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[Objective]: We aimed to assess whether 2-hydroxyoleic acid (2-OHOA) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) could counteract changes on adipokine secretion and cardiometabolic risk biomarkers associated with high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice., [Methods]: Female ICR/CD1 mice (8 weeks old) were divided into four groups receiving different diets (n = 8/group): (1) standard chow (control) for 18 weeks; (2) 22% fat for 4 weeks + 60% fat for 14 weeks (obesogenic diet, OD); 3) OD + 2-OHOA (1500 mg kg−1 diet) for the last 6 weeks (ODHO); and 4) OD + n-3 PUFA (eicosapentaenoic + docosahexaenoic acids, 1500 + 1500 mg kg−1 diet) for the last 6 weeks (OD-N3). After 18 weeks, body weight, periovarian visceral fat, heart and liver weights were measured, as well as cardiometabolic parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose, insulin, HOMA index, triglycerides, total cholesterol, apolipoproteins A1 and E), plasma adipokines and inflammatory proteins (leptin, adiponectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 [PAI1], soluble E-selectin [sE-selectin], matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9], fibrinogen, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule [sICAM] and soluble vascular adhesion molecule [sVCAM]), and secretion of pro-inflamatory cytokines and inflammatory biomarkers from periovarian adipocytes., [Results]: OD mice had greater body and heart weights, and plasma leptin, and lower adiponectin and resistin secretion from adipocytes. Supplementation with 2-OHOA reduced body and heart weights, blood pressure, triglycerides and leptin, and restored adiponectin and resistin secretion, while n-3 PUFA only reduced triglyceride levels (all P < 0.05)., [Conclusion]: 2-OHOA supplementation was more effective in reducing adiposity, modulating adipokine secretion and ameliorating cardiometabolic risk than n-3 PUFA.

The current study investigates whether probiotic fermented milk (PFM) and yogurt consumption (YC) are related to both the ingested bacteria taxa and the overall gut microbiota (GM) composition in healthy adults. PFM and YC habits were analyzed in 260 subjects (51% male) by specific questionnaires, and the following groups were considered: (1) PFM groups: nonconsumers (PFM-NC, n = 175) and consumers (PFM, n = 85), divided as follows: Bifidobacterium-containing PFM (Bif-PFM; n = 33), Lactobacillus-containing PFM (Lb-PFM; n = 14), and mixed Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus-containing PFM (Mixed-PFM; n = 38); (2) PFM-NC were classified as: yogurt nonconsumers (Y-NC; n = 40) and yogurt consumers (n = 135). GM was analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing. PFM consumers showed higher Bifidobacteria taxa levels compared to NC, from phylum through to species. Specifically, Bif-PFM consumption was related to higher B. animalis levels (p < 0.001), whereas Lb-PFM consumption was associated to higher levels of Bifidobacterium (p < 0.045) and B. longum (p = 0.011). YC was related to higher levels of the yogurt starter Streptococcus thermophilus (p < 0.001). Lactobacilli and the overall GM were not related either to YC or PFM consumption. According to these results, healthy adults might benefit from PFM intake by increasing Bifidobacterium levels.

[Introducción] La modulación de grupos bacterianos beneficiosos, así como la producción de ácidos grasos de cadena corta, son dos de los mecanismos postulados que relacionan el consumo de fibra con beneficios sobre la salud del huésped., [Objetivo] Evaluar la relación entre el consumo de fibra, la producción de ácidos grasos de cadena corta (AGCC) y la abundancia de grupos bacterianos pertenecientes a la clase Clostridia en adultos sanos., [Metodologia] Estudio observacional llevado a cabo en 261 adultos sanos (51% hombres) entre 25-50 años, sin enfermedades crónicas ni consumo crónico de medicamentos. El análisis de los AGCC (acético, propiónico, butírico, isobutírico, valérico e isovalérico) se llevó a cabo mediante cromatografía de gases. El analisis de la microbiota intestinal se realizó mediante secuenciación del gen 16S (regiones V3+V4; MiSeq 2x270 Illumina) y posterior análisis taxonómico, y el consumo de fibra dietética se analizó mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos (118 items), dividiendo a la población en 3 grupos: bajo consumo (<15 g/día), medio consumo (15-25 g/día) y alto consumo (>25 g/día). Para estudiar el efecto del consumo de fibra sobre las variables mencionadas, se utilizaron modelos lineales generales, con los factores fijos grupos de fibra, género e IMC, así como la energía de la dieta (kcal/día) y la edad como covariables, utilizando comparaciones por pares con ajuste de Bonferroni para las comparaciones entre grupos. Para analizar posibles asociaciones entre las variables de estudio se utilizó la correlación de Pearson., [Resultados] Los niveles de ácido acético y butírico fueron más altos en los grupos de alto y medio consumo de fibra comparado con el grupo de bajo consumo, alcanzando significancia estadística entre el medio y el bajo consumo (P=0,021 y P=0,034, respectivamente). Por otro lado, el grupo de alto consumo de fibra mostró valores más elevados de la familia Clostridiaceae en comparación con el de bajo consumo (P=0,026), así como de Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (P=0,018). Además, los niveles de ácido butírico y acético se correlacionaron positivamente con F. prausnitzii (P<0.001)., [Conclusión] El consumo de fibra podría tener efectos beneficiosos sobre la salud intestinal de adultos sanos, debido a los niveles más altos de ácido butírico y F.prausnitzii, ambos relacionados con efectos anti-inflamatorios a nivel intestinal.

[Purpose]:Obesity is associated with impaired immune defences and chronic low levels of inflammation and oxidation. In addition, this condition may lead to premature aging. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a nutritional supplementation with monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on several functions and oxidative stress parameters in peritoneal immune cells of obese mice, as well as on the life span of these animals. [Methods]:Obesity was induced in adult female ICR/CD1 by the administration of a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks. During the last 6 weeks of HFD feeding, one group of obese mice received the same HFD, supplemented with 1500 mg of 2-hydroxyoleic acid (2-OHOA) and another with 3000 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Several functions and oxidative stress parameters of peritoneal leukocytes were evaluated. [Results]:The groups of obese mice treated with 2-OHOA or with EPA and DHA showed a significant improvement in several functions such as chemotaxis, phagocytosis, digestion capacity, Natural killer activity and lymphoproliferation in response to mitogens. All of these functions, which were decreased in obese mice, increased reaching similar levels to those found in non-obese controls. Both treatments also improved oxidative stress parameters such as xanthine oxidase activity, which decreased, catalase activity and glutathione levels, which increased. [Conclusion]:These data suggest that dietary supplementation with monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could be an effective nutritional intervention to restore the immune response and oxidative stress state, which are impaired in obese mice.

Purpose: Obesity is associated with impaired immune defences and chronic low levels of inflammation and oxidation. In addition, this condition may lead to premature aging. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a nutritional supplementation with monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on several functions and oxidative stress parameters in peritoneal immune cells of obese mice, as well as on the life span of these animals. Methods: Obesity was induced in adult female ICR/CD1 by the administration of a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks. During the last 6 weeks of HFD feeding, one group of obese mice received the same HFD, supplemented with 1500 mg of 2-hydroxyoleic acid (2-OHOA) and another with 3000 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Several functions and oxidative stress parameters of peritoneal leukocytes were evaluated. Results: The groups of obese mice treated with 2-OHOA or with EPA and DHA showed a significant improvement in several functions such as chemotaxis, phagocytosis, digestion capacity, Natural killer activity and lymphoproliferation in response to mitogens. All of these functions, which were decreased in obese mice, increased reaching similar levels to those found in non-obese controls. Both treatments also improved oxidative stress parameters such as xanthine oxidase activity, which decreased, catalase activity and glutathione levels, which increased. Conclusion: These data suggest that dietary supplementation with monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could be an effective nutritional intervention to restore the immune response and oxidative stress state, which are impaired in obesemice., Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Salud Carlos III—Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (ISCIII-FEDER), Depto. de Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Fac. de Ciencias Biológicas, TRUE, pub

New Findings: What is the central question of this study? Evidence is growing for the link between obesity, immune dysfunction and oxidative stress, but it is still not known how the properties and functions of the spleen and splenic leucocytes are affected. What is the main finding and its importance? Obesity led to premature immunosenescence, manifested as oxidative stress and changes in leucocyte functions in mouse spleen. The oleic acid derivative 2-hydroxyoleate and, to a lesser extent, a combination of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids could reverse most of the observed alterations, suggesting a potential therapeutic tool for obesity-related immune dysfunction and redox imbalance. We aimed to investigate the effects of obesity on oxidative stress and leucocyte function in the mouse spleen and to assess whether supplementation with 2-hydroxyoleic acid (2-OHOA) or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could reverse those effects. Female ICR/CD1 mice (8 weeks old, n = 24) received an obesogenic diet (22% fat for 4 weeks and 60% fat for 14 weeks). After 6 weeks, mice were divided into the following three groups (n = 8 per group): no supplementation; 2-OHOA supplementation (1500 mg kg-1 of diet); and n-3 PUFA supplementation (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, 1500 + 1500 mg kg-1 of diet). Eight mice were fed the standard diet for the whole duration of the study (control group). At the end of the experiment, the following variables were assessed in spleens: levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH/GSSG, xanthine oxidase activity, lipid peroxidation, lymphocyte chemotaxis, natural killer activity and mitogen (concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide)-induced lymphocyte proliferation. Obese animals presented higher GSSG levels (P = 0.003), GSSG/GSH ratio (P = 0.013), lipid peroxidation (P = 0.004), xanthine oxidase activity (P = 0.015) and lymphocyte chemotaxis (P < 0.001), and lower natural killer activity (P = 0.003) and pro, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN), Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Envejecimiento y Fragilidad (RETICEF), Carlos III PRONAOS Study Institute (ISCIII)-Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) of the European Union, Depto. de Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Fac. de Ciencias Biológicas, TRUE, pub

[ES]: La prevalencia mundial de sobrepeso y obesidad ha aumentado dramáticamente en las últimas décadas, alcanzando el nivel de epidemia. Esta condición se asocia a su vez con una amplia gama de factores de riesgo metabólico, como resistencia a la insulina, valores altos de triglicéridos y glucosa en sangre, o hipertensión arterial, características todas ellas típicas del síndrome metabólico, y que promueven un incremento del riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular y diabetes mellitus tipo 2, entre otras enfermedades. Además, el exceso de adiposidad se caracteriza por una inflamación crónica de bajo grado con desequilibrio en las adipoquinas del tejido adiposo, en particular en la secreción de leptina y adiponectina, y en consecuencia en sus valores circulantes. La obesidad también se asocia con el estrés oxidativo (EO) cuando se mantiene durante largo tiempo, y puede estar mediada por una disminución de las defensas antioxidantes y/o una mayor formación de oxidantes. En las últimas décadas también se ha experimentado un aumento del consumo de alimentos procesados, y este cambio sin duda ha contribuido a la mayor incidencia de sobrepeso y obesidad. En este sentido, las grasas alimenticias constituyen un factor principal en el desarrollo de la obesidad y las alteraciones asociadas, y posiblemente también en su prevención y/o tratamiento., [EN]: The worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased dramatically in the past decades, reaching epidemic levels. This condition is associated with a wide range of metabolic risk factors, such as insulin resistance, high triglyceride levels, glucose and blood pressure, all typical characteristics of the metabolic syndrome, which promote increased risks of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes mellitus, among other diseases. In addition, an excess of adiposity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation with an imbalance in the adipokines from adipose tissue, particularly in leptin and adiponectin secretion, and in consequence in their circulating levels. Obesity is also associated with oxidative stress when maintained for a long time, and it can be mediated by either a decrease in antioxidant defences and/or increased formation of oxidants. In recent decades, there has also been an increase in the consumption of processed foods that has contributed to the higher rates of overweight and obesity. In this sense, dietary fats are a major factor in the development of obesity, and possibly in its prevention and treatment as well. The Mediterranean diet has been proposed as a healthy option for the prevention of obesity, and it is characterized by a high consumption of olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and of fatty fish, the main source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids.

New Findings: What is the central question of this study? Evidence is growing for the link between obesity, immune dysfunction and oxidative stress, but it is still not known how the properties and functions of the spleen and splenic leucocytes are affected. What is the main finding and its importance? Obesity led to premature immunosenescence, manifested as oxidative stress and changes in leucocyte functions in mouse spleen. The oleic acid derivative 2-hydroxyoleate and, to a lesser extent, a combination of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids could reverse most of the observed alterations, suggesting a potential therapeutic tool for obesity-related immune dysfunction and redox imbalance. We aimed to investigate the effects of obesity on oxidative stress and leucocyte function in the mouse spleen and to assess whether supplementation with 2-hydroxyoleic acid (2-OHOA) or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could reverse those effects. Female ICR/CD1 mice (8 weeks old, n = 24) received an obesogenic diet (22% fat for 4 weeks and 60% fat for 14 weeks). After 6 weeks, mice were divided into the following three groups (n = 8 per group): no supplementation; 2-OHOA supplementation (1500 mg kg of diet); and n-3 PUFA supplementation (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, 1500 + 1500 mg kg of diet). Eight mice were fed the standard diet for the whole duration of the study (control group). At the end of the experiment, the following variables were assessed in spleens: levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH/GSSG, xanthine oxidase activity, lipid peroxidation, lymphocyte chemotaxis, natural killer activity and mitogen (concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide)-induced lymphocyte proliferation. Obese animals presented higher GSSG levels (P = 0.003), GSSG/GSH ratio (P = 0.013), lipid peroxidation (P = 0.004), xanthine oxidase activity (P = 0.015) and lymphocyte chemotaxis (P < 0.001), and lower natural killer activity (P = 0.003) and prolife

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an atypical form of malnutrition with peculiar changes in the immune system. We hypothesized that different lymphocyte subsets are differentially affected by malnutrition in AN, and thus, our aim was to investigate the influence of body mass loss on the variability of lymphocyte subsets in AN patients. A group of 66 adolescent female patients, aged 12-17 years, referred for their first episode of either AN or feeding or eating disorders not elsewhere classified were studied upon admission (46 AN-restricting subtype, 11 AN-binge/purging subtype, and 9 feeding or eating disorders not elsewhere classified). Ninety healthy adolescents served as controls. White blood cells and lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Relationships with the body mass index (BMI) z score were assessed in linear models adjusted by diagnostic subtype and age. Leukocyte numbers were lower in AN patients than in controls, and relative lymphocytosis was observed in AN-restricting subtype. Lower CD8, NK, and memory CD8 counts were found in eating disorder patients compared with controls. No differences were found for CD4 counts or naive and memory CD4 subsets between the groups. Negative associations between lymphocyte percentage and the BMI z score, as well as between the B cell counts, naive CD4 percentage and counts, and the BMI z score, were found. In conclusion, increased naive CD4 and B lymphocyte subsets associated with body mass loss drive the relative lymphocytosis observed in AN patients, which reflects an adaptive mechanism to preserve the adaptive immune response.

[Objective]: To examine the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) at baseline and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in 6- to 10-year-olds (cross-sectional) and 2 years later (8- to 12-year-olds [longitudinal]) and whether changes with age in CRF are associated with CVD risk in children aged 8 to 12 years. [Patients and Methods]: Spanish primary schoolchildren (n=236) aged 6 to 10 years participated at baseline. Of the 23 participating primary schools, 22% (n=5) were private schools and 78% (n=18) were public schools. The dropout rate at 2-year follow-up was 9.7% (n=23). The 20-m shuttle run test was used to estimate CRF. The CVD risk score was computed as the mean of 5 CVD risk factor standardized scores: sum of 2 skinfolds, systolic blood pressure, insulin/glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. [Results]: At baseline, CRF was inversely associated with single CVD risk factors (all P<.05) and CVD risk score at baseline and follow-up (P<.001). Cardiorespiratory fitness cutoff points of 39.0 mL/kg per minute or greater in boys and 37.5 mL/kg per minute or greater in girls are discriminative to identify CVD risk in childhood (area under the curve, >0.85; P<.001) and to predict CVD risk 2 years later (P=.004). Persistent low CRF or the decline of CRF from 6-10 to 8-12 years of age is associated with increased CVD risk at age 8 to 12 years (P<.001). [Conclusion]: During childhood, CRF is a strong predictor of CVD risk and should be monitored to identify children with potential CVD risk.

[Background]: Although the effects of probiotics on the immune system have been extensively evaluated under disease states, their role in healthy situations remains unclear, since changes are hardly expected under immunological homeostasis. EFSA indicates that vaccination protocols could be used to evaluate the potential role of probiotics to improve the immune response against antigen challenges. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 (Lc) on the specific immunity of healthy volunteers undergoing vaccination with Hepatitis A virus (HAV). [Methods]: One hundred twenty-three healthy adults were randomised into three groups to follow a 6-week (wk) intervention and all received an intramuscular HAV vaccine 2 weeks after starting the intervention: 1) PRO1 received Lc for 2weeks (1 capsule/day; 3 × 10 CFU/capsule) and placebo capsules after vaccination; 2) PRO2 received a daily capsule of Lc (3 × 10 cfu/day) before and after the challenge; 3) Control group (C) received a daily placebo capsule before and after the vaccine. Blood samples were collected at the beginning (visit 1; V1) and after 2 (V2) and 6 weeks (V3) of the intervention. At each visit, lymphocyte subset counts and cytokine levels were analysed. Specific HAV antibodies were analysed at V1 and V3. To evaluate differences between groups, one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc test were used regarding lymphocyte subset counts and specific HAV antibodies production, and Friedman test of related samples and Kendall concordance coefficient for cytokines production. Chi square test was used to analyse seroconversion rates. [Results]: Specific HAV antibodies were significantly higher in PRO1 (50.54 ± 29.57) compared to C (36.23 ± 16.45) (P = 0.017) and showed an intermediate value in PRO2 (41.61 ± 15.74). Seroconversion rates were similar in the three groups (97.3, 92.3 and 97.4% in C, PRO1 and PRO2 respectively). Memory T-helper lymphocytes increased in V3 vs. V1 (P =