Trypsin inhibitors are studied in a variety of models for their anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory bioactive properties. Our group has previously demonstrated the satietogenic effect of tamarind seed trypsin inhibitors (TTI) in eutrophic mouse models and anti-inflammatory effects of other trypsin inhibitors. In this study, we evaluated TTI effect upon satiety, biochemical and inflammatory parameters in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Three groups of n = 5 male Wistar rats with obesity-based MetS received for 10 days one of the following: (1) Cafeteria diet; (2) Cafeteria diet + TTI (25 mg/kg); and (3) Standard diet. TTI reduced food intake in animals with MetS. Nevertheless, weight gain was not different between studied groups. Dyslipidemia parameters were not different with the use of TTI, only the group receiving standard diet showed lower very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides (TG) (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.05). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) production did not differ between groups. Interestingly, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was lower in animals receiving TTI. Our results corroborate the satietogenic effect of TTI in a MetS model. Furthermore, we showed that TTI added to a cafeteria diet may decrease inflammation regardless of weight loss. This puts TTI as a candidate for studies to test its effectiveness as an adjuvant in MetS treatment.

OBJECTIVES:Seeds are excellent sources of proteinase inhibitors, some of which may have satietogenic and slimming actions. We evaluated the effect of a trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus indica L. seeds on weight gain, food consumption and cholecystokinin levels in Wistar rats.METHODS:A trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus was isolated using ammonium sulfate (30–60%) following precipitation with acetone and was further isolated with Trypsin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Analyses were conducted to assess the in vivo digestibility, food intake, body weight evolution and cholecystokinin levels in Wistar rats. Histological analyses of organs and biochemical analyses of sera were performed.RESULTS:The trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus reduced food consumption, thereby reducing weight gain. The in vivo true digestibility was not significantly different between the control and Tamarindus trypsin inhibitor-treated groups. The trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus did not cause alterations in biochemical parameters or liver, stomach, intestine or pancreas histology. Rats treated with the trypsin inhibitor showed significantly elevated cholecystokinin levels compared with animals receiving casein or water.CONCLUSION:The results indicate that the isolated trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus reduces weight gain by reducing food consumption, an effect that may be mediated by increased cholecystokinin. Thus, the potential use of this trypsin inhibitor in obesity prevention and/or treatment should be evaluated.

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A trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seed (TTI) has satietogenic effects in animals, increasing the cholecystokinin (CCK) in eutrophy and reducing leptin in obesity. We purified TTI (pTTI), characterised, and observed its effect upon CCK and leptin in obese Wistar rats. By HPLC, and after amplification of resolution, two protein fractions were observed: Fr1 and Fr2, with average mass of [M + 14H]+ = 19,594,690 Da and [M + 13H]+ = 19,578,266 Da, respectively. The protein fractions showed 54 and 53 amino acid residues with the same sequence. pTTI presented resistance to temperature and pH variations; IC50 was 2.7 × 10−10 mol.L−1 and Ki was 2.9 × 10−11 mol.L−1. The 2-DE revealed spots with isoelectric points between pH 5 and 6, and one near pH 8. pTTI action on leptin decrease was confirmed. We conclude that pTTI is a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor with possible biotechnological health-related application.

The Eucoilinae, together with the Opiinae (Braconidae) are the most important parasitoids of the flies of the superfamily Tephritoidea. In order to provide knowledge on the Eucoilinae species in Brazil such as geographic distribution, hosts and the parasitism levels, 170 samples of parasitoids from 51 counties of the five Brazilian regions were examined. A total of 2025 parasitoids were obtained from which, six species (42.82%) have been associated to larvae of Tephritoidea. The parasitoids were associated to seven species of fly larvae which feed on the fruits of 33 species belonging to 15 families. The Eucoilinae species are generalists, as they parasite Anastrepha species (Tephritidae) and Lonchaeidae as well. Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes) was the most abundant species (29.93%) with the broadest distribution in Brazil. Dicerataspis flavipes (Kieffer) was only collected in São Paulo State, associated to Anastrepha species. This parasitoid is attracted to star fruits (Averrhoa carambola L.), since 96,34% of D. flavipes were obtained in larvae inside this fruit. Lopheucoila anastrephae (Rhower) and Odontosema anastrephae Borgmeier were associated to Anastrepha pseudoparallela (Loew) and to species of Neosilba in Passifloraceae (first record). Aganaspis nordlanderi Wharton was recorded in Amazonas State associated to Anastrepha bahiensis Lima (first record). Aganaspis pelleranoi, D. flavipes and L. anastrephae were associated to Anastrepha amita Zucchi in Citharexylum myrianthum Cham. in São Paulo State (first record). Trybliographa sp. parasites mainly lonchaeid larvae, and it is being recorded for the first time in the State of São Paulo. The parasitism levels varied from 0.07 to 42.86%, depending on collection sites, fruit types and host flies.Recebido em 22/10/98. Aceito em 29/03/99.