Association of cardiovascular risk factors and myocardial hypertrophy in women with preeclampsia history

AIMS

A historic of preeclampsia (PE) has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. There are substantial evidences that cardiovascular changes resulting from PE can persist even after pregnancy end. Therefore, the aims was to evaluate the prevalence of myocardial hypertrophy in young women 12 months after PE event as well as try to identify risk factors for these changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-center observational prospective cross-sectional study that included 118 consecutive patients after 12 months of PE. Clinical and laboratory evaluations, echocardiogram were performed. Myocardial hypertrophy (LVH) was defined as an index myocardial mass ≥ 45 g/m2.7, for women. Classical risk factors for CVD were considered. Analysis included linear or logistic regression and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Significance level of 5 %.

KEY FINDINGS

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) was identified in 52 patients (44 %), overweight/obesity (OOB) in 82 (69 %), dyslipidemia in 68 (57 %) and metabolic syndrome in 47 patients (40 %). LVH was present in 35 cases (29 %) and associated with OOB (OR = 4.51; CI95%:1.18-17.17, p < 0.001), in a model corrected for age and SAH diagnosis. When only the metabolic syndrome components were analyzed, in the multiple logistic regression model, the abdominal circumference was the only clinical variable associated with LVH (OR = 17.65; CI95%:3.70-84.17; p < 0.001).

SIGNIFICANCE

It was observed a high prevalence of ventricular hypertrophy in young women with a history of pre-eclampsia. This condition was associated with the presence of obesity.

Proteomic study of gamma-oryzanol preventive effect on a diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease associated with obesity and diabetes prevalence. The use of natural compounds has become an attractive approach to prevent NAFLD and its progression. Gamma-oryzanol (Orz) is a natural compound whose beneficial effects on chronic metabolic diseases have been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the preventive effect of Orz on the hepatic proteome in a diet induced NAFLD model. Wistar rats were randomly distributed into three experimental groups (n=6/group) according to the diet received for 30 weeks: Control group, high sugar-fat (HSF) group, and HSF+Orz group. The isolated Orz was added to the chow at the dose of 0.5% (w/w). We evaluated the nutritional profile, characterized the presence of steatosis through histological analysis, triglyceride content in liver tissue and hepatic inflammation. Next, we performed label-free quantitative proteomics of hepatic tissue. Network analysis was performed to describe involved protein pathways. NAFLD induction was characterized by the presence of hepatic steatosis. Orz prevented lipid accumulation. The compound prevented alterations of the hepatic proteome, highlighted by the modulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, xenobiotic metabolism, and the sirtuin signaling pathway. It was possible to identify key altered pathways of NAFLD pathophysiology modulated by Orz which may provide insights into NAFLD treatment targets.

Effects of carnosine supplementation on markers for the pathophysiological development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in a diet-induced model

Consumption of diets high in sugar and fat is related to the development of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Carnosine (CAR) is a dipeptide with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action and has been studied for treating diseases. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of CAR on diet-induced MASLD in rats. Male Wistar rats were distributed into 2 groups (17 weeks): normocaloric (Co, n = 12), and hypercaloric diet rich in lipids and simple carbohydrates (MASLD, n = 12). After, the animals were redistributed to begin the treatment with CAR (4 weeks): Co (n = 6), Co + CAR (n = 6), MASLD (n = 6), and MASLD + CAR (n = 6), administered intraperitoneally (250 mg/kg). Evaluations included nutritional, hormonal and metabolic parameters; hepatic steatosis, inflammatory and oxidative markers. MASLD group had a higher adiposity index, systolic blood pressure, glucose, plasma and liver triglycerides and cholesterol, insulin, hepatic steatosis, oxidative markers, and lower PPAR-α (Peroxisome Proliferator-activated receptor α), compared to the Co. CAR attenuated plasma and hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels, hepatic steatosis, CD68+ macrophages, and hepatic oxidative markers, in addition to increasing HDL cholesterol levels and PPAR-α, compared to the untreated MASLD group. CAR acts in importants pathophysiological processes of MASLD and may be a therapeutic compound to control the disease.

Carnosine supplementation and retinal oxidative parameters in a high-calorie diet rat model

BACKGROUND

To assess oxidative effects induced by a high-calorie diet on the retina of Wistar rats and test the antioxidative effects of carnosine supplementation.

METHODS

Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following groups: standard diet (SD), high-calorie diet (HcD), standard diet + carnosine (SD + Car), and high-calorie diet + carnosine (HcD + Car). The body weight, adiposity index, plasma glucose, total lipids, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), uric acid, creatinine, and triglycerides of the animals were evaluated. The retinas were analyzed for markers of oxidative stress. Hydrogen peroxide production was assessed by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF) oxidation. The total glutathione (tGSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein carbonyl, and sulfhydryl groups of the antioxidant system were analyzed.

RESULTS

TAC levels increased in the retinas of the SD + Car group compared to the SD group (p < 0.05) and in the HcD + Car group compared to the HcD group (p < 0.05). The levels of GSH and the GSSH:GSSG ratio were increased in the HcD + Car group compared to the SD + Car group (p < 0.05). An increase in the retinal carbonyl content was observed in the HcD group compared to the SD group (p < 0.05) and in the HcD + Car group compared to the SD + Car group (p < 0.05). A high-calorie diet (HcD) was also associated with a decrease in retinal sulfhydryl-type levels compared to the SD group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that feeding a high-calorie diet to rats can promote an increase in carbonyl content and a reduction in sulfhydryl groups in their retinas. The administration of carnosine was not effective in attenuating these oxidative markers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Animal Ethics Committee of Botucatu Medical School - Certificate number 1292/2019.

Fructose Consumption Alters Biogenic Amines Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major cause of mortality worldwide, whose most prominent risk factor is unhealthy eating habits, such as high fructose intake. Biogenic amines (BAs) perform important functions in the human body. However, the effect of fructose consumption on BA levels is still unclear, as is the association between these and CVD risk factors.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to establish the association between BA levels and CVD risk factors in animals that consumed fructose.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats received standard chow (n=8) or standard chow + fructose in drinking water (30%) (n=8) over a 24-week period. At the end of this period, the nutritional and metabolic syndrome (MS) parameters and plasmatic BA levels were analyzed. A 5% level of significance was adopted.

RESULTS

Fructose consumption led to MS, reduced the levels of tryptophan and 5-hydroxitryptophan, and increased histamine. Tryptophan, histamine, and dopamine showed a correlation with metabolic syndrome parameters.

CONCLUSION

Fructose consumption alters BAs associated with CVD risk factors.

Treatment with bergamot (Citrus bergamia) leaves extract attenuates leptin resistance in obese rats

Low-grade chronic inflammation in obesity is associated with leptin resistance. In order to alleviate this pathological condition, bioactive compounds capable of attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation have been researched, and bergamot (Citrus bergamia) presents these properties. The aim was to evaluate the effect of bergamot leaves extract on leptin resistance in obese rats. Animals were divided into 2 groups: control diet (C, n = 10) and high sugar-fat diet (HSF, n = 20) for 20 weeks. After detecting hyperleptinemia, animals were divided to begin the treatment with bergamot leaves extract (BLE) for 10 weeks: C + placebo (n = 7), HSF + placebo (n = 7), and HSF + BLE (n = 7) by gavage (50 mg/kg). Evaluations included nutritional, hormonal and metabolic parameters; adipose tissue dysfunction; inflammatory, oxidative markers and hypothalamic leptin pathway. HSF group presented obesity, metabolic syndrome, adipose tissue dysfunction, hyperleptinemia and leptin resistance compared to control group. However, the treated group showed a decrease in caloric consumption and attenuation of insulin resistance. Moreover, dyslipidemia, adipose tissue function, and leptin levels showed an improvement. At the level of the hypothalamus, the treated group showed a reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and modulation of leptin signaling. In conclusion, BLE properties were able to improve leptin resistance through recovery of the hypothalamic pathway.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) leaf extract improves metabolic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in skeletal muscles in a metabolic syndrome experimental model

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to impairment of skeletal muscle function. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) leaf extract (BLE) has shown protective effects against comorbidities associated with MetS through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The aim of this work was to elucidate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of BLE in skeletal muscles in an experimental model of MetS. Once metabolic syndrome was diagnosed, animals were divided into groups receiving different treatments for 10 weeks, including control diet (n = 10), control + BLE (n = 10), High Sugar-fat diet (HSF) (n = 10), HSF + BLE (n = 10). Evaluation included nutritional, metabolic and hormonal analyses, along with measurements of inflammatory status and oxidative stress in soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. BLE showed positive metabolic effects, with a reduction of plasma triglycerides and insulin resistance and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and protective activity against oxidative stress and inflammation in Soleus and EDL muscles in animals with MetS.

Bergamot leaf extract treats cardiorenal metabolic syndrome and associated pathophysiological factors in rats fed with a high sugar fat diet

Bergamot citrus (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau), have been used as a strategy to prevent or treat comorbidities associated with metabolic syndrome parameters, such as cardiorenal metabolic syndrome (CRMS). The aim was to test the effect of bergamot leaf extract on CRMS and associated pathophysiological factors in rats fed with a high sugar-fat diet. Animals were divided into two experimental groups with control diet (Control, n = 30) and high sugar-fat diet (HSF, n = 30) for 20 weeks. Once CRMS was detected, animals were redivided to begin the treatment with Bergamot Leaf Extract (BLE) by gavage (50 mg/kg) for 10 weeks: control diet + placebo (Control, n = 09), control diet + BLE (Control + BLE, n = 09), HSF diet + placebo (HSF, n = 09), HSF + BLE (n = 09). Evaluation included nutritional, metabolic and hormonal analysis; and renal and cardiac parameters. HSF groups presented obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance. BLE showed protection against effects on hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, renal damage, and structural and functional alterations of the heart. Conclusion: Bergamot leaf extract shows potential as a therapeutic to treat CRMS in animals fed with a high sugar-fat diet.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of gamma- oryzanol attenuates insulin resistance by increasing GLUT- 4 expression in skeletal muscle of obese animals

BACKGROUND

Skeletal muscle is the most important organ for whole-body glucose homeostasis. However, it has been suggested that obesity-related inflammation could be involved in insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) development due several mechanisms, among them, the reduced expression of the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4). Gamma-oryzanol (γOz) is a compound present in the whole grain of rice that presents anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The aim of this study was to verify if the effect antioxidant and anti-inflammatory of yOz attenuate insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of obese rats by increasing GLUT- 4 expression.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats (±187 g) were initially randomly distributed into 2 experimental groups (control, n = 6, and high sugar-fat diet (HSF), n = 12) for 20 weeks. At week 20th of this study, once obesity and insulin resistance were detected in the HSF group, animals were divided to begin the treatment with γOz or continue receiving HSF for 10 more weeks. At the end it was analyzed nutritional, metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters and GLUT-4 protein expression.

RESULTS

The treatment improved insulin resistance, reduced inflammation, increased antioxidant response and GLUT-4 expression.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to conclude that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of yOz attenuates insulin resistance by increasing GLUT-4 expression in skeletal muscle of obese animals.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) bran preserves cardiac function by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and redox state in the myocardium from obese rats

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rice bran (RB) supplementation to a high-sugar fat (HSF) diet on cardiac dysfunction in an experimental obesity model.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: control, high-sugar fat, and high-sugar fat supplemented with 11% RB for 20 weeks.

Results

HSF diet promoted obesity and metabolic complications. Obese rats showed cardiac structural and functional impairment associated with high levels of interleukin-6, tumoral necrosis factor alpha, and malondialdehyde, and decreased activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the myocardium. RB supplementation was able to mitigate obesity and its metabolic alterations in HSF diet-fed animals. Moreover, the RB also prevented structural and functional damage, inflammation, and redox imbalance in the heart of these animals.

Conclusion

This study suggests that RB supplementation prevents cardiac dysfunction in rats fed on HSF by modulating systemic metabolic complications and inflammation and oxidative stress in the myocardium, representing potential alternative therapy.

Relationship between Innate Immune Response Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR-4) and the Pathophysiological Process of Obesity Cardiomyopathy

Fundamento

A obesidade é uma condição inflamatória crônica de baixo grau relacionada a distúrbios cardíacos. No entanto, o mecanismo responsável pela inflamação cardíaca relacionada à obesidade não é claro. O receptor do tipo toll 4 (TLR-4) pertence a um receptor da família das transmembranas, responsável pela resposta imune, cuja ativação estimula a produção de citocinas pró-inflamatórias.

Objetivo

Testar se a ativação do receptor TLR-4 participa do processo de cardiomiopatia da obesidade, devido à produção de citocinas por meio da ativação do NF-ĸB.

Métodos

Ratos Wistar machos foram randomizados em dois grupos: o grupo controle (C, n = 8 animais) que recebeu dieta padrão/água e o grupo obeso (OB, n = 8 animais) que foi alimentado com dieta rica em açúcar e gordura e água mais 25% de sacarose por 30 semanas. Análise nutricional: peso corporal, índice de adiposidade, alimentos, água e ingestão calórica. Análise de distúrbios relacionados à obesidade: glicose plasmática, ácido úrico e triglicerídeos, HOMA-IR, pressão arterial sistólica, TNF-α no tecido adiposo. A análise cardíaca incluiu: expressão das proteínas TLR-4 e NF-ĸB, níveis de TNF-α e IL-6. Comparação pelo teste t de Student não pareado ou teste de Mann-Whitney com um valor de p <0,05 como estatisticamente significativo.

Resultados

O grupo OB apresentou obesidade, glicose elevada, triglicerídeos, ácido úrico, HOMA, pressão arterial sistólica e TNF-α no tecido adiposo. O grupo OB apresentou remodelação cardíaca e disfunção diastólica. A expressão de TLR-4 e NF-ĸB e os níveis de citocinas foram maiores em OB.

Conclusão

Nossos achados concluem que, em uma condição obesogênica, a inflamação derivada da ativação do TLR-4 cardíaco pode ser um mecanismo capaz de levar à remodelação e disfunção cardíaca.

Gamma-oryzanol reduces renal inflammation and oxidative stress by modulating AGEs/RAGE axis in animals submitted to high sugar-fat diet

Introduction:

The receptor for AGEs (RAGE) is a multiligand member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface receptors expressed in many organs, among them, the kidneys. When activated, RAGE leads to a sequence of signaling that results in inflammation and oxidative stress, both involved in kidney disease pathogenesis. Gamma-oryzanol (γOz) comprises a mixture of ferulic acid (FA) esters and phytosterols (sterols and triterpene alcohols) mainly found in rice, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Aim:

To evaluate the effect of γOz to reduce renal inflammation and oxidative stress by modulating AGEs/RAGE axis in animals submitted to a high sugar-fat diet.

Methods:

Male Wistar rats (±187g) were randomly divided into two experimental groups: control (n = 7 animals) and high sugar-fat diet (HSF, n = 14 animals) for 20 weeks. After this period, when the presence of renal disease risk factors was detected in the HSF group (insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, increased systolic blood pressure and obesity), the HSF animals were divided to begin the treatment with γOz or continue receiving only HSF for 10 more weeks.

Results:

No effect of γOz on obesity and metabolic parameters was observed. However, kidney inflammation and oxidative stress decreased as soon as RAGE levels were reduced in HSF + γOz.

Conclusion:

It is possible to conclude that the gamma- oryzanol was effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidney by modulating the AGEs/RAGE axis.

Tomato-Oleoresin Anti-Inflammatory Effect Recovers Obesity-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction by Modulating Myocardial Calcium Handling

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Considering the importance of inflammation on obesity-related disorders pathogenesis, including cardiac dysfunction, the interest in natural anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies has emerged. The lycopene is a carotenoid presents in tomato and red fruits that displays anti-inflammatory properties. In this sense, we will evaluate the anti-inflamma-
tory effect of tomato-oleoresin supplementation on obesity- related cardiac dysfunction by modulating myocardial calcium kinetic.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were initially randomized into 2 experimental groups: (Control, n= 20) or high sugar- fat diet (HSF, n=20) for 20 weeks. At week 20^th, once detected the cardiac dysfunction (cardiac remodeling, systolic and diastolic dysfunction) by echocardiography in HSF group, animals were randomly divided to begin the treatment with tomato-oleoresin, performing 4 groups: Control (n= 10); Control + tomato tomato-oleoresin supplementation (Control + Ly, n= 10); HSF (n= 10) or HSF + tomato tomato-oleoresin supplementation (HSF + Ly, n= 10). Tomato oleoresin was mixed with maize oil equivalent to 10mg lycopene/kg body weight (BW) per day and given orally, by gavage, every morning for a 10-week period. It was analyzed cardiac inflammatory parameters by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and in vivo (echocardiography) and in vitro (studying isolated papillary muscles from the left ventricle) cardiac function. The groups were compared by Two-Way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

The HSF diet induced cardiac dysfunction (FS(%) C: 60.4±1.3; C+Ly: 60.9±1.3; HSF: 51.7±1.3; HSF+Ly: 59.4±1.4) and inflammation (TNF-α: C:1.88±0.41; C+Ly: 1.93±1.01; HSF: 4.58±1.99; HSF+Ly: 2.03±0.55; IL-6: C:0.58±0.16; C+Ly: 0.40±0.16; HSF: 2.00±0.45; HSF+Ly: 0.53±0.26; MCP-1: C:0.31±0.08; C+Ly: 0.43±0.22; HSF: 1.54±0.32; HSF+Ly: 0.50±0.16). Tomato-oleoresin supplementation improved cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, cardiac inflammation and myocardial calcium kinetic.

CONCLUSION

the anti-inflammatory effect of tomato-oleoresin supplementation treated the obesity-induced cardiac dysfunction by modulating myocardial calcium handling.

Rice bran modulates renal disease risk factors in animals submitted to high sugar-fat diet

Introduction:

Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are common risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD arises due to many pathological insults, including inflammation and oxidative stress, which affect renal function and destroy nephrons. Rice bran (RB) is rich in vitamins and minerals, and contains significant amount of antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effect of RB on renal disease risk factors.

Methods:

Male Wistar rats (±325 g) were divided into two experimental groups to received a high sugar-fat diet (HSF, n = 8) or high sugar-fat diet with rice bran (HSF + RB, n = 8) for 20 weeks. At the end, renal function, body composition, metabolic parameters, renal inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were analyzed.

Results:

RB prevented obesity [AI (HSF= 9.92 ± 1.19 vs HSF + RB= 6.62 ± 0.78)], insulin resistance [HOMA (HSF= 83 ± 8 vs. HSF + RB= 42 ± 11)], dyslipidemia [TG (HSF= 167 ± 41 vs. HSF + RB=92 ± 40)], inflammation [TNF-α (HSF= 80 ± 12 vs. HSF + RB=57 ± 14), IL-6 (903 ± 274 vs. HSF + RB=535 ± 277)], oxidative stress [protein carbonylation (HSF= 3.38 ± 0.18 vs. HSF + RB=2.68 ± 0.29), RAGE (HSF=702 ± 36 vs. RSF + RB=570 ± 190)], and renal disease [protein/creatinine ratio (HSF=1.10 ± 0.38 vs. HSF + RB=0.49 ± 0.16)].

Conclusion:

In conclusion, rice bran prevented renal disease by modulating risk factors.

Gamma-oryzanol as a potential modulator of oxidative stress and inflammation via PPAR-y in adipose tissue: a hypothetical therapeutic for cytokine storm in COVID-19?

The literature has reported a higher prevalence of negative clinical outcomes due to Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) in obese individuals. This can be explained by the cytokine storm, result from the cytokine production from both obesity and viral infection. Gamma-oryzanol (γOz) is a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, little is known about the γOz action as a possible agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that γOz attenuates the cytokine storm by stimulating PPAR-γ in the adipose tissue.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups and fed ad libitum for 30 weeks with control diet (C, n = 6), high sugar-fat diet (HSF, n = 6) or high sugar-fat diet + γOz (HSF + γOz, n = 6). HSF groups also received water + sucrose (25%). The γOz dose was 0.5% in the chow. Evaluation in animals included caloric intake, body weight, adiposity index, plasma triglycerides, and HOMA-IR. In adipose tissue was evaluated: PPAR-γ gene and protein expression, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters, and histological analysis.

RESULTS

Adipose tissue dysfunction was observed in HSF group, which presented remarkable PPAR-γ underexpression and increased levels of cytokines, other inflammatory markers and oxidative stress. The γOz treatment prevented adipose tissue dysfunction and promoted PPAR-γ overexpression.

CONCLUSION

Natural compounds as γOz can be considered a coadjutant therapy to prevent the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients with obesity conditions.

Protective Effect of Tomato-Oleoresin Supplementation on Oxidative Injury Recoveries Cardiac Function by Improving β-Adrenergic Response in a Diet-Obesity Induced Model

The system redox imbalance is one of the pathways related to obesity-related cardiac dysfunction. Lycopene is considered one of the best antioxidants. The aim of this study was to test if the tomato-oleoresin would be able to recovery cardiac function by improving β-adrenergic response due its antioxidant effect. A total of 40 animals were randomly divided into two experimental groups to receive either the control diet (Control, n = 20) or a high sugar-fat diet (HSF, n = 20) for 20 weeks. Once cardiac dysfunction was detected by echocardiogram in the HSF group, animals were re- divided to begin the treatment with Tomato-oleoresin or vehicle, performing four groups: Control (n = 6); (Control + Ly, n = 6); HSF (n = 6) and (HSF + Ly, n = 6). Tomato oleoresin (10 mg lycopene/kg body weight (BW) per day) was given orally every morning for a 10-week period. The analysis included nutritional and plasma biochemical parameters, systolic blood pressure, oxidative parameters in plasma, heart, and cardiac analyses in vivo and in vitro. A comparison among the groups was performed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The HSF diet was able to induce obesity, insulin-resistance, cardiac dysfunction, and oxidative damage. However, the tomato-oleoresin supplementation improved insulin-resistance, cardiac remodeling, and dysfunction by improving the β-adrenergic response. It is possible to conclude that tomato-oleoresin is able to reduce the oxidative damage by improving the system’s β-adrenergic response, thus recovering cardiac function.

Lycopene Modulates Pathophysiological Processes of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Rats

Background: The higher consumption of fat and sugar are associated with obesity development and its related diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lycopene is an antioxidant whose protective potential on fatty liver degeneration has been investigated. The aim of this study was to present the therapeutic effects of lycopene on NAFLD related to the obesity induced by a hypercaloric diet. Methods: Wistar rats were distributed in two groups: Control (Co, n = 12) and hypercaloric (Ob, n = 12). After 20 weeks, the animals were redistributed into the control group (Co, n = 6), control group supplemented with lycopene (Co+Ly, n = 6), obese group (Ob, n = 6), and obese group supplemented with lycopene (Ob+Ly, n = 6). Ob groups also received water + sucrose (25%). Animals received lycopene solution (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (corn oil) via gavage for 10 weeks. Results: Animals which consumed the hypercaloric diet had higher adiposity index, increased fasting blood glucose, hepatic and blood triglycerides, and also presented in the liver macro and microvesicular steatosis, besides elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Lycopene has shown therapeutic effects on blood and hepatic lipids, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), mitigated TNF-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and further improved the hepatic antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: Lycopene shows therapeutic potential to NAFLD.

Basic Concepts on the Role of Nuclear Factor Erythroid-Derived 2-Like 2 (Nrf2) in Age-Related Diseases

The transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is one of the most important oxidative stress regulator in the human body. Once Nrf2 regulates the expression of a large number of cytoprotective genes, it plays a crucial role in the prevention of several diseases, including age-related disorders. However, the involvement of Nrf2 on these conditions is complex and needs to be clarified. Here, a brief compilation of the Nrf2 enrollment in the pathophysiology of the most common age-related diseases and bring insights for future research on the Nrf2 pathway is described. This review shows a controversial response of this transcriptional factor on the presented diseases. This reinforces the necessity of more studies to investigate modulation strategies for Nrf2, making it a possible therapeutic target in the treatment of age-related disorders.

Association between Cardiac Remodeling and Metabolic Alteration in an Experimental Model of Obesity Induced by Western Diet

The high consumption of fat and sugar contributes to the development of obesity and co-morbidities, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dyslipidemia and cardiac dysfunction induced by western diet consumption. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups and fed ad libitum for 20 weeks with a control diet (Control, n = 12) or a high-sugar and high-fat diet (HSF, n = 12). The HSF group also received water + sucrose (25%). Evaluations included feed and caloric intake; body weight; plasma glucose; insulin; uric acid; HOMA-IR; lipid profile: [total cholesterol (T-chol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), non-HDL Chol, triglycerides (TG)]; systolic blood pressure, and Doppler echocardiographic. Compared to the control group, animals that consumed the HSF diet presented higher weight gain, caloric intake, feed efficiency, insulin, HOMA-IR, and glucose levels, and lipid profile impairment (higher TG, T-chol, non-HDL chol and lower HDL). HSF diet was also associated with atrial-ventricular structural impairment and systolic-diastolic dysfunction. Positive correlation was also found among the following parameters: insulin versus estimated LV mass (r = 0.90, p = 0.001); non-HDL versus deceleration time (r = 0.46, p = 0.02); TG versus deceleration time (r = 0.50, p = 0.01). In summary, our results suggest cardiac remodeling lead by western diet is associated with metabolic parameters.

The role of oxidative stress on the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has a high prevalence around the world. Considering the components used to classify MetS, it is clear that it is closely related to obesity. These two conditions begin with an increase in abdominal adipose tissue, which is metabolically more active, containing a greater amount of resident macrophages compared to other fat deposits. Abdominal adiposity promotes inflammation and oxidative stress, which are precursors of various complications involving MetS components, namely insulin resistance, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. One way to block the effects of oxidative stress would be through the antioxidant defense system, which offsets the excess free radicals. It is known that individuals with metabolic syndrome and obesity have high consumption of fats and sugars originated from processed foods containing high levels of sodium as well as low intake of fruits and vegetables, thus maintaining a state of oxidative stress, that can speed up the onset of MetS. Healthy eating habits could prevent or delay MetS by adding antioxidant-rich foods into the diet.

Obesity Resistance Promotes Mild Contractile Dysfunction Associated with Intracellular Ca2+ Handling

BACKGROUND

Diet-induced obesity is frequently used to demonstrate cardiac dysfunction. However, some rats, like humans, are susceptible to developing an obesity phenotype, whereas others are resistant to that.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between obesity resistance and cardiac function, and the impact of obesity resistance on calcium handling.

METHODS

Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats were distributed into two groups, each with 54 animals: control (C; standard diet) and obese (four palatable high-fat diets) for 15 weeks. After the experimental protocol, rats consuming the high-fat diets were classified according to the adiposity index and subdivided into obesity-prone (OP) and obesity-resistant (OR). Nutritional profile, comorbidities, and cardiac remodeling were evaluated. Cardiac function was assessed by papillary muscle evaluation at baseline and after inotropic maneuvers.

RESULTS

The high-fat diets promoted increase in body fat and adiposity index in OP rats compared with C and OR rats. Glucose, lipid, and blood pressure profiles remained unchanged in OR rats. In addition, the total heart weight and the weight of the left and right ventricles in OR rats were lower than those in OP rats, but similar to those in C rats. Baseline cardiac muscle data were similar in all rats, but myocardial responsiveness to a post-rest contraction stimulus was compromised in OP and OR rats compared with C rats.

CONCLUSION

Obesity resistance promoted specific changes in the contraction phase without changes in the relaxation phase. This mild abnormality may be related to intracellular Ca2+ handling.

Cardiac Dysfunction Induced by Obesity Is Not Related to β-Adrenergic System Impairment at the Receptor-Signalling Pathway

Obesity has been shown to impair myocardial performance. Some factors have been suggested as responsible for possible cardiac abnormalities in models of obesity, among them beta-adrenergic (βA) system, an important mechanism of regulation of myocardial contraction and relaxation. The objective of present study was to evaluate the involvement of βA system components in myocardial dysfunction induced by obesity. Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats were distributed in control (C, n = 25) and obese (Ob, n = 25) groups. The C group was fed a standard diet and Ob group was fed four unsaturated high-fat diets for 15 weeks. Cardiac function was evaluated by isolated papillary muscle preparation and βA system evaluated by using cumulative concentrations of isoproterenol and Western blot. After 15 weeks, the Ob rats developed higher adiposity index than C rats and several comorbidities; however, were not associated with changes in systolic blood pressure. Obesity caused structural changes and the myocardial responsiveness to post-rest contraction stimulus and increased extracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) was compromised. There were no changes in cardiac function between groups after βA stimulation. The obesity was not accompanied by changes in protein expression of G protein subunit alpha (Gsα) and βA receptors (β₁AR and β₂AR). In conclusion, the myocardial dysfunction caused by unsaturated high-fat diet-induced obesity, after 15 weeks, is not related to βAR system impairment at the receptor-signalling pathway.