Effect of the 5-HT4 receptor and serotonin transporter on visceral hypersensitivity in rats

Visceral hypersensitivity plays an important role in motor and sensory abnormalities associated with irritable bowel syndrome, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study was designed to evaluate the expression of the 5-HT4 receptor and the serotonin transporter (SERT) as well as their roles in chronic visceral hypersensitivity using a rat model. Neonatal male Sprague-Dawley rats received intracolonic injections of 0.5% acetic acid (0.3-0.5 mL at different times) between postnatal days 8 and 21 to establish an animal model of visceral hypersensitivity. On day 43, the threshold intensity for a visually identifiable contraction of the abdominal wall and body arching were recorded during rectal distention. Histological evaluation and the myeloperoxidase activity assay were performed to determine the severity of inflammation. The 5-HT4 receptor and SERT expression of the ascending colon were monitored using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses; the plasma 5-HT levels were measured using an ELISA method. As expected, transient colonic irritation at the neonatal stage led to visceral hypersensitivity, but no mucosal inflammation was later detected during adulthood. Using this model, we found reduced SERT expression (0.298 ± 0.038 vs 0.634 ± 0.200, P < 0.05) and increased 5-HT4 receptor expression (0.308 ± 0.017 vs 0.298 ± 0.021, P < 0.05). Treatment with fluoxetine (10 mg·kg-1·day-1, days 36-42), tegaserod (1 mg·kg-1·day-1, day 43), or the combination of both, reduced visceral hypersensitivity and plasma 5-HT levels. Fluoxetine treatment increased 5-HT4 receptor expression (0.322 ± 0.020 vs 0.308 ± 0.017, P < 0.01) but not SERT expression (0.219 ± 0.039 vs 0.298 ± 0.038, P = 0.654). These results indicate that both the 5-HT4 receptor and SERT play a role in the pathogenesis of visceral hypersensitivity, and its mechanism may be involved in the local 5-HT level.

Association of MDR1 gene polymorphisms with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Chinese Han population

The multidrug resistance 1 gene (MDR1) is an important candidate gene for influencing susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association ofMDR1 polymorphisms with the risk of HCC in the Chinese Han population. A total of 353 HCC patients and 335 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), created restriction site-PCR (CRS-PCR) and DNA sequencing methods were used to identify MDR1 gene polymorphisms. Two allelic variants (c.335T>C and c.3073A>C) were detected. The CC genotype of the c.335T>C polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of developing HCC compared to the TT genotype (OR = 2.161, 95%CI = 1.350-3.459, χ2 = 10.55, P = 0.0011). The risk of HCC was significantly higher for the CC genotype in the c.3073A>C polymorphism compared to the AA genotype in the studied populations (CCvs AA: OR = 2.575, 95%CI = 1.646-4.028, χ2 = 17.64, P < 0.0001). The C allele of the c.335T>C and c.3073A>C variants may contribute to the risk of HCC (Cvs T of c.335T>C: OR = 1.512, 95%CI = 1.208-1.893, χ2 = 13.07, P = 0.0003, and Cvs A of c.3073A>C: OR = 1.646, 95%CI = 1.322-2.049, χ2 = 20.03, P < 0.0001). The c.335T>C and c.3073A>C polymorphisms of the MDR1 gene were associated with the risk of occurrence of HCC in the Chinese Han population. Further investigations are needed to confirm these results in larger different populations.

Cardiorespiratory fitness, pulmonary function and C-reactive protein levels in nonsmoking individuals with diabetes

The objective of this study was to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness and pulmonary function and the relationship with metabolic variables and C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). Nineteen men with diabetes and 19 age- and gender-matched control subjects were studied. All individuals were given incremental cardiopulmonary exercise and pulmonary function tests. In the exercise test, maximal workload (158.3±22.3vs 135.1±25.2, P=0.005), peak heart rate (HRpeak: 149±12 vs 139±10, P=0.009), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak: 24.2±3.2 vs18.9±2.8, P<0.001), and anaerobic threshold (VO2VT: 14.1±3.4 vs 12.2±2.2, P=0.04) were significantly lower in individuals with diabetes than in control subjects. Pulmonary function test parameters, blood pressure, lipid profile (triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol), and CRP plasma levels were not different in control subjects and individuals with DM. No correlations were observed between hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), CRP and pulmonary function test and cardiopulmonary exercise test performance. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that nonsmoking individuals with DM have decreased cardiorespiratory fitness that is not correlated with resting pulmonary function parameters, HbA1c, and CRP plasma levels.

Otimização via metodologia de superfície de respostas dos parâmetros tecnológicos para produção de fruta estruturada e desidratada a partir de polpa concentrada de mamão

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar os parâmetros tecnológicos relevantes no processo de estruturação de polpa concentrada de mamão (16ºBrix), utilizando um delineamento experimental associado a Metodologia de Superfície de Respostas. Os resultados do planejamento composto central utilizado mostraram que as variáveis pectina (x1) e alginato (x2) foram estatisticamente significativas para aumentar a firmeza de fruta estrutura de mamão. Foram realizados experimentos para confirmar as previsões do modelo matemático proposto para firmeza. As frutas estruturadas obtidas com os menores níveis de pectina (7g/kg) e alginato (7g/kg) apresentaram firmeza elevada, em torno de 3,2kg, cerca de 2,4 vezes maior que o valor previsto pelo modelo, provavelmente devido a variações no pH da polpa de mamão. Os resultados mostraram ser possível produzir fruta estruturada com teor elevado de polpa de mamão concentrada (672g/kg) e quantidade mínima de sacarose (364g/kg). O glicerol (x3) na concentração de 100g/kg suprimiu a atividade de água dos géis de polpa concentrada de mamão para 0,922. A secagem (60ºC/6h) sob vácuo (0,8kgf/kg) das frutas estruturadas minimizou o problema de adesividade superficial das frutas estruturadas e, concomitantemente, promoveu redução na atividade de água, para níveis de umidade intermediária, em torno de 0,860.

Qualidade tecnológica de grãos e farinhas de trigo nacionais e importados

A farinha de trigo possui variadas aplicações na indústria de alimentos, apresentando um importante papel no aspecto econômico e nutricional da alimentação humana. Sabe-se, que as características nutricionais e tecnológicas da farinha de trigo sofrem interferência direta das condições de cultivo, colheita, secagem e armazenamento dos grãos de trigo utilizados como matéria-prima. Este estudo objetivou avasliar a qualidade tecnológica de amostras de grãos de trigo nacionais e importados, bem como de amostras de farinhas produzidas a partir destes grãos, através da análise de parâmetros físico-químicos (umidade, cinzas, glúten úmido, número de quedas e peso hectolitro) e da farinografia (absorção de água, tempo de desenvolvimento e estabilidade). As análises físico-químicas mostraram diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) para os valores de cinzas, glúten úmido e número de quedas entre as amostras de grãos de trigo nacionais e importados, bem como entre as amostras de farinhas obtidas a partir destes grãos. A umidade foi o único parâmetro físico-químico que não apresentou diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre as amostras nacionais e importadas. As amostras de grãos de trigo importados e de suas farinhas apresentaram os mais altos valores de glúten úmido (28-33,4%) e de número de quedas (322,33-428,33 segundos). A análise de farinografia mostrou diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre os valores de absorção de água, tempo de desenvolvimento e estabilidade entre as farinhas de trigo nacionais e importadas. Ademais, foram observados destacáveis valores de absorção de água (54,43-59,3%) e estabilidade (10-24,75 minutos) para as farinhas de trigo importadas. Os dados obtidos neste estudo mostram uma menor qualidade tecnológica dos grãos de trigo nacionais analisados e de suas farinhas quando comparados com amostras importadas, fato este que tem impacto negativo sobre a destinação de seu uso industrial, bem como sobre seu valor econômico.

Carotenoids are related to the colour and lipid content of the pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) pulp from the Brazilian Savanna

This study investigated the colour, proximate composition, bioactive compounds (phenolic and carotenoid contents), and antioxidant activity of the pulp of pequi from different regions of the Brazilian Savanna. The colour parameters and the lipid and carotenoid contents of the pulp were significantly different between the samples. The lipid content ranged from 135.4 to 322.5 g/kg. The pequi pulp showed high total phenolic content (1.8 to 3.3 mg GAE/g). The carotenoid amount ranged from 37 to 187 µg/g. The carotenoid content was significantly correlated with the colour and lipid content of the pequi pulp. The antioxidant activity showed a mean IC50 value of 197.9 µg/mL. The pequi pulp is rich in phenolic compounds and carotenoids and has a good antioxidant activity. Its colour is influenced by the carotenoid content, which can be predicted by regression models using routine colour parameters.

Influence of the wheat flour extraction degree in the quality of bread made with high proportions of β-glucan

β-glucan is currently one of the most important bioactive substances. Hence, there is a growing interest in the production of various foods containing β-glucan. The study examines the influence of the degree of wheat flour extraction in the quality of breads with high β-glucan content. Rheological tests were conducted on dough. Volume, mass, color and texture of bread were measured after baking. We observed that increasing the degree of extraction caused an increase in the storage and loss modulus. All of the bread made from the different flours were smaller in volume after the addition of β-glucan, although the yield increased. The crumb color of β-glucan-added breads was darker than the control samples. Control samples were higher in textural parameters (firmness, gumminess and chewiness). β-glucan-added samples had decreased porosity. The results revealed that using very strong flour with a high protein content results in a high quality β-glucan bread with a higher nutritional value due to the high total dietary fiber and β-glucan content.

Automated static image analysis as a novel tool in describing the physical properties of dietary fiber

Abstract The growing interest in the usage of dietary fiber in food has caused the need to provide precise tools for describing its physical properties. This research examined two dietary fibers from oats and beets, respectively, in variable particle sizes. The application of automated static image analysis for describing the hydration properties and particle size distribution of dietary fiber was analyzed. Conventional tests for water holding capacity (WHC) were conducted. The particles were measured at two points: dry and after water soaking. The most significant water holding capacity (7.00 g water/g solid) was achieved by the smaller sized oat fiber. Conversely, the water holding capacity was highest (4.20 g water/g solid) in larger sized beet fiber. There was evidence for water absorption increasing with a decrease in particle size in regards to the same fiber source. Very strong correlations were drawn between particle shape parameters, such as fiber length, straightness, width and hydration properties measured conventionally. The regression analysis provided the opportunity to estimate whether the automated static image analysis method could be an efficient tool in describing the hydration properties of dietary fiber. The application of the method was validated using mathematical model which was verified in comparison to conventional WHC measurement results.

Estado nutricional e ganho de peso interdialítico de pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise

ResumoIntrodução:O estado nutricional (EN) de pacientes em hemodiálise (HD) é motivo de preocupação e de desafio. A desnutrição é comum nestes pacientes e relaciona-se com pior prognóstico clínico.Objetivos:Avaliar a associação entre o EN e o ganho de peso interdialítico (GPID) de pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) em hemodiálise (HD).Métodos:Estudo transversal realizado com 322 pacientes maiores de 18 anos. O EN foi avaliado por meio do índice de massa corporal (IMC), percentual de gordura corporal estimado pela somatória de quatro dobras cutâneas (tricipital, bicipital, suprailíaca e subescapular), massa corporal magra (MCM), creatinina e albumina sérica e a taxa de aparecimento do nitrogênio (PNA). O GPID foi avaliado a partir da somatória da diferença de peso de 12 sessões de hemodiálise (GPIDm).Resultados:Considerando-se a amostra em quartis de GPIDm, verificou-se que o IMC, MCM, creatinina sérica (p < 0,001) e PNA (p = 0,011) estavam diretamente correlacionados. Não foi verificada associação entre o GPIDm e os níveis de albumina sérica. Por meio de análise multivariada, verificou-se que a prevalência de pacientes com adequação ao IMC e a creatinina sérica foi significativamente maior para pacientes do último quartil de GPIDm em relação ao primeiro.Conclusão:O EN associou-se positivamente ao GPID. Os resultados apontam para necessidade de avaliação individualizada e cautelosa do GPID, a fim de não se generalizar uma recomendação que não satisfaça as expectativas de manutenção e promoção do estado nutricional desses pacientes.