Effects of oleic (18: 1n-9) and palmitic (16: 0) fatty acids on the metabolic state of adipocytes / Efectos de los ácidos grasos oleico (18: 1n-9) y palmítico (16: 0) en el estado metabólico del adipocito

Abstract Background: Elevated serum-free fatty acid (FFA) levels induce insulin resistance (IR) or a protective mechanism to IR development in humans; it depends on FFA type. Objetive: This study explores the effects of oleic (OLA - unsatured) and palmitic (PAM - saturated) fatty acids on insulin action in mature adipocytes effect. Methods: Cells were incubated 18 h with or without OLA and PAM at 250 μM, and 500 μM. After the culture period, were measured: adipocyte viability, size, fatty acids mobilisation, insulin signalling proteins, and glucose uptake. Results: Adipocytes exhibited optimal viability tolerances regardless of the kinds of fatty acids used for treatment. However, adipocytes were hypertrophic after OLA and PAM stimuli. Additionally, lipogenesis (lipid synthesis), and lipolysis (lipid breakdown) were significantly increased by treatment with OLA, or PAM (500 μM) compared to control. Moreover, OLA results showed that there was no significant reduction in signalling cascades, except for a downstream proinflammatory response. Instead, PAM hypertrophic adipocytes were insulin resistant with alteration of proinflammatory and stress markers. Conclusions: Current findings suggest that PAM induces insulin resistance, mitochondrial and reticulum stress on fat cells compared to those treated with OLA that, protects adipocytes to all those alterations.

Resumen Introducción: Los niveles elevados de ácidos grasos libres (AGL) en suero inducen resistencia a insulina (RI) o un mecanismo de protección del desarrollo de RI en humanos, esto depende del tipo de AGL. Objetivo: Este estudio explora los efectos de los ácidos grasos oleico (insaturados - OLA) y palmítico (saturados - PAM) sobre la insulina en adipocitos maduros. Métodos: Las células se incubaron 18 h con o sin OLA y PAM a 250 μM y 500 μM. Después del período de cultivo, se evaluó en adipocitos: viabilidad, tamaño, movilización de ácidos grasos, proteínas de señalización de insulina y absorción de glucosa. Resultados: Los adipocitos mostraron viabilidad óptima independientemente de los tipos de ácidos grasos utilizados en el tratamiento. Los adipocitos eran hipertróficos tras estimulo con OLA y PAM. La lipogénesis (síntesis de lípidos) y la lipólisis (degradación de lípidos) aumentaron significativamente con el tratamiento con OLA o PAM (500 μM) en comparación con el control. En los resultados de OLA no se evidenció una reducción significativa en las cascadas de señalización de insulina, a excepción de una respuesta proinflamatoria posterior. En cambio, los adipocitos hipertróficos tratados con PAM presentaron resistencia a la insulina y alteración de los marcadores proinflamatorios y de estrés. Conclusiones: Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que PAM induce resistencia a la insulina, estrés mitocondrial y del retículo en las células grasas en comparación con aquellos tratados con OLA, AGL que, en cambio, protegen a los adipocitos de todas esas alteraciones.

Efeito da adição do ácido palmítico e da vitamina E ao diluidor Tris-gema na criopreservação de sêmen canino / Effect of addition of palmitic acid and Vitamin E to the Tris-egg yolk diluter in canine semen cryopreservation

Canine sperm is a very delicate cell that is quite susceptible to oxidative stress since the cytoplasm is restricted and features little antioxidant reserves. Furthermore, the sperm membrane has some polyunsaturated fatty acids sensitive to lipid peroxidation, which makes it important to addition antioxidant substances to the diluter aiming at decreasing such stress to the sperm cell, particularly during seminal cryopreservation. Several antioxidants have been used in this process in some domestic animal's species, however, the use of palmitic acid has been little reported in works on cryopreservation of semen of the canine species. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effect of addition antioxidants palmitic acid and vitamin E to the Tris-egg yolk diluter on the semen quality of dogs after thawing. Samples were collected from the ejaculates of 4 adult dogs, apparently healthy, of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed of kennels in the city of Teresina, PI, places where the pre-freezing procedures of the dog's semen were performed. The samples were diluted in Tris citric acid fructose (3.28 g Tris-hydroxymethyl-aminomethane, 1.78 g citric acid monohydrate and 1.25 g D-fructose), dissolved in 100 mL distilled water, and added 20% egg yolk and 6% glycerol, at the concentration of 100x106 sptz/mL. The semen samples were divided into 3 mL aliquots to form 3 experimental groups: G1 - Only Tris-egg yolk (Control group); G2 - Tris-egg yolk + 100 µM palmitic acid; and G3 - Tris-egg yolk + 116 µM vitamin E. Semen was collected weekly over a period of little over 2 months. After thawing, thermorresistance test (TTR) was carried out at 0, 30, 60, and 90 min to assess spermatics motility and vigor, in addition to analysis of integrity of plasma membrane, acrosomal membrane and mitochondrial activity of the sperm, using fluorescent probes. These assessments were performed out at the Animal Reproduction Biotechnology Laboratory (LBRA/UFPI). In the TTR, G2 and G3 didn't exhibit significant results for spermatics motility or vigor when compared with the control group. The palmitic acid and vitamin E also had no significant effects on the parameters of acrosomal membrane integrity or mitochondrial activity. However, sperm cryopreserved with the addition of palmitic acid exhibited significant differences for plasma membrane integrity, providing greater protection to the sperm cells in G2. The palmitic acid is one of the most saturated fatty acids in human semen, with reports of great proportions also in the seminal plasma of dogs. Its main role is to protect the plasma membrane from external damage, improving viability and fertility of the sperm after cryopreservation. Data is scarce in the literature on the composition of fatty acids in canine semen and regarding the use of palmitic acid as a seminal antioxidant in that species, which grants further studies aiming to investigate such valuable information for canine reproduction. It is concluded that addition palmitic acid at 100µM concentration to the Tris-egg yolk diluter was able to preserve the integrity of the plasma membrane during the process of cryopreservation of canine semen.(AU)

Associação entre Staphylococcus epidermidis e o nível de ácido palmítico em pacientes com acne vulgar / The association between Staphylococcus epidermidis and palmitic acid level in patients with acne vulgaris

INTRODUÇÃO: A acne vulgar é um distúrbio inflamatório da glândula pilossebácea. O ácido palmítico é um dos principais tipos de ácidos graxos livres e pode desempenhar um papel na patogênese da acne. Além disso, estudos recentes sugeriram que o Staphylococcus epidermidis pode estar envolvido na acne. OBJETIVO: Explorar a associação entre a Staphylococcus epidermidis e o ácido palmítico na acne vulgar. MÉTODOS: 43 estudantes do ensino médio de uma área urbana do sul de Sulawesi, na Indonésia, foram incluídos. O nível de ácido palmítico foi medido utilizando cromatografia gasosa e os comedões foram cultivados para detectar o perfil do microbioma. O teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para analisar a diferença do nível palmítico médio entre os grupos com diferentes graus de gravidade da acne vulgar. RESULTADOS: 14 pacientes (32,6%) apresentavam acne vulgar leve, enquanto 14 e 15 pacientes apresentavam acne vulgar moderada e grave, respectivamente. O grupo grave e moderado apresentou nível de ácido palmítico significativamente maior em comparação ao grupo leve. A análise de subgrupo de pacientes com acne vulgar moderada e grave, positiva para S. epidermidis, mostrou um nível significativamente maior de ácido palmítico comparado ao grupo leve. CONCLUSÕES: Esses resultados sugerem que S. epidermidis pode estar associado ao nível de ácido palmítico e pode contribuir na patogênese da acne.

INTRODUCTION: Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous gland. Palmitic acid is one of the major types of free fatty acid and may play a role in acne pathogenesis. In addition, recent studies suggested that Staphylococcus epidermidis might be involved in acne. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between Staphylococcus epidermidis and palmitic acid in acne vulgaris. METHODS: Forty-three high school students at an urban area in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, were included. The palmitic acid level was measured using gas chromatography and comedone was cultured to detect the microbiota profile. Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the median palmitic level diference between groups with different acne vulgaris severity. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (32.6%) had mild acne vulgaris, while 14 and 15 patients had moderate and severe acne vulgaris, respectively The severe and moderate group showed significantly higher palmitic acid level compared with the mild group. Subgroup analysis of patients with moderate and severe acne vulgaris positive for S. epidermidis showed a significantly higher palmitic acid level compared with the mild group. CONCLUSIONS: This result suggests that S. epidermidis may be associated with the palmitic acid level and may contribute to acne pathogenesis.

Palmitic acid-induced lipotoxicity promotes a novel interplay between Akt-mTOR, IRS-1, and FFAR1 signaling in pancreatic ß-cells

BACKGROUND: Free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) is G-protein coupled receptor predominantly expressed in pancreatic ß-cells that is activated by a variety of free fatty acids (FFAs). Once activated, it promotes glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). However, increased levels of FFAs lead to lipotoxicity, inducing loss of ß-cell function. FFAR1 plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and previous studies have indicated the importance of developing anti-diabetic therapies against FFAR1, although its role in the regulation of ß-cell function remains unclear. The present study investigated the role of FFAR1 under lipotoxic conditions using palmitic acid (PA). The rat insulinoma 1 clone 832/13 (INS-1 832/13) cell line was used as a model as it physiologically resembles native pancreatic ß-cells. Key players of the insulin signaling pathway, such as mTOR, Akt, IRS-1, and the insulin receptor (INSR1ß), were selected as candidates to be analyzed under lipotoxic conditions. RESULTS: We revealed that PA-induced lipotoxicity affected GSIS in INS-1 cells and negatively modulated the activity of both IRS-1 and Akt. Reduced phosphorylation of both IRS-1 S636/639 and Akt S473 was observed, in addition to decreased expression of both INSR1ß and FFAR1. Moreover, transient knockdown of FFAR1 led to a reduction in IRS-1 mRNA expression and an increase in INSR1ß; mRNA. Finally, PA affected localization of FFAR1 from the cytoplasm to the perinucleus. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study suggests a novel regulatory involvement of FFAR1 in crosstalk with mTOR-Akt and IRS-1 signaling in ß-cells under lipotoxic conditions.

GLC-MS profiling of non-polar extracts from Phlomis bucharica and P. salicifolia and their cytotoxicity / Perfiles GLC-MS de extractos no polares de Phlomis bucharica y P. salicifolia y su citotoxicidad

Phlomis species (Phlomis bucharica Regel and P. salicifolia Regel) have been traditionally used by Uzbek people as stimulant, tonic, diuretic, and in the treatment of ulcers, hemorrhoids, wounds and gynecological problems. In the present study, we characterized the chemical composition of non-polar extracts from P. bucharica and P. salicifolia by high resolution GLC-MS and evaluated their cytotoxicity. Concentrations of hexadecanoic acid in hexane and chloroform extracts were higher in P. bucharica than in P. salicifolia. 1,8- Cineol, camphor, borneol, alfa-terpinol, thymol, and isobornyl acetate were detected in P. bucharica but not in P. salicifolia. About 45 components were identified in P. bucharica and 40 in P. salicifolia. The chloroform extract from P. bucharica showed cytotoxicity in HeLa and HL-60 cells, with IC50 values of 26.07 and 29.42 ug/ml, respectively.

Las especies Phlomis (Phlomis bucharica Regel y P. salicifolia Regel) se han utilizado tradicionalmente por la gente de Uzbekistán como estimulante, tónico, diurético, y en el tratamiento de las úlceras, hemorroides, heridas y problemas ginecológicos. En el presente estudio, hemos caracterizado la composición química de los extractos no polares de P. bucharica y P. salicifolia por GLC-MS de alta resolución y se evaluó su citotoxicidad. Las concentraciones de ácido hexadecanoico en extractos de hexano y cloroformo fueron mayores en P. bucharica que en P. salicifolia. 1,8-cineol, alcanfor, borneol, se detectaron alfa-terpinol, timol, y acetato de isobornilo en P. bucharica pero no en P. salicifolia. Cerca de 45 componentes fueron identificados en P. bucharica y 40 en P. salicifolia. El extracto de cloroformo a partir de P. bucharica mostró citotoxicidad en células HL-60 y HeLa, con valores de CI 50 de 26,07 y 29,42 ug/ml, respectivamente.

Fatty acid composition indicating diverse habitat use in coral reef fishes in the Malaysian South China Sea

BACKGROUND: In order to understand feeding ecology and habitat use of coral reef fish, fatty acid composition was examined in five coral reef fishes, Thalassoma lunare, Lutjanus lutjanus, Abudefduf bengalensis, Scarus rivulatus and Scolopsis affinis collected in the Bidong Island of Malaysian South China Sea. RESULTS: Proportions of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) ranged 57.2% 74.2%, with the highest proportions in fatty acids, the second highest was monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) ranged from 21.4% to 39.0% and the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was the lowest ranged from 2.8% to 14.1%. Each fatty acid composition differed among fishes, suggesting diverse feeding ecology, habitat use and migration during the fishes' life history in the coral reef habitats. CONCLUSIONS: Diets of the coral fish species might vary among species in spite of that each species are living sympatrically. Differences in fatty acid profiles might not just be considered with respect to the diets, but might be based on the habitat and migration.

Fat profile of Jamaican ackees, oleic acid content and possible health implications / Perfil de grasas del seso vegetal jamaicano, contenido de ácido oleico, y posibles implicaciones para la salud

OBJECTIVE: To re-investigate the composition of ackee oil and unequivocally determine its principal fatty acid components. METHODS: Oil was extracted from the edible portion of ackees harvested in three different studies (I - III) by several analysts; studies I and II utilized composite samples from several trees while study III consisted of ackees from seven separate trees. The oils were either saponified and methylated or trans-methylated and the fatty acid methyl ester content analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Relative fatty acid composition was quantified based on chromatographic peak areas while fatty acids were identified by mass spectrometry. The degree of unsaturation of the ackee oils was characterized by determination of the iodine value. RESULTS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data from the three studies were assessed. Relative fatty acid composition for the ackee oils was consistent across the three studies. The major fatty acid components were oleic acid (55.44%), palmitic acid (25.57%) and stearic acid (12.59%); linoleic acid was present in minor to undetectable amounts. An iodine value of 49 was determined which is consistent with the high oleic acid content of the ackee oil. CONCLUSION: The ackee samples analysed were rich in the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) oleic acid.Consideration should be given to potential protective health effects of diets which include ackee.

OBJETIVO: Re-investigar la composición del aceite del seso vegetal (ackee) y determinar de manera inequívoca sus componentes principales de ácidos grasos. MÉTODOS: Se extrajo el aceite de la porción comestible de sesos vegetales de la Blighia sapida (ackee), cosechados como parte de tres estudios diferentes (I - III) por varios analistas. Los estudios I y II utilizaron muestras combinadas de varios árboles de Blighia sapida, en tanto que el estudio III estuvo formado por muestras de siete árboles de Blighia sapida por separado. Los aceites fueron saponificados y metilados o transmetilados, y el contenido de éster metílico de ácidos grasos fue analizado mediante técnicas de cromatografía de gases y espectrometría de masas (GC-MS). La composición relativa de ácidos grasos se cuantificó sobre la base de las áreas cromatográficas pico, mientras que los ácidos grasos se identificaron mediante espectrometría de masas. El grado de insaturación de los aceites de seso vegetal fue caracterizado mediante la determinación del valor de yodo. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron los datos de la cromatografía de gases acoplada con espectrometría de masas de los tres estudios. La composición relativa de ácido grasos de los aceites de seso vegetal, fue constante a través de los tres estudios. Los componentes principales del ácido graso fueron el ácido oleico (55.44%), el ácido palmítico (25.57%), y el ácido esteárico (12.59%). El ácido linoleico estuvo presente en cantidades que fluctuaron de menores a indetectables. Se determinó un valor de yodo de 49, el cual está en correspondencia con el alto contenido de ácido oleico en el seso vegetal. CONCLUSIÓN: Las muestras analizadas de sesos vegetales de la Blighia sapida (ackee) eran ricas en ácidos grasos monoinsaturados (MUFA por sus siglas en inglés) y ácidos oleicos. Debe prestarse atención a los posibles efectos protectores de la salud de dietas que incluyen sesos vegetales.

Compositional studies and Biological activities of Perovskia abrotanoides Kar. oils

BACKGROUND: Current study has been designed to evaluate the chemical composition of essential and fixed oils from stem and leaves of Perovskia abrotanoides and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these oils. RESULTS: GC-MS analysis of essential oil identified 19 compounds with (E)-9-dodecenal being the major component in stem and hexadecanoic acid in leaves. In contrast, GC-MS analysis of fixed oil showed 40 constituents with α-amyrin the major component in stem and α-copaene in leaves. The antioxidant activity showed the highest value of 76.7% in essential oil from leaves in comparison with fixed oil from stem (45.9%) through inhibition of peroxidation in linoleic acid system. The antimicrobial assay tested on different microorganisms (e.g. E. coli, S. aureus, B. cereus, Nitrospira, S. epidermis, A. niger, A. flavus and C. albicans) showed the higher inhibition zone at essential oil from leaves (15.2 mm on B. cereus) as compared to fixed oil from stem (8.34 mm onS. aureus) and leaves (11.2 mm on S. aureus). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed the fact that essential oil analyzed from Perovskia abrotanoides stem and leaves could be a promising source of natural products with potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as compared to fixed oil.

Modificaciones de las lipoproteínas del plasma en voluntarios sometidos a dietas preparadas con aceite de girasol solo o mezclado con oleína de palma / Changes in the content of plasma lipoproteins in persons subjected to diets prepared with sunflower oil alone or mixed with palm olein

En 31 comensales regulares del Comedor Universitario de la Universidad Central de Venezuela (CUUCV), en Caracas. Se observó el efecto de la sustitución del aceite de girasol que se utiliza corrientemente en la preparación de las comidas en ese comedor, por un aceite obtenido de la mezcla de aceite de girasol y oleína de palma, en la proporción 70/30 (v/v) respectivamente. Después de 40 días continuos de la sustitución no hubo cambios significativos en las concentraciones de colesterol total (CT), ni del colesterol de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) y muy baja densidad (VLDL). La concentración del colesterol de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL) aumentó significativamente (p<0,05). Los triglicéridos (TG) del plasma aumentaron en un 30%. La resistencia a la oxidación de las LDL aumentó considerablemente (p< 0,01). Hoy se considera a esta resistencia como un factor protector de gran importancia en la prevención del inicio del proceso aterogénico. Tomando en cuenta las modificaciones favorables como el aumento de colesterol de HDL sin modificación de la LDL y el claro aumento de la resistencia a la oxidación de la LDL, se considera que la oleína de palma es un aceite vegetal que puede ser utilizado sin mayores riesgos en mezcla con otros aceites que tengan una relación linoleico/palmítico más elevada como los aceites de girasol, maíz, soja y otros.

We analyzed in 31 subjects, regular guests of the University food service of the Central University of Venezuela (UCVFS), in Caracas, the effects of replacing sunflower oil, commonly used in the preparation of meals, by a mix of sunflower oil and palm olein 70/30 (v/v) respectively. Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, low and very low density lipoproteins were not changed after 40 days of the substitution. On the contrary, concentrations of high density lipoprotein and total triglycerides increased. The resistance to the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins increased considerably (p<0, 01). Today this resistance is considered as a protective factor of great importance in the prevention of the initiation of the atherogenic process. Taking into account the favorable modifications of HDL cholesterol and the clear increased resistance to the oxidation of LDL, we think that palm olein, mixed with other oils with a high ratio linoleic/palmític (sunflower, corn, soya an the likes), can be used as a healthy alternative in human nutrition.

Lipids, proteins, phenolic composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of seeds of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea l) cultivated in Tunisia

Fatty acid composition of peanut seed oil in four varieties cultivated in Tunisia showed that linoleic (C18:2), oleic (C18:1) and palmitic (C16) acids account for more than 84% for Chounfakhi and Massriya and for more than 85% of the total fatty acids of Trabilsia and Sinya seed oil respectively. Seed oil contents were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) and did not exceed 48%. The study of total phenolics revealed that Chounfakhi contained more total phenolics (2.1 mg GAE/g DW), followed by the Massriya and Sinya cultivars (1.35 mg GAE/g DW for each); Trabilsia presented the lowest total phenolic content with 1 mg GAE/g DW. Considerable antiradical ability was found, especially in the Trabilsia peanut seed cultivar (IC50 = 1550 μg/ml), the Massriya and Sinya cultivars had, respectively, 720 and 820 mg/ml IC50. In the Massriya variety the sterol fraction showed antibacterial activity against Listeria ivanovii, Listeria inocua, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococus aureus, Enterococcus hirae and Bacillus cereus.

Avaliação comparativa do efeito dos ácidos graxos oléico, palmítico e esteárico sobre biomarcadores do processo aterosclerótico / Comparative evaluation of fatty acids, oleic, palmitic and stearic, effects on atherosclerosis biomarkers

A aterosclerose é classificada como enfermidade crônica não transmissível e é considerada uma das principais causas de morte e morbidade em vários países, incluindo o Brasil. Entre as possíveis causas de sua gênese está o hábito alimentar, especificamente o consumo de ácidos graxos, principalmente saturados e trans. Ácidos graxos saturados possuem características biológicas e fisico-químicas diferentes dos insaturados. Os mais abundantes na dieta humana são o palmítico e esteárico. Sua associação com acometimentos cardiovasculares vem sendo cada vez mais investigada, principalmente os que possuem mais de dez carbonos em sua cadeia interferindo no metabolismo de lipoproteínas podendo desencadear todo o processo aterosclerótico. A indústria de alimentos vem desenvolvendo algumas tecnologias opcionais para reduzir ou eliminar ácidos graxos trans, em especial, o elaídico, dentre elas a modificação no processo de hidrogenação que aumenta a quantidade de ácidos graxos saturados. Alguns alimentos industrializados necessitam de uma grande quantidade de ácidos graxos saturados promovendo um aumento no teor de ácido palmítico e esteárico, sendo este último considerado um ácido graxo saturado neutro, mas dependendo da concentração utilizada, pode contribuir no decréscimo da HDL-c (High Density Lipoprotein), dentre outras alterações deletérias. Desta forma, investigar as alterações de determinados parâmetros biológicos diante da mudança da proporção de ácidos graxos saturados, respeitando o teor total de lipídios de uma dieta é a base deste estudo. Foram realizados ensaios em material biológico para a determinação dos seguintes parâmetros: 1) Atividade de enzimas antioxidantes; 2) Peroxidação lipídica em tecidos; 3) Lipidograma; 4) Determinação do perfil de ácidos graxos de tecidos e rações e 5) Expressão de genes relacionados com o processo aterosclerótico (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CD36 e MCP-1). A determinação da atividade de enzimas antioxidantes foi realizada considerando somente as enzimas Catalase (CAT) e Superóxido Dismutase (SOD), por se tratarem de enzimas com alteração expressiva no processo aterogênico, na ocorrência de disfunção endotelial. Neste trabalho, foi analisada a atividade das referidas enzimas no tecido hepático e cardíaco, onde não foram constatadas alterações. O mesmo processo biológico que estimula a produção excessiva de espécies reativas pode levar ao aumento da peroxidação lipídica, principalmente de ácidos graxos polinsaturados das membranas celulares, em tecidos como fígado, cérebro e coração. A peroxidação lipídica apresentou diferenças significativas no tecido hepático. O grupo alimentado com ração enriquecida com tripalmitato apresentou peroxidação lipídica aumentada em relação ao grupo controle. Correlacionando com o perfil de ácidos graxos do tecido hepático, notamos que houve maior incorporação de ácido palmítico nesse tecido, que por apresentar configuração linear, quando incorporado à membrana celular, pode levar à disfunção e possível suscetibilidade a danos, como a peroxidação. No tecido cardíaco e no tecido cerebral não foram observadas alterações e diferenças entre os tratamentos. O lipidograma consiste na quantificação de lipoproteínas e frações lipídicas, compondo o perfil lipídico no plasma sanguíneo. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o colesterol total foi significativamente menor no grupo controle, assim como triacilglicerol e LDL colesterol (LDL-c). Já HDL colesterol (HDL-c) está reduzida no grupo que recebeu ração suplementada com ácido palmítico, assim como este grupo apresentou parâmetros aumentados nas dosagens de triacilglicerol e colesterol total. Os grupos alimentados com ração suplementada com triestearato e trioleato apresentaram resultados intermediários para a dosagem de HDL-c, com valores tendendo ao grupo suplementado com tripalmitato. Em relação à dosagem de LDL-c, foi constatada diferença entre os grupos suplementados e o grupo controle. Destaca-se que não houve diferença entre a dosagem entre os grupos suplementados. Portanto, o grupo alimentado com dieta enriquecida com ácido oleico (monoinsaturado) equipara-se aos grupos alimentados com dietas enriquecidas com ácido esteárico e palmítico (saturados). O perfil de ácidos graxos do tecido hepático mostrou uma porcentagem elevada de ácido palmítico no grupo alimentado com ração enriquecida com o mesmo ácido graxo, com diferença estatística em relação aos demais grupos. Já em relação ao ácido esteárico, não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Em compensação, o teor de ácido oleico no grupo suplementado com este mesmo ácido graxo e com ácido palmítico foi significativamente diferente em relação aos demais, com valores superiores. Este resultado demonstra que não houve dessaturação do ácido esteárico a oleico, ao menos neste modelo. No tecido cardíaco, foi observado o mesmo comportamento. No tecido cardíaco não houve diferença estatística significativa da concentração de ácidos graxos, indicando que não houve incorporação ou dessaturação. Ressalta-se que de acordo com determinação realizada utilizando a técnica de cromatografia gasosa, as rações apresentavam em sua composição o teor de lipídios adequado ao modelo animal e as proporções de ácidos graxos alteradas como proposto no objetivo deste trabalho. Em relação às moléculas de adesão e quimiocinas (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CD-36 e MCP-1) relacionadas com o processo aterosclerótico, houve somente alteração na molécula CD-36 no grupo alimentado com ração enriquecida com trioleato, com redução em relação aos demais. Mas, as moléculas de adesão relacionadas com o processo inicial da aterogênese, a expressão gênica realizada através da técnica de q-RT-PCR não foi relevante, não apresentando diferença entre os tratamentos. Conclui-se, portanto, que os tratamentos aplicados ao modelo animal selecionado possui o potencial de alterar lipoproteínas plasmáticas, mas não de manter a continuidade e desencadear o processo inflamatório relacionado à aterogênese

Atherosclerosis is chronic a non-communicable disease considered one of a major cause of morbidity and mortality in several countries, including Brazil. Among all the possible causes of their genesis the dietary habit of high fatty acid intake, especially saturated and trans fatty acids is the most important. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids possess different biological and physicochemical characteristics. The most abundant fatty acid in the human diet are palmitic and stearic and they association with cardiovascular events has been increasingly investigated, especially those one with more than ten carbons in its chain which interfers in the lipoproteins metabolism and can initiate the atherosclerotic process. The food industry has developed some optional technologies to reduce or eliminate the presence of trans fatty acids in foods, in particular elaidic, which after the hydrogenation process increases the saturated fatty acids content. Some industrialized foods requires a large amount of saturated fatty acids that promote an increase of palmitic and stearic content, the last fatty acid mentioned is considered a neutral saturated fatty acid that can contribute to the decrease in HDL-c (High Density lipoprotein), depending on the concentration used, among other deleterious changes. Thus, investigate changes of specifics biological parameters in response to consumption of different saturated fatty acids, respecting the total content of lipids in a normolipidic diet is the aim of this study. Assays were conducted to determine the following parameters in the tissues: 1) Activity of antioxidant enzymes, 2) Lipid peroxidation, 3) Lipidogram; 4) Fatty acid composition 5) Expression of genes related the atherosclerotic process (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CD36 and MCP- 1). The determination of the activity of antioxidant enzymes was carried out considering only the enzymes Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), because they are enzymes more sensitive and readily available in changes resulted of an atherosclerotic process with endothelial dysfunction. In the study, no changes were observed in activity of these enzymes in the liver and heart. The same biological process that stimulates the overproduction of reactive species can lead to increased lipid peroxidation, especially of polyunsaturated fatty acids present in cell membranes of tissues such as liver, brain and heart. The group fed with diet enriched with tripalmitate showed increased lipid peroxidation compared to control group. Correlating this information with the fatty acid profile in liver tissue, we noted that there was a greater incorporation of palmitic acid, which exhibit linear configuration when incorporated into the cell membrane and can lead to dysfunction and higher susceptibility to damages such as oxidation. No differences were observed in the others tissues analyzed. The lipidogram is the quantification of lipoprotein and lipid fractions, composing the lipid profile in blood plasma. The results showed that total cholesterol was significantly lower in the control group, as well triglyceride and LDL cholesterol (LDL-c). HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration is reduced and triacylglycerol and cholesterol increased n the group fed with diet supplemented with palmitic. The groups fed with diets supplemented with tristearate and trioleate presented intermediate results for the measurement of HDL-c, with values tending to the group supplemented with tripalmitate. Regarding LDL-c levels, significant differences were observed between the supplemented groups and the control group. Emphasis that there was no difference between the dosage between the supplemented groups. Therefore, the group fed with oleic acid (monounsaturated) supplemented diet equates to the groups fed with diets enriched with stearic and palmitic acid (saturated). The fatty acid profile of liver tissue showed a high percentage of palmitic acid in the group fed with diet enriched with the same fatty acid, with a statistical difference compared to the other groups. In relation to stearic acid, there were no significant differences between groups. As compensation, the oleic acid content in the group supplemented with the same fatty acid and palmitic acid was significantly higher when compared to the others. This result demonstrates that no desaturation of stearic acid to oleic happened in this experimental model. In cardiac tissue there was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of fatty acids, indicating no incorporation or desaturation. Regarding adhesion molecules and chemokines (VCAM-1, ICAM- 1, CD-36 and MCP-1) related to the atherosclerotic process, there was only change in the gene expression of CD-36 molecule in the group fed diet enriched with trioleate, with reduction in relation to others. No other alterations were observed. In conclusion, we verified that the consumption of the different fatty acids in this experimental model has potential to alter lipoproteins levels but not to iniciate or maintain the inflammatory process associated with atherogenesis

Perfil de triacilgliceroles y porcentaje de ácido palmítico en la posición sn-2 en sustitutos de leche materna / Profile of triacylglycerols and percentage of palmitic acid at the sn-2 in breast milk substitutes

El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar el porcentaje de ácido palmítico en la posición sn-2 de los triacilgliceroles en sustitutos de la leche materna. Se analizaron 6 productos del mercado argentino que se presentan como sustitutos de la leche materna durante el primer semestre de vida: 2 fórmulas con aceites vegetales como fuente básica de lípidos (F1 y F2); 1 fórmula con grasa láctea como base y aceites vegetales (F3); 1 fórmula con lípidos estructurados y aceites vegetales (F4); 2 fórmulas para prematuros, una con grasa láctea como base y otros aceites (F5) y otra con aceites vegetales (F6). Los resultados muestran que F1, F2, F3 y F4 presentaron 14,6%, 14,8%, 48,1% y 44,5% del ácido palmítico en la posición sn-2, respectivamente. Por su parte, las fórmulas F5 y F6 presentaron 49,5% y 14,6% delácido palmítico en la posición sn-2. Las fórmulas con base láctea presentaron la mayor concentración de ácido palmítico en la posición sn-2.

The aim of this study was to analyze the percentage of palmitic acid at sn-2 position on triacylglycerols in infant formulas. We studied 6 infant formulas in the Argentinean market that are used as breast-milk substitutes during the frst six months after delivery: 2 formulas with vegetable oils as basic source of lipids (F1, F2); 1 formula with milk fat and vegetable oils (F3); 1 formula with structured lipids and vegetable oils (F4); 2 formulas for pre-term infants, one with milk fat and other oils (F5), and the other with vegetable oils (F6). Results showed that F1, F2, F3 and F4 presented 14.6%, 14.8%, 48.1% and 44.5%, respectively, of palmitic acid at sn-2 position, whereas formulas F5 and F6 had 49.5% and 14.6%, respectively, of palmitic acid at sn-2 position. Milk-based infant formulas had the highest concentration of palmitic acid at sn-2 position.

Development and evaluation of a hot-melt coating technique for enteric coating

Conventional enteric coating requires the use of organic based polymers which are equally hazardous to the environment and operating personnel. Hot-melt coating avoids the use of solvents and is a safer and time-saving process. The present study was designed to assess the efficacy of hot-melt coating (HMC) as an enteric coating technique. Pellets prepared by extrusion spheronization were selected as the core formulation for a model of the gastric irritant drug diclofenac sodium (DFS) because of their innate advantages over single-unit formulations. Stearic acid (SA) and palmitic acid (PA) were evaluated as enteric hot-melt coating materials. HMC was carried out in a specially modified coating pan by applying SA and PA in molten state onto preheated pellets to achieve a coating level of 5-15 %w/w. Hot-melt coated pellets were evaluated for disintegration pH and in vitro dissolution in the pH range 1.2 to 6.8, along with basic micromeritics. SEM of coated pellets showed a uniform and smooth coating. These results indicated that HMC of both SA and PA exhibited very good enteric coating ability. The coated pellets showed negligible drug release in acidic pH. As the pellets were subsequently transferred to a higher pH level, a gradual increase in release of the drug from the pellets was observed with increasing pH of the dissolution media. The release was dependent upon coating extent, providing sustained enteric release as opposed to abrupt release with mixed release kinetics.

O revestimento entérico convencional requer o uso de polímeros orgânicos os quais são igualmente danosos ao meio ambiente e ao pessoal que o executa. O revestimento por fusão a quente evita o uso de solventes e é processo mais seguro e que consome menos tempo. O presente estudo foi planejado para avaliar a eficácia do revestimento por fusão a quente (RFQ) como técnica de revestimento entérico. Os péletes preparados por esferonização por extrusão foram selecionados como formulação central para modelo de fármaco irritante gástrico, o diclofenaco sódico (DFS) em razão das vantagens inerentes sobre as formulações de única dose. O ácido esteárico (AE) e o ácido palmítico (AP) foram avaliados como materiais para o revestimento de fusão a quente. O RFQ foi realizado em recipiente especialmente modificado, aplicando AS e PA no estado fundido em péletes pré-aquecidos para atingir nível de revestimento de 5 a 15% p/P. Os péletes revestidos por fusão a quente for avaliados quanto ao pH de desintegração e à dissolução in vitro na faixa de pH de 1,2 a 6,8, juntamente com base micromerítica. O SEM dos péletes revestido mostrou revestimento uniforme e plano. Esses resultados indicaram que o RFQ tanto do AE quanto do AP apresentou capacidade de revestimento muito boa. Os péletes revestidos mostraram pouca liberação do fármaco em pH baixo. Como os péletes foram, subsequentemente, transferidos para pH mais altos, observou-se aumento gradual na liberação do fármaco dos péletes com o aumento do pH do meio de dissolução. A liberação foi dependente da extensão do revestimento, sendo a liberação entérica controlada, contrariamente à liberação abrupta com cinéticas mistas.

Chemical composition fluctuations in roots of Plumbago scandens L. in relation to floral development

Plumbago scandens L. is a Brazilian tropical/subtropical species that occurs along the coast. Chemically it is mainly represented by naphthoquinones, flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids. The aim of the present work is to study quantitative changes in the root metabolic production of Plumbago scandens during different physiologic developmental stages relative to floration. The results indicated the presence of four substances in the extracts: plumbagin, epi-isoshinanolone, palmitic acid and sitosterol, independent on developmental stage. The naphthoquinone plumbagin has always showed to be the major component of all extracts. Naphthoquinones exhibited their highest content during floration, while the content of the two others components decreased during this stage, revealing an inverse profile. The chemical composition changed depending on the plant requirements.

Plumbago scandens L. é uma espécie brasileira tropical/subtropical que ocorre ao longo da costa. Quimicamente, é principalmente representada por naftoquinonas, flavonóides, terpenóides e esteróides. objetivo do presente trabalho é estudar mudanças quantitativas da produção metabólica nas raízes de Plumbago scandens durante diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento fisiológico, relativos à floração. Os resultados indicaram a presença de quatro substâncias nos extratos: plumbagina, epi-isoshinanolona, ácido palmítico e sitosterol, independente do estágio de desenvolvimento. A naftoquinona plumbagina tem sempre mostrado ser o componente majoritário de todos os extratos. Naftoquinonas exibiram seus maiores conteúdos durante a floração, enquanto o conteúdo dos dois outros componentes decresceu durante este estágio, revelando um perfil inverso. A composição química modificou dependendo das necessidades da planta.

Diagnóstico in vitro de alteraciones metabólicas mediante incubación de fibroblastos con ácido palmitico tritiado / Alterations in vitro diagnostic

Introducción: Algunos métodos in vitro para el diagnóstico de alteraciones metabólicas son confiables pero su realización consume mucho tiempo, por lo que se requiere modificarlos, con miras a que sean útiles en casos de urgencia. Materiales y métodos: el presente trabajo muestra una modificación substancial de la técnica de incubación de fibroblastos en presencia de ácido palmítico tritiado, se determinó la cantidad de agua tritiada producida en los medios de cultivo. Resultados y discusión: se redujo el tiempo de realización de la técnica de varios días a solo 6 horas. Estos cambios nos permiten la confirmación en breve, de los pacientes ospechosos de sufrir algunos errores innatos del metabolismo de los ácidos grasos.

Oxidación de un sustrato tritiado por linfocitos para el diagnóstico rápido de alteraciones metabólicas / Oxidation of a tritiated substrate by lymphocytes for the rapid diagnosis of metabolic errors

Algunos métodos in vitro para el diagnóstico de alteraciones metabólicas son confiables, pero su realización consume mucho tiempo. El presente trabajo muestra una modificación substancial de la técnica de incubación de linfocitos en presencia de ácido palmítico tritiado, la cual reduce el tiempo de realización de la técnica de varios días a solo 6 horas. Estos cambios nos permiten la confirmación casi inmediata de los pacientes sospechosos de sufrir algunos errores innatos del metabolismo de los ácidos grasos.

Armónica-inversión de pulsos y agente de contraste US: caracterización de lesiones focales hepáticas / Pulse inversion harmonic US imaging after levovist injection: patterns in hepatic focal lesions

Propósito: Evaluar con armónica-inversión de pulsos (AIP) y agente de contraste ultrasonográfico el realce a nivel de la microcirculación hepática y establecer diferencias en el comportamiento de lesiones focales sólidas (LFS). Material y Métodos: Se incluyeron 31 pacientes con 37 LFS: 13/37 hepatocarcinomas (HC), 14/37 hemangiomas (HG) y 10/37 metástasis (MTS). El diagnóstico de MTS y de HC se definió histológicamente y el de HG con TC o RNM y seguimiento. Ecorrealzador: Se utilizó Levovist, inyectándose en bolo rápido 12 ml de solución (400 mgs/ml). Técnica US: Se utilizó un equipo ATL HDI 5000 con transductor convex 2-5 Mhz. Procedimiento: 1. Se configuró para evaluación con AIP y alto índice mecánico (1,3). 2. Se obtuvo un registro basal. 3. Se administró el ecorrealzador. 4. Transcurridos 30 se barrió la lesión. El procedimiento se repitió cada 30, durante 5, guardándose en cine-loops para su evaluación ulterior con un programa de investigación (HDI LAB; ATL Ultrasound). Análisis cualitativo: se definió el realce parenquimatoso como presente o ausente. El realce lesional se agrupó en: ausente (AU), periférico globular (PG), periférico anular (PA), intralesional (IL). Análisis cuantitativo: se cuantificó en dB el realce lesional y el parenquimatoso. Análisis estadístico: se utilizó media ñ DS y X2. Resultados: Análisis cualitativo: Realce parenquimatoso presente en todos los casos. Realce lesional AU: 0/13 HC, 8/14 HG y 5/10 MTS (p<0.05). Realce PG: 6/14 HG y en ningún HC ni MTS (p<0.05). Realce PA: 5/10 MTS y en ningún HC ni HG (p<0.05). Realce IL: 13/13 HC y en ningún HG ni MTS (p<0.05). Análisis cuantitativo: La media de la intensidad del realce fue: parénquima hepático, 17 ñ 4 dB; HC, 25 ñ 7 dB; HG con realce PG, 23 ñ 5 dB; MTS con realce PA de 20 ñ 3 dB; lesiones con realce AU 4 ñ 3 dB. Conclusiones: utilizando AIP y ecorrealzador es posible lograr realce a nivel de la microcirculación hepática. Las LFS mostraron diferencias en su comportamiento, sugeriendo que éste procedimiento puede ser de utilidad en su caracterización

Utilidad de los eco realzadores en el estudio del tiempo de circulación pulmonar / Echo constrast enhancers in the study of pulmonary circulation time

El tiempo de circulación pulmonar (TCP) varía en diversas condiciones clínicas. Para evaluar el TCP, la persistencia del contraste en los ventrículos y la saturación arterial digital de oxígeno estudiamos 14 pacientes con microburbujas inyectadas en vena peroférica. Grupos I. normales, II. con hipertrofia ventricular izquierda y fracción de expulsión (FE) > 50 por ciento, III. con estenosis mitral y IV. en insuficiencia cardiaca y FE < 50 por ciento. En siete pacientes, se administraron 2.5 mg S/L de isosorbide después de la primera inyección. El TCP en latidos fue 7.3 y mayor en cada uno de los grupos. La persistencia del contraste en las cavidades derechas (PCCD) fue 31 latidos en el grupo 1, y mayor en los otros. En cavidades izquierdas fue de 20.6 latidos en el grupo I, y mayor en el resto. La saturación arterial de oxigeno no tuvo cambios. Los pacientes con isosorbide tuvieron menores TCP y de PCCD.Conclusiones: hay diferencias en el TCP entre normales, con estenosis mitral y en insuficiencia cardiaca. La persistencia prolongada del contraste en las cavidades derechas indica tránsito pulmonar anormal. En pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca, hay mayor persistencia del contraste. El TCP facilita evaluar algunos aspectos de la circulación pulmonar.

Experiencia inicial con el empleo de Levovist en pacientes adultos con ecocardiogramas subóptimos / Initial experience with Levovist in adult patients with suboptimal echocardiograms

Objetivo: Reportar nuestra experiencia con el empleo de Levovist en 16 pacientes sometidos a estudio ecocardiográfico. Método: Se estudiaron consecutivamente pacientes con estudios ecocardiográficos subóptimos. Se les administraron 4 g @ 400 mg/ml de Levovist en bolo a través de una vena antecubital y se realizó un segundo ecocardiograma en los siguientes minutos. Resultados: Entre junio y julio de 1998, se reclutaron 16 pacientes. Siete hombres y nueve mujeres, con edades entre 29-77 años. Seis pacientes tenían cardiopatía isquémica (CI), tres insuficiencia mitral (IM), uno estenosis subaórtica dinámica, cinco dilatación de cavidades derechas y tumor en aurícula izquierda en uno. Ningún paciente refirió síntomas ni se detectaron complicaciones durante el estudio. El tiempo promedio de ecorrealce fue de 9 minutos. El empleo de Levovist mejoró la visualización del endocardio, facilitando la evaluación de movilidad segmentaria y función ventricular izquierda en los pacientes con CI. Facilitó la evaluación de la severidad de la IM y mejoró la delineación del espectro Doppler en el paciente con estenosis subaórtica. En dos de cinco pacientes con dilatación de cavidades derechas se documentó defecto del septum interauricular no detectado previamente. Mejoró la delineación de un tumor de aurícula izquierda. Conclusiones: Levovist mostró realce significativo de las diversas modalidades de Doppler y facilitó la evaluación de insuficiencia mitral, función ventricular izquierda, estenosis subaórtica y una tumoración de aurícula izquierda con seguridad y buena tolerancia.

Lipids shed into the culture medium by trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi

Trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi were metabolically labeled with [14C]-ethanolamine and [3H]-palmitic acid. Lipids shed to the culture medium were analyzed and compared with the parasite components. Phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine accounted for 53 per cent of the total incorporated precursor. Interestingly, phosphatidylethanolamine and its lyso derivative lysophosphatidylethanolamine, although present in significant amounts in the parasites, could not be detected in the shed material. Shed lipids were highly enriched in the desaturated fatty acids C16:1 and C18:1 when compared to the total fatty acid pool isolated from the parasites.