Intracerebroventricular administration of the (1→6)-ß-d-glucan (lasiodiplodan) in male rats prevents d-penicillamine-induced behavioral alterations and lipoperoxidation in the cortex.

CONTEXT: Lasiodiplodan, an exocellular (1→6)-ß-d-glucan of molecular weight >1.4 × 106 Da produced by MMPI strain of Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon & Maubl. (Brotyosphaeriaceae) is known to exhibit anti-proliferative activity on breast cancer cells (MCF-7), anticoagulant activity when sulfonylated, and reduction in transaminase activity when administered in rats. OBJECTIVE: The effect of intracerebroventricular (I.C.V) injection of lasiodiplodan on neurotoxicity and behavioural changes induced by d-penicillamine was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were initially separated in groups of six and treated with 0.15 µmol/µL of NaCl (Groups Ct and d-Pen) and 0.01 µg/µL of lasiodiplodan (Groups Las and Las + d-Pen). After 15 min, they received 6 µmol/µL of NaCl (Groups Ct and Las) and 2 µmol/µL of d-penicillamine (Groups d-Pen and Las + d-Pen). The animal behavior was observed in an open-field test for 60 min. Twenty-four h later, the animals were sacrificed and histopathological analysis and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) production measurements were performed. RESULTS: Lasiodiplodan prevented neurotoxicity induced by d-penicillamine significantly reducing the production of TBARS (308%; p < 0.05), and behavioural signs; convulsive and pre-convulsive. No histopathological alterations in the cerebral cortex were observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The reduction of TBARS production and convulsive episodes suggests that the protector effect provided by lasiodiplodan passes thought an antioxidant path, possibly interfering in a cascade of neurochemical events, triggering cell death and convulsive episodes. These results demonstrated that lasiodiplodan can be effective in treating neurotoxicity, and reducing damage triggered by convulsions in neuropathies related to GABAergic system.

Effects of l-arginine and creatine administration on spatial memory in rats subjected to a chronic variable stress model.

CONTEXT: Chronic stress results from repeated exposure to one or more types of stressors over a period, ranging from days to months, and can be associated with physical, behavioral, and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Some physiological alterations resulting from chronic stress can potentially cause deficits on spatial learning and memory. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of chronic variable stress (CVS) and administration of l-arginine and creatine on spatial memory in rats. Furthermore, body, heart, adrenal weight, and plasma glucose and corticosterone levels were analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were subjected to a CVS model for 40 days and evaluated for spatial memory after the stress period. Chronically stressed animals were treated daily by gavage with: 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (Group Cs), 500 mg/kg l-arginine (Group Cs/La), 300 mg/kg creatine (Group Cs/Cr); and 500 mg/kg l-arginine and 300 mg/kg creatine (Group Cs/La + Cr) during the entire experimental period. RESULTS: Our results showed that animals in the Cs/Cr and Cs/La + Cr groups presented significantly decreased corticosterone levels compared to group Cs (p < 0.05); animals in group Cs/Cr were more efficient in finding the platform, in the working memory task, compared to all other groups (p < 0.01); and animals in group Cs/La + Cr significantly improved in reference memory retention compared to controls (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Overall, these results demonstrated that a single administration of creatine improves working memory efficiency, and, when co-administrated with l-arginine, improves reference memory retention, a phenomenon that is possibly associated with increased creatine/phosphocreatine levels and l-arginine-derived NO synthesis.

Sulfonylurea induction of caffeine-enhanced insulin secretion and reduction of glycemic levels in diabetic rats.

CONTEXT: Caffeine can stimulate insulin secretion by attenuating hyperglycemia in diabetes models with significant reduction of pancreatic functional ß cells. Knowledge of these mechanisms could contribute to new strategies for treating diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of caffeine and physical exercise on glycemic and insulin responses in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diabetes model was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). Animals were divided into six groups: control, caffeine, STZ control, STZ caffeine, STZ sulfonylurea, and STZ caffeine + sulfonylurea. Acutely, control animals received 6 mg of caffeine and 10 mg/kg sulfonylurea or 10 mg/kg saline. Animals were sacrificed after physical exercise; blood samples were collected for glucose, glycerol, lactate, and insulin analyses. Cardiovascular responses were recorded before and after treatments. A one-way ANOVA and the post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test were used to analyze statistical differences between treatments (p < 0.05). RESULTS: About 6 mg/kg of caffeine did not alter cardiovascular responses, but promoted blood glucose reduction after 60 min of exercise when compared to animals in the control groups (387-187 mg/dL; p < 0.05). Insulin levels increased significantly (0.6-10 µU/mL; p < 0.05) in rats that received acute caffeine treatment associated with sulfonylurea compared to rats in the other groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Acute caffeine intake with exercise can increase glucose uptake enhancing insulin secretion stimulated by sulfonylurea in ß cells-deficient pancreas. The results indicate the potential use of caffeine as a strategy for glycemic and insulin control in diabetes.

Associations between strength, flexibility, and painful symptomology in university staff.

BACKGROUND: In the adult population, the work environment and physical fitness levels are directly related to the onset of musculoskeletal pain, repetitive strain injuries, and decreased blood circulation. Although low levels of muscle strength and flexibility may lead to a higher prevalence of pain, specific anatomic regions are poorly addressed. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and the association between strength or flexibility and pain in university staff. METHODS: The sample was composed of 110 members of staff from a university in Guarapuava-PR. Body mass and height values were obtained, from which the BMI was calculated. The pain evaluation was performed by means of a questionnaire, analyzing the intensity, frequency, and anatomical region. The subjects were then submitted to strength (right and left hand grip, lumbar traction, lower limb traction) and flexibility tests (sit and reach test). RESULTS: The anatomical region with the highest prevalence of pain was the lumbar region (43.4%). When the association between the presence of pain and flexibility was performed, only the lumbar traction presented significant results, with the weakest group demonstrating pain (OR: 3.47 [1.27 - 9.49]). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that low levels of strength in the lumbar region are associated with the presence of painful symptomatology.

Strength indicators and usual physical activity among university administrative employees.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior is a risk factor for several diseases, while physically active lifestyles and physical fitness contribute to the promotion and maintenance of health. OBJECTIVE: To establish the level of physical activity of university administrative employees and investigate its relationship with muscle strength indicators and morphological characteristics. METHODS: The sample comprised 44 university administrative employees. Data on body mass (BM) and height were collected to calculate the body mass index. The participants' level of physical activity was established based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The participants were subjected to four muscle strength tests: right hand grip (RHG), left hand grip (LHG), lumbar traction (LT) and lower limb traction (LLT). Relative muscle strength (%MS) was calculated dividing absolute muscle strength (AMS=RHG+LHG+LT+LLT) by BM. RESULTS: The insufficiently active participants exhibited significant higher BM, lower LT, LLT, AMS and %MS, and spent more time in sedentary activities on weekends. CONCLUSION: Physical inactivity was associated with poorer muscle strength indicators and higher BM among university administrative employees, pointing to harms inherent to sedentary behavior.

INTRODUÇÃO: O sedentarismo é um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento diversas doenças, enquanto o estilo de vida fisicamente ativo e a aptidão física podem atuar na promoção e na manutenção da saúde. OBJETIVO: Verificar o nível de atividade física e compará-lo com indicadores de força muscular e estrutura morfológica em agentes universitários. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 44 agentes universitários, dos quais foram coletados valores da massa corporal (MC) e de estatura, para posterior cálculo do Índice de Massa Corporal. A análise do nível de atividade física foi realizada pelo Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ). Em seguida, os agentes universitários foram submetidos a quatro testes de força: preensão manual direita (PMD) e esquerda (PME), tração lombar (TL) e tração de membros inferiores (TMI). A força muscular relativa (%FM) foi estimada pela divisão da força muscular absoluta (FMA=PMD+PME+TL+TMI) pela MC. RESULTADOS: O grupo insuficientemente ativo apresentou significativamente maior MC, maior tempo de comportamento sedentário nos fins de semana e menores indicadores de TL, TMI, FMA e %FM comparado aos fisicamente ativos. CONCLUSÃO: A inatividade física foi associada a menores indicadores de força muscular e maior MC em agentes universitários, sugerindo riscos para a saúde inerentes ao comportamento sedentário.

Pre-TAI protocol strategies to increase reproductive efficiency in beef and dairy cows.

Ovulation synchronization protocols are well established in beef and dairy cows. However, the protocol response rate is around 70-90%. In beef cows, factors such as inadequate nutrition and calf presence negatively impact the response of progesterone (P4)/estradiol-based ovulation synchronization protocols by interfering with GnRH release and consequently reducing LH pulsatility and final follicular development. In dairy cows, protocols based on GnRH and prostaglandin (Ovsynch) are the most widely used in the world. However, the efficiency of Ovsynch is dependent on the presence of a large follicle at the time of administration of the first GnRH. In these ovulation synchronization protocols, pre-synchronization protocols (Prostaglandins, Double Ovsynch and P4synch) are usually attempted in an effort to increase responses. Thus, the objective of this review was to discuss pre-ovulation synchronization strategies (administration of injectable P4 or energetic/protein supplementation or pre-synchronization with intra-vaginal progesterone devices) aiming to increase the LH pulsatility in beef cows or induce the formation of a GnRH-responsive follicle at the beginning of the Ovsynch protocol in dairy cows.

Caffeine modifies blood glucose availability during prolonged low-intensity exercise in individuals with type-2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the effect of supplementation with maltodextrin (CHO) alone or associated to caffeine during exercise in T2DM subjects. METHODS: Pilot study, using eight subjects with T2DM, aged 55±10 years, received CHO (1 g/kg) or caffeine (1.5 mg/kg) alone or associated before exercise protocol. The exercise was executed at 40% heart rate (HR) reserve for 40 min, with 10-min recovery. Blood pressure (BP) and perceived exertion scale (Borg) were checked every 2 min. Blood glucose (BG) was checked every 10 min. For statistical analysis, ANOVA test was used and the value was considered statistically significant at p <0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that BP and HR did not change significantly among all treatments. Caffeine promoted a significant reduction in BG of 75 mg/dL (65%, p <0.05) during 40 min of exercise protocol compared to all groups. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with 1.5 mg/kg of caffeine reduces BG concentration during prolonged exercise in T2DM patients.

OBJECTIVO: Investigar los efectos de la suplementación con maltodextrina (CHO) sólo o combinado con cafeína durante el ejercicio en sujetos con diabetes tipo 2 . MÉTODOS: Estudio piloto que incluyó ocho sujetos con DM2, de 55±10 años, el CHO (1g/kg) o cafeína (1.5 mg/kg) sólo o combinado antes del protocolo de ejercicio. El ejercicio se realizó a 40% de la frecuencia cardiaca (FC). Reserva del corazón durante 40 min con 10 min de recuperación. La presión arterial (PA) y la escala de esfuerzo (Borg) fueron revisadas cada 2 min. La glucosa en sangre (GS) se comprobó cada 10 min. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante ANOVA, y consideró significación estadística un valor de p <0.05. RESULTADOS: Los resultados muestran que PA, FC y Borg no difirió significativamente entre los tratamientos. La cafeína promueve una reducción significativa en los niveles de glucosa en la sangre de 75 mg/dL (65%, p <0.05), durante un protocolo de ejercicio de 40 min en comparación con todos los grupos. CONCLUSIONES: Suplementación con 1.5 mg/kg de cafeína redujo significativamente los niveles de GS durante el protocolo de ejercicio en pacientes con DM2 .

Indicadores de força e prática habitual de atividades físicas em agentes universitários / Strength indicators and usual physical activity among university administrative employees

INTRODUÇÃO: O sedentarismo é um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento diversas doenças, enquanto o estilo de vida fisicamente ativo e a aptidão física podem atuar na promoção e na manutenção da saúde. OBJETIVO: Verificar o nível de atividade física e compará-lo com indicadores de força muscular e estrutura morfológica em agentes universitários. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 44 agentes universitários, dos quais foram obtidas as medidas de massa corporal (MC) e de estatura, para posterior cálculo do Índice de Massa Corporal. A análise do nível de atividade física foi realizada pelo Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ). Em seguida, os agentes universitários foram submetidos a quatro testes de força: preensão manual direita (PMD) e esquerda (PME), tração lombar (TL) e tração de membros inferiores (TMI). A força muscular relativa (%FM) foi estimada pela divisão da força muscular absoluta (FMA=PMD+PME+TL+TMI) pela MC. RESULTADOS: O grupo insuficientemente ativo apresentou significativamente maior MC, maior tempo de comportamento sedentário nos fins de semana e menores indicadores de TL, TMI, FMA e %FM comparado aos fisicamente ativos. CONCLUSÃO: A inatividade física foi associada a menores indicadores de força muscular e maior MC em agentes universitários, sugerindo riscos para a saúde inerentes ao comportamento sedentário.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior is a risk factor for several diseases, while physically active lifestyles and physical fitness contribute to the promotion and maintenance of health. OBJECTIVE: To establish the level of physical activity of university administrative employees and investigate its relationship with muscle strength indicators and morphological characteristics. METHODS: The sample comprised 44 university administrative employees. Data on body mass (BM) and height were collected to calculate the body mass index. The participants' level of physical activity was established based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The participants were subjected to four muscle strength tests: right hand grip (RHG), left hand grip (LHG), lumbar traction (LT) and lower limb traction (LLT). Relative muscle strength (%MS) was calculated dividing absolute muscle strength (AMS=RHG+LHG+LT+LLT) by BM. RESULTS: The insufficiently active participants exhibited significant higher BM, lower LT, LLT, AMS and %MS, and spent more time in sedentary activities on weekends. CONCLUSION: Physical inactivity was associated with poorer muscle strength indicators and higher BM among university administrative employees, pointing to harms inherent to sedentary behavior.