Beneficial effects of eugenol supplementation on gut microbiota and hepatic steatosis in high-fat-fed mice.

Due to the increase in the prevalence of obesity, new therapies have emerged and eugenol has been shown to be beneficial in metabolic changes and gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate the effects of eugenol on gut microbiota, hepatic lipid accumulation, body weight, adipose tissue weight, lipid and glycemic profile in mice fed a high-fat diet. Forty C57BL/6 male mice were divided into standard diet (SD), high-fat diet (HFD), standard diet with eugenol (SDE) and high-fat diet with eugenol (HFDE). The dose used of eugenol was 500 mg kg-1 for 8 weeks. Eugenol did not prevent weight gain, but it was effective in preventing hepatic lipid accumulation evidenced by the presence of fat droplets in the HFD group and absence in the HFDE group. An improvement in the gut microbiota profile was observed, proved by an increase in the Actinobacteria phylum in the treated groups and a reduction of Proteobacteria phylum in the HFDE group. Despite not preventing weight gain, eugenol appeared to have a protective effect on hepatic lipid accumulation and beneficially modulate the gut microbiota in mice fed with HFD.

Effect of bariatric surgery on neurocognitive function after 6 months of follow-up: a pilot study.

Introduction: Background: reduced cognitive performance has been observed in patients with severe obesity. Bariatric surgery and subsequent adipose tissue loss seem to affect cognitive functioning positively; however, improvement predictors are not well established. Aim: to evaluate the cognitive performance and the nutritional status of patients with severe obesity 6-month after bariatric surgery. Methods: we assessed the neuropsychological performance of 22 patients with obesity (body mass index: ~ 42.9 kg/m²). The nutritional evaluation consisted of the routine tests performed in the baseline and postoperative periods. Lastly, we calculated the correlation between neuropsychological assessment results and blood biomarkers. Results: the patients did not present cognitive impairment in the preoperative assessment, but performed below the standard range. The patients underwent significant weight loss after 6 months from surgery (~ 22 kg), with a change in obesity class III to I. Also, the patients presented a significant improvement in attention, mental flexibility, inhibitory control, and processing speed. Additionally, we observed a significant improvement in serum folic acid (108 %), gamma-glutamyl transferase (-41 %), uric acid (-32 %), ferritin (-28 %), triglycerides (-19 %), and high-density lipoprotein (9 %). Lastly, we found a moderate positive correlation between processing speed and body weight (r = 0.46), gamma-glutamyl transferase (r = 0.54), and total protein and mental flexibility (r = 0.75). Conclusion: bariatric surgery promoted significant weight loss and improved attention, mental flexibility, processing speed, and several nutritional biomarkers. Nevertheless, the surgery had limited effects on other cognitive functions such as short- and long-term memory and language.

Introducción: Introducción: se ha observado una disminución del rendimiento cognitivo en los pacientes con obesidad grave. La cirugía bariátrica y la pérdida de tejido adiposo parecen mejorar el funcionamiento cognitivo; sin embargo, los predictores de mejora no están bien establecidos. Objetivos: evaluar el rendimiento cognitivo y el estado nutricional de pacientes con obesidad severa después de 6 meses de una cirugía bariátrica. Métodos: evaluamos el desempeño neuropsicológico de 22 pacientes con un índice de masa corporal ~ 42,9 kg/m². Se analizaron las pruebas de rutina realizadas al inicio y después de la cirugía. Calculamos la correlación con la evaluación neuropsicológica y los biomarcadores sanguíneos. Resultados: los pacientes no mostraron deterioro cognitivo en la evaluación preoperatoria, pero sí un rendimiento por debajo del estándar. Los pacientes mostraron una pérdida de peso significativa 6 meses después de la cirugía (~ 22 kg), con un cambio de la clasificación de obesidad de III a I. Además, los pacientes mostraron una mejora significativa de la atención, la flexibilidad mental, el control inhibitorio y la velocidad de procesamiento. Además, observamos una mejora significativa del ácido fólico sérico (108 %), la gamma-glutamil-transferasa (-41 %), el ácido úrico (-32 %), la ferritina (-28 %), los triglicéridos (-19 %) y las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (9 %). Finalmente, encontramos una correlación positiva moderada entre la velocidad de procesamiento y el peso corporal (r = 0,46) y la gamma-glutamil-transferasa (r = 0,54), y entre la proteína total y la flexibilidad mental (r = 0,75). Conclusiones: la cirugía bariátrica promovió una pérdida de peso significativa y mejoró la atención, la flexibilidad mental, la velocidad de procesamiento y varios biomarcadores nutricionales. Sin embargo, tuvo efectos limitados sobre otras funciones cognitivas, como la memoria y el lenguaje a corto y largo plazo.

Interval or continuous aerobic exercise performed 3 days a week increases endothelium-dependent relaxation in female rats fed with fructose

Abstract Aim: We investigated the effects of continuous or interval aerobic exercise training on vascular reactivity of female rats fed with fructose. Methods: Female Wistar rats (8-wk old) were divided into: sedentary (SD), continuous training (CTR), and interval training (ITR). Moderate intensity training protocols consisted of running 3 days/week for 7 weeks. CTR ran 40 min at 30%-40% of the maximal speed (MS) and TRI consisted of 7 sets of 1 min at 70% of MS followed by 3 min at 35% of MS. Animals were fed with standard chow and fructose (10%) in drinking water. Concentration-response curves to acetylcholine and phenylephrine, and oxidative stress biomarkers, were determined in the aorta. Body weight gain, visceral fat, and plasma triglycerides and glucose were also evaluated. Results: Endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly increased by both exercise regimens (CTR: Emax = 85 ± 6% and ITR: Emax = 84 ± 1%) compared to sedentary rats (SD: Emax = 62 ± 5%). The contractile maximal response was not different but phenylephrine potency was increased in CTR (pEC50: 8.41 ± 0.19) and reduced in ITR (pEC50: 7.06 ± 0.11) compared to SD (pEC50: 7.77 ± 0.08). In addition, the generation of superoxide was lower in trained groups as compared with sedentary (about −28% in CTR and −22% in ITR). TBARS and nitrate/nitrite levels were not modified. Compared to the SD group, ITR gained 39% less body weight and CTR has 29% less visceral fat. Glucose and triglycerides were not modified. Conclusion: CTR and ITR, carried out 3 days/week, were efficient to improve endothelium-dependent relaxation and reduce superoxide generation in the aorta from female rats fed with fructose.

Continuous or interval aerobic exercise training reduces daily fructose intake in female Wistar rat / Exercício físico aeróbio contínuo ou intervalado reduz ingestão de frutose em ratas Wistar

ABSTRACT: Objctive: Fructose consumption has increased worldwide. Excessive fructose intake has been a risk factor for the increased metabolic syndrome disorder incidence. This study aimed to investigate the possible influence of two different exercise training methods, continuous and interval, on fructose intake. Methods: Thirty two-months-old female Wistar rats were divided into six groups: sedentary + water ; sedentary + fructose ; continuous training + water ; interval training + water ; continuous training + fructose ; interval training + fructose . Fructose was given in drinking water (10%). Continuous (40 minutes at 40% maximal speed) or interval training (28 minutes, 1 minute at 70%; 3 minutes at 35% maximal speed) sessions were carried out 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Results: Fructose consumption decreased food intake with a concomitant increase in fluid intake. Continuous and interval training did not modify food intake but progressively reduced fructose ingestion. In the 8th week, interval training + fructose and continuous training + fructose groups drank less fructose solution, 35% and 23%, respectively, than sedentary + fructose group. Conclusion: The findings indicate that both continuous and interval aerobic exercise training seem to modulate food behavior, possibly by mitigating the craving for sweetness, with interval training being more effective in reducing fructose intake than continuous exercise.

RESUMO: Objetivo: O consumo de frutose aumentou em todo o mundo. A ingestão excessiva de frutose tem sido implicada como um fator de risco do aumento da incidência de distúrbios da síndrome metabólica. Nesse contexto, este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a possível influência de dois métodos diferentes de treinamento físico, contínuo e intervalado, na ingestão de frutose. Metodos: Trinta ratas Wistar foram divididas em seis grupos: sedentário + água, sedentário + frutose, treinamento contínuo + água, treinamento intervalado + água, treinamento contínuo + frutose, treinamento intervalado + frutose. A frutose foi dada na água potável (10%). Foram realizadas sessões contínuas (40 minutos a 40% da velocidade máxima) ou intervaladas (28 minutos, 1 minuto a 70%; 3 minutos a 35%) três dias por semana durante oito semanas. Resultados: A ingestão de frutose diminuiu a ingestão alimentar, com um aumento concomitante da ingestão hídrica. O treinamento contínuo e intervalado não modificou a ingestão alimentar, mas reduziu progressivamente a ingestão de frutose. Na oitava semana, treinamento intervalado + frutose e treinamento contínuo + frutose beberam menos solução de frutose, 35% e 23%, respectivamente, do que sedentário + frutose. Conclusão: Os achados indicam que tanto o treinamento aeróbico contínuo quanto o intervalado parecem modular o comportamento alimentar, possivelmente por meio da mitigação do desejo por sabor doce, sendo o treinamento intervalado mais eficaz para reduzir a ingestão de frutose do que o exercício contínuo.

Physical activity in periods of social distancing due to COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey.

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with poor physical and mental health. The article aims to assess the changes in the habits of the Brazilian participants engaged in physical activities in relation to their practices, due the measures of social distancing during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. The secondary objective was to describe their levels of anxiety and depression. The questionnaire used in this online survey included demographic information, questions about self-perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 in the life routines and the 14-item Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. A total of 1,613 adults completed the questionnaire between May 11 and 15, 2020. Of those, 79.4% reported that the measures to contain the epidemic had any impact on their physical activities, and many had to interrupt or decrease the frequency of their practices. Participants who felt a higher impact of quarantine on their physical activities tend to have higher prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. Individuals who practiced physical activities reported that social distance had a high influence on their practices. Furthermore, changes in these habits are associated with high levels of poor mental health.

Physical activity in periods of social distancing due to COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey / Atividade física em períodos de distanciamento social devidos à COVID-19: um estudo transversal

Abstract Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with poor physical and mental health. The article aims to assess the changes in the habits of the Brazilian participants engaged in physical activities in relation to their practices, due the measures of social distancing during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. The secondary objective was to describe their levels of anxiety and depression. The questionnaire used in this online survey included demographic information, questions about self-perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 in the life routines and the 14-item Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. A total of 1,613 adults completed the questionnaire between May 11 and 15, 2020. Of those, 79.4% reported that the measures to contain the epidemic had any impact on their physical activities, and many had to interrupt or decrease the frequency of their practices. Participants who felt a higher impact of quarantine on their physical activities tend to have higher prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. Individuals who practiced physical activities reported that social distance had a high influence on their practices. Furthermore, changes in these habits are associated with high levels of poor mental health.

Resumo Inatividade física e sedentarismo são associados com baixa saúde física e mental. O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar as mudanças nos hábitos dos participantes brasileiros praticantes de atividades físicas em relação às suas práticas, devido às medidas de distanciamento social durante a epidemia COVID-19 em 2020. O objetivo secundário foi descrever seus níveis de ansiedade e depressão. O questionário utilizado nesta pesquisa on-line incluiu informações demográficas, questões sobre a autopercepção do impacto do COVID-19 nas rotinas da vida e a Escala de Depressão de Ansiedade Hospitalar de 14 itens. Um total de 1.613 adultos completou o questionário entre 11 e 15 de maio de 2020. Destes, 79,4% relataram que as medidas para conter a epidemia tiveram algum impacto em suas atividades físicas e muitos tiveram que interromper ou diminuir a frequência de suas práticas. Os participantes que sentiram um maior impacto da quarentena em suas atividades físicas tendem a ter maior prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão. Os indivíduos que praticavam atividades físicas relataram que o distanciamento social teve alta influência em suas práticas. Além disso, as mudanças destes hábitos são associadas com altos níveis de precária saúde mental.

Sessão de Tai Chi Chuan promove hipotensão pós-exercício e redução da sobrecarga cardiovascular em idosos hipertensos / Tai Chi Chuan session promotes post-exercise hypotension and reduces cardiac overload in elderly hypertensive patients

Modelo: Estudo intervencional, prospectivo e quantitativo. Objetivo: Analisar o comportamento da pressão arterial (PA) e duplo produto (DP) de idosos hipertensos, após uma sessão de Tai Chi Chuan (TCC). Métodos: Participaram do estudo 20 idosos hipertensos em que as variáveis hemodinâmicas foram medidas pré-sessão de TCC e sessão controle (sem exercício), e monitorada durante 60 minutos após término da sessão de TCC e controle. Foi respeitado um intervalo de 7 dias entre uma sessão e outra. Resultados: Após término da sessão de TCC, a frequência cardíaca permaneceu elevada por 30 minutos retornado aos valores pré-exercício a partir do 40° minuto. Observou-se redução significativa da pressão arterial média (PAM) a partir do 10° minuto, e redução significativa da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) a partir do 20° minuto até o 60° minuto após sessão de TCC (p<0,001). Houve redução em relação aos valores pré-exercício de aproximadamente -22/-18 mmHg para PAS e PAD respectivamente (p<0,001). Observou-se redução significativa do duplo produto (DP) a partir do 30° minuto, continuando a reduzir até o 60° minuto após TCC (p<0,001). A magnitude de redução do DP comparado ao momento pré-exercício foi na ordem de 1675 (p<0,001). Conclusão: Esses achados sugerem que única sessão de TCC promove hipotensão pós-exercício (HPE) e reduz a sobrecarga cardíaca em idosos com HAS. (AU)

Design: Interventional study, prospective and quantitative study. Objective: To determine blood pressure and double product values of elderly hypertensive patients, after a single Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) session. Methods: Twenty elderly hypertensive patients participated in the study, in which the hemodynamic variables were measured pre-TCC session and control session (without exercise), and monitored for 60 minutes after the end of both sessions. Each session had an interval of 7 days. Results: The results showed that at the end of the TCC, the heart rate remained elevated for 30 minutes, returning to pre-exercise values from the 40th minute. Significant reduction in mean blood pressure (MBP) from the 10th minute, and significant reduction in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure from the 20th minute to the 60th minute after TCC session (p<0.001) were observed. A magnitude reduction compared to pre-exercise was around -22 / -18 mmHg for SBP and DBP respectively (p<0.001). Significant reduction of the DP was observed from the 30th minute, and reduced until the 60th minute after TCC (p<0.001). The magnitude of DP reduction compared to pre-exercise was around -1675 (p<0.01). Conclusions: These findings show that single TCC session promotes post-exercise hypotension (PEH) and reduces cardiac overload in elderly hypertensive patients. (AU)