Artisanal Gem Mining in Brazil: Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity Biomarkers.

This study was carried out in the district of Taquaral de Minas, in the municipality of Itinga, located in Jequitinhonha Valley, state of Minas Gerais, which is considered one of the largest yolk-producing regions in Brazil. Miners in gem extraction areas are prone to severe oxidative damage due to their increased exposure to toxic metals, as well as chemical, physical, and biological agents, resulting in diseases such as silicosis. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate occupational exposure in prospectors through biomonitoring techniques using a variety of biomarkers for oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity. Twenty-two miners and seventeen workers who were not occupationally exposed were recruited, totaling thirty-nine participants. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys. In this study, the levels of total peroxides, catalase activity, and microelements in plasma were evaluated. Additionally, environmental analysis was carried out through the Ames and Allium cepa tests. The results of the lipoperoxidation assessment were significant, with increased frequencies in exposed individuals compared to controls (p < 0.05), as determined by the Mann-Whitney test. Micronutrients in the blood showed lower concentrations in the group exposed to Fe and Se than in individuals not exposed to these elements. The results of the Ames test and Allium cepa test were statistically significant compared to the controls (p < 0.05), as determined by the Mann-Whitney test for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Thus, the results of the present study indicate possible environmental contamination and a potential risk to the health of miners, which suggests that further studies are important in the region.

Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) Consumption in Energy-Restricted Intervention Decreases Proinflammatory Markers and Intestinal Permeability of Women with Overweight/Obesity: A Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study).

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and increased intestinal permeability (IP). The Brazil nut (BN) (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) appears to be a promising dietary intervention to control inflammation by enhancing antioxidant defenses. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the effect of daily BN consumption on inflammatory biomarkers and IP in the context of an energy-restricted intervention. Furthermore, we evaluated the correlation between the changes in these inflammatory markers and the changes in serum selenium and IP. METHODS: In this 8-wk nonrandomized controlled trial, 56 women with overweight or obesity were allocated into 2 groups, both following an energy-restricted diet (-500 kcal/d). The control group (CO) consumed a nut-free diet, while the BN group consumed 8 g BN/d, providing 347.2 µg selenium (Se). Inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in plasma and Se in serum. IP was assessed using the lactulose/mannitol test (LM ratio). RESULTS: Forty-six women completed the intervention. Both groups achieved similar energy restriction (CO Δ= -253.7 ± 169.4 kcal/d; BN Δ= -265.8 ± 141.8 kcal/d) and weight loss (CO Δ= -2.5 ± 0.5 kg; BN Δ= -3.5 ± 0.5 kg). The BN group showed lower values of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)1-ß, IL-8, percentage lactulose excretion, and LM ratio than the CO group. Additionally, changes in serum Se concentration were predictive of changes in IL-8 concentration (ß: -0.054; adjusted R2: 0.100; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.100; -0.007; P = 0.025), and changes in IL-8 were predictive of changes in the LM ratio (ß: 0.006; adjusted R2: 0.101; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.011; P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Regular intake of BNs can be a promising complementary dietary strategy for controlling low-grade inflammation and improving IP in women with overweight/obesity undergoing energy-restricted treatment. However, the effects of BNs seem to be Se status-dependent. This trial was registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3ntxrm/.

Safety and efficacy indicators of guarana and Brazil nut extract carried in nanoparticles of coenzyme Q10: Evidence from human blood cells and red earthworm experimental model.

This study characterized a nanosupplement based on coenzyme Q10 containing guarana (Paullinia cupana) and Brazil nuts oil (Bertholetia excelsa) (G-Nut). Determined cytotoxic and oxi-immunomodulatory effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and its effect on mortality of red Californian earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and on the immune efficiency of its coelomocytes immune by in vitro exposure to yeast dead microorganism. The cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects of G-Nut and the GN-Free extract (0.25-3 mg/mL) were determined in PBMC cultures. Apoptotic, oxidative, and inflammatory markers were determined using biochemical, immunological, and molecular protocols. The effects of G-Nut and GN-Free extracts on mortality and immune efficiency were investigated in earthworms. G-Nut and GN-Free did not induce cytotoxic events in PBMCs, triggering the decrease in apoptotic (caspases 3 and 8) gene expression, lipid and protein oxidation levels, or pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. G-Nut and GN-Free did not trigger earthworm mortality and improved coelomocyte immune efficiency by increasing Eisenia neutrophil extracellular DNA traps and brown body formation when exposed to dead yeasts. The G-Nut nanoformulation is safe and can be used as a new form of food supplement by oral or transdermal delivery.

Microscopy, HPTLC, and LC-DAD-Q-ToF validation of nut-based weight-loss dietary supplements, Aleurites moluccanus (candlenut) and Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut).

Aleurites moluccanus (candlenut) and Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut) are marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss. These dietary supplements have been found to sometimes be adulterated with toxic nuts/seeds from Cascabela thevetia, commonly known as yellow oleander or lucky nut. This study emphasizes the key identification parameters to differentiate the genuine and adulterated nuts. Samples were obtained from authenticated sources of the nuts and from commercial sources of dietary supplements. This study examined 38 samples, including voucher and commercial samples. All eight commercial candlenut dietary supplement samples were adulterated. Additionally, two samples sold as Brazil nuts were also found to be adulterated. Other nuts were screened for the presence of Cardiac Glycosides, but none were found to be positive. The presence of yellow oleander was confirmed in all commercial dietary supplement samples marketed as candlenut as well as in commercial samples of Brazil nut. This study provides simple key identification characters using micro-morphology and histochemical localization of cardiac glycosides in the commercial nuts, HPTLC fingerprints, and LC-DAD-Q-ToF analytical parameters to detect and identify adulteration in commercial products.

Brazil nut consumption reduces DNA damage in overweight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a metabolic disease, which occurs largely due to unhealthy lifestyle. As oxidative stress is believed to promote T2D, by inducing damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, appropriate dietary interventions seem critical to prevent, manage, and even reverse this condition. Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa, H.B.K.) are nature's richest source of selenium, a mineral that has shown several health benefits. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effects of selenium consumption, through Brazil nuts, on biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, and genomic instability in T2D patients. We recruited 133 patients with T2D, registered in the Integrated Clinics of the University of Southern Santa Catarina (Brazil). Participants consumed one Brazil nut a day for six months. Blood samples and exfoliated buccal cells were collected at the beginning and the end of the intervention. The glycemic profile, lipid profile, renal profile and hepatic profile, DNA damage and selenium content were evaluated. A total of 74 participants completed the intervention. Brazil nut consumption increased selenium and GSH levels, GPx, and CAT activity while DCF and nitrites levels decreased. Total thiols increased, and protein carbonyl and MDA levels decreased. Levels of baseline and oxidative DNA damage in T2D patients were significantly decreased, as well as the frequency of micronuclei and nuclear buds. The fasting glucose levels, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and GGT levels that increased significantly in patients with type 2 diabetes were significantly reduced with nut consumption. Our results show an increase in antioxidant activity, along with reductions of protein and lipid oxidation as well as DNA damage, suggesting that Brazil nut consumption could be an ally in reducing oxidative stress and modulating the genomic instability in T2D patients.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Bertholletia excelsa (H. B. K) bark extract / Propiedades antiinflamatorias y antioxidantes del extracto de corteza de Bertholletia excelsa (H. B. K)

Bertholletia excelsa is native to the Amazon Rainforest and is popularly known as the Brazil nut. It has socioeconomic importance due its nuts being a great export product. There are few studies in the literature regarding the biotechnological potential of its bark, although it is used in folk medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical constituents, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of B. excelsa bark extract (BEB). Twelve substances were identified by LC/MS/MS, and cytotoxicity tests were carried out, as well as analyses of nitric oxide production and elimination of free radicals. BEB caused cytoprotection against oxidative stress in macrophages, increased HMOX-1 expression, overcame the antioxidant effects of GPx-1 and reduced its expression and was able to inhibit leukocyte migration in use peritonitis. BEB efficiently attenuated oxidative stress due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and, as such, can be used as a safe and effective source of a natural herbal medicine.

Bertholletia excelsa es originaria de la selva amazónica y se la conoce popularmente como nuez de Brasil. Tiene importancia socioeconómica debido a que sus frutos secos son un gran producto de exportación. Existen pocos estudios en la literatura sobre el potencial biotecnológico de su corteza, aunque se utiliza en medicina popular. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los componentes químicos, las propiedades antiinflamatorias y antioxidantes del extracto de corteza de B. excelsa (BEB). Se identificaron 12 sustancias mediante LC/MS/MS y se realizaron pruebas de citotoxicidad, así como análisis de producción de óxido nítrico y eliminación de radicales libres. BEB causó citoprotección contra el estrés oxidativo en macrófagos, aumentó la expresión de HMOX-1, superó los efectos antioxidantes de GPx-1 y redujo su expresión y fue capaz de inhibir la migración de leucocitos en la peritonitis de uso. BEB atenuó eficazmente el estrés oxidativo debido a sus propiedades antioxidantes y antiinflamatorias y, como tal, puede utilizarse como una fuente segura y eficaz de un medicamento a base de hierbas naturales.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Approach in Brazil Nut Oil and the Occurrence of Aflatoxins.

Carcinogenic metabolites of fungi such as aflatoxins play a toxic role in some tree nuts and need to be monitored in their by-products, such as oil. In this context, Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) oil, which is a commodity of great economic importance to Brazil, requires attention to monitor the presence of these toxic agents. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of aflatoxins in Brazil nut oil and relate it to the presence of fatty acids in the oil as a surveillance tool for food safety. Brazil nut oil samples (n= 25) were acquired in northern Brazil as (a) non-branded products (n= 07) produced by local farmers using artisanal methods from nuts to be discarded by the industry and (b) industrialized products (n= 18). The samples were analyzed for total aflatoxin content by high-performance liquid chromatography and fatty acid content by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Seven (28%) samples were positive for the aflatoxin fractions (B1 + B2 + G1 + G2), ranging from undetected (<2.32) to 50.87 µg/kg. Of the aflatoxin positive samples evaluated by NMR analysis, it was not possible to state that the presence of a particular fatty acid can interfere or influence aflatoxin contamination. This was the first study with data on aflatoxin occurrence in Brazil nut oil. Nevertheless, further research is required to relate saturated or unsaturated fatty acid content with aflatoxin levels. We also suggest the implementation of systems to prevent contamination of the raw materials (seed) and detoxification of the oil to guarantee the product's safety and quality.

Fatty ethanolamide of Bertholletia excelsa triglycerides (Brazil nuts): anti-inflammatory action and acute toxicity evaluation in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Fatty amides (N-alkylamides) are bioactive lipids that are widely distributed in microorganisms, animals, and plants. The low yield in the extraction process of spilantol, a fatty amide, which is mainly related to its diverse biological effects, compromises its application on a large scale. Thus, this study proposes an alternative method to synthesise fatty amides from Bertholletia excelsa (AGBe) oil, with a chemical structure similar to that of spilantol. Carrageenan-induced abdominal oedema in vivo models were used in zebrafish (Danio rerio). In in vivo studies, oral AGBe produced no signs of toxicity. In the histopathological study, AGBe did not cause significant changes in the main metabolising organs (liver, kidneys, and intestines). All doses of AGBe (100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg) were effective in reducing oedema by 65%, 69%, and 95%, respectively, producing a dose-response effect compared to the control group, and spilantol-inhibited oedema by 48%. In the in silico study, with the use of molecular docking, it was observed that among the AGBe, the molecules 18:1, ω-7-ethanolamine, and 18:1, ω-9-ethanolamine stood out, with 21 interactions for COX-2 and 20 interactions for PLA2, respectively, surpassing the spilantol standard with 15 interactions for COX-2 and PLA2. The anti-inflammatory action hypothesis was confirmed in the in silico study, demonstrating the involvement of AGBe in the process of inhibiting the enzymes COX-2 and PLA2. Therefore, based on all the results obtained and the fact that until the dose of 1000 mg/kg was administered orally in zebrafish, it was not possible to determine the LD50; it can be said that AGBe is effective and safe for anti-inflammatory activity.

Long-term effects of plant spacing on the growth and morphometry of Bertholletia excelsa / Efeitos de longo prazo do espaçamento de plantio no crescimento e morfometria de Bertholletia excelsa

Plant spacing is a potential driver of tree form and yield in forest plantations. However, its effects on the productivity of tree plantations in the Amazon are still little known. This study examined the effects of six spacing regimes (3 x 4, 4 x 4, 4 x 5, 5 x 5, 5 x 6, and 6 x 6 m) on the growth and morphometry of a 20-year-old plantation of Bertholletia excelsa. We observed high, spacing-independent survival (> 70%). For timber production purposes, intermediate and two large spacing regimes tended to higher values of yield components, mainly diameter, biomass, and volume, although some did not differ significantly from the smallest spacing. One of the intermediate spacings (5 x 5 m) tended to higher commercial height. Tree crowns tended to be wider and longer in the larger spacings, which indicates the potential of these regimes for fruit production. Tree crowns exceeded the vital growth space in all spacing regimes, which suggests the need for thinning before the age of 20 years in all spacings to reduce intraspecific competition and increase yield. We estimated that a density of 84 remaining trees per hectare would be necessary to reach an average diameter of 40 cm at the age of 20 years. Thus, B. excelsa had high survival in the tested range of spacing regimes, while the intermediate and the largest spacing regimes led to better tree growth and morphometry.(AU)

O espaçamento de plantio determina a forma e produtividade das árvores em plantações florestais. Entretanto, seus efeitos sobre a produtividade de plantações de espécies arbóreas da Amazônia ainda são pouco compreendidos. Objetivou-se examinar os efeitos de seis regimes de espaçamento (3 x 4, 4 x 4, 4 x 5, 5 x 5, 5 x 6, e 6 x 6 m) sobre o crescimento e morfometria de plantações de Bertholletia excelsa aos 20 anos de idade. Observamos alta sobrevivência independentemente do espaçamento (> 70%). Para fins de produção de madeira, os regimes de espaçamento intermediário e dois maiores apresentaram valores mais altos de características de produção, principalmente diâmetro, biomassa e volume, embora alguns não diferiram significativamente do menor espaçamento. Um dos espaçamentos intermediários (5 x 5 m) tendeu a maior altura comercial. As copas das árvores tenderam a ser mais largas e longas nos espaçamentos maiores, indicando potencial desses regimes para a produção de frutos. As copas das árvores excederam o espaço vital de crescimento em todos os espaçamentos, sugerindo a necessidade de desbaste antes dos 20 anos em todos os espaçamentos, para reduzir a competição intraespecífica e aumentar a produtividade. Estimamos que uma densidade de 84 árvores remanescentes por hectare seria necessária para atingir um diâmetro médio de 40 cm aos 20 anos. Portanto, B. excelsa apresentou alta sobrevivência em todos os regimes de espaçamento testados, enquanto os regimes de espaçamento intermediário e maiores proporcionaram melhor crescimento e morfometria das árvores.(AU)

Cryopreservation of Bovine Semen Using Extract of Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil Nuts).

BACKGROUND: Semen cryopreservation is essential in animal breeding programs for improving the availability of genetic resources from animals with high breeding value. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the addition of Brazil nut extract as a replacement for egg yolk in bovine semen cryopreservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semen was collected from five Nelore bulls and cryopreserved with the addition (treatments) of 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% Brazil nut extract in the cryoprotectant medium. After thawing, spermatic cells were evaluated for morphology, plasma membrane integrity, spermatic kinetics, and in vitro fertilization. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, and the data were submitted to regression analysis. RESULTS: The minor-type and total defects, and plasma membrane integrity were affected (P < 0.05) as a function of egg yolk substitution with Brazil nut extract. There was a significant effect (P < 0.05) of Brazil nut extract addition on the spermatic kinetics and cleavage rate. CONCLUSION: The addition of Brazil nut extract in the cryoprotective medium as a substitute of egg yolk for freezing bovine semen negatively affects sperm quality and fertility.

Comparison of the Effects of Brazil Nut Oil and Soybean Oil on the Cardiometabolic Parameters of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Trial.

Recent evidence suggests that replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat is beneficial for cardiovascular health. This study compared the effects of Brazil nut oil (BNO) and soybean oil (SO) supplementation for 30 days on anthropometric, blood pressure, biochemical, and oxidative parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). Thirty-one patients with MS were randomly allocated to receive 30 sachets with 10 mL each of either BNO (n = 15) or SO (n = 16) for daily supplementation. Variables were measured at the beginning of the study and after 30 days of intervention. No change in anthropometric and blood pressure variables were observed (p > 0.05). Total (p = 0.0253) and low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.0437) cholesterol increased in the SO group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased (p = 0.0087) and triglycerides increased (p = 0.0045) in the BNO group. Malondialdehyde levels decreased in the BNO group (p = 0.0296) and total antioxidant capacity improved in the SO group (p = 0.0110). Although the addition of oils without lifestyle interventions did not affect anthropometric findings or blood pressure and promoted undesirable results in the lipid profile in both groups, daily supplementation of BNO for 30 days decreased lipid peroxidation, contributing to oxidative stress reduction.

Understanding Mycotoxin Contamination Across the Food Chain in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities.

Brazil is one of the largest food producers and exporters in the world. In the late 20th century, the European Union program for the harmonization of regulations for contaminants in food, including mycotoxins, led to the examination of mycotoxin contamination in foods at a global level. The problem of the rejection of food by the European Union and other countries became a Brazilian national priority because of economic and food safety aspects. Ochratoxin A in coffee and cocoa and aflatoxins in Brazil nuts are examples of the impact of technical trade barriers on Brazilian foods. To overcome these threats, several strategies were undertaken by Brazilian and international organizations. In this context, the Codex Commission on Food Contaminants (CCCF) has emerged as a forum to discuss with more transparency issues related to mycotoxins, focusing on establishing maximum levels and codes of practices for some commodities and mycotoxins to ensure fair trade and food safety. Our experience in investigating and understanding mycotoxin contamination across the food chains in Brazil has contributed nationally and internationally to providing some answers to these issues.

Composição nutricional e atividade antioxidante de farinhas de castanha do baru, castanha de caju e castanha-do-brasil / Nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity of flours obtained baru nuts, cashew nuts and brazil nuts

O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a composição centesimal e a capacidade antioxidante de farinhas das castanhas do baru, caju, e brasil. Com os resultados, pode-se observar diferença no teor de umidade, as castanhas de baru e caju apresentaram os maiores valores, 5,45±0,38% e 5,77±0,46% respectivamente. Para lipídios houve diferença entre as três amostras, 70,80±1,65% para castanha-do-brasil, 49,93±2,93% para de caju e 35,63±1,53% para o baru. Com relação a proteínas, o baru apresentou 14,57±1,70%. Foi realizada análise de aminoácidos das castanhas. A capacidade antioxidante equivalente a TROLOX (µmol/g) foi 1,718±0,10, 0,553±0,05, 0,502±0,05, para caju, castanha-do-brasil e baru respectivamente. A castanha de baru, fruto típico do cerrado, revelou-se uma ótima opção de consumo comparada a castanhas tradicionalmente consumidas.(AU)

Composição nutricional e atividade antioxidante de farinhas de castanha do baru, castanha de caju e castanha-do-brasil / Nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity of flours obtained baru nuts, cashew nuts and brazil nuts

O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a composição centesimal e a capacidade antioxidante de farinhas das castanhas do baru, caju, e brasil. Com os resultados, pode-se observar diferença no teor de umidade, as castanhas de baru e caju apresentaram os maiores valores, 5,45±0,38% e 5,77±0,46% respectivamente. Para lipídios houve diferença entre as três amostras, 70,80±1,65% para castanha-do-brasil, 49,93±2,93% para de caju e 35,63±1,53% para o baru. Com relação a proteínas, o baru apresentou 14,57±1,70%. Foi realizada análise de aminoácidos das castanhas. A capacidade antioxidante equivalente a TROLOX (µmol/g) foi 1,718±0,10, 0,553±0,05, 0,502±0,05, para caju, castanha-do-brasil e baru respectivamente. A castanha de baru, fruto típico do cerrado, revelou-se uma ótima opção de consumo comparada a castanhas tradicionalmente consumidas.

Removal of amoxicillin from simulated hospital effluents by adsorption using activated carbons prepared from capsules of cashew of Para.

High-surface-area activated carbons were prepared from an agroindustrial residue, Bertholletia excelsa capsules known as capsules of Para cashew (CCP), that were utilized for removing amoxicillin from aqueous effluents. The activated carbons were prepared with the proportion of CCP:ZnCl2 1:1, and this mixture was pyrolyzed at 600 (CCP-600) and 700 °C (CCP700). The CCP.600 and CCP.700 were characterized by CHN/O elemental analysis, the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio, FTIR, TGA, Boehm titration, total pore volume, and surface area. These analyses show that the adsorbents have different polar groups, which confers a hydrophilic surface. The adsorbents presented surface area and total pore volume of 1457 m2 g-1 and 0.275 cm3 g-1 (CCP.600) and 1419 m2 g-1 and 0.285 cm3 g-1 (CCP.700). The chemical and physical properties of the adsorbents were very close, indicating that the pyrolysis temperature of 600 and 700 °C does not bring relevant differences in the physical and chemical properties of these adsorbents. The adsorption data of kinetics and equilibrium were successfully adjusted to Avrami fractional-order and Liu isotherm model. The use of the adsorbents for treatment of simulated hospital effluents, containing different organic and inorganic compounds, showed excellent removals (up to 98.04% for CCP.600 and 98.60% CCP.700). Graphical abstract.

Consumption of Brazil nuts with high selenium levels increased inflammation biomarkers in obese women: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Increased inflammatory response is an important factor in the pathophysiology of obesity. The mineral selenium (Se), of which one of the main food sources is the Brazil nut, has important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions through the action of selenoproteins. Thus, the evaluation of the influence of this micronutrient in this context is of great relevance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Brazil nut intake with high Se concentrations on inflammatory biomarkers and its relation to Se status in obese women. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out with 55 women recruited at Clinical Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Patients were randomly assigned to either the Brazil nut group (BN) or the control group (CO) and followed up for 2 mo. The BN group consumed 1 unit/d of Brazil nuts (∼ 1261 µg/Se); the CO group did not receive any intervention. At baseline and after 2 mo, analysis of biochemical parameters related to Se status, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers were performed. RESULTS: At baseline, both groups did not present Se deficiency. In the BN group, a significant increase (P < 0.05) in all Se biomarkers and in gene expression of several proinflammatory parameters (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and Toll-like receptors 2 and 4) were observed after the intervention period. No changes were observed for the CO group. CONCLUSION: Although there were no changes in plasma inflammatory biomarkers levels, a significant increase in gene expression may be an indication of a proinflammatory stimulus in obesity, induced by the consumption of Brazil nuts with high Se levels.

H3PO4-activated carbons produced from açai stones and Brazil nut shells: removal of basic blue 26 dye from aqueous solutions by adsorption.

The adsorption characteristics of C.I. basic blue 26 (BB26) from aqueous solutions onto H3PO4-activated carbons (ACs) produced from açai stones (Euterpe oleracea Martius) and Brazil nut shells (Bertholletia excelsa H. B. K) were investigated in a batch system. The ACs were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, N2 adsorption at 77 K, mercury porosimetry, and acidity/basicity analysis. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order kinetic models and intraparticle diffusion model were used for the kinetic interpretations. The adsorption processes follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The Boyd plots revealed that the adsorption processes were mainly controlled by film diffusion. Equilibrium data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich models, at different temperatures. The equilibrium data were best represented by the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption processes were found to be favorable, exothermic, and spontaneous. The açai stones and Brazil nut shells-based ACs were shown to be effective adsorbents for removal of BB26 from aqueous solutions.

Alternative sources of oils and fats from Amazonian plants: Fatty acids, methyl tocols, total carotenoids and chemical composition.

Amazonian plants possess high amounts of little-explored lipid compounds. Chemical parameters and lipophilic compounds present in twelve oils and fats from different Amazonian plants were characterized. The fatty acids identified reveal saturated fats, such as babassu oil and muru-muru fat (rich in lauric acid), ucuhuba fat (myristic acid), and bacuri fat (palmitic acid). Buriti, pracaxi, and patawa oils showed high oleic acid content. Passion fruit seed and Brazil nut oils had high levels of the polyunsaturated fatty acids rich in linoleic acid. The oleaginous plants had high unsaturation degree and high content of medium-length-chain fatty acids due to high values of iodine, saponification, and peroxide. For methyl tocols and total carotenes, a simultaneous determination method was used and revealed high levels of these vitamins in buriti oil. No previous work in the literature has described all these parameters in Amazonian oils and fats, especially regarding plant species such as bacuri, cupuassu, and ucuhuba. These results provide information on oils and fats that could be used as alternative sources of raw material for the food and pharmaceutics industries.

Effect of a high-fat diet on the rat bladder wall and bioactive action of Brazil nut oil

ABSTRACT High-fat diet-induced obesity is associated with metabolic disorders. The Brazil nut has bioactive substances and has been used to control the damage caused by obesity in several organs. The work intended to show the damage caused by high-fat diet in the bladder wall and if the Brazil nut oil added to the diet could ameliorate or reverse this effect. Sixty-day-old rats were divided into two groups: C (control, n = 30) and HF (high-fat, n = 30) diets. At 90 days, 10 animals of each group were sacrificed. The others were divided into 4 groups: C and HF (animals that maintained their previous diet, n = 10 for each group) and C / Bno and HF / Bno (animals whose control or high-fat diet was supplemented by Brazil nut oil, n = 10 for each group). Sacrifice occurred at 120 days, and the bladders were removed and analyzed. Epithelial height was increased in the HF compared to the C group. In contrast, the C / Bno had a lower epithelial height compared to the others. The percentage of collagen between the detrusor muscle fibers was significantly greater in C / Bno, HF and HF / Bno than in control group. The HF had a larger muscle fiber diameter than the C group, while the C / Bno presented lower values than the HF and HF / Bno groups. HF diets induced bladder wall damage. These changes in the rat's bladder wall were partially reversed by the Bno.

Effect of a high-fat diet on the rat bladder wall and bioactive action of Brazil nut oil.

High-fat diet-induced obesity is associated with metabolic disorders. The Brazil nut has bioactive substances and has been used to control the damage caused by obesity in several organs. The work intended to show the damage caused by high-fat diet in the bladder wall and if the Brazil nut oil added to the diet could ameliorate or reverse this effect. Sixty-day-old rats were divided into two groups: C (control, n = 30) and HF (high-fat, n = 30) diets. At 90 days, 10 animals of each group were sacrificed. The others were divided into 4 groups: C and HF (animals that maintained their previous diet, n = 10 for each group) and C / Bno and HF / Bno (animals whose control or high-fat diet was supplemented by Brazil nut oil, n = 10 for each group). Sacrifice occurred at 120 days, and the bladders were removed and analyzed. Epithelial height was increased in the HF compared to the C group. In contrast, the C / Bno had a lower epithelial height compared to the others. The percentage of collagen between the detrusor muscle fibers was significantly greater in C / Bno, HF and HF / Bno than in control group. The HF had a larger muscle fiber diameter than the C group, while the C / Bno presented lower values than the HF and HF / Bno groups. HF diets induced bladder wall damage. These changes in the rat's bladder wall were partially reversed by the Bno.