Punicic acid was metabolised and incorporated in the form of conjugated linoleic acid in different rat tissues.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a supplementation of pomegranate seed oil (PSO), being rich in punicic acid, on the biochemical parameters of healthy rats. PSO was given to the animals intragastrically for 40 days at concentrations of 1%, 2% and 4%. There were no changes in their total body weight gain, their serum biochemical markers, or in the oxidative stress in their tissues. However, the TBARS values were reduced in the brains of the animals, noting that no significant amounts of conjugated fatty acids were found in this tissue. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was present in all the other tissues studied. The results obtained have demonstrated that punicic acid from PSO was metabolised and incorporated in the form of CLA in different rat tissues. It did not cause alterations in their lipid metabolism, nor did it participate in the processes of oxidation inhibition.

Pretreatment with fish oil attenuates heart ischaemia consequences in rats.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? We investigated whether pretreatment with fish oil could prevent the major consequences of ischaemic injury to the heart. What is the main finding and its importance? Fish oil pretreatment attenuated the consequences of ischaemic injury as indicated by the small infarction area and the preservation of systolic function and coronary blood flow. These findings support the use of fish oil in order to reduce the impact of heart ischaemia. ω-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA)-rich fish oil supplementation has protective effects on heart ischaemic injury. Left ventricular (LV) ischaemia was induced in rats by permanent ligation of the left descending coronary artery. Saline, fish oil or soybean oil was administered daily by gavage [3 g (kg body weight)-1 ] for 20 days before inducing ischaemia. Outcomes were assessed 24 h after left descending coronary artery ligation. Pretreatment with fish oil decreased the ω-6/ω-3 fatty acid ratio in the LV. A reduction in infarct size and in the intensity of ventricular systolic dysfunction was found in the fish oil group compared with the saline or soybean oil groups through echocardiographic evaluation. Before infarction, LV glycogen concentrations were decreased in the fish oil group compared with the saline group. Soybean oil pretreatment led to a further increase in the LV levels of CINC-2/αß, IL-1ß and TNF-α induced by the heart infarction. In heart-infarcted rats, fish oil pretreatment decreased creatine kinase and caspase-3 activities; prevented the decrease in the coronary blood flow; increased LV contents of ATP and lactate; increased the mRNA levels of iNOS, eNOS, HIF1α, GLUT1, VEGF-α and p53 in the LV as measured by RT-PCR; and did not change LV pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations compared with the control group. Fish oil protected the heart from ischaemia, as indicated by the decrease in the heart infarction area and systolic dysfunction associated with increased LV ATP concentrations and maintenance of the coronary blood flow with no change in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

Optimization of the antioxidant polyphenolic compounds extraction of yellow passion fruit seeds (Passiflora edulis Sims) by response surface methodology.

The conditions for the solid-liquid extraction of the antioxidant polyphenol compounds from yellow passion fruit seeds were optimized by response surface methodology with the following variables as the extraction parameters: extraction time (12.8-147.2 min), ethanol concentration (13-97%), and temperature (16.4-83.6 °C). The polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, which were assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ß-carotene bleaching assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, were considered dependent variables. The association of the dependent variables was effective for explaining the effect of the independent variables within a determination coefficient (R2) range of 0.88-0.96. A moderate-to-strong correlation for the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity by the investigated methods was established, and optimized conditions were employed to maximize this response. Extraction was carried out at 80 °C using 70% ethanol concentration for 30 min, which was the most efficient condition to obtain an extract with high concentrations of polyphenolic compounds (3.12 g gallic acid equivalent/100 g seed dry basis) and a strong antioxidant capacity. The stilbene piceatannol was the major compound identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (3.68 g/100 g seed dry basis). These results reinforce that agro-industrial waste demonstrates potential as a source of bioactive compounds, with implications in human health as well as in food and chemical industries.

Contractile function recovery in severely injured gastrocnemius muscle of rats treated with either oleic or linoleic acid.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Oleic and linoleic acids modulate fibroblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation in vitro. However, their in vivo effects on muscle regeneration have not yet been examined. We investigated the effects of either oleic or linoleic acid on a well-established model of muscle regeneration after severe laceration. What is the main finding and its importance? We found that linoleic acid increases fibrous tissue deposition and impairs muscle regeneration and recovery of contractile function, whereas oleic acid has the opposite effects in severely injured gastrocnemius muscle, suggesting that linoleic acid has a harmful effect and oleic acid a potential therapeutic effect on muscle regeneration. Oleic and linoleic acids control fibroblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation in vitro; however, there was no study in skeletal muscle in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of either oleic or linoleic acid on the fibrous tissue content (collagen deposition) of muscle and recovery of contractile function in rat gastrocnemius muscle after being severely injured by laceration. Rats were supplemented with either oleic or linoleic acid for 4 weeks after laceration [0.44 g (kg body weight)-1 day-1 ]. Muscle injury led to an increase in oleic-to-stearic acid and palmitoleic-to-palmitic acid ratios, suggesting an increase in Δ9 desaturase activity. Increased fibrous tissue deposition and reduced isotonic and tetanic specific forces and resistance to fatigue were observed in the injured muscle. Supplementation with linoleic acid increased the content of eicosadienoic (20:2, n-6) and arachidonic (20:4, n-6) acids, reduced muscle mass and fibre cross-sectional areas, increased fibrous tissue deposition and further reduced the isotonic and tetanic specific forces and resistance to fatigue induced by laceration. Supplementation with oleic acid increased the content of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, n-3) and abolished the increase in fibrous tissue area and the decrease in isotonic and tetanic specific forces and resistance to fatigue induced by muscle injury. We concluded that supplementation with linoleic acid impairs muscle regeneration and increases fibrous tissue deposition, resulting in impaired recovery of contractile function. Oleic acid supplementation reduced fibrous tissue deposition and improved recovery of contractile function, attenuating the tissue damage caused by muscle injury.

Incorporation and effects of punicic acid on muscle and adipose tissues of rats.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) supplementation, rich in punicic acid (55 %/C18:3-9c,11 t,13c/CLNA), on the lipid profile and on the biochemical and oxidative parameters in the gastrocnemius muscle and adipose tissues of healthy rats. Linseed oil (LO), rich in linolenic acid (52 %/C18:3-9c12c15c/LNA) was used for comparison. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 56) were distributed in seven groups: control (water); LNA 1 %, 2 % and 4 % (treated with LO); CLNA 1 %, 2 % and 4 % (treated with PSO), po for 40 days. The percentages were compared to the daily feed intake. Fatty acid profile were performed by gas chromatography, antioxidant enzymes activity by spectrophotometer and the adipocytes were isolated by collagenase tissue digestion. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to check for differences between the groups (control, LNAs and CLNAs) and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to project the groups in the factor-place (PC1 vs PC2) based on the biochemical responses assessed in the study. RESULTS: The fatty acids profile of tissues showed that the LNA percentages were higher in the animals that were fed LO. However, PA was only detected in the adipose tissues. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was present in all the tissues of the animals supplemented with PSO, in a dose dependent manner, and 9c11t-CLA was the predominant isomer. Nevertheless there were no changes in the total weight gain of the animals, the weights of the tissues, and the oxidative stress parameters in the muscle. In addition, there was an increase in the size of the epididymal fat cells in the groups treated with PSO. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the CLNAs groups were arranged separately with a cumulative variance of 68.47 %. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that PSO can be used as a source of CLAs but that it does not cause changes in body modulation and does not interfere in the antioxidant activity of healthy rats.

Flaxseed flour (Linum usitatissinum) consumption improves bone quality and decreases the adipocyte area of lactating rats in the post-weaning period.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of flaxseed flour in the intake on adiposity and femur structure of the lactating rats during the post-weaning period. After weaning, the lactating rats were divided into control (C, n = 6) and experimental (F, n = 6) groups treated with a diet containing flaxseed flour. Serum hormone and fatty acids composition, morphology of intra-abdominal adipocytes, computed tomography and biomechanical analyses of femur were determined. Food intake, body mass and hormone analysis have shown similar results. The F group showed the following (p < 0.05): lower arachidonic acid (-60%), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (-30%) and retroperitoneal adipocytes (-36%) area. Higher radiodensity of femoral head region (+29%) and higher maximum force (+18%), breaking strength (+18%) and rigidity (+31%). Fatty acid composition of flaxseed flour decreased the area of adipocytes and improved the bone quality, which may be associated with lower serum levels of arachidonic acid levels, during the post-weaning period.

Aqueous extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. inhibits neutrophil influx and cytokine secretion.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. phenolic compounds have attracted considerable attention because of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, including its ability to treat inflammatory disorders. In this work, we investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of R. officinalis aqueous extract on neutrophil trafficking from the blood into an inflamed tissue, on cell-derived secretion of chemical mediators, and on oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan-induced inflammation in the subcutaneous tissue of male Wistar rats orally treated with the R. officinalis extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg). The leukocyte influx (optical microscopy), secretion of chemical mediators (prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), TNF-α, interleukin 6 (IL-6), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and the anti-oxidative profile (super oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) spectrophotometry) were quantified in the inflamed exudate. N-Formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine-induced chemotaxis, lipopolysaccharide-induced NO2 (-) production (Greiss reaction), and adhesion molecule expression (flow cytometry) were in vitro quantified using oyster glycogen recruited peritoneal neutrophils previous treated with the extract (1, 10, or 100 µg/mL). Animals orally treated with phosphate-buffered saline and neutrophils incubated with Hank's balanced salt solution were used as control. R. officinalis extract oral treatment caused a dose-dependent reduction in the neutrophil migration as well as decreased SOD, TBARS, LTB4, PGE2, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the inflamed exudate. In vitro treatment with R. officinalis decreased neutrophil chemotaxis, NO2 (-) production, and shedding of L-selectin and ß2 integrin expressions. Results here presented show that R. officinalis aqueous extract displays important in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory actions by blocking pathways of neutrophil migration and secretion, suggesting its therapeutic application to acute inflammatory reactions.

Ameliorative effects of aqueous extract from rosemary on oxidative stress and inflammation pathways caused by a high-fat diet in C57BL/6 mice.

Rosemary is an herb exhibits biological properties, attenuates inflammation, oxidative stress, and improves lipid profile. Here, we evaluated the effects of rosemary aqueous extract (RE) on mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Male C57BL/6 mice were administered a control diet or HFD for 10 weeks. The treated groups received RE in the diet at different concentrations: 25, 250, and 500 mg/100 g. After 10 weeks, serum concentrations of glucose, lipid, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and cytokines were evaluated and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity was determined. Histological analysis was performed to determine the concentrations of triacylglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, cytokines, and antioxidant enzymes as well as the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The dietary RE ameliorated HFD-induced weight gain, adipose tissue weight, glucose intolerance, and insulin, leptin, and free fatty acid levels. Reduction in hepatic TG deposition was observed. The levels of inflammatory cytokines decreased, and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism increased. RE mitigated oxidative stress and reduced the production of reactive oxygen species in HepG2 and 3T3-L1 cells. Therefore, RE is a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of inflammation and oxidative stress outcomes associated with obesity.

Biochemical composition of two red seaweed species grown on the Brazilian coast.

BACKGROUND: Algae species have been used as an important source of food because they are highly nutritive considering their vitamin, protein, mineral, fiber, essential fatty acid and carbohydrate contents. However, a large number of seaweeds have been poorly studied, especially Brazilian species. Two red macroalgae species from the Brazilian coast (Plocamium brasiliense and Ochtodes secundiramea) were assessed with respect to their total lipid, fatty acid, total nitrogen, protein, amino acid and total carbohydrate contents. RESULTS: The total lipid contents (dry weight) were 36.3 and 35.4 g kg(-1); fatty acid contents were 9.3 and 12.1 g kg(-1); total nitrogen contents were 37.4 and 24.9 g kg(-1); protein contents were 157.2 and 101.0 g kg(-1); amino acid contents were 127.5 and 91.4 g kg(-1); and total carbohydrate contents were 520.3 and 450.7 g kg(-1) for P. brasiliense and O. secundiramea, respectively. CONCLUSION: Considering these compositions, both algae species were determined to have sources of protein, essential amino acids and carbohydrates similar to the edible seaweeds Laminaria japonica and Palmaria palmata.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy Markers in Soleus Muscle Disuse-Induced Atrophy of Rats Treated with Fish Oil.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and autophagy pathways are implicated in disuse muscle atrophy. The effects of high eicosapentaenoic (EPA) or high docosahexaenoic (DHA) fish oils on soleus muscle ERS and autophagy markers were investigated in a rat hindlimb suspension (HS) atrophy model. Adult Wistar male rats received daily by gavage supplementation (0.3 mL per 100 g b.w.) of mineral oil or high EPA or high DHA fish oils (FOs) for two weeks. Afterward, the rats were subjected to HS and the respective treatments concomitantly for an additional two-week period. After four weeks, we evaluated ERS and autophagy markers in the soleus muscle. Results were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc test. Gastrocnemius muscle ω-6/ω-3 fatty acids (FAs) ratio was decreased by both FOs indicating the tissue incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids. HS altered (p < 0.05) the protein content (decreasing total p38 and BiP and increasing p-JNK2/total JNK2 ratio, and caspase 3) and gene expressions (decreasing BiP and increasing IRE1 and PERK) of ERS and autophagy (decreasing Beclin and increasing LC3 and ATG14) markers in soleus. Both FOs attenuated (p < 0.05) the increase in PERK and ATG14 expressions induced by HS. Thus, both FOs could potentially attenuate ERS and autophagy in skeletal muscles undergoing atrophy.

Antioxidant capacity of the striped sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed extracts evaluated by three in vitro methods.

The antioxidant capacity of the striped sunflower seed cotyledon extracts, obtained by sequential extraction with different polarities of solvents, was evaluated by three different in vitro methods: ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. In the three methods, the aqueous extract at 30 µg/ml showed a higher antioxidant capacity value (FRAP, 45.27 µmol; DPPH, 50.18%; ORAC, 1.5 Trolox equivalents) than the ethanolic extract (FRAP, 32.17 µmol; DPPH, 15.21%;ORAC, 0.50 Trolox equivalents). When compared with the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyl toluene, the antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extract varied from 45% to 66%, according to the used method. The high antioxidant capacity observed for the aqueous extract of the studied sunflower seed suggests that the intake of this seed may prevent in vivo oxidative reactions responsible for the development of several diseases, such as cancer.

Free phenolic acids from the seaweed Halimeda monile with antioxidant effect protecting against liver injury.

Phenolic compounds are found in seaweed species together with other substances presenting antioxidant activity. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the free phenolic acids (FPA) fraction from the seaweed Halimeda monile, and its activity to protect the expression of hepatic enzymes in rats, under experimental CCl4 injury. The antioxidant activity was measured by the DPPH method. The FPA fraction (80 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered during 20 consecutive days to rats. The peroxidation was performed by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The SOD and CAT enzymatic expressions were measured by RT/PCR. The histology technique was used to evaluate liver injuries. The expression of both, CAT and SOD genes, was more preserved by FPA. Only partial injury could be observed by histology in the liver of rats receiving FPA as compared with the control group; and CCl4 administration induced 60% more peroxidation as compared with the rats receiving FPA. These data suggest that FPA could modulate the antioxidant enzymes and oxidative status in the liver through protection against adverse effects induced by chemical agents.

[Nutritional profile of foods with zero trans fatty acids claim]. / Perfil nutricional de alimentos com alegação de zero gordura trans.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the composition of fatty acids in some foods available in the Brazilian market in which there was a claimed reduction in the amount of trans fatty acids. Also evaluate whether these foods meet recommended amounts for saturated fat consumption, after reduction of trans fat amounts. METHODS: Industrialized food (creamy margarine A and B, plant sterol margarine, stuffed sweet biscuit, salty biscuit without stuffing, French fried potatoes and a burger lunch from a multinational chain of 'fast food' all with the allegation of 0% trans fat content were purchased in commercial points and analyzed by gas chromatography. RESULTS: Despite the reduction in trans fatty acid amounts, analyzed foods contained large concentrations of saturated fats mainly palmitic acid. Moreover, some of the foods studied showed a n-6/n-3 ratio outside the recommended for atherosclerosis prevention. CONCLUSION: The unrestricted consumption of such foods has strong deleterious health potential. The absence of trans fatty acid label should be viewed with caution and does not mean a release for unrestricted consumption of such foods.

Effect of olive oil-based emulsion on human lymphocyte and neutrophil death.

BACKGROUND: The incorporation of lipid emulsions in parenteral diets is a requirement for energy and essential fatty acid supply to critically ill patients. The most frequently used IV lipid emulsions (LE) are composed with long-chain triacylglycerols rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from soybean oil, but these LE promote lymphocyte and neutrophil death. A new emulsion containing 20% soybean oil and 80% olive oil rich in omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) has been hypothesized not to cause impairment of immune function. In this study, the toxicity of an olive oil-based emulsion (OOE) on lymphocytes and neutrophils from healthy volunteers was investigated. METHODS: Twenty volunteers were recruited and blood was collected before a 6-hour infusion of an OOE, immediately after infusion, and again 18 hours postinfusion. Lymphocytes and neutrophils were isolated by gradient density. The cells were studied immediately after isolation and after 24 hours or 48 hours in culture. The following determinations were carried out: triacylglycerol levels and fatty acid composition and levels in plasma, lymphocyte proliferation, production of reactive oxygen species, and parameters of lymphocyte and neutrophil death (viability, DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine externalization, mitochondrial depolarization, and neutral lipid accumulation). RESULTS: OOE decreased lymphocyte proliferation, provoked lymphocyte necrosis, and had no effect on the proportion of viable neutrophils. The mechanism of cell death induced by OOE involved neutral lipid accumulation but had no effect on mitochondrial membrane depolarization. CONCLUSIONS: The OOE given as a single dose of 500 mL induced low toxicity to lymphocytes from healthy volunteers, probably by necrosis.

Influenza virus and proteolytic bacteria co-infection in respiratory tract from individuals presenting respiratory manifestations.

A role for proteolytic bacteria in the exacerbation of influenza virus has been shown in natural hosts such as pigs and humans. Four hundred seven samples were collected from the respiratory tract of individuals presenting clinical manifestations, during influenza season (2003-2005) in São Paulo City. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of determined bacteria co-infecting virus in human respiratory tract. Tests, such as bacteriological, immunofluorescence (IF), RT/PCR and hemagglutination (HA) were used for bacterial and viral investigation. Thirty seven (9.09%) positive for influenza virus were screened by IF. The RT/PCR confirmed the presence of influenza virus in these samples. Bacterial and agar casein tests demonstrated that 18 (48.64%) individuals were infected with proteolytic bacteria such as Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Among these samples, 13 (35.13%) were co-infected with influenza A virus. Influenza type B, co-infecting bacteria were found in five (13.51%) samples. In vitro the S. aureus protease increased the influenza HA titer after contact for 30 min at 25 masculineC. Results revealed the occurrence of co-infection with proteolytic bacteria and influenza in the evaluated individuals. This finding corroborates that virus versus bacteria synergism could be able to potentiate respiratory infection, increasing damage to hosts.

Attenuation of obesity and insulin resistance by fish oil supplementation is associated with improved skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been reported to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in animal models of insulin resistance, but the involved mechanisms still remain unresolved. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fish oil (FO), a source of n-3 PUFAs, on obesity, insulin resistance and muscle mitochondrial function in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). C57Bl/6 male mice, 8 weeks old, were divided into four groups: control diet (C), high-fat diet (H), C+FO (CFO) and H+FO (HFO). FO was administered by oral gavage (2 g/kg b.w.), three times a week, starting 4 weeks before diet administration until the end of the experimental protocol. HFD-induced obesity and insulin resistance associated with impaired skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, as indicated by decreased oxygen consumption, tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate (TCAi) contents (citrate, α-ketoglutarate, malate and oxaloacetate), oxidative phosphorylation protein content and mitochondrial biogenesis. These effects were associated with elevated reactive oxygen species production, decreased PGC1-a transcription and reduced Akt phosphorylation. The changes induced by the HFD were partially attenuated by FO, which decreased obesity and insulin resistance and increased mitochondrial function. In the H group, FO supplementation also improved oxygen consumption; increased TCAi content, and Akt and AMPK phosphorylation; and up-regulated mRNA expression of Gpat1, Pepck, catalase and mitochondrial proteins (Pgc1α, Pparα, Cpt1 and Ucp3). These results suggest that dietary FO attenuates the deleterious effects of the HFD (obesity and insulin resistance) by improving skeletal muscle mitochondrial function.

Balanced Diet-Fed Fat-1 Transgenic Mice Exhibit Lower Hindlimb Suspension-Induced Soleus Muscle Atrophy.

The consequences of two-week hindlimb suspension (HS) on skeletal muscle atrophy were investigated in balanced diet-fed Fat-1 transgenic and C57BL/6 wild-type mice. Body composition and gastrocnemius fatty acid composition were measured. Skeletal muscle force, cross-sectional area (CSA), and signaling pathways associated with protein synthesis (protein kinase B, Akt; ribosomal protein S6, S6, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1, 4EBP1; glycogen synthase kinase3-beta, GSK3-beta; and extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1/2, ERK 1/2) and protein degradation (atrophy gene-1/muscle atrophy F-box, atrogin-1/MAFbx and muscle RING finger 1, MuRF1) were evaluated in the soleus muscle. HS decreased soleus muscle wet and dry weights (by 43% and 26%, respectively), muscle isotonic and tetanic force (by 29% and 18%, respectively), CSA of the soleus muscle (by 36%), and soleus muscle fibers (by 45%). Fat-1 transgenic mice had a decrease in the ω-6/ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ratio as compared with C57BL/6 wild-type mice (56%, p < 0.001). Fat-1 mice had lower soleus muscle dry mass loss (by 10%) and preserved absolute isotonic force (by 17%) and CSA of the soleus muscle (by 28%) after HS as compared with C57BL/6 wild-type mice. p-GSK3B/GSK3B ratio was increased (by 70%) and MuRF-1 content decreased (by 50%) in the soleus muscle of Fat-1 mice after HS. Balanced diet-fed Fat-1 mice are able to preserve in part the soleus muscle mass, absolute isotonic force and CSA of the soleus muscle in a disuse condition.

Incorporation of Flaxseed Flour as a Dietary Source for ALA Increases Bone Density and Strength in Post-Partum Female Rats.

In women, bone mass undergoes changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period, which has a risk for subsequent development of osteoporosis. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of flaxseed flour in femur quality during post-weaning of dam rats. After weaning, the rats were divided into control (C, n = 7) and experimental (F, n = 7) groups treated with a diet containing 25 g of flaxseed flour in the lactating period and 15 g in the maintenance period. After 51 days post-partum, serum hormone, fatty acids composition, bone compartments, computed tomography, and biomechanical analyses were determined. Food intake, length, body mass, hormone analysis, and total bone compartments showed similar results. For biomechanical and computed tomography analysis and fatty acids composition, the F group showed higher maximum force (+12%, p < 0.05), breaking strength (+25%, p < 0.05), rigidity (+17%, p < 0.0001), and femoral head radiodensity (+15%, p < 0.05) and presented lower total polyunsaturated fatty acids (-17%, p < 0.0001) and arachidonic acid (-44%, p < 0.0001) and higher ALA (+695%, p < 0.0001) and EPA (+160%, p < 0.05). Fatty acids composition of flaxseed flour, as well as its protein profile and calcium content, were able to improve the bone quality, which may be associated with lower serum levels of arachidonic acid and higher EPA, showing an anti-inflammatory profile and increased deposition of organic matrix during the post-weaning period, and may result in prevention of future osteoporosis.

Combination of a high-fat diet with sweetened condensed milk exacerbates inflammation and insulin resistance induced by each separately in mice.

Obesogenic diets increase body weight and cause insulin resistance (IR), however, the association of these changes with the main macronutrient in the diet remains to be elucidated. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed with: control (CD), CD and sweetened condensed milk (HS), high-fat (HF), and HF and condensed milk (HSHF). After 2 months, increased body weight, glucose intolerance, adipocyte size and cholesterol levels were observed. As compared with CD, HS ingested the same amount of calories whereas HF and HSHF ingested less. HS had increased plasma AST activity and liver type I collagen. HF caused mild liver steatosis and hepatocellular damage. HF and HSHF increased LDL-cholesterol, hepatocyte and adipocyte hypertrophy, TNF-α by macrophages and decreased lipogenesis and adiponectin in adipose tissue (AT). HSHF exacerbated these effects, increasing IR, lipolysis, mRNA expression of F4/80 and leptin in AT, Tlr-4 in soleus muscle and IL-6, IL-1ß, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 protein in AT. The three obesogenic diets induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction. HS was more proinflammatory than the HF and induced hepatic fibrosis. The HF was more detrimental in terms of insulin sensitivity, and it caused liver steatosis. The combination HSHF exacerbated the effects of each separately on insulin resistance and AT inflammatory state.

Propiedades hepatoprotectoras de las algas marinas: estrés oxidativo en modelos animales intoxicados con xenobióticos / Hepato-protective properties of seaweeds: oxidative stress in animal models intoxicated with xenobiotics

Resumen Desde épocas ancestrales, las algas marinas han sido empleadas con fines medicinales. En la actualidad, las algas han atraído la atención como fuentes de compuestos bioactivos, debido a su alto contenido en metabolitos secundarios. En numerosos estudios epidemiológicos e investigaciones experimentales se han demostrado diferentes propiedades terapéuticas. Diversos autores han demostrado actividades antioxidantes en especies de algas marinas y su relación con las propiedades hepatoprotectoras, explicadas en la mayoría de los casos por su composición polifenólica. Por otra parte, existen pocos fármacos disponibles que estimulen la función hepática, ofrezcan protección al hígado de posibles daños y/o ayuden a regenerar las células hepáticas. Por este motivo resulta interesante buscar fármacos alternativos para el tratamiento de enfermedades hepáticas. Durante dos décadas, el Grupo de Farmacología y Toxicología de la Universidad de La Habana (UH), en coordinación con el Laboratorio de Lípidos de la Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas (FCF-USP) de la Universidad de San Pablo, Brasil, han investigado varias especies de algas marinas como fuentes de sustancias neuro y hepatoprotectoras con resultados alentadores. En la presente revisión se analizó un conjunto de investigaciones de extractos y moléculas de algas marinas como posibles agentes hepatoprotectores y su relación con la actividad antioxidante. Se presentan diferentes metodologías con varios modelos animales, inductores de daño hepático y variables experimentales. A partir de estas consideraciones, el objetivo de este artículo de revisión fue resumir el estado de la ciencia hasta la fecha acerca del papel de las algas marinas como fuentes naturales de hepatoprotectores y su relación con las propiedades antioxidantes.

Abstract Since ancient times, seaweed has been used for medicinal purposes. At present, seaweeds have attracted attention as sources of bioactive compounds, due to their high content of secondary metabolites. In numerous epidemiological studies and experimental investigations, different therapeutic properties cuidahave been shown. Several authors have demonstrated antioxidant activities in seaweeds species and their relationship with hepato-protective properties, explained in most cases by their polyphenolic composition. On the other hand, there are few drugs available that stimulate liver function, offer protection to the liver from possible damage and/or help to regenerate liver cells, so it is interesting to look for alternative drugs for the treatment of liver diseases. For two decades, the Pharmacology and Toxicology Group of University of Havana (UH) in coordination with the Lipids Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Sao Paulo (FCF-USP) (Brazil) have investigated various species of seaweeds as sources of neuro- and hepato-protectors with encouraging results. In this review a set of investigations of extracts and molecules of seaweed is analysed as possible hepato-protective agents and their relationship with antioxidant activity. Different methodologies are presented with various animal models, liver damage inducers and experimental variables. Based on these considerations, the objective of this review article was to summarise the state of science to date about the role of seaweeds as natural sources of hepato-protectors and their relationship with antioxidant properties.

Resumo Desde épocas ancestrais, as algas marinhas são utilizadas para fins medicinais. Atualmente, as algas têm chamado a atenção como fontes de compostos bioativos, devido ao alto teor de metabólitos secundários. Em muitos estudos epidemiológicos e investigações experimentais, diferentes propriedades terapêuticas foram demonstradas. Vários autores têm demonstrado atividades antioxidantes em espécies de algas marinhas e sua relação com propriedades hepato-protetoras, explicadas na maioria dos casos por sua composição polifenólica. Por outro lado, existem poucos medicamentos disponíveis que estimulem a função hepática, ofereçam proteção ao fígado de possíveis danos e/ou ajudem a regenerar as células hepáticas, por isso é interessante procurar medicamentos alternativos para o tratamento de doenças hepáticas. Há duas décadas, o Grupo de Farmacologia e Toxicologia de la Universidade de la Habana (UH) em coordenação com o Laboratório de Lipídios da Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF-USP) da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil tem investigado várias espécies de algas marinhas como fontes de neuro- e hepato-protetores com resultados animadores. Nesta revisão foi analisado um conjunto de investigações de extratos e moléculas de algas marinhas como possíveis agentes hepato-protetores e sua relação com a atividade antioxidante. Diferentes metodologias são apresentadas com vários modelos animais, indutores de dano hepático e variáveis experimentais. Com base nessas considerações, o objetivo deste artigo de revisão era resumir o estado da ciência até o momento sobre o papel das algas marinhas como fontes naturais de hepatoprotetores e sua relação com propriedades antioxidantes.