Profile of food and nutrition technical areas in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: decision making organization. / Perfil das áreas técnicas de alimentação e nutrição de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil: organização para tomadas de decisão.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the management organization of food and nutrition actions in the municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul. This is a descriptive-exploratory study carried out in Mato Grosso do Sul, in which each municipal food and nutrition manager answered questions about performance, governance and financing profile. Data analysis applied frequency, chi-square test and decision tree tools. All cities were included (n=79). Most of the participants were female (92.4%), white (62%), nurses (45.6%) or nutritionists (36.7%). Financial management proved to be so incipient in the state since specific food and nutrition funding was neglected. The absence of a technical area in the municipality's organizational chart was consistent with the lack of knowledge of actions, goals and resource allocation. Their presence coincided with having formally appointed technical managers, municipal food and nutrition policy, goals and elaboration of specialized materials. The present study also proposed a decision tree pointing that having a nutritionist in the team led to a positive result. The failures found in this study partly clarify the causes of the unsettling situation in the state. Our findings can support the creation of intervention strategies.

Mato Grosso do Sul é líder nacional em mortes atribuíveis ao excesso de peso. O objetivo foi analisar a organização da gestão das ações da área de alimentação e nutrição dos municípios de MS. Estudo descritivo-exploratório realizado em MS, no qual cada gestor municipal de alimentação e nutrição respondeu sobre seu perfil, atuação, governança e financiamento. A análise de dados valeu-se de frequência, teste qui-quadrado e árvore de decisão. Todos participaram (n=79), a maioria era do sexo feminino (92,4%), raça/cor branca (62%), enfermeiros (45,6%) ou nutricionistas (36,7%). A gestão financeira mostrou-se tão incipiente no estado, que financiamentos específicos da área foram desprezados. A ausência de área técnica no organograma do município foi congruente com o desconhecimento de ações, metas e alocação de recursos; sua presença coincidiu com haver responsáveis técnicos formalmente indicados, política de alimentação e nutrição municipal, metas e elaboração de materiais. A árvore de decisão mostra que ter nutricionista na equipe traz efeitos positivos, como mais participação em processos decisórios. Falhas encontradas esclarecem, em parte, causas da grave situação do estado, e podem apoiar a criação de estratégias de intervenção.

Perfil das áreas técnicas de alimentação e nutrição de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil: organização para tomadas de decisão / Profile of food and nutrition technical areas in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: decision making organization

Resumo Mato Grosso do Sul é líder nacional em mortes atribuíveis ao excesso de peso. O objetivo foi analisar a organização da gestão das ações da área de alimentação e nutrição dos municípios de MS. Estudo descritivo-exploratório realizado em MS, no qual cada gestor municipal de alimentação e nutrição respondeu sobre seu perfil, atuação, governança e financiamento. A análise de dados valeu-se de frequência, teste qui-quadrado e árvore de decisão. Todos participaram (n=79), a maioria era do sexo feminino (92,4%), raça/cor branca (62%), enfermeiros (45,6%) ou nutricionistas (36,7%). A gestão financeira mostrou-se tão incipiente no estado, que financiamentos específicos da área foram desprezados. A ausência de área técnica no organograma do município foi congruente com o desconhecimento de ações, metas e alocação de recursos; sua presença coincidiu com haver responsáveis técnicos formalmente indicados, política de alimentação e nutrição municipal, metas e elaboração de materiais. A árvore de decisão mostra que ter nutricionista na equipe traz efeitos positivos, como mais participação em processos decisórios. Falhas encontradas esclarecem, em parte, causas da grave situação do estado, e podem apoiar a criação de estratégias de intervenção.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to analyze the management organization of food and nutrition actions in the municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul. This is a descriptive-exploratory study carried out in Mato Grosso do Sul, in which each municipal food and nutrition manager answered questions about performance, governance and financing profile. Data analysis applied frequency, chi-square test and decision tree tools. All cities were included (n=79). Most of the participants were female (92.4%), white (62%), nurses (45.6%) or nutritionists (36.7%). Financial management proved to be so incipient in the state since specific food and nutrition funding was neglected. The absence of a technical area in the municipality's organizational chart was consistent with the lack of knowledge of actions, goals and resource allocation. Their presence coincided with having formally appointed technical managers, municipal food and nutrition policy, goals and elaboration of specialized materials. The present study also proposed a decision tree pointing that having a nutritionist in the team led to a positive result. The failures found in this study partly clarify the causes of the unsettling situation in the state. Our findings can support the creation of intervention strategies.

NECK CIRCUMFERENCE AS A MARKER FOR METABOLIC SYNDROME IN PRIMARY CARE IN RURAL AREAS / El perímetro cervical como marcador de síndrome metabólico en Atención Primaria en el medio rural / CIRCUNFERÊNCIA DE PESCOÇO COMO MARCADOR PARA SÍNDROME METABÓLICA NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA EM ZONA RURAL

Considering neck circumference as a marker for metabolic syndrome in Primary Care in rural areas, this study had the general objective of contributing to the identification of users at risk of metabolic syndrome, favoring adequate management as necessary and a new look at the practice of how triage and intervene in the population based on the principles of health promotion and prevention of diseases and injuries. The research is descriptive with a quantitative approach. The method used an objective questionnaire, sociodemographic questions, chronic conditions, drug therapy, anthropometric measurements, results of biochemical tests, food consumption, Framingham score and physical activity habits. The sample consisted of 130 respondents with a margin of error of 0.5 and a confidence interval of 95%. The analysis of tabulated data was performed using the R Studio program. The results showed that neck circumference can be an important health indicator, as it is a screening tool capable of identifying individuals diagnosed with MS. The ease of application and low cost can enable its use in Primary Health Care services.

Considerando la circunferencia del cuello como un marcador de síndrome metabólico en la Atención Primaria de la zona rural, este estudio tuvo como objetivo general contribuir a la identificación de usuarios con riesgo de síndrome metabólico, favoreciendo un manejo adecuado según sea necesario y una nueva mirada a la práctica de cómo triaje e intervenir en la población con base en los principios de promoción de la salud y prevención de enfermedades y lesiones. La investigación es descriptiva con un enfoque cuantitativo. El método utilizó un cuestionario objetivo, preguntas sociodemográficas, condiciones crónicas, farmacoterapia, medidas antropométricas, resultados de pruebas bioquímicas, consumo de alimentos, puntuación de Framingham y hábitos de actividad física. La muestra estuvo conformada por 130 encuestados con un margen de error de 0,5 y un intervalo de confianza del 95%. El análisis de los datos tabulados se realizó mediante el programa R Studio. Los resultados mostraron que la circunferencia del cuello puede ser un indicador de salud importante, ya que es una herramienta de detección capaz de identificar a las personas diagnosticadas con EM. La facilidad de aplicación y el bajo costo pueden posibilitar su uso en los servicios de Atención Primaria de Salud.

Considerado a circunferência de pescoço como marcador para síndrome metabólica na Atenção Primária em zona rural, este estudo teve como objetivo geral contribuir para a identificação dos usuários com risco de síndrome metabólica, favorecendo o manejo adequado conforme a necessidade e um novo olhar na prática de como triar e intervir na população baseado nos princípios da promoção da saúde e da prevenção de doenças e agravos. A pesquisa é descritiva com abordagem quantitativa. O método utilizou questionário objetivo, questões sociodemográficas, condições crônicas, terapia medicamentosa, medidas antropométricas, resultados de exames bioquímicos, consumo alimentar, escore de Framingham e hábitos sobre atividade física. A amostra foi de 130 pesquisados com margem de erros de 0,5 e intervalo de confiança de 95%. A análise dos dados tabulados foi realizada pelo programa R Studio. Os resultados mostraram que a circunferência do pescoço pode ser um importante indicador da saúde, por ser um instrumento de rastreamento capaz de identificar os indivíduos com diagnóstico de SM.  A facilidade de aplicação e o baixo custo podem viabilizar sua utilização em serviços da Atenção Primária a Saúde.

Biotechnological potential of Hancornia speciosa whole tree: A narrative review from composition to health applicability.

Mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa) is a Brazilian tree and a socioeconomic key due to the commercialization of its food products and tree parts to treat health conditions empirically. This review gathers the main chemical, and microbiological characteristics of the mangabeira tree parts (leaves, fruits, tree bark, latex, and seeds), emphasizing its applicability in food science and focusing on its bioapplicability in health conditions. Leaves, fruits, and tree bark can be used to develop functional foods, and phytochemical products; the tree latex have great potential in the bioengineering material field; and the seeds in sustainable energy production. Leaves and fruits were the main samples bioapplied in health conditions in vitro (oxidative stress and chemopreventive effect) and in vivo (gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effect), whereas tree bark and latex also exhibited health effects and seeds showed low cytotoxicity. All parts of the mangabeira tree can be explored by extractivist families and industries from a sustainable point of view.

Açai supplementation (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) attenuates cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats through different mechanistic pathways.

Myocardial infarction has a high mortality rate worldwide. Therefore, clinical intervention in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction is essential. Açai pulp is a natural product and has been considered a functional food because of its antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of açai pulp supplementation on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats. After 7 days of surgery, male Wistar rats were assigned to six groups: sham animals fed standard chow (SA0, n = 14), fed standard chow with 2% açai pulp (SA2, n = 12) and fed standard chow with 5% açai pulp (SA5, n = 14), infarcted animals fed standard chow (IA0, n = 12), fed standard chow with 2% açai pulp (IA2, n = 12), and fed standard chow with 5% açai pulp (IA5, n = 12). After 3 months of supplementation, echocardiography and euthanasia were performed. Açai pulp supplementation, after myocardial infarction, improved energy metabolism, attenuated oxidative stress (lower concentration of malondialdehyde, P = 0.023; dose-dependent effect), modulated the inflammatory process (lower concentration of interleukin-10, P<0.001; dose-dependent effect) and decreased the deposit of collagen (lower percentage of interstitial collagen fraction, P<0.001; dose-dependent effect). In conclusion, açai pulp supplementation attenuated cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats. Also, different doses of açai pulp supplementation have dose-dependent effects on cardiac remodeling.

Combination of cafeteria diet with intraperitoneally streptozotocin in rats. A type-2 diabetes model.

PURPOSE: To develop a model of induction of type-2 diabetes (DM2) by combining low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) and a cafeteria diet. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats (200 g) were allocated into four groups: control (non-diabetic, n = 10); STZ 30 mg/kg (diabetic, n = 10); STZ 35 mg/kg (diabetic,n = 10); and STZ 40 mg/kg (diabetic, n = 10). DM2 was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ after four weeks of cafeteria diet in the three diabetic groups. All animals were evaluated as for anthropometric, and biochemical analyses, as well as liver, kidney and pancreas histological analyses. RESULTS: Lower weight gain, higher water intake, higher Lee index, hyperglycemia and modified total protein, urea, alpha-amylase, as well as insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, pancreas, and kidney injury were observed in animals treated with 35 and 40 mg/kg of STZ. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the experimental model using cafeteria diet associated with 35 mg/kg of STZ is a low-cost model and efficient in order to develop DM2, confirmed by the presence of polydipsia, hyperglycemia, altered biochemical tests, insulin resistance and damages to the liver, pancreas and kidney, which is similar to the disease found in humans.

Combination of cafeteria diet with intraperitoneally streptozotocin in rats. A type-2 diabetes model

ABSTRACT Purpose To develop a model of induction of type-2 diabetes (DM2) by combining low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) and a cafeteria diet. Methods Forty male Wistar rats (200 g) were allocated into four groups: control (non-diabetic, n = 10); STZ 30 mg/kg (diabetic, n = 10); STZ 35 mg/kg (diabetic,n = 10); and STZ 40 mg/kg (diabetic, n = 10). DM2 was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ after four weeks of cafeteria diet in the three diabetic groups. All animals were evaluated as for anthropometric, and biochemical analyses, as well as liver, kidney and pancreas histological analyses. Results Lower weight gain, higher water intake, higher Lee index, hyperglycemia and modified total protein, urea, alpha-amylase, as well as insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, pancreas, and kidney injury were observed in animals treated with 35 and 40 mg/kg of STZ. Conclusions The results show that the experimental model using cafeteria diet associated with 35 mg/kg of STZ is a low-cost model and efficient in order to develop DM2, confirmed by the presence of polydipsia, hyperglycemia, altered biochemical tests, insulin resistance and damages to the liver, pancreas and kidney, which is similar to the disease found in humans.

Addition of Orange Peel in Orange Jam: Evaluation of Sensory, Physicochemical, and Nutritional Characteristics.

Orange is highly nutritious and a source of phytochemical compounds. However, its by-products are usually discarded. In this study, we evaluated the effect of orange peel (OP) addition in orange jam on sensory, physicochemical, and nutritional characteristics. Four jam formulations were elaborated with different OP levels: OP0 (standard), OP4, OP8, and OP12 (Orange Peel 0, 4, 8 and 12%, respectively). All samples were evaluated for sensory acceptability, and physicochemical and nutritional composition. The addition of 12% orange peel in jam reduced (p < 0.05) the acceptability for all evaluated attributes, as well as overall acceptance and purchase intention. However, OP utilization increased (p < 0.05) the levels of water activity, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and sugars. Soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, luminosity (L*), and yellow content (b*) decreased in all added OP jams, while red content (a*) increased. No change in the pH and moisture values of the product were observed after OP addition. Ash, protein, lipid, dietary fiber, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity values increased after OP addition, while carbohydrate and energy content decreased. A texture test showed that adhesiveness decreased, while gumminess, chewiness, and elasticity increased after OP addition. We concluded that the addition of up to 8% orange peel in jam maintains sensory acceptability similar to that of the standard product. OP addition is a viable alternative to improve some of the product's physicochemical and nutritional characteristics.

The Effects of Supplementing Hancornia speciosa (Mangaba) on Bowel Motility and Inflammatory Profile of Wistar Rats.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, such as constipation, has been increasing. Genetic factors and lifestyle are some of the etiologies of this issue, affecting the health of the population. Natural products have properties that contribute to health maintenance and health promotion, including reduction of the inflammatory process. Hancornia speciosa, popularly known as mangaba, is an abundant and native fruit in the Brazilian Cerrado, commercialized for culinary purposes and used because of its pharmacological properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the supplementation of different concentrations of mangaba pulp can improve intestinal motility and bowel health in Wistar rats. Forty male rats were divided into five groups. The experiment lasted 14 days and the groups were tested with water, industrialized laxative jelly made from tamarind as medication, or mangaba at 5, 10, and 15 mL/kg of body weight. Food intake, weight gain, ion balance, intestinal motility, and histopathological analysis of the small intestine, large intestine, and liver were evaluated. Supplementation of mangaba pulp at its highest concentration (15 mL/kg body weight) caused a 15% increase in the distance traveled by the charcoal meal, and a decrease in serum magnesium levels and white cells in both the small and large intestines. The results suggest that mangaba pulp presents laxative, anti-inflammatory properties and that its consumption is beneficial and should be encouraged.

Do Food Intake and Food Cravings Change during the Menstrual Cycle of Young Women?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the anthropometric measures, food intake and food cravings during the menstrual cycle of undergraduate students of the faculty of nutrition. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 27 students from a public university in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, who had their food intake evaluated through a 24-hour food recall, their nutritional status evaluated based on anthropometric measures, and food cravings evaluated using the Food Desire Questionnaire. Data were collected during an evaluation in the follicular phase (between the 5th and the 9th day of the menstrual cycle) and another in the luteal phase (LP) (between the 20th and the 25th day of the menstrual cycle). For food intake variables, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used, followed by the Tukey test. The Mann-Whitney test was used for the analysis of food cravings, considering a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The desire for foods rich in sugar, salt, and fat, such as chocolate, pastries, snacks and desserts were higher (p < 0.05) during the premenstrual period, although it did not reflect neither a higher energy intake nor an alteration in the distribution of macronutrients. A higher intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, and calcium was observed during the LP; however, without statistical difference between the groups. There were no differences either in the intake of any food group or in the anthropometric measurements (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Food cravings of nutrition students differed between the phases of the menstrual cycle; however, with no difference in food intake and in anthropometric measures.

OBJETIVO: Verificar alterações de medidas corporais, consumo e desejos alimentares durante o ciclo menstrual de acadêmicas de nutrição. MéTODOS: Estudo transversal com 27 estudantes de uma universidade pública do Mato Grosso do Sul, as quais tiveram seu consumo alimentar avaliado por meio de recordatório alimentar de 24 horas, estado nutricional avaliado com base em medidas antropométricas, e desejos alimentares avaliados utilizando-se o Questionário de Desejo Alimentar. Os dados foram coletados durante uma avaliação na fase folicular (entre o 5° e o 9° dia do ciclo menstrual) e outra na fase lútea (entre o 20° e o 25° dia do ciclo menstrual). Para as variáveis de consumo alimentar, utilizou-se o teste análise de variância (ANOVA, na sigla em inglês), seguido pelo teste de Tukey. Já para a análise dos desejos alimentares, utilizou-se o teste de Mann-Whitney. Foi considerado o nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: Os desejos por alimentos ricos em açúcar, sal e gordura, como chocolates, produtos de pastelaria, lanches e sobremesas foram maiores (p < 0,05) no momento pré-menstrual, apesar de não refletirem em maior consumo energético e tampouco em alteração na distribuição de macronutrientes. Observou-se maior consumo de carboidratos, proteínas, fibras e cálcio na fase lútea; no entanto, sem diferença estatística entre os grupos. Não foram encontradas diferenças no consumo de nenhum grupo alimentar, tampouco nas medidas antropométricas (p > 0,05). CONCLUSãO: Os desejos alimentares das acadêmicas de nutrição diferiram entre as fases; no entanto, sem diferença no consumo alimentar e nas medidas corporais.

Do food intake and food cravings change during the menstrual cycle of young women? / A ingestão de alimentos e os desejos por comida mudam durante o ciclo menstrual das mulheres jovens?

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the anthropometric measures, food intake and food cravings during the menstrual cycle of undergraduate students of the faculty of nutrition. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed with 27 students from a public university in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, who had their food intake evaluated through a 24-hour food recall, their nutritional status evaluated based on anthropometric measures, and food cravings evaluated using the Food Desire Questionnaire. Data were collected during an evaluation in the follicular phase (between the 5th and the 9th day of the menstrual cycle) and another in the luteal phase (LP) (between the 20th and the 25th day of the menstrual cycle). For food intake variables, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used, followed by the Tukey test. The Mann-Whitney test was used for the analysis of food cravings, considering a significance level of 5% (p< 0.05). Results The desire for foods rich in sugar, salt, and fat, such as chocolate, pastries, snacks and desserts were higher (p< 0.05) during the premenstrual period, although it did not reflect neither a higher energy intake nor an alteration in the distribution of macronutrients. A higher intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, and calcium was observed during the LP; however, without statistical difference between the groups. There were no differences either in the intake of any food group or in the anthropometric measurements (p> 0.05). Conclusion Food cravings of nutrition students differed between the phases of the menstrual cycle; however, with no difference in food intake and in anthropometric measures.

Resumo Objetivo Verificar alterações de medidas corporais, consumo e desejos alimentares durante o ciclo menstrual de acadêmicas de nutrição. Métodos Estudo transversal com 27 estudantes de uma universidade pública do Mato Grosso do Sul, as quais tiveram seu consumo alimentar avaliado por meio de recordatório alimentar de 24 horas, estado nutricional avaliado com base em medidas antropométricas, e desejos alimentares avaliados utilizando-se o Questionário de Desejo Alimentar. Os dados foram coletados durante uma avaliação na fase folicular (entre o 5° e o 9° dia do ciclo menstrual) e outra na fase lútea (entre o 20° e o 25° dia do ciclo menstrual). Para as variáveis de consumo alimentar, utilizou-se o teste análise de variância (ANOVA, na sigla em inglês), seguido pelo teste de Tukey. Já para a análise dos desejos alimentares, utilizou-se o teste de Mann-Whitney. Foi considerado o nível de significância de 5% (p< 0,05). Resultados Os desejos por alimentos ricos em açúcar, sal e gordura, como chocolates, produtos de pastelaria, lanches e sobremesas foram maiores (p< 0,05) no momento pré-menstrual, apesar de não refletirem em maior consumo energético e tampouco em alteração na distribuição de macronutrientes. Observou-se maior consumo de carboidratos, proteínas, fibras e cálcio na fase lútea; no entanto, sem diferença estatística entre os grupos. Não foram encontradas diferenças no consumo de nenhum grupo alimentar, tampouco nas medidas antropométricas (p> 0,05). Conclusão Os desejos alimentares das acadêmicas de nutrição diferiram entre as fases; no entanto, sem diferença no consumo alimentar e nas medidas corporais.

Inhibition of diethylnitrosamine-initiated alcohol-promoted hepatic inflammation and precancerous lesions by flavonoid luteolin is associated with increased sirtuin 1 activity in mice.

BACKGROUND: Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is an established risk for hepatic inflammation and carcinogenesis. Luteolin is one of the most common flavonoids present in plants and has potential beneficial effects against cancer. In this study, we examined the effect and potential mechanisms of luteolin supplementation in a carcinogen initiated alcohol-promoted pre-neoplastic liver lesion mouse model. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) [i.p. 25 mg/kg of body weight (BW)] at 14 days of age. At 8 weeks of age mice were group pair-fed with Lieber-DeCarli liquid control diet or alcoholic diet [ethanol (EtOH) diet, 27% total energy from ethanol] and supplemented with a dose of 30 mg luteolin/kg BW per day for 21 days. RESULTS: DEN-injected mice fed EtOH diet displayed a significant induction of pre-neoplastic lesions, a marker associated with presence of steatosis and inflammation. Dietary luteolin significantly reduced the severity and incidence of hepatic inflammatory foci and steatosis in DEN-injected mice fed EtOH diet, as well the presence of preneoplastic lesions. There was no difference on hepatic protein levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) among all groups; however, luteolin supplementation significantly reversed alcohol-reduced SIRT1 activity assessed by the ratio of acetylated and total forkhead box protein O1 (FoXO1) and SIRT1 target proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1α). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary intake of luteolin prevents alcohol promoted pre-neoplastic lesions, potentially mediated by SIRT1 signaling pathway.

Vitamin D induces increased systolic arterial pressure via vascular reactivity and mechanical properties.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether supplementation of high doses of cholecalciferol for two months in normotensive rats results in increased systolic arterial pressure and which are the mechanisms involved. Specifically, this study assesses the potential effect on cardiac output as well as the changes in aortic structure and functional properties. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: 1) Control group (C, n = 20), with no supplementation of vitamin D, 2) VD3 (n = 19), supplemented with 3,000 IU vitamin D/kg of chow; 3) VD10 (n = 21), supplemented with 10,000 IU vitamin D/kg of chow. After two months, echocardiographic analyses, measurements of systolic arterial pressure (SAP), vascular reactivity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mechanical properties, histological analysis and metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activity were performed. RESULTS: SAP was higher in VD3 and VD10 than in C rats (p = 0.001). Echocardiographic variables were not different among groups. Responses to phenylephrine in endothelium-denuded aortas was higher in VD3 compared to the C group (p = 0.041). Vascular relaxation induced by acetylcholine (p = 0.023) and sodium nitroprusside (p = 0.005) was impaired in both supplemented groups compared to the C group and apocynin treatment reversed impaired vasodilation. Collagen volume fraction (<0.001) and MMP-2 activity (p = 0.025) was higher in VD10 group compared to the VD3 group. Elastin volume fraction was lower in VD10 than in C and yield point was lower in VD3 than in C. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the view that vitamin D supplementation increases arterial pressure in normotensive rats and this is associated with structural and functional vascular changes, modulated by NADPH oxidase, nitric oxide, and extracellular matrix components.

Atrophic cardiac remodeling induced by taurine deficiency in Wistar rats.

INTRODUCTION: Micronutrient deficiency is observed in heart failure patients. Taurine, for example, represents 50% of total free amino acids in the heart, and in vivo studies have linked taurine deficiency with cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Thirty-four male Wistar rats (body weight = 100 g) were weighed and randomly assigned to one of two groups: Control (C) or taurine-deficient (T (-)). Beta-alanine at a concentration of 3% was added to the animals' water to induce taurine deficiency in the T (-) group. On day 30, the rats were individually submitted to echocardiography; morphometrical and histopathological evaluation and metalloproteinase activity, oxidative stress and inflammation evaluation were performed. Tissue samples were collected to determine the taurine concentration in the heart. RESULTS: Taurine deficiency led to decreases in: ventricular wall thickness, left ventricle dry weight, myocyte sectional area, left ventricle posterior wall thickness and ventricular geometry. With regard to heart function, the velocity of the A wave, the ratio between the E and A wave, the ejection fraction, fractional shortening and cardiac output values were decreased in T (-) rats, suggesting abnormal diastolic and systolic function. Increased fibrosis, inflammation and increased activation of metalloproteinases were not observed. Oxidative stress was increased in deficient animals. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that taurine deficiency promotes structural and functional cardiac alterations with unique characteristics.

Evaluation of Strychnos pseudoquina ST. HIL. leaves extract on gastrointestinal activity in mice.

Strychnos pseudoquina ST. HIL. (Loganiaceae) was investigated for its ability to protect the gastric mucosa against injuries caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (piroxicam) and a necrotizing agent (HCl/EtOH) in mice. The MeOH extract and enriched alkaloidic fraction (EAF) provided significant protection in experimental models wheer used at doses of 250 and 1000 mg/kg. In vivo tests were carried out to evaluate for possible toxic effects and no mortality was observed up to the 5 g/kg dose level. Phytochemical investigation led to the isolation of a new indole alkaloid, which elucidated the observed pharmacological effects.