Stability of antioxidants vitamins in bee pollen samples

This study evaluated the stability of vitamins C, E and β-carotene in six samples of bee pollen after their process, and in a one-year period of storage. After the pollen's process, there was a 67.1% increase for vitamin C (p <0.05), an 18.7% loss for vitamin E and 15.6% for β-carotene. Storage in freezer was the most efficient condition for the vitamins conservation; the loss in storage at room temperature (exposed or protected from light) was similar. Vitamin E appears to be better preserved during storage when compared to vitamin C and β-carotene.

Quantificação dos isômeros ácido L-ascórbico e ácido D-iso-ascórbico em geleias de frutas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência

Ascorbic acid has important nutritional characteristics such as high antioxidant potential, preventing diverse damage and diseases in the tissues and the process of aging. Different isomeric forms of the ascorbic acid can be found in nature and each one have different potential antioxidant and different activity pro-vitamin C. This work examined a method to detect and quantify the isomers L-ascorbic acid (LAA) and D-iso-ascorbic acid (DIAA) in jelly fruit. The method showed acceptable selectivity, linearity, repeatability and recovery. DIAA was not found in the analyzed samples, but LAA was found up to 605 mg in 100 g of sample.

Qualidade física e química do solo em áreas de exploração florestal no Mato Grossso

Com o objetivo de avaliar o impacto provocado nos solos sob pátios de estocagem de madeira, bem como a influência do formato dos pátios sobre o processo de degradação nesses locais, foram selecionados cinco pátios em uma área de exploração de madeira, onde predominava solo do tipo Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo, localizada no Município de Nova Maringá, MT. Foram escolhidos quatro pátios de formato quadrado e um de formato retangular. Em cada pátio, estabeleceram-se três transectos, que adentraram a mata nativa, sendo feitas coletas de solo na profundidade de 0 a 20 cm, em cinco pontos de cada transecto. Essas amostras foram utilizadas para a determinação de textura, argila dispersa em água, umidade na capacidade de campo, estabilidade e distribuição de agregados, análises químicas de rotina, C-total, N-total e C mineralizável. Para a determinação da densidade do solo e densidade de partículas, as amostras foram retiradas nas profundidades de 0 a 5 cm e 15 a 20 cm do transecto central. Os resultados foram submetidos a testes de média (Tukey, P<0,05). Testes de resistência à penetração em cinco pontos de cada pátio e três pontos na mata adjacente foram realizados na época da seca e na época chuvosa. Os resultados mostraram que houve forte degradação nas propriedades dos solos sob pátios de estocagem, observando-se expressivo aumento na densidade do solo e resistência à penetração, bem como diminuição da porosidade total, do DMP dos agregados e dos teores de nutrientes. A utilização de pátios com diferentes formas não minimizou os impactos ambientais.

Caracterização química e mineralógica de carvões vegetais coletados em diferentes ambientes

O aumento das emissões dos gases de efeito estufa vem motivando diversos estudos sobre as formas de captura e sequestro de C. A incorporação do biocarvão no solo é uma forma eficiente de manter o C do biocarvão estabilizado, além de propiciar benefícios à produção agrícola. Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar carvões vegetais coletados em diferentes ambientes. Foram determinados os teores de C total e C orgânico; análise elementar através da calcinação; e caracterização das amostras por difratometria de raios X, espectroscopia de absorção e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. As amostras em contato com o solo apresentaram maiores teores de COT, enquanto os teores de C total foram maiores nos carvões sem contato com o solo. Os valores de pH em H2O nas amostras de carvões em contato com o solo variaram de 4,42 a 7,24, com média de 6,8. Já o pH em KCl variou entre 2,91 e 6,88, com média de 4,68. Os teores de nutrientes foram baixos em todas as amostras. Nos carvões em contato com o solo, foram detectados caulinita, quartzo, grafite e gibbsita. Os principais grupos funcionais identificados foram O-H, C=O, C=C e C-O. A MEV das amostras 1 e 2 estruturas da madeira ficaram menos evidentes, e houve influência dos componentes e organismos dos solos nesses carvões..

Efeitos do implante subdérmico de acetato de nomegestrol sobre o metabolismo de carboidratos, lipoproteínas séricas e função hepática

Objetivos: avaliar variações de peso corporal, pressão arterial, glicemia em jejum, HbA1C, insulina, colesterol total, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglicérides, TGO, TGP, GGT e bilirrubina em mulheres usuárias de um implante único, subdérmico, de Silástico, contendo 55 mg (±10%) de acetato de nomegestrol, durante dois anos. Métodos: dezoito voluntárias saudáveis e em idade reprodutiva, que desejavam fazer uso de anticoncepcionais e não apresentavam contra-indicações para o uso de contracepção hormonal, participaram deste estudo. Todas as mulheres foram avaliadas antes do início do tratamento e a seguir, acompanhadas por um período de dois anos. Ao final do primeiro ano, as cápsulas foram retiradas e novas cápsulas foram inseridas. Resultados: o peso corporal aumentou de 54,9 ± 1,5 kg na admissão para 55,3 ± 2,0 kg no 12º mês de uso (p<0,05), e para 56,0 ± 2,7 kg no 24º mês de uso. Registrou-se discreto aumento da pressão arterial, tanto sistólica quanto diastólica, no mês 12 (p<0,01). No mês 24, a pressão arterial não era significativamente diferente dos valores de admissão. Todos os valores estiveram dentro dos limites da normalidade. Insulina, HbA1C, LDL-C e GGT permaneceram inalterados durante os vinte e quatro meses de uso do implante. Diminuição significativa do colesterol total (p<0,05) foi observada no 3º mês e de HDL-C (p<0,01) no 6º mês. Observou-se aumento significativo de triglicérides (p<0,05) apenas no 12º mês. Todas as alterações de lipoproteínas foram inconsistentes, e os valores estiveram dentro dos limites da normalidade. Aumentos significativos dos níveis de glicemia em jejum (p<0,05 e p<0,01) foram observados respectivamente no 3º e no 6º mês. Diminuições significativas da TGO (p<0,05, p<0,01 e p<0,05) foram observadas respectivamente no 6º, 18º e 24º mês e da TGP (p<0,05) no 18º mês. Somente se observou aumento significativo de bilirrubina (p<0,05) no 3º mês de uso do implante. Todas estas variações permaneceram dentro dos limites da normalidade. Conclusões: esses resultados demonstraram que, dentro dos limites da normalidade, as variações de glicemia em jejum não se correlacionam às alterações dos níveis de insulina. As alterações discretas em lipoproteínas séricas, TGO, TGP e bilirrubina foram transitórias. Não foram observados efeitos clínicos em lipoproteínas, metabolismo de carboidratos, níveis de insulina e função hepática entre as usuárias por dois anos.

Aspectos clínicos e metabólicos de mulheres na pós-menopausa tratadas com tibolona

Objetivos: analisar a repercussão da tibolona sobre os sintomas do climatério e sobre algumas variáveis clínicas e metabólicas. Métodos: foram avaliadas 34 pacientes na pós-menopausa que foram submetidas ao tratamento com tibolona na dose de 2,5 mg/dia por 48 semanas. Foram analisados os seguintes parâmetros: peso, pressão arterial e perfis lipídico e lipoprotéico, representados pelos níveis de colesterol total, HDL-c, LDL-c, VLDL-c e triglicerídeos. Resultados: melhora relevante da sintomatologia do climatério foi demonstrada por decréscimo significativo do índice menopausal de Kupperman (p<0.001) e da freqüência média das ondas de calor (p<0.001). Estes efeitos foram observados já no primeiro mês de tratamento, mantendo-se até o final do estudo. Houve decréscimo significante nos níveis de colesterol total, triglicerídeos e VLDL-c (p<0.001). Os níveis de LDL-c apresentaram discreta redução (não-significante). Os níveis de HDL-c mostraram decréscimo significante na 24ª semana de tratamento, mas retornaram aos níveis basais na 48ª semana. Não foram observadas modificações significantes no peso e pressão arterial. Os efeitos colaterais relatados incluíram sangramento vaginal, náusea e edema, todos temporários e de intensidade leve. Conclusão: a tibolona representa uma opção para o tratamento dos sintomas climatéricos em mulheres na pós-menopausa, sem alterações relevantes no perfil lipídico e lipoprotéico.

Assessment of NADPH-diaphorase stained myenteric neurons of the jejunum of diabetic rats supplemented with ascorbic acid

The relation between hyperglycemia and diabetic neuropathy has already been demonstrated in some studies. Among the theories proposed for its etiology the oxidative stress stands out. The performance of nitric oxide as a link between the metabolic and vascular neuropathogenic factors that triggers the diabetic neuropathy has already been put forward. This study aimed to assess the quantification and measurements of the cell body profile area (CBPA) of NADPH-diaphorase reactive (NADPH-dp) myenteric neurons of the jejunum of diabetic rats (induced by streptozotocin) supplemented with Ascorbic Acid (AA). These changes in the myenteric neurons seem to be related to the gastrointestinal disturbances observed in diabetes mellitus (DM). Twenty male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were distributed in 4 groups (n=5): controls (C), control supplemented (CS), diabetic (D), and diabetic suplemented (DS). DM was induced by estreptozotocin (50mg/kg body wt). One week after the induction and confirmation of the DM (glycemia exam), animals of the groups CS and DS received 50mg of AA three times a week by gavage. After 90 days of experiment, the animals were anesthetized with lethal thiopental dose (40mg/kg) and the collected jejunum processed for the histochemistry NADPH-diaphorase technique. Whole-mount preparations were obtained for quantitative and morphometric analysis of the myenteric neurons. A quantity of jejunum neurons in the Group D (96±7.5) was not different (P>0.05) from Group DS (116±8.08), C (92±9.7), and CS (81±5.4), but in Group DS the quantity was higher (P<0.05) than in Group C and CS. The CBPA of neurons from Group D (189.50±2.68µm²) and DS (195.92±3.75µm²) were lower (P<0.05) than from Group C (225.13±4.37µm²) and CS (210.23±3.15µm²). The streptozotocin-induced DM did not change the jejunum-ileum area, the jejunum myenteric plexus space organization and the density of NADPH-dp neurons. The 50g AA-supplementation, three times a week, during 90 days, did not decrease hyperglycemia; however, it had a neuroprotective effect on the myenteric neurons, minimizing the increase on the CBPA of NADPH-dp neurons and increasing the amount of NADPD-dp neurons.

Effects of ascorbic acid supplementation in ileum myenteric neurons of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The exacerbation of the oxidative stress and of the polyol pathway which impair damage myenteric plexus are metabolic characteristics of diabetes. The ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant and an aldose reductase inhibitor, which may act as neuroprotector. The effects of AA supplementation on the density and cellular body profile area (CP) of myenteric neurons in STZ-induced diabetes in rats were assessed. Four groups with five animals each were formed: normoglycemic (C); diabetic (D); AA-treated diabetic (DS) and AA-treated normoglycemic (CS). Dosagen of 50mg of AA were given, three times a week, for each animal (group DS and CS). Ninety days later and after euthanasia, the ileum was collected and processed for the NADPH-diaphorase technique. There were no differences (P>0.05) in the neuronal density among the groups. The CP area was lower (P<0.05) in the DS and CS groups, with a higher incidence of neurons with a CP area exceeding 200µm² for groups C and D. The AA had no influence on the neuronal density in the ileum but had a neuroprotective effect, preventing the increase in the CP area and allowing a higher number of neurons with a CP area with less than 200µm².

Retrospective study on clinical management of indolent ulcers in Boxer dogs

Indolent ulcers are superficial corneal ulcers secondary to several changes on the corneal surface. They are frequently observed in middle-aged Boxer dogs, cause pain of acute onset and requires appropriate treatment. Aiming to evaluate the efficacy of clinical managements on the rate of healing of indolent ulcers, a retrospective study was conducted (1997-2008). Results demonstrated that proteinase inhibitors were the most often prescribed medication, and its administration did not interfere on the healing rate, as well as observed in dogs that received 1% atropine, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Healing was delayed in dogs administered orally with vitamin C, but the healing process was faster on those dogs that went through corneal debridement/cauterization. In conclusion, to know the various types of treatments seems to be fundamental for the rapid resolution of the disease. It is suggested that debridement/cauterization, administration of proteinase inhibitor eye drops, prophylactic topical antibiotics and oral vitamin C, should be considered as an effective clinical management for indolent ulcers in Boxer dogs.

Atividade microbiana em solo cultivado com cana-de-açúcar após aplicação de herbicidas

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar os efeitos dos herbicidas na atividade respiratória da microbiota, na biomassa microbiana e no quociente metabólico em solo cultivado com plantas de cana-de-açúcar. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, no esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. Nas parcelas, avaliou-se o efeito dos herbicidas e, nas subparcelas, o efeito do tempo após a aplicação destes. Os herbicidas utilizados foram: 2,4-D (1,30 kg ha-1), ametryn (1,00 kg ha-1), trifloxysulfuron-sodium (0,0225 kg ha-1) e a mistura ametryn+trifloxysulfuron-sodium (1,463+0,0375 kg ha-1, respectivamente). Realizou-se a aspersão dos herbicidas aos 60 dias após a brotação das gemas do material propagativo. Aos 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias após a aplicação dos herbicidas, amostras de solos rizosférico e não-rizosférico foram coletadas e analisadas quanto às seguintes características: taxa respiratória (TR), carbono da biomassa microbiana (CBM), quociente metabólico (qCO2) e acúmulo total de C-CO2 evoluído do solo (ATC). O ametryn aplicado isolado ou em mistura com trifloxysulfuron-sodium propiciou maiores TRs, ao passo que o 2,4-D apresentou pouca influência nessa variável. Maiores acúmulos de C-CO2 aos 60 dias após a aplicação dos herbicidas foram verificados nos tratamentos com trifloxysulfuron-sodium, ametryn e na mistura de ambos os produtos. A BM do solo foi reduzida na presença do ametryn isolado ou em mistura. Esses tratamentos resultaram em maiores valores de qCO2 aos 45 e 60 dias da aplicação.

Pre- and postnatal nutrition – target for allergy risk reduction

A rapid increase in allergic diseases in Western societies has led to the conclusion that our modern lifestyle is a risk factor for immune dysregulation. Potential culprits and benefactors are searched among early dietary and microbial exposures, which may act to program later allergic disease. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the role of early maternal and child nutrition in reducing the risk of child allergy. The study population comprised of 256 mother – child pairs from families with a history of allergy participating in a randomized controlled dietary counseling and probiotic intervention (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12) study from early pregnancy onwards. The dietary counseling aimed for a diet complying with dietary recommendations for pregnant and lactating women, with special attention to fat quality. Maternal dietary counseling was reflected in cord blood fatty acids suggesting better essential fatty acid status in infants in the counseling group. Dietary counseling with probiotics or placebo had no effect on child allergy risk, but associations between maternal diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding and child allergic outcomes were found in secondary analyses. During pregnancy, milk intake was related to decreased and cheese intake to increased risk of child atopic eczema. During breastfeeding, intake of vitamin C was related to increased risk of asthma and intake of egg was related to decreased risk of atopic eczema. The timing of introduction of complementary foods to infant’s diet was not associated with risk of atopic eczema, when adjusted with parental opinion of child allergic symptoms (i.e., potential reverse causality). In conclusion, the results demonstrate that infant fatty acid supply can be modified via maternal dietary changes. In addition, interesting associations of maternal diet with child allergy risk were discovered. However, no difference in the incidence of allergic diseases with dietary counseling was observed. This suggests that more potent dietary interventions might be necessitated to induce clinical risk reduction of allergy. Highrisk families can safely adhere to dietary recommendations for pregnant and lactating women, and the results support the current conception that no additional benefit is gained with delaying introduction of complementary feeding.

Evaluation of the addition of ascorbic acid to the ration of cultivated Piaractus mesopotamicus (Characidae) on the infrapopulation of Anacanthorus penilabiatus (Monogenea)

Sixty Piaractus mesopotamicus Holmberg, 1887 (pacu) fry fed a diet containing 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg ascorbic acid/kg dry feed were studied to evaluate the effect on parasitic infestation by the monogenean Anacanthorus penilabiatus Boeger, Husak and Martins, 1995 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) for a period of 24 weeks. The temperature of the aquaria was measured daily and remained between 28 and 31oC. At the beginning of the experiment, fish showed 6.15 ± 0.33 cm standard length and 8.64 ± 1.62 g average body weight. A sample of fish was examined and showed 43 ± 17 monogeneans per fish. At the end of the experiment, the gills of control and vitamin C-treated fish were collected for parasite counts. Control fish had 42.5 parasites per fish, a significantly higher number (P<0.05) when compared with fish fed vitamin C, that showed 16.5 parasites per fish. Ascorbic acid fortification in the food promoted an increase in fish resistance to parasites. It is suggested that an optimum level of 139 mg/kg vitamin C supplementation either elicited better nutritional conditions by stimulating the appetite of the fish or improved the immune response.

2-Bromo-1,4-naphthoquinone: a potentially improved substitute of menadione in Apatone™ therapy

Apatone™, a combination of menadione (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, VK3) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C, VC) is a new strategy for cancer treatment. Part of its effect on tumor cells is related to the cellular pro-oxidative imbalance provoked by the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through naphthoquinone redox cycling. In this study, we attempted to find new naphthoquinone derivatives that would increase the efficiency of H2O2 production, thereby potentially increasing its efficacy for cancer treatment. The presence of an electron-withdrawing group in the naphthoquinone moiety had a direct effect on the efficiency of H2O2 production. The compound 2-bromo-1,4-naphthoquinone (BrQ), in which the bromine atom substituted the methyl group in VK3, was approximately 10- and 19-fold more efficient than VK3 in terms of oxygen consumption and H2O2 production, respectively. The ratio [H2O2]produced / [naphthoquinone]consumed was 68 ± 11 and 5.8 ± 0.2 (µM/µM) for BrQ and VK3, respectively, indicating a higher efficacy of BrQ as a catalyst for the autoxidation of ascorbic acid. Both VK3 and BrQ reacted with glutathione (GSH), but BrQ was the more effective substrate. Part of GSH was incorporated into the naphthoquinone, producing a nucleophilic substitution product (Q-SG). The depletion of BrQ by GSH did not prevent its redox capacity since Q-SG was also able to catalyze the production of reactive oxygen species. VK3/VC has already been submitted to clinical trials for the treatment of prostate cancer and has demonstrated promising results. However, replacement of VK3 with BrQ will open new lines of investigation regarding this approach to cancer treatment.

Tangential microfiltration of orange juice in bench pilot

The aim of this study was to introduce the tangential microfiltration (TMF) technique on the production of orange juice (TMFJ), and compare it with pasteurised juice (control) as regards chemical composition and sensorial characteristics. We used a TMF pilot equipped with four monotubular ceramic membranes (0.1, 0.2, 0.8 and 1.4mm) arranged in series with a filtering area of 0.005 m² each. Commercial flash-pasteurised orange juice was used as the initial product. Experiments were divided into three parts: a) the characterisation of the TMF pilot; b) optimisation of operational conditions; c) production of the TMFJ. In the second part, membrane with 0.8-mm pores presented best flux followed by those with 1.4-, 0.1-, and 0.2-mm pores. However, to guarantee permeate sterility, we chose the membrane with 0.1-mm pores for TMFJ production. Initially, the orange juice was sieved in order to separate part of the pulp, being subsequently submitted to TMF. A mixture of retentate and pulp was made, and was subsequently pasteurised. We obtained the TMFJ by adding the permeate to the mixture. TMFJ presented soluble solids content (°Brix), pulp, pH, and titrable acidity similar to the initial pasteurised juice (control). Nevertheless, 28% of vitamin C was lost during the TMFJ production. According to the juice taster panel, the control juice presented best sensorial characteristics (greater aroma intensity and fruity flavour) when compared with the TMJF.

The influence of the broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. itálica)fill weigth on postharvest quality

Broccoli is a vegetable of important economic value as well as a source of vitamin C and anticarcinogenic property substances. Although it can be minimally processed, this vegetable presents fast senescence, characterized by yellowing, loss of turgescence, development of off-odors, increase in enzymatic activity and reduction of nutritional value. Among the frequently used techniques that can extend the shelf-life of minimally processed broccoli, we have the use of cool storage and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Several factors interfere in the efficiency of MAP, influencing the speed and intensity of the changes on atmosphere composition. This work aimed to study the influence of the amount packaged broccoli on its postharvest quality, when stored at 1ºC. Results demonstrated strong influence of the use of MAP compared to control treatment. It was observed that for all packaged treatments there was better vitamin C retention, lower loss of weight, lower peroxidase activity and better turgidity score of broccoli. This study demonstrated that the treatments with higher amounts of product showed the worst performance on vitamin C and aroma evaluation. The peroxidase activity was also influenced, and the best results were found in the treatment with higher amounts, which presented lowest values. However there is a tendency of increase in the activity along the time, especially at the end of the experiment. It was not detected the influence of the fill weight about color evaluation.