Relationship between maternal biological features, environmental factors, and newborn neuromotor development associated with visual fixation abilities.

Newborn visual fixation abilities predict future cognitive, perceptive, and motor skills. However, little is known about the factors associated with the newborn visual fixation, which is an indicator of neurocognitive abilities. We analyzed maternal biological and environmental characteristics associated with fine motor skills (visual tracking) in 1 month old infants. Fifty-one infants were tested on visual tracking tasks (Infant Visuomotor Behavior Assessment Scale/ Guide for the Assessment of Visual Ability in Infants) and classified according to visual conducts scores. Differences between groups were compared considering motor development (Alberta Infant Motor Scale) maternal mental health (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale); home environment (Affordances in the Home Environment for Development Scale); maternal care (Coding Interactive Behavior); breastmilk composition (total fatty acids, proteins, and cortisol); and maternal metabolic profile (serum hormones and interleukins). Mothers of infants with lower visual fixation scores had higher levels of protein in breastmilk at 3 months. Mothers of infants with better visual conduct scores had higher serum levels of T4 (at 1 month) and prolactin (at 3 months). There were no associations between visual ability and motor development, home environment, or maternal care. Early newborn neuromotor development, especially visual and fine motor skills, is associated with maternal biological characteristics (metabolic factors and breastmilk composition), highlighting the importance of early detection of maternal metabolic changes for the healthy neurodevelopment of newborns.

Trypanosoma cruzi infection increases atherosclerotic lesion in ApoE-deficient mice.

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the major ligand for the transporting and removal of chylomicrons and lipoproteins by the liver. Since the creation of the ApoE-knockout mice, it is well established that ApoE deficiency results in spontaneous atherosclerosis in aged animals. Atherosclerosis is also observed in animals infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan that elicits a systemic inflammatory response in mammalian hosts, culminating in damage to cardiac, neuronal, and endothelial cells. Pro-atherogenic effects related to the experimental infection with T. cruzi may be induced by inflammatory components affecting the vascular wall. Herein, we evaluated whether infection with different strains of T. cruzi worsened the atherogenic lesions observed in aged ApoE-/- mice. After four weeks of infection with Berenice-78 (Be-78) or Colombian (Col) strains of the parasite, mice presented increased CCL2 and CCL5 production and high migration of inflammatory cells to cardiac tissue. Although the infection with either strain did not affect the survival rate, only the infection with Col strain caused abundant parasite growth in blood and heart and increased aortic root lesions in ApoE-/- mice. Our findings show, for the first time that ApoE exerts a protective anti-atherosclerotic role in the aortic root of mice in the acute phase of experimental infection with the Col strain of T. cruzi. Further studies should target ApoE and nutritional interventions to modulate susceptibility to cardiovascular disabilities after T. cruzi infection, minimizing the risk of death in both experimental animals and humans.

Beneficial effects of butyrate on brain functions: A view of epigenetic.

Brain functions are influenced by the presence, activity, and metabolism of the gut microbiota through the gut-microbiota-brain (GMB) axis. The consumption of a fiber-rich diet increases the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from bacterial fermentation in the colon. Among SCFAs, butyrate stands out because of its wide array of biological functions, such as ability to influence brain functions. Pharmacologically, sodium butyrate (NaB) regulates gene expression in the brain, where it has several beneficial effects ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to behavioral disorders through inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACis). In this context, we review the mechanisms of action of the two types of butyrate on brain functions, with an emphasis on the epigenetic approach. Both types of butyrate are potentially interesting for the prevention and adjuvant therapy of neurological and psychological disorders due to their neuroprotective functions. However, further studies are needed to investigate the possible neuroepigenetic effects of butyrate derived from bacterial fermentation.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) supplementation increases butyrate synthesis and reduces inflammatory cells, attenuating the formation of aberrant crypt foci in BALB/c mice induced to pre-neoplastic lesions.

The development of colorectal cancer involves some morphological changes, and in the initial stage, pre-neoplastic lesions called aberrant crypt foci (ACF) appear. Thus, an intervention with sources of bioactive compounds such as Hibiscus sabdariffa L., rich in phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, could attenuate the risk of developing these lesions due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 5% and 10% supplementation of dehydrated H. sabdariffa calyces (DHSC) during the development of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced preneoplastic lesions in male BALB/c mice. The characterization of DHSC was carried out. The in vivo experiment lasted 12 weeks, and the animals were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: the control group (CON) and the supplemented groups with 5% DHSC and 10% DHSC. The activities of liver enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase were determined. In addition, ACF, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), presence of inflammatory infiltrates, goblet cells and leukocytes in the colonic mucosa were quantified. There was a significant reduction in ACF and the presence of inflammatory infiltrates in the colon of animals in groups 5DHSC and 10DHSC. In addition, the 10DHSC group showed an increase in the activity of the catalse enzyme, in the production of butyrate and in the presence of NK cells in the colon, in addition to more hypertrophied goblet cells. Based on these findings, it is suggested that DHSC supplementation may be recommended to attenuate cellular responses in the early stage of preneoplastic lesions.

Preclinical Evidence of Probiotics in Colorectal Carcinogenesis: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer, the second major cause of cancer deaths, imposes a major health burden worldwide. There is growing evidence that supports that the use of probiotics is effective against various diseases, especially in gastrointestinal diseases, including the colorectal cancer, but the differences between the strains, dose, and frequency used are not yet clear. AIMS: To perform a systematic review to compile the results of studies carried out in animal models and investigated the effect of probiotics on colorectal carcinogenesis. METHODS: Studies were selected in PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Search filters were developed using three parameters: probiotics, colorectal cancer, and animal model. RESULTS: From a structured search, we discovered 34 original articles and submitted them to a risk of bias analysis using SYRCLE's tool. The studies show a great diversity of models, most were conducted in rats (55.8%) and used 1,2 dimethylhydrazine as the drug to induce colorectal carcinogenesis (61.7%). The vast majority of trials investigated Lactobacillus (64%) and Bifidobacterium (29.4%) strains. Twenty-six (86.6%) studies found significant reduction in lesions or tumors in the animals that received probiotics. The main methodological limitation was the insufficient amount of information for the adequate reproducibility of the trials, which indicated a high risk of bias due to incomplete characterization of the experimental design. CONCLUSIONS: The different probiotics' strains showed anti-carcinogenic effect, reduced the development of lesions and intestinal tumors, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity, and reduced fecal bacterial enzymes.

Anthocyanins/anthocyanidins and colorectal cancer: What is behind the scenes?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cause of cancer death. Phytochemicals, especially anthocyanins/anthocyanidins (A/A), have gathered attention of the scientific community owing to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cancer-inhibitory properties. In this review, we discussed the possible mechanisms whereby A/A exhibit intestinal anticarcinogenic characteristics. Anthocyanins/anthocyanidins inhibit the pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathway, attenuate Wnt signaling and suppress abnormal epithelial cell proliferation. In addition, A/A induce mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and downregulate Akt/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway. Furthermore, activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) also contributes to the anti-carcinogenic effects of A/A. Finally, downregulation of metalloproteinases (MMPs) by A/A inhibits tumor invasion and metastasis. In conclusion, A/A exert their anti-tumor effects against colorectal carcinogenesis via multiple mechanisms, providing insights into the use of A/A as a natural chemopreventive intervention on major colorectal carcinogenesis.

Inverse association of calcium intake with abdominal adiposity and C-reactive protein in Brazilian children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Ca intake and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study with a representative sample. Food consumption was assessed through three 24 h dietary recalls. Anthropometry, body composition and biochemical measurements were also conducted. SETTING: Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. SUBJECTS: Children between 8 and 9 years old (n 350) enrolled in public and private schools in the urban area of the municipality of Viçosa. RESULTS: Almost all children had inadequate intake of Ca (97·4 %), especially those with low income, non-white and who studied in public schools. Foods that contributed most to Ca intake were 'milk' and 'cheeses and yoghurts' (R 2=0·66 and 0·13, respectively), and intake of 'milk' was correlated with 'chocolate milk powder' intake (r=0·538, P<0·01). Children with lower Ca intake had a higher prevalence of increased C-reactive protein (prevalence ratio=2·93; 95 % CI 1·21, 7·07), increased waist circumference (prevalence ratio=2·86; 95 % CI 1·01, 8·13) and a lower prevalence of high LDL cholesterol (prevalence ratio=0·64; 95 % CI 0·41, 0·99). CONCLUSIONS: Lower Ca intake was associated with excess abdominal adiposity and subclinical inflammation in Brazilian children. Monitoring of adequate Ca intake is important, especially in poorer communities.

Exposure to the insecticide endosulfan induces liver morphology alterations and oxidative stress in fruit-eating bats (Artibeus lituratus).

Exposure to pesticides may increase the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidation of cell membrane lipids and proteins. Although fruit bats are potentially exposed to pesticides during their entire lifespan, the impacts of this exposure are still poorly investigated. We examined the effects of low, commercially recommended concentrations (0, 1.05 and 2.1 g/l) of an organochlorine insecticide endosulfan (EDS) formulation on oxidative responses in the liver and kidneys of Neotropical fruit bats (Artibeus lituratus), as well as possible liver morphological alterations following a 35-day oral exposure. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased upon exposure to 1.05 g/l of EDS in the liver and kidneys, catalase was decreased in the liver of 2.1 g/l EDS-exposed bats, while glutathione S-transferase was increased in the liver of 2.1 g/l EDS-exposed bats. Protein carbonyls increased following the exposure to the highest EDS dose tested. Endosulfan-induced morphological alterations in the liver included cell degeneration and cell death, with apparent cytoplasm lipid accumulation (steatosis) and pyknotic nuclei, karyolysis and deposit of collagen fibres. Our findings suggest that exposure to low concentrations of EDS induced a certain extent of oxidative damage in fruit bats, which may have led to liver morphological alterations.

Overweight and Body Image Perception in Adolescents with Triage of Eating Disorders.

PURPOSE: To verify the influence of overweight and alteration in the perception of the corporal image during the triage of eating disorders. METHOD: A food disorder triage was performed in adolescents with 10 to 19 years of age using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT), and Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh (BITE), as well as a nutritional status evaluation. The perception of body image was evaluated in a subsample of adolescents with 10 to 14 years of age, using the Brazilian Silhouette Scale. The project was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. RESULTS: The prevalence of eating disorder triage was 11.4% (n = 242) for the 2,123 adolescents evaluated. Overweight was present in 21.1% (n = 447) of the students, being more prevalent in the early adolescence phase, which presented levels of distortion of 56.9% (n = 740) and dissatisfaction of 79.3% (n = 1031). Body dissatisfaction was considered as a risk factor, increasing by more than 13 times the chance of TA screening. CONCLUSION: Overweight was correlated with the ED triage and body dissatisfaction was considered as a risk factor, increasing the chances of these disorders by more than 13 times.

B vitamins related to homocysteine metabolism in adults celiac disease patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The only treatment for celiac disease is the gluten-free diet. Few studies have assessed the nutritional adequacy of this diet, especially of B vitamins related to homocysteine metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status and serum concentrations of B vitamins involved in homocysteine metabolism, and to determine whether the dietary intake of these vitamins are meeting Dietary Reference Intakes in celiac patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 20 celiac patients (36.3 ± 13.7 years old; 65% women), following strict gluten-free diet (GFD) and 39 healthy controls matched by sex and age. The dietary intake was assessed by 3-day food records, and serum concentrations of homocysteine and vitamins B6, B12, and folate were determined after overnight fasting. Comparisons between the two groups were performed by Student's t test or Mann-Whitney U-test, for continuous variables. Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. An alpha level of 5% were considered significant. RESULTS: Celiac patients had lower serum folate concentrations (7.7 ± 3.5 ng/mL, P < 0.05) than controls. All celiac patients had folate intake below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) (130.8 ± 53.6 µg/d). However, only a small proportion of celiac patients had hyperhomocysteinemia. CONCLUSIONS: Celiac patients treated with GFD presented inadequacy of dietary folate intake and low-serum concentrations of folate, suggesting that more attention should be given to the quality of the nutrients offered by the GFD, as it constitutes a lifelong treatment.

Obesity and diabetes: the link between adipose tissue dysfunction and glucose homeostasis.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) epidemics, which have already spread, imply the possibility of both conditions being closely related. Thus, the goal of the present review was to draw a parallel between obesity, adipose tissue (AT) changes, and T2DM development. To this end, a search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE and SciELO databases, using the following key words and their combinations: obesity; diabetes; insulin resistance; diet; weight loss; adipocin; inflammation markers; and interleukins. Based on a literature review, AT dysfunction observed in obesity is characterised by adipocyte hypertrophy, macrophage infiltration, impaired insulin signalling and insulin resistance. In addition, there is release of inflammatory adipokines and an excessive amount of NEFA promoting ectopic fat deposition and lipotoxicity in muscle, liver and pancreas. Recent evidence supports the hypothesis that the conception of AT as a passive energy storage organ should be replaced by a dynamic endocrine organ, which regulates metabolism through a complex adipocyte communication with the surrounding microenvironment. The present review demonstrates how glucose homeostasis is changed by AT dysfunction. A better understanding of this relationship enables performing nutritional intervention strategies with the goal of preventing T2DM.

Pro-apoptotic activities of polyphenolics from açai (Euterpe oleracea Martius) in human SW-480 colon cancer cells.

This study aimed to evaluate the cell growth inhibition activity of açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) polyphenolic extract against colon cancer HT-29 and SW-480 cells and the nonmalignant CCD-18Co colon fibroblast cells. Results showed that açai polyphenolic extract (5-20 mg/L) inhibited preferentially the growth of SW-480 cells with no toxicity in CCD-18Co cells, and this was accompanied by reduction of H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The mechanisms involved in SW-480 cell growth-inhibition by açai polyphenolic extract included the downregulation of NF-κB proinflammatory transcription factor and the nuclear factor-kappa B targets intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Furthermore, prooncogenic specificity proteins (Sp) were downregulated as well as Sp-targets Bcl-2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and survivin. This was accompanied by activation of mitochondrial proapoptotic pathway involving increase of cytochrome c, cleavage of caspase-3, and decrease of PARP-1. Results strongly suggest that açai polyphenolic extract has antiinflammatory and cytotoxic activities in colon cancer cells and can be effective as natural colon cancer chemopreventive agents.

Aerobic exercise and not a diet supplemented with jussara açaí (Euterpe edulis Martius) alters hepatic oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in ApoE-deficient mice.

The pulp of jussara açaí (Euterpe edulis Martius) fruit is rich in anthocyanins that exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects similar to those exerted by aerobic exercise. In the present study, we investigated the effects of jussara açaí fruit pulp consumption, either alone or in combination with aerobic exercise, on the hepatic oxidative and inflammatory status of ApoE-deficient (ApoE - / - ) mice. Male mice were divided into four groups (control (C), control plus açaí, exercise plus açaí (EXA) and exercise (EX)) and fed the AIN-93M diet or the AIN-93M diet formulated to contain 2 % freeze-dried açaí pulp. Mice in the EX and EXA groups were subjected to a progressive running programme (5 d/week, 60 min/d, 16 m/min) for 12 weeks. Mice that were made to exercise exhibited reduced (40·85 %; P< 0·05) hepatic superoxide dismutase activity when compared with the C mice, independent of the açaí diet. Mice in the EX group exhibited a lower (42 %; P< 0·05) mRNA expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in the liver compared with the C mice. Mice in the EXA and EX groups had lower percentages of hepatic lipid droplets (70 % and 56 %, respectively; P< 0·05) when compared with the C mice. Mice in the EX group had smaller (58 %; P< 0·05) area of lesions in the aorta when compared with the C mice. Serum lipid profile was not affected (P>0·05). In conclusion, aerobic exercise training rather than açaí fruit pulp consumption or a combination of both enhances the hepatic oxidative and inflammatory status of ApoE - / - mice.

Time-dependent effects of low-level laser therapy on the morphology and oxidative response in the skin wound healing in rats.

This study aims to investigate the effect of different energy densities provided by low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the morphology of scar tissue and the oxidative response in the healing of secondary intention skin wounds in rats. Twenty-four male adult Wistar rats were used. Skin wounds were made on the backs of the animals, which were randomized into three groups of eight animals each as follows, 0.9% saline (control); laser GaAsAl 30 J/cm(2) (L30); laser GaAsAl 90 J/cm(2) (L90). The experiment lasted 21 days. Every 7 days, the wound contraction index (WCI) was calculated and tissue from different wounds was removed to assess the proportion of cells and blood vessels, collagen maturation index (CMI), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels and catalase activity (CAT). On the 7th and 14th days, the WCI and the proportion of cells were significantly higher in groups L30 and L90 compared to the control (p < 0.05). At all the time points analyzed, there was a greater proportion of blood vessels and a higher CMI in group L90 compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). On the 7th and 14th days, lower TBARS levels and increased CAT activity were found in the L90 group compared to the control (p < 0.05). On the 7th day, a moderately negative correlation was found between TBARS levels and WCI, CMI and CAT in all the groups. LLLT may modulate the oxidative status of wounded tissue, constituting a possible mechanism through which the LLLT exerts its effects in the initial phases of tissue repair.

Associations of adiposity and adipokine concentrations with anti- and oxidative markers in Brazilian children.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of body fat, anti- and inflammatory adipokines with anti- and oxidative markers. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 378 schoolchildren ages 8 to 9 y in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We obtained information on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics via questionnaires, measured height and weight, and estimated body fat by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Blood sample was collected to analyze the adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, chemerin, and retinol-binding protein 4) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on the sandwich principle; and anti- and oxidant markers (plasma ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and malondialdehyde [MDA]) by enzymatic methods. Concentrations of anti- and oxidant markers were compared by percent body fat quartiles and adipokine concentrations terciles using of linear regression adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Total and central body fat were positively associated with FRAP. Every 1 standard deviation (SD) of total fat was associated with 4.8 higher FRAP (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7-7). Additionally, every 1 SD of truncal, android, and gynoid fat were associated with, respectively, 5, 4.6, and 4.6 higher FRAP (95% CI, 2.9-7.1; 2.6-6.7; and 2.4-6.8, respectively). However, adiponectin was inversely associated with FRAP; every adiponectin SD was related to -2.2 lower FRAP (95% CI, -3.9 to -0.5). Chemerin was positively associated with SOD [5.4 (95% CI, 1.9-8.8) SOD units per chemerin SD]. CONCLUSIONS: The body fat measures and adiposity-related inflammation (chemerin) were positively associated with antioxidative markers in children, whereas the adiponectin (anti-inflammatory marker) was inversely associated with FRAP (antioxidative marker).

Higher serum uric acid is associated with body fat, retinol-binding protein 4, and antioxidative status in Brazilian children.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of serum uric acid (SUA) with adiposity, adipokines, and anti- and oxidative markers in Brazilian children. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional investigation with 378 children ages 8 to 9 y in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Information on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics was obtained via questionnaires, and body fat was determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. We compared the distributions of adiposity (total and central), adipokines (adiponectin, chemerin, leptin, and retinol-binding protein 4 [RBP4]), anti- and oxidative markers (plasma ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and malondialdehyde [MDA]) by SUA categories using linear regression. RESULTS: SUA was positively associated with total and central fat. Every standard deviation (SD) of SUA was related, respectively, to a 3.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-4.4), 4 (95% CI, 2.8-5.1), 4.2 (95% CI, 2.9-5.5), and 3.5 (95% CI, 2.4-4.6) units higher of total, truncal, android, and gynoid fat. We found a positive association of SUA with RBP4 and FRAP, and a negative association with MDA. Every SD of SUA was related, respectively, to 0.1 (95% CI, 0.01-0.1) and 7.8 (95% CI, 5.5-10.1) units higher of RBP4 and FRAP; and to -0.3 (95% CI, -0.5 to -0.1) units lower of MDA. CONCLUSIONS: SUA was positively associated with adiposity, RBP4, and antioxidative status in Brazilian children.

Fish oil improves the lipid profile and reduces inflammatory cytokines in Wistar rats with precancerous colon lesions.

A fatty diet is regarded as one of the most important risk factors related to the etiology of colorectal cancer, and this effect is linked to the quantity and principal types of fatty acids consumed. In this study, the chemopreventive effects of different oils on rats were investigated. Forty Wistar rats received 1,2-dimetilhidrazine (DMH) and were divided into 4 groups fed normal lipid diets to which 4% olive, fish, flaxseed, or soybean oils (control) were added. The group fed with fish oil presented higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid in hepatic tissue and greater levels of linolenic acid and EPA in adipose tissue compared to the other treatments. In the proximal portion of the colon, lower levels of aberrant crypt foci were found in the fish and flaxseed oil groups; however, this behavior was not observed in the middle and distal regions. Via a benchmarking method, the fish oil group showed a greater transforming growth factor ß expression and lower interleukin-8 expression in relation to the other treatments. Fish oil in a normal lipid diet demonstrated a limited protective effect on the colonic precancerous mucosa in carcinogen-treated rodents, whereas it had a beneficial effect on inflammatory modulation.

Influence of a high-fat diet on gut microbiota, intestinal permeability and metabolic endotoxaemia.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may play an important role in chronic diseases through the activation of inflammatory responses. The type of diet consumed is of major concern for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Evidence from animal and human studies has shown that LPS can diffuse from the gut to the circulatory system in response to the intake of high amounts of fat. The method by which LPS move into the circulatory system is either through direct diffusion due to intestinal paracellular permeability or through absorption by enterocytes during chylomicron secretion. Considering the impact of metabolic diseases on public health and the association between these diseases and the levels of LPS in the circulatory system, this review will mainly discuss the current knowledge about high-fat diets and subclinical inflammation. It will also describe the new evidence that correlates gut microbiota, intestinal permeability and alkaline phosphatase activity with increased blood LPS levels and the biological effects of this increase, such as insulin resistance. Although the majority of the studies published so far have assessed the effects of dietary fat, additional studies are necessary to deepen the understanding of how the amount, the quality and the structure of the fat may affect endotoxaemia. The potential of food combinations to reduce the negative effects of fat intake should also be considered in future studies. In these studies, the effects of flavonoids, prebiotics and probiotics on endotoxaemia should be investigated. Thus, it is essential to identify dietetic strategies capable of minimising endotoxaemia and its postprandial inflammatory effects.

Effect of bark extract of Bathysa cuspidata on hepatic oxidative damage and blood glucose kinetics in rats exposed to paraquat.

This study investigated the effect of bark extract of Bathysa cuspidata on hepatic oxidative damage and blood glucose kinetics in rats exposed to paraquat. Wistar rats were exposed to a single dose of paraquat (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and treated with an ethanolic extract of Bathysa cuspidata (200 and 400 mg/kg). Analyses were conducted of liver edema, blood glucose, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, collagen, malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and histomorphometry. In the animals intoxicated with paraquat and treated with 400 mg/kg of extract, edema, hypertrophy of the nucleus of hepatocytes, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly (p < .05). Catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, the number of hepatocytes per unit volume, and the glycogen proportion were maintained. The increase followed by progressive reduction of blood glucose observed in paraquat-exposed groups was significantly attenuated in the group treated with 400 mg/kg of extract (p < .05). Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic compounds. The bark extract of Bathysa cuspidata was able to inhibit large variations in blood glucose and reduce hepatic damage in rats exposed to paraquat. This finding suggests a contribution of the extract in reducing lipid peroxidation and the morphofunctional damage to the liver parenchyma.

Kefir and Intestinal Microbiota Modulation: Implications in Human Health.

In the last decades changes in the pattern of health and disease in Latin America and in the world has been observed, with an increase in cases of chronic non-communicable diseases. Changes in intestinal microbiota composition can contribute to the development of these diseases and be useful in their management. In this context, the consumption of fermented foods with probiotic properties, such as kefir, stands out due to its gut microbiota-modulating capacity. There is an increasing interest in the commercial use of kefir since it can be marketed as a natural beverage containing health-promoting bacteria and has been gaining international popularity in Latin America. Also the consumption of these drinks in Latin America seems to be even more relevant, given the socioeconomic situation of this population, which highlights the need for disease prevention at the expense of its treatment. In this narrative review, we discuss how kefir may work against obesity, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, cardiovascular disorders, immunity, and neurological disorders. Peptides, bioactive compounds and strains occurring in kefir, can modulate gut microbiota composition, low-grade inflammation and intestinal permeability, which consequently may generate health benefits. Kefir can also impact on the regulation of organism homeostasis, with a direct effect on the gut-brain axis, being a possible strategy for the prevention of metabolic diseases. Further studies are needed to standardize these bioactive compounds and better elucidate the mechanisms linking kefir and intestinal microbiota modulation. However, due to the benefits reported, low cost and ease of preparation, kefir seems to be a promising approach to prevent and manage microbiota-related diseases in Latin America and the rest of the world.