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In order to systematically review the effects of vitamin D supplementation on cell adhesion molecules (CAM), we conducted a systematic search in eletronic databases to identify placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials published through August 2022. The guiding question was: “In diseases whose complications lead to vascular dysfunction and thrombus formation, is vitamin D supplementation associated with CAM concentrations?”. Studies investigating CAM in all age groups of both sexes using any type and dose of vitamin D supplements were included. Of 617 initially obtained articles, 9 met the inclusion criteria. The articles were divided based on clinical outcomes: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM-II), Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Four articles reported reduced serum CAM concentrations (two with CKD, one with MS and another with DM-II). One of these articles had a two-month interval supplementation protocol (300,000 IU), two had a weekly protocol (50,000 IU), and one had a daily supplementation protocol (2,000 IU). Vitamin D seems to modulate vascular physiology, especially in patients with vitamin D deficiency and CKD. However, the findings of this review do not allow defining appropriate dosages and supplementation models to reduce endothelial dysfunction and CAM concentration.

BACKGROUND Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and anemia are the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in children globally. The dried blood spot (DBS) method has been used in prevalence studies of VAD and anemia in different age groups. However, it has not yet been validated for children. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the reproducibility and validity of DBS in the diagnosis of VAD and anemia in preschoolers. METHODS Venous and capillary blood samples were collected from a representative sample of children

Chronic lower-limb ulcers (LLUs) are ulcers that fail to proceed through an orderly and timely process to produce anatomic and functional integrity. LLUs reduce the quality of life of affected individuals and are a public health problem. The treatment options include medications or surgery. Nutrition therapy is an important adjunct to improve the clinical picture and healing of LLUs. Considering that nutrients with antioxidant properties can improve the process of tissue healing, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant nutrient supplementation in the treatment of LLUs through randomized clinical trials. This systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The guiding question was—can antioxidant nutrients help in the treatment of chronic LLUs? In total, 1184 articles were found when searching for antioxidant nutrients associated with the most common causes of LLUs. Fourteen articles were included in this review after removing duplicates, studies with topical and/or venous use of antioxidants, and articles published in other languages, except English. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, and resveratrol along with probiotics positively improved the ulcer healing. These effects were more significant when there was initially a deficiency of the respective supplemented nutrients. Therefore, correcting and maintaining an adequate nutritional status can improve ulcer healing and contribute to the clinical treatment of patients with LLUs.

This article aims to present methodological aspects on the collection, analyses, coverage, challenges, and the lessons learned from laboratory assessment of micronutrients on the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019). This is a household survey on a probability sample of children under five years of age from 123 Brazilian municipalities in all 26 states and the Federal District. Blood samples were drawn by venipuncture at the homes of children 6 to 59 months of age. This procedure was performed by experienced phlebotomists from the laboratories located in the selected municipalities and scheduled in advance. Blood and serum levels were measured for biomarkers of nutritional status, using the services of a clinical test laboratory with nationwide coverage, for the following micronutrients: iron (hemoglobin and ferritin), zinc, selenium, folic acid, and vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, D, and E. C-reactive protein was analyzed as a marker of inflammation. A barcode identifier was used to track the blood samples and to link the biochemical test results to the other data collected in the survey. A total of 14,558 children were studied. Of the 12,598 eligible children, 8,829 (70.1%) had blood samples drawn. Of the total number of children who had samples drawn, 91.8% (n = 8,025) have results for at least nine of the 12 analyses performed. Coverage of the analysis varied from 95% (for vitamins A and E) to 84.2% (for folic acid). Aliquots of whole blood and serum were stored in a biorepository for future analyses. The results of this pioneering study in the country will back the formulation and, when necessary, the reorientation of public policies in food and nutrition. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os aspectos metodológicos referentes à coleta e análise de dados laboratoriais do Estudo Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição Infantil (ENANI-2019), a cobertura das análises laboratoriais, os desafios enfrentados e as lições aprendidas. Trata-se de um inquérito populacional de base domiciliar de crianças menores de cinco anos realizado em 123 municípios dos 26 estados da Federação e o Distrito Federal. A coleta de sangue por punção venosa foi realizada em domicílio em crianças com idade entre 6 e 59 meses, por coletador experiente de laboratório(s) existente(s) nos municípios amostrados. Foram determinadas as concentrações sanguíneas e séricas de biomarcadores do estado nutricional utilizando os serviços de um laboratório de análises clínicas com abrangência nacional para os seguintes micronutrientes: ferro (hemoglobina e ferritina), zinco, selênio, ácido fólico, vitaminas A, B1, B6, B12, D e E. A proteína C reativa foi analisada como marcador de inflamação. Um código de barras identificador das amostras de sangue foi utilizado para o rastreio da amostra e para a junção dos resultados dos exames bioquímicos com os demais dados coletados na pesquisa. Foram estudadas 14.558 crianças. Das 12.598 elegíveis, 8.829 (70,1%) realizaram coleta de sangue. Do total de crianças que realizaram coleta de sangue, 91,8% (n = 8.025) têm resultados para pelo menos nove das 12 análises realizadas. A cobertura por análise variou de 95% (para vitaminas A e E) a 84,2% (para ácido fólico). Os resultados deste estudo pioneiro subsidiarão a formulação e, quando for o caso, o redirecionamento de políticas públicas de alimentação e nutrição. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar aspectos metodológicos, respecto a la recogida y análisis de datos de laboratorio del Estudio Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición Infantil (ENANI-2019), así como la cobertura de los mismos, los desafíos enfrentados y lecciones aprendidas. Se trata de una encuesta poblacional de base domiciliaria con niños menores de cinco años, realizada en 123 municipios de los 26 estados de la Federación y el Distrito Federal. La recogida de sangre por punción venosa se realizó en domicilios con niños, de edades comprendidas entre los 6 y los 59 meses, con la intervención de un flebotomista con experiencia en laboratorio(s) existente(s) en los municipios de muestra. Se determinaron las concentraciones sanguíneas y séricas de biomarcadores del estado nutricional, utilizando los servicios de un laboratorio de análisis clínicos con alcance nacional para los siguientes micronutrientes: hierro (hemoglobina y ferritina), zinc, selenio, ácido fólico, vitaminas A, B1, B6, B12, D y E. La proteína C reactiva se analizó como marcador de inflamación. Un código de barras identificador de las muestras de sangre se utilizó para el rastreo de la muestra y para la conjunción de los resultados de los exámenes bioquímicos con los demás datos recogidos en la investigación. Se estudiaron 14.558 niños. De los 12.598 elegibles, a 8.829 (70,1%) se les sacó sangre. Del total de niños, a quienes se les tomó muestras de sangre, un 91,8% (n = 8.025) obtuvieron resultados para por lo menos nueve de los 12 análisis realizados. La cobertura por análisis varió de un 95% (para vitaminas A y E), a un 84,2% (para ácido fólico). Los resultados de este estudio pionero apoyarán la formulación y, cuando fuera necesario, la redirección de políticas públicas de alimentación y nutrición.

Objective This study evaluates the association of serum retinol, hepcidin levels, and anemia in children. Methods This cross-sectional study included 312 children, ages 6 to 59 mo, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The association between hepcidin and retinol levels, hematologic parameters, and body mass index (BMI) was analyzed using a generalized linear model with and without adjustment for C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Logistic regression analysis was used to test anemia as an outcome and serum retinol level as a predictive variable using the odds ratio (OR) function. Results Anemia was present in 14.6% of the children, 5.8% presented iron deficiency anemia, and 9.6% had vitamin A deficiency. The increase in serum retinol levels reduced the chances of anemia (OR = 0.13; confidence interval = 0.29–0.59). When CRP level was not adjusted for in the multiple regression analyses, retinol, ferritin levels, and BMI/age were predictors of serum hepcidin levels (β = –3.36, 0.14, 1.02, respectively; P = 0.032). Accordingly, serum retinol levels were inversely associated with CRP levels (β = –0.025 and P Conclusions The association between serum retinol and hepcidin levels in children ages 6 to 59 mo seems to be dependent on inflammation. Taken together, the results reinforce the need for the development of further studies to better understand the relationship between vitamin A and anemia of inflammation.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic disease affecting up to 25% of the population worldwide. n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have been associated with improved clinical parameters of NAFLD. Our purpose was to conduct a pilot study to evaluate the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study performed on NAFLD individuals diagnosed by ultrasound. Patients received n-3 PUFA (n = 13) or placebo (n = 11) supplementation for six months. Circulating miR-122 expression (determined by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), liver fibrosis (FibroScan&reg, ), red blood cells (RBC) fatty acids (gas chromatography), and biochemical tests were performed at baseline and after intervention. After the intervention, in the n-3 PUFA group, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and omega index increased significantly in RBC (p = 0.022 and p = 0.012, respectively), in addition to a significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p = 0.002) and liver fibrosis (p = 0.039). However, there was no change in the expression of circulating miR-122 in both groups. Our results showed that omega-3 PUFA were incorporated in erythrocytes after six months of fish oil supplementary intake, and that n-3 PUFA were effective in reducing ALP and liver fibrosis without altering the expression of circulating miR-122 in individuals with NAFLD.

There has been no established food and nutrition guidance for diseases characterized by the presence of iron overload (IOL) yet. Hepcidin is a hormone that diminishes iron bioavailability. Its levels increase in response to increased iron stores. Hence, IOL conditions could hypothetically trigger a self-regulatory mechanism for the reduction of the intestinal absorption of iron. In addition, some food substances may modulate intestinal iron absorption and may be useful in the dietary management of patients with IOL. This scoping review aimed to systematize studies that support dietary prescriptions for IOL patients. It was carried out according to the method proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Although the need to restrict iron in the diet of individuals with hemochromatosis is quite clear, there is a consensus that IOL diminishes the rate of iron absorption. Reduced iron absorption is also present and has been reported in some diseases with transfusion IOL, in which serum hepcidin is usually high. The consumption of polyphenols and 6-shogaol seems to reduce iron absorption or serum ferritin concentration, while procyanidins do not cause any changes. Vitamin C deficiency is often found in IOL patients. However, vitamin C supplementation and alcohol consumption should be avoided not only because they increase iron absorption, but also because they provoke toxic oxidative reactions when the iron is excessive. Dietary approaches must consider the differences in the pathophysiology and treatment of IOL diseases.

Objective Chia seed oil is the richest source of plant-based ω-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid, but its potential and mechanisms of action to treat obesity are unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of chia oil (ChOi) supplementation on body composition and insulin signaling in skeletal muscles of obese mice. Methods Male C57 BL/6 mice (n = 8/group) were fed regular control chow or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 135 d. Another HFD group additionally received ChOi from 90 to 135 d. Results Consumption of ChOi reduced fat mass accumulation and increased lean mass as evidenced by nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover, obese mice treated with ChOi showed higher tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1, greater activation of protein kinase B, and increased translocation of glucose transporter type 4 in skeletal muscle tissue in response to insulin. ChOi supplementation improved glucose levels and insulin tolerance; decreased serum insulin, leptin, and triacylglycerols; and increased blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. All these effects caused by the use of ChOi seemed to be independent of the resolution of inflammation because the markers of inflammation were not altered in animals fed the HFD. Conclusion The molecular effects observed in muscle tissue together with changes in body composition may have contributed to the increased glucose tolerance and to the healthy phenotype presented by obese animals treated with ChOi.

Hemolysis is one of the main pathophysiological characteristics of sickle cell disease (SCD) and might cause or could be the result of oxidative stress. Antioxidants are studied in SCD due to their potential to ensure redox balance and minimize deleterious effects on erythrocyte membranes. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant nutrient supplementation on reducing hemolysis in SCD patients through randomized clinical trials. We conducted our study according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions investigating whether antioxidants could improve the hemolytic status of SCD patients. This study included 587 articles published until April 2020. We reduced this pool to 12 articles by excluding duplicates, reviews, comments, and studies with non-human subjects. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and zinc were the antioxidants that reportedly improved the indirect hemolysis parameters such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, or red blood cells. High-dose vitamin C and E supplementation worsened hemolysis, causing increased reticulocytes, lactate dehydrogenase, indirect bilirubin, and haptoglobin. More intervention studies especially high-quality controlled randomized clinical trials are needed to investigate the effects of antioxidant nutrients in reducing hemolysis in SCD.

Previous research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids from animal origin may promote the browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue. We evaluated if supplementation with a plant oil (chia, Salvia hispanica L.) rich in alpha-linolenic fatty acid (C18:3; ω-3) would promote browning and improve glucose metabolism in animals subjected to an obesogenic diet. Swiss male mice (n = 28) were divided into 4 groups: C: control diet; H: high-fat diet; HC: animals in the H group supplemented with chia oil after reaching obesity; HCW: animals fed since weaning on a high-fat diet supplemented with chia oil. Glucose tolerance, inflammatory markers, and expression of genes and proteins involved in the browning process were examined. When supplemented since weaning, chia oil improved glucose metabolism and promoted the browning process and a healthier phenotype. Results of this study suggested that chia oil has potential to protect against the development of obesity-related diseases.

Macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue (AT) is a hallmark of the chronic inflammatory response in obesity and is supported by an intense monocyte migration towards AT. Although it has been detected an increased proportion of circulating CD16+ monocyte subsets in obese subjects, the mechanisms underlying this effect and the contribution of these cells to the inflamed profile of obese AT are still poorly understood. We investigated whether factors secreted by human obese omental AT could polarize monocytes to CD16+ enriched phenotype, and how these changes could modify their migratory capacity towards adipose tissue itself. We show that explants of human obese omental AT, obtained during bariatric surgery, released higher levels of MIP1-α, TNFα, leptin and also VEGF, together with increasing amounts of microparticles (MP), when compared to explants of lean subcutaneous AT. A higher content of circulating MP derived from preadipocytes and leukocytes was also detected in plasma of obese subjects. Conditioned media or MP released from obese omental AT increased CD16 and CCR5 expression on CD14+CD16- monocytes and augmented their migratory capacity towards the conditioned media from obese omental AT, itself. This effect was inhibited when MIP1-α was neutralized. Additionally, we demonstrate that MP derived from obese omental AT carry and transfer TLR8 to monocytes, thus triggering an increase in CD16 expression in those cells. Our data shows a positive feedback loop between blood monocytes and obese omental AT, which releases chemotactic mediators and TLR8-enriched MP, thus inducing an up-regulation of CD16+ monocytes, favoring leukocyte infiltration in the obese omental AT.

Objective To investigate the role of obesity on the bone marrow microenvironment and evaluate its possible impact on the adipogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Methods C57BL/6 male mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. Femurs and tibiae were collected, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) were isolated and analyzed for proliferative potential, immunophenotype, and expression of adipogenesis markers. Their capacity to produce extracellular matrix proteins and proinflammatory cytokines in vitro was also evaluated. Results HFD mice presented a significant increase in bone marrow cellularity and higher tumor necrosis factor-α production in vitro. BM-MSC from HFD mice had higher proliferative capacity, produced more extracellular matrix proteins associated with adipogenesis, collagen I, and collagen IV, and showed increased constitutive expression of adipogenic markers, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and CCAAT/enhanced binding protein family-α, without changes in preadipocyte factor-1 expression. Incubation with adipocyte-differentiation medium induced further increase in CCAAT/enhanced binding protein family-α and augmented adiponectin expression in obese BM-MSC. These alterations did not result in increased adipogenic differentiation within the bone marrow. Moreover, BM-HSC from HFD mice, co-cultivated with BM-MSCs from lean mice, exerted paracrine effects on these cells, inducing augment of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Conclusions The data suggest that obesity promotes an inflammatory microenvironment in bone marrow that commits BM-MSC to adipogenesis.

Recentemente, o meio acadêmico vem discutindo a teoria chamada de “cross-kingdom transfer”, em tradução livre “transferência cruzada entre reinos” no âmbito nutricional. Esta tem ideia de que material genético bioativo tem o potencial de ser transferido de plantas para animais via trato gastrointestinal. Ao alcançar o seu sítio de atuação, esta molécula exógena seria capaz de influenciar as condições fisiológicas de seu organismo receptor. Os microRNAs (miR) são moléculas não codificantes, cotadas como sendo capazes de realizar esta ação. São responsáveis por aderirem a moléculas de RNA mensageiros e impedir sua tradução, desta forma regulando vários mecanismos celulares, inclusive o ciclo celular. Este artigo de revisão teve como objetivo montar um panorama das pesquisas neste controverso campo. Conclui-se que, embora sejam necessárias mais pesquisas a respeito para que se possam esclarecer questões relativas ao tema, alguns estudos indicam que os alimentos são capazes de veicular a transferência de miRNAs de um reino ou de uma espécie para outra.

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) often exhibit nutritional deficiencies and are at high risk of dying before the age of 5 years. Ensuring adequate nutrition is a critical part of health care for such children. This study aimed to investigate the association between nutritional status, nutrient intake, and food diversity in children with SCA. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 74 children with SCA, between 24 and 71 months of age. Anthropometric measurements, food and nutrients consumption were determined. The prevalence of low weight, stunting, and overweight/obesity were 16.2%, 35.1%, and 16.2%, respectively. Mean folic acid intake was low (49.05%±51.22%), whereas the intakes of protein (426.71%±171.93%), retinol (292.97%±403.88%), phosphorus (204.55%±151.35%), magnesium (233.02%±151.14%), iron (250.76%±165.81%), and zinc (243.21%±148.40%) were high. The dietary phosphorus/protein ratio was high for 31.1% of the children, and 44.6% of the children had low dietary diversity score. No correlation was found between food diversity, nutrient adequacy, and nutritional status. Despite the adequacy of the intake of most micronutrients, diet quality was inadequate, constituting mainly ultraprocessed foods. Knowing the food consumption pattern of these children enables a more resolute nutritional intervention.

Green banana flour shows good potential as a functional ingredient for special-purpose foods, but there are no data in the literature concerning the use of a green banana pulp and peel flour for the development of products such as pasta. The aim of the present study was to develop tagliatelle pasta substituting the wheat flour with different concentrations of a green banana mixed pulp and peel flour. The pasta formulations were prepared replacing the wheat flour by the green banana mixed pulp and peel flour in two concentrations: 15% and 30%. A control formulation with wheat flour was also prepared. The green banana mixed pulp and peel flour presented higher ash, total fibre and total phenolic compound contents than traditional wheat flour. The pasta formulation with the addition of 15% green banana flour showed the highest ash content and the best sensory acceptability of all the formulations. It was concluded that it was possible to develop a tagliatelle pasta with satisfactory acceptance replacing the wheat flour by a green banana mixed pulp and peel flour. Resumo A farinha de banana verde possui grande potencial como ingrediente funcional em alimentos para fins especiais. No entanto, não há dados na literatura sobre a utilização da mistura de farinha da casca e da polpa da banana verde para o desenvolvimento de produtos, como massas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver uma massa alimentícia tipo talharim, substituindo a farinha de trigo por uma mistura de farinha de polpa e de casca de banana verde, em diferentes concentrações. As formulações foram preparadas substituindo a farinha de trigo pela mistura de farinha de polpa e de casca de banana verde em duas concentrações: 15% e 30%. Uma formulação controle com farinha de trigo foi elaborada. As farinhas de polpa e de casca de banana verde apresentaram maiores teores de cinzas, fibras totais e compostos fenólicos totais. A formulação adicionada de 15% da farinha de banana verde apresentou o maior teor de cinzas e a melhor aceitabilidade entre as formulações. Desta forma, foi possível desenvolver uma massa alimentícia tipo talharim com aceitação sensorial satisfatória.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic hemoglobinopathy characterized by chronic hemolysis. Chronic hemolysis is promoted by increased oxidative stress. Our hypothesis was that some antioxidant micronutrients (retinol, tocopherol, selenium, and zinc) would be determinant factors of the degree of hemolysis in SCD patients. We aimed to investigate the nutritional adequacy of these antioxidants and their relationships to hemolysis. The study included 51 adult SCD patients regularly assisted in two reference centers for hematology in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Serum concentrations of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, selenium, and zinc were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography or atomic absorption spectrometry. Hematological parameters (complete blood count, reticulocyte count, hemoglobin, direct and indirect bilirubin, total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase) and inflammation markers (leukocytes and ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein) were analyzed. A linear regression model was used to test the associations between the variables. Most patients presented selenium deficiency and low selenium consumption. Linear regression analysis showed that selenium is the main determinant of hemolysis among the antioxidant nutrients analyzed. Thus, data from this study suggest that the nutritional care protocols for patients with SCD should include dietary sources of selenium in order to reduce the risk of hemolysis.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), mainly docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic acids (AA), are critical for adequate fetal growth and development. We investigated mRNA expression of proteins involved in hydrolysis, uptake and/or transport of fatty acids in placenta of fifteen full term normal pregnancies and eleven pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with normal umbilical blood flows. The mRNA expression of LPL, FATPs (-1, -2 and -4) and FABPs (-1 and -3) was increased in IUGR placentas, however, tissue profile of LC-PUFA was not different between groups. Erythrocytes from both mothers and fetuses of the IUGR group showed lower concentrations of AA and DHA and inferior DHA/ALA ratio compared to normal pregnancies (P < 0.05). We hypothesize that reduced circulating levels of AA and DHA could up-regulate mRNA expression of placental fatty acids transporters, as a compensatory mechanism, however this failed to sustain normal LC-PUFA supply to the fetus in IUGR.

Iron bioavailability seems to be regulated by vitamin A (VA) but the molecular events involved in this mechanism are not well understood. It is also known that retinoids mediate most of their function via interaction with retinoid receptors, which act as ligand-activated transcription factors controlling the expression of a number of target genes. Here, we evaluated the VA effects on the modulation of the levels of mRNA encoding proteins involved in the iron bioavailability, whether in the intestinal absorption process or in the liver iron metabolism. The expression of genes involved in iron intestinal absorption (divalent metal transporter 1, duodenal cytochrome B, ferroportin 1 FPN1, and ferritin) were evaluated in vitro by treating Caco-2 cells with retinoic acid or in vivo by observing the effects of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in BALB/C mice. Liver hepcidin and ferritin mRNA levels were upregulated by VAD; however, this condition did not promote any change on the expression of those genes that participate in the iron absorption. Moreover, data from the in vitro analysis showed that VA induced FPN1 gene expression by a hepcidin-independent manner. Therefore, the in vivo results support the idea that VAD may not affect iron absorption but would rather affect iron mobilization mechanisms. On the other hand, our results using Caco-2 cells raises the possibility that VA addition to intestinal epithelium may improve iron absorption through the induction of FPN1 gene expression.

Macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue (AT) is a hallmark of the chronic inflammatory response in obesity and is supported by an intense monocyte migration towards AT. Although it has been detected an increased proportion of circulating CD16

O gluten e uma fracao proteica encontrada em cereais como o trigo, o centeio, a cevada e a aveia. Os mecanismos conhecidos de hipersensibilidade ao gluten ou outras proteinas do trigo envolvem a doenca celiaca, alergia ao trigo e hipersensibilidade ao gluten nao celiaca. O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar biscoitos tipo cookie isento de gluten a base de farinha de banana verde (FBV), farinha de arroz e oleo de coco. Foram elaboradas tres formulacoes de biscoitos tipo cookie : formulacao padrao (FP), formulacao experimental 1 (FEXP1) e formulacao experimental 2 (FEXP2). Na FEXP1, a farinha de trigo foi substituida por 75% de FBV e 25% de farinha de arroz, enquanto na FEXP2 essa substituicao foi total pela FBV. Foram realizadas analises de composicao fisico-quimica, microbiologica e sensorial dos biscoitos . Os resultados dos testes sensoriais e de composicao fisico-quimica foram avaliados utilizando o programa estatistico GraphPad Prism versao 5.0. A adicao da FBV acarretou em acrescimo proporcional no teor de umidade e minerais, assim como de fibras (por estimativa). O teor de proteina, lipideos e o valor energetico foram menores nas formulacoes experimentais. Com relacao ao teste de aceitacao, nao houve diferenca estatisticamente significante (p < 0,05) em relacao a aparencia e ao sabor entre as formulacoes de biscoitos. Todas as formulacoes apresentaram indice de aceitabilidade acima de 70%. A elevada aceitacao pelos provadores e a composicao nutricional favoravel evidenciam a importância da elaboracao de um biscoito sem gluten com substituicao da farinha de trigo pela FBV, proporcionando uma alternativa adequada para individuos em dieta com restricao dessa proteina. Descritores : Dieta livre de gluten; Banana; Farinha; Alimentos fortificados.

Doenca falciforme (DF) e o termo utilizado para designar alteracoes geneticas caracterizadas pela presenca da hemoglobina S (HbS). Diferentes genotipos sao encontrados nos individuos com DF, incluindo a anemia falciforme (HbSS), as associacoes com variantes de hemoglobinas (HbD, HbC) e as interacoes com talassemias. Uma importante complicacao associada a DF e a nefropatia falciforme. O objetivo deste estudo e revisar a fisiopatologia da doenca renal cronica (DRC) em adultos com DF. Revisao simples, estruturada em artigos publicados entre 2005 e 2015, utilizando os descritores “doenca falciforme”, “doenca renal cronica” e “nefropatia” nas bases de dados Pubmed/MEDLINE, apenas de estudos realizados em adultos humanos. A vaso-oclusao e a hemolise acentuada causam danos aos tecidos levando a lesao de orgaos, dentre eles os rins. As anormalidades renais observadas, tais como hipostenuria, acidificacao deficiente da urina, hematuria e proteinuria, sao frequentes, pois a porcao medular do rim e uma area particularmente caracterizada por anoxia, hipertonicidade e baixo pH, condicoes favoraveis a falcizacao. Embora a fisiopatologia da nefropatia falciforme ocorra mais acentuadamente em individuos homozigotos para a HbS, manifestacoes clinicas da doenca renal tambem sao observadas em heterozigotos. Chama a atencao o fato do crescimento da prevalencia da DRC estar diretamente relacionada ao aumento da idade e sua repercussao no prognostico da DF. Os cuidados dos pacientes com DF devem ser adotados desde a infância, uma vez que a DRC e a DF agravam-se com o aumento da idade e o prognostico da DF e pior na presenca da DRC. Descritores: Anemia falciforme; Insuficiencia renal cronica; Nutricao.

The selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (SeGPx) is a well-studied enzyme that detoxifies organic and hydrogen peroxides and provides cells or extracellular fluids with a key antioxidant function. The presence of a SeGPx has not been unequivocally demonstrated in insects. In the present work, we identified the gene and studied the function of a Rhodnius prolixus SeGPx (RpSeGPx). The RpSeGPx mRNA presents the UGA codon that encodes the active site selenocysteine (Sec) and a corresponding Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) in the 3' UTR region. The encoded protein includes a signal peptide, which is consistent with the high levels of GPx enzymatic activity in the insect's hemolymph, and clusters phylogenetically with the extracellular mammalian GPx03. This result contrasts with all other known insect GPxs, which use a cysteine residue instead of Sec and cluster with the mammalian phospholipid hydroperoxide GPx04. RpSeGPx is widely expressed in insect organs, with higher expression levels in the fat body. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to reduce RpSeGPx gene expression and GPx activity in the hemolymph. Adult females were apparently unaffected by RpSeGPx RNAi, whereas first instar nymphs showed a three-day delay in ecdysis. Silencing of RpSeGPx did not alter the gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, xanthine dehydrogenase and a cysteine-GPx, but it reduced the levels of the dual oxidase and NADPH oxidase 5 transcripts that encode for enzymes releasing extracellular hydrogen peroxide/superoxide. Collectively, our data suggest that RpSeGPx functions in the regulation of extracellular (hemolymph) redox homeostasis of R. prolixus.

Adolescent pregnancy increases risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Placental delivery of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) is essential for fetal growth and development. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess maternal and fetal status of fatty acids (FA) measured at birth and the expression of key genes involved in FA uptake, transport and metabolism in the placenta of fifteen adolescents and fifteen adults. FA were quantified by gas-liquid chromatography. Placental expression of FA transporters was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) was quantified by Western Blot. Adolescents had lower docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) and total n-3 FA levels in maternal erythrocytes and placenta, but these were not different in fetal erythrocytes. Arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) concentration was increased in placenta but lower in fetal circulation. Plasma membrane fatty acid binding protein (FABPpm) and fatty acid transport protein (FATP) 4 mRNA expressions were not different, however FATP1, fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) and fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) mRNA and PPARγ protein levels were decreased in placenta of adolescents. Despite significant downregulation of FATP1, CD36 and FABP3, there was only a modest decrease in LCPUFA (10%) and AA (12%) and no difference in DHA content in cord blood, suggesting that FA transfer to the fetus was partially protected by other factors in adolescents from this cohort.

Promoting healthy eating habits in schools requires the development of educational activities that help and motivate the adoption of these behaviors. Thus, the aim of this study was to provide nutrition education to students and employees of a municipal school in Rio de Janeiro by developing a school garden and conducting workshops to train food handlers. The outlined method allowed not only the spread of technical and scientific knowledge but also the reflection of food in the nutritional, sensorial, functional, and sanitary aspects. To this end, several nutritional education activities were conducted through workshops. Reports from the participants and the empirical analysis performed by the researchers considered the workshops to be a creative and efficient alternative, with low cost and low implementation complexity. A promoção de hábitos alimentares saudáveis no ambiente escolar pressupõe o desenvolvimento de atividades educativas que ajudam e motivam a adoção de uma alimentação saudável. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar ações de educação alimentar e nutricional em estudantes e funcionários de uma escola municipal da cidade do Rio de Janeiro por meio de implantação de uma horta e de realização de oficinas de atualização de manipuladores de alimentos. O método delineado não somente permitiu promover conhecimento técnico-científico, mas também reflexão quanto ao alimento sob os aspectos nutricional, sensorial, funcional e sanitário. Para isso, foram desenvolvidas atividades de educação nutricional por meio da realização de diversas oficinas. Com os relatos dos participantes associados à análise empírica por parte dos pesquisadores envolvidos, pode-se dizer que as oficinas realizadas no presente estudo constituíram uma alternativa eficiente e criativa com baixo grau de complexidade de execução e custo acessível.

A promoção de hábitos alimentares saudáveis no ambiente escolar pressupõe o desenvolvimento de atividades educativas que ajudam e motivam a adoção de uma alimentação saudável. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar ações de educação alimentar e nutricional em estudantes e funcionários de uma escola municipal da cidade do Rio de Janeiro por meio de implantação de uma horta e de realização de oficinas de atualização de manipuladores de alimentos. O método delineado não somente permitiu promover conhecimento técnico-científico, mas também reflexão quanto ao alimento sob os aspectos nutricional, sensorial, funcional e sanitário. Para isso, foram desenvolvidas atividades de educação nutricional por meio da realização de diversas oficinas. Com os relatos dos participantes associados à análise empírica por parte dos pesquisadores envolvidos, pode-se dizer que as oficinas realizadas no presente estudo constituíram uma alternativa eficiente e criativa com baixo grau de complexidade de execução e custo acessível.

Worldwide, the most prevalent nutritional deficiency is iron. The strategies for iron supplementation often fail due to poor adherence to supplementation methods contributed to unpleasant sensory characteristics. An alternative is the use of microencapsulated nutrients for home fortification in order to mask undesirable tastes and to allow its release in strategic sites of the gastrointestinal tract. Toward this end, pea protein concentrate was tested as a natural, edible and alternative material and the spray-drying technique was utilized for the preparation of microparticles containing ferrous sulfate. Their physical and chemical characteristics were evaluated. The microparticles had a spherical shape and grooves with an average size ranging between 2 and 3 μm. Analysis by in vitro assays tested the release of iron in simulated salivary and gastric fluids and its intestinal absorption in Caco-2 cells. No dissolution of iron occurred in the salivary medium whereas the sensory analysis showed good acceptance of a product which incorporated 5.5 mg of iron per 100 g portion of food. Thus, the effectiveness of microencapsulation was demonstrated by utilizing a plant protein as an encapsulating matrix for the controlled release of iron and capable of preserving the bioaccessibility of ferrous sulfate.

We investigated the consequences of mild maternal malnutrition in rat dams, in terms of thymocyte responses and the putative role of leptin. The young progeny of dams submitted to protein deprivation (PD) during lactation showed at 30 days of age lower body and thymus weights, significant alterations in CD4/CD8-defined T cell subsets without modifications in total thymocyte number as well as in proliferative response. Despite, the rats from PD group did not present alterations in leptin circulating levels, the expression of leptin receptor ObRb was enhanced in their thymocytes. This change was accompanied by an increase in leptin signaling response of thymocytes from PD rats, with an increase in JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation after leptin stimulation. Thymocytes from PD rats also presented a decreased rate of spontaneous apoptosis when compared to controls. Accordingly, higher expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and lower of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, with no change of pro-apoptotic Bad, and higher pro-caspase 3 content were detected in PD thymocytes. Moreover, thymocytes from PD group exhibited a constitutive higher nuclear content of p65 NF-kB associated to a lower IkB content in the cytoplasm. Finally, although there was no change in ob gene expression in PD thymocytes, a higher mRNA expression for the Ob gene was observed in the thymic microenvironment from PD animals. Taken together, the results show that mild maternal protein deprivation during lactation affects thymic homeostasis, enhancing leptin activity, which in turn protects thymocytes from apoptosis in the young progeny, with possible consequences upon the immune response of these animals in adult life.

In the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus digestion of blood is intracellular, accomplished by the so-called digest cells that fill the midgut lumen. Hydrolysis of hemoglobin in the digestive vesicles of these cells results in the release of large amounts of heme, a pro-oxidant compound, whose iron atom, together with H(2)O(2), may participate in the Fenton reaction and lead to the production of hydroxyl radicals. Here, we investigated the role of catalase, an enzyme responsible for H(2)O(2) detoxification. Fully engorged female ticks injected with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT), a catalase inhibitor, showed increased H(2)O(2) in the gut, together with diminished life span and lower egg-laying rates. Increased mortality observed upon AT injection was reversed by further injection of exogenous catalase, 2 days after AT treatment, confirming that increased death was due to inhibition of this enzyme by AT. In primary cultures of digest cells, intracellular H(2)O(2) is limited to specific organelles, while treatment with AT in vitro resulted in increased H(2)O(2) spreading all over the cell, confirming the role of catalase in regulating H(2)O(2) levels. Ticks fed on a calf that had been injected with AT showed marked inhibition of catalase activity in the gut and diminished life span, oviposition and engorgement. Digest cells of these ticks had an altered morphology, showing heme spread all over the cytosol, instead of being limited to the hemosomes. The amount of aggregated heme found in isolated hemosome was also strongly decreased in AT-treated cattle. All together, our results indicate that catalase performs an important role in the control of redox balance in R. microplus, which dramatically affects hemosome formation and stability. This enzyme may be a target in the development of new methods for tick control.

Submitted by Mariangela CEH/A (marianfig@gmail.com) on 2021-09-16T17:16:03Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Emília Delesderrier Franco - 2019 - Completa.pdf: 1334406 bytes, checksum: 7668f906374d577cb8d82fd2fdeabf1c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-09-16T17:16:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Emília Delesderrier Franco - 2019 - Completa.pdf: 1334406 bytes, checksum: 7668f906374d577cb8d82fd2fdeabf1c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2019-06-20 Sickle cell disease is characterized by the presence of sickle cells in the blood, due to deoxygenation of hemoglobin. The effects of falcization, such as intravascular hemolysis and vaso-occlusion with ischemia-reperfusion injury, occur cyclically and trigger excessive production of reactive oxygen species. The increase of these reactive species can result in depletion of the antioxidant systems and cause oxidative imbalance intra and extracellular. In this way, it is possible to induce the instability of membranes of red blood cells, contributing to the increase of hemolysis. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma concentrations of antioxidant micronutrients (retinol, α-tocopherol, selenium and zinc) with hemolysis and inflammation indicators in individuals with sickle cell disease. The study consisted of 51 adults with sickle cell disease, who were followed up at two Reference Centers in Hematology in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Serum concentrations of vitamins were determined by high performance liquid chromatography and minerals by atomic absorption spectrometry. The markers of hemolysis by automatic analyzer, and those of inflammation by nephelometry. For the statistical analysis, multivariate linear regression models were used, using SPSS® software.Most patients presented selenium deficiency and consumption. Linear regression analysis showed that selenium is the main determinant of hemolysis among the antioxidant nutrients analyzed. Thus, data from this study suggest that the nutritional care protocols for patients with SCD should include dietary sources of selenium in order to reduce the risk of hemolysis A doença falciforme caracteriza-se pela presença de hemácias falcizadas no sangue, em decorrência da desoxigenação da hemoglobina. Os efeitos da falcização, como a hemólise intravascular e a vaso-oclusão com lesão de isquemia-reperfusão, ocorrem de forma cíclica e desencadeiam produção excessiva de espécies reativas de oxigênio. O aumento destas espécies reativas pode resultar em depleção dos sistemas antioxidantes e causar desequilíbrio oxidativointra e extracelular. Desta forma, pode-se induzir à instabilidade de membranas de hemácias, contribuindo para o aumento da hemólise. O principal objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a relação entre as concentrações plasmáticas de micronutrientes antioxidantes (retinol, α-tocoferol, selênio e zinco) com indicadores de hemólise e de inflamação em indivíduos com doença falciforme. Partificaparam51 adultos com doença falciforme, acompanhados em dois Centros de Referência em Hematologia do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. As concentrações séricas das vitaminas foram determinadas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência e a dos minerais por espectrometria de absorção atômica. Os marcadores de hemólise por analisador automático, e os de inflamação por nefelometria. Para a análise estatística foram utilizados modelos de regressão linear multivariada, por meio do software SPSS®. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou deficiencia de selênio sérico. A análise de regressão linear demostrou que o selênio foi o principal determinante da hemólise, dentre os nutrientes antioxidantes analisados. Dessa forma, os dados desse estudo sugerem que deve ser incluído fontes dietéticas de selênio nos protocolos de cuidado nutricional para pacientes com doença falciforme, a fim de reduzir o risco de hemólise nesses indivíduos

Submitted by Boris Flegr (boris@uerj.br) on 2021-01-06T20:57:19Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Matheus Henrique Romao Dissertacao completa.pdf: 1860600 bytes, checksum: cde66f9a8ad7c8d61919f96eb0052b88 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-01-06T20:57:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Matheus Henrique Romao Dissertacao completa.pdf: 1860600 bytes, checksum: cde66f9a8ad7c8d61919f96eb0052b88 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2019-02-18 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico Obesity is associated with the development of several metabolic alterations, such as hypertension. The elevation of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) observed in obesity is related to the development of insulin resistance, which can lead to hepatic steatosis, which is the accumulation of fat in the liver. Previous studies have demonstrated that the hydroalcoholic extract of the açaí stone (ASE) acts in an experimental model of obesity, preventing hypertension, dyslipidemia, weight gain and hyperglycemia. In addition to these effects, ASE demonstrated in the renovascular hypertension model the ability to modulate RAS components, reducing plasma renin levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effect of ASE treatment on hepatic alterations in an obesity animal model, comparing it with the effects of RAS inhibitors: enalapril (ENA) and telmisartan (TEL). 30 day old male C57BL / 6 mice were separated into five control groups (diet 10% lipids); HF (60% lipid diet); HF + ASE (300 mg / kg-1), HF + ENA (30 mg / kg-1) and HF + TEL (10 mg / kg-1). The diet was administered concomitantly with these treatments, which were performed by intragastric gavage for 12 weeks. Body mass and glycemia were evaluated during the treatment period. At the end of treatment and after euthanasia, liver weight, visceral adipose tissue weight, Lee index, caloric intake, liver lipid profile, antioxidant enzyme activity and oxidative damage in liver homogenate were evaluated. In addition, the protein expression of the components of the RAS and factor NF-kB was evaluated by western blotting in liver homogenate. Hepatic steatosis was evaluated histologically. In the HF group there was an increase in body weight and blood glucose, changes that were prevented by the treatment with ASE and ENA. The HF group also showed an increase in visceral adipose tissue weight, caloric intake and Lee's index. Treatment with ASE prevented the increase of adipose tissue weight and Lee's index, treatment with ENA prevented all these increases and the TEL was not able to prevent these changes. All treatments prevented the increase of hepatic levels of cholesterol and triglycerides observed in the HF group. Increased liver weight and steatosis were prevented by ASE and ENA treatments. All treatments prevented the reduction of the antioxidant activity observed in the HF group. The HF group showed increased expression of renin and AT1. All treatments decreased renin expression, only treatment with TEL decreased AT1 expression. Treatment with ASE increased the expression of ECA-2 and Mas. These results indicate that the ASE prevented the deleterious effects of the HF diet on the liver and could be effective compared to the ENA. The beneficial effects of ASE involve the reduction of weight gain, the antioxidant effect and also the modulation of RAS, proving to be an important tool in the treatment of hepatic steatosis A obesidade está associada ao desenvolvimento de diversas alterações metabólicas. A elevação do Sistema renina-angiotensina (SRA) observada na obesidade se relaciona o desenvolvimento da resistência insulínica, que por sua vez pode levar a esteatose hepática, que é o acúmulo de gordura no fígado. Estudos prévios demonstram que o extrato hidroalcoólico do caroço do açaí (ASE) atua em modelo experimental de obesidade prevenindo a hipertensão arterial, dislipidemia, ganho de peso e hiperglicemia. Além destes efeitos, o ASE demonstrou em modelo de hipertensão renovascular a capacidade de modular componentes do SRA, reduzindo os níveis de renina plasmática. Sendo assim, buscou-se avaliar o efeito preventivo do tratamento com o ASE sobre as alterações hepáticas em modelo animal de obesidade, comparando-o com os efeitos de fármacos inibidores do SRA: enalapril (ENA) e o telmisartan (TEL). Camundongos machos C57BL/6 com 30 dias de idade foram separados em cinco grupos: controle (dieta 10% lipídeos); HF (dieta 60% lipídeos); HF+ASE (300 mg/kg-1), HF+ENA (30 mg/kg-1) e HF+TEL (10 mg/kg-1). A dieta foi administrada concomitantemente com estes tratamentos, os quais foram realizados por gavagem intragástrica durante 12 semanas. A massa corporal e a glicemia foram avaliadas durante o período de tratamento. Ao fim do tratamento e posteriormente à eutanásia foram avaliados o peso do fígado, o peso do tecido adiposo visceral, o índice de Lee, o consumo calórico, o perfil lipídico hepático, a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes e o dano oxidativo em homogenato de fígado. Além disso, a expressão proteica dos componentes do SRA e do fator NF-kB foi avaliada por western blotting em homogenato de fígado. A esteatose hepática foi avaliada histologicamente. No grupo HF houve um aumento do peso corporal e da glicemia, alterações que foram prevenidas pelo tratamento com ASE e ENA. O grupo HF também apresentou um aumento do peso do tecido adiposo visceral, do consumo calórico e do índice de Lee. O tratamento com ASE preveniu o aumento do peso do tecido adiposo e do índice de Lee, o tratamento com ENA preveniu todos estes aumentos e o TEL não foi capaz de prevenir essas alterações. Todos os tratamentos preveniram o aumento dos níveis hepáticos de colesterol e triglicerídeos observados no grupo HF. O aumento do peso do fígado e a esteatose foram prevenidos pelos tratamentos com ASE e ENA. Todos os tratamentos preveniram a redução da atividade antioxidante observada no grupo HF. O grupo HF apresentou expressão aumentada de renina e AT1. Todos os tratamentos diminuíram a expressão de renina, somente o tratamento com TEL diminuiu a expressão de AT1. O tratamento com ASE aumentou a expressão de ECA-2 e Mas. Estes resultados indicam que o ASE preveniu os efeitos deletérios da dieta HF sobre o fígado, podendo ter sua eficácia comparada ao ENA. Os efeitos benéficos do ASE envolvem a redução do ganho de peso, o efeito antioxidante e também a modulação do SRA, demonstrando-se uma ferramenta importante no tratamento da esteatose hepática.

Submitted by Boris INFORMAT (boris@uerj.br) on 2021-04-26T01:14:53Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Thamiris de Souza Dissertacao completa.pdf: 1295645 bytes, checksum: d02a9de8958dab35057294925d09e4ab (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-04-26T01:14:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Thamiris de Souza Dissertacao completa.pdf: 1295645 bytes, checksum: d02a9de8958dab35057294925d09e4ab (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-07-26 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Functional changes in different types of adipose tissue are commonly present in obesity and have been referred as remodeling. Some fatty acids, such as polyunsaturated omega-3, were related to the consequences of obesity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) oil on the subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue of obese animals at different stages of life. Male Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups at 21 days of age, fed diets up to 135 days: EU: control diet; H: high fat diet (45% Kcal of lipids); HC: animals of group H with supplementation of chia oil from 90 days; HCD:high fat diet with chia oil supplementation since weaning. Glucose tolerance; inflammatory markers; morphometry of epididymal adipose tissue; expression of genes and proteins involved in the remodeling of adipose tissue by qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were evaluated. Chia oil supplementation caused changes in both groups. In HCD, food intake and serum leptin concentrations were reduced. In epididymal adipose tissue, supplementation promoted less adipocyte hypertrophy. In addition, it resulted in improved glycemic response and animals from the HCD group increased the mitochondrial load markers in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, suggesting the browning process. Obesity and supplementation did not promote changes related to angiogenesis or the presence of macrophages in epididymal adipose tissue. Thus, the results suggest that supplementation with chia oil may minimize the changes caused by obesity, mainly in the HCD group. Alterações funcionais nos diferentes tipos de tecido adiposo estão comumente presentes na obesidade e têm sido referidas como remodelamento. Alguns ácidos graxos, como poliinsaturados ômega-3, foram relacionados às consequências da obesidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação dietética com óleo de chia (Salvia hispanica L.) no tecido adiposo subcutâneo e visceral de animais obesos em diferentes fases da vida. Camundongos machos Swiss foram divididos em 4 grupos aos 21 dias de idade, sendo alimentados com as dietas até os 135 dias: EU: dieta controle; H: dieta hiperlipídica(45% Kcal de lipídeos); HC: animais do grupo H com suplementação do óleo de chia a partir dos 90 dias; HCDdieta hiperlipídica com suplementação desde o desmame. Foram avaliados tolerância à glicose; marcadores inflamatórios; morfometria do tecido adiposo epididimal; expressão de genes e proteínas envolvidos no remodelamento de tecido adiposo por qRT-PCR, western blotting e imunohistoquímica. A suplementação com óleo de chia ocasionou alterações em ambos os grupos. No HCD, a ingestão alimentar e a concentração sérica de leptina foram reduzidas. No tecido adiposo epididimal, a suplementação promoveu menor hipertrofia dos adipócitos. Além disso, resultou na melhorada resposta glicêmica e os animais do grupo HCD aumentaram os marcadores de carga mitocondrial no tecido adiposo subcutâneo, sugerindo a ocorrência do processo de browning. A obesidade e a suplementação não promoveram mudanças relacionadas à angiogênese ou à presença de macrófagos no tecido adiposo epididimal. Dessa forma, os resultados sugerem que a suplementação com óleo de chia pode minimizar as alterações causadas pela obesidade, principalmente no grupo HCD.

Submitted by Boris Flegr (boris@uerj.br) on 2021-01-05T16:44:21Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissert_Juliana Omena Braga de Mendonca.pdf: 643132 bytes, checksum: e96fc78c2f89a445bb95cb0a9951466f (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-01-05T16:44:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissert_Juliana Omena Braga de Mendonca.pdf: 643132 bytes, checksum: e96fc78c2f89a445bb95cb0a9951466f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-22 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a type of hemoglobinopathy characterized by inflammation and chronic hemolysis. Intense erythropoiesis and inherent anemia may suggest that hepcidin reduction, which is the key regulator of iron metabolism, may result in increased iron absorption. In contrast, inflammatory condition and the iron overload due to chronic blood transfusions experienced by sickle cell patients would be able to induce the transcription of this hormone, leading to reduced absorption of this micronutrient. The lack of knowledge about hepcidin behavior on SCD impairs the development of a specific nutritional protocol for these people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepcidin behavior in people with SCD. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 115 adults divided into groups with SCD and iron overload (n=13; 41.0±11.6 years); SCD without iron burden (n=59; 30.9±10.7); and adults without SCD (n=43; 29.4±8.9). Blood samples were collected for evaluation of the following parameters: hematocrit, hemoglobin, hemoglobin S and fetal, serum hepcidin, ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Results: Hepcidin was significantly higher in subjects with SCD with iron overload than SCD without iron burden group (12.0 ng/mL versus 4.2 ng/mL, respectively) and adults without SCD (12.0 ng/mL versus 7.2 ng/mL, respectively). In contrast, patients with SCD without iron burden has presented lower hepcidin concentration than other groups. Except in the SCD with iron overload group, ferritin was strong and positively correlated with serum hepcidin, appearing also as the main variable able to influence the variation of hepcidin levels; hemoglobin S, LDH, female gender and age also appear as variables able to influence the variability of this hormone, but with less intensity. Conclusion: Serum hepcidin is increased in individuals with SCD and iron overload, suggesting that high hepcidin concentration could decrease the iron absorption and, therefore, it would not be necessary to restrict iron rich foods from the diets of SCD individuals Introdução: A doença falciforme (DF) é uma hemoglobinopatia caracterizada por inflamação e hemólise crônicas. A intensa eritropoiese e anemia inerentes à doença são fatores que potencialmente ocasionariam a redução da produção de hepcidina hormônio responsável pela homeostase de ferro acarretando o aumento da absorção intestinal deste micronutriente. Em contrapartida, o quadro inflamatório característico, bem como a sobrecarga de ferro observada em alguns pacientes, seriam capazes de induzir a transcrição deste hormônio, reduzindo a absorção de ferro. A lacuna no conhecimento a respeito do comportamento da hepcidina gera dificuldades para a elaboração de um protocolo nutricional específico para estas pessoas. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o comportamento da hepcidina sérica em indivíduos com doença falciforme. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 115 adultos, divididos nos grupos com DF e presença de sobrecarga de ferro (n=13; 41,0 ±11,6 anos); com DF sem sobrecarga (n=59; 30,9±10,7 anos); e indivíduos sem a doença (n=43; 29,4±8,9 anos). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para a avaliação dos seguintes parâmetros: hematócrito, hemoglobina, hemoglobinas S e fetal, hepcidina sérica, ferritina, ferro sérico, capacidade total de ligação de ferro (CTLF) e lactato desidrogenase (LDH). Resultados: A concentração de hepcidina sérica apresentou-se significativamente maior nos participantes com doença falciforme e sobrecarga de ferro em relação ao grupo com DF sem sobrecarga (12,0 ng/mL versus 4,2 ng/mL, respectivamente) e também ao grupo sem a referida doença (12,0 ng/mL versus 7,2 ng/mL, respectivamente). Em contrapartida, o grupo com DF sem sobrecarga de ferro apresentou menores concentrações de hepcidina sérica se comparado aos outros grupos estudados. Exceto no grupo com DF e sobrecarga de ferro, a ferritina correlacionou-se fortemente com a hepcidina, apresentando-se também como a principal variável capaz de influenciar na variabilidade deste hormônio nos demais grupos; hemoglobina S, LDH, sexo feminino e idade também apareceram como variáveis capazes de influenciar na variabilidade da concentração de hepcidina, porém com menor intensidade. Conclusão: A hepcidina sérica apresentou-se elevada nos indivíduos com doença falciforme e sobrecarga de ferro, sugerindo que o aumento da concentração deste hormônio poderia diminuir a absorção deste micronutriente, não havendo, então, a necessidade de restrição de alimentos ricos em ferro neste grupo

Submitted by Boris Flegr (boris@uerj.br) on 2021-01-05T16:43:02Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissert_Thaisa Mattos.pdf: 1147784 bytes, checksum: 79902cb24e8fe6730c0a2ae4a6e3436b (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-01-05T16:43:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissert_Thaisa Mattos.pdf: 1147784 bytes, checksum: 79902cb24e8fe6730c0a2ae4a6e3436b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-07-30 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior High plasma concentrations of leptin have been related to increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can play a central regulatory role in inflammatory and cardiovascular events. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D is able to reduce oxidative stress markers, as well as interfere with the production of inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-treatment with physiological (10-10 M) and supraphysiological (10-7 M) concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the production of superoxide anion (O2) and transcription factors NF-κB and Nrf2 in human endothelial cells stimulated with different leptin concentrations (1 and 10 ng/mL). When cells were pre-treated with 1,25(OH)2D3, and were stimulated with leptin (1 and 10 ng/mL), 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced (p

Submitted by Boris Flegr (boris@uerj.br) on 2021-01-05T16:44:20Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissert_Carolyne Pimentel Rosado.pdf: 692059 bytes, checksum: 4f80ddbc58174730d801dc96131af9ff (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-01-05T16:44:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissert_Carolyne Pimentel Rosado.pdf: 692059 bytes, checksum: 4f80ddbc58174730d801dc96131af9ff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-07-22 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro The boiled green banana pulp mass (Musa spp.) is a food matrix that has been arousing interest in the domestic market by reason of its low technological sophistication and its benefits to the human health, mainly due to the presence of bioactive compounds and resistant starch. Besides, the development of a food product derived from green bananas appears as a sustainable approach to minimize the waste of the fruit. In spite of its economical, social and physiological importance, the boiled green banana pulp mass (GBPm) has been scarcely investigated. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the chemical composition and functional properties of GBPm from the three most consumed cultivars in Brazil: Nanica (Musa cavendishii, AAA group), Nanicão (Musa cavendishii, AAA group) and Prata (Musa sapientum, AAB group). The degree of maturation of green bananas was determined by colorimetric analysis through a digital colorimeter. The chemical parameters - titratable acidity (TA), pH, moisture, ash, fat, protein, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber (DF) and its fractions, resistant starch (RS), total carotenoids (TC), lutein, α-carotene, β-carotene and cis isomers - and the functional properties - water-holding capacity (WHC) and oil retention capacity (ORC) - of GBPm were determined by validated methods, and the results of the three cultivars were compared. The comparison was conducted by one-way ANOVA with Tukey post-test, using the software SPSS 17.0 3.5. Regarding the chemical composition, the lipid content was not statistically different among cultivars (0.2 to 0.4%), while water contents (74.8 to 79.6%), ash (2.6 to 3.3%), protein (4.6 to 5.7%) and carbohydrates (90.9 to 92.0%) varied statistically (p ≤ 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the TA values, in % of malic acid (average 0.2 ± 0.03), pH (4.7 to 4.8), WHC (1.6 to 1.8 g of water / g of GBPm) and ORC (0.5 to 0.7 g of oil / g of GBPm). The GBPm of Nanica and Nanicão showed higher RS contents (66.2 ± 11.5 and 65.9 ± 5.7 %, respectively; p = 0.346) than Prata (51.6 ± 5.8%; p = 0.001). The DF content was below 3% of the product (wet basis) in the GBPm of the three cultivars, therefore, it cannot be considered as source of this food component. It was observed a high content of indigestible carbohydrates in the GBPm of the three cultivars, justifying the low caloric value of matrices (16-38 kcal; on a wet basis). The GBPm of Nanica and Nanicão cultivars showed, respectively, higher concentrations of TC (16.4 ± 0.23 and 13.3 ± 0.31 µg/g), lutein (1.1 ± 0.06 and 1.3 ± 0.14 µg/g), α-carotene (4.8 ± 0.06 and 4.1 ± 0.04 µg/g), β-carotene (5.7 ± 0.04 and 4.2 ± 0.01 µg/g), 13-cis-β-carotene (1.3 ± 0.01 and 1.0 ± 0.03 µg/g) and 9-cis-β-carotene (0.4 ± 0.03 and 0.3 ± 0.0 µg/g), than the Prata cultivar (4.7 ± 0.14 µg/g, 0.8 ± 0.06 µg/g, 1.1 ± 0.01 µg/g, 1.5 ± 0.01 µg/g, 0.3 ± 0.0 µg/g and 0.2 ± 0.02 µg/g, respectively). When comparing the equivalent retinol values of GBPm with other foods of plant origin, it was observed lower levels of these compounds in the three cultivars. Thus, this food matrix is not a natural source of provitamin A. The GBPm of Nanica and Nanicão are the most interesting raw materials from a nutritional and functional point of view due to the high concentration of RS A massa de polpa de banana verde (Musa spp.) cozida é uma matriz alimentar que vem despertando interesse no mercado nacional devido à sua baixa sofisticação tecnológica e seus benefícios à saúde humana, principalmente devido à presença de compostos bioativos e amido resistente. Além disso, o desenvolvimento de um produto alimentício oriundo da banana verde surge como uma abordagem sustentável para minimizar o desperdício do fruto. Apesar da sua importância econômica, social e fisiológica, a massa de polpa de banana verde cozida (PBVm) tem sido pouco investigada. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar e comparar a composição química e as propriedades funcionais, das PBVm obtidas a partir dos três cultivares mais consumidos no Brasil: Nanica (Musa cavendishii, grupo AAA), Nanicão (Musa cavendishii, grupo AAA) e Prata (Musa sapientum, grupo AAB). O grau de maturação das bananas verdes foi verificado por análise colorimétrica através do colorímetro digital. Os parâmetros químicos - acidez titulável (AT), pH, umidade, cinzas, lipídios, proteínas, carboidratos totais, fibras dietéticas (FD) e suas frações, amido resistente (AR), carotenoides totais (CT), luteína, α-caroteno, β-caroteno e cis-isômeros - e as propriedades funcionais - capacidade de retenção de água (CRA) e capacidade de retenção de óleo (CRO) - das PBVm foram determinados por metodologias validadas, e os resultados dos três cultivares foram comparados. A comparação entre as variedades foi realizada por ANOVA one-way com post-teste de Tukey. Em relação à composição centesimal, não foi observada diferença entre os teores, em base seca, de lipídios (0,2 a 0,4%), enquanto os valores de cinzas (2,6 a 3,3%), proteínas (4,6 a 5,7%) e carboidratos (90,9 a 92,0%) variaram (p

Submitted by Boris Flegr (boris@uerj.br) on 2021-01-05T16:43:49Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissert_Pilar Silva Raphael Mataratzis.pdf: 2840713 bytes, checksum: 90ce61a504f31c4718e20a7aee79e396 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-01-05T16:43:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissert_Pilar Silva Raphael Mataratzis.pdf: 2840713 bytes, checksum: 90ce61a504f31c4718e20a7aee79e396 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-10-31 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hereditary disorder in Brazil and in the world and is characterized by the presence of S hemoglobin in homozigosis. Chronic hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusion commonly occur and probably contribute to impairment of nutritional status which, in turn, are frequently accompanied by changes in body composition and delayed skeletal maturation. The aim of the present study was to compare nutritional status and bone mass in 2 to 5 years children with and without sickle cell disease. Nutritional status was evaluated by using the following indices: body mass index for age (BMI/age), weight for age (W/A), height for age (H/A) and weight for height (W/H) evaluated as z-scores and adequacies for midupper arm circumference (MUAC), triciptal skinfold thickness (TST) and upper arm muscle circumference (UAMC). Laboratorial analyses included hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum iron and transferrin. Bone age was assessed by a left hand and wrist radiograph and bone mass was evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Fifty two children with SCD and 47 control children were enrolled. In the group of SCD children, considering BMI/age, the prevalence of overweight (7,7% overweight risk and 3,9% overweight) was higher than the prevalence of under nutrition (1,9%). It was observed a higher prevalence of height deficit (13,5%) than weight deficit (3,9%) in the SCD children. Body composition results from DXA showed that total body mass, body fat and percent of body fat were significantly higher in the control group than in the group with SCD (p < 0,001). Based on relative bone age, deficits in skeletal maturation were significantly higher (p