Insulin sensitivity as a predictor of longitudinal changes on body mass index in Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect of insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance status at baseline on longitudinal body mass index, and the possible effect modification by sex. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized intervention community trial, in which a subgroup of 84 adolescents, aged between 10 and 12 years, were analyzed. Body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were determined before and after 8 months of follow-up. Glucose and serum insulin were examined at baseline and IR was defined based on the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), with a cutoff >2.5 for both genders. Linear mixed-effects models were performed to evaluate the influence of HOMA-IR at baseline on BMI changes over time. Models were adjusted for age, pubertal stage, and stratified by sex. RESULTS: The sample comprised 65.4% of girls and the prevalence of overweight/obesity was 54.7% among girls and 50.0% among boys. The overall prevalence of IR was 75.3%, of which 60.7% for boys and 83.0% for girls. We found an interaction effect by sex (p = .004) for HOMA-IR as a continuous variable, with a decreased BMI rate of change among boys (ß = -0.13; p = .03) but not for girls (ß = +0.03; p = .36). Longitudinal BMI changes considering IR status at baseline (IR vs. non-IR) did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference for both boys (-0.1 vs. +0.4; p = .28) and girls (+0.7 vs. +1.0; p = .44). CONCLUSION: Increased HOMA-IR values at baseline were associated with greater BMI reduction over time among boys but not girls, with no influence of IR status.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 short-period therapy stimulates bone marrow cells in obese swiss mice.

Bone marrow cells (BMCs) from obese Swiss mice fed with Western diet show mitochondrial dysfunction. Obesity interferes with BMCs disrupting energetic metabolism, stimulating apoptosis, and reducing cell proliferation since adipose tissue releases inflammatory adipokines into the medullar microenvironment. These changes lead to reduction of BMC differentiation capacity and hematopoiesis impairment, a process responsible for blood cell continuous production through hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). This work aimed to analyze the effects of IGF-1 therapy on BMC viability in Western diet-induced obesity, in vivo. We observed that after only 1 week of treatment, obese Swiss mice presented reduced body weight and visceral fat and increased mitochondrial oxidative capacity and coupling, indicating mitochondrial function improvement. In addition, IGF-1 was able to reduce apoptosis of total BMCs, stem cell subpopulations (hematopoietic and mesenchymal), and leukocytes, restoring all progenitor hematopoietic lineages. The treatment also contributed to increase proliferative capacity of hematopoietic stem cells and leukocytes, keeping the hematopoietic and immune systems balanced. Therefore, we conclude that IGF-1 short period therapy improved BMC survival, proliferation, and differentiation capacity in obese Swiss mice.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 short-period therapy improves cardiomyopathy stimulating cardiac progenitor cells survival in obese mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality in obesity. Despite advanced understanding, the mechanisms that regulate cardiac progenitor cells (CPC) survival in pathological conditions are not clear. Low IGF-1 plasma levels are correlated to obesity, cardiomyopathy and CPC death, so this work aimed to investigate IGF-1 therapeutic potential on cardiomyopathy and its relationship with the survival, proliferation and differentiation of CPC in Western diet-induced obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male Swiss mice were divided into control group (CG, n = 8), fed with standard diet; and obese group (OG, n = 16), fed with Western diet, for 12 weeks. At 11th week, OG was subdivided to receive a daily subcutaneous injection of human recombinant IGF-1 (100 µg.Kg-1) for seven consecutive days (OG + IGF1, n = 8). Results showed that IGF-1 therapy improved the metabolic parameters negatively impacted by western diet in OG, reaching levels similar to CG. OG + IGF-1 also demonstrated restored heart energetic metabolism, fibrosis resolution, decreased apoptosis level, restored cardiac gap junctions and intracellular calcium balance. Cardiomyopathy improvement was accompanied by increased CPC survival, proliferation and newly cardiomyocytes formation related to increased pAkt/Akt ratio. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that only one week of IGF-1 therapy has cardioprotective effects through Akt pathway upregulation, ensuring CPC survival and differentiation, contributing to heart failure rescue.

Discouraging soft drink consumption reduces blood glucose and cholesterol of Brazilian elementary students: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an educational program aimed at discouraging sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages intake on blood fasting glucose and total cholesterol. Forty-seven fourth grade classes in twenty-two schools have participated in a randomized controlled trial aimed at discouraging soft drink intake in order to prevent excessive weight gain during a school year, in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. Of 1140 randomized students, 478 (238 in intervention group and 240 in control group) aged 9-12years old had at least one result on biochemical data and were analyzed to evaluate the effect of the intervention on changes in fasting glucose and total cholesterol at the end of follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed taking into account the cluster (classes) effect. Statistically significant decrease in fasting glucose (-9.12mg/dL vs. +0.51mg/dL, p<0.001) and total cholesterol (-10.34mg/dL vs. +2.14mg/dL, p<0.001) were observed among students in the intervention group in comparison with controls. In addition, the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and hypercholesterolemia decreased in interventions and increased in controls (-2.4% vs. +8.8%, p=0.04 and -10.0% vs. +2.7%, p=0.03, respectively). Discouraging soft drink consumption among children has led to a reduction in fasting glucose and total cholesterol, suggesting that these beverages may play a role in the development of cardiometabolic risk in childhood.

Bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation improves mitochondrial bioenergetics in the liver of cholestatic rats.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with liver cholestatis. Toxic bile salt accumulation leads to chronic injury with mitochondrial damage, ROS increase and apoptosis, resulting in liver dysfunction. This study aimed to analyze mitochondrial bioenergetics in rats with hepatic fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) after BMMNC transplantation. Livers were collected from normal rats, fibrotic rats after 14 and 21 days of BDL (F14d and F21d) and rats that received BMMNC at 14 days of BDL, analyzed after 7 days. F21d demonstrated increased collagen I content and consequently decrease after BMMNC transplantation. Both F14d and F21d had significantly reduced mitochondrial oxidation capacity and increased mitochondrial uncoupling, which were restored to levels similar to those of normal group after BMMNC transplantation. In addition, F21d had a significantly increase of UCP2, and reduced PGC-1α content. However, after BMMNC transplantation both proteins returned to levels similar to normal group. Moreover, F14d had a significantly increase in 4-HNE content compared to normal group, but after BMMNC transplantation 4-HNE content significantly reduced, suggesting oxidative stress reduction. Therefore, BMMNC transplantation has a positive effect on hepatic mitochondrial bioenergetics of cholestatic rats, increasing oxidative capacity and reducing oxidative stress, which, in turn, contribute to liver function recover.

Impaired mitochondrial function and reduced viability in bone marrow cells of obese mice.

Bone marrow cells (BMCs) are the main type of cells used for transplantation therapies. Obesity, a major world health problem, has been demonstrated to affect various tissues, including bone marrow. This could compromise the success of such therapies. One of the main mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of obesity is mitochondrial dysfunction, and recent data have suggested an important role for mitochondrial metabolism in the regulation of stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Since the potential use of BMCs for clinical therapies depends on their viability and capacity to proliferate and/or differentiate properly, the analysis of mitochondrial function and cell viability could be important approaches for evaluating BMC quality in the context of obesity. We therefore compared BMCs from a control group (CG) and an obese group (OG) of mice and evaluated their mitochondrial function, proliferation capacity, apoptosis, and levels of proteins involved in energy metabolism. BMCs from OG had increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation rates compared with CG. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity, biogenesis, and the coupling between oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis were significantly decreased in OG compared with CG, in correlation with increased levels of uncoupling protein 2 and reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-coactivator 1α content. OG also had decreased amounts of the glucose transporter GLUT-1 and insulin receptor (IRß). Thus, Western-diet-induced obesity leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced proliferative capacity in BMCs, changes that, in turn, might compromise the success of therapies utilizing these cells.

Lymphocytes mitochondrial physiology as biomarker of energy metabolism during fasted and fed conditions.

Mitochondria are central coordinators of energy metabolism, and changes of their physiology have long been associated with metabolic disorders. Thus, observations of energy dynamics in different cell types are of utmost importance. Therefore, tools with quick and easy handling are needed for consistent evaluations of such interventions. In this paper, our main hypothesis is that during different nutritional situations lymphocytes mitochondrial physiology could be associated with the metabolism of other cell types, such as cardiomyocytes, and consequently be used as metabolic biomarker. Blood lymphocytes and heart muscle fibers were obtained from both fed and 24 h-fasted mice, and mitochondrial analysis was assessed by high-resolution respirometry and western blotting. Carbohydrate-linked oxidation and fatty acid oxidation were significantly higher after fasting. Carnitine palmitoil transferase 1 and uncouple protein 2 contents were increased in the fasted group, while the glucose transporters 1 and 4 and the ratio phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase/AMPK did not change between groups. In summary, under a nutritional status modification, mitochondria demonstrated earlier adaptive capacity than other metabolic sensors such as glucose transporters and AMPK, suggesting the accuracy of mitochondria physiology of lymphocytes as biomarker for metabolic changes.

C-reactive protein and hormones but not IL-6 are associated to body mass index in first trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if body mass index (BMI) is related to inflammatory markers and hormones in early pregnancy. METHODS: A prospective study with 190 pregnant women evaluated at 10 weeks when leptin, insulin, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Median and inter-quartile values of hormones and inflammatory markers are presented according to BMI quintiles. Spearman correlations and Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance were implemented followed by Mann-Whitney post hoc pair-wise tests. RESULTS: Leptin (P < 0.001), insulin (P = 0.005), HOMA-IR (P = 0.015), and CRP (P = 0.026) assumed higher and significantly median values as BMI quintiles increases, but no differences were observed for IL-6 (P = 0.859). Pair-wise comparisons among quintiles (Q) of BMI were significant for leptin (Q1 × Q3, Q1 × Q4, Q1 × Q5, Q2 × Q4, Q2 × Q5, Q3 × Q5), insulin (Q1 × Q5, Q2 × Q5, Q3 × Q5, Q4 × Q5) and for CRP (Q1 × Q4, Q1 × Q5, Q2 × Q5). Spearman correlation coefficients between BMI showed significant results for leptin (r (s) = 0.58, P < 0.001), insulin (r (s) = 0.19, P = 0.018), HOMA-IR (r (s) = 0.22, P = 0.007), CRP (r (s) = 0.26, P < 0.001), but not for IL-6 (r (s) = -0.06, P = 0.526). Median (mg/L) values of CRP were higher in overweight (35.26) than in normal weight women (21.28, P = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation provides evidences on the positive relationship between BMI, leptin, insulin, HOMA-IR and CRP in early pregnancy. CRP but not IL-6 demonstrated a strong relation with overweight in pregnant women, as early as the tenth week.

A randomized clinical trial of home-based exercise combined with a slight caloric restriction on obesity prevention among women.

OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the effectiveness of home-based exercise combined with a slight caloric restriction on weight change during 12 months in non-obese women. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial with a factorial design was conducted from 2003 to 2005. Two hundred three middle-aged women (Rio de Janeiro/Brazil), 25-45 years, were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control (CG) and home-based exercise (HB). The HB group received a booklet on aerobic exercise that could be practiced at home (3 times/week-40 min/session), in low-moderate intensity, during 12 months. Both groups received dietary counseling aimed at a slight energy restriction of 100-300 calories per day. RESULTS: The HB experienced a greater weight loss in the first 6 months (-1.4 vs. -0.8 kg; p=0.04), but after 12 months there was no differences between groups (-1.1 vs. -1.0; p=0.20). Of the serum biochemical markers, HDL cholesterol showed major change, with an increase at month 12 of 18.3mg/dl in the HB compared to 9.5 in the CG (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Home-based exercise promoted greater weight reduction during the first 6 months after which no further benefits are observed. Continuous favorable changes in HDL cholesterol after 1 year suggest that home-based exercise promote health benefits.

Exercise training enhances elastin, fibrillin and nitric oxide in the aorta wall of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

This work aimed to analyze the effect of low-intensity exercise training on ultrastructural and molecular aortic remodeling. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were allocated into four groups: sedentary WKY (SED-WKY), exercised WKY (EX-WKY, 1 h/day, 5 days/week treadmill exercise training), sedentary SHR (SED-SHR), and exercised SHR (EX-SHR). EX-SHR showed blood pressure reduction of 26% in comparison to SED-SHR after 1 month of exercise (P<0.05). At the 20th week, BP level was not different between EX-SHRs and WKYs. Circumferential wall tension (CWT) was higher by 77% in SED-SHRs than in SED-WKYs (P<0.001). Exercise training reduced CWT by 30% in EX- vs. SED-SHR (P<0.001). In SED-SHRs, endothelial cells showed large and numerous cytoplasmatic vacuoles, fragmented inner elastic lamina and scarce elastin and fibrillin, while exercise training ameliorated it in EX-SHR group. The highest eNOS immunodensity was observed in EX-SHR, which was 50% higher than EX-WKY (P<0.01) and 120% higher than SED-SHR (P<0.0001). In conclusion, present findings indicate beneficial effects of exercise training in hypertensive rats since it increased elastin, fibrillin and eNOS content in the aortic wall.

Leptin/adiponectin ratio in obese women with and without binge eating disorder.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue-derived hormones are involved in the pathophysiology of eating disorders and other mental disorders. Studies have suggested that the serum leptin/adiponectin ratio is highly correlated with BMI. Furthermore, it is associated with a number of metabolic processes and inflammatory markers that are involved in obesity and mental disorders, such as the physiopathology of binge eating disorder (BED). We investigated whether variations in leptin and adiponectin serum concentrations differed between adult women with and without BED before and after a meal. METHODS: The study group was composed of 8 normal weight women (20-25 kg/m2) without BED, 8 obese women (>/=30 kg/m2) with BED, and 7 obese women without BED (non-BED). Blood samples were collected before and after the consumption of a meal composed of 55% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 30% lipids. RESULTS: Body mass index (p<0.0001), leptin (p<0.0001) and the leptin/adiponectin ratio (p<0.0001) were higher in obese non-BED women than in obese BED and normal weight groups. Adiponectin (p=0.01) concentrations were lower in the obese BED group than in the other groups before and after the meal. CONCLUSIONS: The hypoadiponectinemia followed by the altered levels of leptin in obese BED woman may predispose these subjects to an inadequate energy balance, which could promote weight gain and an increased food intake in woman that may contribute to obesity and binge eating in these subjects.

Vitis vinifera L. Grape Skin Extract Prevents Development of Hypertension and Altered Lipid Profile in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Role of Oxidative Stress.

This study investigated the protective effect of a Vitis vinifera L. grape skin extract (ACH09) on blood pressure, lipid profile, and oxidative status in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels, as well as oxidative damage and antioxidant activity in the plasma and kidney, were evaluated in four experimental groups: control Wistar rats (W-C) and SHR-C that received water, and Wistar rats and SHR treated with ACH09 (200 mg/kg/d) in drinking water for 12 weeks (W-ACH09 and SHR-ACH09, respectively). SBP increased in the SHR group compared with the W groups and the treatment with ACH09 prevented the development of hypertension. Plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels increased in SHR compared with W-C rats; these changes prevented by treatment with ACH09. Glucose levels did not differ between the groups. The SHR group had increased oxidative damage in plasma, as expressed by 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, and this prevented by ACH09. Levels of TBARS in the kidneys were lower in the SHR-ACH09 group than in the SHR-C group. Further, ACH09 increased the superoxide dismutase activity in both the plasma and kidneys of both SHR and Wistar rats. These results suggest that ACH09 is protective against disruption of blood pressures, oxidant status, and lipid profile in SHR, and provide important evidence on the benefits of ACH09 on hypertension and associated cardiovascular complications.

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk is associate to weight gain and growth in premature infants.

BACKGROUND: Linoleic 18:2 (n-6) and alpha-linolenic 18:3 (n-3) essential fatty acids and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are essential nutrients for growth and neonatal development. Consumption of preformed n-3 LC-PUFA has been shown to increase gestational duration and to decrease the incidence of premature birth in human studies. This study evaluated the association of essential fatty acids and LC-PUFA in breast milk on the growth of premature children (weight, height and head circumference). STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-seven premature infants with a gestational age of 37 weeks or less were followed until 6 months of gestational age, adjusted for prematurity. The milk from mothers, weight, height and head circumference measures of children were collected during the follow up. The breast milk fatty acids were quantified by gas-liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Our results showed that total n-3 PUFA was positively associated with weight gain (p = 0.05), height (p = 0.04) and body mass index (BMI) of children (p = 0.05). Our results also indicate that both linoleic acid and total essential fatty acids were positively associated with BMI and head circumference, whereas oleic acid was positively associated only with head circumference. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the n-3 PUFA composition of milk may be associated with weight gain and growth. Considering the advantages of n-3 LC-PUFA consumption on infant growth and visual function and its association with reduced incidence of premature birth, dietitians should advise pregnant women to increase their intake of foods high in n-3 LC-PUFA.

Reduction of IGF-binding protein-3 as a potential marker of intra-uterine growth restriction.

BACKGROUND: Growth factor-binding proteins influence the growth of infants starting in utero. Adaptation of the fetus to an adverse uterine environment is associated with changes in the growth hormone-growth factor-insulin axis. AIMS: To evaluate serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in small and appropriate for gestational age newborn infants. METHODS: Fifty-four newborn infants, small (SGA, n=28) or appropriate (AGA, n=26) for gestational age were matched by gestational age and sex. Blood was collected on the first day of life, and anthropometric measurements were taken at birth. The serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were compared, and correlated with the anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: On the first day of life, mean serum IGFBP-3 levels were significantly lower in SGA babies and correlated with weight, length, head circumference, and ponderal index (weight/length 3) (P<0.0001). In contrast, no associations were found between IGF-I serum levels and these anthropometric measurements. CONCLUSION: Our data show that SGA babies have significantly reduced IGFBP-3 concentrations at birth.

Trans fatty acids in maternal milk lead to cardiac insulin resistance in adult offspring.

OBJECTIVE: Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are derived from vegetable oil hydrogenation and can be found in most manufactured food products. Our main objective was to evaluate the effects of TFA consumption by lactating dams on cardiac glucose metabolism of adult offspring by analyzing glucose transporter-4 in the left ventricle. To investigate the energy homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and hepatic glycogen content were also measured. METHODS: Lactating Wistar rats were divided into a control group or a TFA group. The control group received a diet containing soybean oil, and the TFA group received a diet containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (total trans concentration of about 10.58 mg/g, 11.75%, of total fat) throughout the lactation period. At weaning, pups from both groups received a standard chow until 60 d of age, at which time the quantity of glucose transporter-4 in the left ventricle and hepatic glycogen were measured. Moreover, insulin sensitivity was analyzed by assessing the insulin/glucose ratio and the homeostatic model assessment index. RESULTS: TFA consumption by the pups during lactation led to a significant decrease in the cardiac content of glucose transporter-4 (P < 0.05) and in the hepatic content of glycogen (P < 0.05). Moreover, we observed impaired insulin sensitivity in the TFA group (insulin/glucose ratio and homeostatic model assessment index, P < 0.05) in adulthood. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the consumption of hydrogenated fat, rich in TFAs, by the mothers during the lactation period caused cardiac insulin resistance in the adult progeny, thus reinforcing the hypothesis that early adaptations may cause deleterious consequences later in life.

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

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

Effect of physical exercise on spontaneous physical activity energy expenditure and energy intake in overweight adults (the EFECT study): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise interventions have been extensively advocated for the treatment of obesity; however, clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of exercise interventions on weight control show controversial results. Compensatory mechanisms through a decrease in energy expenditure and/or an increase in caloric consumption is a possible explanation. Several physiological mechanisms involved in the energy balance could explain compensatory mechanisms, but the influences of physical exercise on these adjustments are still unclear. Therefore, the present trial aims to evaluate the effects of exercise on non-exercise physical activity energy expenditure, energy intake and appetite sensations among active overweight/obese adults, as well as, to investigate hormonal changes associated with physical exercise. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial with parallel, three-group experimental arms. Eighty-one overweight/obese adults will be randomly allocated (1:1:1 ratio) to a vigorous exercise group, moderate exercise group or control group. The trial will be conducted at a military institution and the intervention groups will be submitted to exercise sessions in the evening, three times a week for 65 min, during a 2-week period. The primary outcome will be total spontaneous physical activity energy expenditure during a 2-week period. Secondary outcomes will be caloric intake, appetite sensations and laboratorial biomarkers. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed using linear mixed-effects models to evaluate the effect of treatment-by-time interaction on primary and secondary outcomes. Data analysis will be performed using SAS 9.3 and statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05. DISCUSSION: The results of the present study will help to understand the effect of physical exercise training on subsequent non-exercise physical activity, appetite and energy intake as well as understand the physiological mechanisms underlying a possible compensatory phenomenon, supporting the development of more effective interventions for prevention and treatment of obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Physical Exercise and Energy Balance trial registry, trial registration number: NCT 03138187 . Registered on 30 April 2017.

Capybara Oil Improves Hepatic Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Steatosis, and Inflammation in a Murine Model of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is recognized as the most common cause of liver dysfunction worldwide and is commonly associated with obesity. Evidences suggest that NAFLD might be a mitochondrial disease, which contributes to the hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, cytokine release, and cell death. Capybara oil (CO) is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which is known to improve inflammation and oxidative stress. In order to determine the effects of CO on NAFLD, C57Bl/6 mice were divided into 3 groups and fed a high-fat diet (HFD) (NAFLD group and NAFLD + CO group) or a control diet (CG group) during 16 weeks. The CO (1.5 g/kg/daily) was administered by gavage during the last 4 weeks of the diet protocol. We evaluated plasma liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis, and cytokine expression in liver as well as hepatocyte ultrastructural morphology and mitochondrial function. CO treatment suppressed hepatic steatosis, attenuated inflammatory response, and decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in mice with NAFLD. CO was also capable of restoring mitochondrial ultrastructure and function as well as balance superoxide dismutase and catalase levels. Our findings indicate that CO treatment has positive effects on NAFLD improving mitochondrial dysfunction, steatosis, acute inflammation, and oxidative stress.

An 18-mo randomized trial of a low-glycemic-index diet and weight change in Brazilian women.

BACKGROUND: Despite interest in the glycemic index diets as an approach to weight control, few long-term evaluations are available. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the long-term effect of a low-glycemic-index (LGI) diet compared with that of a high-glycemic-index (HGI) diet; all other dietary components were equal. DESIGN: After a 6-wk run-in, we randomly assigned 203 healthy women [body mass index (in kg/m2): 23-30] aged 25-45 y to an LGI or an HGI diet with a small energy restriction. The primary outcome measure was weight change at 18 mo. Secondary outcomes included hunger and fasting insulin and lipids. RESULTS: Despite requiring a run-in and the use of multiple incentives, only 60% of the subjects completed the study. The difference in glycemic index between the diets was approximately 35-40 units (40 compared with 79) during all 18 mo of follow-up, and the carbohydrate intake from energy remained at approximately 60% in both groups. The LGI group had a slightly greater weight loss in the first 2 mo of follow-up (-0.72 compared with -0.31 kg), but after 12 mo of follow-up both groups began to regain weight. After 18 mo, the weight change was not significantly different (P = 0.93) between groups (LGI: -0.41 kg; HGI: -0.26 kg). A greater reduction was observed in the LGI diet group for triacylglycerol (difference = -16.4 mg/dL; P = 0.11) and VLDL cholesterol (difference = -3.7 mg/dL; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term weight changes were not significantly different between the HGI and LGI diet groups; therefore, this study does not support a benefit of an LGI diet for weight control. Favorable changes in lipids confirmed previous results.

Protective action of a hydroalcoholic extract of a vinifera grape skin on experimental preeclampsia in rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the protective effects of a vinifera grape skins extract (GSE, 200 mg/kg/day) on the deleterious effect observed in experimental preeclampsia, a condition where reduced nitric oxide production and increase in oxidative stress are present. METHODS: A condition similar to preeclampsia was induced by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by L-NAME (60 mg/kg/day, orally) in pregnant rats. Blood pressure (systolic, mean and diastolic) was measured with the tail cuff method on day 20 of pregnant control rats; pregnant rats treated with L-NAME, L-NAME plus GSE or GSE from day 13 to day 20 of pregnancy. Glucose was infused in anesthetized pregnant rats at day 20 and blood glucose and insulin were estimated at time zero, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after beginning of glucose infusion. The number of fetus alive was also estimated at day 20 of pregnancy. In parallel, blood pressure was measured in non-pregnant and in non-pregnant rats treated with L-NAME during 7 days. RESULTS: Increase in arterial pressure, reduction of alive fetus at the end of pregnancy and increase in insulin resistance was observed in pregnant L-NAME rats but not in pregnant L-NAME plus GSE rats or in pregnant GSE rats. Increase in arterial pressure was also observed in non-pregnant L-NAME rats. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated a protective effect of GSE in experimental preeclampsia since the deleterious effect induced by L-NAME that is, increased in stillbirth, hypertension and insulin resistance were significantly reduced by oral treatment with the extract. Probably an endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect and an antioxidant action play an important role on the effects of GSE in experimental preeclampsia.