Conjugated linoleic acid trans-10, cis-12 increases the expression of genes from cell cycle progression and cis-9, trans-11 stimulates apoptotic genes in different mammary tumor explants of female dogs.

BACKGROUND: The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomer cis-9, trans-11 is an anticarcinogen that inhibits cell proliferation and/or induces apoptosis of tumor cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of genes responsible for cell cycle regulation and apoptosis in tumor explants of mammary anaplastic carcinoma (AC) and mammary tubulopapillary carcinoma (TC) cultured in vitro with the CLA isomers cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12. METHODS: In this study we used mammary explants from two adult female dogs that revealed two types of malignant tumors: (a) anaplastic mammary carcinoma (AC) and (b) mammary tubulopapillary carcinoma (TC). The explants (n = 6 per treatment) had an average weight of 80.0 ± 2.0 mg and were cultured for 24 h in 35 mm culture plates under the following treatments: (a) Control: Culture medium + fatty acid free bovine serum albumin (BSA); (b) Culture medium + cis-9, trans-11 CLA (75 µM) diluted with fatty acid free bovine serum albumin (BSA), and; (c) Culture medium + trans-10, cis-12 CLA (75 µM) diluted with fatty acid free bovine serum albumin (BSA). After that, total RNA was extracted, complementary DNA was synthesized (cDNA), and quantitative analysis by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. RESULTS: Compared with the Control, the CLA trans-10, cis-12 treatment decreased expression of the gene encoding the p53 by 20% (P = 0.02), Caspase-3 by 25% (P = 0.06) and Bax by 51% (P = 0.001) in AC. The CLA cis-9, trans-11 increased the gene expression of proapoptotic protein Bax in TC by 68% (P = 0.01), but increased the expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl2 gene in AC by 72% (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The CLA cis-9, trans-11 stimulates apoptotic genes in mammary tubulopapillary carcinoma, but has a contrary effect on the anaplastic carcinoma, and the CLA trans-10, cis-12 stimulates cell cycle progression genes and may have an antiapoptotic effect, mainly in mammary anaplastic carcinoma.

Riscos da suplementação com doses excessivas de vitamina D / Risks of Supplementation with Excessive Doses of Vitamin D

A intoxicação por vitamina D era pouco frequente no Brasil até seu crescente uso na última década. Neste artigo relatamos um caso de intoxicação por vitamina D em que houve a prescrição intencional de dose muito superior ao recomendado pela literatura, com a finalidade de prevenir doenças via "modulação hormonal". A paciente em questão, idosa, previamente hígida, foi submetida a um tratamento não regulamentado e sem respaldo científico, que culminou em sintomas como náuseas e vômitos, além de perda de peso, inapetência, poliúria e astenia ao longo dos meses. Através da história e exames laboratoriais foi diagnosticada intoxicação por vitamina D e lesão renal aguda. Após o tratamento houve remissão completa dos sintomas. A "modulação hormonal" é uma prática condenada pelos Conselhos Federais de Medicina e Odontologia e pela Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia. O ato de prescrever é de grande responsabilidade ética e técnica e deve ser embasado em evidências científicas, oferecendo o melhor tratamento possível aos pacientes, seja ele preventivo ou curativo, minimizando riscos e danos, respeitando as recomendações das autoridades competentes. (AU)

Vitamin D poisoning was not frequent in Brazil until its increasing use in the last decade. In this article, we report a case of intoxication by intentional prescription of vitamin D in a much higher dose than the literature recommends, in order to prevent diseases via "hormonal modulation". The case described in this report was an elderly woman, previously healthy patient that was submitted to an unregulated treatment without scientific support, leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, in addition to weight loss, lack of appetite, polyuria and asthenia over the months. Through the history and laboratory testing, vitamin D intoxication and acute kidney injury were diagnosed. After treatment, there was a complete remission of the symptoms. "Hormonal modulation" is a practice condemned by the Federal Councils of Medicine and Dentistry and by the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology. The act of prescribing is of great ethical and technical responsibility and it must be based on scientific evidence. Thus, the patient can receive the best possible treatment, for either preventive or curative nature, by respecting the recommendations of the competent authorities and, therefore, minimizing risks and damages to patients. (AU)

Effects of water produced by oil segment on aquatic organisms after treatment using advanced oxidative processes.

The water produced (PW) by the petroleum industry is a potential contaminant to aquatic biota, due to its complex mixture that may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic chemical compounds, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX), metals and other components that are known to be toxic. The aim of this investigation was to examine the acute toxicity produced by a PW sample in aquatic organisms Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia similis prior to and after 4 treatments using advanced oxidative processes such as photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, ozonation and photoelectrocatalytic ozonation. Data demonstrated that exposure to PW was toxic to both organisms, as evidenced by reduced luminescence in bacterium Vibrio fischeri and induced immobility in Daphnia similis. After treatment of PW with 4 different techniques, the PW remained toxic for both tested organisms. However, photoelectrocatalysis was more efficient in decreasing toxicity attributed to PW sample. Therefore, data demonstrate the importance of treating PW for later disposal in the environment in order to mitigate ecotoxicological impacts. Further photoelectrocatalysis appeared to be a promising tool for treating PW samples prior to disposal and exposure of aquatic ecosystems.

Supplemental L-arginine improves feed conversion and modulates lipid metabolism in male and female broilers from 29 to 42 days of age.

The excessive accumulation of abdominal fat in broilers is an economic waste. Supplemental dietary L-arginine has been shown to reduce lipogenesis in broilers, but studies on this subject are still scarce. Two experiments were conducted in a 5×2 factorial design, with five L-arginine concentrations in diets (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/kg) provided to male and female broilers, from 29 to 42 days of age, reared in boxes or cages, with six replicates of 23 broilers per box and six replicates of three broilers per cage, totalling 1560 broilers. Data on performance, carcass and cuts yield, abdominal fat deposition, chemical composition of the breast, lipid profile and liver enzyme activity were evaluated in experiment 1. In experiment 2, the balance and retention of nitrogen, metabolizability coefficients and metabolizable energy of feed were determined and the treatments were evaluated in six replicates of three broilers per cage, totalling 180 broilers. In both experiments, there was no interaction (P > 0.05) between L-arginine concentration in the diet and sex of the broilers for all parameters evaluated. Male broilers showed higher (P < 0.05) weight gain, noble cuts yield, levels of CP and mineral matter in the breast, better feed conversion (P < 0.05) and lower (P < 0.05) malic enzyme activity in the liver and abdominal fat deposition. On the other hand, regardless of sex, the increase in L-arginine concentration in the diet improved (P < 0.05) the feed conversion in addition to reducing (P < 0.05) serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the malic enzyme activity in the liver and abdominal fat deposition. In conclusion, male broilers had better productive results than females. However, supplementing the diet of male or female broilers from 29 to 42 days of age with L-arginine at a concentration of 6.87 g/kg represents a nutritional strategy to improve feed conversion and reduce circulating triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels, NADPH synthesis by liver malic enzyme and abdominal fat deposition, without negatively affecting the carcass and noble cuts yield, the amount of nitrogen excreted by the broilers and the energy value of the feed.

Antifungal activity of extracts and purified saponins from the rhizomes of Chamaecostus cuspidatus against Candida and Trichophyton species.

AIM: To evaluate the antifungal activity of extracts of Chamaecostus cuspidatus against Candida and Trichophyton species. METHODS AND RESULTS: Crude ethanol extracts of leaves, stems and rhizomes were prepared and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Only the rhizomes extract (RE) showed antifungal activity but had no inhibitory effect against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The RE was then submitted to liquid-liquid partition with hexane (Hex), dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and water. The Hex fraction (Hex Fr) from the RE was found to have the best antifungal effect. Three known saponins were isolated from the Hex Fr, of which two (dioscin and aferoside A) showed good antifungal activity. In addition, Hex Fr and the two bioactive compounds had no antibacterial effect, but exhibited fungicidal activity, caused significant changes in the morphology of the fungal cells and showed anti-Candida albicans biofilm activity. Finally, the bioactive plant products presented greater selectivity for fungal cells over normal human cells. CONCLUSIONS: The rhizomes of C. cuspidatus have bioactive saponins that function as effective antifungals against Candida and Trichophyton species, and have antibiofilm activity against C. albicans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Chamaecostus cuspidatus REs may have potential clinical application towards the management of superficial mycoses caused by Candida and Trichophyton species.

Acetogenin-Based Formulated Bioinsecticides on Anastrepha fraterculus: Toxicity and Potential Use in Insecticidal Toxic Baits.

The present study evaluated the lethal toxicity and oviposition deterrence of ethanolic extracts of Annona mucosa Jacq., Annona muricata L., and Annona sylvatica A. St.-Hil on Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) compared with those of a limonoid-based bioinsecticide (Azamax™ 1.2 EC-azadiractin +3-tigloyl-azadiractol) and a synthetic spinosyn-based insecticide (Delegate™ 250 WG-spinetoram). In addition, the efficacy of the selected toxic bait formulations was evaluated by mixing them with food attractants (Anamed™, 3% Biofruit and 7% sugarcane molasses). In the topical application and ingestion bioassays (2000 mg L-1), the aqueous emulsion of the A. mucosa extract caused greater than 80% mortality of A. fraterculus adults in a similar manner to the spinosyn-based synthetic insecticide. Concentration-response curves were performed for the most promising treatments and showed an activity level dependent on the mode of contamination, exposure time, and applied concentration. In bioassays with and without choice, the A. mucosa (77%), A. muricata (51%), A. sylvatica (60%), Azamax™ (74%), and Delegate™ 250 WG (100%) significantly reduced the number of punctures and galleries in grape berries. In combination with the food attractants Anamed™, 3% Biofruit, and 7% sugarcane molasses, the emulsion of the A. mucosa extract had a residual effect similar to that of the spinetoram insecticide, with a mortality rate of over 80% of A. fraterculus adults up to 14 days after application (DAA) in the absence of rain. Thus, acetogenin-rich formulations, especially from A. mucosa seeds, are useful alternatives for the integrated management of A. fraterculus in agricultural orchards.

Trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid reduces milk fat content and lipogenic gene expression in the mammary gland of sows without altering litter performance.

Trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) decreases milk fat synthesis in lactating sows and involves, at least in part, the down-regulation of lipogenic genes. The objective was to evaluate the effect of CLA on milk composition and lipogenic gene expression. Twenty multiparous sows were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments for 18 d (from day 7 to day 25 of lactation): (1) control (no CLA added) and (2) 1 % of CLA mixed into the ration. CLA treatment decreased milk fat and protein content by 20 % (P = 0·004) and 11 % (P = 0·0001), respectively. However, piglet weight did not differ between treatments (P = 0·60). Dietary CLA increased the concentration of SFA in milk fat by 16 % (P < 0·0001) and decreased MUFA by 17·6 % (P < 0·0001). In the mammary gland, CLA reduced gene expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase-α by 37 % (P = 0·003), fatty acid synthase by 64 % (P = 0·002), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 by 52 % (P = 0·003), lipoprotein lipase by 26 % (P = 0·03), acyl glycerol phosphate acyltransferase 6 by 15 % (P = 0·02) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 by 27 % (P = 0·02), whereas the expression of fatty acid binding protein 3 was not altered by CLA treatment (P = 0·09). Mammary expression of casein-ß and α-lactalbumin was reduced by CLA by 68 % (P = 0·0004) and 62 % (P = 0·005), respectively. Additionally, CLA had no effect on the expression of lipogenic genes evaluated in adipose tissue. In summary, CLA reduced milk fat content without negatively affecting litter performance and it affected mammary expression of genes involved in all lipogenic pathways studied.

Multiloci identification of Diaporthe fungi isolated from the medicinal plant Costus spiralis (Jacq.) Roscoe (Costaceae).

AIMS: The purpose of this study is to identify species from genus Diaporthe associated with a medicinal plant Costus spiralis by ITS, EF 1-α, TUB and CAL gens. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 30 isolates from the genus Diaporthe associated with the medicinal plant Costus spiralis were characterized based on morphological characters and the microculture technique and grouped by DNA fingerprinting with the ISSP gene. Afterwards, a total of 12 isolates were selected for the identification of the species based on the comparative research on the blast through the sequences of the ITS gene. Phylogenetic Tree of Maximum Likelihood were generated with the ITS gene individually and with the genes ITS, TUB, CAL and EF1-α combined with the Diaporthe species recognized and with the additional sequences obtained from GenBank for these species. CONCLUSIONS: It was not possible to characterize the 30 isolates microscopically and macromorphologically through the microculture technique and the macromorphological characteristics. The 12 isolates selected based on the DNA fingerprinting profile identified phylogenetically, revealed five distinct species of Diaporthe which are present in C. spiralis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The molecular analyses used in this study are excellent alternatives for species-level identification of Diaporthe associated with medicinal plants.

Toxicity of clove essential oil and its ester eugenyl acetate against Artemia salina / Toxicidade do óleo essencial de cravo e seu éster acetato de eugenila contra Artemia salina

Abstract The production of compounds via enzymatic esterification has great scientific and technological interest due to the several inconveniences related to acid catalysis, mainly by these systems do not fit to the concept of “green chemistry”. Besides, natural products as clove oil present compounds with excellent biological potential. Bioactives compounds are often toxic at high doses. The evaluation of lethality in a less complex animal organism can be used to a monitoring simple and rapid, helping the identification of compounds with potential insecticide activity against larvae of insect vector of diseases. In this sense, the toxicity against Artemia salina of clove essential oil and its derivative eugenyl acetate obtained by enzymatic esterification using Novozym 435 as biocatalyst was evaluated. The conversion of eugenyl acetate synthesis was 95.6%. The results about the evaluation of toxicity against the microcrustacean Artemia salina demonstrated that both oil (LC50= 0.5993 µg.mL–1) and ester (LC50= 0.1178 µg.mL–1) presented high toxic potential, being the eugenyl acetate almost 5 times more toxic than clove essential oil. The results reported here shows the potential of employing clove oil and eugenyl acetate in insecticide formulations.

Resumo A produção de compostos via esterificação enzimática possui grande interesse científico e tecnológico devido às inúmeras inconveniências relacionadas com a catálise ácida, principalmente por estes sitemas não se adequarem ao atual termo “tecnologias limpas”. Além disso, produtos naturais como o óleo de cravo, apresentam compostos com excelentes potenciais biológicos. Compostos bioativos são quase sempre tóxicos em altas doses. A avaliação da letalidade em um organismo animal menos complexo pode ser usada para um monitoramento simples e rápido, servindo também para a identificação de compostos com potencial atividade inseticida contra larvas de insetos vetores de doenças. Neste sentido, foi determinada a toxicidade frente a Artemia salina do óleo essencial de cravo e do seu derivado acetato de eugenila obtido por esterificação enzimática com lipase Novozym 435. A conversão da reação de síntese de acetato de eugenila foi de 95,6%. Os resultados referentes à avaliação da toxicidade frente ao microcrustáceo Artemia salina demonstraram que tanto o óleo (LC50= 0,5993 µg.mL–1) quanto o éster (LC50= 0,1178 µg.mL–1) apresentam elevado potencial toxicológico, sendo que o éster apresenta aproximadamente 5 vezes mais toxicidade em relação ao óleo. Estes resultados demonstram o potencial emprego do óleo de cravo e de acetato de eugenila em formulações de inseticidas.

Toxicity of clove essential oil and its ester eugenyl acetate against Artemia salina.

The production of compounds via enzymatic esterification has great scientific and technological interest due to the several inconveniences related to acid catalysis, mainly by these systems do not fit to the concept of "green chemistry". Besides, natural products as clove oil present compounds with excellent biological potential. Bioactives compounds are often toxic at high doses. The evaluation of lethality in a less complex animal organism can be used to a monitoring simple and rapid, helping the identification of compounds with potential insecticide activity against larvae of insect vector of diseases. In this sense, the toxicity against Artemia salina of clove essential oil and its derivative eugenyl acetate obtained by enzymatic esterification using Novozym 435 as biocatalyst was evaluated. The conversion of eugenyl acetate synthesis was 95.6%. The results about the evaluation of toxicity against the microcrustacean Artemia salina demonstrated that both oil (LC50= 0.5993 µg.mL-1) and ester (LC50= 0.1178 µg.mL-1) presented high toxic potential, being the eugenyl acetate almost 5 times more toxic than clove essential oil. The results reported here shows the potential of employing clove oil and eugenyl acetate in insecticide formulations.

Effects of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract on the acquisition, retrieval and extinction of conditioned suppression: Evidence that short-term memory and long-term memory are differentially modulated.

Studies in our laboratory have characterized the putative neuromodulatory effects of a standardized extract of the green leaves of Ginkgo biloba (EGb), which comprises a formulation of 24% ginkgo-flavoglycosides and 6% ginkgo-terpenoid lactones, on conditioned suppression. This model comprises a suitable animal model for investigating the behavioral changes and pharmacological mechanisms that underlie fear memory and anxiety. The characterization of the effects on distinct stages of fear memory or fear extinction will help illustrate both the beneficial and harmful effects. Three hundred adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 30 groups according to the treatment as follows: i-ii) control groups (CS-US and CSno-US); iii) vehicle group (12% Tween®80); and iv-vi) EGb groups (250, 500 and 1000mgkg(-1)); or experimental procedures designed to assess the effects of EGb treatment prior to the acquisition (n=20 per group) and retrieval of conditioned fear (n=10 per group) or prior to the extinction training (n=10 per group) and extinction retention test (n=10 per group). Furthermore, to better understand the effects of acute EGb treatment on fear memory, we conducted two additional analyses: the acquisition of within- and between-session extinction of fear memory (short- and long-term memory, respectively). No difference was identified between the control and treatment groups during the retention test (P>0.05), with the exception of the CSno-US group in relation to all groups (P<0.05). A between-session analysis indicated that EGb at 250mgkg(-1) facilitated the acquisition of extinction fear memory, which was verified by the suppression ration in the first trial of extinction training (SR=0.39) and the extinction retention test session (SR=0.53, P<0.05), without impairments in fear memory acquisition, which were evaluated during the retention test (SR=0.79). Moreover, EGb administered at 1000mgkg(-1) prior to conditioning did not enhance the long-term extinction memory, i.e., it did not prevent the return of extinguished fear memory in the extinction retention test, in which the spontaneous recovery of fear was demonstrated (SR=0.63, P<0.05); however, it significantly facilitated short-term memory as verified by data from the within-session extinction (1 to 8-10 trials) during the retention test (SR=0.73 to SR=0.59; P<0.05) and the extinction retention test (SR=0.63 to SR=0.41; P<0.05). Moreover, spontaneous recovery was identified in response to a higher dose of EGb when administered prior to extinction training (SR=0.75, P<0.05) and the extinction retention test (SR=0.70; P<0.05). At dose of 500mgkg(-1) EGb reduced the suppression ratio when administered prior to the retention test (SR=0.57) and extinction training (SR=0.55; P<0.05) without preventing the acquisition of fear memory, which suggests that EGb has anti-anxiety effects. Taken together, the current findings suggest that EGb differentially modulates short- and long-term memory, as well as anxiety-like behavior. The actions of EGb may provide information regarding the beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of neurocognitive impairments and anxiety disorders. Additional analyses are necessary to facilitate an understanding of these effects; however, previous data from our group suggest that GABAergic, serotoninergic and glutamatergic receptors are potential targets of the effects of EGb on conditioned suppression.

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil from the Fresh Fruits of Xylopia laevigata and its Cytotoxic Evaluation.

The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from the fresh fruits of Xylopia laevigata was analyzed by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Monoterpenes predominated, forming 95.0% of the total essential oil. The major constituents identified were limonene (56.2%), α-pinene (28.0%), and ß-pinene (5.5%). Cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines and non-tumor cells was also investigated; however, neither the essential oil nor its major constituents evaluated presented any cytotoxic activity (IC50 > 25.0 µg mL⁻¹).

Transcriptional regulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase α isoforms in dairy ewes during conjugated linoleic acid induced milk fat depression.

Feeding trans-10, cis-12 CLA to lactating ewes reduces milk fat by down-regulating expression of enzymes involved in lipid synthesis in the mammary gland and increases adipose tissue lipogenesis. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACC-α) is a key regulated enzyme in de novo fatty acid synthesis and is decreased by CLA. In the ovine, the ACC-α gene is expressed from three tissue-specific promoters (PI, PII and PIII). This study evaluated promoter-specific ACC-α expression in mammary and adipose tissue of lactating cross-bred Lacaune/Texel ewes during milk fat depression induced by rumen-unprotected trans-10, cis-12 CLA supplement. In all, 12 ewes arranged in a completely randomized design were fed during early, mid and late lactation one of the following treatments for 14 days: Control (forage+0.9 kg of concentrate on a dry matter basis) and CLA (forage+0.9 kg of concentrate+27 g/day of CLA (29.9% trans-10, cis-12)). Mammary gland and adipose tissue biopsies were taken on day 14 for gene expression analysis by real-time PCR. Milk fat yield and concentration were reduced with CLA supplementation by 27%, 21% and 35% and 28%, 26% and 42% during early, mid and late lactation, respectively. Overall, our results suggest that trans-10, cis-12 CLA down-regulates mammary ACC-α gene expression by decreasing expression from PII and PIII in mammary gland and up-regulates adipose ACC-α gene expression by increasing expression from PI.

Desulfurization and denitrogenation of heavy gas oil by Rhodococcus erythropolis ATCC 4277.

Some of the noxious atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen and sulfur dioxides come from the fossil fuel combustion. Biodesulfurization and biodenitrogenation are processes which remove those pollutants through the action of microorganisms. The ability of sulfur and nitrogen removal by the strain Rhodococcus erythropolis ATCC 4277 was tested in a biphasic system containing different heavy gas oil concentrations in a batch reactor. Heavy gas oil is an important fraction of petroleum, because after passing through, the vacuum distillation is incorporated into diesel oil. This strain was able to remove about 40% of the nitrogen and sulfur present in the gas heavy oil. Additionally, no growth inhibition occurred even when in the presence of pure heavy gas oil. Results present in this work are considered relevant for the development of biocatalytic processes for nitrogen and sulfur removal toward building feasible industrial applications.

In vitro susceptibility of Brazilian Pythium insidiosum isolates to essential oils of some Lamiaceae family species.

The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial action of Origanum vulgare, Origanum majorana, Mentha piperita and Rosmarinus officinalis on Pythium insidiosum oomycete zoospores. The antimicrobial activity evaluation was performed by the broth microdilution method according to CSLI M38-A2 documentation adapted to phytopharmaceuticals. Twenty-two P. insidiosum isolates were evaluated, and the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined at 100% growth inhibition. All P. insidiosum isolates evaluated showed a minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 0.05 to 1.75 mg/mL when O. vulgare oil was used and from 0.11 to 3.5 mg/mL for O. majorana, M. piperita and R. officinalis oils. The results obtained indicate that the essential oils tested showed antimicrobial activity on P. insidiosum, with O. vulgare essential oil showing the best performance. These findings emphasize the potential use of plant essential oils as control agents in P. insidiosum infections; further research, however, is needed so as the in vivo activity of these oils can also be evaluated.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on the gene expression of collagen and vascular endothelial growth factor in a culture of fibroblast cells in mice.

Low-level laser therapy treatment (LLLT) is widely used in rehabilitation clinics with the aim of accelerating the process of tissue repair; however, the molecular bases of the effect of LLLT have not been fully established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the exposure of different doses of LLLT on the expression of collagen genes type I alpha 1 (COL1α1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the fibroblast cells of mice (L929) cultivated in vitro. Fibroblast cells were irradiated with a Gallium-Arsenide laser (904 nm) every 24 h for 2 consecutive days, stored in an oven at 37 °C, with 5% CO2 and divided into 3 groups: G1-control group, G2-irradiated at 2 J/cm(2), and G3-irradiated at 3 J/cm(2). After irradiation, the total RNA was extracted and used in the complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis. The gene expression was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The cells irradiated in G2 exhibited a statistically significant growth of 1.78 in the expression of the messenger RNA (mRNA) of the COL1α1 gene (p = 0.036) in comparison with G1 and G3. As for the VEGF gene, an increase in expression was observed in the two irradiated groups in comparison with the control group. There was an increase in expression in G2 of 2.054 and G3 of 2.562 (p = 0.037) for this gene. LLLT (904 nm) had an influence on the expression of the genes COL1α1 (2 J/cm(2)) and VEGF (2 e 3 J/cm(2)) in a culture of the fibroblast cells of mice.

Fatty acid profile and meat quality of young bulls fed ground soybean or ground cottonseed and vitamin E.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid profile and qualitative characteristics of meat from feedlot young bulls fed ground soybean or ground cottonseed, with or without supplementation of vitamin E. A total of 40 Red Norte young bulls, with an initial average age of 20 months, and an initial average BW of 339±15 kg, were allotted in a completely randomized design using a 2×2 factorial arrangement, with two oilseeds, and daily supplementation or not of 2500 IU of vitamin E. The experimental period was for 84 days, which was preceded by an adaptation period of 28 days. The treatments were ground soybean (SB), ground soybean plus vitamin E (SBE), ground cottonseed (CS) and ground cottonseed plus vitamin E (CSE). The percentage of cottonseed and soybean in the diets (dry matter basis) was 24% and 20%, respectively. Diets were isonitrogenous (13% CP) and presented similar amount of ether extract (6.5%). The animals were slaughtered at average live weight of 464±15 kg, and samples were taken from the longissimus dorsi muscle for the measurement of fatty acid concentration and the evaluation of lipid oxidation and color of the beef. Before fatty acid extraction, muscle tissue and subcutaneous fat of the longissimus dorsi were separated to analyze fatty acid profile in both tissues. Supplementation of vitamin E did not affect fatty acid concentration, lipid oxidation and color (P>0.05). Subcutaneous fat from animals fed CS diet had greater C12:0, C16:0 and C18:0 contents (P<0.03). In addition, CS diets reduced the C18:1 and C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 contents in subcutaneous fat (P<0.05). The muscle from animals fed CS tended to higher C16:0 and C18:0 contents (P<0.11), and decreased C18:1, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 and C18:3 contents (P<0.05) compared with SB. The Δ9-desaturase index was greater in muscle from animals fed SB (P<0.01). At 42 days of age, meat from cattle fed SB had a greater lipid oxidation rate (P<0.05). Meat from animals fed SB diets had less lightness and redness indices than meat from animals fed CS diets after 14 days of age. In conclusion, the addition of ground cottonseed in the finishing diets did increase the saturated fatty acid content of the longissimus dorsi. However, animals fed cottonseed exhibited greater lightness and redness of beef. In this study, the addition of vitamin E did not affect qualitative characteristics of meat.