Intermittent Fasting before Laparotomy: Effects on Glucose Control and Histopathologic Findings in Diabetic Rats

(1) Background: Intermittent fasting is a nutrition practice in which individuals fast for several hours in a day, mainly with feeding time during the daylight hours. They seek to improve metabolic performance and cellular resistance to stress. In this study, we tested the fasting protocol to investigate the glycemic effect in a laparotomy perioperative period in diabetic rats and histopathologic findings. (2) Methods: The animals were diabetic-induced with alloxan. Two groups were set according to the feeding protocol: free food and intermittent fasting, whose rats could only eat 8 h in the daylight. Both groups were anesthetized, and a laparotomy was performed. We evaluated the glucose levels during the perioperative period, and we accessed organ histology seeking damage of kidney, bowel and liver after surgical trauma, and we evaluated the wound healing process. (3) Results: Glycemic levels were improved in the intermittent fasting group, especially in the post-operative period after laparotomy. Comparing both groups' tubular damage showed interdependency with mice with worse glycemic level (Z = 2.3; p = 0.0215) and wound-healing parameters showed interdependency with rats with better glycemic status for neovascularization (Z = 2.2; p = 0.0273) and the presence of sebaceous and sweat gland in the healing process (Z = 2.30; p = 0.0215). (4) Conclusions: Intermittent fasting before surgery can be a tool to improve glycemic levels in diabetic rats, with improvement especially in the post-operative period.

Structural and Techno-Functional Properties of Bovine Collagen and Its Application in Hamburgers

The objective of this work is to characterize two types of bovine collagen (fibre and powder), evaluating its application in mixed hamburger formulations, as well as the quality characteristics of the products. The collagen fibre had a fibrillar structure, molecular mass 100 kDa and greater gel strength (146 315 Pa) and protein content (97.81%) than the powdered collagen, which had molecular mass from 50 to 100 kDa, greater hydroxyproline content, and a morphological structure with spherical microparticles more amorphous than the collagen fibre. In this study we found that the addition of 1.5% powdered collagen and 2.5% flocculated soybean flour and/or 0.75% powdered collagen and 3.5% flocculated soybean flour did not deteriorate the technological properties or the sensory attributes of hamburgers. The use of collagen is a promising alternative, since it has functional properties, improves the texture characteristics of a product, and is of low cost.

Cationic and anionic unloaded polymeric nanocapsules: Toxicological evaluation in rats shows low toxicity

The experimental design aiming at evaluating the performance of drugs nanoencapsulated involves inclusion of a formulation without drug (unloaded). This formulation has sometimes presented per se effect. In this sense, we sought to evaluate the toxicity of unloaded polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) with different surfaces (cationic and anionic) in male Wistar rats in male Wistar rats. The physicochemical characterization of NCs with different surfaces: polysorbate 80 (P80), polyethylene glycol (PEG), eudragit ®RS 100 (EUD) and chitosan (CS) was performed. Rats were treated with unloaded NCs (P80, PEG, EUD and CS surfaces) daily for 14 days per oral route. 24 h of last treatment, animals were euthanized and organs were removed and weighted. After, biochemical determinations were performed. In general, NCs-surfaces did not cause alterations in body weight, weight of organs and histopathological analysis. PEG-surface NCs did not generate hepatotoxicity. In investigation of lipid profile, the surface with P80 changed TC and HDL-C levels. Besides that, all NCs did not alter oxidative stress markers in organs studied (TBARS and Reactive Species) and CS-surface presented antioxidant activity in kidney. This study demonstrated that NCs-surfaces depending on their physicochemical characteristics had low or no toxicity.

Water absorption and dripping of chicken breast and carcasses during pre-cooling in an industrial system

This study aimed to evaluate the parameters that influence the water absorption and drip of chicken carcasses due to the processing and pre-cooling of the meat in an industrial chiller. A total of 1,179 chickens were sampled during industrial processing to evaluate the influence of variables, validate the parameters, and conduct histological analysis. The best parameters for guaranteeing absorption levels and drip tests within acceptable limits on chicken carcasses were total residence time of 60 min (in the pre-chiller, chiller 1, and chiller 2); air pressure of chillers at 0.5 bar; the abdominal opening of carcasses at a maximum of 2 cm. These parameters did not influence the protein content, moisture/protein ratio, pH, or lipid content. The validation of the parameters and the histological analysis performed after each cooling stage showed that the most significant structural changes occurred in the pre-chiller, where the temperature of carcasses and water was higher, which contributes to greater absorption.

Cardioprotective effects of physical exercise on redox biology in mice exposed to hand-rolled cornhusk cigarette smoke

The present study sought to evaluate the effects of physical training on histological parameters and oxidative stress in the myocardium of mice chronically exposed to hand-rolled cornhusk cigarette (HRCC) smoke. Male Swiss mice (60 days old, 30-35 g) were either exposed to ambient air or passively exposed to the smoke of 12 cigarettes daily over 3 sessions (4 cigarettes per session) for 60 consecutive days with or without physical training for 8 weeks. Forty-eight hours after the last training session, the heart was surgically removed for histological analysis and measurement of oxidative stress parameters. Histological imaging revealed cell disruption, with poorly defined nuclei, in the mice exposed to HRCC smoke, but not in the control group. However, mice exposed to HRCC smoke with physical training displayed signs of tissue repair and improved tissue integrity. Biochemical analysis revealed decreased production of superoxide, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF), and nitrite, as well as decreased protein carbonylation, in the physical training groups, likely due to the exercise-induced increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and glutathione (GSH) content. Taken together, our results suggest that physical exercise exerts cardioprotective effects by modulating the redox responses in animals exposed to HRCC smoke.

Fish oil ameliorates sickness behavior induced by lipopolysaccharide in aged mice through the modulation of kynurenine pathway

Sickness behavior is an expression of a central motivational state triggered by activation of the immune system, being considered a strategy of the organism to fight infection. Sickness behavior is induced by peripheral administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS can increase the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which induce the activation of the kynurenine pathway (KP) and behavioral alterations. Previous studies have shown that omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) has anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of fish oil (FO) supplementation against LPS-induced sickness behavior in aged mice with respect to anhedonia, locomotor activity and body weight. Moreover, we evaluated the ability of FO treatment on the regulation of neuroinflammation (levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor factor necrosis-α and interferon-γ), KP biomarkers (levels of tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid and activities of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase, kynurenine monooxygenase and kynurenine aminotransferase) and serotonergic system (levels of serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleactic acid) in the hippocampus, striatum and prefrontal cortex of LPS-treated mice. We found that FO prevented the LPS-mediated body weight loss, anhedonic behavior, reduction of locomotor activity, up-regulation of the proinflammatory cytokines and serotoninergic alterations. We also found that FO was effective in modulating the KP biomarkers, inhibiting or attenuating KP dysregulation induced by LPS. Together, our results indicated that FO may have beneficial effects on LPS induced sickness-behavior in aged mice either by modulating central inflammation, KP and serotonergic signaling (indirectly effect) or by fatty acids incorporation into neuronal membranes (direct effect).

Physicochemical, technological and sensory properties of hamburger made with meat from lambs fed on whole cottonseed

The physicochemical composition and the technological and sensory properties of hamburgers made with meat from Ile de France lambs fed on different levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%) of whole cottonseed were studied. The addition of whole cottonseed to the lambs' diets decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the lamb meat and altered the physicochemical characteristics of the hamburgers, which were characterised by low lipid ( y^=4.27 ), cholesterol ( y^=75.15 ) and caloric content ( y^=122.04 ). The results regarding cooking characteristics were directly related to the microscopic observations regarding the hamburgers; the more cohesive structures exhibited better performance after cooking, with increased cooking yield and moisture retention, and decreased cooking loss. The levels of whole cottonseed did not influence the texture profile, but they negatively affected the acceptability of the hamburgers, since as the levels of cotton seedlings increased, the scores for the sensorial attributes decreased. Thus, a maximum inclusion of 16.7% of whole cottonseed in the dry matter of the diet of lambs is recommended.

Aging exacerbates cognitive and anxiety alterations induced by an intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-β1-42 peptide in mice

An increasing body of evidence indicates that the activation of indoleamine-2,3-dyoxigenase (IDO), a first and rate-limiting enzyme in the kynurenine (KYN) pathway, is involved in Aβ_1-42-neurotoxicity and AD pathogenesis. We have reported for the first time that brain IDO activation is related to Aβ_1-42 exposure in young mice. Because aging is characterized by a brain dyshomeostasis and because it remains the most dominant risk factor for AD, the purpose of this study was to determine whether aging is associated with a higher sensitivity to behavioural and neurochemical alterations elicited by an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Aβ_1-42 (400 pmol/mice), and whether KYN pathway is involved in these effects. We confirmed that aged mice displayed higher cognitive deficit in the object recognition test and higher anxiety-like behaviour in the elevated plus-maze and open field tests after the Aβ_1-42 administration. Aged mice also responded to Aβ_1-42 with a higher deficiency of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glutathione levels and total radical-trapping antioxidant capacity, a higher IDO activity, and a higher KYN and KYN/tryptophan ratio in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. These effects of Aβ_1-42 were associated with a higher proinflammatory status, as measured by higher levels of interleukin-6, lower levels of interleukin-10 and higher expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and allograft inflammatory factor 1 (Iba1) in the brain of aged mice. These results represent primary evidence suggesting that age-associated inflammatory signature and down-regulation of neuroprotectants in the brain render aged mice more vulnerable to Aβ_1-42-induced memory loss, anxiety symptoms and KYN pathway dysregulation.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Effects of p-Chloro-phenyl-selenoesterol on TNBS-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice

This study aims to investigate the protective effect of p-chloro-phenyl-selenoesterol [PCS; 0,2 mg/kg; 10 ml/kg i.g.) in colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid [TNBS; 2 mg/100 µl 50% ethanol; intrarectally) in mice. Several parameters including weight, length, histological analyses determination, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, reactive species levels, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of colon were evaluated. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α) and interleukin 6 [IL-6) were also assessed. Treatment with PCS reduced the clinical and histopathologic severity of TNBS-induced colitis, characterized by colon length reduction and increased colon weight and microscopic intestinal inflammation. The therapeutic effects of PCS in this model were associated with significant decrease in proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and decrease in MPO activity. Furthermore, combined with improvements in inflammatory parameters, treatment with the PCS was able to decrease oxidative stress and to prevent the decrease in antioxidant defenses in animals with TNBS-induced colitis. This finding suggests that PCS can improve experimental colitis in mice and it could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients with IBD. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 709-717, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nanoemulsions containing a synthetic chalcone as an alternative for treating cutaneous leshmaniasis: optimization using a full factorial design

Nanoemulsions are drug delivery systems that may increase the penetration of lipophilic compounds through the skin, enhancing their topical effect. Chalcones are compounds of low water solubility that have been described as promising molecules for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In this context, the aim of this work was to optimize the development of a nanoemulsion containing a synthetic chalcone for CL treatment using a 2(2) full factorial design. The formulations were prepared by spontaneous emulsification and the experimental design studied the influence of two independent variables (type of surfactant - soybean lecithin or sorbitan monooleate and type of co-surfactants - polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80) on the physicochemical characteristics of the nanoemulsions, as well as on the skin permeation/retention of the synthetic chalcone in porcine skin. In order to evaluate the stability of the systems, the antileishmanial assay was performed against Leishmania amazonensis 24 hours and 60 days after the preparation of the nanoemulsions. The formulation composed of soybean lecithin and polysorbate 20 presented suitable physicochemical characteristics (droplet size 171.9 nm; polydispersity index 0.14; zeta potential -39.43 mV; pH 5.16; and viscosity 2.00 cP), drug content (91.09%) and the highest retention in dermis (3.03 µg·g(-1)) - the main response of interest - confirmed by confocal microscopy. This formulation also presented better stability of leishmanicidal activity in vitro against L. amazonensis amastigote forms (half maximal inhibitory concentration value 0.32±0.05 µM), which confirmed the potential of the nanoemulsion soybean lecithin and polysorbate 20 for CL treatment.

Lycopene treatment prevents hematological, reproductive and histopathological damage induced by acute zearalenone administration in male Swiss mice

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin commonly found as a contaminant in cereals. ZEA toxicity targets mainly the reproductive system, and oxidative stress plays an etiological role in its toxic effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of lycopene, a potent carotenoid antioxidant, on markers of oxidative stress in liver, kidney and testes, and on reproductive, hematological and histopathological parameters after ZEA administration. Adult Swiss albino male mice received lycopene (20mg/kg, p.o.) for ten days before a single oral administration of ZEA (40mg/kg, p.o.), and 48h thereafter tissues (liver, kidney, testes and blood) were collected for biochemical, hematological and histological analyses. Lycopene prevented ZEA-induced changes in hematological parameters (increased number of leukocytes, segmented neutrophils, sticks, eosinophils and monocytes and decreased number of red blood cells (RBC), number of lymphocytes and platelets). Moreover, lycopene prevented the reduction in the number and motility of spermatozoa and the testicular tissue damage induced by ZEA. In addition, lycopene prevented the decrease in glutathione-S-transferase activity in kidney and testes and increased glutathione-S-transferase activity per se in the liver, kidneys and testes as well as superoxide dismutase activity in the liver. In summary, lycopene was able to prevent ZEA-induced acute toxic effects in male mice, suggesting that this antioxidant carotenoid may represent a promising prophylactic strategy against ZEA toxicity.

The effects of acute administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) (Lamiaceae) in animal models of memory

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) demonstrates antioxidant, antidepressant, diuretic, antinociceptive and antiulcerogenic activities. The present study was designed to examine the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of R. officinalis on the memory of male mice. The behavioral tasks employed were social recognition (SR), the Morris water maze (MWM) and an inhibitory avoidance task (IA). The treatment with 150 and 300 mg/kg of R. officinalis improved the acquisition phase of learning of a new social memory in the SR task because a decrease was observed in the duration of social investigation. In the Morris water maze, no significant effect was observed on spatial memory when the groups were compared for the time spent in the correct quadrant. In the inhibitory avoidance task, the decrease in the step-down latencies in the test session indicate that 150 mg/kg of R. officinalis improved long-term memory when administered in the consolidation phase of learning. In conclusion, the present study showed that, the hydroalcoholic extract of R. officinalis at 150 and 300 mg/kg modulated the short- and long-term memories of mice, in a social recognition and inhibitory avoidance task, respectively. This modulator effect was shown to improve learning and memory processes.

Protective effect of brown Brazilian propolis against acute vaginal lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 in mice: involvement of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms

Propolis has been highlighted for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate if brown Brazilian hydroalcoholic propolis extract (HPE) protects against vaginal lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in female BALB/c mice. The treatment was divided in 5 days of pre-treatment with HPE [50 mg · kg(-1), once a day, intragastric (i.g.)], HSV-2 infection [10 µl of a solution 1 × 10(2) plaque-forming unit (PFU · ml(-1) HSV-2), intravaginal inoculation at day 6] and post-treatment with HPE (50 mg · kg(-1)) for 5 days more. At day 11, the animals were killed, and the in vivo analysis (score of lesions) and ex vivo analysis [haematological and histological evaluation; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities; reactive species (RS), tyrosine nitration levels, non-protein thiols (NPSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) levels] were carried out. HPE treatment reduced extravaginal lesions and the histological damage caused by HSV-2 infection in vaginal tissues of animals. HPE was able to decrease RS, tyrosine nitration, AA levels and MPO activity. Also, it protected against the inhibition of CAT activity in vaginal tissues of mice. HPE promoted protective effect on HSV-2 infected animals by acting on inflammatory and oxidative processes, and this effect probably is caused by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tissue injuries of wistar rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Sonchus oleraceus L

The use of plant species is emerging as an important alternative in the treatment of injuries. Therefore, the extract of Sonchus oleraceus 10% was employed in the repair of skin lesions. A total of 36 male Wistar rats were subjected to a punch injury and divided into three groups: a negative control, receiving no treatment, a positive control, treated with Dersani, and the experimental group treated with the extract. The injury was assessed macroscopically and microscopically. Morphometric data was collected at the 3rd, 5th and 7th postoperative day, and the experimental group showed greater changes in shrinkage of the lesion compared to control groups. On the 3rd postoperative day, the injury in the experimental group showed less necrotic tissue, lower slough and more granulation tissue in relation to the positive control group. On the 7th and 10th postoperative day, the injury in the experimental group showed lower slough compared to the positive control group. Microscopic analysis of lesions on the 5th postoperative day revealed increased fibroplasia in the experimental group compared to control groups, while on the 14th postoperative day less neovascularization was evident in the experimental group and increased formation of hair follicles in the negative control group. The extract of S. oleraceus provided tissue repair in accordance with normal physiological patterns thus confirming empirical evidence for its use.

Hepatoprotective effect of 3-alkynyl selenophene on acute liver injury induced by D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide

The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of 3-alkynyl selenophene (compound a), a selenophene compound, on acute liver injury induced by D-galactosamine (D-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats. The animals received compound a (25 and 50 mg/kg; per oral, p.o.) in the first day of treatment. In the second day, the rats received D-GalN (500 mg/kg; intraperitoneal, i.p.) and LPS (50 microg/kg; intraperitoneal, i.p.). Twenty-four hours after D-GalN/LPS administration animals were euthanized to the biochemical and histological analysis. Compound a (25 and 50 mg/kg; p.o.) protected against the increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity induced by D-GalN/LPS. Compound a at 50 mg/kg protected against the increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity induced by D-GalN/LPS. The inhibition of delta-aminolevulinic dehydratase (delta-ALA-D) activity and the decrease of ascorbic acid levels caused by D-GalN/LPS were protected by compound a (25 and 50 mg/kg). Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase activities were not altered in all groups. The histological data showed that sections of liver from D-GalN/LPS-treated rats presented massive hemorrhage, the presence of inflammatory cells and necrosis. Compound a attenuated D-GalN/LPS-induced hepatic histopathological alterations. Based on the results, we demonstrated the hepatoprotective effect of compound a on acute liver injury induced by D-GalN/LPS.

Involvement of non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses in the protective effect of diphenyl diselenide on testicular damage induced by cadmium in mice

The involvement of non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses in the protective effect of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)(2) on testicular damage caused by cadmium in mice was investigated. Mice received a single dose of CdCl(2) (5mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Thirty minutes after the CdCl(2) injection, they received a single oral dose of (PhSe)(2) (400micromol/kg). Twenty-four hours after CdCl(2) administration, blood samples were collected and mice were killed and had their testes dissected. Parameters in plasma (aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferases and lactato dehydrogenase (LDH) activities as well as creatinine levels) were determined. The activity of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (delta-ALA-D), the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), ascorbic acid and nonprotein thiols (NPSH) and histological analysis were determined in collected samples. Results demonstrated that (PhSe)(2) protected against toxicity induced by CdCl(2) on delta-ALA-D activity, ascorbic acid and NPSH levels. (PhSe)(2) protected against the increase in plasma AST, ALT and LDH activities caused by CdCl(2). Testes of mice exposed to CdCl(2) showed marked histopathological alterations that were ameliorated by administration of (PhSe)(2). (PhSe)(2) protected against toxicity induced by CdCl(2) in testes of mice. Ascorbic acid and NPSH, non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses, are involved in the protective effect of (PhSe)(2) against testicular damage caused by CdCl(2) in mice.

[Evaluation of the cumulative effect of meglumine antimoniate on the progeny of swiss mice: biologic assay]

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the effect of Meglumine Antimoniate on maternal-fetal transference in F1 generations (offspring of dams exposed to the drug), and embryotoxicity in F2 generations.

METHODS

Female Swiss mice were treated with daily s.c. injection of Meglumine Antimoniate (100mgSb v/kg bw/day) from day 7 until day 12 of pregnancy. The control group received only the vehicle (distilled water). After birth of offspring (F1 generation), 59 females were examined daily for determination of the estral cycle. When the cycle estrus was determined, males were mated with 18 females of the same lineage. On day 18 of pregnancy, females were euthanasied in a chamber of CO2 and after incision of the abdomen, the uterus was exposed. Then, resorptions as well as living and dead fetuses were evaluated, also the number of embryo/fetal implantation sites. Fetuses and their placenta were weighted to calculate the placental index. Three placentas of each litter were separated for microscopic analysis.

RESULTS

Administration of the Meglumine Antimoniate did not interfere in the estral cycle of the treated group, since it did not alter the precoital interval and fertility index. Placenta alterations were not observed in the F2 generations.

CONCLUSION

Meglumine Antimoniate did not interfere in the reproductive performance, after chronic exposition of dams. Data suggest that there is a gradual elimination of Meglumine Antimoniate by the maternal organism without damaging the future offspring.

Diphenyl ditelluride effect on embryo/fetal development in mice: interspecies differences

It is well established that diphenyl ditelluride, (PhTe)(2), is a potent teratogen in rats, however, little is known about its effects on embryo/fetal development in mice. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether any differences exist on embryo/fetal development of mice exposed to (PhTe)(2) during distinctive periods of gestation compared to rats. Dams were treated subcutaneously (s.c.) with 0.12 or 60.0 mg/kg (PhTe)(2) on gestational day (GD) 4, 8 or 14. Cesarean section was performed on GD18 and external and skeletal alterations were examined. The lower dose did not affect any parameter evaluated in mouse fetuses. The maternal body weight for 60 mg/kg (PhTe)(2) groups, at all periods studied, was not affected. Maternal liver and spleen weights were increased at GD8. At GD14, maternal relative weight of kidney was also increased. A significant reduction in the number of implantation sites at GD4 was found. At GD4 and GD14, there was a reduction in the fetal weight and biometry. A few signs of reduced ossification in sternebrae and limbs were observed at GD14 in (PhTe)(2) group. In conclusion, (PhTe)(2) was not toxic to dams and affected some fetal endpoints only at the dose about 500-fold higher than the dose that was teratogenic in rats, suggesting a different developmental toxicity induced by (PhTe)(2) among species. Thus, the mice were less susceptible to toxic effects induced by (PhTe)(2) than were rats.