Carolina Guerini de Souza

Omega-3 fatty acids deprivation affects ontogeny of glutamatergic synapses in rats: relevance for behavior alterations.

Essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega3) are crucial to brain development and function, being relevant for behavioral performance. In the present study we examined the influence of dietary omega3 in the development of the glutamatergic system and on behavior parameters in rats. Female rats received isocaloric diets, either with omega3 (omega3 group) or a omega3 deficient diet (D group). In ontogeny experiments of their litters, hippocampal immunocontent of ionotropic NMDA and AMPA glutamatergic receptors subunits (NR2 A\B and GluR1, respectively) and the alpha isoform of the calcium-calmodulin protein kinase type II (alphaCaMKII) were evaluated. Additionally, hippocampal [(3)H]glutamate binding and uptake were assessed. Behavioral performance was evaluated when the litters were adult (60 days old), through the open-field, plus-maze, inhibitory avoidance and flinch-jump tasks. The D group showed decreased immunocontent of all proteins analyzed at 02 days of life (P2) in comparison with the omega3 group, although the difference disappeared at 21 days of life (except for alphaCaMKII, which content normalized at 60 days old). The same pattern was found for [(3)H]glutamate binding, whereas [(3)H]glutamate uptake was not affected. The D group also showed memory deficits in the inhibitory avoidance, increased in the exploratory pattern in open-field, and anxiety-like behavior in plus-maze. Taken together, our results suggest that dietary omega3 content is relevant for glutamatergic system development and for behavioral performance in adulthood. The putative correlation among the neurochemical and behavioral alterations caused by dietary omega3 deficiency is discussed.

Metabolic effects of sulforaphane oral treatment in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

Diabetes has reached epidemic levels in the whole world, and the use of bioactive compounds that may have the capacity to prevent and treat diabetes is of great interest. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a compound which is found in cruciferous vegetables and that acts as both a potent antioxidant and regulator of gene expression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SFN in diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Male Wistar rats were gavaged with water or 0.1, 0.25, or 0.5 mg/kg of SFN before an injection of STZ (80 mg/kg). Animals treated with SFN showed fasting glycemia, insulin sensitivity, and hepatic glycogen concentrations, similar to the control group (nondiabetic), and different from the diabetic group. Diabetic animals also presented elevated levels of serum triacylglycerols (TAG), urea, and creatinine, and all SFN doses were able to reverse these alterations. However, the same doses of SFN accentuated alterations in total cholesterol, alanine, and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and had no effect on hepatic TAG, HDL cholesterol, and uptake of 2-deoxy glucose in adipose tissue and soleum muscle. Based on the effects inferred by the present data, SFN presented some positive effects against diabetes induction, although the impairment of hepatic function and cholesterol levels were aggravated after treatment with the compound.

Anthropometric Evaluation and Functional Assessment of Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension and its Relationship with Pulmonary Circulation Parameters and Functional Performance

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the anthropometric and functional status in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and its relationship with pulmonary circulation parameters and functional performance. Methods: The study is cross-sectional with 34 subjects, who were evaluated in terms of anthropometric measurements, physical performance, pulmonary circulation, and regular physical activity. Results: Subjects had a mean age of 47.0 ± 14.5 years, mean IMC 28.5 ± 7.7 kg/m2 among adults, and 27.65 ± 2.68 kg/m2 among elderly, with high body fat and preserved muscle mass. The sample presented the parameters of pulmonary circulation expected for PH patients and adequate performance in the physical capacity test. By linear regression analysis there was observed a negative relationship between body fat and regular physical activity. Conclusion: The evaluated subjects had an excess of body weight and fat, with preserved muscle mass, which does not appear to interfere in the pulmonary circulation parameters. However, elevated body fat appears to impair regular their physical activity.

Soft drink consumption reduces food intake in Wistar rats

Aims: To evaluate the effect of caloric and non-caloric soft drink intake on food consumption, body weight and composition, and metabolic parameters in rats. Methods: Controlled experimental study in which 30 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups and given food and beverage ad libitum during 17 weeks. The groups were as follows, according to the offered food: Control group – standard chow and water; Caloric soft drink group – standard chow, caloric soft drink, and water; and Non-caloric soft drink group – standard chow, non-caloric soft drink, and water. Results: There was no statistical difference in total energy intake, body weight, and fat deposition between groups. However, the chow energy intake was 45% lower in the caloric soft drink group compared to the control and non-caloric soft drink groups (198.7±0.7 kJ vs. 349.4±2.0 and 373.0±1.3 kJ, respectively), with 46% of the energy provided by the soft drink. The caloric soft drink group consumed 22% more carbohydrate, especially sucrose, compared to the control group (p<0.05). Macronutrient intake was not different between the control and non-caloric soft drink groups, but the caloric soft drink group consumed less protein and lipids when compared to the other groups (3.5±1.0 g of protein vs. 6.2±0.1 and 6.7±0.1 g, respectively; 0.7±0.01 g of lipids vs. 1.3±0.02 g and 1.4±0.02 g, respectively). Consumption of non-caloric soft drinks increased total sodium intake and consumption of both soft drinks decreased water intake. Although body weight varied during the experiment, there was no significant difference between groups at the end of the experiment, and no difference in fat deposition, fasting glucose, insulin and leptin, insulin resistance index, and lipid profile. Conclusions: The consumption of both types of soft drinks did not affect energy intake, body weight and composition, or metabolic parameters; however, it increased fluid intake and decreased water ingestion. Caloric soft drink intake influenced the amount and the quality of solid food consumed, compromising diet quality.