Monosodium glutamate alters the function and morphology of the parotid gland in Sprague Dawley rats / Glutamato monosódico altera la función y morfología de la glándula parótida en ratas Sprague Dawley

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer widely used in the food industry, with obesogenic properties, in addition to causing alterations in the oral cavity. The aim of the study was to observe the morphofunctional changes in the parotid gland after the administration of MSG in rats. 18 newborn male Sprague Dawley rats were used, divided into three groups (Control group; MSG1 group: 4 mg/g weight of monosodium glutamate, 5 doses, kept for 8 weeks, and MSG2 group: 4 mg/g weight of MSG, 5 doses, kept for 16 weeks). The body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and the salivary flow, pH, a-amylase activity, Na, Cl, K and Ca were analyzed by quantitative analysis. After euthanasia by ketamine/xylazine overdose, parotid volume was analyzed and stereology was performed. MSG administration caused an increase in BMI and a decrease in parotid volume as well as a reduction in salivary flow and pH and an increase in a-amylase activity, also increasing the salivary sodium and chlorine levels. Alterations in the normal stereological parameters of the gland were observed. Exposure to MSG caused morphofunctional alterations at parotid gland.

El glutamato monosódico (MSG), es un potenciador del sabor ampliamente utilizado en la industria alimentaria. Diversos estudios han propuesto la relación entre éste y el desarrollo de obesidad, además de provocar alteraciones en la cavidad oral. El objetivo del estudio fue observar los cambios morfofuncionales a nivel de la glándula parótida, posterior a la administración de MSG en ratas. Se utilizaron 18 ratas neonatas Sprague Dawley machos, divididas en tres grupos según su tiempo de exposición y dosis a MSG (Grupo Control, Grupo MSG1: 4 mg/g peso de glutamato monosódico, 5 dosis, mantenidas 8 semanas, Grupo MSG2: 4 mg/g peso de MSG, 5 dosis, mantenidas 16 semanas. Fue calculado el índice de masa corporal (BMI), además de ser analizado el flujo salival, pH, actividad de α-amilasa, y Na, Cl, K y Ca mediante análisis semicuantitativo. Luego de la eutanasia por sobredosis de ketamina/xilasina, las glándulas parótidas fueron extraídas y analizado su volumen y fueron procesadas para histología, y estudio estereológico. La administración de MSG causó aumento en BMI y disminución del volumen parotídeo, además de disminución del flujo y pH salival, así como aumento en actividad de la a-amilasa, aumentando además los niveles de sodio y cloro salival. Fueron observadas alteraciones a nivel de los parámetros estereológicos normales de la glándula. La exposición a MSG causó alteraciones morfofuncionales a nivel parotídeo, observándose una disminución del volumen de la glándula, acompañado de alteraciones en el adenómero y conductos estriados de la glándula, implicados en la producción, secreción y modificación de la saliva, la cual se vio alterada, en el flujo, pH, y en sus componentes.

Alpha amylase and Alpha glucosidase inhibitory effects of aqueous stem extract of Salacia oblonga and its GC-MS analysis

ABSTRACT Our present investigation deals with the phytochemical screening, estimation of total flavonoids, terpenoids and tannin contents to evaluate the anti-diabetic activities of Salacia oblonga stem followed by GC-MS analysis. It explores the natural compounds and the potential α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory actions of stem extracts. The aqueous stem extract was selected from other extracts (ethanol, acetone, petroleum ether and chloroform) for the in vitro study of anti-diabetic activity by alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory assays. The stem extract was also analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry to identify the natural chemical components. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous stem extract showed major classes of secondary metabolites such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins. The total flavonoid, terpenoid, and tannin contents were quantified as 19.82±0.06 mg QE/g, 96.2±0.20 mg/g and 11.25±0.03 mg TAE/g respectively. The percentage inhibition of assays showed maximum inhibitory effects (59.46±0.04% and 68.51±0.01%) at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The IC50 values of stem extract was found to be 73.56 mg/mL and 80.90 mg/mL for alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibition. Fifteen chemical constituents were found by GC-MS analysis. This study suggest the aqueous stem extract of Salacia oblonga might be considered as potential source of bio active constituents with excellent antidiabetic activity.

Salivary stress biomarkers and anxiety symptoms in children with and without temporomandibular disorders

Abstract The etiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which are considered as a heterogeneous group of psychophysiological disturbances, remains a controversial issue in clinical dentistry. This study aimed to evaluate whether the salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), cortisol levels, and anxiety symptoms differ between children with and without TMD. Initially, 316 young subjects were screened in public schools (nonreferred sample); 76 subjects aged 7-14 years were selected and comprised the TMD and control groups with 38 subjects each matched by sex, age, and the presence/absence of sleep bruxism. Four saliva samples were collected: upon waking, 30 min and 1 h after awakening (fasting), and at night (at 8 PM) on 2 alternate days to examine the diurnal profiles of cortisol and sAA. Anxiety symptoms were screened using the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC-Brazilian version). Shapiro-Wilk test, Student's t-test/Mann-Whitney U test, and correlation tests were used for data analysis. No significant differences were observed in the salivary cortisol area under the curve (AUCG mean ± SD = 90.22 ± 63.36 × 94.21 ± 63.13 µg/dL/min) and sAA AUCG (mean ± SD = 2544.52 ± 2142.00 × 2054.03 ± 1046.89 U/mL/min) between the TMD and control groups, respectively (p > 0.05); however, the clinical groups differed in social anxiety domain (t = 3.759; CI = 2.609, 8.496), separation/panic (t = 2.243; CI = 0.309, 5.217), physical symptoms (U = 433.500), and MASC total score (t = −3.527; CI = −23.062, −6.412), with a power of the test >80% and large effect size (d = 0.80), with no significant correlation between the MASC total score, cortisol, and sAA levels. Although children with TMD scored higher in anxiety symptoms, no difference was observed in the salivary stress biomarkers between children with and without TMD.

Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase: subclinical indicators of stress as cardiometabolic risk

Currently, the potential for cardiovascular (CV) stress-induced risk is primarily based on the theoretical (obvious) side effects of stress on the CV system. Salivary cortisol and α-amylase, produced respectively by the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic-adrenomedullary (SAM) system during stress response, are still not included in the routine evaluation of CV risk and require additional and definitive validation. Therefore, this article overviews studies published between 2010 and 2015, in which salivary cortisol and α-amylase were measured as stress biomarkers to examine their associations with CV/CMR (cardiometabolic risk) clinical and subclinical indicators. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus electronic databases was performed, and 54 key articles related to the use of salivary cortisol and α-amylase as subclinical indicators of stress and CV/CMR factors, including studies that emphasized methodological biases that could influence the accuracy of study outcomes, were ultimately identified. Overall, the biological impact of stress measured by salivary cortisol and α-amylase was associated with CV/CMR factors. Results supported the use of salivary cortisol and α-amylase as potential diagnostic tools for detecting stress-induced cardiac diseases and especially to describe the mechanisms by which stress potentially contributes to the pathogenesis and outcomes of CV diseases.

A degradação do amido da banana depende da ação combinada de α-amilase e ß-amilase em regiões de diferentes graus de cristalinidade do grânulo / The banana starch degradation depends on the combined action of α-amylase and ß-amylase in regions of different degrees of crystallinity of the granules

A banana é considerada um bom modelo de estudo para a transformação amido-sacarose, já que acumula um teor alto de amido durante o desenvolvimento, que é degradado durante o amadurecimento. Já foram detectadas em polpa de banana atividade e proteína relativa a várias enzimas supostamente envolvidas no processo de degradação do amido. Entre elas, a α-amilase, a ß-amilase, a amido fosforilase e as glucano-água-diquinases (GWD). Estas enzimas estão envolvidas em dois processos distintos de degradação de amido em plantas: o dependente da ação inicial da α-amilase e o dependente da fosforilação do grânulo pela GWD e PWD e posterior ação da ß-amilase. A dificuldade do estabelecimento da participação efetiva de cada enzima no processo de degradação do amido está associada a muitos fatores, entre eles a não-correlação entre atividade e real envolvimento em um processo, e a acessibilidade da enzima ao seu substrato. Aliado ao estudo da morfologia do grânulo de amido e suas modificações sofridas durante o processo de degradação que ocorre durante o amadurecimento do fruto, estudos in vitro que simulem a ação da enzima sobre o seu substrato poderiam ser mais efetivos no estabelecimento da real ação de dada enzima sobre o suposto substrato. Tentativas no sentido de obter as proteínas relativa à degradação não foram bem sucedidas. Assim, os ensaios de grânulos de amido isolados versus enzimas foram feitos com α-amilase e ß-amilase comerciais. O grau de fosforilação da amilopectina nas posições Glic-6 e Glic-3 foi determinado, condição necessária para o início da degradação do grânulo pela ß-amilase. Os resultados mostraram que os grânulos de amido isolados de bananas recém colhidas, ou verdes, já estão fosforilados e as enzimas responsáveis por esta fosforilação estão associadas aos grânulos. Após 72 h de incubação dos grânulos de amido com as enzimas hidrolítica, os grânulos foram separados do tampão contendo as enzimas e os produtos de hidrólise. Os sobrenadantes foram analisados por cromatografia líquida acoplada a detector amperométrico e os grânulos por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e microscopia de força atômica (MFA). Os resultados mostraram que a α-amilase hidrolisa preferencialmente regiões amorfas dos grânulos, com predominância de amilose, expondo as regiões mais cristalinas dos anéis de crescimento, enquanto que a ß-amilase parece atuar preferencialmente nas regiões cristalinas dos grânulos, degradando os bloquetes, que são formados por amilopectina. Pode-se concluir que ambas as enzimas parecem ser importantes no processo de degradação do amido da banana, com diferentes especificidades

Banana is considered a good model to study the starch-sucrose metabolism, since it accumulates a high starch content during development, which is degraded during fruit ripening. It have been detected in banana pulp some proteins and activities of several enzymes supposedly involved in starch degradation process. Among them, α-amylase, ß-amylase, starch phosphorylase and glucan-water-diquinases (GWD). These enzymes are involved in two separate processes of starch degradation in plants: the initial action of α-amylase dependent, and the starch granule phosphorylation by GWD and PWD enzymes and subsequent action of ß-amylase. The difficulty of establishing the effective participation of each enzyme in the starch degradation process is associated with many factors, including the lack of correlation between real activity and involvement in the process, and accessibility of the enzyme to its substrate. Allied to study the morphology of the starch granule and its modifications suffered during the process of degradation, which occurs during the fruit ripening, in vitro studies that simulate the action of the enzyme on its substrate could be more effective in establishing the real action of a given enzyme on the argued substrate. However, attempts to obtain the proteins related to the degradation process were unsuccessful. Thus, assays of isolated starch granules versus enzymes were made with commercial α-amylase and ß-amylase enzymes. The degree of phosphorylation of amylopectin in the Gluc-6 and Gluc-3 positions was determined, a necessary condition for the start of degradation by ß-amylase enzyme. The results showed that the starch granules isolated from freshly harvested bananas, or green, are already phosphorylated and the enzymes responsible for this phosphorylation is associated with the starch granules surface. After 72 h incubation of the starch granules with the hydrolytic enzymes, the granules were separated from the buffer containing the enzymes and the hydrolysis products. The supernatants were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with amperometric detector and the granules were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results showed that the α-amylase preferentially hydrolyzes amorphous regions of the granule, especially amylose, exposing more crystalline regions of the growth rings, whereas ß-amylase appears to act preferentially on crystalline regions of the granule, degrading blocklets that consist of amylopectin. It can be concluded that both enzymes appear to be important in the banana starch degradation process, with different specificities

Transtracheal puncture: a forgotten procedure

Transtracheal puncture has long been known as a safe, low-cost procedure. However, with the advent of bronchoscopy, it has largely been forgotten. Two researchers have suggested the use of α-amylase activity to diagnose salivary aspiration, but the normal values of this enzyme in tracheobronchial secretions are unknown. We aimed to define the normal values of α-amylase activity in tracheobronchial secretions and verify the rate of major complications of transtracheal puncture. From October 2009 to June 2011, we prospectively evaluated 118 patients without clinical or radiological signs of salivary aspiration who underwent transtracheal puncture before bronchoscopy. The patients were sedated with a solution of lidocaine and diazepam until they reached a Ramsay sedation score of 2 or 3. We then cleaned the cervical region and anesthetized the superficial planes with lidocaine. Next, we injected 10 mL of 2% lidocaine into the tracheobronchial tree. Finally, we injected 10 mL of normal saline into the tracheobronchial tree and immediately aspirated the saline with maximum vacuum pressure to collect samples for measurement of the α-amylase level. The α-amylase level mean ± SE, median, and range were 1914 ± 240, 1056, and 24-10,000 IU/L, respectively. No major complications (peripheral desaturation, subcutaneous emphysema, cardiac arrhythmia, or hemoptysis) occurred among 118 patients who underwent this procedure. Transtracheal aspiration is a safe, low-cost procedure. We herein define for the first time the normal α-amylase levels in the tracheobronchial secretions of humans.

Salivary and serum cortisol levels, salivary alpha-amylase and unstimulated whole saliva flow rate in pregnant and non-pregnant / Niveis de cortisol salivar e serico, alfa-amilase e fluxo de saliva total nao estimulada em gestantes e nao gestantes

PURPOSE: To compare salivary and serum cortisol levels, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), and unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate in pregnant and non-pregnant women. METHOD: A longitudinal study was conducted at a health promotion center of a university hospital. Nine pregnant and 12 non-pregnant women participated in the study. Serum and UWS were collected and analyzed every trimester and twice a month during the menstrual cycle. The salivary and serum cortisol levels were determined by chemiluminescence assay and the sAA was processed in an automated biochemistry analyzer. RESULTS: Significant differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant groups were found in median [interquartile range] levels of serum cortisol (23.8 µL/dL [19.4-29.4] versus 12.3 [9.6-16.8], p<0.001) and sAA (56.7 U/L [30.9-82.2] versus 31.8 [18.1-53.2], p<0.001). Differences in salivary and serum cortisol (µL/dL) and sAA levels in the follicular versus luteal phase were observed (p<0.001). Median UWS flow rates were similar in pregnant (0.26 [0.15-0.30] mL/min) and non-pregnant subjects (0.23 [0.20-0.32] mL/min). Significant correlations were found between salivary and serum cortisol (p=0.02) and between salivary cortisol and sAA (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Serum cortisol and sAA levels are increased during pregnancy. During the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle, salivary cortisol levels increase, whereas serum cortisol and sAA levels decline. .

OBJETIVO: Comparar os níveis de cortisol sérico e salivar, alfa-amilase salivar (sAA) e fluxo de saliva não estimulada (UWS) em gestantes e não gestantes. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal realizado no centro de promoção da saúde de um hospital universitário. Nove gestantes e 12 não gestantes participaram do estudo. Foram coletados e analisados soro e UWS nos três trimestres gestacionais e duas vezes por mês durante o ciclo menstrual. A análise do cortisol salivar e sérico foi realizada com o uso de quimiluminescência e a atividade da sAA foi determinada por meio de analisador automático para bioquímica. RESULTADOS: Foi verificado que a mediana (intervalo interquartil) dos níveis de cortisol sérico no grupo de gestantes foi maior que 23,8 µL/dL (19,4-29,4) quando comparado ao grupo de não gestantes, que teve média de 12,3 (9,6-16,8; p<0,001). Os níveis de sAA seguiram o mesmo padrão, com médias de 56,7 U/L (30,9-82,2) e 31,8 (18,1-53,2; p<0,001), respectivamente. Foram observadas diferenças dos níveis de cortisol sérico e salivar (µL/dL) e de sAA entre a fase folicular versus a fase lútea (p<0,001). As medianas dos fluxos salivares (UWS) foram semelhantes em gestantes (0,26 [0,15-0,30] mL/min) e não gestantes (0,23 [0,20-0,32] mL/min). Foram encontradas correlações significativas entre o cortisol salivar e o sérico (p=0,02) e entre o cortisol salivar e a sAA (p=0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Os níveis de cortisol sérico de sAA durante a gestação elevam-se. Na fase lútea do ciclo ovariano, os níveis de cortisol salivar aumentam ao passo que os níveis de cortisol sérico e sAA diminuem. .

Concomitant production of two proteases and alpha-amylase by a novel strain of Bacillus subtilis in a microprocessor controlled bioreactor

We describe the simultaneous production of Bacillus subtilis based proteases and alpha amylase using a computer controlled laboratory scale 7.5 L batch bioreactor. The present strain is the first to be reported that concomitantly produces these two industrially important enzymes. The growth and sporulation of Bacillus subtilis was monitored and maximum production of alkaline protease and alpha amylase was found to coincide with maximum sporulation. Two types of proteases were detected in the fermentation broth; a neutral and an alkaline protease most active in a pH range of 7.0-8.0 and 8.0-10, respectively. Maximum production of proteases was observed at an incubation temperature of 37ºC while that of alpha amylase was observed at 40ºC. The optimum aeration and agitation levels for protease production were 0.6 L/L/min and 200rpm, respectively, and for alpha amylase were 0.6 L/L/min and 150 rpm. The kinetic parameters Yp/x and qp were also found to be significant at the given fermentation conditions.

Comparative study on production of a-Amylase from Bacillus licheniformis strains

Alpha amylase (α-1, 4-glucan-glucanhydrolase, EC 3.2.1.1), an extracellular enzyme, degrades α, 1-4 glucosidic linkages of starch and related substrates in an endo-fashion producing oligosaccharides including maltose, glucose and alpha limit dextrin (7). The present study deals with the production and comparative study of production of α-amylase from two strains of Bacillus licheniformis, MTCC 2617 and 2618, by using four different substrates, starch, rice, wheat and ragi powder as carbon source by submerged fermentation. The effect of varying pH and incubation temperature, activator, inhibitor, and substrate concentration was investigated on the activity of α-amylase produced by MTCC strain 2618. The results shows that the production of the α-amylase by the B.licheniformis strain MTCC 2618, using four different substrates were found to be maximum (Starch 3.64 IU/ml/minutes, Rice powder 2.93 IU/ml/minutes, Wheat powder 2.67 IU/ml/minutes, Ragi powder 2.36 IU/ml/minutes) on comparing the enzyme production of two strains. It was also observed that the maximum production was found on the 3rd day (i.e. 72 hr) and characterization of crude enzyme revealed that optimum activity was at pH 7 and 37ºC.

Avaliação da influência do dispositivo de coleta de saliva na análise de imunoglobulina A secretora e alfa-amilase / Influence of the saliva collection device on the analysis of secretory immunoglobulin-A and alpha-amylase

Introdução: A saliva humana tem sido amplamente utilizada para quantificar biomarcadores com finalidade científica e de diagnóstico, pois sua coleta é simples, não-invasiva e livre de estresse. O Salivette é o dispositivo de coleta de saliva mais empregado, devido à sua praticidade e aceitação pelo paciente, entretanto é desconhecida a influência de sua versão de poliéster nas análises das concentrações salivares de algumas substâncias. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do Salivette poliéster na determinação das concentrações salivares de sIgA e alfa-amilase. Métodos: Foram coletadas amostras de saliva de 15 adultos jovens com bom estado de saúde, livres de infecções e mucosa bucal íntegra. Cada amostra de saliva foi dividida em duas porções: uma foi colocada sobre o poliéster do Salivette e a outra foi mantida no frasco original (controle), todas foram centrifugadas e armazenadas a -80ºC até a análise laboratorial. Resultados: As amostras salivares passadas pelo Salivette mostraram uma redução estatisticamente significante da concentração de sIgA, com uma redução de 17,3%±15,2, porém esta diferença não foi significante para as concentrações de alfa-amilase (p<0,05). Conclusão: A utilização do Salivette poliéster para coleta de saliva não influencia a concentração de alfa-amilase, porém altera de forma significante os níveis de sIgA.

Introduction: Human saliva has been widely used to quantify biomarkers for research and diagnostic purposes, once its collection is simple, non-invasive and stress-free. Although Salivette is the most used saliva collection device, due to its practicality and patient acceptance, the influence of its polyester version on the analysis of the salivary concentrations of some substances is unknown. Objective: This study aimed to assess the influence of polyester Salivette on the salivary concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin-A (s-IgA) and alpha-amylase. Methods: Salivary samples from 15 young adults, in good general health, free from infections and with a healthy oral mucosa, were collected. Each salivary sample was divided in two portions: one was placed on the Salivette polyester and the other was kept in the original flask (control). The samples were centrifuged and stored at -80ºC, until laboratory analysis was performed. Results: The salivary samples which had contact with Salivette showed a statistically significant reduction of s-IgA (17.3%±15.2). The difference was not significant for alpha-amylase (p<0.05). Conclusion: The polyester Salivette collection device does not influence alpha-amylase concentrations, but significantly reduces s-IgA levels.

Alternative method for quantification of alfa-amylase activity / Alternativa para quantificação de alfa-amilase

A modification of the sensitive agar diffusion method was developed for macro-scale determination of alfa-amylase. The proposed modifications lower costs with the utilisation of starch as substrate and agar as supporting medium. Thus, a standard curve was built using alfa-amylase solution from Aspergillus oryzae, with concentrations ranging from 2.4 to 7,500 U.mL-1. Clear radial diffusion zones were measured after 4 hours of incubation at 20 °C. A linear relationship between the logarithm of enzyme activities and the area of clear zones was obtained. The method was validated by testing α-amylase from barley at the concentrations of 2.4; 60; 300 and 1,500 U.mL-1. The proposed method turned out to be simpler, faster, less expensive and able to determine on a macro-scale α-amylase over a wide range (2.4 to 7,500 U.mL-1) in scientific investigation as well as in teaching laboratory activities.

Modificações foram propostas ao método sensível de difusão em ágar para a macrodeterminação de alfa-amilase. As modificações propostas diminuem os custos, com a utilização de amido como substrato e ágar como meio solidificante. Assim, foi construída uma curva padrão utilizando uma solução de alfa-amilase de Aspergillus oryzae com concentrações variando de 2,4 a 7.500 U.mL-1. Em seguida, as zonas claras de difusão radial foram mensuradas depois de 4 horas de incubação a 20 °C. Foi obtida uma relação linear entre o logaritmo da atividade enzimática e os diâmetros das zonas claras. O método foi validado utilizando-se soluções de alfa-amilase de cevada nas concentrações de 2,4; 60; 300 e 1.500 U.mL-1. O método tornou-se mais simples, rápido, com baixo custo e passível de ser utilizado para macrodeterminação de alfa-amilase em ampla faixa (2,4 a 7.500 U.mL-1) na investigação científica e para fins didáticos em aulas práticas.

Salivary characteristics of diabetic children

Salivary components may suffer variations that can be detected by chemical determinations. The aim of this work was to determine physical and biochemical characteristics of the saliva of a group of diabetic children compared to those of a control group. Relation to oral health indices was also determined. Twenty diabetic children (3-15-years-old) and 21 control children (5-12-years-old) were included in this study. Total proteins, sugars and calcium were determined by colorimetric methods, and glucose, urea, alpha-amylase and acid phosphatase by enzymatic methods. Our results demonstrated that acidic pH, diminished salivary flow rate and excess foam are usually present in saliva of diabetic children. Total sugars, glucose, urea and total proteins were greater in diabetic patients than controls, while calcium values were decreased. These differences were confirmed by the discrimination test. Diabetic children have higher DMFT-dmft-deft and DMFS-dmfs-defs values compared to those of the control children despite their lower sugar intake. Some salivary components in addition to the diminished flow rate could be involved in the characterization of the oral health state of diabetic children

Identification and grouping of saliva

The saliva is of most concern in some forensic problems. The aim of this work was to identify the saliva stains by the suitable method and to choose the suitable method for ABH grouping of saliva in the smallest portion of the stained materials. This work also compared between the methods which were used to evaluate the results of these methods. The saliva of 50 Egyptian individuals were submitted to detection of amylase activities and to detection of secretor state and ABH grouping of fresh saliva by standardized agglutination inhibition methods and also by absorption-elution technique at different time intervals. The results of this study show that, by the standardized agglutination-inhibition method, more objective data were obtained. By this method, it was detected that 78% of the individuals were secretors while 22% were nonsecretors, 8% of the individuals were aberrant secretors and 6% of them were paradoxical secretors

Evoluçäo dos fenólicos totais e taninos condensados (Proantocianidinas) durante o desenvolvimento das sementes do feijäo (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) / Evolution of phenolic compounds and condensed tannins (Proanthocyanidins) during the development of bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The evolution of phenolic compounds and tannins (proanthocyanidins) of bean seeds, Phaseolus vulgaris L., (cultivar aroana 80), from anthesis to maturity (10 to 45 days after anthesis), was investigated. During seed development, phenolic compounds and tannins contents increased by seed unit, until the 31st and 21st day after anthesis respectively, decreasing afterwards. The gradual decrease in catechin and the increase of its polymers (intermediate compounds), as well as the gradual increase in alpha-amylase inhibition capacity were indications that tannins polymerize during seed development

Produçäo de amilases por Candida em fermentaçäo líquida e semi-sólida / Production of amylases by candida in liquid and semisold fermentation

A produçäo qualitativa e quantitativa de amilases por Candida famata FTPT 1539, Candida fennica FTPT 1829 e C.fennica FTPT 8903 foi avaliada e comparada à linhagem de Schawanniomyces alluvius UCD 54-83.Como meios de produçäo foram usados os meios líquidos YES YNB, e o semi-sólido mostrou ser o melhor para a produçäo de alfa-amilase e glicoamilase.A determinaçäo do amido residual e o aumento de açúcares redutores sugere que a C.fennica FTPT 8903n produz alfa-amilase e glicoamilase

Efectos de la coccion tradicional sobre los factores antinutricionales de los frijoles negros (Phaseolus vulgaris) de Costa Rica / Effects of the traditional cooking on antinutritional factors of the black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) of Costa Rica

En esta investigación se determinó la presencia de los inhibidores de tripsina, inhibidores de alfa amilase y hemaglutininas en los frijoles (P. vulgares) producidos en Costa Rica. Además, se estudió su comportamiento ante la cocción tradicional. Los factores antinutricionales se determinaron por espectofotometría en los frijoles crudos, y después de diferentes tiempos de cocción. Se observó que los inhibidores de alfa amilase son los más termorresistentes, ya que a los 30 min de cocción existe un 33% de la actividad inicial presente en el frijol crudo. Alrededor del 80% de la actividad antitripsina ha desaparecido de los 9 min de cocción. En cuanto a las hemaglutininas, a los 10 min la actividad es aproximadamente sólo de 1%