New Trends to Treat Muscular Atrophy: A Systematic Review of Epicatechin.

Epicatechin is a polyphenol compound that promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and counteracts the pathways that participate in the degradation of proteins. Several studies present contradictory results of treatment protocols and therapeutic effects. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the current literature showing the molecular mechanism and clinical protocol of epicatechin in muscle atrophy in humans, animals, and myoblast cell-line. The search was conducted in Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The qualitative analysis demonstrated that there is a commonness of epicatechin inhibitory action in myostatin expression and atrogenes MAFbx, FOXO, and MuRF1. Epicatechin showed positive effects on follistatin and on the stimulation of factors related to the myogenic actions (MyoD, Myf5, and myogenin). Furthermore, the literature also showed that epicatechin can interfere with mitochondrias' biosynthesis in muscle fibers, stimulation of the signaling pathways of AKT/mTOR protein production, and amelioration of skeletal musculature performance, particularly when combined with physical exercise. Epicatechin can, for these reasons, exhibit clinical applicability due to the beneficial results under conditions that negatively affect the skeletal musculature. However, there is no protocol standardization or enough clinical evidence to draw more specific conclusions on its therapeutic implementation.

Effects of Consumption of Coconut and Cow's Milk on the Metabolic Profile of Wistar Rats Fed a Hyperprotein Diet.

The intake of milk has decreased over the past few decades in Western populations and has been replaced by drinks of plant origin. Substitution of cow's milk by vegetable drinks occurs for some reasons, such as the presence of lactose intolerance, reduced calorie intake, prevention of obesity, vegan diets, and concern about the use of hormone therapy and its possible residues in bovine milk. For these reasons, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biochemical and anthropometric profile of animals subjected to a diet supplemented with coconut milk. Animals were divided into six groups (G1-G6), treated, respectively, regular diet and coconut milk or cow's milk, and with a high-protein content diet and coconut milk or cow's milk. Our results showed that the animals treated with coconut milk reduced body weight and visceral fat, and also showed that the use of a high-protein diet in association with coconut milk is a good combination in reducing visceral fat, percentage of weight gain, food intake, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Our results do not show substantial metabolic changes when comparing the use of coconut milk with the use of cow's milk (we cannot say that the coconut milk itself can be better than cow's milk in the evaluated metabolic parameters).

Effects of Green Wheat (Triticum turgidum) and Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum) on the Metabolic Profile of Wistar Rats.

Studies have shown that the consumption of a diet containing whole grains may improve metabolic homeostasis and is related to the reduction of risk factors for the development of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. We aimed to investigate the effects of Triticum aestivum and Triticum turgidum on the metabolic profile of Wistar rats. Animals were divided into G1 (control group), G2 (T. turgidum), and G3 (T. aestivum). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated after 45 days of treatment with both types of wheat. Our results showed that the use of the common or green wheat improved body weight percentage, visceral fat, glycemia, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and atherogenic indices such as atherogenic index, CCR1, and CCR2. Furthermore, wheat may also improve high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The health-promoting properties of wheat occur probably due to the content of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and fibers. We suggest that the intake of T. aestivum and T. turgidum may be helpful in the prevention or treatment of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Rhodiola rosea and Panax ginseng on the Metabolic Parameters of Rats Submitted to Swimming.

Adaptogen-based plant formulations play an important role in traditional medicine and have been used in medical practice to increase the resistance of individuals. Rhodiola rosea (RR) and Panax ginseng (PG) exhibit adaptogenic properties and are related to the recovery of homeostasis and strengthen systems impaired by stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of RR and PG on metabolic profile and muscle damage parameters in Wistar rats submitted to swimming. Animals were divided according to the following: G1: control group; G2: group that was submitted to swimming; G3: group treated with PG; G4: group treated with PG and submitted to swimming; G5: treated with RR; and G6: treated with RR and submitted to swimming. At the end of the experimental protocol, groups G2, G4, and G6 practiced swimming for a period five times longer than during the previous 30 days. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were investigated, and no significant results were found in the groups. Nevertheless, animals treated with PG and RR reduced the levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). Our findings demonstrate that both PG and RR produced a significant reduction in the levels of CPK and LDH after physical stress, suggesting that they can be used to improve physical performance. For these reasons, we may say that these plants may be used to minimize the stress promoted by the practice of physical exercises.

Effects of Green and Ripe Coffee in the Metabolic Profile and Muscle Enzymes in Animals Practicing Physical Exercise.

Many studies have shown that plants can be therapeutic alternatives in the prevention or treatment of various diseases. Among these, green coffee may present different pharmacological effects related to the regulation of glycemia and lipid metabolism and is related to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of using green and ripe coffee on the metabolic profile and muscular enzymes after the practice of physical exercises in Wistar rats. We included six groups: G1 (control group), G2 (group submitted to swimming), G3 (group that consumed green coffee), G4 (group that consumed green coffee and was submitted to swimming), G5 (group that consumed ripe coffee), and G6 (group that consumed ripe coffee and was submitted to swimming). Our results showed that there was a significant reduction in the percentage of visceral fat in G3, G5, and G6. We did not observe significant modifications in glycemia, lipids, lactate dehydrogenase, ferric reducing ability of plasma, and ferric-xylenol orange. The levels of creatine phosphokinase showed a reduction in the groups G2 and G4. No significant differences were found in the atherogenic indices. There is a global demand for natural compounds that can be safe, cheap, related to minimum side effects, and provide health benefits. Our results show that the use of green or ripe coffee may contribute to reduce the percentage of visceral fat and consequently may protect against further complications once this tissue produces proatherogenic hormones. Furthermore, green coffee may play a role in protecting muscle injury after the practice of physical exercises.

Dipteryx alata Vogel May Improve Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Indices in Wistar Rats Dipteryx alata and Atherogenic Indices.

Worldwide prevalence of noncommunicable chronic degenerative diseases is among the main causes of death worldwide. The consumption of some foods such as nuts and seeds may be beneficial in preventing these diseases. Dipteryx alata Vogel (DA), known popularly as Baru, belongs to the family Fabaceae and is a native fruit tree from the Brazilian savanna. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of seeds of DA on the metabolic and oxidative profile of Wistar rats. Animals were divided randomly into four groups (n = 10): G1 (control group), and G2 (treated with DA 20%), G3 (treated with DA 30%), and G4 (treated with DA 40%). After 40 days, animals were euthanized and metabolic and oxidative profiles were analyzed (glycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides [TGs], high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-c], very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [VLDL-c], low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-c], C reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, Lee index, weight, visceral fat, ferric reducing ability of plasma, and ferric-xylenol orange method. The use of the seeds was effective in reducing TGs, VLDL-c, LDL-c, and increasing HDL-c but did not interfere in the percentage of weight gain, visceral fat, levels of total cholesterol, and oxidative stress. Based on our results, it is possible to say that the use of DA may improve the lipid profile of Wistar rats and we may suggest that the consumption of DA almonds or products prepared with them may be an effective option for the intake of healthy products.

Antidiabetic and antilipidemic effects of Manilkara zapota.

Manilkara zapota is a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family; its parts are used in alternative medicine to treat coughs and colds and possess diuretic, antidiarrheal, antibiotic, antihyperglycemic, and hypocholesterolemic effects. There are no studies on metabolic profile after using the fruit, and this study aimed at evaluating the effects of the leaf and pulp of M. zapota fruit on the metabolic profile of Wistar rats. Male rats were treated for 50 days with M. zapota leaf juice or fruit juice, after which their biochemical and body composition profiles were analyzed (glycemia, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), insulin, leptin, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, Lee Index, and body mass index). Our results indicate significantly lower levels of glycemia, insulin, leptin, cholesterol, and triglycerides and augmented levels of HDL-c in animals treated with the leaves or fruit of this plant. The percentage of weight gain also declined in animals treated with M. zapota fruit pulp. The use of the M. zapota may be helpful in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and their complications.

Efeitos do chá de orégano (Origanum vulgare) no perfil bioquímicode ratos Wistar / Effects of oregano (Origanum vulgare) tea on the biochemical profile of Wistar rats

Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos do chá (infusão) de orégano sobre o perfil bioquímico e peso corporal de ratos Wistar.Métodos: Foram utilizados para o experimento 20 ratos Wistar machos divididos em dois grupos de 10 animais em cada: um grupo tratado, que durante 30 dias recebeu como única ingesta hídrica uma infusão de folhas de orégano (chá de orégano), e um grupo controle, que durante o mesmo período recebeu água pura. Todos os animais tiveram livre acesso ao mesmo tipo de ração e o líquido (água ou chá de orégano) foi ofertado ad libitum. Foram realizadas pesagens semanais, registrando os pesos corporais dos animais no 1º, 8º, 15º, 23º e 30º dias. No 30º dia do experimento os animais foram anestesiados e sacrificados com pentobarbital sódico. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue a fim de determinar colesterol total, HDL-colesterol, triglicerídeos, glicemia, proteína C reativa, creatinina, aspartato aminotransferase e alanina aminotransferase.Resultados: Os animais que receberam o chá de orégano tiveram uma glicemia menor (135,20±22,09) quando comparados ao grupo controle (152,00±16,51) (p<0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos nos níveis de colesterol total, triglicerídeos e HDL-colesterol, nem no ganho de peso médio ou no percentual de ganho de peso.Conclusões: O estudo dos efeitos do chá de orégano em ratos sugere que essa planta pode ter efeitos benéficos na manutenção da glicemia. Propõe-se que mais estudos clínicos sejam realizados com diferentes concentrações e períodos de tempo.

Aims: To evaluate the effects of oregano tea (infusion) on biochemical profile and body weight of Wistar rats.Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of 10 animals each: a treated group, which for 30 days received an infusion of oregano (oregano tea) as the only fluid intake, and a control group, which during the same period received pure water. All animals had free access to the same kind of chow and the liquid (water or oregano tea) was offered ad libitum. The rats were weighed weekly, and their body weights were recorded at 1st, 8th, 15th, 23rd, and 30th days. On day 30, the animals were anesthetized and euthanized with sodium pentobarbital. Blood samples were collected in order to determine total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, C-reactive protein, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase.Results: The animals that received the infusion of oregano had a lower blood glucose (135.20±22.09) when compared to the control group (152.00±16.51) (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol or in weight gain and the rate of weight gain.Conclusions: The study of the effects of oregano tea in rats suggests that this plant might have beneficial effects on blood glucose control. It is proposed that further clinical studies are carried out with different concentrations and time periods.

Effects of Passiflora edulis (yellow passion) on serum lipids and oxidative stress status of Wistar rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Degener (yellow passion) juice on the lipid profile and oxidative stress status of Wistar rats. Adult male Wistar rats were divided in two groups (n=8 animals per group): the control group, which received water, and the treated group, which was given P. edulis juice (1,000 mg/kg). Both groups received by gavage treatment twice a day for 28 days. The treated group showed an increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level and decreased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and free fatty acid levels compared with the control group. Levels of triglycerides and and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, superoxide dismutase activity, and total glutathione concentration were not statistically different between the two groups, but the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances concentration (indicating lipid peroxidation) decreased in the treated group. These findings suggests that P. edulis juice in the experimental conditions used showed beneficial effects on lipid profile and improved lipid peroxidation in Wistar rats.

Efeito do exercício físico contínuo e intervalado no peso e perfil bioquímico de ratas Wistar prenhes e consequências no peso da prole / Effect of continuous and interval physical exercise on weight and biochemical profile of pregnant Wistar rats and consequences on fetal body weight

INTRODUÇÃO: A prática de atividade física é reconhecida como fator importante para a preservação, recuperação e manutenção da saúde. O estímulo à prática de exercícios é crescente, mas quando relacionado à gravidez, dúvidas surgem sobre os efeitos deletérios ou salutares na mãe e no feto. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do exercício físico intervalado e contínuo no perfil bioquímico de ratas Wistar prenhes e avaliar o efeito destes exercícios no peso da placenta e dos filhotes. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se 45 ratas Wistar divididas em grupos de 15 animais segundo o tipo de exercício: controle (GC), exercício contínuo (GCO) e exercício intermitente (GIN). Os exercícios constituíram-se de natação forçada, cinco dias por semana, em piscinas individuais: exercício contínuo (duração de 45 minutos diários com sobrecarga de 5 por cento do peso corporal) e intermitente (45 minutos com estímulos de 15 segundos de exercício e 15 de repouso com sobrecarga de 15 por cento do peso corporal). O exercício foi praticado do primeiro ao 20º dia de prenhez. Após este período avaliou-se o peso e os níveis de glicemia, colesterol total, LDL-C, HDL-C e triglicérides das ratas, assim como o peso da placenta e dos filhotes. RESULTADOS: Não se observou modificação no peso das mães. Houve redução significativa nos níveis de LDL-C. O peso das placentas não variou, mas os pesos dos filhotes variaram estatisticamente entre os três grupos (4,153 ± 0,649; 3,682 ± 0,070 e 3,453 ± 0,052, respectivamente, para os filhos de mães do GC, GIN e GCO). CONCLUSÕES: Conclui-se que a prática do exercício físico contínuo e intermitente por ratas prenhes, neste modelo experimental, não interferiu no peso corpóreo das mesmas, mas interferiu no peso dos filhotes ao nascer.

Exercise training is known for its benefits to the body and mind. However, little is known about the effects of endurance training intensity on pregnancy. We tested the effects of continuous and intermittent exercises (maternal swimming) on the biochemical profile of pregnant Wistar rats and the effects of these exercises on the fetal body weight. The pregnant females (n=60) were divided in control group (GC), continuous exercise group (GCON) and intermittent exercise group (GIN). GC group rats did not practice exercises. GON group rats practiced continuous swimming for 45 minutes a day (five days a week) carrying a bag with 5 percent of its body weight. GIN group rats practiced intermittent swimming (15 seconds of swimming and 15 seconds stopped) for 45 minutes a day (five days a week) carrying a bag with 15 percent of its body weight. These exercises were made from the day one until 20º day of pregnancy. At the end of this period, we analyzed the mother's glycemia, cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides. We also analyzed fetal body weight. No significant modifications on glycemia and plasma lipids (except for LDL-C) were observed in the tree groups. We observed reduction on the fetal body weight in the pups that had their mothers practicing exercises: fetal body weight in GC > GIN > GON (4,153 ± 0,649; 3,682 ± 0,070 and 3,453 ± 0,052 respectively). These results showed that the continuous and intermittent exercise only performed in pregnancy period decreases fetus body weight.

Efeitos do uso de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L) no perfil bioquímico de ratos Wistar / Effects of the use of basil (Ocimum basilicum L) in biochemical profile of Wistar rats

Objetivo - O manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) é uma planta comumente utilizada na culinária e tem sido apontado pelas suas propriedades benéficas à saúde, possuindo importantes efeitos antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórios e hepato-protetores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da administração de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) no perfil bioquímico de ratos. Método - Trinta ratos machos da linhagem Wistar foram utilizados. Os ratos foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos de 10 animais e receberam tratamentos ad libitum por um período de trinta dias. O primeiro grupo (G1) recebeu água ad libitum, o segundo e terceiro grupos (G2 e G3) receberam infusão de manjericão nas concentrações de 20g/L e 40g/L, respectivamente. Foram feitas análises de glicemia, colesterol total, HDL-c, triglicerídeos, proteína C reativa (PCR), creatinina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e alanina aminotransferase (ALT). Resultados - A utilização do Ocimum basilicum L. promoveu redução de 37,44% no índice de colesterol total e de 34,55% nos níveis de triglicerídeos, e aumento de 39% nos níveis de HDL-c em relação ao grupo controle. Considerando a glicemia houve redução de 11,40% e 19,36% utilizando concentrações de 20 g/L e 40 g/L do manjericão, respectivamente. Não houve alteração significativa nos níveis de creatinina, PCR e enzimas hepáticas. Conclusão - Os resultados sobre as variáveis bioquímicas são promissores, visto que as alterações podem beneficiar indivíduos em condições de hipercolesterolemia e hiperglicemia, auxiliando na prevenção e tratamento de distúrbios crônico-degenerativos. Sugere-se que novos estudos sejam realizados, como a análise de toxicidade da infusão de manjericão em ratos Wistar e determinação dos constituintes químicos da infusão.

Objective - Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a plant commonly used in culinary and it has been indicated for their beneficial health properties, such as significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) by oral administration in the biochemical profile of rats. Method - Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided in three groups of 10 animals, and were fed ad libitum for 30 days. The first group (G1) received water ad libitum, the second and third groups (G2 and G3) received an infusion of basil at concentrations of 20 g/L and 40 g/L, respectively. Levels of glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were analyzed. Results - The use of O. basilicum L. decreased 37.44% in cholesterol levels and 34.55% in triglyceride levels, and increased 39.00% in HDL-c levels. Whereas the blood glycemic decreased 11.40% and 19.36% using concentrations of 20g/L and 40g/L of basil, respectively. There was no significant modification in creatinine levels, CRP and liver enzymes. Conclusion - The results show that O. basilicum L. can be helpful to prevent hyperglycemia and dyslipidemias but further studies should be done, such as the toxic analysis of basil infusion in male Wistar rats and the determination of the chemical constituents of the infusion.

Oxidative stress status and lipid profiles of diabetic pregnant rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress status and the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol and total proteins of pregnant rats exposed to the association of diabetes and cigarette smoke. Female Wistar rats were randomly distributed in four experimental groups, according to presence or not of diabetes and the exposure or not to cigarette smoke. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (40 mg/kg i.v.) and exposure to cigarette smoke was for 30 min, twice a day, for 2 months. At day 21 of pregnancy, blood was collected for total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol and oxidative stress determinations. Data were analysed by ANOVA followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test (P<0.05). The association of diabetes and exposure to cigarette smoke was related to the incidence of hypertriglyceridaemia, and this result was due to the severe diabetes and not to exposure to smoke. There was no alteration to protein metabolism in pregnant rats. Diabetes and cigarette smoke exposure led to the activation of the antioxidant system in an attempt to detoxify the organism in face of high lipid peroxidation, which can be characterized by the determination of reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid.

Effects of cigarette smoke exposure on pregnancy outcome and offspring of diabetic rats.

A total of 52 female Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: non-diabetic (G1) and diabetic (G2) exposed to filtered air; non-diabetic (G3) and diabetic (G4) exposed to cigarette smoke. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (40 mg/kg bodyweight, i.v.). Rats were exposed, for 30 min, to filtered air (control) or to tobacco smoke generated from 10 cigarettes, twice a day, for 2 months. At the end of the 2-month exposure, at day 21 of pregnancy, each rat was anesthetized and humanely killed for laparotomy. Uterine horns were exposed for reproductive performance analysis, fetal and placental weights and placental index. Maternal and fetal data were analysed by ANOVA followed by the Student Newman-Keuls test. Fetal weight classification was assessed by Fisher's exact test. Diabetes and cigarette smoke caused placentomegaly (G4 = 0.65 +/- 0.19 g versus G1 = 0.49 +/- 0.03 g, P < 0.05), increased placental index (G4 = 0.13 +/- 0.03 versus G1 = 0.09 +/- 0.00, P < 0.05) and small fetus rates for pregnancy age (G4 = 88% versus G1 = 23.2%, P < 0.05). These observations show the importance of encouraging pregnant women to attempt cessation of smoking.

Levels of DNA damage in blood leukocyte samples from non-diabetic and diabetic female rats and their fetuses exposed to air or cigarette smoke.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate DNA damage level in blood leukocytes from diabetic and non-diabetic female Wistar rats exposed to air or to cigarette smoke, and to correlate the findings with levels of DNA damage detected in blood leukocyte samples from their fetuses. A total of 20 rats were distributed into four experimental groups: non-diabetic (control; G1) and diabetic exposed to filtered air (G2); non-diabetic (G3) and diabetic (G4) exposed to cigarette smoke. Rats placed into whole-body exposure chambers were exposed for 30min to filtered air (control) or to tobacco smoke generated from 10 cigarettes, twice a day, for 2 months. Diabetes was induced by a pancreatic beta-cytotoxic agent, streptozotocin (40mg/kgb.w.). At day 21 of pregnancy, each rat was anesthetized and humanely killed to obtain maternal and fetal blood samples for genotoxicity analysis using the alkaline comet assay. G2, G3 and G4 dams presented higher DNA damage values in tail moment and tail length as compared to G1 group. There was a significant positive correlation between DNA damage levels in blood leukocyte samples from G2 and G3 groups (tail moment); G3 and G4 groups (tail length) and G3 group (tail intensity) and their fetuses. Thus, this study showed the association of severe diabetes and tobacco cigarette smoke exposure did not exacerbate levels of maternal and fetal DNA damages related with only diabetes or cigarette smoke exposure. Based on the results obtained and taking into account other published data, maternal diabetes requires rigid clinical control and public health and education campaigns should be increased to encourage individuals, especially pregnant women, to stop smoking.

Effect of indomethacin on the pregnant rat

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a performance reprodutiva, estudo morfológico do fígado e caracteríswticas post mortem de ratas wistar prenhes tratadas com indometacina, um inibidor geral de COX. Indometacina foi administrada oralmente, nas doses de 0(controle), 0,32, 1,68 e 8,40 mg/kg/dia (n+10/grupo), nos dias 3 e 4 de prenhez (dia 0=primeiro dia de prenhez= esperma positivo). Os animais foram eutanasiados sob anestesia no 11 dia de prenhez, e foram realizadas necropsia e cultura de microorganismos. Os resultados mostraram que as doses de 0,32 e 1.68mg/kg de peso corpóreo (dose terapêutica para humanos) de indometacina não causaram efeitos embiotéxicos ou letais. A maior dose (8,40 mg/kg) de indometacina prejudicou o processo de implantação e, portanto, interferiu no desenvolvimento fetal. A peritonite foi detectada na necrópsia e nos estudos bacteriológicos dos animais tratados com 8,4mg/kg e considerada a causa-morte destes animais. PortaNTO, este estudo analisou um agente farmacológico que a indometacina apresentou efeitos embiotóxicos e letais na maior dose empregada, mas foi nsegura na dose terapêutica usada pelo homem.

Evaluation of level of DNA damage in blood leukocytes of non-diabetic and diabetic rat exposed to cigarette smoke.

The objective of the present study was to use the comet assay to evaluate the steady-state level of DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes from diabetic and non-diabetic female Wistar rats exposed to air or to cigarette smoke. A total of 20 rats were distributed into four experimental groups (n=5 rats/group): non-diabetic (control) and diabetic exposed to filtered air; non-diabetic and diabetic exposed to cigarette smoke. A pancreatic beta (beta)-cytotoxic agent, streptozotocin (40 mg/kg b.w.) was used to induce experimental diabetes in rats. Rats placed into whole-body exposure chambers were exposed for 30 min to filtered air (control) or to tobacco smoke generated from 10 cigarettes, twice a day, for 2 months. At the end of the 2-month exposure period, each rat was anesthetized and humanely killed to obtain blood samples for genotoxicity analysis using the alkaline comet assay. Blood leukocytes sampled from diabetic rats presented higher DNA damage values (tail moment=0.57+/-0.05; tail length=19.92+/-0.41, p<0.05) compared to control rats (tail moment=0.34+/-0.02; tail length=17.42+/-0.33). Non-diabetic (tail moment=0.43+/-0.04, p>0.05) and diabetic rats (tail moment=0.41+/-0.03, p>0.05) exposed to cigarette smoke presented non-significant increases in DNA damage levels compared to control group. In conclusion, our data show that the exposure of diabetic rats to cigarette smoke produced no additional genotoxicity in peripheral blood cells of female Wistar rats.

Estresse oxidativo placentário na pré-eclâmpsia e no diabete / Placental oxidative stress in preeclampsia and diabetes

O estresse oxidativo é descrito como um desequilíbrio na produção de espécies reativas derivadas do metabolismo de oxigênio e na capacidade do organismo em neutralizá-las. Espécies reativas derivadas do metabolismo de oxigênio podem causar danos celulares ao agir com proteínas e lipídeos. O estresse oxidativo tem sido claramente demonstrado no tecido placentário. Em gestações complicadas por diabetes ou pré-eclâmpsia, o estresse oxidativo é consideravelmente alto. Semelhante à pré-eclâmpsia, o diabetes é caracterizado como um estado de disfunção endotelial e as espécies derivadas do metabolismo do oxigênio e do nitrogênio contribuem para o progresso da doença. Mulheres diabéticas têm probabilidade quatro vezes maior para desenvolver pré-eclâmpsia, sugerindo que a disfunção endotelial pré-existente pode predispô-las a esta patologia. Sugeriu-se que a mensuração do nível de estresse oxidativo deve ser útil na prática clínica para verificar o status do neonato e o risco para possíveis complicações

Relação entre adiponectina e distúrbios metabólicos / Relationship between adiponectin and metabolic disorders

O Tecido adiposo é um órgão endócrino com funções metabólicas complexas que secreta grande número de proteínas. Não é mais considerado como simples estoque de lipídeos, mas órgão endócrino ativo que controla o metabolismo de lipídeos e corporal, homeostasia vascular, funções imunológicas e reprodutivas e mantém a homeostase energética. Os adipócitos têm sido, tradicionalmente, considerados sítio primário para estoque da energia corporal principalmente na forma de triglicérides e ácidos graxos. Estas células utilizam vias endócrinas, parácrinas e autócrinas para secretar múltiplas moléculas bioativas chamadas de adipocinas ou adipocitocinas. Adiponectina, recentemente descoberta, é hormônio secretado pelos adipócitos e relaciona-se à resistência à insulina na obesidade e lipodistrofia. Alterações nos genes que codificam a adiponectina predispõem doenças como síndrome metabólica, resistência à insulina, obesidade, diabete e doenças arteriais coronarianas. Os níveis de adiponectina estão diminuídos em indivíduos obesos quando comparados aos de indivíduos magros (3,7 e 8,9 mg/mL, respectivamente). Há aumento pós-prandial dos níveis de adiponectina em indivíduos obesos com efeitos benéficos no metabolismo pós-prandial de glicose e lipídeos e isto deve ser visto como mecanismo para manutenção normal de tolerância à glicose naqueles indivíduos que são obesos e têm resistência à insulina

Estresse oxidativo e danos de DNA na diabete / Oxidative stress and DNA damage in diabetes

Diabetes mellitus é doença crônica caracterizada por alterações no metabolismo de lipoproteínas, glicose e produção aumentada de espécies reativas do metabolismo do oxigênio (ERMO). Os radicais livres produzidos no organismo como ERMO podem danificar componentes celulares e estão implicados numa variedade de doenças.Podem atacar todos os tipos de macromoléculas, inclusive o DNA. Os efeitos de antioxidantes e de outros agentes que modifiquem os danos de DNA gerados por ERMO têm sido avaliados pelo teste do cometa também conhecido por Single Cell Gel Eletrophoresis assay (SCGE). O ensaio do cometa também é marcador adequado para verificar danos no DNA em pacientes portadores de diabete com estresse oxidativo sistêmico