Intermittent fasting associated with coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.) alters gut-liver axis parameters in diet-induced obese rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to investigate the effect of intermittent fasting, associated or not with coconut oil intake, on the gut-liver axis of obese rats. METHODS: A total of 50 rats were divided into five groups: control, obese, obese with intermittent fasting, obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil, and obese with caloric restriction. The rats were induced to obesity with a high-sugar diet for 17 wk. The respective interventions were carried out in the last 4 wk. RESULTS: The groups with intermittent fasting protocols had reduced total cholesterol (on average 54.31%), low-density lipoprotein (on average 53.39%), and triacylglycerols (on average 23.94%) versus the obese group; and the obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil group had the highest high-density lipoprotein compared with all groups. The obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil and obese with caloric restriction groups had lower metabolic load compared with the other groups. The obese group had high citric and succinic acid concentrations, which affected the hepatic tricarboxylic acid cycle, while all the interventions had reduced concentrations of these acids. No histologic changes were observed in the intestine or liver of the groups. CONCLUSION: Intermittent fasting, especially when associated with coconut oil, had effects comparable with caloric restriction in modulating the parameters of the gut-liver axis.

Antioxidant potential of acerola by-product along the enterohepatic axis of rats fed a high-fat diet.

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC) by-product (ABP) has bioactive compounds that can provide antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects in vivo. In this study we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of ABP on oxidative damage along the enterohepatic axis of rats fed a high-fat diet for 7 weeks. In addition, we analysed the phenolic compound profile in the enterohepatic axis, and the lipid accumulation in the liver, colon and liver tissue structure of high-fat diet-fed rats treated with fenofibrate drug (100 mg/kg) or ABP (400 mg/kg) via orogastric administration in the 4th to 7th weeks of the experiment. ABP had increased antioxidant potential in vitro and presented ascorbic acid (2022.06 µg/g), carotenoid (2.63 µg/g), and total phenolic compound (5366.44 µg/g) contents. The high-fat diet-fed rats that received ABP (compared to fenofibrate treatment) presented a non-significant reduction of 9.87% in guanine oxidation product, lower relative liver weight, degree of hepatic steatosis, and aspartate aminotransferase level in their blood. ABP also provided high-fat diet-fed rats: an increased amount of total phenolic compounds in caecal digesta (946.42 µg/g), faeces (3299.07 µg/g), colon (256.15 µg/g) and hepatic tissues (454.80 µg/g); higher total antioxidant capacity in plasma and colon; and lower lipid peroxidation in plasma, colonic and hepatic tissues. The results point to the potential antioxidant activity of ABP against oxidative damage along the enterohepatic axis caused by high-fat diet intake. The ABP had a greater protective effect on the healthy liver compared to fenofibrate treatment due to its bioactive compound content.

Methyleugenol Has an Antidepressant Effect in a Neuroendocrine Model: In Silico and In Vivo Evidence.

Major depressive disorder is a severe mood disorder characterized by different emotions and feelings. This study investigated the antidepressant activity of the phenylpropanoid methyleugenol (ME) in adult female mice exposed to a stress model induced by dexamethasone. The animals were randomly divided into groups containing eight animals and were pre-administered with dexamethasone (64 µg/kg subcutaneously). After 165 and 180 min, they were treated with ME (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or imipramine (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) after 45 min and 30 min, respectively; they were then submitted to tests which were filmed. The videos were analyzed blindly. In the tail suspension test, ME (50 mg/kg) increased latency and reduced immobility time. In the splash test, ME (50 mg/kg) decreased grooming latency and increased grooming time. In the open field, there was no statistical difference for the ME groups regarding the number of crosses, and ME (50 mg/kg) increased the number of rearing and time spent in the center. Regarding in silico studies, ME interacted with dopaminergic D1 and α1 adrenergic pathway receptors and with tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor. In the in vivo evaluation of the pathways of action, the antidepressant potential of ME (50 mg/kg) was reversed by SCH23390 (4 mg/kg intraperitoneally) dopaminergic D1 receptor, Prazosin (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally) α1 adrenergic receptor, and PCPA (4 mg/kg intraperitoneally) tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor. Our findings indicate that ME did not alter with the locomotor activity of the animals and shows antidepressant activity in female mice with the participation of the D1, α1 and serotonergic systems.

Antioxidant and Lipid-Lowering Effects of Buriti Oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) Administered to Iron-Overloaded Rats.

The indiscriminate use of oral ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) doses induces significant oxidative damage to health. However, carotene-rich foods such as buriti oil can help the endogenous antioxidant defense and still maintain other body functions. This study aimed to assess the effects of buriti oil intake in iron-overloaded rats by FeSO4 administration. Buriti oil has ß-carotene (787.05 mg/kg), α-tocopherol (689.02 mg/kg), and a predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids (91.30 g/100 g). Wistar rats (n = 32) were subdivided into two control groups that were fed a diet containing either soybean or buriti oil; and two groups which received a high daily oral dose of FeSO4 (60 mg/kg body weight) and fed a diet containing either soybean (SFe) or buriti oil (Bfe). The somatic and hematological parameters, serum lipids, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined after 17 days of iron overload. Somatic parameters were similar among groups. BFe showed a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (38.43%) and hemoglobin (7.51%); an increase in monocytes (50.98%), SOD activity in serum (87.16%), and liver (645.50%) hepatic GPx (1017.82%); and maintained serum GPx compared to SFe. Buriti oil showed systemic and hepatic antioxidant protection in iron-overloaded rats, which may be related to its high carotenoid, tocopherol, and fatty acid profile.

Malicia honey (Mimosa quadrivalvis L.) produced by the jandaíra bee (Melipona subnitida D.) improves depressive-like behaviour, somatic, biochemical and inflammatory parameters of obese rats.

Malícia honey produced by the jandaíra bee has hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects and antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo, which makes it potential adjuvant treatment for obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of malícia honey on somatic and biochemical parameters, depressive-like behaviour and anti-inflammatory activity in obese rats. A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats were initially randomized into a healthy group (HG, n = 20) that consumed a control diet, and an obese group (OG, n = 20) which consumed a cafeteria diet for eight weeks. Then, they were subdivided into four groups: healthy (HG, n = 10); healthy treated with malícia honey (HGH, n = 10); obese (OG, n = 10); and obese treated with malícia honey (OGH, n = 10), maintaining their diets for another eight weeks. The HGH and OGH groups received malícia honey (1000 mg/kg body weight) via gavage. Food intake was monitored daily and body weight was monitored weekly. Biochemical tests related to obesity and glucose and insulin tolerance test, somatic parameters, histological parameters and quantification of NF-κB in the brain were performed. Treatment with malícia honey improved depressive-like behaviour, reduced weight (14 %), body mass index (6 %), and improved lipid profile, leptin, insulin, HOMA-ß, and glucose and insulin tolerance in obese rats. It also decreased NF-κB (58.08 %) in the brain. Malícia honey demonstrated anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects, and reversed changes in obesity-induced depressive-like behaviour.

Acerola fruit by-product alleviates lipid, glucose, and inflammatory changes in the enterohepatic axis of rats fed a high-fat diet.

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) by-product (ABP) has various bioactive compounds with hypoglycaemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The ABP effects on the biochemical changes in the enterohepatic axis caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) remains unclear. This study assessed whether the ABP or fenofibrate administration for 28 days interferes in lipid, glucose, or inflammatory changes in the enterohepatic axis of rats fed HFD. ABP induced in the rats fed HFD a reduction in body weight, serum lipids, blood glucose, and liver fat accumulation; increased insulin tolerance, and faecal bile acid excretion; regulated organic acid synthesis, faecal and colonic microbial growth; reduced M1 macrophage and increased M2 macrophage infiltration in the colon and liver, respectively. The fenofibrate did not improve the lipid or glucose alterations in enterohepatic axis of rats fed HFD. ABP has functional/nutraceutical potential in treating HFD-induced metabolic disorders with beneficial effects on lipid and glucose metabolism, and reduction of inflammation.

Nutritional, Physicochemical and Structural Parameters of Mauritia flexuosa Fruits and By-Products for Biotechnological Exploration of Sustainable Goods.

Research background: Commercialization of Mauritia flexuosa (buriti) fruits in Brazil is at an early stage. Herein, we evaluate the nutritional value of pulp, peel and endocarp samples from buriti fruits, perform macroscopic and microscopic evaluations and analyze their physicochemical properties. Experimental approach: Size and mass, pH, sugar and protein contents, soluble/insoluble fiber, total titratable acidity and energy value of the samples were analyzed. Mineral profiling was performed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and fatty acids and phytosterols were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Samples were also submitted to differential scanning calorimetry coupled to a thermal analyzer, and microstructure, morphology, surface and viscosity were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) with copper radiation. Rheological behavior was also studied. Results and conclusions: Lyophilized pulp had higher nutritional content of minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and energy than in natura pulp. Lyophilized pulp and its by-products showed suitable yields (>17.31%) and low a w, and potassium, manganese and monounsaturated fatty acid contents. Peels showed elevated amounts of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols (ß-sitosterol and stigmasterol), and endothermic behavior. The reductions of calcium, magnesium and manganese ranging from 18.5 to 22.7% were observed following the lyophilization. Drying processes generated semi-crystalline powders. Both peels and endocarp contained higher amounts of insoluble fiber and lower contents of sugars. Similar results were obtained by microscopic morphological analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and XRD analysis. Pulp and endocarp exhibited pseudoplastic non-Newtonian behavior, and flow behavior index values were lower than 1, while peels presented dilatant behaviour. Thus, physicochemical and nutritional characterization of pulp and by-products, such as peels and endocarp, are essential to support scientific research and exploration of new sustainable products. Novelty and scientific contribution: Processing and conservation techniques, like lyophilization, maintain the good quality of nutritional contents and bioactive compounds of buriti whole fruits, and can be used to extend their shelf life, preserve alimentary characteristics and provide wider purposes and availability. Such parameters may generate income and food security for local and regional communities.

Effects of the Treatment with Flavonoids on Metabolic Syndrome Components in Humans: A Systematic Review Focusing on Mechanisms of Action.

Diets high in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, have been used to mitigate metabolic syndrome (MetS). Polyphenols are a large group of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, classified into two main classes: non-flavonoids and flavonoids. Flavonoids are distributed in foods, such as fruits, vegetables, tea, red wine, and cocoa. Studies have already demonstrated the benefits of flavonoids on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as cancer cells. The present review summarizes the results of clinical studies that evaluated the effects of flavonoids on the components of the MetS and associated complications when offered as supplements over the long term. The results show that flavonoids can significantly modulate several metabolic parameters, such as lipid profile, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Only theaflavin and catechin were unable to affect metabolic parameters. Moreover, only body weight and body mass index were unaltered. Thus, the evidence presented in this systematic review offers bases in support of a flavonoid supplementation, held for at least 3 weeks, as a strategy to improve several metabolic parameters and, consequently, reduce the risk of diseases associated with MetS. This fact becomes stronger due to the rare side effects reported with flavonoids.

Functional and morphologic dysfunctions in the airways of rats submitted to an experimental model of obesity-exacerbated asthma.

The obesity-exacerbated asthma phenotype is characterized by more severe asthma symptoms and glucocorticoid resistance. The aim of this study was to standardize an obesity-exacerbated asthma model by a high glycemic level index (HGLI) diet and ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenges in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into groups: control (Ctrl), obese (Ob), asthmatic (Asth), obese asthmatic (Ob + Asth) and obese asthmatic treated with dexamethasone (Ob + Asth + Dexa), and in vivo and in vitro functional and morphological parameters were measured. After HGLI consumption, there was an increase in body weight, fasting blood glucose, abdominal circumferences, body mass index and adiposity index. Respiratory function showed a reduction in pulmonary tidal volume and ventilation. In isolated tracheas, carbachol showed an increase in contractile efficacy in the Ob, Ob + Asth and Ob + Asth + Dexa, but mostly on Ob + Asth. Histological analysis of lungs showed peribronchovascular inflammation and smooth muscle hypertrophy and extracellular remodeling on Ob + Asth and Ob + Asth + Dexa. An obesity-exacerbated asthma model was successfully established. Therefore, this model allows further molecular investigations and the search for new therapies for the treatment and relief of symptoms of patients with obesity-induced resistant asthma.

Malay apple (Syzygium malaccense) promotes changes in lipid metabolism and a hepatoprotective effect in rats fed a high-fat diet.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Malay apple (MA) on the glycaemic response, lipid metabolism and liver health of rats fed a normal- or high-fat diet. Male Wistar rats were initially randomized into two groups: normal-fat diet (NF, n = 16) and high-fat diet (HF, n = 16) for three weeks. Then, they were subdivided into: normal-fat diet (NF, n = 8); normal-fat diet supplemented with MA (NFMA, n = 8); high-fat diet (HF, n = 8); high-fat diet supplemented with MA (HFMA, n = 8), continuing for another three weeks with their respective diets. Simultaneously, the supplemented groups received MA (400 mg/kg body weight) via gavage. MA contains anthocyanins (26.59 mg/100 g), catechin (2.55 ± 0.33 mg/100 g) and gallic acid (1.07 ± 0.20 mg/100 g) as the main phenolics. MA had a low-key effect on insulin and glucose tolerance, however decreased serum lipids and protected the liver from steatosis induced by the high-fat diet. HFMA rats showed changes in the fatty acid composition of the liver and faeces and decreased liver cholesterol levels (20.5%); as well as increased faecal excretion of fat (98%), cholesterol (10.5%) and bile acids (42.2%) when comparing to HF. MA supplementation reduced food and fat intake in HFMA in the last two weeks of the experiment, which may also have influenced these results. Our results suggest that MA was not able to improve glycaemic parameters, however, had hepatoprotective effect and minimizes changes in lipid metabolism caused by high-fat diet intake, which can relate mainly to the phenolic compounds present in this fruit.

Nopal beverage (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a non-traditional food: Sensory properties, expectations, experiences, and emotions of low-income and food-insecure Brazilian potential consumers.

The objective of the present study was to analyze a nopal beverage (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a non-traditional food, considering its sensory properties, expectations, experiences, and emotions of low-income and food-insecure Brazilian potential consumers. The study was carried out in two main stages. First, the sensory appeal of a nopal beverage was evaluated before and after tasting with expected and actual sensory characterization, respectively, distributed into three different groups: Control, Advantages, and Inconveniences. Secondly, a Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) was applied to learn more about expectations, experiences, and emotions involved in the food pattern of this population. The expected sensory properties for the Inconveniences group showed the lowest grades for all variables, mainly compared to the Advantages group, which showed a difference of 21.98% for nutritious, 16.47% for overall liking, and 55.13% for acceptance. However, after tasting in the Inconveniences group, the acceptance changed from "I would hardly ever eat this" to "I would frequently eat this". In a similar way, the overall liking had an increase of 25.35% from before to after tasting. The interrelationship between the socio-economic characteristics and the treatments revealed significant effects for education level, household income, and gender on the beverage acceptance. The Multiple Factor Analysis showed how socio-demographic aspects impact emotions. For the majority of participants, the attribute they are most concerned about when choosing a food is that it needs to fill them (satisfy their hunger). Therefore, this is the first study of its kind in Brazil, and the results provide good insights on factors that influence food choices of low-income and food-insecure Brazilian potential consumers.

Ruminant fat intake improves gut microbiota, serum inflammatory parameter and fatty acid profile in tissues of Wistar rats.

This study tested the hypothesis that naturally and industrially produced trans-fatty acids can exert distinct effects on metabolic parameters and on gut microbiota of rats. Wistar rats were randomized into three groups according to the diet: CONT-control, with 5% soybean oil and normal amount of fat; HVF-20% of hydrogenated vegetable fat (industrial); and RUM-20% of ruminant fat (natural). After 53 days of treatment, serum biochemical markers, fatty acid composition of liver, heart and adipose tissue, histology and hepatic oxidative parameters, as well as gut microbiota composition were evaluated. HVF diet intake reduced triglycerides (≈ 39.39%) and VLDL levels (≈ 39.49%). Trans-fatty acids levels in all tissue were higher in HVF group. However, RUM diet intake elevated amounts of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (≈ 14.7%) compared to CONT, but not to HVF. Furthermore, RUM intake led to higher concentrations of stearic acid and conjugated linoleic acid in all tissue; this particular diet was associated with a hepatoprotective effect. The microbial gut communities were significantly different among the groups. Our results show that ruminant fat reversed the hepatic steatosis normally caused by high fat diets, which may be related to the remodelling of the gut microbiota and its anti-inflammatory potential.

Effects of consumption of acerola, cashew and guava by-products on adiposity and redox homeostasis of adipose tissue in obese rats.

BACKGROUND: Fruit by-products contain phytochemicals, fibers and other components that can improve the redox imbalance of obesity. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the effects of consumption of by-products of acerola, cashew and guava on the adiposity and redox homeostasis of adipose tissue in obese rats. METHODS: The animals were separated into 5 groups, control (CTL), high fat (HF), HF supplemented with acerola (HFA), cashew (HFC) and guava (HFG). RESULTS: Thiol quantification, lipid profile, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) test were performed. TGL and VLDL levels were increased in HF group, and the treated groups did not change the lipid profile. CAT activity was increased in HFA and HFG groups. HFA was able to reduce the weight of the subcutaneous cushion. CONCLUSION: Treatment with fruit by-products did not alter weight gain, energy efficiency and body weight. Thus, the by-products of acerola and guava can be used as a sustainable alternative in the treatment of obesity.

Impact of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) by-Product on Composition and Metabolic Activity of Human Colonic Microbiota In Vitro Indicates Prebiotic Properties.

Cashew apple by-product (CAB) is an important agro-industrial waste still underutilized, although it has been characterized as source of a variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the capability of freeze-dried CAB (FCAB) submitted to a simulated gastrointestinal digestion of inducing changes in relative abundance of distinct microbial groups found as part of human colonic microbiota, as well as in pH and short-chain fatty acid production during a 24-h in vitro fermentation using a pooled human fecal inocula. FCAB increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus/Enterococcus during colonic fermentation, besides to decrease the relative abundance of Bacteroides/Prevotella, Eubacterium rectale/Clostridium coccoides, and Clostridium histolyticum. FCAB increased the counts of lactic acid bacteria and decreased the counts of Enterobacteriaceae during colonic fermentation. Furthermore, FCAB decreased pH and increased the production of short-chain fatty acids in colonic fermentation media. These effects could be linked to contents of dietary fibers and the presence of fructans and different phenolic compounds found in FCAB. These results showed that FCAB induced positive alterations in composition and metabolic activity of human colonic microbiota in vitro, which indicate prebiotic properties.

Determining 1-kestose, nystose and raffinose oligosaccharides in grape juices and wines using HPLC: method validation and characterization of products from Northeast Brazil.

The objective of this work was to validate a method for direct determination in grape juice and wine of 1-kestose, nystose and raffinose oligosaccharides by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection using a new type of RP-C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 4 µm) with polar end-capping. The validated methodology was also used to characterize grape juice and fine wine products from Northeastern Brazil; and presented suitable linearity, precision, recovery, limits of detection and quantification. The method presented good specificity, revealing that sugars, organic acids, and ethanol (the main interferences in refraction detection) did not influence the quantification of the studied oligosaccharides. The main oligosaccharide found was 1-kestose (approximately 50% of the samples), followed by raffinose (20% of the samples). The results obtained in this are an indication that grape juices and wines have the potential to be functional beverages in relation to the presence of prebiotics.

Consumer perception and use of nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica): A cross-cultural study between Mexico and Brazil.

The objective of the present study was, in a first moment, to observe the consumers' perception, qualitatively and quantitatively, with respect to nopal through a cross-cultural study among participants from Mexico (n = 200) and Brazil (n = 200), traditional and potential consumers, respectively. And, secondly, to use a Brazilian nopal cookie to complement the perception of the Brazilians regarding the nopal, evaluating their sensory acceptance and possible commercial potential in this country through the Check All That Apply (CATA) test. The cross-cultural study using the word association task has shown that although nopal is not part of the Brazilian food culture, people are willing to accept it as food because of its functional properties. This result, coupled with the positive acceptance of Mexican nopal cookies, confirmed the primary objective of working with products made from this unfamiliar vegetable in Brazil. In this context, the use of Brazilian nopal cladodes resulted in cookies with satisfactory sensory acceptance. This acceptance was similar to the one obtained by the Mexican commercial cookies. The affective and the CATA tests constitute a potential tool to evaluate and develop innovative products made with nopal, thus increasing their commercial potential. The results obtained provide support for a better utilization of this food, mainly in the arid and semi-arid regions, where this cactus is generally abundant, considering the social and cultural context to which the nopal is inserted in each country.

Qualification of tropical fruit-derived Lactobacillus plantarum strains as potential probiotics acting on blood glucose and total cholesterol levels in Wistar rats.

Tropical fruit and their industrial processing byproducts have been considered sources of probiotic Lactobacillus. Sixteen tropical fruit-derived Lactobacillus strains were assessed for growth-promoting effects using a host-commensal nutrient scarcity model with Drosophila melanogaster (Dm). Two Lactobacillus strains (L. plantarum 49 and L. plantarum 201) presenting the most significant effects (p ≤ .005) on Dm growth were selected and evaluated for their safety and beneficial effects in adult male Wistar rats during 28 days of administration of 9 log CFU/day, followed by 14 days of wash-out. Daily administration of L. plantarum 49 and L. plantarum 201 did not affect (p > .05) food intake or morphometric parameters. Both strains were associated with reduction (p ≤ .05) in blood glucose levels after 28 days of administration and after wash-out period; glucose levels remained reduced only in the group that received L. plantarum 49. Both strains were able to reduce (p ≤ .05) total cholesterol levels after 14 days of administration; after the wash-out period these levels remained reduced only in the group that received L. plantarum 201. L. plantarum 49 and L. plantarum 201 were detected in the intestine and did not cause alteration or translocate to spleen, kidneys or liver during the experimental or wash-out period. These results indicate that L. plantarum 49 and L. plantarum 201 present potential for use as probiotics with intrinsic abilities to modulate biochemical parameters of interest for the management of metabolic diseases.

Maternal dyslipidaemic diet induces sex-specific alterations in intestinal function and lipid metabolism in rat offspring.

This study investigated the effects of a maternal dyslipidaemic (DLP) diet on lipid metabolism, microbial counts in faeces and hepatic and intestinal morphology in rat offspring with respect to sex during different phases of life. Wistar rats (dams) were fed a control (CTL) or DLP during gestation and lactation. After weaning, CTL and DLP offspring were fed a standard diet. The effects of a maternal DLP on body composition, biochemical parameters, faecal microbiota and intestinal and hepatic histomorphometric characteristics in rat offspring were evaluated at 30 and 90 d of age. The DLP diet during gestation and lactation caused lower birth weight and a greater weight gain percentage at the end of the 90-d period in both male and female offspring. Female pups from DLP dams had higher liver fat levels compared with CTL (P≤0·001) at 90 d of age. Males from DLP dams had greater visceral fat weight and lower Lactobacillus spp. faecal counts at 90 d of age (P≤0·001) as well as lower faecal fat excretion (P≤0·05) and Bacteroides spp. faecal counts (P≤0·001) at 30 d of age when compared with pups from CTL dams. However, both dams and DLP pups showed damage to intestinal villi. A maternal DLP alters intestinal function and lipid metabolism in a sex-specific manner and is a potential predisposing factor for health complications in offspring from the juvenile period to the adult period.

Potential prebiotic properties of cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) agro-industrial byproduct on Lactobacillus species.

BACKGROUND: The prebiotic effects of a cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) agro-industrial byproduct powder (CAP) on different potentially probiotic Lactobacillus strains, namely Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05, Lactobacillus casei L-26 and Lactobacillus paracasei L-10, were assessed using in vitro experimental models. Accordingly, the growth of the Lactobacillus strains when cultivated in a broth containing CAP (20 or 30 g L-1 ), glucose (20 g L-1 ) or fructooligosaccharides (FOS) (20 g L-1 ) was monitored over 48 h; the prebiotic activity scores of CAP were determined; and the changes in pH values, production of organic acids and consumption of sugars in growth media were verified. RESULTS: During the 48-h cultivation, similar viable cell counts were observed for the Lactobacillus strains grown in the different media tested. The CAP presented positive prebiotic activity scores toward all the tested Lactobacillus strains, indicating a desirable selective fermentable activity relative to enteric organisms. The cultivation of the Lactobacillus strains in broth containing glucose, FOS or CAP resulted in high viable cell counts, a decreased pH, the production of organic acids and the consumption of sugars over time, revealing intense bacterial metabolic activity. CONCLUSION: The CAP exerts potential prebiotic effects on different potentially probiotic Lactobacillus strains and should be an added-value ingredient for the food industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phytochemistry Profile, Nutritional Properties and Pharmacological Activities of Mauritia flexuosa.

Mauritia flexuosa L. (Arecaceae) is a popular Brazilian fruit known as "buriti" and belonging to the category of functional foods. This work reviewed the phytochemistry profile, nutritional and pharmacological activities of M. flexuosa. The main bioactive compounds reported to buriti were carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, fiber, phytosterols, and mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. These compounds were mainly related to antioxidant, hypolipemiant, photoprotector, antiaggregant, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemiant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Furthermore, some compounds present in buriti fruit and its properties were tested in vitro and in vivo and showed biotechnology applications, especially for extraction of fiber, polysaccharides, pigments, antioxidants, and oil. Howerer, the buriti fruit shows great relevance to the development of new products in food, pharmaceutical and chemical industry, this fruit is still underexploited and it has need to expand its production chain and processing to encourage their consumption and utilization.