Pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel fractions obtained by supercritical CO2 increase oxidative and colour stability of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) patties treated by UV-C irradiation.

The sequential fractionation by supercritical-CO2 (SC-CO2) was applied to obtain fractions enriched in bioactive compounds of pomegranate peel, and we investigated if pomegranate peel extract and fractions would be effective to inhibit lipid and protein oxidation, and discolouration of bluefish patties stored at 4 °C for 9 days, after UV-C irradiation. The non-fractionated SC-CO2 extract from pomegranate peel was rich in phenolic compounds, mainly ellagitannins, besides, it possessed lipophilic compounds such as tocopherols and ß-carotene. These compounds were successfully separated by the fractionation protocols, in a lipid fraction concentrated in lipophilic compounds, and one or two fractions enriched with phenolic compounds, especially ellagitannins. The lipid fraction and the high phenolics fraction from pomegranate peel were then as effective as the synthetic antioxidant BHT in avoiding bluefish patties oxidation during refrigerated storage. Our data indicates that pomegranate peel fractions could be used to replace a synthetic antioxidant in fish meat.

Efficient production of bioactive structured lipids by fast acidolysis catalyzed by Yarrowia lipolytica lipase, free and immobilized in chitosan-alginate beads, in solvent-free medium.

Structured lipids (SL) represent a new generation of lipids, considered bioactive compounds. Medium-chain, oleic (18:1n-9), and medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) structured lipids (MOM-SL) were produced by acidolysis reaction in solvent-free medium with capric (10:0) and lauric (12:0) free fatty acids (FFAs) and triolein or olive oil, using Yarrowia lipolytica lipase as biocatalyst. MCFAs were rapidly incorporated into sn-1,3 SL in acidolysis reactions with triolein and olive oil, up until 30% of incorporation efficiency of capric and lauric acids in SLs. The kinetics of MCFA incorporation in MOM-SL was influenced by the FFA:TAG molar ratio, and for reactions between triolein and lauric acid, increasing FFA:TAG from 2:1 to 4:1 enhanced MCFA incorporation in SL. Y. lipolytica lipase showed a strictly 1,3-regioselective profile in acidolysis reaction, confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Immobilization of this lipase by microencapsulation in chitosan-alginate beads resulted in similar incorporation efficiency for lauric acid with olive oil TAG and this reaction could be performed for 5 cycles without catalytic activity loss. This lipase showed promising properties as a potential biocatalyst that may be effectively used in production of bioactive structured lipids, which might be applied for prevention of metabolic and inflammatory disorders related to obesity.

Jussara berry (Euterpe edulis M.) oil-in-water emulsions are highly stable: the role of natural antioxidants in the fruit oil.

BACKGROUND: Antioxidants help prevent lipid oxidation, and therefore are critical to maintain sensory quality and chemical characteristics of edible oils. Jussara berry (Euterpe edulis M.) oil is a source of minor compounds with potential antioxidant activity. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of such compounds on the effectiveness to prevent or delay oxidation of oil present in oil-in-water emulsions, and how the emulsions' physical stability would be affected. RESULTS: Jussara berry oil extracted by ethanol extraction, its stripped variations (partially stripped, highly stripped and highly stripped with added butylhydroxytoluene), and expeller-pressed oil were used to prepare oil-in-water emulsions. Jussara berry oils were analyzed before emulsions preparation to ensure their initial quality and composition, and oil-in-water emulsions were analyzed regarding their oxidative and physical stability. Ethanol extracted oil emulsion presented higher oxidative stability than highly stripped oil emulsion with added synthetic antioxidant butylahydroxytoluene (oxidative stability index 45% lower, after 60 days, and reached undetectable levels after 90 days). All emulsions remained physically stable for up to 120 days of storage. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that natural antioxidants in jussara berry oil protect emulsions from oxidation while keeping physical stability unchanged. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Anthocyanin-Rich Grape Pomace Extract (Vitis vinifera L.) from Wine Industry Affects Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Glucose Metabolism in Human Hepatocarcinoma HepG2 Cells.

Cancer cells demand high ATP provisions to support proliferation, and targeting of energy metabolism is a good strategy to increase their sensitivity to treatments. In Brazil, wine manufacture is expanding, increasing the amount of pomace that is produced. We determined the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of a dark skin Grape Pomace Extract and its effects on metabolism and redox state in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. The material and the methods used represented the industrial process since pomace derived from white wine production and the extract concentrated by pilot plant scale reverse osmosis. Grape pomace extract was rich in polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins, and presented high antioxidant capacity. Short-term metabolic effects, irrespective of any cytotoxicity, involved increased mitochondrial respiration and antioxidant capacity and decreased glycolytic metabolism. Long-term incubation was cytotoxic and cells died by necrosis and GPE was not toxic to non-cancer human fibroblasts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to characterize pomace extract from white wine production from Brazilian winemaking regarding its effects on energy metabolism, suggesting its potential use for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes.

Effect of changes in the nutritional status on the performances of growing Creole kids during an established nematode parasite infection.

In this study, we evaluated the effect of changes in the nutritional status on the performances of growing Creole kids during an established experimental gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection. Eighteen 6-month-old Creole kids were distributed in two main groups infected (I) and non-infected (NI) and were placed for a period of 4 weeks on each of three diets differing in their nutritional values: (1) fresh grass (FG, 6.7 MJ/kg dry matter (DM) and 7.9% crude protein (CP)) non-supplemented, (2) FG supplemented with a commercial concentrate (CC, 12.2 MJ/kg DM and 20.6% of CP), and (3) FG supplemented with dried banana (Ban, 11.1 MJ/kg DM and 4.3% CP). The experiment was designed as a split-plot with experimental infection (I and NI) as the main plot and the diets (FG, CC, and Ban) as the subplots with three replicates. We showed a significant effect of the diet changes on the fecal egg counts. A higher dry matter intake, digestibility, and growth rate were observed with the CC diet but together with a slight but significant increase of the intensity of the GIN infection. These data suggest that the improvement of the protein nutritional status during an establish GIN infection would improve the animal performance at the expense of the mechanism involved in the control of the infection.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Babassu Oil and Development of a Microemulsion System for Topical Delivery.

Babassu oil extraction is the main income source in nut breakers communities in northeast of Brazil. Among these communities, babassu oil is used for cooking but also medically to treat skin wounds and inflammation, and vulvovaginitis. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of babassu oil and develop a microemulsion system with babassu oil for topical delivery. Topical anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in mice ear edema using PMA, arachidonic acid, ethyl phenylpropiolate, phenol, and capsaicin as phlogistic agents. A microemulsion system was successfully developed using a Span® 80/Kolliphor® EL ratio of 6 : 4 as the surfactant system (S), propylene glycol and water (3 : 1) as the aqueous phase (A), and babassu oil as the oil phase (O), and analyzed through conductivity, SAXS, DSC, TEM, and rheological assays. Babassu oil and lauric acid showed anti-inflammatory activity in mice ear edema, through inhibition of eicosanoid pathway and bioactive amines. The developed formulation (39% A, 12.2% O, and 48.8% S) was classified as a bicontinuous to o/w transition microemulsion that showed a Newtonian profile. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of microemulsified babassu oil was markedly increased. A new delivery system of babassu microemulsion droplet clusters was designed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of vegetable oil.

Elucidating Protein Involvement in the Stabilization of the Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been broadly used as antibacterial and antiviral agents. Further, interests for green AgNP synthesis have increased in recent years and several results for AgNP biological synthesis have been reported using bacteria, fungi and plant extracts. The understanding of the role and nature of fungal proteins, their interaction with AgNPs and the subsequent stabilization of nanosilver is yet to be deeply investigated. Therefore, in an attempt to better understand biogenic AgNP stabilization with the extracellular fungal proteins and to describe these supramolecular interactions between proteins and silver nanoparticles, AgNPs, produced extracellularly by Aspergillus tubingensis-isolated as an endophytic fungus from Rizophora mangle-were characterized in order to study their physical characteristics, identify the involved proteins, and shed light into the interactions among protein-NPs by several techniques. AgNPs of around 35 nm in diameter as measured by TEM and a positive zeta potential of +8.48 mV were obtained. These AgNPs exhibited a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 440 nm, indicating the nanoparticles formation, and another band at 280 nm, attributed to the electronic excitations in tryptophan, tyrosine, and/or phenylalanine residues in fungal proteins. Fungal proteins were covalently bounded to the AgNPs, mainly through S-Ag bonds due to cysteine residues (HS-) and with few N-Ag bonds from H2N- groups, as verified by Raman spectroscopy. Observed supramolecular interactions also occur by electrostatic and other protein-protein interactions. Furthermore, proteins that remain free on AgNP surface may perform hydrogen bonds with other proteins or water increasing thus the capping layer around the AgNPs and consequently expanding the hydrodynamic diameter of the particles (~264 nm, measured by DLS). FTIR results enabled us to state that proteins adsorbed to the AgNPs did not suffer relevant secondary structure alteration upon their physical interaction with the AgNPs or when covalently bonded to them. Eight proteins in the AgNP dispersion were identified by mass spectrometry analyses. All these proteins are involved in metabolic pathways of the fungus and are important for carbon, phosphorous and nitrogen uptake, and for the fungal growth. Thereby, important proteins for fungi are also involved in the formation and stabilization of the biogenic AgNPs.

Optimized extraction of polyphenolic antioxidant compounds from Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) cake and evaluation of the polyphenol profile by HPLC.

BACKGROUND: The solid residue (cake) of pressed Brazil nut oil has high energy value and contains high levels of nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols. However, little is known about these components in this by-product. Extraction is the first step in investigating the phenolic compounds in Brazil nut cake because extraction conditions might impact the yields of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to select the best phenolic compound extraction conditions for Brazil nut cake by using factorial experimental design and to characterize the phenolic compounds in the extract. RESULTS: The optimal extraction of antioxidant phenolic compounds from Brazil nut cake was achieved under the following conditions: ethanol-water (40:60; v/v); 2.5 min homogenization; and 1 h extraction at 60 °C. The phenolic compound profile of the Brazil nut cake extract using the optimized extraction was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. Six phenolic acids (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid and sinapic acid) and one flavonoid ((+)-catechin) were identified, and the contents of the phenolic compounds varied from 70.0 to 421 mg kg(-1) . CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the potential bioactivity of Brazil nut cake identified in the present study might promote its use in the food industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Structure and rheological properties of a xyloglucan extracted from Hymenaea courbaril var. courbaril seeds.

Hymenaea courbaril var courbaril seed xyloglucan was efficiently extracted with 0.1M NaCl, followed by ethanol precipitation (yield=72±5% w/w). Its amorphous structure was identified by the pattern of X-ray diffraction. The monosaccharide composition was determined by GC/MS analysis of the alditol acetates and showed the occurrence of glucose:xylose:galactose:arabinose (40:34:20:6). One-(1D) and two-dimensional-(2D) NMR spectra confirmed a central backbone composed by 4-linked ß-glucose units partially branched at position 6 with non-reducing terminal units of α-xylose or ß-galactose-(1→2)-α-xylose disaccharides. The xyloglucan solution was evaluated by dynamic light scattering and presents a polydisperse and practically neutral profile, and at 0.5 and 1.0% (w/v) the solutions behave as a viscoelastic fluid. The polysaccharide did not show significant antibacterial or hemolytic activities. Overall our results indicate that xyloglucan from H. courbaril is a promising polysaccharide for food and pharmaceutical industries.

Low-power laser irradiation fails to improve liver regeneration in elderly rats at 48 h after 70 % resection.

The liver regeneration is an important clinical issue after major hepatectomies. Unfortunately, many organs (including the liver) exhibit age-related impairments regarding their regenerative capacity. Recent studies found that low-power laser irradiation (LPLI) has a stimulatory effect on the liver regeneration process. However, its effects in elderly remain unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the main molecular mechanisms involved in liver regeneration of partially hepatectomized elderly rats exposed to LPLI. The effects of 15 min of LPLI (wavelength of 632.8 nm; fluence of 0.97 J/cm(2); total energy delivered of 3.6 J) were evaluated in hepatectomized elderly Wistar male rats. Afterwards, through immunoblotting approaches, the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), Met, Akt and Erk 1/2 signaling pathways as well as the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were investigated. It was observed that LPLI was not able to improve liver regeneration in elderly rats as evidenced by the lack of improvement of HGF and PCNA protein expression or phosphorylation levels of Met, Akt and Erk 1/2 in the remnant livers. In sum, this study demonstrated that the main molecular pathway, i.e. HGF/Met → Akt and Erk 1/2 → PCNA, involved in the hepatic regeneration process was not improved by LPLI in elderly hepatectomized rats, which in turn rules out LPLI as an adjuvant therapy, as observed in this protocol of liver regeneration evaluation (i.e. at 48 h after 70 % resection), in elderly.

Dispositivo fotobiomodulador para prevenção e tratamento de hiperqueratose de teto em vacas leiteiras / Photobiomodulation device for prevention and treatment of teat hyperkeratosis in dairy cows

As mastites estão entre as principais causas de prejuízo para produtores de leite. Em casos graves de hiperqueratose, o canal do teto pode se tornar uma barreira mais fácil para que as bactérias penetrem na glândula mamária. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar um dispositivo fotobiomodulador de LED para tratamento e prevenção de hiperqueratose de teto e prevenção da mastite subclínica em um rebanho de leite com alta prevalência de hiperqueratose (35,3 por cento de casos graves). Foram utilizadas 60 primíparas para o experimento de prevenção e 30 vacas com hiperqueratose para o experimento terapêutico. Em ambos os experimentos, metade dos animais foram tratados com o dispositivo fotobiomodulador três vezes por semana, durante 6 semanas. Os outros animais foram os controles. Imagens fotográficas digitalizadas foram realizadas na avaliação inicial e, semanalmente, por 6 semanas consecutivas. Nas primíparas, novas avaliações foram realizadas entre 6 e 7 meses de lactação. Para avaliação da mastite subclínica, contagem de células somáticas (CCS) foram feitas mensalmente. No experimento preventivo, o diâmetro externo das lesões permaneceu constante nos tetos do grupo tratado, enquanto houve aumento no grupo controle. No experimento terapêutico não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre as variáveis de hiperqueratose. Contudo, o grupo tratado apresentou menor incidência de mastites subclínicas (CCS < 250 células/mL) por lactação do que o grupo controle (P<0,05). Em conclusão, o tratamento não foi efetivo em prevenir o desenvolvimento ou reduzir lesões instaladas de hiperqueratose de teto. Contudo, o uso protótipo se mostrou útil e promissor como adjuvante na prevenção do aumento de tamanho das lesões de hiperqueratose de teto em primíparas e como forma de reduzir incidência de mastite subclínicas em vacas leiteiras já acometidas.

Mastitis consistis one of the main problems of milk production, mainly due to the production losses and the rising cost of milk. In case of severe hyperkeratosis, the teat canal can become an easier barrier for the bacteria to penetrate. The objeSctive of this study was to assess a phototherapy device construct with LED light for prevention and treatment of teat hyperkeratosis in a dairy cattle herd with high prevalence (35.3 percent of severe cases). 60 primiparous cows were used in the preventive experiment and 30 cows with hyperkeratosis were used in the therapeutic experiment. In both experiments, half of the cows started to be treated in early lactation using the phototherapy device three times per week for 6 weeks. The other cows were the controls. Hyperkeratosis was assessed by scoring and by morphometric analyses of teat images that were taken at baseline and then weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. In the preventive experiment, more images were taken later, between 6 and 7 months of the first lactation. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were performed monthly. In the preventive experiment, the outer diameter of the teat lesions remained constant in the treated group, whereas cows of the control group showed a significant increase at the end of lactation. In the therapeutic groups, no statistical differences for teat hyperkeratosis variables were seen between groups. However, the incidence of subclinical mastitis (SCC > 250 cells/mL) during lactation was lower in the treated group (P<0.05). In conclusion the phototherapy protocol did not prevent the development in primiparous or ameliorate previous hyperkeratosis lesions in cows. However, the prototype was considered useful as an adjunct in preventing the increase in the size of teat hyperkeratosis lesions and also as a way to reduce subclinical mastitis incidence in affected dairy cows.

Hypervitaminosis A-induced hepatic fibrosis in a cat.

RATIONALE: The excessive intake of vitamin A in the form of vitamin concentrate, supplement or vitamin-rich liver can result in hypervitaminosis A in man and animals. Although osteopathologies resulting from chronic vitamin A intoxication in cats are well characterized, no information is available concerning feline hypervitaminosis A-induced liver disease. CLINICAL SUMMARY: We report the first case of hepatic stellate cell lipidosis and hepatic fibrosis in a domestic cat that had been fed a diet based on raw beef liver. Radiographic examination revealed exostoses and ankylosis between vertebrae C1 and T7, compatible with deforming cervical spondylosis. Necropsy showed a slightly enlarged and light yellow to bronze liver. Microscopic and ultrastructural analyses of liver tissues revealed diffuse and severe liver fibrosis associated with hepatic stellate cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy. These cells showed immunopositive staining for α-smooth muscle actin and desmin markers. The necropsy findings of chronic liver disease coupled with osteopathology supported the diagnosis of hypervitaminosis A. PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: As in human hepatology, if there is dietary evidence to support increased intake of vitamin A, then hypervitaminosis A should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic liver disease in cats.

VLDP web server: a powerful geometric tool for analysing protein structures in their environment.

Protein structures are an ensemble of atoms determined experimentally mostly by X-ray crystallography or Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Studying 3D protein structures is a key point for better understanding protein function at a molecular level. We propose a set of accurate tools, for analysing protein structures, based on the reliable method of Voronoi-Laguerre tessellations. The Voronoi Laguerre Delaunay Protein web server (VLDPws) computes the Laguerre tessellation on a whole given system first embedded in solvent. Through this fine description, VLDPws gives the following data: (i) Amino acid volumes evaluated with high precision, as confirmed by good correlations with experimental data. (ii) A novel definition of inter-residue contacts within the given protein. (iii) A measure of the residue exposure to solvent that significantly improves the standard notion of accessibility in some cases. At present, no equivalent web server is available. VLDPws provides output in two complementary forms: direct visualization of the Laguerre tessellation, mostly its polygonal molecular surfaces; files of volumes; and areas, contacts and similar data for each residue and each atom. These files are available for download for further analysis. VLDPws can be accessed at http://www.dsimb.inserm.fr/dsimb_tools/vldp.

Phα1ß toxin prevents capsaicin-induced nociceptive behavior and mechanical hypersensitivity without acting on TRPV1 channels.

Phα1ß toxin is a peptide purified from the venom of the armed spider Phoneutria nigriventer, with markedly antinociceptive action in models of acute and persistent pain in rats. Similarly to ziconotide, its analgesic action is related to inhibition of high voltage activated calcium channels with more selectivity for N-type. In this study we evaluated the effect of Phα1ß when injected peripherally or intrathecally in a rat model of spontaneous pain induced by capsaicin. We also investigated the effect of Phα1ß on Ca²âº transients in cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and HEK293 cells expressing the TRPV1 receptor. Intraplantar or intrathecal administered Phα1ß reduced both nocifensive behavior and mechanical hypersensitivity induced by capsaicin similarly to that observed with SB366791, a specific TRPV1 antagonist. Peripheral nifedipine and mibefradil did also decrease nociceptive behavior induced by intraplantar capsaicin. In contrast, ω-conotoxin MVIIA (a selective N-type Ca²âº channel blocker) was effective only when administered intrathecally. Phα1ß, MVIIA and SB366791 inhibited, with similar potency, the capsaicin-induced Ca²âº transients in DRG neurons. The simultaneous administration of Phα1ß and SB366791 inhibited the capsaicin-induced Ca²âº transients that were additive suggesting that they act through different targets. Moreover, Phα1ß did not inhibit capsaicin-activated currents in patch-clamp recordings of HEK293 cells that expressed TRPV1 receptors. Our results show that Phα1ß may be effective as a therapeutic strategy for pain and this effect is not related to the inhibition of TRPV1 receptors.

Flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity of Theobroma grandiflorum (Cupuassu) pulp and seeds.

The ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins content and in vitro antioxidant activity of fresh pulps and seeds of cupuassu, harvested at three different times of the year, and in commercial frozen pulps were evaluated. Lipids, total phenolics contents, and antioxidant activities were the highest in the seeds, followed by fresh and commercial frozen pulps, respectively. The latter also showed a lower content of ascorbic acid (9-13 mg/100 g DW) when compared to fresh pulps (96-111 mg/100 g DW). The 8-O-ß-D-glucuronides and the corresponding 3″-sulfates of isoscutellarein (5,7,8,4'-tetrahydroxyflavone), hypolaetin (5,7,8,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavone), and 8-hydroxychrysoeriol (5,7,8,4'-tetrahydroxy-3'-methoxyflavone), also known as hypoaletin 3'-methyl ether, were identified and quantified (31 mg/g DW) in cupuassu seeds. The same flavonoid profile was present in pulps although in much lower concentrations (0.5 to 2 mg/g DW). The two 8-hydroxychrysoeriol glycosides had not been previously reported in cupuasssu. The content of proanthocyanidin oligomers in seeds (23 mg/g DW), mainly of the epicatechin type, and the mean degree of polymerization (5.5) were calculated. No discernible effect of the harvesting period on the evaluated chemical aspects could be identified. Commercial frozen pulps contained a smaller amount of all these compounds than the fresh pulp, suggesting that these compounds were potentially degraded during processing/storage.

Liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy is improved by enhancing the HGF/Met axis and Akt and Erk pathways after low-power laser irradiation in rats.

A simple, easy, and safe procedure aiming to improve liver regeneration could be of great clinical benefit in critical situations such as major hepatectomy, trauma, or hemorrhage. Low-power laser irradiation (LPLI) has come into a wide range of use in clinical practice by inducing regeneration in healthy and injured tissues. However, the effect of LPLI on the process of liver regeneration, especially those related to the molecular mechanisms, is not fully understood. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the main molecular mechanisms involved in liver regeneration of partially hepatectomized rats exposed to LPLI. We used Wistar male rats, which had their remaining liver irradiated or not with LPLI (wavelength of 632.8 nm and fluence of 65 mW/cm(2)) for 15 min after a 70% hepatectomy. We subsequently investigated hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), Met, Akt, and Erk 1/2 signaling pathways through protein expression and phosphorylation analyses along with cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67) using immunoblotting and histological studies. Our results show that LPLI can improve liver regeneration as shown by increased HGF protein expression and the phosphorylation levels of Met, Akt, and Erk 1/2 accompanied by higher levels of the PCNA and Ki-67 protein in the remnant livers. In summary, our results suggest that LPLI may play a clinical role as a simple, fast, and easy-to-perform strategy in order to enhance the liver regenerative capacity of a small liver remnant after hepatectomy.

The complex nature of mixed farming systems requires multidimensional actions supported by integrative research and development efforts.

Mixed farming systems (MFS) have demonstrated some success by focusing on the use of integrative and holistic mechanisms, and rationally building on and using the natural and local resource base without exhausting it, while enhancing biodiversity, optimizing complementarities between crops and animal systems and finally increasing opportunities in rural livelihoods. Focusing our analysis and discussion on field experiences and empirical knowledge in the Caribbean islands, this paper discusses the opportunities for a change needed in current MFS research-development philosophy. The importance of shifting from fragile/specialized production systems to MFS under current global conditions is argued with an emphasis on the case of Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and the Caribbean. Particular vulnerable characteristics as well as the potential and constraints of SIDS and their agricultural sectors are described, while revealing the opportunities for the 'richness' of the natural and local resources to support authentic and less dependent production system strategies. Examples are provided of the use of natural grasses, legumes, crop residues and agro-industrial by-products. We analyse the requirement for a change in research strategies and initiatives through the development of a complex but necessary multi-/inter-/trans-disciplinary teamwork spirit. We stress as essential the collaboration and active participation of local and regional actors, stakeholders and end-users in the identification of research priorities, as well as the generation, exchange and dissemination of knowledge and technology innovations, while strengthening the leadership roles in the conduct of integrative and participative research and development projects.

Fatty acid composition of muscle and adipose tissues of indigenous Caribbean goats under varying nutritional densities.

The effects of a concentrate diet on growth, carcass fat, and fatty acid (FA) composition of muscle (supraspinatus), perirenal, and intermuscular adipose tissues of Creole goats (n = 32) were evaluated. Goats were fed a tropical green forage Digitaria decumbens ad libitum with no concentrate (G0) or 1 of 3 levels of concentrate: 140 (G100), 240 (G200), and 340 g•d(-1) (G300), respectively. Goats were slaughtered according to the standard procedure at the commercial BW (22 to 24 kg of BW). Goats fed the concentrate diets (G100, G200, and G300) had greater ADG (P < 0.001), cold carcass weights (P < 0.001), and omental (P < 0.01), perirenal (P < 0.01), and intermuscular (P < 0.01) adipose tissues weights. Dietary intake of C18:0, C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6 increased as concentrate supplementation increased (P < 0.001), whereas C18:3n-3 intake was not affected (P > 0.05). Increased concentrate supplementation did not affect (P > 0.05) the proportion of MUFA in all tissues and had very little effect on SFA in perirenal tissue, but increased the PUFA proportion in muscle (P < 0.05). The major effect of feeding increased concentrate was an increase in n-6 PUFA proportions in all tissues (P < 0.001) and, surprisingly, a decrease in n-3 PUFA (P < 0.001). Focusing on FA, which are supposed to have a beneficial or an adverse effect on human health, feeding increased concentrate did not increase the content of any cholesterol-increasing SFA in meat, but increased the n-6/n-3 ratio above 4 when more than 240 g of concentrate was fed per day.

Effect of dietary supplementation on resistance to experimental infection with Haemonchus contortus in Creole kids.

The aim of the present study was to test the effect of dietary supplementation on resistance to experimental infection with Haemonchus contortus in Creole kids. One trial with three replicates involved a total of 154 female kids that were chosen from three successive cohorts of the Creole flock of INRA-Gardel in 2007. The kids were placed into four treatments according to the amount of concentrate they received: G0 (no concentrate and a quality Dichantium spp. hay ad libitum, HAY), G1 (HAY+100g commercial concentrate d(-1)), G2 (HAY+200 g commercial concentrate d(-1)), G3 (HAY+300 g commercial concentrate d(-1)). The G0-G3 groups were infected with a single dose of 10,000 H. contortus third stage larvae (L(3)) at Day 0 (D0). Each infected group was comprised of one half resistant and one half susceptible genetically indexed kids. The average breeding values on egg excretion at 11 months of age were distant of 0.70, 0.65, 0.61 and 0.61 genetic standard deviations in G0, G1, G2 and G3, respectively. The faecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), eosinophilia (EOSI) and dry matter intake (DMI) indices were monitored weekly until 42 days post-infection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was carried out on serum samples to determine the level of IgA anti-H. contortus L(3) crude extracts and adult excretion/secretion products (ESP). The 10,000 L(3) dose received by the kids induced a severe infection: 8000 eggs per gram at the FEC peak, a PCV less than 15% and mortality. Interestingly, the supplemented animals in G3 showed a higher level of EOSI but a lower level of IgA anti-L3 and IgA anti-ESP than non-supplemented animals (G0). Resistant and susceptible kids had significantly different FEC variations within the groups. Susceptible kids had a 1.6 times higher egg output than resistant kids in G0. This difference was not found in the supplemented groups. The results of this study showed that supplementary feeding improved resistance of Creole kids to H. contortus experimental infection.

IL-6 and IL-10 anti-inflammatory activity links exercise to hypothalamic insulin and leptin sensitivity through IKKbeta and ER stress inhibition.

Overnutrition caused by overeating is associated with insulin and leptin resistance through IKKbeta activation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the hypothalamus. Here we show that physical exercise suppresses hyperphagia and associated hypothalamic IKKbeta/NF-kappaB activation by a mechanism dependent upon the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6. The disruption of hypothalamic-specific IL-6 action blocked the beneficial effects of exercise on the re-balance of food intake and insulin and leptin resistance. This molecular mechanism, mediated by physical activity, involves the anti-inflammatory protein IL-10, a core inhibitor of IKKbeta/NF-kappaB signaling and ER stress. We report that exercise and recombinant IL-6 requires IL-10 expression to suppress hyperphagia-related obesity. Moreover, in contrast to control mice, exercise failed to reverse the pharmacological activation of IKKbeta and ER stress in C3H/HeJ mice deficient in hypothalamic IL-6 and IL-10 signaling. Hence, inflammatory signaling in the hypothalamus links beneficial physiological effects of exercise to the central action of insulin and leptin.