Linoleic and α-linolenic fatty acid consumption over three generations exert cumulative regulation of hepatic expression of genes related to lipid metabolism.

The essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, consumed during pregnancy can benefit maternal and offspring health. For instance, they could activate a network of genes related to the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (Ppara) and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (Srebf1), which play a role in fatty acid oxidation and lipogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of diets with different omega-3/omega-6 ratio consumed over three generations on blood biochemical parameters and hepatic expression of Ppara- and Srebf1-related genes. During three consecutive generations adult Wistar rats were evaluated in the postpartum period (21 days after parturition). Regardless of prenatal dietary omega-3/omega-6 ratio, an upregulation in liver tissue was observed for Rxra, Lxra and Srebf1 and a downregulation for Fasn in all the evaluated generations. The diet with higher omega-3/omega-6 ratio decreased triacylglycerol serum levels and resulted in a constant non-esterified fatty acid level. Our results indicated that the PUFAs effect on the modulation of genes related to fatty acid oxidation and lipogenesis is cumulative through generations.

Associations between resumption of postpartum ovarian activity, uterine health and concentrations of metabolites and acute phase proteins during the transition period in Holstein cows.

The resumption of ovarian activity, uterine health, severity of the negative energy balance and the synthesis of inflammatory mediators during the transition period in dairy cows are interrelated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the resumption of postpartum ovarian activity and the percentage of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in endometrial cytology, lipid mobilization and the secretion of acute phase proteins. For this study, 20 multiparous Holstein cows were used. Blood samples that were collected from 21d before calving to 44d in milk (DIM) were analyzed for serum glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin, haptoglobin, albumin, paraoxonase and progesterone. Endometrial cytology was performed at 37±2DIM to evaluate the percentage of PMN cells in the uterine flushing. Cows were divided into two groups: (1) ovulatory cows (n=12), which returned to ovarian activity by 44±2DIM; and (2) anovulatory cows (n=8), which did not resume ovarian activity during this period. Ovulatory cows had a lower (P=0.05) percentage of PMN cells in endometrial cytology than anovulatory cows (26.3±8.3% vs. 53.4±16.9%, respectively). Ovulatory cows had higher serum albumin during the pre- (P=0.03) and postpartum periods (P=0.01), and tended to have lower haptoglobin concentrations in the prepartum period (P=0.07) and higher paraoxonase activity in the postpartum period (P=0.09). In conclusion, cows that resumed ovarian activity early in the postpartum period had higher albumin concentrations in the peripartum period, which were associated with a lower percentage of uterine PMN cells.

Ketoprofen-loaded polymeric nanocapsules selectively inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro and in preclinical model of glioblastoma multiforme.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the worst and most common brain tumor, characterized by high proliferation and invasion rates. Nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers for anticancer drug delivery have attracted interest in recent years since they provide targeted delivery and may overcame the obstacle imposed by blood-brain barrier. Here we investigated the antitumoral effect of ketoprofen-loaded nanocapsules (Keto-NC) treatment on in vitro and in vivo glioma progression. We observed that Keto-NC treatment decreased selectively the cell viability of a panel of glioma cell lines, while did not exhibited toxicity to astrocytes. We further demonstrate that the treatment with sub-therapeutic dose of Keto-NC reduced the in vivo glioma growth as well as reduced the malignity characteristics of implanted tumors. Keto-NC treatment improved the weight, the locomotion/exploration behavior of glioma-bearing rats. Importantly, Keto-NC treatment neither induced mortality or peripheral damage. Finally, Ketoprofen also altered the extracellular nucleotide metabolism of peripheral lymphocytes, suggesting that antiinflammatory effects of ketoprofen could also be associated with the modulation of the adenine nucleotide metabolism in lymphocytes. Data indicate at first time the potential of Keto-NC as a promising therapeutic alterative to GBM treatment.

Teor de flúor e propriedades erosivas dos sucos de frutas naturais concentrados / Fluoride levels and erosive properties of natural concentrated fruit juices

A preocupação com uma dieta saudável tem ocasionado aumento no consumo de frutas e sucos naturais. Orientações quanto à ingestão de sucos ácidos são extremamente importantes na prevenção e tratamento de lesões de erosão dental. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar o pH e a concentração de fluoretos em sucos concentrados e diferentes frutas comercializadas na cidade de Pelotas-RS. Foram selecionadas amostras de sete frutas: maçã, laranja, maracujá, uva, melão, limão e abacaxi. As amostras foram processadas em triplicata. As frutas foram trituradas em mixer Walita (modelo HL 3235) para obtenção dos sucos e, em seguida, os mesmos foram centrifugados em centrífuga Sigma (modelo 4K15), a 19ºC e a 5100rpm por 10 minutos. As análises dos sucos concentrados foram feitas no Laboratório de Determinação de Fluoretos do Departamento de Bioquímica da UFPel. A mensuração do pH e a determinação do teor de flúor foram realizadas com aparelho potenciométrico microprocessado (ANALION - AN 2000). Os resultados mostraram que o pH dos diferentes sucos foi de: 2,25 (limão); 2,69 (maracujá); 3,30 (abacaxi); 3,32 (laranja); 3,88 (maçã); 4,14 (uva) e 6,04 (melão). O teor de flúor iônico livre nas frutas não ultrapassou 0,04ppm. Com base na metodologia empregada, concluiu-se que a maioria dos sucos de frutas testados apresentou potencial de desmineralização dos tecidos dentários e o teor de flúor presente em tais sucos foi inexpressivo