Avaliação in vitro e in vivo do potencial imunomodulador de frações polissacarídicas extraídas do chuchu / In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the immunomodulatory potential of polysaccharide fractions extracted from chayote

Os polissacarídeos não amido constituem importante parcela das fibras dietéticas, e podem ser considerados modificadores de resposta biológica (MRBs), uma vez que são capazes de interagir com o sistema imune, e suas características estruturais estão atreladas aos efeitos biológicos gerados. O potencial imunomodulador dos polissacarídeos do chuchu já foi demonstrado, entretanto, informações sobre suas características estruturais e sua relação com o perfil imunológico são limitadas a ensaios in vitro, não havendo, até o momento, estudos in vivo. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar, in vitro e in vivo, o perfil imunomodulador de frações isoladas do polissacarídeo do chuchu. Por meio da filtração tangencial foram obtidas as frações de estudo, SeRI<50 e SeSE<50, respectivamente as frações isoladas do polissacarídeo do chuchu extraídas do resíduo insolúvel e do sobrenadante pós-tratamento enzimático para retirada do amido com peso molecular menor que 50 kDa. A caracterização por meio da determinação da composição monossacarídica e da análise de ligação apontou que ambas as frações são formadas por galacturonanos, arabinanos, arabinogalactanos e glicomananos. A SeRI<50 é menos ramificada e, provavelmente, composta por galactanos, enquanto SeSE<50 é mais ramificada e, provavelmente, composta por galactuglucomananos. Essas frações foram capazes de estimular os macrófagos murinos RAW 264.7 e as células mononucleares do baço, do sangue e do intestino delgado de camundongos Balb/c, sugerindo um perfil de ação mais pró-inflamatório, com base nos efeitos produzidos pelas espécies reativas de oxigênio, citocinas e pelos marcadores de ativação de linfócitos. Ambas as amostras, SeRI<50 e SeSE<50, mostraram ser eficientes em ativar a cascata imunológica, não sendo citotóxicas mesmo com a maior concentração testada no ensaio in vitro

Non-starch polysaccharides are important components of dietary fibers, and they may be considered biological response modifiers (MRBs), as they may interact with the immune system, depending on their structural characteristics. The immunomodulatory potential of chayote polysaccharides has already been demonstrated, however, information on their structural characteristics and their relationship with the immunological profile are limited to in vitro assays, with no reports on in vivo studies. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate, in vitro and in vivo, the immunomodulatory profile of polysaccharide from chayote. Through tangential filtration two fractions, SeRI <50 and SeSE <50, were obtained, respectively the fraction isolated from the chayote polysaccharide extracted from the insoluble residue and the fraction from the enzymatic post-treatment supernatant to remove starch, both under molecular weight 50 kDa. The monosaccharide composition and linkage analysis showed that both fractions are formed by galacturonans, arabinans, arabinogalactans and glycomanans. SeRI <50 is less branched and probably composed of galactans, while SeSE <50 is more branched and probably composed of galactuglucomannans. These fractions were able to stimulate murine macrophages RAW 264.7 and mononuclear cells of the spleen, blood and small intestine of Balb / c mice, suggesting a more proinflammatory action profile, based on the reactive oxygen species production, cytokines and lymphocyte activation markers. Both samples, SeRI <50 and SeSE <50, were able to efficiently activate the immunological cascade, not being cytotoxic even at the highest concentration tested in the in vitro assay

Nutritional assay Pereskia spp.: unconventional vegetable.

Pereskia grandifolia Haworth (PGH) and Pereskia aculeata Miller (PAM) are recognized sources of proteins; dietary fiber; vitamins and minerals make this plant leaves, raw, cooked, and braised, an important ally against protein and micronutrient deficiencies. One of the main problems is the presence of antinutritional factors that may interfere in the digestibility and bioavailability of some nutrients. The objective was to evaluate the amino acid profile and the chemical score of the raw leaves and the effects of heating media and time on the total dietary fiber, minerals, trypsin inhibition, oxalic acid and tannins of leaves of PGH and PAM. The samples had similar amino acid profiles and total dietary fiber. With regard to antinutritional compounds, heating the leaves of PGH led to a decrease in trypsin inhibition, primarily after the first minutes of wet cooking. Oxalic acid and tannins predominated in both species. Considering the interaction with time, the variables related to iron and zinc minimized the tannin responses in PGH and PAM, respectively. Heating media and times interfered with the chemical components present in the leaves of Pereskia species and led to high antinutrient retention after heat treatment.

Agrupación nutricional de las frutas y hortalizas en Venezuela / Nutritional grouping of fruits and vegetables in Venezuela

La falta de una clasificación única para las frutas y hortalizas (FyH) representa un reto al establecer recomendaciones o realizar evaluaciones de su consumo. Por ello, este estudio tiene como objetivo examinar la agrupación de las FyH en Venezuela, considerando únicamente su composición nutricional, en pro de ofrecer criterios científicos que puedan ayudar a establecer posteriormente una clasificación apropiada. Se trata de una investigación descriptiva y transversal que utilizó como fuente secundaria a los valores nutricionales presentados en la Tabla de Composición de Alimentos venezolana. Se compararon los aportes nutricionales de 73 frutas y 47 hortalizas, contra otros 27 alimentos de 8 grupos considerados como suplementarios. Se realizó una comparación entre los grupos de alimentos con la prueba ANOVA, una comparación entre las FyH a través de un análisis de componentes principales y se establecieron grupos de FyH a través del análisis por conglomerados. Se encontró que las FyH se distinguen significativamente de los otros grupos de alimentos, por su alto contenido de agua >80% y ácido ascórbico >35%, con un bajo aporte de proteínas <2% y grasas <1% (p<0,05). Se establecieron 5 grupos de FyH, de los cuales 2 distaron significativamente del promedio por su alto contenido de grasa, sodio o carbohidratos. Los hallazgos sugieren que el aporte nutricional pareciera no ser un factor concluyente para diferenciar entre las frutas y las hortalizas. En conclusión, establecer una clasificación definitiva de FyH considerando únicamente su aporte nutricional, sería limitado, ya que podrían ser muchos otros los factores intervinientes(AU)

The lack of a single classification for fruits and vegetables (F&V) represents a challenge when is necessary establishing recommendations or evaluating their consumption. This study aims to examine the grouping of F&V in Venezuela, considering only their nutritional composition, in order to offer scientific criteria that can help to establish an appropriate classification later. It is a descriptive and cross-sectional investigation that used as a secondary source the nutritional values presented in the Venezuelan Food Composition Table. The nutritional contributions of 73 fruits and 47 vegetables were compared against another 27 foods of 8 groups considered as supplementary. A comparison was made between the food groups with the ANOVA test, a comparison between the F&V through a principal component analysis and F&V groups were established through the cluster analysis. It was found that F&V are major distinguished from other food groups, due to their high-water content >80% and ascorbic acid >35%, with a low protein content <2% and fat <1% (p <0, 05). 5 F&V groups were established, of which 2 were significantly different from the average due to their high content of fat, sodium or carbohydrates. The findings suggest that the nutritional contribution appears not to be a conclusive factor to differentiate between fruits and vegetables. In conclusion, establishing a definitive classification of FyH considering only its nutritional contribution would be limited, since there could be many other factors involved(AU)

Contenido de oligoelementos y factores antinutricionales de hojas comestibles nativas de Mesoamérica / Content of trace elements and antinutritional factors in edible leaves native to Mesoamerica

Los oligoelementos son importantes constituyentes nutricionales de las hierbas comestibles. Se colectaron 11 especies, nueve nativas (Amaranthus hybridus, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Crotalaria longirostrata, Dysphania ambrosioides, Lycianthes synanthera, Sechium edule, Solanum americanum, S. nigrescens, S. wendlandii) y dos introducidas (Moringa oleifera, Spinacea oleracea) en dos regiones de Guatemala. Se prepararon muestras de la hierba seca, cocida y de caldo de hierba fresca. Se cuantificaron por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica los macro (N, P, K) y oligoelementos (Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Mn), taninos por espectrofotometría y oxalatos por permanganimetría. El contenido de oligoelementos es diverso, para Zn, la hierba control S. oleracea contienen buena cantidad (90-140 ppm); de las nativas D. ambrosioides (130-160 ppm) y A. hybridus (70-80 ppm) tienen la mayor cantidad. Respecto a Fe las hierbas control tienen buena composición (S. oleracea, 220-280 ppm y M. oleifera, 105-135 ppm); de las nativas A. hybridus (90-240 ppm), C. aconitifolius (75-185 ppm) y L. synanthera (75-140 ppm) tienen buenas concentraciones. Se encontraron niveles elevados de oxalatos en S. oleracea (67.30 (5.51) mg/g), L. synanthera (56.30 (9.67) mg/g) y S. nigrescens (33.6 (5.48) mg/g); en las demás hierbas se encontraron niveles menores. Los niveles de taninos fueron bajos (0.1-0.8 mg/g) para todas las especies. Se demuestra que cuatro especies nativas tienen un buen contenido de oligoelementos y presentan valores menores de antinutricionales que los controles.

Trace elements are important nutritional constituents from edible herbs. Eleven species were collected in two regions of Guatemala, nine native (Amaranthus hybridus, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Crotalaria longirostrata, Dysphania ambrosioides, Lycianthes synanthera, Sechium edule, Solanum americanum, S. nigrescens, S. wendlandii) and two introduced (Moringa oleifera, Spinacea oleracea). Dry, cooked and broth samples were prepared. By atomic absorption spectrometry, macro (N, P, K) and trace elements (Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Mn) were quantified, tannins by spectrophotometry, and oxalates by permanganometry. Trace elements content is diverse, for Zn, control herb S. oleracea contained high quantity (90-140 ppm); from the natives D. ambrosioides (130-160 ppm) and A. hybridus (70-80 ppm) contained high amounts. For Fe, control herbs had high composition (S. oleracea, 220-280 ppm, M. oleifera, 105-135 ppm); from the natives A. hybridus (90-240 ppm), C. aconitifolius (75-185 ppm) and L. synanthera (75-140 ppm) had the highest amounts. High levels of oxalates were demonstrated in S. oleracea (67.30 (5.48) mg/g), L. synanthera (56.30 (9.67) mg/g), and S. nigrescens (33.6 (5.48) mg/g); from the others levels.

Monotony in the consumption of fruits and vegetables and food environment characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the quantity and diversity in the consumption fruits and vegetables, as well as its relationship with the consumer's purchase characteristics and food environment. METHODS: Baseline study stemming from a controlled and randomized community trial investigating a sample representative of Primary Health Care services (Health Academy Program) of Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais. The intake of fruits and vegetables was analyzed in servings/day, whereas diversity was assessed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Users were also questioned on the frequency, purchase location and availability of these foods at their households. To assess the consumer's food environment, commercial establishments within a 1.6 km radius around the program unit sampled were audited. RESULTS: 3,414 adults and older adults (88.1% women) were investigated, as well as 336 commercial establishments, in 18 units of the Health Academy Program. The average consumption of fruits and vegetables was adequate [5.4 (SD = 2.1) servings/day] but monotonous, with average daily intake of two different types. In the establishments audited, a good diversity (77.7% and 85.0%) and variety (74.5% and 81.4%) of fruits and vegetables was observed, although with lower quality of vegetables (60.4%). After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, we identified that knowledge on food crops (p = 0.006), increased monthly availability of fruits at households (p < 0.001), and greater variety of fruits (p = 0.03) and quality of vegetables (p = 0.05) in commercial establishments could improve the quantitative intake of fruits and vegetables, whereas a greater variety of fruits (p = 0.008) would increase consumption diversity. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of fruits and vegetables was quantitatively adequate but monotonous, being influences by the consumer environment. Such results highlight the need for improving educational actions in health services and programs, in addition to acting on the consumer environment, aiming to promote and maintain the adequate and diversified consumption, as recommended by Brazilian guidelines for proper and healthy eating.

Monotony in the consumption of fruits and vegetables and food environment characteristics / Monotonia no consumo de frutas e hortaliças e características do ambiente alimentar

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the quantity and diversity in the consumption fruits and vegetables, as well as its relationship with the consumer's purchase characteristics and food environment. METHODS Baseline study stemming from a controlled and randomized community trial investigating a sample representative of Primary Health Care services (Health Academy Program) of Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais. The intake of fruits and vegetables was analyzed in servings/day, whereas diversity was assessed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Users were also questioned on the frequency, purchase location and availability of these foods at their households. To assess the consumer's food environment, commercial establishments within a 1.6 km radius around the program unit sampled were audited. RESULTS 3,414 adults and older adults (88.1% women) were investigated, as well as 336 commercial establishments, in 18 units of the Health Academy Program. The average consumption of fruits and vegetables was adequate [5.4 (SD = 2.1) servings/day] but monotonous, with average daily intake of two different types. In the establishments audited, a good diversity (77.7% and 85.0%) and variety (74.5% and 81.4%) of fruits and vegetables was observed, although with lower quality of vegetables (60.4%). After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, we identified that knowledge on food crops (p = 0.006), increased monthly availability of fruits at households (p < 0.001), and greater variety of fruits (p = 0.03) and quality of vegetables (p = 0.05) in commercial establishments could improve the quantitative intake of fruits and vegetables, whereas a greater variety of fruits (p = 0.008) would increase consumption diversity. CONCLUSIONS The intake of fruits and vegetables was quantitatively adequate but monotonous, being influences by the consumer environment. Such results highlight the need for improving educational actions in health services and programs, in addition to acting on the consumer environment, aiming to promote and maintain the adequate and diversified consumption, as recommended by Brazilian guidelines for proper and healthy eating.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a quantidade e a diversidade do consumo de frutas e hortaliças, assim como sua relação com características da aquisição e do ambiente alimentar do consumidor. MÉTODOS Estudo da linha de base oriundo de ensaio comunitário controlado e aleatorizado que investigou amostra representativa de serviços da atenção primária à Saúde (Programa Academia da Saúde) de Belo Horizonte, MG. Analisou-se o consumo de frutas e hortaliças em porções/dia, e sua diversidade por Questionário de Frequência Alimentar. Os usuários também foram questionados sobre frequência, local de compra e disponibilidade dos alimentos no domicílio. Para aferir o ambiente alimentar do consumidor, realizou-se auditoria dos estabelecimentos comerciais dentro de um raio de 1,6 km ao redor das unidades amostradas do programa. RESULTADOS Investigaram-se 3.414 adultos e idosos (88,1% mulheres) e 336 estabelecimentos comerciais em 18 unidades do Programa Academia da Saúde. O consumo médio de frutas e hortaliças foi adequado [5,4 (DP = 2,1) porções/dia], porém monótono, com ingestão média diária de dois tipos. Nos estabelecimentos auditados, observou-se boa diversidade (77,7% e 85,0%) e variedade (74,5% e 81,4%) de frutas e hortaliças, mas com qualidade inferior de hortaliças (60,4%). Após ajuste por variáveis sociodemográficas, identificou-se que o conhecimento sobre safras de alimentos (p = 0,006), aumento da disponibilidade mensal de frutas nos domicílios (p < 0,001), maior variedade de frutas (p = 0,03) e qualidade das hortaliças (p = 0,05) nos estabelecimentos comerciais poderiam melhorar o consumo quantitativo de frutas e hortaliças, enquanto a maior variedade de frutas (p = 0,008) poderia ampliar a diversidade do consumo. CONCLUSÕES O consumo de frutas e hortaliças foi quantitativamente adequado, porém monótono, sendo influenciado pelo ambiente do consumidor. Tais resultados evidenciam a necessidade de aperfeiçoar as ações educativas nos serviços e programas de saúde, além de atuar sobre o ambiente do consumidor, visando promover e manter o consumo adequado e diversificado, conforme preconizado pelas diretrizes brasileiras para a alimentação adequada e saudável.

Consumption of vegetables and their relation with ultra-processed foods in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the household purchase and the individual consumption of vegetables in Brazil and to analyze their relation with the consumption of ultra-processed foods. METHODS We have used data on the purchase of food for household consumption and individual consumption from the 2008-2009 Brazilian Household Budget Survey. The Brazilian Household Budget Survey studied the purchase of food of 55,970 households and the food consumption of 34,003 individuals aged 10 years and over. The foods of interest in this study were vegetables (excluding roots and tubers) and ultra-processed foods. We have described the amount of vegetables (grams) purchased and consumed by all Brazilians and according to the quintiles of caloric intake of ultra-processed food. To this end, we have calculated the crude and predicted values obtained by regression models adjusted for sociodemographic variables. We have analyzed the most commonly purchased types of vegetables (% in the total amount) and, in relation to individual food consumption, the variety of vegetables consumed (absolute number), the participation (%) of the types of culinary preparations based on vegetables, and the time of consumption. RESULTS The adjusted mean household purchase of vegetables was 42.9 g/per capita/day. The adjusted mean individual consumption was 46.1 g. There was an inverse relation between household purchase and individual consumption of vegetables and ultra-processed foods. Ten types of vegetables account for more than 80% of the total amount usually purchased. The variety consumed was, on average, 1.08 type/per capita/day. Approximately 60% of the vegetables were eaten raw, and the amount consumed at lunch was twice that consumed at dinner; individuals with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods tended to consume even less vegetables at dinner. CONCLUSIONS The consumption of vegetables in Brazil is insufficient, and this is worse among individuals with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods. The most frequent habit was to consume raw vegetables at lunch and with limited variety.

Variety and content of commercial infant and toddler vegetable products manufactured and sold in the United States.

Background: Exposure to vegetable flavors during infancy and toddlerhood is hypothesized to enhance vegetable acceptance when children transition to table foods. Objective: We sought to examine the vegetable types, ingredients, and nutrient contents of vegetable-containing infant and toddler foods (ITFs) manufactured and sold in the United States. Design: A database of ITFs that contain vegetables (n = 548) was compiled from websites of companies based in the United States (n = 24). Product information was recorded, including intended age or stage, ingredient lists, and selected nutrients from the Nutrition Facts label. Ingredient lists were used to categorize vegetables using the USDA vegetable categories: dark green (e.g., spinach), red and orange (e.g., carrots), starchy (e.g., green peas, corn), beans and peas (e.g., black beans), and other (e.g., green beans, beets). Furthermore, products were categorized as single-vegetable, multi-vegetable, vegetable and fruit, vegetable and meat, or vegetable and other combinations (e.g., grains and and or dairy). Nutrients were examined, including energy (kilocalories), carbohydrates, fiber, and total sugars [per serving, per 100 g, per reference amount customarily consumed (RACC), and percentage of kilocalories from sugars]. Results: Of the 548 vegetable products, only 52 single-vegetable products (9.5%) were identified, none of which contained dark green vegetables or beans and peas. Red and orange vegetables most often appeared as the first ingredient (23.7%) compared to other vegetable types, such as dark green vegetables, which were rarely listed first (1.1%). Fruits were listed as the first ingredient more commonly than all vegetables (37.8%). One-way ANOVA revealed that vegetable and fruit products contained more sugars on average than did vegetable products with other ingredients, such as dairy and/or grains (all P values < 0.001). Conclusions: Current available products do not provide caregivers with a sufficient variety of single-vegetable products or products containing dark green vegetables to facilitate children's subsequent acceptance of these vegetables. Guidance should include making caregivers aware of the limitations of commercial ITFs manufactured and sold in the US market.

Consumption of vegetables and their relation with ultra-processed foods in Brazil / Consumo de hortaliças e sua relação com os alimentos ultraprocessados no Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To characterize the household purchase and the individual consumption of vegetables in Brazil and to analyze their relation with the consumption of ultra-processed foods. METHODS We have used data on the purchase of food for household consumption and individual consumption from the 2008-2009 Brazilian Household Budget Survey. The Brazilian Household Budget Survey studied the purchase of food of 55,970 households and the food consumption of 34,003 individuals aged 10 years and over. The foods of interest in this study were vegetables (excluding roots and tubers) and ultra-processed foods. We have described the amount of vegetables (grams) purchased and consumed by all Brazilians and according to the quintiles of caloric intake of ultra-processed food. To this end, we have calculated the crude and predicted values obtained by regression models adjusted for sociodemographic variables. We have analyzed the most commonly purchased types of vegetables (% in the total amount) and, in relation to individual food consumption, the variety of vegetables consumed (absolute number), the participation (%) of the types of culinary preparations based on vegetables, and the time of consumption. RESULTS The adjusted mean household purchase of vegetables was 42.9 g/per capita/day. The adjusted mean individual consumption was 46.1 g. There was an inverse relation between household purchase and individual consumption of vegetables and ultra-processed foods. Ten types of vegetables account for more than 80% of the total amount usually purchased. The variety consumed was, on average, 1.08 type/per capita/day. Approximately 60% of the vegetables were eaten raw, and the amount consumed at lunch was twice that consumed at dinner; individuals with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods tended to consume even less vegetables at dinner. CONCLUSIONS The consumption of vegetables in Brazil is insufficient, and this is worse among individuals with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods. The most frequent habit was to consume raw vegetables at lunch and with limited variety.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Caracterizar a aquisição domiciliar e o consumo alimentar individual de hortaliças no Brasil e analisar sua relação com o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. MÉTODOS Foram utilizados dados de aquisição de alimentos para consumo no domicílio e de consumo alimentar individual da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2008-2009. A Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares estudou a aquisição de alimentos de 55.970 domicílios e o consumo alimentar de 34.003 indivíduos com 10 anos ou mais de idade. Os alimentos de interesse neste estudo foram as hortaliças (excluindo raízes e tubérculos) e os alimentos ultraprocessados. A quantidade de hortaliças (gramas) adquiridas e consumidas foi descrita para o conjunto dos brasileiros e segundo quintos da participação calórica de alimentos ultraprocessados na alimentação. Para tanto, foram calculados os valores brutos e preditos, obtidos por modelos de regressão ajustados por variáveis sociodemográficas. Analisaram-se os tipos mais adquiridos de hortaliças (% na quantidade total) e, em relação ao consumo alimentar individual, a variedade de hortaliças consumidas (número absoluto), a participação (%) dos tipos de preparação culinária à base de hortaliças e os horários de consumo. RESULTADOS A aquisição domiciliar média ajustada de hortaliças foi 42,9 g/per capita/dia. O consumo individual médio ajustado foi 46,1 g. Verificou-se relação inversa entre aquisição domiciliar e consumo individual de hortaliças e de alimentos ultraprocessados. Dez tipos de hortaliças respondem por mais de 80% da quantidade total habitualmente adquirida. A variedade consumida foi, em média, 1,08 tipo/per capita/dia. Cerca de 60% das hortaliças foram consumidas cruas, sendo a quantidade consumida no almoço duas vezes maior que aquela do jantar e indivíduos com maior consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados tenderam a consumir quantidade ainda menor de hortaliças no jantar. CONCLUSÕES O consumo de hortaliças no Brasil é insuficiente, sendo pior entre indivíduos com maior consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. O hábito mais frequente foi consumir hortaliças cruas, no almoço e com limitada variedade.

Mechanisms of Endothelial Protection by Natural Bioactive Compounds from Fruit and Vegetables.

The endothelium is fundamental for the regulation of vascular tone and structure. Under disease conditions, including the presence of cardiovascular disease risk factors, the endothelium loses its protective role and becomes a proatherosclerotic structure. In this article we searched for strategies from PUBMED and Science Direct databases using the following key words: endothelium, natural bioactive compounds, polyphenols and cardiovascular diseases. The search was restricted to english language papers. Studies have identified the contribution of diet to the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In this context, high intakes of fruit and vegetables are associated with the decrease of cardiovascular diseases. Thus the most important fruit/vegetables and bioactive compounds to prevent endothelial diseases are berries, apples, virgin olive oil, tomatoes, soybeans, and polyphenols, carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The bioactive compounds from fruit and vegetables provide endothelial protection through the following mechanisms: improved eNOS/NO bioavailability, attenuates oxidative stress, inhibited NF-κB pathway and decreased cell adhesion molecules expression. In this article natural bioactive compound mechanisms of endothelium protection are thoroughly reviewed.

Mechanisms of Endothelial Protection by Natural Bioactive Compounds from Fruit and Vegetables

ABSTRACT The endothelium is fundamental for the regulation of vascular tone and structure. Under disease conditions, including the presence of cardiovascular disease risk factors, the endothelium loses its protective role and becomes a proatherosclerotic structure. In this article we searched for strategies from PUBMED and Science Direct databases using the following key words: endothelium, natural bioactive compounds, polyphenols and cardiovascular diseases. The search was restricted to english language papers. Studies have identified the contribution of diet to the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In this context, high intakes of fruit and vegetables are associated with the decrease of cardiovascular diseases. Thus the most important fruit/vegetables and bioactive compounds to prevent endothelial diseases are berries, apples, virgin olive oil, tomatoes, soybeans, and polyphenols, carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The bioactive compounds from fruit and vegetables provide endothelial protection through the following mechanisms: improved eNOS/NO bioavailability, attenuates oxidative stress, inhibited NF-κB pathway and decreased cell adhesion molecules expression. In this article natural bioactive compound mechanisms of endothelium protection are thoroughly reviewed.

Rendimento do coentro (Coriandrum sativum L) adubado com esterco bovino em diferentes doses e tempos de incorporação no solo / Yield of the coriander [Coriandrum sativum (L)] fertilized with manure at different doses and incorporation times in the soil

RESUMO O uso de esterco bovino é de suma importância para os agricultores familiares que produzem coentro na região de Mossoró-RN, pois esse insumo é amplamente disponível e utilizado pelos agricultores. Objetivando-se avaliar o Rendimento do coentro fertilizado com esterco bovino em diferentes doses e tempos de incorporação ao solo foi conduzido um experimento no período de setembro a novembro de 2011, na Fazenda Experimental Rafael Fernandes, da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Brasil. Os tratamentos consistiram da combinação de quatro doses de esterco bovino incorporadas ao solo: 15,0; 30,0; 45,0 e 60,0 t ha-1 em base seca, com quatro tempos de incorporação: 28; 49; 64 e 80 dias antes da semeadura do coentro - DAS, mais um tratamento controle (ausência de adubação). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos completos casualizados com os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial 4 x 4 + 1 com 3 repetições. A cultivar de coentro utilizado foi a Verdão e as variáveis determinadas foram altura e número de hastes por planta e rendimento de coentro. O coentro respondeu à aplicação de esterco bovino, produzindo rendimentos máximos de 6453 e 6349 kg ha-1 de massa verde, com a dose de 60 t ha-1 e aos quarenta e seis dias de incorporação antes da semeadura, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT The use of manure is very important to family farmers who produce coriander in the region of Mossoró-RN, because this input is widely available and used by farmers. Aiming to evaluate the yield of the coriander fertilized with manure at different doses and incorporation times in the soil, a trial was conducted from September to November 2011, at the Experimental Farm Rafael Fernandes in the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Mossoró-RN, Brazil. The treatments consisted on the combination of four levels of manure incorporated into the soil: 15.0; 30.0; 45.0 and 60.0 t ha-1 at dry basis, with four incorporation times: 28; 49; 64 and 80 days before the coriander"s sowing - DAS, plus a control treatment (without fertilization). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with treatments arranged in a 4 x 4 + 1, with three replications. The coriander planted was the "Verdão" and the specific variables were height and number of stalks per plant and yield of the coriander. The coriander responded to the application of the manure, producing maximum yields of 6453 and 6349 kg ha-1 of fresh mass, with the dose of 60 t ha-1 and at forty-six days of incorporation before the sowing, respectively.

Avaliação da ingestão de frutas e hortaliças entre estudantes universitários / Assessment of intake of fruit and vegetables among college students

The intake of fruits and vegetables is low in most countries, making individuals more susceptible to chronic diseases. In the case of university students, a new lifestyle begins when they go to college, and they have to choose and prepare their feeding by themselves; it can be interpreted negatively by them, in relation to their capacity of making decisions about their own feeding, so, undesirable attitudes can be observed, such as low intake of fruits and vegetables. The target was 122 students majoring in Nutrition, at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFTM), aged 17 to 28 years old. A survey of general information was carried out through an application form; also, a food frequency semi-quantitative questionnaire was filled out to evaluate the frequency and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Regarding the number of meals, 68.9% of students take five or more meals a day. Most students have the habit of consuming vegetables weekly, although consumption is not satisfactory in quantity. The most frequently consumed are raw vegetables (daily). Fruit consumption is still low, with only 27.79% of them eating three or more servings daily. In summary, most of the population studied showed appropriate feeding habits in relation to the number of meals; however, the number of servings of fruits and vegetables is low. This is a challenge for nutritionists in search of interventions, such as health promotion programs, to encourage healthy eating habits.

El consumo de frutas y hortalizas es bajo en la mayoría de los países, tornando a los individuos más susceptibles a las enfermedades crónicas. En relación a los estudiantes, un nuevo estilo de vida surge al ingresar a la universidad. Ellos deben elegir y preparar sus propios alimentos, pudiendo eso ser interpretado negativamente con relación a su capacidad de tomar decisiones sobre su alimentación, observándose, entonces, actitudes indeseables, como el bajo consumo de frutas y verduras. El objeto de este estudio fueron 122 estudiantes de la Carrera de Nutrición de la Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) de entre 17 y 28 años de edad. Se realizó un levantamiento de informaciones generales a través de un formulario y se aplicó un cuestionario semi-cuantitativo de frecuencia de alimentación (CSCF) para evaluar la frecuencia del consumo de frutas y verduras. Se observó que 68,9% de los estudiantes realizaron cinco o más comidas diarias. La mayoría de los estudiantes tienen la costumbre de consumir hortalizas durante la semana, aunque la cantidad consumida no es adecuada. Los vegetales más consumidos diariamente fueron los crudos. La ingesta de frutas fue baja, sólo 27,79% comen tres o más porciones diarias. En resumen, la mayoría de la población estudiada posee hábitos alimentarios adecuados en relación con el número de comidas, sin embargo, el número de porciones de frutas y verduras consumidas es bajo. Este es un reto para los nutricionistas que buscan intervenciones tales como programas de promoción de la salud para fomentar hábitos alimentarios saludables.

O consumo de frutas e hortaliças é baixo na maioria dos países, tornando os indivíduos mais susceptíveis às doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. No caso dos universitários, surge um novo estilo de vida a partir do ingresso na universidade. Eles devem escolher e preparar a própria alimentação, o que pode ser interpretado por eles de forma negativa quanto a sua capacidade de tomar decisões sobre a própria alimentação, observando-se então atitudes indesejáveis na alimentação como a baixa ingestão de frutas e hortaliças. O público alvo foram 122 estudantes do curso de Graduação em Nutrição da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) com idades entre 17 e 28 anos. Foi feito levantamento de informações de âmbito geral em formulário e também a aplicação de um questionário de frequência alimentar semiquantitativo (QFSQ) para avaliação de frequência e consumo de frutas e hortaliças. Segundo o número de refeições realizadas, 68,9% dos estudantes fazem 5 ou mais refeições por dia. A maioria dos estudantes tem o hábito de consumir hortaliças semanalmente, apesar do consumo não ser adequado em quantidade. Os mais consumidos diariamente são as hortaliças cruas. O consumo de frutas ainda é baixo, sendo que apenas 27,79% deles ingerem igual ou mais de 3 porções diárias. Em síntese, a maioria da população estudada possui o hábito alimentar adequado em relação ao número de refeições, porém o número de porções de frutas e hortaliças é considerado baixo. Este é um desafio para os nutricionistas em busca de intervenções como programas de promoção da saúde, para incentivo de práticas alimentares saudáveis.