Angiotensin-(1-7), Adipokines and Inflammation.

Nowadays the adipose tissue is recognized as one of the most critical endocrine organs releasing many adipokines that regulate metabolism, inflammation and body homeostasis. There are several described adipokines, including the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components that are especially activated in some diseases with increased production of angiotensin II and several pro-inflammatory hormones. On the other hand, RAS also expresses angiotensin-(1-7), which is now recognized as the main peptide on counteracting Ang II effects. New studies have shown that increased activation of ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR arm can revert and prevent local and systemic dysfunctions improving lipid profile and insulin resistance by modulating insulin actions, and reducing inflammation. In this context, the present review shows the interaction and relevance of Ang-(1-7) effects on regulating adipokines, and as one adipokine itself, modulating body homeostasis, with emphasis on its anti-inflammatory properties, especially in the context of metabolic disorders with focus on obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus pandemic.

Identificação de aflatoxinas em paçocas de amendoim comercializadas na cidade de Lavras-MG / Identification of aflatoxins in peanut candy “paçoca” marketed in Lavras-MG, Brazil

Os alimentos estão sujeitos à contaminação por substâncias químicas, dentre elas, as aflatoxinas, as quais são potencialmente carcinogênicas, A presença de tais substâncias nos alimentos constitui importante risco para a população, tanto humana quanto animal, Em meio aos vários fatores que danificam a qualidade de um alimento, merece ênfase a contaminação de grãos por micotoxinas, especialmente as aflatoxinas, que são metabólitos tóxicos de fungos como Aspergillus flavus e Aspergillus parasiticus, compondo um sério problema de saúde pública em diversas regiões do mundo, O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a presença de aflatoxinas B1 e B2 em amostras de paçocas adquiridas no comércio da cidade de Lavras - MG, Brasil, no período de janeiro a junho de 2011, A técnica utilizada para a separação e identificação das substâncias foi a cromatografia em camada delgada com prévia extração, líquido-líquido, dos analitos, Os resultados demonstraram que as amostras de paçocas utilizadas neste estudo não apresentaram contaminações por aflatoxinas B1 e B2, Torna-se importante um maior conhecimento da presença destas micotoxinas em alimentos visto os riscos que as mesmas possam causar no organismo humano...

The food can be subject of chemicals contamination, including aflatoxins, which are potentially carcinogenic. The presence of such substances in food is a serious risk to both human and animal population. Among many factors that damage the quality of food, the contamination of grain with mycotoxins deserves emphasis, particularly aflatoxins, which are toxic metabolites of fungi mainly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which represent a serious public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of aflatoxins B1 and B2 in samples of the peanut candy called ?paçoca?, acquired randomly in the city of Lavras - MG, Brazil, from January to June in the year 2011. The separation and identification of substances were performed by thin layer chromatography with prior liquid-liquid extraction. The obtained results showed that the samples showed no contamination by aflatoxin B1 and B2. A greater knowledge of the presence of these mycotoxins in foods is important because of the risks for the human body...