Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) supplementation increases butyrate synthesis and reduces inflammatory cells, attenuating the formation of aberrant crypt foci in BALB/c mice induced to pre-neoplastic lesions.

The development of colorectal cancer involves some morphological changes, and in the initial stage, pre-neoplastic lesions called aberrant crypt foci (ACF) appear. Thus, an intervention with sources of bioactive compounds such as Hibiscus sabdariffa L., rich in phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, could attenuate the risk of developing these lesions due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 5% and 10% supplementation of dehydrated H. sabdariffa calyces (DHSC) during the development of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced preneoplastic lesions in male BALB/c mice. The characterization of DHSC was carried out. The in vivo experiment lasted 12 weeks, and the animals were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: the control group (CON) and the supplemented groups with 5% DHSC and 10% DHSC. The activities of liver enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase were determined. In addition, ACF, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), presence of inflammatory infiltrates, goblet cells and leukocytes in the colonic mucosa were quantified. There was a significant reduction in ACF and the presence of inflammatory infiltrates in the colon of animals in groups 5DHSC and 10DHSC. In addition, the 10DHSC group showed an increase in the activity of the catalse enzyme, in the production of butyrate and in the presence of NK cells in the colon, in addition to more hypertrophied goblet cells. Based on these findings, it is suggested that DHSC supplementation may be recommended to attenuate cellular responses in the early stage of preneoplastic lesions.

Evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic VSL#3 and synbiotic VSL#3 and yacon-based product in reducing oxidative stress and intestinal permeability in mice induced to colorectal carcinogenesis.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic VSL#3 isolated or associated with a yacon-based product (synbiotic) on oxidative stress modulation and intestinal permeability in an experimental model of colorectal carcinogenesis. Forty-five C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: control (standard diet AIN-93 M); probiotic (standard diet AIN-93 M and multispecies probiotic VSL#3, 2.25 × 109 CFU), and synbiotic (standard diet AIN-93 M with yacon-based product, 6% fructooligosaccharides and inulin, and probiotic VSL#3, 2.25 × 109 CFU). The experimental diets were provided for 13 weeks. The probiotic and the yacon-based product showed antioxidant activity, with the percentage of DPPH radical scavenging equal to 69.7 ± 0.4% and 74.3 ± 0.1%, respectively. These findings contributed to reduce hepatic oxidative stress: the control group showed higher concentration of malondialdehyde (1.8-fold, p = 0.007 and 1.5-fold, p = 0.035) and carbonylated protein (2-fold, p = 0.008 and 5.6-fold, p = 0.000) compared to the probiotic and synbiotic groups, respectively. Catalase enzyme activity increased 1.43-fold (p = 0.014) in synbiotic group. The crypt depth increased 1.2-fold and 1.4-fold with the use of probiotic and synbiotic, respectively, compared to the control diet (p = 0.000). These findings corroborate the reduction in intestinal permeability in the probiotic and synbiotic groups, as measured by the percentage of urinary lactulose excretion (CON: 0.93 ± 0.62% × PRO: 0.44 ± 0.05%, p = 0.048; and CON: 0.93 ± 0.62% × SYN: 0.41 ± 0.12%, p = 0.043). In conclusion, the probiotic and synbiotic showed antioxidant activity, which contributed to the reduction of oxidative stress markers. In addition, they protected the mucosa from damage caused by chemical carcinogen and reduced intestinal permeability. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The relationship between intestinal health and the occurrence of various organic disorders has been demonstrated in many studies. The use of probiotics and prebiotics is currently one of the main targets for modulation of intestinal health. We demonstrated that the use of a commercial mix of probiotic bacteria (VSL#3) isolated or associated with a yacon-based prebiotic, rich in fructooligosaccharides and inulin, is able to reduce the oxidative stress and intestinal permeability in a colorectal carcinogenesis model. These compounds have great potential to be used as a food supplement, or as ingredients in the development of food products.

Effect of Nutritional Supplement Enriched with Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Lean Mass of Subjects with Oral Cavity Cancer in Oncologic Pretreatment: a Clinical Trial / Efeito do Suplemento Nutricional Enriquecido com Ácido Eicosapentaenoico na Massa Magra de Indivíduos com Câncer de Cavidade Oral em Pré-Tratamento Oncológico: um Ensaio Clínico / Efecto del Suplemento Nutricional Enriquecido con Ácido Eicosapentaenoico en Massa Magra de las Personas con Cáncer de cavidad oral en el Pretratamiento Oncológico: un Ensayo Clínico

Introduction: Oral cavity cancer is considered a public health problem worldwide. Malnutrition is prevalent in this population, increasing morbidity and mortality. Supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid has been proposed to reverse protein catabolism and modulate inflammatory processes. Objective:Assess the effect of supplement with eicosapentaenoic acid in the weight and lean mass of patients with oral cavity cancer. Method: Clinical trial conducted with patients in oncologic pretreatment. The patients were randomized to receive nutritional supplement with eicosapentaenoic acid (2 g/day) or placebo. Nutritional parameters (weight, height, body composition and food intake) were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 4 weeks of supplementation (T1). The paired t-test or Wilcoxon test were used in intragroup comparisons. Associations between categorical variables were verified using the χ² or Fisher Exact test. Logistic regression was applied to identify the chance of weight loss. Differences were considered significant at p <0.05. Results:It was not observed significant difference on nutritional parameters between the groups after intervention. However, considering each group at the beginning and at the end of the study, it was observed that patients in the control group presented significant weight loss (T0: 57.2 kg x T1: 56.4 kg), reduction in the body mass index (T0: 22.6 kg/m2x T1: 22.0 kg/m2), fat mass (T0: 17.3 kg x T1: 15.3 kg) and arm circumference (T0: 27.4 cm xT1: 26.8 cm). Those who received supplement with eicosapentaenoic acid had 80% less chance of losing weight (95% CI: 0.045-0.860; OR: 0.19). Conclusion: This trial yielded data suggesting that patients with oral cavity cancer can benefit from eicosapentaenoic acid-containing nutritional supplement in oncologic pretreatment.

Introdução: O câncer de cavidade oral é considerado um problema de saúde pública no mundo. A desnutrição é prevalente nessa população, aumentando a morbimortalidade. A suplementação com ácido eicosapentaenoico tem sido proposta para reverter o catabolismo proteico e modular processos inflamatórios. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do suplemento nutricional enriquecido com ácido eicosapentaenoico no peso corporal e massa magra de pacientes com câncer de cavidade oral. Método: Ensaio clínico realizado com pacientes em pré-tratamento oncológico. Os pacientes foram randomizados para receber suplemento nutricional com ácido eicosapentaenoico (2 g/dia) ou placebo. Os parâmetros nutricionais (peso, estatura, composição corporal e ingestão alimentar) foram avaliados no início (T0) e após quatro semanas de suplementação (T1). O teste-t pareado ou de Wilcoxon foram usados nas comparações intragrupos. As associações entre as variáveis categóricas foram verificadas por meio do teste do χ² ou Exato de Fisher. A regressão logística foi aplicada para identificar a chance de perder peso. As diferenças foram consideradas significativas quando p<0,05. Resultados: Não foi observada diferença significativa nos parâmetros nutricionais entre os grupos após a intervenção. No entanto, considerando cada grupo no início e no final do estudo, observou-se que os pacientes do grupo controle apresentaram perda de peso significativa (T0: 57,2 kg x T1: 56,4 kg), redução no índice de massa corporal (T0: 22,6 kg/m2x T1: 22,0 kg/m2), massa gorda (T0: 17,3 kg x T1: 15,3 kg) e circunferência do braço (T0: 27,4 cm xT1: 26,8 cm). Aqueles que receberam suplemento com ácido eicosapentaenoico tiveram 80% menos chance de perder peso (95% IC: 0,045-0,860; OR: 0,19). Conclusão: Este estudo produziu dados que sugerem que pacientes com câncer de cavidade oral podem se beneficiar com o uso de suplemento nutricional contendo ácido eicosapentaenoico no pré-tratamento oncológico.

Introducción: El cáncer de la cavidad oral se considera un problema de salud pública en todo el mundo. La desnutrición prevalece en esta población, lo que aumenta la morbilidad y la mortalidad. Cuando la desnutrición se asocia con la anorexia, el aumento del gasto energético y la inflamación se denomina caquexia. Se ha propuesto la suplementación con ácido eicosapentaenoico para revertir el catabolismo proteico y modular los procesos inflamatorios. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de un suplemento nutricional enriquecido con ácido eicosapentaenoico sobre el peso corporal y la masa magra de pacientes con cáncer de cavidad oral. Método: Ensayo clínico realizado con pacientes sometidos a tratamiento previo al cáncer. Los pacientes fueron asignados al azar para recibir un suplemento nutricional con ácido eicosapentaenoico (2 g/día) o placebo. Los parámetros nutricionales (peso, altura, composición corporal e ingesta alimentaria) se evaluaron al inicio del estudio (T0) y después de 4 semanas de suplementación (T1). En las comparaciones intragrupo se utilizó la prueba t pareada o de Wilcoxon. Las asociaciones entre variables categóricas se verificaron mediante la prueba de la χ² o la prueba exacta de Fisher. Se aplicó regresión logística para identificar la posibilidad de perder peso. Las diferencias se consideraron significativas en p<0,05. Resultados: No hubo diferencias significativas en los parámetros nutricionales entre los grupos después de la intervención. Sin embargo, considerando cada grupo al principio y al final del estudio, se observó que los pacientes en el grupo de control tenían una pérdida de peso significativa (T0: 57,2 kg x T1: 56,4 kg), reducción en el índice de masa corporal (T0: 22,6 kg/m2x T1: 22,0 kg/m2), masa grasa (T0: 17,3 kg x T1: 15,3 kg) y circunferencia del brazo (T0: 27,4 cm x T1: 26,8 cm). Aquellos que fueron suplementados con ácido eicosapentaenoico tenían 80% menos probabilidades de perder peso (95% IC: 0,045-0,860; OR: 0,19). Conclusión: Este estudio produjo datos que sugieren que los pacientes con cáncer de la cavidad oral pueden beneficiarse del uso de un suplemento nutricional que contenga ácido eicosapentaenoico en el tratamiento previo al cáncer.

Use of the synbiotic VSL#3 and yacon-based concentrate attenuates intestinal damage and reduces the abundance of Candidatus Saccharimonas in a colitis-associated carcinogenesis model.

Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease are at high risk of developing colitis-associated cancer; thus, strategies to inhibit disease progression should be investigated. The study aimed to explore the role of the synbiotic (probiotic VSL#3® and yacon-based concentrate) in a colitis-associated carcinogenesis model. IL-10-/- mice were induced to carcinogenesis with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and divided into two experimental groups: control and synbiotic. Manifestations of colitis, colon histology, expression of antioxidant enzymes, production of organic acids and intestinal microbiota were evaluated. The use of the synbiotic showed benefits, such as the preservation of intestinal architecture, increased expression of antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of organic acids, especially butyrate. It was also observed different microbial community profiles between the groups during the study. Together, these factors contributed to mitigate the manifestations of colitis and improve intestinal integrity, suggesting the potential benefit of the synbiotic in intestinal diseases.

O tratamento térmico influencia as características físico-químicas e oxidativas do óleo de coco / The heat treatment influences the physico-chemical and oxidative characteristics of coconut oil

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento térmico sobre o perfil de ácidos graxos, capacidade antioxidante, oxidação lipídica e características físico-químicas do óleo de coco. As análises foram realizadas com amostras do óleo de coco in natura, aquecido até o ponto de fumaça e utilizado na fritura de batatas. Foi avaliado o perfil de ácidos graxos, os índices de peróxidos e acidez, a formação de malondialdeído e a capacidade antioxidante do óleo de coco nas três condições. O perfil de ácidos graxos não diferiu nas distintas condições de análise; contudo, pode-se observar que o índice de acidez foi significativamente maior no óleo aquecido e utilizado na fritura. Para o índice de peróxidos, esse aumento ocorreu apenas no óleo aquecido. A formação de malondialdeído foi observada em todas as amostras, sendo maior no óleo aquecido, seguido do usado na fritura. A capacidade antioxidante foi menor nas amostras submetidas ao calor (diferença significativa). Conclui-se que os tratamentos térmicos aos quais o óleo de coco foi submetido, foram capazes de alterar suas características físicoquímicas e oxidativas. Considerando os possíveis malefícios associados ao consumo de óleos e gorduras degradados, desencorajamos a utilização do óleo de coco submetido a temperaturas elevadas. Enfatizamos a importância da criação de metodologias específicas para avaliação da qualidade de óleos e gorduras submetidas ao aquecimento, por possibilitar um melhor controle dos aspectos nutricionais e sensoriais dos óleos/gorduras destinados ao consumo.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on the profile of fatty acids, antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation and physical-chemical characteristics of coconut oil. The analyzes were carried out with samples of the coconut oil in natura, heated to the "point of smoke" and used to fry the potatoes. The fatty acid profile, the peroxide and acidity indexes, the malondialdehyde formation and the antioxidant capacity of the coconut oil were evaluated in three conditions. The fatty acid profile did not differ in the different conditions of analysis; however, it may be observed that the acid value was significantly higher in the heated oil and used in frying. For the peroxide index, this increase occurred only in the heated oil. The formation of malondialdehyde was observed in all the samples, being higher in the heated oil, followed by the one used in the frying process. The antioxidant capacity was significantly lower in the heated samples. It concluded that the thermal treatments to which the coconut oil was subjected, were able to modify its physicochemical and oxidative characteristics. Considering the possible damages associated with the oils and degraded fats consumption, we discourage the use of coconut oil subjected to high temperatures. We emphasize the importance of the creation of specific methodologies for quality evaluation of oils and fats submitted to the heating, which allows a better control of nutritional and sensorial aspects of the oils destined for consumption.