Coconut oil supplementation during development reduces brain excitability in adult rats nourished and overnourished in lactation.

INTRODUCTION: Coconut oil has been considered as a therapeutic alternative in several pathologies, but there is limited information regarding its effects on brain functioning. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed whether early virgin coconut oil (VCO) supplementation interferes with electrical activity of the adult rat brain and its lipid peroxidation. Moreover, it investigated whether the putative effect on brain electrophysiology could be affected by overnutrition occurring during lactation, and/or by environmental enrichment (EE). Electrophysiology was measured through cortical spreading depression (CSD), a phenomenon related to brain excitability. METHODS: Wistar rats were suckled in litters of either nine or three pups, forming nourished (N) or overnourished (ON) groups, respectively. Between the 7th and 30th days of life, half of the animals in each group received VCO (10 mg kg-1 d-1; by gavage). The other half received an equivalent amount of vehicle (V, 0.009% cremophor). On day 36, animals from both groups were subjected to EE for 4 weeks. At 105 ± 15 days of life, each animal was subjected to CSD recordings and lipid peroxidation analyses. RESULTS: Overnutrition during lactation enhanced body and brain weights. VCO decelerated the CSD propagation velocity (control - 3.57 ± 0.23 mm min-1versus VCO - 3.27 ± 0.18 mm min-1; p < 0.001), regardless of whether subjected to overnourishment or EE exposure. Neither VCO nor EE modified the cerebral lipid peroxidation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: VCO supplementation impaired the spreading of CSD, indicating reduction of brain excitability. VCO effects occurred regardless of the nutritional state during lactation.

Sepsis impairs the propagation of cortical spreading depression in rats and this effect is prevented by antioxidant extract.

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by acute inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which is implicated in cerebral dysfunction. Murici (Byrsonimacrassifolia (L.) Kunth) is a fruit rich in antioxidant compounds, which could be an alternative to prevent damage to tissues induced by sepsis . Here, we evaluated the effects of sepsis on the propagation of cortical spreading depression (CSD) and oxidative stress, and tested the action of murici antioxidant extract in prevention against the effect of sepsis. Male Wistar rats (90-210 days, n = 40) were previously supplemented, orogastrically, with murici extract (150 mg/kg/day or 300 mg/kg/day), or an equivalent volume of the vehicle solution, for fifteen days. Then the animals were subjected to experimental sepsis through cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). Subsequently, CSD recordings were obtained and brain oxidative stress was evaluated. Sepsis decelerated CSD and increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the brain cortex of the animals. In contrast, septic rats that had been previously supplemented with murici antioxidant extract in doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg/day showed an increase in CSD propagation velocity, low levels of MDA and GSH/GSSG ratio and an increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, regardless of the dose tested. Our results demonstrate that sepsis affects brain excitability and that this effect can be prevented by murici antioxidant extract. The effects of sepsis and/or murici extract on CSD may be due to the oxidative state of the brain.

Environmental enrichment reduces brain excitability in adult rats overnourished during lactation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze whether exposure to environmental enrichment (EE) during the juvenile phase of life interferes with the electrical activity of the adult rat brain. In addition, the present research also investigated whether this putative effect on brain electrical activity could be affected by prior overnutrition during lactation. Electrophysiology was measured through cortical spreading depression (CSD), a phenomenon related to brain excitability. METHODS: Wistar rats were suckled in litters of either nine or three pups, forming the nourished (N) or overnourished (ON) groups, respectively. At 36 days old, half of the animals from each nutritional condition were exposed to EE. The other half was kept in the standard environment (SE). At 90-120 days of life, each animal was anesthetized for CSD recordings. RESULTS: Overnutrition during lactation caused increases (p < 0.05) in body and brain weights. The EE decelerated CSD propagation velocity regardless of nutritional state during lactation (p < 0.001). The CSD deceleration in the N-EE group was 23.8% and in the ON-EE group was 15% in comparison with the N-SE and ON-SE groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that EE exposure in the juvenile phase of the rat's life reduced brain excitability, and this effect was observed even if animals were overnourished during lactation. An EE could be considered an adjuvant therapeutic resource to modulate brain excitability.

Environmental enrichment reduces brain excitability in adult rats overnourished during lactation / Enriquecimento ambiental reduz excitabilidade cerebral em ratos adultos hipernutridos durante a lactação

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to analyze whether exposure to environmental enrichment (EE) during the juvenile phase of life interferes with the electrical activity of the adult rat brain. In addition, the present research also investigated whether this putative effect on brain electrical activity could be affected by prior overnutrition during lactation. Electrophysiology was measured through cortical spreading depression (CSD), a phenomenon related to brain excitability. Methods: Wistar rats were suckled in litters of either nine or three pups, forming the nourished (N) or overnourished (ON) groups, respectively. At 36 days old, half of the animals from each nutritional condition were exposed to EE. The other half was kept in the standard environment (SE). At 90-120 days of life, each animal was anesthetized for CSD recordings. Results: Overnutrition during lactation caused increases (p < 0.05) in body and brain weights. The EE decelerated CSD propagation velocity regardless of nutritional state during lactation (p < 0.001). The CSD deceleration in the N-EE group was 23.8% and in the ON-EE group was 15% in comparison with the N-SE and ON-SE groups, respectively. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that EE exposure in the juvenile phase of the rat's life reduced brain excitability, and this effect was observed even if animals were overnourished during lactation. An EE could be considered an adjuvant therapeutic resource to modulate brain excitability.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo analisou se a exposição ao ambiente enriquecido durante a fase juvenil da vida interferiria na atividade elétrica do cérebro de ratos adultos. Além disso, a presente pesquisa também investigou se esse provável efeito na atividade elétrica cerebral poderia ser afetado pela hipernutrição durante a lactação. A eletrofisiologia foi medida através da depressão alastrante cortical, um fenômeno relacionado à excitabilidade cerebral. Métodos: Ratos Wistar foram amamentados em ninhadas de nove ou três filhotes, formando os grupos nutridos ou hipernutridos, respectivamente. Aos 36 dias, metade dos animais de cada condição nutricional foram expostos ao ambiente enriquecido. A outra metade foi mantida na condição de ambiente padrão. Aos 90-120 dias de vida, foram obtidos os registros da depressão alastrante cortical. Resultados: A hipernutrição durante a lactação causou incrementos (p < 0,05) nos pesos corporal e cerebral.O Ambiente Enriquecido desacelerou a velocidade de propagação da depressão alastrante cortical independentemente do estado nutricional durante a lactação (p < 0,001). A desaceleração da depressão alastrante cortical no grupo nutrido/ambiente enriquecido foi de 23,8% e no grupo hipernutrido/ambiente enriquecido foi de 15% em comparação com os grupos nutrido/ambiente padrão e hipernutrido/ambiente padrão, respectivamente. Conclusão: Nossos dados demonstram que a exposição ao ambiente enriquecido na fase juvenil da vida do rato reduz a excitabilidade cerebral, e esse efeito pode ser observado mesmo se os animais estiverem hipernutridos durante a lactação. O ambiente enriquecido pode ser considerado um recurso terapêutico adjuvante para modular a excitabilidade cerebral.

Adequação nutricional de pacientes em unidade de terapia intensiva segundo indicadores de qualidade emterapia nutricional / Nutritional adequacy of patients in intensive care unit by quality indicators in nutrition therapy

Introdução: Diversas condições interferem na terapia nutricional em pacientes gravemente doentes. Pacientes em estado crítico que não recebem a terapia nutricional adequada são mais suscetíveis a complicações infecciosas e podem apresentar maior tempo de ventilação mecânica, maior permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva e maiores taxas de mortalidade. Objetivo: Avaliar a adequação da terapia nutricional enteral nas unidades de terapia intensiva de um hospital universitário de Pernambuco. Metodologia: Estudo prospectivo observacional realizado em pacientes adultos e idosos, de ambos os sexos, internados nas unidades de terpaia intensiva em um hospital universitário de Pernambuco. A adequação nutricional foi estimada através da relação percentual entre o volume de dieta prescrito e o administrado, onde foi considerado como ideal uma porcentagem maior que 80%. Com vistas a conhecer os possíveis fatores associados à inadequação nutricional, foi comparado o grupo de pacientes que recebeu < 80% do volume prescrito ao que recebeu ≥ 80%. Aplicaram-se os indicadores de qualidade em terapia nutricional. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 71 pacientes, 57,7% homens e 60,6% idosos. Houve associação entre a adequação nutricional e melhor desfecho clínico (p=0,004) e nutrição enteral precoce (p=0,047). A inadequação nutricional associou-se ao uso de droga vasoativa (p=0,027) e presença de jejum > 24 horas (p<0,001). As causas mais frequentemente relacionadas com a interrupção da dieta foram as complicações gastrointestinais. Os indicadores: frequência da estimativa das necessidades nutricionais, diarreia, hipoglicemia e saída inadvertida da sonda nasoenteral ficaram dentro da meta estabelecida. Conclusão: A oferta inferior a 80% das necessidades nutricionais se associou a um pior desfecho clínico, sendo influenciada pela nutrição enteral tardia, uso de drogas vasoativas e jejum maior que 24 horas. A aplicação dos indicadores de qualidade em terapia nutricional favoreceu uma melhor adequação nutricional aos pacientes gravemente doentes

Introduction: Several conditions interfere with nutritional therapy in critically ill patients. Critically ill patients who do not receive adequate nutritional therapy are more susceptible to infectious complications and may have longer mechanical ventilation, longer intensive care unit stay, and higher mortality rates. Objective: To evaluate the adequacy of enteral nutritional therapy in the intensive care unit of a university hospital in Pernambuco. Methods: Prospective observational study conducted in adults and elderly patients, of both sexes, in the intensive care unit of a University Hospital of Pernambuco. The adequacy of the prescribed diet and the volume administered was estimated by the percentage ratio, which was regarded as ideal a higher percentage than 80%. In order to know the possible factors associated with nutritional inadequacy, the group of patients was compared to received <80% of the prescribed amount, the group of patients who received ≥ 80%. They applied to the quality indicators. Results: The sample consisted of 71 patients, 57.7% men and 60.6% elderly. There was an association between nutritional adequacy and better clinical outcome (p = 0.004) and enteral nutrition early (p = 0.047). The nutritional inadequacy was associated with the use of vasoactive drugs (p = 0.027) and the presence of fasting> 24 hours (p <0.001). The causes most frequently related to the discontinuation of the diet were gastrointestinal complications. Indicators: frequency of the estimated nutritional needs, diarrhea, hypoglycemia and inadvertent output of nasogastric tube were within the established target. Conclusion: The offer less than 80% of nutritional requirements is associated with a poor clinical outcome and being influenced by the late enteral nutrition, use of vasoactive drugs and greater than 24 hours fasting. The application of quality indicators in nutritional therapy promotes better nutritional adequacy to intensive care unit patients

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Avaliação subjetiva global e métodos funcionais no diagnóstico nutricional de pacientes com hepatopatia crônica / Subjective global assessment and functional methods for the nutritional diagnosis of patients with chronic liver disease

Introdução: As comorbidades atreladas ao dano hepático surgem tardiamente, estando a desnutrição presente entre 10 e 100% dos pacientes, sendo o estado nutricional reconhecido como fator prognóstico. Objetivo: Avaliar a concordância entre avaliação subjetiva global e métodos funcionais na avaliação nutricional de pacientes com doença hepática crônica. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado nas enfermarias de clínica médica, gastroenterologia e cirurgia geral/transplante hepático do Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz, Recife - Pernambuco, de abril à setembro/2015, com adultos e idosos de ambos os sexos, hospitalizados. Realizada a avaliação subjetiva global e, para avaliação funcional, a força de preensão palmar e espessura do músculo adutor do polegar. Realizados os testes Exato de Fisher, Anova e Tukey. Resultados: 101 indivíduos avaliados. 51,5% mulheres; Idade média de 59,2 ± 11 anos, com predomínio de idosos (52,5%). A etiologia por esquistossomose foi maioria (47,5%). A força de preensão palmar e espessura do músculo adutor do polegar apresentaram média de 18,54 ± 9,31 kg/F e 15,66 ± 4,08mm, respectivamente, inferiores à referência para sadios e hepatopatas em acompanhamento ambulatorial; Distúrbios gastrointestinais ocorreram em 92% e ascite em 85%. Detectada maior prevalência de desnutrição pela avaliação subjetiva global, seguida da força de preensão palmar e espessura do músculo adutor do polegar (95%, 89,1% e 13,9%, respectivamente). Observados baixos níveis de concordância entre os três métodos. Conclusão: O diagnóstico nutricional foi discrepante entre os métodos. A avaliação subjetiva global foi superior à força de preensão palmar e espessura do músculo adutor do polegar na detecção de desnutrição. Portanto, a avaliação subjetiva global é um instrumento que pode ser utilizado a nível hospitalar para avaliação do estado nutricional de hepatopatas crónicos (AU)

Introduction: Comorbidities emerge late in individuals with liver damage and malnutrition is found in 10 to 100% of such patients. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the level of agreement between a subjective global assessment and functional methods for the nutritional evaluation of patients with chronic liver disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital in the city of Recife, Brazil, between April and September 2015 involving hospitalized male and female adults and elderly individuals with chronic liver disease. The subjective global assessment was compared to functional methods (grip strength and thumb adductor thickness) using Fisher's exact test, ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results: One hundred one individuals were analyzed (51.5% female; mean age: 59.2 ± 11 years; 52.5% elderly). The most common etiology was schistosomiasis (47.5%). Mean grip strength and thumb adductor thickness were 18.54 ± 9.31 kg/F and 15.66 ± 4.08 mm, respectively, which were lower than reference values for healthy individuals and patients with liver disease in outpatient follow up. Gastrointestinal disorders were found in 92% and ascites was found in 85%. The prevalence of malnutrition was 95%, 89.1% and 13.9% based on the subjective global assessment, grip strength and thumb adductor thickness, respectively. Low levels of agreement were found among the three methods. Conclusion: Divergences were found among the methods employed for a nutritional evaluation. The detection of malnutrition was higher when using the subjective global assessment rather than grip strength and thumb adductor thickness. Thus, the subjective global assessment can be used in the hospital setting for the evaluation of nutritional status in patients with chronic liver disease (AU)