Higher plasma lipopolysaccharide concentrations are associated with less favorable phenotype in overweight/obese men.

Purpose: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria might be an inflammation trigger in adipose tissue. It has recently been proposed that there is a link between adipose tissue distribution and blood LPS. However, the number of studies on this topic is scarce, and further investigation in humans is required.

Intestinal permeability measurements: general aspects and possible pitfalls.

Introduction: Disturbances of the gut barrier function have been related to a variety of diseases, including intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. The intestinal permeability tests are considered useful tools for evaluating disease severity and to follow-up patients after a therapeutic intervention and indirectly assess barrier function.

Objective: The aims of this review were to highlight the possible factors underlying higher intestinal permeability and the clinical conditions that have been associated with this in different age range; and also provide some insight into methodological aspects.

Grape extract and α-Tocopherol effect in cardiovascular disease model of Apo E -/- Mice.

Purpose: To verify the effect of consumption of grape extract isolated or combined with α-tocopherol supplementation on atherosclerosis model with Apo E -/- mice.

Methods: After six weeks of atherogenic diet, Apo E -/- mice were divided into the following groups: Control, Grape, Tocopherol and Grape plus Tocopherol. The treatment progressed for 11 weeks when animals were submitted to euthanasia.