Cardioprotective effect of the quercetin on cardiovascular remodeling and atherosclerosis in rodents fed a high-fat diet: A systematic review.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally, estimated at 17.9 million premature deaths. Several risk factors contribute to the development of CVD, including unhealthy diet rich in saturated fat. Quercetin (Q) is a important natural flavonoid with cardioprotective effect. However, it is crucial to understand and clarify which dosages and intervention times quercetin promotes better cardioprotective effects when exposed to a High-Fat Diet (HFD). We aim was to carry out a review to identify and compare experimental studies that investigated the quercetin effect on cardiac parameters in rodents fed a HFD. This literature search was performed through the specialized databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Lilacs in May 2022. The following information was collected and assessed: Species of animals, dietary fat content, intervention protocol (quercetin), and main results of alterations associated with cardiac change. A total of 116 articles were selected from the database and 30 articles were included in this study. The administration form of quercetin was used in the diet supplemented in 73.4% (n = 22) of the studies. The dosage ranged between 10 and 100 mg/kg, 0.01%-0.36%, and 4-8 g/kg diet. The treatment time ranged between 14 and 63 days in 48.4% studies and most of the selected studies observed changes in the: Serum concentrations of lipids (60%, n = 18) mainly decrease in TC and TG, left ventricle (LV) (16.13%, n = 5) includes attenuation of the cardiac hypertrophy; inhibition of atherosclerotic progression (32%, n = 10) with decrease in lesions and plaque formation; improvement in the expression of gene and protein associated with cardiac functionality and oxidative stress (51.6%; n = 16). Quercetin supplementation at different concentrations/doses promotes important cardioprotective effects in experimental models exposed to a HFD. The supplemented diet was shown to be the better administration option. The methodological variation presented in the articles selected in this review proves that the most appropriate intervention protocol, as well as the most effective route of administration, promotes these effects.

Exposure to a high-fat diet during intrauterine life and post-birth causes cardiac histomorphometric changes in rats: A systematic review.

Cardiac histomorphometric changes are conditions present as an adaptive response to increased cardiovascular demand, such as in obesity or the consumption of a high-fat diet. Epidemiologic studies show an increase in maternal obese individuals, with repercussions on offspring cardiovascular health. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to systematically review studies that evaluated cardiac histomorphometric changes in rodents exposed to a high-fat diet. DATA SOURCE: PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Web of Science and Lilacs. DATA EXTRACTION: Animal species, percentage of dietary fat, period and time of exposure and main cardiac change results were extracted. DATA ANALYSIS: A total of 1687 studies were found, and 20 met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. A maternal high-fat diet was started 3 to 4 weeks before mating in most (70%) of the studies. Nutritional manipulation of offspring was initiated during pregnancy and maintained until the end of lactation in most (45%) of the studies. The fat percentage of high-fat diets ranged between 20% and 62%. The studies showed increases in cardiomyocytes, left ventricle size, and whole heart hypertrophy. Some studies showed increased thickness of the middle intima layer of the aorta and atherosclerosis. Studies that maintained a high-fat diet after the lactation period also showed an increase in cardiac hypertrophy. CONCLUSION: Maternal exposure to a hyperlipidic diet in the fetal stages of cardiac development causes cardiac hypertrophy in offspring. The high variation in the dietary fat and the difference in the time and period of exposure of the offspring to the high - fat diet suggest the high degree of sensitivity of the cardiac structure.

High-fat diet promotes hypothalamic inflammation in animal models: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: Hypothalamic inflammation and dysfunction may be induced by high-fat diets. However, the mechanisms involved in this process have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To evidence, in animal models, of how a high-fat diet influence the mechanisms involved in hypothalamic inflammation. DATA SOURCES: Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Embase databases were searched. DATA EXTRACTION: The exclusion criteria were human studies, studies with medicinal products or other substances not related to food, paper reviews, studies that used a surgical intervention or an intervention with food to reverse hypothalamic inflammation, and studies with genetically modified animals. The identified studies were evaluated according to the following inclusion criteria: animal studies, studies in which a control group was included in the experimental design, and studies in which markers of inflammation in the hypothalamus were evaluated. DATA ANALYSIS: A total of 322 studies were found, of which 9 met the inclusion criteria for a systematic review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, and were included in this review. CONCLUSION: The exposure of rodents to high-fat diets promoted an increase in levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and other proteins involved in the inflammatory process in the hypothalamus. This process was associated with increased glial cell activity.

Does a high-fat diet-induced obesity model brown adipose tissue thermogenesis? A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: In this systematic review, we analysed studies that assessed the brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity in the high-fat/cafeteria diet model of obesity in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases were searched from January 2017 to November 2017. Using specific combinations of medical subject heading (MeSH) descriptors, seven papers remained after the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Most papers showed an increase in BAT thermogenesis in rodents fed high-fat/cafeteria diet. Some studies did not mention the diet composition or housing temperature, and the most of them investigated the thermogenesis superficially, being limited to the analysis of the UCP 1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the consolidated use of high-fat/cafeteria diets as a model to induce obesity, the identification of the energy expenditure arm has been slow, especially the direct quantitative assessment of the contribution of BAT to the increase in metabolic rate in rats fed a cafeteria/high-fat diet.

Influence of prolonged flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum ) consumption over epididymis and testicle histoarchitecture of Wistar rats / Influência do consumo prolongado de semente de linhaça ( Linum usitatissimum ) sobre a histoarquitetura dos testículo e epidídimo de ratos Wistar

Flaxseed is considered a functional food with several health benefits. However, because of its high phytoestrogen content, flaxseed influences hormone metabolism and affects the gonadal biomorphology. In this study, computerized histomorphometry was used to evaluate seminiferous and epididymal tubules, considering the different regions of the epididymis (head, body and tail) of rats subjected to a prolonged diet of flaxseed. Young adult male Wistar rats (n=20) were divided into 2 groups during their lactation period: Control Group (CG), fed casein-based meals and Flaxseed Group (FG), fed a 25% flaxseed meal. After 250 days of continuous ingestion, the animals were euthanized and a blood sample was collected. The testicles and epididymis were removed and fixed in buffered formalin solution. The samples were subjected to routine histological paraffin techniques and stained with hematoxilin and eosin. Immunostaining was performed using an antivimentin antibody for Sertoli cell identification. For morphometry, images of the slides were scanned and analyzed using Image J to determine the epithelial height, tubular and luminal diameter and tubular and luminal area. In the hormonal evaluation, FG had a higher serum concentration of estrogen (P=0.001), but no change was observed in the concentration of testosterone. The morphometric assay of seminiferous tubules and epididymal regions revealed no significant differences between the analyzed groups. Similarly, Sertoli cell quantification showed no significant differences in the FG (P=0.98). These results revealed that the continuous and prolonged intake of 25% flaxseed meals from gestation to 250 days of age, even with a significant increase in serum levels of estradiol, does not exert adverse effects on the testicular and epididymal structure or on the cells participating in the spermatogenesis of rats.(AU)

A semente de linhaça é considerada um alimento funcional com vários efeitos benéficos à saúde. Entretanto, devido ao seu elevado teor de fitoestrógenos, esta semente pode influenciar no metabolismo hormonal e interferir na biomorfologia gonadal. Neste estudo, utilizamos a histomorfometria computadorizada para avaliar os túbulos seminíferos e epididimários, considerando as diferentes regiões do epidídimo (cabeça, corpo e cauda) de ratos submetidos a uma dieta prolongada de semente de linhaça. Foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos adultos jovens (n=20) divididos em 2 grupos, durante o período de lactação: Grupo Controle (GC) a base de caseína e Grupo Linhaça (GL) alimentados com 25% de semente de linhaça. Ao final de 250 dias de ingestão contínua, os animais foram sacrificados e amostra de sangue foi coletada. Os testículos e epidídimos foram retirados e fixados em formol tamponado. As amostras foram submetidas ao processamento histológico de rotina para parafina e coradas em hematoxilina e eosina. Foi feita a imunomarcação com anticorpo antivimentina para identificação das células de Sertoli. Para morfometria, as imagens das lâminas foram digitalizadas e analisadas pelo software ImageJ para obtenção dos dados de altura epitelial, diâmetro e área tubular e luminal. Na avaliação hormonal o GL teve maior concentração de estrógeno sérico (p=0,001), mas nenhuma mudança na concentração de testosterona foi observada. Nos parâmetros morfométricos dos túbulos seminíferos e das regiões epididimárias, não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos analisados. Da mesma forma, a quantificação das células de Sertoli não apresentaram diferenças significativas no GL (p=0,98). Estes resultados mostraram que o consumo contínuo e prolongado de 25% de semente de linhaça desde período gestacional até 250 dias de idade, mesmo com o aumento significativo nos níveis séricos de estradiol, não exerceram efeitos adversos sobre a estrutura testicular e epididimária, assim como nas células participantes da espermatogênese em ratos.(AU)

Maternal use of flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation prevents morphological alterations in pancreas of female offspring from rat dams with experimental diabetes.

Nutritional recommendations have promoted the increased need to consume n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Flaxseed is the richest dietary source of n-3 fatty acids among plant sources and is widely used for its edible oil. This study aimed to investigate whether maternal use of flaxseed oil has effects on pancreas morphology in the female offspring of diabetic mothers. Female Wistar rats (n = 12) were induced into diabetes by a high-fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin. After confirmation of the diabetes, rats were mated, and once pregnancy was confirmed, they were allocated into three groups (n = 6): high-fat group (HG); flaxseed oil group (FOG); and control group (CG) (non-diabetic rats). At weaning, female offspring (n = 6/group) received standard chow diet. The animals were euthanized at 180 days. Pancreas was collected for histomorphometric and immunohistochemistry analysis. HG showed hypertrophy of pancreatic islets (P < 0.0001), whereas FOG offspring had islets with smaller diameters compared to HG (P < 0.0001). HG offspring showed higher percentage of larger (P = 0.0061) and lower percentage of smaller islets (P = 0.0036). HG showed lower islet insulin immunodensity at 180 days (P < 0.0001), whereas FOG was similar to CG (P < 0.0001). Flaxseed oil reduced the damage caused by maternal hyperglycaemia, promoting normal pancreas histomorphometry and ß-cell mass in female offspring.

Grape skin extract protects against programmed changes in the adult rat offspring caused by maternal high-fat diet during lactation.

Maternal overnutrition during suckling period is associated with increased risk of metabolic disorders in the offspring. We aimed to assess the effect of Vitis vinifera L. grape skin extract (ACH09) on cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in adult male offspring of rats fed a high-fat (HF) diet during lactation. Four groups of female rats were fed: control diet (7% fat), ACH09 (7% fat plus 200 mg kg(-1) d(-1) ACH09 orally), HF (24% fat), and HF+ACH09 (24% fat plus 200 mg kg(-1) d(-1) ACH09 orally) during lactation. After weaning, all male offspring were fed a control diet and sacrificed at 90 or 180 days old. Systolic blood pressure was increased in adult offspring of HF-fed dams and ACH09 prevented the hypertension. Increased adiposity, plasma triglyceride, glucose levels and insulin resistance were observed in offspring from both ages, and those changes were reversed by ACH09. Expression of insulin cascade proteins IRS-1, AKT and GLUT4 in the soleus muscle was reduced in the HF group of both ages and increased by ACH09. The plasma oxidative damage assessed by malondialdehyde levels was increased, and nitrite levels decreased in the HF group of both ages, which were reversed by ACH09. In addition, ACH09 restored the decreased plasma and mesenteric arteries antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the HF group. In conclusion, the treatment of HF-fed dams during lactation with ACH09 provides protection from later-life hypertension, body weight gain, insulin resistance and oxidative stress. The protective effect ACH09 may involve NO synthesis, antioxidant action and activation of insulin-signaling pathways.

Indução de Diabetes Tipo 2 por dieta hiperlipídica e baixa dose de estreptozotocina em ratas wistar / Induction of Type 2 Diabetes by low dose of streptozotocin and high-fat diet-fed in wistar rats

O objetivo do presente estudo experimental foi desenvolver um modelo animal de diabetes tipo 2 que mimetizasse o curso natural e metabólico desta doença em humanos. Assim, foi oferecida uma dieta hiperlipídica (com aproximadamente 60% das calorias totais provenientes de lipídeos) por três semanas, estabelecendo então, um quadro de resistência à insulina. Em seguida, as ratas foram submetidas a uma dose única de estreptozotocina (STZ) (35mg/kg de peso corporal) em veículo de tampão citrato (pH: 4,4). Após 1 semana da injeção de STZ, as ratas foram submetidas ao teste oral de tolerância à glicose, mediante administração oral de glicose (2g glicose/kg de massa corporal). Os dados foram submetidos à comparação entre os grupos utilizando-se o teste t. A significância em todos os testes se deu ao nível de p ≤ 0,05. O grupo controle manteve a concentração média de glicose final igual a inicial. Após ingestão da dieta hiperlipídica houve um aumento da glicemia de jejum em cerca de 16,5% em relação ao momento inicial do experimento (P<0,0001) enquanto os animais que receberam a dieta controle apresentaram um aumento aproximado de 8,7%. Uma semana após a administração intraperitoneal de STZ, pode-se verificar aumento da concentração média de glicose no grupo hiperlipídico em cerca de 194,2%, representando um aumento de 275,8% (P<0,0001) quando comparado ao GC. O presente estudo retrata que a combinação de uma dieta hiperlipídica e baixa dose de estreptozotocina serve como um modelo animal alternativo para a diabetes tipo 2 simulando a síndrome em humanos

The objective of the present experimental study is to develop an animal model of type 2 diabetes which mimics the natural and metabolic course of this disease in humans. Therefore, a high-fat diet (with approximately 60% of the calories from lipidis) was offered for 3 weeks, establishing an insulin resistant picture. After, the female rats were submitted to a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35mg/kg of bodymass) using citrate buffer (pH:4,4). After a week of the injection of STZ, the female rats were submitted to the glucose tolerance oral test, by oral administration of glucose (2g glucose/ kg of body mass). The data was compared between groups using the test t. The significance in all tests was on level of p<0,05. The control group kept the final average glucose concentration equals to the initial. After the ingestion of the high-fat diet an increase of 16,5% of the fasting glucose happened compared to the initial moment of the experiment (P<0,0001) while the animals that received the control diet presented an increase of approximately 8,7%. One week after the intraperitoneal administration of STZ, the high-fat feed group showed anincrease of about 194,2% of the average concentration of glucose, representing an increase of about 275,8% (P<0,0001) when compared to the control group. The present study shows that the combinationof a high-fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin works as an alternative animal model for type 2 diabetes simulating the disease in humans.

Effect of Brazil nut supplementation on plasma levels of selenium in hemodialysis patients: 12 months of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Large amounts of reactive oxygen species are produced in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and, at higher concentrations, reactive oxygen species are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. It has been proposed that selenium (Se) may exert an antiatherogenic influence by reducing oxidative stress. The richest known food source of Se is the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa, family Lecythidaceae), found in the Amazon region. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to determine if Se plasma levels in HD patients submitted to a program of supplementation during 3 months with 1 Brazil nut by day could be sustained after 12 months. METHODS: A total of 21 HD patients (54.2 ± 15.2 years old; average time on dialysis, 82.3 ± 51.6 months; body mass index, 24.4 ± 3.8 kg/m(2)) from the RenalCor Clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were followed up 12 months after the supplementation study ended. The Se plasma levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with hydride generation. RESULTS: The Se Plasma levels (17.3 ± 19.9 µg/L) were below the normal range (60 to 120 µg/L) before nut supplementation, and after 3 months of supplementation, the levels increased to 106.8 ± 50.3 µg/L (P < .0001). Twelve months after supplementation, the plasma Se levels decreased to 31.9 ± 14.8 µg/L (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The data showed that these patients were Se deficient and that the consumption of Brazil nut was effective to increase the Se parameters of nutritional status. Se levels 12 months after the supplementation period were not as low as presupplementation levels but yet significantly lower, and we needed to motivate patients to adopt different dietary intake patterns.

Consumo de semente de linhaça durante a lactação afeta peso e nível de hemoglobina na prole de ratas / Maternal consumption of flaxseed during lactation affects weight and hemoglobin level of offspring in rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do consumo da semente de linhaça durante a lactação sobre o peso corporal, indicadores hematológicos e massa de gordura visceral dos filhotes de ratas na idade adulta. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas 16 ratas Wistar que, após o parto, foram divididas em dois grupos que receberam, durante a lactação, as seguintes dietas: grupo-controle (GC), ração à base de caseína, e grupo linhaça (GL), ração à base de caseína contendo 25 por cento de semente de linhaça. Ao desmame, os filhotes machos passaram a receber ração comercial até a idade adulta, quando foram sacrificados aos 170 dias de vida para coleta de sangue e avaliação da massa de gordura visceral. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrado menor peso corporal da prole do GL (GL = 42,69±3,06 g; GC = 47,31±4,72 g; p = 0,036) ao desmame. Aos 170 dias de idade foram observados menores valores na hemoglobina do GL (GL = 12,30±1,28 g/dL; GC = 13,88±0,91 g/dL; p = 0,02). Não foram verificadas diferenças estatísticas na massa de gordura visceral entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: O consumo materno da ração à base de semente de linhaça durante a lactação promoveu menor peso ao desmame e níveis menores de hemoglobina na idade adulta quando comparados ao GC.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of maternal flaxseed consumption during lactation on the body weight, hematological indicators and visceral fat mass of male offspring in adulthood. METHODS: Sixteen female Wistar rats were divided into two groups after giving birth. During lactation the control group (CG) was fed a casein-based diet and the flaxseed group (FG) was fed a casein-based diet containing 25 percent flaxseed. After weaning, male offspring were fed on commercial chow until adulthood and euthanized at 170 days for blood collection and visceral fat mass assessment. RESULTS: Offspring of rats in the FG had lower body weight (FG = 42.69±3.06 g; CG = 47.31±4.72 g; p = 0.036) at weaning. At 170 days, lower hemoglobin levels were observed in the FG (FG = 12.30±1.28 g/dL; CG = 13.88±0.91 g/dL; p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in visceral fat mass between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal consumption of a flaxseed-based diet during lactation resulted in lower body weight at weaning and lower hemoglobin levels in adulthood, when compared with the control group.

Maternal consumption of flaxseed during lactation affects weight and hemoglobin level of offspring in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of maternal flaxseed consumption during lactation on the body weight, hematological indicators and visceral fat mass of male offspring in adulthood. METHODS: Sixteen female Wistar rats were divided into two groups after giving birth. During lactation the control group (CG) was fed a casein-based diet and the flaxseed group (FG) was fed a casein-based diet containing 25% flaxseed. After weaning, male offspring were fed on commercial chow until adulthood and euthanized at 170 days for blood collection and visceral fat mass assessment. RESULTS: Offspring of rats in the FG had lower body weight (FG = 42.69+/-3.06 g; CG = 47.31+/-4.72 g; p = 0.036) at weaning. At 170 days, lower hemoglobin levels were observed in the FG (FG = 12.30+/-1.28 g/dL; CG = 13.88+/-0.91 g/dL; p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in visceral fat mass between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal consumption of a flaxseed-based diet during lactation resulted in lower body weight at weaning and lower hemoglobin levels in adulthood, when compared with the control group.

The impact of non- and genetically modified soybean diets in aorta wall remodeling.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of nongenetically modified soybean (non-GMS) and genetically modified soybean (GMS) meal on growth and cardiometabolic parameters in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n= 10): non-GMS, GMS, and control group (CG). All animals received water and an isocaloric diet ad libitum for 455 d. Blood was drawn by cardiac puncture, and serum was separated for subsequent biochemical analyses (total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, insulin, glucose, and testosterone). The aorta was quickly harvested and fixed; the body fat mass was removed and weighed. Non-GMS and GMS had a growth index (GI) similar to CG but with a lower body weight (P < 0.05) and a lower amount of body fat mass (P < 0.05). Total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, glucose concentrations, and aortic tunics were reduced (P < 0.05) in non-GMS and GMS compared to CG. Non-GMS and GMS are able to reduced serum cholesterol, triacylglycerols, glucose, and aortic remodeling in aged rats. No differences were observed between non-GMS and GMS in all parameters.

Ethanol in low chronic dose level attenuates major organic effects in malnourished rats.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chronic toxicity of ethanol low blood levels in malnourished rats. Female Wistar rats (220 g) were subjected to either an ad libitum diet (W, well-nourished, n=10) or food restriction (M, malnourished, n=10). Water (WW and MW) or ethanol solution (W5% and M5%) was offered to half of each nutritional group (n=5) as the only fluid source. The treatment was continued for two months. After sacrifice, blood biochemical parameters and macroscopic, histologic and morphometric evaluation of the liver were performed. Results indicated that: Ethanol consumption was higher in malnourished rats and minimized body weight loss in malnourished rats, while it decreased the body weight gain in well-nourished ones. Behavioral ethanol intoxication was more severe in malnourished rats. Malnutrition decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin but, on the other hand, ethanol was a protective factor of that effect (hemoglobin: MW 10.6 mg/dl / ME 13.02 mg/dl, p< 0.05). Ethanol increased the relative liver weight of both well-nourished and malnourished rats. Ethanol intake minimized iron pigment, collagen area and binuclear hepatocyte/ field increased by malnutrition. These data are in accordance with previous reports which showed ethanol as an important source of calories and, even chronically, ethanol still attenuates the effects of malnutrition.

Morphological modification of female bladder after prolonged use of soy-based diets.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a prolonged use of organic and transgenic soy upon the lipid profile and the collagen/muscle ratio of the detrusor muscle of the bladder. METHODS: Wistar rats were fed three different diets from weaning until sacrifice (15 months old): control group (CG) casein-based diet; organic soy group (OSG) organic soy-based diet; genetically modified soy group (GMSG) transgenic soy-based diet. RESULTS: There was no difference in the food consumption or in the diet isoflavone components among the groups. Comparing to CG, both OSG and GMSG groups presented a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the body weight, triglycerides, cholesterol and the smooth muscle of the detrusor and a significant (p<0.05) increase of collagen fibers number of the detrusor muscle. CONCLUSIONS: These findings call into question that, the prolonged use of soy-based diets can be deleterious to the bladder by altering the collagen/muscle ratio what can cause bladder dysfunctions similar with that occurring during menopause.

Ethanol in low chronic dose level attenuates major organic effects in malnourished rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chronic toxicity of ethanol low blood levels in malnourished rats. Female Wistar rats (220 g) were subjected to either an ad libitum diet (W, well-nourished, n=10) or food restriction (M, malnourished, n=10). Water (WW and MW) or ethanol solution (W5 percent and M5 percent) was offered to half of each nutritional group (n=5) as the only fluid source. The treatment was continued for two months. After sacrifice, blood biochemical parameters and macroscopic, histologic and morphometric evaluation of the liver were performed. Results indicated that: Ethanol consumption was higher in malnourished rats and minimized body weight loss in malnourished rats, while it decreased the body weight gain in well-nourished ones. Behavioral ethanol intoxication was more severe in malnourished rats. Malnutrition decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin but, on the other hand, ethanol was a protective factor of that effect (hemoglobin: MW 10.6 mg/dl / ME 13.02 mg/dl, p< 0.05). Ethanol increased the relative liver weight of both well-nourished and malnourished rats. Ethanol intake minimized iron pigment, collagen area and binuclear hepatocyte/ field increased by malnutrition. These data are in accordance with previous reports which showed ethanol as an important source of calories and, even chronically, ethanol still attenuates the effects of malnutrition.