Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) modulate inflammatory profile in obese humans and mice: adipose tissue role on NETs levels.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are a recently discovered neutrophil defense mechanism which modulates several inflammatory conditions contributing to metabolic profile alterations. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the production of NETs in obese patients and mice, verifying the possible mechanisms associated with the release of NETs by the adipose tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS: The present study investigated NETs production in human adipose tissue and also showing the neutrophils using intravital microscopy in mouse epididymal adipose tissue. Blood and white adipose tissues were obtained from eutrophic and obese individuals and from mice. Lipid, glycemic and leukocyte profiles were evaluated, as well as the levels of NETs and its markers. Bioinformatics and proteomics analyses were performed and the identified key proteins were measured. The main findings showed that the inflammatory markers interleukin-8 (IL-8), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and the E1 heat shock protein family (HSPE1) can be modulated by the NETs levels in obesity. Obesity has also been associated with increased cholesterol, glucose intolerance, ionic calcium and NETs. We also observed an increase in catalase and a decreased superoxide dismutase activity. Bioinformatics and proteomics analyses revealed that IL-8, HSP90 and HSPE1 were associated with obesity, inflammation and NETs release. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the present study shows an increase in NETs production during obesity associated with important inflammatory markers in adipose.

Physical exercise, obesity, inflammation and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs): a review with bioinformatics analysis.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) represent an innate organism defense mechanism characterized by neutrophil release of intracellular material to capture any aggressor agent. Elevated NETs release is associated with increased inflammatory response and related diseases, such as obesity. Chronic physical training is one of the main strategies to treat and prevent obesity. The relationship between physical training and NETs is still under study. The present review, followed by a bioinformatics analysis, demonstrates the meaningful connection between physical exercise, obesity, and NETs. The bioinformatics indicated TNF-α as a leading gene after the ontological analysis followed by positive-interleukin-6 regulation, chemokines, and inflammatory response regulation. The main results pointed to a relevant regulatory effect of physical training on NETs release, indicating physical exercise as a possible therapeutic target on modulating NETs and inflammation.

Acute oral treatment with resveratrol and Lactococcus Lactis Subsp. Lactis decrease body weight and improve liver proinflammatory markers in C57BL/6 mice.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol, a nutraceutical polyphenol, and Lactococcus lactis (bacteria probiotic), on metabolic parameters and hepatic proinflammatory markers expression. C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups: Standard (ST), Lactococcus lactis (LL), Resveratrol (RSV), and Lactococcus lactis plus resveratrol (LL + RSV). Lactococcus lactis and resveratrol were administered by orogastric gavage. Blood parameters were assessed (total cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT and AST). IL-6 mRNA expression was evaluated by Real-time PCR and TNF-α protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The main findings showed that resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis association decreased body weight, aspartate aminotransferase and total cholesterol levels. LL and LL + RSV decreased triglycerides levels and IL-6 and TNF-α expression. These results open a perspective of using resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis to improve metabolic parameters and Lactococcus lactis in preventing inflammation and the hepatic diseases development.

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Solanum lycocarpum A. St. Hil. (Solanaceae) Leaves Improves Alloxan-Induced Diabetes Complications in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Solanum lycocarpum is a medicinal plant used in Brazil with hypoglycemic activity by its fruits use. However, the fruits production is restricted in some periods of the year, differently of leaves. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of S. lycocarpum leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. METHODS: Hydroalcoholic extract of S. lycocarpum was characterized by phytochemical and GCMS analysis. The Antidiabetic activity was assessed following treatment for 22 days with S. lycocarpum extract at 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg. Bodyweight, water, and food intake, glycemia, biochemical parameters, anatomy-histopathology of the pancreas, liver and kidney, and expression of target genes were analyzed. In addition, oral acute toxicity was evaluated. RESULTS: Animals treated showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in glycemia following a dose of 125 mg/kg. Food intake remained similar for all groups. Decreased polydipsia symptoms were observed after treatment with 250 (p < 0.001) and 500 mg/kg (p < 0.01) compared with diabetic control, although normal rates were observed when 125 mg/kg was administered. A protective effect was also observed in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys, through the regeneration of the islets. Hypoglycemic activity can be attributed to myo-inositol, which stimulates insulin secretion, associated with α-tocopherol, which prevents damage from oxidative stress and apoptosis of ß-pancreatic cells by an increased Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) mRNA expression. The toxicological test demonstrated safe oral use of the extract under the present conditions. CONCLUSION: Hydroalcoholic extract of S. lycocarpum promotes the regulation of diabetes in the case of moderate glycemic levels, by decreasing glycemia and exerting protective effects on the islets.

Angiotensin-(1-7), Adipokines and Inflammation.

Nowadays the adipose tissue is recognized as one of the most critical endocrine organs releasing many adipokines that regulate metabolism, inflammation and body homeostasis. There are several described adipokines, including the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components that are especially activated in some diseases with increased production of angiotensin II and several pro-inflammatory hormones. On the other hand, RAS also expresses angiotensin-(1-7), which is now recognized as the main peptide on counteracting Ang II effects. New studies have shown that increased activation of ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR arm can revert and prevent local and systemic dysfunctions improving lipid profile and insulin resistance by modulating insulin actions, and reducing inflammation. In this context, the present review shows the interaction and relevance of Ang-(1-7) effects on regulating adipokines, and as one adipokine itself, modulating body homeostasis, with emphasis on its anti-inflammatory properties, especially in the context of metabolic disorders with focus on obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus pandemic.

Identificação de aflatoxinas em paçocas de amendoim comercializadas na cidade de Lavras-MG / Identification of aflatoxins in peanut candy “paçoca” marketed in Lavras-MG, Brazil

Os alimentos estão sujeitos à contaminação por substâncias químicas, dentre elas, as aflatoxinas, as quais são potencialmente carcinogênicas, A presença de tais substâncias nos alimentos constitui importante risco para a população, tanto humana quanto animal, Em meio aos vários fatores que danificam a qualidade de um alimento, merece ênfase a contaminação de grãos por micotoxinas, especialmente as aflatoxinas, que são metabólitos tóxicos de fungos como Aspergillus flavus e Aspergillus parasiticus, compondo um sério problema de saúde pública em diversas regiões do mundo, O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a presença de aflatoxinas B1 e B2 em amostras de paçocas adquiridas no comércio da cidade de Lavras - MG, Brasil, no período de janeiro a junho de 2011, A técnica utilizada para a separação e identificação das substâncias foi a cromatografia em camada delgada com prévia extração, líquido-líquido, dos analitos, Os resultados demonstraram que as amostras de paçocas utilizadas neste estudo não apresentaram contaminações por aflatoxinas B1 e B2, Torna-se importante um maior conhecimento da presença destas micotoxinas em alimentos visto os riscos que as mesmas possam causar no organismo humano...

The food can be subject of chemicals contamination, including aflatoxins, which are potentially carcinogenic. The presence of such substances in food is a serious risk to both human and animal population. Among many factors that damage the quality of food, the contamination of grain with mycotoxins deserves emphasis, particularly aflatoxins, which are toxic metabolites of fungi mainly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which represent a serious public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of aflatoxins B1 and B2 in samples of the peanut candy called ?paçoca?, acquired randomly in the city of Lavras - MG, Brazil, from January to June in the year 2011. The separation and identification of substances were performed by thin layer chromatography with prior liquid-liquid extraction. The obtained results showed that the samples showed no contamination by aflatoxin B1 and B2. A greater knowledge of the presence of these mycotoxins in foods is important because of the risks for the human body...

Three-phase, liquid-phase microextraction combined with high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection for the simultaneous determination of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine in human plasma.

A three-phase, liquid-phase microextraction using a hollow fibre (HF-LPME) combined with high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC-FL) was developed for the analysis of fluoxetine (FLX) and its active metabolite, norfluoxetine (NFLX), in human plasma. An HF-LPME system using a disposable 7-cm polypropylene porous hollow fibre, 5 mL of alkaline plasma solution (donor phase), n-hexyl ether (extraction solvent) and 20 mM hydrochloric acid (acceptor phase) was used in the extraction. The method was validated after optimisation of several parameters that influence LPME efficiency. A reverse-phase LiChrospher 60 RP-Select B column (125 mm x 4 mm, 5 microm particle size) was used with 0.005 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.5) and acetonitrile at a 50:50 (v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.6 mL min(-1). In these conditions satisfactory chromatographic resolution and efficiency for the analytes were obtained. Fluorescence detection at 230 nm excitation wavelength and 290 nm emission wavelength was performed. Linearity over a range of 5-500 ng mL(-1), with determination coefficients (R(2)) of 0.9999 and 0.9962 for FLX and NFLX, respectively, was established. Venlafaxine was used as the internal standard for both analytes. Extraction recoveries from plasma samples were 70.9% for FLX and 59.7% for NFLX. The intra-day coefficients of variation (CVs) were below 5.4%, and inter-day CVs were below 13.0%, for both analytes at concentrations of 20, 80 and 160 ng mL(-1). HF-LPME extraction followed by HPLC-FL detection for FLX and NFLX analyses demonstrated excellent sample clean-up and selectivity. This method was simple, cheap, and easy to perform, yielding substantial analytes enrichment. The method was applied to the analysis of samples from 12 patients under fluoxetine treatment and proved suitable for routine therapeutic drug monitoring for this antidepressant.