Ten-week lifestyle changing program reduces several indicators for metabolic syndrome in overweight adults

We aim to investigate the effectiveness of a 10-week lifestyle intervention focusing on physical activity and high fiber intake for reducing indicators for metabolic syndrome in overweight-obese individuals. A prospective study of 50 overweight (OW) adults (22 in the general educational group - G1; 28 in the high fiber nutrition group - G2) was performed. Both groups were offered dietary counseling and supervised exercise. Clinical, anthropometric, dietary and plasma biochemical tests were performed at baseline - time 0 (T0) and after 10 weeks - time 1 (T1). Both groups improved their dietary quality, but only G2 presented higher intake of fruit and vegetables (servings/day), higher plasma beta-carotene levels and a 24% reduction of MetS incidence. Additionally G2 showed greater reductions in body fat (4%), and waist circumference (7%), obesity class III (2%) and obesity class II (14%) rate. Lifestyle intervention, including a high dietary fiber intake, improved healthy eating index and decreased body fat composition and plasma lipid concentrations leading to MetS incidence reduction.

POST-MORTEM LESIONS of UROLITHIASIS IN A LESSER SEED FINCH (Sporophila angolensis).

Urolithiasis is a disease that despite being a commonly observed problem in veterinary practice is uncommon in birds. Such disease was not reported in passeriforms to date. Accordingly, the aim of the present article is to describe a case of urolithiasis in an adult female lesser seed finch (Sporophila angolensis) pet bird which presented abdominal distension, respiratory distress, and apathy prior to death. The bird had history of being fed with a diet rich in protein. After the bird death, a necropsy was conducted in order to determine the cause of death. At necropsy, accentuated ascites, hydropericardium, and ureteral stones in the left ureter could be grossly observed. Additional tests related with viral and bacterial microbiological testing and with the determination of calculi composition could not be performed since the owner did not consent with the procedures because of the cost. Since the bird was fed on a high protein diet, a relationship between the ureteroliths and dietary imbalance was suggested with participation of protein in calculi development by providing the organic nuclei. Additionally, we conclude that the presence of calculi in the ureter resulted in urinary flow blockage, ascites, and consequent acute respiratory failure due to filling of air sacs with liquid.

Effects of calcium salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids on productive and reproductive parameters of lactating Holstein cows

Two experiments evaluated milk production, serum progesterone and insulin, and reproductive performance of lactating Holstein cows receiving or not receiving Ca salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), or receiving Ca salts of PUFA at different daily frequencies. In experiment 1, 1,125 cows randomly distributed in 10 freestall barns were enrolled. Barns were assigned randomly to receive a high-concentrate diet containing (PI?) or not containing (control, CON) 1.1% (dry matter basis) Ca salts of PUPA. Diets were offered 6 times daily, whereas the Ca salts of PUFA were included in the PF treatment in the first feeding of the day. In experiment 2, 1,572 cows were randomly distributed in 10 freestall barns, which were assigned randomly to receive a diet similar to PF, but with Ca salts of PUFA included only in the first feeding of the day (PF1X), or equally distributed across all 6 feedings (PF6X). During both experiments, cows were artificially inseminated 12 h after the onset of estrus. Once per month, cows that did not conceive to artificial insemination were assigned to a fixed-time embryo transfer protocol. Pregnancy was determined via transrectal ultrasonography 28 and 60 d after expected ovulation. Pregnancy loss was considered in cows that were pregnant on d 28 but nonpregnant on d 60. During both experiments, feed intake, milk yield, and milk protein and fat content were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected concurrently with embryo transfer. During experiment 1, feed intake was similar between treatments. Compared with CON, PF cows had greater milk yield (37.8 vs. 35.3 kg/d), and reduced milk fat content (3.41 vs. 3.55%). However, PF cows had reduced pregnancy losses per service compared with CON (12.6 vs. 18.3%). Serum progesterone was greater and serum insulin tended to be greater in primiparous cows receiving PF compared with CON cohorts (4.50 vs. 3.67 ng of progesterone/mL, and 10.4 vs. 7.5 mu UI of insulin/mL). During experiment 2, no treatment effects were detected for feed intake, milk yield, or milk fat, whereas PF1X cows tended to have reduced pregnancy losses per service compared with PF6X (14.4 vs. 18.4%). In summary, feeding Ca salts of PUFA to dairy cows increased milk production, did not alter feed intake, and reduced pregnancy losses per service. Further, the total daily amount of Ca salts of RITA should be fed during the first feeding of the day to optimize its benefits on pregnancy maintenance of dairy cows.

Alterações vasculares em ratos obesos por dieta rica em gordura: papel da Via L-arginina/NO Endotelial

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Female preferences based on male nutritional chemical traits

Selection favors females that attend to reliable information about male genetic quality and fitness. Male nutritional condition can be a significant sign of mate quality since poor nutrition can be related to reduced sperm quality, low sperm quantity, sexually transmitted diseases, and parasites. We tested whether female Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, preferred the chemical cues of males that were well fed with high-protein diet over those fed with low-protein diet. Females do not only discriminate between males but also show a preference for well-fed males, discriminating between the odors with respect to nutritional state, suggesting that they were responding to a food-specific chemical cue. It is therefore likely that nutritional condition is related to the production of pheromones in males. Our results suggest that information about male nutritional state can be conveyed in chemical cues and that females attend to these cues during mate choice.

Influence of protein supplementation during late pregnancy and lactation on the resistance of Santa Ines and Ile de France ewes to Haemonchus contortus

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Alterações bioquímicas e hepáticas em ratos submetidos à uma dieta hiperlipídica/hiperenergética

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as alterações bioquímicas hepáticas decorrentes da administração de uma dieta hiperlipídica/hiperenergética em ratos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 20 ratos (Wistar) com 90 dias de idade divididos em dois grupos, grupo-controle constituída por ratos eutróficos alimentados com dieta comercial para roedores e grupo-dieta constituída por ratos submetidos a uma dieta hiperlipídica/hiperenergética semi purificada feita com 35% de gordura sendo 31% de origem animal a qual possui 39% de gordura saturada e 4% de origem vegetal (óleo de soja). Os animais do grupo-controle foram mantidos com dieta comercial Purina® e o grupo-dieta com uma dieta hiperlipídica/hiperenergética constituída por 35% de gordura. Após 60 dias de administração de uma dieta hiperlipídica/hiperenergética, analisou-se massa corporal, sensibilidade à insulina, concentração sérica de glicose, insulina e ácidos graxos livres e medida do nível de triglicerídeos, lipídeos totais e atividade lipogênica hepática. RESULTADOS: O grupo-dieta apresentou maior massa corporal e resistência à insulina. No sangue não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos para os níveis de glicose. Foi evidenciada maior concentração de insulina e de ácidos graxos livres no soro para o grupo-dieta. No fígado o nível de lipídeos totais, triglicerídeos e taxa lipo-gênica foram superiores às do grupo-controle. CONCLUSÃO: Portanto, nossos achados demonstram que dois meses de ingestão de dieta hiperlipídica/hiperenergética por ratos adultos eleva o peso corporal, ácidos graxos livres hepáticos, diminui a sensibilidade à insulina, demostrando sinais típicos de doença hepática gordurosa não-alcoólica.

Role of PKC and CaV1.2 in Detrusor Overactivity in a Model of Obesity Associated with Insulin Resistance in Mice

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Perfil nutricional e cardiovascular de ratos normotensos e hipertensos sob dieta hiperlipídica

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Aproveitamento do resíduo da produção de etanol a partir de farelo de mandioca, como fonte de fibras dietéticas

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo analisar resíduos do farelo de mandioca resultantes de processos de hidrólise enzimática para obtenção de etanol; visando o aproveitamento destes como fonte de fibras dietéticas. Foram realizados quatro ensaios enzimáticos utilizando as enzimas amilolíticas, a-amilase e amiloglucosidase, complementadas ou não com celulase e/ou pectinase. Os resíduos foram caracterizados quanto à composição centesimal, pH, acidez, perfil de açúcares e quanto às fibras (FDA, FDN, celulose, hemicelulose, lignina, açúcares neutros). Realizou-se também a análise microscópica dos resíduos. Pelos resultados obtidos na caracterização dos resíduos calculou-se a energia metabolizável aparente (EM). Observou-se que independente do ensaio enzimático todos os resíduos podem ser usados como fonte de fibras insolúveis. Os resíduos resultantes dos ensaios com pectinase apresentaram uma proporção aproximada de 1:1:1 de amido, fibras e açúcares, sendo a glicose o açúcar majoritário, e com energia metabolizável aparente de cerca de 2,6 kcal/g. Já os resíduos, onde não se utilizou a pectinase a proporção foi de 2:1:1 aproximadamente e a energia 3,1 kcal/g. A análise microscópica dos resíduos mostrou a presença de amido não hidrolisado preso às células em todos os ensaios enzimáticos sendo que, nos resíduos dos ensaios com pectinase a quantidade observada foi bem inferior aos demais. Uma possível alternativa para diminuir o valor calórico dos resíduos seria a lavagem com água após a prensagem para extração do hidrolisado para fermentação.

Efeito da concentração de fibra e parâmetros operacionais de extrusão sobre as propriedades de pasta de misturas de fécula de mandioca e polpa cítrica

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

IgA anti-Streptococcus mutans em crianças com e sem cárie dentária

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

HAEMONCHUS PLACEI IN CALVES - EFFECTS OF DIETARY-PROTEIN AND MULTIPLE EXPERIMENTAL-INFECTION ON WORM ESTABLISHMENT AND PATHOGENESIS

An experiment was conducted to examine the influence of dietary protein and immunisation on parasite establishment and pathogenesis of Haemonchus placei in calves. Four groups of 4-6-month-old worm-free calves (n=4) were given a low protein diet (LP) containing 213 g crude protein (CP) per head per day or a high-protein diet (HP) containing 469 g per head per day CP. Five weeks later, calves in one of the two groups of each dietary treatment were given 50 000 H. placei infective larvae (L(3)). Twenty-five days later, infection in these groups was terminated by dosing with oxfendazole, This immunisation process was repeated 4 days later. Four days after termination of the second immunisation all calves were challenged with 100 000 L(3). Five weeks later, all calves were slaughtered for abomasal worm counts. Worm establishment was lower in the immunised groups; however, only the HP-I group showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05). All calves gained weight during the first 13 week period, and after challenge the non-immunised groups lost weight, independent of the level of protein in the diet (P < 0.05), Packed cell volume values for all treatments only dropped after challenge (P < 0.05) and the HP-immunised group presented values significantly higher when compared with the other treatments, All calves were hypoproteinaemic and hypoalbuminaemic at the end of the experiment, regardless of the treatment. Immunised calves showed a normocytic normochromic anaemia, while the non-immunised groups presented a microcytic normochromic anaemia.

The influence of chlorhexidine on the severity of cyclosporin A-induced gingival overgrowth

THE INFLUENCE OF CHEMICAL PLAQUE CONTROL, using topically applied 0.12% chlorhexidine, on the severity of cyclosporin A (CsA)-induced gingival overgrowth (GO) was evaluated. Forty Holtzman rats were divided into four groups: 1) control; 2) cyclosporin A: a 10mg/kg/day subcutaneous dose of CsA; 3) chlorhexidine: 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) was applied to the buccal surface of the right mandibular molars; and 4) cyclosporin A/chlorhexidine: a combination of the treatment described for cyclosporin A and chlorhexidine groups. The animals were fed a high sucrose diet during the experiment and were sacrificed after 14 and 21 days. The histometric analysis revealed a significant increase in buccal gingival area in the cyclosporin A group compared to other groups (P < 0.01) after 21 days. The epithelium thickness of the buccal gingiva was significantly increased in the cyclosporin A group, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The cyclosporin A/chlorhexidine group exhibited statistically significantly lower gingival overgrowth than the cyclosporin A group. These findings, if replicated in human studies, suggest that topically applied 0.12% chlorhexidine may be a valuable measure in the management of cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth.

EFFECTS OF DIETARY-PROTEIN, ANGIOTENSIN-I CONVERTING-ENZYME INHIBITION AND MESANGIAL OVERLOAD ON THE PROGRESSION OF ADRIAMYCIN-INDUCED NEPHROPATHY

Adriamycin, a commonly used antineoplastic antibiotic, induces glomerular lesions in rats, resulting in persistent proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. We studied the effects of dietary protein and of an angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor on the progression of this nephropathy and the evolution of the histological lesions, as well as mesangial macromolecule flow. Adriamycin nephropathy was induced by injecting a single iv dose of adriamycin (3 mg/kg body weight) into the tail vein of male Wistar rats (weight, 180-200 g). In Experiment I animals with adriamycin-induced nephropathy were fed diets containing 6% (Low-Protein Diet Group = LPDG), 20% (Normal-Protein Diet Group = NPDG) and 40% (High-protein Diet Group = HPDG) protein and were observed for 30 weeks. In Experiment II the rats with adriamycin nephropathy were divided into 2 groups: ADR, that received adriamycin alone, and ADR-ENA, that received adriamycin plus enalapril, an angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor. The animals were sacrificed after a 24-week observation period. Six hours before sacrifice the animals were injected with I-131-ferritin and the amount of I-131-ferritin in the glomeruli was measured. In Experiment III, renal histology was performed 4, 8 and 16 weeks after adriamycin injection. At the end of Experiment I the tubulointerstitial lesion index was 2 for LPDG, 8 for NPDG, and 7.5 for HPDG (P<0.05); the frequency of glomerulosclerosis was 19 +/- 6.1% in LPDG, 42.6 +/- 6% in NPDG, and 54 +/- 9% in HPDG (P<0.05); and proteinuria was 61.1 +/- 25 mg/24 h in LPDG, 218.7 +/- 27.5 mg/24 h in NPDG, and 324.5 +/- 64.8 mg/24 h in HPDG (P<0.05). In Experiment II, at sacrifice, 24-h proteinuria was 189 +/- 16.1 mg in ADR, and 216 +/- 26.1 mg in ADR-ENA (P>0.05); the tubulointerstitial lesion index was 5 for ADR, and 5 for ADR-ENA (P>0.05); the frequency of glomerulosclerosis was 40 +/- 5.2% in ADR and 44 +/- 6% in ADR-ENA (P>0.05); the amount of I-131-ferritin in the mesangium was 214.26 +/- 22.71 cpm/mg protein in ADR and 253.77 +/- 69.72 cpm/mg protein in ADR-ENA (P>0.05). In Experiment III, sequential histological analysis revealed an acute tubulointerstitial cellular infiltrate at week 4, which was decreased at week 8. Tubular casts and dilatation were first seen at week 8 and increased at week 16 when few glomerular lesions were found. The results suggest that the tubulointerstitial lesions may play a role in the development of glomerulosclerosis in adriamycin-induced nephropathy.