TUDCA receptors and their role on pancreatic beta cells.

Bile acids have received increasing attention over the past years as their multiple alternative roles became clearer. Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) in specific has generated special interest due to its ability to promote pancreatic survival and function, as well as reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress. However, there are few studies explaining the molecular mechanisms behind TUDCA's beneficial actions on pancreatic beta cells. In this review, we decided to review the literature in order to craft a primer for researchers on what is known about TUDCA's receptors and the molecular pathways involved in this bile acid's function in the endocrine pancreas. We review the studies that focused on G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5), Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) and α5ß1 Integrin function in pancreatic cells. Our hope is to provide a basis for future studies to expand upon, especially considering the current lack of studies focusing on the importance of these receptors, either through TUDCA signaling or other signaling molecules.

The use of the "Endocrine Circuit" as an active learning methodology to aid in the understanding of the human endocrine system.

The search for more efficient teaching methodologies is a great challenge for Brazilian educators, since most classes are still traditional (theoretical) and have little student involvement during the learning process. Active learning methodologies, where students play a central role in the learning process, are proving to be more effective and interesting when it comes to acquiring knowledge. Thus we decided to develop an innovative technique for teaching Human Endocrine Physiology, called "Endocrine Circuit." The circuit consisted of eight stations in which students were asked to organize a scheme with cards to answer a specific question about a gland or tissue with endocrine relevance. The effectiveness of the developed activity was validated through a pretest-posttest design, in which the students had to answer a 10-question test. We found out that, after the Endocrine Circuit application, students showed an improvement in the percentage of correct answers for 7 out of 10 questions contained in the questionnaire (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, the activity showed positive outcomes regarding student's engagement in this study, besides showing to be more efficient than the Brazilian traditional theoretical classes.

Effect of N-Acetylcysteine on Dyslipidemia and Carbohydrate Metabolism in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by insulin-deficient production leading to hyperglycemia, which is associated with diabetic complications such as cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants have been proving a good alternative to diabetic complications, with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) having antioxidant characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of NAC on the lipid profile and the atherogenic index (AI) in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats. METHOD: 32 male Wistar rats (60 days of age) weighting ±250 g were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 8): CTRL: control rats; CTRL+NAC: control rats treated with NAC; DM: diabetic rats; DM+NAC: diabetic rats treated with NAC. T1DM was induced using STZ (60 mg/kg, ip; single dose), and NAC (25 mg/kg/day) was administrated by gavage, for 37 days. The animals received chow and water ad libitum. After the experimental period, blood and cardiac tissue samples were collected to analyze energetic metabolism, lipid profile, and AI. RESULTS: NAC decreased (p < 0.01) glycemia, energy intake, carbohydrate, and protein consumption in diabetic rats (DM+NAC), when compared with DM, while the alimentary efficiency was improved (p < 0.01) in treated diabetic rats (DM+NAC). Diabetic rats treated with NAC decreased (p < 0.01) lipid profile and AI in diabetic rats (DM+NAC) when compared to DM. CONCLUSION: NAC improves lipid profile and decreases AI in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Beneficial effects of N-acetylcysteine on hepatic oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Diabetes is one of the leading diseases worldwide and, thus, finding new therapeutic alternatives is essential. The development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a notable diabetic complication. Therefore, antioxidant therapy became a leading topic in the world of diabetes research. The objective of this present study was to evaluate the effects of antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration on serum biochemical parameters and oxidative stress parameters in hepatic tissue of the diabetic rats. Thirty-two animals were divided in 4 groups (n = 8): G1, normal rats; G2, normal rats + NAC; G3, diabetic rats; and G4, diabetic rats + NAC. Diabetes was induced in diabetic groups through streptozotocin. NAC administration was effective in improving hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia, as well as reducing serum alanine-aminotransferase and urea, hepatic triglycerides accumulation, and oxidative stress biomarkers in the diabetic liver, as well as improving the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes. This effect was likely due to NAC's ability of restoring intracellular glutathione, an important compound for the antioxidant defense, as well as due to NAC's direct antioxidant properties. Thus, NAC administration was useful for reducing hepatic oxidative stress and decreased the deposit of triacylglycerols, minimizing diabetic hepatic damage, making it a promising therapeutic adjuvant in the future.