Effects of whey protein supplementation on adiposity, body weight, and glycemic parameters: A synthesis of evidence.

AIMS: The aim of this review was to analyze the evidence of whey protein supplementation on body weight, fat mass, lean mass and glycemic parameters in subjects with overweight or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing calorie restriction or with ad libitum intake. DATA SYNTHESIS: Overweight and obesity are considered risk factors for the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases such as T2DM. Calorie restriction is a dietary therapy that reduces weight and fat mass, promotes the improvement of glycemic parameters, and decreases muscle mass. The maintenance of muscle mass during weight loss is necessary in view of its implication in preventing chronic diseases and improving functional capacity and quality of life. The effects of increased protein consumption on attenuating muscle loss and reducing body fat during calorie restriction or ad libitum intake in overweight individuals are discussed. Some studies have demonstrated the positive effects of whey protein supplementation on improving satiety and postprandial glycemic control in short term; however, it remains unclear whether long-term whey protein supplementation can positively affect glycemic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Although whey protein is considered to have a high nutritional quality, its effects in the treatment of overweight, obese individuals and those with T2DM undergoing calorie restriction or ad libitum intake are still inconclusive.

Krill Oil Supplementation Does Not Change Waist Circumference and Sagittal Abdominal Diameter in Overweight Women: A Pilot Balanced, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

An excess of body fat is one of the biggest public health concerns in the world, due to its relationship with the emergence of other health problems. Evidence suggests that supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3) promotes increased lipolysis and the reduction of body mass. Likewise, this clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with krill oil on waist circumference and sagittal abdominal diameter in overweight women. This pilot, balanced, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study was carried out with 26 women between 20 and 59 years old, with a body mass index >25 kg/m2. The participants were divided into the control (CG) (n = 15, 3 g/daily of mineral oil) and krill oil (GK) (n = 16, 3 g/daily of krill oil) groups, and received the supplementation for eight weeks. Food intake variables were obtained using a 24 h food recall. Anthropometric measurements (body mass, body mass index, waist circumference, and sagittal abdominal diameter) and handgrip strength were obtained. After the intervention, no changes were found for the anthropometric and handgrip strength variables (p > 0.05). Regarding food intake, differences were found for carbohydrate (p = 0.040) and polyunsaturated (p = 0.006) fatty acids, with a reduction in the control group and an increase in krill oil. In conclusion, supplementation with krill oil did not reduce the waist circumference and sagittal abdominal diameter. Therefore, more long-term studies with a larger sample size are necessary to evaluate the possible benefits of krill oil supplementation in overweight women.

Uroterapia y mindfulness en el tratamiento de niños con disfunción vesical e intestinal: protocolo para un ensayo clínico.

OBJETIVO: Presentar un protocolo para ensayo clínico controlado y aleatorizado que estudie los resultados de la asociación entre técnicas de uroterapia estándar y mindfulness en la adhesión al programa y reducción de síntomas de disfunción vesical e intestinal en escolares. MÉTODO: Presentación descriptiva del protocolo. RESULTADOS: El grupo de control deberá recibir orientaciones de medidas comportamentales gradualmente en visitas semanales, durante cuatro semanas. Tales medidas deberán contemplar: control de la ingesta de agua, intervalo de evacuación, ingestión de potenciales irritantes de la vejiga, y entrenamiento muscular del fondo pélvico. El grupo experimental deberá ser sometido al mismo protocolo, además de las técnicas de atención plena (mindfulness), previamente al inicio de cada consulta de uroterapia. CONCLUSIÓN: Se espera estimular la aplicación de este protocolo en diferentes escenarios y así evaluar la contribución de la práctica de atención plena en la adhesión al tratamiento y en la reducción de síntomas.

Acute supplementation with whey protein or collagen does not alter appetite in healthy women: a randomised double-blind and crossover pilot study.

Protein quality has an important role in increasing satiety. Evidence suggests that whey protein (WP) provides satiety via gastrointestinal hormone secretion. Hydrolysed collagen supplementation can also stimulate the production of incretins and influence satiety and food intake. Thus, we sought to compare the effect of acute supplementation of WP or hydrolysed collagen on post-intervention appetite and energy consumption. This was a randomised, double-blind, crossover pilot study with ten healthy adult women (22·4 years/old) who were submitted to acute intake (single dose) of a beverage containing WP (40 g of concentrated WP) or hydrolysed collagen (40 g). Subjective appetite ratings (feelings of hunger, desire to eat and full stomach) were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), energy intake was quantified by ad libitum cheese bread consumption 2 hours after supplementation and blood was collected for leptin and glucose determination. There was no difference between treatment groups in the perception of hunger (P = 0·983), desire to eat (P = 0·326), full stomach feeling (P = 0·567) or food consumption (P = 0·168). Leptin concentrations at 60 min post supplementation were higher when subjects received hydrolysed collagen (P = 0·006). Acute supplementation with hydrolysed collagen increased leptin levels in comparison with WP, but had no effect on appetite measured by feelings of hunger, desire to eat, full stomach feeling (VAS) or energy consumption.

Natural carbohydrate-based thermosensitive chitosan/pectin adsorbent for removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions.

Biodegradable and eco-friendly adsorbents composed of natural carbohydrates have been used to replace carbon-based materials. This study presents a natural carbohydrate-based chitosan/pectin (CS/Pec) hydrogel adsorbent to remove Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. The physical CS/Pec hydrogel was prepared by blending aqueous CS and Pec solutions at 65 °C, preventing the use of toxic chemistries (crosslinking agents). The thermosensitive CS/Pec hydrogel was quickly created by cooling CS/Pec blend at room temperature. The used strategy created stable CS/Pec hydrogel against disintegration and water dissolution. The as-prepared hydrogel was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The adsorbent had 1.688 mmol -COO- for each gram. These ionized sites bind Pb(II) ions, promoting their adsorption. The adsorption kinetic and equilibrium studies indicated that the Elovich and pseudo-second-order models adjusted well to the experimental data, respectively. The maximum removal capacities (qm) predicted by the Langmuir and Sips isotherms achieved 108.2 and 97.55 mg/g at 0.83 g/L adsorbent dosage (pH 4.0). The hydrogel/Pb(II) pair was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray dispersive energy (EDS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The chemisorption seems to play an essential role in the Pb(II) adsorption. Therefore, the adsorbent was not recovered, showing low potential for reusability.

Characterization of the Activity of Croton tiglium Oil in Hetter's Very Heavy Phenol-Croton Oil Chemical Peels.

BACKGROUND: Croton oil (CO) is used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons in deep chemical peels. It is mixed with phenol, water, and a soap in Baker-Gordon's or Hetter's formulas. There is controversy as to whether CO or phenol is the active agent in the dermal effect of deep chemical peels. OBJECTIVE: To better clarify the role of CO in deep peels, by identification of active compounds in commercially available CO in the United States and biological effects in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry on CO and a domestic pig model experiment using 3 different formulas: G1: 5% Septisol (SEP), G2: 1.6% croton oil in 35% phenol with 5% SEP, and G3: 35% phenol with 5% SEP. RESULTS: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry indicated the presence of phorbol esters. G1 was null overall. Extent of the coagulative necrosis: G2 > G3. Vascular ectasia: G2 > G3. Inflammation pattern: intense neutrophilic inflammatory band in G2 versus mild, sparse, perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrate in G3. Neocollagenesis: pronounced in G2, negligible in G3. CONCLUSION: Coagulative necrosis of the epidermis, superficial fibroblasts, and vasculature can be attributed to the action of phenol. Phorbol esters on CO could be responsible for the dense deep acute inflammation and the distinctive neocollagenesis.

Inspiratory muscle training reduces dyspnea during activities of daily living and improves inspiratory muscle function and quality of life in patients with advanced lung disease.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of an inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program on dyspnea during activities of daily living, inspiratory muscle function, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with advanced lung disease (ALD).Methods: Pre-post interventional study in which patients with ALD from the Advanced Lung Disease and Pre Lung Transplantation Ambulatory Clinic were included. Patients performed home-based high-intensity interval IMT for 8 weeks (two sessions per day, daily). In each session, patients performed two sets of 30 breaths, with a 2-min rest between sets. Dyspnea during activities of daily life, primary outcome - assessed by the London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale-LCADL, inspiratory muscle function (MIP and endurance test), distance on the 6-min walking test [6MWD], and quality of life (St George Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ]) were measured pre-IMT, post-IMT, and 3 months after the intervention (follow-up).Results: Dyspnea during activities of daily living significantly decreased after 8 weeks of IMT (LCADLpre = 31.5 [IQR = 23-37.25], LCADLpost = 26 [IQR = 20.75-32], LCADLfollow-up = 30.5 [IQR = 20-35]; p < .03). After IMT, there was an improvement in inspiratory muscle strength (p < .001) and endurance (p < .001). Functional capacity evaluated using the 6MWD increased but did not reach significance (p = .79) There was also a significant improvement in quality of life, as demonstrated by the SGRQ (p < .004).Conclusions: Our results suggest that IMT was able to reduce dyspnea during activities of daily living, as well as improve inspiratory muscle function, and quality of life in patients with ADL, and these benefits were sustained for 3 months.

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on resting breathing pattern in patients with advanced lung disease.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of interval high intensity inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on resting breathing pattern in patients with advanced lung disease. METHODS: IMT was performed daily and training load set at 50 % of the maximal inspiratory pressure. Participants were evaluated at pre-IMT, post 8 weeks of IMT and follow-up (3 months after the end of IMT). Breathing pattern (volume and time variables as well as percentages of contribution to tidal volume) was evaluated by Optoelectronic Plethysmography at rest. Friedman test was used to verify the differences between the three time-points (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Nineteen patients (54 ± 16 years old; 5 males) were evaluated at pre-IMT and post-IMT and fourteen were assessed at follow-up. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in any comparison for all evaluated breathing pattern variables at the three time-points. CONCLUSION: Resting breathing pattern was not significantly changed after 8 weeks of IMT in patients with advanced lung disease.

A galactose-rich heteropolysaccharide extracted from "jaboticaba" (Plinia cauliflora) peels.

The objective of this work was to extract, identify and characterize a galactose-rich heteropolysaccharide (GH) from "jaboticaba" peel. The best conditions to extract the GH according to a 23 full-factorial experimental design were 90 °C/30 min/pH 1.0, resulting in a 32.32 % yield using lyophilized sample. The chemical structure analyzed by GC/MS and NMR spectra (HSQC/HSQC-TOCSY) showed that the main chain of GH consists of a (1→4) galactoside branched at carbon 3, containing galactose (67.21 %), glucose (15.78 %), arabinose (9.78 %), rhamnose (2.26 %) and traces of esterified and non-esterified uronic acids. Rheological studies revealed that GH suspensions behave as a Newtonian fluid, with calculated molecular mass of 1.48 × 105 Da. The absolute viscosity of 1 % (w/v) aqueous suspension of GH decreased from 25 mPa s to 10 mPa s in NaCl and 7 mPa s in CaCl2, indicating the polyelectrolyte character of GH.

Chemical composition and lipid profile of mare colostrum and milk of the quarter horse breed.

The objective of this study was to characterize the chemical composition and lipid profile of colostrum and milk of purebred Quarter Horse mares. Thirty-four (34) purebred mares were selected, which were then separated into groups according to age, birth order and lactation stage. Colostrum samples were collected in the first six hours after delivery and milk samples from the 7th postpartum day, with intervals of 14 days until the end of lactation. The samples were refrigerated and sent to the Milk Laboratory of the University (Laboleite-UFRN), where they were analyzed for chemical composition. Colostrum was assessed by refractometry. The lipid profile was determined by gas chromatography through a separation of methyl esters. The data were tabulated and subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance by the F-Test, and the groups were compared by the Tukey test using a significance level of 5%. There was high protein content and reduced lactose content for the colostrum of the Quarter Horse mares, differing from other breeds. The milk composition was not influenced by the mares' age. However, variations in the lactation stage and in the birth order of the Quarter Horse mares altered the milk's chemical composition. There is variation in the lipid composition of milk according to the lactation stage, without changing the characteristic profile of the mares' milk or diminishing the nutritional quality of the lipid fraction.

Increased lipopolysaccharide-induced hypothermia in neurogenic hypertension is caused by reduced hypothalamic PGE2 production and increased heat loss.

KEY POINTS: The mechanisms involved in hypothermia and fever during systemic inflammation (SI) remain largely unknown. Our data support the contention that brain-mediated mechanisms are different in hypertension during SI. Considering that, clinically, it is not easy to assess all mechanisms involved in cardiovascular and thermoregulatory control during SI, the present study sheds light on these integrated mechanisms that may be triggered simultaneously in septic hypertensive patients. The result obtained demonstrate that, in lipopolysaccharide-induced SI, an increased hypothermia is observed in neurogenic hypertension, which is caused by reduced hypothalamic prostaglandin E2 production and increased heat loss in conscious rats. Therefore, the results of the present study provide useful insight for clinical trials evaluating the thermoregulatory outcomes of septic patients with hypertension. ABSTRACT: Hypertension is a prevalent disease characterized by autonomic-induced elevated and sustained blood pressure levels and abnormal body core temperature (Tb) regulation. The present study aimed to determine the brain-mediated mechanisms involved in the thermoregulatory changes observed during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation (SI; at a septic-like model) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We combined Tb and skin temperature (Tsk) analysis, assessment of prostaglandin (PG) E2 levels (the proximal mediator of fever) in the anteroventral region of the hypothalamus (AVPO; an important site for Tb control), oxygen consumption analysis, cardiovascular recordings, assays of inflammatory markers, and evaluation of oxidative stress in the plasma and brain of male Wistar rats and SHR that had received LPS (1.5 mg kg-1 ) or saline. LPS induced hypothermia followed by fever in Wistar rats, whereas, in SHR, a maintained hypothermia without fever were observed. These thermoregulatory responses were associated with an increased heat loss in SHR compared to Wistar rats. We measured LPS-induced increased PGE2 levels in the AVPO in Wistar rats, but not in SHR. The LPS-induced drop in blood pressure was higher in SHR than in Wistar rats. Furthermore, LPS-induced plasma and brain [regions involved in autonomic control: nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM)] cytokine surges were blunted, whereas oxidative stress was higher in SHR. LPS-induced SI leads to blunted cytokine surges both systemically (plasma) and centrally (NTS and RVLM) and reduced hypothalamic PGE2 production, which are all associated with increased hypothermia mediated by increased heat loss, but not by heat production, in SHR.

Increased hypothalamic hydrogen sulphide contributes to endotoxin tolerance by down-modulating PGE2 production.

AIM: Whereas some patients have important changes in body core temperature (Tb) during systemic inflammation, others maintain a normal Tb, which is intrinsically associated to immune paralysis. One classical model to study immune paralysis is the use of repeated administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the so-called endotoxin tolerance. However, the neuroimmune mechanisms of endotoxin tolerance remain poorly understood. Hydrogen sulphide (H2 S) is a gaseous neuromodulator produced in the brain by the enzyme cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS). The present study assessed whether endotoxin tolerance is modulated by hypothalamic H2 S. METHODS: Rats with central cannulas (drug microinjection) and intraperitoneal datalogger (temperature record) received a low-dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 µg kg-1 ) daily for four consecutive days. Hypothalamic CBS expression and H2 S production rate were assessed, together with febrigenic signalling. Tolerant rats received an inhibitor of H2 S synthesis (AOA, 100 pmol 1 µL-1 icv) or its vehicle in the last day. RESULTS: Antero-ventral preoptic area of the hypothalamus (AVPO) H2 S production rate and CBS expression were increased in endotoxin-tolerant rats. Additionally, hypothalamic H2 S inhibition reversed endotoxin tolerance reestablishing fever, AVPO and plasma PGE2 levels without altering the absent plasma cytokines surges. CONCLUSION: Endotoxin tolerance is not simply a reflection of peripheral reduced cytokines release but actually results from a complex set of mechanisms acting at multiple levels. Hypothalamic H2 S production modulates most of these mechanisms.

Propargylglycine decreases neuro-immune interaction inducing pain response in temporomandibular joint inflammation model.

The mechanisms underlying temporomandibular disorders following orofacial pain remain unclear. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a newly identified gasotransmitter, has been reported to modulate inflammation. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) is responsible for the systemical production of H2S, which exerts both pro- and antinociceptive effects through inflammation. In the current study, we investigated whether the endogenous H2S production pathway contributes to arousal and maintenance of orofacial inflammatory pain, through the investigation of the effects of a CSE inhibitor, propargyglycine (PAG), in a rat CFA (Complete Freund Adjuvant)-induced temporomandibular inflammation model to mimic persistent pain in the orofacial region. For this, rats received either CFA or saline in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), and after 3 or 14 days, they received a single injection of PAG or saline and were evaluated for nociception with the von Frey and formalin test. Also, pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were analyzed in TMJs and trigeminal ganglion (TG). In this last one, glial cells reactivity was also verified. Endogenous H2S production rate were measured in both, TMJ and TG. Our results indicated decreased allodynia and hyperalgesic responses in rats submitted to CFA after injection of PAG. Moreover, PAG inhibited leucocyte migration to temporomandibular synovial fluid after 3 and 14 days of inflammation. PAG was able to reduce levels of CBS, CSE, TNF-α, and IL-1ß in the TMJ and TG, after 13 days of CFA injection. The observed increased activation of glial cells in the trigeminal ganglia on the 14th day of inflammation can be prevented by the highest dose of PAG. Finally, CBS and CSE expression, and endogenous H2S production rate in the TMJ and TG was found higher in rats with persistent temporomandibular inflammation compared to rats injected with saline and PAG was able to prevent this elevation. Our results elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which H2S exerts its pro-inflammatory and pro-nociceptive role in the orofacial region by alterations in both local tissue and TG.

Whey Protein Supplementation Compared to Collagen Increases Blood Nesfatin Concentrations and Decreases Android Fat in Overweight Women: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.

Protein supplements are usually used to control body weight, however, the impact of protein quality on body fat attenuation is unknown. We investigated the effects of isocaloric isoproteic supplementation of either whey protein (WG) or hydrolysed collagen supplementation (CG) on dietary intake, adiposity and biochemical markers in overweight women. METHODS: In this randomized double-blind study, 37 women, [mean ± SE, age 40.6 ± 1.7 year; BMI (kg/m2) 30.9 ± 0.6], consumed sachets containing 40 g/day of concentrated whey protein (25 g total protein, 2.4 leucine, 1.0 valine, 1.5 isoleucine, n = 17) or 38 g/day of hydrolysed collagen (26 g total protein, 1.02 leucine, 0.91 valine, 0.53 isoleucine, n = 20) in the afternoon snack. The compliance was set at >70% of the total theoretical doses. The dietary intake was evaluated by a 6-day food record questionnaire. At the beginning and after eight weeks of follow-up, body composition was evaluated by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and lipid profile, insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, leptin and nesfastin plasma concentrations were analyzed. RESULTS: Supplements were isocaloric and isoproteic. There were no differences in caloric intake (p = 0.103), protein (p = 0.085), carbohydrate (p = 0.797) and lipids (p = 0.109) intakes. The branched chain amino acids (BCAA) (GC: 1.8 ± 0.1 g vs. WG: 5.5 ± 0.3 g, p < 0.001) and leucine intake (CG: 0.1 ± 0.1 g vs. WG: 2.6 ± 0.1 g, p < 0.001) were higher in WG compared to CG. BMI increased in the CG (0.2 ± 1.1 kg/m2, p = 0.044) but did not change in WG. WG decreased the android fat (-0.1 ± 0.3 kg, p = 0.031) and increased nesfatin concentrations (4.9 ± 3.2 ng/mL, p = 0.014) compared to CG. CONCLUSIONS: Whey protein supplementation in overweight women increased nesfatin concentrations and could promote increase of resting metabolic rate as part of body composition improvement programs compared to collagen supplementation for 8 weeks. Additionally, our findings suggest that collagen may not be an effective supplement for overweight women who are attempting to alter body composition.

Central leukotrienes modulate fever tolerance to LPS in rats.

Leukotrienes mediate several inflammatory events such as neutrophil chemoattraction, leukocyte adhesion, and central-release of cytokines and fever. However, there is no information available about their putative role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tolerance. The rational of the present study was to find out if central leukotrienes are involved in the development of LPS tolerance. Thus, we inhibited central leukotriene synthesis in tolerant rats using a pharmacological tool, i.e., a selective inhibitor of leukotriene synthesis MK-886 injected into the third ventricle (3V) of rats. Body core temperature (Tb) was measured using a datalogger placed inside the abdominal cavity. A low-dose of LPS (100 µg/kg ip) was given for 4 consecutive days to induce LPS tolerance. At day 4, rats received a microinjection of MK-886 into the 3V immediately before LPS, whereas control groups were treated with vehicle (saline). We observed that LPS failed to induce plasma cytokines surges, increased hypothalamic PGE2 levels and fever 3 days post LPS treatment, aptly characterizing the tolerance. When MK-886 was given to control rats treated with saline, no significant change in Tb was observed. However, a full LPS-induced fever was observed in tolerant rats pretreated with MK-886, which was associated with an enhancement in the hypothalamic PGE2 levels, that were not accompanied by plasma cytokines (IL-1ß, and IL-6) and PGE2 surges. These data are consistent with the notion that central leukotrienes play a role in fever tolerance to LPS.

Acute Epigallocatechin 3 Gallate (EGCG) Supplementation Delays Gastric Emptying in Healthy Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study.

Background: Epigallocatechin 3 Gallate (EGCG) appears to act in appetite control through hormonal modulation. However, there is a lack of elucidation of EGCG's action mechanisms, especially in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute EGCG supplementation on gastric emptying and its relation to blood hormones, glucose and appetite perceptions in healthy women. Methods: 22 healthy adult women were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. On two separate occasions, 1 week apart from each other, we offered 800 mg of corn starch (placebo) or 752 mg of EGCG. Appetite was assessed through gastric emptying; perceptions of hunger, desire to eat and satiation; and plasma insulin, adiponectin, leptin and glucose concentrations. The evaluations were carried out in fasting, 30, 90 and 150 min after supplementation. Results: EGCG supplementation induced higher relative gastric volume at 30 and 90 min. Satiation at 90 min was higher in the EGCG group. Adiponectin concentrations at 150 min were higher with EGCG, but no difference was found for glucose, insulin and leptin concentrations. Conclusions: Acute EGCG supplementation is able to delay gastric emptying in healthy women to a small, but statistically significant extent. This study was registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) as RBR-9svwrv.

Quercetin treatment regulates the Na+,K+-ATPase activity, peripheral cholinergic enzymes, and oxidative stress in a rat model of demyelination.

Quercetin is reported to exert a plethora of health benefits through many different mechanisms of action. This versatility and presence in the human diet has attracted the attention of the scientific community, resulting in a huge output of in vitro and in vivo (preclinical) studies. Therefore, we hypothesized that quercetin can protect Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the central nervous system, reestablish the peripheral cholinesterases activities, and reduce oxidative stress during demyelination events in rats. In line with this expectation, our study aims to find out how quercetin acts on the Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the central nervous system, peripheral cholinesterases, and stress oxidative markers in an experimental model of demyelinating disease. Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: vehicle, quercetin, ethidium bromide (EB), and EB plus quercetin groups. The animals were treated once a day with vehicle (ethanol 20%) or quercetin 50 mg/kg for 7 (demyelination phase, by gavage) or 21 days (remyelination phase) after EB (0.1%, 10 µL) injection (intrapontine).The encephalon was removed, and the pons, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum were dissected to verify the Na+,K+-ATPase activity. Our results showed that quercetin protected against reduction in Na+,K+-ATPase in the pons and cerebellum in the demyelination phase, and it increased the activity of this enzyme in the remyelination phase. During the demyelination, quercetin promoted the increase in acetylcholinesterase activity in whole blood and lymphocytes induced by EB, and it reduced the increase in acetylcholinesterase activity in lymphocytes in the remyelination phase. On day 7, EB increased the superoxide dismutase and decreased catalase activities, as well as increased the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels. Taken together, these results indicated that quercetin regulates the Na+,K+-ATPase activity, affects the alterations of redox state, and participates in the reestablishment of peripheral cholinergic activity during demyelinating and remyelination events.

Acute Caffeinated Coffee Consumption Does not Improve Time Trial Performance in an 800-m Run: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover, Placebo-Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies evaluating caffeinated coffee (CAF) can reveal ergogenic effects; however, studies on the effects of caffeinated coffee on running are scarce and controversial. AIM: To investigate the effects of CAF consumption compared to decaffeinated coffee (DEC) consumption on time trial performances in an 800-m run in overnight-fasting runners. METHODS: A randomly counterbalanced, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 12 healthy adult males with experience in amateur endurance running. Participants conducted two trials on two different occasions, one day with either CAF or DEC, with a one-week washout. After arriving at the data collection site, participants consumed the soluble CAF (5.5 mg/kg of caffeine) or DEC and after 60 min the run was started. Before and after the 800-m race, blood pressure and lactate and glucose concentrations were measured. At the end of the run, the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scale was applied. RESULTS: The runners were light consumers of habitual caffeine, with an average ingestion of 91.3 mg (range 6⁻420 mg/day). Time trial performances did not change between trials (DEF: 2.38 + 0.10 vs. CAF: 2.39 + 0.09 min, p = 0.336), nor did the RPE (DEC: 16.5 + 2.68 vs. CAF: 17.0 + 2.66, p = 0.326). No difference between the trials was observed for glucose and lactate concentrations, or for systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. CONCLUSION: CAF consumption failed to enhance the time trial performance of an 800-m run in overnight-fasting runners, when compared with DEC ingestion. In addition, no change was found in RPE, blood pressure levels, or blood glucose and lactate concentrations between the two trials.

The therapeutic potential of cystathionine gamma-lyase in temporomandibular inflammation-induced orofacial hypernociception.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous neuromodulator produced mainly by the enzyme cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) in peripheral tissues. A pronociceptive role of endogenously produced H2S has been previously reported by our group in a model of orofacial inflammatory pain. Using the established persistent orofacial pain rat model induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection into temporomandibular joint (TMJ), we have now investigated the putative role of endogenous H2S modulating hypernociceptive responses. Additionally, plasmatic extravasation on TMJ was measured following different treatments by Evans blue dye quantification. Thus, rats were submitted to Von Frey and Formalin tests in orofacial region before and after pharmacological inhibition of the CSE-H2S system combined or not with CFA-induced TMJ inflammation. Pretreatment with CSE inhibitor, propargylglycine (PAG; 88.4 µmol/kg) reduced temporomandibular inflammatory pain when injected locally as well as systemically. In particular, local PAG injection seems to be more effective for hypernociceptive responses in orofacial persistent inflammation since its action is evidenced in the majority analyzed periods of the inflammatory process compared to its systemic use. Moreover, local injection seems to act on temporomandibular vascular permeability, evidenced by decreased plasmatic extravasation induced by local PAG administration. Our data are consistent with the notion that the endogenous synthetized gas H2S modulates persistent orofacial pain responses revealing the pharmacological importance of the CSE inhibitor as a possible therapeutic target for their control.

Functional and genetic characterization of hydrocarbon biodegrader and exopolymer-producing clones from a petroleum reservoir metagenomic library.

Microbial degradation of petroleum is a worldwide issue, which causes physico-chemical changes in its compounds, diminishing its commercial value. Biosurfactants are chemically diverse molecules that can be produced by several microorganisms and can enable microbial access to hydrocarbons. In order to investigate both microbial activities, function-driven screening assays for biosurfactant production and hydrocarbon biodegradation were carried out from a metagenomic fosmid library. It was constructed from the total DNA extracted from aerobic and anaerobic enrichments from a Brazilian biodegraded petroleum sample. A sum of 10 clones were selected in order to evaluate their ability to produce exopolymers (EPS) with emulsifying activity, as well as to characterize the gene sequences, harbored by the fosmid clones, through 454 pyrosequencing. Functional analyses confirmed the ability of some clones to produce surfactant compounds. Regarding hydrocarbon as microbial carbon sources, n-alkane (in mixture or not) and naphthalene were preferentially consumed as substrates. Analysis of sequence data set revealed the presence of genes related to xenobiotics biodegradation and carbohydrate metabolism. These data were corroborated by the results of hydrocarbon biodegradation and biosurfactant production detected in the evaluated clones.