Fernanda Carvalho de Santana

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) almond oil attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatic injury in rats: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a potent hepatotoxin, capable of generating free radicals that lead to oxidative stress and the inflammation process. Pequi almond oil (PAO) has been reported to possess unsaturated fatty acid and antioxidant compounds related to beneficial effects on oxidation and inflammatory conditions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of handmade and coldpressed PAO on CCl4-induced acute liver injury. The possible mechanisms underlying the effect on liver injury enzymes, histopathological parameters, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant and detoxification defense systems, as well as inflammatory parameters, were determined. Rats treated with PAO (3 or 6 mL/kg) for 21 days before CCl4 induction (3 mL/kg, 70%) showed significantly decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, milder hepatic lesions and higher levels of serum high-density lipoprotein compared to CCl4 group. Moreover, PAO enhanced antioxidant capacity by increasing hepatic glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzyme activities, as well as reducing circulating concentrations of leptin and inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6, leukotrienes -4 and -5 and the tumor necrosis factor receptor. In summary, PAO, especially cold-pressed oil, attenuated the CCl4-induced alterations in serum and hepatic tissue in rats due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Grape seed oil: a potential functional food?

Grape seed oil (GSO) is not often consumed in Brazil and little is known of its nutritional value. Around the world there are already studies that point to the high levels of minority bioactive compounds and their relation to health benefits. The main constituent of GSO is linoleic fatty acid, some works are controversial and there is no consensus in literature regarding their effect on the animal organism. Thus, this study aimed to present a review of GSO and show the potential health effects of its major components, not only linoleic acid, but also γ-tocotrienol and β-sitosterol, and finally, their influence on lipid-modulating, anti and pro oxidative parameters.

Flaxseed flour (Linum usitatissinum) consumption improves bone quality and decreases the adipocyte area of lactating rats in the post-weaning period

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of flaxseed flour in the intake on adiposity and femur structure of the lactating rats during the post-weaning period. After weaning, the lactating rats were divided into control (C, n = 6) and experimental (F, n = 6) groups treated with a diet containing flaxseed flour. Serum hormone and fatty acids composition, morphology of intra-abdominal adipocytes, computed tomography and biomechanical analyses of femur were determined. Food intake, body mass and hormone analysis have shown similar results. The F group showed the following (p < 0.05): lower arachidonic acid (–60%), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (–30%) and retroperitoneal adipocytes (–36%) area. Higher radiodensity of femoral head region (+29%) and higher maximum force (+18%), breaking strength (+18%) and rigidity (+31%). Fatty acid composition of flaxseed flour decreased the area of adipocytes and improved the bone quality, which may be associated with lower serum levels of arachidonic acid levels, during the post-weaning period.

Efeito do óleo de semente de uva prensado a frio nos marcadores bioquímicos e perfil inflamatório de ratos

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long term consumption of cold-pressed grape seed oil purchased in Brazil on the biochemical and inflammatory biomarkers of healthy rats. Methods: Weaned and healthy Wistar rats received two concentrations (3 and 6 mL/kg body weight) of grape seed and soy oil for 65 days. The parameters studied were food intake and body, liver, brain, and retroperitoneal adipose tissue weight. The fatty acid composition of the adipose tissue was also determined. Serum biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory profile were assessed, quantifying the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 10 and IL-6. Results: Grape seed oil, regardless of dosage, promoted much fat accumulation on hepatic tissue and also increased serum lipid peroxidation. The highest dosage promoted the greatest incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the retroperitoneal adipose tissue. The biochemical parameters and serum inflammatory markers did not change. Conclusion: Grape seed oil did not promote significant metabolic changes at either concentration but increased serum lipid peroxidation.