Pythons are a well-studied model of postprandial physiological plasticity. Consuming a meal has been shown by past work to evoke a suite of physiological changes in pythons and elicit one of the largest documented increases in post-feeding metabolic rates relative to resting values. However, little is known about how this plasticity manifests in the brains of ball pythons, Python regius. Previous work using the cell-birth marker 5-bromo-12’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) has shown that cell proliferation in the python brain increases six days following meal consumption. This study aimed to confirm these findings and build on them in the long term by tracking the survival and maturation of these newly created cells across a two-month period. We investigated whether these cells differentiated into neurons using double-immunofluorescence for BrdU and a reptile-specific neuronal marker (Fox3). We did not find significantly greater rates of cell proliferation in snakes six days after feeding, but we did observe more newly created cells in neurogenic regions in fed snakes two months after the meal. Feeding did not influence neurogenesis, but feeding does appear to have a neuroprotective effect. More newly created cells survived in fed snakes two months later, particularly in the olfactory bulbs and lateral cortex. These findings shed light on the extent of postprandial plasticity and regional differences in the creation of new neural cells in the brains of ball pythons.

Physical activity is important for the management and treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Interval exercise training has been shown to improve glycemic control in people with T2D; however, studies have generally utilized high volume protocols and/or specialized equipment that limit translation to a “real world” setting. The present proof-of-concept study examined the efficacy of brief, intermittent stair climbing exercise to improve indices of glycemic control in adults with T2D, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) under controlled dietary conditions. Each session involved 3 x 60-s bouts of vigorously ascending and slowly descending a single flight of stairs. This was set within a 10-min period, which otherwise involved walking for a warm-up, cool-down and recovery in between bouts. Data are reported for n=5 participants (52 ± 18 y, BMI: 31 ± 5 kg/m2, HbA1c: 6.6 ± 0.7 %; mean ± SD) who performed 18 training sessions over 6 weeks. Mean 24-h glucose and time spent in hyperglycemia (> 10 mmol/L) were unchanged after an acute session of stair climbing (p=0.38 and p=0.42, respectively) or after 6 weeks of training (p=0.15 and p=0.47, respectively). Measures of glycemic variability were improved in the 24-h period following a single session of stair climbing, based on reductions in the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) (4.4 ± 1.5 vs. 3.5 ± 1.0 mmol/L, p =0.02) and the standard deviation (SD) around the mean (1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5 mmol/L, p=0.02). There was a meal-specific improvement in postprandial hyperglycemia after training, with the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of the lunchtime meal reduced by 36 ± 42 % (p=0.01). These preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of stair climbing as a physical activity option for people with T2D, although the acute and chronic effects of this training on indices of glycemic control remain equivocal. / Thesis / Master of Science in Kinesiology / Physical activity is important for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Interval training, which involves alternating periods of relatively intense exercise and recovery, can improve blood sugar control in adults with T2D. This has largely been shown in laboratory settings using specialized equipment and protocols that may not be practical or time-efficient. This small, proof-of-concept study examined whether brief, intermittent stair climbing exercise could improve blood sugar control in people with T2D. Average blood sugar measured over 24 hours was unchanged after a single bout of stair climbing and after 18 sessions of training performed over 6 weeks. However, stair-climbing exercise reduced blood sugar fluctuations in response to specific meals. These preliminary findings suggest that interval stair climbing is a feasible exercise option for adults with T2D, but the precise effects on blood sugar control remain to be clarified.

T2DM is a chronic disease characterized by postprandial hyperglycemia. One of the therapeutic approaches to attenuate hyperglycemia is to inhibit intestinal ɑ-glucosidase enzyme and/or suppress glucose transporters that regulate intestinal glucose transporters such as SGLT1 & GLUT2. Berries rich in polyphenol antioxidants have various health benefits. Although the antidiabetic effects of various berry extracts or berry mixture in pre-clinical and clinical studies, the underlying pathways at the molecular level is still unclear. In this study, we investigated antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of selected berry extracts by determining free radical scavenging activates, Caco-2 intestinal ɑ-glucosidase activity, glucose uptake and the gene expression of ɑ-glucosidase and glucose transporters in Caco-2 cells. Total phenolic contents of berry extracts varied from 28.55 ± 0.06 to 56.15 ± 1.08 gallic acid equivalent (GAE μg/mL) and correlated with antioxidant capacities. Both cranberry extract (CBE) and blackberry extract (BBE) at 200 μg/mL concentration significantly decreased glucose uptake in Caco-2 cells. While mRNA expression and activity of ɑ-glucosidase were inhibited by CBE and BBE, mRNA expression of SGLT1 and GLUT2 was only inhibited by CBE. Moreover, CBE and BBE significantly decreased glucose uptake in the presence of sucrose and AS. Our data suggest that CBE and BBE have different molecular mechanisms in suppressing hyperglycemia and their effects are mediated by inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and absorption.

La réduction des excursions glycémiques postprandiales a été proposée comme un moyen pour limiter le risque de développement du diabète de type 2. L’intérêt s’est donc porté sur les outils nutritionnels susceptibles de moduler la biodisponibilité des glucides et ainsi leur impact sur la glycémie postprandiale. Les travaux réalisés au cours de cette thèse avaient pour but d’étudier les effets de différents ingrédients modifiant la biodisponibilité du glucose, non seulement sur la glycémie postprandiale à court terme (2 heures) mais aussi sur les cinétiques du débit d’apparition et de disparition de glucose (total, exogène et endogène - isotopes stables) et les autres paramètres métaboliques de la phase postprandiale au cours de la journée. Dans la première étude (β-glucanes), nous avons montré que l’addition de fibres β-glucanes à un repas glucidique chez des sujets sains en surpoids ralentit l’absorption du glucose dans le plasma. Ceci a prolongé la réponse insulinique et par conséquent l’inhibition de la lipolyse et de la production endogène de glucose. Dans la deuxième étude (Eurostarch), nous avons montré que la diminution de la biodisponibilité du glucose au petit-déjeuner (amidon lentement digestible, index glycémique bas) diminue l’apparition du glucose exogène dans le plasma et pourrait avoir un effet second-repas chez des sujets sains en surpoids. Mais nous n’avons pas mis en évidence d’amélioration de ces effets métaboliques à plus long terme (5 semaines). Dans la troisième étude présentée (Nutriose), nous avons montré que l’addition de dextrine résistante NUTRIOSE®10 (fermentescible) au petit-déjeuner chez des sujets sains, diminue les réponses glycémiques, insuliniques postprandiales et le profil de ghréline au cours de la journée (en comparaison à une maltodextrine). En parallèle, la prolongation observée de la fermentation et l’oxydation du NUTRIOSE®10 pourraient fournir de l’énergie en phase postprandiale tardive. En conclusion, l’analyse des paramètres métaboliques au-delà de 2 heures après le repas, a permis de mettre en évidence les effets métaboliques à plus long terme de la modulation de l’apparition du glucose dans le plasma (ralentissement, prolongation, réduction) sur les cinétiques du glucose, la réponse insulinique, la lipolyse et l’oxydation des substrats / The reduction of the postprandial glycemic excursions has been proposed as to limit risk of type 2 diabetes. There has been growing interest in the development of dietary ingredients that could potentially modulate carbohydrates bioavailability and thus their impact on postprandial glycemia. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the effects of the the modulation of glucose bioavailability by different ingredients on 2-hour glycemic response but also on glucose kinetics (total, exogenous and endogenous – stable isotopes) and on other daylong metabolic parameters. In the first study (β-glucanes), we showed that the addition of β-glucan fiber to a carbohydrate meal in healthy overweight subjects reduced the appearance of glucose in plasma. As a consequence, insulin response was also prolonged and induced a prolonged inhibition on lipolysis and endogenous glucose production. In the second study (eurostarch), the reduction in glucose availability (slowly available glucose, low GI) at breakfast decreased plasma exogenous glucose appearance and tended to improve glucose control at the subsequent lunch. But we did not observe the improvement of such metabolic effects in the long-term (5 weeks). In the last study, we showed that the addition of a resistant dextrin, NUTRIOSE®10, decreased postprandial glycemic and insulinemic response as well as daylong satiety-related ghrelin profile, compared to maltodextrin. In parallel, the prolonged fermentation and oxidation pattern of NUTRIOSE®10 up to 10 hours after ingestion at breakfast could induced an extended energy release with NUTRIOSE®10 in the late postprandial phase. In conclusion, the follow-up of metabolic parameters beyond 2 hours after the meal have highlighted the longer-term metabolic effects of the modulation of glucose appearance in plasma (delay, extension, reduction) on glucose kinetics, insulin response, lipolysis and nutrients oxidation

Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause for morbidity and mortality. Exaggerated postprandial lipaemia has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis, and by lowering postprandial triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations, atherogenic progression may be delayed. Many studies have revealed that exercise, in particular acute exercise, can attenuate postprandial TAG concentration. Most of this evidence relates to studies conducted in Western participants. South Asians are a population predisposed to CVD, and their adverse lipid profiles and physical inactivity may be among the underlying reasons. Hence, the studies described in this thesis examined the potential of acute bouts of exercise to favourably modify postprandial lipaemia and other CVD risk markers in young, healthy, South Asian men. The first experimental study described in this thesis compared the effect of 60 minutes of brisk walking on postprandial TAG concentration in 15 South Asian and 14 White European men. Trials were conducted over two days with exercise (or rest) taking place on day 1 and postprandial testing on day 2. A key finding from this study was that postprandial TAG, glucose and interleuklin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were elevated in South Asian compared with White European participants after consumption of high fat meals. This study also revealed a non-significant trend for brisk walking to reduce postprandial TAG concentrations in response to high fat meals in both groups. The second experimental study reported here examined the effect of 60 minutes of treadmill running at 70% of max on postprandial lipaemia and other CVD risk makers on the next day in 10 South Asian and 10 White European men. A significant main effect of trial was shown for postprandial TAG, IL-6 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), showing that TAG and IL-6 concentrations were lower on the exercise trial while sICAM-1 concentrations were higher on the exercise trial. In addition, ethnic group differences were observed for postprandial TAG, glucose and insulin concentrations indicating higher values in South Asians than White Europeans. A significant trial by group interaction effect was also observed for TAG, indicating a greater decrease after exercise in the South Asian men than the European men. In the third experimental study in this thesis the effect of 30 minutes of treadmill running on one day was compared with running for 30 minutes on three consecutive days in 11 South Asian men with regards to postprandial lipaemia. Neither a single bout of running nor three consecutive days of running influenced postprandial TAG in response to high fat meals when compared with the response on a control trial. It is not clear why exercise was ineffective in reducing postprandial lipaemia in this study but possibly the energy expenditure of exercise was insufficient to elicit change. The final experimental chapter described in this thesis combined the data from the first three studies. The objective of this chapter was to enhance the sample size in an effort to clarify the effects of acute exercise and to clarify the effects of ethnic group with respect to several fasting and postprandial CVD risk markers. The key findings were: 1) fasting and postprandial TAG and postprandial glucose concentrations were significantly reduced by exercise; 2) There were significant main effects of ethnic group for fasting high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol/ HDL-C, IL-6 and systolic blood pressure (SBP), indicating lower values of HDL-C and SBP and higher values of total cholesterol/HDL-C and IL-6 in South Asian participants. Additionally, there were significant main effects of ethnic group for postprandial TAG and IL-6 indicating higher values in South Asian participants. Taken together, these data indicate that South Asians have an adverse CVD risk factor profile in comparison with White Europeans and this may explain, at least in part, their elevated risk of CVD. Importantly, the data produced within this thesis show for the first time that acute bouts of exercise can be effective for lowering postprandial plasma TAG concentrations in South Asians, at least transiently. Thus, exercise has the potential to serve as a non-pharmacological medicine in South Asians.

Previous reports have demonstrated that children’s physical activity is typically intermittent in nature. Accelerometers are reliable and valid tools for quantifying the pattern of activity in children. However, in order to interpret accelerometer output it is necessary to apply appropriate accelerometer thresholds for classifying physical activity intensity. Currently multiple accelerometer thresholds are available in the literature and it is unclear which are the most appropriate or whether thresholds should be sample specific. Additionally, there is little information regarding how the pattern of activity in children varies across groups and how activity patterns relate to health. The overall aim of the thesis was to describe the pattern of habitual physical activity, using objectively-measured physical activity data, in relation to health outcomes in pre-adolescent boys. The first objective was to characterize the pattern of boys’ habitual physical activity, using objectively-measured physical activity data. The second objective was to investigate the relationship between habitual physical activity and specific aspects of the activity pattern and health outcomes in boys. The final objective was to investigate the effects of continuously- versus intermittently- accumulated physical activity on acute health outcomes in boys, using an intermittent activity protocol based on the measured pattern of habitual activity in boys. The first four studies used a sample of 54 boys, aged 8 to 10 years. The final study used a different sample of 10 boys, aged 9 to 11 years. Both samples were from the county of Devon, UK. The first study of this thesis established sample-specific accelerometer-intensity thresholds through calibration research with ActiGraph accelerometers (counts•2s-1) in boys. The second study in the thesis demonstrated that relationships between time accumulated at different activity intensities and health (fatness, peak oxygen consumption and resting blood pressure) in boys were similar irrespective of whether sample-specific or published thresholds were employed as long as the threshold was at least equivalent to a brisk walk (i.e. >4 METs). However, the prevalence of children reported as meeting activity guidelines did differ according to thresholds employed. Study three showed that, despite little difference between overweight and normal weight boys in overall activity, time spent sedentary and minutes of light, moderate and vigorous intensity activity accumulated, aspects of the activity pattern (frequency, intensity and duration of ≥4 s (short) and ≥5-min (long) bouts of ≥light, ≥moderate, ≥vigorous and ≥hard intensity activity) differed by weight status. Overweight boys accumulated fewer and shorter bouts of activity, particularly sustained bouts of activity which were of moderate intensity or greater. Study four examined the relationship between activity pattern and health in boys further, focusing on body fatness, aerobic fitness, blood pressure and microvascular function. Results demonstrated that summary measures of activity were negatively related to body fatness, and positively related with both aerobic fitness (i.e., total, moderate, vigorous and hard activity) and endothelial function (i.e., total and light activity). Time spent sedentary was negatively related to endothelial function. The frequency and duration of activity bouts of ≥moderate intensity and the intensity of all activity bouts (i.e., ≥light intensity) were most important for body fatness and aerobic fitness. The frequency of all bouts (short and long) of at least light intensity was most important for endothelial health. Finally, study five moved away from chronic measures of health and examined the acute physiological effects of the recommended daily amount of physical activity (60 minutes of physical activity of ≥moderate intensity) on postprandial lipaemia and microvascular function in boys the following day. Furthermore, the study aimed to assess whether the effects differed depending on whether the activity was accumulated continuously or in a manner more similar to the children’s typical activity patterns identified in studies 3 and 4. In contrast to findings from adolescents and adults, 60 minutes of >moderate intensity activity did not impact on postprandial lipaemia or microvascular function the following day in healthy, active boys, regardless of how it was accumulated. The results of the present thesis indicate that aspects of the activity pattern are significantly related to health in boys and differ according to type of day and weight status. Furthermore, the benefits of sporadically-accumulated activity are equally as strong as continuously-accumulated activity to body fatness, aerobic fitness and endothelial health in boys. Since children typically accumulate short, intermittent bouts of activity, the promotion of sporadic activity (i.e., in intervention research and current physical activity guidelines for children and youth) might increase enjoyment and adherence. The benefits of acute intermittent exercise (which simulates free-living activity) on postprandial lipaemia and microvascular function in inactive children with risk factors for cardiovascular disease should be investigated. Longitudinal investigations into the activity pattern of a much larger and more age-diverse sample of boys and girls are needed to determine whether any changes in aspects of the activity pattern might alter these and other health outcomes (i.e., cardiovascular risk factors).

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Human Nutrition / Mark D. Haub / Objective: The objective was to compare the postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses to nutrition bars containing either cross-linked RS type 4 (RS4[subscript]XL) or standard wheat starch in normoglycemic adults (n=13; age= 27±5 yr; BMI=25±3 kg/m²). Methods: Volunteers completed three trials during which they consumed a glucose beverage (GLU), a puffed wheat control bar (PWB), and a bar containing RS4[subscript]XL matched for available carbohydrate content. Serial blood samples were collected over two hours and glucose and insulin concentrations were determined and the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was calculated. Results: The RS4[subscript]XL peak glucose and insulin concentrations were lower than the GLU and PWB (p<0.05). The iAUC for glucose and insulin were lower following ingestion of RS4[subscript]XL compared with the GLU and PWB trials. Conclusions: These data illustrate, for the first time, that directly substituting standard starch with RS4[subscript]XL, while matched for available carbohydrates, attenuated postprandial glucose and insulin levels in humans. It remains to be determined whether this response was due to the dietary fiber and/or resistant starch aspects of the RS4[subscript]XL bar. Keywords: insulin sensitivity, diabetes, dietary fiber, prebiotic, glycemic index

O Brasil possui diversas frutas nativas, algumas consideradas potentes fontes de compostos bioativos fenólicos (CBF) como, por exemplo, a cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC) que é um fruto nativo do bioma cerrado pertencente à família das Mirtáceas. Alguns CBF presentes nos frutos desta família são capazes de inibir as enzimas envolvidas na digestão dos carboidratos &#945;-amilase e &#945;-glicosidase in vitro. A inibição destas enzimas retarda a absorção de glicose sanguínea reduzindo, assim, a glicemia e insulinemia pós-prandial. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de sucos de cagaita, clarificado e não clarificado, ricos em elagitaninos e proantocianidinas, sobre a glicemia e insulinemia pós-prandial de indivíduos pré-diabéticos sem uso de fármacos capazes de influenciar o metabolismo de glicose e insulina, após o consumo de 50 g de pão francês. Três diferentes refeições foram consumidas pelos voluntários (n=14). A primeira foi composta por pão branco (50 g) mais água (300 mL) como controle; a segunda, pão branco (50 g) mais suco cagaita clarificado (300 mL), e a última refeição consistia em pão branco (50 g) mais suco de fruta cagaita não clarificado (300 mL). Os resultados mostraram que ambos os sucos reduziram quantidade total de glicose absorvida (AUC) em 56% (suco clarificado) e 71% (não clarificado) e insulina liberada em 59% (suco clarificado) e 69% (não clarificado), após a ingestão do pão branco. Embora a velocidade de incremento da glicose (VIG) não tenha apresentado diferenças significativas, o incremento absoluto de glucose (IAG), incremento percentual de glicose (IPG) e valores de pico de glicose (VPG) e insulina (VPI) foram significativamente menores do que os de controle (p < 0,05). Além disso, após a ingestão de sucos cagaita observou-se um aumento da capacidade antioxidante do plasma em indivíduos que consumiram as refeições (p < 0,05). / Brazil has several native fruits, some of them are considered potential sources of phenolic compounds. Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC) is a native fruit from Cerrado region belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Some polyphenols presents in fruits of this family may be able to act on inhibition of enzymes related to carbohydrates such as &#945;-amylase and &#945;- glucosidase in vitro. The inhibition of those enzymes activities delays blood glucose absorption, thereby reducing postprandial glycemia and insulinemia. This study aimed to assess the effect of cagaita fruit juices, clarified and non-clarified, rich in phenolic compounds including ellagitannins and proanthocyanidins, on the postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses from a bread meal (50 g), in prediabetic humans who were not taking medications known to influence glucose or insulin metabolism. Three different meals were consumed by volunteers (n=14). The first one consisted of white bread (50 g) plus water (300 mL) as a control; the second one, white bread (50 g) plus clarified cagaita fruit juice (300 mL), and the last one white bread (50 g) plus non-clarified cagaita fruit juice (300 mL). The results showed that both cagaita fruit juices reduced the total amount of glucose absorbed (AUC) by 56% (clarified juice) and 71% (non-clarified) and insulin released by 59% (clarified juice) and 69% (non-clarified), after the ingestion of white bread. Although glucose incremental velocity (GIV) did not show significant differences, absolute increase of glucose (AIg), glucose incremental percentage (GIP) and peak values of glucose (GPV) and insulin (IPV) were significantly lower than those of control (p < 0.05). Also, after ingestion of cagaita juices it was observed an increased antioxidant capacity of plasma in subjects that consumed the meals (p < 0.05).

O exercício físico tem sido indicado na prevenção do aumento da lipemia pós-prandial (após o consumo de uma refeição hiperlipídica). O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o efeito de duas sessões de exercício físico concorrente (tradicional e em circuito) na curva lipêmica de sujeitos submetidos à refeição hiperlipídica. Onze sujeitos do sexo masculino, familiarizados com treinamento concorrente (IMC 25,50 ± 2,10kg/m²) com idade média de 28,1 + 4,7 anos participaram da realização de um experimento composto por 2 dias consecutivos. No dia 1, os sujeitos realizavam um dos três protocolos randomizados: 1) CON - repouso; 2) CT - exercício concorrente tradicional (30 minutos de exercícios de força em circuito, seguidos de 20 min de exercício aeróbico a 70% do consumo máximo de oxigênio); 3) CC - exercício concorrente em circuito (50 minutos de exercícios de força e “tiros” de 2 min na esteira a 70% do consumo máximo de oxigênio, sob forma de circuito). No dia 2, 12h após a realização dos protocolos, os sujeitos consumiam uma refeição hiperlipídica. As coletas de sangue para análise de Triglicerídeos (TG), Glicose e Insulina foram realizadas no momento basal e de 1 à 5h após o consumo da refeição. O CT e o CC apresentaram menores níveis de TG comparado ao CON na hora 1 (p<0,05) e o CT também apresentou diferença do CON na hora 4 (p<0,05). Em relação à área abaixo da curva (AUC) de TG, houve diferença entre os protocolos CT e CC em comparação ao CON (p<0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os protocolos para Glicose. Em relação à AUC de Insulina, houve diferença entre os protocolos CT e CC em comparação ao CON (p<0,05), sendo que o CC apresentou diferença para maior em relação ao CT (p<0,05). Em conclusão, tanto o exercício CT quanto o CC são eficazes para atenuar a lipemia e a insulina pós-prandiais, sendo o CC ainda mais eficaz na atenuação da insulina. / The physical exercise has been shown to prevent the increase of postprandial lipemia (after consuming a high-fat meal). The objective of this study was to compare the effect of two concurrent sessions of exercise (traditional or circuit) in lipaemic curve of subjects who underwent fat meal. Eleven male subjects, familiar with concurrent training (BMI 25.50 ± 2,10kg/m²) with average age of 28.1 ± 4.7 years participated in the realization of an experiment in 2 consecutive days. On day 1, the subjects performed one of three randomized protocols: 1) CON - break; 2) CT - traditional concurrent exercise (30 minutes of circuit strength exercises, followed by 20 minutes of aerobic exercise at 70% of maximal oxygen uptake; 3) CC - concurrent exercise circuit (50 minutes of strength exercises and "bouts" of 2 min on the treadmill at 70% of maximal oxygen consumption, as circuit. On day 2, 12 hours after the completion of the protocols, the subjects consumed a high-fat meal. The blood samples for analysis of triglycerides (TG), glucose and insulin were performed at baseline and 1 to 5 hours after consumption of the meal. The TC and CC showed lower levels of TG compared to the CON 1 hour (p <0.05) and CT also showed difference in the CON 4 hours (p <0.05). In relation to the area under the curve (AUC) of TG there was a difference between TC and CC protocols compared to the CON (p <0.05). No differences were found between the protocols for glucose. Regarding Insulin AUC there was a difference between TC and CC protocols compared to the CON (p <0.05), considering that the CC showed a difference from the CT (p <0.05). In conclusion, both the CT and CC exercises are effective to mitigate lipemia and postprandial insulin, being the CC more efficient in insulin attenuation.

Algumas frutas nativas brasileiras podem ser consideradas excelentes fontes de compostos bioativos de natureza fenólica. Destacamos, dentre elas, o cambuci, o araçá, o camu-camu, a cagaita, algumas espécies de maracujá silvestres e a jabuticaba. Alguns destes compostos são capazes de inibir as enzimas do metabolismo de carboidratos in vitro. A inibição das enzimas &#945;-amilase e &#945;-glicosidase retardam e prolonga o tempo de digestão de carboidratos reduzindo, assim, a proporção e a velocidade de glicose absorvida e, consequentemente, o aumento brusco de glicose pós-prandial no plasma. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o efeito de sucos clarificados de frutas nativas brasileiras sobre a glicemia pós-prandial em seres humanos, após consumo de uma unidade de pão branco (Tipo pão francês com aproximadamente 55 g), e estudar o efeito dos compostos fenólicos purificados a partir dos sucos sobre as enzimas &#945;-amilase e &#945;-glicosidase in vitro. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que todos os sucos clarificados, excetuando-se o de maracujá-alho (Passiflora tenuifila Killip), tiveram efeito positivo sobre a glicemia pós-prandial, causando redução da quantidade total de glicose absorvida (cambuci (campomanesia phae O.Berg.), cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC), camu-camu (Myciaria dúbia Mc Vaugh) e araçá (Psidium guineensis Sw)), aumento no tempo para atingir a concentração sanguínea máxima de glicose (camu-camu e cambuci), diminuição na velocidade de incremento da glicose (cambuci, cagaita, camu-camu, araçá e jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora Berg)) e diminuição do incremento percentual da glicose (todos os sucos exceto o de maracujá-alho). O consumo dos sucos causou ainda aumento da capacidade antioxidante do plasma. Os compostos fenólicos purificados a partir dos sucos testados foram capazes de inibir a atividade das enzimas &#945;-amilase e &#945;-glicosidase in vitro, sendo que, excetuando-se o suco de jabuticaba, todos foram mais eficientes que a acarbose na inibição da &#945;-glicosidase / Some native Brazilian fruit can be considered excellent sources of bioactive compounds of phenolic nature. Featuring, among them, the cambuci, the araça, camu-camu, the cagaita, some species of wild passion and jabuticaba. Some of these compounds are able of inhibiting the enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in vitro. Inhibition of the enzymes &#945;-amylase and &#945;-glycosidase slow and prolongs the digestion of carbohydrates, thus reducing the rate and velocity of glucose absorbed and therefore the sudden increase of postprandial glucose in plasma. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of fruit juices clarified Brazilian native on postprandial glycemia in humans following consumption of a unit of white bread (French bread type with approximately 55 g), and study the effect of phenolic compounds purified from the juices of the enzymes &#945;-amylase and &#945;-glucosidase in vitro. The results showed that all juices clarified, except the passion fruit garlic (Passiflora tenuifila Killip), had a positive effect on postprandial glycemia, causing reduction in the total amount of glucose absorbed (cambuci (Campomanesia phae O.Berg .), cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC), camu-camu (Myciaria dubious Mc Vaughn) and araça (Psidium guineensis Sw)), increase in the time to reach maximum blood concentration of glucose (camu-camu and cambuci), decrease in speed of glucose increment (cambuci, cagaita, camu-camu, araça and jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora Berg)) and decreased percentage increase in glucose (all except the passion garlic fruit juices). The consumption of juice also caused an increase in plasma antioxidant capacity. Phenolic compounds purified from the juices tested were able to inhibit the activity of enzymes &#945;-amylase and &#945;-glycosidase in vitro, and, except for the juice jabuticaba, all were more efficient than acarbose in inhibiting &#945;- glycosidase