PURPOSE:To address the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) intake on serum cholesterol levels.METHODS: We performed a search for scientific articles in MEDLINE database from 1987 to 2014, using the following English keywords: fructooligosaccharides; fructooligosaccharides and cholesterol. A total of 493 articles were found. After careful selection and exclusion of duplicate articles 34 references were selected. Revised texts were divided into two topics: "FOS Metabolism" and "FOS effects on plasma cholesterol."RESULTS: The use of a FOS diet prevented some lipid disorders and lowered fatty acid synthase activity in the liver in insulin-resistant rats. There was also reduction in weight and total cholesterol in beagle dogs on a calorie-restricted diet enriched with short-chain FOS. Another study found that 2g FOS daily consumption increased significantly serum HDL cholesterol levels but did not ensure a significant reduction in levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides.. Patients with mild hypercholesterolemia receiving short-chain FOS 10.6g daily presented no statistically significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels. However, when FOS was offered to patients that changed their lifestyle, the reduction of LDL cholesterol and steatosis was higher.CONCLUSIONS: Fructooligosaccharides intake may have a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism and regulation of serum cholesterol levels in individuals that change their lifestyle. FOS supplementation use in diets may therefore be a strategy for lowering cholesterol.

PURPOSE:To evaluate the effects of the dipeptide L-alanyl-glutamine (L-Ala-Gln) as a preconditioning agent to potentially promote reduction in the intensity of lesion or induction of resilience in rats subjected to global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.METHODS:Thirty-six male Wistar rats weighing 280-300g were randomly assigned to six groups (n=6). Groups Sham 1h and 24h were treated with saline and spared of further interventions. The remaining groups were submitted to clamping of the common carotid arteries for 30 minutes (ischemia) and treated with saline (SS) or L-Ala-Gln. Brain reperfusion was allowed for 1or 24 h. L-Ala-Gln was administered intravenously (0.75g/kg) 30 minutes before sham procedure or induction of global brain I/R injury. Brain edema and red neuron counting were determined. Results were expressed as Mean±SD for normal results and Median±Percentile for non parametric data. Significance was established at p<0.05.RESULTS:Global I/R injury promoted an increase in brain edema at 24 h after reperfusion, whereas preconditioning with L-Ala-Gln induced no change in edema. On the other hand, L-Ala-Gln preconditioning decreased significantly red neurons counting both at 1h and 24h post reperfusion (p<0.05).CONCLUSION:There was a significant preconditioning effect with L-Ala-Gln decreasing cell death (red neurons counting) at early (1h) and late reperfusion (24h) in the cerebral tissue.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of preconditioning with oils mixes containing ω3/ω6/ω9 associated with micro-currents on skin repair in rats. METHODS: One-hundred and eight Wistar rats randomized into G-1, G-2 and G-3 groups were treated with saline (0.9%), mix 1 (corn+soybean oils) and mix 2 (olive+canola+flaxseed oils), respectively, in a single dose (0.01ml/g) by gavage. Next, each group was subdivided into sham and stimulated subgroups. Pulsed-wave microcurrents (0.5 µA, 0.5 Hz) were applied to stimulated subgroups for 20 min. One hour later anesthetized rats were subjected to surgery. A dorsal incision (6 cm long) was carried out and closed with interrupted nylon sutures. Samples (1cm2) were harvested from the mid-portion of the incision on the 7, 14, 21 post-operative (P.O.) days. Variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney/Dunn tests Significance level was set to 5 % (p<0.05). RESULTS: Micro-currents promoted increase of exudate and reduction of epithelialization on day 7 in G1 rats. Mixes 1/2 reduced vascularization on 7/14th days P.O. Both 1/2 mixes reduced fibrosis on day 14. Preconditioning with mix 1 led to increased expression of NF-kB on the 7th day. CONCLUSION: Preconditioning with microcurrents has pro-inflammatory effects while oil mixes 1 and 2 decrease fibrosis and vascularization in the proliferative phase of cicatrization.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of propranolol on capsular architecture around silicone implants by measuring the inflammation, capsular thickness, and collagen fiber density, using a guinea pig experimental model.METHODS:Thirty six adult male guinea pigs randomly divided into two groups (n=18) were used. Each one received a silicone implant with textured-surface. The capsular tissue around implants from untreated or treated animals with the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (10 mg/kg, dissolved in daily water) were analyzed for inflammation by histological scoring, capsular thickness by computerized histometry, and collagen fibers type I and Type III density by picrosirius polarization at different time points (7, 14 or 21 days after silicone implantation).RESULTS: Propranolol treatment reduced inflammation and impaired capsular thickness and delayed collagen maturation around the textured implant.CONCLUSION:Propranolol reduces the risk of developing capsular contracture around silicone implants with textured surface.

PURPOSE:To present a rat model of subcutaneous endometriosis for the study of pathophysiology and the effects of drugs.METHODS: Fifty three-month-old female Wistar rats (Rattus norvergicus) were distributed into one control group and four treatment groups: estradiol (2.5; 5; 10mg/kg sc), medroxyprogesterone acetate (0.5; 2; 5mg/kg sc), triptorelin pamoate (0.18; 0.56mg/kg sc) and acetylsalicylic acid (3mg/kg per os). The animals were autoimplanted subcutaneously with 4x4-mm uterine fragments to induce endometriosis. The endometriomas were measured on days 1, 7, 14 and 21. The relative dry and wet weights of the endometrioma were used to evaluate response to the drug. Endometrial -like tissue was confirmed by histology. The greatest weight gain was observed on day 14 (relative wet weight: 29.1 ± 6.7mg%, relative dry weight: 5.3 ± 0.9mg %). Treatments were administered between day 5 and day 14.RESULTS:The relative wet weight of the hemiuterus in the 10mg/kg estradiol group differed significantly from control and the other two estradiol groups (p=0.0001). In the medroxyprogesterone acetate group the weight decreased significantly but this decrease was not dose-dependent. Weight reduction was also significant in the triptorelin pamoate and the acetylsalicylic acid groups.CONCLUSION:The model of subcutaneous endometriosis is reproducible, low-cost and easy to perform, and suitable for the study of pathophysiology and the effects of drugs.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether there is any effect resulting from preconditioning with nutraceutical supplementation containing arginine and oil mixes with high ω9:ω6 ratio and low ω6:ω3 ratio containing EPA and DHA, ALA fatty acids on inflammatory mediators, antioxidant and lipid profile modulation in surgical trauma.METHODS:Twenty-six men scheduled for radical prostatectomy were randomized into three groups and treated as follows: Group 1 (skim milk, 0% fat), Group 2 (supplement with ω6:ω3 ratio of 8:1 and arginine) and Group 3 (supplement with high ω9:ω6 ratio of 3.2:1 and low ω6:ω3 ratio of 1.4:1 and arginine). Patients received skin milk or supplements twice a day (200 ml) during five days prior to surgery. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected at three different timepoints: five days before surgery (PRE), before anesthesia induction (IND) and on the 2nd postoperative day (POS). Parameters analyzed included inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), antioxidants (catalase), lipid profile and heat shock protein (HSP-27).RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups on inflammatory mediators and antioxidant parameters. However, lipid profile values (Cholesterol, LDL, Triglycerides, VLDL), were significantly different.CONCLUSION:Preconditioning with arginine and oil mixes containing high ω9:ω6 ratio and low ω6:ω3 ratio, has no effects on inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Reduction of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL profiles may be related to the trauma effect.

PURPOSE:To evaluate the effects of acupuncture (Ac) and electroacupuncture (EAc) on oxidative stress and inflammation in testis torsion/detorsion (T/D) model in rats.METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups. G1 Group (Sham) served as control. The remaining groups were submitted to spermatic cord torsion (720°) for 3 hours, followed by detorsion and reperfusion for 4 hours. Before detorsion G3, G4 and G5 rats were treated with Ac, EAc 2Hz and EAc 10 Hz, respectively, applied to acupoint Gulai (S-29) bilaterally under anesthesia for 5 minutes. Next, the testes were detorsioned and reperfused for 4 hours. Afterwards, blood samples and the right testis were collected for biochemical assays: reduced Glutathione (GSH), Malonaldehyde (MDA), Myeloperoxidase (MPO).RESULTS: EAc stimulation (2 and 10 Hz) promoted significant increase in concentrations of GSH in plasma and testis of G4-G5 rats, compared with G1. There was significant increase of tissue MDA in groups G4-G5 and plasma MDA in all groups, compared with G1. There was a significant reduction in MPO activity in groups G4-G5 compared with G1.CONCLUSION:Electroacupuncture stimulation (2 and 10 Hz) attenuates oxidative stress and inflammatory response in rats subjected to testicular torsion/detorsion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relative gene expression (RGE) of cytosolic (MDH1) and mitochondrial (MDH2) malate dehydrogenases enzymes in partially hepatectomized rats after glutamine (GLN) or ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) suplementation. METHODS: One-hundred and eight male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into six groups (n=18): CCaL, GLNL and OKGL and fed calcium caseinate (CCa), GLN and OKG, 0.5g/Kg by gavage, 30 minutes before laparotomy. CCaH, GLNH and OKGH groups were likewise fed 30 minutes before 70% partial hepatectomy. Blood and liver samples were collected three, seven and 14 days after laparotomy/hepatectomy for quantification of MDH1/MDH2 enzymes using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology. Relative enzymes expression was calculated by the 2-ΔΔC T method using the threshold cycle (CT) value for normalization. RESULTS: MDH1/MDH2 RGE was not different in hepatectomized rats treated with OKG compared to rats treated with CCa. However, MDH1/MDH2 RGE was greater on days 3 (321:1/26.48:1) and 7 (2.12:1/2.48:1) while MDH2 RGE was greater on day 14 (7.79:1) in hepatectomized rats treated with GLN compared to control animals. CONCLUSION: Glutamine has beneficial effects in liver regeneration in rats by promoting an up-regulation of the MDH1 and MDH2 relative gene expression.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antioxidant and antiperoxidative effects of oil mixes of high ratio Omega-9:Omega-6 and low ratio Omega-6:Omega-3 in the third day after tooth extraction in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats (270-310g) were randomly distributed in two groups: Control (n=24) and Test (n=8). Control group was divided into three subgroups (n=8): G1: Sham-Saline; G2: Saline; G3: Isolipid. G1 and G2 animals received NaCl 0.9% while G3 rats were treated with an isolipid mixture (alpha-linolenic acid - ALA) containing -6/-3 oils (8:1 ratio) and-9/-6 (0.4:1 ratio). Test group animals (G4) received oily mixtures (alpha-linolenic acid - ALA, docosahexaenoic acid - DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid - EPA) of -6/-3 (1.4:1 ratio) and -9/-6 (3.4:1 ratio). Saline and oils were administered by gavage during four days before and three days after first mandibular molar extraction. Following, samples (arterial blood and alveolar mucosa) were collected for glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays. RESULTS: Oil mixes induced a significant decrease in GSH and TBARS tissue and plasma concentrations in the third day post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Gavage administration of oil mixes of high ratio Omega-9:Omega-6 and low ratio Omega-6:Omega-3 after molar extraction in rats induces a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation.

PURPOSE:To investigate the effects of classical acupuncture (Ac) and electroacupuncture (EAc) on estradiol-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in health rodents. METHODS: Twenty-four eight-week old female rats were treated with estradiol valerate (EV) 4.0 mg i.m. single dose and randomly assigned to four groups (n=6): G1(control), G2 (Ac), G3 (EAc 2 Hz) and G4 (EAc 100 Hz). After 60 days all rats were anesthetized with chloral hydrate 10% (0.1 ml/30 g weight of the animal) and submitted to Ac/EAc for twenty minutes. The procedures were repeated on days three, five, seven and nine of the study. The equivalent of the human right ST-36 (Zusanli) and SP-6 (Sanyinjiao) acupoints were chosen for needling and electrical stimulation. On the 10th day of the experiment, all rats were anesthetized for collection of blood and tissues (ovaries) samples for biochemical analysis and histological examination. RESULTS:Glutathione (GSH) and malonaldehyde (MDA) concentrations increased significantly in all groups (plasma and ovary) while myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity decreased significantly in all groups compared with control group (G1). CONCLUSIONS:Both classical acupuncture and electroacupuncture decrease systemic and local oxidative stress and ovary inflammation in healthy rats exposed to estrogenic stimulation. EAc enhances lipid peroxidation at systemic and local levels in female rats exposed to estrogenic stimulation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of bioflavonoid ternatin (TRT) on rat liver regeneration and oxidative stress after 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). METHODS: Thirty six young male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two groups of 18 animals each - control (G1) and experimental (G2) - and were submitted to PH under inhalatory diethylether anesthesia. G1 rats received daily intraperitoneal (ip) injections of saline (NaCl 0.9% solution) 0.1 mL/kg for 14 days; G2 animals received daily ip injections of TRT 0.1% 1.0mg/kg for 14 days. At 36h (T1), 168h (T2) and 336h (T3) post-PH timepoints, a subgroup of six rats in each group was chosen in a randomized way to complementary hepatectomy (CH) and blood samples haversting. Collected material was saved for laboratory analysis (total bilirubin (TB), D-Glucose, glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and assessment of liver regeneration. RESULTS: TRT induced a significant decrease in liver and plasma GSH concentrations; liver regeneration process was not affected. TRT promoted a significant decrease in blood glucose levels 168h after partial hepatectomy compared with controls. TB levels remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal bioflavonoid ternatin injection in partially hepatectomized rats induces a decrease in oxidative stress and a significant hypoglycemic state, but does not promote any change in the evolution of liver regeneration.

OBJETIVO: Conhecer o estado atual do conhecimento científico em fructooligossacarídeos (FOS), açúcares não-convencionais que desempenham um papel importante no controle da glicemia. MÉTODOS: Realizamos uma busca de artigos científicos nas bases de dados MEDLINE e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), a partir de janeiro 1962 a dezembro de 2011, usando como descritores termos Português/Inglês: "glicemia/blood glucose, "prebióticos/prebiotics" e "fibras na dieta/dietary fiber. A partir de um número inicial de 434 referências, algumas repetidas, 43 referências foram consideradas adequadas para a finalidade deste estudo e foram, portanto, selecionadas para análise. Os textos selecionados foram distribuídos em três tópicos: (1) metabolismo de FOS (2), FOS e estudos experimentais envolvendo glicose e (3) estudos em humanos envolvendo glicose e FOS. RESULTADOS: Cinco trabalhos mostraram que o uso de FOS diminui o conteúdo fecal e aumenta o tempo do transito intestinal. Estudos experimentais demonstraram que a suplementação dietética com altas doses (60 g/Kg) de propionato, um ácido graxo de cadeia curta, diminuiu a glicemia. A utilização de doses menores (3 g/Kg) não produziu os mesmos resultados. Em indivíduos diabéticos tipo II a adição de 8 g de FOS na dieta, durante 14 dias, induziu uma redução da glicemia. Em indivíduos sadios, não ocorreram alterações da glicemia. CONCLUSÕES: Essa revisão mostra que o consumo de FOS exerce influência benéfica no metabolismo glicêmico. As controvérsias evidenciadas parecem estar mais ligadas a desenhos metodológicos inadequados e/ou ao número reduzido de indivíduos incluídos em alguns estudos.

PURPOSE: To identify the current status of scientific knowledge in fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), non-conventional sugars that play an important role in glycemia control. METHODS: We performed a search for scientific articles in MEDLINE and LILACS databases, from January 1962 to December 2011, using English/Portuguese key words: "blood glucose/glicemia", "prebiotics/prebióticos" and "dietary fiber/fibras na dieta". From an initial number of 434 references, some repeated, 43 references published from 1962 to 2011 were included in this study. The selected texts were distributed in three topics: (1) metabolism of FOS, (2) FOS and experimental studies involving glucose and (3) human studies involving glucose and FOS. RESULTS: Five studies have shown that the use of FOS reduces the fecal content and increases intestinal transit time. Experimental studies have shown that dietary supplementation with high doses (60 g/Kg) of propionate, a short-chain fatty acid decreased glycemia. The use of lower doses (3 g/kg) did not produce the same results. Study in subjects with diabetes type II showed that the addition of 8 grams of FOS in the diet for 14 days, caused a reduction in serum glucose. In another study with healthy subjects, there were no changes in glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates that consumption of FOS has a beneficial influence on glucose metabolism. The controversies appear to be due to inadequate methodological designs and/or the small number of individuals included in some studies.

OBJETIVO: Investigar o possível efeito protetor do bioflavonóide ternatina (TTN) quando administrado antes da indução da lesão de isquemia/reperfusão testicular em ratos. MÉTODOS: Trinta e seis ratos Wistar, aleatoriamente distribuídos em três grupos (n=12) divididos em dois subgrupos (n=6) cada foram tratados com solução salina (G-1), dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO) 3% (G-2) ou TTN 12 mg/kg/dose (G-3), administrados i.p. 21, 12 e 1 hora antes da torção. Ratos anestesiados foram submetidos à isquemia (3 horas) induzida por torção (720º) do cordão espermático direito. Amostras (testículo ipsilateral e 3,0 ml de sangue arterial) foram coletadas ao final da isquemia (T-0), e 3 horas depois (T-3) para a avaliação das concentrações de malonaldeído (MDA), glutationa reduzida (GSH) no testículo e capacidade antioxidante total (TAP) no plasma. RESULTADOS: MDA diminuiu significativamente nos grupos G-2 e G-3 nos tempos T-0 e T-3. Houve diminuição adicional no G-3 após 3 horas. GSH aumentou significativamente nos grupos G-2 (p<0,001) e G-3 (p<0,05) no T-0 e T-3 no G-2. TAP permaneceu inalterada. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados fornecem evidências in vivo das propriedades antioxidantes e antiperoxidativas da TTN na T/D do testículo do rato.

PURPOSE: To investigate the possible protective role of the bioflavonoid ternatin (TTN) when administered before induction of ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat testis. METHODS: Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=12), divided in 2 subgroups (n=6). Saline 2.0ml (G-1), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) 3% solution (G-2) or TTN 12 mg/kg/dose (G-3) was administered ip. to all rats, respectively, 21, 12 and 1 hour before torsion. Anesthetized rats were subjected to ischemia (3 hours) induced by 720º torsion of the spermatic cord. Right testis and arterial blood samples were collected at the end of ischemia (T-0), and 3 hours later (T-3) for assessment of testis malonaldehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and plasma total antioxidant power (TAP). RESULTS: MDA decreased significantly (p<0,001) in G-2 and G-3 in T-0 and T-3 timepoints. Additional decrease in MDA was seen in G-3 after 3 hours of reperfusion (T-3). GSH increased significantly in G-2 (p<0.001) and G-3 (p<0.05) at the end the ischemia (T-0). A significant increase in GSH was seen 3 hours after testis detorsion (T-3) in G-2 rats. TAP values remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: The data provides in vivo evidence of the antiperoxidative and antioxidative properties of TTN in torted rat testis.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da administração oral de GLN sobre o estresse oxidativo em mulheres com câncer mamário submetidas à quimioterapia neoadjuvante com esquema FAC (5 fluouracil 500 mg/m2+doxorrubicina 50 mg/m2+ciclofosfamida 500 mg/m2 de superfície corporal). MÉTODOS: Vinte mulheres (idade média: 51,7 anos) com carcinoma ductal de mama, classificado como T3 ou T4 foram incluídas no estudo, independente do seu estado menstrual. Embalagens contendo 15g de glutamina ou proteína do leite foram preparadas por farmacêutico. Alocação dos pacientes foi feita na seqüência gerada por "software". Pacientes que receberam embalagens tipo "A" foram incluídas no grupo G1. Pacientes tratadas com a preparação denominada "B", foram incluídas no grupo G2. O material foi misturado com uso de liquidificador em 150 ml de água potável, e administrado diariamente aos pacientes durante todo o curso da quimioterapia neoadjuvante (esquema FAC). Amostras de sangue periférico foram coletadas no inicio dos três ciclos de quimioterapia, antes da infusão de drogas. Amostras de tumor e tecido mamário normal foram colhidas no final do procedimento cirúrgico (cirurgia de Patey). As amostras foram analisadas para determinação das concentrações de GSH e TBARS. RESULTADOS: Concentrações de TBARS/ GSH não foram diferentes no tumor. tecido mamário ou sangue, comparando os grupos G-2 vs.G-1. Além disso, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nos níveis de TBARS e GSH comparando momentos diferentes dentro do mesmo grupo. CONCLUSÃO: GLN (15g/kg/dia) administrada por via oral não oferece proteção contra o estresse oxidativo sistêmico ou local em mulheres com câncer de mama, submetidas à quimioterapia neoadjuvante (FAC).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of oral administration of GLN on the oxidative stress in women with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant FAC chemotherapy (5 fluouracil 500 mg/m²+Doxorubicin 50 mg/m²+Cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m² body surface area). METHODS: Twenty women (mean age: 51.7 years) with breast ductal carcinomas classified as T3 or T4 were included in the study, regardless of pre or post menopause status. Sachets containing glutamine 15g ("A") or milk protein 15g ("B") were prepared by a registered pharmacist. Allocation of patients was made by software program. Patients who received sachets labeled "A" were included in G1 group. The remaining patients, treated with the preparation labeled "B", were included in group G2. Sachets contents were blended in 150 ml of drinking water, and were given daily to each patient during the entire course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Peripheral blood samples were collected in the first day of each of the three cycles of chemotherapy before drug infusion. Tumor and normal breast samples were collected at the end of Patey´s surgical procedure. Samples were analysed for GSH and TBARS contents. RESULTS: TBARS and GSH values were not different in breast healthy and tumor tissues nor blood when comparing control (G-2) and glutamine-treated (G-1) patients. Also, no significant differences were found in TBARS and GSH levels comparing different timepoints within the same group. CONCLUSION: Oral GLN (15g/kg/day) offers no protection against systemic or local oxidative stress in women with breast Ca undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (FAC).