Role of prostaglandin E receptor subtypes EP2 and EP4 in autocrine and paracrine functions of vascular endothelial growth factor in the inner ear

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The physiological effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are mediated by the prostaglandin E receptor subtypes EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4, and the respective agonists have been purified. PGE1 and PGE2 can increase the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), particularly through EP2 and EP4. The biological effects of VEGF are mediated by the phosphotyrosine kinase receptors fms-related tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1) and fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1). Here we examined the effects of EP2 and EP4 agonists on the production of VEGF proteins and <it>VEGF </it>messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in the inner ear, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. We also examined the localization of EP2, VEGF, Flt-1, and Flk-1 in the cochlea by immunohistochemistry.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The expression of EP2 occurred in the cochlea, and the local application of an EP2 or EP4 agonist increased VEGF protein and <it>VEGF </it>mRNA levels in the inner ear. Furthermore, the intensity of the VEGF immunoreactivity in the spiral ganglion appeared to be increased by the local EP2 or EP4 agonist treatment. Immunoreactivity for Flt-1, and Flk-1 was found in the cochlear sensory epithelium, spiral ganglion, spiral ligament, and stria vascularis.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These findings demonstrate that EP2 and EP4 agonists stimulate VEGF production in the inner ear, particularly in the spiral ganglions. Moreover, the Flt-1 and Flk-1 expression observed in the present study suggests that VEGF has autocrine and paracrine actions in the cochlea. Thus, EP2 and EP4 might be involved in the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of PGE1 on acute sensorineural hearing loss via VEGF production.</p

The Inhibition of Lipase and Glucosidase Activities by Acacia Polyphenol

Acacia polyphenol (AP) extracted from the bark of the black wattle tree (Acacia mearnsii) is rich in unique catechin-like flavan-3-ols, such as robinetinidol and fisetinidol. In an in vitro study, we measured the inhibitory activity of AP on lipase and glucosidase. In addition, we evaluated the effects of AP on absorption of orally administered olive oil, glucose, maltose, sucrose and starch solution in mice. We found that AP concentration-dependently inhibited the activity of lipase, maltase and sucrase with an IC50 of 0.95, 0.22 and 0.60 mg ml−1, respectively. In ICR mice, olive oil was administered orally immediately after oral administration of AP solution, and plasma triglyceride concentration was measured. We found that AP significantly inhibited the rise in plasma triglyceride concentration after olive oil loading. AP also significantly inhibited the rise in plasma glucose concentration after maltose and sucrose loading, and this effect was more potent against maltose. AP also inhibited the rise in plasma glucose concentration after glucose loading and slightly inhibited it after starch loading. Our results suggest that AP inhibits lipase and glucosidase activities, which leads to a reduction in the intestinal absorption of lipids and carbohydrates

Anti-Obesity and Anti-Diabetic Effects of Acacia Polyphenol in Obese Diabetic KKAy Mice Fed High-Fat Diet

Acacia polyphenol (AP) extracted from the bark of the black wattle tree (Acacia meansii) is rich in unique catechin-like flavan-3-ols, such as robinetinidol and fisetinidol. The present study investigated the anti-obesity/anti-diabetic effects of AP using obese diabetic KKAy mice. KKAy mice received either normal diet, high-fat diet or high-fat diet with additional AP for 7 weeks. After the end of administration, body weight, plasma glucose and insulin were measured. Furthermore, mRNA and protein expression of obesity/diabetic suppression-related genes were measured in skeletal muscle, liver and white adipose tissue. As a result, compared to the high-fat diet group, increases in body weight, plasma glucose and insulin were significantly suppressed for AP groups. Furthermore, compared to the high-fat diet group, mRNA expression of energy expenditure-related genes (PPARα, PPARδ, CPT1, ACO and UCP3) was significantly higher for AP groups in skeletal muscle. Protein expressions of CPT1, ACO and UCP3 for AP groups were also significantly higher when compared to the high-fat diet group. Moreover, AP lowered the expression of fat acid synthesis-related genes (SREBP-1c, ACC and FAS) in the liver. AP also increased mRNA expression of adiponectin and decreased expression of TNF-α in white adipose tissue. In conclusion, the anti-obesity actions of AP are considered attributable to increased expression of energy expenditure-related genes in skeletal muscle, and decreased fatty acid synthesis and fat intake in the liver. These results suggest that AP is expected to be a useful plant extract for alleviating metabolic syndrome

Adherence to a nutritional counseling program for adults with excess weight and comorbidities

Objetivo: Investigar adesão a programa de aconselhamento nutricional em grupo para indivíduos com excesso de peso e comorbidades. Métodos: Estudo analítico de intervenção controlada e aberta. Oitenta adultos, de ambos os sexos, com índice de massa corporal entre 25 e 35kg/m², portadores de dois ou mais fatores de risco cardiovascular associados foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos para acompanhamento por três meses. O grupo de intervenção com aconselhamento nutricional em grupo recebeu atendimento individual e participou de seis reuniões grupais para discussão sobre alimentação saudável e atividade física, com dinâmicas e método participativo. O grupo-controle, com atendimento padrão individual, foi assistido em três consultas ambulatoriais. Consideraram-se repercussões dietéticas antes e após a intervenção e assiduidade às reuniões como parâmetros de adesão ao tratamento. Resultados: Trinta e três participantes concluíram o estudo. Do total inicial, 45,8% e 40,7% do grupo de intervenção com aconselhamento nutricional em grupo e do grupo-controle com atendimento padrão individual, respectivamente, atingiram nível ótimo de assiduidade. Os fatores mais citados como barreiras à adesão ao tratamento foram fazer refeições fora de casa (46,7% - grupo-controle com atendimento padrão individual) e dificuldade em aplicar os conhecimentos na prática, principalmente em eventos sociais (33,3% - grupo de intervenção com aconselhamento nutricional em grupo). Verificou-se aumento significativo do percentual médio do uso de temperos naturais e do número de refeições ao dia nos dois grupos após a intervenção. Porém, não houve diminuição significativa do consumo energético intra ou entre os grupos. Conclusão: Apesar da abrangência do conteúdo e do emprego de um método participativo no grupo de intervenção, a adesão foi insuficiente para alterar significativamente os principais parâmetros dietéticos estudados. O aprofundamento da abordagem comportamental, continuada e ultiprofissional deve ser objeto de mais investigações. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTObjective: The objective of this study was to verify adherence to a nutritional group counseling program for patients with excess weight and comorbidities. Methods: This was an analytical, open, controlled, intervention study. Eighty adults from both genders with a body mass index ranging from 25 to 35kg/m² with two or more associated cardiovascular risk factors were randomly allocated to two groups for a three-month follow-up. The intervention group with nutritional group counseling received personalized care and participated in six group meetings to discuss healthy eating and physical activity, with group dynamics and participatory method. The control group was given standard personalized care in three outpatient visits. The parameters of adherence to treatment were the dietary repercussions before and after the intervention and attendance to the meetings. Results: Thirty-three participants concluded the study. In all, 45.8% and 40.7% of intervention group and control group, respectively, had excellent attendance. The main barriers to adherence to treatment were the need of eating out (46.7% - control group) and the difficulty of putting their knowledge to use, especially in social occasions (33.3% - intervention group). There was a significant increase in the mean percentage use of natural seasonings and in the number of daily meals of both groups after the intervention. However, there was no significant decrease in energy intake within groups or between groups. Conclusion: Despite the breadth of the content and the use of a participatory method in the intervention group, adherence was not enough to change the main dietary parameters significantly

Metabolic syndrome in central Brazil : prevalence and correlates in the adult population

Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has increased in developing countries in recent decades. This syndrome, a clustering of metabolic abnormalities, has been correlated to various socioeconomic and behavioral variables. We investigated the prevalence and prevalence ratios (PR) of MetS and related factors in an adult population of the Federal District (FD) of Brazil, which is located in the central region of the country. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in 2007, with 2130 adults (aged 18 years or older) in the FD of Brazil. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the recently harmonized criteria. The prevalence of MetS and PR were estimated for each sex according to the diagnostic components and the overall contribution of the selected correlates. Results: The overall prevalence of MetS was 32.0% (95%CI: 28.9–35.2), with no gender difference. The single component with the greatest contribution to the diagnosis of MetS was hypertension in men (PR 5.10, 95%CI: 3.17–8.22) and high waist circumference in women (PR 5.02, 95%CI: 3.77–6.69). The prevalence of MetS increased significantly and progressively with age and excess weight. In women, higher education was protective against MetS (PR 0.66, 95%CI: 0.49–0.89) compared to 8 or less years of education. There was no association between the prevalence of MetS and behavioral variables studied. Conclusions: This study provides comprehensive and alarming data about the prevalence of MetS among the adult population of Brazil’s FD. The results suggest that reducing education inequalities may be an important public policy goal to improve health outcomes, especially among women

A Preliminary Examination of Effect of Massage and Aroma Oil Massage in Foot Care Nursing

AbstractFoot care nursing is attracting attention as a medically effective treatment for the foot lesions caused by such problems as diabetes or aging. In this study, we experimentally examined how aromatherapy affects human brain functions during foot care nursing using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). 11 subjects received both foot care nursing massages and aroma oil massages. We analyzed the changes in their oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentrations based on their brain activity by t-tests, and the t-test results showed significant differences between two kinds of massages in both the somatosensory and prefrontal association areas. The oxy-Hb concentration in both massages with and without aroma oil also showed a tendency to decrease with time. Our questionnaire results showed that our subjects felt more comfortable and relaxed while receiving foot care nursing with aroma oils. These results suggest that aroma oil massages are an effective foot care nursing tool and that foot care nursing is a medically effective treatment

Swapping Labeled Tokens on Graphs

Consider a puzzle consisting of n tokens on an n-vertex graph, where each token has a distinct starting vertex and a distinct target vertex it wants to reach, and the only allowed transformation is to swap the tokens on adjacent vertices. We prove that every such puzzle is solvable in O(n [superscript 2]) token swaps, and thus focus on the problem of minimizing the number of token swaps to reach the target token placement. We give a polynomial-time 2-approximation algorithm for trees, and using this, obtain a polynomial-time 2α-approximation algorithm for graphs whose tree α-spanners can be computed in polynomial time. Finally, we show that the problem can be solved exactly in polynomial time on complete bipartite graphs.Japan. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science ELC Project Grant 24.3660)Japan. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science ELC Project Grant 24106010)Japan. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science ELC Project Grant 24700130)Japan. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science ELC Project Grant 25106502)Japan. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science ELC Project Grant 25106504)Japan. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science ELC Project Grant 25330003

Fatty acid composition of hydrogenated or interesterified margarines

Foi analisado o conteúdo de ácidos graxos (AG) de 12 marcas de margarinas à base de óleos vegetais parcialmente hidrogenados ou interesterificados comercializados no Distrito Federal. As margarinas foram agrupadas pelo tipo de óleos utilizados em sua produção e o percentual médio de lipídios em GH-T (margarinas hidrogenadas com 50% de lipídios), GH-L (hidrogenadas com 20%), GI-T (interesterificadas com 65%) e GI-L (interesterificadas com 30%). O perfil de AG foi obtido por cromatografia gasosa em coluna capilar SP2560®. O conteúdo de AG trans (AGT) no GH-T (7,91 ± 1,05 g.100 g–1) foi significativamente maior (p < 0,05) que no GH-L (2,46 ± 0,39  g.100 g–1), GI-T (1,29  ± 0,47 g.100 g–1) e GI-L (0,65 ± 0,24 g.100 g–1). Houve diferença significativa no conteúdo total de AG saturados (AGS) e insaturados (AGI) entre os grupos GH-T e GI-T, sendo maior no GI-T, seguido de GH-T e sem diferença significativa entre GH-L e GI-L. Porém, as razões entre ΣAGP/ΣAGS das margarinas não variou entre os grupos, enquanto as razões entre ΣAGP/ΣAGT nas margarinas GI-T e GI-L foram superiores às demais. Os resultados obtidos indicam que as margarinas GI-T e GI-L seriam mais apropriadas para consumo humano, por possuírem menos AGT e uma melhor razão AGP/AGT que as demais. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTThe content of fatty acids (FA) of 12 margarine brands produced with partially hydrogenated or interesterified vegetable oils marketed in Federal District was analyzed. The margarines were grouped into four groups by the type of oils used in their production and by the average percentage of lipids: GH-T (hydrogenated margarines with 50% lipids), GH-L (hydrogenated with 20%), GI-T (interesterified with 65%) and GI-L (interesterified with 30%). The fatty acid profile was obtained by gas chromatography in a SP2560® capillary column. The content of trans fatty acids (TFA) in GH-T (7.91 ± 1.05 g.100 g–1) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in GH-L (2.46  ±   0.39  g.100 g–1), GI-T (1.29  ± 0.47  g.100 g–1) and GI-L (0.65 ± 0.24 g.100 g–1). There was a significant difference in the total content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and in the unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) among the groups GH-T and GI-T, being higher in GI-T, followed by GH-T and with no significant difference between GH-L and GI-L. The ΣPUFA/ΣSFA ratios of the margarines were unchanged among the groups, while the ΣPUFA/ΣTFA ratios in the GI-T and GI-L groups were higher than in the others. The results suggest that GI-L and GI-T margarines would be more appropriate for human intake due to lower content of TFA and higher PUFA/TFA ratio than the others