During extreme exercise, athletes experience increased inflammation that is similar to the acute phase response. Endurance athletes, distance runners in particular, are also more susceptible to compromised iron stores. This study evaluated inflammation, immune function and iron status in athletes completing a 50K ultramarathon. Twenty-two well-trained distance runners, 11 males and 11 females, were randomized in a double blind manner into--1) those who consumed 300 mg vitamin E and 1000 mg vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) or 2) placebos--for six weeks before and one week following a 50K ultramarathon race. Blood samples were obtained on 13 separate occasions throughout the study: before supplementation, during supplementation, the day before the race, pre-race, mid-race, immediately post-race, 2 hours following the race, and daily for six days following the race. Plasma levels of ascorbic acid and ��-tocopherol were measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-�� (TNF-��), and interleukin-1�� (IL-1��) were measured using standard clinical assays. Each subject recorded immune function in an activity log and incidence of illness was tabulated as number of days ill. Ferritin was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and total-iron binding capacity (TIBC) and serum total iron were analyzed by standard procedures. Plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid and ��-tocopherol increased significantly in supplemented subjects (p<0.0001). Although the ultramarathon race elicited an inflammatory response, antioxidant supplementation did not alter the responses of IL-6 and TNF-��, which both increased from pre-race to mid-race, post- and post-2 h (Scheffe post-hoc analysis, p<0.0001) and returned to pre-race concentrations by 1 day after the race. Male supplemented subjects had lower IL-1�� concentrations compared to females consuming the supplement or to males consuming the placebo (ANCOVA, gender/time/treatment interaction; p<0.01) at mid-race (p<0.05 females, p<0.005 males), post 1 and 2 days (all p<0.002). Males had significantly higher ferritin levels than the female subjects (ANOVA, p<0.0001); supplementation resulted in lower ferritin concentrations at post-5 days (p<0.02, ANCOVA treatment time interaction, p<0.005). Supplementation did not reduce the days illness among those consuming antioxidants compared to those consuming the placebos. Ferritin not only increases during inflammation, it also is a measure of iron stores. Females had significantly lower levels of iron than the male subjects for each of the iron parameters measured (hemoglobin and hematocrit both p<0.0001, ferritin p<0.001, TIBC p<0.02) excluding serum total iron. The ferritin concentrations measured in the women were indicative of depleted iron stores (<12 ��g/l), and antioxidant supplementation increased hematocrit levels in the female subjects (p<0.05). This investigation indicates that female distance runners need to be aware of an increased susceptibility to iron depletion compared to their male counterparts. Antioxidant supplementation improved hematocrit levels (p<0.05) among female runners and may improve iron status among females with depleted stores. Although other investigations have suggested that antioxidant vitamins decrease exercise induced inflammation, no profound benefit of supplementation was found in this investigation though a response similar to the acute phase response was elicited by the ultramarathon race. Improvements in IL-i and ferritin in response to antioxidant supplementation may indicate that the supplementation was beneficial, but more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions. / Graduation date: 2003

Maternal type 1 diabetes is associated with an increased risk for foetal malformations. The mechanism by which diabetes is teratogenic is not fully known. Previous studies have demonstrated that radical oxygen species can contribute to the teratogenicity of glucose and diabetes. The aim of the present work was to study different aspects of free radical damage and antioxidant defence in experimental diabetic pregnancy. The activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase and the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes in embryos of normal and diabetic rats of two strains were measured. The catalase activity was higher in embryos of a malformation-resistant strain than in a malformation-prone strain, the difference increased further when the mother was diabetic. Maternal diabetes increased embryonic mRNA levels of catalase and manganese superoxide dismutase in the malformation-resistant strain, but not in the malformation-prone strain. Embryos of the malformation-prone rat thus had lower antioxidative defence than embryos of the malformation-resistant strain. Administration of either vitamin E or vitamin C has previously been shown to protect embryos from maldevelopment in experimental diabetic pregnancy. The vitamins were used together in this thesis to yield protection in both the lipid and aqueous phase. The protective effect was not higher than what had been achieved using the vitamins individually. No synergistic effect was thus found using the two antioxidants together. The urinary excretion of the lipid peroxidation marker 8-iso-PGF2á was increased in pregnant dia-betic rats compared with non-diabetic controls, as was the plasma content of carbonylated proteins. Carbonylated proteins and TBARS concentrations were increased in foetal livers in diabetic pregnancy. However, no increased concentration of 8-iso-PGF2á was found in the amniotic fluid of pregnant diabetic rats. Both lipids and proteins were thus oxidatively modified in experimental diabetic pregnancy. It is concluded that experimental diabetic pregnancy is associated with increased oxidative stress and that the embryonic antioxidant defence is likely to be of importance for normal development in a diabetic environment.

Objectif : Examiner l’association entre la consommation alimentaire de caroténoïdes (β-carotène, α-carotène, β-cryptoxanthine, lutéine/zéaxanthine, lycopène) et de vitamine C et le risque de cancer du poumon, selon le sexe, l’intensité de tabagisme et le sous-type histologique de la tumeur. Méthodes : Les données proviennent d’une étude cas-témoins menée à Montréal, Canada. Des entrevues ont été effectuées auprès de 1 105 cas incidents de cancer du poumon et 1 449 témoins issus de la population générale. Leur fréquence de consommation moyenne de 49 fruits et légumes deux ans auparavant a été convertie en apports en antioxydants. Les rapports de cotes (RC) et les intervalles de confiance (IC) à 95% caractérisant l’association entre les antioxydants et le risque de cancer du poumon ont été estimés à l’aide de modèles de régression logistique et polytomée, en tenant compte de facteurs de confusion potentiels. Résultats : Une consommation élevée en antioxydants était généralement associée à une diminution du risque de cancer du poumon de l’ordre de 30%. Un effet protecteur a été observé chez les hommes et les femmes, pour les non fumeurs, les fumeurs quelque soit l’intensité de tabagisme, ainsi que pour les carcinomes à petites cellules, épidermoïde et l’adénocarcinome. Conclusions : Plusieurs antioxydants alimentaires protégeraient du cancer du poumon. Les efforts de prévention bénéficieraient de cibler la promotion de la consommation de fruits et de légumes riches en caroténoïdes et en vitamine C. / Objective: To investigate the association between dietary intake of carotenoids (β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin and lycopene) and vitamin C, and risk of lung cancer according to sex, smoking intensity and tumor histological subtype. Methods: In the course of a case-control study conducted in Montreal, Canada, in-person interviews elicited dietary data from 1,105 incident lung cancer cases and 1,449 population controls. Usual frequency of intake of 49 fruit and vegetables two years prior to diagnosis or interview was estimated and converted to antioxidant intakes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between intake variables and lung cancer were estimated using logistic and polytomous regression models, adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results: High intakes of antioxidants were generally associated with some 30% reduction in lung cancer risk. A protective effect was observed among men and women, among never smokers, smokers regardless of intensity, and for small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: Results from this study suggest several dietary antioxidants may protect against lung cancer. Prevention programs should promote increased intakes of fruit and vegetables rich in carotenoids and vitamin C.

Thesis (PhD) -- Macquarie University, Division of Environmental and Life Sciences, Dept. of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, 2007. / Bibliography: leaves 295-322. / Generation of peroxide groups in proteins exposed to a wide variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) requires an initial formation of protein carbon-centred or peroxyl free radicals, which can be reduced to hydroperoxides. Both protein radicals and protein hydroperoxides are capable of oxidizing important biomolecules and thus initiate biological damage. In this study, we investigated the inhibition of protein hydroperoxide formation by ascorbate and GSH in gamma-irradiated HL-60 cells.--We used HL-60 cells as a model for general protection of living organisms by ascorbate (Asc) and glutathione (GSH) from the deleterious effects of protein hydroperoxides generated by radicals produced by gamma radiation. Measurement by HPLC indicated that incubation of HL-60 cells with Asc in the presence of ascorbate oxidase resulted in the accumulation of intracellular Asc. The intracellular Asc levels were lowered by irradiation, demonstrating intracellular consumption of Asc by the radiation-generated radicals. Exposure of HL-60 cells to increasing gamma irradiation doses resulted in increasing accumulation of protein peroxides in the cells. This was measured by the FOX assay. A significant decrease in intracellular protein hydroperoxides was noted when the cells were treated with ascorbic acid before irradiation. A dose-dependent protective effect of Asc was observed. Asc loading also provided strong protection from radiation-generated protein hydroperoxides independently of the composition of the external medium, showing that only the radicals formed within the cells were effective in oxidizing the cell proteins. Similarly, protein peroxidation was inhibited in cells with enhanced levels of GSH and increased when the intracellular GSH concentration was reduced. These findings indicate that ascorbate and GSH are important antioxidants in protecting cells from oxidative stress associated with the generation of protein hydroperoxide. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / xxix, 322 leaves ill

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / A hipertensão essencial humana, bem como a hipertensão desenvolvida em Ratos Espontaneamente Hipertensos (SHR), são caracterizadas pelo desenvolvimento de Pressão Arterial (PA) elevada na medida em que a idade avança, sem identificação da causa primária. Está bem estabelecido que este modelo animal apresenta estresse oxidativo (EOx) concomitante a hipertensão. O mecanismo pelo qual o antioxidante reduz a pressão não está claro, por essa razão, é necessário avaliar o comportamento destas enzimas envolvidas na homeostase da PA. Ratos Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) e SHR machos receberam ácido ascórbico, 200 mg / kg / dia por sonda orogástrica durante cinco semanas. A PA, a Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda (HVE), o Sistema Renina-Angiotensina (SRA), o Peptídeo Natriurético Atrial (ANP) e o EOx foram comparados entre os grupos por pletismografia, estereologia, microscopia confocal de varrimento a laser, microscopia eletrônica de transmissão, western blotting e análise do RT-qPCR. Os SHR tratados com ácido ascórbico reduziram a PA e a HVE. Além disso, as enzimas envolvidas na homeostase da PA, a renina e a Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina (ECA) normalizaram-se, bem como os Receptores tipo 1 de Angiotensina II (AT1). A grande quantidade de grânulos de ANP no grupo SHR foi reduzida pelo tratamento com ácido ascórbico. O balanço oxidativo foi restabelecido nos SHR tratados com este antioxidante. O EOx nos SHR eleva os níveis de renina e de PA. Estas espécies reativas de oxigênio podem ser envolvidas no mecanismo de sinalização para aumentar a expressão de ANP nos miócitos atriais. Estes dados também mostram que o tratamento com o antioxidante (vitamin C) reduz o EOx e normaliza a PA ao menos parcialmente pela redução de taxas de renina. / The essential hypertension, as well as the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR), is characterized by the development of high BP (BP) with advancing age, with no identified primary cause. It is well established that this animal model presents OxS concomitant hypertension. The mechanism, by which the antioxidant reduces the pressure, is not clear, for this reason, it is necessary to evaluate the behavior of enzymes involved in the homeostasis of BP. Male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHR received ascorbic acid, 200 mg / kg / day by orogastric gavage with lasted five weeks. The BP, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), renin-angiotensin system (RAS), Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and OxS results have been extensively compared among groups by plethysmography, stereology, confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, western blotting and RT-qPCR analysis. The SHR treated with ascorbic acid reduced BP and LVH. Also, the enzymes involved in the homeostasis of BP, renin and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) normalized, as well as Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). The large amount of ANP granules in SHR group was reduced by treatment with ascorbic acid. Oxidative balance was reestablished in SHR treated with this antioxidant. OxS in SHR elevates renin levels and BP. These reactive oxygen species may be involved in the signaling mechanism for increased expression in ANP atrial myocytes. These data also show that treatment with antioxidant (vitamin C) reduces OxS and normalizes BP at least partly by reducing rates of renin.

Orientador: Julieta Rodini Engracia de Moraes / Banca: Eduardo Makoto Onaka / Banca: Laura Satiko Okada Nakaghi / Banca: Sérgio Henrique Canello Schalch / Banca: Francisca Neide Costa / Resumo: Este ensaio teve como objetivo avaliar da cinética da inflamação aguda induzida na bexiga natatória de pacus, Piaractus mesopotamicus por Aeromonas hydrophila inativada e tioglicolato nos peixes que receberam suplementação dietética com as vitaminas C, E ou sua associação. A inflamação foi avaliada quatro, 24 e 48 horas depois dos estímulos. Um grupo mantido como controle recebeu salina e foi examinado após os mesmos períodos. Um outro grupo, não inoculado, foi avaliado para determinação dos tipos de células residentes. Nos tempos determinados os peixes foram sacrificados por aprofundamento do plano anestésico, o exsudato colhido e o componente celular avaliado. Os resultados demonstraram aumento ou diminuição gradativa do número de células totais acumuladas após quatro, 24 e 48 horas para os estímulos Aeromonas hydrophila e tioglicolato respectivamente. Esse fenômeno foi caracterizado pelo acúmulo dos trombócitos e linfócitos nos grupos inoculados com A. hydrophila e suplementados com a vitamina C seguidos pelos peixes tratados com a vitamina E. O contrário foi observado nos grupos inoculados com Tioglicolato, onde predominaram os linfócitos nos peixes alimentados com dietas contendo as vitaminas C e E e trombócitos nos que receberam a vitamina C demonstrando a eficácia das vitaminas independentemente dos estímulos inflamatórios utilizados. A citoquímica foi efetiva na identificação dos tipos celulares presentes. / Abstract: The purpose of this test was to value the kinetics of acute inflammation induced by inactivated Aeromonas hydrophila and thioglycolate, which were inoculated into Piaractus mesopotamicus' natatory bladder and supplemented with diet containing vitamins C, E or their associations. The inflammation was valued four, 24 and 48 hours after the stimulus. A considered control group received a saline solution and was examined after the same lapses of time. Another group, not inoculated, was valued to determine the types of resident cells. On the stipulated times, the fishes were sacrificed by a deepening on the anesthetic plane. The exudate was collected and the cellular component was valued. Results demonstrated a gradual increase or descrise in the total number of collected cells after four, 24 and 48 hours of the stimulus Aeromonas hydrophila and thioglycolate respectly. This phenomenon was characterized by the accumulation of thrombocytosis and lymphocytosis on those groups inoculated with A. hydrophila and supplemented with vitamin C, followed by those fishes treated with vitamin E. On those groups that received thioglycolate inoculated, It's been observed a predominance of lymphocytosis in fishes submitted to vitamins C and E diet, as well as, thrombocytosis in those who received vitamin C, which demonstrates the vitamins efficacy, no matter what inflammatory stimulus is used. The citochemistry was effective for identification of cell types. / Doutor

Resumo: A produção orgânica é um sistema que permite alcançar bons níveis de produtividade, evitando ao mesmo tempo os riscos de contaminação química do agricultor, dos consumidores e do meio ambiente. Pelo fato da planta de jambu ser bastante utilizada como medicamento alternativo e por indústrias de cosméticos, vem aumentando o interesse devido às suas características físico-químicas. No entanto, as pesquisas sobre essa cultura ainda são muito incipientes. Existem poucos trabalhos e uma insuficiente diversidade de análises físico-químicas que possam caracterizar e diferenciar os tipos de cultivo em relação ao jambu. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o óleo essencial e os compostos antioxidantes em diferentes partes de jambu (folha e inflorescência) cultivado sob adubação orgânica e mineral, além de caracterizar os minerais no solo e nas plantas, nos diferentes tipos de cultivo. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental São Manuel (São Manuel-SP), pertencente à Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - UNESP, campus de Botucatu) e na mesma época. O delineamento estatístico foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial (2 x 6), duas fontes de adubação (orgânica e mineral) e seis doses de esterco de curral e uréia, com quatro repetições para todas as análises efetuadas, exceto para as características de potencial antioxidante e espilantol, que foram utilizadas três repetições. Os experimentos realizados apresentaram como tratamentos seis doses de adubação mineral (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 g m-2 de uréia), aplicadas parceladas em duas vezes e seis doses de adubação orgânica (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 e 10 kg m-de esterco de curral), aplicadas no plantio. As características avaliadas foram teores de nutrientes na parte aérea, altura de plantas, massa fresca e seca, composição química do óleo essencial, teor de acido ascórbico; potencial... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The organic production it is a system that will achieve good levels of productivity, while avoiding the risk of chemical contamination of farmers, consumers and the environment. Because the plant jambu be widely used as alternative medicine and cosmetic industries, has been increasing interest due to their physical and chemical characteristics. However, the researches on this crop are still very incipient. There is little work and an insufficient variety of physical and chemical analysis that can characterize and differentiate the types of cultivation on the jambu.The purpose of this study was to analyze the essential oil and the antioxidant compounds in different parts of jambu (leaf and inflorescence) grown under organic and mineral fertilizer, and characterize the minerals in soil and plants in different types of cultivation. The experiment was conducted led in (Experimental Farm São Manuel (São Manuel-SP), belonging to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences - UNESP, campus of Botucatu) and at the same time. The statistical design was factorial (2 x 6), two sources of fertilizer (organic and mineral) and six doses of the kraal manure and urea, with four replications for all analysis performed, except for the characteristics of potential antioxidant and spilantol, which were used three repetitions. The experiments presented treatments as six doses of conventional fertilization (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 g m-2, urea), applied in two split doses of fertilizer and six non-conventional (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 kg m-2 of the kraal manure), applied at planting. The characteristics were nutrient content in shoot, plant height, fresh and dry weight, chemical composition of essential oil, ascorbic acid content, antioxidant potential, and presence of pesticides. The results show that the compounds were present in this study were trans-caryophyllene, germacrene D, L-dodecene and espatulenol and... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Orientador: Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima / Coorientador: Rumy Goto / Banca: Márcia Ortiz Mayo Marques / Banca: Atila Francisco Mogor / Mestre

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / A hipertensão essencial humana, bem como a hipertensão desenvolvida em Ratos Espontaneamente Hipertensos (SHR), são caracterizadas pelo desenvolvimento de Pressão Arterial (PA) elevada na medida em que a idade avança, sem identificação da causa primária. Está bem estabelecido que este modelo animal apresenta estresse oxidativo (EOx) concomitante a hipertensão. O mecanismo pelo qual o antioxidante reduz a pressão não está claro, por essa razão, é necessário avaliar o comportamento destas enzimas envolvidas na homeostase da PA. Ratos Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) e SHR machos receberam ácido ascórbico, 200 mg / kg / dia por sonda orogástrica durante cinco semanas. A PA, a Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda (HVE), o Sistema Renina-Angiotensina (SRA), o Peptídeo Natriurético Atrial (ANP) e o EOx foram comparados entre os grupos por pletismografia, estereologia, microscopia confocal de varrimento a laser, microscopia eletrônica de transmissão, western blotting e análise do RT-qPCR. Os SHR tratados com ácido ascórbico reduziram a PA e a HVE. Além disso, as enzimas envolvidas na homeostase da PA, a renina e a Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina (ECA) normalizaram-se, bem como os Receptores tipo 1 de Angiotensina II (AT1). A grande quantidade de grânulos de ANP no grupo SHR foi reduzida pelo tratamento com ácido ascórbico. O balanço oxidativo foi restabelecido nos SHR tratados com este antioxidante. O EOx nos SHR eleva os níveis de renina e de PA. Estas espécies reativas de oxigênio podem ser envolvidas no mecanismo de sinalização para aumentar a expressão de ANP nos miócitos atriais. Estes dados também mostram que o tratamento com o antioxidante (vitamin C) reduz o EOx e normaliza a PA ao menos parcialmente pela redução de taxas de renina. / The essential hypertension, as well as the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR), is characterized by the development of high BP (BP) with advancing age, with no identified primary cause. It is well established that this animal model presents OxS concomitant hypertension. The mechanism, by which the antioxidant reduces the pressure, is not clear, for this reason, it is necessary to evaluate the behavior of enzymes involved in the homeostasis of BP. Male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHR received ascorbic acid, 200 mg / kg / day by orogastric gavage with lasted five weeks. The BP, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), renin-angiotensin system (RAS), Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and OxS results have been extensively compared among groups by plethysmography, stereology, confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, western blotting and RT-qPCR analysis. The SHR treated with ascorbic acid reduced BP and LVH. Also, the enzymes involved in the homeostasis of BP, renin and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) normalized, as well as Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). The large amount of ANP granules in SHR group was reduced by treatment with ascorbic acid. Oxidative balance was reestablished in SHR treated with this antioxidant. OxS in SHR elevates renin levels and BP. These reactive oxygen species may be involved in the signaling mechanism for increased expression in ANP atrial myocytes. These data also show that treatment with antioxidant (vitamin C) reduces OxS and normalizes BP at least partly by reducing rates of renin.

O pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus Holmberg, 1887 (Characiformes, Characidae), é uma das principais espécies da fauna aquática brasileira, com grande potencial para aqüicultura interior. Estudos sobre nutrição e determinação de exigências nutricionais são ferramentas para embasar a formulação de dietas completas e consolidar a piscicultura intensiva e viável da espécie. A suplementação dietética com vitamina C tem importância na eficiência alimentar, sanidade dos estoques e na economicidade das dietas e da criação. O objetivo deste projeto foi determinar as exigências nutricionais em vitamina C de alevinos de pacu. Os peixes (9,06 ± 1,40 g) foram alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes teores de vitamina C, ad libitum, duas vezes ao dia, durante 63 dias, e avaliados quanto ao desempenho, medido pelo ganho de peso (GDP), consumo de ração, conversão alimentar (CA), taxa de crescimento específico (TCE) e sanidade, considerando-se a incidência de sinais de deficiência em vitamina C e alterações hematológicas – contagem de eritrócitos (GV), hematócrito (HCT), hemoglobina (Hb), volume corpuscular médio (VCM) e leucócitos totais (GB). As rações semipurificadas foram suplementadas com dez níveis de inclusão: 0 (controle), 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 500, 700 e 900 mg de vitamina C (monofosfato de ácido ascórbico) kg -1 , em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições por tratamento. O efeito dos níveis de vitamina C sobre as variáveis foi analisado por regressão polinomial linear e regressão não-linear segmentada, para a determinação de valores ótimos de suplementação. A análise das variáveis de desempenho não detectou diferença entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). As regressões para peso final (PF) e GDP indicaram tendência linear positiva com maiores doses de vitamina C e o nível ótimo estimado para PF foi de 423,1 mg de vitamina C kg -1 . O ganho de peso relativo médio dos tratamentos foi de 460,8%. Houve efeito linear negativo das doses de vitamina C sobre as médias de CA (P=0,038) e foi determinado o valor de 635,7 mg kg -1 de dieta no ponto de quebra (P=0,068). O valor médio de CA para os tratamentos foi de 0,95. As médias de TCE não diferiram (P>0,05) e o valor médio encontrado foi de 2,72% dia -1 . As médias das variáveis hematológicas não diferiram (P>0,05). A GV teve efeito linear negativo na regressão com o aumento da vitamina C na dieta (P<0,05). Foi encontrado efeito quadrático (P=0,024) para o HCT na regressão linear e o valor ótimo determinado pela regressão não-linear segmentada foi de 254,0 mg kg -1 . Existiu fraca evidência linear positiva para os dados de VCM na análise de regressão não-linear segmentada (P=0,090), com valor estimado de 109,7 mg de vitamina C kg -1 de dieta no ponto de quebra. Houve fraca evidência linear negativa na regressão para as médias de Hb (P=0,103) e as médias de contagem de leucócitos totais (GB) não diferiram (P>0,05). Os exames radiológicos não detectaram deformidades estruturais nos peixes analisados. O nível de 254,0 mg de vitamina C kg -1 de dieta foi suficiente para garantir a sanidade e desempenho adequados para o pacu. / The pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus Holmberg, 1887 (Characiformes, Characidae), is one of the main species of the Brazilian aquatic fauna with great potential for inland aquaculture. Studies on nutritional requirements of the species are important tools to establish the basis for the formulation of complete diets and consolidate the intensive and viable farming of the species. Dietary vitamin C supplementation plays an important role in feed efficiency, sanity of the stocks and economical viability of fish diets. The objective of this study was to determine nutritional requirements of vitamin C of fingerling pacu (9.06 ± 1.40 g), fed diets containing different levels of vitamin C, ad libitum, twice a day for 63 days, through the performance indexes weight gain (WG), feed consumption, feed conversion rate (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR); sanity through incidence of vitamin C deficiency signals, and hematological analyses – red blood cells counting (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and total white blood cells counting (WBC). Semi-purified diets were supplemented with 0 (control), 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 500, 700, and 900 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid monophosphate) kg -1 , and fed to fish in a totally randomized design with four replicates. Effects of dietary levels of vitamin C on performance parameters were analyzed by linear polynomial regression and non-linear segmented regression. No differences were detected among treatments (P>0.05). Regression analysis for final weight (FW) and WG indicated positive, linear tendency with larger vitamin C doses, the best level for FW being 423.1 mg of vitamin C kg -1 diet. The average relative weight gain of fish was 460.8%. There was linear, negative effect of vitamin C doses on the averages FCR (P=0.038), reaching the break point at 635.7 mg vitamin C kg -1 diet (P=0.068), and average FCR=0.95 for all treatments. The average SGR (2.72% day -1 ) did not differ among treatments (P>0.05). Averages of hematological variables did not differ (P>0.05). RBC had negative linear effect with increasing dietary vitamin C (P <0.05). A quadratic effect was determined for HCT (P=0.024); the break point of the non-linear segmented regression was 254.0 mg vitamin C kg -1 diet. There was a low, positive linear evidence for MCV (P=0.090), the break point standing at 109.7 mg of vitamin C kg -1 of diet. There was low, negative linear evidence for average Hb (P=0.103), and the averages for WBC did not differ (P>0.05) among treatments. Radiological exams did not detect structural deformities in the analyzed fish. The level of 254.0 mg vitamin C kg -1 diet was enough to allow sanity and appropriate performance of fingerling pacu.

Submitted by MARCIA ROVADOSCHI (marciar@unifra.br) on 2018-08-17T19:52:35Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_FernandaReisFavarin.pdf: 2215176 bytes, checksum: f94c01cb7f3e20eec81ca0cf6c5bf3bd (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-17T19:52:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_FernandaReisFavarin.pdf: 2215176 bytes, checksum: f94c01cb7f3e20eec81ca0cf6c5bf3bd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-05-11 / Ascorbic acid (AA) is a water soluble vitamin and also is widely used as an antioxidant in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Among vitamins, this chemical compost is known as one of the most unstable, due to its stability can be affected by temperature, oxidation, light, enzymes, pH and metal catalysts. With the use of nanotechnology, the AA can be encapsulated in liposomes, which play the role of a shield, protecting the AA from all those factors mentioned above. The liposomes are biocompatible and biodegradable vesicular structures formed by bilayers of phospholipids around an aqueous core, but more unstable than other nanoparticles. The purpose of the liposomes usage is to protect the AA from degradation. Thus, this work aims to prepare liposomes containing ascorbic acid, to characterize and to analyze its antioxidant activity. First, an analytical method for the quantification of ascorbic acid by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was co-validated. After co-validation, liposomal formulations containing 1 mg/mL ascorbic acid (LIP-A) and blank liposomal formulations (LIP-B) - without the active ingredient - were prepared for comparison using the reverse phase evaporation method. After preparation of these formulations, they were characterized according to their refractive index, average particle diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, pH, content, encapsulation efficiency, stability and, DPPH• and ABTS• free radical scavenging activity. In stability, three formulations were prepared and each formulation was divided into three vials, each vial was stored in a different condition. Here are the conditions: climatic chamber (40 0 °C), room temperature (25 2 °C) and refrigerator (4 1 °C). Through the results of the co-validation it was possible to realize that the ascorbic acid‘s quantification method is linear, specific and precise and, can be used for the quantification of ascorbic acid in LIP-A. The prepared liposomes presented 161 6 nm of mean vesicle diameter, a 0,231 0,02 polydispersity index, -7.3 1,1 mV zeta potential, 3,2 0,04 pH and a 19 1,1% encapsulation efficiency. The initial AA content of LIP-A was 1 mg/mL , and the initial antioxidant activity of LIP-A was 12.0 1,1 mMol and 11.4 1,4 mmol of TE/ml for the DPPH• and ABTS• radicals, respectively. The content and free radical scavenging activity varied according to the condition in which LIP-A were stored (climatic chamber, room temperature or refrigerator), because the AA’s stability depends on temperature in which it is stored. During the stability analysis, it was possible to see that LIP-B in climatic chamber condition presented instability from 15º on, while LIP-A remained stable till day 30. These results suggest that the AA, It is suggested that AA as an antioxidant leaves the liposomes more stable. The best condition for the LIP-A storage was the refrigerator one. In this condition the liposome remained stable for 30 days regarding to its mean diameter, PDI, zeta potential and pH. This condition also presented a higher content and antioxidant activity for longer than in the other ones. / O ácido ascórbico (AA) é uma vitamina hidrossolúvel e um antioxidante amplamente utilizado pela indústria alimentícia, química e farmacêutica. Entre as vitaminas, é conhecida como uma das mais instáveis, pois sua estabilidade pode ser afetada pela temperatura, oxigênio, luz, enzimas, pH e catalisadores metálicos. O AA pode ser protegido destes fatores sendo encapsulado em lipossomas, através da nanotecnologia. Os lipossomas são estruturas vesiculares formadas por bicamadas de fosfolipídios ao redor de um núcleo aquoso, são vesículas biocompatíveis e biodegradáveis, mas são mais instáveis. O objetivo da utilização de lipossomas neste trabalho é que estas vesículas protejam o AA da degradação. Sendo assim, a proposta deste trabalho é preparar lipossomas contendo ácido ascórbico, caracterizá-los e analisar sua atividade antioxidante. Primeiramente foi co-validado um método analítico para a quantificação de ácido ascórbico por cromatografia a líquido de alta eficiência (CLAE). Após a co-validação foram preparadas formulações lipossomais contendo ácido ascórbico (LIP-A) na concentração de 1 mg/mL e formulações lipossomais brancas – sem o ativo (LIP-B) para fins de comparação, através do método de evaporação em fase reversa. Após a preparação destas formulações, elas foram caracterizadas de acordo com seu índice de refração, diâmetro médio de partícula, índice de polidispersão (IPD), potencial zeta, pH, teor, eficiência de encapsulação, atividade sequestrante de radicais livres DPPH• e ABTS• e estabilidade. Na estabilidade foram preparadas três formulações e cada formulação foi dividida em três frascos, cada frasco foi armazenado em uma condição diferente: câmara climática (40 0 °C), temperatura ambiente (25 2 °C) e geladeira (4 1 °C). Através dos resultados da co-validação foi possível perceber que o método para quantificação do ácido ascórbico é linear, específico e preciso e pode ser utilizado para a quantificação de ácido ascórbico em LIP-A. Os lipossomas preparados apresentaram 161 6 nm de diâmetro médio de vesícula, 0,231 0,02 de índice de polidispersão, - 7,3 1,1 mV de potencial zeta, 3,2 0,04 de pH e uma eficiência de encapsulação de 19 1,1 %. O teor de AA inicial do LIP-A foi de 1 mg/mL, e a atividade antioxidante inicial do LIP-A para o radical DPPH foi de 12,0 1,1 μMol de TE/mL e para o ABTS 11,4 1,4 μMol de TE/mL. O teor e a atividade antioxidante variaram de acordo com a condição em que os LIP-A foram armazenados (câmara climática, temperatura ambiente ou geladeira), pois a estabilidade do AA depende da temperatura em que ele é armazenado. Durante as análises de estabilidade foi possível perceber que o LIP-B na condição de câmara climática ficou instável a partir do 15º, enquanto o LIP-A permaneceu estável até o dia 30, sugere-se que o AA por ser um antioxidante deixou os lipossomas mais estáveis. A melhor condição para o armazenamento do LIP-A foi em geladeira, nesta condição os lipossomas se mantiveram estáveis em relação ao seu diâmetro médio, IPD, potencial zeta e pH por 30 dias. E apresentou um maior teor e atividade antioxidante por mais tempo que nas outras condições.