ejercicio físico podría afectar a los valores de proteínas totales, creatinina y enzimas implicadas en el metabolismo hepático. OBJETIVO: Estudiar la influencia del ejercicio físico y del consumo de alcohol sobre los niveles de proteínas totales, creatinina y enzimas del metabolismo hepático en una población sana de jóvenes universitarios de Granada. METODOLOGÍA: Se ha realizado un estudio en 71 jóvenes (56 mujeres y 15 hombres) universitarios de la Universidad de Granada con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 31 años. Se realizó una encuesta sobre nivel de ejercicio físico (nulo, ligero, moderado e intenso), consumo de alcohol (tipo: cerveza/vino, destilados) y frecuencia del mismo. Las muestras de sangre fueron obtenidas en la Escuela de Análisis Clínicos de la Universidad de Granada y se midieron los niveles séricos de proteínas totales, creatinina y enzimas del metabolismo hepático (ALT, AST, GGT)(AU)

CONCLUSIÓN /DISCUSIÓN: Tras el análisis estadístico realizado podemos determinar que no existen diferencias significativas en los niveles de transaminasas de la población estudiada en función del tipo de alcohol consumido, quedando abierta la duda de si ello es debido a que las cantidades de consumo de alcohol no son lo suficientemente relevantes como para causar diferencias en los niveles de enzimas del metabolismo hepático estudiadas. Por otro lado si se encontraron diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) entre el tipo de alcohol consumido y los niveles de proteínas totales, en concreto se detectaron mayores niveles de proteínas totales en los consumidores de bebidas destiladas frente a los consumidores de cerveza/vino, lo que nos lleva a pensar que un consumo de bebidas destiladas con mayor gradación tiene un efecto negativo sobre las proteínas totales, aunque sin llegar a ser patológico. En relación al nivel de proteínas totales se observó que el 15,7 % de la población se encuentra por encima de los valores de referencia. Sería aconsejable plantear un estudio paralelo relacionando el mismo factor (alcohol) con otras enzimas de importancia en el metabolismo del alcohol como podría ser la alcohol deshidrogenasa. Por último estudiamos como afecta el ejercicio físico en los niveles de creatinina resultando que no existen diferencias significativas en la población estudiada, probablemente debido a que la cantidad de ejercicio realizada por los individuos más activos encuestados no es lo suficientemente destacable como para causar diferencias(AU)

INTRODUCTION: The ingestion of alcohol and exercise may affect the values of the Total Proteins, Creatinine and Enzimas involved in the hepatic metabolism. OBJETIVE: The study of the influence of exercise and the consume of alcohol on the levels of Total Protein, Creatinine and Enzimas involved in a healthy population of students from the University of Granada. METHOD: A research over 71 University of Granada students (56 females and 15 males) has been made, with ages from 18 to 31. A survey on exercise (void, light, moderate and intense), alcohol ingestion ( type: wine/ beer, distilled) and the frecuency of them was made. Blood samples were obtained from the School of Clinic Analysis of the University of Granada and the levels of Total Protein, Creatinine and Enzimas involved in the hepatic metabolism were measured(AU)

CONCLUSION: After the stadistic analysis we are able to assure that there are not significative differencies in the levels of transaminasae on the study itself according to the type of alcohol comsumed, remaining therefore the doubt of the relationship between the amount of alcohol comsumed and significant changes on the levels of the enzimas of the hepatic metabolism studied. On the other hand, we did find significatives differencies ( p + 0.05) between the type of alcohol consumed and the Total Protein levels, specially higher levels of Total Protein level were found in the high degree distilled drinks comsumers, wich leads us to believe that a high degree distilled drinks consume has a negative effect on the Total Protein, without getting to be patologic. According to the Total Protein levels, we observed that the 15,7% of the population is over the reference values. It would be comprehensible to set out a parallel research connecting the same factor (alcohol) with another relevan enzimas of the metabolism of alcohol, such as alcohol deshidrogenasa. Finally we studied how the exercise affects the levels of creatinine, resulting that there are not significative differencies in the population of this research, probably due to the quantity of exercise that the more active population in the survey get to make is not outstanding enough to cause differencies(AU)

Estudio del metabolismo proteico en una población de jóvenes sanos: factores asociados / Results from the application of a quality management system in the community pharmacy

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ingesta de proteína en la población andaluza presenta valores cercanos al 200% de la IR1, pudiendo afectar a la función hepática y renal. En esta situación, los niveles de biomarcadores específicos de la función de dichos órganos se verán alterados pudiendo causar daños a veces irreversibles. OBJETIVOS: En el presente estudio se analizan la frecuencia de ingesta proteica y parámetros relacionados con el metabolismo proteico en una muestra de jóvenes procedentes de la provincia de Granada. METODOLOGÍA: El estudio se ha llevado a cabo con 71 estudiantes sanos (15 hombres y 56 mujeres) de la Universidad de Granada con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 31 años. Se procedió a la extracción de muestras de sangre para la obtención de suero y la posterior determinación de los parámetros bioquímicos de estado nutricional proteico. Se determinaron parámetros antropométricos, como talla, peso e índice de masa corporal. Se efectuó una encuesta de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos de origen proteico. RESULTADOS: los resultados obtenidos muestran una frecuencia de consumo superior a la recomendada en aves del 20,3% para la ternera el 1% y para el cerdo el 6%. Curiosamente se encontró una correlación significativa positiva entre el pulso y la ingesta de ternera. Con respecto a los resultados obtenidos en los niveles de creatinina, urea y ácido úrico se observó que un 13% de la población mostraba niveles de urea superiores a los de referencia. Las determinaciones realizadas en orina mantienen la normalidad en el 100% de los casos. Igualmente se obtuvo correlación significativa negativa entre los niveles de creatinina y ácido úrico con la talla y positiva entre los niveles de urea y la edad(AU)

CONCLUSIÓN: nuestros resultados confirman los datos esperados y referidos por otros autores 2, ya que las ingestas proteicas altas encontradas pueden alterar los valores de referencia en los biomarcadores de daño renal tales como la urea, el ácido úrico y la creatinina. Por tanto seria aconsejable mejorar la formación preventiva de la población sobre las recomendaciones de la ingesta de alimentos proteicos, intentando cambiar hábitos de consumo clásicos frecuentes en la población española(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Protein intake in andalusian population presents values near 200% recommended intake 1, can affect kidney and liver function. In this situation, levels of specific biomarkers of the function of these organs will be altered and can cause irreversible damage sometimes. OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the frequency of protein intake and parameters related to protein metabolism in a sample of young people from the province of Granada. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted with 71 healthy students (15 men and 56 women) from the University of Granada, aged between 18 and 31 years. We proceeded to the extraction of blood samples to obtain serum and the subsequent determination of biochemical parameters of protein nutritional status. We determined anthropometric parameters, such as size, weight and body mass index. We made a survey of frequency of consumption of high protein foods. RESULTST: he results show a frequency of consumption higher than recommended in birds of 20.3%, for1% beef and pork in 6%. Interestingly we found a significant positive correlation between pulse and intake of beef. With respect to the results in levels of creatinine, urea and uric acid was observed that 13% of the population showed urea levels higher than reference. Determinations made on urine remains normal in 100% of cases. Equally significant negative correlation was obtained between the levels of creatinine and uric acid with positive size and between the levels of urea and age. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the expected data and reported by other authors 2, since high protein intake can alter the values found for reference in the renal damage biomarkers such as urea, uricacid and creatinine. It would therefore be advisable to improve preventive training the population on the recommendations of the intake of protein foods, trying to change traditional habits common in Spanish population(AU)

Metabolismo lipídico y hábitos saludables en un grupo de jóvenes universitarios de la población de Granada / Lipidic metabolism and healthy habits in a group of university students from Granada

INTRODUCCIÓN: En la actualidad la población joven universitaria tiende a tener hábitos poco saludables: consumo de comida rápida con exceso de grasas, tabaco, alcohol, poco ejercicio físico.Todo ello conduce a un mayor riesgo de aparición de enfermedades cardiovasculares. OBJETIVO: Evaluar en una población de jóvenes sanos de la provincia de Granada la relación existente entre los hábitos de consumo de alimentos, tabaco y alcohol y realización de ejercicio físico con algunos parámetros del metabolismo lipídico y el índice de masa corporal. METODOLOGÍA: Se ha realizado un estudio en 71 jóvenes (56 mujeres y 15 hombres) con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 31 años, que voluntariamente acudieron a la Escuela de Análisis Clínicos de la Facultad de Farmacia de la Universidad de Granada y aceptaron la participación en el estudio. Se realizaron extracciones de muestras de sangre que fueron procesadas rápidamente para su posterior análisis. En suero se midieron parámetros relacionados con el metabolismo lipídico como colesterol total, HDL-colesterol, LDL-colesterol y triglicéridos. Se determinaron parámetros antropométricos como peso, talla e índice de masa corporal. Se preguntó por el consumo de tabaco, alcohol y si realizaba algún tipo de ejercicio físico. Por último, se realizó una encuesta nutricional de frecuencia de consumo (número de veces por semana) para un grupo de 28 alimentos de consumo básico en nuestra población mediterránea(AU)

CONCLUSIÓN /DISCUSIÓN: En nuestros resultados, es destacable el consumo diario de aceite de oliva (p <0,001) frente al de otro tipo de grasas como son la mantequilla, la margarina y los embutidos. Además, predomina el consumo de carne de pollo frente a la ternera y el cerdo (p<0,05). De 1-4 veces por semana ingieren pescado en todas sus variedades, azul, blanco y en conserva. Prefieren los derivados lácteos como yogur y queso a la leche. Es destacable el consumo de legumbres así como de frutas y verduras. El 73% de la población de estudio presenta un índice de masa corporal ideal. Además, un 60 % realizan ejercicio físico ligero y no fuman un 62,86%. Respecto al metabolismo lipídico, los análisis realizados revelan que los niveles de colesterol total, HDL y LDL y triglicéridos están dentro de los márgenes normales para su edad y sexo. En conclusión podemos decir que la población de jóvenes de Granada estudiada presenta parámetros de metabolismo lipídico e índice de masa corporal dentro de la normalidad gracias a unos buenos hábitos nutricionales y de salud(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Currently, the young population attending University have a tendency to eat unhealthily: fast food consumption, with fat excess; tobacco, alcohol consumption, not much exercise. All the above lead a bigger risk of cardiovascular diseases. PURPOSE: To evaluate the young healthy population of Granada and the relationship existent between eating habits, tobacco, alcohol use and the realisation of exercising with the parameters of the lipid metabolism and the body mass index. METHODS: This study was taken from a survey of 71 young people (56 women and 15 men) between the ages 18-31 years, who voluntarily attended the Clinical Analysis School of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Granada and they accepted to participate in this study. Blood samples were taken for analysis. In serum, several parameters relating with the lipid metabolism were measured out, as well as the total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglicerids. Anthropometrics parameters were determined through weight, height and BMI. Everyone was asked about their tobacco consumption, alcohol habits and if they exercised regularly. Finally, a nutricional test was conducted about the frequency of consumption (times per week) of 28 basic foods consumed in our Mediterranean population. The statistic model which the analysis of our facts were based on was by means of frequence studies and contigency tables, which resulted in a contrast of parameter hypothesis, through the means of the Chi-cuadrado test(AU)

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In our results, the daily consumption of olive oil was important (p<0,001) in comparison with other kinds of fats as in butter, margarine and sausages. Moreover, the consumption of chicken meat is greater than that of veal and pig (p <0,005). They eat fish in all its varieties (blue and white fish, and canned) around 1- 4 times per week. They prefer the lacteos from products such as yoghurt and cheese instead of the milk. It emphasizes the consumption of pulses, as well as the fruits and vegetables. 73 % of the population of this study have an ideal body mass index. Also, a 60 % do light physic activity and a 62,86 % don’t smoke. About the lipid metabolism, the analysis realized develop the levels of total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, and triglicerids are inside the normality for these ages and sex. CONCLUSION: The normal parameters obtained for the lipid metabolism and BMI, on the students studied, its produced thanks to a good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle(AU)

Estudio del metabolismo proteico en una población de jóvenes sanos: actores asociados / Study of the protein metabolism in a population of healthy young people: associate factors

La ingesta de proteína en la población andaluza presenta valores cercanos al 200% de la ingesta recomendada, pudiendo afectar a la función hepática y renal. En esta situación, los niveles de biomarcadores específicos de la función de dichos órganos se verán alterados pudiendo causar daños a veces irreversibles. El estudio se ha llevado a cabo con 70 jóvenes sanos (14 hombres y 56 mujeres) de la Universidad de Granada con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 31 años. Se procedió a la extracción de muestras de sangre venosa para la obtención de suero y la posterior determinación de los parámetros bioquímicos de estado nutricional proteico. Se determinaron parámetros antropométricos, como peso talla e índice de masa corporal. Y también se realizó una encuesta de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos de origen proteico. Los resultados obtenidos muestran una frecuencia de consumo superior a la recomendada, del 20,3% para las aves, del 1% para la ternera y del 6% para el cerdo. El 5,6% de la población mostraba niveles séricos de urea superiores a los de referencia. Las determinaciones realizadas en orina mantienen la normalidad en el 100% de los casos. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio indican que las ingestas proteicas encontradas en la población universitaria estudiada no alteran significativamente los valores de referencia en los biomarcadores de fisiología renal tales como la urea, ácido úrico y creatinina. Por tanto los hábitos de consumo de alimentos proteicos en este grupo de estudio parecen ser los adecuados(AU)

Protein intake in the andalusian population shows values near to 200 % of the recommended dietary intake, being able to affetct the hepatic and renal function. In this situation, the levels of specifics biomarkers of the above mentioned organs will be altered being able to cause irreversible hurts. The study has been carried out in 70 healthy young persons (14 men and 56 women) of the University of Granada by ages understood between 18 and 31 years. Samples of venous blood were extracted to obtain serum and the later determination of the biochemical parameters of nutritional status. Anthhropometrics parameters such as weight and index of corporal mass were determined, and also there was realized a survey of frequency of protein consumption. The results obtained show a frequency of consumption higher to the recommended: 20.3 % for the birds, of 1 % for the veal and of 6 % for the pork. 5.6 % of the population was showing urea serum levels higher to those of reference. The determinations realized in urine are normal in 100 % of the cases. The results obtained in this study indicate that the protein intake found in the studied population do not alter significantly the values of reference in the biomarkers of renal physiology as the urea, uric acid and creatinine.Therefore the habits of consumption of proteic food in this group of study seem to be the suitable ones(AU)

Digestive utilization of goat and cow milk fat in malabsorption syndrome.

We studied the effects of goat and cow milk fat on the digestive utilization of this nutrient and on some of the biochemical parameters that are related to the metabolisim of lipids, using rats with a resection of 50% of the distal small intestine and control animals (transected). The fat content in all the diets was 10% but the lipid quality was varied: the standard diet was based on olive oil, while the other two diets included fat obtained from lyophilized goat milk and cow milk, respectively. The digestive utilization of the fat was lower in the resected animals than in the transected ones for all three diets studied. In both resected and transected animals. the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of the fat was greater with the standard diet (olive oil) than with diets whose fat content was provided by goat or cow milk. The digestive utilization of the fat was greater in the transected and resected rats receiving a diet of goat's milk (rich in medium-chain triglycerides) than those given a cow-milk-based diet and more closely approached the values obtained for olive oil. The consumption of goat milk reduced levels of cholesterol while levels of triglycerides, HDL, GOT and GPT remained with in the normal ranges, for both transected and resected animals. The advantageous effect of goat milk on the metabolisim of lipids with respect to cow milk suggests that the former should be included in the diet in eases of malabsorption snydrome.

Beneficial effect of pollen and/or propolis on the metabolism of iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in rats with nutritional ferropenic anemia.

There has been considerable debate regarding the nutritional benefits of pollen and the propolis produced by bees, although most contributions have lacked scientific soundness. This paper describes the possible beneficial effect of their use in pharmacological products in cases of anemic syndrome. We studied the effect of these two natural products on the digestive utilization of iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, using control rats and rats with nutritional ferropenic anemia. The addition of these products to the diet produced a positive effect on weight gain; this fact could constitute a scientific basis for the application of pollen and propolis as fortifiers. They improve the digestive utilization of iron and the regeneration efficiency of hemoglobin, especially during recovery from an anemic syndrome. They also have a positive effect on phosphocalcic metabolism and maintain an appropiate level of magnesium metabolism. Furthermore, in iron-deficient rats, these natural products palliate, to a large extent, the adverse effects of iron deficiency on calcium and magnesium metabolism as a result of the improvement in the digestive utilization of these minerals.

Influence of goat and cow milk on the digestive and metabolic utilization of calcium and iron.

The effects of goat and cow milk on the digestive and metabolic utilization of calcium and iron were studied in rats using a standard (non-milk) control diet. The digestive utilization of calcium is greater when the animals consume the goat-milk-based diet rather than that based on cow milk or the standard diet. The digestive utilization of iron, however, is similar for the goat-milk diet and the standard diet, and in both cases superior to that based on cow milk. The calcium content in the femur, sternum and Longissimus dorsi muscle (L.D. muscle) provides an indication of what happens during the utilization of the mineral; more is deposited when the rats consume a milk-based diet, particularly one based on goat milk. The iron content in the reserve organs, namely the liver and the spleen, is greater with the standard diet and the goat milk diet than with that containing cow milk. There is an obviously beneficial effect of goat milk on the metabolism of calcium and iron, which minimizes any interaction between the two minerals.

The importance of the proportion of heme/nonheme iron in the diet to minimize the interference with calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium metabolism on recovery from nutritional ferropenic anemia.

The digestive utilization of Fe and its nutritive interaction with Ca, P, and Mg were studied in rats with nutritional ferropenic anemia. The diet contained 80% ferric citrate and 20% heme iron (80/20 diet). The weight gain, digestive utilization of Fe, and regeneration efficiency of hemoglobin and seric Fe were higher in iron-deficient rats (ID) fed the 80/20 diet than in iron-deficient rats fed the 50/50 diet (Campos et al., 1996). The phospho-calcic metabolism, which is adversely affected in ferropenic anemia, returned to normal values when iron was added to the diet. The digestive utilization of Mg, which fell with the 50/50 diet (Campos et al., 1996), returned to normal values when the ferropenic anemia was reversed with the 80/20 diet. In a state of iron deficiency, certain parameters related to the glucose and lipid metabolism are affected; the glucose and triglycerides values return to a normal range with the 80/20 diet.

Interactions among iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the nutritionally iron-deficient rat.

We studied the development of nutritional iron deficiency 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after the intake of a semisynthetic diet lacking iron (diet 0) and the possible interactions with calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in both control rats and rats after 40 days of iron deficiency. During this period, iron deficiency was found to produce stress in the rats, as evidenced by high levels of cortisol in the serum. High levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) were also found. There was a considerable increase in the absorption of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, but the phosphorus and magnesium balance decreased and that of calcium remained practically unchanged, although there was an increase in calcium urinary elimination. Despite the noticeable degree of bone demineralization, which was evident in the femur, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium remained constant. The present study shows that severe nutritional ferropenic anaemia provokes significant alterations in the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. We conclude that these alterations should be taken into account in the treatment of this pathology, given its prevalence and the fact that it may exacerbate other pathologies, particularly those related to the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.

Influence of nutritional iron deficiency development on some aspects of iron, copper and zinc metabolism.

This paper examines the development of iron (Fe) deficiency and its possible interactions with trace elements such as zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) by investigating iron-deficient and control rats. The effects of iron deficiency were studied at day 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 in rats fed on an iron-free diet (diet ID). It was found that the critical period in the development of nutritional iron deficiency occurs after 30 to 40 days without iron supplementation. At this time the organism is unable to maintain haemoglobin levels without endangering the iron-dependent enzymatic groups which are essential for life. It was also demonstrated that in a situation of iron deficiency, there occurs a greater absorption of copper, while that of zinc remains unchanged. As iron deficiency progresses, the levels of copper in the spleen and the sternum increase. It is apparent that iron deficiency provokes more marked alterations in the metabolism of copper than of zinc.

Iron-manganese interactions in the evolution of iron deficiency.

This article examines the evolution of nutritional iron deficiency and the possible interactions with other minerals, such as manganese, in control and iron-deficient rats. The evolution of iron deficiency was studied at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 days of providing the animals with an iron-free diet (diet 0). It was found that the critical period in the development of nutritional iron deficiency occurs after 30-40 days without iron, at which moment the organism is unable to maintain hemoglobin levels without endangering the iron-dependent enzymatic groups which, in turn, are essential for life. It was also demonstrated that in a situation of iron deficiency, there occurs a greater absorption of manganese. It should be noted that this greater absorption of manganese is not reflected in the concentration of the mineral in the organs. Therefore, it is evident that the interactions of iron with manganese take place at the digestive level with no apparent consequences being observed at the metabolic level.

The absorption of iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc in the jejunum-ileum of control and iron-deficient rats.

The effects of iron deficiency on the absorption of different dietary sources of iron were studied, together with the interactions between iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc in the jejunum-ileum of control and iron-deficient rats. In this study, three perfusion solutions containing different iron sources: ferric citrate, haemoglobin, and equal parts of ferric citrate and haemoglobin were used. In addition, the same perfusion solutions were used with and without 2,4-dinitrophenol, an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation. Iron absorption in anaemic rats was greater than in the controls, except after perfusion with solutions containing haemoglobin. The absorption of calcium, copper and zinc in iron-deficient animals was not significantly affected, while the absorption of phosphorus and magnesium increased, with respect to animals in the control group. After perfusion with solutions containing haemoglobin, the absorption values of calcium, copper and zinc were lower than after ferric citrate in both groups (control and iron-deficient rats).

Effect of source of iron on duodenal absorption of iron, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, copper and zinc in rats with ferropoenic anaemia.

We studied the effects of iron deficiency on the in vivo absorption (by using the intestinal perfusion technique in the duodenum) of different dietary sources of iron (haem, non-haem and equal parts of both forms) and investigated the interactions between iron and calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, copper and zinc in control and iron-deficient rats. Three perfusion solutions containing a different source of iron were used: solution 1, ferric citrate; solution 2, haemoglobin; solution 3, equal parts of ferric citrate and haemoglobin. We also tested the same perfusion solution with 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), an inhibitor or oxidative phosphorylation (solutions 1-I, 2-I and 3-I). In control rats we observed three mechanisms of iron absorption: passive for soluble iron salts, active receptor-mediated for non-haem iron complexes, and active receptor-mediated for haem iron. In anaemic rats iron absorption was greater than in controls, except after perfusion with solution 2 (containing haemoglobin). Absorption increased as a result of both the passive and active, receptor-mediated mechanism for non-haem iron complexes. The active component was influenced by the depletion of haem receptors under severe iron deficiency. The absorption of calcium, copper and zinc in iron-deficient animals was lower than in controls, whereas phosphorus and magnesium absorption were not significantly affected. After perfusion with solution 2 or 3, calcium, copper and zinc absorption were lower than after solution 1. We conclude that ferropoenic anaemia in the rat impairs the absorptive process of those minerals that are absorbed, at the duodenal level mainly via active transport (haem iron, calcium, copper and zinc), but does not affect the active component involved in non-haem iron absorption.

Supplementation of a cereal-milk formula with haem iron palliates the adverse effects of iron deficiency on calcium and magnesium metabolism in rats.

Aside from the well known alteration of Fe status in Fe deficiency, this condition has also a negative effect on the bioavailability of Ca and Mg. We studied the influence of the supplementation of a commercial cereal-milk formula with bovine blood on Fe, Ca, P, and Mg metabolism in control and Fe-deficient rats to investigate whether high Fe levels in diet produce some interactions and the possibility of decreasing these latter by a haem-Fe supplementation. The bioavailability in control and Fe-deficient animals was determined as the apparent digestibility coefficient and hemoglobin regeneration efficiency, both of which are accurate estimations of total Fe utilization. Non-fortified cereal-milk formula decreased the apparent digestibility coefficient of Ca and Mg in Fe-deficient rats; the concentrations of these minerals in liver, femur, and sternum were lower than in control animals. However, when the Fe content of the cereal-milk formula was doubled by supplementation with bovine blood, the adverse effects on the digestive utilization of Ca, and especially of Mg, were palliated, the concentration of these two minerals in the organs investigated increased, and the overall Fe status improved in Fe-deficient rats.

Effects of iron replenishment on iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium metabolism in iron-deficient rats.

We investigated the effect of Fe deficiency on the nutritive utilization of Fe, Ca, P and Mg in rats. Aside from the well known depletion of Fe in liver, femur and sternum with low values of Hb, Fe deficiency impaired Ca, P and Mg metabolism at different degrees. Iron deficiency altered Mg absorption, lowered the concentration of Ca in the liver, femur and sternum, raised the concentration of P and Mg in the liver, and decreased P in the femur. The altered status was not completely rectified by iron supplementation as the animals were still slightly anemic at the end of the study. The second purpose of the study was to evaluate the ability of three iron compounds (ferric citrate, ferrous sulfate and ferrous ascorbate) to correct the undesirable effects of Fe deficiency. Ten days after treatment with these diets, Fe-deficient rats still had reduced Mg absorption, especially those fed ferric citrate. The concentrations of hemoglobin approached normal values in all groups; however, serum Fe remained low, indicating that Fe reserves were still depleted. Hepatic and femoral Fe concentrations were also lower in all Fe-deficient groups regardless of the diet given, compared with their respective controls, whereas Fe concentrations in the sternum increased significantly with all three diets, suggesting an increase in erythropoiesis. The concentration of Ca, P and Mg in liver approached normal values, and appeared to normalize in the femur, except that Ca and P concentrations remained low with the citrate diet. In the sternum, a site assumed to have higher requirements for these minerals, the concentrations of Ca, P and Mg also increased. These findings indicate that Fe is involved in the bone mineralization, and that in physiological terms, Fe interacts favorably with Ca, P and Mg metabolism, since Fe deficiency altered the status of these metals. These findings also suggest that ferrous ascorbate and ferrous sulfate were more effectively absorbed than was ferric citrate.

Calcium absorption in rats with distal intestinal resection: influence of type of dietary fat, cholecalciferol and nature of the adaptative response.

The effects of dietary fat and supplementation with cholecalciferol on calcium absorption at different luminal concentrations (2.07 mmol/l and 2.07 mmol/l with 0.5 mmol/l 2,4-dinitrophenol and 8.20 mmol/l) were studied in vivo in the perfused duodenum, residual jejunum and proximal colon of rats with resection of 50% of the distal small intestine, as well as the nature of the adaptative response (passive or active). Changing the source of dietary fat (diet B, containing 1/3 medium chain triglycerides, 1/3 olive oil, 1/3 sunflower oil) increased calcium absorption, preferentially via active transport, in both transected and resected rats. Supplementation of diet B with cholecalciferol further enhanced intestinal calcium absorption, especially in the colon. These results suggest the importance of diet in the adaptive processes and confirm that active mechanisms of transport adapt more readily to intestinal resection than do passive mechanisms.

Effects of intestinal resection, cholecalciferol and ascorbic acid on iron metabolism in rats.

The effect of dietary supplementation with ascorbic acid or cholecalciferol on Fe utilization was studied using the metabolic balance technique, in rats in which 50% of the distal small intestine was removed, or in which the mid small intestine was transected and reanastomosed (controls). Three different diets were used. The first (basal diet) contained (g/kg dry wt): protein (casein + 50 mg D,L-methionine/g) 120 and fat (medium-chain triacylglycerols, olive oil and sunflower oil, in equal parts) 40. The other diets were obtained by adding ascorbic acid (150 mg/kg diet) or cholecalciferol (0.4 mg/kg diet) to the basal diet. Apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) and Fe retention were significantly lower in resected animals than in their respective control groups (transected rats). However, the addition of ascorbic acid or cholecalciferol to the basal diet increased the ADC and Fe retention in both transected and resected rats. Five weeks after surgery, resection also resulted in a reduced concentration of Fe in the sternum, but did not reduce the concentration of haemoglobin or serum Fe total Fe-binding capacity or the concentration of Fe in liver, testes, femur or muscle (longissimus dorsi). Supplementation with ascorbic acid increased serum Fe concentration, while the concentration of Fe in muscle was reduced by supplementation with both ascorbic acid and cholecalciferol. Neither supplementation had any effect on the Fe concentration in other tissues, on haemoglobin concentration or plasma total Fe-binding capacity. Thus, supplementation with ascorbic acid or with cholecalciferol increased Fe absorption and reduced the concentration of Fe in muscle.

Copper malabsorption after intestinal resection in rats. Effects of cholecalciferol and ascorbic acid.

Dietary modifications can partly compensate for the alterations in copper homeostasis caused by distal intestinal resection, by improving biliary function. We studied the effects of resecting 50% of the distal small intestine (DSI) on copper status in rats fed three semisynthetic diets (basal diet, and basal diet with cholecalciferol or ascorbic acid). Intestinal resection significantly decreased the digestive (apparent digestibility coefficient; ADC) and metabolic utilization (balance) of copper 1 month after surgery. However, the supplementation of the basal diet with cholecalciferol attenuated the negative impact of surgery, leading to small differences in Cu ADC and Cu balance between transected and resected rats. Ascorbic acid also enhanced copper retention. Copper status was not as markedly affected by intestinal resection as digestive utilization 1 month after the operation. The beneficial effects of cholecalciferol and ascorbic acid at the digestive and metabolic levels suggest ways to lessen the impact of intestinal resection, and to avoid possible long-term postabsorptive alterations in copper distribution.