Factors associated with diet quality among Brazilian individuals with cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND: An individual's dietary pattern contributes in different ways to the prevention and control of recurrent cardiovascular events. However, the quality of the diet is influenced by several factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of the diet of individuals with cardiovascular diseases and determine whether there is an association between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with individuals with atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease or peripheral arterial disease) recruited from 35 reference centres for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in Brazil. Diet quality was assessed according to the Modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (mAHEI) and stratified into tertiles. For comparing two groups, the Mann-Whitney or Pearson's chi-squared tests were used. However, for comparing three or more groups, analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis was used. For the confounding analysis, a multinomial regression model was used. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 2360 individuals were evaluated: 58.5% male and 64.2% elderly. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the mAHEI was 24.0 (20.0-30.0), ranging from 0.4 to 56.0 points. When comparing the odds ratios (ORs) for the low (first tertile) and medium (second tertile) diet quality groups with the high-quality group (third tertile), it was observed that there was an association between diet quality with a family income of 1.885 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.302-2.729) and 1.566 (95% CI = 1.097-2.235), as well as physical activity of 1.391 (95% CI = 1.107-1.749) and 1.346 (95% CI = 1.086-1.667), respectively. In addition, associations were observed between diet quality and region of residence. CONCLUSIONS: A low-quality diet was associated with family income, sedentarism and geographical area. These data are extremely relevant to assist in coping with cardiovascular disease because they enable an assessment of the distribution of these factors in different regions of the country.

Factors associated with diet quality among Brazilian individuals with cardiovascular diseases

BACKGROUND: An individual's dietary pattern contributes in different ways to the prevention and control of recurrent cardiovascular events. However, the quality of the diet is influenced by several factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of the diet of individuals with cardiovascular diseases and determine whether there is an association between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with individuals with atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease or peripheral arterial disease) recruited from 35 reference centres for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in Brazil. Diet quality was assessed according to the Modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (mAHEI) and stratified into tertiles. For comparing two groups, the Mann-Whitney or Pearson's chi-squared tests were used. However, for comparing three or more groups, analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis was used. For the confounding analysis, a multinomial regression model was used. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 2360 individuals were evaluated: 58.5% male and 64.2% elderly. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the mAHEI was 24.0 (20.0-30.0), ranging from 0.4 to 56.0 points. When comparing the odds ratios (ORs) for the low (first tertile) and medium (second tertile) diet quality groups with the high-quality group (third tertile), it was observed that there was an association between diet quality with a family income of 1.885 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.302-2.729) and 1.566 (95% CI = 1.097-2.235), as well as physical activity of 1.391 (95% CI = 1.107-1.749) and 1.346 (95% CI = 1.086-1.667), respectively. In addition, associations were observed between diet quality and region of residence. CONCLUSIONS: A low-quality diet was associated with family income, sedentarism and geographical area. These data are extremely relevant to assist in coping with cardiovascular disease because they enable an assessment of the distribution of these factors in different regions of the country.

Influência da vitamina C na lipoperoxidação hepática e muscular de camundongos C57BL/6 submetidos à dieta de cafeteria / Influence of vitamin C on hepatic and muscular lipoperoxidation of C57BL / 6 mice conducted on the cafeteria diet

Analisar o efeito do tratamento com vitamina C sobre a lipoperoxidação hepática e muscular, assim como sobre parâmetros bioquímicos de camundongos C57BL/6 submetidos à dieta de cafeteria durante nove semanas. Dezessete camundongos da linhagem C57BL/6, com dois meses de idade foram alocados em três grupos: 1) Controle, 2) Cafeteria e 3) Cafeteria + Vitamina C. O ensaio biológico foi conduzido por nove semanas, os animais foram mantidos em jejum de doze horas, e depois de sacrificados, o sangue e os tecidos foram coletados para dosagens bioquímicas. A partir de amostras de fígado e músculo sóleo, foram quantificados os teores de espécies reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e de lipídeos totais. Os fígados dos camundongos alimentados com dieta de cafeteria tratados ou não com vitamina C apresentaram maiores teores de TBARS comparados aos controles (p<0,05). Já o teor de TBARS muscular foi maior nos camundongos do grupo Cafeteria + Vitamina C comparado àquele encontrado para os animais Cafeteria e Controle (p<0,05). As concentrações de colesterol hepático e muscular foram mais elevadas no grupo Cafeteria + Vitamina C comparadas às dos grupos Controle e Cafeteria (p<0,05). O tratamento com vitamina C aumentou a lipoperoxidação muscular, mas não influenciou esse parâmetro no fígado de camundongos C57BL/6 alimentados com dieta de cafeteria. Além disso, a vitamina C elevou a concentração de colesterol nos tecidos hepático e muscular, mas não alterou a glicemia e os lipídeos séricos dos animais após nove semanas de tratamento.(AU)

To analyze the effect of vitamin C treatment on hepatic and muscular lipoperoxidation, as well as on biochemical parameters of C57BL / 6 mice submitted to the cafeteria diet for nine weeks. Seventeen mice of the C57BL / 6 lineage, two months old, were allocated to three groups: 1) Control, 2) Cafeteria and 3) Cafeteria + Vitamin C. The biological assay was conducted for nine weeks, the animals were kept in fasting for 12 hours and after being sacrificed, blood and tissues were collected for biochemical dosages. From the samples of liver and muscle, the contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and total lipids were quantified. The livers of mice fed with a diet of coffee or not treated with vitamin C showed higher levels of TBARS compared to controls (p <0.05). The muscle TBARS content was higher in the mice of the Cafeteria + Vitamin C group compared to that found for the Cafeteria and Control animals (p <0.05). The concentrations of hepatic and muscular cholesterol were higher in the Cafeteria + Vitamin C group compared to the Control and Cafeteria groups (p <0.05). Treatment with vitamin C increased muscle lipoperoxidation, but did not influence this parameter in the liver of C57BL 6 mice fed with cafeteria diet. In addition, vitamin C increased cholesterol concentration in liver and muscle tissues, but did not change serum glycemia and serum lipids after nine weeks of treatment.(AU)

Consumption of foods according to their degree of processing in patients with established atherosclerosis disease / Consumo de alimentos según su grado de procesamiento en pacientes con enfermedad aterosclerótica establecida

The aim of the present study was to analyze the consumption of foods according to their degree of processing in patients with established atherosclerosis disease. A cross-sectional study was performed with 74 patients of the BALANCE Program trial, a randomized, multicenter and national clinical trial occurring in Brazil. Body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile and fasting glucose were collected. Food intake was assessed with 24-h dietary recall. Consumption of nutrients was analyzed in quartiles of consumption of ultra-processed foods and their differences were obtained by one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test. Half of consumed calories came from natural or minimally processed foods (50.9%), followed by ultra-processed food products (35.1%). The largest contribution in calories came from meats, cereals/roots/tubers, breads, and sweets. No significant difference was found in quartiles of consumption of ultra-processed foods. In this sample, consumption of processed/ultra-processed food was almost the same as natural/minimally processed foods. Preferential consumption of unprocessed/minimally processed foods should be more widely advocated by health professionals.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar el consumo de alimentos, de acuerdo con su grado de procesamiento, en pacientes con enfermedad arterioesclerótica establecida. Estudio transversal, en 74 pacientes del BALANCE Program trial que es un ensayo clínico randomizado, multicéntrico y nacional que se realiza en Brasil. Se midió el peso corporal, la talla, la circunferencia de la cintura, la presión arterial, el perfil lipídico y la glucosa en ayunas. La ingesta de alimentos se evaluó con un recordatorio de 24 horas. El consumo de nutrientes se analizó en cuartiles de consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y sus diferencias se pusieron a prueba mediante ANOVA de una vía. La mitad de las calorías consumidas provino de alimentos naturales o mínimamente procesados (50.9%), seguidos por productos alimenticios ultraprocesados (35.1%). La mayor contribución en calorías provino de carnes, cereales/raíces/tubérculos, panes y dulces. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los cuartiles de consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados. En esta muestra, el consumo de alimentos procesados/ultraprocesados fue casi el mismo que de los alimentos naturales/mínimamente procesados. El consumo preferencial de alimentos no procesados/mínimamente procesados debería ser defendido más ampliamente por profesionales de la salud.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with risk factors in patients with established atherosclerosis disease.

Risk factors can lead to clinical conditions, like metabolic syndrome, that predisposes the development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and which risk factors cause more impact in metabolic syndrome in patients with established atherosclerosis disease. A cross-sectional study was performed as a subanalysis of Programa Alimentação Cardioprotetora Brasileira. Weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile and fasting glucose were collected. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the harmonized criteria. Linear regression was used to analyze the association between number of components of metabolic syndrome and risk factors. 82 patients were included and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 84.1%. Being overweight was associated with an increase by 0.55 point in diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome in crude analysis (95%CI 0.09-1.00) and 0.64 in adjusted analysis (95%CI 0.18-1.09), while former/current smoker status was responsible for raising by 0.48 the number of components of metabolic syndrome, only in adjusted analysis (95%CI 0.04-0.92). Overweight and former/current smoker status are associated with MS, increasing the probability of atherosclerotic events. A healthy lifestyle, that includes avoiding tobacco exposure and proper weight control, must be encouraged in this high-risk population.

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in patients with established atherosclerosis disease. / Consumo de bebidas açucaradas em pacientes com doença aterosclerótica manifesta.

This study investigated the association between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and anthropometric and biochemical variables in a cross-sectional study conducted with secondary data from the first visit of the randomized clinical trial of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program (BALANCE Program) (2013-2014). Weight, height, waist circumference, lipid profile and fasting glycemia and a 24-hour diet recall were collected. Differences between consumption and non-consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages were evaluated by Student's t-test. The Chi-square test was employed to analyze the association between consumption and non-consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and biochemical and anthropometric factors. The sample consisted of 2,172 individuals, mostly men (58.5%), elderly (63.6%), C-rated economic class (57.3%), and overweight (62.7%). A statistically significant difference was found between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and higher BMI values (p=0.029), waist circumference (p=0.004) and triglycerides (p=0.023). These results emphasize the need for nutritional intervention regarding the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages as part of the dietary treatment of this population.

O presente estudo investigou a associação entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e variáveis antropométricas e bioquímicas em análise transversal, realizado com dados secundários referentes à primeira consulta do ensaio clínico randomizado Dieta Cardioprotetora Brasileira (2013-2014). Foram coletados peso, altura, circunferência da cintura, perfil lipídico e glicemia de jejum e dados de um recordatório alimentar de 24 horas. Diferenças entre o consumo e não consumo de bebidas açucaradas foram avaliadas pelo teste T de student. Para analisar a associação entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e fatores bioquímicos e antropométricos foi utilizado o teste qui quadrado. A amostra foi de 2.172 indivíduos, sendo a maioria homens (58,5%), idosos (63,6%), do nível econômico C (57,3%), com ensino fundamental (45,8%) e com excesso de peso (62,7%). Houve associação significativa entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e maior valores de índice de massa corporal (p=0,029), circunferência da cintura (p=0,004) e triglicerídeos (p=0,023). Esses resultados reforçam a necessidade de intervenção nutricional quanto ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas como parte do tratamento dietético desta população.

Consumo de bebidas açucaradas em pacientes com doença aterosclerótica manifesta / Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in patients with established atherosclerosis disease

Resumo O presente estudo investigou a associação entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e variáveis antropométricas e bioquímicas em análise transversal, realizado com dados secundários referentes à primeira consulta do ensaio clínico randomizado Dieta Cardioprotetora Brasileira (2013-2014). Foram coletados peso, altura, circunferência da cintura, perfil lipídico e glicemia de jejum e dados de um recordatório alimentar de 24 horas. Diferenças entre o consumo e não consumo de bebidas açucaradas foram avaliadas pelo teste T de student. Para analisar a associação entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e fatores bioquímicos e antropométricos foi utilizado o teste qui quadrado. A amostra foi de 2.172 indivíduos, sendo a maioria homens (58,5%), idosos (63,6%), do nível econômico C (57,3%), com ensino fundamental (45,8%) e com excesso de peso (62,7%). Houve associação significativa entre o consumo de bebidas açucaradas e maior valores de índice de massa corporal (p=0,029), circunferência da cintura (p=0,004) e triglicerídeos (p=0,023). Esses resultados reforçam a necessidade de intervenção nutricional quanto ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas como parte do tratamento dietético desta população.

Abstract This study investigated the association between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and anthropometric and biochemical variables in a cross-sectional study conducted with secondary data from the first visit of the randomized clinical trial of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program (BALANCE Program) (2013-2014). Weight, height, waist circumference, lipid profile and fasting glycemia and a 24-hour diet recall were collected. Differences between consumption and non-consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages were evaluated by Student's t-test. The Chi-square test was employed to analyze the association between consumption and non-consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and biochemical and anthropometric factors. The sample consisted of 2,172 individuals, mostly men (58.5%), elderly (63.6%), C-rated economic class (57.3%), and overweight (62.7%). A statistically significant difference was found between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and higher BMI values (p=0.029), waist circumference (p=0.004) and triglycerides (p=0.023). These results emphasize the need for nutritional intervention regarding the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages as part of the dietary treatment of this population.

The effect of vitamin C supplementation on neutropenia induced by cyclophosphamide in mice / Efecto con la suplementación de vitamina C sobre la neutropenia inducida por ciclofosfamida en ratones

ABSTRACT Neutropenia is one of the adverse effects caused by the administration of chemotherapy drugs. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of vitamin C supplementation in a model of immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide in mice. Vitamin C supplementation (50 mg/kg/day) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 7 consecutive days in adult Swiss albino female. Mice were divided into four groups (n= 8/group): 1. Control (only distilled water i.p.), 2. Cyclophosphamide group (cyclophosphamide i.p. 150 and 100 mg/kg on days 1 and 4, respectively and distilled water daily), 3. Vitamin C group (Vitamin C 50 mg/kg i.p. and distilled water daily), and 4. Cyclophosphamide and Vitamin C group (cyclophosphamide i.p. 150 and 100 mg/kg on days 1 and 4, respectively and vitamin C 50 mg/kg i.p. daily). Vitamin C did not interfere in leukocytes count, but when co-administered with cyclophosphamide, significant interaction was observed, intensifying the neutropenia caused by cyclophosphamide. Vitamin C did not influence body weight during treatment, but groups receiving cyclophosphamide had a significant weight loss from the third day of treatment until the end of experiment compared to the control group. Vitamin C supplementation intensified neutropenia induced by cyclophosphamide and did not prevent weight loss induced by cyclophosphamide in mice.

RESUMEN La neutropenia es uno de los efectos adversos causados por la administración de medicamentos de quimioterapia. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto de la administración de suplementos de vitamina C en un modelo de inmunosupresión inducida por ciclofosfamida en ratones. Se realizó la suplementación de vitamina C (50 mg/kg/día) administrada por vía intraperitoneal (i.p) por 7 días en ratones hembras swiss albinas adultas. Los ratones fueron divididos en cuatro grupos (n= 8 / grupo): Control (solamente agua destilada i.p) Ciclofosfamida (ciclofosfamida i.p. 150 mg/kg y 100 mg/kg en el día 1 y día 4 y agua destilada diariamente) Vitamin C (vitamina C 50 mg/kg i.p y agua destilada diariamente), Ciclofosfamida y Vit C (ciclofosfamida i.p. 150 y 100 mg/kg en el día 1 y día 4 y vitamina C 50 mg/kg i.p. diariamente). La vitamina C por sí no interfirió en los valores de leucocitos y tampoco influyó en el peso corporal durante el tratamiento, pero los grupos que recibieron ciclofosfamida tuvieron una pérdida de peso significativa desde el tercer día de tratamiento hasta el final del experimento en comparación con el grupo control. La suplementación de vitamina C intensificó la neutropenia inducida por ciclofosfamida y no evitó la pérdida de peso inducida por ciclofosfamida en ratones.

Intracellular Pathogen Infections and Immune Response in Autism.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Perinatal exposure to infections during critical developmental periods is a promising area of study in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Epidemiological data has highlighted this relationship, pointing out significant correlations between perinatal exposure to pathogens and the occurrence of ASD. The aim of this review is to critically examine the present state of the art on intracellular pathogenic infection during pregnancy and postnatally, pointing out possible correlations with the development of ASD. METHODS: We reviewed and collected studies concerning potential associations between intracellular pathogens like viral, bacterial, and parasite infection and the risk of ASD. RESULTS: We included 14 publications, considering bacterial and/or viral infection that demonstrated the potential to trigger ASD. Nine case-control studies were included and 5 of them reported an association between infections and ASD. One of the 2 cohorts investigated demonstrated that maternal infection increased the risk of ASD in the offspring. Three cross-sectional studies demonstrated that ASD patients presented with chronic infections and active neuroinflammatory processes. Most of the reports suggest inflammatory response as a common factor, and interleukin 6 appears to be a key-player in this process. CONCLUSION: The immune responses generated by organisms that cause perinatal maternal infection, i.e., bacteria, viruses, or parasites, have been associated with the development of autism in offspring. Physiological changes transmitted from the mother during chronic or acute inflammation should be further investigated so that modulatory preventive measures can be developed.

Evaluation of the Redox State of Wistar Rats Submitted to High-Fat Diet Supplemented With Infusion of Ilex paraguariensis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ilex paraguariensis infusion on redox state of Wistar rats submitted to high-fat and standard diet. Glutathione determination and lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus tissues and liver was performed, as well as the analysis of gene expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results from hippocampus showed that the groups fed with standard diet exhibited significant reduction of lipid peroxidation when supplemented with Ilex paraguariensis. The analysis from glutathione determination in the hippocampus showed a significant increase in glutathione activity in the group treated with high-fat diet and Ilex paraguariensis. In the liver, results showed no significant difference in both glutatione and lipid peroxidation analisys. Gene expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase showed that there was significant difference in the groups treated with high-fat diet and Ilex paraguariensis. In summary, the Ilex paraguariensis showed substantial potential for antioxidant activities.

Age at onset of caloric restriction and its effects on the redox profile of the rat hippocampus

BACKGROUND: The benefits of caloric restriction (CR) on the protection against age-related neurodegenerative diseases have been the subject of several studies. However, the effects of CR on the central nervous system are still poorl y understood since most studies were carried out in mature animals. The present study aimed to investigate whether the age at onset of CR could differently affect the redox status of the rat hippocampus. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats at 35 days old (35d;n= 16) and 65 days old (65d;n= 16) were fed ad libitum or subjected to 30 % CR (n= 8 group/age) for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were euthanized, blood was collected, and the hippocampus was dissected for measuring the redox status. RESULTS: CR in 35d and 65d rats induced a 16 and 21% reduction in body weight gain, respectively, compared to controls (p< 0.05). Urea, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol concentrations were lower in CR 35d rats than in 35d controls (p< 0.05). No differences were detected between the CR groups and controls in the object recognition test (p> 0.05) and in superoxide dismutase activity, nitric oxide content, and lipid peroxidation levels(p> 0.05). However, glutathione peroxidase activity was higher (p< 0.0001) in 65d rats compared to that in 35d rats, and GSH content was higher (p< 0.05) in CR-fed rats compared to that in controls at both ages. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, CR increased GSH content when started at both ages but did not affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the level of ROS in the hippocampus. In addition, CR did not induce any detrimental effects on memory and nutritional status when started in both 35d and 65d rats

Impacto da suplementação de vitamina C sobre níveis de peroxidação lipídica e glutationa reduzida em tecido hepático de camundongos com imunossupressão induzida por ciclofosfamida / Impact of vitamin C supplementation on lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione levels in the liver tissue of mice with cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos da vitamina C sobre níveis de peroxidação lipídica e glutationa reduzida em tecido hepático de camundongos imunossuprimidos por ciclofosfamida. Métodos: O estudo foi realizado em camundongos Swiss, fêmeas, com 45 dias de idade, separados em quatro grupos com oito animais cada. Grupos: controle (água destilada), vitamina C (50 mg/kg), ciclofosfamida (100 + 150 mg/kg) e tratamento (vitamina C 50 mg/kg + ciclofosfamida 100 +150 mg/kg). Todas as aplicações foram via intraperitoneal. O ensaio biológico teve duração de seis dias, sendo o sétimo a eutanásia dos animais. As análises bioquímicas de peroxidação lipídica (quantificação de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico) e glutationa reduzida (estimativa de tiois não proteicos) foram realizadas em tecido hepático. Resultados: A ciclofosfamida causou aumento significativo (p<0,0001) nos níveis de peroxidação lipídica. Não foram observadas alterações significativas nos grupos tratados com vitamina C. A ciclofosfamida por si só, não alterou níveis de glutationa reduzida. A vitamina C causou a redução do nível de glutationa reduzida em relação ao controle tanto nos animais que receberam ciclofosfamida quanto nos que não receberam. No entanto, nos grupos tratados com o quimioterápico houve uma interação entre a droga e a vitamina, ou seja, o quimioterápico intensificou a diminuição da glutationa reduzida provocada pela vitamina C. Conclusão: A ciclofosfamida, na dose e período utilizados, foi capaz de induzir o dano oxidativo verificado pelo aumento da peroxidação lipídica. A vitamina C, na dose de 50 mg/kg de peso, não apresentou potencial para proteger contra o dano oxidativo provocado pelo quimioterápico.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the effects of vitamin C supplementation on the levels of lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione in the liver tissue of mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide. Methods: Thirty-two 45-day-old female Swiss mice were divided into four groups of eight animals each as follows: control (distilled water); vitamin C (50 mg/kg); cyclophosphamide (100 + 150 mg/kg); and treatment (vitamin C 50 mg/kg + cyclophosphamide 100 +150 mg/kg). The substances were provided intraperitoneally for six days, and on the seventh day, the mice were euthanized. The biochemical analyses of lipid peroxidation (quantification of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) and reduced glutathione (estimate of non-protein thiols) were performed on liver tissue. Results: Cyclophosphamide increased the levels of lipid peroxidation (p<0.0001). Significant changes were not found in the groups treated with vitamin C. Cyclophosphamide alone did not affect the levels of reduced glutathione. Compared with the control group, vitamin C reduced the levels of reduced glutathione in animals that received or not cyclophosphamide. Vitamin C interacted with cyclophosphamide, that is, the chemotherapeutic agent further decreased the lower levels of reduced glutathione secondary to vitamin C intake. Conclusion: Cyclophosphamide, in the study dosage and duration, was capable of inducing oxidative damage, verified by increased lipid peroxidation. A vitamin C dosage of 50mg/kg of body weight did not protect against the oxidative damage caused by the chemotherapeutic agent.

Avaliação e indicação nutricional em pacientes oncológicos no início do tratamento quimioterápico / Nutritional assessment and recommendation in cancer patients initiating chemotherapy / Evaluación e indicación nutricional en pacientes con cáncer que inician el tratamiento de quimioterapia

Introdução: O diagnóstico precoce de problemas nutricionais pode melhorar o prognóstico dos pacientes oncológicos. Objetivo: Identificar pela Avaliação Subjetiva Global Produzida Pelo Paciente (ASG-PPP), a necessidade de intervenção nutricional e seus fatores associados em pacientes prestes a iniciar quimioterapia. Método: Estudo transversal realizado com dados secundários. Todos os pacientes acima de 18 anos, que iniciaram quimioterapia no Hospital Escola da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, entre maio de 2011 a dezembro de 2012, foram incluídos. Foi aplicada a todos os pacientes a ASG-PPP. As demais variáveis foram obtidas dos prontuários dos pacientes. Os dados foram digitados no programa Microsoft Excel 2007®. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas no programa Stata® 11.2. Realizaram-se análises bivariadas por meio de testes qui-quadrado e regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, adotando-se um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: 40,4%; 46,8%; e 12,8 dos pacientes foram classificados como bem nutridos, moderadamente desnutridos e gravemente desnutridos, respectivamente. A maior pontuação da ASG-PPP associou-se com idade superior a 60 anos (p<0,001), doença em estadiamento III (p=0,030) e tumores de cabeça e pescoço, e pulmão (p=0,006). Pacientes idosos e com doença avançada apresentaram, respectivamente, 1,53 e 1,85 vezes mais necessidade crítica de intervenção nutricional quando comparados aos pacientes adultos e os com estadiamentos I e II. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes estava moderadamente ou gravemente desnutrida, com necessidade crítica de intervenção nutricional nos idosos, com estadiamento III e com tumores de cabeça e pescoço, e de pulmão. Apresentaram probabilidade maior de intervenção nutricional crítica os idosos e os com doença avançada.

Introduction: Early diagnosis and management of nutritional problems can improve the prognosis of cancer patients. Objective: Identify the need of nutritional intervention through Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment produced by patient (PG-SGA) and associated factors in patients in the beginning of chemotherapy. Methods: This cross sectional study used secondary data. It included patients over 18 years old that started chemotherapy treatment in the Chemotherapy Service of the Universidad Federal de Pelotas from May/2011 to December/2012. Variables were collected from PG-SGA and medical records. Data were plotted in Microsoft Excel 2007® and the statistical analyzes were performed in Stata® 11.2. Statistical tests applied were chi square test and Poisson regression, considering a significance level of 5%. Results: It was demonstrated that 40.4% of patient evaluated were classified as well nourished, 46.8% as having moderate malnourishment and 12.8% as having severe malnourishment. The highest PG-SGA scores were associated with being aged over 60 y (p<0.001), stage III (p=0.0030) and having head or neck and lung cancer (p=0.006). It was also observed that elderly patients and those whose cancer was at advanced stages presented a 1.53 and 1.85 fold higher probability, respectively, of needing nutritional intervention, compared to adult patients and those with stage I and II of the disease. Conclusion: The majority of patients had moderate or severe malnourishment, with critical need for nutritional intervention. Elderly patients, with stage III and with head, neck and lung cancer presented more probability of needing nutritional intervention.

Introducción: El diagnóstico precoz de los problemas de nutrición puede mejorar el pronóstico de los pacientes con cáncer. Objetivo: Identificar la Evaluación Subjetiva Global Producido por paciente (ASG-PPP), la necesidad de intervención nutricional y sus factores asociados en pacientes que van a comenzar la quimioterapia. Método: Estudio transversal con datos secundarios. Todos los pacientes mayores de 18 años que comenzaron la quimioterapia en el Hospital Escuela de la Universidad Federal de Pelotas, entre mayo/2011 a diciembre/2012 se incluyeron. Se aplicó a todos los pacientes ASG-PPP. Las otras variables se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas. Los datos fueron introducidos en el programa Microsoft Excel 2007®. Los análisis estadísticos se realizaron en 11,2 programa Stata®. Held, análisis bivariante mediante pruebas de chi-cuadrado y la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta, adoptando un nivel de significación del 5%. Resultados: 40,4%, 46,8% y el 12,8 de los pacientes fueron clasificados como bien nutrido, moderadamente desnutridos y desnutrición severa, respectivamente. La puntuación más alta de ASG-PPP se asoció con edad mayor de 60 años (p<0,001) en la estadificación de la enfermedad III (p=0,030) y los tumores de cabeza y cuello, y pulmón (p=0,006). Los pacientes ancianos con enfermedad avanzada y presentado, respectivamente, 1,53 y 1,85 veces la necesidad más crítica para la intervención nutricional en comparación con pacientes adultos y aquellos con estadios I y II. Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes estaban moderada o severamente desnutridos, con necesidad crítica de intervención nutricional en pacientes de edad avanzada con tumores en estadio III y la cabeza y el cuello, y pulmón.

Consumo de vitaminas antioxidantes por mulheres com câncerde mama submetidas ao tratamento quimioterápico na cidadede Pelotas-RS / Consumption of Antioxidant Vitamins by Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy Treatment in the City of Pelotas-RS

O câncer de mama é o mais comum no sexo feminino e, no Sul, tem uma das taxas mais altas dos do país:afeta mais de 70 a cada 100.000 mulheres. Objetivo: Avaliar o consumo de vitaminas antioxidantes por mulheres comcâncer de mama em tratamento quimioterápico e verificar a necessidade de adequar o seu consumo. Método: Estudotransversal com pacientes com neoplasia mamária em quimioterapia no Setor de Oncologia do Hospital Escola daUniversidade Federal de Pelotas, atendidas no período de maio a dezembro de 2012. O consumo alimentar das pacientesfoi avaliado por Questionário de Frequência Alimentar. Resultados: A amostra foi formada por 23 mulheres, 78,3%adultas e 21,7% idosas. A média de idade foi de 56,91±12,25 anos. Aproximadamente 43% da amostra não atingiu ovalor recomendado de ingestão de Vitamina A, embora a mediana de consumo tenha sido maior que a recomendação.Em relação à Vitamina C, todas ultrapassaram o ideal, enquanto nenhuma consumiu quantidade mínima de vitaminaE. Conclusão: Observou-se que existe um consumo diminuído de vitamina E por todas as pacientes, e um númeroexpressivo de mulheres com baixo consumo de vitamina A, importantes antioxidantes da dieta que podem contribuirpara neutralizar o perfil pró-oxidativo da doença. Notou-se a necessidade de aconselhamento nutricional, a fim deadequar o consumo de vitaminas antioxidantes na dieta, com o intuito de auxiliar no tratamento e melhorar o estadonutricional dessas pacientes...

Associação entre dinamometria manual, estado nutricional e complicações pós-operatórias em pacientes oncológicos / Association between manual dynamometer, nutritional status and postoperative complications in oncologic patients

Introdução: A dinamometria manual é um método de avaliação nutricional e marcador de prognóstico em pacientesoncológicos pré-cirúrgicos. Objetivos: Avaliar a associação entre dinamometria manual, perfil sociodemográfico eclínico, e desfecho da internação de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia em um hospital público do Sul do Brasil. Método:Estudo longitudinal observacional, realizado no Hospital Escola da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, entre maio e novembro de 2013, com pacientes portadores de câncer submetidos à primeira cirurgia oncológica. O estado nutricionalfoi avaliado através do Índice de Massa Corporal e da Avaliação Subjetiva Global Produzida pelo Paciente, a força do aperto de mão foi aferida por meio de dinamometria manual e as complicações foram identificadas em prontuário dospacientes no decorrer da internação. Resultados: Foram avaliados 23 pacientes, sendo 52,2% do sexo masculino, com 47,8% da amostra apresentando câncer de cólon e reto. Foi encontrada associação entre a força do aperto de mão e o estado nutricional segundo Avaliação Subjetiva Global Produzida pelo Paciente conforme as categorias: bem nutrido, risco de desnutrição e desnutrição severa e pontuação obtida, assim como a Avaliação Subjetiva Global Produzida pelo Paciente associou-se com a localização tumoral. As complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em 21,7% dos pacientes; porém sem associação estatística com a força do aperto de mão. Conclusão: A dinamometria manual associou-se com estado nutricional segundo Avaliação Subjetiva Global Produzida pelo Paciente, diminuindo conforme a sua piora; porém não esteve associada a complicações pós-operatórias, tempo de internação ou mortalidade nessa amostra

Introduction: The manual dynamometer is a method of nutritional assessment and prognostic marker in pre-surgicaloncological patients. Objectives: To assess the association between the manual dynamometer, sociodemographic andclinical profile and outcome of hospitalization on oncological patients undergoing surgery in a public hospital in thesouth of Brazil. Method: Longitudinal observation study made at the Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas withcancer patients which have undertaken their first oncological procedure along the months of May to November 2013.The patients’ nutritional status were evaluated through the Body Mass Index and the Patient Generated SubjectiveGlobal Assessment, the handgrip strength was measured through a manual dynamometer and the complicationswere identified on the patients’ medical records along the time they have been hospitalized. Results: 23 patientswere assessed, being 52,2% male and 47,8% of sample with anal and cervical cancer. It was found an associationbetween the handgrip strength and the nutritional status according Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessmentcategories: well-nourished risk of malnutrition, severe malnutrition, and score obtained as well as the Patient GeneratedSubjective Global Assessment was associated to the tumor location. The post-operative issues occurred on 21,7%patients, although with no statistical association to their handgrip strength. Conclusion: The manual dynamometerhave association to the nutritional status based on the Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment, decreasingaccording it was grown worse, however it was not associated with post-operative issues, hospitalization period andmortality in the researched sample.

Huperzine A, but not tacrine, stimulates S100B secretion in astrocyte cultures.

AIMS: The loss of cholinergic function in the central nervous system contributes significantly to the cognitive decline associated with advanced age and dementias. Huperzine A (HupA) is a selective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and has been shown to significantly reduce cognitive impairment in animal models of dementia. Based on the importance of astrocytes in physiological and pathological brain activities, we investigated the effect of HupA and tacrine on S100B secretion in primary astrocyte cultures. S100B is an astrocyte-derived protein that has been proposed to be a marker of brain injury. MAIN METHODS: Primary astrocyte cultures were exposed to HupA, tacrine, cholinergic agonists, and S100B secretion was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 1 and 24h. KEY FINDINGS: HupA, but not tacrine, at 100µM significantly increased S100B secretion in astrocyte cultures. Nicotine (at 100 and 1000µM) was able to stimulate S100B secretion in astrocyte cultures. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data reinforce the idea that AChE inhibitors, particularly HupA, do not act exclusively on the acetylcholine balance. This effect of HupA could contribute to improve the cognitive deficit observed in patients, which are attributed to cholinergic dysfunction. In addition, for the first time, to our knowledge, these data indicate that S100B secretion can be modulated by nicotinic receptors, in addition to glutamate, dopamine and serotonin receptors.

Non-specific inhibitors of aquaporin-4 stimulate S100B secretion in acute hippocampal slices of rats.

Aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) is the principal brain water channel and is predominantly expressed in astrocytes suggesting its dynamic involvement in water homeostasis in brain tissue. Due to the co-localization of AQP-4 and inward rectifier K(+) channels Kir 4.1, a functional coupling between these proteins has been proposed. AQP-4 has a putative role in the physiopathology of brain disorders including epilepsy and trauma. S100B is a calcium-binding protein expressed and secreted by astrocytes, and commonly used as a parameter of astroglial activation. Here, we investigate a possible link between AQP-4 activity (and Kir 4.1) and S100B secretion in hippocampal slices of rats of different ages using non-specific inhibitors of AQP-4 (AZA, acetazolamide and TEA, tetraethylammonium) and Kir 4.1 (barium chloride). We found that blockade of AQP-4 with TEA and AZA produced an increase in S100B secretion in young rats, compatible with an astroglial activation observed in many conditions of brain injury. On the other hand, BaCl(2) induced Kir 4.1 inhibition caused a decrease in S100B secretion. Both channels, AQP-4 and Kir 4.1, exhibited a similar ontogenetic profile, in spite of the functional uncoupling, in relation to S100B secretion. Moreover, we found a significant increase in the S100B secretion basal levels with the increasing of animal age and the incubation with high levels of potassium resulted in a decrease of S100B secretion in 30 and 90-day old rats. These data, together with previous observations from gap junctions and glutamate transport of astrocytes, contribute to characterize the operational system involving astroglial activation, particularly on S100B secretion, in brain disorders.

Animal model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproate: altered glutamate metabolism in the hippocampus.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by deficits in social interaction, language and communication impairments and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, with involvement of several areas of the central nervous system (CNS), including hippocampus. Although neurons have been the target of most studies reported in the literature, recently, considerable attention has been centered upon the functionality and plasticity of glial cells, particularly astrocytes. These cells participate in normal brain development and also in neuropathological processes. The present work investigated hippocampi from 15 (P15) and 120 (P120) days old male rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA) as an animal model of autism. Herein, we analyzed astrocytic parameters such as glutamate transporters and glutamate uptake, glutamine synthetase (GS) activity and glutathione (GSH) content. In the VPA group glutamate uptake was unchanged at P15 and increased 160% at P120; the protein expression of GLAST did not change neither in P15 nor in P120, while GLT1 decreased 40% at P15 and increased 92% at P120; GS activity increased 43% at P15 and decreased 28% at P120; GSH content was unaltered at P15 and had a 27% increase at P120. These data highlight that the astrocytic clearance and destination of glutamate in the synaptic cleft might be altered in autism, pointing out important aspects to be considered from both pathophysiologic and pharmacological approaches in ASD.

Monoamine oxidase inhibition by monoterpene indole alkaloids and fractions obtained from Psychotria suterella and Psychotria laciniata.

Alkaloid fractions of Psychotria suterella (SAE) and Psychotria laciniata (LAE) as well as two monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) isolated from these fractions were evaluated against monoamine oxidases (MAO-A and -B) obtained from rat brain mitochondria. SAE and LAE were analysed by HPLC-PDA and UHPLC/HR-TOF-MS leading to the identification of the compounds 1, 2, 3 and 4, whose identity was confirmed by NMR analyses. Furthermore, SAE and LAE were submitted to the enzymatic assays, showing a strong activity against MAO-A, characterized by IC(50) values of 1.37 ± 1.05 and 2.02 ± 1.08 µg/mL, respectively. Both extracts were also able to inhibit MAO-B, but in higher concentrations. In a next step, SAE and LAE were fractionated by RP-MPLC affording three and four major fractions, respectively. The RP-MPLC fractions were subsequently tested against MAO-A and -B. The RP-MPLC fractions SAE-F3 and LAE-F4 displayed a strong inhibition against MAO-A with IC(50) values of 0.57 ± 1.12 and 1.05 ± 1.15 µg/mL, respectively. The MIAs 1 and 2 also inhibited MAO-A (IC(50) of 50.04 ± 1.09 and 132.5 ± 1.33 µg/mL, respectively) and -B (IC(50) of 306.6 ± 1.40 and 162.8 ± 1.26 µg/mL, respectively), but in higher concentrations when compared with the fractions. This is the first work describing the effects of MIAs found in neotropical species of Psychotria on MAO activity. The results suggest that species belonging to this genus could consist of an interesting source in the search for new MAO inhibitors.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects rat brain mitochondria against cadmium-induced damage.

Many health claims have been made about the medicinal benefits of drinking green tea, including neuroprotection. This study mainly focuses on Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant, which is abundantly found in green tea. Cadmium [Cd(2+)] is a toxic pollutant that leads to neurotoxicity in both animals and humans. Although the entrance of Cd(2+) in the adult central nervous system is limited, developmental neurotoxicity has been evidenced as result of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) immaturity. Moreover, high Cd(2+) levels are known to impair BBB function. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms related to its neurotoxic properties remain unknown. This study evaluates the potential protective effect of the major green tea polyphenol, EGCG, against Cd(2+)-induced mitotoxicity under in vitro conditions, using mitochondrial-enriched fractions from rat brain. Co-incubation of EGCG with Cd(2+) prevented the Cd(2+)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction (capacity to reduce MTT to formazan). In addition, EGCG completely prevented mitochondrial lipid peroxidation induced by Cd(2+) but did not affect non protein thiols levels. Spectroscopic studies have shown EGCG able to form a chemical complex with Cd(2+), in an equimolar ratio. In this study we demonstrate EGCG effectiveness in protecting against Cd(2+)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid peroxidation probably due to its antioxidant and chelating effects.