Stanozolol Decreases Bone Turnover Markers, Increases Mineralization, and Alters Femoral Geometry in Male Rats.

Stanozonol (ST) is a synthetic derivative of testosterone; it has anabolic/androgenic activity, increasing both the turnover of trabecular bone and the endocortical apposition of bone. The present study aimed to examine the effects of ST on bone status in rats by bone mineral content, markers of formation and resorption, bone density, and structural and microarchitectural parameters. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into two experimental groups corresponding to placebo or ST administration, which consisted of weekly intramuscular injections of 10 mg/kg body weight of ST. Plasma parameters were analyzed by immunoassay. Bone mineral content was determined by spectrophotometry. Bone mineral density (BMD) and structural parameters were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and trabecular and cortical microarchitecture by micro-computed tomography. Plasma Ca, Mg, and alkaline phosphatase were higher, and urinary Ca excretion, corticosterone, and testosterone concentrations lower in the ST group. Femur Ca content was higher and P content was lower in the ST, whereas osteocalcin, aminoterminal propeptides of type I procollagen, and C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen were lower. Total cross-sectional, trabecular, and cortical/subcortical areas were lower in the ST. No differences were observed on BMD and area parameters of the diaphysis as well as on trabecular and cortical microarchitecture. The use of ST increases bone mineralization, ash percentage, and Ca and Mg content in femur. In spite of an absence of changes in BMD, geometric metaphyseal changes were observed. We conclude that ST alters bone geometry, leads to low bone turnover, and thus may impair bone quality.

Interval aerobic training combined with strength-endurance exercise improves metabolic markers beyond caloric restriction in Zucker rats.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of interval aerobic training combined with strength-endurance exercise (IASE) and caloric restriction (CR) on body composition, glycaemic and lipid profile and inflammatory markers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-two Zucker diabetic fatty rats were randomised into 4 groups (sedentary + CR; sedentary + adlibitum; IASE + CR; and IASE + adlibitum). Training groups conducted an IASE programme in the same session, 5 days/week for 2 months. Body weight, fat and muscle mass and body water were measured using a body composition analyser. Plasma total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, insulin, adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 and 10 were measured. Blood fasting and postprandial glucose were assessed. Body weight was lower in the CR compared to the adlibitum groups (p < 0.001). Fat mass was lower in the CR compared to the adlibitum (p < 0.05) and in the IASE compared to the sedentary groups (p < 0.001), but IASE increased lean mass (p < 0.001). Triglycerides were lower in the CR compared to the adlibitum groups (p < 0.001) whereas total and LDL-cholesterol and fasting glucose were reduced only in the IASE groups (all, p < 0.001). Phospholipids decreased in the CR compared to the adlibitum (p < 0.05) and the IASE compared to the sedentary groups (p < 0.001). The area under the curve after oral glucose tolerance test, insulin and homoeostatic model assessment were lower in the IASE and the CR compared to the sedentary and adlibitum groups, respectively (all, p < 0.001). Adiponectin was lower in the CR groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, IASE as well as CR were both useful interventions, especially when combined. However, IASE showed greater improvements on body composition, inflammatory and glycaemic profile than CR did.

High-intensity Exercise Modifies the Effects of Stanozolol on Brain Oxidative Stress in Rats.

We analyzed the effects of high-intensity exercise (HIE) and anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on brain redox status. 40 male Wistar rats were randomly distributed in 4 experimental groups (n=10) with or without HIE and with or without weekly Stanozolol administration. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) and protein carbonyl content (PCC) were assessed. Total superoxide dismutase (tSOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured. Finally, protein expression levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, Quinone 1 (NQO1), NF-E2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), nuclear factor kappa ß p65 (NF-κß) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 were determined. Brain PCC concentrations were lower in the HIE groups compared to the untrained controls, whereas CAT activity was higher (both, p<0.01). Both HIE and AAS groups exhibited higher expression levels of GFAP and GPx, but lower NQO1 levels (all, p<0.05). There were increased expression levels of NF-κß in the AAS groups (p<0.01). In addition, there was increased expression of Nrf2 in the HIE groups (p<0.001). HIE*AAS interactions were found on TBARs content and GFAP expression, with HIE downregulating and upregulating AAS-mediated increases in TBARs and GFAP, respectively (p<0.05). Overall, HIE appeared to reduce the AAS-mediated negative effect on brain redox status.

High-intensity exercise may compromise renal morphology in rats.

We investigated the renal effects of a high-intensity exercise (HIE) program based on strength training. 20 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups performing HIE or control over 12 weeks. Urinary volume, pH, citrate and calcium, and plasma urea, total proteins, creatinine, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase (CK), calcium, magnesium, corticosterone and testosterone were measured. We also studied renal morphology with the Fibrosis HR(®) software. Plasma urea and CK concentrations were higher in the HIE compared to the control group (p < 0.05), whereas plasma creatinine was lower (p < 0.01). Plasma corticosterone was higher (p < 0.05) and testosterone lower (p < 0.01) in the HIE group. Except for the higher urinary volume found in the HIE group (p < 0.05), no differences between groups were observed in the rest of urinary parameters analyzed. Renal interstitial connective tissue was ~30% higher in the HIE group (p < 0.05). Glomerular tufts and mesangial areas were also higher in the HIE group (all, p < 0.05). No differences between groups were observed in the glomerular area. Overall, HIE promoted a worse morphological renal profile that might be associated with a higher risk for incidence of kidney disease in the long-term. The stress induced by the type of exercise performed could be on the basis of this worse morphological renal status.

Elimination of cutting oil wastes by promoted hydrothermal oxidation.

Cutting oils are emulsionable fluids widely used in metalworking processes. Their composition is normally oil, water, and additives (fatty acids, surfactants, biocides, etc.) generating a toxic waste after a long use. Generally, it is a waste too dilute to be incinerated and it is difficult to treat biologically. Other conventional treatment methods currently used are not satisfactory from the environmental point of view. Wet air oxidation (WAO) and supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) are two forms of hydrothermal oxidation that have been proved to be effective processes to treat a wide variety of industrial wastes, but hardly tested for oily wastes. In the case of refractory wastes, WAO process is not efficient enough due to the moderate temperatures used. SCWO is a more powerful process since operating temperatures are usually around 600 degrees C, but the use of severe conditions leads to major disadvantages in the commercialization of the technology. In order to enhance WAO and SCWO efficiency at mild conditions, the use of free radical promoters has been studied in this work. Both normal and promoted hydrothermal oxidation have been tested to treat cutting oil wastes in a continuous flow system operating at 300-500 degrees C. Hydrogen peroxide has been used both as a source of oxygen and as a source of free radicals by introducing it into the reactor with or without previous thermal decomposition, respectively. Organic material is easily oxidized in both cases, obtaining more than 90% TOC reduction in less than 10s at 500 degrees C. At lower temperatures, the use of promoters clearly enhances the oxidation process. Activation energies have been estimated for normal and promoted oxidation processes.

Portable pilot plant for evaluating marine biofouling growth and control in heat exchangers-condensers.

Biofouling frequently involves a serious impediment to achieving optimum operating conditions in heat exchangers-condensers. The economic coat and energy losses associated with this phenomenon are significant and the environmental impact of biocides must satisfy stringent regulations. A portable pilot plant has been designed in order to carry out in-situ experimental study as biofilm is formed under thermal and hydrodynamically controlled conditions. The pilot plant has an automatic monitoring, control and data acquisition system, which automatically processes data from indirect measure of fouling in terms of increased fluid frictional and heat transfer resistances. A particular method is used and proposed for direct measuring and biofilm characterization. Once we know the actual film thickness, we can calculate the effective thermal conductivity of the layer by using the appropriate heat transfer equations.

Comparative effect of simulated solar light, UV, UV/H2O2 and photo-Fenton treatment (UV-Vis/H2O2/Fe2+,3+) in the Escherichia coli inactivation in artificial seawater.

Innovative disinfection technologies are being studied for seawater, seeking a viable alternative to chlorination. This study proposes the use of H2O2/UV254 and photo-Fenton as disinfection treatment in seawater. The irradiations were carried out using a sunlight simulator (Suntest) and a cylindrical UV reactor. The efficiency of the treatment was compared for Milli-Q water, Leman Lake water and artificial seawater. The presence of bicarbonates and organic matter was investigated in order to evaluate possible effects on the photo-Fenton disinfection treatment. The photo-Fenton treatment, employing 1 mg L(-1) Fe(2+) and 10 mg L(-1) of H2O2, led to the fastest bacterial inactivation kinetics. Using H2O2/UV254 high disinfection rates were obtained similar to those obtained with photo-Fenton under UV254 light. In Milli-Q water, the rate of inactivation for Escherichia coli was higher than in Leman Lake water and seawater due to the lack of inorganic ions affecting negatively bacteria inactivation. The presence of bicarbonate showed scavenging of the OH(•) radicals generated in the treatment of photo-Fenton and H2O2/UV254. Despite the negative effect of inorganic ions, especially HCO3(-), the disinfection treatments with AOPs in lake water and seawater improved significantly the disinfection compared to light alone (simulated sunlight and UV254). In the treatment of photo-Fenton with simulated sunlight, dissolved organic matter had a beneficial effect by increasing the rate of inactivation. This is associated with the formation of Fe(3+)-organo photosensitive complexes leading to the formation of ROS able to inactivate bacteria. This effect was not observed in the photo-Fenton with UV254. Growth of E. coli surviving in seawater was observed 24 and 48 h after treatment with UV light. However, growth of surviving bacteria was not detected after photo-Fenton with UV254 and H2O2/UV254 treatments. This study suggests H2O2/UV254 and photo-Fenton treatments for the disinfection of seawater, in spite its high concentration of salts.

Effects of the dietary amount and source of protein, resistance training and anabolic-androgenic steroids on body weight and lipid profile of rats.

INTRODUCTION: Dietary protein amount and source, hypertrophy resistance training (RT) and anabolicandrogenic steroids (AAS) may affect body weight and plasma and hepatic lipid profile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 157 adult male Wistar rats were randomly distributed in 16 experimental groups resulting in: normal-protein (NP) or high-protein (HP) diets, whey or soy-protein diets, with or without RT and with or without AAS, for 3 months. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Final body weight was lower in the RT and AAS groups compared to sedentary and non- AAS groups, respectively (all, p<0.001). Plasma total cholesterol (TC) was lower for the HP compared to the NP diets, for the whey compared to the soy-protein diets and for the AAS compared to the non-AAS groups (all, p<0.001). Plasma HDL-cholesterol was higher in the RT groups (p<0.05) but lower for the AAS groups (p<0.001), the HP and the soy-protein diets (p<0.05). Plasma triglycerides (TAG) were lower for the HP diet (p<0.001), for the RT (p=0.002) and the non-AAS groups (p=0.001). Liver TC was lower for the NP (p<0.01), for the soyprotein (p<0.05) and for the AAS groups (p<0.001). Liver TAG were lower for the whey-protein diet (p<0.001), RT and non-AAS groups (both, p<0.05). Some interactions were found, such as the greater effect of AAS on reducing body weight of rats that performed RT or ingested a HP diet (all, p<0.05). HDL-cholesterol was higher when RT was combined with HP diets (p=0.010) or non-AAS and when HP diets were combined with non-AAS (both,p<0.001). Groups that combined RT with non-AAS administration obtained the lowest hepatic TAG (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Among all the interventions tested, AAS was the factor that most negatively affected plasma and hepatic lipid profile, whereas HP diets and RT could benefit lipid profile, especially when combined.

Introducción: La cantidad y la fuente de proteína, el entrenamiento de fuerza hipertrofia (EF) y los esteroides anabolizantes androgénicos (EAA) pueden alterar el peso corporal y el perfil lipídico plasmático y hepático. Material y métodos: 157 ratas Wistar adultas macho se distribuyeron al azar en 16 grupos experimentales del siguiente modo: dietas normoproteica (NP) o hiperproteicas (HP), proteínas de lactosuero o de soja, con y sin EF y con o sin EAA, durante un periodo experimental de 3 meses. Resultados y discusión: El peso corporal final fue menor en los grupos con EF y EAA en comparación con los grupo sedentario y sin EAA, respectivamente (todos, p<0,001). El colesterol plasmático total (CT) fue menor en el grupo con dieta HP en comparación con las dieta NP, para las dietas de proteínas de lactosuero en comparación con las proteínas de soja, y para el grupo con EAA en comparación con el grupo sin EAA (todos, p<0,001). Las concentraciones plasmáticas de colesterol HDL fueron superiores en los grupos de EF (p<0,05) y menores en los grupos con EAA (p<0,001), y de dieta HP o con proteína de soja (p<0,05). Los triglicéridos (TAG) plasmáticos fueron menores con la dieta HP (p<0,001), el EF (p=0,002) y la no administración de EAA (p=0,001). El CT hepático fue menor en los grupos de dieta NP (p<0,01), dieta con proteínas de soja (p<0,05) y grupo de EAA (p<0,001). Los TAG hepáticos fueron menores en los grupos de dieta de proteínas de lactosuero (p<0,001), EF y sin EAA (ambos, p<0,05). Se hallaron algunas interacciones como un mayor efecto de los EAA en la reducción del peso corporal de las ratas que realizaron EF o ingirieron una dieta HP (todos, p<0,05). Las concentraciones plasmáticas de colesterol HDL fueron superiores cuando se combinó el EF con las dietas HP (p=0,010) o sin EAA y cuando las dietas HP se combinaron con el no uso de EAA (ambos, p<0,001). Finalmente, los grupos que combinaron el EF sin EAA obtuvieron los valores más bajos de TAG hepáticos (p<0,05). Conclusión: De entre todas las intervenciones testadas, los EAA fueron el factor que más negativamente afectó al perfil lipídico plasmático y hepático, mientras que las dietas HP y el EF podrían beneficiar, en general, el perfil lipídico, especialmente cuando se combinan.

High-protein diets and renal status in rats.

INTRODUCTION: High-protein (HP) diets might affect renal status. We aimed to examine the effects of a HP diet on plasma, urinary and morphological renal parameters in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were randomly distributed in 2 experimental groups with HP or normal-protein (NP) diets over 12 weeks. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Final body weight was a 10%lower in the HP group (p < 0.05) whereas we have not observed differences on food intake, carcass weight and muscle ashes content. No significant clear differences were observed on plasma parameters, whereas urinary citrate was an 88% lower in the HP group (p = 0.001) and urinary pH a 15% more acidic (p < 0.001). Kidney wet mass was ~22 heavier in the HP group (p < 0.001). Renal mesangium area was a 32% higher in the HP group (p < 0.01). Glomerular 1 and 2 were also ~30 higher in the HP diet (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and glomerular area a 13% higher (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: High-protein diet promoted a worse renal profile, especially on urinary and morphological markers, which could increase the risk for developing renal diseases in the long time.

Introducción: Las dietas hiperproteicas (HP) pueden afectar la función renal. El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar los efectos de una dieta HP sobre parámetros renales plasmáticos, urinarios y morfológicos en ratas. Material y métodos: Veinte ratas Wistar fueron distribuidas aleatoriamente en 2 grupos experimentales con dieta HP o normoproteicas durante 12 semanas. Resultados y discusión: El peso corporal final fue un 10% inferior en el grupo de dieta HP (p < 0,05) mientras que no se han observado diferencias en la ingesta de comida, peso de la carcasa del animal y el contenido muscular de cenizas. No se observaron claras diferencias en los parámetros plasmáticos, mientras que el citrato urinario fue de un 88% inferior en el grupo de dieta HP (p = 0,001) y el pH urinario un 15% más ácido (p < 0,001). El peso del riñón en sustancia fresca fue un 22% más pesado en el grupo de dieta HP (p < 0,001). El área mesangial fue un 32% mayor en el grupo HP (p < 0,01). El floculo glomerular 1 y 2 fueron también ~ 30 mayores en la dieta HP (p < 0,01 y p < 0,05, respectivamente) y el área glomerular un 13% mayor (p <0,01). Conclusión: Una dieta hiperproteica promueve un peor perfil renal, especialmente en los marcadores urinarios y morfológico, que podrían aumentar el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades renales a largo plazo.

New kinetic model for predicting the photoreactivation of bacteria with sunlight.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a disinfection process that is used worldwide for the treatment of wastewater in order to minimize microbial contamination caused by wastewater discharge to natural waters. Once organisms have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation, they are able to repair the damage through two processes - dark repair and photoreactivation. In the work described here, the photoreactivation process after ultraviolet disinfection has been studied in pure culture of Escherichia coli ATCC 11229, ATCC 15597 and in real wastewater, using both a laboratory plant and a pilot plant. A new kinetic model is proposed that is a modification of the model proposed by Kashimada et al. [15] including a first order decay phase. This model was applied to the photoreactivation process with sunlight. The new model incorporates a decay rate constant (M(s)) for solar reactivation in order to explain correctly the decay phase detected in the experimental data for photoreactivation with sunlight. The new model fits the data obtained in reactivation experiments, thus allowing the interpretation of the kinetic parameters S(m), S(m)-S(o), k(s), and M(s) and their relationship with UV dose.

Efectos del ejercicio aeróbico interválico, combinado con entrenamiento de fuerza y de la restricción calórica, sobre la composición corporal de ratas obesas / Efeitos do exercício aeróbico intervalado combinado com o treinamento de Resistencia e restrição calórica, na composição de ratas obesas / Effects of aerobic interval exercise combined with resistance training and caloric restriction, on body composition in obese rats

Objetivo. Investigar los efectos de un programa de ejercicio aeróbico interválico, combinado con entrenamiento de fuerza, y de la restricción calórica, sobre el peso y la composición corporal de ratas genéticamente obesas. Método. Un total de 32 ratas genéticamente obesas fueron divididas aleatoriamente en dos grupos (n=16) con o sin ejercicio aeróbico interválico combinado con entrenamiento de fuerza. A su vez, cada grupo, con o sin ejercicio aeróbico interválico combinado con entrenamiento de fuerza, fue dividido en dos grupos, con o sin restricción calórica, resultando cuatro grupos de intervención (n=8). El programa de ejercicio aeróbico interválico combinado con entrenamiento de fuerza se llevó a cabo en una misma sesión de 60min, cinco días por semana, durante dos meses. Los grupos con restricción calórica consumieron un 30% menos de alimento que los ad libitum. Se determinó el peso corporal y la masa de la carcasa mediante una balanza de precisión y la masa grasa, muscular y el agua corporal, mediante un analizador de composición corporal, basado en resonancia magnética nuclear, de diseño especial para ratas. Resultados. El peso corporal final fue menor en aquellos animales que realizaron restricción calórica frente a aquellos cuya alimentación fue ad libitum (p<0.001). La masa grasa fue menor y la masa muscular mayor en aquellos animales que desarrollaron el ejercicio aeróbico interválico combinado con entrenamiento de fuerza, frente a los sedentarios (p<0.001), sin diferencias atendiendo a la restricción calórica (p>0.05). Hemos observado interacciones entrenamiento versus restricción calórica, en masa muscular y agua total. Los animales que incrementaron más su masa muscular y agua corporal, fueron los que combinaron el entrenamiento con la restricción calórica (ambos p<0.01). Conclusiones. Tanto el programa de ejercicio aeróbico interválico, combinado con entrenamiento de fuerza desarrollado, como la restricción calórica, fueron eficaces, mejorando la composición corporal de ratas obesas, pero el ejercicio lo hizo en mayor magnitud (AU)

Objetivo. Investigar os efeitos de um programa de treinamento baseado no exercício aeróbico intervalado combinado com treinamento de resistência e restrição calórica sobre o peso corporal final e composição corporal de ratas geneticamente obesas. Método. Trinta e duas ratas obesas foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (n=16) divididos com ou sem exercício aeróbico intervalado, que por sua vez foram divididos em mais dois grupos (com ou sem restrição calórica), resultando em quatro grupos de intervenção (n=8). O programa de exercício aeróbico intervalado foi realizado em uma sessão de 60 min, cinco dias por semana, durante dois meses. A ingestão de alimentos do grupo restrição calórica foi 30% menor que os ad libitum. O peso corporal total e a massa gorda foi mensurada mediante uma balança de precisão e a massa muscular e água corporal foram medidas utilizando a análise de composição corporal baseado na ressonância magnética nuclear especialmente concebido para ratos. Resultados. O peso corporal final foi menor nos animais que realizaram o restrição calórica frente aqueles cuja alimentação foi ad libitum (p<0.001). A gordura corporal foi menor e a massa muscular maior naqueles animais que realizaram o exercício aeróbico intervalado frente aos sedentários (p<0.001) sem diferenças em relação ao restrição calórica (todos p>0.05). Interações do treinamento vs restrição calórica foram observadas na massa muscular e água corporal. O alto volume da massa muscular e água corporal foi observado nos animais que combinaram o protocolo restrição calórica (ambos p<0.01). Conclusão. Ambos os programas de exercício aeróbico intervalado desenvolvidos com restrição calórica foram eficazes, melhorando a composição corporal de ratas obesas, entretanto o exercício o fez em maior magnitude (AU)

Objective. To investigate the effects of a training program based on aerobic interval exercise combined with resistance training and caloric restriction, on final body weight and body composition of genetically obese rats. Methods. Thirty-two genetically obese rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 16) with or without aerobic interval exercise combined with resistance training. In turn, each group, with or without aerobic interval exercise combined with resistance training, was divided into two groups, with or without caloric restriction, resulting 4 intervention groups (n = 8). The training groups conducted an aerobic interval exercise combined with resistance training program in a 60min session, five days/week for two months. Calorie-resticted groups consumed 30% less food than ad libitum groups. Body weight and carcass was determined with a precision balance and fat, muscle mass and body water was assessed using a body composition analyzer based in nuclear magnetic resonance, especially designed for rats. Results. Final body weight was lower in animals that followed the caloric restriction compared to those fed ad libitum (P<.001). Fat mass was lower and muscle mass higher in those animals that developed aerobic interval exercise combined with resistance training compared to the sedentary groups (P<.001) without differences attending to the caloric restriction (all P>.05). Interactions of caloric restriction versus training were observed on muscular mass and total body water. The highest value of muscle mass and body water was observed in those animals that combined the training protocol with the caloric restriction (both, P<.01). Conclusion. Both, the aerobic interval exercise program combined with resistance training program developed and caloric restriction enhanced body composition in obese rats, but exercise improved it further (AU)

[Resistance training reduces the metabolic acidosis and hepatic and renal hypertrophy caused by the consumption of a high protein diet in rats]. / El entrenamiento de fuerza reduce la acidosis metabólica y la hipertrofia hepática y renal consecuentes del consumo de una dieta hiperproteica en ratas.

INTRODUCTION: High protein (HP) diet consumption may adversely affect metabolic acidosis and hepatic and renal health. Despite such potentially adverse effect, there are only few studies analyzing the effects of resistance training on the parameters that could be altered by such diets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 adult male Wistar rats were randomly distributed in 4 experimental groups (n = 8): normoprotein or HP diets, with or without resistance training. Diets were based on a whey protein hydrolyzate, and the experimental period lasted for 90 days. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Consumption of HP diets and resistance training significantly affected food intake, body composition and plasmatic levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. Consumption of HP diets led to a considerable increase in liver and kidney weight (P < 0.001), urinary volume and acidity, as well as in the urinary excretion of Ca, with a parallel reduction in the urinary excretion of citrate (P < 0.05). The buffering action of resistance training on such diet-induced alterations was especially evident in the levels of hepatic and plasma triglycerides, plasmatic urea, and in liver and kidney weight (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Resistance training had a protective action against alterations of hepatic and renal health status and some metabolic parameters like hepatic and plasma triglycerides.

Effects of the dietary amount and source of protein, resistance training and anabolic-androgenic steroids on body weight and lipid profile of rats / Efectos del porcentaje y fuente de proteína, del entrenamiento de fuerza y de la administración de esteroides anabolizantes sobre el peso corporal y el perfil lipídico de ratas

Introduction: Dietary protein amount and source, hypertrophy resistance training (RT) and anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) may affect body weight and plasma and hepatic lipid profile. Material and methods: 157 adult male Wistar rats were randomly distributed in 16 experimental groups resulting in: normal-protein (NP) or high-protein (HP) diets, whey or soy-protein diets, with or without RT and with or without AAS, for 3 months. Results and discussion: Final body weight was lower in the RT and AAS groups compared to sedentary and non-AAS groups, respectively (all, p<0.001). Plasma total cholesterol (TC) was lower for the HP compared to the NP diets, for the whey compared to the soy-protein diets and for the AAS compared to the non-AAS groups (all, p<0.001). Plasma HDL-cholesterol was higher in the RT groups (p<0.05) but lower for the AAS groups (p<0.001), the HP and the soy-protein diets (p<0.05). Plasma triglycerides (TAG) were lower for the HP diet (p<0.001), for the RT (p=0.002) and the non-AAS groups (p=0.001). Liver TC was lower for the NP (p<0.01), for the soy-protein (p<0.05) and for the AAS groups (p<0.001). Liver TAG were lower for the whey-protein diet (p<0.001), RT and non-AAS groups (both, p<0.05). Some interactions were found, such as the greater effect of AAS on reducing body weight of rats that performed RT or ingested a HP diet (all, p<0.05). HDL-cholesterol was higher when RT was combined with HP diets (p=0.010) or non-AAS and when HP diets were combined with non-AAS (both, p<0.001). Groups that combined RT with non-AAS administration obtained the lowest hepatic TAG (p<0.05). Conclusion: Among all the interventions tested, AAS was the factor that most negatively affected plasma and hepatic lipid profile, whereas HP diets and RT could benefit lipid profile, especially when combined (AU)

Introducción: La cantidad y la fuente de proteína, el entrenamiento de fuerza hipertrofia (EF) y los esteroides anabolizantes androgénicos (EAA) pueden alterar el peso corporal y el perfil lipídico plasmático y hepático. Material y métodos: 157 ratas Wistar adultas macho se distribuyeron al azar en 16 grupos experimentales del siguiente modo: dietas normoproteica (NP) o hiperproteicas (HP), proteínas de lactosuero o de soja, con y sin EF y con o sin EAA, durante un periodo experimental de 3 meses. Resultados y discusión: El peso corporal final fue menor en los grupos con EF y EAA en comparación con los grupo sedentario y sin EAA, respectivamente (todos, p<0,001). El colesterol plasmático total (CT) fue menor en el grupo con dieta HP en comparación con las dieta NP, para las dietas de proteínas de lactosuero en comparación con las proteínas de soja, y para el grupo con EAA en comparación con el grupo sin EAA (todos, p<0,001). Las concentraciones plasmáticas de colesterol HDL fueron superiores en los grupos de EF (p<0,05) y menores en los grupos con EAA (p<0,001), y de dieta HP o con proteína de soja (p<0,05). Los triglicéridos (TAG) plasmáticos fueron menores con la dieta HP (p<0,001), el EF (p=0,002) y la no administración de EAA (p=0,001). El CT hepático fue menor en los grupos de dieta NP (p<0,01), dieta con proteínas de soja (p<0,05) y grupo de EAA (p<0,001). Los TAG hepáticos fueron menores en los grupos de dieta de proteínas de lactosuero (p<0,001), EF y sin EAA (ambos, p<0,05). Se hallaron algunas interacciones como un mayor efecto de los EAA en la reducción del peso corporal de las ratas que realizaron EF o ingirieron una dieta HP (todos, p<0,05). Las concentraciones plasmáticas de colesterol HDL fueron superiores cuando se combinó el EF con las dietas HP (p=0,010) o sin EAA y cuando las dietas HP se combinaron con el no uso de EAA (ambos, p<0,001). Finalmente, los grupos que combinaron el EF sin EAA obtuvieron los valores más bajos de TAG hepáticos (p<0,05). Conclusión: De entre todas las intervenciones testadas, los EAA fueron el factor que más negativamente afectó al perfil lipídico plasmático y hepático, mientras que las dietas HP y el EF podrían beneficiar, en general, el perfil lipídico, especialmente cuando se combinan (AU)

High-protein diets and renal status in rats / Dietas hiperproteicas y estado renal en ratas

Introduction: High-protein (HP) diets might affect renal status. We aimed to examine the effects of a HP diet on plasma, urinary and morphological renal parameters in rats. Material and methods: Twenty Wistar rats were randomly distributed in 2 experimental groups with HP or normal-protein (NP) diets over 12 weeks. Results and discussion: Final body weight was a 10% lower in the HP group (p < 0.05) whereas we have not observed differences on food intake, carcass weight and muscle ashes content. No significant clear differences were observed on plasma parameters, whereas urinary citrate was an 88% lower in the HP group (p = 0.001) and urinary pH a 15% more acidic (p < 0.001). Kidney wet mass was ~22 heavier in the HP group (p < 0.001). Renal mesangium area was a 32% higher in the HP group (p < 0.01). Glomerular 1 and 2 were also ~30 higher in the HP diet (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and glomerular area a 13% higher (p < 0.01).Conclusion: High-protein diet promoted a worse renal profile, especially on urinary and morphological markers, which could increase the risk for developing renal diseases in the long time (AU)

Introducción: Las dietas hiperproteicas (HP) pueden afectar la función renal. El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar los efectos de una dieta HP sobre parámetros renales plasmáticos, urinarios y morfológicos en ratas.Material y métodos: Veinte ratas Wistar fueron distribuidas aleatoriamente en 2 grupos experimentales con dieta HP o normoproteicas durante 12 semanas. Resultados y discusión: El peso corporal final fue un 10% inferior en el grupo de dieta HP (p < 0,05) mientras que no se han observado diferencias en la ingesta de comida, peso de la carcasa del animal y el contenido muscular de cenizas. No se observaron claras diferencias en los parámetros plasmáticos, mientras que el citrato urinario fue de un 88% inferior en el grupo de dieta HP (p = 0,001) y el pH urinario un 15% más ácido (p < 0,001). El peso del riñón en sustancia fresca fue un 22% más pesado en el grupo de dieta HP (p < 0,001). El Área mesangial fue un 32% mayor en el grupo HP (p < 0,01). El floculo glomerular 1 y 2 fueron también ~ 30 mayores en la dieta HP (p < 0,01 y p < 0,05, respectivamente) y el área glomerular un 13% mayor (p <0,01). Conclusión: Una dieta hiperproteica promueve un peor perfil renal, especialmente en los marcadores urinarios y morfológico, que podrían aumentar el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades renales a largo plazo (AU)

Photoreactivation and dark repair in UV-treated microorganisms: effect of temperature.

Because of the lack of readily available information about the influence of temperature on microorganism reactivation processes subsequent to inactivation with UV radiation, a series of batch reactivation studies were performed at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 degrees C. A special effort was made to model the reactivation process to enable the effect of the temperature variable to be quantified. Because an earlier-proposed kinetic model (K. Kashimada, N. Kamiko, K. Yamamoto, and S. Ohgaki, Water Sci. Technol. 33:261-269, 1996), a first-order saturation type, does not adequately fit the data obtained in experiments of reactivation in conditions of light and darkness, a modification of that model is proposed. The new model, which actually coincides with the classical logistic equation, incorporates two kinetic parameters: the maximum survival ratio (Sm) and the second-order reactivation rate constant (k2). In order to interpret correctly the reactivation occurring in conditions of darkness, a new term for the decay is added to the logistic equation. The new model accurately fits the data obtained in reactivation experiments, permitting the interpretation of the kinetic parameters Sm, k2, and M (for only repair in darkness), where M is mortality, a zero-order decay rate constant, and their relationship with various environmental conditions, such as microbial type, light, and temperature. The parameters Sm and k2 (and M for reactivation in conditions of darkness) show exponential dependence on the reactivating temperature, and it is possible to predict their values and hence the reactivation curve from the equations proposed in this work.

El entrenamiento de fuerza reduce la acidosis metabólica y la hipertrofiahepática y renal consecuentes del consumo de una dieta hiperproteica en ratas / Resistance training reduces the metabolic acidosis and hepatic and renal hypertrophy caused by the consumption of a high protein diet in rats

Introducción: El consumo de dietas hiperproteicas (HP) podría tener un efecto adverso sobre la acidosis metabólica y la salud hepática y renal. Sin embargo, existen pocos estudios que analicen los efectos del entrenamiento de fuerza sobre los parámetros sensibles de ser alterados por dichas dietas. Material y métodos: Un total de 32 ratas Wistar adultas fueron distribuidas de forma aleatoria en 4 grupos experimentales (n = 8): dieta normoproteica o HP, con o sin entrenamiento de fuerza. Las dietas estuvieron basadas en un hidrolizado de proteína de lactosuero (whey). Tras90 días de diseño experimental los animales fueron sacrificados para los posteriores análisis. Resultados y discusión: El consumo de una dieta HP provocó acidosis metabólica (hipercalcemia e hipocitraturia urinarias, acidificación del pH urinario y niveles elevados de urea plasmática), (P < 0,05), e incremento delpeso de hígado y riñón (P < 0,001). Así mismo, tras el consumo de dicha dieta HP, se redujeron los depósitos de tejido adiposo y los niveles plasmáticos de colesterol y triglicéridos (P < 0,05). El entrenamiento de fuerza mostró un efecto tamponador protector especialmente significativo en la reducción del peso del hígado, riñones, niveles de urea plasmática y triglicéridos plasmáticos y hepáticos(P < 0,001). Conclusiones: El entrenamiento de fuerza redujo la acidosis metabólica y la hipertrofia hepática y renal ocasionada por la ingesta de una dieta HP en ratas a la vez que mejoró el perfil lipídico plasmático y hepático (AU)

Introduction: High protein (HP) diet consumption may adversely affect metabolic acidosis and hepatic and renal health. Despite such potentially adverse effect, there are only few studies analyzing the effects of resistance training on the parameters that could be altered by such diets. Material and methods: A total of 32 adult male Wistar rats were randomly distributed in 4 experimental groups(n = 8): normoprotein or HP diets, with or without resistance training. Diets were based on a whey protein hydrolyzate, and the experimental period lasted for 90days. Results and discussion: Consumption of HP diets and resistance training significantly affected food intake, body composition and plasmatic levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. Consumption of HP diets led to a considerable increase in liver and kidney weight (P < 0.001),urinary volume and acidity, as well as in the urinary excretion of Ca, with a parallel reduction in the urinary excretion of citrate (P < 0.05). The buffering action of resistance training on such diet-induced alterations was especially evident in the levels of hepatic and plasma triglycerides, plasmatic urea, and in liver and kidney weight (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Resistance training had a protective action against alterations of hepatic and renal health status and some metabolic parameters like hepatic and plasma triglycerides (AU)

Effect of the feed frequency on the performance of anaerobic filters.

Anaerobic filter technology is suitable for the treatment of biodegradable organic wastes: for example, wastewaters from food industries. These wastewaters are not produced in a continuous mode since they are of seasonal nature and hence their production varies considerably during the year. In this work, a study of the performance of anaerobic filters with changing feeding systems was undertaken. A comparison was made between continuous feeding and different semicontinuous modes of feeding (in which the overall volume to be added into the reactors was divided into several doses and each of them were added at a constant interval of time). Filter performance was characterized by determining the different operational variables: depurative efficiency, methane production, biogas composition and volatile acids. From the obtained results, we conclude that the optimum feed frequency range is 24 doses/day or more. The continuously fed system has both greater stability and degradation efficiency.