BackgroundIt has been proposed that the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a key role in the regulation of food intake and body weight by controlling the excitability, plasticity and the synchronization of neuronal activity in the frontal cortex (FC). It has been also proposed that the high-fat diet (HFD) could disturb the metabolism of glutamate and consequently the GABA levels, but the mechanism is not yet clearly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a HFD on the GABA levels in the FC and hippocampus of rats.ResultsThe HFD significantly increased weight gain and blood glucose levels, whereas decreased the GABA levels in the FC and hippocampus compared with standard diet-fed rats.ConclusionsHFD decreases GABA levels in the FC and hippocampus of rat, which likely disrupts the GABAergic inhibitory processes, underlying feeding behavior.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine the mitochondrial content, and the oxidative and nitrosative stress of the placenta in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).MethodsFull-term placentas from GDM and healthy pregnancies were collected following informed consent. The lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and oxidized protein (carbonyls) levels were determined by spectrophotometry, and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), subunit IV of cytochrome oxidase (COX4), adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)–activated protein kinase (AMPK) and actin were determined by western blot, whereas ATPase activity was performed by determining the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) consumption using a High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system.ResultsTBARS and carbonyls levels were lower in the placentas of women with GDM compared with the normal placentas (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Also, 3-NT/actin and AMPK/actin ratios were higher in GDM placentas than in the normal placentas (p = 0.03 and p = 0.012, respectively). Whereas COX4/actin ratio and ATPase activity were similar between GDM placentas and those controls.ConclusionsThese data suggest that placentas with GDM are more protected against oxidative damage, but are more susceptible to nitrosative damage as compared to normal placentas. Moreover, the increased expression levels of AMPK in GDM placentas suggest that AMPK might have a role in maintaining the mitochondrial biogenesis at normal levels.Trial registration HGRL28072011. Registered 28 July 2011.

Aims: Disease for a novel coronavirus has been a big public health challenge around the world in the past several months. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemic and report the number of confirmed cases and deaths of disease for a novel coronavirus in Mexico until May 15, 2020. Study Design:  Ecological study. Place and Duration of Study: Registries of confirmed cases for disease for a novel coronavirus in Mexican population during January and until May 15, 2020, from National System of Epidemiological Surveillance/ General Direction of Epidemiology/ Secretary of Health, Mexico. Methodology: Based on the database of confirmed cases of disease for a novel coronavirus by Secretary of Health in Mexico, we collected data on age, gender, and deaths, and co-morbidities. As of May 15, 2020, 45,032 cases have been identified in Mexico.  Results: The first confirmed case in Mexico has been identified on January 8, 2020 and the incidence has been rising from the end of February and throughout March. The early confirmed cases were imported cases resulting from travel to USA, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Singapore. No one travelled to China. No cases of community transmission have been reported. The cause-specific mortality rate was 10.59% and the possibility to death is three times more if comorbidities are in the patient. Conclusion: The frequency of confirmed cases of disease for a novel coronavirus in Mexico are concerning and the health authorities in Mexico are waiting for the peak of the epidemiological curve to occur in May. The mortality is high with co-morbidities.