Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by increased oxidative stress and a pro-inflammatory state. Vaccinium meridionale Swartz (known as “agraz”) is a berry rich in polyphenolic compounds with demonstrated antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of agraz consumption on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in women with MetS. Forty women with MetS (47 ± 9 years) were randomly assigned to consume daily either 200 mL of agraz nectar or placebo over four weeks in a double-blind, cross-over design study, separated by a 4-week washout period. Metabolic and inflammatory markers in serum and antioxidant/oxidative stress markers in serum and urine were assessed at the end of each period. Serum antioxidant capacity measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was significantly higher (p = 0.028), while urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was lower (p = 0.041) after agraz consumption, compared to placebo. In conclusion, consumption of agraz during four weeks increased serum antioxidant capacity and decreased a marker of DNA oxidative damage in women with MetS, compared to placebo. These results suggest that agraz consumption may play a protective role in patients with MetS.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with low-grade inflammation and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) dysfunction. Polyphenol-rich foods may improve these alterations. Agraz is a fruit rich in polyphenols (mainly anthocyanins); however, there is limited information about its effects on human health. We evaluated the effects of agraz consumption as compared to placebo on HDL function and inflammation in women with MetS. Forty volunteers (25–60 years) were included in this double-blind crossover study. Women consumed agraz or placebo over 4 weeks; separated by a 4-week washout period. HDL function (apoliprotein-A1; paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity; cholesterol efflux capacity), oxidative stress (myeloperoxidase (MPO), advanced oxidation protein products) and inflammatory markers (serum cytokines/chemokines and peripheral blood mononuclear cell nuclear factor-kB) were measured after each period. Compared to placebo, agraz consumption did not significantly change any of the biomarkers measured. Interestingly, only after agraz period there were significant positive correlations between PON1 activities and cholesterol efflux. Additionally, there were significant inverse correlations between changes in inflammatory markers and HDL function markers and positive correlations with oxidative markers. Although polyphenol-rich foods have been shown to be beneficial for certain conditions; polyphenol-rich agraz fruit consumption did not impact inflammation and HDL function in the current study of women with MetS.

In this study were evaluated the effects of the chronic consumption of agraz (Vaccinium meridionale) on antioxidant status and oxidative stress markers in 40 women with metabolic syndrome (MetS) (47.2 ± 9.4 years) through a double-blind, crossover design study, in which participants consumed daily agraz or placebo during 4 weeks, separated by a 4-wk washout period. At the end of each intervention period, endogenous antioxidant enzymes activity, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ferric reducing ability of plasma [FRAP]; Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity [ORAC] and 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) [ABTS]), and oxidative stress markers (Oxo-2ʹ-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and F2-isoprostane) were determined. Women who increased endogenous antioxidant enzymes activity and serum TAC after agraz consumption, compared to placebo, significantly reduced oxidative stress markers, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels, and waist circumference, demonstrating beneficial effects in the group of women in whom antioxidant parameters increased after agraz consumption, evidencing an individual variability in response to the beverage consumed.

Most atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by modifying lifestyles, including unhealthy diets. Eggs contain important carotenoids that may impact cardiovascular risk. The lipid nature of eggs can improve the bioavailability of other carotenoids, such as Annatto (Bixa orellana L.), with reported antioxidant properties. Although numerous studies have shown that there is no association between egg consumption and cardiovascular risk, there is still controversy. In addition, there is limited information about Annatto’s effects on human health. This study evaluated the association between egg consumption and its enrichment with Annatto in lipid biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. In a parallel clinical trial, one hundred and five (n = 105) men and women were randomized by age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), and distributed into three groups. Subjects consumed daily, for 8 weeks, either two eggs, two eggs with Annatto, or two egg whites. Plasma lipids were measured by enzymatic colorimetric methods, plasma apolipoproteins and lipoprotein subfractions and size by nuclear magnetic resonance. There were no differences between groups in age, sex, and BMI. No significant changes were found over time or between groups in plasma triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) A1, apo B, or lipoprotein subfraction concentrations. In healthy adults, the intake of two eggs a day, or two eggs with Annatto for eight weeks, did not generate adverse changes in cardiovascular risk markers.

Diet is one of the factors that prevents the development and death from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It has been proposed that diets high in protein, which increase satiety, and with a high content of antioxidants, help reduce cardiovascular risk factors. The egg is one of the foods that produces greater satiety and provides antioxidants. In addition, due to its lipophilic matrix, it could improve the bioavailability of other dietary antioxidants such as Annatto. Objective. This study evaluated the effects of egg and annatto-enriched egg consumption on satiety markers and CVD risk factors in healthy adults from Colombia. Methods. A parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted, where one hundred and five (n = 105) men and women, divided into three groups, consumed daily for 8 weeks: (a) two eggs (egg group), or (b) two eggs with annatto (egg + annatto group), or (c) two egg whites (placebo group). RESULTS. The three groups were similar in gender distribution. No significant changes were found over time (before vs. after) in any of the groups nor between the groups in anthropometric variables, physical activity, eating profile, and ghrelin as an objective marker of satiety. In the egg + annatto group, subjective satiety increased (effect size 0.431; p < 0.05) after consumption. Conclusions. In healthy adults, the intake of two eggs, or two eggs with annatto daily for 8 weeks, did not result in significant changes in ghrelin; but eggs with annatto tend to increase the perception of satiety.

Anxiety refers to a group of mental disorders characterized by feelings of anguish and fear, whose symptoms can range from mild to severe. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety increased by 26%. The present guide aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of anxiety disorders, promoting the psychological well-being of people and their family environment. The guide is part of the initiative of the National Faculty of Public Health of the University of Antioquia. The clinical questions were developed using the PICO format and were validated with the participation of key actors in the treatment of adults with anxiety. A systematic search for clinical practice guidelines was carried out in databases, metasearch engines, and institutional repositories. Among the most effective treatments for quality of life, symptom remission, and functional recovery are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which are highly effective for the wide range of problems that accompany anxiety and associated disorders.