Try not to think about food: An association between fasting, binge eating and food cravings.

BACKGROUND: When individuals follow a diet or limit their food intake, they activate cognitive restraint, which is defined as a mental effort to restrict dietary behavior with the goal of losing weight. As an example, fasting has also been associated with the recruitment of cognitive restraint, but further research is needed to fully understand its underlying mechanisms. AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the duration of fasting and disordered eating, such as food cravings, binge eating, and potential changes in eating habits. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among 853 first-semester university students to investigate their fasting practices and frequency over a three-month period prior to data collection. Participants who were on diets were excluded (n=214). After controlling the sample for biases, a comparison was made between 89 fasters and 369 non-fasters. The study compared levels of cognitive restraint, binge eating, food cravings, and consumption of 'forbidden' foods. A Poisson model was used to examine the association between hours of fasting and disordered eating traits. In the context of this study, the rate ratio was used to examine the relationship between fasting hours and disordered eating characteristics, such as binge eating and food cravings. RESULTS: The study found that fasters experienced an increase in food cravings and binge eating. However, fasters consumed fewer bread slices than non-fasters. The rate ratio of fasting hours practiced is 115% higher among binge eaters (RR 2.15; CI95% 1.70-2.73) compared to those who did not binge. The rate ratio of fasting hours is 29% higher in participants with moderate binge eating (RR 1.29; CI95% 1.05-1.59), increasing to 140% (RR 2.40; CI95% 1.86-3.11) in people with severe binge eating. As for food cravings (state), the rate ratio was 2% higher (RR 1.02; CI 95% 1.01-1.03) for each increase in the unit of the scale. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has indicated that fasting is positively associated with increased levels of binge eating and food cravings.

Development of a malnutrition model in mice: Comparative evaluation of food restriction percentage and different diets.

Malnutrition is a complicated illness that affects people worldwide and is linked to higher death rates, a heightened vulnerability to infections, and delayed cognitive development. Experimental models have been constructed to comprehend the mechanisms associated with hunger. In this regard, the current study used two different types of food aiming to validate a murine model of malnutrition based on dietary restriction. The study was conducted with fifty-six Swiss male mice (eight-week-old) divided into eight groups (n=7 each) and fed the following experimental diets (10 weeks): Standard Diet (ST) ad libitum; ST 20% dietary restriction; ST 40% dietary restriction; ST 60% dietary restriction; AIN93-M diet ad libitum; AIN93-M 20% dietary restriction; AIN93-M 40% dietary restriction; AIN93-M 60% dietary restriction. Body, biochemical, and histological parameters were measured, and the restriction effects on genes related to oxidative stress (GPX1 and GPX4) in epididymal adipose tissue were evaluated. The results obtained showed that 20%, 40%, and 60% of dietary restrictions were able to reduce body weight when compared to controls, highlighting the accentuated weight loss in animals with 60% restrictions, especially those fed with AIN-93 M, which showed physical changes such as whitish skin and dull coat, voracious eating, and hunched posture. The present animal model also showed biochemical changes with hypoalbuminemia, as well as histological epididymal adipose tissue modulation. The presence of increased oxidative stress was observed when evaluating the GPX4 gene. Given the results, 60% food restriction using the AIN93-M diet was the best protocol for inducing malnutrition.

Dietary supplementation with black cricket (Gryllus assimilis) reverses protein-energy malnutrition and modulates renin-angiotensin system expression in adipose tissue.

Edible insects are recognized as promising food sources due to their nutritional composition. Some species, such as Gryllus assimilis, contain proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates of high biological value, which regulate several metabolic functions, including the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS). In this context, the present study aimed to assess the effects of dietary supplementation with whole Gryllus assimilis powder on the metabolism of malnourished mice. Thirty-two male Swiss mice were used and divided into four treatment groups. The groups were identified as (AIN93-M); AIN93-M + Gryllus assimilis diet (AIN93-M + GA); AIN93-M + Renutrition diet (AIN93-M + REN) and AIN93-M + Renutrition diet + Gryllus assimilis (AIN93-M + REN + GA). The results showed that whole Gryllus assimilis powder inclusion promotes recovery from protein-energy malnutrition, reduces adiposity, and improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. It also reduces total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, and adipocyte area. We also observed a significant increase in the expression of RAS-related genes, such as ACE2 and MasR, followed by a reduction in Angiotensinogen and ACE. The main findings of the present study suggest the use of black cricket as a viable strategy for the prevention and treatment of protein-energy malnutrition, as well as the reduction of adiposity, and improvement of lipid and glycemic parameters, with antihypertensive potential.

Effects of gallic acid and physical training on liver damage, force, and anxiety in obese mice: Hepatic modulation of Sestrin 2 (SESN2) and PGC-α expression.

Obesity and overweight are multifactorial diseases affecting more than one-third of the world's population. Physical inactivity contributes to a positive energy balance and the onset of obesity. Exercise combined with a balanced diet is an effective non-pharmacological strategy to improve obesity-related disorders. Gallic acid (GA), is a natural endogenous polyphenol found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and wines, with beneficial effects on energetic homeostasis. The present study aims to investigate the effects of exercise training on obese mice supplemented with GA. Animal experimentation was performed with male Swiss mice divided into five groups: ST (standard control), HFD (obese control), HFD + GA (GA supplement), HFD + Trained (training), and HFD + GA + Trained (GA and training). The groups are treated for eight weeks with 200 mg/kg/body weight of the feed compound and, if applicable, physical training. The main findings of the present study show that GA supplementation improves liver fat, body weight, adiposity, and plasma insulin levels. In addition, animals treated with the GA and a physical training program demonstrate reduced levels of anxiety. Gene expression analyses show that Sesn2 is activated via PGC-1α independent of the GATOR2 protein, which is activated by GA in the context of physical activity. These data are corroborated by molecular docking analysis, demonstrating the interaction of GA with GATOR2. The present study contributes to understanding the metabolic effects of GA and physical training and demonstrates a new hepatic mechanism of action via Sestrin 2 and PGC-1α.

Lychnophora ericoides Mart. (Brazilian arnica) ethanol extract accelerates the skin wound healing process: Evidence for its mechanism of action.

BACKGROUND: Lychnophora ericoides Mart, also known as the Brazilian arnica or fake arnica, belongs to the Asteraceae family. Leaves and roots are used in alcoholic and hydroalcoholic preparations for the treatment of wounds, inflammation, and pain. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of L. ericoides ethanolic extract (EELE) on cutaneous wound healing and the mechanisms of action involved. METHODS: A total of 72 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. An excisional wound was made in the dorsal region of each mouse. The test groups were topically treated with the vehicle, a positive control commercial reference drug, EELE ointment (5%), and EELE ointment (10%). The treatments were applied over 14 days. The wound area was measured every two days to verify the wound closure kinetics. On days 3, 7, and 14 the wound tissue samples were processed for Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson-Trichrome, and Toluidine blue staining. The expression of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components, the vascular growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), and type I collagen genes were evaluated. Phytochemical analyses were performed using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS. RESULTS: The EELE (10%) significantly reduced the wound area compared to the treatments used for the other groups. Histological analysis demonstrated that wounds treated with L. ericoides for 14 days developed improved anatomical skin features, healed with hair follicles and sebaceous glands, increased collagen production and angiogenesis, and decreased the number of mast cells at the injury site. Real-time PCR data demonstrated that groups treated with EELE (10%) showed increased Type I collagen, VEGF-A, FGF-2, and AT1R and decreased ACE II and receptor MAS. The healing action of L. ericoides may be related to the presence of phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid derivatives, and C-glycoside flavonoids. CONCLUSION: Topical treatment with EELE increases important factors for wound healing: FGF, VEGF, collagen formation, and the expression of the proliferative axis of the renin-angiotensin system. For the first time, the present study shows the healing action of L. ericoides at the molecular level in an animal model. This process can be used as an alternative therapy for wound healing and the development of herbal therapy.

Nutritional implications in the mechanistic link between the intestinal microbiome, renin-angiotensin system, and the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Obesity and metabolic disorders represent a significant global health problem and the gut microbiota plays an important role in modulating systemic homeostasis. Recent evidence shows that microbiota and its signaling pathways may affect the whole metabolism and the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS), which in turn seems to modify microbiota. The present review aimed to investigate nutritional implications in the mechanistic link between the intestinal microbiome, renin-angiotensin system, and the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome components. A description of metabolic changes was obtained based on relevant scientific literature. The molecular and physiological mechanisms that impact the human microbiome were addressed, including the gut microbiota associated with obesity, diabetes, and hepatic steatosis. The RAS interaction signaling and modulation were analyzed. Strategies including the use of prebiotics, symbiotics, probiotics, and biotechnology may affect the gut microbiota and its impact on human health.

Comparative study of dietary fat: lard and sugar as a better obesity and metabolic syndrome mice model.

BACKGROUND: Diet macronutrient heterogeneity hinders animal studies' data extrapolation from metabolic disorders to human diseases. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate different fat-diet compositions' effect on inducing lipid/glucose metabolism alterations in mice. METHODS: Swiss male mice were fed for 12 weeks with five different diets: Standard Diet (ST), American Institute of Nutrition 93 for growth (AIN93G) high-butter/high-sugar (HBHS), high-lard/high-sugar (HLHS), and high-oil/high-sugar diet (soybean oil) (HOHS). Several parameters, such as serum biochemistry, histology, and liver mRNA expression, were accessed. RESULTS: The main findings revealed that the HLHS diet dramatically altered liver metabolism inducing hepatic steatosis and increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, increasing liver CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (CEBP-α), Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and Catalase (CAT) mRNA expression. Moreover, the HLHS diet increased glucose intolerance and reduced insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: High-fat/high-sugar diets are efficient to induce obesity and metabolic syndrome-associated alterations, and diets enriched with lard and sugar showed more effective results.

Effect of low-level light therapy before radiotherapy in oral squamous cell carcinoma: An in vitro study.

Radiation therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with several complications. Although photobiomodulation (PBM) has radioprotective effects in normal tissue, it could also enhance the growth of neoplastic cells. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the cellular response of oral squamous cell carcinoma with pre-exposure to low-level phototherapy before radiotherapy. SCC9, Cal-27, A431, and HaCaT cell lines were subjected to low-level light therapy and radiotherapy. The cells were treated with a single energy density (300 J/cm2) of a light-emitting diode (660 nm) prior to ionizing radiation at different doses (0, 2, 4, and 6 Gy). After 24 h, wound scratch, proliferation, clonogenic cell survival, cell death, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) analyses were performed to evaluate cell response. The cell lines pre-exposed to PBM at the analyzed dosage were radiosensitive. The treatment significantly reduced cell proliferation and clonogenic cell survival. Migration and cell death assays also revealed positive results, with the treatment group showing lower rate of migration and higher cell death than did the control group. Moreover, PBM effectively increased the intracellular levels of ROS. PBM at 300 J/cm2 is a promising radiosensitizing modality to reduce the radiation dose and avoid the intolerable side effects of radiotherapy for HNSCC, thus increasing the probability of successful treatment. However, further studies are needed to support and confirm the results.

Comparison between two antimicrobial photodynamic therapy protocols for oral candidiasis in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer: A two-arm, single-blind clinical trial.

Purpose This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) with 300 µmol/L of methylene blue and 8 µmol/L of curcumin on oral candidiasis patients with HNSCC undergoing treatment. Methods A two-arm, single-blind clinical trial was performed. Following verification for eligibility (n = 447), 108 patients were included in the study. The study consisted of a group that received aPDT with methylene blue (n = 57) and another that received aPDT with curcumin (n = 51). The patients rinsed their mouths with an aqueous solution of 300 µmol/L of methylene blue and 8 µmol/L of curcumin in four sessions, and then the lesion was scraped for the subsequent RT-qPCR. The primary outcome was that no cure was presented for oral candidiasis after treatment. The secondary result was reducing the number of sites affected by oral candidiasis. Results There was no difference in treatment failure evaluated by the necessity of drug prescription or Candida sp DNA quantification. However, clinically the methylene blue protocol reduced the number of infected anatomical sites compared to the curcumin protocol. Conclusion Methylene blue aPDT reduced the number of infected anatomical sites compared to curcumin.

Development and Evaluation of a Low-cost Dairy Food Supplement with Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) to Combat Malnutrition: Translational Study in Mice and Institutionalized Elderly Woman.

AIMS: The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a new dairy by-product nutritional supplement with Buriti fruit to improve malnutrition in mice and elderly woman. BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a prevalent problem in the elderly; therefore, oral dietary supplementation is an important strategy to reduce this health problem incidence. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the effects of a low-cost food supplement, made from byproducts of the dairy and fruit industry in the Brazilian Cerrado (Buriti), on the nutritional status and on the recovery of the metabolic profile of malnourished animals and elderly women. METHODS: In the pre-clinical phase, Swiss mice were divided into six groups and subjected to malnutrition and renutrition. The clinical phase was carried out with 25 elderly women residing in a long-term institution, aged ≥ 65 years and with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition. RESULTS: The main results showed improvements in anthropometric parameters and an increase in serum albumin levels, in addition to lipid profile improvement in the preclinical phase and an increase in the red blood cells and hemoglobin in the clinical phase. CONCLUSION: The supplement based on Buriti was able to reverse malnutrition promoting improvements in anthropometric and biochemical parameters.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) modulate inflammatory profile in obese humans and mice: adipose tissue role on NETs levels.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are a recently discovered neutrophil defense mechanism which modulates several inflammatory conditions contributing to metabolic profile alterations. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the production of NETs in obese patients and mice, verifying the possible mechanisms associated with the release of NETs by the adipose tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS: The present study investigated NETs production in human adipose tissue and also showing the neutrophils using intravital microscopy in mouse epididymal adipose tissue. Blood and white adipose tissues were obtained from eutrophic and obese individuals and from mice. Lipid, glycemic and leukocyte profiles were evaluated, as well as the levels of NETs and its markers. Bioinformatics and proteomics analyses were performed and the identified key proteins were measured. The main findings showed that the inflammatory markers interleukin-8 (IL-8), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and the E1 heat shock protein family (HSPE1) can be modulated by the NETs levels in obesity. Obesity has also been associated with increased cholesterol, glucose intolerance, ionic calcium and NETs. We also observed an increase in catalase and a decreased superoxide dismutase activity. Bioinformatics and proteomics analyses revealed that IL-8, HSP90 and HSPE1 were associated with obesity, inflammation and NETs release. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the present study shows an increase in NETs production during obesity associated with important inflammatory markers in adipose.

The Use of Textiles in the Wound Healing: A Review.

The present article reviews the effects of the textile in the wound healing process, as well as the availability of these products in the market. A brief description of applications is given based on the literature obtained from searching the scientific databases, besides the data obtained from secondary sources, like books and congress proceedings. The historical context of the textiles used in wounds, their general characteristics, particularities in the healing process, and incorporation of new technologies are discussed. It was evidenced that the textiles and associated technologies might influence directly or indirectly the stimulation of collagen, cell migration, angiogenesis, and reduction of pro-inflammatory factors and fibroblasts. However, the mechanisms by which the textiles act in the healing process are not well established in the literature. The interaction among textile engineering, biotechnology, medicine, and pharmacology is essential for the improvement and development of new products with better efficiency and accessibility.

Phytochemical profile and antiproliferative activity of human lymphocytes of Gomphrena virgata Mart. (Amaranthaceae).

Gomphrena virgata Mart. popularly known as 'Cangussu-branco', is used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat inflammations and infections. This work aimed to carry out phytochemical analysis and evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of Gomphrena virgata. In the phytochemical investigation, in addition to the presence of two ecdysteroids, 20 R-dihydroxyecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone, identified by HPLC-PDA-MS and NMR, 22 compounds were identified by GC-MS. In the cytotoxicity study, the aqueous extract of the roots of this species did not show in vitro toxicity of PBMCs in the concentrations of 250, 500 and 1000 µg/mL when analyzed by the trypan blue exclusion method. Also, it was effective in reducing lymphocyte proliferation, stimulated with the mitogen PHA, by 26.02%, 48.57% and 50.49% when compared to dexamethasone, respectively. In this work we present information about the phytochemicals of G. virgata, showing that the species is promising in obtaining compounds with medicinal potential mainly anti-inflammatory potential.

Physical exercise, obesity, inflammation and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs): a review with bioinformatics analysis.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) represent an innate organism defense mechanism characterized by neutrophil release of intracellular material to capture any aggressor agent. Elevated NETs release is associated with increased inflammatory response and related diseases, such as obesity. Chronic physical training is one of the main strategies to treat and prevent obesity. The relationship between physical training and NETs is still under study. The present review, followed by a bioinformatics analysis, demonstrates the meaningful connection between physical exercise, obesity, and NETs. The bioinformatics indicated TNF-α as a leading gene after the ontological analysis followed by positive-interleukin-6 regulation, chemokines, and inflammatory response regulation. The main results pointed to a relevant regulatory effect of physical training on NETs release, indicating physical exercise as a possible therapeutic target on modulating NETs and inflammation.

Epidemiological aspects of visceral leishmaniasis in the municipality of Montes Claros-MG

Visceralleishmaniasis (VL), also known as 'calazar', is a serious chronic disease caused by Leishmania species from Leishmania(Leishmania) donovanicomplex, which the disease is characterized by abdominal swelling (hepatosplenomegaly) and may evolve to death in extreme cases.In this sense, the aim of our study was to assess the epidemiological profile of the cases found in Montes Claros (Minas Gerais state).A retrospective or cross-sectional study was carried out using secondary data provided by Health Information System (SINAN/HM) of Brazil from January 2010 to February 2020. Our data has shown that VL is an endemic disease in Montes Claros region, with 413 VL cases reported, 62.00% (252) male, average age ± standard deviation (years), and 93.46% (386) lived inMontes Claros city. The presence of comorbidities was observed in 13.70% (54) of the patients and in 7.26% (30). As for the evolution of the disease, 246 (59.56%) were cured, 30 (7.26%) died due to VL. Between 2010 and 2015, Glucantime®stands out, in which 46 (11.13%) patients used the drug, followed by common Amphotericin B 24 (13.48%) and liposomal Amphotericin B 38 (21.34%). In the period between 2016 and 2020, the most prevalent drug was liposomal Amphotericin B, with 71 (29.83%) patients using it, followed by Glucantime®45 (18.9%). The condition evolved to death. We conclude thatMontes Claros is still an endemic area for VL with an increased number of cases over time and a noticeable shift in patient profile towards children and young people. Joint efforts from different areas of scientific knowledge and public health services are needed to improve the effectiveness of visceral leishmaniasis surveillance and control actions. The population can contribute to this process of disease prevention and control, through educational actions in health and the environment.

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Solanum lycocarpum A. St. Hil. (Solanaceae) Leaves Improves Alloxan-Induced Diabetes Complications in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Solanum lycocarpum is a medicinal plant used in Brazil with hypoglycemic activity by its fruits use. However, the fruits production is restricted in some periods of the year, differently of leaves. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of S. lycocarpum leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. METHODS: Hydroalcoholic extract of S. lycocarpum was characterized by phytochemical and GCMS analysis. The Antidiabetic activity was assessed following treatment for 22 days with S. lycocarpum extract at 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg. Bodyweight, water, and food intake, glycemia, biochemical parameters, anatomy-histopathology of the pancreas, liver and kidney, and expression of target genes were analyzed. In addition, oral acute toxicity was evaluated. RESULTS: Animals treated showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in glycemia following a dose of 125 mg/kg. Food intake remained similar for all groups. Decreased polydipsia symptoms were observed after treatment with 250 (p < 0.001) and 500 mg/kg (p < 0.01) compared with diabetic control, although normal rates were observed when 125 mg/kg was administered. A protective effect was also observed in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys, through the regeneration of the islets. Hypoglycemic activity can be attributed to myo-inositol, which stimulates insulin secretion, associated with α-tocopherol, which prevents damage from oxidative stress and apoptosis of ß-pancreatic cells by an increased Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) mRNA expression. The toxicological test demonstrated safe oral use of the extract under the present conditions. CONCLUSION: Hydroalcoholic extract of S. lycocarpum promotes the regulation of diabetes in the case of moderate glycemic levels, by decreasing glycemia and exerting protective effects on the islets.

Genetic deletion of the angiotensin-(1-7) receptor Mas leads to alterations in gut villi length modulating TLR4/PI3K/AKT and produces microbiome dysbiosis.

Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is an important peptide cascade involved in physiological processes. RAS homeostasis disruption produces several cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, such as arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarct, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and increases gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cell proliferation. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) peptide is the main RAS counter-regulatory axis effector. It is formed from ACE2 enzyme and acts mainly through Mas receptor (MasR). In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate alterations in small intestine morphology and intestinal microbiota composition in MasR knockout C57BL/6 mice. We analyzed glucose tolerance; insulin sensitivity and blood collected for biochemical parameters as well as small intestine tissues samples for immunohistochemistry. mRNA and bacteria gDNA expression evaluation. mRNA expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR for TLR4, PI3K and AKT. The main results showed that Mas-R-knockout mice presented lower body weight. MasR-knockout mice also presented increased fasted blood glucose and total cholesterol with reduced HDL, lower glucose tolerance and impaired insulin sensitivity. Increased intestinal mucosa length, increased intestinal villi, reduced Lieberkühn crypt depth. The increased expression of cell proliferation markers Ki-67 and Cyclin D1 and increased TLR4, PI3K and AKT expressions were observed with augmented Bacteroidetes and decreased amount of Firmicutes. That results suggests that MasR deletion generated changes in intestinal microbiota, possibly due to a lower neutral amino acids absorption followed by a compensatory increase in intestinal villi length associated with disbiosis and LPS overproduction that ultimately lead to proliferation and cell inflammation.