Dopamine (DA) may be involved in central obesity (CO), an inflammatory condition, through its role in the central nervous system and in periphery, where it may affect immune cell function through ...five different DA receptors (DR). Whether dopaminergic pathways in peripheral immune cells are implicated in the inflammatory condition linked to CO is however unknown.
In a cohort of blood donors with and without CO, categorized by waist circumference (WC) (CO: WC ≥ 0.80 m in women and ≥ 0.94 m in men), we studied the expression of DR and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of DA, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their relation with anthropometric and metabolic/endocrine and inflammatory parameters. DR D1-5 and TH expression was assessed by semi quantitative real-time PCR. As inflammatory markers we investigated the immunophenotype of monocyte subsets by flow cytometry, staining for CD14, CD16, CD11b and CD36.
CO individuals showed higher plasma levels of leptin and higher inflammatory pattern of monocytes compared with non-CO. PBMC expression of DR D2, DR D4 and DR D5 as well as of TH were lower in CO in comparison with non-CO. DR D2, and DR D5 expression correlated with lower WC and weight, and with lower inflammatory pattern of monocytes, and TH expression correlated with lower WC. DR D4 expression correlated with lower plasma levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, and DR D2 expression correlated with lower CO.
Results show that CO is associated with peripheral inflammation and downregulation of dopaminergic pathways in PBMCs, possibly suggesting DR expressed on immune cells as pharmacological targets in obesity for better metabolic outcome.
The Amazon and the Atlantic Forest are Brazilian biomes that suffered an intense land use and land cover change, marked by the loss of native forest and expansion of agriculture and livestock. This ...article aims to analyze land use and land cover change history and to propose a sustainable alternative for agriculture and livestock as an opportunity for rural development in these biomes. The statistics of the platform from the Annual Mapping Project for Land Use and Land Cover in Brazil (MapBiomas) were used in an annual historical series from 1985 to 2020. The analysis of land use and land cover changes indicates that the Amazon native forest was reduced by 44.53 million hectares (Mha), while pasture, agriculture and planted forest increased by 38.10, 6.06 and 0.26 Mha, respectively, over the 35 years (1985 to 2020). In the Atlantic Forest, for the same period, forest and pasture reduced by 0.99 and 11.53 Mha, respectively, while agriculture expanded by 8.06 Mha and planted forest by 2.99 Mha. Sustainable land use strategies, such as the Integration Crop-Livestock-Forest (ICLF), can support the increase in agricultural production while recovering and preserving the environment. Policies and programs should consider regional particularities and barriers for more significant adoption of this strategy.
The overwhelming prevalence of obesity is a priority for public health compromising human lifespan and representing important economic burden worldwide. Obesity is characterized by a state of chronic ...low-grade inflammation associated to metabolic dysfunction. Although the efforts for unravelling the complex immunometabolic signaling pathways to explain the association of obesity with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders, we still do not have all the picture to design effective therapeutic to fight these immunometabolic disease clusters. Dopaminergic pathways apart from having a major role in the regulation of appetite and feeding behaviors are important immunoregulators in inflammation; thus, dopaminergic regulation is suggested to impact obesity- associated inflammation. Dopamine (DA) has been reported to modulate immune function and immune cells themselves produce endogenous DA. DA-induced immunomodulation is currently the focus of intense experimental research and dopaminergic pathways are increasingly considered a target for drug development in immune diseases. While the role of dopaminergic pathways in immune-mediated diseases has been intensively investigated in neurodegenerative diseases, dopaminergic immunomodulation in obesity-associated inflammation is largely unknown. This review will integrate the actual knowledge about dopaminergic pathways involved in obesity-associated inflammation with special focus on immune innate key cell players. We present an explanatory hypothesis with a model that integrate central and peripheral dopaminergic circuits in the relationship between neuroimmune and metabolic systems in obesity-associated inflammation. A perspective on the potential role of dopaminergic drugs in the context of obesity will be given.
Graphical Abstract
Graphical representation of central and peripheral dopaminergic pathways in obesity-associated inflammation
Manual static chamber is one of the most widespread methods for the quantification of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from agricultural systems. But there are concerns about the reliability of ...measurements and a necessity to assess the static chambers used in the studies performed in the countries of Latin America. Thus, this study aims to investigate the quality of the characteristics from the static chamber methodology, the confidence level of the GHG measurements, and recommend what should be improved. We conducted a systematic review of databases to identify peer-reviewed articles that used the static chamber method in Latin America. A total of 90 articles were analyzed and separated according to the publication year (2000-2008, 2009-2015, 2016-2020). We evaluated eight design and deployment chamber characteristics. The depth of base insertion and type of storage vial received the lowest scores, and the number of samples received the highest score. The description and reporting of the methodological procedures in the studies should be improved. The percentage of articles with high and medium confidence levels increased within the time, and the number of articles with low and very low confidence levels reduced. Scientists/Researchers should continue to follow the protocols, especially the most updated ones.
Predictors of subclinical inflammatory obesity (SIO) can be important tools for early therapeutic interventions in obesity-related comorbidities. Waist circumference (WC) and BMI have different SIO ...sensitivity. We aimed to i) identify SIO predictors and ii) investigate whether CD16+ monocytes are associated with BMI- (generally) or WC-defined (centrally) obesity.
Anthropometric and metabolic/endocrine (namely catecholamines, adrenaline and noradrenaline) parameters were evaluated, and CD16+ monocytes were studied by flow cytometry in the peripheral blood from 63 blood donors, and compared and correlated to each other. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify variables that best predict SIO.
CD16+ monocyte counts were similar in BMI and WC groups. CD16+ monocytes from centrally obese (CO) showed a more inflammatory pattern, as compared to non-CO subjects. WC was sensitive to lipidemia and, in CO subjects, lipidemia was associated with a more inflammatory phenotype of CD16+ monocytes. These differences were not noticed between BMI groups. Adrenaline was correlated with CD16+ monocyte expansion with a lower inflammatory pattern. Leptin, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and CD14 expression of CD16+ monocytes were found to be CO predictors.
WC-, but not BMI-defined obesity, was associated with a more inflammatory pattern of CD16+ monocytes, without monocyte expansion, suggesting that a monocyte maturation process rather than an independent arise of CD16+ monocytes occurs in CO. Thus, in a population with low cardiovascular risk, leptin, VLDL-C, and CD14 expression of CD16+ monocytes predict CO, constituting a putative tool for screening of SIO.
Biodegradable cardiac patches have been able to induce improvement in left ventricular (LV) remodeling. A novel scaffold patch made with collagen and silk-fibroin (COL-SF) was further associated to ...polyaniline (PANi) to increase conductivity. Thus, this study investigated the safety of the association of PANi to a patch, and the improvement in LV remodeling in a myocardial infarct (MI) rat model. Wistar rats underwent MI induction. MI was confirmed with echocardiographic and after 2 weeks, animals (n = 10/group) were randomized into: (a) COL-SF hyaluronic acid patch, (b) PANi hyaluronic acid patch, (c) MI Control (just repeat thoracotomy). Healthy animals were also followed. Echocardiography was performed at pre-treatment, and at 2-, 4-, and 8-weeks post-treatment. Hearts underwent hemodynamic evaluation on Langendorff apparatus and histology for LV thickness and percent of infarct size. Liver, kidneys, and blood samples were evaluated for biochemical, hematological, oxidative stress, and histology. There was a tendency of lower %infarct size in patched animals. LV thickness was higher in the patched animals than controls. Functional echocardiographic indices %Fractional shortening and %LV ejection fraction decreased in the MI control group, but not in the patched animals. PANi presented higher %LVEF versus MI control. PANi presented higher liver transaminases; no morphological changes were observed in histology. Elevation of antioxidant markers was observed. COL-SF and PANi patches were able to induce better remodeling features compared to MI controls on %infarct size and LV thickness and have not presented echocardiographic worsening. Polyaniline may present a slight improvement on LV remodeling, despite associated to signs of hepatotoxicity and pro-oxidant effect.
ABSTRACT The amount of solar irradiation available in the growing environment can cause significant changes in physiology and leaf anatomy that enable crops to acclimate to different light ...conditions. In this sense, the objective was to characterize the leaf anatomy and to elucidate the morpho-physiological mechanisms of acclimation to high solar irradiance of heliconia genotypes during the initial stage of development under semiarid conditions. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco state, Brazil (09° 19’ 14” S, 40° 32’ 40” W, and 387 m of altitude) and the behavior of three heliconia genotypes (Heliconia rauliniana; H. bihai cv. Lobster Claw Two, and H. rostrata) grown in full sun and shading (50%) environments were evaluated. At 30 days after the implementation of the experiment, leaf anatomy, chlorophyll index, plant height, number of leaves, and number of tillers were analyzed. Heliconia leaves are characterized as amphistomatous with tetracytic stomata. In its main vein there are aerenchyma structures and hypodermis on the abaxial and adaxial sides. The responses to different light conditions in plants of H. bihai, H. rauliniana, and H. rostrata are genotype-specific. Furthermore, the anatomical structures and physiological changes observed in H. bihai and H. rauliniana plants demonstrate that these genotypes present greater plasticity and consequently greater potential for acclimation to high solar irradiation conditions. Thus, the genotypes H. rauliniana and H. bihai emerge as a potential alternative for cultivation in gardens or in open areas and for exploration as cut flower in regions with high solar irradiation availability.
RESUMO A quantidade de irradiação solar disponível no ambiente de cultivo pode causar alterações significativas na fisiologia e anatomia foliar que possibilite á aclimatação das culturas a diferentes condições de luminosidade. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se a caracterização anatômica foliar e a elucidação dos mecanismos morfofisiológicos de aclimatação a alta irradiância solar de genótipos de helicônias durante o estágio inicial de desenvolvimento em condições semiáridas. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Petrolina-Pernambuco (09°19’14” S, 40°32’40” O e 387 metros de altitude) e foram avaliados o comportamento de três genótipos de helicônias (Heliconia rauliniana; H. bihai cv. Lobster Claw Two e H. rostrata) cultivadas em ambientes de pleno sol e sombreamento (50%). Aos 30 dias após a implantação do experimento foi realizado análises anatômicas foliares, índice de clorofilas, altura de plantas, número de folhas e número de perfilhos. As folhas de helicônias são caracterizadas como do tipo anfiestomática com estômatos do tipo tetracítico. Em sua nervura principal há estruturas de aerênquimas e hipoderme nas faces abaxial e adaxial. As respostas as diferentes condições de luminosidade em plantas de H. bihai, H. rauliniana e H. rostrata são genótipo-específicas. Além disso, as estruturas anatômicas e as alterações fisiológicas observadas em plantas de H. bihai e H. rauliniana demostram que esses genótipos apresentam maior plasticidade e consequentemente maior potencial de aclimatação às condições de alta irradiação solar. Assim, os genótipos H. rauliniana e H. bihai surgem como potencial alternativa para o cultivo em jardins ou áreas abertas e para exploração como flor de corte em regiões com alta disponibilidade de irradiação solar.
The phase angle (PA) has been used as an indicator of prognosis and nutritional status because it reflects the integrity of the individuals' cellular function. In contrast to the investigations that ...assessed acute malnutrition (weight deficit) and PA in children, studies that evaluated the relationship of this indicator with stunting (height deficit) are still scarce and inconclusive. Thus, we aim to investigate whether there are differences in PA according to the classifications of the height-for-age (H/A) index of children under five years of age.
This is a cross-sectional study carried out in a nutritional recovery center, in households, and in a daycare center in Maceió-Alagoas, Brazil. Anthropometric data were collected, and resistance and reactance were obtained through the use of tetrapolar electrical bioimpedance, from children aged 2–5 years. The PA and the percentage of body fat were calculated. Children were divided into 3 groups: adequate H/A, at-risk of stunting and stunted. Analysis of covariance for the main outcome was performed using age, sex, and the body mass index-to-age as covariates, and the H/A classification as the exposure.
The mean children's PA in the adequate H/A group was 3.9° 95% CI 3.6–4.2, while in the group at-risk of stunting and stunted it was 4.5° 95% CI 4.3–4.7 and 4.6° 95% CI 4.4–4.8, respectively, showing statistical difference (p < 0.01).
In the present sample, stunted children have higher PA values than children with adequate H/A.
This study evaluated the viability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus EM1107 incorporated in semi-hard goat cheese (Coalho) when exposed to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, as well as the inhibitory ...effects of this strain against pathogenic bacteria in goat Coalho cheese during refrigerated storage. After in vitro digestion, no change in viable cell count of L. rhamnosus (6.75 log CFU/g) was observed compared with the count before simulation (6.53 log CFU/g). Against Staphylococcus aureus, L. rhamnosus exhibited inhibition rates of 1.55%, 1.7% and 21.66% at 7, 14 and 21 days of storage, respectively. Furthermore, against Salmonella Enteritidis, the inhibition rates were 4.36%, 5.33% and 5.51% at 7, 14 and 21 days of storage, respectively and against Listeria monocytogenes, the inhibition rates were 2.62%, 1.57% and 10.23% at 7, 14 and 21 days of storage, respectively. Against Escherichia coli, L. rhamnosus showed inhibition rate of 7.98% at 7 days of storage and no inhibitory effects at 14 and 21 days. The results indicate that goat Coalho cheese has a protective effect on the viability of L. rhamnosus EM1107 during artificial digestion. In addition, this strain could be used as a protective culture to delay the growth of pathogenic bacteria, particularly S. aureus and L. monocytogenes.
•Goat coalho cheese protects Lactobacillus rhamnosus EM1107 when exposed to artificial digestion.•L. rhamnosus EM1107 inhibits pathogenic bacteria associated with cheese.•L. rhamnosus EM1107 can be used as protective culture in goat coalho cheese.
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