Influence of coffee roasting degree on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in high-fructose and saturated fat-fed rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of roasting coffee degree on inflammatory (NF-kß F-6 and TNF-α) and stress oxidative markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) end product concentrations, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in high-fructose and saturated fat (HFSFD)-fed rats. Roasting was performed using hot air circulation (200 °C) for 45 and 60 min, obtaining dark and very dark coffee, respectively. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive a) unroasted coffee, b) dark coffee, c) very dark coffee, or distilled water for the control group (n = 8). Coffee brews (7.4 mL/per day equivalent to 75 mL/day in humans) were given by gavage for sixteen weeks. All treated groups significantly decreased NF-kß F-6 (∼30 % for unroasted, ∼50 % for dark, and âˆ¼ 75 % for very dark group) and TNF-α in the liver compared with the control group. Additionally, TNF-α showed a significant reduction in all treatment groups (∼26 % for unroasted and dark groups, and âˆ¼ 39 % for very dark group) in adipose tissue (AT) compared with the negative control. Regarding oxidative stress makers, all coffee brews exerted antioxidant effects in serum, AT, liver, kidney, and heart. Our results revealed that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of coffee vary according to the roasting degree in HFSFD-fed rats.

Acute effects of para-chloroamphetamine on testosterone and markers of apoptosis in seminiferous epithelium of prepubertal male rats.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects the secretion of gonadotropins and testosterone. In prepubertal male rats, serotonin has a stimulating role in testosterone secretion. Here, we used prepubertal male rats to study the effects of para-chloroamphetamine (pCA) on circulating testosterone and gonadotropins and markers of apoptosis in germ cells from day 1 to day 5 post-treatment. The intraperitoneal administration of pCA induced a significant reduction in concentrations of hypothalamic serotonin and circulating testosterone, but gonadotropins were not affected. In the seminiferous epithelium of pCA-treated rats, increased the number of germ cells positive to markers of apoptosis, concomitantly with alterations in morphometry and the presence of multinucleated germ cells. Levels of testosterone were reduced starting from 1 day after pCA was administered. The time window between the administration of the pCA and collection of samples was sufficient to detect changes in testosterone levels, in contrast with a previous work where no changes were found. There was a possible relationship between the reduction of testosterone and an increase in the number of germ cells positive to apoptosis markers. However, the mechanism that links pCA-testosterone-germ cell positive to markers of apoptosis is unknown. Our outcomes support the view that pCA exposure during the prepubertal stage has an acute impact on testosterone levels and affects the structure and physiology of seminiferous epithelium.

Effect on hyperglycemia and pancreas cells of chaya aqueous extracts from two different regions in streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats

Cnidoscolus chayamansa is a native plant of the Mayan region, which is also cultivated in other places like northern Mexico, Tunisia and India. Many properties are attributed to Mayan Chaya, such as aid in the control of glycemia in diabetics. Thus this study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of chaya aqueous extracts in a model of streptozotisin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Chaya aqueous extracts were collected from plants cultivated in Quinta Roo (Mayan region) and Durango (northern Mexico), and in this study we compare their effect with metformin (as a control). Additionally, we compared the extracts mass profiles from both regions by high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole tandem mass detector (HPLC-MS/MS QQQ). Finally, a study of the pancreatic tissue was carried out to evaluate the effects of the extracts on the Langerhans islets. Both extracts showed a good hypoglycemic effect after two weeks of treatment, and the Langerhans islets showed a partial recovery due to the effect of the treatment. Although the plants were cultivated at a distance of 2,350 km and under different weather, the compounds found in both did not show significant differences.

Impaired serotonin communication during juvenile development in rats diminishes adult sperm quality.

Spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis are testicular functions regulated by gonadotrophins as well as other factors, including serotonin. Testicular serotonin acts as an autocrine regulator of testosterone secretion, but studies on its role in spermatogenesis and sperm quality are scarce. Here, we analyzed the effects of intratesticular inhibition of serotonin synthesis on gonadotrophins, testosterone, and sperm quality. Both testicles of 30-day-old rats were injected once with saline solution (SS) or distinct concentrations of p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) (0.03, 0.06, or 0.12 mg). At 65 days of age, rats were euthanized and sperm density, motility, membrane integrity, mitochondrial function, and abnormalities were evaluated in gametes from the vas deferens. Inhibition of synthesis of intratesticular serotonin by PCA diminished the concentrations of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) but luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were unaltered. Sperm density was not modified in animals injected with the different concentrations of PCA. In contrast, the percentage of sperm with abnormalities increased and the sperm membrane integrity decreased in animals injected at higher PCA concentrations. The functionality of sperm mitochondria in PCA-injected animals decreased only at the highest PCA dose. Our results indicate that testicular serotonin plays a role in testosterone synthesis and in the normal development of sperm, and blocking its effects disrupts the hormonal communication between the testis and hypophysis. ABBREVIATIONS: SS: saline solution; PCA: p-chloroamphetamine; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; LH: luteinizing hormone; TPH: tryptophan hydroxylase; MAO: monoamine oxidase; AC: absolute control group; PI: propidium iodide; FLICA: fluorescence inhibitor of caspase; 3ß-HSD: 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; 17-KSR: 17-ketosteroid reductase; DHT: 5-dihydrotestosterone.

Apoptosis in pancreatic ß-cells is induced by arsenic and atorvastatin in Wistar rats with diabetes mellitus type 2.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes Mellitus type 2 (T2D) is a multifactorial disease. However, it is known that there is an important effect in pancreatic ß-cells caused by apoptosis of pro-apoptotic proteins, possibly related to arsenic exposure and atorvastatin treatment. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of atorvastatin treatment on apoptosis of pancreatic ß-cells in Wistar rats with induced diabetes type 2 exposed to arsenic. MATERIAL & METHODS: T2D in Wistar rats was induced by administration of Streptozotocin. The plasmatic glucose concentrations were measured using the glucose oxidase method, and the concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in whole blood was determined. Exposure to arsenic was measured from urine using atomic absorption with hydride generation, and pro-apoptotic proteins in pancreatic ß-cells were observed using the Western blotting technique. RESULTS: Caspase-3 was present in rats that were treated with 10 mg/kg of oral atorvastatin and exposed to 0.01 and 0.025 mg/L of arsenic, but no others proteins were present, such as pro Caspase-8, bcl-2, and Fas. The glycemic levels were 129.2 ±â€¯7.0 mg/dL in the control group and 161.8 ±â€¯14.6 mg/dL and 198.3 ±â€¯18.2 mg/dL (p < .05) in the study groups. HbA1c increased from 2.53% to 3.64% (p < .05) in the control and study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Atorvastatin treatment and arsenic exposure alone are capable of generating apoptosis in pancreatic ß-cells of Wistar rats with T2D. Together, all of these factors induce apoptosis in pancreatic cells.

IL-2 Expression and T lymphocyte Phenotyping in Young Children Suffering from Upper Respiratory Tract Infection with Streptococcus Pyogenes.

T cells are components of adaptive immunity and are involved in the resolution of respiratory infections, which are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young children worldwide. Activation and differentiation of T cells is given mostly by the cytokine IL-2. This study aimed to determine the phenotype of T cells and IL-2 expression in children suffering from upper respiratory tract infection with Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes). For this purpose, IL-2 expression at its gene and protein levels and quantitation of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes were assessed in children aged 0-5 years old suffering from upper respiratory tract infection with S. pyogenes and healthy children of the same age. Children with S. pyogenes infection had a higher expression of IL-2 gene and a lower level of this cytokine expression at protein level than healthy children. The numbers of CD4(+) T lymphocytes were similar among the groups. In contrast, difference in the numbers of CD8(+) T lymphocytes among the groups was found. We conclude that infections by S. pyogenes in young children lead to an increased expression of IL-2 mRNA.

Vías conductoras a la adicción e intercambio con el medio familiar en adolescentes alcohólicos / Conductive pathways to addiction and exchange with the family environment in alcoholic adolescents

Introducción: Al ser la adolescencia una etapa de transformación biológica, psicológica y social es susceptible a las conductas autodestructibles como el consumo de alcohol y de drogas en general. En este trabajo se describe la relación entre la edad y las vías conductoras a la adicción, los problemas familiares generados por la misma y tácticas de afrontamiento familiar utilizadas. Método: Se estudiaron 250 pacientes diagnosticados de alcoholismo, pertenecientes a un consultorio del estado Falcón, Venezuela. Las variables empleadas fueron: edad, vías conductoras, escolaridad y estado civil de progenitores, funcionamiento familiar, problemas familiares y tácticas de afrontamiento adoptadas por la familia. Los estadísticos fueron, distribuciones de frecuencia con porcentajes y prueba de ji cuadrado. Resultados: La edad predominante fue de 17-20 años (82 por ciento). La vía de conducción más frecuente fue la sociocultural (51 por ciento). Los pacientes consideran su familia funcional en 71 por ciento y el 76 por ciento de los familiares, disfuncional. De los problemas familiares el de mayor relevancia fue las riñas callejeras (88 por ciento) y de las tácticas de afrontamiento familiar: se disgustan (61 por ciento). La escolaridad de los progenitores: en los padres el nivel secundario fue más frecuente (48.4 por ciento) y en las madres el primario (41.2 por ciento). El estado civil unidos prevaleció con el 65.2 por ciento. Conclusiones: Existe dependencia entre las vías de conducción y la edad del paciente. El funcionamiento familiar presenta una tendencia inversa en la apreciación de pacientes y familiares. Los problemas familiares y las tácticas de afrontamiento familiar, así como el nivel escolar primario en las madres y secundario en los padres, fueron manifestaciones de bajo nivel y pocos recursos familiares. El estado civil unido, de los progenitores, en su gran mayoría, se contradice con otros estudios(AU)

Introduction: As a stage of adolescence biological, psychological and social transformation is susceptible to self-destruct behaviors such as alcohol and drugs in general. In this paper the relationship between age and addiction conductive pathways described, family problems generated by the same family coping and tactics used. Methods: 250 patients diagnosed with alcoholism were studied, belonging to the office of Falcon, Venezuela. The variables used were: age, conductive pathways, education and marital status of parents, family functioning, family problems and coping tactics adopted by the family. Statisticians were, frequency distributions with percentages and chi-square test. Results: The predominant age was years 17-20 (82 percent). The most common route of driving was the sociocultural (51 percent). Patients consider their functional family in 71 percent and 76 percent of family, dysfunctional. Family problems was the most important street fights (88 percent) and family coping tactics: get upset (61 percent). Schooling parents: parents at the secondary level was more frequent (48.4 percent) and mothers the primary (41.2 percent). Marital status States prevailed with 65.2 percent. Conclusions: There is dependence between the conduction pathways and patient age. Family functioning has an inverse trend in assessing patients and families. Family problems and family coping tactics, as well as the primary school level and secondary mothers in parents, were manifestations of low and few family resources. United marital status of the parents, the vast majority is contradicted by other studies(AU)

Relación entre consumo de energía y macronutrientes y reserva calórica - proteica en pacientes con tratamiento hemodialítico del Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo / Relationship between consumption of energy and macronutrients and reserve caloric - protein in patients with hemodialysis at the National Hospital Dos de Mayo

Introducción: La Insuficiencia Renal Crónica Terminal es un problema de Salud Pública a nivel mundial y en su mayoría los pacientes siguen el tratamiento de Hemodiálisis; sin embargo, tanto la enfermedad como el tratamiento per se conllevan a un estado de desnutrición. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre el consumo de energía y macronutrientes y la reserva calórica-proteica en pacientes en tratamiento hemodialítico. Diseño: Descriptivo de asociación cruzada, transversal. Lugar: Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo, Lima. Participantes: 31 pacientes adultos con insuficiencia renal crónica terminal en tratamiento hemodialítico del Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo atendidos en forma ambulatoria durante los meses Febrero y Marzo del 2011. Intervenciones: No se aplicó ningún método de muestreo, la muestra estuvo conformada por toda la población haciendo uso del consentimiento informado. Se aplicó el Recordatorio de 24 horas en la misma emana para finalmente tomar las medidas antropométricas; tales como, talla, pliegue cutáneo tricipital (PCT) y circunferencia braquial (CB), para luego determinar la circunferencia muscular del brazo (CMB). Principales medidas de resultados: Consumo de energía y macronutrientes (Recordatorio de 24 horas) y reserva calórica-proteica. (PCT y CMB). Resultados: Según la ingesta alimentaria, el promedio de kcal/kg de peso ideal/día fue de 24,9 y el promedio del consumo de proteínas fue de 0,9 g/ kg de peso ideal/día, en ambos casos no llegando a cubrir sus requerimientos nutricionales. Con respecto, al porcentaje de calorías provenientes de los macronutrientes en la dieta, los carbohidratos representaron el 61 por ciento, mientras que los lípidos el 25 por ciento. En relación al estado nutricional; según la reserva calórica se encontró: 51,6 por ciento desnutrición, 19,4 por ciento normal, 16,1 por ciento exceso de peso y el 12,9 por ciento obesidad. Según la reserva proteica se encontró: 71 por ciento desnutrición y 29 por ciento normal. Y el...

Factibilidad de parto vaginal en pacientes con antecedentes de dos o más cesáreas / Feasibility of vaginal delivery in patients with two or more previous cesarean

Se presenta un análisis prospectivo de 27 partos vaginales en pacientes con dos o más cesáreas previas atendidas en la Maternidad "Concepción Palacios" entre junio de 1994 y abril de 1995. La edad promedio fue de 26,56 años y el 66,7 por ciento de los embarazos fueron a término. Se administró anestesia epidural en 29,6 por ciento y ocitocina en 18,5 por ciento de los casos. El fórceps fue aplicado en 63 por ciento de los casos. No hubo dehiscencia del segmento uterino. La morbilidad materna fue de 22,2 por ciento y la neonatal de 11,1 por ciento. No hubo muertes perinatales ni maternas imputables. Se discuten las ventajas del parto vaginal como método anternativo a la realización de una cesárea iterativa y se concluye que un trabajo de parto en pacientes seleccionadas con dos o más cesáreas anteriores parece ser una opción razonable