Strenuous swimming raises blood non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity in rats.

The non-enzymatic antioxidant system protects blood components from oxidative damage and/or injury. Herein, plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity after acute strenuous swimming exercise (Exe) and exercise until exhaustion (Exh) was measured in rats. The experiments were carried out in never exposed (Nex) and pre-exposed (Pex) groups. The Nex group did not undergo any previous training before the acute strenuous swimming test and the Pex group was submitted to daily swimming for 10 min in the first week and 15 min per day in the second week before testing. Plasma glucose, lactate, and pyruvate were measured and plasma total protein sulfhydryl groups (thiol), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) levels were evaluated. There were marked increases in plasma lactate concentrations (Nex-Control 1.31±0.20 vs NexExe 4.16±0.39 vs NexExh 7.19±0.67) and in thiol (Nex-Control 271.9±5.6 vs NexExh 314.7±5.7), TEAC (Nex-Control 786.4±60.2 vs NexExh 1027.7±58.2), FRAP (Nex-Control 309.2±17.7 vs NexExh 413.4±24.3), and TRAP (Nex-Control 0.50±0.15 vs NexExh 2.6±0.32) levels after acute swimming and/or exhaustion. Also, there were increased plasma lactate concentrations (Pex-Control 1.39±0.15 vs PexExe 5.22±0.91 vs PexExh 10.07±0.49), thiol (Pex-Control 252.9±8.2 vs PexExh 284.6±6.7), FRAP (Pex-Control 296.5±15.4 vs PexExh 445.7±45.6), and TRAP (Pex-Control 1.8±0.1 vs PexExh 4.6±0.2) levels after acute swimming and/or exhaustion. Lactate showed the highest percent of elevation in the Nex and Pex groups. In conclusion, plasma lactate may contribute to plasma antioxidant defenses, and the TRAP assay is the most sensitive assay for assessing plasma non-antioxidant capacity after strenuous exercise.

Strenuous swimming raises blood non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity in rats

The non-enzymatic antioxidant system protects blood components from oxidative damage and/or injury. Herein, plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity after acute strenuous swimming exercise (Exe) and exercise until exhaustion (Exh) was measured in rats. The experiments were carried out in never exposed (Nex) and pre-exposed (Pex) groups. The Nex group did not undergo any previous training before the acute strenuous swimming test and the Pex group was submitted to daily swimming for 10 min in the first week and 15 min per day in the second week before testing. Plasma glucose, lactate, and pyruvate were measured and plasma total protein sulfhydryl groups (thiol), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) levels were evaluated. There were marked increases in plasma lactate concentrations (Nex-Control 1.31±0.20 vs NexExe 4.16±0.39 vs NexExh 7.19±0.67) and in thiol (Nex-Control 271.9±5.6 vs NexExh 314.7±5.7), TEAC (Nex-Control 786.4±60.2 vs NexExh 1027.7±58.2), FRAP (Nex-Control 309.2±17.7 vs NexExh 413.4±24.3), and TRAP (Nex-Control 0.50±0.15 vs NexExh 2.6±0.32) levels after acute swimming and/or exhaustion. Also, there were increased plasma lactate concentrations (Pex-Control 1.39±0.15 vs PexExe 5.22±0.91 vs PexExh 10.07±0.49), thiol (Pex-Control 252.9±8.2 vs PexExh 284.6±6.7), FRAP (Pex-Control 296.5±15.4 vs PexExh 445.7±45.6), and TRAP (Pex-Control 1.8±0.1 vs PexExh 4.6±0.2) levels after acute swimming and/or exhaustion. Lactate showed the highest percent of elevation in the Nex and Pex groups. In conclusion, plasma lactate may contribute to plasma antioxidant defenses, and the TRAP assay is the most sensitive assay for assessing plasma non-antioxidant capacity after strenuous exercise.

Strenuous swimming raises blood non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity in rats

The non-enzymatic antioxidant system protects blood components from oxidative damage and/or injury. Herein, plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity after acute strenuous swimming exercise (Exe) and exercise until exhaustion (Exh) was measured in rats. The experiments were carried out in never exposed (Nex) and pre-exposed (Pex) groups. The Nex group did not undergo any previous training before the acute strenuous swimming test and the Pex group was submitted to daily swimming for 10 min in the first week and 15 min per day in the second week before testing. Plasma glucose, lactate, and pyruvate were measured and plasma total protein sulfhydryl groups (thiol), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) levels were evaluated. There were marked increases in plasma lactate concentrations (Nex-Control 1.31±0.20 vs NexExe 4.16±0.39 vs NexExh 7.19±0.67) and in thiol (Nex-Control 271.9±5.6 vs NexExh 314.7±5.7), TEAC (Nex-Control 786.4±60.2 vs NexExh 1027.7±58.2), FRAP (Nex-Control 309.2±17.7 vs NexExh 413.4±24.3), and TRAP (Nex-Control 0.50±0.15 vs NexExh 2.6±0.32) levels after acute swimming and/or exhaustion. Also, there were increased plasma lactate concentrations (Pex-Control 1.39±0.15 vs PexExe 5.22±0.91 vs PexExh 10.07±0.49), thiol (Pex-Control 252.9±8.2 vs PexExh 284.6±6.7), FRAP (Pex-Control 296.5±15.4 vs PexExh 445.7±45.6), and TRAP (Pex-Control 1.8±0.1 vs PexExh 4.6±0.2) levels after acute swimming and/or exhaustion. Lactate showed the highest percent of elevation in the Nex and Pex groups. In conclusion, plasma lactate may contribute to plasma antioxidant defenses, and the TRAP assay is the most sensitive assay for assessing plasma non-antioxidant capacity after strenuous exercise.

Activation of C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 modulates testicular macrophages number, steroidogenesis, and spermatogenesis progression.

The monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) belongs to the CC chemokine family and acts in the recruitment of C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)-positive immune cell types to inflammation sites. In testis, the MCP-1/CCR2 axis has been associated with the macrophage population's functional regulation, which presents significant functions supporting germ cell development. In this context, herein, we aimed to investigate the role of the chemokine receptor CCR2 in mice testicular environment and its impact on male sperm production. Using adult transgenic mice strain that had the CCR2 gene replaced by a red fluorescent protein gene, we showed a stage-dependent expression of CCR2 in type B spermatogonia and early primary spermatocytes. Several parameters related to sperm production were reduced in the absence of CCR2 protein, such as Sertoli cell efficiency, meiotic index, and overall yield of spermatogenesis. Daily sperm production decreased by almost 40%, and several damages in the seminiferous tubules were observed. Significant reduction in the expression of important genes related to the Sertoli cell function (Cnx43, Vim, Ocln, Spna2) and meiosis initiation (Stra8, Pcna, Prdm9, Msh5) occurred in comparison to controls. Also, the number of macrophages significantly decreased in the absence of CCR2 protein, along with a disturbance in Leydig cell steroidogenic activity. In summary, our results show that the non-activation of the MCP-1/CCR2 axis disturbs the testicular homeostasis, interfering in macrophage population, meiosis initiation, blood-testis barrier function, and androgen synthesis, leading to the malfunction of seminiferous tubules, decreased testosterone levels, defective sperm production, and lower fertility index.

A high-carbohydrate diet induces greater inflammation than a high-fat diet in mouse skeletal muscle.

We previously reported that both the high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) and high-fat diet (HFD) given for two months promote lipid deposition and inflammation in the liver and brain of mice. The results obtained indicate a tissue-specific response to both diets. Herein, we compared the effects of HCD and HFD on fatty acid (FA) composition and inflammation in the gastrocnemius muscle. Male Swiss mice were fed with HCD or HFD for 1 or 2 months. Saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), n-3 polyunsaturated FA (n-3 PUFA), and n-6 PUFA were quantified. The activities of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1), Δ-6 desaturase (D6D), elongase 6, and de novo lipogenesis (DNL) were estimated. As for indicators of the inflammatory tissue state, we measured myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and gene expression of F4/80, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and IL-10. The HCD led to a lower deposition of SFA, MUFA, n-3 PUFA, and n-6 PUFA compared to HFD. However, the HCD increased arachidonic acid levels, SFA/n-3 PUFA ratio, DNL, SCD-1, D6D, and MPO activities, and expression of IL-6, contrasting with the general idea that increased lipid deposition is associated with more intense inflammation. The HCD was more potent to induce skeletal muscle inflammation than the HFD, regardless of the lower lipid accumulation.

An Optimized Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Assay for the Determination of Ethyl Palmitate in Hair.

The use of hair as a matrix for the evaluation of chronic ethanol drinking behavior presents the advantage of a longer window of detection and higher specificity when compared to classical biochemical markers. The most recent recommendations the Society of Hair Testing (SOHT) indicate that ethyl palmitate (EtP) hair levels can be used to estimate the ethanol drinking behavior, alternatively to the combined measurement of four main fatty acid ethyl esters. In this study, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) conditions for the extraction of EtP from hair were optimized using response surface analysis, after a Box-Behnken experiment. Analyses were performed by GC-MS. The optimized HS-SPME conditions, using a PDMS-DVB (65 µm) fiber, were pre-adsorption time of 6 min, extraction time of 60 min and incubation temperature of 94°C. The linear range was 0.05 to 3 ng mg-1, with accuracy within 95.15-109.91%. Between-assay and within-assay precision were 8.58-12.53 and 6.12-6.82%, respectively. The extraction yield was 61.3-71.9%. The assay was applied to hair specimens obtained from 46 volunteers, all presenting EtP levels within the linear range of the assay. Using a statistically designed experiment, a sensitive SPME-GC-MS assay for the measurement of EtP in hair was developed and validated, requiring only 20 mg of hair.

Improved measurement of ethyl glucuronide concentrations in hair using UPLCMS/MS for the evaluation of chronic ethanol consumption.

The presence of Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in hair provides a strong indication of ethanol consumption and its investigation is of interest in both clinical and forensic contexts because of the wide window of detection. However, due to the possibility of false negative results in cases of small ethanol intake or excessive hair washing, the combined measurement of ethyl palmitate (EtP) with EtG could be useful. In this study, a sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS procedure for the measurement of EtG in hair was developed and validated, using optimized sample preparation and chromatographic separation. Milled hair was extracted with water for 24 h at room temperature, followed by clean-up of the extract by ion-exchange solid phase extraction (SPE). Extraction was highly efficient, with yield of 96.93-101.06%. Chromatographic separation was performed with a Fluoro-Phenyl stationary phase. The assay was linear from 4 to 500pgmg-1, with accuracy in the range of 100.30-106.16%. Matrix effects (-0.87 to 5.89%) were adequately compensated by the use of deuterated EtG as internal standard. EtG was measured in hair samples of 46 volunteers, and results were compared with hair concentrations of ethyl palmitate (EtP) and the score in the AUDITC questionnaire. EtG hair concentrations were significantly correlated to the AUDIT-C classification (rs=0.365, p<0.05), but not to EtP hair levels. The diagnostic performance of EtG hair concentrations to identify excessive or moderate ethanol use was similar to the capability of AUDIT-C to identify severe and high health risk (Kappa, p=0.013). The developed assay is suitable for clinical use, providing a useful tool to evaluate chronic ethanol consumption.

A high-carbohydrate diet induces greater inflammation than a high-fat diet in mouse skeletal muscle

We previously reported that both the high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) and high-fat diet (HFD) given for two months promote lipid deposition and inflammation in the liver and brain of mice. The results obtained indicate a tissue-specific response to both diets. Herein, we compared the effects of HCD and HFD on fatty acid (FA) composition and inflammation in the gastrocnemius muscle. Male Swiss mice were fed with HCD or HFD for 1 or 2 months. Saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), n-3 polyunsaturated FA (n-3 PUFA), and n-6 PUFA were quantified. The activities of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1), Δ-6 desaturase (D6D), elongase 6, and de novo lipogenesis (DNL) were estimated. As for indicators of the inflammatory tissue state, we measured myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and gene expression of F4/80, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and IL-10. The HCD led to a lower deposition of SFA, MUFA, n-3 PUFA, and n-6 PUFA compared to HFD. However, the HCD increased arachidonic acid levels, SFA/n-3 PUFA ratio, DNL, SCD-1, D6D, and MPO activities, and expression of IL-6, contrasting with the general idea that increased lipid deposition is associated with more intense inflammation. The HCD was more potent to induce skeletal muscle inflammation than the HFD, regardless of the lower lipid accumulation.

Ecotoxicological risk assessment due to the presence of bisphenol A and caffeine in surface waters in the Sinos River Basin - Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil / Risco ecotoxicológico devido à presença de bisfenol A e cafeína nas águas superficiais na Bacia do Rio Sinos - Rio Grande do Sul - Brasil

Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA) is an emerging contaminant, regularly detected in aquatic ecosystems, considered as an endocrine disrupting compound (EDC). Caffeine is another chemical related to human activity, often found in surface waters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecotoxicological risk due to BPA and caffeine in water samples from the Sinos River basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Water samples were collected at three sites monthly from May 9 th, 2016 to April 11th, 2017 (n = 36). BPA concentrations in water samples collected were in the range of not detected to 517 ng L-1 and caffeine concentrations in the range of 41.7 to 28,439.6 ng L-1. The concentration of BPA in the analyzed samples had a moderate correlation with caffeine (rs = 0.402). High ecotoxicological risk for BPA was characterized in 77.77% of samples, with 11.11% presenting medium and 11.1% presenting low risk. For caffeine 13.9%, 50% and 36.11% of the samples presented high, medium and low risk, respectively. Caffeine concentrations in water can be used as predictors of BPA concentrations above 10 ng L-1, the lower concentration of ecotoxicological risk, with specificity of 66.7% and sensitivity of 70.4%. The assessment of aquatic risks has shown that both investigated compounds pose risks to organisms in the studied surface waters, mouth of the Pampa stream, mouth of the Luiz Rau stream and catchment point for public supply in Lomba Grande.

Resumo Bisfenol A (BPA) é um contaminante emergente regularmente detectado em ecossistemas aquáticos, é considerado um agente modificador endócrino (EDC). Além disso, outro produto químico relacionado com atividade humana, encontrado com frequência nas águas superficiais, é a cafeína. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de risco ecotoxicológico devido a BPA e cafeína em amostras de água da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de água em três locais mensalmente no período de 9 de maio de 2016 a 11 de abril de 2017 (n = 36). As concentrações de BPA em amostras de água coletadas estavam na faixa de não detectada a 517 ng L-1 e concentrações de cafeína na faixa de 41,7 a 28,439,6 ng L-1. A concentração de BPA nas amostras analisadas apresentou correlação moderada com a cafeína (rs = 0,402). Alto risco ecotoxicológico para BPA foi caracterizado em 77,77% das amostras, com 11,11% apresentando médio e 11,1% apresentando baixo risco. Para cafeína 13,9%, 50% e 36,11% das amostras apresentaram risco alto, médio e baixo, respectivamente. Concentrações de cafeína em água podem ser utilizadas como preditoras de concentrações de BPA acima de 10 ng L-1, menor concentração de risco ecotoxicológico, com especificidade de 66,7% e sensibilidade de 70,4%. A avaliação dos riscos aquáticos revelou que ambos os compostos investigados representam risco para os organismos nas águas superficiais estudadas, foz do arroio Pampa, foz do arroio Luiz Rau e ponto de captação para abastecimento público em Lomba Grande.

Development of native forest species of the Atlantic forest in soil contaminated with hormonal herbicides.

Hormonal herbicides, used in pastures, can suffer drift and reach forests. The sensitivity and potential phytoremediation of native species to herbicide residues should be evaluated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the initial development of native Atlantic Forest tree species in soil contaminated with hormonal herbicides. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a 4 x 8 factorial scheme. The first factor had the control and the herbicide Tordon® in three doses (0.166, 0.333 and 0.666 L ha-1) and the second consisted of the forest species Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.), Cassia ferruginea (Schrad.) Schrad. ex DC., Dalbergia villosa (Benth.) Benth., Machaerium nyctitans (Vell.) Benth., Machaerium opacum Vogel, Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mart.) JF Macbr., Senegalia polyphylla (DC.) Britton and Rose, Senna macranthera (DC Collad.) HS Irwin and Barnaby. The emergence, height, survival, emergence speed index, intoxication, root volume, stem diameter, root and shoot dry mass, leaf area and leaf numbers of the forest species were evaluated. The A. colubrina, D. villosa and M. opacum initial development was reduced by the herbicides 2.4-D plus picloram residues. S. macranthera and P. gonoacantha are tolerant to this mixture and, therefore, show potential for phytoremediation of degraded areas containing residues of these compounds.

Ecotoxicological risk assessment due to the presence of bisphenol A and caffeine in surface waters in the Sinos River Basin - Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an emerging contaminant, regularly detected in aquatic ecosystems, considered as an endocrine disrupting compound (EDC). Caffeine is another chemical related to human activity, often found in surface waters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecotoxicological risk due to BPA and caffeine in water samples from the Sinos River basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Water samples were collected at three sites monthly from May 9 th, 2016 to April 11th, 2017 (n = 36). BPA concentrations in water samples collected were in the range of not detected to 517 ng L-1 and caffeine concentrations in the range of 41.7 to 28,439.6 ng L-1. The concentration of BPA in the analyzed samples had a moderate correlation with caffeine (rs = 0.402). High ecotoxicological risk for BPA was characterized in 77.77% of samples, with 11.11% presenting medium and 11.1% presenting low risk. For caffeine 13.9%, 50% and 36.11% of the samples presented high, medium and low risk, respectively. Caffeine concentrations in water can be used as predictors of BPA concentrations above 10 ng L-1, the lower concentration of ecotoxicological risk, with specificity of 66.7% and sensitivity of 70.4%. The assessment of aquatic risks has shown that both investigated compounds pose risks to organisms in the studied surface waters, mouth of the Pampa stream, mouth of the Luiz Rau stream and catchment point for public supply in Lomba Grande.

Ecotoxicological risk assessment due to the presence of bisphenol A and caffeine in surface waters in the Sinos River Basin - Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil / Risco ecotoxicológico devido à presença de bisfenol A e cafeína nas águas superficiais na Bacia do Rio Sinos - Rio Grande do Sul - Brasil

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an emerging contaminant, regularly detected in aquatic ecosystems, considered as an endocrine disrupting compound (EDC). Caffeine is another chemical related to human activity, often found in surface waters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecotoxicological risk due to BPA and caffeine in water samples from the Sinos River basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Water samples were collected at three sites monthly from May 9 th, 2016 to April 11th, 2017 (n = 36). BPA concentrations in water samples collected were in the range of not detected to 517 ng L-1 and caffeine concentrations in the range of 41.7 to 28,439.6 ng L-1. The concentration of BPA in the analyzed samples had a moderate correlation with caffeine (rs = 0.402). High ecotoxicological risk for BPA was characterized in 77.77% of samples, with 11.11% presenting medium and 11.1% presenting low risk. For caffeine 13.9%, 50% and 36.11% of the samples presented high, medium and low risk, respectively. Caffeine concentrations in water can be used as predictors of BPA concentrations above 10 ng L-1, the lower concentration of ecotoxicological risk, with specificity of 66.7% and sensitivity of 70.4%. The assessment of aquatic risks has shown that both investigated compounds pose risks to organisms in the studied surface waters, mouth of the Pampa stream, mouth of the Luiz Rau stream and catchment point for public supply in Lomba Grande.(AU)

Bisfenol A (BPA) é um contaminante emergente regularmente detectado em ecossistemas aquáticos, é considerado um agente modificador endócrino (EDC). Além disso, outro produto químico relacionado com atividade humana, encontrado com frequência nas águas superficiais, é a cafeína. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de risco ecotoxicológico devido a BPA e cafeína em amostras de água da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de água em três locais mensalmente no período de 9 de maio de 2016 a 11 de abril de 2017 (n = 36). As concentrações de BPA em amostras de água coletadas estavam na faixa de não detectada a 517 ng L-1 e concentrações de cafeína na faixa de 41,7 a 28,439,6 ng L-1. A concentração de BPA nas amostras analisadas apresentou correlação moderada com a cafeína (rs = 0,402). Alto risco ecotoxicológico para BPA foi caracterizado em 77,77% das amostras, com 11,11% apresentando médio e 11,1% apresentando baixo risco. Para cafeína 13,9%, 50% e 36,11% das amostras apresentaram risco alto, médio e baixo, respectivamente. Concentrações de cafeína em água podem ser utilizadas como preditoras de concentrações de BPA acima de 10 ng L-1, menor concentração de risco ecotoxicológico, com especificidade de 66,7% e sensibilidade de 70,4%. A avaliação dos riscos aquáticos revelou que ambos os compostos investigados representam risco para os organismos nas águas superficiais estudadas, foz do arroio Pampa, foz do arroio Luiz Rau e ponto de captação para abastecimento público em Lomba Grande.(AU)

Adipose tissue is less responsive to food restriction anti-inflammatory effects than liver, muscle, and brain in mice

High caloric intake promotes chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes, which may be prevented by food restriction (FR). The effect of FR on expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes in adipose tissue, liver, muscle, and brain was compared. Male Swiss mice were submitted to FR (FR group) or had free access to food (control group) during 56 days. The liver, gastrocnemius muscle, brain, and epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) were collected for analysis of gene expressions. FR attenuated inflammation in the liver, brain, and gastrocnemius muscle but did not markedly change inflammatory gene expression in epididymal WAT. We concluded that adipose tissue was less responsive to FR in terms of gene expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes.

Adipose tissue is less responsive to food restriction anti-inflammatory effects than liver, muscle, and brain in mice.

High caloric intake promotes chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes, which may be prevented by food restriction (FR). The effect of FR on expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes in adipose tissue, liver, muscle, and brain was compared. Male Swiss mice were submitted to FR (FR group) or had free access to food (control group) during 56 days. The liver, gastrocnemius muscle, brain, and epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) were collected for analysis of gene expressions. FR attenuated inflammation in the liver, brain, and gastrocnemius muscle but did not markedly change inflammatory gene expression in epididymal WAT. We concluded that adipose tissue was less responsive to FR in terms of gene expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes.

Interleukin-12 as a biomarker of the beneficial effects of food restriction in mice receiving high fat diet or high carbohydrate diet.

The impact of food restriction (FR) during 56 days on serum levels of cytokines in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) were evaluated. The amount of food was reduced 50% for HFD-FR and HCD-FR groups compared to mice receiving free access to HFD (HFD group) or HCD (HCD group). We quantified the serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, inducible protein 10, interferon γ, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, keratinocyte chemoattractant, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, monokine induced by IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor α. Only IL-12 levels were lower (P<0.05), for both HFD-FR (HFD-FR vs HFD) and HCD-FR (HCD-FR vs HCD). Therefore, IL-12 levels could be considered a biological marker of the beneficial effects of FR.

Correlations between resistance training-induced changes on phase angle and biochemical markers in older women.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on phase angle (PhA), inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and to evaluate whether these RT-induced adaptations are related to PhA changes. Fifty-one older women (70.6 ± 5.1 years; 26.9 ± 4.2 kg/m2 ) were randomly allocated into a training group (TG) that performed 12-week RT or a nonexercising control group (CG). The PhA (Xitron), body composition (DXA), and blood sample measurements (after a 12 hours fast) were performed before and after the intervention. The TG showed a significant (P < .05) increase in PhA (TG: +7.4±5.9% vs CG: -3.6 ± 8.8%), and interleukin-10 (IL-10; TG: +51.8 ± 71.1% vs CG: -46.6 ± 38.0%), and a decrease in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α; TG: -15.2 ± 11.1% vs CG: +6.9±17.7%), interleukin-6 (IL-6; TG: -17.9 ± 17.8% vs CG: +6.1 ± 24.8%), and C-reactive protein (CRP; TG: -24.1 ± 19.9% vs CG: +43.8 ± 31.1%). Moreover, TG upregulated catalase (TG: +11.4 ± 15.0% vs CG: -6.7 ± 10.2%). Changes in TNF-α (r = -.71), CRP (r = -.65), lower advanced oxidation protein products (r = -.55), and catalase (r = +.73) after RT were correlated with changes in PhA (P < .05). These results suggest that RT improves PhA, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and the changes in inflammatory and oxidative damage markers are correlated with changes in PhA.

Determination of docetaxel in dried blood spots by LC-MS/MS: Method development, validation and clinical application.

In this study, a LC-MS/MS method for the measurement of docetaxel in Dried Blood Spots (DBS) samples was developed and validated. Docetaxel was extracted from 8 mm DBS punch with a mixture of methanol and acetonitrile (9:1, v/v). The chromatographic separation occurred in an Acquity® C18 column (150 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 µm) eluted with a mixture of water and acetonitrile plus 0.1% formic acid (45:55, v/v). Total analytical run time was 7 min. The method was linear from 50 to 3000 ng ml-1. Precision assays showed CV% < 9.8% and accuracy between 99 and 103%, mean recovery was 81%. The method was applied in the determination of the docetaxel in 31 patients, after collection of two paired venous blood and DBS samples, following a limited sampling strategy protocol. The analyte was stable in DBS for 18 days at 25 °C and 9 days at 45 °C. The interval of docetaxel concentrations measured in DBS collected before the end of the infusion was 756-3047 ng ml-1 and 60 ±â€¯10 min after the end of the infusion was 57-331 ng ml-1. AUC values calculated from DBS-derived estimated plasma concentrations (EPC) represented on average 100% of those obtained in plasma samples of 3.1 mgh/l (2.4-4.9 mg h/l). There was a 93% agreement between the classification of patients as within or without the therapeutic range by plasma and EPC AUC. These findings support the clinical use of DBS sampling for routine therapeutic drug monitoring of docetaxel.

Ecotoxicological risk assessment due to the presence of bisphenol A and caffeine in surface waters in the Sinos River Basin - Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil

Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA) is an emerging contaminant, regularly detected in aquatic ecosystems, considered as an endocrine disrupting compound (EDC). Caffeine is another chemical related to human activity, often found in surface waters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecotoxicological risk due to BPA and caffeine in water samples from the Sinos River basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Water samples were collected at three sites monthly from May 9 th, 2016 to April 11th, 2017 (n = 36). BPA concentrations in water samples collected were in the range of not detected to 517 ng L-1 and caffeine concentrations in the range of 41.7 to 28,439.6 ng L-1. The concentration of BPA in the analyzed samples had a moderate correlation with caffeine (rs = 0.402). High ecotoxicological risk for BPA was characterized in 77.77% of samples, with 11.11% presenting medium and 11.1% presenting low risk. For caffeine 13.9%, 50% and 36.11% of the samples presented high, medium and low risk, respectively. Caffeine concentrations in water can be used as predictors of BPA concentrations above 10 ng L-1, the lower concentration of ecotoxicological risk, with specificity of 66.7% and sensitivity of 70.4%. The assessment of aquatic risks has shown that both investigated compounds pose risks to organisms in the studied surface waters, mouth of the Pampa stream, mouth of the Luiz Rau stream and catchment point for public supply in Lomba Grande.

Resumo Bisfenol A (BPA) é um contaminante emergente regularmente detectado em ecossistemas aquáticos, é considerado um agente modificador endócrino (EDC). Além disso, outro produto químico relacionado com atividade humana, encontrado com frequência nas águas superficiais, é a cafeína. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de risco ecotoxicológico devido a BPA e cafeína em amostras de água da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de água em três locais mensalmente no período de 9 de maio de 2016 a 11 de abril de 2017 (n = 36). As concentrações de BPA em amostras de água coletadas estavam na faixa de não detectada a 517 ng L-1 e concentrações de cafeína na faixa de 41,7 a 28,439,6 ng L-1. A concentração de BPA nas amostras analisadas apresentou correlação moderada com a cafeína (rs = 0,402). Alto risco ecotoxicológico para BPA foi caracterizado em 77,77% das amostras, com 11,11% apresentando médio e 11,1% apresentando baixo risco. Para cafeína 13,9%, 50% e 36,11% das amostras apresentaram risco alto, médio e baixo, respectivamente. Concentrações de cafeína em água podem ser utilizadas como preditoras de concentrações de BPA acima de 10 ng L-1, menor concentração de risco ecotoxicológico, com especificidade de 66,7% e sensibilidade de 70,4%. A avaliação dos riscos aquáticos revelou que ambos os compostos investigados representam risco para os organismos nas águas superficiais estudadas, foz do arroio Pampa, foz do arroio Luiz Rau e ponto de captação para abastecimento público em Lomba Grande.

Interleukin-12 as a biomarker of the beneficial effects of food restriction in mice receiving high fat diet or high carbohydrate diet

The impact of food restriction (FR) during 56 days on serum levels of cytokines in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) were evaluated. The amount of food was reduced 50% for HFD-FR and HCD-FR groups compared to mice receiving free access to HFD (HFD group) or HCD (HCD group). We quantified the serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, inducible protein 10, interferon γ, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, keratinocyte chemoattractant, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, monokine induced by IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor α. Only IL-12 levels were lower (P<0.05), for both HFD-FR (HFD-FR vs HFD) and HCD-FR (HCD-FR vs HCD). Therefore, IL-12 levels could be considered a biological marker of the beneficial effects of FR.

A percepção do corpo em pacientes bariátricos e a experiência do medo de reganho de pêso / Body perception and fear of weight regain in bariatric patients

O presente artigo analisou alterações na percepção corporal e medo do reganho de peso em10 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica de Fobi-Capella (Bypass Gástrico em Y de Roux)há no mínimo quatro anos, que tiveram reganho de pelo menos 20% do peso perdido. Foi utili-zado um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada sobre: dados demográficos, hábitos alimenta-res, mudanças no estilo de vida e comportamentais, imagem corporal, preconceitosvivenciados e reaquisição de peso. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas e submetidas àanálise de conteúdo. Observou-se que o reganho de peso ocorreu de modo desapercebido pe-lo paciente, até que tenha sido sinalizado socialmente; o emagrecimento excessivo foi malavaliado pelos pares; observou-se medo acentuado, por parte dos operados bariátricos, devoltar à obesidade mórbida; os participantes relataram alterações nas relações afetivas; a per-cepção da imagem corporal oscilou e era infiel à aparência externa(AU)