Isolation and Characterization of Potentially Probiotic Bacterial Strains from Mice: Proof of Concept for Personalized Probiotics.

Modulation of the gut microbiota through the use of probiotics has been widely used to treat or prevent several intestinal diseases. However, inconsistent results have compromised the efficacy of this approach, especially in severe conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The purpose of our study was to develop a personalized probiotic strategy and assess its efficacy in a murine model of intestinal inflammation. Commensal bacterial strains were isolated from the feces of healthy mice and then administered back to the host as a personalized treatment in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Colonic tissues were collected for histological analysis and to investigate inflammatory markers such as Il-1ß, Il-6, TGF-ß, and Il-10, and the enzyme myeloperoxidase as a neutrophil marker. The group that received the personalized probiotic showed reduced susceptibility to DSS-colitis as compared to a commercial probiotic. This protection was characterized by a lower disease activity index and reduced histopathological damage in the colon. Moreover, the personalized probiotic was more effective in modulating the host immune response, leading to decreased Il-1ß and Il-6 and increased TGF-ß and Il-10 expression. In conclusion, our study suggests that personalized probiotics may possess an advantage over commercial probiotics in treating dysbiotic-related conditions, possibly because they are derived directly from the host's own microbiota.

Consumption effect of a synbiotic beverage made from soy and yacon extracts containing Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 on the intestinal polyamine concentrations in elderly individuals.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a synbiotic beverage made from soy and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) extracts containing Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 on healthy elderly individuals' intestinal polyamine concentrations. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial has been conducted with twenty-nine volunteers (over 65years of age) who either had a daily intake of 150mL of synbiotic (synbiotic group - S) or placebo (placebo group - P) beverages. Both had the same nutrient composition, except that a probiotic culture was added to the synbiotic beverage. Total experiment time was 8weeks, which was divided into 3 consecutive phases: a prefeeding period (2weeks), followed by a feeding period (4weeks) and a postfeeding period (2weeks). Stool samples were collected at 3 time periods. Fecal concentrations of polyamines, putrescine (PUT), cadaverine (CAD) and spermidine (SPD) that were obtained during the synbiotic and placebo consumption period were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those found during the pre-consumption baseline level period. No significant differences in the number of bifidobacteria, clostridia, or enterobacteria were observed in any of the two groups at the three time periods. Similarly, no significant effect on the production of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) was induced by the synbiotic or placebo beverages consumption. The results herein indicate that both the synbiotic and the placebo beverage consumption have increased polyamines levels, which are often reduced in elderly individuals, without influencing inflammatory responses. In addition, both placebo and synbiotic beverages seems to contribute by maintaining increased polyamines levels.

Effect of a probiotic beverage consumption (Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Bifidobacterium longum ATCC 15707) in rats with chemically induced colitis.

BACKGROUND: Some probiotic strains have the potential to assist in relieving the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. The impact of daily ingestion of a soy-based product fermented by Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Lactobacillus helveticus 416 with the addition of Bifidobacterium longum ATCC 15707 on chemically induced colitis has been investigated thereof within a period of 30 days. METHODS: Colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium. The animals were randomly assigned into five groups: Group C: negative control; Group CL: positive control; Group CLF: DSS with the fermented product; Group CLP: DSS with the non-fermented product (placebo); Group CLS: DSS with sulfasalazine. The following parameters were monitored: disease activity index, fecal microbial analyses, gastrointestinal survival of probiotic microorganisms and short-chain fatty acids concentration in the feces. At the end of the protocol the animals' colons were removed so as to conduct a macroscopical and histopathological analysis, cytokines and nitrite quantification. RESULTS: Animals belonging to the CLF group showed fewer symptoms of colitis during the induction period and a lower degree of inflammation and ulceration in their colon compared to the CL, CLS and CLP groups (p<0.05). The colon of the animals in groups CL and CLS presented severe crypt damage, which was absent in CLF and CLP groups. A significant increase in the population of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. at the end of the protocol was verified only in the CLF animals (p<0.05). This group also showed an increase in short-chain fatty acids (propionate and acetate). Furthermore, the intestinal survival of E. faecium CRL 183 and B. longum ATCC 15707 in the CLF group has been confirmed by biochemical and molecular analyzes. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that a regular intake of the probiotic product, and placebo to a lesser extent, can reduce the severity of DSS-induced colitis on rats.

Probiotics: The scientific evidence in the context of inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) generally comprises Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), and their main characteristic is the intestinal mucosa inflammation. Although its origin is not yet fully known, there is growing evidence related to genetics, intestinal microbiota composition, and the immune system factors such as precursors for the initiation and progression of intestinal conditions. The use of certain probiotic microorganisms has been touted as a possible and promising therapeutic approach in reducing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease, specifically ulcerative colitis. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the benefits of probiotics, indicating that some bacterial strains are able to positively modulate the intestinal microbiota and the immune system, and to produce metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this paper is to bring together the various results and information, based on scientific evidence, that are related to probiotics and inflammatory bowel disease, emphasizing the possible mechanisms involved in this action.

Probiotic Soy Product Supplemented with Isoflavones Improves the Lipid Profile of Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Several studies have demonstrated that specific probiotics affect the host's metabolism and may influence the cardiovascular disease risk. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of an isoflavone-supplemented soy product fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Lactobacillus helveticus 416 on cardiovascular risk markers in moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects. DESIGN: Randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial Setting: São Paulo State University in Araraquara, SP, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: 49 male healthy men with total cholesterol (TC) >5.17 mmol/L and <6.21 mmol/L Intervention: The volunteers have consumed 200 mL of the probiotic soy product (group SP-10(10) CFU/day), isoflavone-supplemented probiotic soy product (group ISP-probiotic plus 50 mg of total isoflavones/100 g) or unfermented soy product (group USP-placebo) for 42 days in a randomized, double-blind study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lipid profile and additional cardiovascular biomarkers were analyzed on days 0, 30 and 42. Urine samples (24 h) were collected at baseline and at the end of the experiment so as to determine the isoflavones profile. RESULTS: After 42 days, the ISP consumption led to improved total cholesterol, non-HDL-C (LDL + IDL + VLDL cholesterol fractions) and electronegative LDL concentrations (reduction of 13.8%, 14.7% and 24.2%, respectively, p < 0.05). The ISP and SP have prevented the reduction of HDL-C level after 42 days. The C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were not improved. The equol production by the ISP group subjects was inversely correlated with electronegative LDL concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a regular consumption of this probiotic soy product, supplemented with isoflavones, could contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in moderately hypercholesterolemic men, through the an improvement in lipid profile and antioxidant properties.

Optimisation of a sample preparation method for the determination of fumonisin B(1) in rice.

A simple, rapid and cost-effective sample preparation method for the determination of fumonisin B1 in rice was optimised using a strategy of sequential experimental designs. Initially, a Plackett-Burman design was applied to select the statistically significant variables for the determination of fumonisin B1, and then, a central composite rotatable design was used to define the optimal conditions of these variables. The method involves extraction with a 50% acetonitrile aqueous solution and glacial acetic acid, liquid-liquid partitioning with addition of anhydrous sodium sulphate and sodium chloride, followed by dispersive SPE clean-up with diatomaceous earth. The final extract was analysed by HPLC-FLD after precolumn derivatisation with ortho-phthaldialdehyde. The optimised method was validated for selectivity, linearity, matrix effect, limits of detection and quantification, trueness, and precision, and then applied to commercial samples of polished rice. This is the first report of the occurrence of fumonisin B1 in commercial samples of polished rice from the Southeast region of Brazil.

Beneficial effects of fermented vegetal beverages on human gastrointestinal microbial ecosystem in a simulator.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of four beverage formulations (prebiotic - fructooligosaccharide, probiotic - Lactobacillus casei Lc-01, synbiotic - fructooligosaccharide and L. casei Lc-01 and placebo) based on aqueous extracts of soy and quinoa, towards the human intestinal microbiota using the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®), a dynamic model of the human gut. To monitor the effects on microbial community composition, plate counts on specific growth media and a PCR-DGGE analysis were performed on samples from all colon compartments - ascending, transverse and descending. To verify the effects on microbial metabolism, we analyzed the ammonium and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations. The synbiotic beverage showed the best microbiological results in the ascending colon compartment, stimulating the growth of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., and reducing Clostridium spp., Bacteroides spp., enterobacteria and Enterococcus spp. populations in this compartment. A larger reduction (p<0.05) of ammonia ions in the ascending colon was observed during the synbiotic beverage treatment. No statistical difference was observed in SCFA production among the treatments and the basal period. Plate count and DGGE analysis showed the survival of L. casei Lc-01 in the colon. DGGE analysis also showed higher richness and diversity of the Lactobacillus spp. community during the treatment with synbiotic beverage, with higher accentuation in the ascending colon.

Impact of inulin and okara on Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis Bb-12 viability in a fermented soy product and probiotic survival under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

The effect of inulin and/or okara flour on Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis Bb-12 viability in a fermented soy product (FSP) and on probiotic survival under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions were investigated throughout 28 days of storage at 4 °C. Employing a 2(2) design, four FSP trials were produced from soymilk fermented with ABT-4 culture (La-5, Bb-12, and Streptococcus thermophilus): FSP (control); FSP-I (with inulin, 3 g/100 mL of soymilk); FSP-O (with okara, 5 g/100 mL); FSP-IO (with inulin + okara, ratio 3:5 g/100 mL). Probiotic viabilities ranged from 8 to 9 log cfu/g during the 28 days of storage, and inulin and/or okara flour did not affect the viability of La-5 and Bb-12. Bb-12 resistance to the artificial gastrointestinal juices was higher than for La-5, since the Bb-12 and La-5 populations decreased approximately 0.6 log cfu/g and 3.8 log cfu/g, respectively, throughout storage period. Even though the protective effect of inulin and/or okara flour on probiotic microorganisms was not significant, when compared to a fresh culture, the FSP matrix improved Bb-12 survival on day 1 of storage and may be considered a good vehicle for Bb-12 and could play an important role in probiotic protection against gastrointestinal juices.

A soy-based product fermented by Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus helveticus inhibits the development of murine breast adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: Soy and its fermented products are considered functional foods. The study objective was to assess three functional food - a non-fermented soy product (NFP), fermented soy product (FSP), fermented soy product enriched with isoflavones (FI) - in terms of their ability to reduce the development of adenocarcinoma in mice, as well their ability on modulating immune system. METHODS: It was observed tumor volume and to verify correlations with the immune system it was measured levels of the cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α produced by macrophages as well as IFN-γ produced by lymphocytes using ELISA test, and nitric oxide production by macrophages using Griess reagent. RESULTS: All products showed immunological activity, but FSP showed the most effective tumor containment, resulting in smallest tumor volumes. FI animals expressed larger amounts of nitric oxide and IL-1ß and exhibited larger tumor sizes than FSP and NFP animals. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the ingestion of FSP was most efficient in tumor containment, possibly due to a positive modulation of the immune system by when Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus helveticus are added to the soy product.

Determinação de fumonisina B1 por CLAE: estudo da estabilidade do derivado fumonisina B1-orto-ftaldialdeído / Determination of fumonisin B1 by HPLC: stability study of the fumonisin B1-ortho-phthaldialdehyde derivative

Este estudo avaliou a estabilidade do derivado fumonisina B1-orto-ftaldialdeído sob diferentes condições de pH, tempo e temperatura, durante a reação de derivatização e as análises cromatográficas. Na derivatização, a máxima fluorescência emitida pelo derivado foi obtida empregando-se a solução de tetraborato de sódio 0,1 M em pH 9,0, e esta não diferiu significativamente das emitidas em pH 8,0, 8,5,9,5 e 10,0. Em 2 minutos de reação, obteve-se a máxima fluorescência, e esta não diferiu significativamente das emitidas em 4, 6 e 8 minutos de reação. A variação de 0,5 unidade no pH da solução tampão fosfato de sódio 0,1 M, empregada como fase móvel, influenciou significativamente na separação cromatográfica e na detecção do derivado fumonisina B1-orto-ftaldialdeído; em pH entre 3,3 e 3,8, obtiveram-se as maiores intensidades de fluorescência. O aumento na temperatura da coluna cromatográfica resultou na redução de intensidade da fluorescência. O derivado fumonisina B1-orto-ftaldialdeído manteve-se estável entre 20 e 27 °C. A 30 °C, houve redução significativa em 26,5% na intensidade da fluorescência emitida pelo derivado.

Food restriction and refeeding induces changes in lipid pathways and fat deposition in the adipose and hepatic tissues in rats with diet-induced obesity.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of successive cycles of a moderately restrictive diet and refeeding with a high-fat diet on the metabolism of the adipose and hepatic tissues of obese rats. Rats were assigned to the following groups: a chow diet; a high-fat diet; a moderate caloric restriction; or a moderate caloric restriction plus refeeding. Some animals in each group were given [1-(14)C]triolein intragastrically, while others received an intraperitoneal injection of 3 mCi (3)H(2)O. All animals were killed by decapitation. The retroperitoneal, visceral epididymal and omental white adipose tissues, brown adipose tissue, liver and blood were immediately removed. The lipid uptake from the diet, in vivo rate of lipogenesis, percentage of fat, lipid profile and leptin concentration were analysed. The high-fat diet promoted an increase in fatty liver (P ≤ 0.05), adiposity mass (P ≤ 0.05) and the plasma concentration of leptin (P ≤ 0.05) and a decreased lipid uptake in white adipose tissue depots (P ≤ 0.05) in relation to the chow diet. The moderate caloric restriction did not reverse the changes promoted by the high-fat diet but induced a small decrease in adiposity, which was reversed after refeeding, and the animals maintained a dyslipidaemic profile and high fat deposition in the liver. We can conclude that the high-fat diet and subsequent moderate caloric restriction plus refeeding increased the risks of developing visceral obesity, dyslipidaemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which suggests that this type of experimental protocol can be used to study mechanisms related to the metabolic syndrome.

Effect of ingestion of soy yogurt on intestinal parameters of rats fed on a beef-based animal diet

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the ingestion of soy yogurt fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 would modify the intestinal count of enterococci, fecal pH and ammonia content in rats fed on a diet containing red meat. The rats were placed in 4 groups: for 60 days, group I was given a standard casein-based rodent feed and groups II-IV, the beef-based feed. From day 30, groups III-IV also received the following products: III) soy yogurt; IV) suspension of E. faecium CRL 183. At the start and on days 30 and 60, feces were collected for the determination of pH, ammonia content, count of enterococci and identification of their species. On day 60, rats were sacrificed and their colons also removed for count of enterococci and identification of their species. Rats that ingested soy yogurt showed no significant change (P<0.05) in fecal counts of Enterococcus spp., but, this rat group showed a higher count of E. faecium than rats that ingested suspension of E. faecium CRL 183. The ingestion of soy yogurt and E. faecium culture caused a significant rise (P < 0.05) in fecal pH and ammonia content. Our results suggest that consumption of soy yogurt fermented with E. faecium CRL 183 and L. helveticus subsp. jugurti could change the species of Enterococcus spp. present in the feces and colon of rats fed on a beef-based diet. However, the fermented soy product and the pure culture of E. faecium CRL 183 also induced undesirable effects such as the increase of fecal pH and ammonia content in the feces of rats fed on a beef-based diet.

Effects of a ferment soy product on the adipocyte area reduction and dyslipidemia control in hypercholesterolemic adult male rats.

BACKGROUND: Available data on the effects of a fermented soy product enriched with Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus Jugurti on circulating lipids and adiposity are not completely settled. This study aimed to observe the effects of a fermented soy product enriched with Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus Jugurti on central obesity and dyslipidemia control in Wistar adult male rats. METHODS: Over a period of 8 weeks, animals had "ad libitum" food intake and water consumption as well as body weight and food consumption was monitored. The animals were assigned to four different experimental groups: Control Group (C); Control + Fermented Product Group (CPF); Hypercholesterolemic diet group (H); and Hypercholesterolemic + Fermented Product Group (HPF). The HPF and CPF groups received an intragastric administration of 1 ml of fermented product daily. After the experimental period the animals were killed by decapitation, blood was collected to measure cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol plasma concentration. Adipocyte circumference, lipolysis and lipogenis rates were measures using epididymal and retroperitoneal white adipose tissues. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that 1 ml/day/rat of the fermented soy product promoted important benefits such as reduced cholesterolemia in hypercholesterolemic diet group and the adipocyte circumference in both control and hypercholesterolemic diet group. CONCLUSION: The fermented soy product enriched with Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus Jugurti decreased circulating lipids levels and reduced adipocyte area in rats.

Aspectos sensoriais e fpisico-químicos de iogurtes de soja com espessantes/estabilizantes a base de fécula de inhame (Dioscorea alata), amido modificado e gelatina / Sensorial and physical-chemical aspects of soy yogusts with yam (Dioscorea Alata) starch, modified starch and gelatin as stabilizers /thickeners

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da fécula de inhame, amido modificado da Cargill-Brasil (Amidomax 4800) e gelatina da Geklita-Brasil(GEL-LAC) como espessantes/estabilizantes em diferentes proporções e combinações em "iogurte" de soja fermentado com Enterococcus faecium e Lactobacillus helveticus ssp jugurti. Dez formulações de "iogurte" de soja contendo os diferentes espessantes?estabilizantes, sempre totalizando 0,5 por cento em relação à formulação final, foram analisadas em termos sensoriais e físico-químicaos. Com base nos resultados observados concluiu-se que sob o ponto de vista sensorial o produto mais adequado fopi processado apenas com gelatina na concentração de 0,5 por cento. Esse produto também apresentou os melhores resultados físico-químicos em relação à consistência, sinérese e capacidade de retenção de água. No entanto, a gelatina utilizada isoladamente provocou aumento no tempo de fermentação do iogurte de soja.

Isoflavone-supplemented soy yoghurt associated with resistive physical exercise increase bone mineral density of ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects produced by the ingestion of a fermented soy product (soy yoghurt), supplemented with isoflavones and associated with a resistive exercise program, on the bone metabolism of mature ovariectomized (Ovx) and sham-ovariectomized (sham-Ovx) rats. METHODS: A total of 56 rats were used. They were divided into 2 sedentary control groups, the Ovx control group (C-Ovx) and the sham-Ovx control group (C-Sovx), each with 7 sedentary animals, and 2 treated groups, Ovx and sham-Ovx, with 21 animals each. These two treated groups were subdivided into three subgroups of seven animals each, which received the following treatments: consuming the soy yoghurt+sedentary, only subjected to resistive exercise, and consuming the soy yoghurt+resistive exercise. Both the program of resistive exercise and the consumption of soy yoghurt (at 3 mL/(kg body weight day)) continued for 12 weeks. The soy yoghurt was supplemented with isoflavones at 50mg/100g of product. The animals were sacrificed and their right-side femurs and tibias removed and assessed for bone mineral density (BMD). The alkaline phosphatase activity (AP) was determined in the blood serum. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in both femur and tibia BMD values and in serum alkaline phosphatase activity in all the treated subgroups, compared with the control groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The ingestion of the soy yoghurt supplemented with isoflavones was capable of preventing a loss of bone mass in Ovx rats and of increasing bone mass in sham rats, whilst the resistive exercise program was effective in augmenting the bone mass in sham and Ovx rats.

[Effect of a novel soy fermented product enriched with isoflavones and calcium on bone tissue of rats]. / Efeito de um novo produto fermentado de soja, enriquecido com isoflavonas e cálcio, sobre o tecido osseo de ratas.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of soy fermented product intake on the corporal weight and bone tissue of ovariectomized mature rats. This product was fermented with Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus jugurti and enriched with isoflavones and calcium. The animals were divided in 5 groups: sham-ovariectomized; ovariectomized; ovariectomized treated with soy fermented product enriched with isoflavones and calcium; ovariectomized treated with soy fermented product enriched with calcium and ovariectomized treated with non-fermented product enriched only with calcium. In order to evaluate the effect of the tested product on bone tissue (femur and tibia), the following parameters were analyzed: length; mechanical assay of three points; density (Archimedes principle); mineral content; calcium content; measure of the trabecular widths. The corporal weight of group treated with soy fermented product containing isoflavones and calcium showed no statistical difference from sham-ovariectomized group and trabecular widths tended to have larger than ovariectomized group. However, there was no significant difference to the other evaluated parameters in result of the diverse treatments. Thus, soy fermented product enriched with isoflavones and calcium inhibited the increasing of corporal weight caused by ovariectomy and revealed a tendency to trabecular protection after castration.

Efeito de um novo produto fermentado de soja, enriquecido com isoflavonas e cálcio, sobre o tecido ósseo de ratas / Effect of a novel soy fermented product enriched with isoflavones and calcium on bone tissue of rats

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da ingestao de um produto a base de soja, fermentado com Enterococcus faecium e Lactobacillus jugurti, enriquecido com isoflavonas e cálcio sobre o peso corpóreo e sobre o tecido ósseo de ratas maduras ovariectomizadas. Os animais foram divididos em 5 grupos: pseudo-ovariectomizados, ovariectomizados, ovariectomizados que ingeriram produto fermentado de soja enriquecido com isoflavonas e cálcio, ovariectomizados que ingeriram produto fermentado de soja enriquecido com cálcio e ovariectomizados que ingeriram produto não fermentado enriquecido com cálcio. Tíbias e fêmures foram utilizados para análise do comprimento ósseo; ensaio mecânico de flexao de três pontos; densidade óssea (princípio de Arquimedes); conteúdo mineral ósseo; conteúdo de cálcio ósseo e medida das larguras das trabéculas. A ingestao do produto fermentado de soja enriquecido com isoflavonas e cálcio apesar de nao ter exercido efeitos nos parâmetros como comprimento, densidade, conteúdo mineral, conteúdo de cálcio e carga máxima suportada, foi capaz de evitar o aumento de peso corpóreo causado pela ovariectomia, além de ter demonstrado uma tendência à proteçao das trabéculas, prevenindo a reduçao da largura das mesmas ocasionada pela castraçao

Efeito de diferentes freqüências de exercício físico na prevenção da dislipidemia e da obesidade em ratos normo e hipercolesterolêmicos / Effect of physical training frequency on obesity and dyslipidemia prevention in normo and hypercholesterolemic rats

Inúmeros relatos científicos têm demonstrado os benefícios dos exercícios físicos realizados regularmente(três a cinco dias/semana), no entanto, os efeitos do treinamento realizado dois dias/semana tem sido negligenciado. Desta forma, o presente estudo objetivou comparar os ajustes fisiológicos crônicos decorrentes do treinamento físico realizado dois e cinco vezes/semana consecutivamente sobre o metabolismo e o perfil lipídico de ratos normo e hipercolesterolêmicos. Foram utilizados 48 ratos adultos da linhagem Wistar, sendo divididos em seis grupos, a saber; Dieta padrão: Grupo Sedentário(SP), Grupo Treinado cinco vezes/semana (TP5) e Grupo Treinado dois vezes/semana (TP2); Dieta hipercolesterolêmica: Grupo Sedentário (SH), Grupo Treinado cinco vezes/semana (TH5) e Grupo Treinadoduas vezes/semana (TH2). Após oito semanas de tratamento os ratos foram sacrificados, o plasma e os tecidos adiposos brancos retroperitoneal (RET) e epididimal (EPI) foram pesados e estocados para posteriores análises bioquímicas e morfométricas. Nos animais alimentados com dieta hipercolesterolêmica, o treinamento físico realizado de duas e cinco vezes/semana promoveu a reduçãodo peso corporal, do peso e do diâmetro dos adipócitos do EPI e RET, da taxa de lipogênese do EPI e dos níveis séricos de colesterol e triglicerídeos, sendo este efeito mais evidente com o treinamento de cinco vezes por semana, enquanto nos animais com dieta padrão apenas o treinamento realizado cinco vezes/semana promoveu alterações significativas em poucas variáveis analisadas, como na diminuição do ganho de peso e no diâmetro dos adipócitos do EPI e RET.

Isoflavonas: bioquímica, fisiologia e implicações para a saúde / Isoflavones: biochemistry, physiology and implications for health

Efetuou-se revisão da literatura sobre os recentes progressos na pesquisa com isoflavonas,a bordando os principais aspectos da bioquímica e fisiologia desses compostos, além de destacar seus efeitos para a saúde. Diversos estudos apontam para a capacidade das isoflavonas em prevenir e/ou tratar doenças crônico-degenerativas como a osteoporose, câncer e doenças coronarianas, entre outras. No entanto, diversas questões ainda devem ser respondidas e novos estudos (com animais e humanos) necessitam ser realizados a fim de esclarecer seu verdadeiro mecanismo de ação, bem como os benefícios das isoflavonas para o organismo

O consumo de cálcio e a osteoporose / Calcium intake and osteoporosis

A osteoporose é caracterizada pela redução de massa óssea e prejuízo da microarquitetura do tecido ósseo, com um conseqüente aumento da fragilidade óssea e susceptibilidade à fratura. Nas mulheres, a osteoporose está associada à menopausa, uma vez que a diminuição de estrógenos acelera a perda óssea. Além do componente hormonal, essa doença pode apresentar outras causas, dentre elas: mecânicas, genéticas e nutricionais. Um dos componentes nutricionais de grande importância é o cálcio. Cerca de 99 por cento do conteúdo de cálcio corpóreo se encontra no esqueleto, conferindo rigidez, e representando uma fonte prontamente disponível para a manutenção dos níveis normais de sua concentração plasmática. Por essa razão, o cálcio é o nutriente mais estudado na área de saúde óssea e é considerado importante na prevenção e tratamento da osteoporose. Vários estudos têm mostrado uma relação positiva entre a suplementação da dieta com cálcio e a redução da perda óssea em mulheres na pós-menopausa. Todavia algumas dúvidas com relação a esse efeito ainda persistem. Dessa forma, esse trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão sobre a relação entre consumo de cálcio e a saúde óssea, dando enfoque para a prevenção e/ou tratamento da osteoporose em mulheres.