[Characterization of a rat model useful for studying the nutritional consequences of diarrhea].

Due to poor sanitary conditions, total global diarrhea mortality occurs almost exclusively in underdeveloped countries. Since, in these countries, sanitation is greatly overlooked, in the case of diarrheal disease, the emphasis must be oriented to treatment rather than prevention. An important aspect in the treatment of diarrheal disease is to avoid the malnutrition it causes and therefore, proper feeding during and after the diarrheal episode is a crucial issue.

[Effect of diarrhea on nutrient utilization in protein deficient or protein-calorie deficient rats].

Diarrhea increases the effects of malnutrition. Accordingly, the effect of diarrhea on two types of malnutrition (protein deficiency and protein-calorie deficiency) was studied. The experiment included 42 young Sprague Dawley rats.

Effect of the diuretic furosemide on urinary essential nutrient loss and on body stores in growing rats.

Studies using a model of non-infectious diarrhea, have shown that increasing fecal mass by using laxatives resulted in greater fecal losses of nutrients and lower intestinal absorption. In the present study we used a diuretic to determine if increasing urine volume could result in greater urinary losses of essential nutrients. This is a relevant question because diuretics are widely and successfully used in the treatment of diseases associated with water retention and hypertension.

[Lactose-induced diarrhea increases oxidative stress and it is more severe in rats deficient in vitamin E].

Diarrhea is the disease with high incidence in the world and causes infant mortality and malnutrition in the developing world. This justifies the study of nutrition and diarrhea. Due to ethical and financial considerations it is difficult to study nutrition and diarrhea in children thus animal models have become a convenient alternative.

Interactions among indicators of B1, B2, B6 and vitamin C status in university students.

In 209 young university students (109 males and 80 females) with body mass index within the normal range, the activation coefficient of the erythrocyte transketolase (ETKAC) glutathione reductase (EGRAC) and aspartate amino transferase (EASTAC) as well as the circulating levels of vitamin C were determined. Using the usual cutoff points for ETKAC and serum vitamin C and higher than usual cutoff points for EASTAC and EGRAC 99, 95, 92, and 87% of the study subjects exhibited activation coefficients which were compatible with an acceptable status for vitamin B2, B6, C and B1 respectively. A correlation analysis showed a high correlation (r = 0.