A bioactive compound digested chia protein is capable of modulating NFκB mediated hepatic inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet.

The consumption of diets high in saturated fat can induce damages in liver morphology and function, which leads to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatic steatosis. Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) is rich in protein, which provides bioactive peptides with potential benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Then, this study aimed to analyze the effect of digested total protein (DTP) of chia on inflammation, oxidative stress, and morphological changes in liver of C57BL/6 mice fed a diet rich in saturated fat. Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 8/group), 8 weeks old, were fed standard diet (AIN), high-fat diet (HF), standard diet added digested protein (AIN + DTP) or high-fat diet added digested protein (HF + DTP) for 8 weeks. In animals fed a high-fat diet, chia DTP was able to reduce weight gain, food efficiency ratio and hepatosomatic index. In addition, it presented antioxidant capacity, which reduced catalase activity and lipid peroxidation. DTP was also able to reduce hepatic inflammation by reducing p65-NFκB expression and IL-1ß expression and quantification. The APSPPVLGPP peptide present in chia DTP presented binding capacity with PPAR-α, which contributed to the reduction of hepatic fat accumulation evidenced by histological analysis. Thus, chia DTP improved hepatic inflammatory and histological parameters, being an effective food in reducing the liver damage caused by a high-fat diet.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) flour modulates the intestinal microbiota in Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet.

A diet rich in sugar and fat can promote metabolic disorders development, especially in the intestine. Chia flour (Salvia hispanica. L) is a source of dietary fiber, alpha-linolenic fatty acid (ALA), bioactive peptides, and phenolics, promoting health benefits. This study aimed to analyze chia flour's effect on gut microbiota modulation and intestinal health in adult male Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Male Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were fed the diets standard (AIN-93M) or HFHF (31% saturated fat and 20% fructose) in the first phase to induce metabolic disorders. In the second phase, the rats were fed AIN-93M, HFHF, or HFHF plus 14.7% chia flour (HFHF + CF) for 10 weeks. The consumption of chia flour increased the ALA (3.24 ± 0.24) intake and significantly improved immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels (1126.00 ± 145.90), goblet cells number (24.57 ± 2.76), crypt thickness (34.37 ± 5.86), crypt depth (215.30 ± 23.19), the longitudinal muscle layer (48.11 ± 5.04), cecum weight (4.39 ± 0.71), Shannon index (p < 0.05), and significantly increased the production of acetic (20.56 ± 4.10) and butyric acids (5.96 ± 1.50), Monoglobus sp., Lachnospiraceae sp., and Prevotellaceae sp. abundance. Furthermore, chia significantly reduced the cecal pH content (7.54 ± 1.17), body mass index (0.62 ± 0.03) and weight (411.00 ± 28.58), and Simpson index (p < 0.05). Therefore, chia intake improved intestinal health parameters and functionality in rats with metabolic disorders, which demonstrates to be an effective strategy for gut microbiota modulation.

Chia flour combined with a high fat diet increases propionic acid production and improves the microbial richness and diversity in female Wistar rats.

Chia is a functional food because of its positive impact on reducing the risk of metabolic diseases. These benefits are due to its nutritional composition as a source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. In our previous study, chia consumption increased the richness of the microbiota and the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) when consumed by male Wistar rats, so, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of the consumption of chia with a high fat diet on gut health in female Wistar rats. 32 adult female Wistar rats were allocated into four groups and received one of the following diets: standard diet (SD), standard diet + chia (SDC), high fat diet (HFD) or high fat diet + chia (HFDC) for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, the intestinal microbiota, SCFA content, cecum content pH, immunoglobulin A (IgA) quantification and brush border membrane functionality were evaluated. There was no difference in the relative abundance of the gut microbiota, but chia consumption increased the microbial richness and diversity, increased the production of acetic and butyric acids in the SDC group and propionic acid in the HFD group, and decreased the pH of cecal content. The HFDC group demonstrated a lower IgA concentration compared to the HFD group. The SDC group increased SI and AP gene expression and decreased SGLT1 and PepT1 compared to the SD group. The consumption of chia can be beneficial for the functionality of the microbiota, improving SCFAs and intestinal pH, and the effects of chia in the microbiota can be more pronounced in HFD.

Germinated and non-germinated cooked whole millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) flours show a promising effect on protein quality, biochemical profile and intestinal health in vivo.

Millet is a promising cereal with high amounts of dietary fibre and protein, and in addition, bioactive compounds with health-promoting functional properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of germinated and cooked whole millet flour (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) on protein quality, biochemical profile and intestinal health in vivo. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (21 days old) were separated into four groups, which received a casein control diet (CC; n = 8), a free protein diet (aproteic; n = 8) and two treatment diets: non-germinated millet (NM; n = 8) and germinated millet (GM; n = 8) for 29 days. The whole millet flours presented an adequate essential amino acid profile, except for lysine. The GM group presented a higher protein efficiency ratio and net protein ratio compared to the NM group. Weight gain, Lee index, and food efficiency ratio were lower in the treatment groups, compared to the control group. The GM group had lower plasma glucose, uric acid, cholesterol, and faecal pH compared to the other groups. The treatment groups presented lower triglyceride levels, higher levels of acetic and propionic acids, a larger thickness and depth of the colonic crypts, and a higher expression of PepT1 genes than the CC group. In conclusion, the millet flours demonstrated potential for controlling the lipid profile and biometric measurements. Additionally, the whole germinated millet flour provided better protein quality and improved intestinal morphology and functionality. These results indicate that the consumption of millet could be increased in human food, and considering its potential health benefits, it could be an alternative for dietary diversification, and germination is a good processing option.

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) Pulp Oil Prevents Adipogenesis, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Macauba is a palm tree native to Brazil, which fruits are rich in oil. Macauba pulp oil has high contents of oleic acid, carotenoids, and tocopherol, but its effect on health is unknown. We hypothesized that macauba pulp oil would prevent adipogenesis and inflammation in mice. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of macauba pulp oil on the metabolic changes in C57Bl/6 mice fed a high-fat diet. Three experimental groups were used (n = 10): control diet (CD), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with macauba pulp oil (HFM). The HFM reduced malondialdehyde and increased SOD activity and antioxidant capacity (TAC), showing high positive correlations between total tocopherol, oleic acid, and carotenoid intakes and SOD activity (r = 0.9642, r = 0.8770, and r = 0.8585, respectively). The animals fed the HFM had lower levels of PPAR-γ and NF-κB, which were negatively correlated with oleic acid intake (r = -0.7809 and r = -0.7831, respectively). Moreover, the consumption of macauba pulp oil reduced inflammatory infiltrate, adipocyte number and length, (mRNA) TNF-α, and (mRNA) SREBP-1c in the adipose tissue, and it increased (mRNA) Adiponectin. Therefore, macauba pulp oil prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, and adipogenesis and increases antioxidant capacity; these results highlight its potential against metabolic changes induced by an HFD.

Correction: Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel has good protein quality and improves the lipid profile and short chain fatty acids content in Wistar rats.

Correction for 'Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel has good protein quality and improves the lipid profile and short chain fatty acids content in Wistar rats' by Fátima Ladeira Mendes Duarte et al., Food Funct., 2022, 13, 11342-11352, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2FO02047E.

Effect of chia flour associated with high fat diet on intestinal health in female ovariectomized Wistar rats.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chia flour associated with a high fat diet on intestinal health in female ovariectomized Wistar rats. METHODS: The study was conducted with 32 adult female ovariectomized Wistar rats, which were separated into four groups: standard diet (ST), standard diet with chia (STC), high fat diet (HF) and high fat diet with chia (HFC) for 18 weeks. Cecum content pH, short chain fatty acid content, brush border membrane functionality and morphology and the gut microbiota were evaluated. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that the consumption of chia flour increased the production of acetic and butyric acids, the longitudinal and circular muscle layers and crypt thickness. It also improved the expression of aminopeptidase (AP) and sucrose-isomaltase (SI) and decreased the cecum content pH. Further, the consumption of chia improved richness and decreased diversity of the microbiota. Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) clustering indicated difference between the ST and STC groups. In the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis, the Bacteroides genus and members of the Muribaculaceae and Lachnospiraceae families were enriched in the STC treatment group. The STC group demonstrated the enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways related to peptidoglycan and coenzyme A biosynthesis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that chia flour, which is rich in dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, presented potential properties to improve intestinal health.

Sorghum flour BRS 305 hybrid has the potential to modulate the intestinal microbiota of rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet.

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dry heated whole sorghum BRS 305 hybrid flour on the gut microbiota modulation and gut health of rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHF). METHODS: In phase I (8 weeks), 45-50 days, male Wistar rats, were separated into the AIN93-M group (n = 10; fed with normal diet) and HFHF group (n = 20; fed with diet rich in saturated and simple carbohydrate). In phase II (10 weeks), we maintained the AIN-93-M group, and the HFHF group was divided into the HFHF group (n = 10) and HFHF plus sorghum flour group (n = 10). RESULTS: The consumption of sorghum flour increased the circular muscle layer and propionic acid when compared to the HFHF group. The sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of the cecal microbiota presented no changes in the α-diversity and ß-diversity between. However, the sorghum group exhibited higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio compared to the other experimental groups, and lower abundance of Bacteroidetes, compared to the HFHF group. Despite, sorghum increased the abundance of the genera Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group compared to the HFHF group. No differences were observed in total goblet cell number, crypt thickness and height, circular muscle layer, secretory IgA, and butyric acid between all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of sorghum flour can modulate the gut microbiota composition, abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, and intestinal morphology even with consumption of an HFHF diet.

Effect of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Associated with High-Fat Diet on the Intestinal Health of Wistar Rats.

A direct correlation has been reported between excessive fat intake and the development and progression of various enteropathies. Plant foods may contain bioactive compounds and non-digestible dietary fiber, with potential to improve intestinal health. Chia is a good source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. Our study evaluated the role of chia flour associated with a high-fat diet (HFD) on colon histomorphometry, intestinal functionality and intestinal microbiome composition and function in Wistar rats. The study used 32 young male rats separated into four groups to receive a standard diet (SD) or HFD, with or without chia, for 35 days. At the end of the study, the cecum, cecal content and duodenum were collected. The consumption of chia increased the production of short-chain fatty acids and improved fecal moisture. Chia consumption improved the circular muscle layer in the SD group. The diversity and abundance of intestinal bacteria were not affected, but increased richness was observed in the microbiome of the SD+chia group. Moreover, chia consumption decreased the expression of proteins involved in intestinal functionality. Chia consumption improved intestinal morphology and functionality in young Wistar rats but was insufficient to promote significant changes in the intestinal microbiome in a short term of 35 days.

Germinated Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) Flour Improved the Gut Function and Its Microbiota Composition in Rats Fed with High-Fat High-Fructose Diet.

Germinated millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a source of phenolic compounds that has potential prebiotic action. This study aims at evaluating the action of germinated pearl millet on gut function and its microbiota composition in Wistar rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diet. In the first stage, lasting eight weeks, the experiment consisted of two groups: AIN-93M (n = 10) and HFHF group (n = 20). In the second stage, which lasted ten weeks, the animals of the AIN-93M group (n = 10) were kept, while the HFHF group was dismembered into HFHF (HFHF diet, n = 10) and HFHF + millet (HFHF added 28.6% of germinated millet flour, n = 10) groups. After the 18th week, the urine of the animals was collected for the analysis of lactulose and mannitol intestinal permeability by urinary excretion. The histomorphometry was analyzed on the proximal colon and the fecal pH, concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and sequencing of microbiota were performed in cecum content. The Mothur v.1.44.3 software was used for data analysis of sequencing. Alpha diversity was estimated by Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes. Beta diversity was assessed by PCoA (Principal Coordinate Analysis). The functional predictive analysis was performed with PICRUSt2 software (version 2.1.2-b). Functional traits attributed to normalized OTU abundance were determined by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). In the results, germinated millet flour reduced Oscillibacter genus and Desulfobacterota phylum, while increasing the Eggerthellaceae family. Furthermore, germinated millet flour: increased beta diversity, cecum weight, and cecum/body weight ratio; improved gut histological parameters by increasing the depth and thickness of the crypt and the goblet cell count (p < 0.05); reduced (p < 0.05) the fecal pH and mannitol urinary excretion; increased (p < 0.05) the propionate short-chain fatty acid concentration. Thus, germinated millet has the potential to improve the composition of gut microbiota and the intestinal function of rats fed with an HFHF diet.

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel has good protein quality and improves the lipid profile and short chain fatty acids content in Wistar rats.

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) has aroused interest in the food industry due to the high nutritional value of its fruits. This study aimed to evaluate the protein quality and influence on biochemical markers, short chain fatty acids content, intestinal morphology, and intestinal functionality in Wistar rats of macauba kernel. Male young rats were divided into three groups (n = 8) that received a control diet (casein), and two test diets (M30: 30% semi-defatted macauba kernel flour or M50: 50% semi-defatted macauba kernel flour) for 29 days. Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Net Protein Ratio (NPR), True Digestibility (TD), biochemical, and intestinal morphology and functionality markers were evaluated. The PER and NPR values were lower in test groups compared to the control group. TD did not differ between M30 and M50. The animals that were fed the macauba kernel flour had lower concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides compared to the control group. The concentration of acetic and propionic acids was higher and the fecal pH was lower in M30 and M50 groups compared to the control group. Gene expression of aminopeptidase (AP) and sodium-glucose transport protein 1 (SGLT1) did not differ among the groups, and the M50 group had lower expression of peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) and sucrase isomaltase (SI) than the control group. Crypts thickness was higher in the M50 group compared to the other groups, while the intestinal muscle layer width did not differ among groups. Therefore, macauba kernel flour proved to be a good plant protein alternative, and its consumption reduced blood lipids and increased short chain fatty acids content.

Black corn (Zea mays L.) whole flour improved the antioxidant capacity and prevented adipogenesis in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Black corn (Zea mays L.) is a source of anthocyanins, which have shown the ability to reduce metabolic disorders. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-adipogenic preventive effects of black corn. C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups (n = 10): normal control (NC): AIN-93 M; high-fat diet (HF); HF + corn (20%) (HFC). Black corn improved the antioxidant status, through the superoxide dismutase hepatic levels and serum total antioxidant capacity. Animals fed an HFC diet showed decreased gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and increased gene expression of adiponectin and lipoprotein lipase in the adipose tissue, which led to a less inflammatory infiltrate and decreased the adipocyte number and length. In the liver, black corn reduced the gene expression of SREBP-1c and acetyl CoA carboxilase 1. Therefore, black corn whole flour improved the antioxidant capacity, contributed to hepatic ß-oxidation, and decreased adipogenesis in animals.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Flour and Oil Ameliorate Metabolic Disorders in the Liver of Rats Fed a High-Fat and High Fructose Diet.

We hypothesized that the consumption of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) flour (CF) and chia oil (CO) improves metabolic disorders in the liver of Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus domestica) fed a high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) diet. The animals were fed a HFHF diet (n = 30) or AIN93-M standard diet (n = 10) for eight weeks. After this period, the animals fed HFHF were divided into three groups (n = 10): HFHF diet, HFHF plus 14.7% of CF, and HFHF plus 4% of CO. Histological and biochemical analyses, gene expression, protein levels related to inflammation, and oxidative stress were evaluated in the liver. The HFHF diet caused lipogenesis, liver steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the animals. The CF and CO intake increased the liver total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase, decreased nitric oxide levels and liver steatosis. Furthermore, the CF and CO led to the upregulation of Cpt1a and Adipor2, respectively, whereas CF downregulated Srebf1. CO intake decreased blood glucose, triglycerides, and the animals' body weight. Chia did not show effects on mitigating liver pro-inflammatory status, which it may indicate occurs later. The addition of chia into an unbalanced diet is a good and relevant strategy to reduce liver metabolic disorders caused by the high consumption of fructose and saturated fat.

Kombuchas from green and black teas reduce oxidative stress, liver steatosis and inflammation, and improve glucose metabolism in Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of green and black tea kombuchas consumption on adiposity, lipid and glucose metabolism, liver steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Wistar rats, after 8 weeks to induce metabolic alterations, were divided into an AIN-93M control group, HFHF control group, green tea kombucha + HFHF diet (GTK group), and black tea kombucha + HFHF diet (BTK group), for 10 weeks. The kombuchas improved glucose metabolism, plasma total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, and decreased nitric oxide concentration. Moreover, both kombuchas reduced systemic inflammation by decreasing the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), reduced the total adipose tissue and blood triglyceride, and reverted liver steatosis (from grade 2 to 1), besides the modulation of genes related to adipogenesis and ß-oxidation. Therefore, kombuchas from green and black teas have bioactive properties that can help control metabolic alterations induced by the HFHF diet.

Dry heated sorghum BRS 305 hybrid flour as a source of resistant starch and tannins improves inflammation and oxidative stress in Wistar rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dry heated sorghum BRS 305 hybrid flour, as a rich source of resistant starch and tannins, on inflammation and oxidative stress in animals fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet. Phase 1 (8 weeks): male Wistar rats were divided into a group fed with an AIN-93 M diet (n = 10) and a group fed with a high-fat (35%) high-fructose (20%) (HFHF) diet (n = 20). Phase 2 (intervention 10 weeks): the control group was continued with the AIN-93 M diet (n = 10) and the HFHF group was divided into HFHF (n = 10) and sorghum flour (n = 10) groups. Sorghum flour decreased the NO, Akt, p65-NFκB, TLR4, and lipid peroxidation in the liver. Furthermore, sorghum flour improved SOD and CAT activities and the total antioxidant capacity of plasma. The phenolic compounds found in sorghum flour interacted in silico with AKT and p65-NFκB, mainly quercetin-3-rutinoside that showed the highest interaction with AKT (EFE -8.0) and procyanidins B1 and B2 that showed the highest interaction with p65-NFκB (EFE -8.9). The consumption of BRS 305 sorghum with a high tannin and resistant starch content improved inflammation and oxidative stress by inhibition of p65-NFκB activation in rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet.

Germinated millet flour (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. BR.) improves adipogenesis and glucose metabolism and maintains thyroid function in vivo.

This study investigated the effects of germinated millet flour on adipogenesis, insulin resistance, glucose tolerance and thyroid function in Wistar rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHF). The experiment was divided into two phases. Phase 1: control group, which received an AIN-93M diet (n = 10) and HFHF group (n = 20), which received a diet rich in saturated fat (31%) and fructose (20%), for eight weeks. Phase 2: intervention: the control group maintained the AIN-93M diet (n = 10) and the HFHF group was divided into two groups: the HFHF (n = 10) and the germinated millet group (n = 10), for 10 weeks. The germinated millet flour maintained (p > 0, 05) the plasma levels of thyroid hormones, increased (p < 0.05) the insulin receptor (INSR) mRNA expression, protein kinase B (AKT) mRNA expression and the phospho-AKT1 protein concentration, phosphofructokinase (PFK) mRNA, pyruvate kinase (PK) mRNA and activated protein kinase (AMPK) mRNA expression, and the brown adipose tissue and reduced (p < 0.05) the glucose triglyceride index (TyG), glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and hypercorticosteronemia, compared to the HFHF group. These effects contributed to reduce the gluconeogenesis, hyperinsulinemia and adiposity. Thus, germinated millet flour is a good alternative for modulating the adipogenesis and glucose metabolism, without interfering with the thyroid hormones, in rats with an insulin resistance condition with a high-fat high-fructose diet.

Cardioprotective action of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in ovariectomized rats fed a high fat diet.

The reduction in estrogen levels is associated with the increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease development. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chia consumption in a standard diet (SD) or high fat diet (HFD) on ovariectomized (OVX) and non-ovariectomized (SHAM) rats, in relation to biometric measurements, oxidative stress, mineral content and ATPase enzymes in the heart. The study was conducted with 80 female Wistar rats, which received a SD or HFD for 18 weeks. During the first 7 weeks, the animals received the SD or HFD. Then, 40 rats were ovariectomized and 40 rats were SHAM operated. After recovery from surgery, the animals were allocated to 8 groups (n = 10) and they received one of the following diets for 8 weeks: SD, SD + chia, HFD and HFD + chia. In the OVX group, HFD increased weight gain, adiposity, cardiac hypertrophy, and nitric oxide (NO) and K concentration and decreased the Na+/K+ATPase activity. In combination with HFD, ovariectomy decreased the catalase activity, Mg, Cu and Zn concentration, total ATPase activity, and Na+/K+ATPase and Mg2 + ATPase activities; this group also presented higher NO, Ca, K, Fe and Mn concentration in the heart. The SHAM group fed chia presented a lower fat content in the heart. In the OVX group fed HFD, chia increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, decreased NO and maintained the content of minerals and ATPase enzymes. Thus, chia improved the biometric parameters of the heart, the antioxidant activity and maintained the content of minerals and ATPase enzymes, showing a cardioprotective action, but without reversing the deleterious effects of ovariectomy.

Bioavailability of Calcium from Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in Ovariectomized Rats Fed a High Fat Diet.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal abnormalities such as bone loss occur when there is an imbalance in bone matrix synthesis and bone resorption. This imbalance is also caused by hormonal changes and inflammation. Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) has a high nutritional value and is an excellent source of calcium. Evaluate the bioavailability of calcium from chia, and its effect on bone metabolism when consumed as part of a standard or high fat diet (HFD) in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: The study was conducted with 80 female Wistar rats that received standard diet or HFD. 40 female mice were ovariectomized (OVX) and 40 were sham-operated (SHAM). After recovery from surgery the animals received chia as a source of 20% of the calcium recommendation, calcium bioavailability was measured using the calcium balance technique. Bone strength and bone morphometry were evaluated by weight, length and microtomography measurements. RESULTS: HFD increased serum calcium and decreased calcium retention. The addition of chia to HFD did not alter bone morphology. Ovariectomy led to lower percentage of bone volume, smaller trabecular thickness, higher trabecular separation and higher porosity, when ovariectomy was associated with HFD, the final weight, waist circumference, body mass index and adiposity were increased. CONCLUSIONS: Chia maintained bone health when offered as a source of 20% calcium, in a diet that met 100% of the mineral recommendation, regardless of the type of diet, in animals non-ovariectomized adults.

Acute treatment with Mangifera indica L. leaf extract attenuates liver inflammation in rats fed a cafeteria diet.

This study investigates the acute anti-inflammatory activity of Mangifera indica L. leaf extract and mangiferin in the liver of rats fed a cafeteria diet. This study was a randomized longitudinal experimental study. The animals were divided into three groups - Control: cafeteria diet (CD); Extract: CD + leaf extract (250 mg kg-1); and Mangiferin: CD + mangiferin (40 mg kg-1). Body weight and food intake were measured every week. On day eight, mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory markers were evaluated in the liver. Also, liver weight, SOD activity and malondialdehyde concentration were measured. Treatment for only eight days with mango leaf extract and mangiferin increased SOD activity. Mangiferin intake increased the mRNA expression of PPAR-α and HSP72. The leaf extract treatment enhanced PPAR-α mRNA expression. Mangiferin and leaf extract consumption caused a lower concentration of NFκB (p65) in nuclear extracts, and greater IL-10 mRNA and protein levels. This study highlights the potential of acute treatment with mango leaf extract and mangiferin to prevent liver inflammation caused by fat-rich diets. These results indicate a new use for a product that has low cost, is found in great amounts, and is not routinely used.

Bacupari (Garcinia brasiliensis) extract modulates intestinal microbiota and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in obese rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an ethanolic extract of the bark of bacupari (Garcinia brasiliensis - EEB) on the abundance of intestinal microbiota, concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), oxidative stress, and inflammation in obese rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: an HFD-fed obese control group, a group fed HFD plus EEB (BHFD) at a dose of 300 mg per animal per day (42 mg 7-epiclusianone and 10.76 mg morelloflavone), and a lean control group fed an AIN-93 M diet for 8 weeks. EEB decreased (p < 0.05) the abundance of organisms belonging to the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of propionic acid. Liver concentrations of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, resistin, and p65 nuclear factor-kappa B p65(NF-κB) decreased (p < 0.05), while the expression of heat shock protein (HSP)72 and catalase increased (p < 0.05) with the consumption of EEB. Moreover, computational molecular modeling studies involving molecular docking between the main constituents of EEB, 7-epiclusianone and morelloflavone, and NF-κB suggested its inhibitory activity, thus corroborating the experimental results. The consumption of EEB may therefore be a promising strategy for the beneficial dietary modulation of the intestinal ecosystem, thereby countering oxidative stress and inflammation in obese rats. This activity is attributable to the presence of bioactive compounds that act individually or synergistically in the scavenging of free radicals or in the inflammatory process.