Ameliorative Effect of Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) against Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Albino Rats.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Lead is defined as a severe adverse metal that induces neurological, renal, haematological and hepatic dysfunctions. It stimulates oxidative stress to disrupt the antioxidative enzyme mechanism, organ structure and lipid membranes of the cell. Kiwifruit (<i>Actinidia deliciosa</i>) is amongst the world's most valuable fruits due to its various pharmacological characteristics and health benefits. The present research was intended to observe the antioxidant efficiency of kiwifruit ethanolic extract on lead toxicity in the hepatic, renal, brain and blood tissues in rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Twenty-four adult Wister albino rats were classified into 4 groups with 6 rats within each group. The rats in group I functioned as normal control. Animals within group II, III and IV were given three intraperitoneal doses of lead acetate (25 mg kg¹ b.wt., liquefied in distilled H₂O as a vehicle) on the day 7th, 14th and 21st of the experiment. Group III and IV were the treatment groups and were treated with a daily oral dose of kiwifruit extract (250 and 500 mg kg¹ b.wt., respectively) for 28 days. <b>Results:</b> The protective impact of kiwifruit was observed in the improvement in antioxidant enzyme activity [Catalase (CAT), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione Reductase (GR)] and decreased level of Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) in the liver, brain and kidney tissues. Additionally, <i>Actinidia deliciosa</i> has a great effect on increasing acetylcholine esterase activity in the brain and also, improved the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in the blood. <b>Conclusion:</b> Kiwifruit emerged as an effective factor for the alleviation of lead-induced oxidative damage in cells.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy: molecular mechanisms, detrimental effects of conventional treatment, and beneficial effects of natural therapy.

ABSTARCT: Diabetic complications are among the largely exigent health problems currently. Cardiovascular complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), account for more than 80% of diabetic deaths. Investigators are exploring new therapeutic targets to slow or abate diabetes because of the growing occurrence and augmented risk of deaths due to its complications. Research on rodent models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the use of genetic engineering techniques in mice and rats have significantly sophisticated for our understanding of the molecular mechanisms in human DCM. DCM is featured by pathophysiological mechanisms that are hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, left ventricular hypertrophy, damaged left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions, myocardial fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction, myocyte cell death, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. A number of molecular and cellular pathways, such as cardiac ubiquitin proteasome system, FoxO transcription factors, hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, polyol pathway, protein kinase C signaling, NF-κB signaling, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling, Nrf2 pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, and micro RNAs, play a major role in DCM. Currently, there are a few drugs for the management of DCM and some of them have considerable adverse effects. So, researchers are focusing on the natural products to ameliorate it. Hence, in this review, we discuss the pathogical, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of DCM; the current diagnostic methods and treatments; adverse effects of conventional treatment; and beneficial effects of natural product-based therapeutics, which may pave the way to new treatment strategies. Graphical Abstract.

Effects of red wine, grape juice and resveratrol consumption on bone parameters of Wistar rats submitted to high-fat diet and physical training / Efectos del consumo de vino rojo, jugo de uva y reservatrol sobre los parámetros óseos de las ratas Wistar presentadas con dieta rica en grasas y entrenamiento físico

Introduction: intake of diets with high saturated fat may produce deleterious effects on bone mineralization. Lifestyle changes help reduce the bone loss observed in osteoporosis. Resveratrol, present in grape juice and red wine, has osteogenic and osteoinductive effects, being potentially beneficial for bone health. Objective: to evaluate the effects of red grape juice, red wine and resveratrol consumption on bone parameters in Wistar rats submitted to a high-fat diet and physical training. Method: female Wistar rats, with 90 days of age, were divided into five groups and followed up for 60 days: a) control group; b) high-fat group; c) grape juice group; d) red wine group; and e) resveratrol group. The different groups of animals performed a physical training protocol. Animal's weight and consumption were monitored weekly. After 60 days, femoral dimensions, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were evaluated. Results: there was no difference in body mass; however, all groups consuming the high-fat diet had higher consumption (p < 0.05). RWG presented a greater distance between the epiphyses, femoral mass and BMC (p < 0.05). RWG and RG presented greater mean diaphysis point width and BMD (p < 0.05). Conclusion: the results suggest that the bioactive compounds present in red wine and resveratrol solution together with regular exercise were able to promote beneficial effects on bone health, even when associated with a high saturated fat diet

Introducción: el consumo de dietas ricas en grasas saturadas puede producir efectos nocivos sobre la mineralización ósea. Los cambios en el estilo de vida ayudan en la reducción de la pérdida ósea que se produce en la osteoporosis. El resveratrol, presente en el zumo de uva y el vino tinto, tiene efectos osteogénicos y osteoinductores, y es potencialmente beneficioso para la salud ósea. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos del consumo de zumo de uva roja, vino tinto y resveratrol sobre los parámetros óseos en ratas sometidas a una dieta alta en grasa y entrenamiento físico. Métodos: ratas Wistar, hembras, con 90 días, fueron divididas en cinco grupos y monitorizadas durante 60 días: a) grupo de control; b) grupo hiperlipidemia; c) grupo zumo de uva roja; d) grupo de vino tinto; y e) grupo de resveratrol. Los distintos grupos de animales fueron sometidos a un protocolo de entrenamiento físico. El peso y el consumo de los animales se monitorizaron semanalmente. Después de 60 días, se evaluaron el tamaño del fémur, la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y el contenido mineral óseo (CMO). Resultados: no hubo diferencias en el consumo, sin embargo, todos los grupos que consumieron la dieta rica en grasas tenían un mayor consumo (p < 0,05). GV tenía una mayor distancia entre las epífisis, mayor tamaño del fémur y un mayor CMO (p < 0,05). SGS y GR tenía mayor anchura media de diáfisis y una mayor DMO (p < 0,05). Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que los compuestos bioactivos presentes en el vino tinto y la solución de resveratrol, combinados con el ejercicio físico regular, fueron capaces de promover efectos beneficiosos sobre la salud ósea, incluso cuando se asocian con una dieta alta en grasas saturadas

Supplementation of grape seed and skin extract to orlistat therapy prevents high-fat diet-induced murine spleen lipotoxicity.

Spleen is the largest lymphoid organ and obesity is related to an elevated risk of immunity dysfunction. The mechanism whereby fat adversely affects the spleen is poorly understood. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) and orlistat (Xenical, Xe) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced spleen lipotoxicity. Obese rats were treated either with GSSE (4 g/kg body weight) or Xe (2 mg/kg body weight) or GSSE+Xe and monitored for weight loss for 3 months. Animals were then sacrificed and their spleen used for the evaluation of lipotoxicity-induced oxidative stress and inflammation as well as the putative protection afforded by GSSE and Xe treatment. HFD induced body weight gain and glycogen accumulation into the spleen; ectopic deposition of cholesterol and triglycerides and an oxidative stress characterized by increased lipoperoxidation and carbonylation; inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase; depletion of zinc and copper; and a concomitant increase in calcium. HFD also increased plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, tumour necrosis factor alpha, and C-reactive protein, and decreased plasma IL-10 and adiponectin. Importantly, GSSE counteracted all the deleterious effects of HFD on spleen (i.e., lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation) and the best protection was obtained when combining Xe+GSSE. Combining GSSE with Xe prevented against fat-induced spleen lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation; this combination may be beneficial in other diseases related to the spleen.

Acute and chronic toxicity and antimicrobial activity of the extract of Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart) Coville / Toxicidade aguda e crônica e atividade antimicrobiana do extrato de Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart) Coville

This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity and acute or chronic toxicity of the extract of Stryphnodendron adstringens. The stem bark dry extract was obtained by static maceration with ethanol. Quantification of tannins was performed by the Folin-Denis method, which indicated a total tannin content of 32.7%. The antimicrobial activity of the dry extract of S. adstringens was evaluated by agar-based disk diffusion assay with Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) in the concentration of 200, 400 and 600µL/mL. The results indicated that 600µL/mL inhibited microbial growth, i.e. had antimicrobial activity against these species. Acute and chronic toxic effects of S. adstringens was evaluated in Wistar rats treated with 200, 400, 600 and 800mg/kg of extract, administrated by gavage. Liver degeneration was observed in the group of rats receiving 800mg/kg in chronic exposure, what may indicate some degree of toxicity at this concentration. However, no systemic toxicity was observed at lower doses. Considering the broad use of S. adstringens as a phytotherapeutic agent for various human and animal diseases and the livertoxicity observed at high concentrations, attention should be paid to the possible adverse effect of using the extract from this plant at high concentration.(AU)

Avaliou-se neste estudo a atividade antimicrobiana e a toxicidades aguda e crônica do extrato da entrecasca de Stryphnodendron adstringens. A partir do extrato seco, obtido através da maceração estática da casca do caule em etanol de cereais, foi realizada a quantificação de taninos totais (32,7%) pelo método de Folin-Denis. A atividade antimicrobiana do extrato seco extraído de cascas do caule de S. adstringens foi avaliada pela técnica de disco-difusão para os micro-organismos Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) e Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) nas concentrações de 200, 400 e 600µL/mL. Os testes de concentração inibitória mínima revelaram que 600µL/mL inibiu o crescimento dos dois micro-organismos testados; o mesmo resultado foi observado para atividade bactericida na concentração de 600µL/mL sobre essas espécies. Efeitos tóxicos sistêmicos agudos e crônicos do extrato seco de S. adstringens administrados por gavagem foram estudados em ratos Wistar, utilizando as doses de 400, 600 e 800mg/kg. Foi observada degeneração hepática no grupo de animais que receberam 800mg/kg tanto no estudo da toxicidade aguda quanto crônica, que pode indicar algum grau de toxicidade de S. adstringens nessa concentração. Considerando o amplo uso de S. adstringens como fitoterápico para humanos e animais, atenção deve ser dispensada para ingestão em altas doses mediante os efeitos tóxicos observados neste estudo.(AU)

Petroselinum Crispum is Effective in Reducing Stress-Induced Gastric Oxidative Damage.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress has been shown to play a principal role in the pathogenesis of stress-induced gastric injury. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) contains many antioxidants such as flavanoids, carotenoids and ascorbic acid. AIMS: In this study, the histopathological and biochemical results of nutrition with a parsley-rich diet in terms of eliminating stress-induced oxidative gastric injury were evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: Animal experimentation. METHODS: Forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups: control, stress, stress + standard diet, stress + parsley-added diet and stress + lansoprazole (LPZ) groups. Subjects were exposed to 72 hours of fasting and later immobilized and exposed to the cold at +4 degrees for 8 hours to create a severe stress condition. Samples from the animals' stomachs were arranged for microscopic and biochemical examinations. RESULTS: Gastric mucosal injury was obvious in rats exposed to stress. The histopathologic damage score of the stress group (7.00±0.57) was higher than that of the control group (1.50±0.22) (p<0.05). Significant differences in histopathologic damage score were found between the stress and stress + parsley-added diet groups (p<0.05), the stress and stress + standard diet groups (p<0.05), and the stress and stress + LPZ groups (p<0.05). The mean tissue malondialdehyde levels of the stress + parsley-added group and the stress + LPZ group were lower than that of the stress group (p<0.05). Parsley supported the cellular antioxidant system by increasing the mean tissue glutathione level (53.31±9.50) and superoxide dismutase (15.18±1.05) and catalase (16.68±2.29) activities. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of parsley is effective in reducing stress-induced gastric injury by supporting the cellular antioxidant defence system.

Screening of Lactobacillus strains for their ability to produce conjugated linoleic acid in milk and to adhere to the intestinal tract.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to provide beneficial effects on health; however, the amount consumed in food is far from that required for the desired effects. Thus, increasing the CLA content in dairy foods through milk fermentation with specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB) offers an interesting alternative. Moreover, some LAB may be able to adhere to the intestinal mucosa and produce CLA through endogenous synthesis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to screen LAB isolates for their ability to produce CLA in skim milk and in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Additionally, the ability of selected CLA-producing LAB to adhere to the intestinal mucosa in a murine model was assessed. Results showed that of 13 strains of Lactobacillus tested, only 4 were able to produce CLA in skim milk supplemented with linoleic acid (13.44 ± 0.78 to 50.9 ± 0.26 µg/mL). Furthermore, these 4 Lactobacillus strains were able to survive and produce CLA in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and to adhere to the intestinal mucosa of Wistar rats after 7 d of oral inoculation with fluorescently labeled bacteria. Accordingly, these 4 Lactobacillus strains may be used to manufacture fermented dairy foods to increase CLA content, and consumption of these fermented milks may result in CLA produced endogenously by these LAB.

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids during gestation and lactation to a vitamin B12-deficient or -supplemented diet improves pregnancy outcome and metabolic variables in Wistar rats.

Maternal vitamin B12 deficiency leads to an adverse pregnancy outcome and increases the risk for developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome in mothers in later life. Our earlier studies have demonstrated that vitamin B12 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are interlinked in the one carbon cycle. The present study for the first time examines the effect of maternal n-3 PUFA supplementation to vitamin B12 deficient or supplemented diets on pregnancy outcome, fatty-acid status and metabolic variables in Wistar rats. Pregnant dams were assigned to one of the following groups: control, vitamin B12 deficient, vitamin B12 supplemented, vitamin B12 deficient + n-3 PUFA or vitamin B12 supplemented + n-3 PUFA. The amount of vitamin B12 in the supplemented group was 0.50 µg kg(-1) diet and n-3 PUFA was alpha linolenic acid (ALA) 1.68, eicosapentaenoic acid 5.64, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 3.15 (g per 100g fatty acids per kg diet). Our findings indicate that maternal vitamin B12 supplementation did not affect the weight gain of dams during pregnancy but reduced litter size and weight and was ameliorated by n-3 PUFA supplementation. Vitamin B12 deficiency or supplementation resulted in a low percentage distribution of plasma arachidonic acid and DHA. n-3 PUFA supplementation to these diets improved the fatty-acid status. Vitamin B12 deficiency resulted in higher homocysteine and insulin levels, which were normalised by supplementation with either vitamin B12 or n-3 PUFA. Our study suggests that maternal vitamin B12 status is critical in determining pregnancy outcome and metabolic variables in dams and that supplementation with n-3 PUFA is beneficial.

Reproductive toxicity of Samanea tubulosa on rats / Toxicidade reprodutiva de Samanea tubulosa em ratos

Samanea tubulosa is a plant used for medicinal and feeding purposes. However, ingestion of S. tubulosa pods has been associated with bovine abortion. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate the effects of diet containing 5% of S. tubulosa pod meal on male and female Wistar rats. Diet was administered to male rats (n = 10) for 60 days before mating. Female rats (n = 10) received the treatment for 30 days, during cohabitation and from gestational day (GD) 0 to GD20. Treated animals were mated with untreated rats. In male rats, plant consumption caused decreased food consumption and 20% fertility index reduction. Litters from treated males presented lower body weight and crownrump length. Female rats treated with the plant increased water and food intake and body weight. Decreases in fertility, fecundity and gestation indices and increase of placenta weight and mean number of corpora lutea were found. Thus, owing to the possible general and reproductive toxic effects, long-term consumption of S. tubulosa is not recommended for phytotherapic or food purposes...

Samanea tubulosa é uma planta utilizada na fitoterapia e na alimentação animal. Entretanto, a ingestão de vagens de S. tubulosa tem sido associada à ocorrência de abortos em bovinos. Assim, o objetivo do trabalho foi investigar os efeitos da dieta contendo 5% de vagens de S. tubulosa em ratos machos e fêmeas Wistar. A dieta foi administrada para ratos machos (n = 10) por 60 dias antes do acasalamento. Ratos fêmeas (n = 10) receberam o tratamento por 30 dias, durante a coabitação e do dia gestacional (GD) 0 ao GD 20. As fêmeas tratadas foram acasaladas com ratos não tratados. Em machos, o consumo da planta causou diminuição no consumo de ração e redução de 20% no índice de fertilidade. A prole de machos tratados apresentou menor ganho de peso e comprimento cabeça cauda. Fêmeas tratadas com a planta apresentaram aumento do consumo de ração e água e do peso corporal. Ainda, foram observadas diminuição na fertilidade, fecundidade e no índice de gestação e aumento do peso da placenta e no número médio de corpos lúteos. Desse modo, em decorrência aos possíveis efeitos tóxicos sistêmicos e reprodutivos, o consumo prolongado de S. tubulosa não é recomendado para fins fitoterápicos ou alimentar...

Influência da suplementação com creatina em indicadores de metabolismo da glucose no músculo esquelético de ratos exercitados / Influencia de la suplementación con creatina sobre indicadores del metabolismo de la glucosa en el músculo esquelético de ratas ejercitadas / Influence of creatine supplementation on indicators of glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle of exercised rats

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of creatine supplementation in the diet on indicators of glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle of exercised rats. Forty Wistar adult rats were distributed into four groups for eight weeks: 1) Control: sedentary rats that received balanced diet; 2) Creatine control: sedentary rats that received supplementation of 2% creatine in the balanced diet; 3) Trained: rats that ran on a treadmill at the Maximal Lactate Steady State and received balanced diet; and 4) Supplemented-trained: rats that ran on a treadmill at the Maximal Lactate Steady State and received creatine supplementation (2%) in the balanced diet. The hydric intake increased and the body weight gain decreased in the supplemented-trained group. In the soleus muscle, the glucose oxidation increased in both supplemented groups. The production of lactate and glycemia during glucose tolerance test decreased in the supplemented-trained group. Creatine supplementation in conjunction with exercise training improved muscular glycidic metabolism of rats.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação de creatina na dieta sobre indicadores do metabolismo glicídico musculoesquelético de ratos exercitados. Quarenta ratos Wistar adultos foram divididos em quatro grupos por oito semanas: Controle: receberam dieta balanceada, mantidos sedentários; Controle Creatina: receberam suplementação de creatina (2%) na dieta balanceada, mantidos sedentários; Treinado: correram em esteira na intensidade da máxima fase estável de lactato e receberam a dieta balanceada e grupo Treinado Suplementado: correram em esteira na intensidade da máxima fase estável de lactato e receberam suplementação de creatina (2%) na dieta balanceada. A ingestão hídrica aumentou e o ganho de massa corporal reduziu no grupo treinado e suplementado. No músculo sóleo, a oxidação de glicose aumentou em ambos os grupos suplementados. A produção de lactato e a glicemia durante teste de tolerância à glicose diminuíram no grupo treinado e suplementado. A suplementação com creatina em conjunto com treinamento físico melhorou metabolismo de glicídico muscular dos ratos.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la suplementación con creatina en la dieta sobre indicadores del metabolismo de glucosa en el músculo esquelético en ratones ejercitados. Cuarenta ratas macho adultas Wistar se dividieron en cuatro grupos de ocho semanas: Control: recibieron dieta equilibrada, mantenido sedentaria; Control Complementado: La suplementación con creatina recibido (2%) en la dieta equilibrada, sedentaria mantenido; Trained: corriendo en una cinta en la intensidad de máximo estado estable de lactato y recibió el grupo de dieta equilibrada y grupo Treinado Complementado: corriendo sobre una cinta rodante a una intensidad máxima de lactato estable y recibieron la suplementación con creatina (2%) en una dieta equilibrada. El consumo de agua aumenta y reducción de la ganancia de peso corporal en la formación y complementado. En el músculo sóleo, la oxidación de la glucosa aumentó en ambos grupos suplementados. La producción de los niveles de lactato y de glucosa durante la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa disminuida en la formación y complementado. La suplementación con creatina en conjunto con el entrenamiento físico mejora el metabolismo de la glucosa en el músculo de los ratones.

Efeitos dos isômeros conjugados do ácido linoleico sobre a peroxidação lipídica em ratos / Effects of conjugated linoleic acid isomers on lipid peroxidation in rats

Ácidos graxos conjugados (AGCs) é o termo geral para descrever os isômeros posicionais e geométricos dos ácidos graxos poliinsaturados com duplas ligações conjugadas. Inúmeros efeitos benéficos para a saúde como: anti-cancerígeno, anti-aterogênicos, anti-adipogênicos e anti-inflamatórios, tem sido atribuídos ao consumo dos AGCs. Entretanto, estudos sobre os efeitos dos AGCs no organismo ainda são inconclusivos e por isso o interesse em pesquisas visando a sua participação em processos fisiológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar em ratos o efeito dos isômeros conjugados do ácido linoleico (9cis, 11trans e 10trans, 12cis) sobre o perfil lipídico tecidual e sua influência sobre parâmetros bioquímicos em processos oxidativos. Não foi possível detectar a atividade antioxidante in vitro dos CLAs. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o FFA-CLA foi capaz de reagir apenas com o radical DPPH. No experimento in vivo uma mistura comercial dos isômeros (9cis, 11trans e 10trans, 12 cis) foi utilizada como fonte de CLAs, e a influência da suplementação desses isômeros, foi avaliada e comparada com um grupo controle suplementado com água e com grupos experimentais suplementados com óleo de soja. O primeiro experimento foi realizado com animais Wistar saudáveis e teve duração de 40 dias, as amostras de ácidos graxos livres de CLAs, (FFACLAs) e óleo de soja foram fornecidas aos animais por meio de entubação orogástrica nas concentrações de 1%, 2% e 4% em relação ao consumo diário de dieta, o grupo controle recebeu 1% de água. A suplementação da dieta dos animais com os CLAs leva ao aumento nos níveis de triglicérides, mas não interfere nos parâmetros de estresse oxidativo, embora haja incorporação dose-dependente nos tecidos hepático, muscular e adiposo, não foram observadas alterações no volume das células adiposas, e na área e diâmetro do tecido muscular. No segundo experimento, com duração de 21 dias, ao avaliar o efeito da suplementação na dose de 2% de CLAs em...

Conjugated fatty acids (CFAs) is the general term to describe positional and geometric isomers of polyunsaturated fatty acids with conjugated double bonds. Many beneficial health effects such as anti-cancer, anti-atherogenic, anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory, has been attributed to the consumption of the CFAs. However, studies on the effects of the CFAs in the body are still inconclusive and therefore the interest in research aimed at their participation in processes physiological. The objective of this study was to evaluate in rats the effect of conjugated linoleic acid isomers (9cis, 11trans and 10trans, 12cis) on lipid profile tissue and its effect on biochemical parameters in oxidative processes. It was not possible to detect the in vitro antioxidant activity of CLAs. The results showed that the free fatty acids of CLAs (FFA-CLAs) was able to react only with the DPPH radical. In in vivo experiment a commercial mixture of isomers (9cis, 11trans and 10trans, 12cis) was used as a source of CLAs and the influence of supplementation of these isomers was evaluated and compared with a control group supplemented with water and experimental groups supplemented with soybean oil. The first experiment was conducted with healthy Wistar and lasted 40 days, samples of FFA-CLA and soybean oil were delivered to animals via orogastric intubation at concentrations of 1%, 2 % and 4% in relation to daily diet, the control group received 1% water. Supplementing the diet with CLAs leads to increased levels of triglycerides, but does not interfere with oxidative stress parameters, although there is a dose-dependent incorporation into liver tissue, muscle and fat, no changes were observed in the volume of fat cells, and in the area and diameter of muscle tissue. In the second experiment, lasting 21 days, to evaluate the effect of supplementation at a dose of 2% of CLAs in Wistar, tha peroxidation induced by treatment with carbon tetrachloride. Could be observed...

Efeitos da ingestão de cafeína, café (Coffea arabica) e chá mate (Ilex paraguariensis) sobre a atividade lipolítica do tecido adiposo e parâmetros metabólicos em ratos submetidos ao exercício físico / Effects of the ingestion of caffeine, coffee (Coffea arabica) and roasted maté tea (Ilex paraguariensis) on the adipose tissue lipolytic activity and metabolic parameters on rats submitted to physical exercise

Introdução. O estoque excessivo de lipídeos no organismo está associado à diversas doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. O exercício físico aumenta a utilização dos lipídeos. A mobilização dos ácidos graxos (AG) é a primeira etapa para que eles sejam utilizados como fonte energética pelo músculo esquelético. Para otimizar esse processo, têm sido estudadas substâncias que poderiam aumentar a lipólise, como a cafeína. O café e o chá-mate contêm cafeína em sua composição. Objetivo. Comparar os efeitos da ingestão de cafeína, café e chá-mate sobre o desempenho físico, parâmetros metabólicos e lipólise em resposta ao exercício físico agudo em esteira rolante, em ratos Wistar. Métodos. O estudo foi divido em etapas 1 (exercício até a exaustão, n=15) e 2 (exercício com duração de 60 minutos, n=45). A amostra foi composta por cinco grupos: controle (C), controle exercício (CE), cafeína exercício (CFNE), café exercício (CAFE) e chá-mate exercício (CME). Na etapa 1, foram comparados o desempenho, as diferenças na massa corporal e na glicemia (pós versus pré-exercício) e a atividade lipolítica. Na etapa 2, foram comparadas as diferenças na massa corporal e na glicemia (pós versus pré-exercício), a atividade lipolítica, o lactato sanguíneo e o glicogênio muscular.Os dados foram apresentados segundo a estatística descritiva (média ± erro padrão). Os dados foram analisados através de modelos gerais lineares e os deltas através da técnica de contrastes ortogonais.Para verificar associação entre as variáveis de interesse foi utilizada a correlação linear de Pearson.Resultados.Na etapa 1 não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos com relação ao desempenho. A massa corporal pós-exercício, quando comparada à pré-exercício, diminuiu nos grupos CE (188 por cento ), CFNE (273 por cento ), CAFE (319 por cento ) e CME (204 por cento ),quando comparados ao C.Não houve diferença para a variação de glicemia entre os grupos.Observou-se aumento de 92 por cento da lipólise no grupo CA...

Carbohydrate-to-fat ratio affects food intake and body weight in Wistar rats.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of carbohydrate-to-fat ratio on body weight and appetite regulation in Wistar rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomized to three dietary groups (n = 8): normal carbohydrate diet (NC), low-carbohydrate diet (LC) and high-carbohydrate diet (HC) for 12 weeks. Body weight and food intake were recorded. Circulating leptin and insulin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay method. The expression levels of leptin receptor, insulin receptor, orexin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related protein (AgRP) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R) in the hypothalamus were also measured by realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the LC group, food intake reduced while body weight increased significantly compared with the NC and HC groups. Plasma leptin levels increased in the LC (18.5 +/- 8.2 ng/mL) group compared with the NC (8.6 +/- 3.8 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and HC (6.6 +/- 1.9 ng/mL, P < 0.001) groups. Realtime reverse transcription-PCR revealed a decrease in the hypothalamic expression level of only leptin receptor in the LC (0.764, 0.471-4.648 copy/mL) and HC (0.357, 0.129-0.781 copy/mL) groups compared with the NC (1.323, 0.616-2.392 copy/mL; P = 0.01) group, and that there was no significant change in those of insulin receptor, AgRP, Orexin, NPY and MC-4R. Low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet raised body weight, which led to a rising of circulating leptin levels and a reduced expression of leptin receptor in the hypothalamus.

Efeito do extrato aquoso de Ilex Paraguariensis sobre o metabolismo de ratos machos / Effect of aqueous extract of Ilex Paraguariensis on the metabolism of male rats

Introdução: Vários estudos têm apontado Ilex paraguariensis (erva-mate) como coadjuvante no manejo da obesidade. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar ingestão alimentar, peso corporal, volume da diurese, quantidade de gordura abdominal, triglicérides e colesterol total plasmáticos de ratos Wistar machos tratados com extrato aquoso de Ilex paraguariensis. Métodos: Formaram-se dois grupos de seis animais cada, um controle e outro tratado. O tratado recebia extrato de Ilex paraguariensis e o controle, água para hidratação. Todos receberam ração padrão. Para o preparo do extrato da erva, misturava-se 1 l de água aquecida à 80ºC e 70 g de erva-mate. Em 15 minutos, essa mistura era coada. Após 8 semanas, os animais foram colocados em gaiolas metabólicas para avaliar a ingestão alimentar e hídrica e o volume de diurese e fezes. Nesse período, foi aferido o peso, foram coletadas amostras de sangue para quantificar triglicérides e colesterol e a gordura abdominal foi dissecada após a morte dos animais. Na análise estatística, foi utilizado o teste t de Student para o tratamento de todos os resultados, e P<0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Ingestão alimentar e hídrica, diurese, fezes e peso dos animais não apresentaram qualquer diferença significativa, assim como os níveis de triglicérides. A quantidade de gordura abdominal, assim como os níveis de colesterol, foram significativamente menor nos animais tratados. Conclusão: O extrato da erva-mate parece ter influência sobre o metabolismo dos lipídios sem interferir no peso corporal nem na ingestão alimentar e hídrica.

Introduction: Some studies have shown Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) as an adjuvant in overweigh treatment. Aim: Our aim was to measure food intake, body weight, urine volume, feces, abdominal fat, triglycerides and cholesterol plasmatic in rats treated with aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis. Methods: We used two groups of six animals each, a control group and a treated group. Animals in the treated group received Ilex paraguariensis in aqueous extract and the controls were given only water for hydration. Both groups received standard food. To prepare the Ilex paraguariensis extract, we mixed 1 L of hot water (80ºC) and 70 g of yerba mate. After 15 minutes, we strained the mixture. After eight weeks, the animals were allocated in metabolic cages to measure food intake, hydration, urine volume and feces. During this time, we also measured body weight, collected blood samples for triglycerides and cholesterol analyses. Abdominal fat was dissected after the animals died. For statistical analyses, we used t student for all data. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: No significant difference was observed in food intake, hydration, urine volume, feces and body weight, as well as triglycerides. The amount of abdominal fat and plasmatic cholesterol was significantly lower in treated animals. Conclusions: The aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis seems to effect in the metabolism of the lipids without modifying body weight, food intake or hydration.

Density and morphometry of overall myenteric neurons population from the duodenum of diabetic rats (Rattus norvegicus) under ascorbic acid supplementation / Densidad y morfometría de la población total de neuronas mientéricas del duodeno de ratones diabéticos (Rattus norvegicus) tratados con ácido ascórbico

The objective of this work was to evaluate the overall myenteric neurons population from the duodenum of adult streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats supplemented with ascorbic acid (AA), a potent antioxidant. Fifteen 90-day-old rats were divided in groups: control (C), diabetic (D), diabetic treated with ascorbic acid (DA). After 120 days of experimental period duodenums were resected and processed as whole-mount preparations according to Giemsa's technique, which allowed us to evaluate neuronal density in an area of 8.96 mm² and measure the area of 500 neuronal cell bodies per group. It was observed a 32.55% reduction in neuronal density of group D when compared to group C (p<0.05). The density of spared neurons in group DA, in relation to group D, was not statistically different in this experimental model. No significant differences were found in neuronal areas when groups C and D or group D and DA were compared (p>0.05). These results lead us to conclude that the density of overall myenteric neurons population from the duodenum was reduced in diabetic rats (D), when compared to its control (C); and that diabetic rats supplemented with AA (DA) did not have their neuronal density preserved when compared to diabetic animals (D).

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la población total de neuronas mientéricas del duodeno de ratones adultos inducidos a diabetes por estreptozotocina, suplementados con ácido ascórbico (AA), un poderoso antioxidante. Quince ratones con 90 días de edad fueron divididos en los grupos: control (C), diabético (D) y diabético tratados con ácido ascórbico (DA). Después de 120 días de tratamiento con AA, los duodenos fueron resecados y procesados con el método de Giemsa, el cual permitió evaluar la densidad neuronal, en un área de 8,96 mm², y medir el área del soma de 500 neuronas por grupo. Se observó una reducción de 32,55% de la densidad neuronal del grupo D con respecto grupo C (p<0,05). La densidad de las neuronas observada en el grupo DA, en relación con el grupo D, no fue estadísticamente significativa en este modelo experimental. No fueron encontradas diferencias significativas en las áreas de neuronas, cuando los grupos C y D o el grupo D y DA (p>0,05) fueron comparados. Nuestros resultados permitieron concluir que la densidad de la población total de las neuronas mioentéricas del duodeno estuvo reducida en los ratones diabéticos comparados con los controles, mientras que, los ratones diabéticos suplementados con AA no mantuvieron su densidad neuronal cuando fueron comparados con los animales del grupo diabético.

Effects of a hexane extract from Laurus novocanariensis leaves on the ethanol metabolism of Wistar rats.

A hexane extract from the leaves of Laurus novocanariensis was investigated for its activity on ethanol metabolism in Wistar rats. The extract could interfere with blood ethanol elevation, the induction of gastric alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and the reduction of erythrocyte catalase (CAT). The sesquiterpene lactones dehydrocostus lactone and costunolide were identified in the active extract, and might represent its active constituents. These results support the use of L. novocanariensis in the traditional Madeira Island medicine to protect against ethanol injury.

Immunohistochemical distribution of the secretogranin II-derived peptide EM66 in the rat hypothalamus: a comparative study with jerboa.

EM66 is a 66-amino acid peptide derived from secretogranin II, a member of granin acidic secretory protein family, by proteolytic processing. EM66 has been previously characterized in the jerboa (Jaculus orientalis) hypothalamus and its potential implication in the neuroendocrine regulation of feeding behaviour has been demonstrated. In the present study, an immunohistochemical analysis of the localization of EM66 within hypothalamic structures of rat was performed and compared to the distribution of EM66 in the jerboa hypothalamus. In the rat hypothalamus, as in the jerboa, EM66 immunostaining was detected in the parvocellular paraventricular, preoptic and arcuate nuclei, as well as the lateral hypothalamus which displayed an important density of EM66-producing neurones. However, unlike jerboa, the suprachiasmatic and supraoptic nuclei of the rat hypothalamus were devoid of cellular EM66-immunolabeling. Thus, the novel peptide EM66 may exert common neuroendocrine activities in rat and jerboa, e.g. control of food intake, and species-specific roles in jerboa such as the regulation of biological rhythms and hydromineral homeostasis. These results suggest the existence of differences between jerboas and rats in neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms involving EM66.

Importância da dieta nos estudos experimentais com ratos: Avaliação dos efeitos da suplementação com aminoácidos sulfurados (cistina/metionina) no metabolismo de carboidratos / Importance of diet in experimental rat models: effets of supplementation with sulfur amino acids (cystine/methionine)in carbohydrate metabolism

A dieta AIN-93, recomendada para roedores, é suplementada com o aminoácido sulfurado L-cistina. Existem dúvidas quanto à necessidade dessa suplementação. Estudamos em três grupos de ratos machos Wistar, dietas sem suplementação (Ssa), suplementada com L-cistina (Cis), e suplementada com DL-metionina (Met). Comparamos peso corporal, consumo, tolerância à glicose, análises bioquímicas e leptina, nos fins do período de crescimento e manutenção, que foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Composição corporal e ensaios em adipócitos não mostraram diferença importante. Resultados mais homogêneos foram do grupo Met indicando a metionina como mais fisiológico./The AIN-93 diet, recommended for rodents, is supplemented with the sulfur amino acid L-cystine. Doubts how necessary is this supplementation exists. We study in three groups of male rats Wistar, diets without supplementation (Ssa), supplemented with L-cystine (Cis), and supplemented with DL-methionine (Met). We compare body weight, consumption, glucose tolerance, biochemical analysis and leptin, in the ends of growth and maintenance period, that had been similar between groups. Body composition and assays in adipocytes had not shown important difference. More homogeneous results had been of the Met group indicating methionine the more physiological...

The developmental pattern of c-fos expression in the rat thalamus following open-field stress stimulation.

The thalamic nuclei with their defined set of input-output connections are the primary channel for information flow to the cerebral cortex. Several data suggest that neurons of that area are involved in the response to various aversive stimulations. However the pattern of activation seems to depend on the stress model as well as the stage of maturation. In the present study we would like to check which nuclei of the thalamus show expression of c-fos in the response to the "open field test", and how this response pattern changes during the maturation process. 30 rats of age ranged from P0 to P120 (P-postnatal day) were studied. The experimental group was exposed to the "open field test" for 10 minutes. After perfusion and fixation, brains were cut and stained for c-fos with immunohistochemical method. Our results showed that during development the pattern of c-fos activity in the thalamic nuclei after stress stimulation undergoes significant changes. Distinct c-fos expression was observed in the paraventricular nucleus, intergeniculate leaflet and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus. These findings suggest that these nuclei may play a direct role in the stress reaction involved in the response to the "open field test".

Estradiol valerate and alcohol intake: a comparison between Wistar and Lewis rats and the putative role of endorphins.

Studies show that estrogens can influence alcohol consumption; however, findings are variable and an etiology remains unknown. Furthermore, estrogen administration can alter several neurotransmitter systems implicated in alcohol consumption, including the beta-endorphin (beta-EP) system. The present studies investigate (a) whether estradiol valerate (EV) alters voluntary alcohol consumption in Wistar and Lewis rats, (b) if an effect of EV on drinking is associated with changes in hypothalamic or pituitary beta-EP content, and (c) whether differences in alcohol drinking between treatment and rat groups are related to locomotor or defensive behavior/anxiety scores. Of 30 Wistar and 30 Lewis rats used in this study, half were injected with 2 mg EV in 0.2 ml sesame oil, while the remainder were injected with the vehicle only. After 8 weeks, all animals were tested in the open field and elevated plus maze. A week later, 4-6 animals in each group were sacrificed. The remaining animals were tested for voluntary alcohol drinking for 24 days prior to being sacrificed on the last day. Radioimmunoassay was used to estimate hypothalamic and pituitary beta-EP content. Wistar and Lewis rats injected with EV showed an increase in alcohol drinking, but their behavior scores and beta-EP levels remained unaltered. This result suggests that any EV effect on drinking is unrelated to changes in beta-EP or behavioral performance. Furthermore, Wistar rats show higher alcohol drinking, locomotor and defensive behavior scores, and hypothalamic beta-EP than Lewis rats. Higher alcohol drinking by Wistar rats might be due to higher behavioral scores or endogenous opioid activity/sensitivity.