Anthropometric Characteristics and other Dietary Aspects of a Group of Spanish Women Looking for Weight Loss and Enrolled in a Weight Management Program
Pages 177-182
Magdalena Rafecas, Laura-Isabel Arranz, Mireia García, Miguel-Ángel Canela and DIECA group
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2014.04.03.2
Published: 12 August 2014

Abstract: Overweight is a health problem characterised as a higher than normal body weight due to an abnormal increase in body fat. Body weight adequacy is categorised using body mass index (BMI), however other parameters as fat mass (FM), waist circumference or waist to hip ratio, are relevant. Ideally, body composition should be calculated initially to evaluate changes during a dietary intervention for weight loss. Hunger experience is another parameter to take into account in order to succeed. The aim was to investigate and describe the characteristics of women seeking weight loss solutions. We organised an open program for people with body excess who wanted to lose weight. 252 women participated and answered to a dietary interview. Anthropometric measures of weight, height, body mass index, body fat, waist and hip circumference were taken. The mean age was of 36.84±7.29 years, and most of them, about 90%, have followed dietary programs for weight loss throughout their lives. They all wanted to lose weight in a range of 3 to 20 kilograms with a mean value of 11.49±6.01 kilograms. 123 women had a hunger profile of satiating behaviour and 129 a snacking one. The mean BMI was within overweight values, and mean fat mass was within obesity values. Waist and hip circumference were higher than normal in most of the participants and excess body weight perception and attitude were different. There is a need to tackle overweight and obesity individually, taking into account personal consciousness and expectancy, anthropometric measures and hunger experience.

In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Isostichopus badionotus, a Sea Cucumber from Yucatan Peninsula Coast 
Pages 183-186
Aida R. Pérez-Espadas, María J. Verde-Star, Catalina Rivas-Morales, Azucena Oranday-Cárdenas, María E. Morales-Rubio, Lorena V. León-Deniz, Jaqueline Canul-Canché and Leovigildo Quijano
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2014.04.03.3
Published: 12 August 2014

Abstract: The in vitro cytotoxic activity of hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol extracts of the sea-cucumber Isostichopus badionotus (Holothuroidea) was tested against normal cells (Vero), human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7 andMDA-MB-231) ATCC cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.Hexane extracts from body walls and viscera showed high cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells (IC₅₀’s = 48.5 and 42.5 µg mL^-1, respectively), while the ethyl acetate extract of body walls was considered low active (IC₅₀ = 98.3μg mL^-1). In addition, the body walls hexane extract showed a good selectivity index value of 12.0.

Nutritional and Functional Properties of Edible Mushrooms: A Food with Promising Health Claims
Pages 187-198
Viviana Loria-Kohen, Thais Lourenço-Nogueira, Isabel Espinosa-Salinas, Francisco R. Marín, Cristina Soler-Rivas and Ana Ramirez de Molina
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2014.04.03.4
Published: 12 August 2014

Abstract: Over the past two decades, there has been a steady flow of publications about the health effects related to mushrooms consumption. They represent a valuable source of protein, present high levels of fiber, some vitamins and minerals, and they also have reduced amount of fat and sodium. In addition, their complex carbohydrates profile can strengthen considerably the immune system.

Edible mushrooms have been related to significant functional properties due to their bioactive compounds, such as eritadenine, phenolic compounds, sterols (as ergosterol), chitosan, etc., These substances are considered as important agents in the prevention and treatment of different health conditions like obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to remember that most of scientific studies are made in animal models and, therefore, some evidences regarding mushroom consumption have yet to be confirmed in clinical trials.

Despite of the growing appeal for humans by their medicinal effects and nutritional value, mushrooms are also very appreciated for their texture, flavor, and versatility in culinary. They can be easily incorporated into any kind of dish, improving the dietary diversity without adding many calories.

The information presented in this review point out that the positive effect of mushrooms on health is beyond basic nutrition. Therefore, it is very valuable expanding our knowledge about mushrooms, in order to identify all their active principles and the mechanisms involved in each health benefit, getting aware about the doses required to achieve that, in a safe range for humans.

Lactic-Acid Bacteria Supplement Fermented Dairy Products with Human Behavior-Modifying Neuroactive Compounds
Pages 199-206
Alexander V. Oleskin, Olga G. Zhilenkova, Boris A. Shenderov, Adelaide M. Amerhanova, Vladimir S. Kudrin and Peter M. Klodt
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2014.04.03.5
Published: 12 August 2014

Abstract: Using high performance liquid chromatography, we established that probiotic Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus helveticus 100ash, L. helveticus NK-1, L. casei K₃III₂₄, and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) grown on two milk-containing nutrient media produce important neuromediators such as biogenic amines, their precursors and deamination products, as well as neuroactive amino acids. The concentrations of biogenic amines (such as catecholamines and, with L. helveticus 100ash, also serotonin) equal or exceed those contained in the bloodstream of healthy adult humans, whereas those of most amino acids are comparatively low, except for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Of paramount importance is the fact that the bacterial cultures can release micromolar amounts of GABA and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)into the milk-containing media. It is known that DOPA passes through the gut-blood and the blood-brain barrier and converts into major neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) that influence important aspects of human behavior. The data obtained suggest that dairy products fermented by live lactobacilli-containing starters are potential sources of human behavior-modifying substances.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Lycii Radicis Cortex Water Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-Activated RAW 264.7 Mouse Macrophages
Pages 207-212
Wansu Park
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2014.04.03.6
Published: 12 August 2014

Abstract: The rootbark ofLycium chinenseMiller (Solanaceae), also known as Lycii radicis cortex, is one of famous plant-originated drugs in Korean medicine owing to its anti-tussive, anti-asthmatic, and antipyretic properties. In this study, the effect of Lycii radicis cortex water extract (LRC; 10 - 200 μg/mL) on inflammatory mediators from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages was inspected. After 24 h incubation with LRC, cell viability, nitric oxide (NO), and various cytokines from RAW 264.7were measured. LRC increased the cell viability of RAW 264.7 at concentrations of up to 200 μg/mL. LRC significantly inhibited the production of NO, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-10 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 (P < 0.05). As well, LRC diminished the production of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine (LIX). The current results suggest that LRC hasimmunomodulatory property to alleviate excessive immune reactions during the activation of macrophages by LPS.