Migdalia Arazo-Rusindo

Background and Objective: Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition among older people that significantly compromises functional capacity and quality of life. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between leucine and total polyphenol intake and indicators of sarcopenia in 181 older people from the Metropolitan Region of Chile enrolled in the PACAM program. Methods: Dietary intake was assessed using three non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Leucine intake was estimated using Food Processor II software and compared with a 3 g/day anabolic threshold, while total daily polyphenol intake (mg/day) was calculated from Phenol-Explorer content data. Both dietary variables were examined in relation to sarcopenia status (presence/absence) as defined by the established European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) diagnostic criteria. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U tests for continuous variables, chi-square tests for categorical variables, and multivariable logistic regression models, with results expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs); significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The median intakes of leucine and total polyphenols were 2.2 g/day and 499.33 mg/day, respectively, with total polyphenols derived mainly from fruits and vegetables. No significant associations were observed between leucine or total polyphenol intake and sarcopenia status, either in absolute terms or when categorized by the anabolic thresholds (≥3 g/day and ≥1000 mg/day, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, BMI, total protein and total energy intake, neither leucine nor total polyphenol intake showed independent associations with sarcopenia. Conclusions: In this sample of older Chilean people, habitual intake of leucine and total polyphenols was not associated with sarcopenia status, suggesting that current intake levels may not be sufficient to produce measurable effects on muscle health under real-world conditions.

Extrusion can yield expanded products or non-expanded pellets, which are later expanded in a separate thermal device to form third-generation (3G) snacks. In both processes, ingredient effects on structure formation, functional ingredient retention, and structural development are challenging. This study analyzed the effect of adding 0-15% grape pomace flour (GPF), a wine industry by-product, to rice flour pellets extruded at maximum temperatures of 110 and 150°C using twin-screw extrusion and then microwave-expanded (30s,480W), to understand the relationship between microstructural parameters of 3G snacks and their physical and textural properties, total polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity. Results showed that adding GPF increased bulk density (0.12 to 0.39g/cm3), hardness (29.5 to 37.59N), and crispness, while decreasing the expansion index (1.83 to 1.65). Micro-CT analysis revealed that extrusion temperature did not affect microstructural parameters, but high GPF levels (15%) reduced porosity and pore size, and increased wall thickness. Extrusion reduced initial TPC in pellets by up to 52%, but microwave-expansion increased it by up to 37%, likely due to polyphenol release from the glassy matrix (pellets). These findings highlight the potential for creating nutritionally enhanced 3G snacks using agricultural by-products like GPF and underscore the importance of a microstructural approach in analysis.

Background and objective: The global aging population has led to increased noncommunicable diseases, often linked to poor diet and declining muscle strength and mass. This study assessed leucine intake and sarcopenia indicators among 181 adults aged 60–80 in Santiago, Chile, participating in the Program for Complementary Food in Older People (PACAM), with 80% being women. Methods: Sarcopenia was evaluated through muscle strength and mass using the EWGSOP2 criteria for its identification. Results: 78.45% of participants did not meet the recommended leucine intake of 3 g per day and sarcopenia was identified in 17.13% of them. The skeletal muscle index was 48.07%, and hand grip strength was 26.52%, with men showing significantly higher grip strength (48.60% vs. 28.80%, p = 0.00). Inadequate leucine intake was more common in those aged 60–75 (85.9%) than those over 75 (p = 0.03). No significant differences in BMI, grip strength, or muscle mass were found between those with adequate and inadequate leucine intake, and PACAM food consumption did not significantly affect these parameters. A sub-analysis showed significant differences in grip strength among powdered dairy drink consumers (35.20% vs. 17.80%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Chilean elderly participating in PACAM present a high prevalence of sarcopenia and leucine deficiency among with no notable benefits from PACAM foods intake. Despite the limitations of the local body composition assessment method, this research addresses a critical public health issue in Chile. Future studies should evaluate physical performance and focus on leucine supplementation to clarify its effects on sarcopenia.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disorder caused by uncontrolled immune activation and the subsequent destruction of the colon tissue. Quercetin (Qt) is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent proposed as an alternative to mitigate IBD. However, its use is limited by its low oral bioavailability. This study aimed to develop nanoemulsions (NEs) based on a soluble chenopodin/alginate (QPA) complex and Tween 80 (T80), intended for the colonic release of Qt, activated by the pH (5.4) and bacteria present in the human colonic microbiota. NEs with different ratios of QPA/Tw80 (F1-F6) were prepared, where F4Qt (60/40) and F5Qt (70/30) showed sizes smaller than 260 nm, PDI < 0.27, and high encapsulation efficiency (>85%). The stability was evaluated under different conditions (time, temperature, pH, and NaCl). The DSC and FTIR analyses indicated hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions between QPA and Qt. F4Qt and F5Qt showed the greater release of Qt in PBS1X and Krebs buffer at pH 5.4 (diseased condition), compared to the release at pH 7.4 (healthy condition) at 8 h of study. In the presence of E. coli and B. thetaiotaomicron, they triggered the more significant release of Qt (ƒ2 < 50) compared to the control (without bacteria). The NEs (without Qt) did not show cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells (cell viability > 80%) and increased the antioxidant capacity of encapsulated Qt. Therefore, these NEs are promising nanocarriers for the delivery of flavonoids to the colon to treat IBD.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is an interesting therapeutic target to help reduce cancer deaths, and the use of bioactive compounds has emerged as a novel and safe approach to solve this problem. Here, we discuss the information available related to phlorotannins, a type of polyphenol present in brown seaweeds that reportedly functions as antioxidants/pro-oxidants and anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic agents. Specifically, available evidence indicates that dieckol and phloroglucinol promote mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Phlorotannins also reduce pro-tumorigenic, -inflammatory, and -angiogenic signaling mechanisms involving RAS/MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, and VEGF. In doing so, they inhibit pathways that favor cancer development and progression. Unfortunately, these compounds are rather labile and, therefore, this review also summarizes approaches permitting the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, like phlorotannins, and their subsequent oral administration as novel and non-invasive therapeutic alternatives for cancer treatment.

Advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages lead to exacerbated inflammation and oxidative stress. Patients with CKD in stage 5 need renal hemodialysis (HD) to remove toxins and waste products. However, this renal replacement therapy is inefficient in controlling inflammation. Regular curcumin consumption has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with chronic pathologies, suggesting that the daily intake of curcumin may alleviate these conditions in HD patients. This review analyzes the available scientific evidence regarding the effect of curcumin intake on oxidative stress and inflammation in HD patients, focusing on the mechanisms and consequences of HD and curcumin consumption. The inclusion of curcumin as a dietary therapeutic supplement in HD patients has shown to control the inflammation status. However, the optimal dose and oral vehicle for curcumin administration are yet to be determined. It is important to consider studies on curcumin bioaccessibility to design effective oral administration vehicles. This information will contribute to the achievement of future nutritional interventions that validate the efficacy of curcumin supplementation as part of diet therapy in HD.

The increase in the Chilean elderly population has promoted public policies to favor an adequate nutrition in later life. This study evaluated the nutritional status, micronutrients intake and serum micronutrients levels of an elderly group beneficiary of the PACAM from the Metropolitan Region, Santiago de Chile. Anthropometric and dietary survey (24 h food recalls) were assessed in 182 elderly individuals (60 and 80 years old). Blood serum collection was used to measure the micronutrient status. The sample was comprised by 12.6%, 46.1%, 28.0% and 13.2% of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese subjects, respectively. Women presented 11% of underweight, 45% of normal weight and 44% of overweight and obese, while men—18%, 50% and 32%, respectively. Only the 63% of the elderlies consumed PACAM foods, reaching average daily intakes below (50%) the recommended daily serving. Serum deficiencies of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (88%), vitamin B₁₂ (33%) and calcium (36%) were observed, being the highest ones in the PACAM foods women (60–75 years old). Chilean elderlies presented mainly a normal weight; however, an important proportion of overweight/obese subjects was observed. Although PACAM foods consumption significantly increased the micronutrient intake, it was not enough to ensure an adequate serum micronutrient levels in the elderly.