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Lectins are involved in a wide range of biological mechanisms, like immunomodulatory agent able to activate the innate immunity. In this study, we purified and characterized a new lectin from cauliflower (Brassica oleracea ssp. botrytis - BOL) by three sequential chromatographic steps and confirmed the purity by SDS-PAGE. Additionally, we evaluated the role of the lectin in innate immunity by a phagocytosis assay, production of H 2 O 2 and NO. BOL was characterized like a non-glycosylated protein that showed a molecular mass of ∼34kDa in SDS-PAGE. Its N-terminal sequence (ETRAFREERPSSKIVTIAG) did not reveal any similarity to the other lectins; nevertheless, it showed 100% homology to a putative TRAF-like protein from Brassica rapa and Brassica napus. This is a first report of the TRAF-protein with lectinic activity. The BOL retained its complete hemagglutination activity from 4°C up to 60°C, with stability being more apparent between pH 7.0 and 8.0. Moreover, the lectin was able to stimulate phagocytosis and induce the production of H 2 O 2 and NO. Therefore, BOL can be explored as an immunomodulatory agent by being able to activate the innate immunity and favor antigen removal., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) epidemics, which have already spread, imply the possibility of both conditions being closely related. Thus, the goal of the present review was to draw a parallel between obesity, adipose tissue (AT) changes, and T2DM development. To this end, a search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE and SciELO databases, using the following key words and their combinations: obesity; diabetes; insulin resistance; diet; weight loss; adipocin; inflammation markers; and interleukins. Based on a literature review, AT dysfunction observed in obesity is characterised by adipocyte hypertrophy, macrophage infiltration, impaired insulin signalling and insulin resistance. In addition, there is release of inflammatory adipokines and an excessive amount of NEFA promoting ectopic fat deposition and lipotoxicity in muscle, liver and pancreas. Recent evidence supports the hypothesis that the conception of AT as a passive energy storage organ should be replaced by a dynamic endocrine organ, which regulates metabolism through a complex adipocyte communication with the surrounding microenvironment. The present review demonstrates how glucose homeostasis is changed by AT dysfunction. A better understanding of this relationship enables performing nutritional intervention strategies with the goal of preventing T2DM.

The multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a serious problem to public health. In this scenery the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from animals and plants emerge as a novel therapeutic modality, substituting or in addition to the conventional antimicrobial. The anurans are one of the richest natural sources of AMPs. In this work several cycles of cDNA cloning of the skin of the Brazilian treefrog Hypsiboas semilineatus led to isolation of a precursor sequence that encodes a new AMP. The sequence comprises a 27 residue signal peptide, followed by an acidic intervening sequence that ends in the mature peptide at the carboxy terminal. The AMP, named Hs-1, has 20 amino acids residues, mostly arranged in an alpha helix and with a molecular weight of 2144.6 Da. The chemically synthesized Hs-1 showed an antimicrobial activity against all Gram-positive bacteria tested, with a range of 11-46 μM, but it did not show any effect against Gram-negative bacteria, which suggest that Hs-1 may have a selective action for Gram-positive bacteria. The effects of Hs-1 on bacterial cells were also demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy. Hs-1 is the first AMP to be described from H. semilineatus., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Functional foods are the focus of many studies worldwide. This is justified by the effects they have on public health and thus interest in elucidation of the mechanisms involved in their actions. The present review aims to broaden the discussions of the functional properties attributed to yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius), considered a food with multiple functions since it possesses bioactive compounds (antimicrobial, antioxidant, and probiotic substances) that exert beneficial effects on the body. Although some studies have already demonstrated several of these functions, clinical evidence is scarce, making it necessary that more studies are conducted in this area. Still, since the availability of this food in the market is relatively new, its popularity depends on publications aimed at consumer education and development of new products by the food industry.

Objectives: To measure waist circumference (WC) and supine abdominal height (SAH) at different anatomic sites and to assess the relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors in women aged >60 years., Methods: The present study included 113 women from Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The evaluations comprised anthropometric, biochemical and haemodynamic measurements. Different anatomical sites were used to measure WC: (i) the midpoint between the last rib and iliac crest; (ii) umbilical level; (iii) immediately above the iliac crests; and (iv) the narrowest point between the last rib and the iliac crest. Measurements were also taken at different anatomic sites for SAH: (i) the midpoint between the iliac crests; (ii) umbilical level; (iii) higher abdominal diameter; and (iv) the narrowest point between the last rib and the iliac crest., Results: It was found that 35.4% of women were overweight, and the area (SE) body mass index was 25.8 (4.2) kg/m(2). WC at the umbilical level [area (SE) area under the curve (AUC) = 0.694 (0.079)] and SAH at the midpoint between the iliac crests [AUC = 0.747 (0.076)] showed the largest areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (P < 0.05) with respect to the identification of cardiometabolic risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome (MS) where, of the two measures, SAH showed the greatest predictive potential., Conclusions: The results obtained in the present study suggest that, for the assessment of older women, the umbilical level and the midpoint between the iliac crests should used to measure WC and SAH, respectively. SAH showed the greatest predictive power for cardiometabolic risk factors associated with the MS in older women., (© 2012 The Authors. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics © 2012 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.)

Background/aims: Although a variety of classical body measurements have been used to assess adiposity, it is still uncertain which is the best indicator to predict effects arising from the accumulation of body fat (BF) in the elderly. The objective of this study was to analyze different classical anthropometric and body composition measurements and their potential for predicting metabolic syndrome (MS) in elderly women., Methods: There were 113 women (60-83 years old) participating in the study, all of whom had their anthropometric, biochemical, hemodynamic and health conditions evaluated. Statistical analysis consisted of correlation coefficient and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and calculation of the area under the curve., Results: The waist-hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference correlated with three (hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia and low concentrations of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol) of the seven cardiometabolic risk factors studied. Body mass index, BF, percentage of BF, and the sum of skinfolds were less related to metabolic risk factors. Among the indicators used to characterize central adiposity, WHR was the index that showed the greatest area under the ROC curve., Conclusions: It is suggested that the WHR, an indicator of abdominal adiposity, should be incorporated into the identification of risk of MS in elderly women., (Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

A case-control study was conducted to assess the levels of α-tocopherol, retinol, and β-carotene in different tissues and the genetic expression of inflammatory mediators in women with breast cancer. The study included 51 women divided into two groups: case (n = 25) and benign breast disease (n = 26). We evaluated the dietary intake of α-tocopherol, retinol, and β-carotene and measured plasma and tissue concentrations of these compounds and the inflammatory mediators IL-8, IL-10, and IFNγ. The benign breast disease group showed greater ingestion of α-tocopherol (P = 0.04) and β-carotene (P = 0.011). The concentration of tissue α-tocopherol was reduced in the case group (P = 0.005). The expression of IL-10, IL-8, and IFNγ increased by 231.0, 49.1, and 57.5%, respectively in the case group. The results show that antioxidant nutrients possibly exert biological effects in preventing breast cancer and the immune response is activated in the course of the disease, given the increased expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory compounds with the aid of food.

Purpose: To verify the effect of consumption of grape extract isolated or combined with α-tocopherol supplementation on atherosclerosis model with Apo E -/- mice., Methods: After six weeks of atherogenic diet, Apo E -/- mice were divided into the following groups: Control, Grape, Tocopherol and Grape plus Tocopherol. The treatment progressed for 11 weeks when animals were submitted to euthanasia., Results: All the treatments presented hypocholesterolemic effect with reduction of serum and liver cholesterol levels. This effect was parallel to an increase in the fecal excretion of cholesterol. There was also a higher fecal excretion of saturated fatty acids in groups receiving grape extract or α-tocopherol. All the groups treated presented a tendency to show higher levels of vitamin E. The fatty acid profile showed a tendency for monounsaturated fatty acid preservation after grape extract and α-tocopherol consumption. Morphological analysis revealed a lower degree of evolution of the atherosclerotic plaque of the animals that were fed α-tocopherol combined with grape extract, even when no difference was found in the size of the largest lesion., Conclusion: A synergistic effect between the polyphenols and α-tocopherol was observed, resulting in diminished evolution of atherosclerosis and a greater beneficial effect on atherosclerosis than the isolated consumption of antioxidants.