A peptide fraction from hardened common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) induces endothelium-dependent antihypertensive and renal effects in rats.

Beans reached the research spotlight as a source of bioactive compounds capable of modulating different functions. Recently, we reported antioxidant and oxidonitrergic effect of a low molecular weight peptide fraction (<3 kDa) from hardened bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in vitro and ex vivo, which necessitate further in vivo assessments. This work aimed to evaluate the hypotensive effect and the involved physiological mechanisms of the hardened common bean peptide (Phaseolus vulgaris) in normotensive (Wistar) and hypertensive (SHR) animals. Bean flour was combined with a solution containing acetonitrile, water and formic acid (25: 24: 1). Protein extract (PV3) was fractioned (3 kDa membrane). We assessed PV3 effects on renal function and hemodynamics of wistar (WT-normotensive) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and measured systemic arterial pressure and flow in aortic and renal beds. The potential endothelial and oxidonitrergic involvements were tested in isolated renal artery rings. As results, we found that PV3: I) decreased food consumption in SHR, increased water intake and urinary volume in WT, increased glomerular filtration rate in WT and SHR, caused natriuresis in SHR; II) caused NO- and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in renal artery rings; III) reduced arterial pressure and resistance in aortic and renal vascular beds; IV) caused antihypertensive effects in a dose-dependent manner. Current findings support PV3 as a source of bioactive peptides and raise the potential of composing nutraceutical formulations to treat renal and cardiovascular diseases.

Processo formativo a distância em Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional na Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa: construindo práticas educativas / Proceso formativo a distancia en Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional en la Comunidad de los Países de Lengua Portuguesa: construcción de prácticas educativas / Distance formative process in Food Security and Nutrition in the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries: building educational practices

Resumo Processos formativos para fortalecer a segurança alimentar e nutricional (SAN) como política são demandas da Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP). Objetivamos descrever e analisar práticas educativas desenvolvidas pelos docentes, visando refletir e propor ajustes para aprimorar o processo formativo a distância em SAN no contexto da CPLP. O curso foi composto por alunos do Brasil; Cabo Verde; Moçambique e São Tomé e Príncipe. A pesquisa é aplicada, teve abordagem qualitativa e natureza descritiva e explicativa, empregando videoaulas como materiais de estudo, principalmente, com base na Análise Textual Discursiva. A proposta indica que cursos de mesma natureza requerem da gestão educacional formação docente; reconhecimento do conhecimento dos discentes; inserção de dialogia nas videoaulas; oferecimento de atividades locais capazes de gerar compreensão da realidade; criação de sequência para elaboração do Trabalho de Conclusão (TCC); e desenvolvimento do TCC visando à transformação da realidade. (AU)

Resumen Procesos formativos para fortalecer la Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional (SAN) como política son demandas de la Comunidad de los Países de Lengua Portuguesa (CPLP). El objetivo es describir y analizar prácticas educativas desarrolladas por los docentes, con el objetivo de reflexionar y proponer ajustes para el perfeccionamiento del proceso formativo a distancia en SAN en el contexto de la CPLP (Brasil, Cabo Verde, Mozambique y Santo Tomé y Príncipe). Se realizó la investigación, con abordaje cualitativo y naturaleza descriptiva y explicativa, empleando videoclases como material de estudio, principalmente con base en el Análisis Textual Discursivo. La propuesta indica que cursos de la misma naturaleza demandan de la gestión educativa: formación docente, reconocimiento del conocimiento de los discentes, inserción de dilogía en las videoclases, ofrecimiento de actividades locales capaces de generar comprensión de la realidad, creación de secuencia para elaboración del Trabajo de Conclusión (TCC) y desarrollo del TCC con el objetivo de transformación de la realidad. (AU)

Abstract Formative processes to strengthen Food Security and Nutrition (FSN) are demanded by the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP). Our objective was to describe and analyze the educational practices developed by teachers, aiming to reflect and propose adjustments to improve the distance formative process in FSN in the CPLP context (Brazil, Cape Verde, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe). This is applied research, with a qualitative approach and a descriptive and explanatory nature, using video classes as study material, mainly based on Discursive Textual Analysis. The proposal indicates that courses of the same nature require: teacher education; recognition of students' knowledge; insertion of dialogue in the video lessons; offering local activities capable of generating an understanding of the reality; creation of a sequence for the elaboration of the undergraduate thesis (UT); and writing UTs aimed at transforming reality. (AU)

Oral Treatment with Angiotensin-(1-7) Attenuates the Kidney Injury Induced by Gentamicin in Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), a common disease of the urinary system, can be induced by high doses of gentamicin (GM). The renin-angiotensin system exerts a key role in the progression of the AKI since elevated intrarenal levels of Ang II, and ACE activity is found in this condition. However, it is unknown whether oral administration of angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7), a heptapeptide that evokes opposite effects of Ang II, may attenuate the renal injuries induced by gentamicin. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of Ang-(1-7) on GM-induced renal dysfunction in rats. METHODS: AKI was induced by subcutaneous administration of GM (80 mg/Kg) for 5 days. Simultaneously, Ang-(1-7) included in hydroxypropyl ß-cyclodextrin (HPßCD) was administered by gavage [46 µg/kg HPßCD + 30 µg/kg Ang-(1-7)]. At the end of the treatment period (sixth day), the rats were housed in metabolic cages for renal function evaluation. Thereafter, blood and kidney samples were collected. RESULTS: Ang-(1-7) attenuated the increase of the plasmatic creatinine and proteinuria caused by GM but did not change the glomerular filtration rate nor tubular necrosis. Ang-(1-7) attenuated the increased urinary flow and the fractional excretion of H2O and potassium observed in GM rats but intensified the elevated excretion of sodium in these animals. Morphological analysis showed that Ang-(1-7) also reduced the tubular vacuolization in kidneys from GM rats. CONCLUSION: Ang-(1-7) promotes selective beneficial effects in renal injuries induced by GM.

Oral condition of institutionalized older people: influence on anthropometric indicators, food and nutrient intake

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess whether there are differences between oral problems and food, energy, and nutrient intake and anthropometric indicators of institutionalized older adults. Methods: A total of 150 older people participated in the study. Their nutritional status was determined by anthropometric indicators and food intake. Oral problems were examined by a trained dentist who checked for caries, periodontitis, dry mouth, edentulism, and poorly-fitting partial or complete dentures. The categorical variables were analyzed by the Fisher's Exact Test and the continuous variables were analyzed by the Student's t-test for parametric data and the Mann-Whitney test for nonparametric data (p≤0.05). Results: Older people with oral problems presented lower anthropometric measurements and indices except for biceps skinfold thickness and consumed less energy (p= 0.027), protein (p= 0.012), lipids (0.012), and pan-fried meats (p= 0.001). Conclusion: Anthropometric indicators and the energy, protein and lipid intake were lower in elderly people with oral problems. This work warns about the importance of oral health for the good nutrition of older people and the need to establish strategies to adapt the diet of this population.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar si existe una diferencia entre los problemas orales y la ingesta de alimentos, energía y nutrientes e indicadores antropométricos de adultos mayores institucionalizados. Métodos: Un total de 150 personas mayores participaron en el estudio. Su estado nutricional se determinó mediante indicadores antropométricos y la ingesta de alimentos. Los problemas orales fueron examinados por un dentista capacitado que verificó la presencia de caries, periodontitis, boca seca, edentulismo y dentaduras postizas parciales o completas mal ajustadas. Las variables categóricas se evaluaron mediante la Prueba Exacta de Fisher y las variables continuas se evaluaron mediante la prueba t de Student para datos paramétricos y la prueba de Mann-Whitney para datos no paramétricos (p≤0.05). Resultados: Las personas mayores con problemas orales presentaron mediciones e índices antropométricos más bajos, excepto el grosor del pliegue cutáneo del bíceps y consumieron menos energía (p= 0.027), proteínas (p= 0.012), lípidos (0.012) y carnes fritas (p= 0.001). Conclusión: Los indicadores antropométricos y el consumo de energía, proteínas y lípidos fueron menores en personas mayores con problemas bucales. Este trabajo advierte sobre la importancia de la salud oral para la buena nutrición de las personas mayores y la necesidad de establecer estrategias para adaptar la dieta de esta población.

Brain and kidney GHS-R1a underexpression is associated with changes in renal function and hemodynamics during neurogenic hypertension.

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone whose effects are mediated by the growth hormone secretagogue receptor subtype 1a (GHS-R1a), mainly expressed in the brain but also in kidneys. The hypothesis herein raised is that GHS-R1a would be player in the renal contribution to the neurogenic hypertension pathophysiology. To investigate GHS-R1a role on renal function and hemodynamics, we used Wistar (WT) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). First, we assessed the effect of systemically injected vehicle, ghrelin, GHS-R1a antagonist PF04628935, ghrelin plus PF04628935 or GHS-R1a synthetic agonist MK-677 in WT and SHR rats housed in metabolic cages (24 h). Blood and urine samples were also analyzed. Then, we assessed the GHS-R1a contribution to the control of renal vasomotion and hemodynamics in WT and SHR. Finally, we assessed the GHS-R1a levels in brain areas, aorta, renal artery, renal cortex and medulla of WT and SHR rats using western blot. We found that ghrelin and MK-677 changed osmolarity parameters of SHR, in a GHS-R1a-dependent manner. GHS-R1a antagonism reduced the urinary Na+ and K+ and creatinine clearance in WT but not in SHR. Ghrelin reduced arterial pressure and increased renal artery conductance in SHR. GHS-R1a protein levels were decreased in the kidney and brain areas of SHR when compared to WT. Therefore, GHS-R1a role in the control of renal function and hemodynamics during neurogenic hypertension seem to be different, and this may be related to brain and kidney GHS-R1a downregulation.

Food practices and their meanings in the daily routine of a university / Práticas alimentares e seus significados no cotidiano de uma universidade

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed at knowing and analyzing sociocultural meanings of the daily dietary practices revealed by a university community, in the context of a wellness program to their community and its surroundings. Methods The research team ran 28 workshops with the participation of 34 university units and 558 subjects in total. All workshops were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was performed with the identification of emerging themes and categories. Results From the analysis of this material four categories emerged. There is the desire caused by the pleasure of having meals in a group of people and consuming foods rich in fat and sugar, but with its consumption shrouded by guilt. Healthy foods were considered important but related to obligation and displeasure. The community also wants to consume healthy foods daily in the academic environment, however, pointed out barriers such as an increasing pace of work and lack of time. Conclusion It was possible to identify barriers and desires related to food practices in the daily life of the university. This study demonstrated that changing the eating behavior of an academic community is a major challenge for wellness programs, even for an institution that produces and disseminates scientific knowledge.

RESUMO Objetivo Este trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer e analisar os significados socioculturais das práticas alimentares cotidianas revelados pela comunidade de uma universidade brasileira no contexto de um programa de bem estar para sua comunidade e entornos. Métodos Foram realizadas 28 oficinas com a participação de 34 unidades universitárias e 558 pessoas. Todas as oficinas tiveram seu áudio gravado e transcrito. Foi realizada análise de conteúdo com a identificação de temas e categorias emergentes. Resultados A partir da análise do material transcrito, emergiram os significados em quatro categorias. Há o desejo pelo prazer de realizar as refeições em grupo e consumir alimentos ricos em gordura e açúcar, mas envolto por culpa. Alimentos saudáveis foram considerados importantes, mas seu consumo foi relacionado à obrigação e desprazer. Contudo, a comunidade deseja consumi-los diariamente no ambiente acadêmico, mas aponta barreiras como o aumento do ritmo de trabalho e falta de tempo. Conclusão Foi possível identificar barreiras e desejos relacionados às práticas alimentares no cotidiano da universidade. Este estudo mostrou que transformar o comportamento alimentar de uma comunidade acadêmica é um grande desafio para os programas de bem-estar, mesmo para instituições que produzem e disseminam conhecimentos científicos.

Nephroprotective Effect of Echinodorus macrophyllus Micheli on Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Leaves of Echinodorus macrophyllus (EM), from the Alismataceae family, have been used in Brazilian folk medicine for their anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. In this work, the diuretic and nephroprotective activities of crude extracts of EM were evaluated. METHODS: Normal Wistar rats were given 0.9% NaCl containing either EM (10-300 mg/kg), furosemide (13 mg/kg) or arginine vasopressin (0.2 mg/kg). Thereafter, the rats were individually housed in metabolic cages, and urine volume was measured every 30 min for a total of 3 h. Acute kidney injury was induced by gentamicin (GM, 80 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1), b.i.d., 5 days). Along with GM, 0.9% NaCl (control) or EM (30 mg/kg) was given to the rats by gavage. RESULTS: EM produced a dose-dependent reduction in urine elimination. EM was effective in reversing all GM-induced alterations such as polyuria and glomerular filtration rate reduction. The GM-induced morphological alterations were not observed when EM was given concomitantly with GM. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that EM possesses nephroprotective effect which indicates that EM may have therapeutic applications in GM-induced acute kidney injury.

Effect of triterpene saponins from roots of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke on diuresis in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke is a plant used in Brazilian folk medicine to both prevent malaria and act as a depurative. AIM OF THE STUDY: We have investigated the effects of an ethanol crude extract of roots of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus (CEAaD), a chemically characterized saponin mixture (SAPAaD), as well as a saponin-free fraction (SAPAaD-free) obtained from CEAaD on diuresis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats under ad libitum water conditions or water deprivation for 12h prior to the start of the experiment were volume-expanded with 0.9% NaCl (4% body weight, by gavage) containing either CEAaD, SAPAaD, or SAPAaD-free at the doses indicated in the text. Rats were individually housed in metabolic cages, and urine volume was measured every 30 min throughout the experiment (3 h). RESULTS: CEAaD increased urine volume in rats under conditions of both free access to water and under water deprivation. In the latter condition, CEAaD (150 mg/kg) increased the urine volume from zero to 0.9+/-0.1 ml/120 min, n=6). Similarly, the SAPAaD-free (50-200 mg/kg) mixture also increased the urine volume. In contrast, SAPAaD (12.5-1000 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction (p<0.01) in diuresis under conditions of both water deprivation and with free access to water prior to the start of the experiment. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that CEAaD contains compounds that cause both diuresis and antidiuresis and that the antidiuretic effect is due mainly to the presence of saponins.