Potential hepatoprotective effect of Cheatomorpha gracilis extract against High Fat Diet (HFD)-Induced Liver Damage, and its characterization by HPLC / Efeito hepatoprotetor potencial do extrato de Cheatomorpha gracilis contra dano hepático induzido por dieta alta em gordura (HFD), e sua caracterização por HPLC

The current investigation was carried out to estimate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Cheatomorpha gracilis (AEC) against High fat Diet (HFD) induced liver damage in mice. The results of the in vitro study showed that AEC have higher antioxidant capacities in the DPPH and hydroxyl radical-scavenging assays. Indeed, many phenolic compounds (gallic acid, quercetin, naringenin, apigenin, kaempferol and rutin) were identified in the AEC. In the animal studies, during 6 weeks, HFD promoted oxidative stress with a rise level of malonaldehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCOs) levels and a significant decrease of the antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Interestingly, the treatment with AEC (250 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced the effects of HFD disorders on some plasmatic liver biomarkers (AST, ALT and ALP) in addition to, plasmatic proteins inflammatory biomarkers (α2 and β1 decreases / β2 and γ globulins increases). It can be suggest that supplementation of MECG displays high potential to quench free radicals and attenuates high fat diet promoted liver oxidative stress and related disturbances.

A presente investigação foi realizada para estimar o efeito protetor do extrato aquoso de Cheatomorpha gracilis (AEC) contra o dano hepático induzido por dieta rica em gordura (HFD) em camundongos. Os resultados do estudo in vitro mostraram que os AEC têm maiores capacidades antioxidantes nos ensaios DPPH e de eliminação de radicais hidroxila. De fato, muitos compostos fenólicos (ácido gálico, quercetina, naringenina, apigenina, kaempferol e rutina) foram identificados no AEC. Nos estudos em animais, durante 6 semanas, HFD promoveu estresse oxidativo com aumento do nível de malonaldeído (MDA), níveis de proteína carbonil (PCOs) e diminuição significativa das atividades de enzimas antioxidantes como superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase. Curiosamente, o tratamento com AEC (250 mg / kg de peso corporal) reduziu significativamente os efeitos dos distúrbios de HFD em alguns biomarcadores hepáticos plasmáticos (AST, ALT e ALP), além de biomarcadores inflamatórios de proteínas plasmáticas (reduções α2 e β1 / β2 e γ aumenta as globulinas). Pode-se sugerir que a suplementação de MECG apresenta alto potencial para extinguir os radicais livres e atenua o estresse oxidativo do fígado promovido pela dieta rica em gordura e distúrbios relacionados.

Potential Hepatoprotective Effect of Cheatomorpha gracilis extract against High Fat Diet (HFD)-Induced Liver Damage, and its characterization by HPLC

Abstract The current investigation was carried out to estimate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Cheatomorpha gracilis (AEC) against High fat Diet (HFD) induced liver damage in mice. The results of the in vitro study showed that AEC have higher antioxidant capacities in the DPPH and hydroxyl radical-scavenging assays. Indeed, many phenolic compounds (gallic acid, quercetin, naringenin, apigenin, kaempferol and rutin) were identified in the AEC. In the animal studies, during 6 weeks, HFD promoted oxidative stress with a rise level of malonaldehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCOs) levels and a significant decrease of the antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Interestingly, the treatment with AEC (250 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced the effects of HFD disorders on some plasmatic liver biomarkers (AST, ALT and ALP) in addition to, plasmatic proteins inflammatory biomarkers (2 and 1 decreases / 2 and globulins increases). It can be suggest that supplementation of MECG displays high potential to quench free radicals and attenuates high fat diet promoted liver oxidative stress and related disturbances.

Resumo A presente investigação foi realizada para estimar o efeito protetor do extrato aquoso de Cheatomorpha gracilis (AEC) contra o dano hepático induzido por dieta rica em gordura (HFD) em camundongos. Os resultados do estudo in vitro mostraram que os AEC têm maiores capacidades antioxidantes nos ensaios DPPH e de eliminação de radicais hidroxila. De fato, muitos compostos fenólicos (ácido gálico, quercetina, naringenina, apigenina, kaempferol e rutina) foram identificados no AEC. Nos estudos em animais, durante 6 semanas, HFD promoveu estresse oxidativo com aumento do nível de malonaldeído (MDA), níveis de proteína carbonil (PCOs) e diminuição significativa das atividades de enzimas antioxidantes como superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase. Curiosamente, o tratamento com AEC (250 mg / kg de peso corporal) reduziu significativamente os efeitos dos distúrbios de HFD em alguns biomarcadores hepáticos plasmáticos (AST, ALT e ALP), além de biomarcadores inflamatórios de proteínas plasmáticas (reduções 2 e 1 / 2 e aumenta as globulinas). Pode-se sugerir que a suplementação de MECG apresenta alto potencial para extinguir os radicais livres e atenua o estresse oxidativo do fígado promovido pela dieta rica em gordura e distúrbios relacionados.

Potential Hepatoprotective Effect of Cheatomorpha gracilis extract against High Fat Diet (HFD)-Induced Liver Damage, and its characterization by HPLC / Efeito Hepatoprotetor Potencial do Extrato de Cheatomorpha gracilis contra Dano Hepático Induzido por Dieta Alta em Gordura (HFD), e sua caracterização por HPLC

The current investigation was carried out to estimate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Cheatomorpha gracilis (AEC) against High fat Diet (HFD) induced liver damage in mice. The results of the in vitro study showed that AEC have higher antioxidant capacities in the DPPH and hydroxyl radical-scavenging assays. Indeed, many phenolic compounds (gallic acid, quercetin, naringenin, apigenin, kaempferol and rutin) were identified in the AEC. In the animal studies, during 6 weeks, HFD promoted oxidative stress with a rise level of malonaldehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCOs) levels and a significant decrease of the antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Interestingly, the treatment with AEC (250 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced the effects of HFD disorders on some plasmatic liver biomarkers (AST, ALT and ALP) in addition to, plasmatic proteins inflammatory biomarkers (α2 and ß1 decreases / ß2 and γ globulins increases). It can be suggest that supplementation of MECG displays high potential to quench free radicals and attenuates high fat diet promoted liver oxidative stress and related disturbances.

A presente investigação foi realizada para estimar o efeito protetor do extrato aquoso de Cheatomorpha gracilis (AEC) contra o dano hepático induzido por dieta rica em gordura (HFD) em camundongos. Os resultados do estudo in vitro mostraram que os AEC têm maiores capacidades antioxidantes nos ensaios DPPH e de eliminação de radicais hidroxila. De fato, muitos compostos fenólicos (ácido gálico, quercetina, naringenina, apigenina, kaempferol e rutina) foram identificados no AEC. Nos estudos em animais, durante 6 semanas, HFD promoveu estresse oxidativo com aumento do nível de malonaldeído (MDA), níveis de proteína carbonil (PCOs) e diminuição significativa das atividades de enzimas antioxidantes como superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase. Curiosamente, o tratamento com AEC (250 mg / kg de peso corporal) reduziu significativamente os efeitos dos distúrbios de HFD em alguns biomarcadores hepáticos plasmáticos (AST, ALT e ALP), além de biomarcadores inflamatórios de proteínas plasmáticas (reduções α2 e ß1 / ß2 e γ aumenta as globulinas). Pode-se sugerir que a suplementação de MECG apresenta alto potencial para extinguir os radicais livres e atenua o estresse oxidativo do fígado promovido pela dieta rica em gordura e distúrbios relacionados.

Desenho da Figura Humana: Sistemas Mais Utilizados na Avaliação Cognitiva de Crianças / Human Figure Drawing: Systems Most Used in Cognitive Assessment of Children / Dibujo de la figura humana: sistemas más utilizados en la evaluación cognitiva de los niños

Investigou-se sistemas cognitivos do Desenho da Figura Humana (DFH) mais utilizados no âmbito internacional e nacional, e realizou análise qualitativa. A busca foi feita no Periódicos CAPES, SciELO, Redalyc e Pepsic. A partir dos critérios de seleção, foram analisados 33 artigos que permitiram a dentificação do sistema Goodenough-Harris, como o mais estudado internacionalmente, e o sistema Wechsler no contexto nacional. O ano de 2005 apresentou maior publicações. Observou-se predomínio da busca de evidências de validade com amostras brasileiras, enquanto que internacionalmente os estudos foram mais heterogêneos. Conclui-se que a maioria dos sistemas apresentam propriedades psicométricas minimamente adequadas sendo, porém, necessário a realização de novos estudos que investiguem o funcionamento dos sistemas, principalmente no âmbito nacional, que possui apenas 10 estudos. Limitações e agenda de pesquisa são apresentadas

This study investigated the most frequently used Human Figure Drawing (HFD) cognitive systems in the international and national scope, and carried out a qualitative analysis of them. A search was conducted through the databases Periódicos CAPES, SciELO, Redalyc, and Pepsic. Based on the selection criteria, a review of 33 articles provided the identification of the Goodenough-Harris system, as the most studied internationally, and the Wechsler system in the national context. The largest number of publications occurred in 2005. Regarding the study types, among those with a Brazilian sample most aimed to find validity evidence, while internationally studies were more heterogeneous. The conclusion is that most systems presented minimally fit psychometric properties, but that new studies are necessary to investigate system function, particularly at the national level, which has only 10 studies. Limitations and research agenda are presented.

Se investigó los sistemas cognitivos más utilizados del Dibujo de la Figura Humana (DFH) en el ámbito internacional y nacional, y realizó un análisis cualitativo. La búsqueda fue en las bases de datos Periódicos CAPES, SciELO, Redalyc y Pepsic. Un análisis de 33 artículos proporcionó la identificación del sistema Goodenough-Harris como el más estudiado internacionalmente, en el contexto nacional fue el sistema Wechsler. El mayor número de publicaciones se produjo en 2005. Se observó que en los realizados con muestras nacionales la mayoría buscó evidencias de validez y los estudios internacionales eran más heterogéneos. La conclusión es que la mayoría de los sistemas presentan propiedades psicométricas mínimamente ajustadas, pero se necesitan nuevos estudios para investigar la función de cada uno de esos sistema, particularmente a nivel nacional, que fueron encontrados apenas 10 estudios. Se presentan limitaciones y una agenda de investigación

Impact of obese levels on the hepatic expression of nuclear receptors and drug-metabolizing enzymes in adult and offspring mice

The prevalence of obesity-associated conditions raises new challenges in clinical medication. Although altered expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) has been shown in obesity, the impacts of obese levels (overweight, obesity, and severe obesity) on the expression of DMEs have not been elucidated. Especially, limited information is available on whether parental obese levels affect ontogenic expression of DMEs in children. Here, a high-fat diet (HFD) and three feeding durations were used to mimic different obese levels in C57BL/6 mice. The hepatic expression of five nuclear receptors (NRs) and nine DMEs was examined. In general, a trend of induced expression of NRs and DMEs (except for and ) was observed in HFD groups compared to low-fat diet (LFD) groups. Differential effects of HFD on the hepatic expression of DMEs were found in adult mice at different obese levels. Family-based dietary style of an HFD altered the ontogenic expression of DMEs in the offspring older than 15 days. Furthermore, obese levels of parental mice affected the hepatic expression of DMEs in offspring. Overall, the results indicate that obese levels affected expression of the DMEs in adult individuals and that of their children. Drug dosage might need to be optimized based on the obese levels.

Ginger extract ameliorates renal damage in high fat diet-induced obesity in rats: biochemical and ultrastructural study / El extracto de jengibre mejora el daño renal en la obesidad inducida por la dieta alta en grasas en ratas: estudio bioquímico y ultraestructural

Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for the development and progression of kidney disease. Obesity may harm kidneys in individuals without hypertension, diabetes, or pre-existing renal disease. Ginger, Zingiber officinale, has many beneficial pharmaceutical benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the Zingiber officinale protective effect against obesity complications which induced by high fat diet and caused renal dysfunctions. The study period was two months, and the experimental animals' groups were four, 80 Wistar rats were appropriated similarly 20 animals/group: control group; ginger extract group (GE); high-fat diet (HFD); and GE+HFD group. Body and fat weight, creatinine, leptin, TNF-α, total antioxidants, renal histopathological and ultrastructure were investigated. Rats in group of HFD showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the body and fat weights, creatinine, leptin and TNF-α, and significant decrease (P<0.05) in total antioxidants (TAS). Ginger administration significantly showed the protective restoring the altered parameters. Furthermore, rats co-treated with ginger extract improved the histopathological and ultrastructural renal injury induced by obesity. The study concluded that the ginger extract used could suppress and decrease the renal damage induced by high-fat diet as it possesses potential medicinal values.

La obesidad es un factor de riesgo modificable para el desarrollo y la progresión de la enfermedad renal. La obesidad puede dañar los riñones en personas sin hipertensión, diabetes o enfermedad renal preexistente. El jengibre, Zingiber officinale, tiene muchos beneficios farmacéuticos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto protector de Zingiber officinale en las complicaciones de la obesidad inducida por una dieta alta en grasas y las enfermedad renal. El período de estudio fue de dos meses, y los grupos de animales experimentales fueron cuatro, se asignaron 80 ratas Wistar de manera similar, 20 animales por grupo: grupo de control; grupo de extracto de jengibre (GE); dieta alta en grasas (DAG); y el grupo GE + DAG. Se evaluó el peso corporal y la grasa, creatinina, leptina, TNF-α, antioxidantes totales, histopatología renal y ultraestructura. Las ratas en el grupo de DAG mostraron un aumento significativo (P<0,05) en el peso corporal y de grasa, creatinina, leptina y TNF-a, y una disminución significativa (P<0,05) en los antioxidantes totales. La administración de jengibre mostró una protección significativa restaurando los parámetros alterados. Además, las ratas tratadas conjuntamente con extracto de jengibre mejoraron la lesión renal histopatológica y ultraestructural inducida por la obesidad. El estudio concluyó que el extracto de jengibre podría suprimir y disminuir el daño renal inducido por la dieta alta en grasas, ya que posee potenciales valores medicinales.

The Modulating Effect Of Barley Β-Glucan Extract On High Fat Diet Induced Obesity-A Biochemical Study In Albino Wistar Rats

Objective: Diet-inducedhyperlipidemia and obesity are the major risk factors for type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disorders (CVD). The objective of the present study is to furnish scientific proof for the lipid-lowering effect of β-glucan, a lead compound present in barley with a defined mechanism of action. Methods: Obesity was induced in male albino Wistar rats by feeding ahigh-fat diet (HFD) for 14 w and were randomly divided into four groups of equal number (n=6). Group 1 and 2 served as control fed with normal diet (5% fat). Group 3 and 4 were fed HFD (23%fat) for 14 w. In addition, group 2 and 4 rats were administered orally with 200 mg/kg body weight of barley β glucan (BRBG) from the third week. After 14 w, the rats were sacrificed, and serum/plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), phospholipids, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and adiponectin were determined. Results: Biochemical changes were observed in weight gain, body mass index (BMI),adiposity index (ADI), total fat pad mass (TFP), blood lipids, LDL, lipid peroxides (LPO) and antioxidant enzyme activity of HFD fed rats when compared with BRBG co-administered rats. In addition, serum adiponectin levels and 3-hydroxy-3methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme Areductase(HMG CoA reductase)activity were elevated in rats administered BRBG along with HFD. Histological examination in HFD induced rats revealed a profound change in cell size with increased hypertrophy in visceral adipose tissue. Conclusions: The results indicate that barley consumption could reverse most of these biochemical and histological changes in HFD fed rats owing to its hypolipidemic and antioxidant effect.

Influence of NNT mutation on glucose homeostasis in C57BL/6 mice / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To explore the effect of nicotinaide nucleotide transhydrogenase(NNT) mutation on glucose homeostasis in C57BL/6 mice with mix background. Methods We generated wild type NNT homozygous, mutant NNT homozygous and heterozygous by mating the C57BL/6J (with NNT mutation) and 6N (without NNT mutation). At the age of 4 weeks, those mice were randomly assigned to normal control diet(NCD) or high-fat diet(HFD) for 4 weeks. The body weight was measured every week. At the age of 8 weeks, an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test(IPGTT) and an intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed. Results The body weight growth was not affected by NNT mutation during an HFD fed. NNT mutant mice showed significant glucose intolerance. After 4 weeks of high fat diet, the NNT mutant mice showed a decreased insulin sensitivity, while the glucose excursion curve was not elevated in the heterozygous mice. Conclusion NNT mutation had a significant influence on the phenotype of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance of mice, in particular under a metabolic stress. The phenotypes of heterozygous and homozygous mutant ones differed from each other. When using mice with C57BL/6J and C57BL/6N mixed background in research, NNT mutation should be carefully screened in all metabolic studies.

Effect of hydroalcoholic fruit extract of Persea americana Mill. on high fat diet induced obesity: A dose response study in rats.

The fruits of Persea Americana Mill., commonly known as Avocado, are traditionally consumed for various health benefits including weight reduction. Here, we studied the effect of hydroalcoholic fruit extract of Persea americana (HAEPA) on high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in rats. Obesity was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by feeding HFD for 14 wk. The hypolipidemic effect was evaluated by co-administering 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body wt. of HAEPA. There was a significant increase in weight gain, body mass index (BMI), blood lipids, low density lipoproteins (LDL), lipid peroxides (LPO) and serum transaminases in HFD fed rats. HFD+HAEPA fed rats showed a significant decrease in blood lipids, LPO, liver lipids and increase in antioxidant status when compared to HFD control rats. The activity of lipid metabolic key enzymes such as fatty acid synthase and HMG CoA reductase in liver were also found to be decreased significantly in HAEPA co-administered rats. Lipoprotein lipase activity was found increased in HFD+HAEPA rats. Among the 4 doses studied, 100 mg of HAEPA/kg body wt. exhibited optimum hypolipidemic activity. Histopathological observations in liver and visceral adipose tissue added more evidence for the lipid lowering effect of HAEPA. It can be concluded that avocado fruit extract can act as hypolipidemic agent probably by modulating the activities of HMG CoA reductase and fatty acid synthase in liver.

Moringa oleifera Lam. seed extract prevents fat diet induced oxidative stress in mice and protects liver cell-nuclei from hydroxyl radical mediated damage.

High fat diet (HFD) prompts metabolic pattern inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in mitochondria thereby triggering multitude of chronic disorders in human. Antioxidants from plant sources may be an imperative remedy against this disorder. However, it requires scientific validation. In this study, we explored if (i) Moringa oleifera seed extract (MoSE) can neutralize ROS generated in HFD fed mice; (ii) protect cell-nuclei damage developed by Fenton reaction in vitro. Swiss mice were fed with HFD to develop oxidative stress model (HFD group). Other groups were control, seed extract alone treated, and MoSE simultaneously (HS) treated. Treatment period was of 15 days. Antioxidant enzymes with tissue nitrite content (TNC) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were estimated from liver homogenate. HS group showed significantly higher (P <0.05) superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) compared to only HFD fed group. Further, TNC and LPO decreased significantly (P <0.05) in HS group compared to HFD fed group. MoSE also protected hepatocytes nuclei from the hydroxyl radicals generated by Fenton reaction. MoSE was found to be polyphenol rich with potent reducing power, free radicals and hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity. Thus, MoSE exhibited robust antioxidant prospective to neutralize ROS developed in HFD fed mice and also protected the nuclei damage from hydroxyl radicals. Hence, it can be used as herbal medication against HFD induced ROS mediated disorders.

Anti-Obesity Effects on Unripe Rubus coreanus Miquel Extract in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Aims: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of unripe Rubus coreanus Miquel (uRC) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and body weight, epididymal fat and perirenal fat weight, and lipid profiles in diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6 mice. Methodology: The lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was carried out Oil Red O staining. And uRC (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) were orally administered for 90 days from the day of feeding with high fat diet (HFD). The serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and low density lipoprotein(LDL)-cholesterol and glucose levels were measured using Alere cholesterol LDXⓇ system. And the serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatinine levels were measured using the respective kits. Results: Our results indicated that treatment with uRC dose-dependently inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Moreover, after oral administration for 12 weeks, uRC (50 and 100mg/kg/day) extract produced a significant decrease in the serum total cholesterol (TC), lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, glucose and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) levels of HFD-induced obese mice. Similarly, uRC extract elevated serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. These results suggest that uRC extract may be a useful resource for the management of obesity. Conclusion: These results suggest that uRC extract may be a useful resource for the management of obesity.

Hypolipidemic Activity Of Cassia Tora Seeds In Hyperlipidemic Rats

The hypolipidemic activity of Cassia tora (Chakvat, Chakunda) (Family: Caesalpiniaceae) seeds extract has been studied in two hyperlipidemic models of rat. These are triton injected and cholesterol rich HFD fed model of hyperlipidemia. In triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidemia, feeding with root extract (500 mg/ kg body wt/ day p.o. ) exerted lipid lowering effect as assessed by reversal of plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), phospholipids (PL), triglyceride (TG) and reactivation of Post Heparin Lipolytic Activity (PHLA) of plasma. The other model was fed with cholesterol rich HFD and seeds extract of Cassia tora (500 mg/ kg body wt/ day p.o.) simultaneously for 30 days. This also caused lowering of lipid levels in plasma and liver homogenate and reactivation of plasma post heparin lipolytic activity, hepatic total lipoprotein lipase activity. The hypolipidemic activity of Cassia tora seeds was compared with a standard drug guggulipid (200 mg/ kg body wt/ day p.o.), a known lipid lowering drug in both models.

Avaliação do funcionamento cognitivo por meio do CAT-A: evidências de validade / Cognitive assessment using the CAT-A: validity evidence

O objetivo desse estudo foi trazer evidências de validade do CAT-A para avaliação do funcionamento cognitivo em crianças. Correlacionou-se indicadores cognitivos no CAT-A; DFH e Rorschach no Sistema Compreensivo. Inicialmente, com base no DFH, selecionou-se 46 crianças de 7 e de 12 anos, divididas em dois grupos, um com 32 participantes com nível cognitivo abaixo do esperado e outro com 14 com nível acima do esperado. Em seguida aplicou-se o Rorschach e o CAT-A, individualmente. Os índices de correlação significativa entre os instrumentos permitiram encontrar evidências de validade para o CAT-A na avaliação da cognição. Quanto aos indicadores que avaliam o nível de desenvolvimento da percepção no CAT-A, obteve-se diferenças de média entre os dois grupos, cognição elevada e cognição abaixo do esperado para idade, denotando convergência entre os resultados das três técnicas. Os resultados não apenas trouxeram um avanço para o uso do CAT-A como também abrem novas perspectivas de pesquisas com esse instrumento.

The aim of this study was to verify the validity of the Children Apperception Test (CAT-A) for cognitive assessment of children. The results of CAT-A were correlated with Human Figure Drawing (HFD) and the Rorschach Method. Based on the data of HFD, the sample was composed of 46 children: 32 with low scores and 14 with a higher level of cognition. The Rorschach and the CAT-A were administered individually. The rates of significant correlation between the instruments pointed out for validity evidence for the CAT-A in the assessment of cognition. As for indicators that assess the development level of perception in the CAT-A, it was found some differences between the two groups, denoting convergence between the results of HFD and CAT-A. Thus, the significant correlation of the CAT-A and the two other instruments is an evidence of validity to CAT-A to assess cognitive aspects and allow some advances for its use and for further researches using this technique.

Desenho da figura humana e a avaliação da imagem corporal / Human figure drawing and the evaluation of the body image / Dibujo de la figura humana y la evaluación de la imagen corporal

O Desenho da Figura Humana (DFH) é uma das técnicas de avaliação psicológica mais conhecidas e utilizadas no Brasil, podendo informar sobre características da imagem corporal do indivíduo, tema relevante na atualidade, quando a representação do corpo tem assumido grande destaque social. Neste contexto, objetivou-se avaliar a representação da imagem corporal expressa no DFH (proposta de Machover) de adultos de diferentes índices de massa corporal (IMCs). Participaram do estudo 120 voluntários, de idades entre 18 e 55 anos, dos sexos masculino e feminino, saudáveis, residentes em Ribeirão Preto (SP), distribuídos em quatro grupos de IMC (abaixo do peso, peso normal, sobrepeso e acima do peso). Os desenhos foram classificados por juízes independentes, adotando-se o sistema proposto por Van Kolck. Os resultados indicaram poucas diferenças significativas entre os itens avaliativos do DFH e os diferentes grupos de IMC, apontando limites informativos na investigação da imagem corporal de adultos por meio desta técnica.

The Human Figure Drawing (HFD) is one of the most known and employed techniques of psychological evaluation in Brazil, informing body image characteristics of individuals, a currently relevant issue in which body image representation has assumed a great social importance. In this context, body image representation, expressed through the HFD (proposed by Machover), was evaluated in adults with distinct body mass indexes (BMI). Participants included 120 healthy volunteers, from 18 to 55 years of age, males and females, resident in Ribeirão Preto (SP), and classified in four groups of BMI (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese). The drawings were classified by independent judges, by adopting the system proposed by Van Kolck. The results indicate few meaningful differences among the evaluated items of the HFD and the distinct groups of BMI, indicating informative limits in the investigation of body image of adults through this technique.

El Dibujo de la Figura Humana (DFH) es una de las técnicas de evaluación psicológica más conocidas y utilizadas en Brasil que puede informar sobre características de la imagen corporal del individuo, tema relevante en la actualidad cuando la representación del cuerpo ha asumido gran destaque social. En este contexto, se buscó evaluar la representación de la imagen corporal, expresa en el DFH (propuesta de Machover), de adultos de diferentes índices de masa corporal (IMC). Participaron del estudio 120 voluntarios, de 18 a 55 años, de los sexos femenino y masculino, saludables, residentes en Ribeirão Preto (SP), distribuidos en cuatro grupos de IMC (abajo del peso, peso normal, sobrepeso y exceso de peso). Los dibujos fueron clasificados por jueces independientes, adoptándose el sistema propuesto por Van Kolck. Los resultados indicaron pocas diferencias significativas entre los ítems evaluadores del DFH y los diferentes grupos de IMC, señalando límites informativos en la investigación de la imagen corporal de adultos por medio de esta técnica.