Effect of the induction of transgenerational obesity on maternal-fetal parameters.

Maternal obesity can cause complications for both women and their offspring for generations. Therefore, we intended to verify the repercussions of induction of transgenerational obesity on biochemical parameters, reproductive performance, and congenital anomaly frequency in Wistar rats. Female rats were used from successive generations. The female rats of parental generation (F0, n=10) were mated to obtain their offspring (F1 generation). F1 female rats received a monosodium glutamate (MSG) solution to induce obesity (n=07) or vehicle (control, n=06) during the neonatal period. These adult female rats were classified as normal or obese using the Lee Index, mated, and delivered offspring (F2 generation), which were also evaluated for obesity using the Lee Index in adult life (F2MSG, n=13, born from obese dams) or non-obesity status (F2Control, n=12, born from control dams), and were mated in adulthood. During pregnancy, glycemia and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were analyzed. At term pregnancy, the females were sacrificed for serum biochemical profile, maternal reproductive outcomes, and fetal development. In F2MSG rats, body weight gain at early pregnancy, glycemia by OGTT, total cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein, and alanine transaminase activity were higher compared with those of F2Control rats. F2MSG rats also presented a lower implantation number and gravid uterus weight, increased pre-implantation loss and anomaly frequency in their fetuses (F3 generation) compared with those of F2Control rats. Therefore, even without significant changes in body weight gain, obesity was established at the end of pregnancy of Wistar rats using other biomarkers. Additionally, these rats showed multiple adverse reproductive outcomes, confirming the deleterious effects that lead to obesity.

Beneficial effects of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flower aqueous extract in pregnant rats with diabetes.

PURPOSE: The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower is widely used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and has shown antifertility activity in female Wistar rats. However, there is no scientific confirmation of its effect on diabetes and pregnancy. The aim of this study was evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of H. rosa-sinensis flowers on maternal-fetal outcome in pregnant rats with diabetes. METHODS: Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg) in virgin, adult, female Wistar rats. After diabetes induction, the rats were mated. The pregnant rats were distributed into four groups (n minimum = 11 animals/group): non-diabetic, non-diabetic treated, diabetic, and diabetic treated. Oral aqueous extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was administered to rats in the treatment groups during pregnancy. At term pregnancy, maternal reproductive outcomes, fetal parameters, and biochemical parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The non-diabetic treated group showed decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased atherogenic index (AI) and coronary artery risk index (CRI), and increased preimplantation loss rate compared to the non-diabetic group. Although treatment with H. rosa-sinensis led to no toxicity, it showed deleterious effects on cardiac and reproductive functions. However, the diabetic treated group showed increased maternal and fetal weights, reduced AI and CRI, and reduced preimplantation loss rate compared to the untreated diabetic group. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate beneficial effects of this flower only in pregnant rats with diabetes and their offspring. Although these findings cannot be extrapolated to human clinical use, they show that the indiscriminate intake of H. rosa-sinensis may be harmful to healthy individuals and its use should be completely avoided in pregnancy.

Antimutagenic Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Aqueous Extract on Rats Treated with Monosodium Glutamate.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a plant of the Malvaceae family, commonly known as roselle. H. sabdariffa is known to contain antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, antiobesity, insulin resistance reduction, antihypertensive, and skin cancer chemopreventive properties. This study evaluated the effects of H. sabdariffa aqueous extract against cyclophosphamide (CPA, 25 mg/Kg) induced damage to DNA in male Wistar rats by micronucleus test. Samples of H. sabdariffa calyx were obtained in the municipality of Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The aqueous extract was prepared by infusion and each animal received a daily dose of 400 mg/Kg by gavage for 15 consecutive days of treatment. The presence of anthocyanins was confirmed by ferric chloride test and phenolic compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography, with emphasis on the identification of rutin. The animals were sacrificed by deepening of anaesthesia to obtain bone marrow and determination of the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. The group treated with the aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa revealed a 91% reduction in micronucleus frequency when compared with the positive control group. Under the conditions tested, H. sabdariffa L. presented a protective effect to CPA-induced damage to DNA of the treated animals, and it is a potential candidate as a chemopreventive agent against carcinogenesis.

Adverse effects of Croton urucurana B. exposure during rat pregnancy.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Croton urucurana presents several beneficial pharmacological properties. In Brazil, women who intend to interrupt the pregnancy indiscriminately use extracts of this plant as an abortifacient agent. AIM OF STUDY: To evaluated the effect of aqueous extract of Croton urucurana latex on the maternal-fetal repercussions in rats. METHODS: Pregnant rats were randomly distributed into four experimental groups: Control=treated with water (vehicle); Treated 200=treated with a dose 200mg/kg; Treated 400=dose 400mg/kg and; and Treated 800=dose 800mg/kg. The rats were orally treated by gavage with Croton urucurana or vehicle (water) during whole pregnancy. At term of pregnancy, all rats were killed to obtain maternal blood and tissues samples and fetal weight and anomaly analyses. RESULTS: C. urucurana treatment (Treated 400 and Treated 800) showed elevated liver enzymatic activities, reduced fetal body weight and placental efficiency. The Treated 800 group presented increased maternal total protein and cholesterol levels, and heart relative weight. All treated groups presented reduced maternal body weight and food intake, and increased pre-implantation loss rate compared to those of Control group. In addition, the treatment contributed to increased skeletal and visceral anomalies with higher doses. CONCLUSION: Croton urucurana treatment caused maternal toxicity, which contributed for impairment embryo fetal development. These results showed that the indiscriminate use of plants during pregnancy should be avoided to prevent potential risk on maternal health as well as their offspring.

Effect of exercise on the maternal outcome in pregnancy of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of exercise (swimming) on pregnancy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: Thirty three pregnant female SHR were distributed into three groups (n=11 animals/group): SHR Control=non-exercised (sedentary); SHR Ex0 = exercised from day zero to day 20 of pregnancy; and SHR Ex7 = exercised from day 7 to 20 of pregnancy. Body weight and systolic blood pressure were indirectly measured during pregnancy. On gestational day 21, the rats were anaesthetized and uterine content was withdrawn for analysis of maternal reproductive outcome parameters and fetal development. RESULTS: The reduced blood pressure percentage was higher in SHR Ex0 and SHR Ex7 compared to SHR Control group. Weight gain was present in all pregnancy periods, but it was lower in SHR Ex7 than in SHR Control dams. The exercise increased the pre-implantation loss rate. The post-implantation loss rate was lower in SHR Ex0 group. SHR Ex7 group showed a significantly higher percentage of fetuses classified as small for gestational age as compared to others groups. CONCLUSION: The exercise contributed to lowering gestational blood pressure in SHR rats, but had a negative impact on the developing embryo.

Effect of exercise on the maternal outcome in pregnancy of spontaneously hypertensive rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of exercise (swimming) on pregnancy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: Thirty three pregnant female SHR were distributed into three groups (n=11 animals/group): SHR Control=non-exercised (sedentary); SHR Ex0 = exercised from day zero to day 20 of pregnancy; and SHR Ex7 = exercised from day 7 to 20 of pregnancy. Body weight and systolic blood pressure were indirectly measured during pregnancy. On gestational day 21, the rats were anaesthetized and uterine content was withdrawn for analysis of maternal reproductive outcome parameters and fetal development. RESULTS: The reduced blood pressure percentage was higher in SHR Ex0 and SHR Ex7 compared to SHR Control group. Weight gain was present in all pregnancy periods, but it was lower in SHR Ex7 than in SHR Control dams. The exercise increased the pre-implantation loss rate. The post-implantation loss rate was lower in SHR Ex0 group. SHR Ex7 group showed a significantly higher percentage of fetuses classified as small for gestational age as compared to others groups. CONCLUSION: The exercise contributed to lowering gestational blood pressure in SHR rats, but had a negative impact on the developing embryo. .

Oxidative Stress in Maternal Blood and Placenta From Mild Diabetic Rats.

The aim of the present study was at evaluating the effects of oxidative stress in blood and placenta of mild diabetic Wistar rats. At birth, Wistar rats received citrate buffer (nondiabetic group, n = 15) and another group received streptozotocin (100 mg/kg, subcutaneous) to induce mild diabetes (diabetic, n = 15). The glycemia of these pregnant adult female rats were evaluated at days 0, 7, 14, and 21 of pregnancy, and at term pregnancy, the blood and placental samples were collected for oxidative stress measurements. The mild diabetes caused glycemia superior to 120 mg/dL during pregnancy, increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase activities, and malondialdehyde levels in the blood, and catalase activity in the placenta. Thus, mild diabetes increased activities of antioxidant substances aiming at defending against the exacerbated oxidative stress but were not enough. The placenta also answered to diabetic milieu and increased antioxidant defense, showing that even a mild hyperglycemia was enough to cause placental and maternal blood changes.

Diabetic rats exercised prior to and during pregnancy: maternal reproductive outcome, biochemical profile, and frequency of fetal anomalies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exercise prior to or during pregnancy on maternal reproductive outcome, biochemical profile, and on fetal anomaly frequency in a rat pregnancy model utilizing chemically induced diabetes. Wistar rats (minimum n = 11 animals/group) were randomly assigned the following groups: group 1 (G1), sedentary, nondiabetic; G2, nondiabetic, exercised during pregnancy; G3, nondiabetic, exercised prior to and during pregnancy; G4, sedentary, diabetic; G5, diabetic, exercised during pregnancy; and G6, diabetic, exercised prior to and during pregnancy. A swimming program was utilized for moderate exercise. On day 21 of pregnancy, all rats were anesthetized to obtain blood for biochemical measurements. The gravid uterus was weighed with its contents, and the fetuses were analyzed. The nondiabetic rats exercised prior to pregnancy presented a reduced maternal weight gain. Besides, G2 and G3 groups showed decreased fetal weights at term pregnancy, indicating slight intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In the diabetic dams, the swimming program did not have antihyperglycemic effects. The exercise applied only during pregnancy caused severe IUGR, as confirmed by reduced fetal weight mean, fetal weight classification, and ossification sites. Nevertheless, exercise was not a teratogenic factor and improved the rats' lipid profiles, demonstrating that the exercise presented possible benefits, but there are also risks prior and during pregnancy, especially in diabetic pregnant women.

Effects of Passiflora edulis (yellow passion) on serum lipids and oxidative stress status of Wistar rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Degener (yellow passion) juice on the lipid profile and oxidative stress status of Wistar rats. Adult male Wistar rats were divided in two groups (n=8 animals per group): the control group, which received water, and the treated group, which was given P. edulis juice (1,000 mg/kg). Both groups received by gavage treatment twice a day for 28 days. The treated group showed an increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level and decreased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and free fatty acid levels compared with the control group. Levels of triglycerides and and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, superoxide dismutase activity, and total glutathione concentration were not statistically different between the two groups, but the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances concentration (indicating lipid peroxidation) decreased in the treated group. These findings suggests that P. edulis juice in the experimental conditions used showed beneficial effects on lipid profile and improved lipid peroxidation in Wistar rats.

Neonatally-induced diabetes: lipid profile outcomes and oxidative stress status in adult rats.

BACKGROUND: Experimental models are developed for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in diabetes. Experimental findings lead to the development of treatment strategies to maintain metabolic conditions as close to normal as possible. There are several reports about streptozotocin induced mild diabetes to reproduce type 2 diabetes. However, studies about the interaction among glucose levels, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in these animals remain insufficient. Therefore, this study evaluated these parameters in blood samples from adult Wistar rats treated neonatally with streptozotocin. METHODS: Female newborn Wistar rats received streptozotocin (70 mg/kg, i.p.) on the 5th day of life (n5-STZ). Glycemia was measured in the 3rd and 4th month of life. At the end of the 4th month, blood samples were collected and processed for lipid profile and oxidative stress measurements. RESULTS: Glycemia of n5-STZ rats were significantly higher compared to those of control rats (p<0.05). There was no alteration in levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation (TBARS), SOD activity and GSH-t determination (p>0.05) in the n5-STZ animals when compared to control group. However n5-STZ animals showed a significant decreased HDL-cholesterol rate (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This streptozotocin-induced diabetes model in rats caused hyperglycemia (120-360 mg/dL), characterizing mild diabetes. This glycemic level led to HDL-lipoprotein alteration, which was not sufficient to impair antioxidant enzyme activities or determination of lipid peroxidation in adult life of rats. Further this experimental investigation contributed to the understanding of different results found in other models for mild/moderate diabetes induction in laboratory animals as well as to a better comprehension of the pathophysiological mechanisms of mild diabetes or hyperglycemia in humans.

Diuretic and hipotensive activity of aqueous extract of parsley seeds (Petroselinum sativum Hoffm) in rats / Atividade diurética e hipotensora do extrato aquoso da semente de salsa (Petroselinum sativum Hoffm) em ratos

PURPOSE: the vegetal specie, Petroselinum sativum Hoff., known as parsley, is widely used in the Brazilian folk medicine as diuretic. The objective of this study is to verify if Brazilian use of parsley aqueous extract has similar effects with investigations that show a diuretic effect of P. sativum in rats. METHODS: 19 rats were anesthetized and we cannulated the trachea, left carotid artery (for arterial pressure measurement) and urinary bladder (to collect urine). After 40 minutes of adaptive surgery conditions, anesthetized rats were administrated as related with their group: control (CON), oral administration with 1.0 mL of filtered water, and treated group (AE), oral administration with aqueous extract of seeds of parsley 20 percent (AE). Urine was collected three times (30 minutes each) and then this material was used for sodium and potassium determinations, to evaluate the amount excreted of these ions. Blood pressure was measured by mercury manometer for 9 times. All data were statistically evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: in the analyzed parameters, CON group did not show any differences; but AE group showed an increased of urinary flow and sodium and potassium amount excreted, and also decreased arterial pressure. All the parameters presented these modifications after 30 minutes of administration of AE (p<0.05). These results show that the treatment with the AE results in natriuretic and hypotensive effects in anesthetized Wistar rats, confirming the use of Brazilian population of this herb as diuretic.

A espécie vegetal, Petroselinum sativum Hoff, conhecida como salsa, é amplamente utilizada na medicina popular brasileira como diurético. O objetivo desse estudo é verificar se o uso brasileiro do extrato aquoso da salsa tem efeitos semelhantes com investigações que mostram o efeito diurético da P. sativum em ratos. MÉTODOS: 19 Ratos foram anestesiados e canulamos a traquéia, artéria carótida esquerda (para a medição da pressão arterial) e bexiga urinária (para coletar urina). Depois de 40 minutos para adaptação das condições cirúrgicas, ratos anestesiados foram administrados de acordo com seus grupos: controle (CON), administração oral com 1.0 mL de água filtrada, e grupo tratado (AE), administração oral com extrato aquoso de sementes de salsa 20 por cento (AE). Urina foi coletada três vezes (de 30 em 30 minutos) e então esse material foi utilizado para determinações de sódio e potássio, para avaliar a quantidade excretada desses íons. Pressão arterial foi medida pelo manômetro de mercúrio por 9 vezes. Todos os dados foram estatisticamente avaliados. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: nos parâmetros anestesiados, o grupo CON não mostrou nenhuma diferença; mas o grupo AE mostrou um aumento do fluxo urinário e da quantidade excretada de sódio e potássio, e também uma diminuição da pressão arterial. Todos os parâmetros apresentaram essas modificações após 30 minutos de administração do AE (p<0,05). Esses resultados mostram que o tratamento com o AE leva a efeitos natriurético e hipotensor em ratos Wistar anestesiados, confirmando o uso da população brasileira dessa erva como diurético.

Neonatally-induced diabetes: lipid profile outcomes and oxidative stress status in adult rats / Diabete induzido no período neonatal: repercussões no perfil lipídico e avaliação dos marcadores de estresse oxidativo na vida adulta de ratas

BACKGROUND: Experimental models are developed for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in diabetes. Experimental findings lead to the development of treatment strategies to maintain metabolic conditions as close to normal as possible. There are several reports about streptozotocin induced mild diabetes to reproduce type 2 diabetes. However, studies about the interaction among glucose levels, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in these animals remain insufficient. Therefore, this study evaluated these parameters in blood samples from adult Wistar rats treated neonatally with streptozotocin. METHODS: Female newborn Wistar rats received streptozotocin (70 mg/kg, i.p.) on the 5th day of life (n5-STZ). Glycemia was measured in the 3rd and 4th month of life. At the end of the 4th month, blood samples were collected and processed for lipid profile and oxidative stress measurements. RESULTS: Glycemia of n5-STZ rats were significantly higher compared to those of control rats (p<0.05). There was no alteration in levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation (TBARS), SOD activity and GSH-t determination (p>0.05) in the n5-STZ animals when compared to control group. However n5-STZ animals showed a significant decreased HDL-cholesterol rate (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This streptozotocin-induced diabetes model in rats caused hyperglycemia (120-360mg/dL), characterizing mild diabetes. This glycemic level led to HDL-lipoprotein alteration, which was not sufficient to impair antioxidant enzyme activities or determination of lipid peroxidation in adult life of rats. Further this experimental investigation contributed to the understanding of different results found in other models for mild/moderate diabetes induction in laboratory animals as well as to a better comprehension of the pathophysiological mechanisms of mild diabetes or hyperglycemia in humans.

INTRODUÇÃO: Modelos experimentais são desenvolvidos com propósito de ampliar o entendimento dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos envolvidos no diabete. Os achados experimentais levam ao desenvolvimento de tratamentos alternativos para a manutenção das condições metabólicas normais. Existem vários estudos sobre o diabete induzido por streptozotocin mimetizando o quadro clínico do DM2. No entanto, a interação entre os níveis de glicose, perfil lipídico e estresse oxidativo nestes animais são escassos. Portanto, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar estes parâmetros em ratas Wistar adultas com diabete induzido com streptozotocin no período neonatal. MÉTODOS: Fêmeas recém-nascidas receberam streptozotocin (70mg/Kg, ip) no 5º dia de vida (n5-STZ). A glicemia foi medida no terceiro e quarto meses de vida dos animais. No final do quarto mês de vida, amostras de sangue foram coletadas e processadas para a dosagem de lipídios e marcadores de estresse oxidativo. RESULTADOS: A glicemia das ratas do grupo n5-STZ foi significativamente maior comparada às ratas do grupo controle (p<0,05). Não houve alteração nos níveis de colesterol total e triglicérides, peroxidação lipídica (TBARS), atividade da SOD e determinação da GSH-t (p>0,05) nas ratas n5-STZ em relação às ratas do grupo controle. No entanto, houve diminuição significativa no HDL-colesterol (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Este modelo de indução de diabete em ratas causou hiperglicemia (120-360mg/dL), caracterizando o diabete moderado. Essa glicemia levou a alterações no HDL-colesterol, a qual não foi suficiente para prejudicar a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes ou marcadores da peroxidação lipídica na vida adulta. Além disso, esta investigação experimental contribuiu para entender os diferentes resultados encontrados em outros modelos deindução do diabete moderado em animais de laboratório, como também para a melhor compreensão dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos do diabete moderado ou da hiperglicemia em humanos.

Association of diabetes and cigarette smoke exposure on the glycemia and liver glycogen of pregnant Wistar rats / Associação entre diabetes e exposição à fumaça de cigarro sobre a glicemia e glicogênio hepático de ratas Wistar prenhes

PURPOSE: To evaluate cigarette smoke exposure and/or diabetes association effects on the glycemia and liver glycogen levels of pregnant Wistar rats. METHODS: 60 adult rats were randomly distributed into (n=10/group): non-diabetic exposed to filtered air (G1); non-diabetic exposed to cigarette smoke only before pregnancy (G2); non-diabetic exposed to cigarette smoke before and during pregnancy (G3); diabetic exposed to filtered air (G4); diabetic exposed to cigarette smoke only before pregnancy (G5), and diabetic exposed to cigarette smoke before and during pregnancy (G6). Glycemia was determined at days 0 and 21 of pregnancy. Liver samples were collected for liver glycogen determinations. RESULTS: At day 21 of pregnancy, glycemia was higher in G5 and G6 compared to G4 group. G2 (2.43±0.43), G3 (3.20±0.49), G4 (2.62±0.34), G5 (2.65±0.27) and G6 groups (1.94±0.35) presented decreased liver glycogen concentrations compared to G1 (4.20±0.18 mg/100mg liver tissue) (p<0.05). G5 and G6 groups presented decreased maternal weight gain and litter weight. CONCLUSIONS: Severe diabetes and cigarette smoke exposure, alone or associated, caused impairment in liver glycogen storage at term pregnancy. Due to the fact that liver glycogen storages were considered determinant for glucose tolerance, it is relevant to point out a rigid clinical glycemic control and to stop smoking so earlier in pregnancy programming.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação da exposição à fumaça de cigarro e/ou diabete sobre a glicemia e concentrações de glicogênio hepático em ratas Wistar prenhes. MÉTODOS: 60 ratas adultas foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em seis grupos (n=10/grupo): não-diabético exposto ao ar filtrado (G1); não-diabético exposto à fumaça de cigarro antes da prenhez (G2); não-diabético exposto à fumaça de cigarro antes e durante a prenhez (G3); diabético exposto ao ar filtrado (G4); diabético exposto à fumaça de cigarro antes da prenhez (G5); diabético exposto à fumaça de cigarro antes e durante a prenhez (G6). A glicemia foi determinada nos dias 0 e 21 de prenhez. Foram coletadas amostras de fígado para dosagens de glicogênio. RESULTADOS: No 21º dia de prenhez, a glicemia foi maior nos grupos G5 e G6 comparados ao grupo G4. Os grupos G2 (2,43±0,43), G3 (3,20±0,49), G4 (2,62±0,34), G5 (2,65±0,27) e G6 (1,94±0,35) apresentaram concentrações de glicogênio diminuídas comparados ao grupo G1 (4,20±0,18 mg/100mg) (p <0.05). Os grupos G5 e G6 apresentaram ganho de peso materno e peso da ninhada diminuídos. CONCLUSÕES: O diabete grave e a exposição à fumaça de cigarro, sozinhos ou associados, causaram prejuízo no armazenamento de glicogênio na prenhez a termo. Devido ao fato dos estoques de glicogênio serem determinantes para a tolerância à glicose, é imprescindível indicar um rígido controle glicêmico e deixar de fumar antes da gestação.

Effect of maternal obesity on diabetes development in adult rat offspring.

This study aimed to evaluate whether maternal obesity leads to the onset of diabetes in adult Wistar rats offspring. MSG solution neonatally administration induced obesity in rats (F(1)MSG group, n=30); and saline solution was also administrated to control rats (F(1)CON group, n=13). In 3rd month of age, both control and MSG groups were mated for offspring (generation F(2)), named as F(2)CON, n=28 and F(2)MSG groups, n=15; and so both generations were studied until 7th month of life. Lee Index was measured for experimental obesity validation from 5th to 7th month. Glycemia was weekly determined during pregnancy and monthly from 3rd to 7th month. In the end of experimental period all rats were submitted to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), with estimation of total area under the curve (AUC); and insulin tolerance test (ITT). Rats were then anesthetized and killed. Data were statistically analyzed with significance level of p<0.05. Lee Index has confirmed obesity in all MSG rats. Glycemic levels comparisons between generations showed significant maternal interference in control and MSG groups. OGTT analysis showed higher glycemia in obese rats (F(1)MSG) and their offspring (F(2)MSG) as compared to their respective controls; and MSG groups increased AUC from OGTT. As regards ITT, F(2)MSG showed higher glycemia at 30 and 120 min, suggesting a delay of insulin action decreasing. Although glucose intolerance and insulin resistance clinical conditions represent as a factors for type 2 Diabetes mellitus development, this experimental model proposal was not efficient to induce type 2 Diabetes mellitus, but for obesity developing, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in successive generations of rats.

Avaliação do efeito do exercício físico no metabolismo de ratas diabéticas prenhes / Evaluation of the effect of physical exercise in the metabolism of pregnant diabetic rats

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se a prática do exercício físico (natação), iniciada em diferentes momentos da prenhez de ratas diabéticas, promove alterações no metabolismo materno. Após confirmação do diabete, induzido por Streptozotocin, ratas Wistar foram acasaladas e randomizadas em três grupos (n = 13 ratas/grupo): não-praticante (G1) ou praticante de exercício desde o dia zero (G2) ou sétimo dia (G3) de prenhez. O exercício consistiu de um programa de natação com intensidade moderada. Durante a prenhez, glicemia e peso corpóreo foram avaliados semanalmente. No final da prenhez, as ratas foram anestesiadas e dessangradas para obtenção de amostras de sangue para determinação de proteínas totais, triglicérides, colesterol total e VLDL-colesterol. Fígado e músculo foram coletados para dosagem de glicogênio hepático e muscular, respectivamente. Independente do momento em que foi iniciado, o exercício não alterou os níveis glicêmicos, a evolução do peso corpóreo e as concentrações de proteínas totais e glicogênio hepático e muscular. Porém, a natação iniciada no sétimo dia de prenhez diminuiu as taxas de triglicérides (G1 = 369,10 ± 31,91mg/dL; G2 = 343,32 ± 162,12mg/dL; G3 = 212,35 ± 70,32mg/dL), colesterol total (G1 = 176,48 ± 28,25mg/dL; G2 = 141,33 ± 19,77mg/dL; G3 = 129,86 ± 33,16mg/dL) e VLDL (G1 = 64,92 ± 24,41mg/dL; G2 = 63,54 ± 28,31mg/dL; G3 = 42,53 ± 14,12mg/dL) comparando com o grupo G1. Apesar de não se comprovar a influência do exercício físico sobre os níveis glicêmicos maternos, a prática diária de natação a partir do sétimo dia de prenhez mostrou-se benéfica para o perfil lipídico de ratas diabéticas. Esse resultado reforça a validade da associação da atividade física regular à dieta e insulina na gestação complicada pelo diabete.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate if physical exercise (swimming program), begun in different periods of pregnancy of diabetic rats, promotes changes in the maternal metabolism. Severe diabetes was induced in female rats using Streptozotocin. The rats were mated and randomly assigned to three groups (n = 13 rats/group): sedentary (G1) or exercised from day zero (G2) or day seven (G3) to day 21 of pregnancy. The exercise consisted of a moderate swimming program. During pregnancy, the body weight and glycemic level were weekly evaluated. All the female rats were killed on day 21 of pregnancy to carry out laparotomy. The blood samples were collected to determine total protein, triglycerides, total cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol. Liver and muscle samples were collected to determine hepatic and muscular glycogen, respectively. Regardless the initial moment, the exercise did not alter glycemic level, body weight evolution and total protein, hepatic and muscular glycogen concentrations. However, the swimming program begun on the 7th day of the pregnancy decreased the triglyceride rate (G1 = 369.10 ± 31.91 mg/dL; G2 = 343.32 ± 162.12 mg/dL; G3 = 212.35 ± 70.32 mg/dL), total (G1 = 176.48 ± 28.25 mg/dL; G2 = 141.33 ± 19.77 mg/dL; G3 = 129.86 ± 33.16 mg/dL), and VLDL (G1 = 64.92 ± 24.41 mg/dL; G2 = 63.54 ± 28.31 mg/dL; G3 = 42.53 ± 14.12 mg/dL) cholesterol concentrations compared to G1 group. Physical exercise did not interfere on the maternal glycemic levels. Thus, the swimming program began on the day seven of the pregnancy was a beneficial treatment for the lipidic profile of the diabetic rats. This result validates an association of regular physical activity to diet and insulin treatment in pregnancy complicated by diabetes.

El objetivo de este estudio ha sido el de verificar si la práctica de ejercicio físico (natación), iniciada en diferentes momentos de preñez de ratas diabéticas, promueve alteraciones en el metabolismo materno. Después de la confirmación de la diabetes, inducido por Streptozotocin, ratonas Wistar fueron acasaladas y randomizadas en tres grupos (n = 13 ratonas/grupo): no practicante (G1) o practicante de ejercicio desde el día cero (G2) o séptimo día (G3) de preñez. El ejercicio se constituyó de un programa de natación con intensidad moderada. Durante la preñez, glicemia y peso corpóreo fueron evaluados semanalmente. Al final de la preñez, las ratonas fueron anestesiadas y desangradas para la obtención de muestras de sangre para la determinación de proteínas totales, triglicéridos, colesterol total y VLDL-colesterol. Hígado y músculo se colectaron para dosaje de glicógeno hepático y muscular, respectivamente. Independiente del momento en que fue iniciado, el ejercicio no alteró los niveles glicéricos, la evolución del peso corpóreo y las concentraciones de proteínas totales y glicógeno hepático y muscular. Sin embargo, la natación iniciada en el séptimo día de preñez disminuyó las tasas de triglicéridos (G1 = 369,10 ± 31,91 mg/dL; G2 = 343,32 ± 162,12 mg/dL; G3 = 212,35 ± 70,32 mg/dL), colesterol total (G1 = 176,48 ± 28,25 mg/dL; G2 = 141,33 ± 19,77 mg/dL; G3 = 129,86 ± 33,16 mg/dL) y VLDL (G1 = 64,92 ± 24,41 mg/dL; G2 = 63,54 ± 28,31 mg/dL; G3 = 42,53 ± 14,12 mg/dL) comparado al grupo G1. A pesar de no comprobarse la influencia del ejercicio físico sobre los niveles glicéricos maternos, la práctica diaria de natación a partir del séptimo día de preñez se mostró benéfica para el perfil lipídico de ratonas diabéticas. Este resultado refuerza la validez de la asociación de la actividad física regular a la dieta e insulina en los embarazos complicados por diabetes.

Obesidade e resistência à insulina / Obesity and insulin resistance

A Síndrome metabólica ou X é descrita como uma coletânea de desordens no organismo, na qual incluem intolerância à glicose, obesidade (particularmente obesidade abdominal), hipertensão, resistência à insulina e dislipidemia. A etiologia da obesidade não é facilmente identificada e caracterizada na maioria dos casos, apesar do crescente número de estudos relacionados a esta doença. Tal dificuldade se deve ao fato de a obesidade ser caracterizada como uma doença multifatorial e, como tal, sua etiologia pode-se tornar controvertida, visto que existem contribuições comportamentais, do estilo de vida e aspectos fisiológicos no desenvolvimento e na manutenção desta. A obesidade é um dos principais fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento do diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Os mecanismos envolvidos neste processo ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos. Portanto, são necessários muitos estudos para elucidar cada vez mais os mecanismos fisiopatológicos responsáveis pela obesidade e resistência à insulina. A finalidade desta revisão é enfocar as alterações fisiológicas encontradas nas condições de obesidde e de resistência à insulina.