Combined effects of age and diet-induced obesity on biochemical parameters and cardiac energy metabolism in rats

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

Improvement of biochemical parameters in type 1 diabetic rats after the roots aqueous extract of yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.& Endl.)] treatment

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) (Poepp.& Endl.) on clinical parameters under diabetic conditions. The aqueous extract of yacon tuberous roots (YRAE; 0.76gfructankg-1 body weight) was prepared at the moment of each administration. Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups (n=8): control group (C); group that received YRAE (Y); untreated diabetic group (DM1); and diabetic group treated with YRAE (Y-DM1). The diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin (60mgkg-1 body weight). The animals from Y2 and Y-DM1 received YRAE by gavage, at 7-day intervals, for 30days. The aqueous extract of yacon roots decreased (p<0.05) the water and food intake in diabetic rats (Y-DM1). YRAE treatment reduced (p<0.05) glycaemia, total cholesterol, VLDL-c, LDL-c and triacylglycerol levels in diabetic rats (YRAE). HDL, urea and creatinine levels did not differ (p>0.05) between the Y and Y-DM1 groups. YRAE normalised alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, when comparing DM1 and Y-DM1 rats, but had no effect on lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH). In conclusion, YRAE was sufficient for controlling water and food consumption, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia, and promote the reduction of the ALT, suggesting a hepatoprotective effect in rats with STZ-induced DM1. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Action of Brazilian propolis on hematological and serum biochemical parameters of Blue-fronted Amazons (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758) in captivity

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Effects of food processing and fibre content on the digestibility, energy intake and biochemical parameters of Blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna L. - Aves, Psittacidae)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Cardiac transplantation with hearts from donors after circulatory declaration of death: haemodynamic and biochemical parameters at procurement predict recovery following cardioplegic storage in a rat model

OBJECTIVES: Donation after circulatory declaration of death (DCDD) could significantly improve the number of cardiac grafts for transplantation. Graft evaluation is particularly important in the setting of DCDD given that conditions of cardio-circulatory arrest and warm ischaemia differ, leading to variable tissue injury. The aim of this study was to identify, at the time of heart procurement, means to predict contractile recovery following cardioplegic storage and reperfusion using an isolated rat heart model. Identification of reliable approaches to evaluate cardiac grafts is key in the development of protocols for heart transplantation with DCDD. METHODS: Hearts isolated from anaesthetized male Wistar rats (n = 34) were exposed to various perfusion protocols. To simulate DCDD conditions, rats were exsanguinated and maintained at 37°C for 15-25 min (warm ischaemia). Isolated hearts were perfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit buffer for 10 min (unloaded), arrested with cardioplegia, stored for 3 h at 4°C and then reperfused for 120 min (unloaded for 60 min, then loaded for 60 min). Left ventricular (LV) function was assessed using an intraventricular micro-tip pressure catheter. Statistical significance was determined using the non-parametric Spearman rho correlation analysis. RESULTS: After 120 min of reperfusion, recovery of LV work measured as developed pressure (DP)-heart rate (HR) product ranged from 0 to 15 ± 6.1 mmHg beats min(-1) 10(-3) following warm ischaemia of 15-25 min. Several haemodynamic parameters measured during early, unloaded perfusion at the time of heart procurement, including HR and the peak systolic pressure-HR product, correlated significantly with contractile recovery after cardioplegic storage and 120 min of reperfusion (P < 0.001). Coronary flow, oxygen consumption and lactate dehydrogenase release also correlated significantly with contractile recovery following cardioplegic storage and 120 min of reperfusion (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Haemodynamic and biochemical parameters measured at the time of organ procurement could serve as predictive indicators of contractile recovery. We believe that evaluation of graft suitability is feasible prior to transplantation with DCDD, and may, consequently, increase donor heart availability.

Biochemical parameters response to weight loss in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease that is capable of progressing to end-stage liver disease, but generally has a benign course. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a growing public health problem with no approved therapy. NASH projected to be the leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States by 2020. Obesity, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia are the most common associations of the disease. Global prevalence of NASH is 10-24% amongst general population but increases to 25-75% in obese diabetic individuals. Objective: There is an urgent need for efficient therapeutic options as there is still no approved medication. The aim of this study was to detect changes in biochemical parameters including insulin resistance, cytokines, blood lipid profile and liver enzymes following weight loss in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Materials and methods: One hundred obese patients with NASH, their age between 35-50 years, body mass index (BMI) from 30 to 35 Kg/m2 were included in the study in two subgroups; the first group (A) received moderate aerobic exercise training in addition to diet regimen , where the second group (B) received no treatment intervention. Results: The mean values of leptin, TNF-α, IL6, IL8, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance- index (HOMA-IR), Total Cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-c) , Triglycerides (TG) and BMI were significantly decreased in group (A), where the mean value of Adiponectin and High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-c) were significantly increased, while there were no significant changes in group (B). Also, there was a significant difference between both groups at the end of the study. Conclusion: Weight loss modulates insulin resistance, adiponectin, leptin, inflammatory cytokine levels and markers of hepatic function in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Influence of magnesium on biochemical parameters of iron and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Studies have shown that oxidative stress, found in patients with type 2 diabetes, may be due to changes in the metabolism of minerals, such as magnesium and iron. Data related to compartmentalization of these minerals in diabetes are scarce and controversial. Objective: This study assessed the influence of magnesium on biochemical parameters of iron and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A case-control study in male and female subjects aged 27-59 years, divided into two groups: type 2 diabetes (n=40) and control (n=48). Intake of magnesium and iron was assessed by three-day food record. Plasma, erythrocyte and urinary levels of magnesium, serum iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, creatinine clearance and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were analyzed. Results and Discussion: Magnesium intake and plasma magnesium were lower in diabetic subjects. There was low urinary magnesium excretion, with no difference between groups. Although normal, the diabetic group had lower serum iron and ferritin concentrations compared to control subjects. Plasma TBARS in diabetic patients was higher than control while creatinine clearance was lower. An inverse correlation between erythrocyte magnesium and serum iron and ferritin was observed in the diabetes group. Conclusions: Diabetes induced hypomagnesemia and this, associated with chronic hyperglycemia, may have enhanced oxidative stress. Erythrocyte magnesium may have contributed to prevent iron overload and worsening of oxidative stress and hyperglycemic status.

Evaluation of biochemical and redox parameters in rats fed with corn grown in soil amended with urban sewage sludge

The increased production of urban sewage sludge requires alternative methods for final disposal. A very promising choice is the use of sewage sludge as a fertilizer in agriculture, since it is rich in organic matter, macro and micronutrients. However, urban sewage sludge may contain toxic substances that may cause deleterious effects on the biota, water and soil, and consequently on humans. There is a lack of studies evaluating how safe the consumption of food cultivated in soils containing urban sewage sludge is. Thus, the aim of this paper was to evaluate biochemical and redox parameters in rats fed with corn produced in a soil treated with urban sewage sludge for a long term. For these experiments, maize plants were grown in soil amended with sewage sludge (rates of 5, 10 and 20. t/ha) or not (control). Four different diets were prepared with the corn grains produced in the field experiment, and rats were fed with these diets for 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Biochemical parameters (glucose, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) as well the redox state biomarkers such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, glutathione peroxidase and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were assessed. Our results show no differences in the biomarkers over 1 or 2 weeks. However, at 4 weeks BuChE activity was inhibited in rats fed with corn grown in soil amended with sewage sludge (5, 10 and 20. t/ha), while MDA levels increased. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to corn cultivated in the highest amount per hectare of sewage sludge (8 and 12 weeks) was associated with an increase in MDA levels and a decrease in GSH levels, respectively. Our findings add new evidence of the risks of consuming food grown with urban sewage sludge. However, considering that the amount and type of toxic substances present in urban sewage sludge varies considerably among different sampling areas, further studies are needed to evaluate sludge samples collected from different sources and/or undergoing different types of treatment. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

THE EFFECT OF RELAXIN ON BIOCHEMICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF RAT MYOMETRIAL CELLS IN CULTURE (CYCLIC-AMP, CELL SHAPE CHANGE)

Relaxin is able to inhibit spontaneous, oxytocin-and prostaglandin-driven uterine contractions. The intracellular mechanism of action of relaxin on uterine relaxation had previously been studied using isometrically suspended uterine strips. Since uterine strips contain stroma as well as myometrium, the changes in biochemical parameters induced by relaxin treatment may not occur in the same cell types responsible for the physical changes. In these studies, cultures of enriched populations of rat myometrial cells were used to investigate the effect of relaxin on biochemical and morphological parameters which are related to relaxation.^ Under optimal culture conditions (initial plating density 1 - 1.5 x 10('6)cells/ml, 3 ml/35 mm dish, 2 days culture), enzymatically isolated rat myometrial cells were able to respond to relaxin with cAMP elevation. Relaxin elevated cAMP levels in the presence but not the absence of 0.1 mM methylisobutylxanthine or 0.4 um forskolin in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, isoproterenol was able to elevate cAMP levels in the presence and absence of 0.1 mM methylisobutylxanthine.^ Oxytocin treatment caused a decrease in mean cell length and area of myometrial cells in culture which could be considered analogous to contraction. Under optimal culture conditions, relaxin increased myometrial cell length and area (i.e. analogous to relaxation) of oxytocin-treated cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Other relaxants such as isoproterenol and dibutyryl cAMP also increased cell length and area of oxytocin - treated myometrial cells in culture.^ Under optimal culture conditions, relaxin decreased myosin light chain kinase activity in a time-and concentration-dependent manner by increasing the K(,50) of the enzyme for calmodulin (CaM), i.e. decreasing the affinity of the enzyme for CaM. The decrease in the affinity of myosin light chain kinase for CaM may be due to the phosphorylation of the enzyme by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Relaxin also decreased the Ca('2+)(.)CaM-independent myosin light chain kinase activity to a lesser extent than that of the Ca('2+)(.)CaM-dependent enzyme activity. This was not attributable to a decrease in the affinity of the enzyme for myosin in myometrial cells in culture, in contrast to the finding of such a change following relaxin treatment of uterine strips. Further studies are required to clarify this point.^ There was a temporal association between the effects of relaxin on elevation of cAMP levels in the presence of 0.4 uM forskolin, increase in cell length and decrease in myosin light chain kinase activity. . . . (Author's abstract exceeds stipulated maximum length. Discontinued here with permission of author.) UMI ^

Biochemical characterization of pulp of banana fruit: measurement of soluble sugars, organic acids, free ACC and in vitro ACC oxidase

Introduction. We present some protocols aiming at partially characterizing banana fruit quality through measurement of some key biochemical parameters. The principle, key advantages, starting plant material, time required and expected results are presented. Materials and methods. This part describes the required laboratory materials and the steps necessary for achieving four protocols making it possible to measure sugar, organic acids and free ACC contents, and in vitro ACC oxidase activity. Results. Standard results obtained by using the protocols described are presented in the figures.

Association between magnesium-deficient status and anthropometric and clinical-nutritional parameters in posmenopausal women.

Background: During menopause occurs weight gain and bone loss occurs due to the hormone decline during this period and other factors such as nutrition. Magnesium deficiency suggests a risk factor for obesity and osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and nutritional magnesium status in a population of postmenopausal women, assessing intake and serum levels of magnesium in the study population and correlation with anthropometric parameters such as body mass index(BMI) and body fat, and biochemical parameters associated. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The study involved 78 healthy women aged 44-76, with postmenopausal status, from the province of Grenade, Spain. The sample was divided into two age groups: group1, aged < 58, and group 2 aged >/= 58. Anthropometric parameters were recorded and nutritional intake was assessed by 72-hour recall, getting the RDAs through Nutriber(R) program. To assess the biochemical parameters was performed a blood sample was taken. Magnesium was analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) in erythrocyte and plasma wet-mineralized samples. RESULTS: Our results show that 37.85% of the total subjects have an overweight status. Magnesium intake found in our population is insufficient in 36% of women,while plasma magnesium deficiency corresponds to 23% of the population and 72% of women have deficient levels of magnesium in erythrocyte. Positive correlations were found between magnesium intake and dietary intake of calcium, of phosphorus,and with prealbumin plasma levels, as well as with a lower waist / hip ratio Magnesium levels in erythrocyte were correlated with lower triglycerides and urea values. CONCLUSION: It is important to control and monitor the nutritional status of magnesium in postmenopausal women to prevent nutritional alterations and possible clinical and chronic degenerative diseases associated with magnesium deficiency and with menopause.

Biochemical markers of fatal hypothermia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of postmortem biochemical investigations in the diagnosis of fatal hypothermia. 10 cases of fatal hypothermia and 30 control cases were selected. A series of biochemical parameters, such as glucose, acetone, 3-beta-hydroxybutyrate, isopropyl alcohol, free fatty acids, adrenaline, growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, cortisol, calcium, magnesium, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin as well as markers of renal and cardiac functions were measured in blood, postmortem serum from femoral blood, urine, vitreous and pericardial fluid. The results suggested that deaths due to hypothermia, especially in free-ethanol cases, are characterized by increased ketone levels in blood and other biological fluids, increased adrenaline concentrations in urine, increased cortisol levels in postmortem serum from femoral blood and increased free cortisol values in urine. Increased or decreased levels of other biological parameters are either the result of terminal metabolic changes or the expression of preexisting diseases and may provide information to elucidate the death process on a case-by-case basis.

Effect of sex and seasons of the year on hematologic and serum biochemical variables of captive brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

The Brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) is the most common free-living and captive deer in South America, especially in Brazil, and has great ecological and scientific significance. However, data on hematological and biochemical parameters in brown brocket deer are scarce. The goal of this study was to establish reference ranges for hematological and biochemical parameters of Mazama gouazoubira, comparing differences during the seasons of the year and between sex. Blood samples from ten adult healthy brown brocket deer (6 female and 4 male) were collected during daytime, monthly, during 12 months. The animals were maintained in individual stable, protected from noise and fed ad libitum with commercial ration and green fodder. For blood collection, animals were submitted to physical restrain for no longer than 2 minutes. The following parameters were determined: red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, enzyme activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), total protein (TP), albumin, cholesterol, total calcium, ionic calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, triglycerides, creatinine and urea. Values were compared according to season and sex. RBC count, WBC count and MCV suggested seasonal influence. Haemoglobin concentration, PCV and MCV were influenced by sex. Serum concentration of total calcium, ionic calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium were influenced by season. Serum magnesium was also influenced by sex. The blood parameters herein reported may be useful as reference values for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in captive brown-brocket deer.

A biochemical predictor of performance during mesophilic anaerobic fermentation of starch wastewater

The aim of this study was to determine the potential of biochemical parameters, such as enzyme activity and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, as monitors of process performance in the Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor utilizing a starch wastewater. The acid and alkaline phosphatase activity and the ATP content of the UASB sludge were measured in response to changes in flow rate and nutrient loading. Conventional parameters of process performance, such as gas production, acetic acid production, COD, phosphorus, nitrogen and suspended solids loadings and % COD removal were also monitored. The response of both biochemical and conventional parameters to changing process conditions was then compared. Alkaline phosphatase activity exhibited the highest activity over the entire study perioda A high suspended solids loading was observed to upset the system in terms of gas production, acetic acid production and % COD removala The initial rate of increase in alkaline phosphatase activity following an increase in loading was four times as great during process upset than under conditions of good performance. The change in enzyme actiVity was also more sensitive to process upset than changes in acetic acid production. The change in ATP content of the sludge with time suggested that enzyme actiVity was changing independently of the actual viable biomass present. The bacterial composition of the anaerobic sludge granules was similar to that of other sludge bed systems, at the light and scanning electron microscope level. Isolated serum bottle cultures produced several acids involved in anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism. The overall performance of the UASB system indicated that higher loadings of soluble nutrients could have been tolerated by the system.