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Here we evaluated the effect of fermented milk supplemented with whey protein (approximately 80 % protein), probiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12) and pomegranate juice (Punica granatum L.) on the physical performance, intestinal motility and villi structure, inflammatory markers and intestinal microbiota of rats under high-intensity acute exercise. In all, twenty-four Wistar rats were separated into groups: control (Ctrl), supplemented (Supp), exercised (Exe) and exercised and supplemented (Exe+Supp). Rats in the Supp groups received fermented milk during 6 weeks by oral administration. At the end of the supplementation period, the Exe groups were submitted to high-intensity acute exercise on a treadmill. We found that intense acute exercise caused changes in the intestinal villi interspace, changes in the proportion of Lactobacillus species and an increase in Clostridium species, as well as a decrease in intestinal motility. Supplementation increased intestinal motility, and maintained the intestinal villi interspace and the natural microbiota proportions of the exercised rats. Physical performance was not improved by fermented milk supplementation. We conclude that the fermented milk containing whey protein, B. animalis (BB12) and pomegranate juice can re-establish intestinal microbiota and protect the animals from the undesirable effects of intense acute exercise.

Introdução: A necessidade de evidenciar as influências da mastectomia na vida afetiva e social da mulher com câncer de mama é uma estratégia viável para intervir positivamente na assistência em saúde. Objetivos: Caracterizar as mulheres portadoras de câncer de mama que frequentam o grupo de apoio na Rede Feminina de Combate ao Câncer em Joinville (SC), e conhecer o significado da mastectomia para essas mulheres. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo que entrevistou 10 mulheres mastectomizadas. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de um questionário semiestruturado, e os dados investigados foram relacionados às características sociodemográficas e reprodutivas, a questões emocionais e ao conhecimento que as mulheres detinham sobre o câncer de mama. Resultados: A maioria das mulheres investigadas tinha idade entre 40 a 50 anos, eram casadas, com baixa escolaridade e renda. Os sentimentos percebidos foram tristeza, angústia, revolta pela mutilação, medo da morte, vergonha, fé e esperança. A confirmação do diagnóstico de câncer trouxe profundas mudanças na vida de cada uma das mulheres. As novas formas de enfrentamento da vida expressaram-se nas expectativas voltadas para cura e na necessidade de apego religioso. Conclusões: Evidenciaram-se, por um lado, muitas dificuldades vivenciadas pelas mulheres mastectomizadas, como o comprometimento da sua autoimagem, a dor, as dificuldades físicas e a tristeza com a retirada da mama. Por outro, revelaram sentimentos esperançosos gerados pelo amparo de familiares e pelo convívio com outras mulheres no grupo de apoio.

Arcuate nucleus (ARH) dopaminergic neurones regulate several biological functions, including prolactin secretion and metabolism. These cells are responsive to growth hormone (GH), although it is still unknown whether GH action on ARH dopaminergic neurones is required to regulate different physiological aspects. Mice carrying specific deletion of GH receptor (GHR) in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐ or dopamine transporter (DAT)‐expressing cells were produced. We investigated possible changes in energy balance, glucose homeostasis, fertility, pup survival and restraint stress‐induced prolactin release. GHR deletion in DAT‐ or TH‐expressing cells did not cause changes in food intake, energy expenditure, ambulatory activity, nutrient oxidation, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and counter‐regulatory response to hypoglycaemia in male and female mice. In addition, GHR deletion in dopaminergic cells caused no gross effects on reproduction and pup survival. However, restraint stress‐induced prolactin release was significantly impaired in DAT‐ and TH‐specific GHR knockout male mice, as well as in pegvisomant‐treated wild‐type males, whereas an intact response was observed in females. Patch clamp recordings were performed in ARH DAT neurones and, in contrast to prolactin, GH did not cause acute changes in the electrical activity of DAT neurones. Furthermore, TH phosphorylation at Ser40 in ARH neurones and median eminence axonal terminals was not altered in DAT‐specific GHR knockout male mice during restraint stress. In conclusion, GH action in dopaminergic neurones is required for stress‐induced prolactin release in male mice, suggesting the existence of sex differences in the capacity of GHR signalling to affect prolactin secretion. The mechanism behind this regulation still needs to be identified.

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