Emerging berries from the Brazilian Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes: new sources of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.

Brazil has a broad geographic biodiversity spread across its six different biomes. However, it has been suffering from the abusive exploitation of its resources, which poses a threat to the local fauna and flora. The Amazon and Atlantic Forest, for example, are birthplaces to rare and edible native species, such as bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba, Arecaceae) and camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia, Myrtaceae), and cereja-do-Rio Grande (Eugenia involucrata, Myrtaceae) and grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis, Myrtaceae), respectively. These plants produce fruits which are sources of macro and micronutrients, including sugars, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and/or lipids. Nutritionally, their consumption have the ability to reach partially or totally the daily recommendations for adults of some nutrients. More recently, these fruits have also been exposed as interesting sources of minor bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, terpenes, and/or polyphenols, the latter which include anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and tannins. Particularly, bacaba stands out for being a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (around 22%, dry weight) and dietary fibers (6.5-21%, dry weight); camu-camu has very high contents of vitamin C (up to 5000 mg per 100 g of pulp, dry basis); and cereja-do-Rio-Grande and grumixama are abundant sources of anthocyanins. Although they are still underexplored, several in vitro and in vivo studies with different parts of the fruits, including the peel, seed, and pulp, indicate their health potential through anti-oxidative, anti-obesity, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, antimicrobial, and/or anticancer effects. All things considered, the focus of this research was to highlight the bioactive potential and health impact of native fruits from the Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes.

The preventive and therapeutic effects of anthocyanins on colorectal cancer: A comprehensive review based on up-to-date experimental studies.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most lethal and the third most diagnosed type of cancer worldwide. More than 75% of CRC cases are sporadic and lifestyle-related. Risk factors include diet, physical inactivity, genetics, smoking, alcohol, changes in the intestinal microbiota, and inflammation-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The limits of conventional treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), as demonstrated by the side effects and resistance of many CRC patients, are making professionals search for new chemopreventive alternatives. In this context, diets rich in fruits and vegetables or plant-based products, which contain high levels of phytochemicals, have been postulated as complementary therapeutic options. Anthocyanins, phenolic pigments responsible for the vivid colors of most red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables, have been shown protective effects on CRC. Berries, grapes, Brazilian fruits, and vegetables such as black rice and purple sweet potato are examples of products rich in anthocyanins, which have been able to reduce cancer development by modulating signaling pathways associated with CRC. Therefore, this review has as main objective to present and discuss the potential preventive and therapeutic effects of anthocyanins present in fruits and vegetables, in plant extracts, or in their pure form on CRC, taking into account up-to-date experimental studies (2017-2023). Additionally, a highlight is given towards the mechanisms of action of anthocyanins on CRC.

Antiproliferative effects and main molecular mechanisms of Brazilian native fruits and their by-products on lung cancer.

Lung Cancer (LC) is an emergent disease widespread globally. Compared to other types of cancer, LC has one of the lowest survival rates (18%). As some risk factors associated with the development of lung carcinogenesis are still unavoidable, researchers have been trying to find efficient and safe alternatives that can help prevent LC or even attenuate its rapid evolution after diagnosis. Studies with natural products promise to offer biological effects against several types of cancers, including LC. The uncountable types of plant matrices dispersed in nature, or even their extracts, contain a powerful composition of bioactive compounds with promising biological effects on LC. The biomes in Brazil are examples of regions with a great biodiversity of bioactive compounds-rich fruits. Therefore, this review aimed to present the potential anticancer effect of Brazilian native fruits, their fractions, and by-products on LC through the elucidation of the main molecular mechanisms involved. The Brazilian plant matrices discussed here (açaí, achiote, araticum, camu camu, cocoa, jaboticaba, genipap, guarana, and pequi) showed promising evidence by inducing cellular apoptosis, reducing cancer cell viability and tumor growth, and regulating cell cycle.

Signaling pathways and the potential anticarcinogenic effect of native Brazilian fruits on breast cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is the type of cancer with the highest incidence and mortality rates in women worldwide. Despite its well-established risk factors, BC is following an epidemiological pattern, similar to obesity and other western pandemics, associated to demographic and environmental factors. Food and specific bioactive compounds have been evidenced as key factors in BC status attenuation. Native Brazilian fruits and derived products are rich sources of bioactive compounds, which exert valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Therefore, the aim of this review is to evidence the potential of Brazilian fruits in BC by revealing some of the mechanisms underlaying the anticancer effects of their respective bioactive compounds. The interventions investigated here generally show promising evidence, reducing tumor growth or cancer cell viability, and regulating the cell cycle. Native Brazilian fruits, such as açaí, cocoa, guarana, passionfruit, and pineapple have been associated with the regulation of BC-related molecular biomarkers.

Brazilian tucumã-do-Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum) and tucumã-do-Pará (Astrocaryum vulgare) fruits: bioactive composition, health benefits, and technological potential.

Latin America has a wide range of native plants spread through its territory. The palms of the Astrocaryum genus are examples of crops occurring in Central and South America, including the large plant life in Brazil. Although not very well known, the Astrocaryum spp. possess edible and non-edible fractions with potential technological and medicinal uses, as evidenced by recent research. Two native Brazilian fruits, tucumã-do-Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum) and tucumã-do-Pará (Astrocaryum vulgare), typically found in the north and northeast of the country, respectively, stand out for their high antioxidant capacity and rich content in bioactive compounds, mainly carotenoids and phenolic compounds. Accordingly, experimental studies indicate their potential to prevent and treat inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions, including cancer. The tucumã plants have also been suggested as tools in the industry, for example for biofuel production, activated carbon technology, and as alternative packaging. Considering the importance of bringing light to underestimated yet culturally relevant native crops with potential benefits for small and large communities, this review aims to present and discuss the characteristics, bioactive composition, health effects, and technological potential of tucumã-do-Amazonas and tucumã-do-Pará fruits.

Chemoprevention with a tea from hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) leaves and flowers attenuates colitis in rats by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of a tea from the leaves and flowers of Crataegus oxyacantha in rats with colitis. Colitis was induced by administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Hawthorn tea (HT) (100 mg/kg) was given via gavage for 21 days and the mesalamine drug (100 mg/kg) was administrated during the period of disease onset. HT was rich in total phenolic compounds (16.5%), flavonoids (1.8%), and proanthocyanidins (1.5%); vitexin-2-O-rhamnoside was the main compound detected. Mesalamine and the HT diminished the length of the lesions formed in the colon, in addition to reducing the levels of myeloperoxidase and interleukin-1ß. Mesalamine was able to significantly reverse the body weight loss, while HT improved the activity of glutathione reductase and catalase. Histological scoring was not changed by the interventions, but it was highly correlated with the necrotic area. HT given at 100 mg/kg can be effective against colitis.

Review on the potential application of non-phenolic compounds from native Latin American food byproducts in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), mainly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are high-prevalent chronic gastrointestinal disorders that may cause an important reduction in life quality. Such diseases are characterized by their immune-mediated inflammatory, oxidative and dysbiotic events, which can lead to important symptoms in patients, such as abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and body weicght loss. In the last years, alternative natural options have been postulated for the prevention or treatment of IBDs, since common drug therapy may not be well accepted due to recurrent adverse effects and/or partial efficacy. Among those new natural products, agro-industrial byproducts, such as the peel and seed of foods, are emerging as cheap and pro-ecological options, as they are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, but also in non-phenolic compounds, like unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers and prebiotics, carotenoids, bioactive peptides, and vitamins. In that sense, Latin America is rich in little explored native fruits and vegetables, from which great amounts of byproducts can be produced. Studies have shown that the byproducts from Latin American vegetables, such as passion-fruit (Passiflora edulis), pineapple (Ananas comosus) and pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.), for example, could represent interesting tools against IBDs, judging by the results of in vitro and animal studies. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss the potential role of non-phenolic compounds from native Latin American food byproducts in the prevention or treatment of IBDs, by highlighting their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and/or anti-dysbiotic effects.

Ulcerative colitis: Gut microbiota, immunopathogenesis and application of natural products in animal models.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with increasing incidence in the world, especially in developing countries. Although knowledge of its pathogenesis has progressed over the last years, some details require clarification. Studies have highlighted the role of microbial dysbiosis and immune dysfunction as essential factors that may initiate the typical high-grade inflammatory outcome. In order to better understand the immunopathophysiological aspects of UC, experimental murine models are valuable tools. Some of the most commonly used chemicals to induce colitis are trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, oxazolone and dextran sodium sulfate. These may also be used to investigate new ways of preventing or treating UC and therefore improving targeting in human studies. The use of functional foods or bioactive compounds from plants may constitute an innovative direction towards the future of alternative medicine. Considering the above, this review focused on updated information regarding the 1. gut microbiota and immunopathogenesis of UC; 2. the most utilized animal models of the disease and their relevance; and 3. experimental application of natural products, not yet tested in clinical trials.

Relato de experiência: educação alimentar e nutricional com pacientes renais crônicos em hemodiálise / Experience report: food and nutrition education with chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis

Introdução: Pacientes renais crônicos apresentam restrições alimentares em decorrência das alterações bioquímicas eminentes, como o desequilíbrio mineral, com elevação do nível sérico de fósforo e potássio. As atividades de Educação Alimentar e Nutricional (EAN) entram nesse contexto a fim de proporcionar melhora do conhecimento a respeito da própria doença e de práticas alimentares saudáveis para esse público. Objetivos: Descrever as atividades de Educação Alimentar e Nutricional realizadas com pacientes em Hemodiálise do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Métodos: Foram realizadas cinco atividades de EAN com os pacientes, sendo elas: 1. Leitura e interpretação dos rótulos de produtos industrializados; 2. Mitos e verdades sobre a alimentação e nutrição; 3. Sal, açúcar, óleo e doenças crônicas; 4. Potássio, Fósforo e ingestão de líquidos; e 5. Especial de Natal e Ano Novo: o que preferir e o que evitar. As atividades foram desenvolvidas por cerca de 60 a 90 minutos, antes do início do procedimento de hemodiálise. Resultados: A frequência nas intervenções nutricionais foi de sete a dez pacientes por atividade, o que significa 20% do grupo de convidados. As intervenções compreenderam atividades dinâmicas, visuais e lúdicas, que valorizaram a participação verbal dos pacientes, bem como a resolução de dúvidas relacionadas à alimentação e suas patologias. Discussão: Foi encontrada dificuldade em captar os pacientes para os encontros, provavelmente devido à disponibilidade de horários e a resistência, num primeiro momento, em relação às atividades propostas. Essa dificuldade pode-se relacionar a uma limitação deste estudo, já que as intervenções foram desenvolvidas fora do horário de hemodiálise, enquanto que, em muitos estudos, essas aconteceram durante o procedimento, no leito. Nas atividades descritas nesse relato, foram utilizadas técnicas educativas diversas que procuraram priorizar um maior contato entre os participantes e ministrantes, a partir do uso de materiais visuais e lúdicos. Segundo observação dos pesquisadores, estas se fizeram positivas para os pacientes. Conclusão: O acompanhamento nutricional e as atividades de EAN devem ser um processo contínuo da equipe de nutrição com os pacientes em hemodiálise. O uso de métodos lúdicos favorece o entendimento dos assuntos abordados (AU)

Introduction: Chronic renal patients have several dietary restrictions due to the eminent biochemical changes, such as mineral imbalance, with elevation of serum phosphorus and potassium. The interventions of Food and Nutrition Education are in this context to provide improved know ledge about the disease itself and healthy eating practices to the public. Objectives: Describe the interventions of Food and Nutrition Education held in hemodialysis patients at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. Methods: There were five distinct interventions of nutrition education with hemodialysis patients, as follows: 1. Reading and interpreting the labels of processed products; 2. Myths and truths about food and nutrition; 3. Salt, sugar, oil and chronic diseases; 4.Potassium, Phosphorus and liquid intake; and 5. Christmas and New Year’s Special: what to choose and what to avoid. The activities were developed for about 60 to 90 minutes before the beginning of the hemodialysis procedure. Results: The frequency on the nutritional interventions was seven to ten patients per activity, which means 20% of the group invited patients. The interventions realized were dynamic, visual and recreational, that valued the verbal participation of patients, as well as their solution of questions related to food and about their pathologies. Discussion: It was difficult the capture patients to the meetings, probably due to the availability of schedules and resistance, at first, in relation to proposed activities. This difficulty maybe related to a limitation of this study, since the interventions were developed out of the hemodialysis time, while in many studies the reoccurred during the procedure, in bed. In the activities described in this report, various educational techniques were used, that sought to prioritize greater contact between participants and worshipers and the presence of materials that are more visuals and recreational. According to observation of the researchers, the activities were extremely positive for the patients. Conclusion: The nutritional monitoring and EAN activities should be an ongoing process of the nutrition team with hemodialysis patients and the use of playing methods favors the understanding of the subjects (AU)

Histopathological aspects of cutaneous photoaging and phenol peeling

The skin is regarded as the largest organ in our system and has the general purposes of physical, mechanical and immunological protection, sealing against the elements and thermoregulation and tactile perception of environmental stimuli. Skin aging is a complex biological event that affects all skin layers. The dermis, however, is particularly affected due to its histophysiologies' characteristics. With the expansion of life expectancy, the dermatological questions among the older population has had an increasingly bigger importance, propelling the development and perfecting of rejuvenation techniques. The phenol peeling is a deep, chemical one, which offers intense clinical results. The application on small areas of the body, for example, around the eyes, is safe and does not lead to cardiovascular complications. This review aims to update the knowledge of skin histology, the alterations related to photoaging and phenol peeling.