Early exposure to agricultural pesticides and the occurrence of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review / Exposição precoce a agrotóxicos de uso agrícola e ocorrência do transtorno do espectro autista: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of early exposure to agricultural pesticides and their relationship with autism spectrum disorder. Data source: This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42020204842. The subject was systematically analyzed on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases until April 2021. Only studies with humans with early exposure to agricultural pesticides and diagnosis of autism were included. Exclusion criteria were studies on pesticides for domestic or veterinary use and late exposure. There were no language and time restriction. The quality analysis of the studies used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data synthesis: Six case-control studies were included; three of them measured the route of exposure by maternal biomarkers and the others by the residence address. The studies had scores between moderate and high in the quality assessment tool. It was found high rates of association between early exposure to agricultural pesticides and autism and detection limit above the quantification for a sample of polychlorinated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene, and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene. Conclusions: There is evidence concerning the exposure to agricultural pesticides in early life and the development of the autism spectrum disorder; however, more studies are required to better understand their possible association.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender a influência da exposição precoce a agrotóxicos de uso agrícola e sua relação com o transtorno do espectro autista. Fontes de dados: Esta revisão sistemática foi registrada no banco de dados PROSPERO sob número CRD42020204842. Por meio das bases de dados PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science, o assunto foi analisado sistematicamente até abril de 2021. Foram incluídos somente estudos com humanos, sendo critérios de inclusão a exposição precoce a agrotóxicos de uso agrícola e o diagnóstico de autismo e critérios de exclusão agrotóxicos de uso doméstico ou veterinário e exposição tardia. Todos os estudos foram analisados sem restrição de linguagem e tempo. A qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada pela NewCastle Ottawa Scale. Síntese dos dados: No total, seis estudos caso-controle foram incluídos. Três deles mensuraram a exposição pelos biomarcadores maternos e os demais (50%) pelo endereço de moradia. Os trabalhos apresentaram qualidade entre moderada e alta. Encontrou-se alta taxa de associação entre a exposição precoce à agrotóxicos e o autismo e detecção acima do limite de quantificação para amostras de bifenilas policloradas, hexaclorobenzeno e diclorodifenildicloroetileno. Conclusões: Existem evidências sobre a exposição a agrotóxicos de uso agrícola precocemente e o desenvolvimento do transtorno do espectro autista, porém mais pesquisas são necessárias para melhor compreensão da associação.

Early exposure to agricultural pesticides and the occurrence of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of early exposure to agricultural pesticides and their relationship with autism spectrum disorder. DATA SOURCE: This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42020204842. The subject was systematically analyzed on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases until April 2021. Only studies with humans with early exposure to agricultural pesticides and diagnosis of autism were included. Exclusion criteria were studies on pesticides for domestic or veterinary use and late exposure. There were no language and time restriction. The quality analysis of the studies used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. DATA SYNTHESIS: Six case-control studies were included; three of them measured the route of exposure by maternal biomarkers and the others by the residence address. The studies had scores between moderate and high in the quality assessment tool. It was found high rates of association between early exposure to agricultural pesticides and autism and detection limit above the quantification for a sample of polychlorinated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene, and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence concerning the exposure to agricultural pesticides in early life and the development of the autism spectrum disorder; however, more studies are required to better understand their possible association.

Benefits of turmeric supplementation for skin health in chronic diseases: a systematic review.

The skin is a physical barrier that protects the body from the external environment. Through its immune system, it limits the attack of environmental threats. Unregulated immune reactions, however, can cause chronic inflammatory skin diseases, requiring that effective treatment routes be sought. Turmeric, a root originated from Southeast Asia, has a number of therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of turmeric oral supplementation in the treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, clinical studies examining the relationship between turmeric, curcumin, and skin health in humans until September 2019 were systematically searched. Evidence analysis were performed using robust tools to evaluate the risk of bias (RoB 2.0), (ROBINS-I) and methodological quality (GRADE) of the included studies. A total of eleven studies were included. The skin conditions examined include psoriasis, pruritus, oral lichen planus, facial redness, as well as types of skin cancers. Overall, therapeutic benefits for skin health have been observed through oral turmeric supplementation. The current published studies, nevertheless, are limited, requiring continuity and improvement in the intervention methodology employed.

Carnosic Acid Suppresses the H2O2-Induced Mitochondria-Related Bioenergetics Disturbances and Redox Impairment in SH-SY5Y Cells: Role for Nrf2.

The phenolic diterpene carnosic acid (CA, C20H28O4) exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-cancer effects in mammalian cells. CA activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), among other signaling pathways, and restores cell viability in several in vitro and in vivo experimental models. We have previously reported that CA affords mitochondrial protection against various chemical challenges. However, it was not clear yet whether CA would prevent chemically induced impairment of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) function in mammalian cells. In the present work, we found that a pretreatment of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells with CA at 1 µM for 12 h prevented the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced impairment of the TCA enzymes (aconitase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)) and abolished the inhibition of the complexes I and V and restored the levels of ATP by a mechanism associated with Nrf2. CA also exhibited antioxidant abilities by enhancing the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and decreasing the content oxidative stress markers (cellular 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), and mitochondrial malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl, and 3-nitrotyrosine). Silencing of Nrf2 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) abrogated the protective effects elicited by CA in mitochondria of SH-SY5Y cells. Therefore, CA prevented the H2O2-triggered mitochondrial impairment by an Nrf2-dependent mechanism. The specific role of Nrf2 in ameliorating the function of TCA enzymes function needs further research.

Tanshinone I Induces Mitochondrial Protection through an Nrf2-Dependent Mechanism in Paraquat-TreatedHuman Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells.

Tanshinone I (T-I; 1,6-Dimethylnaphtho[1,2-g][1]benzofuran-10,11-dione; C18H12O3), which may be found in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), is a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer agent. At least in part, T-I exerts antioxidant activity by activating signaling pathways associated with the maintenance of the redox state in mammalian cells. In this context, the upregulation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) has received attention regarding the role of this transcription factor in modulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes and the metabolism of glutathione (GSH). Even though there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that T-I mediates protection against several pro-oxidant challenges in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models, it remains to be examined whether and how T-I would modulate mitochondrial function during redox disturbances. Therefore, we aimed to reveal whether T-I would exhibit protective effects on mitochondria of SH-SY5Y cells treated with paraquat (PQ), a well-known mitochondrial toxic agent. We found that T-I pretreatment significantly protected mitochondria against PQ-induced redox impairment through an Nrf2-dependent mechanism involving upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, such as Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and both catalytic and modifier subunits of γ-glutamate-cysteine ligase (γ-GCL). T-I prevented complex I and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) impairments elicited by PQ. Thus, T-I may be viewed as a new mitochondrial protective agent whose complete mechanism of action needs to be investigated, but it seems to involve mitochondriotropic aspects related to the chemistry of this molecule.

Carnosic Acid Protects Mitochondria of Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells Exposed to Paraquat Through Activation of the Nrf2/HO-1Axis.

Carnosic acid (CA; C20H28O4), which is also called salvin, is a major phenolic diterpene found in Rosmarinus officinalis L. and exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties. CA activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor, leading to the upregulation of antioxidant and phase II detoxification enzymes, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione reductase (GR), γ-glutamate-cysteine ligase (γ-GCL), and glutathione S-transferase (GST), among others. We have previously demonstrated that CA upregulates the total and mitochondrial synthesis of glutathione (GSH), causing mitochondrial protection against paraquat (PQ) and methylglyoxal (MG). Nonetheless, the complete mechanism by which CA prevented mitochondrial dysfunction was not clear yet. Here, we examine whether HO-1 would be involved in the CA-induced mechanism of mitochondrial protection in SH-SY5Y-treated cells. SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with CA (1 µM) for 12 h prior to a challenge with PQ at 100 µM for additional 24 h. Zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX; a specific inhibitor of HO-1; 10 µM) was utilized prior to exposure to CA in order to investigate whether HO-1 was involved in the cytoprotective effects elicited by CA. We found that the CA-induced Nrf2-dependent HO-1 upregulation ameliorated, at least in part, the mitochondrial function in PQ-treated cells. Therefore, CA protected mitochondria of SH-SY5Y cells and exerted anti-apoptotic effects by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 axis.

Pinocembrin Provides Mitochondrial Protection by the Activation of the Erk1/2-Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells Exposed to Paraquat.

Pinocembrin (PB; 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone; C15H12O4) is a flavonoid found in propolis and exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Furthermore, PB has been studied as a neuroprotective agent. However, it remains to be understood whether and how PB would induce mitochondrial protection in mammalian cells. Therefore, we investigated here the mechanism involved in the protective effects elicited by PB in paraquat (PQ; 100 µM)-treated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. PB (25 µM) pretreatment (for 4 h) downregulated the levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), blocked the release of cytochrome c to the cytosol, and inhibited the PQ-induced activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Besides, PB prevented mitochondrial dysfunction by suppressing the PQ-elicited inhibition of complexes I and V. Moreover, PB abrogated the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the decline in ATP levels in the cells exposed to PQ. PB exerted antioxidant effects on mitochondria by decreasing the levels of redox impairment markers in mitochondrial membranes. Importantly, PB enhanced the levels of mitochondrial reduced glutathione (GSH). Upregulation of enzymes involved in the synthesis of GSH was seen in the cells exposed to PB. PB afforded mitochondrial protection by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Erk1/2-Nrf2) axis, since inhibition of Erk1/2 or silencing of Nrf2 abrogated these effects. Therefore, PB exerted mitochondrial and cellular protection by an Erk1/2-Nrf2-dependent mechanism.

Carnosic Acid Affords Mitochondrial Protection in Chlorpyrifos-Treated Sh-Sy5y Cells.

Carnosic acid (CA; C20H28O4) is a phenolic diterpene found in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and exhibits protective properties, e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial activities. In this context, CA has been viewed as a neuroprotective agent due to its ability in rescuing neuronal cells from pro-oxidant and pro-apoptotic challenges. In the present work, we found that CA pretreatment at 1 µM for 12 h suppressed the mitochondria-related pro-oxidant and mitochondria-dependent pro-apoptotic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. CA prevented mitochondrial membrane potential disruption and decreased the levels of oxidative stress markers in mitochondrial membranes obtained from cells exposed to CPF. CA also inhibited cytochrome c release and activation of the caspases-9 and -3, as well as decreased DNA fragmentation, in CPF-treated cells. CA upregulated the content of glutathione (GSH) in mitochondria by a mechanism involving the activation of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, since inhibition of PI3K/Akt or silencing of Nrf2 using siRNA strategy abolished the protection exerted by CA in SH-SY5Y cells. Therefore, CA protected mitochondria of SH-SY5Y cells through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 axis, causing upregulation of the mitochondrial GSH content and consequent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.

The prevalence of and factors associated with constipation in elderly residents of long stay institutions / Prevalência e fatores associados à constipação intestinal em idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência

Objective : Constipation is a frequent motility disorder and while a common complaint among the overall population, is particularly prevalent among the elderly. The increase of this population group is creating a growing demand for long term care institutions. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with constipation in elderly residents of long stay care institutions. Method : The study involved 87 individuals. The data collected from each participant included gender, daily intake of water and fiber, physical activity, family history of constipation and nutritional status. The diagnosis of constipation was based on Roma III criteria. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS software program (version 18.0) with a level of significance of 5% (p≤0.05). The Student t, Mann-Whitney, Pearson's chi-square or Fischer's exact tests were employed. Results : The sample was predominantly female (80.5%), with a mean age of 79.4(±9.6) years. A 42.52% prevalence of constipation was observed. Among affected individuals, the condition was more frequent among women (89.2%), those aged over 80 years (67.6%), those who did not engage in physical activity (56.8%), those with below the recommended intake of water and fiber, those who had a family history of constipation, and those who were diagnosed with eutrophia (56.3%). Among the factors analyzed, only age (p=0.049) and low fiber intake (p=0.019) were significantly linked to constipation. Conclusion : The results show that constipation is a multifactorial disease that is significantly related to age and low fiber intake.

Objetivo : Investigar a prevalência e fatores associados à constipação intestinal em idosos institucionalizados. Método : Trata-se de um estudo do tipo transversal. A amostra foi composta por 87 idosos e os dados coletados foram referentes à idade, sexo, ingestão diária de água e fibras, prática de atividade física, histórico familiar de constipação, além de dados referentes ao estado nutricional. O diagnóstico de constipação foi baseado nos critérios de Roma III. Para realização das análises estatísticas foi utilizado o softwareSPSS, versão 18.0, considerando o nível de significância de 5% (p≤0,05) e os testes estatísticos feitos foram:t Student, Mann-Whitney, Qui-quadrado de Pearson ou Exato de Fischer. Resultados : A amostra foi predominantemente do sexo feminino (80,5%), apresentando idade média de 79,4 (±9,6) anos. Observou-se que a prevalência de constipação intestinal foi de 42,52%, sendo mais frequente nas mulheres (89,2%), naqueles com idade igual ou superior a 80 anos (67,6%), nos que não praticavam atividade física (56,8%), nos que possuíam uma ingestão hídrica e consumo de fibras abaixo do recomendado, nos que possuíam histórico familiar de constipação, e também se mostrou mais prevalente naqueles que apresentaram diagnóstico nutricional de eutrofia (56,3%). Quando relacionadas à constipação, verificou-se que apenas a idade (p=0,049) e o baixo consumo de fibras (p=0,019) se associaram significativamente. Conclusão : Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que a constipação intestinal é uma queixa digestiva de etiologia multifatorial, com a qual a idade avançada e o baixo consumo de fibras se associaram significativamente.

Alimentação na escola e estado nutricional de estudantes do ensino fundamental / Feeding in school and nutritional status of elementary school students / Alimentación en la escuela y el estado nutricional de Estudiantes de la enseñanza fundamental

Objetivo: Relacionar o estado nutricional e o sexo de estudantes do ensino fundamental ao consumo da alimentação escolar gratuita, comprada nas cantinas e trazida de casa. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, realizado em 2013 com 120 estudantes do 5° ao 9° ano de duas escolas municipais de ensino fundamental de um município gaúcho. Aplicou-se questionário estruturado para investigação acerca da alimentação escolar gratuita, comprada na escola ou trazida de casa. Foram aferidos peso, altura e circunferência da cintura (CC). Analisou-se a distribuição dos percentis do índice de massa corporal (IMC) e classificou-se o estado nutricional utilizando-se o Teste Exato de Fisher para análise. Resultados: Estudantes do sexo feminino (n=36; 46,8%) referiram não consumir a alimentação escolar gratuita porque não gostam, e os estudantes do sexo masculino (n=22; 51,2%), porque não sentem fome (p=0,028). Com relação à alimentação comprada na escola, a preferência feminina (n=12; 27,9%) foi por guloseimas, e a masculina (n=21; 48,8%), por cachorro quente (p=<0,001). A maioria dos estudantes classificados como eutróficos (n=28; 33,3%) consumia a alimentação porque sentia fome, e os com sobrepeso/obesidade (n=24; 70,6%), porque a considerava saudável e nutritiva (p=0,028). Conclusão: Os estudantes eutróficos, com sobrepeso e obesidade de ambos os sexos consomem de 2 a 3 refeições gratuitas oferecidas na escola por semana e demonstram preferência por trazer de casa bolachas, salgadinhos e sanduíches com pão branco. O sexo feminino prefere refrigerantes, guloseimas, doces e bolos, enquanto o sexo masculino, cachorro quente.

Objective: To relate the nutritional status and sex of elementary students with the intake of free school meals, meals bought at canteens and meals brought from home. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study performed in 2013 with 120 students from 5th to 9th grade of two elementary and public school of a municipality in Rio Grande do Sul. A structured questionnaire was applied to investigate free school meals, meals purchased at school or brought from home. Weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were measured. The distribution of percentiles of Body Mass Index (BMI) was analyzed and the nutritional status was ranked, using the Fisher?s Exact Test for analysis. Results: Female students (n=36; 46.8%) reported not consuming the free school meals because they dislike it, and male students (n=22; 51.2%) because they do not feel hungry (p=0.028). Regarding the food purchased at school, females? preference (n=12; 27.9%) was for candies and males? (n=21; 48.8%) was for hot dog (p=<0.001). The majority of the students classified as eutrophic (n=28; 33.3%) consumed the food because they were hungry, and those classified as overweight/obese (n=24; 70.6%), because they considered it healthy and nutritious (p=0.028). Conclusion: Most eutrophic, overweight and obese students in both genders consume 2-3 free meals offered at school per week and they give preference to bringing from home some biscuits, snacks and sandwiches made with white bread. Females prefer soft drinks, goodies, candies, and cakes, while males prefer the hot dog.

Objetivo: Relacionar el estado nutricional y el sexo de Estudiantes de la enseñanza fundamental con el consumo de la alimentación gratuita de la escuela, la de las cafeterías de la escuela y las que se trae de casa. Métodos: Estudio observacional y transversal realizado en 2013 con 120 estudiantes del 5° al 9° año de dos escuelas municipales de enseñanza fundamental de un município del Sur de Brasil. Se aplicó un cuestionario estructurado para investigar sobre la alimentación gratuita de la escuela, aquella comprada en la cafetería o la que se trae de casa. Fueron verificados el peso, la altura y circunferencia de la cintura (CC). Se analizó la distribución de los percentiles del índice de masa corporal (IMC) y se clasificó el estado nutricional utilizándose la prueba Exacto de Fisher. Resultados: Estudiantes Del sexo femenino (n=36; 46,8%) refirieron que no consumían La alimentación gratuita de la escuela porque no les gustan y los estudiantes del sexo masculino (n=22; 51,2%) porque no tienen hambre (p=0,028). Respecto la alimentación adquirida en La escuela la preferencia femenina (n=12; 27,9%) fue por golosinas y la masculina (n=21; 48,8%) por perrito caliente (p=<0,001). La mayoría de los estudiantes clasificados como eutróficos (n=28; 33,3%) consumían la alimentación porque tenían hambre y aquellos con sobrepeso/obesidad (n=24; 70,6%) porque La consideraba saludable y nutritiva (p=0,028). Conclusión: Los estudiantes eutróficos de ambos sexos con sobrepeso y obesidad consumen entre 2 y 3 comidas gratuitas ofrecidas en la escuela cada semana y demuestran la preferencia de traer de casa galletas, ganchitos y emparedados de pan blanco. El sexo femenino prefiere refrescos, golosinas, dulces y pasteles mientras el sexo masculino prefiere el perrito caliente.

Mites and the implications on human health.

INTRODUCTION: The infestation by mites of stored products is of great economic importance and public health, with consequences to human health. OBJECTIVES: To describe the mite species associated to food and stored products that cause implications to human health as well as to analyze the loss of quality and nutritional composition of infested food. METHOD: Literature review in LILACS-BIREME, SciELO and MEDLINE databases for publications in English, Portuguese and Spanish with the descriptors "mites", "foods", "storage mites", "store product mites", "dust mites", "quality control", "quality foods", "chemical composition", "chemistry", "allergens" and "health". There were identified 80 articles, but only 55 were related to the objectives of the study. Sixteen references were mentioned in the articles that were found after checked for relevance. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The activity of the mites causes loss of sanitary quality, weight and nutritional composition of the infested products, with great economic loss in the grain industry. Inhalation, ingestion or contact of mites, byproducts of metabolism and feces may sensitize susceptible individuals and cause asthma, allergic rhinitis, contact dermatitis, enteritis and lead to anaphylaxis. The monitoring of temperature and humidity is essential for the control of mites, as well as better conservation and hygiene of the units of grain storage.

Introducción: La infestación por ácaros de productos almacenados es de gran importancia económica y de salud pública, con consecuencias para la salud humana. Objetivos: Describir las especies de ácaros asociados a los productos alimenticios almacenados y que causan consecuencias para la salud humana, así como para analizar la pérdida de la calidad y la composición nutricional de los alimentos infestados. Método: Revisión de la literatura en LILACS-BIREME, SciELO y MEDLINE bases de datos de las publicaciones en Inglés, portugués y español con los descriptores "ácaros", "alimentos", "ácaros de almacenamiento", "los ácaros del producto de su tienda", "los ácaros del polvo", "calidad control "," alimentos de calidad "," composición química "," química "," alérgenos "y" salud ". Se identificaron 80 artículos, pero sólo 55 estaban relacionados con los objetivos del estudio. Dieciséis referencias fueron mencionados en los artículos que se encontraron después de verificado su relevancia. Resultados y discusión: La actividad de los ácaros causan pérdida de calidad sanitaria, el peso y la composición nutricional de los productos infestados, con grandes pérdidas económicas en la industria del grano. La inhalación, ingestión o contacto de los ácaros, subproductos del metabolismo y las heces pueden sensibilizar individuos susceptibles y causar asma, rinitis alérgica, dermatitis de contacto, enteritis y conducir a la anafilaxis. El control de la temperatura y la humedad es esencial para el control de ácaros, así como una mejor conservación y la higiene de las unidades de almacenamiento de grano.

Perfil nutricional, dietético e qualidade de vida de pacientes em tratamento quimioterápico / Nutritional, dietary profile and quality of life of cancer patients in chemotherapist treatment

Introdução: Os tratamentos oncológicos podem provocar consequências nutricionais, físicas, emocionais e sociais. A quimioterapia utiliza compostos químicos para eliminar células tumorais do organismo. Objetivo: Verificar o perfil nutricional, dietético e avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes em tratamento quimioterápico. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal e descritivo com 20 pacientes. Foi realizada avaliação antropométrica, questionário de frequência alimentar e qualidade de vida (EORTC QLQ-C30). Resultados: Constatou-se uma prevalência de sobrepeso pelo IMC, porém outros parâmetros identificaram risco nutricional. Foi observada também uma perda de peso significativa em 75% dos pacientes e um aumento de peso em mulheres com câncer de mama. O consumo alimentar demonstrou baixa ingestão de alimentos protetores dessa patologia. O que mais afetou a qualidade de vida foram sintomas gastrointestinais, fadiga e dificuldade de realizar atividades. Conclusão: Pacientes demonstraram risco nutricional e consumo alimentar não satisfatório. Percebeu-se que o câncer tem grande impacto na qualidade de vida desses pacientes.

Introduction: cancer treatments may cause harmful nutritional, physical, emotional and social. Chemotherapy uses chemicals to remove tumor cells from the body. Objective: To assess the nutritional status, diet and evaluate the quality of life of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study with 20 patients and descriptive. The anthropometric measurements, food frequency questionnaire and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30). Results: We found a prevalence of overweight by BMI, but other parameters identified nutritional risk. There was also a significant weight loss in 75% of patients and weight gain in women with breast cancer. Food consumption showed low intake of protective foods such pathology. The most affected the quality of life were gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue and difficulty in performing activities. Conclusion: Patients demonstrated nutritional risk and dietary intake is not satisfactory. It was felt that the cancer has great impact on quality of life of patients.