Influence of sex on cytokines, heat shock protein and oxidative stress markers in response to an acute total body resistance exercise protocol.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the influence of sex on changes in cytokines, heat shock proteins (HSPs), and oxidative stress in response to a single bout of total body resistance exercise. METHODS: Sixteen healthy volunteers (8 men and 8 women), active and recreationally trained in resistance exercise, were subjected to a single bout of total body resistance exercise (3 × 8-10 repetition maximum, 10 exercises, rests periods of 90-120 seconds). Serum creatine kinase (CK), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, HSP60, HSP70, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and reduced glutathione were assessed at pre-protocol, and 1 hour, 4 hours, and 24 hours post-protocol. RESULTS: Both men and women had a similar increase in CK (p < 0.05) activity at 24 hours post-exercise. Significant sex differences were observed for IL-6. In the men, an increase from baseline was noted at 1 hour for IL-6. In women, an increase from baseline was noted at 4 hours only for IL-6. There was a significant correlation between peak IL-6 blood level and CK level at 24 hours only in the women. No significant changes were observed in IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, HSP60, HSP70, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and reduced glutathione. CONCLUSION: Acute total body resistance exercise altered circulating levels of IL-6 and sex differences existed in the temporal pattern and magnitude of this response.

Intestinal permeability and nutritional status in developmental disorders.

CONTEXT: Autism is a developmental disorder with a possible connection between dietary components and triggering or worsening of symptoms. An altered intestinal permeability might allow absorption of incompletely digested peptides (gluten and casein) that could produce opioid-like activity on the brain, causing significant changes in behavior. OBJECTIVE: To assess the intestinal permeability and nutritional status of participants with developmental disorders to determine if changes in the intestinal mucosal barrier and/or injury to the intercellular junctions have occurred that might justify application of further dietary modifications. DESIGN: To assess intestinal permeability, the research team analyzed participants urine under fasting conditions, using gas chromatography to determine chromatographic peaks. To assess nutritional status, the team determined participants heights and weights and performed a bioelectric bioimpedance examination at least 4 hours after their most recent meal. In addition, the team determined food intake using three diet diaries. They asked participants and caregivers to register each food consumed during 2 nonconsecutive weekdays and 1 weekend day. SETTING: The study occurred at the Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, Sao Paulo University. PARTICIPANTS: Seven participants aged 9 to 23 years with developmental disorders (the developmental group, DG) completed the study. The research team recruited them through the Association of Friends of the Autistic Persons of Ribeirao Preto in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. The control group (CG) consisted of nonsmoking healthy volunteers in the general population who were similar in age to the experimental group and did not suffer from diseases that potentially could influence nutritional status and intestinal function. INTERVENTION: To assess intestinal permeability, participants ingested 150 mL of an isosmolar solution of the sugars mannitol (2 g) and lactulose (7.5 g) under fasting conditions and the researchers collected all voided urine over a period of 5 hours. OUTCOME MEASURES: Using chromatographic peaks, the research team quantified the mannitol and lactulose in participants urine by calculating the percentage excreted in relation to the ingested amounts of sugar. This calculation gave them the lactulose-to-mannitol ratio (L/M). To evaluate nutritional status, they used data regarding bioimpedance resistance, heights, and weights to estimate lean mass and body water (in liters). They classified adults and adolescents using the body mass index (BMI). For children (2-10 y), they classified participants height-to-age and weight-to-height ratios. The research team used food intake to examine the macronutrient interval, the mean added sugar consumption, and the quantity of protein, in g/kg weight. RESULTS: Participants with developmental disorders (n = 7) were more likely to be overweight. Their usual diet revealed a high intake of lipids (%) and proteins (g/kg) (compared to reference values) and a high intake of calories (kcal) and carbohydrates (%) (compared to CG) as well as a high intake of food sources that are important contributors of casein and gluten. The DGs (n = 7) mean mannitol excretion was lower, and their L/M higher than the CGs (n = 7) (P < .05). Their increased L/M may indicate atrophy of the intestinal-mucosa surface and/or injury to the intercellular junctions or the effect of some other abnormality. The small number of participants, however, prevented more complex statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers need to complete additional studies to confirm the existence of abnormalities in autistic individuals intestines and to justify the use of dietary restrictions on gluten and casein to improve the symptoms of autism.

Benfotiamine protects against hypothalamic dysfunction in a STZ-induced model of neurodegeneration in rats.

The neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects not only brain structures associate with cognition early in the progression of the disease, but other areas such as the hypothalamus, a region involved in the control of metabolism and appetite. In this context, we evaluated the effects of benfotiamine (BFT), a vitamin B1 analog that is being proposed as a therapeutical approach for AD-related cognitive alterations, which were induced by intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin (STZ). In addition to the already described effect of STZ on cognition, we show that this drug also causes metabolic changes which are linked to changes in hypothalamic insulin signaling and orexigenic and anorexigenic circuitries, as well as a decreased cellular integrated stress response. As expected, the supplementation with 150 mg/kg of BFT for 30 days increased blood concentrations of thiamine and its phosphate esters. This led to the prevention of body weight and fat loss in STZ-ICV-treated animals. In addition, we also found an improvement in food consumption, despite hypothalamic gene expression linked to anorexia after STZ exposure. Additionally, decreased apoptosis signaling was observed in the hypothalamus. In in vitro experiments, we noticed a high ability of BFT to increase insulin sensitivity in hypothalamic neurons. Furthermore, we also observed that BFT decreases the mitochondrial unfolded stress response damage by preventing the loss of HSP60 and reversed the mitochondria dysfunction caused by STZ. Taken together, these results suggest that benfotiamine treatment is a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of hypothalamic dysfunction and metabolic disturbances associated with sporadic AD.

Oral benfotiamine reverts cognitive deficit and increase thiamine diphosphate levels in the brain of a rat model of neurodegeneration.

It is well known that patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have imbalances in blood thiamine concentrations and lower activity of thiamine-dependent enzymes. Benfotiamine, a more bioavailable thiamine analog, has been proposed as an alternative to counteract these changes related to thiamine metabolism. Thus, our study aimed to analyze the effects of benfotiamine supplementation on brain thiamine absorption, as well as on parameters related to neuronal energy metabolism and disease progression in an experimental model of sporadic AD induced by intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. The supplementation with 150 mg/kg of benfotiamine for 30 days increased the concentrations of thiamine diphosphate in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. This led to an improvement in mitochondria enzymes and insulin signaling pathway, with inactivation of GSK3α/ß and ERK1/2, which are two tau-kinases related to the progression of AD, which could decrease tau hyperphosphorylation and apoptosis signaling. Besides, we observed an increased amount of Glun2b subunit of NMDA receptors, decreased inflammation, and improvement of cognitive deficit. Together, these results suggest that benfotiamine could be a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of sporadic AD.

Relationship between oropharyngeal dysphagia, nutritional status, antioxidant vitamins and the inflammatory response in adults and elderly: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) can lead to a deficiency of antioxidant micronutrients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between OD and nutritional status, antioxidant vitamins (ß-carotene, vitamin E and C) and serum markers of the inflammatory response [C-reactive protein, myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6] in adults and elderly. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 69 individuals: 22 in the control group (CG) and 47 in the OD group (ODG). The ODG was subdivided into ODG-mild = normal oral feeding (OF, n = 14), ODG-moderate (OF-modified, n = 22) and ODG-severe (OF-suspended, n = 11). Associations were investigated using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The body mass index (BMI) was higher in the ODG compared to the CG (p = 0.008), independently of sex, age, energy intake (EI) and score on the Functional Independence Measure. BMI was significantly lower in the ODG-severe compared to the ODG-mild (p = 0.012). OD was associated with lower concentrations of ß-carotene (p < 0.001) and vitamin C (p < 0.001), independently of sex, age and EI, and higher concentrations of MPO (p = 0.008) and NOx (p = 0.011), independently of sex, age and the presence of comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Adults and elderly with OD have lower levels of antioxidant vitamins (ß-carotene and vitamin C) and a high inflammatory response (MPO and NOx). The evaluation of antioxidant vitamins could be incorporated in nutritional status assessment in this population.

Effects of creatine supplementation on homocysteine levels and lipid peroxidation in rats.

Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for CVD. Recent data show a relationship between homocysteine (Hcy) and free radical formation. Since creatine synthesis is responsible for most of the methyl group transfers that result in Hcy formation, creatine supplementation might inhibit Hcy production and reduce free radical formation. The present study investigated the effects of creatine supplementation on Hcy levels and lipid peroxidation biomarkers. Thirty rats were divided into three groups: control group; diet with creatine group (DCr; 2 % creatine in the diet for 28 d); creatine overload plus diet with creatine group (CrO + D; 5 g creatine/kg by oral administration for 5 d+2 % in the diet for 23 d). Plasma Hcy was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in DCr (7.5 (sd 1.2) micromol/l) and CrO + D (7.2 (sd 1.7) micromol/l) groups compared with the control group (12.4 (sd 2.2) micromol/l). Both plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) (control, 10 (sd 3.4); DCr, 4.9 (sd 0.7); CrO + D, 2.4 (sd 1) micromol/l) and plasma total glutathione (control, 4.3 (sd 1.9); DCr, 2.5 (sd 0.8); CrO + D, 1.8 (sd 0.5) micromol/l) were lower in the groups that received creatine (P < 0.05). In addition, Hcy showed significant negative correlation (P < 0.05) with plasma creatine (r - 0.61) and positive correlation with plasma TBARS (r 0.74). Plasma creatine was negatively correlated with plasma TBARS (r - 0.75) and total peroxide (r - 0.40). We conclude that creatine supplementation reduces plasma Hcy levels and lipid peroxidation biomarkers, suggesting a protective role against oxidative damage. Modulating Hcy formation may, however, influence glutathione synthesis and thereby affect the redox state of the cells.

Effects of a low-protein diet on plasma amino acid and homocysteine levels and oxidative status in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transmethylation reactions and antioxidant metabolism are linked by transsulfuration, where homocysteine (Hcy) is converted to cysteine and reduced glutathione (GSH). Low protein intake can modulate the balance of this metabolic reaction. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of a low-protein diet on Hcy metabolism by monitoring levels of the amino acids involved in these pathways, and relating these levels to GSH levels and lipid peroxidation in rats. METHODS: Sixteen rats were divided into 2 groups: control (C; standard AIN-93 diet, 20% protein) and low-protein diet (LPD; 8% protein diet). Rats in both groups were placed on the diets for 28 days. RESULTS: A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in plasma Hcy concentration was found in LPD rats (0.16 +/- 0.04 micromol/mg protein) versus C rats (0.25 +/- 0.03 micromol/mg protein). Methionine levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups (C: 1.24 +/- 0.22 micromol/mg protein; LPD: 1.03 +/- 0.27 micromol/mg protein). A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in hepatic GSH concentrations (C: 44 +/- 10 micromol/mg protein; LPD: 17.4 +/- 4.3 micromol/mg protein) was accompanied by an increase in lipid peroxidation (C: 0.13 +/- 0.01 micromol/mg protein; LPD: 0.17 +/- 0.02 micromol/mg protein; r = -0.62, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Hcy levels were reduced under a low-protein diet, resulting in modulated methyl balance and reduced GSH formation leading to increased susceptibility of hepatic cells to oxidative events.

Benfotiamine supplementation prevents oxidative stress in anterior tibialis muscle and heart.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of oral supplementation with benfotiamine on oxidative stress in the liver, heart and muscles of endurance-trained mice. METHODS: Twenty-five male BALB/c mice were allocated to the following treatment groups: standard diet and sedentary activity (Sta-Sed), benfotiamine-supplemented diet and sedentary activity (Ben-Sed), standard diet and training activity (Sta-Tr) and benfotiamine-supplemented diet and training activity (Ben-Tr). The training comprised 6 weeks of endurance swimming training. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), carbonylated proteins, total thiols and non-protein thiols was analyzed in the liver, heart and tibialis anterior muscle. RESULTS: In the muscle, TBARS concentration in the Sta-Sed group was higher than that in other groups; in the heart, TBARS concentration in the Sta-Sed and Ben-Tr groups was higher than that in the Ben-Sed group. The carbonyl content of the muscle tissues was higher in the Sta-Sed group than in both supplemented groups. In liver, the carbonyl content was lower in the Ben-Sed group than in the Sta-Sed group. The level of total thiols was lower in the Ben-Sed group than in the Sta-Tr group. In the heart, the level of total thiols was higher in the Ben-Sed group than in the Ben-Tr group. The concentration of non-protein thiols in the muscle was higher in the Ben-Sed group than in the Ben-Tr group, whereas in the heart, concentration of non-protein thiols of Sta-Tr group was lower than that of Sta-Sed group. CONCLUSION: The results show that benfotiamine is an efficient antioxidant for the anterior tibialis muscle and heart; however, swimming training did not alter redox status.

Vitamin C Status in Hospitalized Adults According to Subjective Global Assessment Method.

BACKGROUND: The subjective global assessment (SGA) is a powerful tool for nutrition status assessment. Our aim was to compare vitamin C serum levels among patients classified as A, B, or C in the SGA. METHODS: One hundred-and-fifty adults in the wards of the University Hospital participated in this study. Besides SGA, all cases were submitted to anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and 24-hour dietary recall. Laboratory data included blood hemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum albumin, transferrin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and vitamin C. Acute phase response was defined by serum CRP > 0.5 mg/dL; low serum vitamin C was defined by serum levels < 0.4 mg/dL. Analysis of variance and χ2 tests were used to compare groups; P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Patients were diagnosed as SGA A (n = 76), B (n = 38), or C (n = 36) and showed different anthropometry and BIA. The same occurred, respectively, with vitamin C (median; range, in mg/day) intake (55.0; 4.7-140.6 vs 34.0; 10.3-244.2 vs 15.8; 2.3-124.0) and high (%) CRP (88.3 vs 65.8 vs 48.7) and low (%) vitamin C serum levels (21.1 vs 34.2 vs 63.9). CONCLUSION: Patients with worst nutrition parameters (SGA C) showed lower ascorbic acid serum levels than those classified as SGA A or B. These results are in accordance with reduced vitamin C intake and the presence of acute phase response.

Correlation Between First Morning Single Void and 24-Hour Urines: The Reliability to Quantify Niacin Status.

BACKGROUND The current common practice when using urine as a biomarker for vitamin excretion is to use a 24-hour sample for analysis. Due to the difficulty involved in this process, we attempted to find an alternative solution through the use of a single first morning void. The aim of our study was to investigate if there is a correlation between the first morning single void and the 24-hour collections of urines for the urine metabolite of niacin, N-1-methylnicotinamide (N1MN), and to test the reliability of utilizing a method using first morning single void collections corrected with the concentration of urine creatinine. MATERIAL AND METHODS All urine samples were collected from 30 healthy adult volunteers over the age of 18 years: 20 females and 10 males. Samples were collected after discarding the first morning urine and collecting every other urine voided during the next 24 hours including the first morning urine of the day after in 2 separate vessels. We analyzed the concentration of N1MN by high performance liquid chromatography and the concentration of creatinine by a commercial kit by spectrophotometry. The B3 excretion was expressed as the ratio of N1MN to creatinine. RESULTS We found a significant correlation between the ratios of first morning single void and 24-hour urines. When comparing males and females, the ratio demonstrated a significant correlation as well. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that it is possible to substitute a 24-hour collection with a first morning single void urine for the estimation of N1MN excretion.

Effects of intermittent fasting and chronic swimming exercise on body composition and lipid metabolism.

Intermittent fasting protocol (IFP) has been suggested as a strategy to change body metabolism and improve health. The effects of IFP seem to be similar to aerobic exercise, having a hormetic adaptation according to intensity and frequency. However, the effects of combining both interventions are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of IFP with and without endurance-exercise training on body composition, food behavior, and lipid metabolism. Twenty-week-old Wistar rats were kept under an inverted circadian cycle of 12 h with water ad libitum and assigned to 4 different groups: control group (ad libitum feeding and sedentary), exercise group (ad libitum feeding and endurance training), intermittent fasting group (IF; intermittent fasting and sedentary), and intermittent fasting and exercise group (IFEX; intermittent fasting and endurance training). After 6 weeks, the body weight of IF and IFEX animals decreased without changes in food consumption. Yet, the body composition between the 2 groups was different, with the IFEX animals containing higher total protein and lower total fat content than the IF animals. The IFEX group also showed increases in total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased intramuscular lipid content. The amount of brown adipose tissue was higher in IF and IFEX groups; however, the IFEX group showed higher expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 in this tissue, indicating a greater thermogenesis. The IFP combined with endurance training is an efficient method for decreasing body mass and altering fat metabolism, without inflicting losses in protein content.

Protective effect of treatment with thiamine or benfotiamine on liver oxidative damage in rat model of acute ethanol intoxication.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate possible beneficial effects of treatment with thiamine or benfotiamine in an animal model of acute ethanol intoxication. MAIN METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were separated at random into three groups of 10 animals each: Ethanol (E), Ethanol treated with thiamine (T) and Ethanol treated with benfotiamine (BE). Rats were gavaged with single dose of ethanol (5g/kg, 40% v:v). After 30min of ethanol gavage the animals were treated with thiamine or benfotiamine. Six hours after first gavage, the animals were euthanized and blood and liver samples were collected for ethanol and oxidative stress biomarkers quantification. KEY FINDINGS: Serum ethanol levels were higher in animals treated with thiamine or benfotiamine while hepatic alcohol levels were higher in animals of the group treated with benfotiamine comparing to controls or thiamine treated groups. The lipid peroxidation biomarkers were diminished for the groups treated with thiamine or benfotiamine comparing to E animals. Concerning protein oxidative damage parameters, they were enhanced for animals treated with benfotiamine in relation to other groups. SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, the treatment with thiamine or benfotiamine even 30min after the massive dose of ethanol has proven to be beneficial against liver damage. Improved results were obtained with benfotiamine in relation to oxidative damage from aqueous compartments.

Niacin metabolism and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activation in malnourished patients with flaky paint dermatosis.

Flaky paint dermatosis, characterized by extensive, often bilateral areas of flaking and pigmentation, mostly in sun unexposed areas is considered a feature of kwashiorkor in both children and adults, and must be differentiated from other dermatosis, including chapped and xerotica skin, and pellagra. In this case series we provide evidence that malnourished patients with flaky paint dermatosis and infection/inflammation shown laboratory data suggestive of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activation, besides decreased urinary excretion of N1-methylnicotinamide (N1 MN), a marker of pellagra. We study nine adult patients showing flaky paint dermatosis and clinical features of infection or inflammation, and increased serum C-reactive protein, characteristic of the presence of acute phase response syndrome. As a group, they had low or deficient urinary N1 MN excretion (0.52 ± 0.39 mg/g creatinine) compatible with pellagra. They also showed low serum tryptophan levels (<29 µmol/L) and a serum kynurenine/tryptophan ratio higher than 0.04, suggesting increased IDO expression and increase in the tryptophan oxidation. Findings suggest that some patients with flaky paint dermatosis showed laboratory data suggestive of IDO activation, besides decreased N1 MN urinary excretion. Taken together, the data support the idea that flaky paint dermatosis could be a skin manifestation of niacin deficiency.

The influence of the obstetrical condition on canine neonatal pulmonary functional competence.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the influence of the obstetrical condition on neonatal respiratory performance, to estimate surfactant synthesis through lecithin and sphingomyelin ratio (L/S) in amniotic fluid of pregnant bitches and correlate the L/S with the respiratory condition during the first hour of life. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital and private referral centers. ANIMALS: In accordance to the condition at birth, puppies from 25 healthy bitches aged 2-6 years were allocated into: Eutocia Group--EUT (n = 19 neonates and 14 bitches); Dystocia Group--DYS (n = 8 neonates and 5 bitches) and Elective Cesarean Section Group--CS (n = 12 neonates and 11 bitches). INTERVENTIONS: Amniotic fluid was drawn from amniotic sac and lecithin (L) and sphingomyelin (S) were measured by high performance liquid chromatography to obtain the L/S ratio. Neonatal physical examination was performed at 1, 5, and 60 minutes after delivery, and included the assessment of respiratory rate (RR) and respiration effort (RE). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: CS group had significantly lower amniotic L/S ratio when compared to EUT and DYS. There were no significant differences between vaginal groups (EUT versus DYS) in respect to L/S ratios. RE of eutocic neonates improved promptly, while RE of DYS and CS groups improved only 1 hour following birth. Moreover, amniotic L/S ratio positively correlated with RR after 60 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a possible influence of the delivery method on the final surfactant maturation process. Thus, neonates born by elective CS prior to the onset of expulsive uterine contractions should have their respiratory parameters carefully monitored. Additionally, we propose that assessment of respiratory parameters 1 hour following birth can serve as a practical means to indirectly estimate pulmonary maturation (ie, surfactant synthesis) in puppies.

Liver, plasma and erythrocyte levels of thiamine and its phosphate esters in rats with acute ethanol intoxication: a comparison of thiamine and benfotiamine administration.

Thiamine and benfotiamine are vitamin B1 and pro-vitamin B1 substances, respectively. Vitamin B1 plays an essential role in energy metabolism, and its deficiency leads to neurologic and cardiovascular pathologies, as seen in alcoholics. This study presents new data about the effects of thiamine hydrochloride or benfotiamine treatment given to rats with acute alcohol intoxication, on the distribution of thiamine and its phosphate esters in liver, plasma and erythrocytes. The treatments were effective in increasing thiamine levels in plasma, erythrocytes and liver cells. The benfotiamine-treated group had its total plasma thiamine increased by 100%. In erythrocytes, thiamine levels were 4- and 25-fold higher in the groups treated with thiamine and benfotiamine, respectively, compared with the untreated groups. Liver thiamine was increased by 60% in the treated groups compared with the untreated groups. Thus, we verified the high bioavailability especially of benfotiamine within 6h of ethanol administration.

Lower carnitine plasma values from malnutrition cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the consequences of cancer for energy metabolism is required in order to define strategies that both prevent and treat malnutrition. Carnitine is essential for lipid energy metabolism. The objective of this study was to assess presurgical plasma carnitine levels in cancer patients and their association with dietary intake, anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, indirect calorimetry, plasma amino acid levels, and urinary carnitine and nitrogen values. METHODS: This was a prospective study in which two groups were randomly selected: one consisting of esophageal and gastric cancer patients (n = 24) and the other of healthy volunteers (control group, n = 12). RESULTS: Average plasma and urinary carnitine values ranged from 60 to 80 µM and 78 to 124 µM, respectively, in both groups, with no significant difference between them. Moreover, methionine and lysine levels, as well as resting energy expenditure, did not differ between cancer patients and controls. Plasma free carnitine levels, however, were significantly lower in cancer patients, 80 % (p < 0.05) of whom had deficient urinary carnitine excretion, insufficient dietary protein intake, and low body fat reserves. CONCLUSION: Although cancer patients had carnitine deficiency and lower carnitine stores, these did not affect resting energy expenditure, total food intake, or plasma lysine and methionine levels.

Omega-3 improves glucose tolerance but increases lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in hepatocytes of fructose-fed rats.

The high consumption of fructose is linked to the increase in various characteristics of the metabolic syndrome. Fish oil is beneficial for the treatment of these comorbidities, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the consequences of the administration of fish oil concomitant to fructose ingestion during the experiment (45 days) and during the final 15 days in high-fructose-fed rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: control; those receiving 10% fish oil (FO); those receiving 60% fructose (Fr); those receiving 60% fructose and 10% fish oil for 45 days (FrFO); and those receiving fructose plus soybean oil for 30 days and fish oil for the final 15 days of the study (FrFO15). There was an increase in triacylglycerol, serum total cholesterol, and hepatic volume in the Fr group. The FO and FrFO groups experienced an increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in serum reduced glutathione. The FrFO group suffered greater hepatic injury, with increased alanine aminotransferase levels and DNA damage. Marked n-3 incorporation occurred in the groups receiving fish oil, favoring a better response to the oral glucose tolerance test. Fructose induced comorbidities of the metabolic syndrome, and the use of fish oil promoted a better glucose tolerance, although it was accompanied by more hepatocyte damage.

Effects of the supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid on muscular antioxidant biomarkers of trained mice / Efeitos da suplementação com ácido alfa-lipóico sobre biomarcadores antioxidantes musculares de camundongos treinados

BACKGROUND: Performing high intensity or exhaustive exercise can lead to muscle damage such as injuries, chronic fatigue and overtraining, partly due to the high synthesis of reactive oxygen species. The α-lipoic acid (ALA) and its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid, act as potent antioxidant and eliminate free radicals. Although this response depends on the type of exercise and supplementation, animal and human studies have shown the benefits of antioxidant supplementation on the recovery of damages caused by exhaustive exercise, either by restoring antioxidant levels or by decreasing the damage. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of ALA supplementation on muscular biomarkers of oxidative stress following exhaustive exercise of trained mice. METHODS: Sixty mice were trained to swim for 6 weeks. On the last week, half of the animals were supplemented daily with 100 mg/kg of oral gavage of ALA in soy oil as a vehicle. The other half received just the vehicle. On the last day 20 animals from each group were submitted to an exhaustion protocol with 10% overweight attached to tail. Animals were euthanized on 3 moments: basal, just after the exhaustive protocol (0 h) and, 4 h after the exhaustive protocol. The gastrocnemius muscle was promptly excised and homogenized. The homogenates were used to estimate oxidative stress biomarkers. RESULTS: There was a simultaneous decrease of non-protein thiols and vitamin E after 4 h of exhaustive exercise in the ALA group (p<0.05) compared to the control group, suggesting the consumption of these compounds in the process of lipid peroxidation. Interestingly, there was an increase of nitrate and nitrite in ALA group (p<0.05) and a decrease in the control (p<0.05) compared to basal moment, possibly by activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The total antioxidant capacity remained unchanged in the ALA group. CONCLUSION: The supplementation with ALA resulted in a protection against oxidative stress caused by exhaustive exercise.

CONTEXTO: A realização de exercício de alta intensidade ou exaustivo pode levar a danos musculares, como lesões, fadiga crônica e overtraining, em parte devido à alta síntese de espécies reativas de oxigênio. O ácido α-lipóico e sua forma reduzida, o ácido dihidrolipóico, atuam como potentes antioxidantes e eliminam os radicais livres. Apesar de depender do tipo de exercício e suplementação, estudos com animais e humanos mostram benefícios da suplementação com antioxidante na recuperação de danos causados pelo exercício exaustivo, seja restaurando os níveis de antioxidantes ou diminuindo os danos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da suplementação com ácido α-lipóico sobre biomarcadores musculares de estresse oxidativo após o exercício exaustivo de camundongos treinados. METODOLOGIA: Os camundongos (n = 60) foram treinados em natação por 6 semanas. Na última semana, metade dos animais foram suplementados diariamente com gavagem oral de 100 mg / kg de ácido α-lipóico em óleo de soja como veículo. A outra metade recebeu apenas o veículo. No último dia 20 animais de cada grupo foram submetidos ao protocolo de exaustão com 10% de sobrepeso atado à cauda. Os animais foram eutanasiados em 3 momentos: basal, logo após o protocolo de exaustão (0 h) e 4 h após o protocolo de exaustão. O músculo gastrocnêmio foi imediatamente coletado e homogeneizado. Os homogeneizados foram usados para acessar os biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo. RESULTADOS: Houve diminuição simultânea de tióis não protéicos e vitamina E após 4 h de exercício exaustivo no grupo ácido α-lipóico (p <0,05) em relação ao grupo controle, sugerindo o consumo destes compostos no processo de peroxidação lipídica. Interessantemente, houve aumento de nitrato e nitrito no grupo ácido α-lipóico (p <0,05) e diminuição no controle (p <0,05) em relação ao momento basal, possivelmente pela ativação da óxido nítrico sintase endotelial. A capacidade antioxidante total permaneceu inalterada no grupo ácido α-lipóico. CONCLUSÃO: A suplementação com ácido α-lipóico resultou em proteção contra o estresse oxidativo causado pelo exercício exaustivo.

Scurvy in a patient with AIDS: case report.

We report the case of a 35-year-old homeless alcoholic and illicit drug user, with AIDS, who was admitted to the emergency unit complaining of asthenia and a weight loss of 30 kg over the preceding three months. Clinical and laboratory data confirmed a diagnosis of marasmus, bacterial pneumonia, chorioretinitis caused by Toxoplasma gondii and oral Candida infection. The patient also presented loss of tongue papillae, gingival hypertrophy, perifollicular hyperkeratosis and hemorrhage, coiled, corkscrew-like hair, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, increased C-reactive protein levels and low serum vitamin C levels. The patient developed severe gastric hemorrhage, with hemodynamic instability and terminal disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.

Short-term carbohydrate-restricted diet for weight loss in severely obese women.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss in bariatric pre-surgery period reduces surgical complications, surgery time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay. Carbohydrate-restricted diets have been used as an alternative for weight loss. We tested the efficacy of a low-calorie carbohydrate-restricted diet (RD) for short-term weight loss in women with severe obesity and evaluate its metabolic effects in relation to a conventional low-calorie diet (CD). METHODS: The subjects received a 1,200-kcal diet with or without carbohydrate restriction for a period of 1 week in the hospital. Nineteen obesity class III women were distributed into two groups: experimental (n = 10) and control (n = 9). The following variables were assessed at the beginning and end of the study: anthropometric measurements, body composition, resting energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, and biochemical tests. RESULTS: Compared with CD, RD led to larger weight loss (2.6 and 4.4 kg, respectively; p = 0.01) and waist circumference reduction (p < 0.01). Among the assessed biochemical indicators, only plasma and urine acetone levels were different (p < 0.01); higher values were found in the experimental group with no symptoms and other diet-related complaints. There was also a significant decrease in triglycerides and carbohydrate oxidation, as well as a significant enhancement in lipid oxidation in the RD group. CONCLUSION: Short-term RD was more efficient than CD regarding quick weight loss and waist circumference reduction, which may favor gastroplasty. Also, RD did not lead adverse metabolic effects.