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Background and objectives: The gut microbiota performs many functions in the host organism, and metabolites derived from its activity, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), are involved in immunometabolism. Alterations in gut microbial composition play an essential role in diseases such as heart failure, kidney disease, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. The current work aimed to analyze the associations of serum and fecal inflammatory biomarkers with the microbiota and SCFA in prediabetic subjects. Methods: 65 prediabetic patients, diagnosed according to the American Diabetes Association criteria, who participated in a randomized controlled intervention study with Moringa oleifera Lam. (2.4 g/day), were included. Inflammatory markers (Serum C reactive protein [CRP] and fecal calprotectin and sIgA), gut microbiota (qPCR), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA; GC-FID) were studied before (V0) and after a 12-week intervention (V12). Relationships were explored using principal component analysis (PCA). Lineal regression models were performed to determine the predictive variables of inflammatory markers by including SCFA and gut microbiota groups as one block of independent variables. Fat mass percentage (BIA) and treatment group were used to adjust the models. Analyses were performed for V0 and V12 separately. Results: Only for calprotectin were significant models found at V0 (p = 0.044) and V12 (p = 0.010). Lactobacillus (standardized beta, β= 0.292; p = 0.047) and Bacteroides (β = 0.430; p = 0.009) groups were significant predictors at V0 and Lactobacillus (β = 0.339; p = 0.015) and the SCFA valeric acid (β = −0.533; p = 0.014) were predictors of calprotectin in V12. For CRP, a trend was found at V12 regression (p = 0.079), with significant contributions for the Blautia coccoides–Eubacterium rectale group (β = 0.585; p = 0.016) and the categoric

This study evaluated the intestinal effects of alkalinized filtered water in lean and obese adult Zucker rats. For 3 months, 12-week-old rats consumed either tap water or filtered alkalinized tap water from Madrid city. Weight gain was monitored, changes in metabolism were evaluated by indirect calorimetry, and total antioxidant capacity and levels of inflammatory mediators were measured in plasma. Feces were collected, their microbial composition was analyzed and histological analysis of the small and large intestine was performed, assessing the general state of the mucosa (MUC2), the inflammatory state (F4/80) and the presence of oxidative modifications in protein 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) by immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results obtained showed that the consumption of alkalinized filtered water improved the composition of the intestinal microbiome and the state of the intestinal mucosa, reducing both local and systemic inflammation and the level of oxidative stress. These changes were accompanied by a better maintenance of the oxidative status in rats. No differences were observed in antioxidant capacity nor in weight gain. The incorporation of probiotics in the diet had a significant impact on the microbiome. These effects were indicative of an improvement in general metabolic, oxidative and inflammatory status.

Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that dietary fiber and proanthocyanidins play an important role on gut microbiota (GM), colonic integrity and body health. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent disease in which the modifications in the GM and colonic markers stand out. This manuscript hypothesizes the consumption of functional meat enriched in carob fruit extract [CFE; CFE-restructured meat (RM)] ameliorates the dysbiosis and colonic barrier integrity loss in a late-stage T2DM rat model induced by the conjoint action of a high-saturated-fat/high-cholesterol diet (Chol-diet) and a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) plus a nicotinamide (NAD) injection. Three groups of eight rats were used: (1) D group, a T2DM control group, fed the Chol-diet; (2) ED group, a T2DM preventive strategy group fed the CFE-Chol-diet since the beginning of the study; and (3) DE group, a T2DM curative treatment group, fed the CFE-Chol-diet once the diabetic state was confirmed. The study lasted 8 weeks. Amount and variety of GM, feces short-chain-fatty acids (SCFAs), colonic morphology [crypt depth and density, goblet cells, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) indexes] and tight junctions were evaluated. A global colonic index combining 17 markers (GCindex) was calculated. ED rats displayed higher levels of GM richness, SCFAs production, crypt depth, and goblet cells than the D group. DE group showed lower Enterobacteriaceae abundance and greater TUNEL index and occludin expression in the distal colon than D counterpart. GCindex differentiated the colonic health status of the experimental groups in the order (ED > DE > D; P < 0.001) as a 17–51 range-quotation, ED, DE, and D groups displayed the values 43, 32.5, and 27, respectively. Thus, CFE-RM used as a T2DM preventive therapy could induce higher GM richness, more adequate SCFAs production, and better colonic barrier integrity. Furthermore, CFE-RM used with, Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, Depto. de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Fac. de Farmacia, TRUE, pub

[Introduction]: From genome wide association study (GWAS) a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have previously been associated with blood pressure (BP) levels. A combination of SNPs, forming a genetic risk score (GRS) could be considered as a useful genetic tool to identify individuals at risk of developing hypertension from early stages in life. Therefore, the aim of our study was to build a GRS being able to predict the genetic predisposition to hypertension (HTN) in European adolescents., [Methods]: Data were extracted from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) cross-sectional study. A total of 869 adolescents (53% female), aged 12.5-17.5, with complete genetic and BP information were included. The sample was divided into altered (≥130 mmHg for systolic and/or ≥80 mmHg for diastolic) or normal BP. Based on the literature, a total of 1.534 SNPs from 57 candidate genes related with BP were selected from the HELENA GWAS database., [Results]: From 1,534 SNPs available, An initial screening of SNPs univariately associated with HTN (p < 0.10) was established, to finally obtain a number of 16 SNPs significantly associated with HTN (p < 0.05) in the multivariate model. The unweighted GRS (uGRS) and weighted GRS (wGRS) were estimated. To validate the GRSs, the area under the curve (AUC) was explored using ten-fold internal cross-validation for uGRS (0.802) and wGRS (0.777). Further covariates of interest were added to the analyses, obtaining a higher predictive ability (AUC values of uGRS: 0.879; wGRS: 0.881 for BMI z-score). Furthermore, the differences between AUCs obtained with and without the addition of covariates were statistically significant (p < 0.05)., [Conclusions]: Both GRSs, the uGRS and wGRS, could be useful to evaluate the predisposition to hypertension in European adolescents.

La microbiota intestinal realiza muchas funciones en el organismo hospedador, y los metabolitos derivados de su actividad, tales como los ácidos grasos de cadena corta (AGCC), están involucrados en números procesos de regulación metabólica y de la funcionalidad del sistema inmune, por lo que la composición de la microbiota es importante en el riesgo de sufrir enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, como diabetes mellitus tipo 2, enfermedades cardiovasculares, neurodegenerativas, autoinmunes e incluso cáncer. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido explora las asociaciones entre la microbiota intestinal, los AGCC y marcadores de inflamación como calprotectina, sIgA y succinato en heces y proteína C reactiva (PCR) en suero, en sujetos prediabéticos que habían participado en un estudio de intervención nutricional. Se analizaron los datos obtenidos en el punto basal de los 65 voluntarios participantes. Se utilizaron los porcentajes de masa grasa corporal obtenidos por bioimpedancia mediante Tanita BC 601, para una clasificación en dos grupos: normal y exceso de grasa corporal. Los niveles de calprotectina e IgA fecal se determinaron por enzimoinmunoanálisis (ELISA) y la PCR sérica por nefelometría. Los AGCC acético, propiónico, butírico, isobutírico, valérico e isovalérico, se cuantificaron en muestras de heces mediante cromatografía de gases con detector de ionización de llama (Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn, Alemania) y el succinato por cromatografía Iónica (Metrohm Advanced Compac ion chromatographic instrument (867 IC. Metrohm). La composición de la microbiota se analizó en muestras de heces mediante qPCR de 9 grupos bacterianos. Se realizaron modelos de regresión usando como variables dependientes Calprotectina, sIgA, succinato y PCR (en logaritmo) y como independientes los grupos de microbiota y los AGCC, de forma separada para cada una de las variables dependientes. Además se realizaron correlaciones parciales corregidas por la clasificación según grasa corporal. Re

[Background]: For the last 25 years, the debate on the benefit–risk balance of moderate alcohol consumption has been ongoing. This study explored the relationships between the pattern of alcohol consumption and subjective quality of life in healthy adults., [Material and Methods]: Participants were 247 healthy adults aged 25–45 years, with a moderate alcohol consumption, classified in three groups of alcohol intake: None (N = 37; <0.7 g/day), Low (N = 87; 0.7–<5 g/day) and Medium (N = 123; 5–16 g/day in women and 5–28 g/day in men). Information was collected with questionnaires including: alcoholic beverage frequency and pattern, quality of life (SF-36v2), anxiety, depression, health condition, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity and sleep time., [Results]: Mean (SD) age of participants was 35.9 (6.3). In the Medium group, the mean alcohol intake was 10.98 ± 4.84 g/day on weekly bases and 24.7 ± 15.2 g/day on weekend days. Beer was the main contributor to total daily alcohol consumption. The percentage of subjects in the Medium group that showed a weekend average intake higher than moderate was 58.5% in exclusively weekend consumers and 48.2% in those who are not exclusive-weekend consumers (p = 0.278). Regarding markers of quality of life and mental health, the results did not show any significant association with alcohol consumption. In conclusion, in subjects that show weekly bases moderate intake of alcohol, weekend-day consumption levels can be high; however, no association of an overall moderate alcohol consumption pattern with quality of life was found.

Artificial sweeteners are additives widely used in our diet. Although there is no consensus, current evidence indicates that sucralose and saccharin could influence the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to analyze the existing scientific evidence on the effects of saccharin and sucralose consumption on gut microbiota in humans. Different databases were used with the following search terms: sweeteners, non-caloric-sweeteners, sucralose, splenda, saccharin, sugartwin, sweet’n low, microbiota, gut microbiota, humans, animal model, mice, rats, and/or in vitro studies. In vitro and animal model studies indicate a dose-dependent relationship between the intake of both sweeteners and gut microbiota affecting both diversity and composition. In humans, long-term study suggests the existence of a positive correlation between sweetener consumption and some bacterial groups; however, most short-term interventions with saccharin and sucralose, in amounts below the ADI, found no significant effect on those groups, but there seems to be a different basal microbiota-dependent response of metabolic markers. Although studies in vitro and in animal models seem to relate saccharin and sucralose consumption to changes in the gut microbiota, more long-term studies are needed in humans considering the basal microbiota of participants and their dietary and lifestyle habits in all population groups. Toxicological and basal gut microbiota effects must be included as relevant factors to evaluate food safety and nutritional consequences of non-calorie sweeteners. In humans, doses, duration of interventions, and number of subjects included in the studies are key factors to interpret the results.

El ser humano, a lo largo de su existencia, ha ido modificando su alimentación, adaptando los alimentos y la forma de elaborarlos y cocinarlos a cada etapa que ha vivido. Además, la evolución nos ha dotado de un sistema inmunitario formado por una red de células, tejidos y órganos que funcionan conjuntamente y que resulta imprescindible para mantener un buen estado de salud. Así, la inmunonutrición busca estudiar, conocer y adaptar el consumo de los alimentos y el estilo de vida para mantener las defensas del organismo, fomentando la salud mediante la prevención de posibles enfermedades, tanto las infecciosas como aquellas en las que subyacen procesos inflamatorios o las enfermedades autoinmunes. El mantenimiento de una dieta equilibrada que aporte todos los macronutrientes (carbohidratos, grasas y proteínas), micronutrientes, además de otros compuestos bioactivos e hidratación, juega a favor del buen estado del sistema inmunitario; los buenos hábitos, no solo de dieta y comportamiento alimentario, sino también de actividad física, sueño y descanso, así como de cuidado emocional, participan en la regulación de los sistemas fisiológicos, incluyendo la función inmunitaria, repercutiendo así en la salud global.

Different parts of the Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) tree are consumed as food or food supplements for their nutritional and medicinal value; however, very few human studies have been published on the topic. The current work was aimed to provide ancillary analysis to the antidiabetic effects previously reported in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group intervention conducted in patients with prediabetes. Thus, the effect of MO leaves on blood and fecal inflammatory markers, serum lipid profile, plasma antioxidant capacity and blood pressure was studied in participants who consumed 6 × 400 mg capsule/day of MO dry leaf powder (MO, n = 31) or placebo (PLC, n = 34) over 12 weeks. Differences between groups were assessed using each biomarker’s change score with, adjustment for fat status and the baseline value. In addition, a decision tree analysis was performed to find individual characteristics influencing the glycemic response to MO supplementation. No differences in the biomarker’s change scores were found between the groups; however, the decision tree analysis revealed that plasma TNF-α was a significant predictor of the subject’s HbA1c response (improvement YES/NO; 77% correct classification) in the MO group. In conclusion, TNF-α seems to be a key factor to identify potential respondents to MO leaf powder.

We evaluated the association between intake of total polyphenols, polyphenol classes and the 10 most consumed individual polyphenols with serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in 749 European adolescents (53% girls; 15% overweight; 12.5-17.5 years-old) from the cross-sectional HELENA study of 2006-2007. Dietary polyphenol intake was calculated from two non-consecutive 24-h recalls matched with the Phenol-Explorer database. Multilevel linear models examined the associations between dietary polyphenols and TAC. Polyphenol intake was rather low (median = 321mg/day; p25 = 158; p75 = 536) and TAC was comparable to other literature findings (median = 1.57 mmol/L; p25 = 1.45; p75 = 1.74). Total polyphenol intake, polyphenol classes and the top 10 compounds were not associated with TAC in a linear, quadratic or cubic way in partially or fully confounder-adjusted models. A direct anti-oxidative effect of dietary polyphenol intake was not observed in European adolescents. Polyphenol biomarkers and additional antioxidant measures are needed in future prospective studies to confirm these results.

[EN]: Background. The complexity in the development of an eating disorder (ED) pose methodological challenges when addressing risk factors of this pathology. Pike et al. (2008) proposed to use a case-control design for this type of research. The eating disorders’ risk factor study (ANOBAS) is a case-control study with three control groups aiming to evaluate several variables related to the onset of ED, thus the aim was to illustrate a new methodology proposal and to assess whether the chosen control groups are appropriate to research correlates on ED. Methods. We used a case-control design of 50 female adolescents with ED at onset matched by age and their parents’ socioeconomic status with 40 patients with an affective disorder, 40 patients with asthma pathology and 50 without pathology. Diagnoses were completed with K-SADS interview and an evaluation of biological, psychological, environmental and family correlates. Results. Higher similarities were found between the ED group and the affective disorder group across psychological variables, whereas the similarities between the ED group and the asthma group were found at the familial level, as we expected. The biggest differences were found with the non-pathology group. Conclusions. This rigorous research design allows investigating correlates associated specifically to the onset of an ED and the chosen control groups are suitable to investigate it., [ES]: Introducción. La complejidad asociada al desarrollo de los trastornos alimentarios (TCA) supone un reto metodológico en la investigación sobre los factores de riesgo implicados en el trastorno, siendo el diseño caso-control el adecuado para investigarlos. El Estudio de Factores de Riesgo de los TCA (ANOBAS) es un estudio caso-control con tres grupos de control que tiene el objetivo de evaluar distintos correlatos relacionados con el inicio de un TCA. El objetivo de este estudio es mostrar una nueva propuesta metodológica de evaluación y comprobar si los grupos de control son adecuados para estudiar cuáles son los correlatos específicos. Metodología. Se usó un estudio caso-control con 50 adolescentes con TCA al inicio de la patología, emparejadas por edad y estatus socioeconómico de los padres con 40 adolescentes con trastorno afectivo al inicio, 40 adolescentes con patología asmática y 50 adolescentes sin patología. El diagnóstico se realizó a través de la entrevista K-SADS y se hizo una evaluación de los correlatos biológicos, psicológicos y familiares. Resultados. Como se esperaba, altas similitudes fueron encontradas entre el grupo TCA y el grupo con trastorno afectivo en los correlatos psicológicos, mientras que las similitudes entre el grupo TCA y el grupo con patología asmática fueron encontradas en el plano familiar. Las principales diferencias fueron encontradas con el grupo sin patología. Conclusiones. Esta rigurosa propuesta metodológica permite investigar qué correlatos se asocian específicamente al inicio de un TCA, siendo los grupos de control seleccionados adecuados para investigarlo.

We evaluated the association between intake of total polyphenols, polyphenol classes and the 10 most consumed individual polyphenols with serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in 749 European adolescents (53% girls; 15% overweight; 12.5–17.5 years-old) from the cross-sectional HELENA study of 2006–2007. Dietary polyphenol intake was calculated from two non-consecutive 24-h recalls matched with the Phenol-Explorer database. Multilevel linear models examined the associations between dietary polyphenols and TAC. Polyphenol intake was rather low (median = 321mg/day; p25 = 158; p75 = 536) and TAC was comparable to other literature findings (median = 1.57 mmol/L; p25 = 1.45; p75 = 1.74). Total polyphenol intake, polyphenol classes and the top 10 compounds were not associated with TAC in a linear, quadratic or cubic way in partially or fully confounder-adjusted models. A direct anti-oxidative effect of dietary polyphenol intake was not observed in European adolescents. Polyphenol biomarkers and additional antioxidant measures are needed in future prospective studies to confirm these results.

There is increasing evidence that diet influences the relationship between gut microbiota and individual health outcomes. Nutrient intake affects the composition of the gut microbial community and provides metabolites that influence the host physiology. Dietary patterns, including macronutrient balance and feeding/fasting cycles which may be manipulated with dietary regimens based on caloric restriction periods, influence the gut homeostasis through its impact on the microbial ecosystem. Along the same line, prebiotic and probiotic ingredients and additives in foods, as well as the degree of food processing have consequences on gut microbiota and the related immune and metabolic response of the human host. Acquiring knowledge of these aspects, especially through an -omics-integral approach, might provide the basis for personalized nutritional interventions directed to avoid dysbiosis and contribute to the prevention of major chronic degenerative diseases. Despite vast scientific evidence supporting the relationship between dietary factors and gut microbiota composition and function, the underlying mechanisms and their potential impact are far from clear. There is a lack of well-designed longitudinal studies performed in target population groups whose dietary patterns can be particularly relevant for their future health, as is the case in infants, pregnant women, or athletes.

[ES]: Actualmente existe una gran controversia relativa a la falta de definición respecto a lo que se considera un consumo moderado de bebidas alcohólicas desde el punto de vista de la salud, ya que, a su vez, debería ser un consumo socialmente aceptado. Aunque no existe una definición universalmente consensuada de consumo moderado, se considera como tal la cantidad por debajo de 10-12 g de alcohol al día para mujeres y de no más de 20-24 g alcohol al día para hombres. Estas diferencias se deben a la menor capacidad de las mujeres para metabolizar el alcohol. De acuerdo con la evidencia científica, parece aceptarse que el consumo moderado de cerveza puede colaborar en mantener una adecuada calidad de la dieta, ya que aporta vitaminas del complejo B (vitamina B6, B12 y folatos) y minerales (magnesio), entre otros nutrientes, así como polifenoles y carbohidratos complejos. En referencia a la salud, se ha atribuido a la cerveza un papel protector a nivel cardiovascular, asociado a un mejor perfil lipídico. Todo ello podría indicar un papel protector a nivel cardiovascular. También es importante señalar que el posible efecto beneficioso de un consumo moderado de bebidas fermentadas (como la cerveza) está asociado a otros factores como el sexo, la edad y el patrón de consumo a lo largo de la vida., [EN]: There is currently a great controversy about the lack of definition regarding the concept of moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages from the point of view of health, since, in turn, it should be a socially accepted consumption. Although still there is not a global agreement about the definition of “moderate consumption”, it is considered as such the amount below 10-12 g alcohol/day for women and no more than 20-24g alcohol/day for men. These differences are because that women are not capable as men to metabolise alcohol. According to the scientific evidence, moderate consumption of beer seems to be accepted to maintain an adequate quality of the diet, as it provides vitamins B (vitamin B6, B12 and folates) and minerals (magnesium) among other nutrients, as well as poliphenols and complex carbohydrates. In terms of health, a moderate beer consumption may play a protective role at cardiovascular levels, associated with an enhanced lipid profile. It should be highlighted the possible beneficial effects of a moderate consumption of fermented beverages (such as beer) is associated with other factors, such as gender, age, as well as the pattern of consumption throughout life.

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a multipurpose plant with a high polyphenol content, which is being increasingly consumed to lessen the risk of chronic metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes; however, scientific evidence from clinical trials is scarce. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group intervention study with MO leaves as a food supplement was conducted in subjects with prediabetes. They consumed six daily capsules of MO dry leaf powder (2400 mg/day) (MO, n = 31) or placebo (PLC, n = 34) over 12 weeks. Glycemia, appetite-controlling hormones and gut microbiota composition were studied. ANCOVA with the fixed factor “treatment” and the basal value as covariate was used to compare the change score between the groups. The results showed significant differences between groups in the rate of change of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which showed opposite directions during the intervention, decreasing in MO and increasing in PLC. No different change scores were found between the groups in microbiota, hepatic and renal function markers or the appetite-controlling hormones measured. In conclusion, MO supplementation resulted in favorable changes in glycaemia markers compared to placebo in the subjects with prediabetes studied, suggesting that MO might act as a natural antihyperglycemic agent.