PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R M Martínez

Publications and source records attributed to R M Martínez.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

[Maternal age as conditioning factor of vitamin E levels in the third trimester of pregnancy and in breast milk].

BACKGROUND: Since pregnancy in older women is becoming more common, the aim of this work was to determine the influence of maternal age on third trimester maternal vitamin E status, and on vitamin E levels in maternal milk. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The pregnancies and lactation periods of 57 women were examined. The intake of vitamin E during the third trimester of pregnancy was determined using a 5 days food record. Vitamin E concentrations in serum, transition milk (days 13 and 14 of lactation) and mature milk (day 40 of lactation) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Pregnant women < 32 years of age (90th percentile) showed significantly higher serum vitamin E levels (1.46 [0.38] mg/dl) than older pregnant women (1.19 [0.24] mg/dl). Transition milk vitamin E levels were significantly lower in pregnant women > or = 29 years of age (75th percentile) than did younger pregnant women (1.7 [0.4] mg/l compared to 2.0 [0.7] mg/l). CONCLUSIONS: Given that serum vitamin E levels were seen to fall in pregnancy and in transition milk, when maternal age increase, the monitoring of maternal nutritional status is highly recommendable. Antioxidant supplements, especially vitamin E, might be prescribed for older, pregnant women.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Riboflavin levels in maternal milk: the influence of vitamin B2 status during the third trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present investigation was to study the relationship between riboflavin status during the third trimester of pregnancy and levels of this vitamin in transition milk (days 13 to 14 of lactation) and mature milk (day 40 of lactation). METHODS: The pregnancies and lactation periods of 57 healthy women between 18 and 35 years of age (27+/-3.7 years) were monitored, vitamin intake during the third trimester was determined by recording the consumption of foods over five days and by registering the quantities provided by dietary supplements. Riboflavin status during this stage of pregnancy was determined via the measurement of the activation of erythrocyte glutathione reductase (EGR) by flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Milk riboflavin levels were determined by fluorometry. RESULTS: Those subjects with riboflavin intakes below recommended (1.6 mg/day) (Group L) showed lower consumption of milk products (305.2+/-88.5 g/day) than did those with greater intakes (Group H) (507.9+/-137.2 g/day). The consumption of riboflavin containing supplements was very low and was seen only in two H subjects. Transition and mature milk riboflavin levels were significantly higher in H subjects (948.1+/-700.1 nmol/L for transition milk and 993.8+/-436.6 nmol/L for mature milk) than L subjects (574.9+/-258.7 nmol/L for transition milk and 725.4+/-254.3 nmol/L for mature milk). Subjects with alpha-EGR coefficients over 1.2 in the third trimester showed significantly lower mature milk riboflavin levels (704.1+/-241.8 nmol/L) than did subjects with more satisfactory alpha-EGR coefficients (996.4+/-302.9 nmol/L). CONCLUSION: The influence of maternal vitamin B2 status during pregnancy on breast milk riboflavin levels was confirmed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Influence of calcium intake on gestational hypertension.

Calcium intake during the third trimester of pregnancy was determined in 82 pregnant women by recording the consumption of foods over a 5-day period and by calculation of the quantity of this element provided by dietary supplements. For each subject, blood pressures were measured once per week using an aneroid sphygmomanometer, to detect and analyze differences in calcium intake between those with normal blood pressure and those suffering from gestational hypertension (7.3%). Calcium intake was significantly lower amongst subjects with high blood pressure (757.7 +/- 154.5 compared to 986.4 +/- 502.3 mg/day in normotensive subjects). The relationship between calcium intake and blood pressure was independent of other variables such as body mass index, number of previous pregnancies, weight gain, subject age or hematocrit levels. Though further investigation is needed, the results obtained seem to support the idea that pregnant women should try to maintain an optimal calcium intake.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Supplementation with iron and folates during gestation: influence on the zinc status in the mother and on the zinc content in the maternal milk].

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether such supplementation impairs the zinc status of pregnant women or the zinc content of maternal milk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty seven women were studied during pregnancy and lactation. Zinc, iron and folate intakes were monitored during the third trimester of pregnancy using a five day food record and by registering intake of the same in the form of dietary supplements. Zinc levels were determined, using flame-atomic-absorption spectrophotometry, in serum during the third trimester of pregnancy, in transition milk (day 13-14 of lactation), and in mature milk (day 40 of lactation). RESULTS: 1.8% of pregnant women took zinc supplements whilst 7% took folate supplements. However, 100% of subjects showed zinc intakes (the sum of dietary and supplementary intakes) lower than those recommended. 87.7% showed the same for folate intake, 29.8% of pregnant women took iron supplements. When dietary and supplementary intakes were added, 26.3% of subjects showed iron intakes of over 200% of those recommended. Pregnant women with iron intakes in the third trimester of pregnancy of over 200% those recommended, showed lower serum zinc levels during the third trimester and, at a later date, lower mature milk zinc levels than did subjects with lower iron intakes. CONCLUSIONS: The combined dietary and supplementary intake of iron in some subjects provided total intakes of over 200% those recommended. Though this might be associated with an improvement in iron status it may impair those of zinc. Subjects with an intake of iron of over 200% of that recommended showed significantly lower serum and mature milk zinc levels than did those with lower iron intakes. It is suggested that the nutritional status of pregnant women should be carefully monitored and supplementation tailored to the needs of each individual.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Ascorbic acid levels in maternal milk: differences with respect to ascorbic acid status during the third trimester of pregnancy.

The aim of the present investigation was to study the relationship between ascorbic acid status during the third trimester of pregnancy and levels of this vitamin in transition milk (days 13-14 of lactation) and mature milk (day 40 of lactation). To this end, the pregnancies and lactation periods of fifty-seven healthy women between 18 and 35 years of age (27 (SD 3.7) years) were monitored. Vitamin intake during the third trimester was determined by recording the consumption of foods over 5 d, and by registering the quantities provided by dietary supplements. Ascorbic acid levels in maternal serum during this stage of pregnancy, and in transition and mature milk samples, were determined by spectrophotometry. Those subjects with ascorbic acid intakes below that recommended (80 mg/d) (group L) showed lower consumption of fruit and vegetables than did those with greater intakes (group H). The consumption of ascorbic acid supplements was very low, and was only seen in three group H subjects. The difference in ascorbic acid intake was reflected at serum level. Group L subjects showed significantly lower serum values than did group H subjects (30.1 (SD 36.3) mumol/l compared with 101.1 (SD 168.1) mumol/l). Vitamin intake also influenced the composition of transition milk. Group L subjects showed significantly lower levels of ascorbic acid in milk than did group H subjects (255.5 (SD 220.3) mumol/l compared with 437.8 (SD 288.4) mumol/l). The results of the present study reveal the need to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables during pregnancy and to monitor maternal ascorbic acid intake and vitamin C status.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Calcium levels in maternal milk: relationships with calcium intake during the third trimester of pregnancy.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of Ca intake and serum Ca levels during the third trimester of pregnancy with levels of the same mineral in transition milk (days 13-14 of lactation) and mature milk (day 40 of lactation). The study subjects were a group of fifty-seven healthy, lactating mothers aged between 18 and 35 years (mean 27 (SD 3.7) years) whose pregnancies and labour were attended by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Cuenca INSALUD Hospital, Spain. Ca intake during the third trimester was determined by recording the consumption of foods over a 5 d period and by registering Ca provided by dietary supplements. The same method was used to investigate the intake of protein, vitamin D, fibre and Fe, nutrients that could affect the use of dietary Ca. Ca levels in maternal serum during this stage of pregnancy, during lactation and in transition and mature milk samples, were determined using 2-cresolphthalein complexone. During pregnancy 70.2% of subjects showed Ca intakes below 1100 mg/d (75th percentile). The consumption of Ca supplements was very small and hardly modified the mean quantity supplied by the diet. Subjects with an intake < 1100 mg/d showed no fall in Ca levels in serum, either during pregnancy or lactation, nor were decreased levels found in transition milk. However, these subjects showed lower Ca levels in mature milk (5.95 (SD 1.56) mmol/l) than did subjects with greater Ca intakes (6.82 (SD 1.31) mmol/l). This may suggest that breast-fed babies of mothers with lower Ca intakes during pregnancy also receive less Ca.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The influence of smoking on vitamin C status during the third trimester of pregnancy and on vitamin C levels in maternal milk.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present investigation was to determine the differences in vitamin C status of 57 Spanish women smokers (S) and nonsmokers (N) in their third trimester of pregnancy, and the concentrations of vitamin C in their milk. METHODS: Vitamin C intake during the third trimester was determined by recording the consumption of foods over a 5-day period (including a Sunday) and by registering vitamin C provided by dietary supplements. Vitamin C levels in maternal serum during this stage of pregnancy and in transition (days 13 to 14 of lactation) and mature milk (day 40 of lactation) were determined colorimetrically. Subjects also answered a questionnaire on their smoking habits during pregnancy. RESULTS: S subjects (n = 16) showed a lower intake of fruits, vegetables and vitamin C than did N subjects (n = 41), though these differences were not significant (17.1% of N subjects and 31.2% of S subjects took less than 80 mg of vitamin C per day). Neither were any differences found between the two groups in serum vitamin C levels. However, N subjects showed significantly greater vitamin C levels in both transition and mature milk (431.6 +/- 296.5 mumol/L and 496.1 +/- 325.6 mumol/L, respectively for N subjects, and 233.7 +/- 202.9 mumol/L and 241.3 +/- 293.1 mumol/L for S subjects). Further investigations are necessary to determine the clinical consequences of these observations, though it is already known that maternal smoking favors peroxidation events in newborn infants. CONCLUSIONS: If the concentration of antioxidants (vitamin C) in smokers' breast milk is also lower, this might aggravate the peroxidation problems of their newborn.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Influence of smoking on vitamin E status during the third trimester of pregnancy and on breast-milk tocopherol concentrations in Spanish women.

Concentrations of antioxidants in breast milk probably define the degree of protection it can offer against peroxidation. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the differences in vitamin E status of Spanish women smokers and nonsmokers in their third trimester of pregnancy and the concentrations of tocopherol in their milk. Vitamin E intake was determined during the third trimester of pregnancy by using a 5-d dietary record (including a Sunday) and by recording the quantities provided by supplements. HPLC was used to determine vitamin E concentrations in subjects' serum during the third trimester, in transitional breast milk on days 13-14 of lactation, and in mature breast milk on day 40 of lactation. Subjects also answered a questionnaire about their smoking habits during pregnancy. Subjects were grouped as nonsmokers (71.9%; n = 41) or smokers (28.1%; n = 16). Although vitamin E intake was somewhat greater in nonsmokers, the difference was not significant. Ratios of vitamin E to polyunsaturated fatty acids were practically the same in both groups. The use of vitamin E supplements was limited and did not modify the results of the study. No significant differences in these serum indexes were found between smokers and nonsmokers, and no subject had deficient serum vitamin E concentrations. However, vitamin E concentrations in mature milk were significantly lower in smokers than in nonsmokers. Although it is already known that maternal smoking favors peroxidation events in newborns, if the concentration of antioxidants (vitamin E) in smokers' breast milk is also lower, it might aggravate the peroxidation problems of their newborns.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Soy isoflavonoids exhibit in vitro biological activities of loop diuretics.

Intake of soyfoods containing isoflavonoids is related to positive effects on heart and kidney diseases. Urinary equol, a potent inhibitor of Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport, originates from the metabolism of daidzein by intestinal bacteria. Loop diuretics (eg, furosemide), acting through inhibition of Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport, are used to maintain adequate blood volume. In the present work, we compare isoflavonoids' inhibition of cotransport and effects on the function and hemodynamics of isolated perfused rat kidneys with those of furosemide. Equol [IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration): 23.6 +/- 3.6 micromol/L], genistein (IC50: 34.8 +/- 2.6 micromol/L), and daidzein (IC50: 140.0 +/- 24 micromol/L) inhibited bumetanide-sensitive rubidium uptake in LLC-PK1 cells. The IC50 of equol and genistein was close to that of furosemide (IC50: 10.3 +/- 2.7 micromol/L). Furosemide, equol, and genistein stimulated water, sodium, and potassium excretion by isolated rat kidneys in the same temporal pattern. None of the isoflavonoids significantly increased the glomerular filtration rate, but genistein induced significant vasorelaxation. We conclude that isoflavonoids exhibit biological activities of furosemide in vitro, at concentrations similar to those reported for other in vitro effects. More research is needed to evaluate the participation of cotransport inhibition by isoflavonoids in the healthful effects claimed for soy intake.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Vitamin A concentration in maternal milk: the effect of intake and serum levels of vitamin A during the third trimester of pregnancy].

BACKGROUND: Breast fed newborns depend on maternal milk for their supply of vitamin A. A deficiency of this vitamin is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The present study investigates whether the nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy conditions vitamin A levels in maternal milk. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: 57 healthy, lactating mothers aged between 18 and 35 were studied. Vitamin A intake during the third trimester of pregnancy was recorded using a 5 day dietary record (including a Sunday) and by registering nutrients supplied by supplements. Vitamin A levels in maternal serum during this stage of pregnancy and in transition milk (days 13-14 of lactation) and mature milk (day 40 of lactation) were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The effect of vitamin A intake during pregnancy on maternal milk composition was particularly noticeable in mothers with intakes below recommended values. These subjects showed lower vitamin A concentrations in transition (60.9 micrograms/dl) and mature milk (47.2 micrograms/dl) than those with adequate intakes of this vitamin (90.8 micrograms/dl and 79.2 micrograms/dl, respectively). Subjects with serum vitamin A concentrations below 30 micrograms/dl (22.8%) during the third trimester of pregnancy also showed lower levels of the vitamin in mature milk (50 micrograms/dl) compared with those with higher serum levels (74.8 micrograms/dl). CONCLUSIONS: Diet and the nutritional status of vitamin A during pregnancy seem to condition concentrations of this vitamin in maternal milk. This, in turn, will affect the intake of vitamin A by the newborn. Given that deficiencies were detected both in serum and in maternal milk, the monitorization of the vitamin A levels in pregnant women is recommendable and if necessary, would be improved.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Zinc levels in maternal milk: the influence of nutritional status with respect to zinc during the third trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between nutritional status with respect to zinc during the third trimester of pregnancy and levels of the same mineral in transition milk (days 13 and 14 of lactation) and mature milk (day 40 of lactation). DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SUBJECTS: A group of 57 healthy, lactating mothers aged between 18 and 35 y (27 +/- 3.7) whose pregnancy and labour were attended by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Cuenca INSALUD Hospital, Spain. INTERVENTIONS: Zinc intake during the third trimester was determined by recording the consumption of foods over a five day period and by registering zinc provided by dietary supplements. Zinc levels in maternal serum during this stage of pregnancy, and in transition and mature milk, were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: During pregnancy all subjects showed zinc intakes lower than those recommended. Only one pregnant subject took a supplement that provided extra zinc (1 mg/d). Subjects with an intake of lower than 50% of that recommended (L) (43.9%) showed significantly lower serum and mature milk zinc levels than did those with higher intakes (H) (56.1%) [12.0 +/- 1.5 mumol/L and 28.7 +/- 6.2 mumol/L compared to 13.3 +/- 2.6 mumol/L and 33.1 +/- 8.0 mumol/L respectively]. 56% of L subjects and 28.6% of H subjects showed serum zinc levels of less than 12.2 mumol/L. 8% of L subjects and no H subjects showed less than 11.5 mumol/L of zinc in maternal milk. CONCLUSIONS: The diet conditions maternal serum zinc levels during pregnancy and those of milk during lactation. Though all subjects showed intakes clearly below those recommended, low levels in serum or milk were much rarer. These results support the idea that there is a need to reset the limits of normality for serum and milk zinc levels. Further work in this area may confirm that the present recommended intakes of zinc be modified.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Vitamin A status during the third trimester of pregnancy in Spanish women: influence on concentrations of vitamin A in breast milk.

We examined the relation between the vitamin A status of Spanish women during pregnancy and concentrations of vitamin A in breast milk. The subjects were 57 healthy, lactating women aged 18-35 y. Vitamin A intake was determined during the third trimester of pregnancy by using a 5-d dietary record that included a Sunday and by recording the quantities provided by supplements. HPLC was used to determine vitamin A concentrations in subjects' serum during the third trimester, in transitional breast milk (on days 13-14 of lactation), and in mature breast milk (on day 40). During the third trimester, 33.3% of subjects had vitamin A intakes from diet and supplements < 800 microg/d, the recommended value. These subjects had serum and breast milk vitamin A concentrations that were significantly lower than those of subjects who consumed greater quantities of the vitamin. Furthermore, subjects with serum vitamin A concentrations < 1.05 micromol/L during the third trimester (22.8%) had lower mean (+/- SD) concentrations of the vitamin in mature breast milk than did subjects with higher serum concentrations (1.8 +/- 1.2 micromol/L compared with 2.6 +/- 0.8 micromol/L; P < 0.05). These results show that vitamin A intake and serum vitamin A concentrations during pregnancy influence the composition of breast milk. Given that 12.3% of subjects had < 1.40 micromol vitamin A/L in mature breast milk, it seems advisable to follow and, if necessary, improve vitamin A status during pregnancy and lactation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Campylobacter jejuni and HIV infection].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics of the Campylobacter jejuni infection in HIV positive patients. DESIGN: We report all cases appeared in our hospital between September 1991 and October 1992 with: HIV infection, chronic diarrhoea and C. jejuni in stool culture. Epidemiologic factors, other opportunist infections, immunologic situation, clinical symptomatology, antibiotic sensitivity and evolution are recorded. RESULTS: Six patients, 4 men and 2 women, with an average age of 38 years were recorded. They have different risk factors (drug abusers, sexual behaviour and haemophilia). Chronic liver disease and other opportunist infections of the gastrointestinal tract were the most important facts in past history. CD4 count were directly related with the severity of the illness. Quantitative or qualitative disorders of B lymphocytes or immunoglobulins were not found. All of term suffered from chronic diarrhoea with fever in four of them and bacteremia in 2 patients. First generation cephalosporins resistance in one occasion. A good evolution occurred in 3 patients, another had a relapse and bacteremia appeared in 2 patients whose CD4 count were lower of 100/mm3, have AST, ALT changes and other concomitant gastrointestinal infections. CONCLUSION: C. jejuni infection of the gastrointestinal tract results in chronic diarrhoea with a higher incidence than expected in HIV positive patients. The severity is directly related with CD4 count, and the existence of concomitants infections of the gastrointestinal tract or chronic liver disease. Antibiotic resistance to macrolide is possible, especially in chronic and severe forms.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The association between alcohol consumption and health services utilization].

The association between alcohol consumption patterns and the use of health services was examined in a cross-sectional survey of the general population of the Region of Madrid. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds of moderate drinkers, excessive drinkers and non-drinkers to utilize health care services. Our findings indicate that moderate drinkers have a lower probability of utilizing health care services as compared to non-drinkers. Specifically, moderate drinkers showed a lower probability of utilizing both hospital (OR = 0.65 CI = 0.48-0.89) and ambulatory care (OR = 0.79 CI = 0.66-0.95) services. Furthermore, the frequency of use of ambulatory (OR = 0.79 CI = 0.64-0.95) and emergency care services (OR = 0.38 CI = 0.21-0.69) was also lower for moderate drinkers. Excessive drinkers also showed a tendency to use emergency care services less frequently (OR = 0.43 CI = 0.19-0.93). Both moderate and excessive drinking were also significantly associated with a shorter length of stay as compared to non-drinkers. The odds ratios are 0.41 (CI = 0.21-0.79) and 0.29 (CI = 0.19-0.39) respectively. Possible explanations of this "protective" effect of alcohol consumption, especially of moderate drinking, are discussed in relation to the diagnostic entities motivating the use of health care services.

Alcohol Drinking↗