Alceu Afonso Jordão

Avocado (Persea) is a fruit widely cultivated and consumed in Brazil, however there is still scarce information on the nutritional profile of varieties grown in Brazil. The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the protein, total lipid, moisture and ash contents of five avocado varieties. The centesimal analysis was carried out on the varieties Breda, Fortuna, Geada, Margarida and Quintal. The data were statistically analyzed through the difference and comparisons between means. The results indicated that the protein content of the Margarida variety was higher than those found in the other avocados. As for lipids, the Geada avocado presented a lower amount compared to the other varieties. Moisture was observed in smaller quantities in the Fortuna avocado, followed by the Breda, Margarida, Quintal and Geada varieties. The ash values were lower in the Geada, Margarida and Quintal avocados and higher in the Breda variety. Finally, the data presented show the inexistence of a single pattern of centesimal composition of avocados, indicating the existence of relevant variations in the nutritional profile of the five varieties studied, expanding the possibilities of their food use

Asthma prevalence has been increasing, particularly among children and in populations transitioning to Western lifestyle. According to the hygiene hypothes

Inorganic nitrite contributes to the nitrosation of biomolecules and exerts antioxidant effects. The proton pump inhibitor omeprazole has pro-oxidant effects, inhibits the formation of nitroso species in the stomach, and abrogates the blood pressure-lowering effects of orally administered nitrite. Here, we examine whether a two-week treatment with nitrite leads to tissue nitrosation that scales with local thiol concentrations and whether oral nitrite treatment can prevent the pro-oxidant effects of omeprazole. Male Sprague–Dawley rats received daily doses of omeprazole 10 mg/kg i.p. (or vehicle) and sodium nitrite 15 mg/kg by gavage (or water) for 14 days. Animals were euthanized 6 h after the last nitrite dose, and blood and tissues (brain, heart, and liver) were collected for biochemical analyses. We found that nitrite treatment increased liver nitrite and total nitroso species (RxNO) concentrations approximately eight-fold (with minor increases in other organs), and omeprazole treatment attenuated these effects. Nitrite treatment selectively elevated non-protein thiol concentrations in the liver, but not in animals also receiving omeprazole. Tissue thiol elevation was associated with increased nitrosation of hepatic proteins, which was prevented by omeprazole. Nitrite upregulated mRNA expression of microsomal glutathione S-transferase-1 (Mgst1) and decreased superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production, especially in rats co-treated with omeprazole. While omeprazole increased liver xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), nitrite treatment attenuated this effect. These results demonstrate that oral nitrite treatment robustly elevates nitrite and RxNO concentrations in the liver, and these effects are associated with increased hepatic glutathione production and an upregulation of Mgst1 expression, counteracting the pro-oxidant effects induced by omeprazole.

Introduction The association of photobiomodulation (PBM) and antibiotics has been little investigated for bacterial control. Objectives This study aimed to verify possible changes in the antibiotic sensitivity profile in ATCC-type bacteria and bacteria collected from burned patients after irradiation with 465 and 630 nm LED at 30, 40 and 50 J/cm². Methods The species Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC^®BAA-977), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from burned patients were used as proof of concept. A qualitative method was adopted to verify the antibiotic sensitivity profile. To quantify oxidative stress, assessments were performed using Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant action using glutathione (GSH). Data were analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk and ANOVA single-factor tests, with Tukey post-hoc (p < 0.05). Results Differences between the irradiated groups were found, however, without statistical significance or representing a change in the sensitivity profile of the bacteria investigated. The highest production of oxidative stress was at 465 nm (30 J/cm²), and no glutathione production was detected. Conclusion LED irradiation was found to be safe for application to bacterial colonies, as it did not modify their antibiotic susceptibility profile, despite inducing oxidative stress.

Women with breast cancer are predisposed to muscle mass loss, to compromised muscle quality, and to decreased strength, and these abnormalities may serve as important predictors of adverse outcomes, including mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible associations between muscle mass markers, assessed by computed tomography with the phase angle (PhA) obtained by Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and health outcomes in women with breast cancer. Methods: retrospective study with 54 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, aged ≥ 18 years and < 65 years; histologically confirmed diagnosis of early breast cancer (stage I–III range), and in the first chemotherapy-cycled treatment. Measurements performed: anthropometric assessments, BIA, third lumbar vertebra by computed tomography (CT) and physical function (handgrip strength, gait speed test 4 m, fatigue assessment), and blood biochemical analysis. Results: Lower skeletal muscle index were correlated with reduced PhA values (R² = 0.222, p = 0.0047), suggesting a worse prognosis. Logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with low muscle mass had a significantly lower likelihood of survival compared to those with normal muscle mass regardless of age and cancer stage. Conclusion: low muscle mass negatively affected patient survival and was associated with lower PhA values. Phase angle emerges as a promising marker of overall health and could be a valuable clinical tool in assessing prognosis.

(1) Introduction: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a component present in the transport chain of mitochondrial electrons with antioxidant property. Currently, there are limited studies which indicate the effects of its supplementation on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). (2) Objective: This work was conducted to determine the effects of CoQ10 supplementation in women with MetS and NAFLD. (3) Methodology: This double-blind randomized clinical-controlled trial was performed among 22 women with MetS and NAFLD. Patients were randomized into two groups: group A (n = 11), which received 200 mg/day of CoQ10; and group B (n = 11), which received a placebo medication for 12 weeks. The hepatic steatosis present in NAFLD, the volume of abdominal fat, and visceral fat volume were evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Anthropometric, blood pressure, and marker serums that compound the MetS were also analyzed. (4) Results: A decrease in visceral fat volume (p = 0.02), abdominal circumference (p = 0.03/CI = 0.19–3.80), and increase in HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.01/CI = −9.80: −1.44) was observed in the CoQ10-supplemented group. We did not find significant changes in any of the other variables evaluated. (5) Conclusions: Supplementation with CoQ10 for 12 weeks, even if discreetly, brought some benefits for the supplemented group whereas no changes were observed in the control group.

Background and objectives: Carbohydrates such as fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) are associated with improved gastrointestinal health and the prevention of excess body fat. We evaluated the long-term effects of high amounts of FOS on metabolic parameters, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Methods: Sixty C57BL/6 mice received the following diets for four months: control (C), normolipid rich in fiber (F), normolipid supplemented with FOS (FOS), high fat (HL), high fat with high fiber (HLF) and high fat with FOS (HLFOS). We analyzed the animal weight; body composition; food intake; fasting blood glucose; serum and liver lipid profiles; liver and intestinal histologies; malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic retinol and α-tocopherol; and SCFAs in the feces. Results: Supplementation with FOS in a high-fat diet promoted less body weight gain and reduced liver and retroperitoneal adipose tissue weights compared to HL and HF. FOS prevented NASH and decreased alanine aminotransferase and serum cholesterol levels in experimental animal models of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS). There were statistical differences found in the dosages of the three main SCFAs in feces (acetic, isobutyric and isovaleric acids). Conclusions: Long-term supplementation with high doses of FOS was effective in reducing weight, adiposity, NAFLD and serum cholesterol in C57BL mice with obesity and MS induced by a high-fat diet.

Introduction: chronic low-grade inflammation, or inflammaging, emerges as a crucial element in the aging process and is associated with cardiovascular and neurological diseases, sarcopenia, and malnutrition. Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids present a potential therapeutic agent in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases, mitigating oxidative stress, and improving muscle mass, attributes that are particularly relevant in the context of aging. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of supplementation with omega-3 fish oil in improving the immune response and oxidative stress in knockout mice for interleukin IL−10 (IL−10^−/−). Material and methods: female C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and interleukin IL−10 knockout (IL−10^−/−) mice were fed during 90 days with a standard diet (control groups), or they were fed/supplemented with 10% of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet (omega-3 groups). Muscle, liver, intestinal, and mesenteric lymph node tissue were collected for analysis. Results: the IL−10^−/−+O3 group showed greater weight gain compared to the WT+O3 (p = 0.001) group. The IL−10^−/−+O3 group exhibited a higher frequency of regulatory T cells than the IL−10^−/− group (p = 0.001). It was found that animals in the IL−10^−/−+O3 group had lower levels of steatosis when compared to the IL−10^−/− group (p = 0.017). There was even greater vitamin E activity in the WT group compared to the IL−10^−/−+O3 group (p = 0.001) and WT+O3 compared to IL−10^−/−+O3 (p = 0.002), and when analyzing the marker of oxidative stress, MDA, an increase in lipid peroxidation was found in the IL−10^−/−+O3 group when compared to the IL−10^−/− group (p = 0.03). Muscle tissue histology showed decreased muscle fibers in the IL−10^−/−+O3, IL−10^−/−, and WT+O3 groups. Conclusion: the findings show a decrease in inflammation, an increase in oxidative stress markers, and a decrease in antioxidant markers in the IL−10^−/−+O3 group, suggesting that supplementation with omega-3 fish oil might be a potential intervention for inflammaging that characterizes the aging process and age-related diseases.

Resistant starch is a type of dietary fiber with prebiotic properties, potential action on intestinal permeability, and an effect on decreasing glycemic levels, presenting therapeutic potential for issues stemming from excess body fat and associated comorbidities, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Sixty C57BL/6 mice were allocated to the following diets for 4 months: control (C), normolipid rich in fiber (F), normolipid supplemented with resistant starch (RS), high fat (HL), HL rich in fiber (HLF), and HL supplemented with resistant starch (HLRS). The following parameters were analyzed: animal weight, body composition, food intake, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, hepatic and intestinal histology, hepatic and intestinal oxidative stress, and assessment of short‐chain fatty acids in feces. Long‐term supplementation with high doses of resistant starch effectively reduced body weight gain and decreased liver and retroperitoneal adipose tissue weights, blood glucose levels, alanine aminotransferase, and serum triglycerides. Intestinal histology showed that the high‐fat diet increased the total diameter of the intestinal lumen (846.81 ± 7.82) and reduced enteric muscle thickness (8.51 ± 0.51), while resistant starch supplementation effectively improved these parameters (658.01 ± 3.82; 30.56 ± 0.66), also increased butyrate production, and reduced oxidative stress in the intestine. Resistant starch supplementation was effective in reducing weight, adiposity, and NAFLD in mice with diet‐induced obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS).

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Glutamine, as a dipeptide or a free amino acid form, on the progression of burn injuries in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were burned with a comb metal plate heated in boiling water (98 °C) for three minutes, creating four rectangular full-thickness burn areas separated by three unburned interspaces (zone of stasis) in both dorsum sides. The animals were randomized into three groups (n=10): saline solution (G1-Control) and treated groups that orally received Glutamine as dipeptide (G2-Dip) or free amino acid (G3-FreeAA). Two and seven days after burn injury, lesions were photographed for unburned interspaces necrosis evolution assessment. Seven days after injury, glutathione seric was measured and histopathological analysis was performed. By photographs, there was a significant reduction in necrosis progression in G3-Free-AA between days two and seven. Histopathological analysis at day 7 showed a significantly higher stasis zone without necrosis and a higher number of fibroblasts in G2-Dip and G3-FreeAA compared with G1-Control. Also, glutathione serum dosage was higher in G2-Dip. The plasmatic glutathione levels were higher in the G2-Dip than the G1-Control, and there was a trend to higher levels in G3-FreeAA. The reduction in histological lesions, greater production of fibroblasts, and greater amounts of glutathione may have benefited the evolution of burn necrosis, which showed greater preservation of interspaces.