Bioaccessibility Evaluation of Soymilk Isoflavones with Biotransformation Processing.

Soy isoflavones are considered important sources of bioactive compounds, but they are poorly absorbable, due to their large hydrophilic structures. Some biotransformation strategies have been used to convert the glycosidic form into aglycones, making them available for absorption. This study evaluated the potential of enzymatic and/or microbial fermentation combined bioprocesses in a soymilk extract before and after gastrointestinal in vitro digestion. Commercial ß-glucosidase (ET) and a mix of commercial probiotics (F) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactococcus lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium lactis were used to biotransform the soymilk phenolic extract. An isoflavone profile was identified using HPLC-DAD, total phenolic content was identified using the Folin-Ciocalteu test, and antioxidant capacity was identified using ORAC and FRAP. Soymilk enzymatically treated (ET) followed by microbial fermentation (ET + T) resulted in better conversion of glycosylated isoflavones (6-fold lower than control for daidzin and 2-fold for genistin) to aglycones (18-fold greater than control for dadzein and genistein). The total phenolic content was increased (3.48 mg/mL for control and 4.48 mg/mL for ET + T) and the antioxidant capacity was improved with treatments of ET + T (120 mg/mL for control and 151 mg/mL with ORAC) and with FRAP (285 µL/mL for control and 317 µL/mL). After the in vitro digestion, ET + T samples resulted in a higher content of genistein (two-fold higher than control); also, increases in the total phenolic content (2.81 mg/mL for control and 4.03 mg/mL for ET + T) and antioxidant capacity measured with ORAC were greater compared to undigested samples. In addition, the isolated microbial fermentation process also resulted in positive effects, but the combination of both treatments presented a synergistic effect on soy-based products.

Deferoxamine Interference in Fibro-inflammation: Additional Action in Control of Obese Adipose Tissue Dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies demonstrated that deferoxamine, an iron chelator, can improve inflammatory alterations in adipose tissue induced by obesity. Obesity alterations in adipose tissue are also associated with tissue remodeling, and deferoxamine has anti-fibrosis action previously described in sites like the skin and liver. METHODS: In this work, we analyzed deferoxamine effects on adipose tissue fibro-inflammation during obesity induced by diet in mice. in vitro approaches with fibroblasts and macrophages were also carried out to elucidate deferoxamine activity. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that in addition to exerting anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the cytokine production in adipose tissue of obese mice and by human monocyte differentiated in macrophage in vitro, deferoxamine can alter metalloproteinases expression and extracellular matrix production in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: Deferoxamine could be an alternative to control fibro-inflammation in obese adipose tissue, contributing to the metabolic improvements previously described.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Puerperal Women Treated at a Tertiary Referral Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among puerperal women cared for at a tertiary university hospital and the level of understanding of these puerperal women about toxoplasmosis, vertical transmission, and its prophylaxis. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 225 patients using presential interviews, prenatal documentation, and electronic medical records. Data were stored using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software. Prevalence rates were estimated by the presence of reactive IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test and calculation of the odds ratio (OR). Seroreactivity to T. gondii and exposure variables (age, educational level, and parity) were analyzed using a confidence interval (95%CI) and a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The seropositivity rate for T. gondii was 40%. There was no association between seroprevalence and age. Primiparity was a protective factor against seropositivity and low education was a risk factor. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of T. gondii infection and its transmission forms was significantly limited, presenting a risk for acute maternal toxoplasmosis and vertical transmission of this protozoan. Increasing the education level regarding the risk of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy could reduce the rates of infection and vertical transmission of this parasite.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a soroprevalência de toxoplasmose entre puérperas atendidas em um hospital universitário terciário e o nível de compreensão dessas puérperas sobre toxoplasmose, transmissão vertical e sua profilaxia. MéTODOS: Para esse estudo transversal, foram avaliadas 225 pacientes utilizando entrevistas presenciais, documentação de pré-natal e prontuário eletrônico. Os dados foram armazenados usando o software Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). As taxas de prevalência foram estimadas pela presença de anticorpos IgG reativos contra o Toxoplasma gondii. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do teste do qui-quadrado e cálculo do odds ratio (OR). A sororreatividade ao T. gondii e as variáveis de exposição (idade, escolaridade e paridade) foram analisadas, utilizando-se intervalo de confiança (IC95%) e nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: A taxa de soropositividade para T. gondii foi de 40%. Não houve associação entre soroprevalência e idade. A primiparidade foi fator de proteção contra a soropositividade e a baixa escolaridade foi fator de risco. CONCLUSãO: O conhecimento da infecção por T. gondii e suas formas de transmissão foi significativamente limitado, apresentando risco para toxoplasmose materna aguda e transmissão vertical desse protozoário. Aumentar o nível de escolaridade quanto ao risco de toxoplasmose durante a gravidez pode reduzir as taxas de infecção e transmissão vertical desse parasita.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Puerperal Women Treated at a Tertiary Referral Hospital / Soroprevalência de toxoplasmose em puérperas atendidas em um hospital terciário de referência

Abstract Objective To evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among puerperal women cared for at a tertiary university hospital and the level of understanding of these puerperal women about toxoplasmosis, vertical transmission, and its prophylaxis. Methods For this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 225 patients using presential interviews, prenatal documentation, and electronic medical records. Data were stored using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software. Prevalence rates were estimated by the presence of reactive IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test and calculation of the odds ratio (OR). Seroreactivity to T. gondii and exposure variables (age, educational level, and parity) were analyzed using a confidence interval (95%CI) and a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). Results The seropositivity rate for T. gondii was 40%. There was no association between seroprevalence and age. Primiparity was a protective factor against seropositivity and low education was a risk factor. Conclusion Knowledge of T. gondii infection and its transmission forms was significantly limited, presenting a risk for acute maternal toxoplasmosis and vertical transmission of this protozoan. Increasing the education level regarding the risk of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy could reduce the rates of infection and vertical transmission of this parasite.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a soroprevalência de toxoplasmose entre puérperas atendidas em um hospital universitário terciário e o nível de compreensão dessas puérperas sobre toxoplasmose, transmissão vertical e sua profilaxia. Métodos Para esse estudo transversal, foram avaliadas 225 pacientes utilizando entrevistas presenciais, documentação de pré-natal e prontuário eletrônico. Os dados foram armazenados usando o software Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). As taxas de prevalência foram estimadas pela presença de anticorpos IgG reativos contra o Toxoplasma gondii. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do teste do qui-quadrado e cálculo do odds ratio (OR). A sororreatividade ao T. gondii e as variáveis de exposição (idade, escolaridade e paridade) foram analisadas, utilizando-se intervalo de confiança (IC95%) e nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados A taxa de soropositividade para T. gondii foi de 40%. Não houve associação entre soroprevalência e idade. A primiparidade foi fator de proteção contra a soropositividade e a baixa escolaridade foi fator de risco. Conclusão O conhecimento da infecção por T. gondii e suas formas de transmissão foi significativamente limitado, apresentando risco para toxoplasmose materna aguda e transmissão vertical desse protozoário. Aumentar o nível de escolaridade quanto ao risco de toxoplasmose durante a gravidez pode reduzir as taxas de infecção e transmissão vertical desse parasita.

Reactive treponemal and non-treponemal tests in pregnant women and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the rate of reactive treponemal and non-treponemal tests in pregnant women during childbirth and to analyze the factors associated with this seroreactivity. METHOD: this is a cross-sectional, quantitative study with secondary sources of sociodemographic and clinical data on 2,626 pregnant women treated at a public maternity hospital in the interior of São Paulo, in 2020. For statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test and the logistic regression model were used. A difference of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: the rate of seropositivity for syphilis among pregnant women in this series was 2.74%. Among the groups with positive and non-reactive tests, marital status, occupation, place of residence and use of licit drugs indicated significant differences, but, in the final model, only unmarried marital status was associated with reactive tests (Odds Ratio: 0.169; Confidence Interval: 0.04-0.72; and p: 0.016). CONCLUSION: in this study, unmarried marital status was the only independent factor associated with seroreactivity for syphilis. Therefore, it is necessary to create strategies aimed at women in this condition, potentially reducing the rate of congenital syphilis.

Effects of systemic inflammation due to hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury upon lean or obese visceral adipose tissue.

PURPOSE: To evaluate how the induction of liver damage by ischemia and reperfusion affects the adipose tissue of lean and obese mice. METHODS: Lean and diet-induced obese mice were subjected to liver ischemia (30 min) followed by 6 h of reperfusion. The vascular stromal fraction of visceral adipose tissue was analyzed by cytometry, and gene expression was evaluated by an Array assay and by RT-qPCR. Intestinal permeability was assessed by oral administration of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran and endotoxemia by serum endotoxin measurements using a limulus amebocyte lysate assay. RESULTS: It was found that, after liver ischemia and reperfusion, there is an infiltration of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, as well as an increase in the gene expression that encode cytokines, chemokines and their receptors in the visceral adipose tissue of lean mice. This inflammatory response was associated with the presence of endotoxemia in lean mice. However, these changes were not observed in the visceral adipose tissue of obese mice. CONCLUSIONS: Liver ischemia and reperfusion induce an acute inflammatory response in adipose tissue of lean mice characterized by an intense chemokine induction and leukocyte infiltration; however, inflammatory alterations are already present at baseline in the obese adipose tissue and liver ischemia and reperfusion do not injure further.

Reactive treponemal and non-treponemal tests in pregnant women and associated factors / Pruebas treponémicas y no treponémicas reactivas en mujeres embarazadas y factores asociados / Testes treponêmicos e não treponêmicos reagentes em gestantes e fatores associados

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the rate of reactive treponemal and non-treponemal tests in pregnant women during childbirth and to analyze the factors associated with this seroreactivity. Method: this is a cross-sectional, quantitative study with secondary sources of sociodemographic and clinical data on 2,626 pregnant women treated at a public maternity hospital in the interior of São Paulo, in 2020. For statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test and the logistic regression model were used. A difference of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: the rate of seropositivity for syphilis among pregnant women in this series was 2.74%. Among the groups with positive and non-reactive tests, marital status, occupation, place of residence and use of licit drugs indicated significant differences, but, in the final model, only unmarried marital status was associated with reactive tests (Odds Ratio: 0.169; Confidence Interval: 0.04-0.72; and p: 0.016). Conclusion: in this study, unmarried marital status was the only independent factor associated with seroreactivity for syphilis. Therefore, it is necessary to create strategies aimed at women in this condition, potentially reducing the rate of congenital syphilis.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar la tasa de pruebas treponémicas y no treponémicas reactivas en gestantes durante el parto y analizar los factores asociados a esta serorreactividad. Método: estudio transversal, cuantitativo con fuentes secundarias de datos sociodemográficos y clínicos de 2.626 gestantes atendidas en una maternidad pública del interior de São Paulo, en 2020. Para el análisis estadístico, se utilizaron las pruebas exactas de Fisher, las pruebas de Mann-Whitney y el modelo de regresión logística. Se consideró estadísticamente significativa una diferencia de p < 0,05. Resultados: la tasa de seropositividad para sífilis entre las gestantes de esta serie fue de 2,74%. Entre los grupos con pruebas positivas y no reactivas, estado civil, ocupación, lugar de residencia y uso de drogas lícitas indicaron diferencias significativas, pero, en el modelo final, solo el estado civil soltero se asoció con las pruebas reactivas (odds ratio: 0,169; intervalo de confianza: 0,04-0,72; y p: 0,016). Conclusión: en este estudio, el estado civil soltero fue el único factor independiente asociado a la serorreactividad para sífilis. Por lo tanto, es necesario crear estrategias dirigidas a mujeres en esta condición, potencialmente reduciendo la tasa de sífilis congénita.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar a taxa de testes treponêmicos e não treponêmicos reagentes em gestantes no período do parto e analisar os fatores associados a essa sororreatividade. Método: estudo transversal, quantitativo, com fontes secundárias de dados sociodemográficos e clínicos de 2.626 gestantes atendidas em uma maternidade pública do interior paulista, em 2020. Para a análise estatística, foram utilizados os Testes Exato de Fisher, de Mann-Whitney e o modelo de regressão logística. Considerou-se diferença com significância estatística valores de p < 0,05. Resultados: a taxa de soropositividade para sífilis entre gestantes nesta casuística foi de 2,74%. Entre os grupos com testes reagentes e não reagentes à situação maritária, ocupação, local da residência e uso de drogas lícitas indicaram diferenças significantes, mas, no modelo final, apenas a situação marital não casada apresentou associação com os testes reagentes (Odds Ratio: 0,169; Intervalo de Confiança: 0,04-0,72; e p: 0,016). Conclusão neste estudo, a situação maritária não casada foi o único fator independente associado à sororreatividade para a sífilis. Por isso, faz-se necessária a criação de estratégias voltadas para mulheres nessa condição, potencialmente reduzindo a taxa de sífilis congênita.

Effects of systemic inflammation due to hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury upon lean or obese visceral adipose tissue

Purpose: To evaluate how the induction of liver damage by ischemia and reperfusion affects the adipose tissue of lean and obese mice. Methods: Lean and diet-induced obese mice were subjected to liver ischemia (30 min) followed by 6 h of reperfusion. The vascular stromal fraction of visceral adipose tissue was analyzed by cytometry, and gene expression was evaluated by an Array assay and by RT-qPCR. Intestinal permeability was assessed by oral administration of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran and endotoxemia by serum endotoxin measurements using a limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Results: It was found that, after liver ischemia and reperfusion, there is an infiltration of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, as well as an increase in the gene expression that encode cytokines, chemokines and their receptors in the visceral adipose tissue of lean mice. This inflammatory response was associated with the presence of endotoxemia in lean mice. However, these changes were not observed in the visceral adipose tissue of obese mice. Conclusions: Liver ischemia and reperfusion induce an acute inflammatory response in adipose tissue of lean mice characterized by an intense chemokine induction and leukocyte infiltration; however, inflammatory alterations are already present at baseline in the obese adipose tissue and liver ischemia and reperfusion do not injure further.

Perspectives on administration of COVID-19 vaccine to pregnant and lactating women: a challenge for low- and middle-income countries.

Women who are in the pregnancy-puerperal cycle or are lactating have been deliberately excluded from participating in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials that aimed to evaluate either the efficacy of the vaccines in inducing the formation of neutralizing antibodies or the investigational products' safety profile. The exclusion of pregnant and lactating women from such studies certainly and inequitably denies these women access to COVID-19 vaccines, since these products have become increasingly available to nonpregnant people and even to those who are pregnant and are in high-income settings. In this clinical opinion article, we discuss some aspects of the prolonged pandemic, the emergence of viral variants, the risks of severe complications of COVID-19 in pregnant women, and the disproportionate impact of the above on low- and middle-income countries. We argue that the decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine should be a joint decision between the pregnant or lactating women and the healthcare providers, while considering the available data on vaccine efficacy, safety, the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women, and the women's individual risks for infection and serious illness. The various types of vaccines that are already in use and their safety, effectiveness, and the potential risks and benefits of their administration to pregnant or lactating women are also reviewed.

Violência contra mulher: um comparativo dos sistemas de informação em saúde e da segurança pública em Pernambuco (2013-2017) / Violence against women: a comparison of health information systems and public security in Pernambuco (2013-2017)

A Violência Contra a Mulher (VCM) é qualquer ação baseada no gênero causando morte, lesão, sofrimento físico, sexual ou psicológico e dano moral ou patrimonial a mulher. O objetivo foi elaborar comparativo dos sistemas de informação em saúde e da segurança pública, no monitoramento da VCM em Pernambuco. O estudo é observacional, longitudinal, do tipo série temporal com abordagem quantitativa sobre a VCM estabelecendo um comparativo entre os dados dos sistemas de informação em saúde SINAN e SIM e o INFOPOL/SDS-PE para VCM com 20 anos ou mais em Pernambuco, entre 2013 e 2017. O SINAN apresenta um aumento do número de casos de violência ano a ano; ocorridos entre 2013 e 2014 aumento de 3,4%, de 2014 a 2015 de 11,31%, entre 2015 e 2016 de 4,2% e entre 2016 e 2017 de 27,4% casos a mais. O SIM mostra tendência a manutenção dos casos, apresentando uma média de 221,6 mortes/ano. O INFOPOL apresenta nos dados relacionados a Mulheres Vítimas de Violência Doméstica e familiar uma propensão a estabilidade dos casos, com média de 31.322 ocorrências/ano; no que se refere a Crimes Violentos Letais Intencionais observa-se um comportamento semelhante, pela conservação da média de 234,8 ocorrências, registradas anualmente. Sobre os feminicídios dos anos apresentados vê-se uma redução de 22,34% das mortes entre 2016 e 2017. Fica clara a necessidade de investigação a respeito do porquê de os números apontarem para um perfil de estabilidade dos óbitos e um aumento dos casos de VCM no período avaliado, além da integração entre os sistemas de modo a termos dados passíveis de cruzamento. (AU)

Violence Against Women (VCM) is any action based on gender causing death, injury, physical, sexual or psychological suffering and moral or property damage to women. The objective was to draw up a comparison of health information systems and public safety, in monitoring VCM in Pernambuco. The study is quantitative and descriptive, compared data from the Mortality Information System (SIM), Disease Information and Notification System (SINAN) and the public security information system (INFOPOL / SDS-PE) for VCM aged 20 or over more in Pernambuco, between 2013 and 2017. At SINAN 37.1% of the cases were women between 20 and 29 years old, 56% brown and 14.5% had completed high school. In the SIM, women aged 20 to 29 years (38.7%), brown (83%) and with 4 to 7 years of study (32.3%) prevailed. According to INFOPOL / SDS, domestic and family violence mainly ccurred in the range of 31 and 65 years old (27.6%), in Intentional Lethal Crimes (CVLI) 46.7% of them were between 18 and 30 years old and femínicides prevailed between 31 and 65 years (53%). It is clear the need for an integrated database that reliably reflects the VCM in razil and for more studies on the topic.(AU)

A intervenção precoce do paciente com síndrome coronariana aguda e sua implicação na redução da morbimortalidade cardiovascular / The early intervention of acute coronary disease and its implication in the reduction of cardiovascular morbimortality

Introdução. O infarto agudo do miocárdio apresenta significativas taxas de morbimortalidade. A reperfusão precoce por angioplastia primária é a intervenção que reduz a mortalidade e as complicações, e deve ser iniciada em até 12 horas, a fim de impedir a perda muscular irreversível. O tempo entre chegada do paciente ao hospital e a abertura da artéria acometida, tempo porta-balão, determina a morbimortalidade do paciente. Objetivo. Esse estudo busca analisar o potencial benefício do tratamento da reperfusão coronariana precoce, os fatores de risco, as possíveis complicações e o Killip em pacientes que sofreram infarto agudo do miocárdio relacionando-os a sua morbimortalidade. Materiais e métodos. Estudo observacional transversal realizado por meio de coleta de dados dos prontuários dos pacientes submetidos a angioplastia primária de um hospital privado. Resultados. A hipertensão arterial sistêmica foi a variável mais prevalente (75%), e que houve predomínio no sexo masculino (71%) e associação com a progressão da idade. 61% dos pacientes apresentaram um tempo porta balão menor que 90 minutos. Houve significância estatística entre o tempo porta balão e a evolução do Killip, evidenciando um tempo porta-balão maior que 90 minutos na maioria dos pacientes que obtiveram aumento da pontuação do Killip. Conclusão. A precocidade da intervenção no paciente com IAM impacta na morbimortalidade, visto que o tempo porta balão está diretamente associado a evolução da do Killip. Logo, deve-se identificar os fatores que interferem no atendimento, a fim de proporcionar uma intervenção otimizada. (AU)

Introduction. Acute myocardial infarction has significant rates of morbidity and mortality. Early reperfusion by primary angioplasty is the intervention that reduces mortality and complications, and should be started within 12 hours in order to prevent irreversible muscle loss. The time between the patient's arrival at the hospital and the opening of the affected artery, door-to-balloon time, determines the patient's morbidity and mortality. Objective. The proposition of this study is to analyze the potential benefits of early coronary reperfusion, associated with the risk factors, possible complications, and the Killip score in patients whit acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the relation of those factors with the morbidity and mortality. Materials and methods. This is a transversal observational study and uses data collected of medical records of patients subjected to primary angioplasty in a private hospital. Results. Systemic arterial hypertension was the most prevalent one (75%), it was more common in males (71%) and associated with a higher age. In 61% of the patients port-balloon time was less than 90 minutes. There was statistical significance between port-balloon time and Killip score evaluation, that showed a higher score in patient with a port-balloon time that exceeded 90 minutes. Conclusion. Early intervention in patients with AMI impacts morbimortality, once that the port-balloon time is directly associated with the Killip score results. Therefore, all factors that can lead to a delay in their care of those patients should be identified with the objective of optimize the intervention. (AU)

The effect of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in adult male mice programmed by maternal obesity.

PURPOSE: Maternal obesity can program the offspring, increasing the risk of overweight and obesity in adult life. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a Brazilian plant that has weight-reducing effects. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Guarana on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in mice programmed by maternal obesity. METHODS: Swiss female mice were divided into two groups: control and high fat (HF), who received a standard diet or a high-fat diet (HFD), respectively, for 8 weeks prior to mating, gestation, and lactation. After post-natal day (PN) 21, the offspring of the HF group were subdivided into three groups: HF without treatment; HF early treatment, offspring treated with Guarana (1 g/kg bodyweight) in PN25-PN30; HF late treatment, offspring treated with Guarana (1 g/kg bodyweight) in PN65-PN75. Basal energy expenditure, the lipid profile and fasting glucose levels were determined. Body composition was evaluated by dissecting adipose tissue depots. Gene expression was analyzed using real-time PCR. RESULTS: During mating, the weight of HF females increased; after lactation, their adipose tissue depots and fasting glycemic levels also increased. The offspring of the HF group showed an increased body weight at PN21. At PN80, in the mice treated with Guarana (with both treatments), VO2 and energy expenditure increased, adipose tissue depots decreased, and the expression of leptin, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 decreased compared with that in the HF group. CONCLUSIONS: Guarana treatment at both stages of life reversed some of the alterations developed by the offspring of HF animals in adult life.

Modulatory Effect of Polyphenolic Compounds from the Mangrove Tree Rhizophora mangle L. on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Insulin Resistance in High-Fat Diet Obese Mice.

No scientific report proves the action of the phytochemicals from the mangrove tree Rhizophora mangle in the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of the acetonic extract of R. mangle barks (AERM) on type 2 diabetes. The main chemical constituents of the extract were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and flow injection analysis electrospray-iontrap mass spectrometry (FIA-ESI-IT-MS/MS). High-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice were used as model of type 2 diabetes associated with obesity. After 4 weeks of AERM 5 or 50 mg/kg/day orally, glucose homeostasis was evaluated by insulin tolerance test (kiTT). Hepatic steatosis, triglycerides and gene expression were also evaluated. AERM consists of catechin, quercetin and chlorogenic acids derivatives. These metabolites have nutritional importance, obese mice treated with AERM (50 mg/kg) presented improvements in insulin resistance resulting in hepatic steatosis reductions associated with a strong inhibition of hepatic mRNA levels of CD36. The beneficial effects of AERM in an obesity model could be associated with its inhibitory α-amylase activity detected in vitro. Rhizophora mangle partially reverses insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis associated with obesity, supporting previous claims in traditional knowledge.

Extracellular matrix remodeling and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition in visceral adipose during weight cycling in mice.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is necessary for a health adipose tissue (AT) expansion and also has a role during weight loss. We investigate the ECM alteration during weight cycling (WC) in mice and the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was assessed using GM6001, an MMP inhibitor, during weight loss (WL). Obesity was induced in mice by a high-fat diet. Obese mice were subject to caloric restriction for WL followed by reintroduction to high-fat diet for weight regain (WR), resulting in a WC protocol. In addition, mice were treated with GM6001 during WL period and the effects were observed after WR. Activity and expression of MMPs was intense during WL. MMP inhibition during WL results in inflammation and collagen content reduction. MMP inhibition during WL period interferes with the period of subsequent expansion of AT resulting in improvements in local inflammation and systemic metabolic alterations induced by obesity. Our results suggest that MMPs inhibition could be an interesting target to improve adipose tissue inflammation during WL and to support weight cyclers.

Biotransformed citrus extract as a source of anti-inflammatory polyphenols: Effects in macrophages and adipocytes.

Chronic non-communicable diseases such as obesity are preceded by increased macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue and greater secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of Biotransformed extract, and two control extracts: In Natura and Autoclaved. The assays were performed using a cellular model with RAW264.7, 3T3-L1 cells, and RAW264.7 and 3T3-L1 co-culture. The innovation of the study was the use of Biotransformed extract, a unique phenolic extract of a bioprocessed citrus residue. LPS stimulated RAW264.7 cells treated with the Biotransformed extract exhibited lower secretion of TNF-α and NO and lower protein expression of NFκB. In RAW264.7 and 3T3-L1 co-culture, treatment with 1.0mg/mL of the Biotransformed extract reduced secretion of TNF-α (30.7%) and IL-6 (43.4%). Still, the Biotransformed extract caused higher increase in adiponectin in relation to control extracts. When the co-culture received a LPS stimulus, the Autoclaved extract at 1.0mg/mL reduced IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations, and raised adiponectin. However, it was noteworthy that the Biotransformed extract was also able to significantly reduce IL-6 concentration while the Natural extract was not. The Biotransformed citrus extract evaluated in this study showed anti-inflammatory activity in macrophages and in co-culture, indicating that bioprocess of citrus residue can contribute to new product development with anti-inflammatory potential.

Role of A1 and A2A adenosine receptor agonists in adipose tissue inflammation induced by obesity in mice.

Adenosine receptors are expressed in adipose tissue and control physiological and pathological events such as lipolysis and inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), a potent and selective A1 adenosine receptor agonist; 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxyamidoadenosine hydrochloride (CGS-21680), an A2A adenosine receptor agonist; and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), a potent non-selective adenosine receptor agonist on adipose tissue inflammatory alterations induced by obesity in mice. Swiss mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks and agonists were administered in the last two weeks. Body weight, adiposity and glucose homeostasis were evaluated. Inflammation in adipose tissue was assessed by evaluation of adipokine production and macrophage infiltration. Adenosine receptor signaling in adipose tissue was also evaluated. Mice that received CGS21680 presented an improvement in glucose homeostasis in association with systemically reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α, PAI-1) and in the visceral adipose tissue (TNF-α, MCP-1, macrophage infiltration). Activation of p38 signaling was found in adipose tissue of this group of mice. NECA-treated mice presented some improvements in glucose homeostasis associated with an observed weight loss. Mice that received CPA presented only a reduction in the ex vivo basal lipolysis rate measured within visceral adipose tissue. In conclusion, administration of the A2A receptor agonist to obese mice resulted in improvements in glucose homeostasis and adipose tissue inflammation, corroborating the idea that new therapeutics to treat obesity could emerge from these compounds.

Effects of iron supplementation in mice with hypoferremia induced by obesity.

Iron is an important micronutrient, but it can also act as a dangerous element by interfering with glucose homeostasis and inflammation, two features that are already disturbed in obese subjects. In this work, we study the effects of systemic iron supplementation on metabolic and inflammatory responses in mice with hypoferremia induced by obesity to better characterize whether iron worsens the parameters that are already altered after 24 weeks of a high-fat diet (HFD). Mice were maintained on a control diet or a HFD for 24 weeks and received iron-III polymaltose (50 mg/kg/every 2 days) during the last two weeks. Glucose homeostasis (basal glucose and insulin test tolerance) and systemic and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation were assessed. Iron levels were measured in serum. The Prussian blue reaction was used in isolated macrophages to detect iron deposition. Iron supplementation resulted in an increased number of VAT macrophages that were positive for Prussian blue staining as well as increased serum iron levels. Systemic hepcidin, leptin, resistin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels were not altered by iron supplementation. Local adipose tissue inflammation was also not made worse by iron supplementation because the levels of hepcidin, MCP-1, leptin, and interleukin (IL)-6 were not altered. In contrast, iron supplementation resulted in an increased production of IL-10 by adipose tissue and VAT macrophages. Leukocytosis and VAT plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) level were reduced, but insulin resistance was not altered after iron supplementation. In conclusion, systemic iron supplementation in mice with hypoferremia induced by obesity did not worsen inflammatory marker or adipose tissue inflammation or the metabolic status established by obesity. Iron deposition was observed in adipose tissue, mainly in macrophages, suggesting that these cells have mechanisms that promote iron incorporation without increasing the production of inflammatory mediators.

Standardization of a method for the detection of helminth eggs and larvae in lettuce.

Despite reports that food-borne parasitic infections have been increasing worldwide, the methodologies employed to detect food contamination by helminths are still largely based on methodologies used to detect these pathogens in feces and water. This study sought to improve the diagnosis of parasitic contaminants in lettuce by standardizing a method for detecting helminth eggs and larvae and estimating their percentage of recovery. Sanitized lettuces were artificially contaminated with different amounts of Ascaris suum and hookworm eggs and larvae. To standardize the method, we tested liquid extractors, vegetable washing steps, and spontaneous sedimentation times. Higher percentages of egg and larvae recovery were obtained using 1 M glycine as the liquid extractor, manual shaking for 3 min and 2 h of sedimentation. Five different levels of artificial contamination (ten replicates each; n = 50) were tested using these standardized conditions, yielding an average recovery of 62.6 % (±20.2), 51.9 % (±20.0), and 50.0 % (±27.3) for A. suum eggs, hookworm eggs, and larvae, respectively. Tests were performed with a different matrix to evaluate the performance of the method. Furthermore, collaborative analytical studies performed by different laboratories produced satisfactory results. The method for the identification of helminth eggs and larvae proposed in this study proved to be simpler and more efficient than previously published procedures, thereby demonstrating its potential contribution to health surveillance and epidemiological studies.

Role of pentoxifylline in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice.

AIM: To study pentoxifylline effects in liver and adipose tissue inflammation in obese mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS: Male swiss mice (6-wk old) were fed a high-fat diet (HFD; 60% kcal from fat) or AIN-93 (control diet; 15% kcal from fat) for 12 wk and received pentoxifylline intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg per day) for the last 14 d. Glucose homeostasis was evaluated by measurements of basal glucose blood levels and insulin tolerance test two days before the end of the protocol. Final body weight was assessed. Epididymal adipose tissue was collected and weighted for adiposity evaluation. Liver and adipose tissue biopsies were homogenized in solubilization buffer and cytokines were measured in supernatant by enzyme immunoassay or multiplex kit, respectively. Hepatic histopathologic analyses were performed in sections of paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver specimens stained with hematoxylin-eosin by an independent pathologist. Steatosis (macrovesicular and microvesicular), ballooning degeneration and inflammation were histopathologically determined. Triglycerides measurements were performed after lipid extraction in liver tissue. RESULTS: Pentoxifylline treatment reduced microsteatosis and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in liver (156.3 ± 17.2 and 62.6 ± 7.6 pg/mL of TNF-α for non-treated and treated obese mice, respectively; P < 0.05). Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were also reduced (23.2 ± 6.9 and 12.1 ± 1.6 U/L for non-treated and treated obese mice, respectively; P < 0.05) but had no effect on glucose homeostasis. In obese adipose tissue, pentoxifylline reduced TNF-α (106.1 ± 17.6 and 51.1 ± 9.6 pg/mL for non-treated and treated obese mice, respectively; P < 0.05) and interleukin-6 (340.8 ± 51.3 and 166.6 ± 22.5 pg/mL for non-treated and treated obese mice, respectively; P < 0.05) levels; however, leptin (8.1 ± 0.7 and 23.1 ± 2.9 ng/mL for non-treated and treated lean mice, respectively; P < 0.05) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (600.2 ± 32.3 and 1508.6 ± 210.4 pg/mL for non-treated and treated lean mice, respectively; P < 0.05) levels increased in lean adipose tissue. TNF-α level in the liver of lean mice also increased (29.6 ± 6.6 and 75.4 ± 12.6 pg/mL for non-treated and treated lean mice, respectively; P < 0.05) while triglycerides presented a tendency to reduction. CONCLUSION: Pentoxifylline was beneficial in obese mice improving liver and adipose tissue inflammation. Unexpectedly, pentoxifylline increased pro-inflammatory markers in the liver and adipose tissue of lean mice.

Development of a new amplification-refractory mutation system for detection of a single nucleotide polymorphism linked to drug resistance in Ancylostoma caninum.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms at codons 167, 198, and 200 in the ß-tubulin isotype 1 gene have been associated with benz-imidazole resistance. Until now, the only mutation observed in Ancy-lostoma caninum was at codon 200 of this gene. However, the standard-ized methodologies used to detect mutations in this species are faulty. The objective of this study was to standardize a molecular technique based on amplification-refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) for detecting the mutation at codon 200 in the A. caninum ß-tubulin isotype 1 gene. Controls were synthesized both for the absence of the mutation, using conventional PCR, and for the presence of the mutation, using the Megaprimer-PCR technique. After standardization of the ARMS-PCR using the controls, the technique was validated through an analysis of 75 A. caninum DNA samples, fol-lowed by sequencing. The results revealed that the developed technique has high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, which allow its ap-plication in the field.