Luciano Bruno de Carvalho-Silva

Polyphenols, antioxidants, and antimutagenic effects of Copaifera langsdorffii fruit.

Copaifera langsdorffii (copaiba) is a Brazilian exotic fruit, poorly studied regarding its bioactive composition. The aim of this study was to determine bioactive compounds, antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of copaiba pulp. The samples were extracted with different solvents in order to analyze polyphenol compounds (Folin Ciocalteau and HPLC-DAD), total flavonoids (reaction with AlCl3) and antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ORAC, DPPH). The copaiba fruit showed high polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. Phenolic compounds, such as gallic acid, epicatechin gallate, catechin, epicatechin and isoquercitrin, were identified in the copaiba pulp. Despite the antioxidant capacity, the highest dose of copaiba showed no antimutagenic effects in the in vivo study. The dose which showed antimutagenic activity was 100 mg kg(-1).

Anthropometric Wrist and Arm Circumference and Their Derivations: Application to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

ALS is a degenerative disorder described as the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. ALS patients have an unfavourable prognosis that may influence alterations in the body mass. As a way of following up the clinical evolution of individuals with ALS, nutritional evaluation techniques are frequently used, however, they are not specific for ALS. In this review, we discuss the main anthropometric techniques emphasizing the circumferences, as well as their applications and limitations in ALS patients. All available articles were investigated, and anthropometry is suggested as a good tool, nevertheless, having some limitations and observations. Wrist and arm circumferences and their derivations are good indicators of these individuals’ nutritional state and body composition. It should be noted that these patients typically have asymmetry, a low body mass index and an increase of fat mass. An equation is available for the calculation of fat-free mass in ALS patients. Among the complementary techniques, the bioelectrical impedance analysis at a frequency of 50 kHz is the most suitable. A strong correlation between this bioelectrical method and the measurement of circumferences and their derivations was observed. Therefore, the use of circumferences is suggested in the evaluation and follow-up of ALS patients.

Evaluation of mutagenic/antimutagenic activity of conjugated linoleic acid in mice by micronucleus test

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are positional and geometrical isomers of linoleic acid and some researchers have shown biological activities including modulation of lipid metabolism, atherogenesis, diabetes, and immune functions. In this study, the animals were supplemented with 2% of the average feed consumption with CLA (G1 = positive control) and safflower oil (G2 = negative control) and the test groups were supplemented with CLA at the concentration of 2 and 4% of the average feed consumption. To assess the CLA potential protective effect, two groups were used; G3 = CLA 2% + cyclophosphamide (CP) and G5 = CLA 4% + CP. To assess the mutagenic effects of CLA, two groups were used; G4 = CLA 2% + NaCl 0.9% and G6 = CLA 4% + NaCl 0.9%. In order to investigate the mutagenic/antimutagenic effects of CLA, micronucleus test was used. The results showed variation of feed consumption in the groups that received 4% of CLA, when compared to the control group (G1 and G2) and CLA groups (G3 and G4) (p<0.05), during the period studied. It was observed that CLA did not show mutagenic effect at the concentrations tested (2 and 4%). Also, CLA showed antimutagenic effect at the same concentrations. However, the animals that received 4% of CLA, presented clinical signs of malnutrition.

Alimento para fins especiais: ingredientes, elaboração e aglomeração

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a nutritionally complete enteral diet, with adjusted agglomeration conditions, and determine the physical and chemical characteristics required by this special food. METHODS: The ingredients were maltodextrin, canola oil, medium-chain triglycerides, acacia gum, inulin, fructooligosaccharides, milk whey protein, soy protein isolate, vitamins and minerals. After the quantities and proportions of the ingredients were adjusted, the formula was agglomerated and analyzed for percent composition, moisture, apparent density, water activity, viscosity and color. RESULTS: The resulting diet contained 1Kcal.mL-1and normal protein (3.9g.100mL-1) and fat (3.9g.100mL-1) levels. After agglomeration, the following results were obtained: moisture 0.262g.s-1, apparent density 0,317g.cm-3and water activity 0.393. Color analysis indicated a decrease in luminosity and increase in a*and b*colors, presenting a slight variation towards red and a strong presence of yellow. CONCLUSION: The used ingredients and respective proportions, as well as the agglomeration process, resulted in a food for special needs with bioactive properties. The agglomeration process produced a diet that can easily be reconstituted and fed through catheters, facilitating infusion and consequently, reducing intercurrences.