Dietary supplementation with annatto food-coloring extracts increases the resistance of human erythrocytes to hemolysis.

Erythrocytes exhibit high susceptibility to hemolysis in several pathologies due to the oxidation of cellular components. We hypothesized that annatto carotenoids improve the redox status of erythrocyte plasma membranes and promote a consequent increase in human erythrocyte resistance to hemolysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether food-grade annatto carotenoids can increase human erythrocyte resistance to hemolysis in vitro and ex vivo. For the in vitro experiment, erythrocytes from healthy volunteers were isolated and coincubated with bixin (BIX) or norbixin (NBIX) and 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), glucose, or sodium nitrite (NaNO2) as hemolysis inducers. In the ex vivo study, healthy volunteers consumed a capsule containing BIX or NBIX (0.05 mg/kg body weight per day) or placebo for 7 days before blood sample collection. Their erythrocytes were isolated and incubated with AAPH, glucose, or NaNO2. In both the ex vivo and in vitro studies, erythrocytes were subjected to osmotic fragility tests. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels in erythrocytes were also evaluated ex vivo. In vitro BIX and NBIX not only reduced erythrocyte membrane fragility induced by AAPH, glucose, or NaNO2 but also improved basal osmotic resistance in the micromole-per-liter range (P < .05). BIX and NBIX supplementation increased erythrocyte membrane resistance (P < .05), with BIX being more effective. Also, BIX and NBIX protected erythrocytes from lipid peroxidation and improved the cellular redox environment (P < .05). These results support the hypothesis that annatto carotenoids supplementation exerts antihemolytic properties by preventing the oxidative damage of human erythrocytes.

Short-Term Bixin Supplementation of Healthy Subjects Decreases the Susceptibility of LDL to Cu2+-Induced Oxidation Ex Vivo.

Lycopene-based medications and supplements have been developed to prevent atherosclerosis, primarily because of their ability to decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Bixin and norbixin are carotenoids found in the seeds of annatto (Bixa orellana) and are colorants widely used by the food industry. Some studies have already demonstrated that these compounds have antioxidant and antiatherogenic potential in vitro and in animal models, but there is no evidence supporting the effects of their long-term or short-term consumption by humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of short-term intake of annatto carotenoids on biochemical and oxidative stress biomarkers as well as on the susceptibility of LDL oxidation in healthy individuals, using lycopene as a positive control. The effect of daily supplementation (0.05 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.)) with bixin, norbixin, lycopene, or placebo for 7 days was evaluated in a randomized, controlled crossover study in 16 healthy volunteers (8 men and 8 women). The susceptibility of LDL to Cu2+-induced oxidation ex vivo, biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated. No treatment affected biochemical parameters or most oxidative stress biomarkers. However, bixin reduced the oxidation rate of the LDL lipid moiety (-275%, p < 0.1) and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) (-460%, p < 0.1), compared to the placebo group. Moreover, we observed that the changes in these parameters were positively associated, supporting the hypothesis that bixin decreases the susceptibility of LDL to Cu2+-induced oxidation by decreasing NOx levels, probably by downregulating the inducible nitric oxide synthase.

Effects of dietary microencapsulated Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil on reproductive-related parameters in male Rhamdia quelen.

In aquaculture, nutrition and supplemented diets have been shown to affect broodstock reproductive performance. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil (CFEO) microcapsules on reproductive-related parameters in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) male broodfish. Adult male broodstocks were separated into three groups according to the concentrations of supplemented CFEO (0.0 = control; 1.0 or 3.0 mL per kg of diet). After 20 days under experimental conditions, the animals were euthanized and the gonads were harvested for gonadosomatic index, sperm analysis, oxidative stress, and histopathology; testosterone levels were measured in the plasma; gene expression of prl, smtl, pomca, and pomcb was assessed in the pituitary gland by real-time PCR. The results showed no alterations on reproductive parameters in R. quelen males treated with Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil compared to the control-diet animals. In conclusion, CFEO microcapsules supplied for 20 days in the concentrations of 1.00 or 3.00 mL per kilogram of diet did not affect the reproduction criteria evaluated in this study in male silver catfish.

O ultrassom no amaciamento de carnes / The ultrasound on meat tenderization

O ultrassom é uma das novas tecnologias limpas aplicadas a alimentos. Na ciência e tecnologia de carnes, é estudado principalmente quanto à sua capacidade de melhorar a maciez da carne, por mecanismos de cavitação. Alguns parâmetros acústicos como frequência, intensidade e tempo de exposição ao tratamento influenciam na tenderização da carne. Os primeiros estudos determinaram que o uso de altas frequências não apresentaram efeitos na textura, em função de não provocarem cavitação. A intensidade de ultrassom que atinge a matriz cárnea também é importante, sendo que, quando aplicada abaixo de 10W cm-2 ou muito acima desse valor, não se percebe o efeito. O tempo de exposição é dependente da frequência e intensidade utilizadas e influencia diretamente na maciez. Características de qualidade da carne, como perda de peso após cozimento, queda de pH, cor e microbiologia também foram analisados por diversos autores, com dados contraditórios quanto ao efeito do ultrassom sobre esses parâmetros. As particularidades de cada músculo dificultam as comparações de resultados, abrindo espaço para novas pesquisas. O uso de ultrassom na tecnologia de carnes, visando a melhorar a maciez, mostra-se como uma tecnologia promissora, um potencial a ser explorado.

Ultrasound is one of the new clean technologies applied to food. In science and technology of meat, is mainly studied for its ability to improve meat tenderness by cavitation mechanisms. Some acoustic parameters such as frequency, intensity and exposure time influence the treatment of meat tenderization. Initial studies determined that the use of high frequencies did not show effects on the texture, due to not cause cavitation. The intensity in which the ultrasound reaches the meat matrix is also important, and when applied below 10W cm-2 or much above this value does not realize the effect. The exposure time is dependent on the frequency and the used intensity directly influences the softness. Meat quality characteristics, such as weight loss after cooking, drop in pH, color and microbiology were also analyzed by several authors, with conflicting data on the effect of ultrasound on these parameters. The particularities of each muscle hinder comparisons of results, stimulating new researches. The use of ultrasound technology to improve meat tenderness shows itself as a promising technology with the potential to be exploited.

Análise química e microbiológica de laranja antes e após cocção em microondas / Chemical and microbiological analysis of orange before and after cooking in microwave

No Brasil há um número crescente de novos casos de câncer, sendo a segunda causa de morte em nível mundial. Os diferentes estágios da doença levam o paciente ao desinteresse pelos alimentos devido às alterações que ocorrem em seu organismo. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo realizar análise química e microbiológica da laranja antes e após cocção em micro-ondas em 20, 30 e 40 segundos. As laranjas de suco foram descascadas e cortadas em 8 partes e, após, foram realizados os tratamentos térmicos em diferentes tempos. A seguir, foram efetuadas as análises químicas e microbiológicas. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a vitamina C permaneceu inalterada no tratamento térmico de 20 segundos, além de haver uma concentração de 8% de proteínas. As análises microbiológicas não demonstraram contaminação representativa, de acordo com a legislação. Com isso, conclui-se que o tratamento térmico de 20 segundos foi mais apropriado, levando em consideração o aspecto microbiológico, organoléptico e químico.

Acompanhamento dos índices antropométricos em adolescentes internados em clínica para abstinência do uso de crack / Monitoring the anthropometric indexes in teenagers who are interned in a clinic for abstinence of crack use

O uso abusivo de drogas pelos jovens tem aumentado nos últimos anos. Os jovens usuários de crack ficam debilitados fisicamente pela dependência química. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma avaliação antropométrica com adolescentes em tratamento em clínica para abstinência do uso de crack. Para tanto, realizou-se o estudo em Hospital Público de Santa Maria, RS com adolescentes do gênero masculino. Para a realização da avaliação antropométrica a massa corporal, altura, circunferência do braço (CB) e prega cutânea triciptal (PCT) foram acompanhadas periodicamente, sendo a massa corporal e altura semanalmente e a CB e PCT no início e no final do tratamento. Para estudo estatístico utilizou-se análise não paramétrica e correlação de Spearman rank. Os dados foram considerados estatisticamente significativos para p< 0,05. Foram avaliados 9 pacientes do gênero masculino com idade média de 15,3±1,93 anos. Constatou-se ganho significativo de peso no decorrer das semanas, sendo a primeira semana 55,6±4,9kg e a última com peso de 70,2±7,3kg (p=0,028). Em relação à área de gordura do braço (AGB) inicial obteve-se média de 10,35±1,8cm e na última semana 19,3±2,02cm, apresentando aumento significativo (p= 0,011). Na área muscular do braço corrigida (AMBc) inicial obteve-se média de 38.07±11cm, na última semana média de 48,2±14,1 (p= 0,008). O estudo demonstrou aumento dos índices antropométricos dos adolescentes, contribuindo para melhora do estado nutricional. O acompanhamento dos adolescentes por meio da avaliação antropométrica realizada pelo nutricionista, além do trabalho interdisciplinar com profissionais psicólogos, assistentes sociais, entre outros, promove uma maior qualidade de vida, contribuindo para uma melhor resposta ao tratamento e um adequado desenvolvimento biopsicossocial.

The abusive use of drugs among teenagers has increased during the last years. Young users of crack become physically impaired due to chemical dependency. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform an anthropometric evaluation with teenagers who are under treatment at a clinic for abstinence of crack. For this, a study was carried out at a Public Hospital in the city of Santa Maria ? RS with male teenagers. To perform the anthropometric evaluation, the body mass, height, arm circumference (AC) and triceps skinfold (TC) were periodically monitored, body mass and height were weekly assessed and the AC and TC at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. To the statistic analysis we used non-parametric analysis and the Spearman rank correlation. The data was considered statistically significant to p< 0,05. Nine male patients with mean age of 15,3±1,93 years were evaluated. We noticed a significant weight increase along the weeks, showing a weight of 55,6±4,9kg in the first week and, 70,2±7,3kg (p=0,028) in the last week. In relation to AFA, it was initially 10,35±1,8cm and, at the last week 19,3±2,02cm, demonstrating a significant increase (p= 0,011). The mean initial AMAc was 38.07±11cm while at the last week the mean value was 48,2±14,1 (p= 0,008). The study demonstrated the increase in the teenagers? anthropometric indexes contributing to the enhancement of the nutritional status. The adolescents monitoring through the anthropometric evaluation conducted by a nutritionist, besides the interdisciplinary work with psychologists, social works and others, promotes a better life quality what contributes for a better response to treatment and an adequate biopsychosocial development.