Chemopreventive and immunomodulatory effects of phenolic-rich extract of Commiphora leptophloeos against inflammatory bowel disease: Preclinical evidence.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J.B. Gillet (Burseraceae) is a medicinal plant native to Brazil, popularly known as "imburana". Homemade leaf decoction and maceration were used to treat general inflammatory problems in the Brazilian Northeast population. Our previous research confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of the C. leptophloeos hydroalcoholic leaf extract. AIM OF THE STUDY: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gut with no ideal treatment to maintain the remissive status. This work aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition and physicochemical properties of the C. leptophloeos hydroalcoholic leaf extract and its efficacy in chemopreventive and immunomodulatory responses in inflammatory bowel disease in non-clinical models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mass spectrometry and physicochemical tests determined the phytochemical profile and physicochemical characteristics of the Commiphora leptophloeos (CL) extract. The chemopreventive and immunomodulatory effects of CL extract (50 and 125 µg/mL) were evaluated in vitro in the RAW 264.7 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced cell assay and in vivo in the model of intestinal inflammation induced by 2,4-Dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS) in mice when they were treated with CL extract by intragastric gavage (i.g.) at doses of 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg. RESULTS: Phytochemical annotation of CL extract showed a complex phenolic composition, characterized as phenolic acids and flavonoids, and satisfactory physicochemical characteristics. In addition, CL extract maintained the viability of RAW macrophages, reduced ROS and NO production, and negatively regulated COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-17 (p < 0.05). In the intestinal inflammation model, CL extract was able to downregulate NF-κB p65/COX-2, mTOR, iNOS, IL-17, decrease levels of malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase and cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, CL extract reduced inflammatory responses by down-regulating pro-inflammatory markers in macrophages induced by LPS and DNBS-induced colitis in mice through NF-κB p65/COX-2 signaling. CL leaf extract requires further investigation as a candidate for treating inflammatory bowel disease.

Desafios do atendimento nutricional em tempos de pandemia: relato de experiência / Challenges of nutritional service in pandemic times: an experience report / Desafíos del cuidado nutricional en tiempos de pandemia: relato de experiencia

Introdução:Considerando o cenário de pandemia ocorrido nos últimos anos (2019-2022) em razão da grande propagação mundial do novo Coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2), tornaram-se necessárias medidas preventivas que corroborasse na diminuição do contágio e disseminação do vírus, dentre estas, o distanciamento social. Com isso, houveram muitas modificações e adaptações de protocolos assistenciais assim como no atendimento nutricional que, embasados em normativas do Conselho Federal de Nutricionistas por meio de resolução, permitiu a utilização do atendimento nutricional de maneira não presencial. Objetivo:Relatar a experiência e desafios vivenciados durante o componente curricular Terapia Ambulatorial Nutricional-Prática II, do curso de Nutrição, por meio de atendimentos nutricionais híbridos, considerando o contexto de pandemia.Metodologia:Trata-se de um relato de experiência construído a partir das vivências do componente curricular Terapia Ambulatorial Nutricional-Prática II (Módulo prático), que integra a grade do Curso de Nutrição, da Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde do Trairi, da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, os atendimentos se passaram em um cenário de pandemia, demandando cuidados e alterações.Resultados:Percebeu-se a partir dessa vivência, que diante do cenário atual muitas adaptações precisaram ser realizadas, no entanto, a utilização de estratégias se fez bastante presente de modo que tornasse a proposta viável. Conclusões:São muitos os obstáculos enfrentados quanto ao atendimento nutricional nocontexto de pandemia, haja vista que ajustes foram necessários no cronograma de consultas bem como limitações, os quais dificultaram muitas vezes a realização de uma abordagem igual à planejada. Porém, os obstáculos não tornaram inviável os atendimentos, de modo que foi possível atingir êxito nas consultas, metas e objetivos do paciente (AU).

Introduction:Considering the pandemic scenario that has occurred in recent years (2019-current) due to the great worldwide spread of the new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), preventive measures have become necessary to corroborate the reduction of the contagion and spread of the virus, including social distancing. Thus, there were many changes and adaptations in care protocols as well as in nutritional service as a result of regulations of the Federal Council of Nutritionists through a resolution, which implemented nutritional care in a non-face-to-face manner. Objective:To report the experience and challenges experienced during the curricular component Nutritional Outpatient Therapy-Practice II of the Nutrition course through hybrid nutritional care and considering the pandemic context. Methodology:This is an experience report built from the experiences of the curricular component Nutritional Outpatient Therapy -Practice II (Practical Module), which is part of the Nutrition Course grid, of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi, of the Federal University from Rio Grande do Norte, the calls took place in a pandemic scenario, demanding care and changes.Results:It was noticed from this experience that many adaptations had to be carried out in the face of the current scenario; however, the use of strategies was very present in order to make the proposal viable. Conclusions:There are many obstacles faced regarding nutritional care in the context of a pandemic, given that adjustments as well as limitations were necessary in the consultation schedule, which often made it difficult to carry out an approach equal to what had been planned. However, the obstacles did not make the consultations unfeasible, so it was possible to achieve success in the consultations, goals and objectives of the patient (AU).

Introducción:Considerando el escenario de pandemia que se ha presentado en los últimos años (2019-actual) debido a la gran propagación a nivel mundial del nuevo Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), las medidas preventivas se han vuelto necesarias para corroborar la reducción del contagio y propagación del virus, incluido el distanciamiento social. Como resultado, hubo muchos cambios y adaptaciones en los protocolos de atención, así como en el servicio nutricional que, con base en la normativa del Consejo Federal de Nutricionistas a través de una resolución, permitió el uso de la atención nutricional en forma no presencial. Objetivo: Relatar la experiencia y los desafíos vividos durante el componente curricular Terapia Ambulatoria Nutricional-Práctica II, de lacarrera de Nutrición, a través del cuidado nutricional híbrido, considerando el contexto de una pandemia. Metodología: Este es un relato de experiencia construido a partir de las experiencias del componente curricular Terapia Nutricional Ambulatoria -Práctica II (Módulo Práctico), que forma parte de la malla del Curso de Nutrición, de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de Trairi, de la Universidad Federal de Río Grande do Norte, las visitas se realizaron en un escenario de pandemia, exigiendo cuidados y cambios.Resultados:A partir de esta experiencia, se percibió que, dado el escenario actual, se tuvieron que realizar muchas adaptaciones, sin embargo, estuvo muy presente el uso de estrategias para viabilizar la propuesta. Conclusiones:Son muchos los obstáculos enfrentados en cuanto a la atención nutricional en el contexto de una pandemia, dado que fueron necesarios ajustes en el horario de consultas así como limitaciones, que muchas veces dificultan realizar un abordaje igual al planificado. Sin embargo, los obstáculos no hicieron inviable las consultas, por lo que se logró alcanzar el éxito en las consultas, metas y objetivos del paciente (AU).

Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of xique-xique (Pilosocereus gounellei A. Weber ex K. Schum. Bly. Ex Rowl) juice on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by severe mucosal damage in the intestine and a deregulated immune response. Natural products derived from plants that are rich in bioactive compounds are used by many patients with IBD. Xique-xique (Pilosocereus gounellei) is a cactus of the Caatinga family that has been used by the local population for food and medicinal purposes. The intestinal anti-inflammatory effect of xique-xique cladode juice was evaluated in the present study. A dose of 5 mL kg-1 had a protective effect on intestinal inflammation, with an improvement in macroscopic damage, and a decrease in pro-inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, in addition to preserving the colonic tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the downregulation of IL-17, NF-κB, and iNOS, and upregulation of SOCs-1, ZO-1, and MUC-2. These protective effects could be attributed to the phenolic compounds as well as the fibers present in xique-xique juice. Further studies are needed before suggesting the use of xique-xique juice as a new alternative for treating IBD.

Correlação entre os índices antropométricos e pressão arterial de adolescentes e adultos jovens em um município do nordeste brasileiro / Correlation between anthropometric indices and blood pressure in adolescents and young adults in a municipality of northeast Brazil

Introdução:A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica tem apresentado alta mortalidade em todo o mundo, associada a fatores de risco cardiovascular como o excesso de peso e a obesidade abdominal.Objetivo:Avaliar os índices antropométricos e pressão arterial em adolescentes e adultos jovens do município de Santa Cruz-RN.Método:Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, do tipo transversal, realizado com 86 indivíduos com idade média de 19,0 ± 0,97 anos. Foram avaliados o Índice deMassa Corporal (IMC), Relação Cintura Estatura (RCE), Relação Cintura Quadril (RCQ), Índice de Conicidade (IC) e Pressão Arterial (PA). Os dados foram analisados no programa SPSS versão 23.0, apresentados em percentual, média e desvio padrão. O teste T deStudentfoi aplicado para avaliar a diferença entre as médias, a correlação entre medidas antropométricas e a pressão arterial pela correlação de Pearson.Resultados:A prevalência maior foi do sexo feminino, 81,4%. A obesidade esteve mais presente nos meninos adolescentes do que nas meninas, 33,3 e 13,9% respectivamente, bem como nos adultos jovens 28,6% em homens e 11,8% em mulheres. A RCE se mostrou mais elevada nas meninas e mulheres adultas (0,46 ± 0,07, 0,50 ± 0,08). Em contrapartida, a RCQ e IC se mostraram maiores nos meninos(0,79 ± 0,06; 1,12 ± 0,74) e nos homens adultos(0,82 ± 0,09; 1,15 ± 0,12) respectivamente. Em ambos os grupos houve correlação positiva moderada entre o IMC e a RCE com a PA (p<0,05).Conclusão:Os índices antropométricosapresentaram correlação positiva com a elevação da pressão arterial, destacando-se o IMC e a RCE nos adolescentes e adultos jovens (AU).

Introduction:Systemic arterial hypertension has presented high mortality worldwide, associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as overweight and abdominal obesity.Objective:To evaluate the anthropometric indexes and blood pressure in adolescents and young adults in the municipality of Santa Cruz-RN.Methods:This is a cross-sectional quantitative study of 86 individuals with a mean age of 19.0 ± 0.97 years. Body mass index (BMI), Waist Stature Ratio (WSR), Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), Conicity Index (CI) and Blood Pressure (BP) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, presented in percentage, mean and standard deviation. The T test was applied to evaluate the difference between the means, the correlation between anthropometric measures and blood pressure by the Pearson correlation.Results:The highest prevalence was female, 81.4%. Obesity was more present in adolescent boys than in girls, 33.3 and 13.9% respectively, as well as in young adults, 28.6% in men and 11.8% in women. The WSR was higher in girls and adult women (0.46 ± 0.07, 0.50 ± 0.08). On the other hand, WHR and CI were higher in boys(0.79 ± 0.06, 1.12 ± 0.74)and in adult males (0.82 ± 0.09, 1.15 ± 0.12) respectively. In both groups there was a moderate positive correlation between BMI and WSR with BP (p <0.05).Conclusion:The anthropometric indices showed a positive correlation with the elevation of blood pressure, especially BMI, WSR in adolescents and young adults (AU).

Local anti-inflammatory activity: Topical formulation containing Kalanchoe brasiliensis and Kalanchoe pinnata leaf aqueous extract.

Kalanchoe brasiliensis and Kalanchoe pinnata are used interchangeably in traditional medicine in the treatment of wound healing. In this context, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the local anti-inflammatory activity of a topical formulation containing aqueous extract of both species. The in vivo model used was ear edema induced by croton oil and paw edema induced by carrageenan. The Swiss mice treatments use formulations containing aqueous extract at different concentrations (1.25%, 2.5%, and 5%) or dexamethasone (1 mg/g), all administered topically and immediately after edema induction. The treatment with formulations containing aqueous extract of both species reduced ear and paw edema, besides that, the decrease in edema was evidenced by reduction of myeloperoxidase activity, IL-1ß, and TNF-α levels and increase IL-10 levels. In conclusion, the two species showed local anti-inflammatory activity; however K. brasiliensis showed a better result in both edematogenic models since it had activity in the lowest concentration.

Effect of diets with goat milk fat supplemented with exercise on anxiety and oxidative stress in the brains of adult rats.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a diet with goat milk fat supplemented with physical training on markers of oxidative stress in the brain and anxiety behavior in rats. Adult male rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10 per group): control sedentary (CON) and exercised (CON-EX) groups, goat milk fat sedentary (GM) and exercised (GM-EX) groups, goat milk fat enriched with CLA sedentary (GM-CLA) and exercised (GM-CLA-EX) groups. The exercised groups were submitted to treadmill running during four weeks. Anxiety parameters were evaluated with the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in the brain. Compared to the CON and GM groups, the GM-CLA group (p < 0.05), in which the animals were treated with goat milk fat with an increased CLA content, showed higher rearing. All exercised animals presented an increase in grooming when compared to sedentary animals. The number of entries in the open arms and time spent in the open arms was higher in sedentary groups (p < 0.05). MDA levels in the brain were lower in the GM group when compared to those in the CON group (p < 0.05). MDA increased in exercised animals (p < 0.05). GM and GM-CLA groups showed a significant elevation in the GSH levels in the brain. Goat milk fat, however, showed a potential effect on the reduction of oxidative stress, which was associated with a reduction in anxiety behavior. However, this beneficial effect was reversed when exercise was involved.

Gastroprotective and Antioxidant Activity of Kalanchoe brasiliensis and Kalanchoe pinnata Leaf Juices against Indomethacin and Ethanol-Induced Gastric Lesions in Rats.

Kalanchoe brasiliensis and Kalanchoe pinnata are used interchangeably in traditional medicine for treating peptic ulcers and inflammatory problems. In this context, this study aims to characterize the chemical constituents and evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the leaf juices of the two species in acute gastric lesions models. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometer (UHPLC-MS) were performed for chemical characterization. Wistar rats were pre-treated orally with leaf juices (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) or ranitidine (50 mg/kg). The peaks observed in the chromatogram of K. brasiliensis showed similar mass spectra to flavonoid glycosides derived from patuletin and eupafolin, while K. pinnata showed mass spectra similar to compounds derived from quercetin, patuletin, eupafolin and kaempferol. K. brasiliensis at all doses and K. pinnata at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the lesions in the ethanol induction model. In the indomethacin induction model, both species showed significant results at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Also, the pre-treatment with leaf juices increased the antioxidant defense system, glutathione (GSH), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly decreased. Treatment with leaf juices led to the upregulation of zone occludes-1 (ZO-1) and the downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and factor nuclear-κβ transcription (NF-κB-p65), while also showing a cytoprotective effect and maintaining mucus production. These findings show that the leaf juices of the two species showed gastroprotective effects on ethanol and gastric indomethacin injury which were a consequence of gastric inflammation suppression, antioxidant activity and the maintenance of cytoprotective defenses and mucosal structure architecture.

Phytochemical Analysis by HPLC-HRESI-MS and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Tabernaemontana catharinensis.

Tabernaemontana catharinensis (Apocynaceae) has been popularly used by folk medicine because of its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiophidic properties. This study aims to analyze the flavonoids composition of the hydroethanolic extract and of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and butanol (BuOH) fractions of T. catharinensis leaves, as well as to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity using in vivo models. The phytochemical profile, determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-HRESI-MS), showed the presence of flavonoids mainly having an isorhamnetin nucleus. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in carrageenan-induced paw edema (pre- and post-treatment) with oral administration of a T. catharinensis hydroethanolic extract (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) and of organic fractions (50 mg/kg). The extract and fractions showed antiedematogenic activity by decreasing myeloperoxidase (MPO) production. In the zymosan-air-pouch model, the extract and fractions inhibited leukocyte migration and significantly decreased the levels of various proteins, such as MPO, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, which revealed no cytotoxicity of the extract and the fractions. These results suggest that the hydroethanolic extract and organic fractions of T. catharinensis leaves have sufficient anti-inflammatory activity to support the popular use of this plant in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Goat whey ameliorates intestinal inflammation on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

Complementary or alternative medicine is of great interest for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, with the aim of ameliorating the side effects of the drugs commonly used or improving their efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the ability of goat whey to prevent intestinal inflammation in the experimental model of acetic acid-induced rats and compared it to sulfasalazine. Pretreatment with goat whey (1, 2, and 4g/kg) and sulfasalazine (250mg/kg) on colitic rats improved colonic inflammatory markers, including myeloperoxidase activity, leukotriene B4 levels, as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α. Furthermore, the administration of goat whey significantly reduced the colonic oxidative stress by reducing malondialdehyde levels and increased total glutathione content, a potent antioxidant peptide. The histological evaluation of the colonic specimens from colitic rats confirmed these beneficial effects, as goat whey preserved the colonic tissue, especially in those rats treated with the highest dose of goat whey or with sulfasalazine. The immunohistochemistry analysis of the colonic tissue evaluation also revealed a reduction in the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and matrix metalloproteinase-9, together with an increased expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1. These results suggest that goat whey exerted a preventive effect against the intestinal damage induced by acetic acid, showing a similar efficacy to that shown by sulfasalazine, therefore making it a potential treatment for human inflammatory bowel disease.

Composição centesimal e teor de colesterol do camarão branco do Pacífico / Proximate composition and cholesterol content of the Pacific white shrimp

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a composição centesimal e o teor de colesterol da carne do camarão branco do Pacífico (Litopenaeus vannamei), oriundo de uma fazenda localizada no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. As análises na porção muscular do camarão foram realizadas após a retirada do cefalotórax e exoesqueleto. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, os teores de umidade, proteínas, cinzas, lipídios e colesterol apresentaram valores médios de 74,1g 100g-1, 21,9g 100g-1, 1,5g 100g-1, 0,3g 100 g-1 e 26,1mg 100g-1, respectivamente. Comparando-se os resultados da presente pesquisa com os encontrados na literatura para outras espécies, observou-se que a carne de L. vannamei apresentou baixo teor de lipídeos e colesterol e maiores concentrações de proteínas, representando grande valor nutricional para o produto.

This study aimed to determine the proximate composition and cholesterol content in muscular portion of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) collected from a shrimp farm located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The analysis in the muscular portion were performed after cephalothorax and exoskeleton removal. According to the results, the moisture, protein, ash, lipids and cholesterol had an average value of 74.1g 100 g-1, 21.9 g 100 g-1, 1.5g 100g-1, 0.3g 100g-1 and 26.1mg 100g-1, respectively. Comparing the results found on this research to data reported in the literature for other species, it can be observed that the flesh of the shrimp L. vannamei showed a low content of lipids and cholesterol and higher concentrations of protein, representing a wide nutritional value to the product.

Perfil de consumidores de alimentos orgânicos: estudo realizado em supermercados na cidade de Natal, RN / Profile of consumers of organic food: study of supermarkets in the city of Natal, RN

O consumo de alimentos de origem orgânica vem aumentando em todo o mundo. Tendo em vista alguns trabalhos terem sido realizados sobre consumidores de alimentos orgânicos em cidades do sul e sudeste do Brasil. O presente trabalho teve o objetivo conhecer o perfil do consumidor de alimentos orgânicos na cidade de Natal/RN. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa com consumidores em supermercados nas zonas Norte, Sul, Leste e Oeste da cidade, a fim de identificar o perfil e a opinião destes com relação aos alimentos orgânicos. Considerando as informações coletadas, a maioria dos entrevistados define os alimentos em questão como “sem agrotóxicos”, sendo a preocupação com a saúde a principal razão para o consumo. O desconhecimento do termo orgânico é o principal fator para a não aquisição destes alimentos.