Quality of life and levels of physical activity of residents living in therapeutic residential care facilities in Southern Brazil. / Qualidade de vida e níveis de atividade física de moradores de residências terapêuticas do sul do Brasil.

Interest in the quality of life of people with mental disorders living in therapeutic residential care facilities is an important indicator for the evaluation of therapeutic interventions in the area of health. Physical activity can contribute to a good quality of life. This study evaluated the quality of life and levels of physical activity of people living in therapeutic residential care facilities in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre. This case series study (n = 68) used SF-36, EuroQol and IPAQ and social-demographic questions. The SF-36 results showed that the domain of general health received the lowest scores (57.47 ± 14.27). The highest scores were in terms of social aspects (77.39 ± 20.21) and physical aspects (77.57 ± 39.71). When using EuroQol, at least one problem (mild or extreme) in at least one dimension was evident among 82% of the residents. The physical activity levels showed that most of the participants were insufficiently active (48.5%) and 14.7% were sedentary. The domains of pain and mobility suggested that the residents were not being encouraged enough to perform physical activities. Knowledge about the perceptions of those living in therapeutic residential care facilities is critical in order to establish effective public policies.

O interesse na qualidade de vida de pessoas com transtornos mentais moradores de residências terapêuticas é um importante indicador para a avaliação da intervenção terapêutica na área da saúde. A atividade física pode contribuir para uma boa qualidade de vida. Avaliamos a qualidade de vida e os níveis de atividade física em moradores das residências terapêuticas da grande Porto Alegre. Estudo de série de casos (n = 68), tendo como instrumentos SF-36, EuroQol, IPAQ e questões sociodemográficas. Os resultados obtidos pelo SF-36 demonstraram que o domínio do estado geral de saúde foi o menor (57,47 ± 14,27). Os maiores scores encontrados foram nos aspectos sociais (77,39 ± 20,21) e nos físicos (77,57 ± 39,71). Ao menos um problema (moderado ou extremo), em no mínimo uma dimensão, foi evidenciado em 82% dos moradores por meio do EuroQol. Os níveis de atividade física mostraram que a maioria dos moradores são insuficientemente ativos (48,5%) e 14,7% sedentários. Os domínios dor e mobilidade sugerem que os moradores não são incentivados suficientemente à atividade física. Conhecer a percepção da qualidade de vida dos moradores das residências terapêuticas é fundamental para estabelecer políticas públicas eficazes.

Qualidade de vida e níveis de atividade física de moradores de residências terapêuticas do sul do Brasil / Quality of life and levels of physical activity of residents living in therapeutic residential care facilities in Southern Brazil

Resumo O interesse na qualidade de vida de pessoas com transtornos mentais moradores de residências terapêuticas é um importante indicador para a avaliação da intervenção terapêutica na área da saúde. A atividade física pode contribuir para uma boa qualidade de vida. Avaliamos a qualidade de vida e os níveis de atividade física em moradores das residências terapêuticas da grande Porto Alegre. Estudo de série de casos (n = 68), tendo como instrumentos SF-36, EuroQol, IPAQ e questões sociodemográficas. Os resultados obtidos pelo SF-36 demonstraram que o domínio do estado geral de saúde foi o menor (57,47 ± 14,27). Os maiores scores encontrados foram nos aspectos sociais (77,39 ± 20,21) e nos físicos (77,57 ± 39,71). Ao menos um problema (moderado ou extremo), em no mínimo uma dimensão, foi evidenciado em 82% dos moradores por meio do EuroQol. Os níveis de atividade física mostraram que a maioria dos moradores são insuficientemente ativos (48,5%) e 14,7% sedentários. Os domínios dor e mobilidade sugerem que os moradores não são incentivados suficientemente à atividade física. Conhecer a percepção da qualidade de vida dos moradores das residências terapêuticas é fundamental para estabelecer políticas públicas eficazes.

Abstract Interest in the quality of life of people with mental disorders living in therapeutic residential care facilities is an important indicator for the evaluation of therapeutic interventions in the area of health. Physical activity can contribute to a good quality of life. This study evaluated the quality of life and levels of physical activity of people living in therapeutic residential care facilities in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre. This case series study (n = 68) used SF-36, EuroQol and IPAQ and social-demographic questions. The SF-36 results showed that the domain of general health received the lowest scores (57.47 ± 14.27). The highest scores were in terms of social aspects (77.39 ± 20.21) and physical aspects (77.57 ± 39.71). When using EuroQol, at least one problem (mild or extreme) in at least one dimension was evident among 82% of the residents. The physical activity levels showed that most of the participants were insufficiently active (48.5%) and 14.7% were sedentary. The domains of pain and mobility suggested that the residents were not being encouraged enough to perform physical activities. Knowledge about the perceptions of those living in therapeutic residential care facilities is critical in order to establish effective public policies.

Doping survey in the youth school games in brazil / Levantamento de doping nos jogos escolares da juventude no brasil / Levantamiento de doping en los juegos escolares de la juventud en brasil

ABSTRACT Introduction: Doping control is an important means for preventing the use of illegal substances and methods in sports. Objective: This study investigated the self-reported use of illegal substances among young Brazilian students in the Youth School Games, the main sporting event among school-aged athletes in Brazil with almost 2 million students during all the phases. Methods: Cross-sectional study with athletes of the Youth School Games 2006 aged 14-17 years. The subjects were randomly selected and completed an anonymous questionnaire about substances use. Chi-square test was used for comparison of proportions between different variables on self-reported use of substances. Univariate and multivariate analyzes and logistic regression were performed. Results: Among the 402 athletes (aged 14-17) who volunteered to participate, the results showed high prevalence of alcohol (35.8%), nutritional supplements (39.1%), and tobacco (5.4%). Regarding illegal drugs and doping, 1.7% reported the use of stimulants, 2.2% illicit drugs, 0.5% anabolic steroids, and 1.7% hormones and other similar substances. Moreover, a different use of stimulants was found (especially Judo and Table tennis), medications (especially Judo and Chess) and dietary supplements (especially Swimming and Judo, with over 50% reported use). Conclusion: The present study suggests that the use of substances among young athletes is similar to the results found among adult Olympic athletes as per International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency, especially regarding the use of dietary supplements, anabolic steroids, and stimulants according to data collected by other studies. We consider that the findings of the present work indicate the need for specific efforts to monitor, prevent, and control use of substances among school athletes in big events and competitions, such as this research on doping in the Youth School Games.

RESUMO Introdução: O controle de dopagem é um meio importante para a prevenção do uso de substâncias e métodos ilegais no esporte. Objetivo: Este estudo investigou o uso autorrelatado de substâncias ilícitas entre jovens estudantes brasileiros nos Jogos Escolares da Juventude, o principal evento esportivo entre atletas em idade escolar do Brasil, com quase dois milhões de estudantes durante todas as fases. Métodos: Estudo transversal com atletas dos Jogos Escolares da Juventude de 2006 com idades entre 14 e 17 anos. Os sujeitos foram selecionados randomicamente e preencheram um questionário anônimo sobre o uso de substâncias. Foi utilizado teste do qui-quadrado para comparação de proporções entre as diferentes variáveis sobre o uso autorrelatado de substâncias. Foram realizadas análises univariada e multivariada e regressão logística. Resultados: Entre os 402 atletas (idade 14-17 anos) que tiveram participação voluntária, os resultados mostraram alta prevalência de álcool (35,8%), suplementos nutricionais (39,1%) e fumo (5,4%). Com relação às drogas ilegais e ao doping, 1,7% relataram o uso de estimulantes, 2,2% de drogas ilícitas, 0,5% de esteroides anabolizantes e 1,7% de hormônios e outras substâncias similares. Além disso, foi encontrado um uso diferente de estimulantes (especialmente judô e tênis de mesa), medicamentos (especialmente judô e xadrez) e suplementos dietéticos (especialmente natação e judô, com mais de 50% de uso relatado). Conclusão: O presente estudo sugere que o uso de substâncias entre jovens atletas é semelhante aos resultados encontrados entre os atletas adultos de acordo com o Comitê Olímpico Internacional e a Agência Mundial Antidoping, especialmente no que diz respeito ao uso de suplementos alimentares, esteroides anabolizantes e estimulantes, segundo os dados coletados por outros estudos. Consideramos que os resultados do presente trabalho indicam a necessidade de esforços específicos para monitor, prevenir e controlar o uso de substâncias entre atletas escolares em grandes eventos e competições, tais como esta pesquisa sobre dopagem nos Jogos Escolares da Juventude.

RESUMEN Introducción: El control de dopaje es un medio importante para la prevención del uso de sustancias y métodos ilegales en el deporte. Objetivo: Este estudio investigó el uso autoinformado de sustancias ilegales entre jóvenes estudiantes brasileños en los Juegos Escolares de la Juventud, el principal evento deportivo entre atletas en edad escolar de Brasil, con casi dos millones de estudiantes durante todas las fases. Métodos: Estudio transversal con atletas de los Juegos Escolares de la Juventud de 2006 con edades entre 14 y 17 años. Los sujetos fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente y llenaron un cuestionario anónimo sobre el uso de sustancias. Se utilizó la prueba del chi-cuadrado para la comparación de las proporciones entre las diferentes variables sobre el uso autoinformado de sustancias. Se realizaron análisis univariado y multivariado y regresión logística. Resultados: Entre los 402 atletas (edad 14-17 años) que tuvieron participación voluntaria, los resultados mostraron alta prevalencia de alcohol (35,8%), suplementos nutricionales (39,1%) y tabaco (5,4%). En cuanto a las drogas ilegales y al dopaje, el 1,7% relató el uso de estimulantes, el 2,2% de drogas ilícitas, el 0,5% de esteroides anabolizantes y el 1,7% de hormonas y otras sustancias similares. Además, se encontró un uso diferente de estimulantes (especialmente judo y tenis de mesa), medicamentos (especialmente judo y ajedrez) y suplementos dietéticos (especialmente natación y judo, con más del 50% de uso reportado). Conclusión: El presente estudio sugiere que el uso de sustancias entre los jóvenes atletas es similar a los resultados encontrados entre los atletas adultos de acuerdo con el Comité Olímpico Internacional y la Agencia Mundial Antidopaje, especialmente en lo que se refiere al uso de suplementos alimenticios, esteroides anabolizantes y estimulantes según los datos recogidos por otros estudios. Consideramos que los resultados del presente trabajo indican la necesidad de esfuerzos específicos para monitoreo, prevención y control del uso de sustancias entre atletas escolares en grandes eventos y competiciones, tales como esta investigación sobre dopaje en los Juegos Escolares de la Juventud.

Sociodemographic profile, family aspects, perception of health, functional capacity and depression in institutionalized elderly persons from the north coastal region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Perfil sociodemográfico, aspectos familiares, percepção de saúde, capacidade funcional e depressão em idosos institucionalizados no Litoral Norte do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract Objective: to describe sociodemographic and family relationships, health status, depression and degree of functional capacity in institutionalized elderly persons in eleven long-term care facilities for the elderly in the north coastal region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out of 60 institutionalized elderly persons without cognitive impairment, confirmed by a score greater than 13 in the Mini Mental State Exam. Questionnaires were used to obtain data on sociodemographic conditions, family relationships, and self-perception of health. Functional capacity was evaluated with the Barthel Index and the Geriatric Depression Scale was applied. Results: A predominance of women, widowed and single, with a of low level of education and precarious financial status, most of whom who did not have children, was observed. The elderly persons complained about difficulty walking (38.3%), generalized pain (16.7%) and vision problems (13.3%). The majority (95%) reported suffering from two to three chronic diseases and making daily use of three or more drugs. Although 55% of the participants presented depressive symptoms and morbidity, they reported functional independence and 50% rated their health as good. Conclusions: These data contributed to the knowledge of the health status and functional capacity of these institutionalized elderly persons, aiming to improve the care provided to this public. AU

Resumo Objetivo: descrever características sociodemográficas, familiares, situação de saúde, depressão e grau de capacidade funcional em idosos institucionalizados em 11 instituições de longa permanência para Idosos, na região do Litoral Norte do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo descritivo transversal que utilizou questionários para obtenção de dados sobre condições sociodemográficas, aspectos familiares, sobre a autopercepção de saúde, bem como a capacidade funcional (Índice de Barthel) e a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica de 60 idosos institucionalizados sem deficiência cognitiva, confirmada após apresentarem pontuação superior a 13 no Miniexame de Estado Mental. Resultados: Houve predominância do sexo feminino, viúvos e solteiros, com baixa escolaridade e situação financeira precária, e a maioria, sem filhos. Os idosos queixaram-se das dificuldades para andar (38,3%), da dor generalizada (16,7%) e dos problemas de visão (13,3%). A grande maioria (95%) relatou ter de duas a três doenças crônicas e fazer uso diário de três ou mais medicamentos. Apesar de 55% apresentarem sintomas depressivos e morbidades, os idosos apresentaram valores compatíveis com independência funcional de acordo com o índice de Barthel e classificaram sua saúde como boa. Conclusões: Esses dados contribuíram para conhecer as condições de saúde e capacidade funcional desses idosos institucionalizados, visando qualificar a assistência a esse público. AU

Conhecimento de adolescentes do ensino médio sobre DST/AIDS no sul do Brasil / The knowledge of high school teenagers about STD/AIDS in southern Brazil

Esta pesquisa objetivou investigar o conhecimento sobre DST/AIDS em adolescentes de Ensino Médio de Escolas Públicas Estaduais de Charqueadas/RS. É um estudo descritivo e qualitativo realizado mediante entrevista semiestruturada. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizada a análise de conteúdo, na modalidade temática. Os resultados mostram que os adolescentes têm o conhecimento sobre o que são as DST/AIDS, suas formas de transmissão na relação sexual, preservativos são usados como proteção e que algumas DST não têm cura. Porém, eles têm dúvidas quanto às formas de transmissão sem o contato sexual, à vulnerabilidade pelo não uso do preservativo, ao consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e de drogas ilícitas. Pais e amigos são fontes de conhecimento sobre DST/AIDS fora da escola. Conclui-se que inovações no processo de ensino frente a essa temática devem ser adotadas pelas escolas.

This research aimed to investigate the knowledge of adolescents who go to state public high schools in Charqueadas/RS - have about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is a qualitative and descriptive study using semi-structured interview. For data analysis was used content analysis in the thematic mode. The results show that adolescents have some knowledge about what STD and AIDS are, the ways how these diseases are transmitted in sexual intercourse that condoms are used as protection and that some STD have no cure. However, they have doubts about how these diseases can be transmitted without sexual relations, their vulnerability in case they do not use condoms in all sexual relations and the consumption of alcoholic drinks and illicit drugs. Parents and friends provide STD and AIDS knowledge outside school. It is concluded that improvements and innovations in the teaching process forward to this issue should be adopted by schools.

Fatores associados ao uso de drogas: depoimentos de usuários de um CAPS AD / Factors associated with the use of drugs: statements from users of a CAPS AD

A pesquisa teve por objetivos identificar os fatores que influenciam e protegem do uso de álcool e outras drogas e identificar as ações que contornam o tratamento e a reabilitação de usuários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e os instrumentos utilizados foram entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os resultados evidenciam como fatores de risco a tristeza, a solidão, as festas, o uso de substâncias na família e as companhias. Como fatores de proteção estão a família e os amigos, que também podem ser caracterizados como fatores de risco. O Centro de Atenção Psicossocial, além de oferecer acolhimento, atividades terapêuticas e educativas, apresenta duas características que facilitam o tratamento dos usuários, o território onde está localizado (de alta vulnerabilidade psicossocial) e a modalidade de atendimento (três turnos). Conclui-se que o tratamento oferecido subsidia a reabilitação psicossocial, reforçando a reconstrução de projetos de vida.(AU)

This research aims to identify factors that influence and protect for alcohol and other drugs use. In addition, to detect its purpose is the importance of actions that outline treatment and rehabilitation of alcohol and other drugs users developed at Psychosocial Care Center. This is a qualitative research using semi-structured interviews. Risk factors for the outcome were sadness, loneliness, parties, family history of drugs use and companies. As protective factors are family and friends, which can also be seen as risk factors. Besides to provide care, therapeutic and educational activities, the Psychosocial Care Center has two features that facilitate users´s treatment: the territory where it is located (of high psychosocial vulnerability) and the type of service (three shifts). The conclusion is that the treatment offered subsidizes psychosocial rehabilitation, strengthening the reconstruction of life projects.(AU)

Imagem corporal, atividade física e estado nutricional em adolescentes no sul do Brasil / Body image, physical activity and nutritional status in adolescents in southern Brazil

Este estudo objetivou descrever a frequência da prática de exercícios e o tempo gasto em atividades sedentárias, avaliar o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e correlacioná-lo com a percepção da imagem corporal por meio do Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Foram coletados dados de 336 escolares de Gravataí/RS. Foi encontrada uma correlação significativa entre BSQ e IMC (r= 0,39 e p<0,01). Nas adolescentes, o IMC foi de 20.43±3.56 kg/m² e o BSQ de 82.30±31.37. Nos adolescentes, o IMC foi 20.31±3.82 kg/m² e o BSQ de 53.10±19.25. Houve maior preocupação das adolescentes em relação à imagem corporal e menor frequência e tempo de prática de atividade física quando comparado aos adolescentes. Mais de 80% dos estudantes realiza deslocamento ativo para a escola. Os resultados sugerem que as adolescentes são mais sedentárias e preocupadas com a imagem corporal do que os adolescentes.(AU)

This study aimed to describe the frequency of exercise and time spent in sedentary activities, evaluate the body mass index (BMI) and correlate it with the perception of body image by Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Data were collected from 336 students from Gravataí/RS. A significant correlation between BSQ and BMI (r = 0.39 P<0.01) was found. Teenage girls' BMI was 20.43±3.56 kg/m² and the BSQ result was 82.30±31.37. BMI of teenage boys was 20.31±3.82 kg/m² and the BSQ was 53.10±19.25. There was a greater concern for adolescent girls regarding body image and lower frequency and time physical activity compared to adolescent boys. More than 80% of the sample performs active commuting to school. The results suggest that teenage girls are more sedentary and concerned with body image than teenage boys.(AU)

Estresse em adolescentes: estudo com escolares de uma cidade do sul do Brasil / Stress in adolescencents: a study with schoolars from a city in southern Brazil

Estudo analítico transversal com objetivo de avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao estresse em adolescentes escolares de Canoas/RS. Participaram do estudo 475 adolescentes, de 14 a 18 anos, que responderam a Escala de Stress para Adolescentes (ESA) e a um questionário sobre dados sociodemográficos, relações familiares, sexualidade, uso de drogas e comportamento de risco. Os resultados apontaram prevalência de estresse de 10,9 %. Além do ambiente familiar, os fatores associados a níveis mais elevados de estresse foram 'achar possível contrair AIDS', 'ter sofrido acidente no último ano', 'não ter usado camisinha na primeira e na última transa' e 'já ter tido alguma DST'. Conclui-se que especialmente o ambiente familiar e as práticas sexuais são significativos ao aumento de estresse em jovens e, portanto, necessitam de intervenções que promovam comportamentos saudáveis para esta população.(AU)

Study with analytic cross sectional design that aimed to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors related to stress in school adolescents from the city of Canoas/RS. The sample consisted of 475 adolescents, aged 14-18 years, who answered the Stress Scale for Adolescents and a questionnaire about socio-demographic data, family relations, sexuality, drug use and risk behavior. The results revealed 10.9% of stress prevalence in the adolescents. Besides the family environment, factors associated with higher levels of stress were 'possibility to contract AIDS', 'having suffered an injury in the last year', 'have not used a condom in the first and in last sex intercourse' and 'have had an STD'. In conclusion, the family environment and sexual practices are especially significant to the increased stress in the studied adolescents and therefore require interventions that promote healthy behaviors for this population.(AU)

Dehydroepiandrosterone improves hepatic antioxidant reserve and stimulates Akt signaling in young and old rats.

This study examined, in the liver of young and old (3- and 24-month-old, respectively) healthy Wistar rats, the in vivo effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (10mg/kg body weight) administered subcutaneously for 5 weeks. Reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione levels, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities, hydrogen peroxide concentration, GST and p-Akt/Akt immunocontent ratio were assessed in hepatic tissue. DHEA treatment significantly increased total glutathione content (17%) and GSH (22%) in 3- and 24-month-old treated groups when compared to control groups. The aging factor increased G6PDH (51%) and GPx (22%) activities as well as the hydrogen peroxide concentration (33%), independently of treatment. DHEA treatment increased p-Akt (54%) and p-Akt/Akt ratio (36%) immunocontents in both treated groups. Increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in aged rats were reduced by DHEA treatment (34%).

The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on renal function and metabolism in diabetic rats.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous steroid hormone involved in a number of biological actions in humans and rodents, but its effects on renal tissue have not yet been fully understood. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of DHEA treatment on diabetic rats, mainly in relation to renal function and metabolism. Diabetic rats were treated with subcutaneous injections of a 10mg/kg dose of DHEA diluted in oil. Plasma glucose and creatinine, in addition to urine creatinine, were quantified espectophotometrically. Glucose uptake and oxidation were quantified using radioactive glucose, the urinary Transforming Growth Factor ß(1) (TGF-ß(1)) was assessed by enzyme immunoassay, and the total glutathione in the renal tissue was also measured. The diabetic rats displayed higher levels of glycemia, and DHEA treatment reduced hyperglycemia. Plasmatic creatinine levels were higher in the diabetic rats treated with DHEA, while creatinine clearance was lower. Glucose uptake and oxidation were lower in the renal medulla of the diabetic rats treated with DHEA, and urinary TGF-ß(1), as well as total gluthatione levels, were higher in the diabetic rats treated with DHEA. DHEA treatment was not beneficial to renal tissue, since it reduced the glomerular filtration rate and renal medulla metabolism, while increasing the urinary excretion of TGF-ß(1) and the compensatory response by the glutathione system, probably due to a mechanism involving a pro-oxidant action or a pro-fibrotic effect of this androgen or its derivatives. In conclusion, this study reports that DHEA treatment may be harmful to renal tissue, but the mechanisms of this action have not yet been fully understood.

Redox imbalance influence in the myocardial Akt activation in aged rats treated with DHEA.

This study examined, in young and old (3 and 24 month-old, respectively) healthy Wistar rats, the in vivo effect of DHEA (10 mg/kg body weight) administered subcutaneously for 5 weeks. Reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione levels, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and thioredoxin (Trx) reductase activities, hydrogen peroxide steady-state concentration and Nrf2, GST, Trx-1, Akt and p-Akt expressions were assessed in heart tissue. DHEA treatment significantly increased GST activity in 3 and 24 month-old treated groups. The aging factor diminished hydrogen peroxide concentration and Nrf2 expression, independently of treatment. However, the aging process increased GST, Akt and p-Akt expressions in both 24 month-old groups. The aged group responded differently to DHEA respective to GSSG content, GPx activity and p-Akt concentration. Further studies are needed to form conclusions about the efficacy and safety of DHEA replacement in the elderly, and to better understand DHEA's net effect on oxidative stress parameters and its modulation of signaling cascades.

The effect of long-term DHEA treatment on glucose metabolism, hydrogen peroxide and thioredoxin levels in the skeletal muscle of diabetic rats.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous steroid hormone involved in a number of biological actions. This study shows the effects of DHEA on glucose metabolism, hydrogen peroxide and thioredoxin levels in the skeletal muscle of control and diabetic rats. Control and diabetic rats were chronically treated with DHEA (10mg/kg) diluted in oil. Plasma concentration of DHEA and glucose, glucose uptake and oxidation, hydrogen peroxide, GLUT4, Akt and thioredoxin (Trx) was measured in the muscle. Results showed that there was a decrease in blood glucose in diabetic rats, probably linked to an increase in the glucose oxidation by the muscle or glucose uptake by some tissues. Despite the increase in the expression of GLUT4 in DHEA-treated rats, the glucose uptake was only higher in the control rats, showing that the glucose transporter may be present but not functional in the diabetic rats. The low expression of Trx due to diabetes became even lower with DHEA treatment. Although the reduction in blood glucose may be favorable, the decrease in Akt and Trx displays an environment conducive to redox imbalance. Thus, further studies are needed to ascertain the effects of DHEA treatment in diabetic rats.

Age-related effects of DHEA on peripheral markers of oxidative stress.

Ageing is an inevitable biological process characterized by a general decline in various physiological functions. DHEA and DHEAS levels are maximal between the second and third life decades, then start to decline 2% per year, leaving a residual of 10-20% of the peak production by the eighth decade. Erythrocytes are exposed to frequent oxidative stress due to the oxygen radicals continuously generated by haemoglobin auto-oxidation. We investigated DHEA chronic (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously, for 5 weeks) effects over oxidative stress markers in erythrocytes of male Wistar rats of 3, 13 and 18 month-old. In the 13 month-old group, we found increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase and catalase activities when compared to the other age groups. DHEA produced a marked increase in LPO of 13 month-old group when compared to its control. DHEA exerted this pro-oxidant effects in all ages studied, especially in age 13 month-old. It seems that at 13 month-old there would be an important depletion of some specific anti-oxidant in order to determine such susceptibility to DHEA effects. Since this approach allows a minimally invasive assessment, it would be useful as a routine method in human clinical studies investigating DHEA effects during the ageing process.

DHEA effects on myocardial Akt signaling modulation and oxidative stress changes in aged rats.

The secretion of DHEA-synthesized mainly in the adrenal cortex-increases in the postnatal aging, peaks in the twenties and decreases with age afterwards. Exogenous DHEA can exert a dual effect depending on dose and on tissue. Akt is a serine/threonine kinase whose activity has been seen as an interventional approach for cardiomyopathic damage resulting from aging changes. In order to evaluate DHEA effects over myocardial Akt protein expression associated to oxidative stress markers during aging, male Wistar rats (3 and 18 months) were assigned into two groups: control or DHEA (10mg/kg, subcutaneously, for 5 weeks). In the aged group, we found increased lipid peroxidation and glutathione-S-transferase activity. DHEA produced an increase in p-Akt protein expression and a decrease in SOD activity in both ages. Akt pathway activation might be related to changes in oxidative stress parameters according to age.

Effects of neonatal handling on social memory, social interaction, and number of oxytocin and vasopressin neurons in rats.

Early-life environmental events can induce profound long-lasting changes in several behavioral and neuroendocrine systems. The neonatal handling procedure, which involves repeated brief maternal separations followed by experimental manipulations, reduces stress responses and sexual behavior in adult rats. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of neonatal handling on social behaviors of male and female rats in adulthood, as manifest by the results of social memory and social interaction tests. The number of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) neurons in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei of hypothalamus were also analyzed. The results did not demonstrate impairment of social memory. Notwithstanding, handling did reduce social investigative interaction and increase aggressive behavior in males, but did not do so in females. Furthermore, in both males and females, handling was linked with reduced number of OT-neurons in the parvocellular region of the PVN, while no differences were detected in the magnocellular PVN or the SON. On the other hand, handled males exhibited increased number of VP-neurons in the magnocellular zone of the PVN. We may conclude that the repeated brief maternal separations can reduce affiliative social behavior in adult male rats. Moreover, the disruption of the mother-infant relationship caused by the handling procedure induced long-lasting morphological changes in critical neuroendocrine areas that are involved in social bonding in mammals.