Depot-specific modulation of adipokine levels in rat adipose tissue by diet-induced obesity: The effect of aerobic training and energy restriction

The present study examined the effects of aerobic training and energy restriction on adipokines levels in mesenteric (MEAT) and retroperitoneal (RPAT) white adipose tissue from obese rats. Male Wistar rats were fed with standard laboratory diet (Control group) or high fat diet (HFD). After 15 weeks, HFD rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: rats submitted to HFD, which were sedentary (sedentary HFD, n = 8) or trained (trained HFD, n = 8); or submitted to energy-restriction (ER), which were sedentary (sedentary ER, n = 8) or trained (trained ER, n = 8). Trained rats ran on a treadmill at 55% VO(2max) for 60 min/day, 5 days/week, for 10 weeks. ER rats were submitted to a reduction of 20% daily caloric ingestion compared to the Control group. ER and aerobic training decreased body weight, MEAT and RPAT absolute weight, and fat mass. IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha levels were decreased and adiponectin did not change in RPAT in response to ER protocol. On the other hand, ER and the aerobic training protocol decreased IL-6, TNF-alpha and adiponectin levels in MEAT. Absolute MEAT weight showed a positive correlation with IL-6 (r = 0.464), INF-alpha (r = 0.508); and adiponectin (r = 0.342). These results suggest a tissue-specific heterogeneous response in adipokines level. The combination of the protocols (aerobic training and energy restriction) did not induce an enhanced effect. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Macrophage suppression following phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils is mediated by the S100A9 calcium-binding protein

The clearance of apoptotic cells by phagocytes is a fundamental process during tissue remodeling and resolution of inflammation. In turn, the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells generates signals that suppress pro-inflammatory activation of macrophages. These events occur during the resolution phase of inflammation and therefore the malfunctioning of this process may lead to inflammation-related tissue damage. Here, we demonstrate that the calcium-binding protein S100A9, normally abundant in the cytoplasm of neutrophils and also released by apoptotic neutrophils, is involved in the suppression of macrophages after the uptake of apoptotic neutrophils. Both, spontaneous and induced production of inflammatory species (nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and TNF-alpha) as well as the phagocytic activity were inhibited when macrophages were in presence of apoptotic neutrophils, conditioned medium from neutrophil cultures or a peptide corresponding to the C-terminal region of S100A9 protein. On the other hand, macrophages kept in the conditioned medium of neutrophils that was previously depleted of S100A9 were shown to resume the activated status. Finally, we demonstrate that the calcium-binding property of S100A9 might play a role in the suppression process, since the stimulation of intracellular calcium release with ionomycin significantly reversed the effects of the uptake of apoptotic neutrophils in macrophages. In conclusion, we propose that S100A9 is a novel component of the regulatory mechanisms of inflammation, acting side-by-side with other suppressor factors generated upon ingestion of apoptotic cells. (C) 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of uranium incorporation from contaminated areas using teeth as bioindicators - a case study

The Southwest region of the Bahia state in Brazil hosts the largest uranium reserve of the country (100 kton in uranium, only), plus the cities of Caetite, Lagoa Real and Igapora. In this work, aim was at the investigation of uranium burdens on residents of these cities by using teeth as bioindicators, as a contribution for possible radiation protection measures. Thus, a total of 41 human teeth were collected, plus 50 from an allegedly uranium free area (the control region). Concentrations of uranium in teeth from residents of 5- to 87-y old were determined by means of a high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The highest uranium concentration in teeth was measured from samples belonging to residents of Caetite (median equal to 16 ppb). Assuming that the uranium concentrations in teeth and bones are similar within 10-20% (for children and young adults), it concluded that uranium body levels in residents of Caetite are at least one order of magnitude higher than the worldwide average. This finding led to conclude that daily ingestion of uranium, from food and water, is equally high.

Anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in sheep from southeastern Brazil

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of anti-Toxocara antibodies in sheep from Presidente Prudente, southeastern Brazil. Serum samples were obtained from 365 sheep of diverse breeds and different ages. Samples were collected at a slaughterhouse and at farms located in Presidente Prudente. Three groups of animal of different ages were evaluated according to age: Group I: between 1 and 6 months old; Group II: between 7 and 10 months old; and Group III: between 11 and 15 months old. An ELISA test was carried out to detect anti-Toxocara antibodies (IgG) using the excretory-secretory antigens of Toxocara canis (TES) larvae. In total, 183 out of 365 animals (50.1%) were positive for anti-Toxocara antibodies. The frequency of antibody detection was directly proportional to the age of the animals (p<0.0001). indicating a relationship between infection and aging. In Group III, there was a higher prevalence in females (p = 0.0041). The relevance of these animals to the epidemiology of toxocariasis in pets and human should be considered. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Risk of Giardia infection for drinking water and bathing in a peri-urban area in Sao Paulo, Brazil

A high incidence of waterborne diseases is observed worldwide and in order to address contamination problems prior to an outbreak, quantitative microbial risk assessment is a useful tool for estimating the risk of infection. The objective of this paper was to assess the probability of Giardia infection from consuming water from shallow wells in a peri-urban area. Giardia has been described as an important waterborne pathogen and reported in several water sources, including ground waters. Sixteen water samples were collected and examined according to the US EPA (1623, 2005). A Monte Carlo method was used to address the potential risk as described by the exponential dose response model. Giardia cysts occurred in 62.5% of the samples (0.1-36.1 cysts/l). A median risk of 10-1 for the population was estimated and the adult ingestion was the highest risk driver. This study illustrates the vulnerability of shallow well water supply systems in peri-urban areas.

Differences and similarities of postprandial lipemia in rodents and humans

Background: The rat has been a mainstay of physiological and metabolic research, and more recently mice. This study aimed at characterizing the postprandial triglyceride profile of two members of the Muridae family: the Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) and C57BL/6 mice (Mus musculus) plus comparing them to the profile obtained in humans. Methods: Thirty-one male and twelve female Wistar rats, ten C57BL/6 male and nine female mice received a liquid meal containing fat (17%), protein (4%) and carbohydrates (4%), providing 2 g fat/Kg. Thirty-one men and twenty-nine women received a standardized liquid meal containing fat (25%), dextromaltose (55%), protein (14%), and vitamins and minerals (6%), and providing 40 g of fat per square meter of body surface. Serial blood samples were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h after the ingestion in rats, at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h in mice and in humans at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used. Results/Discussion: The triglyceride responses were evaluated after the oral fat loads. Fasting and postprandial triglyceridemia were determined sequentially in blood sample. AUC, AUIC, AR, RR and late peaks were determined. Conclusions: Rats are prone to respond in a pro-atherogenic manner. The responses in mice were closer to the ones in healthy men. This study presents striking differences in postprandial triglycerides patterns between rats and mice not correlated to baseline triglycerides, the animal baseline body weight or fat load in all animal groups.

Risk assessment of trihalomethanes from tap water in Fortaleza, Brazil

The cancer risks (CR) by oral ingestion, dermal absorption, and inhalation exposure of trihalomethanes (THM) from tap water of ten districts in Fortaleza, Brazil were estimated. The mean levels of THM compounds were obtained in Fortaleza tap water as follow: 63.9 mu g L(-1) for chloroform (CHCl(3)), 40.0 mu g L(-1) for bromodichloromethane (CHBrCl(2)), and 15.6 mu g L(-1) for dibromochloromethane (CHBr(2)Cl). Bromoform (CHBr(3)) was not detected. The mean CR for THMs in tap water is 3.96 x 10(-4). The results indicate that Fortaleza residents have a higher CR by inhalation than dermal absorption and oral ingestion. The CR for CHCl(3) contributes with 68% as compared with the total CR, followed by CHBrCl(2) (21%), and CHBr(2)Cl (11%). The hazard index (HI) is about ten times lower than unity, not indicating non-cancer effects.

Human Health Impacts of Contaminants Found in Local Drinking Water Supply

Many contaminants are currently unregulated by the government and do not have a set limit, known as the Maximum Contaminant Level, which is dictated by cost and the best available treatment technology. The Maximum Contaminant Level Goal, on the other hand, is based solely upon health considerations and is non-enforceable. In addition to being naturally occurring, contaminants may enter drinking water supplies through industrial sources, agricultural practices, urban pollution, sprawl, and water treatment byproducts. Exposure to these contaminants is not limited to ingestion and can also occur through dermal absorption and inhalation in the shower. Health risks for the general public include skin damage, increased risk of cancer, circulatory problems, and multiple toxicities. At low levels, these contaminants generally are not harmful in our drinking water. However, children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to the health risks associated with these contaminants. Vulnerable peoples should take additional precautions with drinking water. This research project was conducted in order to learn more about our local drinking water and to characterize our exposure to contaminants. We hope to increase public awareness of water quality issues by educating the local residents about their drinking water in order to promote public health and minimize exposure to some of the contaminants contained within public water supplies.

O teste do hidrogênio expirado no diagnóstico da má absorção de doses fisiológicas de lactose em alunos de escolas públicas de Porto Alegre

Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de má absorção de lactose e sua associação com a cor da pele e a idade em crianças e adolescentes de escolas públicas do município de Porto Alegre. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal que incluiu 225 indivíduos de 8 a 18 anos, freqüentadores de escolas públicas do município de Porto Alegre. Os participantes foram classificados segundo a cor e a faixa etária. A má absorção de lactose foi diagnosticada através do teste do hidrogênio expirado após ingestão de 250 ml de leite. O teste teve duração de 3 horas e foi considerado como critério de positividade o aumento ≥ 20 partes por milhão na concentração de hidrogênio em relação ao nível basal. Resultados: Foram estudados 225 alunos, com uma média e desvio padrão de idade de 12,2 ± 2,0 anos. Cento e cinqüenta e quatro alunos eram de cor branca (68,4%) e os restantes, de cor não-branca (preta ou parda). A má absorção de lactose foi evidenciada em 19/225 casos (8,4%). Foram diagnosticados 8/154 casos (5,2%) nos alunos de cor branca e 11/71 casos (15,5%) nos alunos de cor não-branca (p = 0,02). Em relação à faixa etária, ocorreram 15/143 casos (10,5%) nos alunos entre 8 e 12 anos e 4/82 casos (4,9%) entre 13 e 18 anos (p = 0,227). Conclusões: A prevalência de má absorção de lactose encontrada em alunos de escolas pú-blicas de Porto Alegre é alta, especialmente se considerarmos que foram utilizadas doses fi-siológicas (250 ml de leite) para o diagnóstico. As taxas de má absorção foram maiores entre as crianças de cor não-branca em relação às crianças de cor branca, confirmando a influência racial na hipolactasia primária do tipo adulto.

Efeito da suplementação de carboidratos na resposta glicêmica de adolescentes diabéticos tipo 1 durante o exercício

Durante o exercício, indivíduos com diabetes tipo 1 podem necessitar um aporte maior de carboidratos (CHO), do que os contidos nas bebidas esportivas, para manter os níveis de glicose sanguínea. OBJETIVO: Verificar a resposta glicêmica em adolescentes diabéticos tipo 1, durante 60 minutos e após 60 minutos do término de exercício submáximo (55-65% do VO2max) em ciclo ergômetro em 2 situações: (1) com a utilização de bebida carboidratada a 8% (CHO 8%) e (2) com a utilização de bebida carboidratada a 10% (CHO 10%). MÉTODOS: Dezesseis adolescentes (10 meninos e 6 meninas – 16,25 ± 2,65 anos), com diabetes tipo 1 controlada (HbA1c< 7,31%) e sem complicações da doença, pedalaram a 55-65% do VO2max por 60 min em dois dias separados. Os sujeitos ingeriram tanto a bebida com CHO 8% como a CHO 10% (2,62 g e 3,28 g de frutose; e 5,38 g e 6,72 g de glicose em 100 ml, respectivamente) em cada uma das duas sessões de exercício. As duas bebidas eram similares na cor e no sabor. O volume ingerido das bebidas foi de 5 ml·kg-1 15 min antes do exercício, e 2 ml·kg-1 a cada 15 min de exercício, oferecidos de forma randomizada e duplo-cega. RESULTADOS: Após 60 min de bicicleta, houve uma redução não significativa de 20,06 mg·dL-1 (p>0,05) e a manutenção (-0,533 mg·dL- 1)(p>0,05) da glicemia capilar com a ingestão das bebida CHO 8% e CHO 10%, respectivamente. Durante o exercício, a diferença entre os deltas das bebidas também não foi significativa (p=0,056). No período de recuperação, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na glicemia entre as sessões. Também não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as sessões na freqüência cardíaca, taxa de percepção ao esforço, peso pré e pós-exercício e nos sintomas gastrointestinais. CONCLUSÃO: A ingestão de bebida contendo 8% e 10% de CHO preveniu uma redução significativa na glicemia induzida por uma hora de exercício contínuo em adolescentes com diabetes tipo 1.

Efeito agudo da ingestão de álcool sobre a função endotelial em homens jovens

A disfunção endotelial, avaliada através da vasodilatação mediada pelo fluxo (FMD) e não mediada pelo fluxo (NFMD), está associada à ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares. Enquanto o consumo moderado de bebidas alcoólicas está associado com baixo risco para doenças cardiovasculares, a ingestão de doses mais altas predispõe a arritmias cardíacas, acidente vascular encefálico e outros eventos, que têm maior incidência no período da manhã. A investigação dos efeitos do álcool sobre a função endotelial pode trazer um melhor entendimento para esta associação. O presente estudo tem por objetivo avaliar, em uma amostra homogênea, o efeito de uma dose relativamente elevada de álcool sobre parâmetros vasculares e de função endotelial. O diâmetro da artéria braquial (DAB), a FMD e a NFMD foram mensurados em três horários (17h, 22h e 7h), em 100 indivíduos do sexo masculino, hígidos, com idades entre 18 e 25 anos (média de 20,74 anos), por ecodoppler da artéria braquial (segundo o protocolo da International Brachial Artery Reactivity Task Force). Os indivíduos foram randomizados para ingerir uma bebida contendo álcool ou uma bebida similar não alcoólica, às 18h. O grupo que consumiu álcool apresentou um aumento no DAB entre as 17h (4,03 mm) e 22h (4,41 mm). Ocorreu uma redução da FMD para 2,43% e da NFMD para 6,30% às 22h, quando comparados com os valores anteriores à ingestão (FMD = 4,22% e NFMD = 13,7%). Foi constatado um efeito bifásico para a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD), com redução às 22h (PAS = 105,18 mmHg; PAD = 60,14 mmHg), seguida de elevação às 7h (PAS = 117,50 mmHg; PAD = 70,98 mmHg). Conclui-se que, após um período inicial de vasodilatação, a ingestão aguda de álcool não afeta a função endotelial, comparado ao placebo.

Associação entre o consumo de gorduras saturadas e sobrepeso ou besidade em crianças e adolescentes de Porto Alegre

Estudo de caso-controle conduzido na cidade de Porto Alegre, com o objetivo de avaliar a associação do consumo de gorduras saturadas com sobrepeso e obesidade. Foram incluídas 52 crianças e adolescentes com idades entre seis e 19 anos, sendo 26 eutróficos e 26 com sobrepeso ou obesidade. Todos responderam a um questionário que contemplava história familiar, atividade física e hábitos alimentares. O consumo diário de alimentos ricos em ácidos graxos saturados no grupo de casos e controles foi, em média, de 31,63 mg e 23,18 mg, respectivamente (p<0,05). Quando a ingestão foi avaliada pelo questionário de freqüência alimentar, os casos apresentaram consumo mais freqüente de produtos lácteos e carne de gado. Este estudo demonstrou que fatores relacionados a história familiar de obesidade, hábitos alimentares inadequados e sedentarismo influenciam no desenvolvimento da obesidade desde a infância, e que a intervenção nutricional precoce torna-se necessária para prevenção de fatores de risco associados ao desenvolvimento desta patologia.

Ecologia alimentar e reprodutiva da piaba-do-rabo-amarelo, Astyanax cf. lacustris (Reinhardt, 1874) (Osteichthyes: Characidae) na Lagoa do Piató, Assu, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

The feeding habits and biological aspects of the reproductive cycle of two-spot astyanax, Astyanax cf. lacustris (Reinhardt, 1874) were investigated. Fish samples were captured on a monthly basis, using gillnets of 4 cm mesh size, from the Piató Lake, Assu, Rio Grande do Norte, during the period of September, 2006 to August, 2007. Physico-chemical parameters, such as, temperature, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen of the lake were registered. The monthly values of rainfall also were obtained. The 360 individuals captured, were measured, weighed, dissected, and stomach weight and the stage of gonadal maturity were registered. The stomach contents analyses were carried out based on volumetric method, points, frequency of occurrence and applying the Index of Relative Importance. The degrees of repletion of the stomachs were determined besides the Index of Repletion relating to feeding activity variations and frequency of ingestion with limnological parameters and rainfall. The food items identified were separated into distinct groups according to their origin. Sex ratio and Gonadosomatic Relation of females were verified to determine the spawning period and fecundity. The physico-chemical parameters presented the following annual mean values: temperature = 28.8ºC, electrical conductivity = 992.5 µS.cm-1; dissolved oxygen = 4.9 mg.L-1 during the study period. The annual mean of the rainfall was 63.5 mm. The results indicate that this species present an omnivorous feeding habit with a tendency towards insectivory, with an increase in feeding activity during the dry season. The aquatic oxygen to interfere very importance in the feeding activity than the others factors physico-chemicals of water and rainfall. There was a predominance of females, with a sex proportion of 1M:7F. The macroscopic characteristics of the ovaries and testicles revealed four stages of gonadal development: immature, maturing, mature and spent. A temporal variation was observed for the gonadal development of males and females. There was reproductive activity through out the year, with peaks in the months of February, April and June to correspond with the rain of precipitation of the region. The mean fecundity was 7.681 mature oocytes, varying from 4.476 to 12.036, with mean of 7.681. There was positive relation between fecundity and body mass. Condition Factor is not an efficient indicator of the reproductive period of this species. The species A. cf. lacustris is an opportunist and is well adapted to the conditions of the semi-arid Caatinga Biome

Avaliação das concentrações hepáticas e séricas de retinol em bovinos e do consumo habitual de fígado por gestantes

The vitamin A is essential to animals because of its participation in a great number of biological functions. The investigation of this vitamin s concentrations is important to serve as reference to normality parameters. This study had as aim to analyse the serics and hepatics concentrations of vitamin A in two groups of bovines and to compare the hepatics concentrations to the present requeriments of vitamin A for pregnant women. It was also appraised the consume habit of bovine liver by pregnant women through of the alimentary frequency quest. Two groups of bovine were studied and the first was formad by Nelore bovine breed and the second by bovine without defined breed (WDB). It was analysed 120 samples: 60 of liver and 60 of serum. The method used to dose retinol was High Performance Liquid Cromatography (HPLC). The average (+ sd) of retinol concentrations in Nelore breed bovine and WDB liver were 16947,8 + 6866,9 and 5213,1 + 2517,2 µg of retinol/100g and at serum 39,6 + 17,9 e 28,6 + 9,4 µg of retinol/dL, respectively. No statistically significant correlation was found between hepatic and the serum retinol. The bovines in this study had adequate vitamin A levels. Independently of animal breed, the daily ingestion of bovine liver is not advised for pregnant women who show adequate support of vitamin A. The consume of bovine liver by pregnant women consulted on school maternity hospital Januário Cicco, UFRN, Natal RN, was considered high

Avaliação da concentração de retinol em fígados frescos e congelados de frangos das linhagens Cobb e Ross

The intake of adequate quantities of food, including those rich in vitamins, is necessary for a healthy life. The lack of vitamin A has been characterized as a public health problem in developing countries, however, a high intake of vitamin A can result in toxic and teratogenics effects. High concentrations of vitamin A have been observed in the livers of animals. The objective of this study was to assess the levels of retinol in chicken livers and verify the effect of frozen storage on these levels. 64 livers from two chicken strains, Cobb and Ross, were used, came from four different farms. We examined 32 livers from each strain, 8 samples from each farm. Liver sample were homogenized individually, then 4 aliquots were taken from each sample. One of aliquots was analyzed immediately after slaughter (T0), the others were analyzed after 30, 60 and 90 days of storage at -18oC (T30, T60 and T90, respectively). Retinol dosage in the liver was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The levels of retinol varied significantly according to the strain. The mean retinol value in the fresh samples was 6678.0 ± 1337.7 and 8324.1 ± 1158.5 µg/100g in the Cobb and Ross strain, respectively. Values of 4258 ± 918.7 ± 1391.7 and 4650.5 ± 1391.7 μg/100g were found after 90 days of storage for Cobb and Ross strain, respectively. The liver freezing caused a significant reduction in their levels of retinol, causing a loss of up to 44% with respect to fresh livers. The reduction in retinol levels occurred from 30 days of storage. Even with the losses from the frozen, the ingestion of a typical portion of 100 g of liver, regardless the chicken strain analyzed, surpass all recommendations of consumption and the maximum tolerable intake of vitamin A (3000 μg/day) for adults