Association of oxytocin levels and oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (rs2254298) with cardiovascular risk factors in Brazilian elderly from Primary Health Care.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease is a typical phenomenon in the elderly, and are related to unfavorable genetic, hormonal and environmental (lifestyle) interactions. In this context, oxytocin (OT) seems plays a key role in the development of CVD by performing important actions in metabolism energy and hemodynamic variables. OBJECTIVE: To verify if there is an association between (OT) levels and the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphism (rs2254298) with cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) in the elderly. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in community-dwelling elderly attending primary health care. The genotyping was done using the polymerase chain reaction technique. The CRF factors investigated included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Levels of triglycerides (TGC) postprandial and glucose were measured in capillary blood. OT and cortisol levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The sample comprised 177 elderly individuals. OT levels showed a significant negative correlation with postprandial triglycerides (p = 0.030) and BMI (p = 0.019). OT levels were also associated with leanness (p = 0.005). On Poisson regression analysis, OT remained a predictor for leanness (p = 0.010). No significant associations were observed between the OXTR polymorphism and CRF. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Postprandial TGC levels are increased, while OT levels are decreased, and this hormone was significantly elevated in lean elderly. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings, and the role of OT in metabolic parameters.

The effect of group exercises on balance, mobility, and depressive symptoms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE:: To determine the effects of group exercises on balance, mobility, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment. DESIGN:: Single blinded, randomized, matched pairs clinical trial. SETTING:: Four primary healthcare units. SUBJECTS:: Fifty-two sedentary subjects with mild cognitive impairment were paired (age, sex, body mass index, and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised score), tested, and then randomized into an intervention group ( n = 26) and a control group ( n = 26). INTERVENTION:: The intervention group performed strength (ankle weights, elastic bands, and dumbbells) and aerobic exercises (walking) in their communities' public spaces, twice a week (60 minutes each), during 24 weeks. The control group maintained its usual routine. MAIN MEASURES:: Balance (Berg Balance Scale (BBS)), mobility (Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)), and depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15) were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS:: Before the intervention, the two groups did not differ statistically. After, the intervention group showed significant improvement ( P < 0.05) in balance (before: 53 ± 3; after: 55.1 ± 1.1 points), mobility (before: 10.7 ± 2.9 seconds; after: 8.3 ± 2 seconds), and depressive symptoms (median punctuation (interquartile range) before: 4 (1.8-6); after: 2.5 (1-4)). The control group presented a significant increase in their depressive symptoms (median before: 3.5 (2-7.3); after: 4 (2-5.3)), while their balance and mobility showed no significant modification. Small effect sizes were observed in the intervention group and control group depressive symptoms, as well as in the control group's mobility and balance. Large effect sizes were observed the intervention group's mobility and balance. CONCLUSION:: Group exercises improved balance, mobility, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Body image satisfaction, sociodemographic, functional and clinical aspects of community-dwelling older adults.

Body image, according to the definition by Ledoux et al.(1) is "the systematic, cognitive, affective, conscious, and unconscious representation that people have concerning their bodies during their biological development and throughout their social relationships". OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of body image satisfaction (BIS) and its relationship with sociodemographic, functional and clinical aspects in older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional, analytical and prospective study of a random sample of older adults from all health districts of Porto Alegre (30 health units) was conducted. The following aspects were studied: sociodemographic data (sex, age, marital status and education), BIS (Stunkard's scale), functional tests (30 seconds Sit/Stand Test, time to walk 10m, Handgrip Strength - HGS), physical activity (Minnesota Questionnaire) and cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination). RESULTS: Most of the 532 participants were dissatisfied with their body image (92.5%), particularly the women (71.7%). After Binary Logistic Regression (6 steps), BIS predictors were: high scores for the Sit/Stand (OR: 1.13; p=0.013), higher HGS (OR: 1.06; p=0.049), shorter time engaged in physical activity (OR: 0.77; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of BIS was low and most of the variables analyzed bore no relation to BIS. Notwithstanding, a relationship was found with greater HGS, higher Sit/Stand score and less time engaged in physical activity. Given the scarcity of studies on this subject, our study furthers the knowledge on how body image affects this population group.

A imagem corporal, de acordo com a definição de Ledoux et al.(1), é "a representação sistemática, cognitiva, afetiva, consciente e inconsciente que as pessoas possuem em relação ao seu corpo durante o seu desenvolvimento biológico e ao longo de suas relações sociais". OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de satisfação com a imagem corporal (BIS) e sua relação com aspectos sociodemográficos, funcionais e clínicos em idosos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, analítico e prospectivo, realizado em uma amostra aleatória de idosos de todos os distritos sanitários de Porto Alegre (30 unidades de saúde). Os seguintes aspectos foram estudados: dados sociodemográficos (sexo, idade, estado civil e escolaridade), BIS (escala de Stunkard), testes funcionais (30 segundos Sit/Stand Test, tempo de caminhada 10m, Handgrip Strength - HGS) atividade física (Minnesota Questionnaire) e cognição (Mini Mental State Examination). RESULTADOS: A maioria dos 532 participantes estava insatisfeita com a imagem corporal (92,5%), particularmente as mulheres (71,7%). Após a Regressão Logística Binária (6 passos), os preditores do BIS foram: escores altos para o sentar/levantar (OR: 1,13; p=0,013), maior FP (OR: 1,06; p=0,049), menor tempo gasto em atividade física (OR: 0,77; p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência do BIS foi baixa e a maioria das variáveis ​​analisadas não apresentou relação com o BIS. Não obstante, foi encontrada uma relação com maior FPP, maior escore de Sit/Stand e menor tempo gasto em atividade física. Devido à escassez de estudos sobre o assunto, nossa pesquisa ajuda a aumentar o conhecimento sobre como a imagem corporal afeta essa parcela da população.