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Sirtuins (SIRTs) have become important targets in the field of health research as modulators of several metabolic diseases. SIRTs are a family of histone deacetylases regulatory proteins of genetic information with a high degree of conservation among species. Nowadays, several natural products are being investigated as SIRTs modulators. The interest in these new compounds is based on potential health benefits found on caloric restrictive diets, which are mimicked by SIRTs activation, improving mammals’ metabolism and prolonging life expectancy. In the present book chapter we highlight some of the most studied compounds able to activate sirtuins (such as the polyphenols resveratrol and gallic acid) and also different diets and food able to modulate SIRT activity, that is, Mediterranean diet, berberin, green cardamom, and cocoa.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Sirtuins (SIRTs) are a protein family with high preservation degree among evolutionary scale. SIRTs are histone deacetylases regulatory enzymes of genetic material deeply involved in numerous physiological tasks including metabolism, brain function and aging. Mammals sirtuins comprise seven enzymatic components (SIRT1–SIRT7). The highest studied sirtuin is SIRT1, which plays an essential position in the prevention and evolution of neuro-disorders. Resveratrol (3,5,4-trihydroxystylbene) (RSV) is a polyphenol, which belongs to a family compounds identified as stilbenes, predominantly concentrated in grapes and red wine. RSV is the must studied Sirtuin activator and is used as food supplementary compound. Resveratrol exhibits strong antioxidant activity, reducing free radicals, diminishing quinone-reductase-2 activity and exerting positive regulation of several endogenous enzymes. Resveratrol is also able to inhibit pro-inflammatory factors, reducing the stimulation of the nuclear factor kB (NF-kB) and the release of endogenous cytokines. Resveratrol treatment can modulate multiple signaling pathway effectors related to programmed cell death, cell survival, and synaptic plasticity. In this context, the present review looks over news and the role of Sirtuins activation and resveratrol effects on modulating target genes, cognition and neurodegenerative disorders.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Scope: this study has a novel approach to investigate the effects of oral supplementation of kefir grains on metabolic improvement and the expression of the antioxidant enzymes Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Catalase (CAT) of the liver in malnourished mice. Method and results: swiss mice were divided into four groups and subjected to two treatment phases: the food restriction phase of 20% in relation to the control group was maintained until animals reached a weight deficit of about 20% in relation to their original weight and the renutrition phase, the animals received diets every day for 30 days. Diets (chow powder plus kefir grains) were administered orally. Thereafter, during throughout the experiment measurements of body weight and energy consumption were obtained. After the end of treatment, fasting glucose tolerance tests were performed at night and insulin sensitivity with fed mice. Soon in then, the mice were euthanized by beheading in guillotine and the blood and liver were collected for evaluation of biochemical parameters, Histopathological assessments and Reverse transcriptase (RT-PCR). Conclusion: the present study demonstrated the kefir grains ability to modulate inflammation and hepatic oxidative-stress under malnourished-state.

Diet macronutrient heterogeneity hinders animal studies' data extrapolation from metabolic disorders to human diseases.The present study aimed to evaluate different fat-diet compositions' effect on inducing lipid/glucose metabolism alterations in mice.Swiss male mice were fed for 12 weeks with five different diets: Standard Diet (ST), American Institute of Nutrition 93 for growth (AIN93G) high-butter/high-sugar (HBHS), high-lard/high-sugar (HLHS), and high-oil/high-sugar diet (soybean oil) (HOHS). Several parameters, such as serum biochemistry, histology, and liver mRNA expression, were accessed.The main findings revealed that the HLHS diet dramatically altered liver metabolism inducing hepatic steatosis and increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, increasing liver CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (CEBP-α), Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and Catalase (CAT) mRNA expression. Moreover, the HLHS diet increased glucose intolerance and reduced insulin sensitivity.High-fat/high-sugar diets are efficient to induce obesity and metabolic syndrome-associated alterations, and diets enriched with lard and sugar showed more effective results.

Elevated peripheral expression of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, diabetes, and cancer. It is also associated with cognitive impairment as it has been reported that high levels of Hcy cause cognitive dysfunction and memory deficit. Among several etiological factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Hcy seems to directly contribute to the generation of neurotoxicity factors. This study aims to hypothesize the molecular mechanism by which exercise can reduce the risk of neurological complications promoted by hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), and discuss how exercise could reduce the risk of developing AD by using bioinformatics network models. According to the genes network, there are connections between proteins and amino acids associated with Hcy, exercise, and AD. Studies have evidenced that exercise may be one of several processes by which acid nitric availability can be maximized in the human body, which is particularly important in reducing cell loss and tau pathology and, thereby, leading to a reduced risk of complications associated with HHcy and AD.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol, a nutraceutical polyphenol, and Lactococcus lactis (bacteria probiotic), on metabolic parameters and hepatic proinflammatory markers expression. C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups: Standard (ST), Lactococcus lactis (LL), Resveratrol (RSV), and Lactococcus lactis plus resveratrol (LL + RSV). Lactococcus lactis and resveratrol were administered by orogastric gavage. Blood parameters were assessed (total cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT and AST). IL-6 mRNA expression was evaluated by Real-time PCR and TNF-α protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The main findings showed that resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis association decreased body weight, aspartate aminotransferase and total cholesterol levels. LL and LL + RSV decreased triglycerides levels and IL-6 and TNF-α expression. These results open a perspective of using resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis to improve metabolic parameters and Lactococcus lactis in preventing inflammation and the hepatic diseases development.

Background: Brazilian flora is rich in plants with medicinal properties, which though popular, has contributed to the development of a range of phytotherapic products that use plants to treat and cure diseases. However, studies that use Brazilian plants in the treatment of metabolic disorders are still scarce in the literature. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of hepatotoxicity Lafoensia pacari on the metabolism of mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet and to verify the phytochemical difference between the Lafoensia pacari bark of the trunk, leaves, and branches. Methods: The plant material was collected from April to May in the municipality of Bonito de Minas, MG, Brazil. Qualitative tests for the presence of secondary metabolite classes were performed for leaves, branches and bark of the trunk. Through histological analysis, we evaluated hepatocytes and cell lesions in the liver. Results: The comparative phytochemical analysis of the plant did not reveal alterations between the different plant parts. The phytochemical test showed that is preferable to use the leaves to make the extract to be applied, aiming to reduce the plant aggression. After treatment, greater changes were observed in the animals that received the high-fat diet and the hydroethanolic extract; the levels of AST, ALT, albumin and creatinine that were increased, thus demonstrating a possible toxicity. There were no significant differences in body weight. In the histological analysis, the animals without plant treatment displayed decreased liver weight and reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate. Conclusion: We conclude that Lafoensia pacari should be better evaluated for oral consumption and may cause liver damage.

Background: Obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Bifidobacterium longum (BL), a common member of the human gut microbiota, has important health benefits through several mechanisms. Objectives: We evaluated the BL supplementation effects on body metabolism and renin-angiotensin components hepatic expression in mice fed a high-fat diet. Methods: Thirty-two male mice were divided into four groups: standard diet + placebo (ST), standard diet + Bifidobacterium longum (ST + BL), high-fat diet + placebo (HFD) and high-fat diet + Bifidobacterium longum (HFD + BL). Following the obesity induction period, the ST + BL and HFD + BL groups were supplemented with Bifidobacterium longum for 4 weeks. Then, body, biochemical, histological and molecular parameters were evaluated. Results: HFD + BL mice had a significant decrease in adipose tissue mass and blood glucose levels, as well as a significant reduction in blood glucose during an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. The treatment also resulted in reduced levels of total cholesterol and hepatic fat accumulation. Moreover, we observed an increase in angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Mas receptor (MASR) expression levels in BL-treated obese mice. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that BL may have the potential to prevent obesity and NAFLD by modulating the mRNA expression of renin-angiotensin system components.

Este estudo avaliou as competências (acesso, compreensão/avaliação e aplicação) do Letramento em Saúde (LS), utilizando uma nova escala desenvolvida e sua associação com o perfil bioquímico entre pessoas que vivem com diabetes. Para diagnóstico do diabetes, foram utilizados parâmetros bioquímicos. Para validação de constructo da escala, foram utilizadas Análise Fatorial Exploratória (AFE) e Análise Fatorial Confirmatória (AFC). Análises estatísticas estimaram a associação do LS com parâmetros socioeconômicos, bioquímicos, antropométricos e cognitivos. O estudo incluiu 341 pessoas com diabetes. Os resultados mostraram que 91,9% receberam informações relacionadas ao diabetes. AFE demonstrou adequado índice de ajuste (KMO = 0,919) e os itens foram agrupados em 3 fatores: acesso, compreensão/avaliação e aplicação. AFC confirmou o ajuste do modelo (l²/df = 2.09; RMSEA = 0.061). Altos níveis de acesso à informação relacionada ao diabetes implicaram em altos níveis autorrelatados de aplicação. Entretanto, elevado nível de aplicação não foi associado com melhor perfil bioquímico (p < 0,05), incluindo a dosagem de hemoglobina glicada. Modelos de regressão mostraram que características, como cor da pele e cognição, foram associadas com alto nível de LS em todos os domínios. Ademais, uma proporção maior de homens teve maior acesso à informação relacionada ao diabetes, quando comparado às mulheres. Estes resultados demonstram que diferentes fatores devem ser considerados no processo do LS para atingir adequado autocuidado no controle da doença e na prevenção de complicações. Informações de saúde para pessoas que vivem com diabetes devem focar em fatores de risco ou comportamentos que modulam os parâmetros bioquímicos.

Purpose Leptin, an important hormone controlling energy homeostasis, has been linked to the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Evidence indicates that head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy show decreased leptin levels after radiotherapy treatment. Thus, we investigated, through phenotypic and molecular analyses, whether leptin can compromise the therapeutic effect of ionizing radiation and neoplastic behavior of OSCC cells. Methods The human OSCC-derived cell lines SCC9 and SCC4 were treated with human recombinant leptin and exposed to 6 Gy of irradiation. We performed the in vitro assays of cell migration, death, proliferation, and colony-forming ability. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and proteome analysis by mass spectrometry were also conducted. Results Leptin was able to increase cell proliferation, migration, and colony-forming ability, despite the suppressive effect induced by irradiation. Furthermore, the leptin promoted a significant reduction of ROS intracellular accumulation, and increased expression of the cancer-related proteins, as ACTC1, KRT6A, and EEF2 in irradiated OSCC cells. Conclusions Our findings suggest that leptin impairs responsivity of OSCC cells to the ionizing radiation, reducing the suppressive effects of irradiation on the neoplastic phenotype, and increasing protein expression critical to carcinogenesis.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently considered an important component of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The spectrum of NAFLD includes conditions that range from simple hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. NAFLD is correlated with liver-related death and is predicted to be the most frequent indication for liver transplantation by 2030. Insulin resistance is directly correlated to the central mechanisms of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients, which is strongly correlated to the imbalance of the renin–angiotensin system, that is involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. Among the emerging treatment approaches for NAFLD is the anti-hypertensive agent telmisartan, which has positive effects on liver, lipid, and glucose metabolism, especially through its action on the renin–angiotensin system, by blocking the ACE/AngII/AT1 axis and increasing ACE2/Ang(1–7)/Mas axis activation. However, treatment with this drug is only recommended for patients with an established indication for anti-hypertensive therapy. Thus, there is an increased need for large randomized controlled trials with the aim of elucidating the effects of telmisartan on liver disease, especially NAFLD. From this perspective, the present review aims to provide a brief examination of the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH and the role of telmisartan on preventing liver disorders and thus to improve the discussion on potential therapies.

The regulation of chronic inflammation has received considerable research attention in recent years because of its contribution to the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity. Thus, strategies that inhibit the inflammatory state may be beneficial in improving the pathophysiology of several inflammation-related disorders. Sirtuins are a family of histone deacetylases that contain seven enzymatic activities in mammals (SIRT1-SIRT7) and function to suppress gene transcription by epigenetic mechanisms. Nuclear sirtuins (SIRT 1, 2, 6 and 7) in particular may play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory responses. In the present review, we assessed the roles of nuclear sirtuins in inflammatory reactions: SIRT1 has been shown to suppress NF-κb activity, the master regulator of cellular inflammatory response, decrease COX-2 and iNOS production, and increase antioxidant gene expression that suppressed inflammation. SIRT2 activity included the deacetylation of p65 subunit of NF-κβ and RIP-1, while SIRT6 has been shown to interact with p65/RelA bound to the NF-κβ promoter region and repress transcriptional activity. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that the absence of SIRT7 produced an increase in inflammation, illustrating that SIRT7 also functioned to decrease inflammation. Given their significant roles in the regulation of chronic inflammation, nuclear sirtuins represent potential therapeutic targets in the control of chronic inflammatory diseases.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Outra Agência The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the metabolic profile, inflammatory markers and the gene expression of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) components in the visceral adipose tissue of eutrophic, obese and malnourished individuals and mice models of obesity and food restriction. Male Swiss mice were divided into eight groups and fed different levels of food restriction (20%, 40%, or 60%) using standard or high-fat diet. Metabolic profile and adipose tissues were assessed. The expression of AGT (Angiotensinogen), ACE (Angiotensin-converting enzyme), ACE2 (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the mice epididymal adipose tissue and the human visceral adipose tissue was assessed. The main findings showed reduced body weight, improved metabolism, decreased adipose tissues weight and reduced adipocyte area in mice submitted to food restriction. Diminished expression of IL-6, TNF-α, AGT, AT1 and ACE was detected in the 20% and 40% food restriction animal groups, although they were increased in the 60% malnourished group. Increased expression of IL-6, TNF-α, AGT and ACE in obese and malnourished individuals was observed. Adipocytes size was increased in obese individuals and reduced in malnutrition. In conclusion, we found that food restriction of 20% and 40% improved the metabolic profile, ameliorated the inflammatory status and down-regulated the RAS in mice. Severe 60% food restriction (malnutrition), however, stimulated a proinflammatory state and increased AGT and ACE expression in the adipose tissue of mice. A similar profile was observed in the adipose tissue of obese and malnourished humans, supporting the critical role of inflammation and RAS as mediators of metabolic disorders.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Background: understanding the biological processes underlying Pressure Ulcer (PU) is an important strategy to identify new molecular targets. Bioinformatics has emerged as an important screening tool for a broad range of diseases. Objective: this study aim of the current study is to investigate the protein-protein interaction in the PU context by bioinformatics. Methods: we performed a search in gene databases, and bioinformatics algorithms were used to generate molecular targets for PU based in silico investigation. Interactions networks between protein-coding genes were built and compared to skin. Results: TNFA, MMP9, and IL10 genes have higher disease-related connectivity than a connectivity general global. MAGOH, UBC, and PTCH1 as were leader genes related to skin. Ontological analysis demonstrated different mechanisms associated, such as response to oxidase stress. Conclusion: TNFA, MMP9, and IL10 are possible therapeutic targets for pressure ulcer. Additional investigation of cell post-transcriptional machinery should be investigated in PU.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a public health problem, which requires enhanced self-care in order to avoid complications. However, cognitive impairment can reduce these abilities and may affect health literacy (HL) of patients in terms to understand and apply information. Therefore, this study evaluated the correlation between cognitive condition and HL related to medication adherence, physical activity and nutritional status among people living with DM. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out among elderly people (≥ 60 years old) with DM. The cognitive condition was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the HL using the following questionnaires: Literacy Assessment for Diabetes (LAD-60), Nutritional Literacy among People with Diabetes (NLD), Health Literacy on the Practice of Physical Activities among Diabetics (HLPPA - D), and Health Literacy regarding Drug Adherence among Diabetics (HLDA-D). Sociodemographic and biochemical profile was also evaluated. Spearman correlation was used (p

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Oral Mucositis (OM) is a common adverse effect of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of early changes in tissue electrical parameters (TEPs) in predicting the development of OM in HNSCC patients receiving radiation therapy (RT). The current study combined two study designs. The first was a case-control study. The control group comprised of RT patients who did not receive head and neck RT, and patients with HNSCC who received RT comprised the case group. In the second part of the study, the case group was included in a parallel cohort. A total of 320 patients were assessed for eligibility, and 135 patients were enrolled. Double blinding was performed, and neither the patients nor the care providers knew the measured parameters. The primary outcome was the detection of between-group changes in local TEPs over the follow-up period. The secondary outcome was the appearance of OM grades II, III, or IV and the predictive value of local TEPs in determining the incidence of OM after RT. The variables, impedance module, resistance, reactance, phase angle, and capacitance, were analyzed by the receiver operator curves (ROC). The case and control groups did not differ in demographic and clinical characteristics. Radiation therapy increased the local impedance module, resistance, reactance, and phase angle and reduced the local tissue capacitance in both groups. Evaluation of TEPs in the first week of RT correlated with the development of OM lesions during cancer therapy. ROC analysis showed that local impedance module and resistance presented higher specificity than did other parameters in predicting OM. In conclusion, local tissue electrical parameters measured at the first RT week can be useful tools to predict oral mucositis.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Outra Agência The generation of large volumes of waste by industrial processes has become an object of study because of the necessity to characterize the composition of residues in order to suggest appropriate treatments and to minimize adverse environmental impacts. We performed analyses of total fixed and volatile solids, moisture, and chemical oxygen demand (COD). We found high organic matter content. We also measured physicochemical characteristics, including corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity. Sewage sludge showed levels of chloride and sodium above the maximum allowed limits. These data suggest the potential for anaerobic digestion as a treatment option for sewage sludge and for its use as a biofertilizer.

Objective Malignant salivary gland tumors (MSGTs) present different phenotypic characteristics and various clinical outcomes, which proved to be a diagnostic challenge. Considering the heterogeneity of MSGT, this study aims to identify molecule related to the nature of MSGT. Methods For screening, proteomic analysis comparing MSGT with pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and salivary gland was performed. The MSGT-associated protein which presented in the higher number in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was selected. To validate the data, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed in 14 patients with PA, 22 patients with MSGT, and 14 controls. Results 16 proteins were associated with MSGT. ANXA2 was the primary protein, according to GEO database analyses. ANXA2 was most expressed in the cell membrane. However, some ANXA2 staining was also observed in the cytoplasm and nucleus. ANXA2 was highly expressed in MSGT in comparison with control. Also, ANXA2 has a higher expression in adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (ANOS) and myoepithelial carcinoma (MC) in comparison with PA. Conclusion In conclusion, this study demonstrated that MSGT presented higher levels of ANXA2 in comparison with normal salivary glands. Also, ANXA2 might be interesting as a molecular marker of ANOS and MS.

This study aimed at investigating the effect of fermented dairy beverage with clove essential oil (CEO) on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through endogenous enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). For this, bioinformatic analysis was performed using the Genecards and String platforms. Headspace was used to analyze and confirm the compounds at low concentrations. Antioxidant activity was analyzed using the DPPH free radical sequestration method. For analysis of antioxidant activity, twenty-four male Swiss mice were divided into three groups and submitted histopathological analysis, analysis of CAT, SOD,GPx transcripts, and CAT and SOD enzyme activity in visceral adipose tissue were evaluated.The leader genes found were PIK3CD, PIK3CB, AKT1, and PIK3CA, as they had the highest WNL values. The beverage containing CEO showed higher antioxidant activity, with free radical scavenging capacity above 80%. In the in vivo analyses, it was possible to verify a reduction in the average adipocyte area size (μm2) between the groups that received fermented dairy beverage. Although functional studies have shown that the antioxidant enzymes, CAT and SOD, showed similar concentrations in visceral adipose tissue of the three groups, the expression levels of GPx1, CAT, and SOD were higher in group 2. Surprisingly, the group 3, that received the fermented dairy beverage with CEO had the lowest SOD concentration (p

Background: visceral obesity has been considered a risk factor for metabolic and cardiovascular complications. In an attempt to reduce the visceral adipose tissue, omentectomy has been proposed to be performed along with bariatric surgery. Objective: the goal of this study was to evaluate whether omentectomy associated with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is beneficial to the inflammatory and metabolic profile of rats fed a standard diet (STD) or high-fat diet (HFD). Setting: University hospital, Brazil. Methods: for this experiment, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups as follows: sham surgery (STD+L or HFD+L), SG alone (STD+SG or HFD+SG), or SG with omentectomy (STD+SGO or HFD+SGO). Anthropometric data and metabolic profiles were evaluated, and the tissue expression of inflammatory markers in the visceral adipose tissue was measured. Results: in rats with diet-induced obesity treated with SG with or without omentectomy, there was a reduction in weight (HFD+SG: P

// Talita Antunes Guimaraes 1 , Lucyana Conceicao Farias 1 , Eliane Sobrinho Santos 1, 5 , Carlos Alberto de Carvalho Fraga 6, 7 , Lissur Azevedo Orsini 2 , Leandro de Freitas Teles 1 , John David Feltenberger 3 , Sabrina Ferreira de Jesus 1 , Marcela Goncalves de Souza 1 , Sergio Henrique Sousa Santos 4 , Alfredo Mauricio Batista de Paula 1 , Ricardo Santiago Gomez 2, * Andre Luiz Sena Guimaraes 1, * 1 Department of Dentistry, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil 2 Department of Clinical, Surgery and Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 3 Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX, USA 4 Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Food Engineering College, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil 5 Instituto Federal de Educacao, Ciencia e Tecnologia do Norte de Minas Gerais (IFNMG), Aracuai, Minas Gerais, Brazil 6 Faculdades Integradas Pitagoras, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil 7 Faculdades Unidas do Norte de Minas, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Andre Luiz Sena Guimaraes, email: andreluizguimaraes@gmail.com Ricardo Santiago Gomez, email: rsgomez.ufmg@gmail.com Keywords: proliferation, oral cancer, metformin, PDH, LDH-A Received: March 21, 2016 Accepted: July 09, 2016 Published: July 26, 2016 ABSTRACT Background: Metformin is a biguanide, belonging to the oral hypoglycemic agents and is a widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Evidence indicate that Metformin inhibits cell proliferation in several human cancers and inhibits the Warburg phenomenon in tumor cells. Results: Low PDH levels were observed in OSCC, and Metformin promotes an increase in PDH levels in hypoxic conditions. Metformin also reduced HIF-1α mRNA and protein levels. Metformin demonstrated antiproliferative effects, inhibited migration, increased the number of apoptotic cells and increased the transcription of caspase 3. Objective: The present study aims to explore the effects of Metformin in hypoxic conditions. Specifically, we focused on pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), (hypoxia-inducible factor 1α) HIF-1α levels and the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell phenotype. Additionally, we also investigated a theoretical consequence of Metformin treatment. Methods: PDH levels in patients with OSCC and oral dysplasia were evaluated. Metformin was administered in vitro to test the effect of Metformin under hypoxic conditions. The results were complemented by Bioinformatics analyses. Conclusions: In conclusion, our current findings show that Metformin reduces HIF-1α gene expression and increases PDH expression. Metformin inhibits cell proliferation and migration in the OSCC cell line model. Additionally, Metformin enhances the number of apoptotic cells and caspase 3 levels. Interestingly enough, Metformin did not increase the mutant p53 levels under hypoxic conditions.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Objective: a healthy diet is essential for the prevention of metabolic syndrome. The present study evaluated the effect of resveratrol associated with high-polyunsaturated fat and high-protein diets on expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes. Research methods & procedures: FVB/N mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 7 each) and fed with experimental diets for 60 days: standard (ST), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-protein diet (HPD), with and without resveratrol (RSV) (4 g/kg diet). The body weight, food intake, energy intake (kcal), and blood parameters (HDL-C, total cholesterol, glucose, and triglyceride levels) were assessed. Real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of adipogenesis and lipogenesis markers: PPARγ, SREBP-1c, ACC and FAS in samples from perigonadal adipose tissue. Results: in the HPD + RSV group, resveratrol decreased body weight, body adiposity, adipose tissue weight, adipocyte area, total cholesterol, ACC and FAS expression, and increased HDL-cholesterol in comparison to HPD. In the HPD group there was a decrease in adipocyte area, as well as PPARγ, SREBP-1c and ACC expression in comparison to ST. While in HFD + RSV, resveratrol decreased levels of total cholesterol in comparison to HFD. In the HFD group there was decrease in body weight, and PPARγ, SREBP-1c and ACC expression in comparison to ST. Conclusions: the obtained results show that resveratrol decreases lipogenesis markers and metabolic parameters in the setting of a high-protein diet. Moreover, resveratrol decreased total cholesterol in both diets. These results point to the increased potential of resveratrol use in prevention of metabolic syndrome, acting on different dietary compositions.

O buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) é uma palmeira da família Arecaceae, que ocorre no Cerrado, sendo encontrado notadamente nas veredas. O fruto do buriti se destaca por possuir uma composição química complexa, com destaque para sua fração lipídica. Entretanto, dependendo da região de ocorrência dos frutos, este óleo vegetal pode apresentar características distintas. Nesse sentido, este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar o óleo de buriti proveniente de três municípios do Norte de Minas Gerais. Foram realizadas análises de caracterização físico-química, perfil de ácidos graxos por cromatografia gasosa, luteína, α – e β-carotenos por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência e carotenoides totais por espectrofotometria. Os resultados demostraram que não houve diferença significativa entre as amostras de cada município analisado. Além disso, o óleo apresentou bom rendimento, ótima qualidade físico-química, além de ser uma fonte rica de ácidos graxos insaturados e carotenoides totais. Sendo assim, o óleo de buriti da região do Norte de Minas Gerais possui bom potencial para aplicação pela indústria de alimentos.

Obesity is a chronic multifactorial disease and is currently a public health problem. Maternal obesity during pregnancy is more dangerous as it impairs the health of the mother and future generations. Obesity leads to several metabolic disorders. Since white adipose tissue is an endocrine tissue, obesity often leads to disordered secretion of inflammatory, glycemic, lipid and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components. The RAS represents a link between obesity and its metabolic consequences. Therefore, our goal was to evaluate the possible changes caused by a high-fat diet in RAS-related receptor expression in the uterus and placenta of pregnant mice and determine the underlying effects of these changes in the fetuses' body composition. Breeding groups were formed after obesity induction by high-fat (HF) diet. Dams and fetuses were euthanized on the 19th day of the gestational period. The HF diet effectively induced obesity, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in mice. Fetuses born from HF dams showed increased body weight and adiposity. Both results were accompanied by increased AT1R expression in placenta and uterus together with increased angiotensin-converting enzyme expression in the uterus and a decreased expression of MAS1 in placenta of HF dams. These results suggest a link between RAS, maternal obesity induced by HF diet and the fetuses' body adiposity. This new path now can be more thoroughly explored.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Aims: the aim of the present study was to evaluate the oral resveratrol effects associated with diet and physical training changes on anthropometric and biochemical parameters. Main methods: 25 individuals aged from 30 to 60 years old; with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were included in the study. Following the primary evaluation (anthropometric and clinical), the patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: (1) Placebo: Physical activity program + Diet + Placebo; (2) Resveratrol: Physical activity program + Diet + Resveratrol (RVS) (250 mg/day) for three months. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after the treatment period. Key findings: the main findings showed that the resveratrol supplementation improved total cholesterol (TC), High-density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), Very-low density Lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), urea, creatinine and albumin serum levels. Significance: these findings indicate that this polyphenol may be an option to potentiate the beneficial effects induced by dietary and physical activity programs in the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) treatment.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior We have read with interest the recent review by Zbinden-Foncea et al. suggesting that high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness induced by prior exercise training may confer some innate immune protection against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by attenuating the “cytokine storm syndrome” by modulating angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) effects. However, it is important to highlight that the benefic effects of physical exercise also involves the angiotensin-(1-7)/MAS1 proto-oncogene, GPCR receptor (MAS receptor; Mas) axis activation.

Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is an important peptide cascade involved in physiological processes. RAS homeostasis disruption produces several cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, such as arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarct, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and increases gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cell proliferation. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) peptide is the main RAS counter-regulatory axis effector. It is formed from ACE2 enzyme and acts mainly through Mas receptor (MasR). In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate alterations in small intestine morphology and intestinal microbiota composition in MasR knockout C57BL/6 mice. We analyzed glucose tolerance; insulin sensitivity and blood collected for biochemical parameters as well as small intestine tissues samples for immunohistochemistry. mRNA and bacteria gDNA expression evaluation. mRNA expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR for TLR4, PI3K and AKT. The main results showed that Mas-R-knockout mice presented lower body weight. MasR-knockout mice also presented increased fasted blood glucose and total cholesterol with reduced HDL, lower glucose tolerance and impaired insulin sensitivity. Increased intestinal mucosa length, increased intestinal villi, reduced Lieberkühn crypt depth. The increased expression of cell proliferation markers Ki-67 and Cyclin D1 and increased TLR4, PI3K and AKT expressions were observed with augmented Bacteroidetes and decreased amount of Firmicutes. That results suggests that MasR deletion generated changes in intestinal microbiota, possibly due to a lower neutral amino acids absorption followed by a compensatory increase in intestinal villi length associated with disbiosis and LPS overproduction that ultimately lead to proliferation and cell inflammation.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Diabetes is a metabolic condition associated with hyperglycemia manifested by the elevation of blood glucose levels occurring when the pancreas decreases or stops the production of insulin, in case of insulin resistance or both. The current literature supports that insulin resistance may be responsible for the memory decline associated with diabetes. Glucose transporters (GLUTs) are a family of proteins involved in glucose transport across biological membranes. GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 are involved in glucose delivery to the brain. Evidence suggests that both transporters are downregulated in chronic peripheral hyperglycemia. Here we show the mechanisms of glucose transport and its influence on cognitive function, including a hypothesis of how peripheral hyperglycemia related genes network interactions may lead to glucose transporters downregulation and its possible consequences.

Introduction Gallic acid (GA) is a natural endogenous polyphenol found in a variety of fruits, vegetables and wines, with beneficial effects on the energetic homeostasis. Aim The present study aimed to investigate oral gallic acid effects on liver steatosis and hepatic lipogenesis markers in obese mice evaluating new possible molecular related mechanisms. Methods Twenty-four Swiss male mice were divided into four groups and fed for 60 days with standard diet (ST), standard diet plus gallic acid (ST + GA), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet plus gallic acid (HFD + GA). We evaluated the relationship between body weight, food intake and serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, aspartate and alanine transaminases. Liver histology was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. These results were accompanied by bioinformatics analyses. The acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression was assessed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Results The main findings of the present study showed that GA reduced liver steatosis, body weight and plasma insulin levels. Analyzes of hepatic steatosis related genes expression showed that ACC and FAS mRNA were significantly suppressed in liver of HFD + GA mice. These data was corroborated by bioinformatics analysis. Conclusion These data suggest an important clinical application of GA in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

Objetivo: compreender a depressão na terceira idade, o perfil e o processo de prevenção e tratamento dos sinais e sintomas. Metodologia: a revisão integrativa de literatura foi feita utilizando as bases: Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde (BVS): Sistema Latino Americano e do Caribe de informação em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo). Foram escolhidos os estudos científicos publicados nos últimos 10 anos, epublicados na íntegra, no período de 2007 a 2017. Foram utilizados os seguintes termos: “Depressão em idosos”; “Sintomas de Depressão”; “Prevenção da Depressão” e “Tratamento da Depressão”. Resultados: após confrontarmos os resultados encontrados com a revisão da literatura que a depressão no idoso é um dos transtornos psiquiátricos mais frequentes. Acredita-se que conforme o aumento da idade, mais sintomas depressivos são apresentados, através das queixas intensificadas de doenças e a presença do quadro de ansiedade. Para melhor qualidade o idoso necessita ter conhecimento sobre sua condição e as doenças que podem lhe acometer, o que a auxilia na promoção da própria saúde, reduzindo o sofrimento. Contribuindo para o envelhecimento ativo, tornando-a participativa na sociedade, onde demonstra autonomia sobre a própria velhice. Considerações finais: evidenciou-se a partir da literatura que existe a necessidade de agir de modo preventivo, junto aos idosos, é premente. A prática e o desenvolvimento de atividades de lazer têm-se mostrado na vida dos idosos como um fator de grande importância. O lazer contribui para um melhor estado de espírito e no caso dos mais idosos, diminui os efeitos decorrentes do processo de envelhecimento. Objective: to understand depression in the elderly, the profile and the process of prevention and treatment of signs and symptoms. Methodology: integrative literature review was done using the bases: Virtual Health Library (VHL): Latin American and Caribbean System of information in Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo). At the end of the search, the scientific studies published in the last 10 years, published in full, between 2007 and 2017 were selected. The following terms were used: "Depression in the elderly"; "Symptoms of Depression"; "Prevention of Depression" and "Treatment of Depression". Results: after comparing the results found with the literature review that depression in the elderly is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders. It is believed that as the age increases, more depressive symptoms are presented, through intensified complaints of illness and the presence of anxiety. For better quality the elderly need to know about their condition and the diseases that can affect him, which helps him to promote his own health, reducing suffering. Contributing to active aging, making it participatory in society, where it demonstrates autonomy over one's own old age. Final considerations: it has been evidenced from the literature that there is a need to act in a preventive way, together with the elderly, it is urgent. The practice and development of leisure activities have been shown in the lives of the elderly as a factor of great importance. Leisure contributes to a better state of mind and, in the case of the elderly, reduces the effects of the aging process.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Objective: the increased prevalence of obesity and associated comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, has gained attention worldwide, and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been pointed out as a possible link. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the possible association between angiotensinogen (AGT) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphisms with overweight and obesity in adults. Subjects and methods: the present investigation was a population-based cross-sectional study including 1,567 individuals from an urban area in Brazil. Anthropometric, clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated, and all individuals were genotyped for the ACE I/D and AGT M/T polymorphisms. Results: the prevalence of overweight was higher among men, whereas obesity was more prevalent among women. However, the frequency of ACE or AGT polymorphisms was similar among body mass index (BMI) categories. In addition, the mean age-adjusted BMI averages did not change significantly for ACE or AGT polymorphisms, regardless of sex or BMI category. The age-adjusted BMI average for the combination of ACE and AGT genotypes evidenced no significant differences regardless of sex or BMI categories. Results were similar when BMI was replaced by waist circumference (WC). Conclusions: we were not able to find any associations between BMI and WC (overweight/obesity) and ACE and AGT polymorphisms, indicating that the RAS system might not be involved in overweight and obesity, at least based on genetic backgrounds. However, further studies must measure RAS components to elucidate this question.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Objective: because the impact of conditioned fear stress on apical bone resorption is unknown, the aim of the current studywas to use a rat model to evaluate the impact of conditioned fear stress on the bone resorption of inflammatory apical periodontitis lesions. Methods: twenty-five animals were divided into two groups. They underwent a surgical procedure in the first left lower molar tooth to expose the dental pulp and induce inflammatory apical periodontitis lesions through the retention of contamination (bacterial infection) during a 56-day period. The animals in the case group were stressed daily by using electrical stimuli (1.10 mA), whereas the animals in the control group were absent from the stressful stimuli (shocks). The open field test was performed to validate the stress methodology. The jaws were removed and collected for histological and radiographic analyses. Results: stressed animals presented increased levels of bone loss and inflammatory cells in the root apex in comparison with the control group (P = 0.0001). However, no radiographic differences were observed between the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: our results demonstrated that conditioned fear stress could modify a periapical lesion by increasing the size of bone loss there. Conditioned fear stress also increased the total number of inflammatory cells compared with the control group. Studies evaluating the impact of conditioned fear stress on human periapical inflammatory lesions should be encouraged.

Currently, angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is recognized as the main peptide on counteracting the angiotensin II (Ang II) effects in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), with crucial metabolic relevance. While Ang II is increased in endocrine disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, important studies showed that augmented activation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis is able to revert hormonal dysregulation improving insulin resistance, lipid metabolism and modulating insulin actions. The present chapter recapitulates new data indicating that the Ang-(1-7) is one of the most promising hormones on regulating endocrine diseases.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:45:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-12-15 White adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction and obesity are a consequence of a low-grade inflammation state. These WAT irregularities could result from abnormal metabolic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) control. Recently, tributyltin (TBT) has been found to play a critical role in these metabolic irregularities. However, TBT actions on the WAT-RAS functions are not currently well understood. In this study, we assessed whether TBT exposure resulted in metabolic syndrome (MetS) development and other metabolic complications as a result of abnormal modulation of WAT-RAS pathways. TBT (100 ng/kg/day) was administered to adult female Wistar rats, and their WAT morphophysiology and adipokine profiles were assessed. We further assessed the expression of Angiotensin-II receptor proteins (AT1R and AT2R) and proteins involved in downstream pathways mediating inflammation and adipogenesis modulation. TBT-exposed rats exhibited increases in body weight and adiposity. TBT rats present dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, suggesting MetS development. TBT promoted WAT inflammatory infiltration, AT1R protein overexpression and reduced Angiotensin-(1–7) expression. These TBT WAT abnormalities are reflected by NFκB activation, with higher adipokine levels (leptin, TNF-α and IL-6) and overexpression of AKT, ERK, P38, FAS and PPARγ protein. In vitro, TBT exposure stimulates lipid accumulation, reduces AT2R protein expression, and increases leptin, AKT and ERK protein expression in 3T3L1 cells. These findings suggest that TBT exposure participates in MetS development via the improper function of WAT-RAS metabolic control. Department of Morphology Healthy Sciences Center Federal University of Espírito Santo Department. of Food Science Faculty of Pharmacy Federal University of Minas Gerais Department of Pharmacology Biological Sciences Institute Federal University of Minas Gerais Department of Internal Medicine Botucatu School of Medicine University of São Paulo State Dept. of Basic Nursing Nursing School Federal University of Minas Gerais Health Science Graduate Program UNIMONTES Institute of Agricultural Sciences Food Engineering College Federal University of Minas Gerais Laboratório de Endocrinologia e Toxicologia Celular Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas/CCS Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Prédio do básico I, sala 5

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Outra Agência Radiation Therapy (RT) is a treatment option for a large number of neoplasias. However, the effect of RT on the level of hypoxia markers is poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of RT on the levels of hypoxic markers in Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Evaluation of HIF-1α and miR-210 levels in OSCC was performed. Then a proteomic analysis was performed to identify candidate hypoxic targets of RT. To validate proteomic studies, the effect of RT on HIF-1α, miR-210, PDH-A and LDH-A levels under hypoxia was assessed by qRT-PCR. The impact of RT in hypoxia markers was evaluated in patients to confirm in vitro results. An increase in the HIF-1α levels was observed in OSCC. RT reduced OSCC cell proliferation and migration. Interestingly, hypoxia could revert the effect of radiation on OSCC phenotype. However, proteomics analyses suggested that LDH is one of the critical targets of RT even in hypoxia. Moreover, RT decreased HIF-1α, miR-210, and LDH even in hypoxia. The current study demonstrated that hypoxia could revert the effects of RT in the OSCC context. However, RT reduces the levels HIF-1α, miR-210 and LDH in vivo and in vitro. The consequences of RT in blood should be carefully investigated.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior FAPERJ - Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro For many years lactate was seen as a metabolite from glucose metabolism. However, since the last century researchers have shown that this molecule has an important role on liver, muscle, and brain metabolism. Lactate traffics along whole body mediating many biological processes depending on specific situations. For example, glucose is the main substrate used during exercise but lactate released by striated skeletal muscle is used by own muscle as secondary fuel. On the other hand, neuronal firing in the brain is almost totally lactate-dependent. In addition, lactate has an important role on BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity. As this molecule has a pleiotropic role in the body, it was called as “lactormone” in 2009. Here we show basic concepts on peripheral and central metabolism and discuss neurobiological pathways of lactate, including an alternative hypothesis on lactate released during exercise.

Sclareol is a bioactive hydrophobic diterpene in the essential oil isolated from Salvia sclarea (Fam. Lamiaceae). Sclareol has been widely studied due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Aims The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Sclareol in different formulations (solid lipid nanoparticle and free) on the metabolic profile of obese mice. Main methods Swiss male mice were randomly divided into two groups: standard diet (STD) and high-fat diet (HFD). After obesity induction, each group was divided into three treatment groups: free Sclareol (Sc), Sclareol-loaded lipid nanoparticle (L-Sc) and blank lipid nanoparticle (L). Treatments were performed every day during 30 days. Key findings L-Sc improves obese mice metabolic profile by decreasing adiposity, ameliorating insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and increasing the HDL plasma levels. In addition, L-Sc decreased the expression of NF-KB, MCP-1 and SERBP-1. Significance The use of sclareol together with lipid nanocarriers may be promising for the treatment of metabolic disorders by reducing adipose tissue.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) describes diabetes-associated changes in the structure and function of myocardium that are not directly linked to other factors such as hypertension. Currently there are some models of DC; however, they take a large time period to mimic key features. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a short-term high-fat/high salt diet (HFHS) treatment on myocardial function and structure, and vascular reactivity in C57BL/6 male mice. After 14 weeks HFHS induced hypertension (MAP = 144.95 ± 16.13 vs 92.90 ± 18.95 mm Hg), low glucose tolerance (AUC = 1049.01 ± 74.79 vs 710.50 ± 52.57 a.u.), decreased insulin sensitivity (AUC = 429.83 ± 35.22 vs 313.67 ± 19.55 a.u.) and increased adiposity (epididymal fat weight 0.96 ± 0.10 vs 0.59 ± 0.06 OW/BW × 102), aspects present in metabolic syndrome. Cardiac evaluation showed diastolic dysfunction (E/A ratio = 1.20 vs 1.90 u.a.) and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (cardiomyocyte area = 502.82 ± 31.46 vs 385.58 ± 22.11 μm2). Lastly, vascular reactivity was impaired with higher contractile response (136.10 ± 3.49 vs 120.37 ± 5.43%) and lower response to endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation (74.01 ± 4.35 vs 104.84 ± 3.57%). In addition, the diet was able to induce an inward coronary remodeling (vascular total area: SCNS 6185 ± 800.6 vs HFHS 4085 ± 213.7 μm2). Therefore, we conclude that HFHS short-term treatment was able to induce metabolic syndrome-like state, cardiomyopathy and vascular injury working as an important tool to study cardiometabolic diseases.

The association between gluten and body weight is inconsistent. Previously, we showed that a gluten-free diet reduces weight gain without changing food intake in mice fed high-fat diets. In the present study, we investigated the effects of gluten intake on fat metabolism, thermogenesis and energy expenditure in mice fed a standard or high-fat diet.Mice were fed four different experimental diets during 8 weeks: a control-standard diet (CD), a CD added with 4.5% of wheat gluten (CD-G), a high-fat diet (HFD) and a HFD added with 4.5% of wheat gluten (HFD-G). After 8 weeks, the mice received (99m)Tc-radiolabeled gluten orally to study gluten absorption and biodistribution or they underwent indirect calorimetry. After killing, subcutaneous and brown adipose tissues (SAT and BAT) were collected to assess thermogenesis-related protein expression. Lipid metabolism was studied in adipocyte cultures from the four groups.Despite having had the same energy intake, CD-G and HFD-G mice exhibited increased body weight and fat deposits compared with their respective controls. (99m)Tc-GLU or its peptides were detected in the blood, liver and visceral adipose tissue, suggesting that gluten can even reach extraintestinal organs. Uncoupling protein-1 expression was reduced in the BAT of HFD-G and in the SAT of CD-G and HFD-G mice. Indirect calorimetry showed lower oxygen volume consumption in CD-G and HFD-G groups compared with their controls. In HFD mice, daily energy expenditure was reduced with gluten intake. Gluten also reduced adiponectin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and PPARγ and hormone-sensitive lipase in cultures of isolated adipocytes from HFD mice, whereas in the CD-G group, gluten intake increased interleukin-6 expression and tended to increase that of tumor necrosis factor.Wheat gluten promotes weight gain in animals on both HFD and CD, partly by reducing the thermogenic capacity of adipose tissues.

The global rise in obesity rates is alarming since this condition is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and secondary comorbidities as glucose intolerance, cardiovascular disease and liver damage. Therefore, a lot of dietary approaches are proposed to prevent and to treat obesity and its associated disorders. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is well known as a functional food due to its significant amounts of medium-chain triglycerides. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of VCO on adiposity, metabolic and inflammatory dysfunctions induced by a high-refined carbohydrate-containing (HC) diet in mice. Male BALB/c mice were divided into two groups and fed with control (C) or HC diet to induce obesity for eight weeks. At the 9th week mice fed with HC diet were randomly regrouped into four groups, and were kept this way until the 12th week, as following: (i) HC diet alone or HC diet supplemented with three different VCO doses (ii) 1000 mg/kg, (iii) 3000 mg/kg and (iv) 9000 mg/kg. Regardless of the concentration used, VCO supplementation promoted lower adiposity and also improvement in glucose tolerance, lower serum glucose and lipid levels and decreased hepatic steatosis. Moreover, VCO intake induced a lower inflammatory response due to decreased number of leukocytes and TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations in adipose tissue, as well as reduced counts of total leukocytes, mononuclear and polymorphonuclear circulating cells. Our data showed that VCO can be considered as an interesting potential dietary approach to attenuate obesity and its metabolic and inflammatory alterations.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral malignant neoplasia. As consequence of OSCC treatment, oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most common adverse effects of OSCC treatment. Currently, there is no consensus for OM treatment. The purpose of the current study was to test the combination of red and infrared low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for OM treatment. Primary culture of human fibroblast was performed to identify LLLT dose. After laboratory tests, a two-arm parallel, single-blind, controlled study was conducted. The two arms were group 1, both 660- and 808-nm wavelengths (300 J/cm2, 9 J of total energy, 100 mW, spot size 3 mm2), and group 2, only 660-nm wavelength (300 J/cm2, 9 J of total energy, 100 mW, spot size 3 mm2). Both treatments were performed twice a week. Group 1 presented a reduction of mucositis grade in comparison to group 2. Group 1 also presented reduction of analgesics prescription. But no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 were observed according to the pain scale. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that a combination of red and infrared at a higher dose (300 J/cm2) reduced both oral mucositis grade and analgesics prescription. The effects of the combination of RT and LLLT are unclear and need more studies.

Background: the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a critical contributing factor to obesity and related diseases. Several studies have shown the relationship of obesity with cyclooxygenase-2. Objectives: based on these facts, we aimed to investigate the celecoxib oral administration (a selective anti-inflammatory inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (ICOX-2)) effects, in mice fed a high-fat diet by assessing the renin-angiotensin system and inflammatory markers expression. Methods: FVB/N male mice were divided into 3 groups and fed with experimental diets, standard, high-fat diet and high-fat diet plus ICOX-2 at a dose of 100mg/kg/body weight. Body weight, food intake, blood parameters and RAS/inflammatory markers expression were assessed. Results: the main findings showed that diet-induced obese mice treated with COX-2 inhibitor showed significantly improved glucose and insulin homeostasis, presented decreased body weight gain and the biochemical analyses revealed reduced triglyceride levels and higher serum HDL-c levels as compared to HFD and ST. These results were accompanied by a downregulation of AGT, ACE, TNF-α and IL-6 expression in the group receiving treatment. Conclusion: taken together, these results indicate that ICOX-2 may exhibit therapeutic potential for obesity via the renin-angiotensin system and inflammation.

FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Outra Agência The direct calorimetric analysis is the most effective way to obtain caloric value provided by food. Knowing the amount of energy provided by food is essential for the composition of the individuals' diet. Therefore, this paper aimed to standardize a methodology for quantifying the number of calories present in a fermented milk drink with clove essential oil and in a fermented milk drink. Ten mL of each drink were transferred in to triplicate petri dishes and placed in a forced circulation oven 65 ° C for 24-48 hours to remove moisture to obtain the total solids. These were transferred to a previously tared crucible and inserted into the calorimetric pump until total burning. The results obtained in cal g-1 were converted to Kcal g-1 and finally the amount of Kcal ml-1 of each drink were calculated. The analyzes were submitted to analysis of variance (ANAVA) in a completely randomized design and to the Tukey test was used as means of comparison (p0.05). It can be concluded that the quantification of calories made by this methodology was effective and could later support studies in which it is necessary to calculate with precision the number of calories provided by fermented dairy drinks. A análise calorimétrica direta é forma mais eficaz de se obter o valor calórico fornecido pelo alimento. Conhecer a quantidade de energia fornecida pelo alimento é imprescindível para composição da dieta dos indivíduos. Dessa forma, esse trabalho visou padronizar uma metodologia para quantificação de calorias presentes em uma bebida láctea fermentada adicionada com óleo essencial de cravo da índia e uma bebida láctea fermentada. Dez mL de cada bebida foram transferidos para placas de petri em triplicada e colocadas em estufa de circulação forçada 65°C por 24-48 horas, para remoção da umidade a fim de obter os sólidos totais. Esses foram transferidos para um cadinho previamente tarado e inserido na bomba calorimétrica até queima total. Os resultados obtidos em cal g-1 foram convertidos em Kcal g-1 e por fim calculado a quantidade de Kcal ml-1 de cada bebida. As análises foram submetidas à análise de variância (ANOVA) em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso e ao teste Tukey de comparação de médias (p0,05). Pode-se concluir que a quantificação de calorias feita por essa metodologia foi eficaz e poderá auxiliar posteriormente estudos em que necessite calcular com precisão o número de calorias fornecidas por bebidas lácteas fermentadas.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Objectives: to analyze the mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the liver and white adipose tissue samples of individuals with class III obesity (body mass index ≥40.0 kg/m2) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: this cross-sectional study included patients with class III obesity exhibiting early or late morphological presentation of NAFLD (non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis [NAFL], n = 8 and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH], n = 13, respectively). All patients underwent bariatric surgery and peripheral blood, liver, and visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) samples were collected. Socio-demographic, anthropometric, clinical, plasma biochemical, and nutritional characteristics of each study subject were assessed and compared between patients presenting with NAFL and NASH. IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression in the liver and WAT samples were measured by using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: individuals with class III obesity and NASH showed higher body mass index (BMI) and higher IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression in the WAT compared to that of patients with NAFL (p = 0.01, for all associations). Conclusions: individuals with class III obesity with higher morphological severity of NAFLD exhibited higher BMI and higher IL-6 and TNF-α expression in the WAT. Future prospective studies are warranted to determine how BMI, IL-6, and TNF-α affect the progression of NAFLD in individuals with class III obesity.

Background Lipogenesis is a process that involves the fatty acids synthesis. Resveratrol and enalapril have been studied for their beneficial physiological properties on the glucose and lipid metabolism. Objectives The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oral administration of resveratrol and enalapril effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, evaluating the white pad lipogenesis genes expression in mice. Methods Swiss male mice were divided into four groups and treated for eight weeks as follows: Standard diet ad libitum (G1); Standard diet + Resveratrol (G2); Standard diet + Enalapril (G3); Standard diet + Resveratrol + Enalapril (G4), where resveratrol was administered with the food and enalapril with the water. Body weight, lipid profile, adiposity, glycemic parameters and epididymal adipocytes area were assessed. The expression levels of FAS, ACC, PPARγ and SREBP-1c were assessed by RT-PCR. Results The main findings showed an improvement in the insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in the group G2 as compared to G1. Similar results were found for the fasting glucose levels. Decreased triglycerides were observed in the animals treated with resveratrol and enalapril, along with decreased weight of the epididymal adipose tissue in the animals of the G2 group. A mild reduction in the group G4 as compared to the group G1 was observed. Decreased mRNA expression of FAS, ACC and PPARγ in the G4 group when compared to the G1 group were observed. Conclusion In conclusion the resveratrol and enalapril association improved the glucose and lipid profiles by modulating the expression of some lipogenesis genes, which are critical regulators of metabolic homeostasis.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Background: the complex pathophysiology of obesity includes low-grade chronic inflammation of white adipose tissue, an increase in plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as genetic factors, which have all emerged as important risk factors. Objective: evaluate the association between the TNFα-308G/A variant and sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral variables in an urban population using overall and central obesity as the measured outcome. Methods: a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted. Anthropometric measures and genotyping were assessed in 808 individuals. The associations were tested using the hierarchical theoretical model and multiple logistic regressions. Results: thirty-one percent of subjects were overweight while 19.4% were obese. No association was observed between genotype frequencies of TNFα-308G/A and either obesity or other variables of adiposity, including waist circumference, waist to height ratio, conicity index, and fat mass. However, age, gender, physical inactivity, and other comorbidities were associated with measures of excess adiposity in the hierarchical model. The phase angle of AA genotype was lower than GA and GG genotypes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: the rs1800629 SNP of the TNFA gene was not associated with the adiposity indicators evaluated in this based population study. However, AA genotype is more likely to have low cellular membrane integrity.

A bioreactor was built by means of immobilizing alpha-amylase from Aspergillus oryzae by encapsulation, through cryopolymerization of acrylamide monomers for the continuous starch hydrolysis. The starch hydrolysis was evaluated regarding pH, the concentration of immobilized amylase on cryogel, the concentration of starch solution and temperature. The maximum value for starch hydrolysis was achieved at pH 5.0, concentration of immobilized enzyme 111.44mg amylase/gcriogel, concentration of starch solution 45 g/L and temperature of 35°C. The immobilized enzyme showed a conversion ratio ranging from 68.2 to 97.37%, depending on the pH and temperature employed. Thus, our results suggest that the alpha-amylase from A. oryzae immobilized on cryogel monoliths represents a potential process for industrial production of maltose from starch hydrolysis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved