Morphological, biochemical and histological effects of aqueous extracts of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) on swiss mice in different diets

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the morphological, biochemical, and histological effects of aqueous extracts of peanut (skinless and added to 1% skin) in Swiss mice submitted to a high-fat diet. Methods: Forty male Swiss mice were divided into four groups (n=10 per group): GI) normocaloric diet; GII) high-fat diet; GIII) high-fat diet + 0.5 mL of peanut extract; GIV) high-fat diet + 0.5 mL of peanut extract + 1% peanut skin. The animals were weighed weekly and euthanized after 12 weeks for histopathological and biochemical analyses. The study was approved by the Animal Use Ethics Committee. Results: The animals in the GIV group had higher body weight when compared to the other ones. Increase in total cholesterol in GIII, increase in blood glucose in groups GII, GIII and GIV, decrease in serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration in groups GI and GIV and increase in serum concentration of C-reactive protein in GII were seen. The presence of vacuolar fat deposits was found in animal livers from GII. Conclusions: The extracts improved the plasma concentrations of animals that received a high-fat diet, including preventing morphological damage to liver tissue. These benefits were enhanced by the association of peanut shells with the extract.

Análisis cinemático de la masticación de una granola prototipo en contraste con la masticación de maní / Kinematic analysis of chewing by using a granola prototype and peanut

La masticación se ha estudiado desde diferentes puntos de vista, utilizando alimentos de prueba naturales y artificiales. La evidencia es escasa cuando se analizan alimentos a base de cereales, que van desde cereales para el desayuno hasta barras de granola. El investigar este tipo de alimentos, se vuelve importante para entender el comportamiento de la masticación frente a alimentos con diferentes composiciones y texturas, y como estas características pueden influir en el proceso masticatorio. Se analizó la masticación desde un punto de vista cinemático, en sujetos jóvenes dentados. El alimento de prueba utilizado fue granola prototipo y maní, este último se ha estudiado en sujetos con rehabilitación protésica y su consumo se recomienda en esta población. Se analizaron las características cinemáticas de la masticación como numero de ciclos, frecuencia masticatoria, velocidad de masticación de ascenso y descenso, y el área de masticación en los tres planos del espacio. Se relacionaron los movimientos masticatorios con los movimientos mandibulares bordeantes que conformaron el polígono de Posselt, este también se analizó en los tres planos espaciales. En todas las variables analizadas la granola presento valores mayores, excepto en el número de ciclos masticatorios, sólo se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p= 0,03) al comparar la velocidad (ascenso y descenso) y el área de masticación en el plano horizontal.

Chewing has been studied from different points of view, using natural and artificial foods test. When analyzing cereal-based foods, from breakfast cereals to granola bars, the evidence is scarce. Investigate this type of food is important to understand the behavior of chewing, with foods of different compositions and textures, and how these characteristics can influence the chewing process. Chewing was analyzed from a cinematic point of view, in young subjects complete dental. The test food used was prototype granola and peanuts, last one has been studied in subjects with prosthetic rehabilitation and its consumption is recommended in this population. The kinematic characteristics of chewing were analyzed: number of cycles, chewing frequency, ascent and descent chewing speed, and the chewing area in the three planes of space. The masticatory movements were related to the bordering mandibular movements, that formed the Posselt polygon, which was also analyzed in the three spatial planes. In all the variables analyzed, granola showed higher values, except in the number of chewing cycles, only statistically significant differences (p = 0.03) were found when comparing speed (ascent and descent) and the chewing area in the horizontal plane.

Incidência de aflatoxinas B1, B2, G1 e G2 em amendoins / Incidence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 in peanuts

Micotoxinas são substâncias tóxicas produzidas por fungos e encontradas nos alimentos. As micotoxinas mais tóxicas são as aflatoxinas, produzidas, principalmente por Aspergillus flavus. Estudos realizados no país demonstraram alta incidência dessas micotoxinas em produtos de amendoim, que representa risco à saúde da população. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a incidência de aflatoxinas B1, B2, G1 e G2 em amostras de amendoins comercializados na região Nordeste do Estado de São Paulo nos períodos de 1994-2001 e 2016-2017. O método utilizado para analisar as amostras no primeiro período foi extração líquido-líquido e cromatografia em camada delgada e no segundo foi utilizando colunas de imunoafinidade, cromatografia líquida com derivatização pós-coluna e detector por fluorescência. No levantamento de 1994-2001 das 82 amostras, 39% tiveram contaminação de aflatoxinas variando de 11 a 1556 μg/kg com 37% das amostras contendo níveis maiores que 20 μg/kg, enquanto na pesquisa de 2016-17, das 56 amostras, 38% apresentaram contaminação destas toxinas variando de 0,09 a 60,40 μg/kg com 13% das amostras contendo níveis maiores que 20 μg/kg. Os resultados dos dois períodos estudados indicam que houve uma diminuição na incidência e nível das aflatoxinas estudadas, embora esta contaminação em amendoim permaneça um problema de saúde pública.

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi found in food. The most toxic mycotoxins are the aflatoxins produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus. Studies carried out in Brazil showed a high incidence of these mycotoxins in peanut products, a fact that represents public health problems. The aim of the study was to evaluate aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in samples of peanuts sold in cities of the Northeast of the State of São Paulo in the period from 1994 to 2001 and from 2016 to 2017. The samples of the first period were analyzed using liquid-liquid extraction and thin-layer chromatography and the second using immunoaffinity columns, post-column derivative liquid chromatography and fluorescence detector. In the 1994-2001 survey, among 82 samples, 39% presented aflatoxins contamination ranging from 11 to 1556 μg/kg with 37% with levels greater than 20 μg/kg whereas, in the 2016-17 survey, 38% of the 56 samples presented contamination of aflatoxins ranging from 0.09 to 60.40 μg/kg and 7 samples 13% containing aflatoxins levels higher than 20 μg/kg. The results indicated there was a decrease in the incidence and level of aflatoxins, but the contamination of aflatoxins in peanuts remains a public health problem.

Simultaneous determination of 15 mycotoxins in peanuts by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with QuEChERS EMR-Lipid approach and stable isotope dilution / 上海预防医学

Objective To develop a method for the simultaneous determination of 15mycotoxins in peanuts by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with QuEChERS EMR-Lipid approach and stable isotope dilution. Methods The samples were extracted by 2% formic acid acetonitrile-water (50 : 50, V/V) and then purified with QuEChERS EMR-Lipid approach.The mycotoxins were fully separated on a pentafluorophenyl column under a gradient elution with methonal-0.01%formic acid aqueous solution.The mycotoxins were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and quantified by isotope internal standard method. Results Fifteen mycotoxins had good linear relationship in the certain correlation ranges with the correlation coefficients all above 0.995 and the detection limits were 0.1－10 μg/kg.The mean recoveries ranged from 81.2% to 115.3% with RSD (n=6) varying from 2.1% to 10.7%. Conclusion The method is simple, highly sensitive, practical, and proves to be suitable for quantitative analysis of 15 mycotoxins in peanuts.

Characterization of two xerophilic Aspergillus spp. from peanuts (Arachis hypogaea)

@#Aims: Xerophilic Aspergillus spp. promote the growth of toxigenic species. Since mycotoxins are toxic to human andanimal, identification of these species is important.Methodology and results: Two xerophilic species isolated from peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) were identified based onmorphological characteristics, molecular identification, and phylogenetic analysis using internal transcribed spacerregion, β-tubulin, and calmodulin sequences.Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The occurrence of A. chevalieri and A. amstelodami on peanutsprovides favorable growth conditions for less xerophilic Aspergillus as well as other spoilage-related fungal genera,particularly mycotoxin-producing species that could lead to mycotoxin contamination. The occurrence of A. chevalieriand A. amstelodami on peanuts might also reduce shelf life and affect the quality of the kernels. To our knowledge, thisis the first report of the occurrence of A. chevalieri and A. amstelodami on a food product in Malaysia, and the finding ofthis study contributes to the repertoire of Aspergillus species that are associated with food products.

Occurrence and exposure assessment to aflatoxins in peanuts commercialized in the northwest of Parana, Brazil / Ocorrência e avaliação da exposição as aflatoxinas em amendoim comercializado na região noroeste do Paraná, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Peanuts are a nutritious food consumed worldwide. Some species of the genus Aspergillus, producers of aflatoxins, colonize peanuts. Human exposure to aflatoxins occurs by ingesting contaminated foods. The objective of this paper was to assess the occurrence and dietary exposure of the population to aflatoxins in peanuts commercially available in Maringa, Brazil, from May 2013 to April 2017. A total of 104 peanut samples were evaluated by thin-layer chromatography and confirmed by derivatization with trifluoroacetic acid. The contamination rate detected was 24.0% in average concentration of 13.4µg/kg. Twenty positive samples (19.2%) exceeded the maximum level permitted in Brazil for the sum of four aflatoxins. Estimated probable daily intake was 1,28 µg/kg body weight/day, exceeding the Provisional Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake (0.001μg/kg body weight/day). According to the high levels of aflatoxins found in peanuts, there is need for further monitoring the presence of aflatoxins in peanuts in natura to reduce the levels of contamination.

RESUMO: O amendoim é um alimento nutritivo e muito consumido no mundo todo. Algumas espécies de fungos do gênero Aspergillus, produtores de aflatoxinas, colonizam o amendoim. A exposição humana as aflatoxinas ocorre por meio do consumo de alimentos contaminados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência e exposição da população as aflatoxinas em amendoim comercializado no município de Maringá, Brasil, durante o período de maio de 2013 a abril de 2017. Foram avaliadas 104 amostras de amendoim por análise cromatográfica e confirmadas por derivação com ácido trifluoroacético. A frequência de contaminação foi de 24,0% em concentração média de 13,4µg/kg. Vinte amostras positivas (19,2%) apresentaram-se acima do limite máximo permitido no Brasil para a somatória das quatro aflatoxinas. A ingestão diária provável média encontrada foi de 1,28µg/kg peso corpóreo/dia, superando a ingestão diária máxima tolerável provisória (0,001µg/kg peso corpóreo/dia). De acordo com os elevados teores de aflatoxinas encontrados em amendoim, há necessidade de um maior monitoramento da presença de aflatoxinas em alimentos, tendo em vista a redução nos níveis de contaminação do amendoim in natura.

Fungos potencialmente toxigênicos em amostras de amendoim disponível para o consumo humano / Potentially toxigenic fungi in peanut samples available for human consumption

Avaliou-se a contaminação por fungos potencialmente toxigênicos em amendoim in natura disponível para consumo humano e comercializado em supermercados de Juiz de Fora, MG. Foram adquiridas 31 amostras de sete diferentes marcas de amendoim em grãos cru; amendoim torrado em grãos e amendoim torrado e triturado (moído), em embalagens originais e invioladas, em cinco estabelecimentos comerciais. A análise da presença de fungos potencialmente toxigênicos nos grãos de amendoim foi realizada por meio da técnica de plaqueamento direto em placas de Petri, contendo os meios de cultura Ágar Batata Dextrose (ABD) e Ágar Dicloran Rosa de Bengala Cloranfenicol (ADRBC). Das 31 amostras analisadas, 17 (54,84%) estavam contaminadas por fungos potencialmente toxigênicos (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus e/ou Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus fumigatus e Penicillium spp) além de outros não toxigênicos (Rhizopus spp. e leveduras). O índice de contaminação nas diferentes amostras de amendoim avaliadas foi expressivo, sendo que as espécies encontradas foram de fungos potencialmente toxigênicos produtores de micotoxinas importantes como as aflatoxinas.

Occurrence of fungi and aflatoxins B in nuts and products marketed the Brazilian northeastern regions / Ocorrência de fungos e aflatoxinas do tipo B em castanhase produtos comercializados no nordeste brasileiro

Aflatoxin contamination has been considered as a public health problem, especially in tropical countries, including Brazil. In order to investigate the presence of type B aflatoxins in products marketed in the city of Fortaleza, 23 samples were analyzed by thin layer chromatography.Visible fungal contamination in food was identified according to their macroscopic and microscopic features. The contamination by aflatoxins was detected in 8.7 % of 23 analyzedsamples, and 12.5 % of Brazilian nuts samples were positive for AFB1 (<8 µg/kg) and for AFB2 in a contamination rate above the allowed value (16 µg/kg). Among the peanut samples,33.3 % were positive to AFB1 and AFB2, also in a contamination rate (317.1 µg/kg) which was higher than that recommended by ANVISA. The isolation and morphological characteristics of fungi detected mainly in Brazilian nuts with peel showed the occurrence of the followingspecies: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Fusarium sp, Aspergillus terreus and bacteria of Actinomycetes phylum. These findings indicate that it is needed to apply the mostly effective quality monitoringof food available to consumers.

A contaminação por aflatoxinas tem sido considerada um problema de saúde públicaprincipalmente em países tropicais, incluindo o Brasil. Com o intuito de investigar a presença de aflatoxinas do tipo B em produtos comercializados na cidade de Fortaleza, 23 amostrasforam analisadas por meio de cromatografia em camada delgada. Os fungos visivelmentepresentes em alimentos foram identificados de acordo com suas características macroscópicase microscópicas. A contaminação por aflatoxina foi detectada em 8,7 % das 23 amostrasanalisadas; e 12,5 % das amostras de castanha-do-Brasil apresentaram positividade paraAFB1 (<8 μg/kg) e para AFB2 com taxa de contaminação acima do valor permitido (16 μg/kg). Quanto às amostras de amendoim, 33,3 % apresentaram positividade para AFB1 e AFB2, também com nível de contaminação (317,1 μg/kg) acima do preconizado pela ANVISA. O isolamento e a caracterização morfológica dos fungos encontrados principalmente nas castanhas-do-Brasilcom casca revelaram a presença das espécies: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Fusarium sp, Aspergillus terreuse bactérias do filo Actinomicetos. Estes resultados demonstram que há necessidade de fiscalização mais efetiva da qualidade dos alimentos oferecidos aos consumidores.

Occurrence of fungi and aflatoxins B in nuts and products marketed the Brazilian northeastern regions / Ocorrência de fungos e aflatoxinas do tipo B em castanhas e produtos comercializados no Nordeste brasileiro

Aflatoxin contamination has been considered as a public health problem, especially in tropical countries, including Brazil. In order to investigate the presence of type B aflatoxins in products marketed in the city of Fortaleza, 23 samples were analyzed by thin layer chromatography. Visible fungal contamination in food was identified according to their macroscopic and microscopic features. The contamination by aflatoxins was detected in 8.7 % of 23 analyzed samples, and 12.5 % of Brazilian nuts samples were positive for AFB1 (<8 µg/kg) and for AFB2 in a contamination rate above the allowed value (16 µg/kg). Among the peanut samples, 33.3 % were positive to AFB1 and AFB2, also in a contamination rate (317.1 µg/kg) which was higher than that recommended by ANVISA. The isolation and morphological characteristics of fungi detected mainly in Brazilian nuts with peel showed the occurrence of the following species: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Fusarium sp, Aspergillus terreus and bacteria of Actinomycetes phylum. These findings indicate that it is needed to apply the mostly effective quality monitoring of food available to consumers.

A contaminação por aflatoxinas tem sido considerada um problema de saúde pública principalmente em países tropicais, incluindo o Brasil. Com o intuito de investigar a presença de aflatoxinas do tipo B em produtos comercializados na cidade de Fortaleza, 23 amostras foram analisadas por meio de cromatografia em camada delgada. Os fungos visivelmente presentes em alimentos foram identificados de acordo com suas características macroscópicas e microscópicas. A contaminação por aflatoxina foi detectada em 8,7 % das 23 amostras analisadas; e 12,5 % das amostras de castanha-do-Brasil apresentaram positividade para AFB1 (<8 µg/kg) e para AFB2 com taxa de contaminação acima do valor permitido (16 µg/kg). Quanto às amostras de amendoim, 33,3 % apresentaram positividade para AFB1 e AFB2, também com nível de contaminação (317,1 µg/kg) acima do preconizado pela ANVISA. O isolamento e a caracterização morfológica dos fungos encontrados principalmente nas castanhas-do-Brasil com casca revelaram a presença das espécies: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Fusarium sp, Aspergillus terreus e bactérias do filo Actinomicetos. Estes resultados demonstram que há necessidade de fiscalização mais efetiva da qualidade dos alimentos oferecidos aos consumidores.

Plant Growth Promotion and Root Colonization by EPS Producing Enterobacter sp. RZS5 under Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil.

The heavy metal resistant bacterium isolated from field soil and identified as Enterobacter sp. RZS5 tolerates a high concentration (100-2000 mM) of various heavy metal ions such as Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, CO2+ and Fe2+ when grown in such environment and produces exopolysaccharides (EPS). Here, we have demonstrated EPS production by Enterobacter sp. RZS5 during 60 h of growth in yeast extract mannitol broth (YEMB). The yield increased by two fold after the addition of 60 M of Ca2+; 50 M of Fe2+ and 60 M of Mg2+ ions in YEMB, and the optimization of physico-chemical parameters. EPS was extracted with 30% (v/v) of isopropanol as against the commonly used 50% (v/v) isopropanol method. EPS-rich broth promoted seed germination, shoot height, root length, number of leaves and chlorophyll content of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea) seeds. The higher colony-forming unit of Enterobacter sp. in soil inoculated with EPS rich broth of Enterobacter sp. indicated the root colonizing potential and rhizosphere competence of the isolate. The FTIR spectra of the EPS extract confirmed the presence of the functional group characteristics of EPS known to exhibit a high binding affinity towards certain metal ions. This overall growth and vigour in plants along with the effective root colonization, reflected the potential of the isolate as an efficient bio-inoculant in bioremediation.

Production of Beauveria bassiana Air Conidia by Means of Optimization of Biphasic System Technology

Air conidia production of Beauveria bassiana, strain CA-603 was studied based on modified diphasic system. The biomass yield obtained in the first phase based on submerged cultivation of fungus was processed using methodology providing different contact with air space. Our study indicated that productivity of the second stage of diphasic system is had inversely proportional dependence on depth of liquid fungal biomass. Increase of biomass depth is significantly decreased production of air conidia. Two methodology of biomass processing extending contact biomass with air space including distribution of fungal material on surface of hygroscopic paper and starch packaging peanuts were investigated. The novel substrates provided optimal contact between the submerged fungal biomass and the air, and overall, conidial production was directly proportional to the total area of air-to-fungal surface. Technologies based on the starch peanuts and hygroscopic paper were the most productive in comparison to the common technology where the submerged culture was transferred to flat containers. The advantages and disadvantages of these different production methods are discussed.

Resistência à mancha preta e qualidade agronômica de plantas rc1f2 de cruzamentos do híbrido anfidiplóide (Arachis ipaensis x A. duranensis) com o amendoim cultivado (A. hypogaea) / Resistance to late leafspot and agronomic quality of bc1f2 plants from crosses between the amphyploids hibrid (arachis ipaensis x a. duranensis) and the cultivated peanut (a. hypogaea)

A resistência à mancha preta (Cercosporidium personatum) e a condição agronômica de plantas de amendoim foram avaliadas em populações RC1F2 obtidas de cruzamentos do anfidiplóide (Arachis ipaensis x Arachis duranensis) com o genitor recorrente, cultivar Runner IAC 886. O experimento foi conduzido em condições de campo, em Pindorama, SP., sob condições naturais de ocorrência da doença. A doença foi avaliada em cada planta, em duas épocas, usando uma escala de notas visuais de 1 a 9, considerando o número de lesões nas folhas e a desfolha causada pela doença. Foi realizada após a colheita, em 90 plantas tomadas ao acaso, a avaliação da produção de vagens e grãos/planta, o rendimento de grãos após descascamento, massa média de grãos, número de vagens/planta, número e porcentagem de vagens com dois grãos. Os resultados mostraram ampla variabilidade para resistência à doença. Dependendo do genitor hypogaea utilizado nos cruzamentos iniciais com o anfidiplóide, 4,2 a 7,7% de plantas portadoras de resistência próxima a do parental silvestre resistente (A. ipaensis) foram resgatadas em F2. Observaram-se diferenças significativas entre plantas RC1F2 em função da planta F1 da qual descendem, tanto para resistência à doença como para caracteres agronômicos, tendo em vista a condição segregante das plantas F4 utilizadas nos cruzamentos com o genitor recorrente, cultivar Runner IAC 886. As correlações negativas observadas entre resistência à doença e caracteres agronômicos como produção de vagens e grãos/planta e massa média de grãos sugerem a necessidade de novo ciclo de retrocruzamentos para quebrar eventuais ligações indesejáveis e gerar indivíduos resistentes mais próximos do padrão comercial.

Resistance to late leafspot (Cercosporidium personatum) and agronomic condition of peanut plants were assessed in segregating RC1F2 populations obtained from crosses between the amphidiploid (A. ipaensis x A. duranensis) and the recurrent parent, cultivar Runner IAC 886. The experiment was carried out at Pindorama, SP, under natural field conditions of the disease. Disease was evaluated at two dates during the growing cycle, in 1,500 plants, using a scale of visual notes ranging from 1 to 9, and taking into consideration the number of lesions in leaves and the degree of defoliation caused by the disease. The data obtained were used to estimate the AUDPC (Area Under the Disease Progress Curve). Agronomic evaluations were performed after harvesting, in 90 randomly taken plants. The following agronomic characters were evaluated: pod and kernel production per plant, shelling percentage, number of pods per plant, number and percentage of two-seed pods. The results showed wide variability for resistance to the disease. Depending on the hypogaea parent used in the initial crosses with the amphidiploids, 4,2 to 7,7% of plants with disease resistance close to the wild resistant parent (A. ipaensis) could be rescued in the F2 generation. Significant differences were observed between RC1F2 plants descendent from the same F1 plant, in either disease resistance or in agronomic traits, due to the segregant condition of the F4 plants used in the crosses to the recurrent parent, cultivar Runner IAC 886. Some of the RC1F1:2 plant families exhibited agronomic condition close to the cultivar IAC Caiapó, especially in production of pods and kernels, shelling percentage and average kernel weight. However, the large majority of the segregants in this generation still showed high percentages of one-seed pods. This condition, and the negative correlations observed between resistance to the disease and agronomic traits such as pod and kernel production per plant and average kernel weight suggest that a new backcrossing cycle is needed to break eventual undesirable linkages and generate resistant individuals closer to the commercial standards.

Análise micológica e toxicológica em amendoim e derivados / Mycological and toxicological analysis of peanuts and derivatives

The filamentous fungi Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus nomius produce toxins, which are secondary metabolites called aflatoxins. These toxin-producing species grow rapidly on peanuts and cereals in favorable conditions of temperature and humidity. Their toxins can either cause acute effects, and even be lethal or accumulate in the organism, resulting in liver cancer in the long term. Based on the health risks of aflatoxins in food, a research was conducted on peanuts and derivatives sold in Alfenas, MG, Brazil, to evaluate the presence of Aspergillus sp. and aflatoxins. The samples were randomly collected at ?popular stores?, from November 2008 to May 2009, to assess the occurrence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The mycological analysis revealed the presence of fungi in 50% of the samples: Penicillium sp. (53.85%), A. flavus (19.23%), A. niger (15.38%) and A. fumigatus (11.54%), and 63.64% of these showed the presence of aflatoxins : B1 (43.14%), B2 (25.49%), G1 (23.53%) and G2 (7.84%). It is concluded that the results reported here are a cause for concern, given the harmfulness of these cumulative and carcinogenic toxins.

As espécies Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus e Aspergillus nomius produzem micotoxinas, que são metabólitos secundários denominados de aflatoxinas. Desenvolvem-se rapidamente em amendoins e cereais produzindo esta toxina, quando em condições favoráveis de temperatura e umidade. Essas toxinas podem produzir efeitos agudos, letais ou não, ou efeito cumulativo no organismo, que a longo prazo, podem causar, principalmente, lesões carcinogênicas hepáticas. Sabendo-se dos riscos à saúde, devido à presença de aflatoxinas nos alimentos, foi realizada uma pesquisa em amendoins e derivados comercializados na cidade de Alfenas ? MG, Brasil, para avaliar a presença de aflatoxinas e de fungos do gênero Aspergillus sp. Amostras foram coletadas aleatoriamente em lojas populares no período de novembro de 2008 a maio de 2009 e avaliada a ocorrência de aflatoxinas B1, B2, G1 e G2, utilizando-se a técnica de Cromatografia de Camada Delgada (CCD). Na análise micológica foi constatada a presença de fungos em 50% das amostras, das espécies: Penicillium sp. (53,85%), A. flavus (19,23%), A. niger (15,38%), A. fumigatus (11,54%). Obteve-se como resultado para a presença de aflatoxinas 63,64 %, sendo: B1 (43,14%), B2 (25,49%), G1 (23,53%), G2 (7,84%). Concluiu-se que os números encontrados são preocupantes, tendo em vista a periculosidade desta substância

The occurrence of aflatoxin B1 contamination in peanuts and peanut products marketed in southern Brazil

This study investigated the occurrence of aflatoxin B1 in peanuts and peanut products marketed in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. One hundred one samples of peanuts and peanut products were collected and analyzed by thin-layer chromatography with a charge-coupled device system. Aflatoxin B1 was present in 14% of the samples analyzed, in concentrations ranging from 24.0 to 87.5 µg/kg in the peanut samples and from 22.0 to 84.6 µg/kg in the peanut-product samples. These values exceeded the Brazilian regulatory limit (20.0 µg/Kg for aflatoxins B1+G1+B2+G2 ). These results suggest that although aflatoxin contamination in peanuts marketed in southern Brazil is lower than in other Brazilian regions, it is still a serious problem for human health and the economy.

Changes in Major Peanut Allergens Under Different pH Conditions

Regional dietary habits and cooking methods affect the prevalence of specific food allergies; therefore, we determined the effects of various pH conditions on major peanut allergens. Peanut kernels were soaked overnight in commercial vinegar (pH 2.3) or acetic acid solutions at pH 1.0, 3.0, or 5.0. Protein extracts from the sera of seven patients with peanut-specific IgE levels >15 kUA/L were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and immunolabeling. A densitometer was used to quantify and compare the allergenicity of each protein. The density of Ara h 1 was reduced by treatment with pH 1.0, 3.0, or 5.0 acetic acid, or commercial vinegar. Ara h 2 remained largely unchanged after treatment with pH 5.0 acetic acid, and was decreased following treatment with pH 1.0, 2.3, or 3.0 acetic acid. Ara h 3 and Ara h 6 appeared as a thick band after treatment with pH 1.0 acetic acid and commercial vinegar. IgE-binding intensities to Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3 were significantly reduced after treatment with pH 1.0 acetic acid or commercial vinegar. These data suggest that treatment with acetic acid at various pH values affects peanut allergenicity and may explain the low prevalence of peanut allergy in Korea.

Induction of an antigen specific gut inflammatory reaction in mice and rats: a model for human Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Food allergy is an adverse reaction that occurs in susceptible people when they eat sensitizing foods and is one of the causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The effort to understand the induction process of these diseases is important as IBD is increasing worldwide, including in Brazil. The aim of this study was to develop an experimental antigen specific inflammatory process of the gut of mice and rats, using peanut seeds. Animals were immunized with peanut protein extract before their exposure to the in natura peanut seeds. Results showed that systemic immunization with peanut protein extracts rendered significantly higher antibody titers than control groups and that immunized animals submitted to a challenge diet containing peanuts presented time dependent alterations of the gut similar to celiac disease. In conclusion, results suggested that this experimental model was a convenient tool to study the evolution of alterations in chronic antigen specific gut inflammatory process.

A alergia alimentar consiste em uma reação adversa que ocorre em pessoas susceptíveis quando ingerem alimentos sensibilizantes, sendo uma das causas das Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais (IBD). O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um protocolo experimental de indução de um processo inflamatório intestinal antígeno-específico em camundongos e ratos. Foi escolhida para a indução deste processo a semente de amendoim. Os animais foram imunizados com o extrato protéico previamente à exposição com a semente in natura. Nossos resultados mostram que a imunização sistêmica com extratos protéicos de amendoim ocasiona títulos significativamente maiores de anticorpos quando comparado ao grupo controle e que os animais imunizados submetidos ao desafio com a dieta contendo exclusivamente amendoim apresentam alterações intestinais tempo-dependente similares àquelas observadas na doença celíaca. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que este modelo experimental constitui uma ferramenta conveniente para avaliar as alterações no processo inflamatório intestinal crônico antígeno-específico

O conhecimento de pediatras sobre alergia alimentar: estudo piloto / Pediatricians' knowledge on food allergy: pilot study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento de pediatras sobre alergia alimentar. MÉTODOS: Dados obtidos de questionário padronizado, postado e respondido por pediatras filiados à Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria (SBP). Digitação dos dados em planilha Excel e análise de freqüência de respostas afirmativas em porcentagem. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 895 questionários preenchidos por pediatras de todo o país, com predomínio da região Sudeste (61,6 por cento). Segundo os pediatras entrevistados, as manifestações diagnósticas de alergia alimentar são: respiratórias, cutâneas e sistêmicas, em iguais proporções. Ainda segundo estes pediatras, leite de vaca (98,9 por cento), clara de ovo (58,7 por cento) e amendoim (50,9 por cento) são os principais alimentos associados a essas manifestações. Embora 74,8 por cento dos respondedores tivessem identificados os corantes e aditivos alimentares como responsáveis pela alergia alimentar, apenas 19,4 por cento conheciam o código de identificação da tartrazina. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados apresentados reforçam a necessidade de ampliação dos conhecimentos dos profissionais de saúde sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento da alergia alimentar, com o objetivo de garantir o uso de critérios diagnósticos e terapêuticos mais adequados.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of Brazilian pediatricians about food allergy. METHODS: Data was obtained from a sent back posted written questionnaire. It was filled in by Brazilian pediatricians, affiliated to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. Data was transcript to an Excel spread sheet and the frequency of affirmative responses was reported as percentages. RESULTS: Data from 895 written questionnaire of pediatricians from all over Brazil, (mainly from the southeastern region - 61.6 percent), were analyzed. The main clinical expressions of food allergy determined by the pediatricians were: respiratory, cutaneous and systemic symptoms (equal proportions). According to these pediatricians, cow's milk (98.9 percent), egg white (58.7 percent) and peanuts (50.9 percent) were the main allergens related to food allergy symptoms. Although 74.8 percent of the responders have indicated food dyes and food additives as associated to food allergies, only 19.4 percent of them knew the identification code of tartrarzine. CONCLUSIONS: The presented data reinforce the need to improve the pediatricians' knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of food allergy, in order to assure the use of appropriate diagnostic and treatment criteria.