Importância da gordura alimentar na prevenção e no controle de distúrbios metabólicos e da doença cardiovascular

Effect of the Association of Fixed Oils from Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, Euterpe oleracea Martius, Bixa orellana Linné and Chronic SM® on Atherogenic Dyslipidemia in Wistar Rats

Dyslipidemia presents high levels of serum cholesterol and is characterized as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, especially for the development of atherosclerosis. E. oleracea oil (OFEO), A. esculentus oil (OFAE), B. orellana oil (OFBO), and Chronic SM® granules (CHR) are rich in bioactive compounds with the potential to treat changes in lipid metabolism. This study investigated the effects of treatments with oils from A. esculentus, E. oleracea, B. orellana, and Chronic SM® on Cocos nucifera L. saturated-fat-induced dyslipidemia. The chromatographic profile showed the majority presence of unsaturated fatty acids in the tested oils. The quantification of tocotrienols and geranylgeraniol in OFBO and CHR was obtained. Treatments with OFEO, OFAE, OFBO, and CHR were able to significantly reduce glycemia, as well as hypertriglyceridemia, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol, besides increasing HDL-cholesterol. The treatments inhibited the formation of atheromatous plaques in the vascular endothelium of the treated rats. The obtained results suggest that the OFEO, OFAE, OFBO, and CHR exhibit antidyslipidemic effects and antiatherogenic activity.

Development of Non-Dairy Synbiotic Fruit Beverage Using Adansonia digatata (baobab) Fruit Pulp as Prebiotic

Probiotics improve gut health; however, their intake through diet is mainly in the form of dairy products, which represents a challenge to lactose-intolerant individuals and vegetarians. This study aimed to determine the prebiotic potential of baobab and to evaluate the potential of using fermented baobab-based beverages as functional foods. The prebiotic content of baobab fruit pulp was determined. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from raw milk samples, identified through phenotypic and molecular methods, and evaluated for their probiotic potential. Three potential non-dairy synbiotic functional beverages using baobab fruit pulp fermented with potential probiotic Limosilactobacillus fermentum and mixed with milk, water, and apple juice separately were produced. The growth and survival of probiotic L. fermentum in the beverages at room (25 °C) and refrigeration (4 °C) temperatures for 3 weeks were determined. Baobab fruit pulp contained phytochemicals, vitamins, fatty acids, inulin, and fructooligosaccharides. Sequence alignment of the LAB isolates identified homologous sequences of Lacticaseibacillus casei, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lentilactobacillus buchneri, and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus with 97.2–98.5% similarity. All the lactic acid bacteria did not produce DNAse and gelatinase enzymes, exhibited antagonistic activity against test pathogenic organisms, and demonstrated tolerance to bile salt, simulated gastric juice, and acid. The viability of L. fermentum increased from an initial inoculum size of 106–108 CFU/mL in the baobab-based beverages and remained constant at 108 CFU/mL both at room and refrigeration temperatures. However, after three weeks, the viability of L. fermentum in the synbiotic beverages reduced to 107 CFU/mL. Refrigerated synbiotic beverages had more viable L. fermentum cells (8.04–8log10 CFU/mL) than those stored at room temperatures (7.95–7.7log10 CFU/mL) after three weeks of storage. This study has shown that baobab fruit pulp has prebiotic potential and can be used in the production of a non-dairy functional beverage.

Effects of organic Selenium- and Chromium-Enriched Diets on performance, carcass characteristics, lipid profile and fat quality of finishing pigs in different weight ranges

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat from barrowS of same genetic lineage supplemented with organic chromium and selenium initiated in different weight ranges in the finishing phase using 24 carcasses. Three different diets were used that represent the time when supplementation starts: control - without the inclusion of organic Cr and Se; CrSe70 - control with 500 g ton-1 of organic Cr and Se of 70 to 130 kg in body weight; and CrSe100 - control with inclusion of 500 g ton-1 of organic Cr and Se from 100 kg to 130 kg body weight. Performance, carcass characteristics, and lipid profile were evaluated. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, and with significant differences (p<0.05), the means were compared using the Tukey test. From 70 to 100 kg, control and CrSe70 animals consumed less feed than CrSe100. From 100 kg body weight, it reduced the C20:5n3 and C24:1n9 acids and increased the activity of the Δ-6 desaturase, elongase, Δ-5 desaturase enzymes in the supplemented animals. The moment when supplementation starts of organic chromium and selenium does not improve the performance and carcass characteristics, does not change the fatty acid profile, and does not improve the quality of the fat.

Efficacy of a hypolipid diet in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome with dyslipidemia: a prospective study

Although dyslipidemia is associated with poorer prognosis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the management of lipid disorders can be challenging. While statins may increase the bleeding risk associated with anticoagulation, the effectiveness of hypolipid diet (HD) has not yet been established in patients with autoimmune disorders. In this study, we evaluated whether HD is associated with decreases in cholesterol levels in patients with thrombotic primary APS (t-PAPS) and dyslipidemia. Nutritional and lipid profiles were assessed before HD was initiated (baseline) and after 3 and 6 months with HD. A 24-h dietary recall was applied to assess the adherence to the diet. Forty-four patients were included, mean age was 43 years (± 12.93) and 65% were female. After HD was started, the intake of carbohydrates, lipids, saturated fats and cholesterol decreased, whereas dietary fiber intake increased. Levels of total cholesterol (TC) and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) decreased after 3 and 6 months of HD, as compared to baseline (P = 0.007 and P = 0.008). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) values did not change during the study period. The mean body mass index (BMI) decreased from 28.4 to 27.8 kg/m² after six months of HD (p < 0.0001). In subgroup analysis, the effects of HD were more pronounced in patients with high TC, LDL-C or non-HDL-C levels at baseline and in those without obesity or hypertension. Nutritional intervention is feasible among t-PAPS and could be an alternative therapy to modulate lipid metabolism in this population.

Analytical performance of Raman spectroscopy in assaying biochemical components in human serum

Chronic non-infectious diseases are important to research as they are the main causes of death in Brazil and worldwide. One very important chronic non-infectious disease is cardiovascular disease, whose risk factors (diabetes, dyslipidemia, and renal failure) can be detected through assessments of serum biochemical components. The objective of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of Raman spectroscopy for analysis of lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol), non-protein nitrogenous compounds (urea and creatinine), and glucose in 242 human serum samples. Models to discriminate and quantify the samples were developed using the predicted concentration by quantitative regression model based on partial least squares (PLS). The analytical error for the "leave-one-out" cross-validation based on the predicted PLS concentration was 10.5 mg/dL for total cholesterol, 21.4 mg/dL for triglyceride, 13.0 mg/dL for HDL cholesterol, 4.9 mg/dL for urea, 0.21 mg/dL for creatinine, and 15.4 mg/dL for glucose. The Kappa coefficient indicate very good agreement for cholesterol (0.83), good for triglyceride (0.77), urea (0.70) and creatinine (0.66), and fair for HDL cholesterol (0.38) and glucose (0.30). The results of the analytical performance demonstrated that Raman spectroscopy can be considered an important methodology to screen the population, especially for serum triglycerides and cholesterol.

Long-term association of red meat consumption and lipid profile: A 13-year prospective population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The long-term associations between red meat consumption and lipid profile are not completely known. This longitudinal study assessed the association of red meat consumption with lipid profile in healthy Iranian adults using repeated measurements of red meat intake.

METHODS

The population-based longitudinal study was conducted within the framework of the Isfahan Cohort Study on a subsample of 1376 healthy adults, aged ≥35 y, for whom complete information was available in all three phases of the study. A simplified qualitative 48-item food frequency questionnaire, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, and fasting serum lipids and blood sugar were evaluated in three phases. Mixed-effects linear regression was applied to examine the longitudinal associations between red meat consumption and lipid profile.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounders, each single-serving increase in red meat and organ meat consumption was significantly associated with an increment in triacylglycerol (β = 6.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.97-8.63), total cholesterol (β = 3.03; 95% CI, 2.02-4.04), low-density lipoprotein (β = 3.40; 95% CI, 2.64-4.17), high-density lipoprotein (β = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.28-0.93), ratio of low-density to high-density lipoprotein (β = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.05), and non-high-density lipoprotein (β = 2.42; 95% CI, 1.41-3.43). However, processed meat consumption had no significant association with lipid profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Total red meat intake had a significant, direct association with lipid profile after a 13-year follow-up period in a cohort of the healthy Iranian population.

Fatty acid profile, mineral content and bioactive compounds of cocoa spreads supplemented with baru almonds (

The present study aimed to perform a chromatographic and spectrophotometric characterization of the bioactive compounds, antioxidants, phenolics, profile of fatty acids and minerals in spreads supplemented with different contents of baru almonds. The addition of baru almonds (P1 treatment) enhanced the concentrations of vitamin C, antioxidants, gallic acid, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, manganese and oleic acid. In contrast, the absence of this oil in P3 treatment resulted in an increase in the concentrations of vanillin, p-coumaric acid, ferric acid, o-coumaric acid, linoleic acid and saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. When the tannin, beta-carotene/linoleic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids, hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic fatty acid contents and atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were evaluated, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were detected between treatments.

Phytogenic blend protective effects against microbes but affects health and production in broilers

The aim of this study was to determine whether addition of a phytogenic blend in the feed of broilers to replace conventional antimicrobials as a performance enhancer would improve or maintain productive efficiency. The phytogenic blend was based on curcuminoids, cinnamaldehyde and glycerol monolaurate. We used 480 birds divided into three groups with eight repetitions per group and 20 birds per repetition. The groups were identified as antimicrobial-treated: basal feed with antibiotics and coccidiostatic agents; phytogenic blend: basal feed with blend; and control, only basal feed. Zootechnical performance was measured on days from 1 to 42, with body weight measured at days 1, 7, 21 and 42. We collected excreta for parasitological analysis and total bacterial counts to determine if the phytogenic blend had kept the bacteria and coccidia in counts smaller or similar to that resulting from use of conventional performance enhancer. Other variables were also measured to complement our research, i.e., if the consumption of bend is good for the health of the birds (without causing toxicity and negatively altering the metabolism and intestinal morphometry) and does not interfere in the quality of the meat. Because the bacteria are often opportunistic, we challenged all birds at 23 days of age with high doses of oral oocysts (28,000 oocysts). Birds supplemented with the blend showed inferior performance compared to birds in the control and antimicrobial treated group (P < 0.05). We found a smaller number of oocysts of Eimeria spp. in the excreta at 42 days in the treatment with blend and antimicrobial treated group (P < 0.05). In terms of total bacterial counts, there were lower counts in the birds of the blend group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The blend increased the yellow intensity and the luminosity of the meat (P < 0.05), as well as cooking weight losses (P < 0.05) compared those of the control. We observed higher total levels of saturated fatty acids in meat from the blend and antimicrobial treated group (P < 0.05), as well as lower levels of monounsaturated fatty acids in the blend group (P < 0.05). The inclusion of a phytogenic blend to replace conventional antimicrobials and anticoccidial agents in the diet of chickens was able to control bacteria as well as coccidia; however, it ends up harming health and production.

The Treatment of Prednisone in Mild Diabetic Rats: Biochemical Parameters and Cell Response

Background:

Limited studies have been carried out with prednisone (PRED) in treatment by glucose intolerant individuals, even in this model the animals presented low blood glucose levels at adulthood, by the high regenerative capacity of β-cell.

Objective:

The aim was to evaluate the effects of the treatment of PRED in mild diabetes on biochemical and immunological biomarkers.

Methods:

Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (C), treated control C+PRED (treatment of 1.25 mg/Kg/day PRED); diabetic DM (mild diabetes) and treated diabetic DM+PRED (treatment with same dose as C+PRED group). Untreated groups received vehicle, adjusted volume to body weight. The treatment lasted 21 days and measured body weight, food and water intake, and glycemia weekly. In the 3rd week, the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and the Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT) was performed. On the last day, the rats were killed and the blood was collected for biochemical analyzes, leukogram and immunoglobulin G levels.

Results:

There was a significant decrease in body weight in mild diabetes; however, the treatment in diabetic groups increased food intake, glycemia, and the number of total leukocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils. On the other hand, it decreased the levels of triglycerides, high-density and very lowdensity lipoproteins. In addition, diabetic groups showed glucose intolerance and mild insulin resistance, confirming that this model induces glucose intolerant in adult life.

Conclusion:

The results showed that the use of prednisone is not recommended for glucose intolerant individuals and should be replaced in order to not to aggravate this condition.

Enrichment diets of pigs with oil blends and its effects on performance, carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile

ABSTRACT The addition of different oil blends in the feed of finishing pigs was evaluated. Twenty-four castrated male finishing pigs were used in a randomized block design containing four treatments and six replicates. The treatments consisted of: Reference ration (RR) - 100% soybean oil feed; and the combination of the different oils: Blend1 - 50.0% soybean oil (SO), 25.0% flaxseed oil (FO), 12.5% olive oil (OO) and 12.5% canola oil (CO); Blend2 - 25.0% SO, 50.0% FO, 12.5% OO and 12.5% CO; and Blend3 - 25.0% SO, 12.5% FO, 12.5% OO and 50.0% CO. The performance, quantitative and qualitative carcass parameters, fatty acids profile and economic feasibility of the diets were evaluated. The use of blends in the diets did not influence the performance or carcass quality, but increased marbling and carcass yield. The fatty acid profile of the loin presented greater amounts of stearic acid in Blend3 and higher percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in animals fed with Blend1. The fatty tissue presented greater amounts of myristic acid in Blend1 and oleic acid in Blend3. The reference ration was the most economic. The Blends did not affect performance or carcass characteristics and improved the fatty acid profile.

Physicochemical characteristics of anhydrous milk fat mixed with fully hydrogenated soybean oil

There is a growing demand for fats that confer structure, control the crystallization behavior, and maintain the polymorphic stability of lipid matrices in foods. In this context, milk fat has the potential to meet this demand due to its unique physicochemical properties. However, its use is limited at temperatures above 34 °C when thermal and mechanical resistance are desired. The addition of vegetable oil hard fats to milk fat can alter its physicochemical properties and increase its technological potential. This study evaluated the chemical composition and the physical properties of lipid bases made with anhydrous milk fat (AMF) and fully hydrogenated soybean oil (FHSBO) at the proportions of 90:10; 80:20; 70:30; 60:40; and 50:50 (% w/w). The increased in FHSBO concentration resulted in blends with higher melting point, which the addition of 10% of FHSBO increase the melting point in 12 °C of the lipid base. Also, FHSBO contributed for a higher thermal resistance conferred by the coexistence of polymorphs β' and β, which remained stable for 90 days. Co-crystallization was observed for all blends due to the total compatibility of milk fat with the fully hydrogenated soybean oil. The results suggest a potential of all blends for various technological applications, makes milk fat more appropriate to confer structure, and improve the polymorph stability in foods. The blends presenting singular characteristics according to the desired thermal stability, melting point, and polymorphic habit.

The increase of atherogenic index on fatty acids composition as a consequence of trans fat acids reduction in industrialized foods: the Brazilian scenery

Abstract The use of fats with a low melting point is attractive to the food industry, as it contributes to improving the texture, color and stability characteristics of the food. These fats are obtained from vegetable oils through some processes such as hydrogenation or interesterification. However, the partial hydrogenation process leads to the formation of trans fat. In several countries, actions have been taken to eliminate the presence of elaidic acid, a trans fatty acid (C18: 1t) from processed foods. This trans fatty acid and palmitic acid, a common saturated fatty acid (C16: 0) are proven to be atherogenic. The aim of this work was to evaluate the composition of fatty acids of 39 types of commercialized foods in Brazil, including cookies, snacks, wafers, instant noodles, frozen sandwiches and pizzas, mixtures for food preparation, microwave popcorn, margarines, spreadable cheeses and pastry dough. The lipids were extracted and their Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs) identified by Gas-Chromatography (GC). The fatty acids found in greater quantity were oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids; whereas the trans fatty acids were detected in 51.3% of the samples. On the other hand, when trans fast were reduced in some foods, it could be observed increases in the palmitic acid (C16:0) content. This high content of palmitic acid is justified by the addition of palm oil and its derivatives, which can be used in interesterified oil mixtures or can be directly used in industrialized food formulations, even without interesterification. Governments and organizations in favor of human health should be aware that the use of dietary fatty acids which compromise the atherogenic index is not a healthy alternative. Consumers should therefore be alerted to the risk of consuming foods containing these fats until the food industry is banned from using them or finds healthier alternatives for making food.

Qualidade seminal e perfil metabólico de caprinos alimentados com semente de linhaça na dieta

RESUMO O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de semente de linhaça na dieta sobre a qualidade seminal e o perfil metabólico de machos caprinos. Foram utilizados 16 machos da raça Saanen, distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos, recebendo níveis de inclusão de semente de linhaça (0, 4, 8 e 12%) na dieta, durante um período de 60 dias. As coletas e as avaliações seminais foram realizadas duas vezes por semana. Os animais foram submetidos a coletas quinzenais de sangue, durante todo o período experimental. Os dados foram avaliados por ANOVA e pela análise de regressão a 5% de significância. Houve comportamento cúbico para motilidade espermática progressiva, que apresentou o maior valor (82,30%) com a adição de 9,92% de semente de linhaça na dieta (P<0,05). Houve comportamento cúbico para concentração plasmática de triglicerídeos, e o nível de 8% de semente de linhaça na dieta apresentou média de 43,32mg dL-1, acima dos valores normais para a espécie caprina (P<0,05). A inclusão de semente de linhaça na dieta de machos caprinos proporcionou melhora na produção espermática e na qualidade seminal. No entanto, devem-se considerar os possíveis efeitos dos níveis superiores a 4% de semente de linhaça sobre o perfil metabólico dos animais.

Antibiotic Activity Potentiation and Physicochemical Characterization of the Fixed Orbignya speciosa Almond Oil against MDR Staphylococcus aureus and Other Bacteria

Orbignya speciosa (babassu) is an important palm tree in Brazil whose fixed almond oil is used in popular medicine and especially in food, in addition to being a research target for the manufacture of biofuels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fixed almond oil physicochemical characterization and its antibacterial activity in isolation and in association with aminoglycosides against standard and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Analyses such as water content, pH, acidity, peroxide index, relative density, and refractive index indicate the stability and chemical quality of the oil. In the oil’s GC/MS chemical composition analysis, a high saturated fatty acid (76.90%) content was observed. Lauric acid (56.28%) and oleic acid (23.10%) were the major oil components. In the antibacterial test, a more significant oil activity was observed against K. pneumoniae KP-ATCC 10031 (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 406.37 μg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (MIC = 812.75 μg/mL), but for the other strains—including standard and multi-resistant strains—the oil presented an MIC ≥ 1024 μg/mL. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed when the oil was associated with amikacin and gentamicin against S. aureus (SA-10) and an antagonistic effect was observed with amikacin against Escherichia coli. Data indicate the O. speciosa oil as a valuable nutritional source of lauric, oleic, and myristic fatty acids with an ability to modulate aminoglycoside activity.

Perfil de indivíduos com excesso de peso metabolicamente saudáveis e metabolicamente não saudáveis

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar um grupo de indivíduos adultos com excesso de peso quanto ao seu perfil metabólico, qualificando-os como obesos metabolicamente saudáveis ou obesos metabolicamente não saudáveis, segundo diferentes critérios. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, que avaliou 63 indivíduos adultos, 69,8% do sexo feminino, com sobrepeso (25,0 – 29,9 kg/m²) ou obesidade (≥ 30 kg/m²). Para a caracterização metabólica, foram utilizados os critérios: Índice “Homeostasis Model Assessment” (obesos metabolicamente saudáveis: dentro dos 3 menores quartis: ≤3,10; obesos metabolicamente não saudáveis: >3,10); padrões do “National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III” (obesos metabolicamente saudáveis: apresentar até 2 componentes; obesos metabolicamente não saudáveis: 3 ou mais dos cinco componentes) e a combinação destes dois. Os perfis de estilo de vida, antropométrico, bioquímico e de consumo alimentar também foram avaliados. Os resultados foram expressos como percentual ou média ± desvio padrão, conforme o tipo de variável a ser descrito. A frequência de indivíduos obesos metabolicamente saudáveis foi de 73%, pelo critério de “Homeostasis Model Assessment”; e de 49,2%, pelo “Adult Treatment Panel III”. Usando os dois critérios em conjunto, obteve-se 79,4% de obesos metabolicamente saudáveis. A qualificação dos indivíduos pode variar de acordo com o critério utilizado. De forma geral, os obesos metabolicamente saudáveis exibem menores índices de massa corporal e circunferência da cintura, e possuem menos alterações bioquímicas. Entretanto, estes indivíduos também necessitam de acompanhamento nutricional, a fim de evitar que estes parâmetros se alterem ao longo do tempo, colocando-os em risco de desenvolver doenças crônicas.

Changes in quality and phytochemical contents of avocado oil under different temperatures

Avocado oil, which has a high content of monounsaturated fatty acid and health-beneficial phytochemicals, is consumed in salads and also can be used for cooking. Therefore, is essential to study its oxidative and photochemical stability under different temperatures. So this work aimed to evaluate the oil oxidation and the phytochemical degradation of avocado oil under three different temperatures: room, 100 °C and 180 °C. The oil oxidation was evaluated by peroxide value and specific extinction in ultraviolet. The phytochemical degradation was evaluated for phytosterol, chlorophylls, and carotenoids contents. The temperature was found to significantly influence the oil oxidation and phytochemical stability, with the oxidation/degradation rate constants increasing with temperature. At room temperature, all oxidative parameters increased linearly with time, indicating a zero-order kinetic. At 100 and 180 °C, peroxide value, K232 and K270 increased linearly at a higher rate, becoming constant or decreasing after a short reaction time. The activation energy from specific extinction at 270 nm curves was 17.74 kcal mol^-1 for oil degradation. For phytochemical compounds, the mechanism of reactions depended on the temperature, in which the reaction orders increased with heating. The activation energies for carotenoids, chlorophylls and sterols degradations at high temperatures were 5.00, 6.93, and 4.48 kcal mol^-1, respectively. In this way, we found that avocado oil has its stability and quality affected by temperature, and, therefore, is not indicated for use in long and/or successive heating processes.

Were policies in Brazil effective to reducing trans fat from industrial origin in foods?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the trans fatty acids content of processed foods frequently consumed by adults living in a Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after the enactment of a mandatory trans fatty acids labelling policy.

METHODS

Between February 2014 and January 2015, a specifically dietary questionnaire was completed by 107 adults to assess the frequency of processed foods consumption. The most commonly consumed products from the survey, including vegetable oils, margarine, biscuits, snacks, cheese bread (pão de queijo), french fries, cheeseburger and ice cream, were then analyzed for their trans fatty acids content using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector.

RESULTS

Differences in the levels of trans fatty acids were observed among 22 products analyzed, considering that trans fatty acids content ranged between 0.0 g/100 g in samples of cream cracker biscuit 1 and olive oil to 0.83 g/100 g in samples of cheeseburger (fast food), 0.51 g/100 g in samples of frozen pão de queijo and 12.92 g/100 g in samples of chocolate sandwich cookies with cream filling 2. The overall trans fatty acids content of the different samples of margarine brands was 0.20 g/100 g for brand 1 and 0.0 g/100 g for brand 2. These data are significantly lower than those observed in a survey conducted in 2003, when the regulation had been enacted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that Brazilian regulation is very likely implicated in the observed drop in trans fatty acids of the most processed foods but has yet to eliminate them, which reinforces the urgent need to revise the legislation, since a minimum amount of trans fat does not mean that the food product does not contain this type of fat.

Relationship between inflammation and oxidative stress and cognitive decline in the institutionalized elderly

Objective. Cognitive impairment reduces quality of life and is related to vascular and neurodegenerative disorders. However, there is also a close relationship between these diseases and oxidative stress. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess whether inflammation and oxidative damage are associated with low cognitive performance in the elderly with different housing conditions. Methods. The study groups consisted of 32 institutionalized and 25 noninstitutionalized Brazilian elderly subjects. Oxidative damage, inflammation markers, and cognitive function were evaluated. Results. The results demonstrated pronounced oxidative stress in the institutionalized elderly group, which also had a lower antioxidant status compared to noninstitutionalized subjects. High levels of proinflammatory cytokines were also observed in the institutionalized elderly. Furthermore, the raised levels of inflammatory markers were correlated with increased oxidative stress, and both were associated with low cognitive performance. However, based on multiple linear regression analysis, oxidative stress appears to be the main factor responsible for the cognitive decline. Conclusions. The findings suggest that individuals with lower antioxidant status are more vulnerable to oxidative stress, which is associated with cognitive function, leading to reduced life quality and expectancy.

Elaboração de farofa de grãos, sementes oleaginosas e castanha de caju: composição de fibras, ácidos graxos e aceitação

O trabalho objetivou a elaboração de farofa salgada, composta de sementes oleaginosas e castanha de caju, bem como a avaliação de seus atributos nutricionais, comparando-os às recomendações atuais de ingestão e sua aceitação sensorial. As matérias-primas utilizadas na elaboração da farofa foram: gergelim, linhaça dourada, girassol, soja tostada, aveia, flocos de milho, gérmen de trigo, castanha de caju, farinha de milho, óleo de girassol, tempero desidratado e sal. A análise sensorial foi realizada por 120 avaliadores, voluntários, não treinados, de ambos os sexos, frequentadores do campus. A análise físico-química foi realizada considerando teores de fibra alimentar total, solúvel, insolúvel; ácidos graxos; gorduras saturadas, monoinsaturadas, poli-insaturadas, trans; índice de peróxidos e estabilidade oxidativa. Quanto à fibra total, a porção de 30 g apresentou 11% dos valores diários recomendados; ácidos graxos ω-6 e ω-3, com proporção de 5:1, razão adequada segundo as recomendações da Organização Mundial de Saúde; ácido graxo oleico representou 15 g da composição lipídica do produto. Quanto à estabilidade, a farofa mostrou-se estável pelo método Rancimat e índice de peróxido aceitável pela legislação brasileira. Apresentou excelente aceitação entre os avaliadores, com 98% de aprovação e 89% de intenção de compra.

How can diet influence the risk of stroke?

Cerebrovascular diseases are the second cause of mortality in the world, and hypertension is considered a main risk factor for occurrence of stroke. The mechanisms responsible for the increased stroke risk remain unclear. However, dietary interventions have been applied in the management and treatment of their risk factors, which include increased blood pressure levels, obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Further studies should be conducted to assess the effects of carotenoids, flavonoids, n-3 polyunsaturated fats, and lower salt and high glycemic index intake in risk of stroke.

Efeito dos ácidos graxos n-3 no perfil glicêmico e lipídico, no estresse oxidativo e na capacidade antioxidante total de pacientes com síndrome metabólica

OBJETIVO: A síndrome metabólica (SM) é um conjunto de fatores que favorecem o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares. Estudos prévios demonstram que os ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (PUFAs) podem melhorar alguns desses fatores. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito do óleo de peixe rico em PUFAs nos perfis glicêmico e lipídico, no estresse oxidativo e na capacidade antioxidante total (TRAP) no plasma em pacientes com SM. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico em 40 pacientes com SM (20 controles e 20 pacientes que consumiram 3 g/dia de PUFAs). RESULTADOS: O grupo que recebeu tratamento apresentou redução significativa nos níveis de triacilgliceróis e aumento no TRAP, mas sofreu aumento nos níveis de LDL, glicose e na resistência à insulina. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a ingestão de óleo de peixe foi capaz de diminuir os níveis de triacilgliceróis e aumentar o TRAP de pacientes com SM, porém verificou-se aumento nos níveis de LDL e na resistência à insulina.

The locomotor system as seen in Brazilian scientific journals: a mini review

OBJECTIVE

To make recent selected publications on the locomotor system available to the readership of Clinics.

METHOD

A general survey of articles published in selected Brazilian journals was inspected and 91 articles were critically analyzed. They were categorized and briefly described. A final summary of themes is reproduced here.

RESULTS

Papers fall into two main categories: articular and muscular pathology and therapeutics; medical sports. A number of papers are not classifiable under these headings.

CONCLUSION

The locomotor system has been extensively analyzed and discussed in the Brazilian scientific press in recent years. Not surprisingly, knee and ankle pathology, soccer and running are dominant themes.