Effect of fish oil supplementation on the concentration of miRNA-122, FGF-21 and liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD: Study protocol for a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To date, no specific drugs are available for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), though the effect of fish oil supplementation on improving fibrosis in patients with NAFLD has been evaluated. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) may modulate the concentration of microRNAs (miRNAs) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21, which have been identified as non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis. The present study aims to evaluate whether n-3 PUFA supplementation can modulate miRNA-122 and FGF-21 and improve liver fibrosis and steatosis, measured by transient hepatic elastography (THE), in individuals with NAFLD. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will be conducted to evaluate the effect of 4 g/day supplementation of fish oil (2100 mg EPA and 924 mg DHA) in patients with NAFLD over a 6-month period. Fifty-two patients aged >19 years will be randomly assigned to either a placebo (olive oil) or treatment (fish oil) group. Anthropometric data, food intake, physical activity, body composition, resting energy expenditure (evaluated using indirect calorimetry), liver enzymes, platelets, lipids and glucose profile, inflammatory markers (such as C-reactive protein, neutrophil/lymphocyte, platelet/lymphocyte, and monocyte/lymphocyte ratios), miRNA-122 and FGF-21 concentration, and incorporation of fatty acids into the erythrocyte membrane (analyzed using gas chromatography) as well as the degree of liver fibrosis and steatosis assessed using THE (Fibroscan® Touch 502, Paris, France) and liver biomarkers Steato-Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health, Fatty Liver Index, NAFLD Fibrosis Score, Fibrosis-4 score, and FibroScan-AST score will be evaluated at the beginning and end of the treatment. Continuous variables with normal distribution will be compared between placebo and intervention groups using Student's T test for independent samples; continuous non-parametric variables will be compared using Dunn or Mann-Whitney test. Associations between categorical variables will be analyzed using the chi-square test, and within-group differences will be evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test. The criterion for determining significance will be set at 5%. CONCLUSION: The present study protocol will investigate the supplementation of EPA-rich fish oil as an alternative treatment for NAFLD and its feasibility in affecting the concentration of miRNA-122 and FGF-21 markers. Its findings will offer valuable contributions to the literature. REGISTRATION: ReBEC number RBR-8dp876.

Efficacy of ω-3 supplementation on nutritional status, skeletal muscle, and chemoradiotherapy toxicity in cervical cancer patients: A randomized, triple-blind, clinical trial conducted in a middle-income country.

OBJECTIVES: Supplementation with ω-3 has been shown to favor the preservation of body weight and skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ω-3 supplementation on nutritional status, skeletal muscle quantity and quality, and toxicity for treatment of women with cervical cancer. METHODS: This was a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial in women diagnosed with cervical cancer who underwent chemoradiotherapy between March 2016 and August 2017. The intervention group received four capsules with ω-3 (2.5 g/d) and the control group (CG) received the same number of identical-looking capsules with olive oil, for 45 d. Nutritional status was measured by anthropometry and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment. Body composition was assessed by computed tomography. The skeletal muscle index was calculated using the range -29 to +150 HU. For skeletal muscle quality, the area comprised between -29 and +29 HU was denominated low-radiodensity skeletal muscle index and the range between +30 and +150 HU high-radiodensity skeletal muscle index, representing the skeletal muscle area with high or low intramuscular fat infiltration, respectively. RESULTS: The study population comprised 40 patients, with an average age 44.53 ± 8.73. The intervention group maintained body weight and showed an improvement in Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment score. A significant reduction in skeletal muscle index was observed in both groups. However, in regard to skeletal muscle quality, patients in the intervention group preserved low- and high-radiodensity skeletal muscle index, whereas those in the control group had increased low-radiodensity skeletal muscle index and significantly reduced high-radiodensity skeletal muscle index, reflecting high intramuscular fat infiltration only in the control group. The incidence of chemotherapy toxicity was significantly lower in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that ω-3 supplementation is effective in maintaining nutritional status, skeletal muscle quality, and reduced symptoms of chemoradiotherapy among women with cervical cancer.

Were policies in Brazil effective to reducing trans fat from industrial origin in foods?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the trans fatty acids content of processed foods frequently consumed by adults living in a Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after the enactment of a mandatory trans fatty acids labelling policy. METHODS: Between February 2014 and January 2015, a specifically dietary questionnaire was completed by 107 adults to assess the frequency of processed foods consumption. The most commonly consumed products from the survey, including vegetable oils, margarine, biscuits, snacks, cheese bread (pão de queijo), french fries, cheeseburger and ice cream, were then analyzed for their trans fatty acids content using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. RESULTS: Differences in the levels of trans fatty acids were observed among 22 products analyzed, considering that trans fatty acids content ranged between 0.0 g/100 g in samples of cream cracker biscuit 1 and olive oil to 0.83 g/100 g in samples of cheeseburger (fast food), 0.51 g/100 g in samples of frozen pão de queijo and 12.92 g/100 g in samples of chocolate sandwich cookies with cream filling 2. The overall trans fatty acids content of the different samples of margarine brands was 0.20 g/100 g for brand 1 and 0.0 g/100 g for brand 2. These data are significantly lower than those observed in a survey conducted in 2003, when the regulation had been enacted. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that Brazilian regulation is very likely implicated in the observed drop in trans fatty acids of the most processed foods but has yet to eliminate them, which reinforces the urgent need to revise the legislation, since a minimum amount of trans fat does not mean that the food product does not contain this type of fat.

Were policies in Brazil effective to reducing trans fat from industrial origin in foods?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To determine the trans fatty acids content of processed foods frequently consumed by adults living in a Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after the enactment of a mandatory trans fatty acids labelling policy. METHODS Between February 2014 and January 2015, a specifically dietary questionnaire was completed by 107 adults to assess the frequency of processed foods consumption. The most commonly consumed products from the survey, including vegetable oils, margarine, biscuits, snacks, cheese bread (pão de queijo), french fries, cheeseburger and ice cream, were then analyzed for their trans fatty acids content using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. RESULTS Differences in the levels of trans fatty acids were observed among 22 products analyzed, considering that trans fatty acids content ranged between 0.0 g/100 g in samples of cream cracker biscuit 1 and olive oil to 0.83 g/100 g in samples of cheeseburger (fast food), 0.51 g/100 g in samples of frozen pão de queijo and 12.92 g/100 g in samples of chocolate sandwich cookies with cream filling 2. The overall trans fatty acids content of the different samples of margarine brands was 0.20 g/100 g for brand 1 and 0.0 g/100 g for brand 2. These data are significantly lower than those observed in a survey conducted in 2003, when the regulation had been enacted. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that Brazilian regulation is very likely implicated in the observed drop in trans fatty acids of the most processed foods but has yet to eliminate them, which reinforces the urgent need to revise the legislation, since a minimum amount of trans fat does not mean that the food product does not contain this type of fat.

Fatty acid profile of biscuits and salty snacks consumed by Brazilian college students.

High levels of biscuit and salty snack consumption have an effect on human health. This aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid (FA) composition of 19 different biscuits and 10 types of salty snacks by gas chromatography. Palmitic acid was predominant in 79% of biscuits and represented more than 55% of the total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in salty snacks. Low concentrations of trans fatty acids were observed in biscuits (0.86% of total FAs), and the highest values were observed in salty snacks (7.94% of total FAs). The results indicate a high daily intake of SFAs and trans fatty acids, which may have an unfavourable effect on health. Changes in dietary habits and appropriate food choices by students are strongly recommended to prevent the risk of chronic disease. Furthermore, knowledge of the FA profile of food can help to establish health programs targeted to this population.

Os ácidos graxos do leite materno e sua importância no desenvolvimento da linguagem em crianças prematuras / Preterm infant language development: a role for breast milk fatty acids

Premature infants have an increased risk of developmental disabilities during infancy and childhood. A crucial period of fetal polyunsaturated fatty acid accretion bypassed with prematurity. OBJECTIVE: to study how the fatty acid composition of breast milk in breast-fed premature infants is associated with cognitive, language, and motor development. METHODS: participants included twenty-five healthy preterms, born adequate for gestational age at the Fernandez Figueira Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fatty acid composition of breast milk samples from the first week postpartum was analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography. Bayley-III developmental scales were applied at 9 or 12 months corrected age. RESULTS: regression analyses revealed that the ratio of linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid was positively associated with receptive language development (â = 1.49, p = 0.03). Women with preterm infants showed breast milk long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrations consistent with worldwide levels and a high ratio of linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid that might be beneficial for language development in the premature infant. CONCLUSION: a higher ratio of linoleic to alpha-linolenic acid in breast milk could exert beneficial effects for receptive language development in preterm infants fed breast milk. Larger adequately powered longitudinal studies are recommended to better understand the breast milk composition of this population and its association to developmental indices during infancy.(AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: Durante a infância,os bebês prematuros apresentam maior risco de desenvolver doenças do que crianças não prematuras. O último trimestre da gestação é o período em que o feto incorpora nos tecidos ácidos graxos poli insaturados para o seu adequado desenvolvimento e, portanto, a prematuridade prejudica essa função. OBJETIVO: Estudar como a composição dos ácidos graxos presentes no leite materno estão associados com o desenvolvimento cognitivo, linguístico e motor. MÉTODO: Foram recrutados25 recém nascidos prematuros saudáveis, adequados para idade gestacional na Maternidade do Instituto Fernandez Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A composição de ácidos graxos de amostras de leite durante a primeira semana pós-parto foram analisadas usando cromatografía líquida-gasosa. As Escalas Bayley de Desenvolvimento (Bayley-III) foram utilizadas no nono ou décimo segundo mês de vida (idade corrigida) dos bebês. RESULTADOS: A relação ácido linoleico: alfa-linolênicofoi aumentada e as análises de regressão múltipla mostraram que a proporção de ácido linoleico em relação a de ácido alpha-linolénico foi positiva na associação destes com o desenvolvimento de linguagem receptiva (â= 1,49; p = 0,03). O leite materno de mulheres com filhos prematuros apresentou concentrações de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados de cadeia longa similares as concentrações de populações de outros países. CONCLUSÃO: Maior proporção de linoléico para alfa-linolênico no leite materno poderia exercer ação benéfica para o desenvolvimento da linguagem receptiva em prematuros alimentados com leite materno. No entanto, estudos longitudinais com maior tamanho amostral são recomendáveis para ampla compreensão da composição de ácidos graxos no leite materno e sua correlação com os medidores de desenvolvimento durante a infância.(AU)

Os ácidos graxos do leite materno e sua importância no desenvolvimento da linguagem em crianças prematuras / Preterm infant language development: a role for breast milk fatty acids

Premature infants have an increased risk of developmental disabilities during infancy and childhood. A crucial period of fetal polyunsaturated fatty acid accretion bypassed with prematurity. OBJECTIVE: to study how the fatty acid composition of breast milk in breast-fed premature infants is associated with cognitive, language, and motor development. METHODS: participants included twenty-five healthy preterms, born adequate for gestational age at the Fernandez Figueira Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fatty acid composition of breast milk samples from the first week postpartum was analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography. Bayley-III developmental scales were applied at 9 or 12 months corrected age. RESULTS: regression analyses revealed that the ratio of linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid was positively associated with receptive language development (â = 1.49, p = 0.03). Women with preterm infants showed breast milk long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrations consistent with worldwide levels and a high ratio of linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid that might be beneficial for language development in the premature infant. CONCLUSION: a higher ratio of linoleic to alpha-linolenic acid in breast milk could exert beneficial effects for receptive language development in preterm infants fed breast milk. Larger adequately powered longitudinal studies are recommended to better understand the breast milk composition of this population and its association to developmental indices during infancy.

INTRODUÇÃO: Durante a infância,os bebês prematuros apresentam maior risco de desenvolver doenças do que crianças não prematuras. O último trimestre da gestação é o período em que o feto incorpora nos tecidos ácidos graxos poli insaturados para o seu adequado desenvolvimento e, portanto, a prematuridade prejudica essa função. OBJETIVO: Estudar como a composição dos ácidos graxos presentes no leite materno estão associados com o desenvolvimento cognitivo, linguístico e motor. MÉTODO: Foram recrutados25 recém nascidos prematuros saudáveis, adequados para idade gestacional na Maternidade do Instituto Fernandez Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A composição de ácidos graxos de amostras de leite durante a primeira semana pós-parto foram analisadas usando cromatografía líquida-gasosa. As Escalas Bayley de Desenvolvimento (Bayley-III) foram utilizadas no nono ou décimo segundo mês de vida (idade corrigida) dos bebês. RESULTADOS: A relação ácido linoleico: alfa-linolênicofoi aumentada e as análises de regressão múltipla mostraram que a proporção de ácido linoleico em relação a de ácido alpha-linolénico foi positiva na associação destes com o desenvolvimento de linguagem receptiva (â= 1,49; p = 0,03). O leite materno de mulheres com filhos prematuros apresentou concentrações de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados de cadeia longa similares as concentrações de populações de outros países. CONCLUSÃO: Maior proporção de linoléico para alfa-linolênico no leite materno poderia exercer ação benéfica para o desenvolvimento da linguagem receptiva em prematuros alimentados com leite materno. No entanto, estudos longitudinais com maior tamanho amostral são recomendáveis para ampla compreensão da composição de ácidos graxos no leite materno e sua correlação com os medidores de desenvolvimento durante a infância.

Maternal intake of flaxseed-based diet (Linum usitatissimum) on hippocampus fatty acid profile: implications for growth, locomotor activity and spatial memory.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate flaxseed as a partial source of protein and an exclusive source of lipids and fibers in the development of the central nervous system by analyzing hippocampal fatty acid composition and cognitive and locomotor functions. METHODS: Experimental diets were given to dams during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation and to their pups after weaning. Female Wistar rats were separated into three groups according to experimental diet: a control group (CG) and a flaxseed group (FG), fed ad libitum diets, and a modified control group (MCG), pair-fed with the FG. After weaning, the pups received their mothers' diets. After 30 d, eight males from each group were tested in a Morris water maze to assess learning, memory, and motor function. RESULTS: The offspring of FG dams showed a lower body mass than CG dams, probably due to non-nutritional factors and an imbalance between ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids of the seed, and displayed a higher concentration of α-linolenic acid, possibly suggesting inhibition of arachidonic acid synthesis. The content of docosahexaenoic acid in the hippocampus was higher in the FG followed by the MCG compared with the CG. Hippocampal docosahexaenoic acid content correlated with better spatial memory performance in the FG, whereas arachidonic acid content correlated with longer time in solving the task. CONCLUSION: Flaxseed during perinatal and postweaning periods improves spatial memory to the detriment of growth. These findings indicate that there must be caution in encouraging the maternal intake of flaxseed during pregnancy and lactation.

Effects of maternal malnutrition and postnatal nutritional rehabilitation on brain fatty acids, learning, and memory.

Undernutrition still affects mothers and children in developing countries and thus remains the major focus of nutritional intervention efforts. Neuronal development, which classically includes neurogenesis, migration, maturation, and synapse refinement, begins in utero and continues into the early postnatal period. These processes are not only genetically regulated but also clearly susceptible to environmental manipulation. Dietary deprivation during early life is known to have adverse effects on brain anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, and may even lead to permanent brain damage. Although all nutrients are important for the structural development of the central nervous system, lipids such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) and arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6), are important for normal brain development. The purpose of this literature review is to examine how early undernutrition involving a deficiency in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can affect brain development and function and produce deficits in spatial cognitive learning ability.

Distribution of calcium, iron, copper, and zinc in two portions of placenta of teenager and adult women.

The placenta is fundamental for fetal development. The aim of this study was to determine Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn content in the fetal and maternal portions of the placentas of teenage and adult women. Measurement of the minerals was conducted using Synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence. Forty samples from the fetal portion of teenagers and adults and 40 samples from the maternal portion of teenagers and adults were analyzed. There were significant differences in the Ca and Cu concentrations of the placenta's maternal portion when compared to the fetal portion, for both teenagers and adults. There were differences in Fe and Zn concentrations only when comparing the maternal portion of placenta with the fetal portion of the adults. These results suggest important differences in mineral content based on the placental portion. No significant difference was observed between the minerals studied of the maternal portion of teenagers and adults; however, in the fetal portion, mineral concentrations were greater in adults than in teenagers. Therefore, the mineral concentration of the fetal portion of the placenta is influenced by the mother's age. If there is mineral's competition between the mother and fetus during pregnancy in adolescence due to the importance of these minerals in growth and development, then the mechanism and reason for it should be elucidated in future research. In addition, we believe that further research should be carried out on transporters of these minerals in the same portions of the placentas analyzed by our group, in teenagers and adults.

Venous thrombosis risk: effects of palm oil and hydrogenated fat diet in rats.

OBJECTIVE: We tested whether diets containing partially hydrogenated fat (PHVO, rich in trans fatty acids) or palm oil (PO, rich in saturated fat-C16 palmitic fatty acid) had different effects on the propensity for venous thrombosis, a marker of haemostatic cardiovascular risk. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were fed normolipidic diets containing PHVO or PO during lactation, and their young male pups were fed the same diets from weaning until the 180th day of life. We evaluated platelet fatty acid composition, serum lipids, platelet aggregation, clotting time, and venous thrombus formation. RESULTS: A significant and cumulative incorporation of trans fatty acid was observed only in the platelet lipids from the PHVO group, associated with an increased sensitivity to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and venous thrombus formation in vivo. Platelets from rats raised on the PO diet also exhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP and an increase in venous thrombus weight, with a concomitant increase in serum triglycerides. CONCLUSION: The prolonged replacement of dietary hydrogenated fat by PO impaired platelet aggregability and venous thrombosis, suggesting an increased risk of thromboembolic diseases.

Elementos traço e complicações obstétricas na gestação na adolescência / Trace elements and obstetric complications in teenage pregnancy

Minerais estão relacionados com todas as etapas de crescimento e diferenciação celular. Quando a gestação coincide com a adolescência a demanda nutricional necessária para ótimo desenvolvimento e crescimento materno e fetal aumenta consideravelmente. Apesar de existirem muitos estudos sobre as funções destes micronutrientes, pouco se sabe sobre suas atuações no resultado da gestação. Este trabalho objetivou revisar na literatura o papel do cobre, ferro, e zinco no resultado da gestação, em especial de gestantes adolescentes, focando intercorrências como baixo peso ao nascer, partos pré-termo, pré-eclampsia, abortos, dentre outras complicações associadas à gestação na adolescência. Os estudos já realizados são limitados, há a necessidade de promovê-los em países em desenvolvimento, onde a deficiência de micronutrientes e intercorrências possuem altos índices. Os benefícios da suplementação de minerais na redução da prevalência de déficits e na melhora dos estoques maternos têm sido demonstrados, mas dados sobre os benefícios potenciais para o feto são pouco conclusivos.

Minerals are associated with all stages of growth and cellular differentiation. When gestation coincides with adolescence, the nutritional requirements for optimal development of the mother and fetus increase significantly. Although there are many studies on the function of micronutrients, little is known about their influence on pregnancy outcome. This work aimed to review studies that investigated the influence of copper, iron and zinc on pregnancy outcome, especially in teenagers, focusing on intercurrences such as low birth weight, preterm births, pre-eclampsia, miscarriages and other complications associated with teenage pregnancy. There are only a few studies on this topic and a need to promote them in developing countries, where high rates of micronutrient deficiencies and intercurrences are common. The efficacy of mineral supplementation in reducing deficiency rates and improving maternal reserves has been demonstrated but data on potential benefits for the fetus are not very conclusive.

Effects of dietary fish oil on thyroid hormone signaling in the liver.

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) present in fish oil (FO) potently decrease serum lipids, which is also an effect of thyroid hormones. Both PUFAs and thyroid hormones affect hepatic lipid metabolism, and here we hypothesized that a long-term diet rich in n-3 PUFAs would enhance thyroid hormone action in the liver. Female rats received isocaloric and normolipid diets containing either soybean oil (SO) or FO during lactation. Male offspring received the same diet as their dams since weaning until sacrifice when they were 11 weeks old. FO group, as compared to SO group, exhibited lower body weight since 5 weeks of age until sacrifice, with no alterations in food ingestion, lower retroperitoneal white fat mass and elevated inguinal fat mass relative to body weight, with unchanged water and lipid but reduced protein percentage in their carcasses. FO diet resulted in lower serum triglycerides and cholesterol. Serum total triiodothyronine, total thyroxine and thyrotropin were similar between groups. However, liver thyroid hormone receptor (TR) ß1 protein expression was higher in the FO group and correlated negatively with serum lipids. Liver 5'-deiodinase activity, which converts thyroxine into triiodothyronine, was similar between groups. However, the activity of hepatic mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, the enzyme involved in thermogenesis and a well-characterized target stimulated by T3 via TRß1, was higher in the FO group, suggesting enhancement of thyroid hormone action. These findings suggest that the increase in thyroid hormone signaling pathways in the liver may be one of the mechanisms by which n-3 PUFAs exert part of their effects on lipid metabolism.

Influência da desnutrição promovida pela dieta básica regional sobre o perfil de ácidos graxos do leite materno, o crescimento e o desenvolvimento de ratos jovens / Malnutrition promoted by a basic regional diet alters the fatty acid profile of breast milk, and the growth and development of rat pups

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do consumo da Dieta Básica Regional e da reabilitação nutricional, durante os períodos críticos de crescimento e desenvolvimento de ratos, sobre a evolução da sua massa corporal e tecidual, bem como o consumo alimentar de mães durante a gestação e lactação e de seus filhotes, machos e fêmeas, até 70 dias de vida. Adicionalmente, verificou-se o percentual dos ácidos graxos nas dietas experimentais e no leite materno. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar, de ambos os sexos. Após a constatação da prenhez, as ratas foram divididas em três grupos. 1) Grupo controle, animais alimentados com ração comercial durante o período de gestação e lactação (mães e filhotes) e, após o desmame, os filhotes até 70 dias de vida; 2) Grupo desnutrido, animais alimentados com ração Dieta Básica Regional durante o mesmo período descrito para o grupo controle e 3) Grupo recuperado, animais alimentados com ração Dieta Básica Regional durante o período de gestação e lactação e os filhotes, após o desmame, alimentados com ração comercial até 70 dias de vida. Os animais foram monitorados diariamente, aferindo-se a massa corporal e o consumo alimentar. Os filhotes com 70 dias de vida foram sacrificados por decapitação e o cérebro, o coração, o fígado e os rins foram retirados e pesados. Os animais receberam água e ração ad libitum e foram mantidos em biotério com temperatura e luminosidade controladas. Os testes estatísticos utilizados foram o teste t de Student, a Análise de Variância e o pós-teste de Bonferroni. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas alterações importantes no percentual de ácidos graxos essenciais na Dieta Básica Regional, assim como no leite materno das mães desnutridas. O ganho de peso das mães desnutridas e de seus respectivos filhotes, tanto machos quanto fêmeas, foi menor que o de animais controle desde a lactação até o final do experimento. As fêmeas recuperadas apresentaram valores de massa corporal estatisticamente ...

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a basic regional diet and nutritional rehabilitation during the critical growth and development periods of rat pups and their effects on body weight and tissue mass gain; to assess food intakes of dams during gestation and lactation and of male and female pups until they were 70 days old; and to assess the percentages of fatty acids in experimental diets and breast milk. METHODS: Male and female Wistar rats were used. After mating, pregnant rats were divided into three groups: 1) Control group, consisting of dams from the beginning of pregnancy (21 days) and pups from birth until they were 70 days old (totaling 91 days) fed commercial lab chow; 2) Malnourished group, consisting of dams and pups fed the regional basic diet chow for the same 91 days; and 3) rehabilitated group, consisting of dams fed the regional basic diet during pregnancy and lactation and pups fed commercial lab chow after weaning (at 21 days) until they were 70 days old. The animals received food and water ad libitum and were maintained in a room with controlled temperature and lighting conditions. The animals were monitored daily to record body weight and food intake. At 70 days, the offspring were killed by decapitation and the brain, heart, kidneys and liver were removed and weighed. The results were analyzed using the Student's t-test, analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test. RESULTS: Important changes were observed in the percentages of essential fatty acids in the regional basic diet as well as in the milk of malnourished dams. Weight gains of malnourished dams and male and female offspring were lower than those of the controls´ from the lactation period until the end of experiment. No differences in body weight were found between the females of the rehabilitated and control groups, but the weight of the male offspring of both groups differed. CONCLUSION: The impaired body weight gain of the ...

Early and prolonged intake of partially hydrogenated fat alters the expression of genes in rat adipose tissue.

OBJECTIVE: Our previous study indicated that partially hydrogenated fat (PHF) diets, rich in trans-isomers, alter plasma lipids and increase the lipogenesis rate on adipose tissue in rats at a young age. In the present study we investigated the effects of dietary PHF on the expression of genes associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in rat adipose tissue. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were fed normolipidic diets containing PHF (rich in trans-fatty acids and poor in polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs]), soy oil (rich in omega-6 PUFAs), and fish oil (rich in omega-3 PUFAs) during gestation and lactation; young male pups were fed the same diets from weaning until 120 d of life. The mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, resistin, adiponectin, and leptin were analyzed in retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RET) using real time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The PHF group showed the highest triacylglycerol, glucose, and insulin levels and the lowest plasma adiponectin level. The RET of PHF incorporated trans-fatty acids, whereas fish oil and soy oil groups had increased omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs, respectively. In the RET the PHF group had the highest resistin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels and the lowest adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma gene expressions, whereas the fish oil group had the highest peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma and the lowest leptin gene expression. CONCLUSION: Prolonged intake of PHF has a negative effect on the expression of genes in RET when compared with diets with omega-6 and omega-3 PUFAs. These changes may be an effect of the smaller proportions of PUFAs in this fat, instead of being only caused by trans-fatty acids.

Brain fatty acid profiles and spatial learning in malnourished rats: effects of nutritional intervention.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of malnutrition and nutritional rehabilitation on learning and memory performance and brain fatty acid composition. Pregnant and lactating Wistar rats were either fed ad libitum on a commercial laboratory chow or a multideficient diet from north-eastern Brazil (regional basic diet; RBD). After weaning, RBD offspring either continued on the multideficient diet (malnourished group) or switched to a control diet (rehabilitated group), until day 70. There was no difference in the passive avoidance test among the experimental groups, but malnourished rats showed important deficits in performance of the Morris water maze which were improved in the rehabilitated group. The hippocampus and cerebellum of the malnourished rats showed important changes in fatty acid profile obtained by gas-liquid chromatography, but the rehabilitated group had decreased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and an increase in the proportion of arachidonic acid. The data suggest that nutritional rehabilitation results in partial restoration of fatty acid profiles and cognitive performance.

Trans fatty acids from milk of Brazilian mothers of premature infants.

AIM: The presence of trans fatty acids (TFA) in human milk may be a concern because of their possible adverse nutritional effects on the infant development. TFA may interfere with the metabolism of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). Marked variation in TFA of milk appears in different populations. No data have yet been reported in Brazil, particularly as regards the milk of mothers of premature infants. Because of the importance of LC-PUFA in infant growth and development, we investigated the fatty acids composition of the milk of Brazilian mothers of premature infants. METHODS: We analysed, through gas-liquid chromatography, the content of fatty acids of 37 milk samples obtained from mothers delivering prematurely. Samples were collected from colostrum and mature milk of exclusive breastfeeding. RESULTS: All samples contained trans isomers of C18:1 acid with trans isomers of PUFA in lower proportion. The percentage of TFA (mean +/- SD) in the colostrum was 2.34 +/- 0.75, and 2.19 +/- 0.47 in the mature milk. For the LC-PUFA these values were 0.97 +/- 0.34 in the colostrum and 0.66 +/- 0.25 in the mature milk. The contents of total essential fatty acids and PUFA n-6 were inversely correlated with TFA in colostrum and mature milk. We found a positive correlation between levels of arachidonic acid in mature milk and change in the children's height. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the intake of TFA occupies an intermediate position between the values of North America and European countries, reflecting the ongoing transition to industrialised foods in Brazil.

Adipocitocinas: uma nova visão do tecido adiposo / Adipokines: a new view of adipose tissue

A identificação da leptina, hormônio secretado pelos adipócitos, cujo efeito sobre o sistema nervoso simpático e a função endócrina confere participação ativa no controle do dispêndio energético, bem como do apetite, acrescentou às funções do tecido adiposo no organismo humano o papel de órgão multifuncional, produtor e secretor de inúmeros peptídeos e proteínas bioativas, denominadas adipocitocinas. Alterações na quantidade de tecido adiposo, como ocorrem na obesidade, afetam a produção da maioria desses fatores secretados pelos adipócitos. Ainda que essas alterações estejam freqüentemente associadas às inúmeras disfunções metabólicas e ao aumento do risco de doenças cardiovasculares, permanece sob investigação o envolvimento do tecido adiposo no desenvolvimento dessas complicações, considerada a sua função endócrina. As concentrações de várias adipocitocinas elevam-se na obesidade e têm sido relacionadas à hipertensão (angiotensinogênio), ao prejuízo da fibrinólise (inibidor do ativador de plasminogênio-1) e à resistência à insulina (proteína estimuladora de acilação, fator de necrose tumoral-alfa, interleucina-6 e resistina). De outro modo, leptina e adiponectina têm efeitos sobre a sensibilidade à insulina. Na obesidade, a resistência insulínica também está relacionada à resistência à leptina e aos teores plasmáticos reduzidos de adiponectina. Leptina e adiponectina ainda exercem efeitos orgânicos adicionais distintos: frente à participação da leptina no controle da ingestão alimentar, a adiponectina apresenta potente ação anti-aterogênica. Algumas drogas utilizadas no controle do diabetes elevam a produção endógena de adiponectina, em roedores e humanos, indicando que o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos com alvo nas adipocitocinas pode representar uma alternativa terapêutica de prevenção da resistência insulínica e da aterosclerose em indivíduos obesos.

Leptin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes whose effect on the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine function confers active participation in the control of energy expenditure and appetite. Its identification added to the fat tissues in the human body the role of a multifunctional organ that produces and secretes a number of bioactive peptides and proteins, called adipocytokines. Changes in the amount of fat tissue, such as the ones that occur in obesity, affect the production of most of these factors secreted by adipocytes. Even if these changes are frequently associated with many metabolic disorders and increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, the role of fat tissue in the development of these complications, considered its endocrine function, continue to be investigated. The concentration of various adipocytokines increase in obesity and have been associated with hypertension (angiotensinogen), fibrinolysis impairment (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) and insulin resistance (protein that stimulates acylation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukine-6 and resistin). On the other hand, leptin and adiponectin affect insulin sensitivity. In obesity, insulin resistance is also associated with leptin resistance and reduced plasma levels of adiponectin. Leptin and adiponectin still have complementary and distinct organic functions: adiponectin has potent antiatherogenic activity while leptin participates in the control of food intake. Some medications used to control diabetes increase adiponectin production in rodents and humans, suggesting that the development of new medications that target the adipocytokines can represent a new therapeutic alternative to prevent insulin resistance and atherosclerosis in obese individuals.

[The importance of essential fatty acids and the effect of trans fatty acids in human milk on fetal and neonatal development]. / Importância dos ácidos graxos essenciais e os efeitos dos ácidos graxos trans do leite materno para o desenvolvimento fetal e neonatal.

Breastfeeding has a major impact on public health, since human breast milk is the best food for infants up to six months of age. The lipid fraction in human milk is the main source of energy for the infant and supplies essential nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Essential fatty acids (EFA), specifically linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), are precursors of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), including docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic (ARA) acids. Quality of lipids in secreted milk is precisely related to maternal ingestion. LC-PUFAs protect against allergy and infection and are important for visual and cognitive development in infancy. Industrial food processing has introduced the trans fatty acids (TFA) among the nutrients available to the population. TFA can interfere with the metabolism of essential fatty acids by decreasing LC-PUFA synthesis. It is thus important to raise population awareness on the importance of adequate PUFA consumption and reduced TFA intake during prenatal and postnatal development.

Importância dos ácidos graxos essenciais e os efeitos dos ácidos graxos trans do leite materno para o desenvolvimento fetal e neonatal / The importance of essential fatty acids and the effect of trans fatty acids in human milk on fetal and neonatal development

A prática da amamentação tem grande impacto do ponto de vista da saúde pública, pois o leite materno é o melhor alimento a ser oferecido até o sexto mês de vida da criança. A fração lipídica do leite representa a maior fonte de energia para crianças e fornece nutrientes essenciais, tais como vitaminas lipossolúveis e ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (AGPI). Os ácidos graxos essenciais (AGE) linoléico (LA, 18:2n-6) e alfa-linolênico (ALA, 18:3n-3) são precursores dos ácidos graxos poliinsaturados de cadeia longa (AGPI-CL), incluindo os ácidos docosahexaenóico (DHA) e araquidônico (ARA). A qualidade dos lipídios no leite secretado está diretamente relacionada com a ingestão materna. Os AGPI-CL são importantes na proteção contra alergia e infecções, no processo visual e no desenvolvimento cognitivo na infância. O processamento industrial de alimentos introduziu os ácidos graxos trans (AGT) entre os nutrientes disponíveis à população. Os AGT podem interferir no metabolismo dos AGE, diminuindo a síntese de DHA e ARA. Portanto, nos parece relevante esclarecer a população sobre a importância de um aporte adequado de AGPI e reduzido de AGT durante o período de desenvolvimento pré e pós-natal.

Breastfeeding has a major impact on public health, since human breast milk is the best food for infants up to six months of age. The lipid fraction in human milk is the main source of energy for the infant and supplies essential nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Essential fatty acids (EFA), specifically linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), are precursors of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), including docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic (ARA) acids. Quality of lipids in secreted milk is precisely related to maternal ingestion. LC-PUFAs protect against allergy and infection and are important for visual and cognitive development in infancy. Industrial food processing has introduced the trans fatty acids (TFA) among the nutrients available to the population. TFA can interfere with the metabolism of essential fatty acids by decreasing LC-PUFA synthesis. It is thus important to raise population awareness on the importance of adequate PUFA consumption and reduced TFA intake during prenatal and postnatal development.