Márcio Gilberto Zangeronimo

Probiotic Therapy Reduces Periodontal Tissue Destruction and Improves the Intestinal Morphology in Rats With Ligature-Induced Periodontitis

BACKGROUND With increase in the incidence of resistance to antibiotics, probiotics are emerging as a promising adjunctive periodontal therapy. The authors of this study evaluate the influence of probiotic (PROB) supplementation on ligature-induced periodontitis (LIP) and intestinal morphology in rats. METHODS Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (C), LIP, PROB, and LIP/PROB. In groups PROB and LIP/PROB, the PROB was administered orally by addition to the drinking water of the animals for 44 days. In groups LIP and LIP/PROB, the mandibular right first molar of the animals received a cotton ligature that was left in the same position for 14 days. All animals were euthanized 44 days after the start of the PROB supplementation. The jaws were resected and histomorphometric analyses were performed. The measurements included evaluation of attachment loss (AL) and alveolar bone level (ABL) on the distal root of the mandibular first molar. Samples of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were also dissected from each animal to evaluate the villous height (VH) and crypt depth (CD). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analyses (analysis of variance, Tukey; P <0.05). RESULTS Mean values of AL and ABL were significantly higher in group LIP compared with group LIP/PROB (AL: 3.05 ± 0.57 mm and 1.78 ± 0.63 mm, respectively; ABL: 4.21 ± 0.42 mm and 3.38 ± 0.17 mm, respectively). In group LIP/PROB, the mean values of VH and CD of the jejunum were significantly higher than the ones from group LIP (VH: 672.1 ± 83.3 µm and 528.0 ± 51.7 µm, respectively; CD: 463.8 ± 100.9 µm and 269.0 ± 48.4 µm, respectively). CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that PROB supplementation 1) reduces AL and alveolar bone loss in rats with LIP and 2) can protect the small intestine from reactive changes induced by LIP.

Energy values and chemical composition of spirulina (Spirulina platensis) evaluated with broilers

ABSTRACT - The objective of this study was to determine the chemical and energy composition of spirulina ( Spirulinaplatensis ), the nutrient metabolizability coefficients, and the values of apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and the apparentmetabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) in broilers. A digestibility trial was carried out by using totalexcreta collection method, with 90 Cobb 500 lineage chicks, with initial weight of 256 ± 5 g at 11 days of age. Birds were allottedin metabolic cages for 10 days, distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and six repetitions withfive birds each. Diets consisted on a reference-ration based on corn and soybean meal and two test diets, one containing spirulina(30%) and the other one with soybean meal (30%). Spiruline was superior to soybean meal for contents of dry matter (DM),gross energy (9.60%), crude protein (26.56%), ether extract (54.45%), mineral matter (42.77%), calcium (100%) and totalphosphorus (130.77%) and also for most amino acids, except lysine, glutamate, histidine and proline. Nevertheless, spirulinepresented lower values of gross fiber (83.95%), acid detergent fiber (85.12%) and neutral detergent fiber (6.15). The AMEand AMEn values (kcal/kg of DM) were, respectively, 2,906 and 2,502 for the spirulina and 2,646 and 2,340 for the soybeanmeal and AMEn of spirulina was 6.92% higher than soybean meal.Key Words: non-conventional food, nutritional value, total collection

The energy value of biodiesel glycerine products fed to broilers at different ages.

The objective of this study was to determine the apparent metabolisable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) of some products containing glycerine from soybean oil (GOIL), a mixture of frying oil and lard (GMIX) and a semi-purified process (GSP) in broilers of different ages (10, 20, 30 and 40 days post-hatching), using two methodologies. In trial 1, the basal diets were replaced with 100 g/kg of each studied glycerine product and the diets were supplied ad libitum. Three hundred broilers were used in five replicates, with five, four, three and three animals per cage in each age group, respectively. The AMEn was calculated for each experimental unit. In trial 2, dietary treatments included the addition of glycerine at 0, 40, 80 or 120 g/kg for each crude glycerine product, with 900 broilers in six replicates, using the same number of animals per cage as described in trial 1. Depending on the experimental unit, the feeding was restricted in 88%, 92%, 96% and 100% of estimated intake according to the Cobb guide. The AMEn was determined using linear regression between the feed intake and the AMEn of each diet. In both trials, the total excreta collection method was used. Because of the chemical composition, GMIX was not considered crude glycerine. The mean AMEn values of the products were 20.55 MJ/kg, 15.80 MJ/kg and 15.05 MJ/kg for GMIX, GSP and GOIL, respectively. There was a linear decrease (p < 0.01) in the AMEn values with the increasing age of the broilers. Numerically, it was observed that the AMEn values decreased until 28-30 day post-hatching and then remained constant until the finishing phase. It is concluded that products containing glycerine can be used as an energy source for broilers, but that AMEn values can vary according to age. Younger broilers have a higher capacity of energy utilisation from these feedstuffs.

Características da carcaça e viabilidade econômica do uso de cloridrato de ractopamina para suínos em terminação com alimentação à vontade ou restrita

The objective of this research was to evaluate the supplementation of 5ppm of ractopamine (RAC), associated or not with feed restriction, on carcass characteristics on finishing pigs and the economic viability of its use. Thirty hybrid barrows (life weight of 107.2±6.2kg), receiving the experimental diets during 28 days before the slaughter. A randomized blocks design in factorial scheme 2 x 2 + 1 (with or without RAC in diets with 1.04% of total lysine; ad libitum or feed restriction of 15% and an additional treatment - control - ad libitum, without RAC containing 0.8% of lysine - standard diet), totalizing five treatments and six replicates. The addiction of RAC per se increased the loin eye area, the meat percentage, the carcass meat:fat ratio, the allowance index, the gross earnings and the production net earnings and decreased the animals backfat thickness. When associated with feed restriction, the RAC decreased the carcass fat percentage. Compared to standard diet, the RAC increased the carcass yield, the carcass meat percentage and the allowance index paid to the producer and decreased the backfat thickness. The RAC associated at the feed restriction decreased the fat carcass percentage and increased the carcass meat:fat ratio and the gross earnings. Thus, the supplementation with 5ppm of RAC, associated or no at the feed restriction, improves the carcass characteristics and the economic viability of production.

Níveis de proteína e fósforo em rações com fitase para frangos de corte, na fase de 14 a 21 dias de idade: 2. valores energéticos e digestibilidade de nutrientes

A digestibility assay was carried out to determine the apparent metabolizable energy values (AMEn), dry matter digestibility coefficients (DMDC), the excretion and apparent retention coefficient of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), using 250 Cobb male broiler chickens receiving the treatments distributed in a factorial schedule 3 ´ 3 + 1 (available phosphorus level - 0.25; 0.34 and 0.45% and crude protein level [CP]- 15.0; 17.0 and 19.0% and a control diet, with normal nutritional levels), with five replicates of five birds each. In the diets with reduced levels of available phosphorus (aP), 500 FTU of phytase were added and calcium requirement was reduced in 17%. Except for control treatment, all the diets were formulated on digestible amino acids basis. The energetic values of the diets with 15.0 and 17.0% CP, independently of the aP levels used or the phytase supplementation, presented higher AMEn that the control diet possibility regarding to supplemental amino acids addition. The DMDC of the diets with reduced CP levels and different levels of aP were higher than the control diet. The CP reduction in the diet associated to lower aP levels and phytase enzyme supplementation allowed to reduce the minerals excretion, which showed better retention coefficients, except for Zinc that presented lower retention coefficient than the the control diet. However, all minerals excretion, as relatively compared to the control diet, was minimized when lower levels of CP and aP was used in the diet, supplemented with phytase. The manipulation of the protein and phosphorus levels in diets supplemented with amino acids and phytase could reduce mainly the excretion of nitrogen, P and Cu, minimizing the environment pollution caused by these elements.

Effect of Ractopamine on Lipid Metabolism in vivo - a Systematic Review

The aim of this article was to evaluate the in vivo mechanism of action through which ractopamine reduces the amount of adipose tissue in carcass of animals fed diets supplemented with this drug. Literature search was carried out, using the keywords Ractopamine, lipogenesis, lipolysis, fatty acid and adipose tissue. The scoring system was designed for the adequacy of the methodology. A total of eight papers were found - all published in the English language. The determination of lipolysis and lipogenesis was carried out using different methods - from the quantification of non-esterified fatty acids in the blood to molecular analyses of adipose tissue. The review analysis suggested that, at least in the pigs, the use of this drug reduced lipid deposition in the carcass due to a greater inhibition of lipogenesis than an increase in lipolysis.

Ractopamine and lysine levels on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs

It was evaluated the effect of diets supplemented or not supplemented with ractopamine and digestible lysine on the performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. A total of 50 barrows and 50 gilts (90.2 kg ± 3.5 kg) were used. In the growth performance trial, a randomized block design was utilized in a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of five levels of digestible lysine (0.68; 0.78; 0.88; 0.98 and 1.08%) and two levels of ractopamine (0 and 5 ppm), totaling ten diets and five replications. In a study of carcass characteristics, the same design and levels of lysine and ractopamine were used, but another factor (sex of animals- female and male) was included, totaling 20 treatments, each one with five replicates. Except for lysine daily intake, it was not observed effect of levels of digestible lysine. The supplementation with ractopamine improved daily weight gain and feed conversion but it did not affect the average feed intake. A greater loin depth and higher yield of carcass meat was obtained in gilts, regardless to supplementation with ractopamine, and also in the males fed ractopamine. The ractopamine improved the rib-eye area but it did not affect the yield and carcass length neither thickness of subcutaneous fat. The levels of digestible lysine did not affect carcass characteristics in either sex. It was found that sex had effect on backfat thickness, which was lower in the carcasses of gilts. The use of 5 ppm ractopamine improves animal performance and carcass characteristics of barrows. The level of 0.68% digestible lysine is sufficient for pigs of both sexes fed diets supplemented with or without ractopamine to show maximal performance and a good carcass composition.

Effect of beta-glucans in the control of blood glucose levels of diabetic patients: a systematic review

Introduction: Functional foods have been widely utilized to reduce the symptoms of various diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Among the foods used to combat these effects are soluble fibres, mainly those rich in beta- glucans (BGs). Objective: To review the effects of beta-glucans (BGs) on glucose plasmatic levels of diabetic individuals. Design: A search was conducted using the Pubmed, Science Direct and Scielo databases using the keywords: diabetes mellitus and beta-glucan and glucose and glycaemia. As inclusion criteria, only studies on diabetic human individuals (type 1 or type 2) who consumed BGs were selected. Results and Discussion: Of the 819 initial articles retrieved, only 10 fit the inclusion criteria and were used in the study. It was observed that doses around 6.0g/person/ day, for at least 4 weeks were sufficient to provoke improvements in the blood glucose levels and also lipid parameters of individuals with DM. However, glucose levels do not reach normal levels using BG alone. Low doses of BG for at least 12 weeks were also reported to promote metabolic benefits. Conclusions: Based on previous research, it was concluded that the ingestion of BGs was efficient in decreasing glucose levels of diabetic patients. The consumption of greater doses or smaller doses for longer periods of time produced better results.INTRODUCTION Functional foods have been widely utilized to reduce the symptoms of various diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Among the foods used to combat these effects are soluble fibres, mainly those rich in beta- glucans (BGs). OBJECTIVE To review the effects of beta-glucans (BGs) on glucose plasmatic levels of diabetic individuals. DESIGN A search was conducted using the Pubmed, Science Direct and Scielo databases using the keywords: diabetes mellitus and beta-glucan and glucose and glycaemia. As inclusion criteria, only studies on diabetic human individuals (type 1 or type 2) who consumed BGs were selected. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Of the 819 initial articles retrieved, only 10 fit the inclusion criteria and were used in the study. It was observed that doses around 6.0g/person/ day, for at least 4 weeks were sufficient to provoke improvements in the blood glucose levels and also lipid parameters of individuals with DM. However, glucose levels do not reach normal levels using BG alone. Low doses of BG for at least 12 weeks were also reported to promote metabolic benefits. CONCLUSIONS Based on previous research, it was concluded that the ingestion of BGs was efficient in decreasing glucose levels of diabetic patients. The consumption of greater doses or smaller doses for longer periods of time produced better results.

Role of insulin-like growth factor-I and follicular fluid from ovarian follicles with different diameters on porcine oocyte maturation and fertilization in vitro

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 ng/mL) and follicular fluid (FF) derived from 2 to 5 and 6 to 10 mm diameter follicles (SpFFs and LpFFs, respectively) added during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes on nuclear maturation and IVF. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in NCSU-37 medium supplemented with SpFFs or LpFFs and various IGF-I concentrations. The COCs were cultured for 44 hours, and then fertilized in vitro. Maturation and IVF results were recorded 18 hours after insemination. The IVM (%) was higher (P < 0.05) in the COCs matured in LpFFs than with SpFFs when 0 (90.0 ± 6.9 vs. 76.3 ± 10.7) or 60 ng/mL IGF-I (92.0 ± 8.1 vs. 81.8 ± 10.2) was added. In SpFFs media, there was a quadratic relationship (P < 0.01) between IGF-I concentration and IVM (peak results at IGF-I = 129 ng/mL). However, when the COCs were matured with LpFFs, there was a decreasing linear effect between IGF-I concentration and IVM. At all concentrations of IGF-I, the percentage of degenerated oocytes was higher in COCs matured in SpFFs than in LpFFs. Penetration (%) did not differ (P > 0.05) between COCs matured with SpFFs or LpFFs when 60 (66.8 ± 9.4 vs. 72.7 ± 11.3) or 180 ng/mL of IGF-I (75.7 ± 10.4 vs. 73.8 ± 13.2) were used. Monospermy (%) was similar between SpFFs and LpFFs only with addition of 120 ng/mL IGF-I. The IVF performance (%) did not differ between COCs matured with SpFFs or LpFFs when IGF-I concentrations of 120 (28.5 ± 8.8 vs. 38.5 ± 8.3) and 180 ng/mL (24.3 ± 10.2 vs. 30.12 ± 8.2) were used. There was no effect of IGF-I concentration or of FF type on the number of penetrated sperm per oocyte and on male pronuclear formation. For COCs matured with SpFFs, there was a quadratic relationship between IGF-I concentration and penetration, monospermy, and IVF performance (peak results at IGF-I = 179, 122, and 135 ng/mL, respectively). Thus, on the basis of the observed quadratic relationships, we inferred that when using SpFFs, the addition of IGF-I (122-179 ng/mL) to the IVM medium produced results similar to those obtained with LpFFs without adding IGF-I. In conclusion, the addition of IGF-I to the IVM medium supplemented with SpFFs increased maturation and improved IVF results. Alternatively, IGF-I had no effect on IVM or IVF when used with LpFFs.

Digestibilidade ileal e perdas endógenas de aminoácidos de dietas com óleo de soja para suínos em crescimento

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the different levels of soybean oil on endogenous losses, apparent and true ileal digestibility of amino acids in growing pigs diets. Four isoprotein corn and soybean meal based diets meeting the nutritional requirements for this phase, supplemented with crescent levels of soybean oil, (0.0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5) were evaluated. Chromic oxide (0.25%) was added to serve as digestibility marker. Sixteen cannulated pigs (simple T-cannula), with weight of 48.0 ± 6.0 kg, were distributed to a complete randomized block design, based in the animal weight. There was no effect of the supplement of soybean oil levels on the apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of glutamate, glycine, arginine, alanine, proline, tyrosine, histidine and lysine. A linear effect was observed with the supplementation of soybean oil levels to the true and apparent ileal digestibility coefficient of threonine and serine and a quadratic effect on the true and apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of valine, phenylalanine, total of non-essential amino acids and total of essential amino acids. True ileal digestibility coefficients of arginine and tyrosine, also showed quadratic effect of soybean oil supplementation. Better values of true and apparent ileal digestibility of essential and non-essential amino acids are obtained with the addition of 2.8 to 3.0% of soybean oil to diets for growing pigs.