Changes in adipose cells of Longissimus dorsi muscle in Iberian pigs raised under extensive conditions

ABSTRACT Twenty-four Iberian castrated male pigs were used to characterize and evaluate the effect of the duration of "Montanera" in the adipocytes size and its relation with the backfat thickness and intramuscular fat. The animals were fed under extensive conditions during 30, 60 and 90 days in the "Dehesa" before slaughtered. Carcass weight, percentage of intramuscular fat, thickness of backfat and its three layers and adipocytes size of the intramuscular fat were obtained. The group which expended 90 days on fattening obtained the highest adipocytes, with an area higher by a 50% than those that only expended 30 days. The differences in diameter and perimeter adipocyte were not as marked as area. A significant positive correlation between the diameter, area and perimeter of adipocyte with the backfat thickness were found. The fat cells in Iberian pig hypertrophy during the "montanera stage", being this increase significant from month to month in this period of fattening. Also, this adipocyte increase is correlated with the animal weight. The correlation between adipocyte size and inner layer of backfat shows that the inner layer obtained in live pig by ultrasound techniques could be a good marker of fat infiltration in pigs fattening in "montanera" system.

Estrogen deficiency in ovariectomized rats: can resistance training re-establish angiogenesis in visceral adipose tissue?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training on angiogenesis markers of visceral adipose tissue in ovariectomized rats. METHOD: Adult Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into four groups (n=6 per group): sham-sedentary, ovariectomized sedentary, sham-resistance training and ovariectomized resistance training. The rats were allowed to climb a 1.1-m vertical ladder with weights attached to their tails and the weights were progressively increased. Sessions were performed three times per week for 10 weeks. Visceral adipose tissue angiogenesis and morphology were analyzed by histology. VEGF-A mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: Ovariectomy resulted in higher body mass (p=0.0003), adipocyte hypertrophy (p=0.0003), decreased VEGF-A mRNA (p=0.0004) and protein levels (p=0.0009), and decreased micro-vascular density (p=0.0181) in the visceral adipose tissue of the rats. Resistance training for 10 weeks was not able to attenuate the reduced angiogenesis in the visceral adipose tissue of the ovariectomized rats. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the resistance training program used in this study could not ameliorate low angiogenesis in the visceral adipose tissue of ovariectomized rats.

The consensus sequence of FAMLF alternative splice variants is overexpressed in undifferentiated hematopoietic cells

The familial acute myeloid leukemia related factor gene (FAMLF) was previously identified from a familial AML subtractive cDNA library and shown to undergo alternative splicing. This study used real-time quantitative PCR to investigate the expression of the FAMLF alternative-splicing transcript consensus sequence (FAMLF-CS) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 119 patients with de novo acute leukemia (AL) and 104 healthy controls, as well as in CD34+ cells from 12 AL patients and 10 healthy donors. A 429-bp fragment from a novel splicing variant of FAMLF was obtained, and a 363-bp consensus sequence was targeted to quantify total FAMLF expression. Kruskal-Wallis, Nemenyi, Spearman's correlation, and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to analyze the data. FAMLF-CS expression in PBMCs from AL patients and CD34+ cells from AL patients and controls was significantly higher than in control PBMCs (P<0.0001). Moreover, FAMLF-CS expression in PBMCs from the AML group was positively correlated with red blood cell count (rs =0.317, P=0.006), hemoglobin levels (rs =0.210, P=0.049), and percentage of peripheral blood blasts (rs =0.256, P=0.027), but inversely correlated with hemoglobin levels in the control group (rs =–0.391, P<0.0001). AML patients with high CD34+ expression showed significantly higher FAMLF-CS expression than those with low CD34+ expression (P=0.041). Our results showed that FAMLF is highly expressed in both normal and malignant immature hematopoietic cells, but that expression is lower in normal mature PBMCs.

Lipomas gigantes: série de 14 casos / Giant lipomas: a 14-case series

INTRODUÇÃO: Os lipomas são os tumores mesenquimais benignos mais frequentes na população. Para ser considerado gigante, deve apresentar pelo menos 10 cm em uma de suas dimensões ou pesar ao menos 1.000g. O objetivo do trabalho é analisar uma série de casos de lipomas gigantes atendidos em nosso serviço. MÉTODO: Análise retrospectiva de prontuários e registros anatomopatológicos dos diagnósticos de lipomas submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico no período de janeiro 2003 a janeiro 2010. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 14 pacientes, com média de idade de 52,3 anos (33-72) e tempo médio de evolução até o tratamento de 4,4 anos (seis meses - 20 anos); 64% dos casos não apresentavam sintomas. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à ressecção cirúrgica da neoplasia. O peso médio das peças foi de 3,8 kg (512 g - 22 kg) e o tamanho médio no maior eixo foi de 27,5 cm (15-66 cm). Foram observadas complicações pós-operatórias em 42% dos casos. CONCLUSÃO: Observamos períodos prolongados de evolução até o tratamento, mesmo em casos com lesões de grande volume. A exérese cirúrgica aberta deve ser considerada o tratamento de eleição para estes tumores.

INTRODUCTION: Lipomas are the most common benign mesenchymal tumors worldwide. To be considered giant, they must be at least 10 cm in one of its dimensions or weigh at least 1,000 g. The objective of this study is to analyze a series of cases of giant lipomas seen in our practice. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical and anatomopathological records of patients diagnosed with lipomas who underwent surgery between January 2003 and January 2010. RESULTS: We evaluated 14 patients with a mean age of 52.3 years (range, 33-72 years) and a mean evolution time until treatment of 4.4 years (range, 6 months to 20 years); 64% of cases presented no symptoms. All patients underwent surgical tumor resection. The average weight of the pieces was 3.8 kg (range, 512 g to 22 kg), while the average length of the longest axis was 27.5 cm (range, 15-66 cm). Postoperative complications were observed in 42% of cases. CONCLUSION: We observed prolonged periods of evolution until treatment, even in cases of large-volume lesions. Open surgical excision should be considered the treatment of choice for these tumors.

Lipoblastoma benigno de membro superior: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Benign lipoblastoma of the upper limb: a case report and literature review

O lipoblastoma é um tumor mesenquimal raro, composto de lipoblastos que continuam sua proliferação após o período pós-natal e que acometem, predominantemente, a população pediátrica. Apresenta prognóstico excelente, apesar do potencial de invasão local e do crescimento rápido. Os autores relatam o caso de uma paciente pediátrica portadora de volumosa lesão em antebraço direito, ocasionando importante comprometimento funcional do membro acometido. Aspectos relevantes no diagnóstico diferencial e manejo são discutidos neste trabalho, visto tratar-se de lesão com potencial risco incapacitante futuro, caso não manejada corretamente.

Lipoblastoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor occurring primarily in pediatric patients and formed by lipoblasts that proliferate after the postnatal period. Despite its potential for local invasion and rapid growth, its prognosis is excellent. In this study, we report the case of a pediatric patient with a ponderous lesion in the right forearm that caused considerable functional impairment of the affected limb. We also discuss the relevant aspects concerning the differential diagnosis and management of the disease, as it has the potential to cause incapacity without proper treatment.

Quebra de ponta de cânula, no plano gorduroso, durante lipoaspiração / Breakage of the tip of the cannula in the adipose tissue during liposuction

Durante procedimento de lipoaspiração, uma cânula teve seu segmento distal de 3 cm quebrado no plano adiposo. Os autores apresentam, neste trabalho, a conduta adotada para solução do caso, de maneira simples e rápida, com emprego de um intensificador de imagens, sem grandes dificuldades.

During liposuction, 3 cm of the distal segment of the cannula broke within the patient's adipose tissue. We used an image intensifier to easily and quickly address this complication without the development of any sequelae for the patient.

El sobrepeso y la obesidad como un problema de salud / Overweight and obesity as an universal health problem

Se destaca al sobrepeso y obesidad como el principal condicionante actual de patología crónica no transmisible. Se identifican y discuten las principales comorbilidades asociadas al sobrepeso y obesidad, analizando las evidencias que las apoyan. Se destaca el rol de la adiposidad en la etiopatogenia del síndrome metabólico y en forma muy especial de la DM. Se analiza la asociación entre indicadores de masa corporal y tejido adiposo y tasas de mortalidad, destacando un significativo incremento de la mortalidad a medida que la masa corporal o grasa se incrementa. Se destacan los rangos asociados a la menor mortalidad, nadires que fundamentan los rangos de peso normal. Se discute en forma separada la asociación entre sobrepeso yobesidad en la infancia y adolescencia y salud, en especial su posible rol en la incidencia de patologías crónicas al alcanzar la adultez.

The article highlights overweight and obesity as the main factor in some current chronic diseases. Also it identifies and discusses major co-morbidities associated with overweight and obesity, analyzing the evidence that support them. The role of adiposity in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome especially in the development of mellitus diabetes 2 is discussed. We analyze the association between indicators of body mass and adipose tissue and mortality, highlighting a significant increase in mortality as the fat body mass increases and shows the range associated with lower mortality, basing the normal weight ranges. Will be discussing separately the association between overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence health, especially its possible role in the incidence of chronic diseases that will develop at adulthood.

Efecto de esteroides sexuales sobre la función endocrina adipocitaria e insulinosensibilidad periférica / Effect of sexual steroids over the adipocyte and outlying insulin sensitivity

Es conocido que las hormonas esteroideas sexuales modulan la composición corporal y otras funciones endocrinas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar el impacto de la administración de esteroides sexuales sobre la insulinosensibilidad periférica y la función secretora adipocitaria. Grupos de ratas hembra recibieron vehículo (C) o valerato de E2 o propionato de T. Se monitoreó el peso corporal y la ingesta de alimento hasta el día experimental, que fueron sacrificados en condición basal o sometidos a un test de sobrecarga con glucosa. Se evaluaron las concentraciones de leptina, E2, T, glucosa, triglicéridos e insulina (INS). Se ponderó el tejido adiposo parametrial y se aislaron los adipocitos e incubaron con o sin INS. E2 indujo una temprana (p < 0,05) hipofagia, contrariamente, T indujo una moderada (p < 0,05) hiperfagia. Los animales E2 resultaron con menor peso y masa adiposa parametrial que los C (p < 0,05). Los niveles plasmáticos no se modificaron en los animales E2 ni T, salvo el desarrollo de hiperleptinemia en el grupo E2 (p < 0,05). El test de tolerancia a la glucosa mostró (p < 0,05) aumento y disminución en la insulinosensibildad en los animales E2 y T, respectivamente. Finalmente, los adipocitos aislados de animales E2 como los T desarrollaron una disminuida (p < 0,05 vs. C) respuesta a INS. Nuestro estudio pone en evidencia los efectos de E2 y T sobre la sensibilidad a insulina y la función adipocitaria.

Sex hormones are known to modulate body composition and endocrine functions. The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of sexual steroids administration on the outlying insulin-sensibility and adipocyte secretory function. Groups of female rats received either vehicle (C), E2 valerate, or T propionate. Daily food intake and body weight were recorded until sacrifice under basal conditions or after high glucose load test. Plasma concentrations of leptin, E2, T, glucose, triglycerides, and insulin (INS) were evaluated. The parametrial adipose tissue was pondered and adipocytes were isolated and then incubated with or without INS. E2 induced early hypophagia (p< 0,05); contrarily, T induced moderate hyperphagia (p<0,05). Weight and fatty parametrial mass values were lower for E2- than C-treated animals (p<0,05). Plasma levels remained unmodified either for E2 or T groups, though E2 animals developed hyperleptinemia (p<0.05). The high glucose load test showed increased and decreased insulin-sensitivity (p<0.05) in E2 and T groups, respectively. Finally, E2 and T isolated adipocytes were less sensitive to insulin-induced leptin secretion than C cells (p<0.05 vs. C). Our study reveals that E2 and T hormones affect sensibility to insulin as well as adipocyte functions.

Differences in lipogenesis and lipolysis in obese and non-obese adult human adipocytes

It has been proposed that differences in adipocyte function and/or metabolism between obese and lean individuáis may manifest themselves in functional adipose tissue abnormalities that lead to metabolic disorders in obesity. We studied lipogenesis and lipolysis of omental adipocytes from obese (OB) and non-obese (NOB) humans. The specific activity of the lipogenic marker enzyme G3PDH was 50 percent lower in total adipocytes of OB compared to that of NOB subjects. Omental adipocytes from OB subjects also had lower basal lipolytic levéis, and a lower lipolytic response to p-adrenergic stimulus. Cholesterol depletion of adipocyte plasma membrane using methyl β-cyclodextrin caused a lipolytic effect on adipocytes of both groups together, but when obese and lean subjects were analyzed separately, the response was significant only in the obese. We present evidence of a different lipogenic and lipolytic profile in obese individuáis' omental adipocytes, and propose a relevant role of plasma membrane cholesterol, where the impact of its removal in OB and NOB adipocyte lipolysis differs.

The broad homeostatic role of natriuretic peptides / O amplo papel homeostático dos peptídeos natriuréticos

A brief non-inclusive review on natriuretic peptides (NP), their receptors, and their main functional properties is presented. The three main NP, atrial (ANP), brain (BNP) and C-type (CNP) are considered. Guanylyl cyclase receptors modulate all the known systemic effects of NP. Clearance receptors determine the metabolic disposal of NP and in this manner regulate their plasma levels and/or local tissue concentrations. Structure-function properties, and homeostatic properties of NP receptors are presented. ANP, which plays a major role in pressure-volume homeostasis, is discussed in relationship to its effects on renal hemodynamic and excretory functions, inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, vasorelaxant, and third-spacing action. For BNP special attention is directed to its role as a negative modulator of ventricular remodeling, in view of its anti-hypertrophic, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in the heart. The major effect of CNP in promoting vertebral and longitudinal bone growth is briefly addressed. Finally, emphasis is placed on the recent discovery that ANP affects fat metabolism in humans due to its powerful lipolytic action.

Este trabalho apresenta uma breve revisão parcial sobre os peptídeos natriuréticos (NP), seus receptores e suas principais propriedades funcionais. Serão discutidos os três principais NP: atrial (ANP), cerebral (BNP) e tipo-C (CNP). Os receptores guanilil-ciclase modulam todos os efeitos sistêmicos conhecidos dos NP. Receptores de clareamento determinam o catabolismo dos NP e, desta maneira, regulam seus níveis plasmáticos e/ou sua concentração tecidual. As propriedades do tipo estrutura-função e homeostáticas dos receptores de NP são apresentadas. O ANP, que tem um importante papel na homeostase pressão-volume, é discutido em relação aos seus efeitos sobre a hemodinâmica renal e funções de excreção, inibição do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona, vaso-relaxamento e ação no terceiro espaço. Quanto ao BNP, especial atenção é focada no seu papel como um modulador negativo da remodelação ventricular, em vista de seus efeitos anti-hipertróficos, anti-fibróticos e anti-inflamatórios no coração. O principal efeito do CNP em promover crescimento ósseo vertebral e longitudinal é discutido brevemente. Finalmente, enfatiza-se a recente descoberta de que o ANP afeta o metabolismo de gorduras em humanos, devido à sua poderosa ação lipolítica.

Obesity, breast cancer and the role of adipocytokines.

Obesity is a worldwide problem which impacts the risk and prognosis of some of the more common forms of cancer, including breast cancer in post-menopausal women. As the basis for understanding the potential mechanisms of obesity and cancer relationship has advanced, a number of new hypotheses have emerged. The adipocytokines are a complex group of biologically active polypeptides. Leptin is a growth hormone, secreted by adipose tissue, whose levels are normally elevated in obese individuals and may have a promoting effect on carcinogenesis and metastasis of breast cancer, possibly in an autocrine manner. Leptin interferes with the insulin signaling pathway and in type 2 diabetes plasma leptin levels are found to be correlated with the degree of insulin resistance, a relationship independent of body mass. This relationship might provide a mechanistic explanation for promotion potential.

Leptina: o diálogo entre adipócitos e neurônios / Leptine: the dialog between adipocytes and neurons

A descoberta da leptina trouxe consigo um interesse renovado sobre o estudo do controle homeostático da energia. Sabe-se agora que o tecido adiposo branco é o maior sítio de produção da leptina. Uma vez na circulação sangüínea ela se liga a receptores específicos no cérebro, levando ao sistema nervoso central um sinal de saciedade que reflete a quantidade existente de energia em forma de gordura no organismo. Agindo por intermédio de receptores que fazem uso da via JAK/SAT de transdução do sinal intracelular, a leptina modifica a expressão e a atividade de inúmeros peptídeos hipotalâmicos que regulam o apetite e o gasto de energia. Além disso, a leptina sinaliza o estado nutricional do organismo a outros sistemas fisiológicos, modulando a função de várias glândulas alvo. Mais recentemente, a leptina recombinante foi administrada com sucesso numa paciente obesa com deficiência do hormônio devido a uma mutação do gene ob. Por outro lado, os efeitos da leptina recombinante no único estudo em pacientes com obesidade e concentrações elevadas de leptina foram menos impressionantes. Nesta revisão, discutiremos a complexidade das ações da leptina com ênfase no seu papel integrativo de sinalizadora do estado nutricional para o organismo.