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Koh LM, Iradukunda F, Martínez AD, Caetano Schulz KC, Bielitz I, Walker RK. A remotely accessible plant-based culinary intervention for Latina/o/x adults at risk for diabetes: lessons learned. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1298755. [PMID: 38414490 PMCID: PMC10896850 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1298755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Little research has examined how community-engaged and -participatory dietary interventions adapted to remotely-accessible settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives To identify lessons learned in design, implementation, and evaluation of a remotely-accessible, community-based, nurse-led approach of a culturally-tailored whole food plant-based culinary intervention for Latina/o/x adults to reduce type 2 diabetes risk, delivered during a pandemic. Methods A mixed methods quasi-experimental design consisting of a pre-post evaluation comprised of questionnaires, culinary classes, biometrics, and focus groups. Lessons learned Community partnerships are essential for successful recruitment/retention. To optimally deliver a remotely-accessible intervention, community leadership and study volunteers should be included in every decision (e.g., timeframes, goals). Recommendations include managing recruitment and supply chain disruption of intervention supplies. Conclusion Future research should focus on increasing accessibility and engagement in minoritized and/or underserved communities, supply chain including quality assurance and delivery of services/goods, study design for sustainable, remotely-accessible interventions, and health promotion.
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Fields ND, Whitcomb BW, Bertone-Johnson ER, Martínez AD, VanKim NA. Race-specific associations between psychological distress and obesity: the role of social cohesion. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2023; 28:446-457. [PMID: 35289677 PMCID: PMC9475492 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2022.2052713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nearly two-thirds of Black women in the US are obese. Studies have focused more on lifestyle and behavioral factors to explain racial disparities; less research has examined psychosocial factors such as psychological distress and social cohesion. While research suggests that social cohesion may confer benefits for health, no studies have assessed how social cohesion is related to both mental health and obesity, and potential racial differences. Our study examined associations between psychological distress, social cohesion, and obesity among Black and White adult women. DESIGN Data are from the 2014-2018 National Health Interview Survey (n = 66,743). Participants self-reported psychological distress (Kessler K6 scale), obesity (body mass index≥30 kg/m2), and social cohesion. We fit logistic regression models of obesity with likelihood ratio tests for effect modification by social cohesion and by race. RESULTS Psychological distress was associated with a 1.19 and 1.31 higher odds of obesity for Black (95% confidence interval: 1.05, 1.36) and White women (1.24, 1.39), respectively. Social cohesion was associated with a 0.75 lower odds of obesity among White (0.69, 0.81) but not Black women (odds ratio 0.94; 0.80, 1.10). Tests of interaction indicated no differences by social cohesion or race in the association between psychological distress and obesity. CONCLUSION Findings highlight complex relationships between psychological distress, obesity, and social cohesion in Black and White women. Public health efforts should focus on understanding mechanisms relating social factors to health.
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Fields ND, VanKim NA, Whitcomb BW, Bertone-Johnson ER, Martínez AD, Chae DH. Racism-Related Experiences and Adiposity: Findings From the Black Women's Experiences Living With Lupus (BeWELL) Study. Womens Health Issues 2023; 33:153-159. [PMID: 36319516 PMCID: PMC10010936 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies suggest that higher rates of excess adiposity in Black women may in part be driven by experiences of racism. Racial microaggressions, which include unintentional and subtle slights and insults, and responses to racism such as racism-related vigilance, may contribute to adiposity in this population. This study examined these understudied racism-related facets as well as interpersonal racial discrimination in relation to adiposity in a cohort of Black women with systemic lupus erythematosus. METHODS Data are from the Black Women's Experiences Living with Lupus (BeWELL) Study (2015-2017; n = 432). Linear regression was used to examine adiposity measures (body mass index [BMI], percent body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio), measured during a physical examination, in relation to self-reported measures of racial microaggressions, racism-related vigilance, and interpersonal racial discrimination. RESULTS Compared with infrequent microaggressions, very frequent experiences of microaggressions were associated with 2.9 kg/m2 higher BMI (95% confidence [CI], 0.63-5.21) and 2.6% higher body fat (95% CI, 0.32-4.80) after adjusting for covariates. Racism-related vigilance, measured continuously, was positively associated with BMI (b = 0.84; 95% CI-0.08, 1.61) and percent body fat (b = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.14-1.64). Very frequent experiences of everyday discrimination were associated with a higher BMI (b = 2.70; 95% CI, 0.58-4.83) and waist-to-hip ratio (b = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.09-0.55) compared with less frequent everyday discrimination. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that various dimensions of racism are associated with excess adiposity. Efforts to address obesity among Black women with systemic lupus erythematosus should consider these multiple aspects to decrease racial inequities in adiposity.
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Martínez AD, Mercado E, Barbieri M, Kim SY, Granger DA. The Importance of Biobehavioral Research to Examine the Physiological Effects of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination in the Latinx Population. Front Public Health 2022; 9:762735. [PMID: 35083188 PMCID: PMC8784784 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.762735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of research is documenting how racial and ethnic populations embody social inequalities throughout the life course. Some scholars recommend the integration of biospecimens representing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurological and endocrinological processes, and inflammation to capture the embodiment of inequality. However, in comparison to other racial and ethnic groups, there has been little research examining how Hispanic/Latinx persons embody racial and ethnic discrimination, much less resulting from institutional and structural racism. We provide a rationale for expanding biobehavioral research examining the physiological consequences of racism among Latinx persons. We identify gaps and make recommendations for a future research agenda in which biobehavioral research can expand knowledge about chronic disease inequities among Latinx populations and inform behavioral and institutional interventions. We end by cautioning readers to approach the recommendations in this article as a call to expand the embodiment of racism research to include the diverse Latinx population as the United States addresses racial inequity.
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Martínez AD, Ruelas L, Granger DA. Household fear of deportation in relation to chronic stressors and salivary proinflammatory cytokines in Mexican-origin families post-SB 1070. SSM Popul Health 2018; 5:188-200. [PMID: 30073186 PMCID: PMC6068082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sociologists recognize that immigration enforcement policies are forms of institutionalized racism that can produce adverse health effects in both undocumented and documented Latinos and Mexican-origin persons in the United States. Despite this important advancement, little research examines the relationship between fear of immigration enforcement and biobehavioral health in mixed-status Mexican-origin families. This study applies an embodiment of racism approach to examine how household fear of deportation (FOD) is related to differences in salivary proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1 β , IL-6, IL-8, and TNF α ) in healthy Mexican-origin families with at least one immigrant, living in Phoenix, AZ. Participants were 111 individuals (n=46 adults, 72% female; n=65 children, 49% female) from 30 low-income, mixed-status families. During a home visit, anthropometric measures and saliva were collected from each family member and a household survey was administered. Saliva was assayed for salivary IL-1 β , IL-6, IL-8, and TNF α . Random effects multilevel structural equation models estimated the relationship between household FOD and a salivary proinflammatory cytokine latent variable between families, while controlling for other chronic stressors (economic/occupational, immigration, parental, and family conflict). Household FOD ( β =0.68, p=0.04) and family conflict chronic stress ( β =1.96, p=0.03) were strongly related to elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines between families. These results were consistent in non-mixed and mixed-status families. Future research is needed to characterize what aspects of living with an undocumented family member shape the physical health outcomes of persons with authorized status or US-citizenship.
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Martínez AD, Ruelas L, Granger DA. Household fear of deportation in Mexican-origin families: Relation to body mass index percentiles and salivary uric acid. Am J Hum Biol 2017; 29. [PMID: 28726338 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fear of deportation (FOD) is a prevalent concern among mixed-status families. Yet, our understanding of how FOD shapes human health and development is in its infancy. To begin to address this knowledge gap, we examined the relationship between household FOD, body mass index (BMI) percentiles and salivary uric acid (sUA), a biomarker related to oxidative stress/hypertension/metabolic syndrome, among 111 individuals living in Mexican-origin families. METHODS Participants were 65 children (2 months-17 years, 49% female) and 46 adults (20-58 years, 71% female) living in 30 Mexican-origin families with at least one immigrant parent in Phoenix, AZ. We recruited families using cluster probability sampling of 30 randomly selected census tracts with a high proportion of Hispanic/Latino immigrants. The head of household completed a survey containing demographic, FOD, and psychosocial measures. All family members provided saliva (later assayed for sUA) and anthropometric measures. Relationships between household FOD, BMI percentile, and sUA levels were estimated using multilevel models. RESULTS Higher levels of household FOD were associated with lower BMI percentiles and lower sUA levels between families, after controlling for social support and socioeconomic proxies. CONCLUSION Key features of the social ecology in which mixed-status families are embedded are associated with individual differences in biological processes linked to increased risk for chronic disease.
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Martínez AD, Ruelas L, Granger DA. Association between body mass index and salivary uric acid among Mexican-origin infants, youth and adults: Gender and developmental differences. Dev Psychobiol 2017; 59:225-234. [PMID: 27888639 PMCID: PMC7195826 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Uric acid (UA) is the end product of the metabolic breakdown of purine nucleotides. Recent studies have measured UA in saliva in relation to obesity and chronic disease risk. Given the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Latino youth, we examined gender and age differences in salivary uric acid (sUA) and weight in a sample of Mexican-origin children (n = 65, 2 months to 18 years, 49% female) and adults (n = 46, 19-58 years, 72% female). We measured weight, height, waist, and hip circumference and collected saliva samples (later assayed for sUA). Structural equation models estimated the relationship between age, developmental stage, and weight outcomes in relation to sUA levels between genders, while controlling for race. Results demonstrate that increased sUA levels were related to higher BMI percentiles in females of all ages (β = 0.43, p < .001). There were significant differences in sUA levels between developmental stages for girls, with female toddlers having the highest sUA levels (β = .28, p = .02). In an interaction between BMI z-score and gender between youth and adults, BMI has a larger effect on increasing sUA levels among younger girls (β = 0.27, p < .03) and adult women (β = 0.33, p = .02). Levels of sUA may be gender-specific in relation to BMI and developmental stage.
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Martínez AD. Comiendo Bien: The Production of Latinidad through the Performance of Healthy Eating among Latino Immigrant Families in San Francisco. SYMBOLIC INTERACTION 2016; 39:66-85. [PMID: 32367901 PMCID: PMC7198048 DOI: 10.1002/symb.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Utilizing a bricolage of interactionist cultural studies, ethnic foodways, and situational analysis this paper examines how Latino immigrants, representing six countries and multiple preimmigration class positions, come to perform Latinidad through the lay health practice of comiendo bien (eating well). Comiendo bien was examined through participant observation of 15 families living in San Francisco and 27 key informant interviews. Comiendo bien is a performance that exists through the convergence of multiple identity positions. Latina/o immigrants not only enact the Latinidad in the United States through artistic expression or political strategizing, but also by sharing an idealized practice of healthy eating.
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Martínez AD, Piedramartel A, Agnew J. Going Beyond the Injury: Regulatory Conditions Contributing to Latina/o Immigrants' Occupational Psychosocial Stressors. Front Public Health 2015; 3:240. [PMID: 26539426 PMCID: PMC4611963 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2015.00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Utilizing a psychosocial stress approach, we report psychosocial stressors that Latina/o immigrant day laborers in Baltimore report as workplace hazards and the contextual factors that shape these stressors. METHODS Through a community-academic partnership, we conducted focus groups (n = 18) and key informant interviews (n = 9) using instruments developed between academics and the community partner to inquire Latina/o immigrants' jobs, hazard awareness, occupational illnesses and injuries, and reporting behaviors. We conducted a transcript-based thematic analysis. RESULTS The psychosocial stressors that Latina/o day laborers report as dangers at work are anxiety beating the deadline and fear from wage theft, sudden termination and immigration enforcement. DISCUSSION More attention needs to be given to Latina/o immigrant day laborers' occupational psychosocial risks. Policies should be made to lower barriers for Latina/o immigrants to report grievances to state agencies.
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Martínez AD. The Juxtaposition of Comiendo Bien and Nutrition: THE STATE OF HEALTHY EATING FOR LATINA IMMIGRANTS IN SAN FRANCISCO. FOOD, CULTURE, & SOCIETY 2015; 18:131-149. [PMID: 32655333 PMCID: PMC7351325 DOI: 10.2752/175174415x14101814953800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There warrants a discussion regarding how nutrition discourses transform lay health practices. Here, I discuss how the adaptation of nutrition discourses among Latina immigrants in San Francisco produces a negotiation between a discourse of nourishment and a discourse of satisfaction in their practice of comiendo bien (eating well). The discourse of satisfaction refers to eating as a way to fulfill symbolic, material or embodied desires, while a discourse of nourishment focuses on supplying the body with nutrients. Negotiating between these discourses transforms comiendo bien if: (1) Latino immigrant families have the resources to adhere to nutritional recommendations; and (2) the adherence to the nutritional recommendation transgresses a negative emotional or physical experience. Appropriating nutrition discourses produces food restrictions that disengage the body from culture and relegate eating to an alienated task. Although a nutritional approach to comiendo bien produces conflict between satisfaction and nourishment, "healthy eating" remains a juxtaposition between satisfaction and nourishment.
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Kuhle J, Disanto G, Dobson R, Adiutori R, Bianchi L, Topping J, Bestwick JP, Meier UC, Marta M, Costa GD, Runia T, Evdoshenko E, Lazareva N, Thouvenot E, Iaffaldano P, Direnzo V, Khademi M, Piehl F, Comabella M, Sombekke M, Killestein J, Hegen H, Rauch S, D’Alfonso S, Alvarez-Cermeño JC, Kleinová P, Horáková D, Roesler R, Lauda F, Llufriu S, Avsar T, Uygunoglu U, Altintas A, Saip S, Menge T, Rajda C, Bergamaschi R, Moll N, Khalil M, Marignier R, Dujmovic I, Larsson H, Malmestrom C, Scarpini E, Fenoglio C, Wergeland S, Laroni A, Annibali V, Romano S, Martínez AD, Carra A, Salvetti M, Uccelli A, Torkildsen Ø, Myhr KM, Galimberti D, Rejdak K, Lycke J, Frederiksen JL, Drulovic J, Confavreux C, Brassat D, Enzinger C, Fuchs S, Bosca I, Pelletier J, Picard C, Colombo E, Franciotta D, Derfuss T, Lindberg RLP, Yaldizli Ö, Vécsei L, Kieseier BC, Hartung HP, Villoslada P, Siva A, Saiz A, Tumani H, Havrdová E, Villar LM, Leone M, Barizzone N, Deisenhammer F, Teunissen C, Montalban X, Tintoré M, Olsson T, Trojano M, Lehmann S, Castelnovo G, Lapin S, Hintzen R, Kappos L, Furlan R, Martinelli V, Comi G, Ramagopalan SV, Giovannoni G. Conversion from clinically isolated syndrome to multiple sclerosis: A large multicentre study. Mult Scler 2015; 21:1013-24. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458514568827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective: We explored which clinical and biochemical variables predict conversion from clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) in a large international cohort. Methods: Thirty-three centres provided serum samples from 1047 CIS cases with at least two years’ follow-up. Age, sex, clinical presentation, T2-hyperintense lesions, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oligoclonal bands (OCBs), CSF IgG index, CSF cell count, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D), cotinine and IgG titres against Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) and cytomegalovirus were tested for association with risk of CDMS. Results: At median follow-up of 4.31 years, 623 CIS cases converted to CDMS. Predictors of conversion in multivariable analyses were OCB (HR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.71–2.77, p < 0.001), number of T2 lesions (two to nine lesions vs 0/1 lesions: HR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.52–2.55, p < 0.001; >9 lesions vs 0/1 lesions: HR = 2.74, 95% CI = 2.04–3.68, p < 0.001) and age at CIS (HR per year inversely increase = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.98–0.99, p < 0.001). Lower 25-OH-D levels were associated with CDMS in univariable analysis, but this was attenuated in the multivariable model. OCB positivity was associated with higher EBNA-1 IgG titres. Conclusions: We validated MRI lesion load, OCB and age at CIS as the strongest independent predictors of conversion to CDMS in this multicentre setting. A role for vitamin D is suggested but requires further investigation.
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Martínez AD, Juon HS, Levine DM, Lyford-Pike V, Peters S. The association between nutrition transition score and measures of obesity: results from a cross-sectional study among Latina/o immigrants in Baltimore. Global Health 2014; 10:57. [PMID: 25001844 PMCID: PMC4099090 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8603-10-57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies suggest that US Latinos have a higher prevalence of obesity than White Americans. However, obesity may differ by pre-immigration factors and Latinos' cultural representations of ideal body image. This paper explores whether country of origin's stage in the nutrition transition is related to Latino immigrants' BMI category and self-perception of weight. METHODS Primary data originated from a cross-sectional questionnaire of Latina/o immigrants in Baltimore in 2011. A convenience sample of self-identified Latinos, ≥18 years old, living in Baltimore was recruited from a community-based organization. Data for each country represented in the sample were obtained from the WHO Demographic and Health Surveys and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Each country was scored for its stage in the nutrition transition using a six-point scoring system. Descriptive statistics were conducted to characterize the sample. Bivariate analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the outcome variables and the predictors. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to examine whether a country's stage in the nutrition transition increased one's odds of having an obese BMI score (≥30 kg/cm2) and perceiving one's weight as overweight, while controlling for socio-demographic variables. RESULTS The sample (n = 149) consisted of immigrants from 12 Latin American countries. Participants lived in the US for x=10.24 years. About 40% of the sample had BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (obese). The longer Latina immigrants' lived in the US, the less likely their country of origin's nutrition transition score would increase their odds of having a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (OR = 0.97 p < 0.04). The higher the country of origin's nutrition transition score, the more likely BMI influenced Latino immigrants' perception of their weight as above normal (OR = 1.06, p < 0.04). The effect of the nutrition transition score had a stronger effect on females than males. CONCLUSION These results suggest that country of origin's nutrition transition score and gender affect Latino immigrants' objective and subjective measures of weight. Future investigation should investigate the relationship between gender and the nutrition transition in Latin America and how the nutrition transition globalizes obesity and weight consciousness.
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Martínez AD. Reconsidering acculturation in dietary change research among Latino immigrants: challenging the preconditions of US migration. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2012; 18:115-35. [PMID: 22731980 PMCID: PMC3536930 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2012.698254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary changes among Latino immigrants are often attributed to acculturation. Acculturation-diet research typically assumes that migration to the US is necessary for negative dietary changes to occur in Latino immigrants' diets. OBJECTIVE The goal of this article is to demonstrate that extant acculturation research is not adequate in capturing changes in Latino immigrants' diets. This is due to the role of globalization and transnational processes in modernizing their diets in Latin America. DESIGN Utilizing an interactionist cultural studies approach, this exploratory situational analysis based on 27 in-depth interviews with Latino immigrants, nutrition reports, and transnational food companies' websites, examines how Latino immigrants were already engaging in negative dietary practices in their former country. RESULTS Latino immigrants who resided in urban areas in their former countries and migrated to the US on or after 2000 were fully engaged in negative dietary practices prior to migration. Such practices included consuming food outside of the home and integrating processed food into their cooking. Their dietary practices were also informed by nutrition discourses. The modernization of food production and consumption and the transnational transmission of nutrition are transnational processes changing Latino immigrants' diets prior to migration. CONCLUSION Researchers should approach the study of dietary change among Latino immigrants in the US through a transnational perspective in order to avoid overlooking potential confounders such as current food insecurity, new socioeconomic positions as undocumented, low-income persons, and increased hours worked outside of the home.
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Figueroa XF, Martínez AD, González DR, Jara PI, Ayala S, Boric MP. In vivo assessment of microvascular nitric oxide production and its relation with blood flow. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2001; 280:H1222-31. [PMID: 11179067 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.2001.280.3.h1222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To assess the hypothesis that microvascular nitric oxide (NO) is critical to maintain blood flow and solute exchange, we quantified NO production in the hamster cheek pouch in vivo, correlating it with vascular dynamics. Hamsters (100-120 g) were anesthetized and prepared for measurement of microvessel diameters by intravital microscopy, of plasma flow by isotopic sodium clearance, and of NO production by chemiluminescence. Analysis of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) location by immunocytochemistry and subcellular fractionation revealed that eNOS was present in arterioles and venules and was 67 +/- 7% membrane bound. Basal NO release was 60.1 +/- 5.1 pM/min (n = 35), and plasma flow was 2.95 +/- 0.27 microl/min (n = 29). Local NO synthase inhibition with 30 microM N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine reduced NO production to 8.6 +/- 2.6 pmol/min (-83 +/- 5%, n = 9) and plasma flow to 1.95 +/- 0.15 microl/min (-28 +/- 12%, n = 17) within 30-45 min, in parallel with constriction of arterioles (9-14%) and venules (19-25%). The effects of N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (10-30 microM) were proportional to basal microvascular conductance (r = 0.7, P < 0.05) and fully prevented by 1 mM L-arginine. We conclude that in this tissue, NO production contributes to 35-50% of resting microvascular conductance and plasma-tissue exchange.
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Sáez JC, Brañes MC, Corvalán LA, Eugenín EA, González H, Martínez AD, Palisson F. Gap junctions in cells of the immune system: structure, regulation and possible functional roles. Braz J Med Biol Res 2000; 33:447-55. [PMID: 10775310 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2000000400011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junction channels are sites of cytoplasmic communication between contacting cells. In vertebrates, they consist of protein subunits denoted connexins (Cxs) which are encoded by a gene family. According to their Cx composition, gap junction channels show different gating and permeability properties that define which ions and small molecules permeate them. Differences in Cx primary sequences suggest that channels composed of different Cxs are regulated differentially by intracellular pathways under specific physiological conditions. Functional roles of gap junction channels could be defined by the relative importance of permeant substances, resulting in coordination of electrical and/or metabolic cellular responses. Cells of the native and specific immune systems establish transient homo- and heterocellular contacts at various steps of the immune response. Morphological and functional studies reported during the last three decades have revealed that many intercellular contacts between cells in the immune response present gap junctions or "gap junction-like" structures. Partial characterization of the molecular composition of some of these plasma membrane structures and regulatory mechanisms that control them have been published recently. Studies designed to elucidate their physiological roles suggest that they might permit coordination of cellular events which favor the effective and timely response of the immune system.
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Martínez AD, Sáez JC. Regulation of astrocyte gap junctions by hypoxia-reoxygenation. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2000; 32:250-8. [PMID: 10751675 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(99)00086-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Confluent cultures of rat cortical astrocytes were subjected to 12-h hypoxia (<1% O(2)) followed by reoxygenation. Just after hypoxia, the cellular distribution, phosphorylation state and levels of connexin43 (Cx43), as well as the extent of dye coupling were as in control conditions. Nonetheless, 15-30 min after reoxygenation, dye coupling was transiently reduced by approximately 70%. The reduction in dye coupling occurred without changes in the state of phosphorylation or levels of Cx43. Nevertheless, it was correlated with a decrease in Cx43 reactivity found at membrane appositions and the appearance of intracellular Cx43-positive vesicle-like structures of variable size, suggesting internalization of gap junction channels. Reoxygenation-induced cellular uncoupling and redistribution of Cx43 were prevented by melatonin (500 microM), a potent-free radical scavenger, or indomethacin (50 microM), an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism. In astrocytes cultured under normoxia, the state of phosphorylation of Cx43 was not affected by antimycin A, a blocker of the mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, but phosphorylation was drastically reduced by iodoacetate, a blocker of anaerobic glycolysis. Thus, these results strongly suggest that reoxygenation-induced uncoupling is mediated by arachidonic acid byproducts that induce, at least, disorganization of Cx43 gap junction channels.
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Martínez AD, Sáez JC. Arachidonic acid-induced dye uncoupling in rat cortical astrocytes is mediated by arachidonic acid byproducts. Brain Res 1999; 816:411-23. [PMID: 9878857 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(98)01016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Arachidonic acid (AA) induced a concentration- and time-dependent reduction in gap junction-mediated dye coupling between cultured astrocytes. The effect was greatly diminished by inhibition of cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases. The action of a low concentration of AA (5 microM) was also prevented by Ca2+-free extracellular solution or a high concentration of melatonin, a potent free radical scavenger, but not by Nomega-nitro-l-arginine, a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor. Thus, this effect may depend on Ca2+ influx and oxygen free radicals but not on NO generation. Cellular uncoupling induced by a high (100 microM), but not a low, AA concentration was rapidly reversed by washing with albumin containing solution. After reversal from 5 min but not 2.5 min inhibition with a high AA concentration dye coupling between astrocytes became refractory to a low concentration of AA, suggesting desensitization of the response elicited by a low concentration of the fatty acid. Dye uncoupling occurred without changes in levels and state of phosphorylation (immunoblotting and 32P-incorporation) of connexin43, the main astrocyte gap junctional protein. However, maximal cell uncoupling induced by a low (Slow action) but not by a high (Fast action) AA concentration was paralleled by a reduction in connexin43 (immunofluorescence) at cell-to-cell contacts. It is proposed that the AA-induced dye uncoupling is mediated by byproducts that induce rapid channel closure or slow removal of connexin43 gap junctions.
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Sáez JC, Martínez AD, Brañes MC, González HE. Regulation of gap junctions by protein phosphorylation. Braz J Med Biol Res 1998; 31:593-600. [PMID: 9698763 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x1998000500001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are constituted by intercellular channels and provide a pathway for transfer of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells of most tissues. The degree of intercellular coupling mediated by gap junctions depends on the number of gap junction channels and their activity may be a function of the state of phosphorylation of connexins, the structural subunit of gap junction channels. Protein phosphorylation has been proposed to control intercellular gap junctional communication at several steps from gene expression to protein degradation, including translational and post-translational modification of connexins (i.e., phosphorylation of the assembled channel acting as a gating mechanism) and assembly into and removal from the plasma membrane. Several connexins contain sites for phosphorylation for more than one protein kinase. These consensus sites vary between connexins and have been preferentially identified in the C-terminus. Changes in intercellular communication mediated by protein phosphorylation are believed to control various physiological tissue and cell functions as well as to be altered under pathological conditions.
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