Characterization of hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects of PHAR-DBH-Me a new cannabinoid receptor agonist.

The effect of PHAR-DBH-Me, a cannabinoid receptor agonist, on different cardiovascular responses in adult male rats was analyzed. The blood pressure was measured directly and indirectly. The coronary flow was measured by Langendorff preparation, and vasomotor responses induced by PHAR-DBH-Me in aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine (PHEN) were analyzed. The intravenous injection of the compound PHAR-DBH-Me (0.018-185 µg/kg) resulted in decreased blood pressure; maximum effect was observed at the dose of 1,850 µg/kg. A concentration-dependent increase in the coronary flow was observed in a Langendorff preparation. In the aortic rings, with and without endothelium, pre-contracted with PHEN (10-6 M), the addition of PHAR-DBH-Me to the superfusion solution (10-12-10-5 M), produced a vasodilator response, which depends on the concentration and presence of the endothelium. L-NAME inhibited these effects. Addition of CB1 receptor antagonist (AM 251) did not modify the response, while CB2 receptor antagonist (AM630) decreased the potency of relaxation elicited by PHAR-DBH-Me. Indomethacin shifted the curve concentration-response to the left and produced an increase in the magnitude of the maximum endothelium dependent response to this compound. The maximum effect of PHAR-DBH-Me was observed with the concentration of 10-5 M. These results show that PHAR-DBH-Me has a concentration-dependent and endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect through CB2 receptor. This vasodilation is probably mediated by the synthesis/release of NO. On the other hand, it is suggested that PHAR-DBH-Me also induces the release of a vasoconstrictor prostanoid.

Effect of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on oxidative balance in rat brains subjected to an experimental model of chronic unpredictable mild stress.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increasing interest in researching on the effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on living systems. The mechanism of action of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on organisms has not been established. One of the hypotheses is related to induce changes in oxidative balance. In this study, we measured the effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress induced-oxidative balance of rat's brain exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields. METHODS: A first experiment was conducted to find out if 14 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress caused oxidative unbalance in male Wistar rat's brain. Catalase activity, reduced glutathione concentration, and lipoperoxidation were measured in cerebrum and cerebellum. In the second experiment, we investigate the effects of 7 days extremely low-frequency magnetic fields exposure on animals stressed and unstressed. RESULTS: The main results obtained were a significant increase in the catalase activity and reduced glutathione concentration on the cerebrum of animals where the chronic unpredictable mild stress were suspended at day 14 and then exposed 7 days to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields. Interestingly, the same treatment decreases the lipoperoxidation in the cerebrum. The stressed animals that received concomitant extremely low frequency magnetic fields exposure showed an oxidative status like stressed animals by 21 days. Thus, no changes were observed on the chronic unpredictable mild stress induced-oxidative damage in the rat's cerebrum by the extremely low-frequency magnetic field exposure together with chronic unpredictable mild stress. CONCLUSIONS: The extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure can partially restore the cerebrum antioxidant system of previously stressed animals.

Metallochaperones Are Needed for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Escherichia coli Nicotinamidase-Pyrazinamidase Activity.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis nicotinamidase-pyrazinamidase (PZAse) is a metalloenzyme that catalyzes conversion of nicotinamide-pyrazinamide to nicotinic acid-pyrazinoic acid. This study investigated whether a metallochaperone is required for optimal PZAse activity. M. tuberculosis and Escherichia coli PZAses (PZAse-MT and PZAse-EC, respectively) were inactivated by metal depletion (giving PZAse-MT-Apo and PZAse-EC-Apo). Reactivation with the E. coli metallochaperone ZnuA or Rv2059 (the M. tuberculosis analog) was measured. This was repeated following proteolytic and thermal treatment of ZnuA and Rv2059. The CDC1551 M. tuberculosis reference strain had the Rv2059 coding gene knocked out, and PZA susceptibility and the pyrazinoic acid (POA) efflux rate were measured. ZnuA (200 µM) achieved 65% PZAse-EC-Apo reactivation. Rv2059 (1 µM) and ZnuA (1 µM) achieved 69% and 34.3% PZAse-MT-Apo reactivation, respectively. Proteolytic treatment of ZnuA and Rv2059 and application of three (but not one) thermal shocks to ZnuA significantly reduced the capacity to reactivate PZAse-MT-Apo. An M. tuberculosis Rv2059 knockout strain was Wayne positive and susceptible to PZA and did not have a significantly different POA efflux rate than the reference strain, although a trend toward a lower efflux rate was observed after knockout. The metallochaperone Rv2059 restored the activity of metal-depleted PZAse in vitro Although Rv2059 is important in vitro, it seems to have a smaller effect on PZA susceptibility in vivo. It may be important to mechanisms of action and resistance to pyrazinamide in M. tuberculosis Further studies are needed for confirmation.IMPORTANCE Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and remains one of the major causes of disease and death worldwide. Pyrazinamide is a key drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis, yet its mechanism of action is not fully understood, and testing strains of M. tuberculosis for pyrazinamide resistance is not easy with the tools that are presently available. The significance of the present research is that a metallochaperone-like protein may be crucial to pyrazinamide's mechanisms of action and of resistance. This may support the development of improved tools to detect pyrazinamide resistance, which would have significant implications for the clinical management of patients with tuberculosis: drug regimens that are appropriately tailored to the resistance profile of a patient's individual strain lead to better clinical outcomes, reduced onward transmission of infection, and reduction of the development of resistant strains that are more challenging and expensive to treat.

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure and restraint stress induce changes on the brain lipid profile of Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to electromagnetic fields can affect human health, damaging tissues and cell homeostasis. Stress modulates neuronal responses and composition of brain lipids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure, restraint stress (RS) or both (RS + ELF-EMF) on lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in Wistar rat brain. METHODS: Twenty-four young male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, RS, ELF-EMF exposure, and RS + ELF-EMF for 21 days. After treatment, rats were euthanized, the blood was obtained for quantitate plasma corticosterone concentration and their brains were dissected in cortex, cerebellum and subcortical structures for cholesterol, triacylglycerols, total free fatty acids, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) analysis. In addition, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were identified by gas chromatography. RESULTS: Increased values of plasma corticosterone were found in RS and ELF-EMF exposed groups (p < 0.05), this effect was higher in RS + ELF-EMF group (p < 0.05, vs. control group). Chronic ELF-EMF exposure increased total lipids in cerebellum, and total cholesterol in cortex, but decreased polar lipids in cortex. In subcortical structures, increased concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids were observed in RS + ELF-EMF group. FAMEs analysis revealed a decrease of polyunsaturated fatty acids of cerebellum and increases of subcortical structures in the ELF-EMF exposed rats. TBARS concentration in lipids was increased in all treated groups compared to control group, particularly in cortex and cerebellum regions. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that chronic exposure to ELF-EMF is similar to physiological stress, and induce changes on brain lipid profile.

Spirulina maxima Decreases Endothelial Damage and Oxidative Stress Indicators in Patients with Systemic Arterial Hypertension: Results from Exploratory Controlled Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: Spirulina (Arthrospira) maxima has shown beneficial effects such as being anti-dyslipidemic, antiviral, antioxidant and antihypertensive. However, there are few and limited clinical studies. (2) Methods: a prospective, randomized, parallel pilot study of 4.5 g administration of Spirulina maxima or placebo for 12 weeks in 16 patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) undergoing treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors was performed to assess the effects on endothelial damage and oxidative stress indicators. The blood levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, endothelin-1, and sE-selectin were quantified; the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and concentrations of reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, were also quantified before and after the treatment period. (3) Results: There were statistically significant (p < 0.05) decreases in systolic blood pressure, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and endothelin-1 levels, and increases in glutathione peroxidase activity and oxidized glutathione levels. (4) Conclusion: The effects found in the present study agree with antihypertensive and antioxidant effects previously reported for Spirulina maxima. However, this is the first report about the effects on indicators of endothelial damage. More research in this field is necessary to gain an insight into the effects of Spirulina on these indicators.

Mediastinal Myxoid Liposarcoma with Intrapericardial Involvement and Large Pericardial Effusion.

Liposarcoma is the name given to a group of soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) with adipocytic differentiation. As a group, liposarcomas are the second most common STSs in adults. In 1951 Kozonis et al published that in the English language only four cases of liposarcomas originating in the mediastinum had been described. Primary mediastinal liposarcoma is an uncommon neoplasm of intrathoracic origin. We present the case of a 47-year-old woman diagnosed with a large mediastinal mass with intrapericardial invasion and massive pericardial effusion; biopsies showed a mediastinal liposarcoma.

[Activities after school time and obesity in children. Influence of family and neighborhood environment]. / Actividad extraescolar y obesidad en los niños. Influencia del ámbito familiar y del vecindario.

BACKGROUND: elementary school children spend little time at the school in Mexico. The aim was to investigate the activities after school time in children and to determine the presence of overweight and obesity. METHODS: one hundred and seventy two children of both sexes were included. They belonged to the first and second grade of an official primary school from a marginalized zone. Somatometry was obtained and the type of physical practice and motifs for no practice physical activity were investigated. Descriptive statistics were applied. RESULTS: the frequency of underweight was 12.1 %, overweight 19 %, and obesity 18.5 %. Sedentary activities like watching television and playing video games were the most common registered, whereas sports were the lowest physical activity practiced, especially in girls. The parents' lack of time, low family income, and the scarcity of safe spaces where children can play and practice physical activity or sports were the most related factors. CONCLUSIONS: poverty and insecurity of the neighborhoods influence the outside activities in after school time. The high frequency of underweight, overweight and obesity in school children were associated to the lack of physical activity.

Introducción: los niños de primaria en México permanecen poco tiempo en el ámbito escolar. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer las características somatométricas de los escolares y sus padres e investigar las actividades extraescolares que realizan y las que les gustaría realizar y la razón por la que no lo hacen. Métodos: participaron 172 niños de uno y otro sexo, de primer y segundo año de una escuela primaria oficial de una colonia marginada. Resultados: la frecuencia de bajo peso fue de 12.1 %; de sobrepeso, de 19 % y de obesidad, de 18.5 %. Las actividades sedentarias como ver la televisión y los videojuegos fueron las más altas y las deportivas las más bajas, principalmente en las niñas. La falta de tiempo de los padres, los bajos recursos económicos de la familia y la falta de espacios seguros donde los niños puedan jugar y realizar actividades físicas y deportivas fueron los factores más importantes. Conclusiones: la pobreza y la inseguridad del barrio determinan las actividades extraescolares. La alta frecuencia de bajo peso, el sobrepeso y la obesidad en los escolares se relacionaron con la falta de actividad física.

[Food consumption in and around the school]. / Consumo alimentario dentro y fuera de la escuela.

BACKGROUND: elementary school students usually stay in school 4.5 hours a day in Mexico. The main food consumption is outside school. The objective was to explore behaviors on food consumption beyond the school environment. METHODS: descriptive trial that included 173 children, both sexes, from public elementary school in Mexico City. Eating habits were obtained through questionnaire and anthropometric characteristics from physical measurement. RESULTS: participants reported to consume soft drinks and canned juices at high frequency and quantity (80 %) and low consumption of animal foods. They also eat industrialized dairy products with high caloric content and low in protein. Moreover, 30 % of children eat 4 or 5 times a day, whereas 10 % eat one or two times a day. These results were associated with the somatometric characteristics of the children, 37.6 % of whom presented as overweight or obese while 12 % were underweight. CONCLUSIONS: it is necessary that health education involves teachers, parents and children in programs for obesity prevention with the objective of increasing healthy behaviors.

Introducción: en México, los niños de primaria permanecen aproximadamente 4.5 horas en la escuela, por lo que fuera de ese espacio es donde consumen la mayor parte de sus alimentos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue explorar las conductas alimentarias más allá del entorno escolar que pudieran favorecer la obesidad. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de niños de una escuela primaria oficial en el Distrito Federal. Los hábitos alimentarios se conocieron por un cuestionario y las características antropométricas, por medición física. Resultados: los participantes indicaron consumir refrescos y jugos enlatados con alta frecuencia y en cantidades importantes (80 %), así como productos lácteos industrializados con alto valor calórico y bajo contenido de proteínas; ingerían pocos alimentos de origen animal; 30 % comía cuatro o cinco veces al día y 10 %, una o dos veces. Los resultados se asociaron con las características omatométricas de los niños, 37.6 % de los cuales presentó sobrepeso u obesidad y 12 %, bajo peso. Conclusiones: para la prevención de la obesidad son necesarios programas de educación que involucren a profesores, padres de familia y escolares, para obtener conductas saludables y preservar la salud.

Protective effects of Spirulina maxima on hyperlipidemia and oxidative-stress induced by lead acetate in the liver and kidney.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative damage has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in lead toxicity, specially affecting the liver and kidney. Previous studies have shown the antioxidant effect of Spirulina maxima in several experimental models of oxidative stress. The current study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Spirulina maxima against lead acetate-induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative damage in the liver and kidney of male rats. Control animals were fed on a standard diet and did not receive lead acetate (Control group). Experimental animals were fed on a standard laboratory diet with or without Spirulina maxima 5% in the standard laboratory diet and treated with three doses of lead acetate (25 mg each/weekly, intraperitoneal injection) (lead acetate with Spirulina, and lead acetate without Spirulina groups). RESULTS: The results showed that Spirulina maxima prevented the lead acetate-induced significant changes on plasma and liver lipid levels and on the antioxidant status of the liver and kidney. On the other hand, Spirulina maxima succeeded to improve the biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney towards the normal values of the Control group. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that Spirulina maxima has protective effects on lead acetate-induced damage, and that the effects are associated with the antioxidant effect of Spirulina.

Correction: Effect of curcuminoids and curcumin derivate products on thioredoxin-glutathione reductase from Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Evidence suggesting a curcumin oxidation product as a suitable inhibitor.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220098.].

Effect of curcuminoids and curcumin derivate products on thioredoxin-glutathione reductase from Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Evidence suggesting a curcumin oxidation product as a suitable inhibitor.

Curcuma is a traditional ingredient of some Eastern cuisines, and the spice is heralded for its antitumoral and antiparasitic properties. In this report, we examine the effect of the curcuminoides which include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bis-demethoxycurcumin (BDMC), as well as curcumin degradation products on thioredoxin glutathione reductase from Taenia crassiceps cysticerci Results revealed that both DMC and BDMC were inhibitors of TGR activity in the micromolar concentration range. By contrast, the inhibitory ability of curcumin was a time-dependent process. Kinetic and spectroscopical evidence suggests that an intermediary compound of curcumin oxidation, probably spiroepoxide, is responsible. Preincubation of curcumin in the presence of NADPH, but not glutathione disulfide (GSSG), resulted in the loss of its inhibitory ability, suggesting a reductive stabilizing effect. Similarly, preincubation of curcumin with sulfhydryl compounds fully protected the enzyme from inhibition. Degradation products were tested for their inhibitory potential, and 4-vinylguaiacol was the best inhibitor (IC50 = 12.9 µM), followed by feruloylmethane (IC50 = 122 µM), vanillin (IC50 = 127 µM), and ferulic aldehyde (IC50 = 180 µM). The acid derivatives ferulic acid (IC50 = 465 µM) and vanillic acid (IC50 = 657 µM) were poor inhibitors. On the other hand, results from docking analysis revealed a common binding site on the enzyme for all the compounds, albeit interacting with different amino acid residues. Dissociation constants obtained from the docking were in accord with the inhibitory efficiency of the curcumin degradation products.

Antihyperlipemic and antihypertensive effects of Spirulina maxima in an open sample of Mexican population: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Spirulina maxima is a filamentous cyanobacterium used as food supplement because of its high nutrient contents. It has been experimentally proven, in vivo and in vitro that posses several pharmacological properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Spirulina maxima orally supplied (4.5 g/day, for 6 weeks) to a sample of 36 subjects (16 men and 20 women, with ages between 18-65 years) on serum lipids, glucose, aminotransferases and on blood pressure. The volunteers did not modify their dietary habits or lifestyle during the whole experimental period. From each subject, a sample of blood was drawn in fasting state of 12 hours to determi the plasma concentrations of glucose, triacylglycerols (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), cholesterol associated to high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Anthropometric measurements including systolic (SYST-P) and diastolic (DIAST-P) blood pressure, height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) were also recorded. RESULTS: Comparing initial and final data, the results showed that there were no significant changes in the values of glucose and AST, but significant differences in TAG, TC, and HDL-C, were observed: TAG 233.7 +/- 177.8 vs. 167.7 +/- 100.7 mg/dL (p < 0.001), TC 181.7 +/- 37.5 vs. 163.5 +/- 34.4 mg/dL (p < 0.001), C-HDL 43.5 +/- 14.4 vs. 50 +/- 18.8 mg/dL (p < 0.01). The univariated analysis showed that the changes in the HDL-C and TC concentrations were dependent on TAG concentration (p = 0.247 and p = 0.108, respectively); nevertheless the calculated values for cholesterol associated to low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were significantly reduced by the Spirulina maxima treatment but independently of the TAG changes. In addition, significant differences were found comparing initial and final SYST-P and DIAST-P blood pressure in both male and female: SYST-P male 121 +/- 9 vs. 111 +/- 8 mm Hg (p < 0.01), DIAST-P male 85 +/- 6.5 vs. 77 +/- 9 mm Hg (p < 0.01); SYST-P female 120 +/- 9.5 vs. 109 +/- 11 mm Hg (p < 0.002), DIAST-P female 85 +/- 11 vs. 79 +/- 7.5 mm Hg (p < 0.03). CONCLUSION: The Spirulina maxima showed a hypolipemic effect, especially on the TAG and the LDL-C concentrations but indirectly on TC and HDL-C values. It also reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Effects of whole body exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on serum and liver lipid levels, in the rat.

BACKGROUND: [corrected] The effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on the blood serum and liver lipid concentrations of male Wistar rats were assessed. METHODS: Animals were exposed to a single stimulation (2 h) of ELF-EMF (60 Hz, 2.4 mT) or sham-stimulated and thereafter sacrificed at different times (24, 48 or 96 h after beginning the exposure). RESULTS: Blood lipids showed, at 48 h stimulated animals, a significant increase of cholesterol associated to high density lipoproteins (HDL-C) than those observed at any other studied time. Free fatty acid serum presented at 24 h significant increases in comparison with control group. The other serum lipids, triacylglycerols and total cholesterol did not show differences between groups, at any time evaluated. No statistical differences were shown on total lipids of the liver but total cholesterol was elevated at 24 h with a significant decrease at 96 h (p = 0.026). The ELF-EMF stimulation increased the liver content of lipoperoxides at 24 h. CONCLUSION: Single exposures to ELF-EMF increases the serum values of HDL-C, the liver content of lipoperoxides and decreases total cholesterol of the liver. The mechanisms for the effects of ELF-EMF on lipid metabolism are not well understand yet, but could be associated to the nitric oxide synthase EMF-stimulation.

Ethanolic extract of Spirulina maxima alters the vasomotor reactivity of aortic rings from obese rats.

BACKGROUND: Aortic rings with endothelium excised from fructose-fed obese rats develop more tension in response to phenylephrine and relax less in response to carbachol than corresponding rings from lean rats. This altered vascular reactivity is prevented when Spirulina maxima is added to the fructose-rich diet. In the present study the effects of a raw ethanolic extract of Spirulina maxima on the vasomotor responses of aorta rings from sucrose-fed obese hypertensive rats were analyzed. METHODS: The experiments were performed on aorta rings from sucrose-fed obese male rats. For each experiment, a pair of rings from the same aorta (one with intact endothelium, the other without a functional endothelium) was used. In this study we analyzed, in vitro, the effects of the ethanolic extract of Spirulina maxima on the reactivity of the aortic rings to phenylephrine and to carbachol. RESULTS: On rings with endothelium, the extract produced the following effects: a) a concentration-dependent (0.06-1.0 mg/mL) decrease of the contractile response to phenylephrine; b) a rightward shift and a decrease in maximal developed tension, of the concentration-response curve to phenylephrine; c) a concentration-dependent relaxation of phenylephrine-precontracted rings. These effects persisted in the presence of indomethacin but were prevented by L-NAME. The extract had no effect on the concentration-response curve of phenylephrine-precontracted rings to carbachol. On endothelium-denuded rings the extract caused a significant rightward shift of the concentration response curve to phenylephrine without any effect on maximal tension development. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, in rings from obese rats, the extract, in addition to increasing the synthesis/release of NO, also inhibits the synthesis/release of a cyclooxygenase-dependent vasoconstrictor metabolite of arachidonic acid, which is increased in obesity.

Protective effect of Arthrospira maxima on fatty acid composition in fatty liver.

BACKGROUND: Arthrospira maxima has been widely used for nutritional purposes. Additionally, A. maxima has shown immunomodulator, antiviral, antioxidant, vasomotor and hypolipidemic effects in laboratory and animal studies. A. maxima prevents fatty liver induced by either carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or fructose-rich diet; however, the liver lipid composition in these models is not clearly known yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of A. maxima on the liver lipid profile in CCl4-induced steatohepatitis. METHODS: A single sublethal, intraperitoneal dose of CCl4 was administered to male Wistar rats fed a diet with or without 5% A. maxima. Liver lipids: total lipids, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were assessed 24 and 48 h after injury with CCl4. Additionally, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol and aspartate aminotransferase were evaluated in blood. RESULTS: Forty eight hours after CCl4 treatment, rats fed a diet without A. maxima had serum aspartate aminotransferase and liver triacylglycerols values that were, respectively, 2.2 and 1.4 times higher than those of animals receiving 5% A. maxima in their diet. The same pattern was observed for liver free fatty acids and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. The groups fed a diet with A. maxima and treated with CCl4 showed a higher saturated fatty acid liver content than the groups without A. maxima in their diet. The percentage of unsaturated fatty acids increased 48 h after CCl4 treatment, but its value was 0.5 times lower in the group receiving A. maxima than in the group fed without A. maxima. In the liver, all animals receiving A. maxima showed a trend towards a lower percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, despite the mentioned increase 48 h after CCl4 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that, in the fatty liver induced by CCl4, the hepatoprotective effect of A. maxima involves (a) an antioxidant mechanism and (b) a lower unsaturation of the liver fatty acids. The preventive effect of A. maxima on the liver lipid changes induced by CCl4 could be partially explained by its antioxidant action and the ability to increase the synthesis/release of nitric oxide, but not by its soluble dietary fiber.

Gender- and hydration- associated differences in the physiological response to spinning.

INTRODUCTION: There is scarce and inconsistent information about gender-related differences in the hydration of sports persons, as well as about the effects of hydration on performance, especially during indoor sports. OBJECTIVE: To determine the physiological differences between genders during in indoor physical exercise, with and without hydration. METHODS: 21 spinning sportspeople (12 men and 9 women) participated in three controlled, randomly assigned and non-sequential hydration protocols, including no fluid intake and hydration with plain water or a sports drink (volume adjusted to each individual every 15 min), during 90 min of spinning exercise. The response variables included body mass, body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. RESULTS: During exercise without hydration, men and women lost ~2% of body mass, and showed higher body temperature (~0.2°C), blood pressure (~4 mmHg) and heart rate (~7 beats/min) compared to exercises with hydration. Body temperature and blood pressure were higher for men than for women during exercise without hydration, differences not observed during exercise with hydration. Between 42-99% of variance in body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate could be explained by the physical characteristics of subjects and the work done. CONCLUSIONS: During exercise with hydration (either with water or sport drink), the physiological response was similar for both genders. Exercise without hydration produced physical stress, which could be prevented with either of the fluids (plain water was sufficient). Gender differences in the physiological response to spinning (body temperature, mean blood pressure and heart rate) can be explained in part by the distinct physical characteristics of each individual.

Introducción: La información sobre las diferencias relacionadas con el sexo en cuanto a la hidratación de las personas deportistas, así como sobre los efectos de la hidratación sobre el rendimiento, especialmente en deportes de interior, es escasa e inconsistente. Objetivo: Determinar las diferencias fisiológicas entre sexos durante el ejercicio físico en el interior con y sin hidratación. Métodos: Veintiuna personas deportistas (12 hombres y 9 mujeres) participaron en tres protocolos de hidra tación, no secuenciales, controlados y distribuidos al azar, que incluían falta de hidratación, hidratación con agua corriente e hidratación con una bebida para deportistas (ajustando el volumen a cada individuo cada 15 minutos), durante 90 minutos de ejercicio spinning. Las variables de respuesta incluían masa corporal, temperatura corporal, frecuencia cardíaca y presión sanguínea. Resultados: Durante el ejercicio sin hidratación los hombres y mujeres perdieron cerca de un 2 % de la masa corporal y mostraron una temperatura corporal (~0,2° C), presión sanguínea (~4 mm Hg) y frecuencia cardíaca (~7 latidos/min) superiores en comparación con los ejercicios sin hidratación. La temperatura corporal y la presión sanguínea fueron superiores en hombres que en mujeres durante el ejercicio sin hidratación, diferencias que no se observaron durante el ejercicio con hidratación. Entre el 42 y el 99 % de la varianza de la temperatura corporal, la presión sanguínea y la frecuencia cardíaca pudo explicarse por las características físicas de los individuos y el trabajo realizado. Conclusiones: Durante el ejercicio con hidratación (ya fuese con agua o una bebida para deportistas), la respuesta fisiológica fue similar en ambos sexos. El ejercicio sin hidratación produjo estrés físico que pudo ser evitado con cualquiera de los dos tipos de líquidos (el agua corriente fue suficiente). Las diferencias en la respuesta fisiológica al spinning (temperatura corporal, presión sanguínea media y la frecuencia cardíaca) pudieron explicarse en parte por características físicas individuales diferenciales.

A importância da coleta e análise de água para o consumo humano em Luiz Antônio/SP: interação entre Vigilância Sanitária e o ensino técnico de Química / Importance of water analysis for human health in Luiz Antônio/SP: interaction betweeen sanitary surveillance and technical education of Chemistry

Tendo em vista a importância da análise da água para a saúde, o presente projeto teve por finalidade analisar parâmetros, físico-químicos e organolépticos, quanto aos níveis de cloro, pH, turbidez, e outros, da água que saí das torneiras na cidade de Luiz Antônio e compará-los aos laudos fornecidos pelo Instituto Adolfo Lutz em Ribeirão Preto, SP. Aos alunos foram apresentadas as rotinas de fiscalização, coleta de amostras e análises quantitativas realizadas em campo e a sua importância e relevância para a Saúde Pública. Foram realizadas coletas de água em cavaletes da rede municipal de distribuição de água. As amostras foram analisadas in loco (pH, temperatura e análise visual de turbidez) e também no Laboratório da Escola Municipal de Química (teor de cloro e presença ou não de coliformes totais e fecais). O trabalho, além da importância para a saúde da população, garantindo que a água do município seja distribuída de forma a assegurar a potabilidade sem causar riscos, serviu também de aprendizado aos alunos do Curso Técnico em Química, que passam a perceber a importância de acompanhar um tratamento químico em larga escala, além do aprendizado de sair a campo para coleta e acondicionamento adequado das amostras e análises químicas.

Effect of acute extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure on the antioxidant status and lipid levels in rat brain.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is generally accepted that electromagnetic fields (EMF) can exert biological effects; however, the mechanisms by which EMF elicits responses are still unknown. The present study was designed to assess the immediate effects of acute EMF exposure, movement restriction, and the combination of both on the antioxidant systems and lipid content in the whole brain of rat. METHODS: Thirty two male Wistar rats were arranged in four groups: control, EMF exposed, movement restrained (MR), and EMF + MR for 2 h. Rats were then sacrificed and their brains analyzed for superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, total cholesterol, and triacylglycerol levels, as well as plasma corticosterone concentrations. RESULTS: Acute exposure to EMF induces reduction in catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, whereas the combination of EMF + MR also decreases both reduced glutathione and nitric oxide levels. Our results show that the acute exposure to EMF does not induce elevation of stress-hormone corticosterone but impairs the antioxidant status in rat brain. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma corticosterone concentration and antioxidant data indicate that the acute exposure to EMF appears to be a mild stressor that leads to some adaptive responses due to the activation of systems controlling the brain oxidative balance.

Effect of Spirulina maxima on postprandial lipemia in young runners: a preliminary report.

Trained people exhibit low plasma concentrations of triacylglcyerols in both fasting and postprandial states. Exercise practice is commonly believed to improve postprandial lipemia. In addition, elevated postprandial lipemia is an indicator of poor lipid clearance, and it has been associated with atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and obesity. Spirulina maxima is an edible microorganism with a high nutritional value. When it is consumed, beneficial properties to health have been demonstrated, such as hypolipemic and antihypertensive properties in human beings. This work evaluates the effects of orally administrated S. maxima on postprandial lipemia in a young Mexican sporting population after 15 days of consumption, as a possible alternative treatment to improve their lipid clearance. Forty-one runners (10-26 years old; 21 men and 20 women) volunteered to participate in the study. All of them were physically active for at least 1 year before the study and were not undergoing training during the study. The subjects consumed 5 g of Spirulina during 15 days. Before and after the treatment with Spirulina, they consumed (12 h fasting) a standardized meal with high fat content (53.2% total calories). Postprandial lipemia was measured at 1.5, 3, and 4.5 h after the fatty meal. Fasting plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations were lower after Spirulina treatment than before treatment. In addition, the postprandial area under the curve of TAG concentrations was lower after the treatment with Spirulina. Sixty-two percent of the youngest runners (10-16 years) studied exhibited the best response to the treatment. Orally administered S. maxima decreased postprandial lipemia in sporting teenagers. The youngest people were the most responsive to the beneficial effects of Spirulina on postprandial lipemia.

Hepatoprotective effects of Spirulina maxima in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases range from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The "two hits" hypothesis is widely accepted for its pathogenesis: the first hit is an increased fat flux to the liver, which predisposes our patient to a second hit where increasing free fatty acid oxidation into the mitochondria leads to oxidative stress, lipoperoxidation and a chain reaction with increased ROS. Clinical indications include abdominal cramps, meteorism and fatigue. Most patients, however, are asymptomatic, and diagnosis is based on aminotransferase elevation and ultrasonography (or "brilliant liver"). Spirulina maxima has been experimentally proven to possess in vivo and in vitro hepatoprotective properties by maintaining the liver lipid profile. This case report evaluates the hepatoprotective effects of orally supplied Spirulina maxima. CASE PRESENTATION: Three Hispanic Mexican patients (a 43-year-old man, a 77-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman) underwent ultrasonography and were treated with 4.5 g/day of Spirulina maxima for three months. Their blood samples before and after the treatment determined triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The results were assessed using ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Treatment had therapeutic effects as evidenced by ultrasonography and the aminotransferase data. Hypolipidemic effects were also shown. We conclude that Spirulina maxima may be considered an alternative treatment for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases and dyslipidemic disorder.