Inter-Individual Responses to Citrulline Malate Oral Supplementation on Post-Exercise Hypotension in Hypertensives: A 24-Hour Analysis / Respostas Interindividuais à Suplementação Oral de Citrulina Malato na Hipotensão Pós-Exercício em Hipertensos: Uma Análise de 24 Horas

Abstract Background: Studies have persuasively demonstrated that citrulline has a key role in the arginine-nitric oxide system, increasing nitric oxide bioavailability, an important mediator of peripheral vasodilation. Objective: To analyze the inter-individual post-exercise hypotension responsiveness following acute citrulline supplementation in hypertensives. Methods: Forty hypertensives were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental groups (control-placebo, control-citrulline, exercise-placebo, and exercise-citrulline). They ingested placebo or citrulline malate [CM] (6 grams). During the exercise session, individuals performed 40 minutes of walking/running on a treadmill at 60-70% of HR reserve. For the control session, the individuals remained seated at rest for 40 minutes. Office blood pressure (BP) was taken every 10 minutes until completing 60 minutes after the experimental session. The ambulatory BP device was programmed to take the readings every 20 minutes (awake time) and every 30 minutes (sleep time) over the course of 24 hours of monitoring. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: Unlike the other experimental groups, there were no "non-responders" in the exercise/citrulline (EC) for "awake" (systolic and diastolic BP) and "24 hours" (diastolic BP). The effect sizes were more consistent in the EC for systolic and diastolic ambulatorial BP response. The effects were "large" (> 0.8) for "awake", "asleep", and "24 hours" only in the EC for diastolic BP. Conclusion: CM supplementation can increase the post-exercise hypotensive effects in hypertensives. In addition, the prevalence of non-responders is lower when associated with aerobic exercise and CM supplementation.

Resumo Fundamento: Estudos demonstraram de maneira persuasiva que a citrulina tem um papel fundamental no sistema arginina-óxido nítrico, aumentando a biodisponibilidade do óxido nítrico, um importante mediador da vasodilatação periférica. Objetivo: Analisar a responsividade interindividual da hipotensão pós-exercício após suplementação aguda com citrulina em hipertensos. Métodos: Quarenta hipertensos foram aleatoriamente designados para um dos quatro grupos experimentais (controle-placebo, controle-citrulina, exercício-placebo e exercício-citrulina). Eles ingeriram placebo ou citrulina malato [CM] (6 gramas). Durante a sessão de exercício, os indivíduos realizaram 40 minutos de caminhada/corrida em esteira a 60-70% da FC de reserva. Para a sessão de controle, os indivíduos permaneceram sentados em repouso por 40 minutos. A medida da pressão arterial (PA) no consultório foi realizada a cada 10 minutos até completar 60 minutos após a sessão experimental. O dispositivo ambulatorial de PA foi programado para fazer as leituras a cada 20 minutos (tempo de vigília) e a cada 30 minutos (tempo de sono) ao longo de 24 horas de monitoramento. A significância estatística foi definida como p < 0,05. Resultados: Diferentemente de outros grupos experimentais, não houve "não respondedores" no exercício/citrulina (EC) para "acordado" (PA sistólica e diastólica) e "24 horas" (PA diastólica). Os tamanhos de efeito foram mais consistentes no EC para a resposta sistólica e diastólica da PA ambulatorial. Os efeitos foram "grandes" (> 0,8) para "acordado", "dormindo", e para "24 horas" apenas no EC para a PA diastólica. Conclusão: A suplementação com CM pode aumentar os efeitos hipotensivos pós-exercício em hipertensos. Além disso, a prevalência de "não respondedores" é menor quando associada ao exercício aeróbico e à suplementação com CM.

Lactobacillus plantarum as a malolactic starter culture in winemaking: a new (old) player?

Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is a process in winemaking responsible for the conversion of L-malic acid to L-lactic acid and CO2, which reduces the total acidity, improves the biological stability, and modifies the aroma profile of wine. MLF takes place during or after alcoholic fermentation and is carried out by one or more species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are either present in grapes and cellars or inoculated with malolactic starters during the winemaking process. Although the main bacterium among LAB used in commercial starter cultures for MLF has traditionally been Oenococcus oeni, in the last decade, Lactobacillus plantarum has also been reported as a malolactic starter, and many works have shown that this species can survive and even grow under harsh conditions of wine (i.e., high ethanol content and low pH values). Furthermore, it has been proved that some strains of L. plantarum are able to conduct MLF just as efficiently as O. oeni. In addition, L. plantarum exhibits a more diverse enzymatic profile than O. oeni, which could play an important role in the modification of the wine aroma profile. This enzymatic diversity allows obtaining several starter cultures composed of different L. plantarum biotypes, which could result in distinctive wines. In this context, this review focuses on showing the relevance of L. plantarum as a MLF starter culture in winemaking.

Suplemento de magnesio y ácido málico para fibromialgia / Magnesium and malic acid supplement for fibromyalgia

INTRODUCCIÓN La fibromialgia es una condición reumática no articular caracterizada por distintos síntomas, donde destacan principalmente el dolor, sensibilidad muscular, fatiga, insomnio, rigidez matinal, depresión y disminución de la funcionalidad cotidiana. Aún no existe claridad respecto de su etiología, pero se ha planteado que la deficiencia de elementos tales como el magnesio podría tener un rol tanto en la fisiopatología de la fibromialgia como también contribuir a sus síntomas clínicos. MÉTODOS Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES Identificamos siete revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron 11 estudios primarios, de los cuales solo uno corresponde a un ensayo aleatorizado. Concluimos que el uso de magnesio y ácido málico en pacientes con fibromialgia tiene poco o nulo impacto en dolor y en los síntomas depresivos.

INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia is characterized by myalgia and a combination of different symptoms including pain, fatigue, insomnia, morning rigidity, depression and a reduction in every-day functioning. Its aetiology is not clear, but it has been suggested that deficiency in certain minerals such as magnesium may play a role both in the physiopathology and in contributing to the symptoms. METHODS We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We identified seven systematic reviews which included 11 primary studies of which one was a randomized trial. Our conclusion is that the use of magnesium and malic acid in patients with fibromyalgia makes little or no difference on pain and on depressive symptoms.

Isolation, identification and characterization of regional indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains

Abstract In the present work we isolated and identified various indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains and screened them for the selected oenological properties. These S. cerevisiae strains were isolated from berries and spontaneously fermented musts. The grape berries (Sauvignon blanc and Pinot noir) were grown under the integrated and organic mode of farming in the South Moravia (Czech Republic) wine region. Modern genotyping techniques such as PCR-fingerprinting and interdelta PCR typing were employed to differentiate among indigenous S. cerevisiae strains. This combination of the methods provides a rapid and relatively simple approach for identification of yeast of S. cerevisiae at strain level. In total, 120 isolates were identified and grouped by molecular approaches and 45 of the representative strains were tested for selected important oenological properties including ethanol, sulfur dioxide and osmotic stress tolerance, intensity of flocculation and desirable enzymatic activities. Their ability to produce and utilize acetic/malic acid was examined as well; in addition, H2S production as an undesirable property was screened. The oenological characteristics of indigenous isolates were compared to a commercially available S. cerevisiae BS6 strain, which is commonly used as the starter culture. Finally, some indigenous strains coming from organically treated grape berries were chosen for their promising oenological properties and these strains will be used as the starter culture, because application of a selected indigenous S. cerevisiae strain can enhance the regional character of the wines.

Effect of malate on docosahexaenoic acid production from Schizochytrium sp. B4D1

Background: Malate involves in the citrate/malate and transhydrogenase cycles to provide precursors for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) synthesis. The optimal strategy was investigated for increasing DHA production in Schizochytrium species during fermentation. Results: DHA production increased by 47% and reached 5.51 g/L when 4 g malate/L was added during the rapid lipid accumulation stage in shake-flasks culture. Inducing effects of malate was further investigated through the analysis of three kinetic parameters, including specificcell growth rate(μ), specific glucose consumption rate (qGlu)and DHA formation rate (qDHA). DHA concentration was enhanced through a novel fed-batch strategy to a maximum value of 30.7 g/L, giving a yield of 0.103 g DHA/g glucose and a productivity of 284 mg L-1 h-1. Conclusion: A novel malate feeding strategy was developed that enhanced DHA yield and productivity of Schizochytrium species which may offer a desirable method for industrial applications.

Effect of glutamine on the mRNA level of key enzymes of malate-aspartate shuttle in the rat intestine subjected to ischemia reperfusion / Efeito da glutamina sobre o nível de RNA Mensageiro das enzimas-chave do ciclo malato-aspartato no intestino de ratos submetidos à isquemia e reperfusão

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of oral L-glutamine (L-Gln) and the dipeptide l-alanyl-glutamine (L-Ala-Gln) upon the activity of the malate-aspartate shuttle in the rat distal small intestine following ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: Seventy-two Wistar rats (350-400g), were randomized in 2 groups (n = 36): group S (Sham) and Group T (Treatment) and divided into 12 subgroups (n = 6): A-A6, and B1-B6. The subgroups A1-A3 were subjected to sham procedures at 30 and 60 minutes. Thirty minutes before the study, rats were treated with calcium caseinate, 0.5g/Kg (subgroups A1, A4, B1, B4), L-Gln, 0.5g / kg (subgroups A2, A5, B2 and B5) or L-Ala-Gln, 0.75g/Kg (subgroups A3, A6, B3, B6), administered by gavage. Ischemia was achieved by clamping the mesenteric vessels, delimiting a segment of bowel 5 cm long and 5 cm apart from the ileocecal valve. Samples were collected 30 and 60 minutes after start of the study for real-time PCR assay of malate dehydrogenases (MDH1-2) and aspartate-aminotransferases (GOT1-2) enzymes. RESULTS: Tissue MDH and GOT mRNA expression in intestinal samples from rats preconditioned with either L-Gln or L-Ala-Gln showed no significant differences both during ischemia and early reperfusion. CONCLUSION: Activation of the malate-aspartate shuttle system appears not to be the mechanism of glutamine-mediated elevation of glucose oxidation in rat intestine during ischemia/reperfusion injury.

OBJETIVO: Determinar os efeitos da administração oral de L-glutamina (L-Gln) e do dipeptídeo L-alanil-glutamina (L-Ala-Gln) sobre a atividade do ciclo malato-aspartato no intestino delgado distal de ratos após isquemia/reperfusão. MÉTODOS: Setenta e dois ratos Wistar (350-400g) foram randomizados em 2 grupos (n = 36): T grupo S (Sham) e grupo (Tratamento) e distribuídos em 12 subgrupos (n = 6): A-A6, e B1-B6. Os subgrupos A1-A3 foram submetidos a procedimentos "sham" aos 30 e 60 minutos. Trinta minutos antes do estudo, os ratos foram tratados com caseinato de cálcio, 0,5 g/kg (subgrupos A1, A4, B1 e B4), L-Gln, 0,5 g/kg (subgrupos A2, A5, B2 e B5) ou L-Ala -Gln, 0,75g/kg (subgrupos A3, A6, B3, B6), administrado por gavagem. A isquemia foi obtida por pinçamento dos vasos mesentéricos, delimitando um segmento do intestino cinco centímetros de comprimento e 5 cm da válvula ileocecal. Amostras foram coletadas aos 30-60 minutos para ensaio de PCR em tempo real das enzimas malato desidrogenases (MDH1-2), aspartato-aminotransferase (GOT1-2). RESULTADOS: A expressão de MDH e GOT mRNA nas amostras provenientes do intestino delgado de ratos pré-condicionados com L-Gln ou L-Ala-Gln não apresentou diferenças significativas, tanto durante a isquemia como na fase inicial de reperfusão. CONCLUSÃO: Ativação do ciclo malato-aspartato não parece ser o mecanismo de elevação glutamina-mediada da oxidação da glicose no intestino de ratos durante a isquemia / reperfusão.

Comparación del Efecto de la adición de malato vs monensina sobre parámetros bioquímicos en terneros en crecimiento / Comparison between malate vs monensin adition on biochemicals parameters in growing steers

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar “ in vivo ” las repercusiones que tiene la adición de malato sódico sobre parámetros del medio interno, comparándolos con los resultados obtenidos al aplicar monensina sódica. Los parámetros sanguíneos estudiados fueron: glucosa, colesterol, triglicéridos, ácidos grasos libres, y las enzimas aspartato amino transferasa (ASAT), amilasa y gamma glutamil transpeptidasa (GGT). El estudio fue realizado con 13 animales, 8 de ellos recibieron malato sódico y 5 animales monensina sódica, extrayendo 6 muestras a cada animal, una toma basal (toma 1), y a los 3 (toma 2), 7 (toma 3), 21 (toma 4), 46 (toma 5) y 57 días (toma 6). Los resultados obtenidos muestran muy pocas diferencias entre ambos grupos y evoluciones parecidas, con variaciones entre grupos en el día 3 (ácidos grasos libres), día 7 (GGT), en el día 21 (amilasa) y en el día 46 (amilasa y GGT). En cuanto a las evoluciones de los parámetros a lo largo del experimento, colesterol, triglicéridos, amilasa y ASAT son los cuatro parámetros que presentan cambios estadísticos, con evoluciones similares en ambos grupos.

Effects of sodium malate addition on selected blood parameters, compared with the monensin addition were evaluated in this study. Serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterols, free fatty acids (FFA), and the enzymes aspartate amino transferase (ASAT), amylase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were studied. Thirteen steers, distributed in two different groups were used, one group (n=8) received sodium malate, and another group (n=5) received monensin and considered for us as a control group. Six samplings were obtained for each animal, at day 0 (before addition), and at days 3; 7; 21; 46 and 57 (after addition), respectively. Results obtained showed a similar evolution in both groups with small differences between them, at day 3 (FFA), at day 7 (GGT), at day 21 (amylase) and at day 46 (GGT and amylase). In relation with the evolution, we have seen similar statistical changes in both groups for cholesterol, triglycerides, amylase and ASAT assays.

Regulatory mechanisms of blood lactate production during exercise in man

During cycloergometric exercise at progressively increasing loads, blood lactate concentration increased about 12-fold. Pyruvate concentration decreased initially(for loads of 50-75 W), increased with loads of 75 to 125 W and then decreased again until the end of exercise. the malate concentration increased abruptly between 50 and 75 W, followed by a slow decline; citrate increased about nine-fold as the exercise load was increased to 125 W and then fell sharply. Thus, the production of lactate during low-intensity exercise seems to occur by the "mass-action effect" caused by enhanced glycolysis, whereas with moderate loads the glycolysis rate is very much reduced and most of the lactate production seems to involve the action of the malate-aspartate shuttle. For high-intensity exercise, both mechanisms appear to participate in lactate production