Natural antioxidants as strategy to minimize the presence of lipid oxidation products in canned fish: Research progress, current trends and future perspectives.

Canned fish is one of the most popular forms of fish consumption due to its high nutritional value, availability, and practicality. However, canning may induce lipid oxidation. Thus, this study provides in-depth information on the impact of high temperatures applied during canning on fish lipids. The thermo-oxidation is evidenced, for example, by the high levels of both primary and secondary oxidation products determined in fish after canning, as well as the presence of harmful compounds such as cholesterol oxides. Given the role of lipid oxidation in canned fish, this study also presents a comprehensive review on using natural antioxidants to control it. The antioxidant properties of common liquid mediums (vegetable oils and sauces) are highlighted. Moreover, adding algae extracts, spices, and condiments to the liquid medium to enhance its antioxidant potential has been considered, while the exploitation of by-products and wastes from the food industry also emerges as a suitable strategy. Besides the promising results, these practices may promote positive impacts on other quality parameters (e.g. water and oil holding capacities, texture, microbiological growth). However, further studies are needed, including research on aspects related to safety, effective concentrations and application methods, without ignoring consumers' sensory acceptance.

Combined conventional speech therapy and functional electrical stimulation in acute stroke patients with dyphagia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the main cause of oropharyngeal neurogenic dysphagia. Electrostimulation has been used as a therapeutic tool in these cases. However, there are few studies that prove its effectiveness. We evaluated the effect of functional electrostimulation as a complement to conventional speech therapy in patients with dysphagia after a stroke in a stroke unit. METHODS: We performed a clinical, randomized, and controlled trial divided into intervention group (IG) (n = 16) and control group (CG) (n = 17). All patients were treated with conventional speech therapy, and the IG also was submitted to the functional electrotherapy. Primary outcomes were Functional Oral Ingestion Scale (FOIS) and Swallowing videoendoscopy (FEES). The degree of dysphagia was scored in functional, mild, moderate and severe dysphagia according to FEES procedure. Dysphagia Risk Evaluation Protocol (DREP) was considered a secondary outcome. RESULTS: There was a significant difference regarding FOIS scores after 5 days of intervention in groups. Both groups also showed a tendency to improve dysphagia levels measured by FEES, although not statistically significant. Improvements on oral feeding was seen in both groups. No significant differences between groups before and after the intervention were detected by DREP scores. Electrical stimulation did not show additional benefits beyond conventional therapy when comparing outcomes between groups. CONCLUSION: Conventional speech therapy improved oral ingestion even regardless the use of electrostimulation in a stroke unit. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This research was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03649295 ) in 28/08/2018 and in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) (Register Number: RBR-56QK5J), approval date: 18/12/2018. HGF Ethics Committee Approval Number: N. 2.388.931.

Bioactive compounds of parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chives (Allium schoenoprasum L) and their mixture (Brazilian cheiro-verde) as promising antioxidant and anti-cholesterol oxidation agents in a food system.

This study determined the bioactive composition and antioxidant potential of parsley, chives and their mixture (Brazilian cheiro-verde). Additionally, the effect of these herbs against cholesterol oxidation in grilled sardines (Sardinella brasiliensis) was also investigated. Ultra-high Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS) analyses revealed the presence of phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, and ferulic acids) and flavonoids (apigenin, kaempferol, catechin) in the herbs. Higher levels of phenolics (2.10 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g) and carotenoids (205.95 ± 0.17 µg/g) were determined in parsley extracts. Moreover, parsley also presented higher antioxidant capacity by DPPH (59.21 ± 0.07 %) and ORAC (109.94 ± 18.7 µM TE/g) than the other herbs. In vivo analyses demonstrated that the herbs' extracts decreased the damage on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells exposed to H2O2, except the chives extract at 10 µg/mL. Higher levels of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) were determined after grilling. The total COPs increased from 61.8 ± 0.7 (raw fish) to 139.7 ± 10.1 µg/g (control). However, the addition of herbs effectively reduced cholesterol oxides formation, this effect was more pronounced in fish containing 4% parsley and 4% cheiro-verde. Promising results were found for cheiro-verde; however, it did not present synergic antioxidant effects.

The interplay between a GC-rich oligonucleotide and copper ions on prion protein conformational and phase transitions.

The prion protein (PrP) misfolding to its infectious form is critical to the development of prion diseases, whereby various ligands are suggested to participate, such as copper and nucleic acids (NA). The PrP globular domain was shown to undergo NA-driven liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS); this latter may precede pathological aggregation. Since Cu(II) is a physiological ligand of PrP, we argue whether it modulates phase separation altogether with nucleic acids. Using recombinant PrP, we investigate the effects of Cu(II) (at 6 M equivalents) and a previously described PrP-binding GC-rich DNA (equimolarly to protein) on PrP conformation, oligomerization, and phase transitions using a range of biophysical techniques. Raman spectroscopy data reveals the formation of the ternary complex. Microscopy suggests that phase separation is mainly driven by DNA, whereas Cu(II) has no influence. Our results show that DNA can be an adjuvant, leading to the structural conversion of PrP, even in the presence of an endogenous ligand, copper. These results provide new insights into the role of Cu(II) and NA on the phase separation, structural conversion, and aggregation of PrP, which are critical events leading to neurodegeneration.

The anticholesterol oxidation effects of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and leek (Allium ampeloprasum L.) in frozen fish burgers submitted to grilling.

This study determined the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and leek (Allium ampeloprasum L.), as well as evaluated their anticholesterol oxidation potential in fish burgers. The total phenolic contents were 1.1 ± 0.1 mg GAE/g FW to garlic and 1.3 ± 0.4 mg GAE/g FW for leek. Leek extract showed antioxidant activity index (1.3 ± 0.01) in DPPH and ß-carotene/linoleic acid assay (66.5 ± 1.6%); however, in ORAC assay, no statistic differences were observed (P > 0.05). Besides that, bioactive compounds of garlic and leek extracts were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray by ionization-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS). Fish burgers were prepared using different concentrations of leek and garlic and stored at -18 °C for 90 days. Thus, at days 0, 30, 60, and 90, the samples were grilled and analyzed as to their cholesterol and cholesterol oxidation products contents. Storage and grilling led to an increase in cholesterol oxidation products; however, addition of garlic and leek minimized cholesterol oxidation products formation. After 90 days, samples containing 3% leek + 0.5% garlic ware the most effective in inhibiting the cholesterol oxides formation during storage and showed the lowest increase in cholesterol oxidation products content (21.16%). Thus, the findings of this research indicate the potential application of garlic and leek as natural inhibitors of cholesterol oxidation in food. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Garlic and leek have a set of bioactive compounds with a wide antioxidant capacity when used in meat foods such as fish burgers. Garlic and leek used as natural antioxidants perform well in the shelf life of fish burgers and can be substitutes for synthetic antioxidants in this type of product. The presence of both vegetables reduced the formation of prejudicial products to human health generated during the shelf life of the food.

Effect of aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) fruit against polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol thermo-oxidation in model systems containing sardine oil (Sardinella brasiliensis).

This study evaluated the protective effect of ground aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) fruit addition against fatty acids and cholesterol oxidation in model systems containing sardine oil (Sardinella brasiliensis) during heating (150 and 180 °C). High temperatures reduced the amount of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and caused the formation of oxidized products. Total cholesterol oxides content increased from 58.9 ± 0.26 to 577.5 ± 2.14 µg/g oil, after heating at 180 °C. However, aroeira significantly protected lipids from oxidation. Although the synthetic antioxidant applied as standard (butylated hydroxytoluene) showed greater results, it was used in the maximum concentration permitted by Brazilian legislation (0.01%), suggesting that aroeira fruit could be used as a natural antioxidant for the food industry. The protective effect of aroeira may be correlated to its antioxidant capacity and the presence of bioactive compounds which were identified by UHPLC-ESI-MS in the aroeira extract.

Aroeira fruit (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) as a natural antioxidant: Chemical constituents, bioactive compounds and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity.

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi fruit, known as Brazilian pepper or aroeira, is a natural source of bioactive compounds. However, studies about the antioxidant and nutritional contribution of this fruit in food systems are limited. Regarding the presence of bioactive compounds, flavonoids showed the highest level (10.33 ± 0.34 mg QE/g), and potential antioxidant components such biflavonoids were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The aroeira fruit extract showed antioxidant potential in DPPH (42.68 ± 0.05%), ORAC (43.40 ± 6.22 µM TE/g) and ß- carotene/linoleic acid (61.41 ± 5.30%) assays. Besides that, in vivo analyses demonstrated the ability of aroeira extracts to decrease the damage caused by oxidative stress promoted by H2O2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Thus, the presence of phytochemicals with functional properties and the antioxidant capacity of aroeira fruit indicate its use as a potential natural antioxidant for the food industry.

Investigation of different application techniques for Kinesio Taping® with an accompanying exercise protocol for improvement of pain and functionality in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), characterized by retropatellar and peripatellar pain, is a common disorder affecting young women. Treatment has included exercise-based therapy and taping techniques for rapid reduction of symptoms and pain. Although Kinesio Taping® (KT) has been studied as adjunctive therapy, evidence on its effectiveness is limited and conflicting. OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of performing a double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) using KT® for PFPS treatment and to determine an ideal sample size. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized, controlled pilot study. METHOD: Forty-three women (aged 18-45 years) with at least a 3-month history of PFPS were randomized based on the mechanical correction techniques: using KT® for patellar medialization (KT-PM), using KT® for lateral rotation of the femur and tibia (KT-LRFT), and the control group (CG). All groups underwent the same muscle strengthening and motor control procedures for 12 weeks. Knee pain and function were evaluated at baseline, at 6 weeks, at treatment completion (12 weeks), and during the 12-week follow-up using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) at rest and during effort, Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), and single jump hop test. RESULTS: There were clinically significant differences between the KT-LRFT and the CG in terms of AKPS and NPRS scores during effort at the 6-week and 12-week follow-ups. All groups (within group) showed a significant improvement in pain and function. CONCLUSIONS: A complete RCT using KT® for the treatment of PFPS is feasible with some changes regarding outcome measures and treatment protocols.

Flaxseed oil rich in omega-3 protects aorta against inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress partially mediated by GPR120 receptor in obese, diabetic and dyslipidemic mice models.

The "first hit" to atherogenesis is driven by toll-like receptor 4, endoplasmic reticulum stress and ultimately metabolic dysfunction. In this study, we hypothesized that a flaxseed oil-enriched diet (FS) abolishes these inflammatory signaling pathway and restore metabolic homeostasis by activating the fatty acid receptor GPR120 in aorta of obese mice. Glucose homeostasis was assessed by GTT and ITT; lipidomics was performed using a Hybrid Ion Trap-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer; serum lipids were measured using colorimetric assays; GPR120 and infiltrating macrophages were analyzed by immunofluorescence; protein immunoprecipitation and gene expression were evaluated by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. There were no differences in body weight and food intake between the groups from both strains (Swiss and LDLr-KO mice). GTT and cholesterol levels were improved by FS in both mice models. Lipidomics showed an increase in ω3 (C18:3) content, meanwhile stearic acid (C18:0) was not detected in endothelial tissue in response to FS. Moreover, FS markedly decreased pro-inflammatory (IL-1ß, TNF-α, pIκBα, pIKKß) and unfolded protein response markers (ATF6 and GRP78) in aorta. In Swiss mice, GPR120 was partially involved in the ω3-mediated anti-inflammatory actions, disrupting TLR4 pathway, but not in LDLr-KO mice. Partial replacement of dietary saturated by unsaturated ω3 fatty acids contributes to inhibition of cardiovascular risk markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines and ER stress sensors and effectors in the aorta. However, downregulation of inflammation is not mediated by arterial GPR120 activation.

Toxicity of the venom of Latrodectus (Araneae: Theridiidae) spiders from different regions of Argentina and neutralization by therapeutic antivenoms.

"Black widow" spiders belong to the genus Latrodectus and are one of the few spiders in the world whose bite can cause severe envenomation in humans and domestic animals. In Argentina, these spiders are distributed throughout the country and are responsible for the highest number of bites by spiders of toxicological sanitary interest. Here, we studied the toxicity and some biochemical and immunochemical characteristics of eighteen venom samples from Latrodectus spiders from eight different provinces of Argentina, and the neutralization of some of these samples by two therapeutic antivenoms used in the country for the treatment of envenomation and by a anti-Latrodectus antivenom prepared against the venom of Latrodectus mactans from Mexico. We observed important toxicity in all the samples studied and a variation in the toxicity of samples, even in those from the same region and province and even in the same Latrodectus species from the same region. The therapeutic antivenoms efficiently neutralized all the venoms studied.

Photobiomodulation therapy in the modulation of inflammatory mediators and bradykinin receptors in an experimental model of acute osteoarthritis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on inflammatory indicators, i.e., inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and CINC-1), and pain characterized by hyperalgesia and B1 and B2 receptor activation at 6, 24, and 48 h after papain-induced osteoarthritis (OA) in rats. Fifty-four rats were subjected to hyperalgesia evaluations and then divided randomly into three groups-a control group and two groups OA and OA PBMT group by using laser parameters at wavelength (808 nm), output power (50 mW), energy per point (4 Joules), power density (1.78 W/cm2), laser beam (0.028 cm2), and energy density (144 J/cm2)-the induction of osteoarthritis was then performed with 20-µl injections of a 4 % papain solution dissolved in 10 µl of saline solution, to which 10 µl of cysteine solution (0.03 M). The statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's post hoc test for comparisons between the 6, 24, and 48 h and team points within each group, and between the control, injury, and PBMT groups, and p < 0.05 was considered to indicate a significant difference. The hyperalgesia was evaluated at 6, 24, and 48 h after the injury. PBMT at a wavelength of 808 nm and doses of 4 J, administered afterward, promotes increase at the threshold of pressure stimulus at 6, 24, and 48 h after application and promote cytokine attenuation levels (TNF and CINC-1) and bradykinin receptor (B1 and B2) along the experimental period. We conclude that photobiomodulation therapy was able to promote the reduction of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and CINC-1, to reduce the gene and protein expression of the bradykinin receptor (B1 and B2), as well as increasing the stimulus response threshold of pressure in an experimental model of acute osteoarthritis.

Photobiomodulation therapy on collagen type I and III, vascular endothelial growth factor, and metalloproteinase in experimentally induced tendinopathy in aged rats.

This study investigates the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on collagen type I and III, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in experimentally induced tendinopathy in female aged rats. Tendinopathy was induced by the Achilles tendoncollagenase peritendinous. Forty-two Wistar rats (Norvegicus albinus) were used; groups consisted of 36 aged animals (18 months old; mean body weight, 517.7 ± 27.54 g) and 6 adult animals (12 weeks old; mean body weight, 266± 19.30 g). The animals were divided into three groups: control, aged tendinopathy, and aged tendinopathy PBMT; the aged groups were subdivided based on time to euthanasia: 7, 14, and 21 days. PBMT involved a gallium-arsenide-aluminum laser (Theralaser, DMC®) with active medium operating at wavelength 830 ± 10 nm, 50 mW power, 0.028 cm2 laser beam, 107 J/cm2 energy density, 1.8 W/cm2 power density, and an energy of 3 J per point. The laser was applied by direct contact with the left Achilles tendon during 60 s per point at a frequency of three times per week, until the euthanasia date (7, 14, and 21 days). VEGF, MMP-3, and MMP-9 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and collagen type I and III by Sirius red. PBMT increased the deposition of collagen type I and III in a gradual manner, with significant differences relative to the group aged tendonitis (p < 0.001), and in relation to VEGF (p < 0.001); decreased expression of MMP-3 and 9 were observed in group aged tendinopathy (p < 0.001). PBMT, therefore, increased the production of collagen type I and III, downregulated the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9, and upregulated that of VEGF, with age and age-induced hormonal deficiency.

Influence of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 Phenotypes, Drug Interactions, and Vitamin D Status on Tamoxifen Biotransformation.

OBJECTIVE: In view of the large variability on therapeutic response and the multiple factors associated to tamoxifen (TAM) metabolic activation, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 phenotypes, drug interactions, and vitamin D exposure on TAM metabolism in a group of breast cancer patients. METHODS: Trough blood samples were collected from 116 patients. TAM and metabolites endoxifen (EDF), N-desmethyltamoxifen, and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (HTF) were measured in plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 phenotyping were obtained according to [dextromethorphan]/[dextrorphan] and [omeprazole]/[omeprazole sulfone] metabolic ratios, measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in plasma collected 3 hours after oral administration of 33 mg of dextromethorphan and 20 mg of omeprazole. Vitamin D3 was measured in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet. Data on concomitant use of drug considered as CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer and vitamin D supplementation were recorded. RESULTS: About 20% of patients had reduced CYP2D6 metabolic activity and 7% CYP3A4 impaired metabolism. EDF levels diminished proportionally to the reduction of CYP2D6 metabolic activity (poor metabolizer 2.79 ng·mL, intermediate metabolizer (IM) 5.36 ng·mL, and extensive metabolizer 10.65 ng·mL, P < 0.01). Median plasma levels of TAM (161.50 ng·mL) and HTF (1.32 ng·mL) in CYP2D6 IM/CYP3A4 poor metabolizer patients were higher (P < 0.05) than those from CYP2D6 IM/CYP3A4 extensive metabolizer patients (122.07 ng·mL and 0.61 ng·mL, respectively). Seasons contributed to the interpatient variability of EDF and HTF levels; summer concentrations were 24% and 42% higher compared with winter. Vitamin D3 was not associated to CYP3A4 metabolic activity, indicating that other mechanisms might be involved in the relation between TAM metabolism and vitamin D exposure. CONCLUSIONS: CYP3A4 contributes to the bioactivation of TAM through formation of HTF and becomes increasingly important in case of reduced or absent CYP2D6 activity. EDF and HTF exposure were associated to seasonal variations, with considerable higher plasma concentrations during summer.

Neuroprotective effects of Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk (Sapotaceae) extract on the brains of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease involving persistent hyperglycemia, which causes an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzymes and results in damage to various tissues, including the brain. Many societies have traditionally employed medicinal plants to control the hyperglycemia. Pouteria ramiflora, a species occurring in the savanna biome of the Cerrado (Brazil) has been studied because of its possible ability to inhibit carbohydrate digestion. Rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes treated with an alcoholic extract of Pouteria ramiflora show an improved glycemic level, increased glutathione peroxidase activity, decreased superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status. The extract also restored myosin-Va expression and the nuclear diameters of pyramidal neurons of the CA3 subregion and that of the polymorphic cells of the hilus. We conclude that Pouteria ramiflora extract exerts a neuroprotective effect against oxidative damage and myosin-Va expression and is able to prevent hippocampal neuronal loss in the CA3 and hilus subfields of diabetic rats. However, future studies are needed to understand the mechanism of action of Pouteria ramiflora extract in acute and chronic diabetes.