Regulatory roles of miR-155 and let-7b on the expression of inflammation-related genes in THP-1 cells: effects of fatty acids.

The main aim of this investigation was to study the regulatory roles of let-7b and miR-155-3p on the expression of inflammation-associated genes in monocytes, macrophages, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages (AcM). A second goal was to analyze the potential modulatory roles of different fatty acids, including oleic, palmitic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA), on the expression of these miRNAs in the three cell types. This hypothesis was tested in human acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1), which were differentiated into macrophages with 2-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and further activated with LPS for 24 h. Monocytes, macrophages, and AcM were transfected with a negative control, or mimics for miR-155-3p and miR-let-7b-5p. The expression of both miRNAs and some proinflammatory genes was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Interestingly, let-7b mimic reduced the expression of IL6 and TNF in monocytes, and SERPINE1 expression in LPS-activated macrophages. However, IL6, TNF, and SERPINE1 were upregulated in macrophages by let-7b mimic. IL6 expression was higher in the three types of cells after transfecting with miR-155-3p mimic. Similarly, expression of SERPINE1 was increased by miR-155-3p mimic in monocytes and macrophages. However, TLR4 was downregulated by miR-155-3p in monocytes and macrophages. Regarding the effects of the different fatty acids, oleic acid increased the expression of let-7b in macrophages and AcM and also increased the expression of miR-155 in monocytes when compared with DHA but not when compared with non-treated cells. Overall, these results suggest anti- and proinflammatory roles of let-7b and miR-155-3p in THP-1 cells, respectively, although these outcomes are strongly dependent on the cell type. Noteworthy, oleic acid might exert beneficial anti-inflammatory effects in immune cells (i.e., non-activated and LPS-activated macrophages) by upregulating the expression of let-7b.

Flaxseed energy and macronutrients balance.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Flaxseed has functional properties in the reduction of the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Regardless of its high energy density, the consumption of flaxseed tends to promote body weight maintenance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate energy and macronutrient balance after flaxseed consumption. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Twenty four healthy volunteers were allocated into 3 experimental groups, when they consumed flaxseed (FS), defatted flaxseed flour (FF), or flaxseed oil (FO). During the control period they were provided a diet without flaxseed products for 7-9 days. Following that diets containing 70 g of one of the flaxseed products were consumed for another 7-9 day- period. Test foods were consumed exclusively in the laboratory and fecal excretion was collected during the study. There was a higher energy excretion (P < 0.05) in the FF and FS groups, compared to their control and FO group. RESULTS: The excretions of total lipid and the PUFA α-linolenic acid were higher in FS group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The intake of 70 g/day of FS and FF raised lipid and energy excretion, which may mitigated the effect of flaxseed consumption on body weight.

[Influence of dietary intake on plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress in humans]. / Influencia de la dieta sobre marcadores plasmáticos de estrés.

Oxidative stress is related to an imbalance between the production of reactive species and the antioxidant defenses. In essence, oxidative stress has been defined as a disturbance in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance, leading to potential damage. It has been suggested that oxidative stress is involved in the etiology of several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative processes. The antioxidant defenses include nonenzymatic (especially dietary antioxidants) and antioxidant enzymes. Vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (polyphenols and carotenoids) are among the major dietary antioxidants. The assessment of oxidative stress status though specific biomarkers has acquired great importance. The major biomarkers include the products of the attack of free radicals and reactive species to various substrates: lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Measurement of antioxidant capacity may also involve the assessment of specific oxidative stress biomarkers. Most of the studies that have examined the association between diet and oxidative stress consider the effects of antioxidant supplements (vitamins and minerals), drinks and foods with bioactive compounds or dietary patterns on oxidative stress biomarkers. Some of these studies have demonstrated beneficial results on oxidative stress markers. However, the role of diet on oxidative stress biomarkers remains unclear and represents a potentially fruitful area for further research in the health area.

Zinc and iron bioavailability of genetically modified soybeans in rats.

The aim of this work was to evaluate zinc and iron bioavailability of UFV-116, a new variety without 2 lipoxygenases, with better taste and flavor than a commercial variety OCEPAR 19, containing all 3 isozymes. To evaluate zinc absorption using 65Zn whole body retention and femur 65Zn uptake, rats were given 3 g of a 65ZnCl2 labeled test meal (0.25 microCi). The 2 varieties were tested at the level of 9 and 30 ppm of zinc as defatted soy flour. Two other groups (control) received egg white as source of protein and ZnS04.H20 as the zinc source. To evaluate iron absorption, using 59Fe whole body retention, animals were given a 3 g 59FeCl3 labeled test meal (0.2 microCi). The 2 varieties were tested at 12 and 25 ppm iron as defatted soy flour. Whole fat soy flour of variety 1 (UFV-116) was higher (P < 0.05) in Ca, K, Mg, phytic acid, and oxalate than variety 2 (OCEPAR-19). No difference was observed among the soybean varieties (P > 0.05) for femur 65Zn retention, at different levels of zinc. However, whole body retention was lower (P < 0.05) for UFV-116 than for OCEPAR-19. Femur 65Zn uptake was correlated with the whole body retention; however, whole body retention was more sensitive. Whole body 59Fe retention from UFV-116 was lower (P < 0.05) than from OCEPAR-19. Zinc and iron bioavailability was lower for UFV-116, possibly due to its higher content of antinutrient factors, especially phytate.

O perfil de macronutrientes influencia a termogênese induzida pela dieta e a ingestão calórica / Macronutrient profile affects diet-induced thermogenesis and energy intake

The diet composition can interfere directly in the energy homeostase. In the energy metabolism, the oxidation pathway and diet-induced thermogenesis are differentiated by diet macronutrients proportion. In this respect, the high-proteindiet is the most thermogenic, compared to high-carbohydrate and high-lipid diets, while high-carbohydrate diet appears to increase the thermogenic effect more than high-lipid diet, but the studies arecontroversies. Towards energy intake, it can stimulate or inhibit the energy intake, according to the foods palatability, satiation and satiety degree, related to diet carbohydrate, protein and lipid content. A hierarchy has been observed for the satiating efficacies of the macronutrients protein, carbohydrate and fat, with protein as most satiating and fat as least satiating. In general, there are discrepancies between studies about the regulatory role of macronutrients in the components of energy expenditure and intake, due the methodological differences in the subjects, exposition time for diet, energy density, and total energy content. The present work seeks to analyze the more consistent scientific evidences toward the modulator role of diet composition on the diet induced thermogenesis and energy intake, for better understanding of obesity prevention and control by dietetic intervention.

A composição da dieta pode interferir diretamente na homeostase energética. No metabolismo energético, a via de oxidação e a termogênese induzida pela dieta são diferenciadas pela proporção de macronutrientes da dieta. Neste sentido, a dieta hiperprotéica émais termogênica que as dietas hiperglicídicas e hiperlipídicas, enquanto que as dietas ricas em carboidrato parecem ser mais termogênicas que as ricas em lipídio, mas os resultados ainda são controversos. Em relação à ingestão calórica, a composição da dieta pode estimular ou inibir a mesma, de acordo com a palatabilidade dos alimentos e o grau de saciação e saciedade, relacionadas às quantidades de carboidrato, proteína e lipídio da mesma. Uma hierarquia tem sido relatada para a capacidade dos macronutrientes em induzir saciedade em que a proteína é o mais sacietógeno ao contrário dos lipidios, que são os menos sacietógenos. De modo geral, ainda há discrepâncias entre os estudos, em relação ao papel regulador dos macronutrientes em componentes do gasto energético e na ingestão calórica, devido às diferenças metodológicas como amostra, tempo de exposição à dieta, densidade calórica e conteúdo calórico total da mesma. Desta forma, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as evidências científicas mais consistentes a respeito do papel modulador da composição da dieta na termogênese induzida pela dieta e na ingestão calórica, para melhor entendimento da prevenção e controle da obesidade pela intervenção dietética.

[Effect of high sucrose- and high-fat diets ingested under free-living conditions in insulin resistance in normal weight and overweight women]. / Efecto de dietas ricas en sacarosa y en lípidos ingeridas en condiciones de vida libre sobre la resistencia insulínica en mujeres con peso normal y exceso de peso.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high sucrose diet (HD) and high fat diet (RFD) ingested under free-living conditions, on insulin homeostasis, verifies the association between insulin resistance and body composition as well. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: 20 healthy women, 13 normal-weight (22.5 +/- 2.1 years of age; BMI 22.2 +/- 1.9 kg/m2) and 7 over-weight (21.8 +/- 2.8 years of age; BMI 28.4 +/- 3.2 kg/m2), included in 2 groups G1 and G2 respectively, they were randomized to intake HD diets (59% carbohydrate including 23.0% of sucrose; 28.0% lipid; 13.0% protein; 20.2 g fiber) or HDF (42.0% carbohydrates including 1.3% of sucrose; 45.0% lipid; 13.0% protein; 22.2 g fiber) after initial assessment (BD). It was taken anthropometric measures, body composition and blood samples were obtained for fasting and post-prandial glucose and insulin determinations. RESULTS: Glycemia, insulinemia and HOMA-IR did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Although on BD, HOMA-IR correlates positively with weight (r = 0.750), BMI (r = 0.929), waist circumference (WC) (r = 0.750) and percentage body fat (r = 0.857) for G2 group. The values of fasting HOMA-IR on BD were significantly greater than HFD for G1 group (p < 0.05). On HD the total carbohydrates amount and sucrose are greater than BD and HFD. CONCLUSION: The results confirm direct correlation between HOMA-IR, abdominal obesity and body fat. Therefore diet can modulate the insulinemic action.

[Comprehensive treatment of obesity and its prevention]. / Tratamiento integral de la obesidad y su prevención.

Obesity is associated to chronic metabolic entities affecting the quality of life and life expectancy. An early treatment, if efficient, can overcome most of the problems. The normalisation of body composition, of energy reserves and their distribution, as well as the minimisation of weight dependent metabolic upsets and the establishment of therapeutic priorities, according to the repercussions of obesity, are important factors for the treatment of this disease. Prevention is important and its basis is teaching and the setting in healthy life style with modification of the food habits and the incorporation of physical work into everyday activities. Diet therapy, physical activity, pharmacotherapy, surgery education and psychology are the forms proposed for the treatment and prevention of obesity.

Tumores renais no adulto: consideracoes acerca de 61 casos. / Renal tumors in adults: considerations on 61 cases

Feito um levantamento de 61 casos de tumores renais em adultos, ocorrido no periodo de 1964 a 1981, ressaltando a importancia de estudo clinico e radiologico na feitura do diagnostico e mostrando as dificuldades encontradas para a feitura precoce desse diagnostico, o que leva a obtencao de resultados aquem dos desejados apos a instituicao do tratamento