Tânia Toledo de Oliveira

Yacon Flour and Bifidobacterium longum Modulate Bone Health in Rats

Yacon flour has been considered a food with prebiotic potential because of the high levels of fructooligosaccharides, which allows for its use in formulating synbiotic foods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of yacon flour and probiotic (Bifidobacterium longum) on the modulation of variables related to bone health. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, yacon flour, diet+B. longum, and yacon flour+B. longum. After euthanasia, the bones were removed for analysis of biomechanical properties (thickness, length, and strength of fracture) and mineral content (Ca, Mg, and P); the cecum was removed for analysis of the microbiota and short-chain fatty acids. Tibia Ca, P, and Mg content was significantly (P<.05) higher in groups fed diet+B. longum, yacon flour+B. longum than in the control group. An increase in fracture strength was observed in the yacon flour (8.1%), diet+B. longum (8.6%), and yacon flour+B. longum (14.6%) in comparison to the control group. Total anaerobe and weight of the cecum were higher (P<.05) in rats consuming the yacon flour diet compared with the other groups. Cecal concentration of propionate was higher in all experimental groups compared with the control (P<.05). Yacon flour in combination with B. longum helped increase the concentration of minerals in bones, an important factor in the prevention of diseases such as osteoporosis.

Políticas de saúde e alegações de propriedades funcionais e de saúde para alimentos no Brasil

O trabalho estabelece a relacao entre as diretrizes das politicas publicas de saude brasileiras e os criterios adotados pela Anvisa para aprovacao das alegacoes de propriedades funcionais e, ou, de saude para alimentos e para substâncias bioativas e probioticos isolados. Comenta a legislacao brasileira sobre alimentos com alegacoes de propriedades funcionais e, ou, de saude, novos alimentos e substâncias bioativas e probioticos isolados, evidenciando a obrigatoriedade de registro destes produtos junto aos orgaos competentes. Apresenta as diretrizes da Politica Nacional de Alimentacao e Nutricao, Politica Nacional de Promocao da Saude, Guia Alimentar para a Populacao Brasileira e Estrategia Global sobre Dieta, Atividade Fisica e Saude da Organizacao Mundial de Saude. Ressalta a convergencia das diretrizes destas politicas que objetivam a reducao das doencas cronicas nao-transmissiveis na populacao atraves da promocao da alimentacao saudavel e da atividade fisica. Destaca as orientacoes direcionadas aos governos e a industria para a implementacao dessas medidas. Apresenta criterios de avaliacao da base cientifica das alegacoes propostos por orgaos internacionais. Objetiva oferecer subsidios para o entendimento da influencia da tecnologia de alimentos sobre a saude publica e para o entendimento dos criterios adotados pela Anvisa, na avaliacao das alegacoes de propriedades funcionais e de saude.

7-Epiclusianona, a nova benzofenona tetraprenilada e outros constituintes químicos dos frutos de Rheedia gardneriana

Phytochemical investigation of the fruits of Rheedia gardneriana led to the isolation of sesquiterpenes mixture, methyl esters of fatty acids (palmitate, estearate, oleate, linoleate, linolenate), sugars (galactose, glucose, fructose), triterpene (oleanolic acid), steroids mixture (stigmasterol and sitosterol) and the new tetraprenylated benzophenone 7-epiclusianone.

Experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits

Many researches have been conducted in experimental models in order to study the development of atherosclerosis from hyperlipidemia-inducing diets. Since rabbits are very sensitive to cholesterol-rich diets and accumulate large amounts of cholesterol in their plasma, their use as experimental models to evaluate the development of atherosclerosis is highly relevant and brings information on factors that contribute to the progression and regression of this condition that can be applied to humans. As such, this review includes studies on the atherogenic function of cholesterol based on rabbits as the experimental model, since they have become the most largely used experimental model of atherosclerosis.

Effect of flavonoids morin: quercetin and nicotinic acid on lipid metabolism of rats experimentally fed with triton

Atherosclerosis is a coronary disease where deposition of lipids in the arteries leads to problems of blood circulation. The present work evaluates the action of the flavonoids morin, quercetin and nicotinic acid isolated in association on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemi c rats. Blood serum levels cholesterol, cholesterol-HDL, and triacylglycerids have been analysed following the intraperitoneal administration of the flavonoid compounds dissolved in propyleneglyc ol by in doses of 5mg/kg body weight. Quercetin presented the largest percentual reduction of cholesterol. The best results for cholesterol-HDL have been obtained with-nicotinic acid alone while morin-nicotinic acid combination showed the best triacylglycerols results. Results showed that flavonoids could be beneficious in the treatment of coronary diseases.

Bixina, Norbixina e Quercetina e seus efeitos no metabolismo lipídico de coelhos

Flavonoids have been isolated with several biological activities and there are correlations among the consumption of rich foods in flavonoids and heart diseases. The 7-glucosyl-apigenin, 7- bisulfate-apigenin, 7-glucosyl-luteolin, 7-bisulfate-luteolin flavonoids and bixin and norbixin were isolated from urucu seeds. The aim of this study was to test the bixin and norbixin dyes and quercetin flavonoid from urucu and bixin with quercetin association to obtain its hypolipidemic effects in rabbits. Induction of hyperlipidaemia was performed with 1% cholesterol + 0,1% colic acid during 28 days. The substances were applied through the oral route, in capsule, in the doses of 0,01 mol/kg body weight. Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerols have quantified from serum, after 28 days, and showed in mg/dL The best results for total cholesterol reduction and the HDL-cholesterol elevated levels maintenance was obtained with bixin. On the other hand, the best results for triacylglycerols reduction have been obtained with quercetin. The bixin and quercetin association showed efficacy to HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerols and norbixin to total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. These results stimulate further research on the use of these substances as pharmacs in the heart diseases treatment and/or prevention.

Naringin accelerates the regression of pre-neoplastic lesions and the colorectal structural reorganization in a murine model of chemical carcinogenesis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Naringin on pre-neoplastic colorectal lesions induced by chemical carcinogen in rats. Female Wistar rats weighing 130.8±27.1 g received weekly one subcutaneous injection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 20 mg/kg) for 10 weeks. The animals were divided into 5 groups with 6 animals in each group. Group 1: 0.9% saline; Group 2: DMH+0.9% saline; Group 3: DMH+Naringin (10 mg/kg); Group 4: DMH+Naringin (100 mg/kg); Group 5: DMH+Naringin (200 mg/kg). G2 and G3 showed a significant increase in ACF number, AgNOR/nucleus and mitosis compared to G1. G4 and G5 presented a significant reduction in these parameters compared to G2. The number of cells producing acidic and neutral mucins, red blood cells and the level of antioxidant minerals, such as copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc, were significantly reduced in G2 and G3, but similar in G4 and G5 compared to G1. Naringin, especially at 200 mg/kg, was effective in reducing the number of pre-neoplastic lesions in rats exposed to DMH. Some of these effects may be due to reduction in cellular proliferation and tissue levels of iron together with the recovery of antioxidant mineral levels induced by this flavonoid.

Plantas com possível atividade hipolipidêmica: uma revisão bibliográfica de livros editados no Brasil entre 1998 e 2008

The aim of this study was to survey medicinal plants indicated for the treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia and/or atherosclerosis. This study was performed from a review of 32 books published in Brazil between 1998 and 2008, resulting in a list of 85 species belonging to 53 families, especially Asteraceae and Fabaceae, with 54 exotic and 31 native species. The species most often cited were Allium sativum (Alliaceae), Cynara scolymus (Asteraceae), Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae), Allium cepa (Alliaceae), Echinodorus grandiflorus (Alismataceae), Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae), Vernonia condensata (Asteraceae), Cuphea carthagenensis (Lythraceae) and Curcuma zedoaria (Zingiberaceae). Native species cited in at least 2 books were investigated for some scientific evidence related to possible hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic effects and/or action against atherosclerosis. Scientific studies related to these effects were found only for the native species Cuphea carthagenensis and Echinodorus grandiflorum, indicating the need for studies capable of assuring the safety and the efficacy as to the use of these species.

Efeito de probiótico na modulação dos níveis de colesterol sérico e no peso do fígado de ratos alimentados com dieta rica em colesterol e ácido cólico

Probiotics are known as functional foods and have been recommended as dietary adjunct for individuals with high serum cholesterol levels. To evaluate probiotics effects on the modulation of serum cholesterol an experiment was carried out during 28 days, using 90 Wistar male rats, distributed in four treatments and individually housed, with initial average weight of 250±32g. The experimental groups were: Standard; Control; LDR and P. The Standard group received the AIN-93G diet during the whole experimental period. The other groups received for 28 days the AIN-93G diet added of 1% of cholesterol and 0,1% of cholic acid. Of the 15th to the 28th day (after an initial period of 14 days of hipercolesterolemia induction) the LDR group received the supplement of 0,1mL/day/animal of reconstituted skimmed milk at 10% of non fat solids and, the group P received 0,1mL/day/animal of a probiotic in the form of a concentrate of cells contends 1010UFC/mL of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM. Total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were evaluated at 28 th days of experiment (immediately after the end of probiotic administration). The dietary increment of 1% of crystalline cholesterol and 0,1% of cholic acid did not promote hipercholesterolemia in the animals, evidenced by the non significant difference (p>0,05) of levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol among the groups Standard, Control, LDR and P after 14 days receiving hipercholesterolemic diet. However it provoked significant increase of the weight and alteration of normal coloration of liver (of red intense for red yellowish) due to fat accumulation in this organ, in the animals that received rich diet in cholesterol compared to the Standard group. Thus, rich diet in cholesterol and colic acid did not promote hipercholesterolemia in the animals, but it induced fat liver in the same. In consequence, the consumption of L. acidophilus did not alter (p>0,05) the levels of serum cholesterol of the animals, once these levels stayed normal during the whole experimental period. It was also observed that the probiotic administration did not impede the fat accumulation in the liver of the animals that received rich diet cholesterol and colic acid.

Radiographic evidence of mandibular osteoporosis improvement in Wistar rats treated with Ginkgo biloba

Objective: Evaluate the effects of the extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) on the rat mandibular glucocorticoid‐induced‐osteoporosis. Method: 36 female rats were divided into six groups (n=6): control, osteoporosis, positive control and EGb1 (14mg/kg/day), EGb2 (28mg/kg/day), and EGb3 (56mg/kg/day) treatment. Treatments were conducted for 30 days after osteoporosis induction. The animals were euthanized and their left mandibles were removed and radiographed to evaluate the cortical and the periodontal bone support. The control group was compared with the osteoporosis group (Students t‐test). The other groups were analyzed by ANOVA test followed by Tukey post‐hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: There was a significant reduction in periodontal bone support in the osteoporosis group. The positive control group showed a significant increase in the mesial periodontal bone support, as well as the EGb group treated with 28 and 56 mg/Kg, which showed a significant increase in the mesial and distal periodontal bone support. The mandibular cortical was not affected by osteoporosis; however, the group treated with EGb using 56 mg/Kg showed a significant increase in the thickness of the mandibular cortical. Conclusions: The EGb recovered the periodontal bone support and increased the mandibular cortical thickness. The EGb may be effective in the treatment of osteoporosis. Copyright