According to the classic "diet-heart" hypothesis, high dietary intake of saturated fats and cholesterol combined with low intake of polyunsaturated fats can increase levels of serum cholesterol and lead to the development of atherogenic plaques and ultimately cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the beneficial health effects of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid (LA), on cardiovascular health have been called into question with some scientists suggesting that consumption of LA should be reduced in Western countries. The focus of this critical review is on the controversy surrounding the effects of dietary intake of LA on cardiovascular health. Specifically, we critically examined the effects of both unadulterated and adulterated forms of LA on cardiovascular health outcomes based on findings from epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials. Additionally, we address common concerns surrounding dietary intake of LA regarding its relationship with arachidonic acid, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, and its relationship with inflammation. Our critical review indicates that unadulterated forms of LA are cardioprotective and should be consumed as part of a healthy diet. In contrast, abundant evidence now indicates that adulterated forms of LA, predominantly hydrogenated vegetable oils, are atherogenic and should not be considered part of a healthy diet. The ability to adulterate the natural omega-6 fatty acid, LA, has contributed to mixed findings regarding the effects of this fatty acid on cardiovascular health. Thus, it is critical that the source of LA be taken into account when drawing conclusions about the physiological effects of this fatty acid. The findings of the present review are in line with current dietary recommendations of the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Dietary Fats ; analysis ; metabolism ; Humans ; Linoleic Acid ; analysis ; metabolism ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

To identify sequences of Entamoeba histolytica associated with the development of amebic liver abscess (ALA) in hamsters, subtractive hybridization of cDNA from E. histolytica HM-1:IMSS under 2 growth conditions was performed: 1) cultured in axenic medium and 2) isolated from experimental ALA in hamsters. For this procedure, 6 sequences were obtained. Of these sequences, the mak16 gene was selected for amplification in 29 cultures of E. histolytica isolated from the feces of 10 patients with intestinal symptoms and 19 asymptomatic patients. Only 5 of the 10 isolates obtained from symptomatic patients developed ALA and amplified the mak16 gene, whereas the 19 isolates from asymptomatic patients did not amplify the mak16 gene nor did they develop ALA. Based on the results of Fisher's exact test (P<0.001), an association was inferred between the presence of the mak16 gene of E. histolytica and the ability to develop ALA in hamsters and with the patient's symptoms (P=0.02). The amplification of the mak16 gene suggests that it is an important gene in E. histolytica because it was present in the isolates from hamsters that developed liver damage.
Adolescent ; Animals ; Cricetinae ; Entamoeba histolytica/*genetics ; Gene Expression ; *Genes, Protozoan ; Genetic Association Studies ; Humans ; Liver Abscess, Amebic/*genetics/*parasitology ; Male ; Virulence Factors/*genetics ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Daikenchuto (TU 100), a botanical agent that modulates gastrointestinal nerves, is used in the treatment of motility and functional disorders. Our aim was to study the effects of TU-100 on rectal compliance and sensation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: In 20 patients per treatment arm, we conducted a single-center, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose pharmacodynamics study evaluating the effects of TU-100, 15 g (5 g t.i.d. [means 3 times a day]), for 14-16 consecutive days on rectal compliance and rectal sensation (thresholds and sensation ratings), all measured at baseline and on the last day of medication treatment. The primary endpoint was rectal sensation thresholds and sensation ratings in response to balloon distension at 32 mmHg. Secondary endpoints were rectal compliance, sensation thresholds, ratings and tone (fasting and postprandial), bowel pattern, abdominal pain (average and worst severity) and bloating scores, IBS quality of life and safety profile. RESULTS: Rectal sensation ratings post-treatment were significantly associated with baseline (pre-treatment) ratings and with level of anxiety or stress recorded at the time of the sensation testing. There were no effects of TU-100 treatment on rectal sensation ratings, sensation thresholds, rectal fasting or postprandial tone, rectal compliance, bowel function, abdominal pain or bloating scores, or IBS quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: TU-100 did not significantly affect rectal compliance and sensation in patients with IBS in this study.
Abdominal Pain ; Anxiety ; Arm ; Compliance ; Fasting ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome* ; Pilot Projects* ; Quality of Life ; Sensation*