Maternal Intake of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Autism Spectrum Etiology and Its Relation to the Gut Microbiota: What Do We Know?

Maternal food habits and gut microbiota composition have potential effects on fetal neurodevelopment, impacting Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our research aims to outline the relationship that ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the composition of maternal gut microbiota have with the possible development of ASD in offspring. We suggest that genetic factors could be related to the different conversions between unsaturated fatty acids according to sex and, mainly, the impact of the pregnancy diet on the higher or lower risk of neurological impairments. The proportion of the phyla Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes is high with an increased consumption of linoleic acid (LA, n-6 PUFA), which is associated with maternal intestinal dysbiosis and consequently starts the inflammatory process, harming myelinization. In contrast, the consumption of α-linolenic acid (ALA, n-3 PUFA) tends to re-establish the balance of the maternal microbiota with anti-inflammatory action. Moreover, human observational studies showed a strong correlation between the consumption of n-3 PUFA, mainly above 340 g of fish per week, with beneficial effects on infant neurodevelopment. Therefore, we suggest that the proper intake of foods rich in n-3 PUFAs and their supplementation during pregnancy until lactation has an impact on reducing the development of ASD. Controlled studies with n-3 PUFA supplementation are still necessary to verify the ideal dose and the best form of administration.

Characterization of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) Pulp Oil and the Effect of Its Supplementation in an In Vivo Experimental Model.

Mauritia flexuosa (Buriti) pulp oil contains bioactive substances and lipids that are protective against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. We performed physical and chemical analyses to verify its quality and stability. Buriti oil was stable according to the Rancimat test, presenting an induction period of 6.6 h. We evaluated the effect of supplementation with crude buriti oil and olive oil on metabolic parameters in 108 Swiss mice for 90 days. We investigated six groups: extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) 1 and 2 (1000 and 2000 mg/kg), buriti oil (BO) 1 and 2 (1000 and 2000 mg/kg), synergic (S) (BO1 + EVOO1), and control (water dose 1000 mg/kg). The animals were euthanized to examine their blood, livers, and fats. The supplementation did not interfere with food consumption, weight gain, and histological alterations in the liver. Group S showed the strongest relationship with the fractions HDL-c and non-HDL-c, indicating a possible cardioprotective effect. Moreover, we observed significantly higher IL-6 levels in the control, EVOO2, and BO1 groups than in the EVOO1 group. Resistin was also significantly higher for the synergic treatment than for the control. We conclude that BO combined with EVOO could be an excellent food supplement for human consumption.

Natural Antioxidant Evaluation: A Review of Detection Methods.

Antioxidants have drawn the attention of the scientific community due to being related to the prevention of various degenerative diseases. The antioxidant capacity has been extensively studied in vitro, and different methods have been used to assess its activity. However, the main issues related to studying natural antioxidants are evaluating whether these antioxidants demonstrate a key role in the biological system and assessing their bioavailability in the organism. The majority of outcomes in the literature are controversial due to a lack of method standardization and their proper application. Therefore, this study aims to compile the main issues concerning the natural antioxidant field of study, comparing the most common in vitro methods to evaluate the antioxidant activity of natural compounds, demonstrating the antioxidant activity in biological systems and the role of the main antioxidant enzymes of redox cellular signaling and explaining how the bioavailability of bioactive compounds is evaluated in animal models and human clinical trials.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Balanced Gut Microbiota on Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: A Close Look at Ulcerative Colitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis.

The aim of this article was to review experimental and clinical studies regarding the use of omega-3 fatty acids on the prevention and control of chronic inflammatory diseases with autoimmune background through the gut microbiota modulation. For this, natural omega-3 sources are presented emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet for the body's homeostasis and the enzymatic processes that these fatty acids go through once inside the body. The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis are revisited under the light of the gut microbiota dysbiosis approach and how those fatty acids are able to prevent and control these two pathological conditions that are responsible for the global chronic burden and functional disability and life-threatening comorbidities if not treated properly. As a matter of reflection, as we are living a pandemic crisis owing to COVID-19 infection, we present the potential of omega-3 in preventing a poor prognosis once they contribute to balancing the immune system modulation the inflammatory process.

Polyphenols and ω-3 PUFAs: Beneficial Outcomes to Obesity and Its Related Metabolic Diseases.

Obesity is associated with the leading causes of death in the worldwide. On the other hand, the intake of vegetables, fruits and fish is related to the reduction of obesity and other metabolic syndromes. This review aims to highlight the role of ingestion of polyphenols and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) in reducing obesity and related metabolic diseases (RMDs). The consumption of vegetables, fish and by-products rich in polyphenols and α-linolenic acid (ALA), as well as oils rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with a decrease in obesity and its RMDs in consumers. Furthermore, we discussed the adequate amount of extracts, powder, polyphenols, ω-3 PUFAs administrated in animal models and human subjects, and the relevant outcomes obtained. Thus, we appeal to the research institutions and departments of the Ministries of Health in each country to develop a food education joint project to help schools, businesses and families with the aim of reducing obesity and other metabolic diseases.

ß-Carotene: Preventive Role for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: A Review.

Carotenoids are vital antioxidants for plants and animals. They protect cells from oxidative events and act against the inflammatory process and carcinogenesis. Among the most abundant carotenoids in human and foods is ß-carotene. This carotenoid has the highest level of provitamin A activity, as it splits into two molecules of retinol through the actions of the cytosolic enzymes: ß-carotene-15,15'-monooxygenase (ß-carotene-15,15'-oxygenase 1) and ß-carotene-9',10'-dioxygenase (ß-carotene-9',10'-oxygenase 2). The literature supports the idea that ß-carotene acts against type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Due to the many processes involved in ß-carotene biosynthesis and metabolic function, little is known about such components, since many mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, our study concisely described the relationships between the consumption of carotenoids, with emphasis on ß-carotene, and obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated parameters in order to understand the preventive role of carotenoids better and encourage their consumption.

Minerals in Pregnancy and Their Impact on Child Growth and Development.

During pregnancy, women undergo metabolic and physiological changes, and their needs are higher, to maintain growth and development of the fetus. If the nutritional status of the expectant mother is not satisfactory, some maternal and neonatal complications can occur. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, there is a reserve of nutrients in the fetus that can be utilized after birth; thereby, children present an accelerated growth in the first years of life, which is a proven response to the available nutrition pattern. However, if such a pattern is insufficient, there will be deficits during development, including brain function. Therefore, despite many recent published works about gestational nutrition, uncertainties still remain on the mechanisms of absorption, distribution, and excretion of micronutrients. Further elucidation is needed to better understand the impacts caused either by deficiency or excess of some micronutrients. Thus, to illustrate the contributions of minerals during prenatal development and in children, iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium were selected. Our study sought to review the consequences related to gestational deficiency of the referred minerals and their impact on growth and development in children born from mothers with such deficiencies.

Construction waste as substrate in vertical subsuperficial constructed wetlands treating organic matter, ibuprofenhene, acetaminophen and ethinylestradiol from low-strength synthetic wastewater.

This study aimed to evaluate the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), total phosphorus (TP), ibuprofen, acetaminophen and ethinylestradiol of synthetic effluent simulating low-strength sewage by sequencing-batch mode constructed wetlands (CWs). To verify the feasibility of using a floating macrophyte in CWs and compare different substrates, three CWs containing light expanded clay aggregates (CWL), expanded clay with porcelain tiles (CWLP) and bricks (CWB) were planted with Pistia stratiotes. The results showed that CWB achieved the highest removals of TKN (78%), TAN (70%) and TP (46%), and CWLP achieved the highest COD removal (75%). LECA favored the removal of ibuprofen (92%, p < 0.05) when compared to bricks (77%), probably by the combination of biodegradation and sorption in the systems. The highest acetaminophen removal (71% to 96%) was observed in CWL, probably via biodegradation, but no significant differences were found between the CWs (p > 0.05). Ethinylestradiol was removed 76% in CWLP and 73% in CWB, both differing statistically from CWL (p < 0.05), demonstrating that brick and the combination of clay with porcelain were better than just clay in this hormone removal. After 188 days of operation, P. stratiotes was able to uptake nitrogen and phosphorus of approximately 0.28 g and 0.25 g in CWL, 0.33 g and 0.21 g CWLP, and 0.22 g and 0.09 g in CWB of, respectively. Adsorption of nitrogen and phosphorus onto the substrates was 0.48 g and 6.84 g in CWL, 0.53 g and 5.69 g in CWLP, and 0.36 g and 10.18 g in CWB, respectively. The findings on this study suggest that adsorption was possible the main process for TP removal onto the evaluated substrates whereas microbial activity was the most probable mechanism for TN removal in the evaluated CW systems.

Fatty Acid Diets: Regulation of Gut Microbiota Composition and Obesity and Its Related Metabolic Dysbiosis.

Long-term high-fat dietary intake plays a crucial role in the composition of gut microbiota in animal models and human subjects, which affect directly short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and host health. This review aims to highlight the interplay of fatty acid (FA) intake and gut microbiota composition and its interaction with hosts in health promotion and obesity prevention and its related metabolic dysbiosis. The abundance of the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, as Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria species are associated with increased SCFA production, reported high-fat diet rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as low-fat diets rich in long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). SCFAs play a key role in health promotion and prevention and, reduction and reversion of metabolic syndromes in the host. Furthermore, in this review, we discussed the type of fatty acids and their amount, including the administration time and their interplay with gut microbiota and its results about health or several metabolic dysbioses undergone by hosts.

Protective Effect of α-Linolenic Acid on Non-Alcoholic Hepatic Steatosis and Interleukin-6 and -10 in Wistar Rats.

Consumption of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is related to improvement in the inflammatory response associated with decreases in metabolic disorders of obesity, such as low-grade inflammation and hepatic steatosis. Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) oil is a primary source of n-3 fatty acids (FAs) of plant origin, particularly α-linolenic acid, and provides an alternative for the ingestion of n-3 PUFA by persons allergic to, or wishing to avoid, animal sources. In our study, we evaluated the effect of the consumption of different lipidic sources on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in Wistar rats. We split 56 male rats into four groups that were fed for 60 days with the following diets: sesame oil, (SO, Sesamum indicum), linseed oil (LO), SO + LO (SLO), and a control group (CG) fed with animal fat. Our results reveal that the use of LO or SLO produced improvements in the hepatic tissue, such as lower values of aspartate aminotransferase, liver weight, and hepatic steatosis. LO and SLO reduced the weight of visceral fats, weight gain, and mediated the inflammation through a decrease in interleukin (IL)-6 and increase in IL-10. Though we did not detect any significant differences in the intestine histology and the purinergic system enzymes, the consumption of α-linolenic acid appears to contribute to the inflammatory and hepatic modulation of animals compared with a diet rich in saturated FAs and or unbalanced in n-6/n-3 PUFAs, inferring possible use in treatment of metabolic disorders associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Olive Oil and Its Minor Components on Cardiovascular Diseases, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota.

Olive oil is one of the main ingredients in the Mediterranean diet, being an important ally in disease prevention. Its nutritional composition is comprised of mainly monounsaturated fatty acids, with oleic being the major acid, plus minor components which act as effective antioxidants, such as hydroxytyrosol. Studies have shown that the consumption of olive oil, as well as its isolated components or in synergism, can be a primary and secondary protective factor against the development of cardiovascular diseases since it reduces the concentrations of low-density lipoproteins and increases the concentration of high-density lipoproteins. Furthermore, it exerts an influence on the inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor, which are pro-inflammatory agents in the body. The components present in olive oil are also associated with the promotion of intestinal health since they stimulate a higher biodiversity of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing their balance. The objective of this review is to present recent data on investigated effects of olive oil and its components on the metabolism, focused on cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and gut biota.

Nutraceutical and Medicinal Potential of the Morus Species in Metabolic Dysfunctions.

Many populations use medicinal plants as a therapeutic treatment, due to their lower cost and greater access. Among the plant species used for medicinal purposes are those of the genus Morus. The most known species are Morus alba, rubra, and nigra. This review aims to collect data from the literature, predominantly from cell and animal studies, which presents a possible nutraceutical and medicinal potential of the species Morus for use in metabolic dysfunctions. The fruits and leaves of mulberry are used for therapeutic purposes. For scientific confirmation of these effects, they were studied for laxative properties, antibacterial activity, anti-atherogenic activity, and hepatoprotective function. Furthermore, the genus Morus is recognized for the treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus, through its hypoglycemic action. It may also provide health benefits through immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nociceptive effects. It has been found that the Morus species have phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins that act as important antioxidants and promote beneficial effects on human health. These phytochemical compounds differ among species. Blackberry (Morus nigra) are rich in flavonoids, while the white mulberry (Morus alba) has low concentrations of flavonoids and anthocyanins. In addition, another important factor is to ensure a complete exemption of toxic risks in the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases. Studies have shown no toxic effects by the administration of extracts of Morus species. Thus, the mulberry tree presents nutraceutical potential. It is therefore a promising alternative for medicinal products based on medicinal plants.

Characterization and oxidative stability of oils and bioactive compounds of the fruits of Byrsonima cydoniifolia A. Juss. at different ripening stages.

BACKGROUND: Fruits present high concentrations of bioactive compounds that are beneficial to health due to their antioxidant properties. New alternatives to vegetable oils with such properties have been studied. We determined the chemical compounds of Byrsonima cydoniifolia A. Juss. fruits in three ripening stages as well as the optical behavior and quality level of the oils. RESULTS: The ripening stage affected the chemical composition of the fruits and oils. The fruits presented high values of bioactive compounds, as ascorbic acid (1.46-1.82 g kg-1 ) and total phenols (3.54-15.91 g gallic acid equivalents kg-1 ), as well as showed excellent antioxidant activity. The ripe fruits showed high content of carotenoids (45.90 mg kg-1 ) were lutein is the major carotenoid, representing 55.56%. The oil of the ripe fruits showed high lipid content (252.6 g kg-1 ) and contained oleic (521.83 g kg-1 ), palmitic (209.13 g kg-1 ) and linoleic (195.4 g kg-1 ) fatty acids. The oil of ripe fruits showed the best oxidative stability, with longer induction period (22.29 h) than the other oils. CONCLUSION: Fruits of B. cydoniifolia A. Juss. demonstrate to possess a promising potential for the use as functional ingredients. The oil of the ripe fruits was more stable and presents a greater potential to be used for edible purposes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Therapeutic Potential of Brazilian Cerrado Campomanesia Species on Metabolic Dysfunctions.

Obesity, in conjunction with other metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, is a feature of metabolic syndrome which is characterized by a pro-inflammatory state and increased oxidative stress. Therefore, antioxidant foods are proposed to prevent and treat these disorders. Medicinal plants are one of the main strategies in this regard. Guavira, a Brazilian Cerrado plant, contains different bioactive compounds with a high antioxidant capacity and without clinical or reproductive toxicity effects. Though there are different varieties of guavira, the principal Brazilian Cerrado guaviras demonstrated hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic actions. There is also a potential antiplatelet agent in C. xanthocarpa, while C. adamantium displayed hypocholesterolemic actions in animal models and human clinical trials. On the other hand, even with a lack of studies related to C. pubescens, it demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and an antioxidant capacity in in vitro studies. Despite the fact that most of the studies were not performed to evaluate pathological conditions specific to obese animal models or obese subjects, guavira demonstrated effects in metabolic disorders that are commonly related to the obesity context, such as cardiovascular disturbances and hyperglycemia status. This suggests that guavira is a potential therapeutic approach to obesity-induced metabolic syndrome.

Fatty Acids Consumption: The Role Metabolic Aspects Involved in Obesity and Its Associated Disorders.

Obesity and its associated disorders, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, metabolic inflammation, dysbiosis, and non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis, are involved in several molecular and inflammatory mechanisms that alter the metabolism. Food habit changes, such as the quality of fatty acids in the diet, are proposed to treat and prevent these disorders. Some studies demonstrated that saturated fatty acids (SFA) are considered detrimental for treating these disorders. A high fat diet rich in palmitic acid, a SFA, is associated with lower insulin sensitivity and it may also increase atherosclerosis parameters. On the other hand, a high intake of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids may promote positive effects, especially on triglyceride levels and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Moreover, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are effective at limiting the hepatic steatosis process through a series of biochemical events, such as reducing the markers of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis, increasing the gene expression of lipid metabolism, decreasing lipogenic activity, and releasing adiponectin. This current review shows that the consumption of unsaturated fatty acids, MUFA, and PUFA, and especially EPA and DHA, which can be applied as food supplements, may promote effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as on metabolic inflammation, gut microbiota, and hepatic metabolism.

O significado de ser humano para os discentes de enfermagem sob o olhar da complexidade / The meaning of being human for the nursery students under the sight of complexity

Estudo exploratório de natureza qualitativa que teve por objetivo compreender o significado de “ser humano” explicitado pelos alunos de Enfermagem de uma Universidade Pública do sul dos pais. Para obtenção dos dados foi usada a entrevista baseada na questão norteadora “O que significa o Ser Humano para você?” A coleta de dados foi realizada nos meses de outubro e novembro de 2004. Os dados foram analisados, agrupados e, identificados os conteúdos temáticos, resultando em cinco categorias: ser social, ser de totalidade, ser de fé, ser para si e para o outro e ser complexo. Na busca da compreensão de ser humano foi possível caracterizá-lo como ser complexo e apreendê-lo no que se mostra como características inatas e aquelas desenvolvidas como meio para a sobrevivência. Conclui-se que o ser humano percebe o outro segundo suas necessidades e individualidades, atributo necessário para que futuros cuidadores respeitem o ser único na sua complexidade.

O olhar de acadêmicos de enfermagem acerca do ambiente de cuidado interpretado à luz do paradigma da complexidade / A nursing academic perspective concerning the care environment within the complexity paradigm: a descriptive study

This is a qualitative study whose objective was to learn how nursing academics comprehend the care environment, and apply and analysis according to the complexity paradigm. The subjects of the study were undergraduate nursing students at a federal institution of higher education. Data was collected from September through November of 2005, through interviews guided by the question, "What does care environment mean to you?" The data was analyzed in accordance with reflective literature, according to the organization and interpretation of speech. From the subjects' responses, six categories were established: care environment, interactive environment, structured environment, therapeutic environment, non-therapeutic environment, and complex environment. For nursing academics, the care environment is dynamic and related to the care process. Comprehending the care environment demands a capacity to amplify one's vision beyond the peculiarities and characteristics of one's environment, as these multiple relationships make one's environment a complex environment.

Estudo de abordagem qualitativa, que teve por objetivo apreender como os acadêmicos de enfermagem compreendem o ambiente de cuidado e analisá-lo à luz do paradigma da complexidade. Os sujeitos do estudo foram acadêmicos do curso de graduação em enfermagem de uma instituição de ensino superior pública federal. A coleta dos dados foi realizada de setembro a novembro de 2005, através de entrevista norteada pela pergunta: “O que significa ambiente de cuidado para você?”. A análise dos dados foi efetuada mediante leituras reflexivas, seguidas de organização e interpretação das falas, sendo que a partir destas foram evidenciadas seis categorias: ambiente de cuidado, ambiente de interação, ambiente estruturante, ambiente terapêutico, ambiente não terapêutico e ambiente complexo. Para os acadêmicos de enfermagem o ambiente de cuidado é dinâmico e tem relação com o processo de cuidar. Compreender o ambiente de cuidado demanda capacidade de ampliar o olhar às peculiaridades e características deste ambiente, sendo que estas múltiplas relações fazem deste um ambiente complexo.

[Concepts of care under perspective of students of a post-graduation program in nursing]. / Conceitos de cuidado sob a perspectiva de mestrandas de enfermagem.

This study aimed at better understanding the notions or conceptions of care, as constructed by students of a Post-Graduate Nursing Program in the south of Brazil, by analyzing 362 master's degree dissertations published from 1978 to 2002. In these experiences of investigative care practice, the following categories were found: types of care, context of care, and the purpose or aim of care. The data showed different notions or concepts, on which considerations on the importance of these concepts for nurses' training and practice.

Conceitos de cuidado sob a perspectiva de mestrandas de enfermagem / Concepts pf care under the perspective of stuidents of a post-graduation program in nursing

Trata-se de um estudo que buscou conhecer as noções ou conceitos de cuidado construídos por mestrandas de enfermagem em suas dissertações sustentadas em um programa de pós-graduação de enfermagem do sul do país. Foram analisadas todas as 362 dissertações defendidas no período de 1978 a 2002. Nestas experiências de prática assistencial investigativa, encontraram-se as categorias: tipos de cuidados, contexto do cuidado e sentido ou finalidade do cuidado.Os dados mostram diferentes noções ou conceitos e propiciam a reflexão sobre a importância dos mesmos no saber e fazer destes profissionais.

Este artículo es un estudio que trató de conocer las nociones o conceptos de cuidados elaborados por maestrandos de enfermería en sus disertaciones basadas en un programa de postgrado de enfermería del sur del país. Se analizaron las 362 disertaciones defendidas en el período de 1978 a 2002. En estas experiencias de práctica asistencial investigativa, se encuentran las siguientes categorías: tipos de cuidados, contexto del cuidado y sentido o finalidad del cuidado. Los datos muestran diferentes nociones o conceptos y estimulan a la reflexión sobre la importancia de los mismos en el saber y quehacer de estos profesionales.

This study aimed at better understanding the notions or conceptions of care, as constructed by students of a Post-Graduate Nursing Program in the south of Brazil, by analyzing 362 master’s degree dissertations published from 1978 to 2002. In these experiences of investigative care practice, the following categories were found: types of care, context of care, and the purpose or aim of care. The data showed different notions or concepts, on which considerations on the importance of these concepts for nurses’ training and practice.

As interfaces do cuidado pelo olhar da complexidade: um estudo com um grupo de pós-graduandos de enfermagem / The interfaces of the care from the look of the complexity: a study with a group of post-graduation students in nursing

O cuidado é um processo interativo, dinâmico, solidário, técnico-científico, criativo e caracteriza o trabalho da Enfermagem. Objetivou-se identificar o conceito de cuidado, os espaços onde o mesmo acontece, quem o pratica e quais as suas dimensões visualizadas por pós-graduandos em enfermagem de uma universidade federal. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, exploratório-descritivo. A coleta de dados foi realizada em outrubro e novembro de 2004, mediante entrevista com 15 discentes de pós-graduação em enfermagem. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo temática, interpretados ao olhar do referencial da complexidade. Os resultados mostram os tipos de cuidado, espaços de cuidado, seres humanos envolvidos no cuidado e as dimensões de cuidado visualizadas pelos sujeitos do estudo...