Genetic polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme, actinin 3 and paraoxonase 1 genes in women with diabetes and hypertension

ABSTRACT Objective: To study associations between polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE I/D), actinin 3 (ACTN3 R577X) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1 T(-107)C) genes and chronic diseases (diabetes and hypertension) in women. Materials and methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples of 78 women between 18 and 59 years old used for genetic polymorphism screening. Biochemical data were collected from the medical records in Basic Health Units from Southern Brazil. Questionnaires about food consumption, physical activity level and socioeconomic status were applied. Results: The XX genotype of ACTN3 was associated with low HDL levels and high triglycerides, total cholesterol and glucose levels. Additionally, high triglycerides and LDL levels were observed in carriers of the TT genotype of PON1, and lower total cholesterol levels were associated to the CC genotype. As expected, women with diabetes/hypertense had increased body weight, BMI (p = 0.02), waist circumference (p = 0.01), body fat percentage, blood pressure (p = 0.02), cholesterol, triglycerides (p = 0.02), and blood glucose (p = 0.01), when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Both ACTN3 R577X and PON1 T(-107)C polymorphisms are associated with nutritional status and blood glucose and lipid levels in women with diabetes/hypertense. These results contribute to genetic knowledge about predisposition to obesity-related diseases.

Influence of Lycium barbarum Extract Intake on Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the effects of Goji Berry extract (GB, Lycium barbarum) gavage administration on liver tissue oxidative stress in Wistar rats as well as to identify and quantify the content of the major bioactive compounds of the fruit. Four diets were applied: SW - standard diet + water; SG - standard diet + Goji Berry extract (125 mg/kg of animal); PW - palatable diet + water; PG - palatable diet + Goji Berry extract (125 mg/kg of animal). Results showed a significant increase in catalase enzyme activity in the liver of rats treated with GB and also in those intaking the palatable diet without GB when compared to the SW group. An increased mRNA expression of this enzyme in the same tissue and groups was also verified. Regarding lipid peroxidation, the GB extract produced a significant decrease in the oxidation state in the SG and PG groups. The results also showed a significant amount of bioactive compounds in GB extract.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of a Goji Berry Extract (Lycium barbarum) in Rats Subjected to Inflammation by Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of a Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) fruit extract in Wistar rats submitted to a palatable diet presenting systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Forty-two Wistar female rats (Rattus Novergicus) were used with 60 days old. The animals were feed for 60 days and divided in six groups (n=7): standard diet+water; standard diet+L. barbarum; palatable diet+water; palatable diet+L. barbarum; standard diet+water+LPS; standard diet+L. barbarum+LPS. A significant difference was shown between the analyzed groups concerning C-reactive protein, with the standard diet+water+LPS group presenting the highest inflammatory response in comparison to the other groups. Decreased inflammatory response was observed in the group administered a palatable diet along with the fruit extract when compared to the group that received only a palatable diet. Significant decrease in glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase activity was observed in the standard diet+L. barbarum+LPS group compared to the standard diet+water group, as well as in the palatable diet+L. barbarum group compared to the palatable diet+water group. A significant increase in creatinine in the standard diet+water+LPS group was observed in according to the L. barbarum administration groups. The gene expression of the inflammatory markers genes in the liver showed a significant increase in TNF-α and IL-6 genes in the group treated with standard diet+L. barbarum+LPS when compared to the standard diet+LPS group. Thus, the administered L. barbarum extract displays the potential to reduce inflammatory responses induced by LPS and a palatable diet.

Paraoxonase 1 serum activity in women: the effects of menopause, the C(-107)T polymorphism and food intake

ABSTRACT Objective The aims of this study were to investigate changes in serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity in women at the pre and postmenopausal stages and its association with the PON1 C(-107)T polymorphism and food intake profile. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study with female patients aged between 35 and 59 years old was conducted. Women were divided into two groups: premenopausal (n = 40) and postmenopausal (n = 36). Women enrolled in the study had serum PON1, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, glucose and HbA1c, as well as the BMI measured. Additionally, women were genotyped for the PON1 T(-107)C polymorphism and the food intake profile was obtained through interview. Results Glucose (p = 0.03), HbA1c (p = 0.002) and total cholesterol (p = 0.002)concentrations were higher in post than premenopausal women, however PON1 activity was not different (p > 0.05). Carriers of the C allele had higher PON1 activity (CC: 88.9 ± 6.5 U/mL and CT: 79.9 ± 4.7 U/mL) than women of the TT genotype (66.6 ± 5.9 U/mL) (p < 0.05). However, the model predicting PON1 activity was slightly better when genotype, total fat and cholesterol content in the diet were all included. Conclusion In sum, we observed that the PON1 C(-107)T genotype was the major regulator of PON1 activity, and menopause had no effect on PON1 activity. The lipid and glycemic profile were altered in postmenopausal women.

Ação in vivo de Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis com potencial probiótico na estabilização de células cancerígenas no epitélio colorretal / In vivo action of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis with probiotic potential in the stabilization of cancer cells in the colorectal epithelium

Na última década, a ciência contribuiu significativamente para inúmeros avanços em relação ao tratamento e prevenção do câncer colorretal (CCR), porém, a prevalência global e a taxa de mortalidade permanecem elevadas. Há relatos sobre efeitos benéficos de espécies de Bifidobacterium e Lactobacillus com potencial probiótico na prevenção de CCR. No entanto, a bactéria probiótica Lactococcus lactis subps. lactis é comumente utilizada para fins industriais, não havendo comprovações in vivo sobre seu potencial anticarcinogênico. Visto o interesse emergente dos efeitos benéficos dos probióticos a fim de prevenir ou tratar o CCR, o presente estudo objetivou explorar os efeitos de L. lactis subsp. lactis sobre o CCR. Ratos Wistar receberam doses subcutâneas de 1,2 dimetilhidrazina (DMH) e suspensão de L. lactis subsp. lactis por via oral. Após 20 semanas, os tecidos intestinais foram analisados e de acordo com o resultado, o isolado demonstrou potencial anticarcinogênico contra CCR.

Evaluation of the Redox State of Wistar Rats Submitted to High-Fat Diet Supplemented With Infusion of Ilex paraguariensis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ilex paraguariensis infusion on redox state of Wistar rats submitted to high-fat and standard diet. Glutathione determination and lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus tissues and liver was performed, as well as the analysis of gene expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results from hippocampus showed that the groups fed with standard diet exhibited significant reduction of lipid peroxidation when supplemented with Ilex paraguariensis. The analysis from glutathione determination in the hippocampus showed a significant increase in glutathione activity in the group treated with high-fat diet and Ilex paraguariensis. In the liver, results showed no significant difference in both glutatione and lipid peroxidation analisys. Gene expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase showed that there was significant difference in the groups treated with high-fat diet and Ilex paraguariensis. In summary, the Ilex paraguariensis showed substantial potential for antioxidant activities.

Impacto da suplementação de vitamina C sobre níveis de peroxidação lipídica e glutationa reduzida em tecido hepático de camundongos com imunossupressão induzida por ciclofosfamida / Impact of vitamin C supplementation on lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione levels in the liver tissue of mice with cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos da vitamina C sobre níveis de peroxidação lipídica e glutationa reduzida em tecido hepático de camundongos imunossuprimidos por ciclofosfamida. Métodos: O estudo foi realizado em camundongos Swiss, fêmeas, com 45 dias de idade, separados em quatro grupos com oito animais cada. Grupos: controle (água destilada), vitamina C (50 mg/kg), ciclofosfamida (100 + 150 mg/kg) e tratamento (vitamina C 50 mg/kg + ciclofosfamida 100 +150 mg/kg). Todas as aplicações foram via intraperitoneal. O ensaio biológico teve duração de seis dias, sendo o sétimo a eutanásia dos animais. As análises bioquímicas de peroxidação lipídica (quantificação de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico) e glutationa reduzida (estimativa de tiois não proteicos) foram realizadas em tecido hepático. Resultados: A ciclofosfamida causou aumento significativo (p<0,0001) nos níveis de peroxidação lipídica. Não foram observadas alterações significativas nos grupos tratados com vitamina C. A ciclofosfamida por si só, não alterou níveis de glutationa reduzida. A vitamina C causou a redução do nível de glutationa reduzida em relação ao controle tanto nos animais que receberam ciclofosfamida quanto nos que não receberam. No entanto, nos grupos tratados com o quimioterápico houve uma interação entre a droga e a vitamina, ou seja, o quimioterápico intensificou a diminuição da glutationa reduzida provocada pela vitamina C. Conclusão: A ciclofosfamida, na dose e período utilizados, foi capaz de induzir o dano oxidativo verificado pelo aumento da peroxidação lipídica. A vitamina C, na dose de 50 mg/kg de peso, não apresentou potencial para proteger contra o dano oxidativo provocado pelo quimioterápico.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the effects of vitamin C supplementation on the levels of lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione in the liver tissue of mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide. Methods: Thirty-two 45-day-old female Swiss mice were divided into four groups of eight animals each as follows: control (distilled water); vitamin C (50 mg/kg); cyclophosphamide (100 + 150 mg/kg); and treatment (vitamin C 50 mg/kg + cyclophosphamide 100 +150 mg/kg). The substances were provided intraperitoneally for six days, and on the seventh day, the mice were euthanized. The biochemical analyses of lipid peroxidation (quantification of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) and reduced glutathione (estimate of non-protein thiols) were performed on liver tissue. Results: Cyclophosphamide increased the levels of lipid peroxidation (p<0.0001). Significant changes were not found in the groups treated with vitamin C. Cyclophosphamide alone did not affect the levels of reduced glutathione. Compared with the control group, vitamin C reduced the levels of reduced glutathione in animals that received or not cyclophosphamide. Vitamin C interacted with cyclophosphamide, that is, the chemotherapeutic agent further decreased the lower levels of reduced glutathione secondary to vitamin C intake. Conclusion: Cyclophosphamide, in the study dosage and duration, was capable of inducing oxidative damage, verified by increased lipid peroxidation. A vitamin C dosage of 50mg/kg of body weight did not protect against the oxidative damage caused by the chemotherapeutic agent.

Avaliação in vitro do potencial antioxidante de frutas e hortaliças / In vitro assessment of the antioxidant potential of fruits and vegetables

O efeito protetor exercido por frutas e hortaliças tem sido atribuído à presença de compostos antioxidantes. Objetivou-se, neste estudo, avaliar in vitro a capacidade antioxidante de um grupo de frutas e hortaliças, cruas e cozidas, através da diminuição da peroxidação lipídica, induzida por ferro em fígado de ratos. Foram utilizados fígados de ratos homogeneizados, que foram submetidos à oxidação pelo ferro. As frutas e hortaliças foram utilizadas como antioxidantes, a fim de combater o estresse oxidativo induzido pelo ferro. O método utilizado neste trabalho foi a Reação ao Ácido Tiobarbitúrico (TBARS), tendo como marcador para avaliar o estresse oxidativo o Malonaldeído (MDA). De acordo com os resultados obtidos, observou-se que houve uma diminuição significativa do estresse oxidativo no grupo das frutas e das hortaliças cruas e cozidas com ferro, quando o fígado foi submetido à oxidação deste micronutriente. No grupo das frutas e das hortaliças cruas e cozidas sem ferro, ocorreu redução significativa do estresse oxidativo, apenas em determinadas frutas e hortaliças. O consumo de uma dieta rica em frutas e hortaliças contribui com a defesa antioxidante do organismo, inibindo danos oxidativos em macromoléculas in vitro.

The protector effect of fruits and vegetables has been attributed to the presence of antioxidant compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of a group of raw and cooked fruits and vegetables, through the decrease of lipid peroxidation, induced by iron in rat livers. Homogenized liver of rats that were submitted to iron oxidation were used in this experiment. The fruits and vegetables were used as antioxidants, in order to combat the oxidative stress induced by the iron. The method used in this experiment was the thiobarbituric acid reaction (TBARS), with malondialdehyde (MDA) used as a marker to evaluate the oxidative stress. In accordance with the results, a significant reduction of oxidative stress was observed in the groups of raw fruits and vegetables and fruits and vegetables cooked with iron, when the liver was submitted to the oxidation of this micronutrient. In the groups of raw fruits and vegetables and fruits and vegetables cooked without iron, a significant reduction of the oxidative stress occurred, only in certain fruits and vegetables. The consumption of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may contribute to the antioxidant defense of the organism, inhibiting in vitro oxidative damages in macromolecules.

Avaliação do consumo de edulcorantes na cidade de Santa Maria, RS / Evaluation of the consumption of sweetening in the city of Santa Maria, RS

O aumento do consumo de açúcares, em especial na forma de sacarose, foi uma das principais mudanças nos hábitos alimentares da espécie humana nos últimos séculos. Porém, com o surgimento de patologias associadas a este consumo exacerbado e a busca por um corpo perfeito, houve uma substituição do consumo da sacarose pelos edulcorantes. Ainda não se sabe, todavia, as conseqüências desta utilização indiscriminada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o perfil dos consumidores de adoçante da cidade de Santa Maria – RS. O estudo foi realizado em um supermercado da região de Santa Maria – RS, no período de dezembro de 2004 a fevereiro de 2005. Participaram da pesquisa 291 consumidores, de ambos os sexos, com faixa etária entre 13 a 74 anos. Os participantes eram abordados e questionados sobre o consumo de adoçantes. Verificou-se também, as principais formas de utilização, o motivo do uso de adoçantes, a presença de patologias e as principais substâncias ingeridas pelos consumidores. O consumo indiscriminado dos edulcorantes foi de hábito comum pelos consumidores, como pode se observar neste trabalho. O uso dos substitutos dos carboidratos deve estar associado a um plano alimentar disciplinado, auxiliando alguns indivíduos a controlar seu consumo energético.