Phase angle is related to oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to analyze the influence of chemotherapy on health biomarkers and examine the relationship between phase angle (PhA) and oxidative stress. METHODS: A prospective study was performed. Women who were starting chemotherapy were recruited. Also, this study included a control group of women without cancer. Bioelectrical impedance multiple-frequency (BIS) analysis, 24h food recall, and blood samples were collected at 2-time points: diagnosis (T0) and after one month of completion of therapy (T1) for the main study group and one-time point for the control group. T-tests or Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon Test was used to compare variables. Linear regression analysis was conducted to test if PhA is related to the dependent variables after adjusting for age and body mass index. RESULTS: 119 women were included (61 with breast cancer and 58 healthy). There was no difference between the groups concerning anthropometrics, fat mass, and fat-free mass. Breast cancer patients had a worsening in PhA (p<0.001) after chemotherapy completion. PhA was positive statistically correlated with extracellular water, albumin, and the antioxidant markers at both times. The linear model showed that PhA was significantly predicted by C reactive protein, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Malondialdehyde (MDA), total body water/extracellular water, and body mass index fat mass. This model explained 58% of PhA variability (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that PhA is an easy and affordable tool that correlates oxidative stress markers in breast cancer patients, regardless of age or body mass index.

Phase angle and cellular health: inflammation and oxidative damage.

Phase angle is a composite measure that combines two raw bioelectrical impedance analysis measures: resistance and reactance. Phase angle has been considered an indicator of cellular health, integrity, and hydration. As inflammation and oxidative stress can damage cellular structures, phase angle has potential utility in early detecting inflammatory and oxidative status. Herein, we aimed to critically review the current understanding on the determinants of phase angle and its relationship with markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. We also discussed the potential role of phase angle in detecting chronic inflammation and related adverse outcomes. Several factors have been identified as predictors of phase angle, including age, sex, extracellular to intracellular water ratio, and fat-free mass. In addition to these factors, body mass index (BMI) also seems to influence phase angle. Available data also show that lower phase angle values are correlated (negligible to high correlation coefficients) with higher c-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 in studies involving the general and aging populations, as well as patients with chronic conditions. Although fewer studies have evaluated the relationship between phase angle and markers of oxidative stress, available data also suggest that phase angle has potential to be used as an indicator (for screening) of oxidative damage. Future studies including diverse populations and bioelectrical impedance devices are required to confirm the validity and accuracy of phase angle as a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress for clinical use.

An Evaluation of Metabolic, Dietetic, and Nutritional Status Reveals Impaired Nutritional Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients.

Nutritional status can change in breast cancer patients after treatment. However, the metabolic implications of those alterations are poorly understood. We used a cross-sectional study design to compare body composition, lipids, glucose levels, and adiposity indices in breast cancer patients with a matched control and a healthy group. We recruited women who completed their chemotherapy (BC group) and compared them with a group of women without cancer age and body mass index-paired (MC group) and a group of healthy women (HC group). We estimated body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis, physical function by handgrip strength, and food consumption by 24-hour food record. A blood sample was collected. We calculated visceral obesity indices (VAI and LAP) and insulin resistance-triglyceride glucose (TyG). Eighty-eight women were included (BC = 36, MC = 36, HC = 16). BC patients demonstrated worse phase angle values, nutritional risk index and lower handgrip strength. Additionally, according to the indices, BC had impairments in lipids, worse glucose levels, and elevated visceral fat adiposity and presented important unhealthy dietary patterns characterized by under-recommended protein consumption and higher caloric intake than the other groups. No differences were observed between both control groups. Further investigations are required to examine the underlying mechanisms and the potential longitudinal changes during surveillance.

Effect of chocolate on older patients with cancer in palliative care: a randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Older advanced stage cancer patients, with changes in nutritional status, represent an important demand for palliative care. The aim was to determine the effects of 4 weeks of chocolate consumption on the nutritional status of older cancer patients in palliative care. METHODS: Older cancer patients in palliative care with ambulatory (n = 46) monitoring were randomized to control (CG, n = 15), intervention with 55% cocoa chocolate (IG1, n = 16) and intervention with white chocolate (IG2, n = 15) groups and evaluated before and after 4 weeks for nutritional status (primary outcome), evaluated by the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool (MNA). Food consumption, anthropometry, body composition, laboratory parameters and quality of life (QL) with the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer instrument were also evaluated. RESULTS: IG1 progressed with increased screening (estimated difference [95% CI]: - 1.3 [- 2.2;-0.4], p < 0.01), and nutritional (estimated difference [95% CI]: - 1.3 [- 2.5;-0.1], p = 0.04) scores on the MNA, with no change in anthropometry and body composition. Regarding antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione levels increased (estimated difference [95% CI]: - 0.8 [- 1.6;-0.02], p = 0.04) and malondealdehyde levels decreased in IG2 (estimated difference [95% CI]:+ 4.9 [+ 0.7;+ 9.1], p = 0.02). Regarding QL, functionality improved in IG1, with higher score in the functional domain (estimated difference [95% CI]:-7.0 [- 13.3;-0.7], p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of chocolate with a greater cocoa content may contribute to the improvement of the nutritional status and functionality among older cancer patients in palliative care. The consumption of white chocolate was associated with improved oxidative stress. TRIAL REGISTRATION: A randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04367493 ).

Metabolic syndrome and unfavorable outcomes on body composition and in visceral adiposities indexes among early breast cancer women post-chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: The study objected to investigate potential changes in metabolic, dietary, and nutritional status in women with stages I-III breast cancer exposed to chemotherapy. METHODS: Women who were starting chemotherapy with no previous treatment were recruited. Anthropometrics, bioelectrical impedance analysis, handgrip strength, blood pressure and blood sample were collected. Visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product were calculated. Dietary intake was evaluated, and the multiple source methods program was applied. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was assessed following the NCEP-ATP III criteria (defined as 3 of 5 components of MetS). All data were collected at 2-time points: diagnosis (T0) and after 1 month of completion of therapy (T1). Mean, standard deviation, percentage, and ANOVA in SAS Studio® were used to explore the results. RESULTS: 61 women were included. We did not find any changes in anthropometrics and body composition. However, phase angle, extracellular water (EX) and ratio EX to total body water had expressive changes (p < 0.001). The results showed changes in lipid profile (p < 0.001), and greater unfavorable outcomes on adiposities index (p < 0.001). At the end of the study, 68,8% (N = 42) of the women developed MetS post-chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: We have found supporting evidence for chemotherapy treatment resulting in worsening of nutritional markers, lipid profile and adiposity markers. After chemotherapy part of the sample developed MetS, even without changes in body weight, fat mass, and food intake. Breast cancer patients may benefit from targeted interventions before starting chemotherapy to prevent MetS post-treatment, and therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Further investigation into this theme is needed.

Performance of functionality measures and phase angle in women exposed to chemotherapy for early breast cancer.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to analyze the influence of chemotherapy on nutritional status and the phase angle (PhA) as nutritional indicator for breast cancer women undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: A prospective study was performed. Women who were starting chemotherapy with no previous chemotherapy treatment were recruited. Quality of life (QoL) was collected using the EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaire. Bioelectrical impedance analysis, performance tests, and blood sample to albumin analyzes were collected at 2-time points: diagnosis (T0) and after 1 month of completion of therapy (T1). Mean, standard deviation, linear regression, and ANOVA in R were used to explore the results. RESULTS: 61 women were included. We did not find any changes in body composition. However, PhA, nutritional risk index (NRI), gait speed (GS), and handgrip strength (HGS) had expressive changes (p < 0.001). 75.4% of women had PhA values below the cut-off point of 5.6°, and the group that had a lower average of PhA also expressed low NRI. PhA was a nutritional status marker and its values were influenced by changes in NRI (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We have found supporting evidence for chemotherapy treatment resulting in worsening of prognostic factors such as PhA, and yet PhA was related to no nutritional risk. Besides a higher prevalence of obesity, 80% of the sample showed some nutritional risk level, implying the possibility of a sub-notification candidate who might benefit, for instance, from nutritional intervention in obesity groups. Further investigation about this theme may improve health measures for the prevention and screening of disease among breast cancer.

Antioxidant Effect of Standardized Extract of Propolis (EPP-AF®) in Healthy Volunteers: A "Before and After" Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Propolis is rich in polyphenols, especially flavonoids and phenolic acids, and has significant antioxidant activity, shown mainly in "in vitro" studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant efficacy and safety of a standardized propolis extract in healthy volunteers. DESIGN: A two-phase sequential, open-label, nonrandomized, before and after clinical trial. METHODS: Healthy participants received two EPP-AF® doses (375 and 750 mg/d, P.O, tid) during 7 ± 2 days, starting with the lower doses. Immediately before starting EPP-AF® administration and at the end of each 7-day dosing schedule, blood and urine samples were collected for quantification of 8-OHDG (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) and 8-ISO (8-isoprostanes) in urine and GSH (reduced glutathione), GSSG (oxidized glutathione), SOD (superoxide dismutase), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), vitamin E, and MDA (malondialdehyde) in plasma. RESULTS: In our study, we had 34 healthy participants (67.7% women, 30 ± 8 years old, 97% white). The 8-ISO, a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, decreased with both doses of EPP-AF® compared to baseline (8-ISO, 1.1 (0.9-1.3) versus 0.85 (0.75-0.95) and 0.89 (0.74-1.0), ng/mg creatinine, P < 0.05, for 375 and 750 mg/d EPP-AF® doses versus baseline, mean and CI 95%, respectively). 8-OHDG, a biomarker of DNA oxidation, was also reduced compared to baseline with 750 mg/d doses (8-OHDG, 15.7 (13.2-18.1) versus 11.6 (10.2-13.0), baseline versus 750 mg/d, respectively, ng/mg creatinine, P < 0.05). Reduction of biomarkers of oxidative stress damage was accompanied by increased plasma SOD activity (68.8 (66.1-73.3) versus 78.2 (72.2-80.5) and 77.7 (74.1-82.6), %inhibition, P < 0.0001, 375 and 750 mg/d versus baseline, median and interquartile range 25-75%, respectively) and by increased GSH for 375 mg/d EPP-AF® doses (1.23 (1.06-1.34) versus 1.33 (1.06-1.47), µmol/L, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EPP-AF® reduced biomarkers of oxidative stress cell damage in healthy humans, with increased antioxidant enzymatic capacity, especially of SOD. This trial is registered with the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC, RBR-9zmfs9).

Human milk enriched with human milk lyophilisate for feeding very low birth weight preterm infants: A preclinical experimental study focusing on fatty acid profile.

BACKGROUND: Human milk, with essential nutrients and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) such as the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids is important for development of the central nervous system and the retina in very low birth weight infants (<1,500 g). However, breast milk may not be sufficient to meet these needs. The possibility of supplementing breast milk with a lyophilisate of human milk was explored in this study. The objectives of this study were to determine the total lipid content and the lipid profile of the Human Milk on Baseline (HMB) and that of the Concentrates with the Human Milk + lyophilisate (with lyophilisate of milk in the immediate period (HMCI), at 3 months (HMC3m), and at 6 months (HMC6m) of storage). METHODS: Fifty donors from the Human Milk Bank of Children's Hospital provided consent, and donated milk samples. Macronutrient (including total lipids) quantification was performed using the MIRIS® Human Milk Analyzer, and the fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography (CG-FID, SHIMADZU®). RESULTS: There was a higher lipid concentration in HMCI relative to HMB. The concentrations of the main fatty acids (% of total) were as follows: palmitic acid (C16:0) HMB, 22.30%; HMCI, 21.46%; HMC3m, 21.54%; and HMC6m, 21.95% (p<0.01); oleic acid (C18:1n-9) HMB, 30.41%; HMCI, 30.47%; HMC3m, 30.55%; and HMC6m, 29.79% (p = 0.46); linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) HMB, 19.62%; HMCI, 19.88%; HMC3m, 19.49%; and HMC6m, 19.45% (p = 0.58); arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) HMB, 0.35%; HMCI, 0.16%; HMC3m, 0.13%; and HMC6m, 0.15% (p<0.01); α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3) HMB,1.32%; HMCI, 1.37%; HMC3m, 1.34%; and 1.34% HMC6m (p = 0.14); docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) HMB, 0.10%; HMCI, 0.06%; HMC3m, 0.05%; and HMC6m, 0.06% (p<0.01). There were no significant changes in the lipid profile when stored. There was no evidence of peroxidation during storage. CONCLUSIONS: Freeze-dried human milk fortified with a human milk concentrate brings potential benefits to newborns, mainly by preserving the essential nutrients present only in breast milk; however, further clinical studies are required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the concentrate as a standard nutritional food option for very low birth weight infants.

Cutoff Points of BMI for Classification of Nutritional Status Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis.

The objective of this study was to improve the cutoff points of the traditional classification of nutritional status and overweight / obesity based on the BMI in a Brazilian sample. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1301 individuals of both genders aged 18 to 60 years. The subjects underwent measurement of weight and height and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Simple linear regression was used for statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. The sample consisted of 29.7% men and 70.3% women aged on averaged 35.7 ± 17.6 years; mean weight was 67.6 ± 16.0 kg, mean height was 164.9 ± 9.5 cm, and mean BMI was 24.9 ± 5.5 kg/m2. As expected, lower cutoffs were found for BMI than the classic reference points traditionally adopted by the WHO for the classification of obesity, i.e., 27.15 and 27.02 kg/m2 for obesity for men and women, respectively. Other authors also follow this tendency, Romero-Corral et al. (2008) suggested 25.8 to 25.5 kg/m2 for American men and women as new values for BMI classification of obesity. Gupta and Kapoor (2012) proposed 22.9 and 28.8 kg/m2 for men and women of North India. The present investigation supports other literature studies which converge in reducing the BMI cutoff points for the classification of obesity. Thus, we emphasize the need to conduct similar studies for the purpose of defining these new in populations of different ethnicities.

Oocyte oxidative DNA damage may be involved in minimal/mild endometriosis-related infertility.

Early endometriosis is associated with infertility, and oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of disease-related infertility. This prospective case-control study aimed to compare the presence of oxidative stress markers in the follicular microenvironment and systemic circulation of infertile women with minimal/mild endometriosis (EI/II) versus individuals undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Seventy-one blood samples (27 from infertile women with EI/II and 44 controls with tubal and/or male infertility factor) and 51 follicular fluid samples (19 EI/II and 32 controls) were obtained on the day of oocyte retrieval. Total hydroperoxides (FOX1 ), reduced glutathione, vitamin E, Superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) concentrations were measured in both fluids. Women with EI/II showed higher FOX1 (8.48 ± 1.72 vs. 7.69 ± 1.71 µmol/g protein) and lower total antioxidant capacity (0.38 ± 0.18 vs. 0.46 ± 0.15 mEq Trolox/L) concentrations in serum, and higher 8OHdG concentrations (24.21 ± 8.56 vs. 17.22 ± 5.6 ng/ml) in follicular fluid compared with controls. These data implicate both systemic and follicular oxidative stress may in infertile women with EI/II undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for ICSI. Furthermore, the elevated 8OHdG concentrations in follicular fluid of women with EI/II may be related to compromised oocyte quality.

Hepatic Osteodystrophy: The Mechanism of Bone Loss in Hepatocellular Disease and the Effects of Pamidronate Treatment.

OBJECTIVES:: The present study was designed to evaluate the bone phenotypes and mechanisms involved in bone disorders associated with hepatic osteodystrophy. Hepatocellular disease was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In addition, the effects of disodium pamidronate on bone tissue were evaluated. METHODS:: The study included 4 groups of 15 mice: a) C = mice subjected to vehicle injections; b) C+P = mice subjected to vehicle and pamidronate injections; c) CCl4+V = mice subjected to CCl4 and vehicle injections; and d) CCl4+P = mice subjected to CCl4 and pamidronate injections. CCl4 or vehicle was administered for 8 weeks, while pamidronate or vehicle was injected at the end of the fourth week. Bone histomorphometry and biomechanical analysis were performed in tibiae, while femora were used for micro-computed tomography and gene expression. RESULTS:: CCl4 mice exhibited decreased bone volume/trabecular volume and trabecular numbers, as well as increased trabecular separation, as determined by bone histomorphometry and micro-computed tomography, but these changes were not detected in the group treated with pamidronate. CCl4 mice showed increased numbers of osteoclasts and resorption surface. High serum levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and the increased expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in the bones of CCl4 mice supported the enhancement of bone resorption in these mice. CONCLUSION:: Taken together, these results suggest that bone resorption is the main mechanism of bone loss in chronic hepatocellular disease in mice.

Hepatic Osteodystrophy: The Mechanism of Bone Loss in Hepatocellular Disease and the Effects of Pamidronate Treatment

OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to evaluate the bone phenotypes and mechanisms involved in bone disorders associated with hepatic osteodystrophy. Hepatocellular disease was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In addition, the effects of disodium pamidronate on bone tissue were evaluated. METHODS: The study included 4 groups of 15 mice: a) C = mice subjected to vehicle injections; b) C+P = mice subjected to vehicle and pamidronate injections; c) CCl4+V = mice subjected to CCl4 and vehicle injections; and d) CCl4+P = mice subjected to CCl4 and pamidronate injections. CCl4 or vehicle was administered for 8 weeks, while pamidronate or vehicle was injected at the end of the fourth week. Bone histomorphometry and biomechanical analysis were performed in tibiae, while femora were used for micro-computed tomography and gene expression. RESULTS: CCl4 mice exhibited decreased bone volume/trabecular volume and trabecular numbers, as well as increased trabecular separation, as determined by bone histomorphometry and micro-computed tomography, but these changes were not detected in the group treated with pamidronate. CCl4 mice showed increased numbers of osteoclasts and resorption surface. High serum levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and the increased expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in the bones of CCl4 mice supported the enhancement of bone resorption in these mice. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results suggest that bone resorption is the main mechanism of bone loss in chronic hepatocellular disease in mice.

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid influence liver triacylglycerol and insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fructose diet.

This study aimed to examine the benefits of different amounts of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil (FO) on lipid metabolism, insulin resistance and gene expression in rats fed a high-fructose diet. Male Wistar rats were separated into two groups: Control (C, n = 6) and Fructose (Fr, n = 32), the latter receiving a diet containing 63% by weight fructose for 60 days. After this period, 24 animals from Fr group were allocated to three groups: FrFO2 (n = 8) receiving 63% fructose and 2% FO plus 5% soybean oil; FrFO5 (n = 8) receiving 63% fructose and 5% FO plus 2% soybean oil; and FrFO7 (n = 8) receiving 63% fructose and 7% FO. Animals were fed these diets for 30 days. Fructose led to an increase in liver weight, hepatic and serum triacylglycerol, serum alanine aminotransferase and HOMA1-IR index. These alterations were reversed by 5% and 7% FO. FO had a dose-dependent effect on expression of genes related to hepatic ß-oxidation (increased) and hepatic lipogenesis (decreased). The group receiving the highest FO amount had increased markers of oxidative stress. It is concluded that n-3 fatty acids may be able to reverse the adverse metabolic effects induced by a high fructose diet.

Fish oil decreases hepatic lipogenic genes in rats fasted and refed on a high fructose diet.

Fasting and then refeeding on a high-carbohydrate diet increases serum and hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations compared to standard diets. Fructose is a lipogenic monosaccharide which stimulates de novo fatty acid synthesis. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids stimulate hepatic ß-oxidation, partitioning fatty acids away from TAG synthesis. This study investigated whether dietary n-3 fatty acids from fish oil (FO) improve the hepatic lipid metabolic response seen in rats fasted and then refed on a high-fructose diet. During the post-prandial (fed) period, rats fed a FO rich diet showed an increase in hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) gene expression and decreased expression of carbohydrate responsive element binding protein (ChREBP), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP). Feeding a FO rich diet for 7 days prior to 48 h of fasting resulted in lower hepatic TAG, lower PPAR-α expression and maintenance of hepatic n-3 fatty acid content. Refeeding on a high fructose diet promoted an increase in hepatic and serum TAG and in hepatic PPAR-α, ChREBP and MTTP expression. FO did not prevent the increase in serum and hepatic TAG after fructose refeeding, but did decrease hepatic expression of lipogenic genes and increased the n-3 fatty acid content of the liver. n-3 Fatty acids can modify some components of the hepatic lipid metabolic response to later feeding with a high fructose diet.

Refeeding with conjugated linoleic acid increases serum cholesterol and modifies the fatty acid profile after 48 hours of fasting in rats.

There is no consensus about the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on lipid metabolism, especially in animals fed a high-fat diet. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the incorporation of CLA isomers into serum, liver and adipose tissue, as well as the oxidative stress generated in rats refed with high-fat diets after a 48 hour fast. Rats were refed with diets containing soybean oil, rich in linoleic acid [7% (Control Group - C) or 20% (LA Group)], CLA [CLA Group - 20% CLA mixture (39.32 mole% c9,t11-CLA and 40.59 mole% t10,c12- CLA)], soybean oil + CLA (LA+CLA Group - 15.4% soybean oil and 4.6% CLA) or animal fat (AF, 20% lard). The CLA group showed lower weight gain and liver weight after refeeding, as well as increased serum cholesterol. The high dietary fat intake induced fat accumulation and an increase in -tocopherol in the liver, which were not observed in the CLA group. Circulating -tocopherol was increased in the CLA and CLA+LA groups. The high- fat diets reduced liver catalase activity. CLA isomers were incorporated into serum and tissues. In this shortterm refeeding experimental model, CLA prevented hepatic fat accumulation, although it produced an increase in serum cholesterol.

No hay consenso acerca de los efectos del ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) sobre el metabolismo lipídico, especialmente en animales alimentados con una dieta alta en grasa. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la incorporación de isómeros de CLA en el suero, hígado y tejido adiposo, así como el estrés oxidativo generado en ratas realimentadas con dietas altas en grasa después de 48 horas de ayuno. Los animales fueron realimentados con dietas que contenían aceite de soja, rico en ácido linoleico [7% (Groupo Control - C)], o 20% (Groupo LA)], CLA [Groupo CLA - 20% de mezcla de CLA (39,32% moles del c9,t11-CLA y 40.59% moles del t10,c12-CLA)], aceite de soja + CLA (Grupo LA+- CLA - 15.4 % de aceite de soja y 4,6% de CLA) o grasa animal (Grupo AF, 20% de manteca de cerdo). El grupo CLA tuvo menor aumento de peso y menor peso hepático después de la realimentación, así como aumento del colesterol total em el suero. La dieta alta en grasa indujo la acumulación de grasa y un aumento de -tocoferol en el hígado, que no se observaron en el grupo CLA. El -tocoferol serico fue mayor en los grupos CLA y LA+CLA. Las dietas altas en grasa redujeron la actividad de la catalasa hepática. Isómeros de CLA fueron incorporados em el suero y tejidos. En este modelo de realimentación de corto prlazo, el CLA ha impedido la acumulación de grasa hepática, aunque genero un aumento del colesterol total sérico.

Homocysteine and nitrite levels are modulated by MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism in obese women treated with simvastatin.

Higher homocysteine (Hcy) levels are associated with cardiovascular risk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of simvastatin treatment on circulating Hcy levels in obese women without hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidaemia; and to determine whether the 677C>T polymorphism located in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (NAD(P)H) (MTHFR) gene modulates the effects of this treatment on Hcy and nitrite (as a biomarker of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability). Twenty-five obese women (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2) ) who had received 20 mg/day simvastatin for 6 weeks were enrolled in the study. Venous blood samples were collected to measure plasma biomarkers and gene polymorphisms. Simvastatin treatment significantly reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and Hcy, whereas nitrite levels were increased. The reduction in Hcy levels in carriers of the T allele was -20.3% compared with -9.4% in patients with the CC genotype. Importantly, before treatment, nitrite levels were significantly higher in patients with the CC genotype compared with T allele carriers, whereas after treatment these levels were similar between groups. Our findings demonstrate that obese women without comorbidities and carrying the T variant of the 677C>T polymorphism of MTHFR exhibit benefits with simvastatin treatment, mainly in terms of increased NO levels.

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid intake during late pregnancy affects fatty acid composition of mature breast milk.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate how maternal polyunsaturated fatty acid intake at different periods during pregnancy affects the composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids in mature human milk. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted involving 45 pregnant women, aged between 18 and 35 y, who had full-term pregnancies and practiced exclusive or predominant breast-feeding. Mature breast milk samples were collected after the 5th postpartum week by manual expression; fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Fatty acid intake during pregnancy and puerperium was estimated through multiple 24-h dietary recalls. Linear regression models, adjusted by postpartum body mass index and deattenuated, were used to determine associations between estimated fatty acids in maternal diet during each trimester of pregnancy and fatty acid content in mature human milk. RESULTS: A positive association was identified between maternal intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (ß, 1.873; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.545, 3.203) and docosahexaenoic acid (ß, 0.464; 95% CI, 0.212-0.714) during the third trimester of pregnancy, as well as the maternal dietary ω-3 to ω-6 ratio (ß, 0.093; 95% CI, 0.016-0.170) during the second and third trimesters and postpartum period, with these fatty acids content in mature breast milk. CONCLUSIONS: The maternal dietary docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid content during late pregnancy may affect the fatty acid composition of mature breast milk. Additionally, the maternal dietary intake of ω-3 to ω-6 fatty acid ratio, during late pregnancy and the postpartum period, can affect the polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of breast milk.

Plasma homocysteine levels in HIV-infected men with and without lipodystrophy.

OBJECTIVE: Lipodystrophy syndrome is an unexpected clinical manifestation in patients infected with HIV and might be a clinical marker of increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Because hyperhomocysteinemia has been associated with CVD, the goal of the present study was to investigate homocysteine (Hcy) levels and their association with the factors of lipodystrophy syndrome in men with HIV. METHODS: Hcy metabolism-related molecules were determined in 13 men infected with HIV with lipodystrophy (HIV+LIP), 10 men with HIV without lipodystrophy (HIV), and 10 healthy controls (C). RESULTS: Significant (P < 0.05) increased Hcy plasma levels were found in HIV (20.5%) and in HIV+LIP (35.2%) compared with the control group. Plasma levels of vitamin B12 (HIV, 26.5%; HIV+LIP, 28.8%) and folate (HIV, 39.1% and HIV+LIP, 49.4%) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the two groups of HIV patients compared with control. HIV+LIP men presented raised plasma total sulfur-containing amino acids (20.1%) and lower total plasma thiol (11.3%) than controls. The same was not observed in the HIV group. Spearman's correlation test revealed significant (P < 0.05) association between plasma Hcy and duration of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and plasma insulin, as well as plasma adiponectin levels. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that HIV+LIP men were more susceptible to disturbances in Hcy metabolism compared with men infected with HIV without lipodystrophy characteristics. Duration of HAART treatment, elevated plasma insulin, and low levels of adiponectin seem to be relevant for the appearance of these Hcy metabolic disorders.

Breast milk fatty acid composition of women living far from the coastal area in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the fatty acid composition of mature human milk of women living far from the coastal area of Brazil. METHODS: Mature breast milk samples were obtained from 47 lactating women aged between 18 and 35 years, who delivered their babies at term and who exclusively or predominantly breastfed. Milk collection took place after the fifth week postpartum by hand expression. The fatty acid composition of the milk was determined by gas chromatography. RESULTS: It was observed that the concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (0.08%) was higher than that observed in previous studies in Brazil. However, the content of docosahexaenoic acid (0.09%) found in human milk was one of the lowest verified in the world. The content of trans fatty acids (2.05%) was similar to that reported in national studies previous to the mandatory declaration of this fatty acid content in food labels, suggesting that this measure had no effect on reducing the content of this fatty acid in the usual diet of women. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of docosahexaenoic acid and high concentrations of trans fatty acids were observed in mature breast milk of women living far from the coastal area in Brazil.

Low nitric oxide bioavailability is associated with better responses to sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a multifactorial disease associated with vascular dysfunction, low nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, and oxidative stress. However, it is not known whether low NO bioavailability and oxidative stress affect the responsiveness of ED patients to sildenafil. We tested this hypothesis by studying 28 healthy subjects (control group), 26 patients with ED without comorbidities (ED group), and 18 patients with ED and diabetes mellitus (ED/DM group). The International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to assess the erectile function of all participants, and their responsiveness to sildenafil was assessed as the percentage of change in the five-item version of IIEF score before and after sildenafil treatment. Levels of whole blood nitrite, antioxidants markers (ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and reduced glutathione), and oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and protein carbonyl) were determined. We found a negative correlation between whole blood nitrite levels and the responses to sildenafil in both ED groups (P<0.05). FRAP correlated negatively with the responses to sildenafil in the ED/DM group (P<0.05). No other significant associations were found. Our findings show evidence that low NO bioavailability is associated with better responses to sildenafil in patients with ED (with or without DM).