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Casein kinase 2 (CK2) plays a critical role in the proliferation and apoptosis of cancer cells. Resveratrol is a bioactive compound with anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the pro-oxidant cytotoxic effects of resveratrol in association with the inhibition of CK2 activity on human breast carcinoma cells MCF-7. We showed that resveratrol and TBB, an inhibitor of CK2, decreased cell viability in a concentration dependent manner with an IC50 value of 238 µM and 106 µM after 24 h, of treatment, respectively. Resveratrol and TBB decreased CK2 activity by 1.6 and 1.4-fold, respectively, and both significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. However, only resveratrol increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 1.7-fold as opposed to TBB, which did not affect ROS levels. Indeed, incubating MCF-7 cells with the antioxidant polyethylene glycol-catalase (PEG-CAT) preserved cell viability from the cytotoxic effects of resveratrol, but not from TBB toxicity. This effect seemed to be related to PEG-CAT ability to prevent CK2 inhibition induced by resveratrol incubation. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect of resveratrol on MCF-7 cells might be associated with its pro-oxidant action, which inhibited CK2 activity, affecting cell viability and mitochondrial function.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a frequent cancer subtype among head and neck cancers. Exacerbated inflammation and nutritional deficit are common features in this type of cancer and can be used as a prognostic marker. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) on overall survival (OS) of LSCC patients. In this retrospective cohort study, 168 patients were followed for 5 years. Data on clinical factors, patients' life habits, height, weight, and hematological parameters were collected. BMI, NLR, and SIRI were calculated. Pretreatment NLR≥ 2.02 and SIRI≥ 1160.85 were independent prognostic factors for poor OS. Low BMI did not significantly affect the OS. However, the inflammatory parameters had their predictive capacity altered when stratified by the BMI classification. NLR≥ 2.02 + Low BMI or SIRI≥ 1160.85 + Low BMI increased in 8.6 and 3.8 times the risk of death, respectively. In contrast, stratification by normal/high BMI classification eliminated the predictive capacity of NLR and SIRI. Here, we demonstrated the possible ability of BMI to change the prognostic capacity of inflammatory markers NLR and SIRI in patients with LSCC.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1952447.

Polyphenols, condensed tannins, total flavonoids, total carotenoids, lycopene and ascorbic acid were determined besides verifying antioxidant capacity of peel, pulp and desserts (with and without s...

Tumor size, inflammation, and nutritional status may be correlated with the immune response to cancer. Our hypothesis is that there is an interrelationship among tumor size, inflammatory response, and body mass index (BMI), and that these variables could alter T-lymphocyte infiltration in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). A retrospective cohort of 91 surgical LSCC patients treated at a Brazilian National Cancer Reference Center was followed for 5 years. We collected data regarding BMI, clinical factors, patients' lifestyle, C-reactive protein, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). Data were obtained in the medical records within a maximum interval of 7 days before surgery. The stromal and intratumoral CD4

O buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) e um fruto de origem do Amazonas e Cerrado/Brasil, materia-prima com elevada capacidade antioxidante de interesse para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos e rico em nutrientes e compostos bioativos associados a prevencao de doencas cronicas nao transmissiveis. O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar, na polpa do buriti, a composicao centesimal, teor de solidos soluveis, pH, coordenadas colorimetricas, carotenoides, compostos fenolicos totais e capacidade antioxidante por DPPH, FRAP e TEAC. Celulas tumorais de mama (MDA-MB-231) foram incubadas com diferentes concentracoes do extrato da polpa do buriti e avaliou-se a viabilidade celular e a capacidade antioxidante celular (CAC). A polpa de buriti apresentou 11,35 °Brix, pH 3,8 e valores de L* 38,79, a* 16,11 e b* 27,07 relacionados aos pigmentos naturais responsaveis pela cor alaranjada do fruto. E um fruto rico em lipideos, com 11,90 g / 100 g de peso fresco, VET de 153,60 Kcal / 100g e se destaca pelo elevado teor de carotenoides, sendo 82,5 % β-caroteno. O buriti e rico em compostos fenolicos totais e apresentou elevada capacidade antioxidante. Nas condicoes experimentais testadas, nao foi observada alteracao na viabilidade celular ou CAC.

INTRODUÇÃO: O efeito protetor obtido pelo consumo de frutas tem sido atribuído à presença de compostos antioxidantes, como carotenóides, ácido ascórbico e compostos fenólicos. Os antioxidantes são compostos importantes presentes nos alimentos, mas sua biodisponibilidade pode ser alterada por alguns fatores. Estudos mostram que o uso de pesticidas pode causar alterações na composição nutricional das frutas.OBJETIVO: Comparar o teor de polifenóis do abacaxi pérola, da banana prata, do mamão papaya e melancia orgânicos e convencionais.MÉTODOS: Este estudo utilizou 100 g de cada porção do fruto para obter um extrato homogêneo para análise. Polifenóis solúveis (SP) e hidrolisados (HP) foram extraídos de acordo com a metodologia descrita por Vinson et al. A quantificação de SP e HP foi realizada usando o reagente Folin-Ciocalteu, de acordo com a metodologia descrita por Karou et al. (2005).RESULTADOS: Após as análises, a banana e o abacaxi de cultivo convencional apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de polifenóis solúveis que as mesmas frutas de cultivo orgânico. Entretanto, todas as frutas analisadas apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de polifenóis hidrossolúveis na variedade orgânica comparada a de cultivo convencionalDISCUSSÃO: Sabe-se que existem muitas variáveis que interferem no teor de nutrientes e compostos bioativos, o solo, o clima, e inclusive a forma de cultivo do alimento. Os achados na literatura não são consistentes em relação a qual sistema de cultivo seria mais benéfico. Os resultados encontrados neste estudo foram corroborados por diversos outros autores com relação ao teor de polifenóis, presença em maior quantidade na casca e algumas diferenças significativas das frutas estudadas entre si. Recomenda-se que independente do cultivo, a população tenha o consumo regular de frutas por todos os benefícios já descritos.CONCLUSÃO: Não existem até o momento consenso na literatura de que o modo de cultivo orgânico produza alimentos mais nutritivos ou com mais compostos bioativos. Entretanto, nesse estudo foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os diferentes os alimentos orgânicos e convencionais, o que sugere que novos estudos devam ser realizados.

Diet is directly involved in cancer etiology, influencing positively or negatively. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the effect of berries on leukemia, identifying the main bioactive compounds involved in biochemical and molecular mechanisms through which they act and also to test the in vitro effect of ellagic acid, one of the phytochemicals found in berries, on leukemia cells. The work was subdivided into two parts: the first consisted of analysis of abstracts in Pubmed / Medline databases using MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms, synonyms, related and free terms, such as: leukemia, berries, anthocyanins, ellagic acid and flavonoids resulting in 274 articles. After abstract analysis, based on the eligibility criteria, this number was reduced to 21 articles. The second part was the in vitro investigation of the effect of ellagic acid by the MTT reduction in chronic myeloid leukemia cell lines (CML) resistant or not to chemotherapeutic agents. In vitro , in vivo and ex vivo studies associated the bioactive compounds present in berries with anticancer effect, acting mainly by induction of metabolic enzymes, modulation of gene expression and cell proliferation, chemotherapic resistance, free radical scavenging and induction of apoptosis. The present work also highlights the induction of collateral sensitivity by ellagic acid, since this compound was able to preferentially act on chemotherapeutic resistant cells. However, it is emphasized that animal models and clinical trials are for establishing the main mechanisms of action and possible dosages of berries intake daily or by dietary supplementation that could contribute to leukemia's treatment.

Jaboticaba, a popular Brazilian berry, has been studied due to its relevant polyphenol composition, health benefits and potential use for the development of derived food products. Considering that around 200 articles have been published in recent years, this review aims to provide comprehensive and updated information, as well as a critical discussion on: (i) jaboticaba polyphenolic composition and extraction methods for their accurate determination; (ii) jaboticaba polyphenol's metabolism; (iii) biological effects of the fruit and the relationship with its polyphenols and their metabolites; (iv) challenges in the development of jaboticaba derived products. The determination of jaboticaba polyphenols should employ hydrolysis procedures during extraction, followed by liquid chromatographic analysis. Jaboticaba polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins and ellagitannins, are extensively metabolized, and their metabolites are probably the most important contributors to the relevant health effects associated with the fruit, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic. Most of the technological processing of jaboticaba fruit and its residues is related to their application as a colorant, antioxidant, antimicrobial and source of polyphenols. The scientific literature still lacks studies on the metabolism and bioactivity of polyphenols from jaboticaba in humans, as well as the effect of technological processes on these issues., This work was supported by Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro [E-26/203.276/2016, E-26/202.694/2019, E-26/202.708/2018, E-26/210.151/2018, E-26/210.003/2020]. This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (Finance Code 001).

Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania and includes cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral clinical forms. Drugs currently available for leishmaniasis treatment present high toxicity, and development of parasite resistance. Plants constitute an important source of compounds with leishmanicidal potential. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-Leishmania amazonensis activity of the terpenoid fraction of Eugenia pruniformis leaves (TF-EpL). TF-EpL was active against the promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of L. amazonensis with IC50(24h) value of 43.60μg/mL and 44.77μg/mL, respectively. TF-EpL altered the cell cycle of the parasite, increasing 2.32-fold the cells in the Sub-G0/G1 phase. TF-EpL also changed the ΔΨm and increased ROS and the number of annexin-V-PI positive promastigotes, which suggests incidental death. β-sitosterol, ursolic acid, corosolic acid and asiatic acid were isolated from TF-EpL. The results showed the antileishmanial activity of E. pruniformis terpenoids and its potential for further studies as a source of new drugs for leishmaniasis.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Conventional cancer treatment is costly and results in many side effects. Dietary bioactive compounds may be a potential source for breast cancer prevention and treatment. In this scenario, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the bioactive compounds resveratrol, curcumin and piperine (R-C-P) on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and to associate them to Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) activity. The findings indicate that R-C-P exhibits cytotoxicity towards MCF-7 cells. R-C-P decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (&Delta, &Psi, m) by 1.93-, 2.04- and 1.17-fold, respectively. Glutathione and N-acetylcysteine were able to reverse the cytotoxicity of the assessed bioactive compounds in MCF-7 cells. R-C-P reduced GLO1 activity by 1.36-, 1.92- and 1.31-fold, respectively. R-C-P in the presence of antimycin A led to 1.98-, 1.65- and 2.16-fold decreases in D-lactate levels after 2 h of treatment, respectively. Glyoxal and methylglyoxal presented cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells, with IC50 values of 2.8 and 2.7 mM and of 1.5 and 1.4 mM after 24 and 48 h of treatment, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that R-C-P results in cytotoxic effects in MCF-7 cells and that this outcome is associated with decreasing GLO1 activity and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate polyphenol intake in women with different classes of obesity and identify which are consumed more frequently and what the food sources are. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 114 women with obesity. The study evaluated polyphenol intake via a 3-d food record using Phenol-Explorer. Anthropometric, biochemical, and dietetic variables were evaluated. Results The women's habitual food intake was low calorie and adequate in macronutrients. Mean polyphenol intake by the group was 573 ± 490, 614 ± 475, and 379 ± 25 mg/d for class I, class II, and class III obesity (P = 0.002), respectively. The most frequent food or beverage consumed by the group was coffee and caffeoylquinic acid, its phenolic compound. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts contributed the least to the intake of polyphenols. Conclusions Although the diets of the study participants did include some food sources of polyphenols, they were not of sufficient quality to significantly contribute to a healthy diet; instead, they sometimes were foods may have that contributed to weight gain. Women with class III obesity consumed the most calories; however, they had low fruit, vegetable, and whole foods intake.

Resveratrol (Resv) offers health benefits in cancer and has been reported to modulate important enzymes of lipid metabolism. Studies of its effects on lipid composition in different subtypes of breast-cancer cells are scarce. Thus, we investigated the alterations in phospholipids (PL), fatty acids (FA), and lipid metabolism enzymes in two breast-cancer cell lines after Resv treatment. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with 80 and 200 μM of Resv, respectively, for 24 hours. We analyzed PL with radiolabeled inorganic phosphate (32Pi) by thin-layer chromatography, FA by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and lipid metabolism enzymes (DGAT2, FAS, ρACCβ, pAMPKα, and AMPK) by Western blot. Resv treated MDA-MB-231 phospholipids showed a reduction in phosphatidylcholine (63%) and phosphatidylethanolamine (35%). We observed an increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (73%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (65%) in MCF-7 cells after Resv treatment. Interestingly, the same treatment caused 50% and 90% increases in EPA and DHA, respectively, in MDA-MB-231 cells. In MCF-7 cells, Resv increased the expression of ρACCβ (3.3-fold) and AMPKα/ρAMPKα (1.5-fold) and in MDA-MB-231 cells it inhibited the expression of ρACCβ (111.8-fold) and AMPKα/ρAMPKα (1.2 fold). Our results show that Resv modified PL and saturated and unsaturated FA especially in MDA-MB-231 cells, and open new perspectives to the understanding of the reported anticancer effect of Resv on these cells.

Flotillin-1 and flotillin-2 are highly conserved proteins that localize into cholesterol-rich microdomains in cellular membranes. Flotillins are closely related to the occurrence and development of various types of human cancers. Flotillin-1 is highly expressed in breast cancer, and the high expression level of flotillin-1 is significantly correlated with poorer patient survival. Here we studied the relationship between the formation of lipid rafts and the expression of flotillins and lipids in human breast cancer cells. We used the polyphenol compound resveratrol to alter the structure and function of the plasma membrane. Our data revealed an increase in fatty acids in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells upon resveratrol treatment. Interestingly, we also found an increase in the expression of both flotillin-1 and flotillin-2 in breast tumor cells after treatment. Resveratrol also induced changes in the pattern of flotillin distribution among detergent-resistant lipid rafts fractions in both cell lines and induced the nuclear translocation of flotillin-2. Since resveratrol has been pointed out as a putative cancer therapy agent, our results could have an impact on the understanding of the effects of resveratrol in tumor cells.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to obtain a catechin-rich green tea extract (GTE) from Camellia sinensis and to evaluate its antitumor potential on human breast cancer. Green tea (GT) has been extensively studied for its antioxidant property, which is mainly attributed to catechins. These phenolic compounds regulate many cellular targets involved in cancer signaling pathways, including those mediated by p53 tumor suppressor protein. METHODS: Tea infusion was prepared on a ratio of 1 g:40 mL of boiling distilled water using a combination of temperature and time (70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 and 100 ºC/5, 10, 15 min). Infusions were evaluated by polyphenols content (Folin–Ciocalteu's reagent) and antioxidant potential (FRAP). Breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and non-tumoral cells (MCF-10A), were exposed to different concentrations of GTE (31.5 μg/mL to 1.0 mg/mL) during 24 h-48 h, and cell viability was assessed by Alamar Blue(®) and Trypan Blue assays. Viability was also acessed in the presence of a p53 protein inibitor, pifithrin-α. Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting analysis were performed to access the expression of p53. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated no influence of extraction condition in the total content of polyphenols and antioxidant potential of GT, and a new extract was obtained at 80 ºC/5 min, then freeze dried to be used in cell culture. After exposure for 24 h, GTE already promoted a cytotoxic effect, reducing viability of both breast cancer cell lines (IC(50 MDA-MB-231 )= 138,8 μg/mL; IC(50 MCF-7 )= 324,5 μg/mL) without cytotoxic effect on non-tumoral cells (IC(50 MCF-10A )= 10,097 μg/mL). In addition, GTE promotes an increase of p53 levels on treated MCF-7 cells, which express the wild-type form of the protein. Interestingly, an opposite phenomenon was evidenced in MDA-MB-231 cells, that express the mutated form of p53, in which protein levels seem to be lower in the presence of the extract. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that GTE has anticarcinogenic potential on breast cancer and it is possible that this capacity might be related with the modulation of p53 tumor suppressor protein. FUNDING SOURCES: FAPERJ, FUNDAÇÃO DO CÂNCER, CAPES, CNPq.

Summary Grape juices made using small-scale production techniques are widely consumed. The extraction procedures employed to produce them, however, can affect bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in the final product. In this study, juices prepared using four extraction methods (steam, extractor, juicer and blender) were evaluated for soluble and hydrolysable polyphenol content, total anthocyanin content, antioxidant capacity, physicochemical characteristics and colour. Acceptance of steam-extracted juices and their stability during storage were also evaluated. Steam extraction resulted in a higher soluble phenolic (1073 ± 58 mg gallic acid L−1) and anthocyanin content (138 ± 22 mg cyanidin L−1), as well as a higher antioxidant capacity when compared to juices prepared using other methods. Although steam-extracted juice remained microbiologically stable during 24 months of storage, changes in phytochemical compounds and antioxidant capacity did occur. Our results indicate that steam-extracted grape juices have high commercial potential.

A Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) é considerada a principal praga na produção da Saccharum officinarum (cana-de-açúcar) uma das principais culturas que se destaca no Brasil, ressaltando que o Brasil tornou-se o maior consumidor de agrotóxicos uma prática muito difundida e bastante utilizada na atividade agrícola dando efeito em consumir herbicidas, inseticidas e fungicidas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi fazer uma abordagem sobre o controle biológico do Trichogramma galloi no manejo da D. saccharalis em uma usina de açúcar e etanol, localizada no município de Ulianópolis- PA, esta que tem atuação no segmento sucroenergético, atividade essa que causa impactos significativos ao meio ambiente. O período de avaliação foi em agosto de 2017, a metodologia aplicada se baseou em análise de dados como índice de infestação, áreas tratadas e rendimentos de produção, monitoramentos estes executados pelo setor fitossanidade. Os resultados obtidos no presente trabalho comprovaram que o nível de controle de infestação da praga está controlável, não havendo risco de danos na cana-de-açúcar, haja vista que a usina pratica o Manejo Integrado de Pragas (MIP) e monitoramentos constantes, evidenciou-se que as áreas identificadas por infestação é tratada inicialmente por controle biológico utilizando a liberação do T. galloi com frequência e pouco uso do controle químico e os rendimentos por ton/ha são médios não pelo fato da utilização do controle biológico e controle químico, mas devido falhas identificadas nos processos internos.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different methods of cooking on the concentration of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity found in vegetables. Squash, broccoli, carrots, kale, cabbage, green beans, and tomato were submitted to different cooking methods and then compared with their fresh form. Heat treatment was shown to have a significant effect on the antioxidant capacity and soluble and hydrolysable polyphenolic content of most vegetables analyzed, either increasing or decreasing the concentration of these compounds. The results suggest that the best cooking method for increasing the concentration of polyphenols and antioxidants was steaming, while microwave cooking was the least recommended method.

Beneficial health effects of polyphenols depend on their daily consumption which may reflect the dietary pattern of a population. In this way, the objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and cellular antioxidant activity of Feijoada whole meal compared to its individual ingredients. Kale was the ingredient with the highest total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity. Black beans and rice were the main sources of bound phenolics, accounting for approximately 50% of the total phenolic content in each one. Black beans were also the main providers of phenolics in the feijoada whole meal. Dose dependent effect was observed for black beans, kale, and orange when cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) was measured, being orange the ingredient with the lowest EC 50 value. Antiproliferative activity using HepG2 cells was only observed for the orange and kale extracts at 60 mg/ml. Feijoada whole meal extract and the combination of individual ingredients had no effect in this cancer cell line compared to the control. The interaction among ingredients composing a meal as for whole meals itself should be used more often as an approach to understand the relationship between dietary pattern and health benefits.

This study describes the extraction and characterisation of cashew apple polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and the effect of wounding on cashew apple phenolic acid composition, PPO activity and fruit browning. Purification factor was 59 at 95% (NH4)2SO4 saturation. For PPO activity, the optimal substrate was catechol and the optimum pH was 6.5. PPO Km and Vmax values were 18.8 mM and 13.6 U min−1 ml−1, respectively. Ascorbic acid, citric acid, sodium sulphite and sodium metabisulphite decreased PPO activity, while sodium chloride increased PPO activity. Wounding at 2 °C and 27 °C for 24 h increased PPO activity but storage at 40 °C reduced PPO activity. Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and cinnamic acid (free and conjugate) were identified in cashew apple juice. Cutting and subsequent storage at 40 °C hydrolysed cinnamic acid. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural content in cashew apple juice increased after injury and storage at higher temperatures, indicating non-enzymatic browning.

The cashew apple is native to Brazil, but there is insufficient information regarding the nutritional properties of this fruit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of high pressure processing (HPP) at room temperature (25 °C) on phenolic compound and ascorbic acid contents and antioxidant capacity of cashew apple juice. This study showed that HPP at 250 or 400 MPa for 3, 5 and 7 min did not change pH, acidity, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid or hydrolysable polyphenol contents. However, juice pressurized for 3 and 5 min showed higher soluble polyphenol contents. Antioxidant capacity, measured by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power method, was not altered by HPP, but when treated at 250 MPa for 3 min, it resulted in an increased value when 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl was used. These data demonstrate that HPP can be used in the food industry for the generation of products with higher nutritional quality.

Summary The influence of low temperature and storage time on the antioxidant capacity of standard solutions and apple and orange extracts was evaluated. In addition, the effects of ascorbic acid (AA) addition to the fruit extracts in terms of antioxidant capacity, AA content and soluble and hydrolyzable polyphenol contents were also analysed. Polyphenol contents in both apple and orange extracts were stable during storage period, which reflected also in the antioxidant capacity stability. Freezing at −18 °C did not result in different retention rates for polyphenols, AA and antioxidant capacity when compared to freezing at −70 °C. However, vitamin C content in orange juice, without AA addition, slightly increased along the experimental period (10 days). Thus, this study shows that it may not be necessary to measure the antioxidant capacity immediately after the preparation of fruit extracts or antioxidant standard solutions.

O chá é uma bebida amplamente utilizada, perdendo apenas para a água como a bebida mais consumida no mundo. O chá verde é rico em polifenóis, principalmente catequinas. Entre uma variedade de efeitos benéficos à saúde atribuídos ao consumo do chá verde, grande atenção tem sido focalizada no seu efeito na redução da gordura corporal. Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar uma descrição dos estudos com o chá verde e/ou seus compostos bioativos relacionados à biologia celular, estudos experimentais e epidemiológicos associados ao metabolismo lipídico e à redução da gordura corporal. Galato de epigalocatequina é o principal composto bioativo presente no chá verde e seus efeitos anti-obesidade estão sendo investigados. Tais efeitos estão associados a diversos mecanismos bioquímicos e fisiológicos, dentre eles podem-se destacar a estimulação do metabolismo lipídico pela combinação da ingestão de catequinas e a prática de exercícios físicos regulares. Apesar do efeito promissor do chá verde e seus compostos bioativos no tratamento da obesidade, estudos clínicos controlados devem ser conduzidos. Finalmente, um plano alimentar adequado associado à prática regular de atividade física constitui a principal ferramenta para a prevenção da obesidade e de suas comorbidades.The use of tea is widespread, second only to water in worldwide consumption. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, mainly catechins. Among a variety of beneficial health effects attributed to the consumption of the green tea, much attention has been given to its ability to reduce body fat. This study has the objective of presenting a description of the studies of green tea and/or its bioactive compounds related to cell biology and of experimental and epidemiological studies associated with lipid metabolism and the reduction of body fat. Epigallocatechin gallate is the main bioactive compound present in green tea and its anti-obesity effects are being investigated. Such effects are associated with several biochemical and physiological mechanisms and among them the following stands out: stimulation of lipid metabolism by combining catechin intake with regular physical activity. In spite of the promising effect of green tea and its bioactive compounds on the treatment of obesity, there is a need for controlled clinical trials. Finally, a proper diet associated with regular physical activity is the key to prevent obesity and its comorbidities.

O chá é uma bebida amplamente utilizada, perdendo apenas para a água como a bebida mais consumida no mundo. O chá verde é rico em polifenóis, principalmente catequinas. Entre uma variedade de efeitos benéficos à saúde atribuídos ao consumo do chá verde, grande atenção tem sido focalizada no seu efeito na redução da gordura corporal. Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar uma descrição dos estudos com o chá verde e/ou seus compostos bioativos relacionados à biologia celular, estudos experimentais e epidemiológicos associados ao metabolismo lipídico e à redução da gordura corporal. Galato de epigalocatequina é o principal composto bioativo presente no chá verde e seus efeitos anti-obesidade estão sendo investigados. Tais efeitos estão associados a diversos mecanismos bioquímicos e fisiológicos, dentre eles podem-se destacar a estimulação do metabolismo lipídico pela combinação da ingestão de catequinas e a prática de exercícios físicos regulares. Apesar do efeito promissor do chá verde e seus compostos bioativos no tratamento da obesidade, estudos clínicos controlados devem ser conduzidos. Finalmente, um plano alimentar adequado associado à prática regular de atividade física constitui a principal ferramenta para a prevenção da obesidade e de suas comorbidades. The use of tea is widespread, second only to water in worldwide consumption. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, mainly catechins. Among a variety of beneficial health effects attributed to the consumption of the green tea, much attention has been given to its ability to reduce body fat. This study has the objective of presenting a description of the studies of green tea and/or its bioactive compounds related to cell biology and of experimental and epidemiological studies associated with lipid metabolism and the reduction of body fat. Epigallocatechin gallate is the main bioactive compound present in green tea and its anti-obesity effects are being investigated. Such effects are associated with several biochemical and physiological mechanisms and among them the following stands out: stimulation of lipid metabolism by combining catechin intake with regular physical activity. In spite of the promising effect of green tea and its bioactive compounds on the treatment of obesity, there is a need for controlled clinical trials. Finally, a proper diet associated with regular physical activity is the key to prevent obesity and its comorbidities.

Vegetable consumption is associated with health benefits. Organic foods are thought to have higher contents of antioxidant substances. The objective of this work is to quantify soluble and hydrolyzable polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and the antioxidant capacity of fresh conventional and organic retail vegetables (potato, carrot, onion, broccoli, and white cabbage) while evaluating the effect of boiling, microwaving, and steaming on these parameters. The recovery rate for soluble and hydrolyzable polyphenols was variable according to the vegetable analyzed. However, soluble polyphenols resulted in lower recovery rates than did hydrolyzable phenolics after cooking. Organic vegetables showed higher sensitivity to heat processing than did conventionally grown vegetables. In general, cooking was found to lead to reductions in the antioxidant capacity for most vegetables, with small differences between the cooking methods applied. Even with the alterations in their content, polyphenols showed a positive correlation with antioxidant capacity in raw and cooked vegetables from both types of agriculture.

Após seqüenciamento do genoma humano, os estudos genômicos têm se voltado à elucidação das funções de todos os genes, bem como à caracterização de suas interações com fatores ambientais. A nutrigenômica surgiu no contexto do pós-genoma humano e é considerada área-chave para a nutrição nesta década. Seu foco de estudo baseia-se na interação gene-nutriente. Esta ciência recente tem como objetivo principal o estabelecimento de dietas personalizadas, com base no genótipo, para a promoção da saúde e a redução do risco de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis como as cardiovasculares, o câncer, o diabetes, entre outras. Nesse contexto, é fundamental a aplicação na área de nutrição das ferramentas de genômica funcional para análise do transcritoma (transcritômica), do proteoma (proteômica) e do metaboloma (metabolômica). As aplicabilidades dessas metodologias em estudos nutricionais parecem ilimitadas, pois podem ser conduzidas em cultura de células, modelos de experimentação em animais, estudos pré-clinicos e clínicos. Tais técnicas apresentam potencial para identificar biomarcadores que respondem especificamente a um determinado nutriente ou composto bioativo dos alimentos e para estabelecer as melhores recomendações dietéticas individuais para redução do risco das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e promoção da saúde.After sequencing the human genome, genomic studies have been focusing on elucidating the function of all genes, as well as characterizing their interactions with environmental factors. Nutrigenomics emerged in the pos-genome era and is considered a key-area for nutrition in the present decade. Its research focus is nutrient-gene interaction. The main objective of this recent science is to establish personalized genotype-based diets that promote health and reduce the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and others. In this context, it is essential to use functional genomic tools to analyze the transcriptome (transcriptomics), proteome (proteomics) and metabolome (metabolomics) in the field of nutrition. The applicabilities of such methodologies in nutritional studies seem unlimited since they can be conducted in cell cultures, animal models and pre-clinical and clinical studies. Such techniques may allow one to identify biomarkers that respond specifically to a certain dietary nutrient or bioactive compound and to establish the best individual dietary advice to reduce the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases and promote health.

Polyphenol oxidase, a copper-containing metalloprotein, catalyzes the oxidation of phenolic compounds to quinones, which produce brown pigments in wounded tissues. This enzymatic mechanism causes post harvest losses and mainly affects tropical fruits. In this article, some characteristics of polyphenol oxidase from different plants are reviewed and information about conventional and alternative methods to inactivate this enzyme is presented. Characterization of the polyphenol oxidase could help to develop or to choose more effective methods for controlling browning of vegetables and products.

The effects of phosphorylation with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) on functional and physicochemical properties of pea vicilin, as probed by high hydrostatic pressure and chemical denaturation were evaluated. The isoelectric point of unmodified and phosphorylated vicilin decreased in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl, resulting in a decrease of the solubility at pH 1.0. The gelation capacity of unmodified vicilin in the presence of NaCl decreased approximately 80% when compared with unmodified vicilin without NaCl. Increasing pressure from 0.1 MPa (atmospheric pressure) to 240 MPa significantly decreased the solubility of vicilin phosphorylated with 4% STMP at pH 1.0 and 4.0 by about 30%. Pressure had no effect on solubility of native vicilin. Pressure treatment at 240 MPa improved the gelation capacity of vicilin phosphorylated with 1% STMP. Glycerol decreased the gelation capacity of vicilin and its solubility in the acidic pH range.

Lactating Wistar rats were fed a liquid diet containing either ethanol [ethanol-fed group (EFG)] or an isocaloric amount of carbohydrate [pair-fed group (PFG)] from day 1 postpartum up to day 14 of lactation, to investigate micro/macronutrient milk composition and the mineral status of pups. EFG presented a reduction of daily milk production and milk composition was significantly higher in protein and lower in carbohydrate, while the lipid content was similar to that of PFG. When compared to PFG, the milk of EFG had a decreased proportion of C22:6 n-3 fatty acid and an increase in medium-chain fatty acids and of several minerals. Pups of EFG showed reduced growth and a lower concentration of Cu and Sr in plasma and lower concentrations of Ca, P and Cl, and higher concentrations of Cd in the brain. We conclude that maternal EtOH intake greatly impairs lactational performance and modifies the mineral status of pups.