Influence of a probiotic soy product on fecal microbiota and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in an animal model

Background: Previous work showed that daily ingestion of an aqueous soy extract fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Lactobacillus helveticus 416, supplemented or not with isoflavones, reduced the total cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol levels, increased the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration and inhibited the raising of autoantibody against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL Ab) and the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the fecal microbiota in order to investigate the possible correlation between fecal microbiota, serum lipid parameters and atherosclerotic lesion development in rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia, that ingested the aqueous soy extract fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Lactobacillus helveticus 416. Methods: The rabbits were randomly allocated to five experimental groups (n = 6): control (C), hypercholesterolemic (H), hypercholesterolemic plus unfermented soy product (HUF), hypercholesterolemic plus fermented soy product (HF) and hypercholesterolemic plus isoflavone-supplemented fermented soy product (HIF). Lipid parameters and microbiota composition were analyzed on days 0 and 60 of the treatment and the atherosclerotic lesions were quantified at the end of the experiment. The fecal microbiota was characterized by enumerating the Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Enterococcus spp., Enterobacteria and Clostridium spp. populations. Results: After 60 days of the experiment, intake of the probiotic soy product was correlated with significant increases (P < 0.05) on Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and Enterococcus spp. and a decrease in the Enterobacteria population. A strong correlation was observed between microbiota composition and lipid profile. Populations of Enterococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were negatively correlated with total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, autoantibodies against oxidized LDL (ox-LDL Ab) and lesion size. HDL-C levels were positively correlated with Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Enterococcus spp. populations. Conclusion: In conclusion, daily ingestion of the probiotic soy product, supplemented or not with isoflavones, may contribute to a beneficial balance of the fecal microbiota and this modulation is associated with an improved cholesterol profile and inhibition of atherosclerotic lesion development.

Effects of isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt on lipid parameters and atherosclerosis development in hypercholesterolemic rabbits: a randomized double-blind study

Background: There is increasing interest in natural treatments to control dyslipidemia and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of soy yogurt fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and of dietary isoflavones on the lipid profile. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt, fermented with E. faecium CRL183, on lipid parameters and atherosclerosis development in rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Forty-eight rabbits were randomly assigned to eight groups fed on the following diets for 60 days: C - control; IY - isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt; H - hypercholesterolemic (1.0% cholesterol wt/wt diet); HY - hypercholesterolemic plus soy yogurt; HIY - hypercholesterolemic plus isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt; HP - hypercholesterolemic plus placebo; HI hypercholesterolemic plus isoflavone and HE - hypercholesterolemic plus pure culture of E. faecium CRL 183. Serum lipids and autoantibodies against oxLDL (oxLDL Ab) were analyzed on days 0, 30 and 60 of the treatment and the atherosclerotic lesions were quantified at the end of the experiment. Results: Soy yogurt, soy yogurt supplemented with isoflavones and placebo promoted significant reductions in total cholesterol level (38.1%, 27.0% and 26.6%, respectively). Significant increases in serum HDL-C concentration relative to group H were detected in animals that ingested soy yogurt, with or without the isoflavone supplement (55.2%), E. faecium culture (43.3%) or placebo (35.8%). Intake of soy yogurt and soy yogurt supplemented with isoflavones prevented the rise of oxLDL Ab during the study period. The extent of atherosclerosis in the thoracic and abdominal aortas was reduced in the HIY, HY and HP groups. However, when the whole aorta was analyzed, animals treated with soy yogurt supplemented with isoflavones exhibited the greatest reduction (51.4%, P < 0.05) in atherosclerotic lesion area, compared to group H. Conclusion: Soy yogurt could be consumed as an alternative means of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving the lipid profile and inhibiting oxLDL Ab formation. Our findings also suggest that isoflavone supplementation may enhance the antiatherosclerotic effect of soy yogurt.

Low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment in dyslipidemic women: The Lipid Treatment Assessment Project (L-TAP) 2

Background Differences between women and men have been documented for both diagnostic testing and treatment in cardiology. This analysis evaluates whether low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) success rates according to current guidelines and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels differ by gender in the L-TAP 2 population. Methods Patients aged >= 20 years with dyslipidemia on stable lipid-lowering therapy were assessed in 9 countries between September 2006 and April 2007. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment by cardiovascular risk level and region and determinants of low HDL-C were compared between genders. Results Of 9,955 patients (45.3% women) evaluated, women had a significantly lower overall LDL-C success rate than men (71.5% vs 73.7%, P = .014), due entirely to the difference in the high-risk/coronary heart disease (CHD) group (LDL-C goal <100 mg/dL, 62.6% vs 70.6%, P < .0001) Among CHD patients with >= 2 additional risk factors, only 26.7% of women and 31.5% of men (P = .021) attained the optional LDL-C goal of <70 mg/dL. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was <50 mg/dL in 32.2% of women and <40 mg/dL in 26.8% of men (P < .0001), including 38.2% of women and 29.8% of men in the high risk/CHD group (P < .0001). Predictors of low HDL-C in women included diabetes, smoking, waist circumference, and hypertension. Conclusions Cholesterol treatment has, improved substantially since the original L-TAP a decade ago, when only 39% of women attained their LDL-C goal. However, high-risk women are undertreated compared to men, and a substantial opportunity remains to reduce their cardiovascular risk. (Am Heart J 2009; 158:860-6.)

Metabolic syndrome features small, apolipoprotein A-I-poor, triglyceride-rich HDL3 particles with defective anti-apoptotic activity

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) phenotype is typically characterized by visceral obesity, insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia involving hypertriglyceridemia and subnormal levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), oxidative stress and elevated cardiovascular risk. The potent antioxidative activity of small HDL3 is defective in MetS [Hansel B, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004;89:4963-71]. We evaluated the functional capacity of small HDL3 particles from MetS subjects to protect endothelial cells from apoptosis induced by mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). MetS subjects presented an insulin-resistant obese phenotype, with hypertriglyceridemia, elevated apolipoprotein B and insulin levels, but subnormal HDL-C concentrations and chronic low grade inflammation (threefold elevation of C-reactive protein). When human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were incubated with oxLDL (200 jig apolipoprotein B/ml) in the presence or absence of control HDL subfiractions (25 mu g protein/ml), small, dense HDL3b and 3c significantly inhibited cellular annexin V binding and intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species. The potent anti-apoptotic activity of small HDL3c particles was reduced (-35%; p < 0.05) in MetS subjects (n = 16) relative to normolipidemic controls (n = 7). The attenuated anti-apoptotic activity of HDL3c correlated with abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia and systemic oxidative stress (p < 0.05), and was intimately associated with altered physicochemical properties of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I-poor HDL3c, involving core cholesteryl ester depletion and triglyceride enrichment. We conclude that in MetS, apoA-I-poor, small, dense HDL3c exert defective protection of endothelial cells from oxLDL-induced apoptosis, potentially reflecting functional anomalies intimately associated with abnormal neutral lipid core content. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determinants of left ventricular mass and presence of metabolic risk factors in normotensive individuals

Background: Insulin resistance and obesity are recognized as left ventricular (LV) mass determinants independent of blood pressure (BP). Prevalence of LV hypertrophy (LVH) and the relationship between LV mass to body composition and metabolic variables were evaluated in normotensive individuals as participants of a population-based study. Methods: LV mass was measured using the second harmonic image by M-mode 2D guided echocardiography in 326 normotensive subjects (mean 47 +/- 9.4 years). Fasting serum lipids and glucose, BP, body composition and waist circumference (WC) were recorded during a clinic visit. Results: Applying a normalization criterion not related to body weight (g/height raised to the power 2.7) and the cut-off points of 47.7 (men) and 46.6 g/m(2.7) (women), LVH was found in 7.9% of the sample. Univariate analysis showed LV mass (g/m(2.7)) related to age, body mass index (BMI), WC, fat and lean body mass, systolic and diastolic BP, and metabolic variables (cholesterol, HDL-c, triglycerides and glucose). In multivariate analysis only BMI and age-adjusted systolic BP remained as independent predictors of LV mass, explaining 31% and 5% of its variability. Removing BMI from the model, WC, age-adjusted systolic BP and lean mass remained independent predictors, explaining 25.0%, 4.0% and 1.5% of LV mass variability, respectively. After sex stratification, LV mass predictors were WC (8%) and systolic BP (5%) in men and WC (36%) and systolic BP (3%) in women. Conclusion: BMI in general and particularly increased abdominal adiposity (WC as surrogate) seems to account for most of LV mass increase in normotensive individuals, mainly in women. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dyslipidemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: incidence, pattern and predictors

One hundred forty-two women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with an average body mass index (BMI) of 29.1 kg/m(2) and average age of 25.12 years were studied. By BMI, 30.2% were normal, 38.0% were overweight and 31.6% were obese. Thirty-one eumenorrheic women matched for BMI and age, with no evidence of hyperandrogenism, were recruited as controls. The incidence of dyslipidemia in the PCOS group was twice that of the Control group (76.1% versus 32.25%). The most frequent abnormalities were low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 57.6%) and high triglyceride (TG) (28.3%). HDL-C was significantly lower in all subgroups of women with PCOS when compared to the subgroups of normal women. No significant differences were seen in the total cholesterol (p = 0.307), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; p = 0.283) and TGs (p = 0.113) levels among the subgroups. An independent effect on HDL-C was detected for glucose (p = 0.004) and fasting insulin (p = 0.01); on TG for age (p = 0.003) and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (p = 0.03) and on total cholesterol and LDL-C for age (p = 0.02 and p = 0.033, respectively). In conclusion, dyslipidemia is common in women with PCOS, mainly due to low HDL-C levels. BMI has a significant impact on this abnormality.

APOE polymorphism is associated with lipid profile, but not with arterial stiffness in the general population

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death and disability in developed countries. In most cases, the progress of CVD is influenced by environmental factors and multifactorial inheritance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between APOE genotypes, cardiovascular risk factors, and a noninvasive measure of arterial stiffness in the Brazilian population. Methods: A total of 1493 urban Brazilian individuals were randomly selected from the general population of the Vitoria City Metropolitan area. Genetic analysis of the APOE polymorphism was conducted by PCR-RFLP and pulse wave velocity analyzed with a noninvasive automatic device. Results: Age, gender, body mass index, triglycerides, creatinine, uric acid, blood glucose, blood pressure phenotypes were no different between epsilon 2, epsilon 3 and epsilon 4 alleles. The epsilon 4 allele was associated with higher total-cholesterol (p < 0.001), LDL-C (p < 0.001), total-cholesterol/HDL-C ratio (p < 0.001), LDL/HDL-C ratio (p < 0.001), lower HDL-C values (p < 0.001) and higher risk to obesity (OR = 1.358, 95% CI = 1.019-1.811) and hyperuricemia (OR = 1.748, 95% CI = 1.170-2.611). Nevertheless, pulse wave velocity (p = 0.66) measures were no different between genotypes. The significant association between APOE genotypes and lipid levels persisted after a 5-year follow-up interval, but no interaction between time and genotype was observed for lipids longitudinal behavior. Conclusion: The epsilon 4 allele of the APOE gene is associated with a worse lipid profile in the Brazilian urban population. In our relatively young sample, the observed effect of APOE genotype on lipid levels was not translated into significant effects in arterial wall stiffness.

Traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) when compared with secondary APS: a study with 96 patients

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of traditional risk factors in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in comparison to those with systemic lupus erythematosus-secondary APS. Methods: Transversal study of 96 APS patients (Sapporo`s criteria). Demographic and clinical data, cardiovascular risk factors and drug use were investigated. Results: Thirty-nine Primary APS and 57 secondary APS were included. The groups did not differ regarding age (38.5 +/- 9.9 vs. 39.4 +/- 10.5 years, p=0.84) and female gender (84.6 vs. 96.5%, p=0.06), respectively. Arterial events were more observed in primary than secondary APS (59 vs. 36.8%, p=0.04) patients. No difference was seen concerning venous and obstetric events. In regard to traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease, both groups were comparable related to current or previous smoking, sedentarism, family history for coronary disease, systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, overweight and obesity. The frequencies of altered lipid profiles were alike in the two groups, except for a higher prevalence of low HDL-c levels in primary APS group (84.6 vs. 45.5%, p=0.0001). Concerning drug use, no significant differences were observed related to chloroquine and statin use, however the secondary APS patients had a higher rate of prednisone use (10.2 vs. 57.9%, p<0.001) as well as mean dose of corticosteroid (1.5 +/- 5.7 vs. 9.2 +/- 12.5mg/ /day, p=0.0001). Conclusion: Traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease are present and comparable between patients with primary and secondary APS, except for a high frequency of low HDL-c in primary APS patients.

High frequency of lipoprotein risk levels for cardiovascular disease in Takayasu arteritis

The objective of this study is to characterize the lipoprotein risk levels in Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients and its possible association with disease activity and glucocorticoid use. Twenty-five female TA patients were consecutively included and compared with 30 age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls. Demographic features and the lipid profile were determined and cardiovascular risk levels were evaluated according to NCEP/ATPIII. Total cholesterol (TC), LDL-c, HDL-c, and triglycerides were determined after a 12-h overnight fast. Exclusion criteria were conditions that interfere in the lipid profile. The disease duration was 6.6 +/- 7.4 years; 30% had clinical activity and 80% had laboratory activity. Regarding NCEP/ATPIII risk levels, TA patients presented higher frequency of lipid risk compared to controls: high TC (48% vs. 20%, p = 0.04), low HDL-c (20% vs. 0%, p = 0.015), and high triglycerides (36% vs. 10%, p = 0.026). No difference was observed related to LDL-c risk levels between both groups (40% vs. 20%, p = 0.14). Remarkably, 60% of the patients had at least one lipid risk factor for cardiovascular disease. No difference in the lipids was observed between patients with and without clinical activity; however, those with laboratory activity showed lower levels of HDL-c (1.37 +/- 0.42 vs. 2.00 +/- 0.63 mmol/L, p = 0.012) than patients without this activity. A negative correlation was found between HDL-c and CRP levels (r = -0.42, p = 0.04). Lipids were similar in patients under glucocorticoid compared to those without this therapy. This is the first study to identify that TA, an inflammatory disease, has a proatherogenic lipid profile which is associated to laboratory disease activity.

Aerobic exercise training improves the role of high-density lipoprotein antioxidant and reduces plasma lipid peroxidation in type 2 diabetes mellitus

In this study, we analyzed the effect of aerobic exercise training (AET) and of a single bout of exercise on plasma oxidative stress and on antioxidant defenses in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and in healthy control subjects (C). DM and C did not differ regarding triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), insulin, and HOMA index at baseline and after AET. To measure the lag time for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation (LAG) and the maximal rate of conjugated diene formation (MCD), participants` plasma HDL(2) and HDL(3) were incubated with LDL from pooled healthy donors` plasma. In the presence of HDL(3), both LAG and MCD were similar in C and DM, but only in DM did AET improve LAG and reduce MCD. In the presence of HDL(2), the lower baseline LAG in DM equaled C after AET. MCD was unchanged in DM after AET, but was lower than C only after AET. Furthermore, after AET plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were reduced only in DM subjects. Despite not modifying the total plasma antioxidant status and serum paraoxonase-1 activity in both groups, AET lowered the plasma lipid peroxides, corrected the HDL(2), and improved the HDL(3) antioxidant efficiency in DM independent of the changes in blood glucose, insulin, and plasma HDL concentration and composition.

Tibolone in postmenopausal women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A pilot study

Objective: To determine the influence of the use of tibolone on the frequency of flares of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in postmenopausal patients. Methods: Thirty patients with inactive or controlled SLE were included in the study. Patients were randomized to receive a 12-month course of either tibolona (2.5 mg/day) or placebo. The following were investigated: hypoestrogenism symptoms by Kupperman index, weight; anti-dsDNA antibodies; SLE flares (frequency) assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI); and biochemical profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides, complement components [C3/C4], alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, urea, creatinine, 24-h proteinuria, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Results: The reduction in Kupperman index was greater in the patients using tibolone than in those using placebo. I-lie mean SLEDAI was not different between the groups during the study as well as SLE flare frequency (tibolone: 2/15 [13.3%] vs. placebo: 1/15 [6.7%]; p = 0.54). All cases of flares were considered mild to moderate. Although the groups were similar at the baseline evaluation, after 6 and 12 months of treatment lower values were found in the tibolone group for triglycerides (6 months: 161.6 +/- 30.9 mg/dl vs. 194.4 +/- 46.5: p = 0.04: 12 months 163.7 +/- 29.8 mg/dl vs. 204.1 +/- 49.9 mg/dl; p = 0.02: tibolone vs. placebo group, respectively) and for HDL-C (6 months: 40.7 +/- 10.7 mg/dl vs. 53.4 +/- 16.5; p = 0.02; 12 months: 47.2 +/- 7.9 mg/dl vs. 63.2 +/- 16.3 mg/dl; p < 0.01: tibolone vs. placebo group, respectively). There were no differences between the two groups in any of the remaining variables. Conclusion: In patients with inactive or stable SLE, the short-term use of tibolone did not significantly affect the frequency of flares. In addition, tibolone was well tolerated and effective to control hypoestrogenism related symptoms in SLE patients. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Both a combined oral contraceptive and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate impair endothelial function in young women

Background: The study was conducted to determine whether the use of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) interferes with endothelial function. Study Design: The study was conducted on 100 women between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Fifty women had not used hormonal contraception (control group) for at least 12 months, 25 were current users of a COC (ethinylestradiol 30 mcg+levonorgestrel 150 mcg) and 25 were current users of DMPA (150 mg) for at least a 6-month period. All women were evaluated for brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), intima-media thickness, carotid distensibility and stiffness index, arterial pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, heart rate and lipid profile. Results: A significant difference in FMD was observed between the COC and control groups (6.4 +/- 2.2% vs. 8,7 +/- 3.4%, p<.01) and between the DMPA and control groups (6.2 +/- 2.1% vs. 8.7 +/- 3.4%, p<.01). The DMPA group had lower values of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) than COC users and the control group (TC: DMPA=139.9 +/- 21.5 mg/dL vs. controls=167.1 +/- 29.2 mg/dL vs. COC=168.2 +/- 37.5. p=.001; LDL-C: DMPA-85.3 +/- 20.1 mg/dL vs. controls=102 +/- 24.5 mg/dL vs. COC=106.7 +/- 33.3 mg/dL, p=.01). The control group had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) than the DMPA and COC groups (controls=52.4 +/- 14.1 mg/dL vs. DMPA=42.2 +/- 7.2 mg/dL vs. COC=45.4 +/- 9.1 mg/dL, p=.001). No significant differences were observed regarding the other variables. Conclusions: FMD was lower among COC and DMPA users, Suggesting that these hormonal contraceptives may promote endothelial dysfunction. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efeito da jabuticaba (Myrciaria caulifora), do fruto da palmeira juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) e do jambolão (Syzugium cumini) sobre o perfil lipídico, a glicemia e a endotoxemia em camundongos submetidos à dieta de cafeteria

O excesso de gordura corporal induz a um quadro inflamatório associado à endotoxemia metabólica e aumento da resistência à insulina, bem como altera o perfil lipídico que resulta em prejuízos a função hepática e renal. Estudos sugerem que a ingestão de alimentos antioxidantes, como os polifenóis, proporcionam efeitos benéficos sobre os metabolismos glicídico e lipídico. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da casca de jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora), da polpa do açaí juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) e do jambolão (Syzygium cumini) sobre o perfil lipídico, a glicemia e a endotoxemia em camundongos Swiss submetidos à dieta de cafeteria. Inicialmente, os frutos foram liofilizados e submetidos à avaliação da composição centesimal. O ensaio biológico contou com 50 camundongos machos adultos da raça Swiss distribuídos em 5 grupos (n=10/grupo), a saber: grupo tratado com dieta comercial padrão (controle negativo), grupo tratado com dieta de cafeteria (controle positivo) e grupos teste que receberam por 14 semanas a dieta de cafeteria suplementada com 2% de casca de jabuticaba, ou polpa do jambolão ou polpa do açaí juçara liofilizados. Na 13ª e 14ª semana foram determinadas a tolerância à insulina e à glicose dos animais. Ao final do período experimental, avaliaram-se o ganho de peso, os parâmetros bioquímicos sanguíneos, histopatológicos e endotoxemia. Os parâmetros bioquímicos avaliados foram: colesterol total (CT) e as frações HDL-c, LDL-c, triacilgliceróis (TAG), bem como proteína C reativa (PCR), aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e alanina aminotransferase (ALT). Na histopatologia foram avaliados os efeitos da dieta hipercalórica sobre a área dos adipócitos, esteatose hepática e função renal a partir do número e área dos glomérulos. A endotoxemia foi avaliada pela concentração de lipopolissacarídeos (LPS) no soro dos animais. Aplicou-se o teste t para comparação dos resultados entre os grupos controle e ANOVA, complementada com teste de Tukey (α=5%), para comparação dos grupos suplementados com os frutos e o controle positivo. A suplementação com 2% de jambolão à dieta de cafeteria resultou em redução significativa (p<0,05) do conteúdo de CT, LDL-c, TAG, da razão CT/HDL, bem como diminuição da área dos adipócitos dos animais tratados com os frutos. A suplementação com açaí juçara também foi capaz de reduzir o conteúdo de CT, TAG e a área dos adipócitos, além de elevar a tolerância à glicose. Por outro lado, a jabuticaba não foi eficaz na melhoria dos parâmetros relacionados ao metabolismo lipídico, ao metabolismo da glicose e dos aspectos histopatológicos. A suplementação com 2% dos frutos liofilizados não promoveu efeitos positivos na redução do ganho de peso, resistência à insulina e endotoxemia provocada pela ingestão da dieta de cafeteria. Além disso, os frutos também não foram eficientes na preservação da histologia renal e infiltração lipídica no fígado. Conclui-se que a inclusão do jambolão e do açaí juçara na dieta pode apresentar efeitos positivos sobre danos causados por dietas hiperlipídicas, especialmente no que se refere à dislipidemia, à tolerância à glicose e à hipertrofia dos adipócitos.

Influência do consumo de diferentes níveis de Spirulina no desenvolvimento e perfil lipídico de ratos

Spirulina é uma cianobactéria que vem sendo produzida e estudada por suas propriedades nutricionais e por seus benefícios à saúde. Neste estudo, avaliou-se a influência de dietas acrescidas de diferentes concentrações de Spirulina sobre o desenvolvimento corporal e o perfil lipídico de ratos. Foram utilizados 24 ratos Wistar, alimentados, durante 40 dias, com quatro dietas isoproteicas (10%) distintas, sendo seis animais por grupo: 1) Dieta controle (AIN93G adaptada); 2) Dieta S1 (8,8% de Spirulina); 3) Dieta S2 (17,6% de Spirulina); 4) Dieta S3 (26,4% de Spirulina). Foram avaliados parâmetros nutricionais e o perfil lipídico dos animais, cujos dados foram analisados estatisticamente por Análise de Variância, seguida do teste de Tukey, a 5% de significância (p ≤ 0,05). O tratamento com 8,8% de Spirulina mostrou-se equivalente ao controle, apresentando respostas mais adequadas de CEA, medidas de crescimento e lipídios séricos. Já o S2 não foi capaz de promover um bom desenvolvimento corporal, comparado com o do controle, além de elevar os níveis de colesterol total e LDL-c. O tratamento S3 apresentou somente valores estatisticamente diferentes de HDL-c, quando comparado com os do controle (p ≤ 0,05). Conclui-se que, no tempo e condições do estudo, o tratamento S3, único com Spirulina como fonte exclusiva de proteína, foi capaz de substituir a fonte proteica padrão (caseína) na dieta para roedores, promovendo o adequado desenvolvimento corporal e lipídico dos animais.

Influência do exercício físico aeróbico na prevenção da doença coronariana

A presente revisão enfatiza a função do EFA (Exercício Físico Aeróbico), moderado ou vigoroso, como um importante fator na profilaxia da AC (arteriosclerose coronariana), sobretudo quando associado a outras medidas profiláticas conhecidas. Esse efeito está provavelmente relacionado com o fato do EFA elevar a concentração de HDL-c. Esta, provavelmente, é a única medida a ser tomada naqueles casos onde não existe nenhum fator de risco associado, mas há forte história familiar de AC. Além do mais, o EFA regular tem importante papel no processo de reabilitação cardíaca nos pacientes portadores de DIM (doença isquêmica do miocárdio).