Parenteral administration of vitamins A, D and E on the oxidative metabolism and function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in swine

The weaning period of piglets is characterized by physiological alterations, such as decreased weight gain, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased serum cortisol levels with possible effects on the immune response. The effect of parenteral administration of vitamins A, D and E on production performance, oxidative metabolism, and the function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) was assessed in piglets during the weaning period. The sample was comprised of 20 male piglets that were given an injectable ADE vitamin combination (135,000 IU vitamin A, 40,000 IU vitamin D and 40mg vitamin E/animal) at 20 and 40 days of age. Weight gain, concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the microbicidal and phagocytic activity of PMNLs were assessed. No difference was observed in the average piglet weight during the study; however, a greater percentage of weight gain was observed after weaning in the treated group. The concentrations of GSH and SOD did not differ between groups, although lipid peroxidation was greater in the control group at 60 days of age. The investigated variables of oxidative metabolism were correlated as follows: -0.41 for GSH and MDA, -0.54 for GSH and SOD and 0.34 for MDA and SOD. The intensity of intracellular ROS production, the percentage of ROS-producing PMNLs and the intensity of phagocytosis by PMNLs did not differ between treatment groups. Administration of the injectable ADE combination improved the percentage of weight gain between 20 and 40 days of age, decreased oxidative stress at 60 days of age and did not influence the function of PMNLs in piglets.

Association between hepatic cholesterol and oleic acid in the liver of rats treated with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil

Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the lipid profiles of the hepatic and adipose tissues of Wistar rats treated for 21 days with a diet high in saturated fat (high saturated fat, n=6) or high in hydrogenated fat, that is, having 50% partially hydrogenated vegetable oil in its composition (high hydrogenated fat, n=6), and compare them to those of a control group (control group, n=6). Methods Adipose tissue and total hepatic fat were higher in the saturated fat group than in the hydrogenated fat group. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was greatest in the saturated fat group, with consequent lower hepatic vitamin E and A levels. In contrast, serum vitamin A was highest in the saturated fat group. Analysis of hepatic lipid fractions found more cholesterol and less high density lipoprotein-cholesterol in the hydrogenated fat group. The hydrogenated fat group had the highest levels of triacylglycerols, followed by the saturated fat group. Results Significant amounts of trans fatty acids were detected in the hepatic and adipose tissues of the hydrogenated fat group. Among the identified fatty acids, 18:1n9 had a higher positive association with hepatic cholesterol and triacylglycerols, and a higher negative association with high density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil promotes greater accumulation of cholesterol and triacylglycerols in the liver than saturated fats. Conclusion Trans fatty acids were incorporated into hepatocytes and adipocytes in a highly efficient manner.

Simultaneous Quantification of Lycopene, beta-Carotene, Retinol and alpha-Tocopherol in Plasma after a Simple Extraction Procedure: Stability Study and Application to Human Volunteers

A method for the simultaneous quantification of lycopene, beta-carotene, retinol and alpha-tocopherol by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with Vis/fluorescence detection with isocratic elution was optimized and validated. The method consists of a rapid and simple liquid-liquid extraction procedure and a posterior quantification of extracted supernatants by HPLC. Aliquots of plasma were stored at -20 degrees C for three months for stability study. The methodology was applied to samples from painters and individuals not exposed to paints (n = 75). The assay was linear for all vitamins (r > 0.99). Intra-and inter-run precisions were obtained with coefficient of variation smaller than 5%. The accuracies ranged from 0.29 to -5.80% and recoveries between 92.73 and 101.97%. Plasma samples and extracted supernatants were stable for 60 days at -20 degrees C. A significant decrease of lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol concentrations in plasma from exposed individuals compared to non-exposed individuals (p < 0.05) was observed. The method is simple, reproducible, precise, accurate and sensitive, and can be routinely utilized in clinical laboratories.

Development of cassava cake enriched with its own bran and Spirulina platensis

The cassava cake was developed enriching it with a biomass of Spirulina platensis and a type of bran made out of its own starch. This biomass, a part from being rich in protein, also contains vitamins, essential fatty acids and minerals. Around Umuarama, in the State of Parana, there is an agricultural/industrial complex annually producing and processing tons of cassava. Baked goods can be elaborated based in cassava as a way to expand the use of this raw material and to produce food free of gluten to celiac people. In this complex a solid byproduct is generated, which is rich in starch and fibres, and because of its low commercial value it is used for animal feed or discarded. The bran was dehydrated and analysed microbiologically as well as physically and chemically so as to be used in applied research. Developed energetic food based on cassava lacks protein, but this can be supplied by adding the biomass of Spirulina platensis. Different formulations of this cassava cake were developed varying the concentration of Spirulina platensis and cassava bran. The formulation that presented the best features received chocolate before being submitted to sensory tests by children in the public education system. The results show an excellent acceptance which made viable the development of this product because of aspects like nutrition, technology and sensorial.

Estado nutricional e consumo de energia e nutrientes de pré-escolares que frequentam creches no município de Manaus, Amazonas: existem diferenças entre creches públicas e privadas?

OBJETIVO: Verificar o estado nutricional e o consumo alimentar de crianças assistidas em creches públicas e privadas no município de Manaus, Amazonas. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas crianças entre 24 e 72 meses de duas creches públicas (n=217) e duas creches privadas (n=91) de Manaus. O estado nutricional foi classificado pelos índices peso para idade, peso para estatura, estatura para idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC) para idade, em valores de escores Z. O consumo alimentar na creche foi avaliado pelo método da pesagem direta individual dos alimentos e, no domicílio, pelo registro alimentar de um dia aplicado aos responsáveis. Estimou-se a frequência de crianças com ingestão de nutrientes acima ou abaixo dos pontos de corte de Estimated Average Intake (EAR) ou Adequate Intake (AI). RESULTADOS: Verificou-se maior frequência de crianças com excesso de peso nas creches privadas segundo os índices peso para estatura e IMC para idade. As crianças das instituições públicas, quando comparadas àquelas das privadas, consumiram mais gorduras poli-insaturadas, trans, ácido graxo ômega-6, vitamina C e sódio, e menos zinco. Em ambos os tipos de creches observaram-se consumo elevado de energia e proporção elevada de crianças com consumo de vitaminas A e C, zinco e sódio acima do limite superior tolerável de ingestão. A proporção de crianças com inadequação de consumo de cálcio foi maior nas creches públicas do que nas privadas (27,6 versus 7,9%; p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: O consumo de energia e de sódio foi elevado em ambos os tipos de creche e o consumo de cálcio, insuficiente, principalmente nas creches públicas. Recomenda-se melhor monitoramento da dieta infantil para prevenção de doenças futuras.

Papillary atrophy of the tongue and nutritional status of hospitalized alcoholics

BACKGROUND: Atrophy of the papillae, mucosa, and dorsum of the tongue are considered classical signs of nutritional deficiencies. OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status of hospitalized alcoholics with or without papillary atrophy of the tongue. METHODS: This study was performed with 21 hospitalized alcoholics divided into Atrophic Glossitis Group (n=13) and Normal Tongue Group (n=8). Healthy, non-alcoholic volunteers composed the Control Group (n=8). Anthropometry and bioelectric impedance were performed, and serum vitamins A, E, and B12 were determined. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in relation to age (46.7±8.7 vs. 46.8±15.8 years) or gender (92.3% vs. 87.5% male), respectively. Control Group volunteers were also paired in relation to age (47.5±3.1 years) and male predominance (62.5%). In relation to hospitalized alcoholics without atrophic lesions of the tongue and Control Group, patients with papillary atrophy showed lower BMI (18.6 ± 2,5 vs 23.8 ± 3.5 vs 26.7 ± 3,6 kg/m² ) and body fat content 7.6 ± 3.5 vs 13.3 ± 6.5 vs 19.5 ± 4,9 kg). When compared with the Control Group, alcoholic patients with or without papillary atrophy of the tongue showed lower values of red blood cells (10.8 ± 2.2 vs 11.8 ± 2.2 vs 14.5 ± 1,6g/dL) and albumin (3.6 ± 0.9 vs 3.6 ± 0.8 vs 4.4 ± 0.2g/dL). The seric levels of vitamins A, E, and B12 were similar amongst the groups. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized alcoholics with papillary atrophy of the tongue had lower BMI and fat body stores than controls, without associated hypovitaminosis.

Dieta e aspectos nutricionais no lúpus eritematoso sistêmico

Os autores revisaram a influência dos fatores nutricionais sobre o lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) e abordaram uma alternativa complementar em seu tratamento. A autoimunidade e o processo inflamatório do LES estão relacionados à presença de dislipidemias, obesidade, hipertensão arterial sistêmica e síndrome metabólica, que devem ser adequadamente consideradas para diminuir o risco cardiovascular. Uma alimentação com moderado teor energético e proteico, mas rica em vitaminas, minerais (principalmente os antioxidantes) e ácidos graxos mono/poli-insaturados, pode promover ação benéfica protetora contra danos tissulares e supressão da atividade inflamatória, além de auxiliar no tratamento dessas comorbidades. A dietoterapia é uma abordagem promissora, e algumas recomendações podem oferecer melhor qualidade de vida aos pacientes com LES.

Biosynthesis of vitamins and cofactors in bacterium-harbouring trypanosomatids depends on the symbiotic association as revealed by genomic analyses

Some non-pathogenic trypanosomatids maintain a mutualistic relationship with a betaproteobacterium of the Alcaligenaceae family. Intensive nutritional exchanges have been reported between the two partners, indicating that these protozoa are excellent biological models to study metabolic co-evolution. We previously sequenced and herein investigate the entire genomes of five trypanosomatids which harbor a symbiotic bacterium (SHTs for Symbiont-Haboring Trypanosomatids) and the respective bacteria (TPEs for Trypanosomatid Proteobacterial Endosymbiont), as well as two trypanosomatids without symbionts (RTs for Regular Trypanosomatids), for the presence of genes of the classical pathways for vitamin biosynthesis. Our data show that genes for the biosynthetic pathways of thiamine, biotin, and nicotinic acid are absent from all trypanosomatid genomes. This is in agreement with the absolute growth requirement for these vitamins in all protozoa of the family. Also absent from the genomes of RTs are the genes for the synthesis of pantothenic acid, folic acid, riboflavin, and vitamin B6. This is also in agreement with the available data showing that RTs are auxotrophic for these essential vitamins. On the other hand, SHTs are autotrophic for such vitamins. Indeed, all the genes of the corresponding biosynthetic pathways were identified, most of them in the symbiont genomes, while a few genes, mostly of eukaryotic origin, were found in the host genomes. The only exceptions to the latter are: the gene coding for the enzyme ketopantoate reductase (EC:1.1.1.169) which is related instead to the Firmicutes bacteria; and two other genes, one involved in the salvage pathway of pantothenic acid and the other in the synthesis of ubiquinone, that are related to Gammaproteobacteria. Their presence in trypanosomatids may result from lateral gene transfer. Taken together, our results reinforce the idea that the low nutritional requirement of SHTs is associated with the presence of the symbiotic bacterium, which contains most genes for vitamin production.

Emprego da soja e seus derivados na alimentação de cães e gatos

Em todo o mundo, as proteínas das sementes de soja representam uma importante fonte de aminoácidos para humanos assim como para a nutrição animal. Os grãos de soja são importante e econômica fonte de proteína na dieta de muitos países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento. Proteínas de origem vegetal têm sido empregadas na indústria pet food na tentativa de se encontrar novas alternativas viáveis e de baixo custo como fonte protéica para cães e gatos. Devido a soja adaptar-se facilmente à diferentes climas, ter alta produção e facilidade de cultivo, toma-se um ingrediente ainda mais atrativo em substituição às farinhas animais quando estas atingem altos preços de mercado. A soja e seus derivados são alimentos ricos em energia, proteínas, vitaminas e minerais, e estudos estão sendo realizados para melhor entender sua qualidade nutricional e seus efeitos em animais de companhia.

Hypervitaminosis A-induced hepatic fibrosis in a cat

Rationale: The excessive intake of vitamin A in the form of vitamin concentrate, supplement or vitamin-rich liver can result in hypervitaminosis A in man and animals. Although osteopathologies resulting from chronic vitamin A intoxication in cats are well characterized, no information is available concerning feline hypervitaminosis A-induced liver disease. Clinical summary: We report the first case of hepatic stellate cell lipidosis and hepatic fibrosis in a domestic cat that had been fed a diet based on raw beef liver. Radiographic examination revealed exostoses and ankylosis between vertebrae C1 and T7, compatible with deforming cervical spondylosis. Necropsy showed a slightly enlarged and light yellow to bronze liver. Microscopic and ultrastructural analyses of liver tissues revealed diffuse and severe liver fibrosis associated with hepatic stellate cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy. These cells showed immunopositive staining for α-smooth muscle actin and desmin markers. The necropsy findings of chronic liver disease coupled with osteopathology supported the diagnosis of hypervitaminosis A. Practical relevance: As in human hepatology, if there is dietary evidence to support increased intake of vitamin A, then hypervitaminosis A should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic liver disease in cats.

Importance of the proportions of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxoidants in larval development of marine fish

La acuicultura es uno de los sectores con mayor crecimiento en la producción animal mundial, con una tasa superior al 5% anual en la última década (Izquierdo et al., 2008). En la acuicultura, el éxito del cultivo de cualquier especie de peces marinos está limitado por la cantidad y la calidad de la producción en masa de sus alevines (Izquierdo y Fernández - Palacios, 1997). Por lo tanto, para cubrir las crecientes demandas de la producción de semillas, es necesario mejorar la calidad nutritiva de sus larvas, lo cual todavía constituye una de las principales limitaciones para el desarrollo del cultivo de especies de peces marinos (Watanabe et al., 1983; Yúfera y Pascual, 1984; Sargent et al. 1997; Izquierdo et al., 2000). Aunque la producción Mediterránea del cultivo de peces marinos se ha incrementado en varias especies, la dorada Sparus aurata continúa siendo la especie mas cultivada (Izquierdo, 2005), con una producción anual de alevines que supera los 120 millones/ año. La demanda de alevines de buena calidad está aumentando a un ritmo del 10% anual, pero el éxito de la producción de los juveniles se ve muy afectado por la eficacia de la primera alimentación y la calidad nutricional de la dieta de arranque (Kolkovski et al., 1993; Sargent et al., 1997; Izquierdo et al., 2000). En general, la dorada y la lubina europea (Dicentrarchus labrax) son las especies más importantes de peces marinos criados en la región mediterránea y han caracterizado el desarrollo de la acuicultura marina en esta región en las últimas tres décadas (FAO, 1999). Además, en la producción, de ambas especies, se prevee una mayor expansión (Basurco y Abellán, 1999). Sin embargo, a pesar de que el engorde de estas especies está bien controlado, el conocimiento de sus necesidades nutricionales, en comparación con otras especies como salmónidos y carpas, sigue siendo incompleto (NRC, 1993). Por lo tanto, para obtener un mejor crecimiento y una mayor tasa de supervivencia, es esencial una dieta que responda a las necesidades nutricionales de las larvas, tanto cualitativas como cuantitativas (Kolkovski et al., 1993; Sargent et al., 1997). Además, incluso antes de que comience el desarrollo larvario, los huevos de los peces deben contener todos los nutrientes que cubran los requerimientos adecuados para el desarrollo del embrión (Izquierdo y Fernández - Palacios, 1997). En los últimos años, las investigaciones han prestado gran atención a la importancia de los lípidos dietéticos para larvas de peces marinos (Izquierdo et al., 2003), puesto que son esenciales para el crecimiento y el desarrollo de los mismos (Watanabe, 1982; Sargent et al., 1999a). Como reflejo de esta importancia, la dieta para dorada y lubina se ha convertido en una dieta altamente energética (25% de lípidos) en comparación con la década anterior (12% de lípidos) (Izquierdo et al., 2003). Los lípidos dietéticos proporcionan una fuente rica de energía y fosfolípidos y son fundamentales para la estructura de las biomembranas. Los lípidos dietéticos también sirven como vehículos para la absorción de otros nutrientes, como las vitaminas liposolubles A, D, E, y K, y pigmentos naturales o sintéticos. Los lípidos son componentes de las hormonas y precursores para la síntesis de diversos metabolitos funcionales, como las prostaglandinas y otros eicosonoides. Además, los lípidos dietéticos son reconocidos como uno de los factores nutricionales más importantes que afectan el crecimiento y la supervivencia de las larvas (Watanabe et al., 1983), porque constituyen materiales esenciales para la formación normal de célula, las membranas de los tejidos y el desarrollo de órganos (Izquierdo et al., 1998, 2003; Pousaò et al., 2003). Sin embargo, la utilización de los lípidos dietéticos por las larvas puede verse afectada directa o indirectamente por varios cambios morfológicos y fisiológicos que ocurren durante el desarrollo larvario. En los últimos años ha habido más interés en todos estos aspectos nutricionales de los lípidos en las larvas de peces, debido a la importancia de utilización de los lípidos dieteticos para el óptimo crecimiento y supervivencia larvaria (Izquierdo et al., 2000).

Esclerosis múltiple y hábitos alimentarios en Canarias

Eliminadas las páginas en blanco

Efectos de los diferentes niveles de vitamina E en dietas de engorde para corvina (Argyrosomus regius)

Máster Oficial en Cultivos Marinos. Trabajo presentado como requisito parcial para la obtención del Título de Máster Oficial en Cultivos Marinos, otorgado por la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), el Instituto Canario de Ciencias Marinas (ICCM), y el Centro Internacional de Altos Estudios Agronómicos Mediterráneos de Zaragoza (CIHEAM)

Caracterización del contenido de nitratos y la composición nutricional en zanahoria (Daucus carota L.) cultivada con diferentes dosis de fertilización NP

La zanahoria (Daucus carota L.) es una de las hortalizas de mayor importancia y difusión en el mundo. Los consumidores la valorizan nutricionalmente por ser una excelente fuente de vitaminas y minerales. Es común su empleo como alimento para bebé, como así también en gran variedad de productos procesados. La calidad nutricional e higiénico-sanitaria de esta hortaliza depende de las prácticas agronómicas como la fertilización. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar el contenido de nitratos y la composición centesimal en zanahoria (Daucus carota L.) en un agroecosistema con aplicaciones crecientes de nitrógeno y fósforo, en el momento de la cosecha. Se realizó un ensayo en campo con zanahoria doble propósito en el INTA- EEA La Consulta, Mendoza, con 3 niveles de N (0, 150 y 300 kg N ha-1; N0, N1, N2 respectivamente) y tres de P (0, 30 y 60 kg P ha-1, P0, P1, P2), en un diseño en bloque completos al azar con arreglo factorial y tres repeticiones. Sobre N0P0, N1P1 y N2P2 se realizaron muestreos destructivos de planta entera a los 86, 107, 128 y 142 días después de la siembra (dds). Se separaron en raíz y parte aérea, efectuándose el peso fresco. En el laboratorio, luego de secado procesado el material por separado, se determinó: peso seco, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, nitratos y los principios orgánicos (Cenizas, Proteínas, Grasas, Fibra Bruta, Extracto no Azoado). La determinación de nitratos se realizó por una metodología con electrodo selectivo y por un método colorimétrico. Los principales resultados arrojaron lo siguiente: los contenidos de N, P, K, durante el ciclo de cultivo, en hojas no han respondido a los distintos niveles de fertilización. El Ca y el Mg, han mostrado acumularse en mayor cantidad cuando no se fertilizó. La absorción total de nutrientes mayores al final del ciclo de cultivo muestra una tendencia a la absorción mayor con N1P1. El cultivo extrae gran cantidad de K (400 kg ha-1), Los contenidos de Ca y K en raíz a la cosecha, superan las referencias bibliográficas; lo mismo sucede con el rubro Cenizas. Los valores de nitratos a la cosecha en raíz, oscilaron entre 498 y 1060 mg/ kg ssf, encontrándose los más altos en los tratamientos con 150 y 300 kg N ha-1. Estos contenidos de nitratos superarían los permitidos para niños y lactantes (200 mg kg-1 ssf), tanto en la UE como en la legislación argentina. El método rápido del electrodo selectivo no se ajusta a la determinación de nitratos en raíz de zanahoria, si bien resulta óptimo para el seguimiento del estado nutricional nitrogenado de la planta. En futuros estudios se propone estudiar aspectos del manejo del cultivo, selección de variedades, puesta a punto de técnicas analíticas para la determinación de nitratos