Neonatal kaempferol exposure attenuates gait and strength deficits and prevents altered muscle phenotype in a rat model of cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by brain damage at a critical period of development of the central nervous system, and, as a result, motor, behavioural and learning deficits are observed in those affected. Flavonoids such as kaempferol have demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties for neurological disorders. This study aimed to assess the effects of neonatal treatment with kaempferol on the body development, grip strength, gait performance and morphological and biochemical phenotype of skeletal muscle in rats subjected to a model of CP. The groups were formed by randomly allocating male Wistar rats after birth to four groups as follows: C = control treated with vehicle, K = control treated with kaempferol, CP = CP treated with vehicle and CPK = CP treated with kaempferol. The model of CP involved perinatal anoxia and sensorimotor restriction of the hind paws during infancy, from the second to the 28th day of postnatal life. Treatment with kaempferol (1 mg/kg) was performed intraperitoneally during the neonatal period. Body weight and length, muscle strength, gait kinetics and temporal and spatial parameters were evaluated in the offspring. On the 36th day of postnatal life, the animals were euthanized for soleus muscle dissection. The muscle fibre phenotype was assessed using the myofibrillar ATPase technique, and the muscle protein expression was measured using the Western blot technique. A reduction in the impact of CP on body phenotype was observed, and this also attenuated deficits in muscle strength and gait. Treatment also mitigated the impact on muscle phenotype by preventing a reduction in the proportion of oxidative fibres and in the histomorphometric parameters in the soleus muscle of rats in the CP group. The results demonstrate that neonatal treatment with kaempferol attenuated gait deficits and impaired muscle strength and muscle maturation in rats subjected to a model of CP.

Maternal low-protein diet reduces skeletal muscle protein synthesis and mass via Akt-mTOR pathway in adult rats.

Several studies have demonstrated that a maternal low-protein diet induces long-term metabolic disorders, but the involved mechanisms are unclear. This study investigated the molecular effects of a low-protein diet during pregnancy and lactation on glucose and protein metabolism in soleus muscle isolated from adult male rats. Female rats were fed either a normal protein diet or low-protein diet during gestation and lactation. After weaning, all pups were fed a normal protein diet until the 210th day postpartum. In the 7th month of life, mass, contractile function, protein and glucose metabolism, and the Akt-mTOR pathway were measured in the soleus muscles of male pups. Dry weight and contractile function of soleus muscle in the low-protein diet group rats were found to be lower compared to the control group. Lipid synthesis was evaluated by measuring palmitate incorporation in white adipose tissue. Palmitate incorporation was higher in the white adipose tissue of the low-protein diet group. When incubated soleus muscles were stimulated with insulin, protein synthesis, total amino acid incorporation and free amino acid content, glucose incorporation and uptake, and glycogen synthesis were found to be reduced in low-protein diet group rats. Fasting glycemia was higher in the low-protein diet group. These metabolic changes were associated with a decrease in Akt and GSK-3ß signaling responses to insulin and a reduction in RPS6 in the absence of the hormone. There was also notably lower expression of Akt in the isolated soleus muscle of low-protein diet group rats. This study is the first to demonstrate how maternal diet restriction can reduce skeletal muscle protein and mass by downregulating the Akt-mTOR pathway in adulthood.

Effects of maternal high-fat diet on the hypothalamic components related to food intake and energy expenditure in mice offspring.

Maternal exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy and lactation has been related to changes in the hypothalamic circuits involved in the regulation of food intake. Furthermore, maternal HFD during the critical period of development can alter the offspring's metabolic programming with long-term repercussions. This study systematically reviewed the effects of HFD consumption during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and/or lactation. The main outcomes evaluated were food intake, body weight and cellular or molecular aspects of peptides and hypothalamic receptors involved in the regulation of energy balance in mice. Two independent authors performed a search in the electronic databases Medline/PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Sigle via Open Gray. The experimental studies of mice exposed to HFD during pregnancy and/or lactation that evaluated body composition, food intake, energy expenditure and hypothalamic components related to energy balance were included. Internal validity was assessed using the SYRCLE risk of bias. The Kappa index was measured to analyze the agreement between reviewers. The PRISMA statement was used to report this systematic review. Most studies demonstrated that there was a higher body weight, body fat deposits and food intake, as well as alterations in the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides in offspring that consumed HFD. Therefore, the maternal diet can affect the phenotype and metabolism of the offspring, in addition to harming the hypothalamic circuits and favoring the orexigenic pathways.

Naltrexone/bupropion modifies weight, food intake, and Drd2 gene expression in rats.

Obesogenic diets are known to induce obesity and changes in food intake in experimental animals. Obesity negatively affects the peripheral metabolism and neural aspects, such as changes in eating behavior. In obese animals, dopamine (DA) receptor levels are reduced. DA is one of the main peptides involved in the motivation and pleasure of eating. A combination of naltrexone/bupropion (NB) has shown promise in controlling metabolic alterations, but there are few studies on how they modulate dopaminergic expression. NB, in addition to reducing food intake and body weight, can modify tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) and DA receptor D2 (Drd2) levels in the mesolimbic areas of rats submitted to a high-fat diet (HF). The study evaluated the effect of NB on food intake, body weight, and expression levels of Th, Drd1a, and Drd2, in the nucleus accumbens and striatum of rats fed on HF diet. Wistar rats were grouped according to diet: standard (n = 20) and HF diet (n = 20). The food intake and body weight were analyzed. The gene expression of Th, Drd1a, and Drd2 was evaluated using real-time PCR. NB combination of 1 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg reduced food intake and body weight, increased Drd2 expression in rats on HF diet, and increased Th in rats on both experimental diets. The level of Drd1a was unchanged. We concluded that bodyweight reduction may be associated with decreased food intake in response to the increased Drd2 expression in the mesolimbic areas of rats that received an HF diet.

Polar fraction from Parkinsonia aculeata aerial parts extract improves imbalanced metabolic profile and reduces proinflammatory interleukin levels in white adipose tissue in obese rats induced by western diet.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Parkinsonia aculeata L. (Cesalpineaceae) is a medium tree found in the Xingó region (semi-arid area) in Northeast of Brazil, recognised by local population as an antidiabetic agent. According information from local community, the commonly traditional preparation is prepared as an infusion of the aerial part of the plant and consumed over the day to manage diabetes-related complications. Previous studies have described Parkinsonia aculeate as a product with both hypoglycemic and hypotriglyceridemic effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of polar fraction obtained from the hydroethanolic extract of Parkinsonia aculeata (PfrHEPA) on the lipid profile of animals that consumed a westernized diet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six Wistar rats (45-55 g) were fed either with standard control(C) or westernized diet(W) for 120 days. The food intake, body weight evolution and body size were also analyzed. From 120 to 150 days, they were orally treated according to their group with vehicle (distillated water, 10 mL/kg), PfrHEPA at three doses (35, 70 and 140 mg/kg/day) or Gemfibrozil (140 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. RESULTS: The animals fed with westernized diet showed dyslipidemia when compared to animals receiving a standard diet. Treatment with PfrHEPA (140 mg/kg), even with the continued consumption of westernized diet by animals (from 120 to 150 days) promoted a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels, in relation to untreated W group. PfrHEPA 140 mg/kg reduced the key serum lipids and glycaemia as well as inflammatory cytokines known as important risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The observed evidence may contribute to the control of metabolic parameters as dyslipidemia corroborating the ethnopharmacological information concerning the antihyperlipidemic and hypoglycemic activities of P. aculeata.

Gestão estratégica no enfrentamento da Covid-19 em um hospital privado / Strategic management in coping with Covid-19 in a private hospital

Os serviços de saúde estão vivenciando um novo cenário devido à pandemia ocasionada por um novo subtipo da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave (SARS-CoV-2), denominado de Covid-19. Com isso, se fez necessário ações voltadas para um cuidado especializado à população. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a experiência de gestão de um hospital privado do litoral Paranaense. O método utilizado foi o relato de experiência no período de seis meses, relatando o fluxo desenvolvido para atendimento aos pacientes suspeitos ou confirmados de Covid-19 durante a pandemia e a descrição das ações de enfrentamento adotadas pela instituição. Concluiu-se que foi evidenciada a atuação de áreas estratégicas como a Gestão de pessoas e Financeira. Houve a necessidade de contratação de profissionais e remanejamentos para a atuação in loco e o monitoramento diário dos custos visto esta imprevisibilidade, bem como a antecipação dos processos para a continuação e validação do plano de contingência. (AU)

Health services are experiencing a new scenario due to the pan-demic caused by a new subtype of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS--CoV-2), called Covid-19. With this, actions directed to a specialized care of the population were necessary. The objective of this study is to describe the management experience of a private hospital on the coast of Paraná. The method used was the report of experience in the period of six months, reporting the flow developed to care for patients suspected or confirmed of Covid-19 during the pandemic and the description of the actions of confrontation adopted by the institution. It was concluded that the performance of strategic areas such as Personnel and Financial Management was evidenced. There was the need to hire professionals and relocations for the performance in loco and the daily monitoring of costs given this unpredictability, as well as the anticipation of processes for the continuation and validation of the contingency plan. (AU)

Maternal low protein diet induces persistent expression changes in metabolic genes in male rats.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal exposure to a poor nutritional environment predisposes the progeny to the development of metabolic disease at the adult age, both in experimental models and humans. Numerous adaptive responses to maternal protein restriction have been reported in metabolic tissues. However, the expression of glucose/fatty acid metabolism-related genes in adipose tissue and liver needs to be described. AIM: To evaluate the metabolic impact of perinatal malnutrition, we determined malnutrition-associated gene expression alterations in liver and adipose tissue. METHODS: In the present study, we evaluated the alterations in gene expression of glycolytic/Krebs cycle genes (Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 and citrate synthase), adipogenic and lipolytic genes and leptin in the adipose tissue of offspring rats at 30 d and 90 d of age exposed to maternal isocaloric low protein (LP) diet throughout gestation and lactation. We also evaluated, in the livers of the same animals, the same set of genes as well as the gene expression of the transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1, forkhead box protein O1 and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 and of gluconeogenic genes. RESULTS: In the adipose tissue, we observed a transitory (i.e., at 30 d) downregulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4, citrate synthase and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1b gene expression. Such transcriptional changes did not persist in adult LP rats (90 d), but we observed a tendency towards a decreased gene expression of leptin (P = 0.052). The liver featured some gene expression alterations comparable to the adipose tissue, such as pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 downregulation at 30 d and displayed other tissue-specific changes, including citrate synthase and fatty acid synthase upregulation, but pyruvate kinase downregulation at 30 d in the LP group and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1b downregulation at 90 d. These gene alterations, together with previously described changes in gene expression in skeletal muscle, may account for the metabolic adaptations in response to maternal LP diet and highlight the occurrence of persistent transcriptional defects in key metabolic genes that may contribute to the development of metabolic alterations during the adult life as a consequence of perinatal malnutrition. CONCLUSION: We conclude that perinatal malnutrition relays long-lasting transcriptional alterations in metabolically active organs, i.e., liver and adipose tissue.

Glutamine supplementation versus functional overload in extensor digitorum longus muscle hypertrophy

Background Glutamine levels directly associate with total protein content in cultured skeletal muscle cells, whereas glutamine supplementation enhances skeletal muscle mass in catabolic experimental conditions. Methods We compared the effect of glutamine administration on Extensor Digitorum Longus muscle (EDL) weight, fiber cross-sectional area (CSA), contractile activity, and protein metabolism signaling with a functional overload-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy protocol. Results Glutamine supplementation raised the predominance of EDL muscle fibers with CSA between 1001 and 2000 μm2 (49.7 %), the p-4E-BP1/total 4E-BP1 ratio, and the effect of overload on resistance to fatigue. The proportion of the EDL muscle fiber CSA distribution for the combination of both treatments was similar to that induced by overload or glutamine separately; 54.3 % muscle fibers with CSA between 1001 and 2000 μm². Glutamine supplementation did not markedly affect the changes induced by overload on protein synthesis signaling pathways, except for a further increase of the p-4E-BP1/total 4E-BP1 ratio. Conclusions The effect of glutamine on EDL muscle fiber CSA distribution and protein synthesis signaling mimicked the response to overload. The association of glutamine and overload induced EDL muscle hypertrophy further increased the resistance to fatigue.

Myotube Protein Content Associates with Intracellular L-Glutamine Levels.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Skeletal mass loss is reported in several catabolic conditions and it has been associated with a reduced intracellular L-glutamine content. We investigated the association of intracellular L-glutamine concentration with the protein content in skeletal muscle cells. METHODS: We cultivated C2C12 myotubes in the absence or presence of 2 (reference condition), 8 or 16 mM L-glutamine for 48 hours, and the variations in the contents of amino acids and proteins measured. We used an inhibitor of L-glutamine synthesis (L-methionine sulfoximine - MSO) to promote a further reduction in intracellular L-glutamine levels. Amino acids contents in cells and media were measured using LC-MS/MS. We measured changes in phosphorylated Akt, RP-S6, and 4E-BP1contents in the absence or presence of insulin by western blotting. RESULTS: Reduced intracellular L-glutamine concentration was associated with decreased protein content and increased protein breakdown. Low intracellular glutamine levels were also associated with decreased p-Akt contents in the presence of insulin. A further decrease in intracellular L-glutamine caused by glutamine synthetase inhibitor reduced protein content and levels of amino acids generated from glutamine metabolism and increased bAib still further. Cells exposed to high medium glutamine levels did not have any change in protein content but exhibited increased contents of the amino acids derived from L-glutamine metabolism. CONCLUSION: Intracellular L-glutamine levels per se play a role in the control of protein content in skeletal muscle myotubes.

Saturated Fatty Acid-Enriched Diet-Impaired Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Liver From Undernourished Rats During Critical Periods of Development.

The nutritional transition that the western population has undergone is increasingly associated with chronic metabolic diseases. In this work, we evaluated a diet rich in saturated fatty acids (hyperlipidic, HL) after weaning of the offspring rats submitted to maternal protein restriction on the hepatic mitochondrial bioenergetics. Wistar rats were mated and during gestation and lactation, mothers received control diets (NP, normal protein content 17%) or low protein (LP, 8% protein). After weaning, rats received either NL (normolipidic) or HL (+59% SFA) diets up to 90 days of life. It was verified that all respiratory states of hepatic mitochondria showed a reduction in the LP group submitted to the post-weaning HL diet. This group also presented greater mitochondrial swelling compared to controls, potentiated after Ca2+ addition and prevented in the presence of EGTA (calcium chelator) and cyclosporin A (mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitor). There was also an increase in liver protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation and reduction in catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the LP group fed HL diet after weaning. Our data suggest that adult rats subjected to maternal protein restriction were more susceptible to hepatic mitochondrial damage caused by a diet rich in saturated fatty acids post-weaning.

The role of cathepsin B in autophagy during obesity: A systematic review.

White adipose tissue (WAT) regulates energy homeostasis by releasing adipokines and modulating cell maintenance. Nutrient excess affects adipocyte hypertrophy directly in WAT by increasing excessively the activity of autophagy systems, generating proinflammatory markers and increasing infiltration of macrophages, causing metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Evidences suggest that cathepsin B (CTSB), a papain-like cysteine peptidase protein, can modulate autophagy processes in adipocytes. This review will focus on the role of CTSB in autophagy under conditions of obesity.

Zinc Supplementation Improves Glucose Homeostasis in High Fat-Fed Mice by Enhancing Pancreatic ß-Cell Function.

Zinc is an essential component of the insulin granule and it possibly modulates insulin secretion and signaling. Since insulin resistance is a hallmark in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, this study aimed at investigating if zinc supplementation is able to improve glucose tolerance and ß-cell function in a model of insulin resistance. Male C57BL/6 mice were distributed in four groups according to the diet: normal fat (NF); normal fat supplemented with ZnCl2 (NFZ); high-fat (HF); and, high-fat chow supplemented with ZnCl2 (HFZ). Intraperitoneal glucose (ipGTT) and insulin (ipITT) tolerance, glycemia, insulinemia, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-ß were determined after 15 weeks in each diet. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was investigated in isolated islets. The insulin effect on glucose uptake, metabolism, and signaling was investigated in soleus muscle. ZnCl2 did not affect body mass or insulin sensitivity as assessed by ipITT, HOMA-IR, muscle glucose metabolism, and Akt and GSK3-ß phosphorylation. However, glucose tolerance, HOMA-ß, and GSIS were significantly improved by ZnCl2 supplementation. Therefore, ZnCl2 supplementation improves glucose homeostasis in high fat-fed mice by a mechanism that enhances ß-cell function, rather than whole-body or muscle insulin sensitivity.

Contractile function recovery in severely injured gastrocnemius muscle of rats treated with either oleic or linoleic acid.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Oleic and linoleic acids modulate fibroblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation in vitro. However, their in vivo effects on muscle regeneration have not yet been examined. We investigated the effects of either oleic or linoleic acid on a well-established model of muscle regeneration after severe laceration. What is the main finding and its importance? We found that linoleic acid increases fibrous tissue deposition and impairs muscle regeneration and recovery of contractile function, whereas oleic acid has the opposite effects in severely injured gastrocnemius muscle, suggesting that linoleic acid has a harmful effect and oleic acid a potential therapeutic effect on muscle regeneration. Oleic and linoleic acids control fibroblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation in vitro; however, there was no study in skeletal muscle in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of either oleic or linoleic acid on the fibrous tissue content (collagen deposition) of muscle and recovery of contractile function in rat gastrocnemius muscle after being severely injured by laceration. Rats were supplemented with either oleic or linoleic acid for 4 weeks after laceration [0.44 g (kg body weight)-1 day-1 ]. Muscle injury led to an increase in oleic-to-stearic acid and palmitoleic-to-palmitic acid ratios, suggesting an increase in Δ9 desaturase activity. Increased fibrous tissue deposition and reduced isotonic and tetanic specific forces and resistance to fatigue were observed in the injured muscle. Supplementation with linoleic acid increased the content of eicosadienoic (20:2, n-6) and arachidonic (20:4, n-6) acids, reduced muscle mass and fibre cross-sectional areas, increased fibrous tissue deposition and further reduced the isotonic and tetanic specific forces and resistance to fatigue induced by laceration. Supplementation with oleic acid increased the content of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, n-3) and abolished the increase in fibrous tissue area and the decrease in isotonic and tetanic specific forces and resistance to fatigue induced by muscle injury. We concluded that supplementation with linoleic acid impairs muscle regeneration and increases fibrous tissue deposition, resulting in impaired recovery of contractile function. Oleic acid supplementation reduced fibrous tissue deposition and improved recovery of contractile function, attenuating the tissue damage caused by muscle injury.

Overload-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy is not impaired in STZ-diabetic rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of overload-induced hypertrophy on extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The overload-induced hypertrophy and absolute tetanic and twitch forces increases in EDL and soleus muscles were not different between diabetic and control rats. Phospho-Akt and rpS6 contents were increased in EDL muscle after 7 days of overload and returned to the pre-overload values after 30 days. In the soleus muscle, the contents of total and phospho-Akt and total rpS6 were increased in both groups after 7 days. The contents of total Akt in controls and total rpS6 and phospho-Akt in the diabetic rats remained increased after 30 days. mRNA expression after 7 days of overload in the EDL muscle of control and diabetic animals showed an increase in MGF and follistatin and a decrease in myostatin and Axin2. The expression of FAK was increased and of MuRF-1 and atrogin-1 decreased only in the control group, whereas Ankrd2 expression was enhanced only in diabetic rats. In the soleus muscle caused similar changes in both groups: increase in FAK and MGF and decrease in Wnt7a, MuRF-1, atrogin-1, and myostatin. Differences between groups were observed only in the increased expression of follistatin in diabetic animals and decreased Ankrd2 expression in the control group. So, insulin deficiency does not impair the overload-induced hypertrophic response in soleus and EDL muscles. However, different mechanisms seem to be involved in the comparable hypertrophic responses of skeletal muscle in control and diabetic animals.

Glutamine supplementation stimulates protein-synthetic and inhibits protein-degradative signaling pathways in skeletal muscle of diabetic rats.

In this study, we investigated the effect of glutamine (Gln) supplementation on the signaling pathways regulating protein synthesis and protein degradation in the skeletal muscle of rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. The expression levels of key regulatory proteins in the synthetic pathways (Akt, mTOR, GSK3 and 4E-BP1) and the degradation pathways (MuRF-1 and MAFbx) were determined using real-time PCR and Western blotting in four groups of male Wistar rats; 1) control, non-supplemented with glutamine; 2) control, supplemented with glutamine; 3) diabetic, non-supplemented with glutamine; and 4) diabetic, supplemented with glutamine. Diabetes was induced by the intravenous injection of 65 mg/kg bw STZ in citrate buffer (pH 4.2); the non-diabetic controls received only citrate buffer. After 48 hours, diabetes was confirmed in the STZ-treated animals by the determination of blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dL. Starting on that day, a solution of 1 g/kg bw Gln in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was administered daily via gavage for 15 days to groups 2 and 4. Groups 1 and 3 received only PBS for the same duration. The rats were euthanized, and the soleus muscles were removed and homogenized in extraction buffer for the subsequent measurement of protein and mRNA levels. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the muscle Gln content in the diabetic rats, and this level increased toward the control value in the diabetic rats receiving Gln. In addition, the diabetic rats exhibited a reduced mRNA expression of regulatory proteins in the protein synthesis pathway and increased expression of those associated with protein degradation. A reduction in the skeletal muscle mass in the diabetic rats was observed and was alleviated partially with Gln supplementation. The data suggest that glutamine supplementation is potentially useful for slowing the progression of muscle atrophy in patients with diabetes.

Maternal moderate physical training during pregnancy attenuates the effects of a low-protein diet on the impaired secretion of insulin in rats: potential role for compensation of insulin resistance and preventing gestational diabetes mellitus.

The effects of pregestational and gestational low-to-moderate physical training on insulin secretion in undernourished mothers were evaluated. Virgin female Wistar rats were divided into four groups as follows: control (C, n = 5); trained (T, n = 5); low-protein diet (LP, n = 5); trained with a low-protein diet (T + LP, n = 5). Trained rats ran on a treadmill over a period of 4 weeks before mate (5 days week⁻¹ and 60 min day⁻¹, at 65% of VO(2max)). At pregnancy, the intensity and duration of the exercise were reduced. Low-protein groups were provided with an 8% casein diet, and controls were provided with a 17% casein diet. At third day after delivery, mothers and pups were killed and islets were isolated by collagenase digestion of pancreas and incubated for a further 1 h with medium containing 5.6 or 16.7 mM glucose. T mothers showed increased insulin secretion by isolated islets incubated with 16.7 mM glucose, whereas LP group showed reduced secretion of insulin by isolated islets when compared with both C and LP + T groups. Physical training before and during pregnancy attenuated the effects of a low-protein diet on the secretion of insulin, suggesting a potential role for compensation of insulin resistance and preventing gestational diabetes mellitus.

Efeitos do treinamento físico durante a gestação sobre a evolução ponderal, glicemia e colesterolemia de ratos adultos submetidos à desnutrição perinatal / Effects of physical training during pregnancy on body weight gain, blood glucose and cholesterol in adult rats submitted to perinatal undernutrition

A incompatibilidade entre a desnutrição perinatal e uma nutrição adequada durante o desenvolvimento aumenta o risco de aparecimento precoce de doenças não transmissíveis na vida adulta. Todavia, acredita-se que a atividade física materna possa atenuar estas consequências. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do treinamento físico durante a gestação na evolução ponderal, circunferência abdominal, glicemia e colesterolemia de filhotes adultos submetidos à desnutrição perinatal. Ratas Wistar (n = 12) foram divididas em quatro grupos: controle (C, n = 3), treinada (T, n = 3), desnutrida (D, n = 3) e treinada desnutrida (T+D, n = 3). Durante a gestação e lactação, os grupos D e T+D receberam dieta baixa em proteína (8% caseína) e os grupos C e T receberam dieta normoproteica (caseína a 17%). O protocolo de treinamento físico moderado foi realizado em esteira ergométrica (cinco dias/semana, 60 min/dia, a 65% do VO2max) e iniciou quatro semanas antes da gestação. Na gestação, a duração e a intensidade do treinamento foram reduzidas (cinco dias/semana, 20 min/dia, a 30% do VO2max) até o 19º dia pré-natal. Após o desmame, os filhotes (C F = 9, T F = 9, D F = 7, T+D F = 9) receberam dieta padrão de biotério e foram avaliados aos 270 dias de idade. A circunferência abdominal (CA) foi avaliada relativa ao peso corporal. Para avaliação da glicemia e colesterolemia foi utilizado o método enzimático colorimétrico da glicose-oxidase/peroxidase e da colesterol-oxidase, respectivamente. Ratos do grupo D F apresentaram um maior ganho de peso corporal ao longo do crescimento, maiores valores de CA, glicemia e colesterolemia quando comparados ao grupo C F. Para o grupo T+D F, o ganho de peso foi atenuado, e a CA, a glicemia e a colesterolemia foram normalizadas (p < 0,05). Esses resultados demonstram que o treinamento físico durante a gestação atenua os efeitos da desnutrição perinatal sobre alguns indicadores murinométricos e bioquímicos nos filhotes adultos.

The incompatibility of perinatal undernutrition and adequate nutrition during development increases the risk of early onset of non-communicable diseases in adulthood. However, it has been considered that maternal physical activity may attenuate these effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical training during pregnancy on body weight gain, waist circumference, glycaemia and cholesterolemia in adult offspring submitted to perinatal undernutrition. Female Wistar rats (n = 12) were divided into four groups: control (C, n = 3), trained (T, n = 3), undernourished (D, n = 3) undernourished and trained (T+D, n = 3). During gestation and lactation, D and T+D groups were fed a low protein diet (8% casein) and C and T groups fed a normal protein diet (17% casein). The protocol of moderate physical training was performed on a treadmill (5 days/week, 60 min/day, at 65% of VO2max) and began 4 weeks before pregnancy. At pregnancy, the duration and intensity of training were reduced (5 days/week, 20 min/day, at 30% VO2max) until the 19th prenatal day. At weaning, male pups (CP = 9, TP = 9, DP = 7, T+DP = 9) received standard diet and evaluations took place at 270 days old. Abdominal circumference (AC) was evaluated in relation to body weight. Enzymatic colorimetric method glucose-oxidase/peroxidase and cholesterol-oxidase was used to evaluate fasting glycaemia and cholesterolemia, respectively. Rats from DP group showed high body weight gain during growth, values of CA, glycaemia and cholesterolemia when compared to CP. Concerning the T+DP group,body weight gain was attenuated, and the CA, glycaemia and cholesterolemia were normalized (p<0.05). These results demonstrate that physical training during pregnancy reduces the effects of perinatal undernutrition on some murinometric and biochemical indicators of adult offspring.

Medidas murinométricas e eficiência alimentar em ratos provenientes de ninhadas reduzidas na lactação e submetidos ou não ao exercício de natação / Murinometric evaluations and feed efficiency in rats from reduced litter during lactation and submitted or not to swimming exercise

INTRODUÇÃO: Excesso de alimentação no início da vida pode modificar persistentemente consumo e peso corporal. Adoção de exercício físico é uma estratégia útil para evitar excessivo ganho de peso. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o crescimento corporal e a eficiência alimentar em ratos provenientes de ninhada reduzida no aleitamento. MÉTODOS: Ao terceiro dia de vida, ninhadas foram formadas com quatro (GN4) ou 10 animais (GN10), (n = 25). Ao desmame, ratos machos Wistar permaneceram em gaiolas individuais, e, aos 60 (± 2) dias foram subdivididos em sedentários (SED) e exercitados (NAT), formando quatro grupos: GN4SED, GN10SED, GN4-NAT e GN10NAT. Avaliou-se o peso, ganho de peso e taxa específica de ganho de peso, gordura epididimal, índices de massa corporal e Lee, consumo e eficiência alimentar, glicemia e lactemia. RESULTADOS: Aos 21 dias, o GN4 apresentava peso corporal 52 por cento acima do GN10 (P = 0,001). Contudo, aos 30 e 60 dias os pesos não diferiram. Ao final do período, GN10NAT demonstrou menor peso (356,82 ± 23,04) que GN10SED (409,28 ± 17,30). Mas GN4NAT possuía maior peso (417,85 ± 37,91) que GN4SED (413,69 ± 57,45) e GN10NAT. O GN4 exibiu elevada taxa de ganho de peso na lactação, mas, redução da mesma pós-desmame. Independente do tamanho da ninhada, a taxa de ganho de peso reduz com o aumento da idade. Ao final do período, glicemia, gordura epididimal total e relativa, e os índices de Lee e IMC não diferiram entre os grupos. Os valores de lactato antes e após o exercício condizem com esforço de intensidade moderada. Na periadolescência, GN4 apresentou menor ingestão de alimentos, mas sem diferenças na vida adulta. CONCLUSÃO: A redução da ninhada no aleitamento não alterou o peso corporal ou ingestão alimentar persistentemente. Entretanto, o protocolo de natação foi eficaz em reduzir o ganho de peso em animais controles, mas não naqueles de ninhada reduzida.

INTRODUCTION: Overfeeding in early life can persistently modify consumption and body weight. Adoption of exercise is one useful strategy to prevent excessive weight gain. OBJECTIVE: to assess body growth and feed efficiency in rats from reduced litters during lactation. METHODS: On day 3 of life, litters were formed with 4 (GN4) or 10 animals (GN10) (n = 25). When weaned, Wistar male rats were kept in individual cages and at day 60 (± 2) they were divided into sedentary (SED) and exercised (NAT), forming thus four groups: GN4SED; GN10SED; GN4NAT and GN10NAT. Assessment consisted of weight, weight gain and specific rate of weight gain, epididymal fat, Body Mass and Lee Indices, consumption and feed efficiency, blood glucose and lactemia. RESULTS: At day 21, GN4 had body weight 52 percent above GN10 (P = 0.001). However, at days 30 and 60, their weight was not different. At the end of the period, GN10NAT showed lower weight (356.82 ± 23.04) that GN10SED (409.28 ± 17.30), but GN4NAT was heavier (417.85 ± 37.91) than GN4SED (413.69 ± 57.45) and GN10NAT. GN4 presented higher rate of weight gain during lactation, but slower after weaning. Regardless of litter size, rate of weight gain reduces as age progresses. At the end of this period, blood glucose, total and relative epididymal fat, and Lee and BMI indices did not differ between groups. Pre and post-exercise lactate values are consistent with moderate effort. In periadolescence, GN4 showed lower food intake, but with no differences in adulthood. CONCLUSION: Reduced litter during lactation did not affect body weight or food intake persistently. However, the swimming protocol was effective in reducing weight gain in control animals, but not in animals from reduced litters.