Effects of the application of a food processing-based classification system in obese women: A randomized controlled pilot study.

Background: Obesity is one of the major public health problems worldwide and contributes to the onset of many diseases, especially the ones related to the metabolic syndrome. The new Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian population bring a new food classification based on food processing and prioritizes the consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods. Aim: This study analyzed the effects of an educational intervention on obese women, on their weight loss, quality of life, components of the metabolic syndrome and pain. Methods: Randomized controlled pilot study, including 40 obese women, randomized into 2 groups: control group and intervention group. An educational intervention with 5 biweekly meetings of 90 min based on the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian population (2014) was carried out involving the intervention group. Parameters related to weight loss, quality of life (SF-36), pain (McGill), bioelectrical impedance analysis, cardiorespiratory fitness, and serum and clinical components of metabolic syndrome, as well as serum concentrations of cytokines were assessed. Results: Significantly decrease of body mass, waist and hip circumferences, basal metabolic rate, extracellular water, body capacitance, and body cell mass were observed in the intervention group after 3 months. Reduction of pain and improvement in quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness were also observed in the intervention group. There were reductions in waist circumference and glycemia, components of metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: This study showed that the educational intervention can be associated with weight loss, increase in quality of life, reduction of pain, and better metabolic syndrome parameters in obese women.

Correction to: Electroacupuncture induces antihyperalgesic effect through endothelin-B receptor in the chronic phase of a mouse model of complex regional pain syndrome type I.

The original version of this article contains an error. The Author Francisco José Cidral-Filho incorrectly listed as Francisco José Cidra-Filho. The correct spelling is presented above. The original article has been corrected.

Electroacupuncture induces antihyperalgesic effect through endothelin-B receptor in the chronic phase of a mouse model of complex regional pain syndrome type I.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disorder that involves abnormal inflammation and nerve dysfunction frequently resistant to a broad range of treatments. Peripheral nerve stimulation with electroacupuncture (EA) has been widely used in different clinical conditions to control pain and inflammation; however, the use of EA in the treatment of CRPS is under investigation. In this study, we explore the effects of EA on hyperalgesia and edema induced in an animal model of chronic post-ischemia pain (CPIP model) and the possible involvement of endothelin receptor type B (ETB) in this effect. Female Swiss mice were subjected to 3 h hind paw ischemia/reperfusion CPIP model. EA treatment produced time-dependent inhibition of mechanical and cold hyperalgesia, as well as edema in CPIP mice. Peripheral administration (i.pl.) of BQ-788 (10 nmol), an ETB antagonist, prevented EA-induced antihyperalgesia while intrathecal administration prolonged EA's effect. Additionally, peripheral pre-treatment with sarafotoxin (SRTX S6c, 30 pmol, ETB agonist) increased EA anti-hyperalgesic effect. Furthermore, the expression of peripheral ETB receptors was increased after EA treatments, as measured by western blot. These results may suggest that EA's analgesic effect is synergic with ETB receptor activation in the periphery, as well as central (spinal cord) ETB receptor blockade. These data support the use of EA as a nonpharmacological approach for the management of CRPS-I, in an adjuvant manner to ETB receptor targeting drugs.

Early fragmentation of polyester urethane sheet neither causes persistent oxidative stress nor alters the outcome of normal tissue healing in rat skin.

Silicone breast implant is associated with complications inherent to the surgical procedure. Prosthesis coating with polyurethane, however, commonly reduces the incidence of such complications. In this paper, the authors evaluated the inflammatory histomorphometric profile and oxidative damage associated to the implant of polyester urethane sheets. Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided into Sham or polyester urethane groups (n = 8/group) and underwent a polyester urethane implant in the dorsal skinfold. Tissue samples were collected on days seven, 30, and 90 after surgery and subjected to histomorphometric analysis and biochemical tests. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05). Peri-implant tissue samples exhibited characteristic inflammatory response associated with the biomaterial, with increased vascularization on day seven and augmented levels of IL1-b and TNF-a after 30 days. Peri-implant fibrocystic population was small on day seven, but increased considerably after 90 days. A rise in the carbonyl group levels of skin samples in the polyester urethane group was observed on day seven. Findings suggest that polyester urethane sheets undergo biodegradation at an early stage after implantation, followed by increased vascularity and microencapsulation of biomaterial fragments, without persistent oxidative damage. Fiber arrangement inside the collagen matrix results in a fibrotic scar because of polyester urethane degradation.

Aquatic exercise and Far Infrared (FIR) modulates pain and blood cytokines in fibromyalgia patients: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.

Fibromyalgia (FM) has an inflammatory component, as elevated serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers are associated with its diagnosis. Treatments decreased pain, body temperature, improved quality of life and reduced serum levels of IL-6 in both groups; however, these beneficial effects were more pronounced in aquatic exercise (AE) + Far-Infrared (FIR) group. The findings of the present study suggest that the association of AE to FIR increases the benefits of aquatic exercise in patients with FM.

The role of the endocannabinoid system in the antihyperalgesic effect of Cedrus atlantica essential oil inhalation in a mouse model of postoperative pain.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cedar is part of the phylum of conifers, and it's essential oil has been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times. In our previous study, we have demonstrated that the inhalation of the Cedrus atlantica essential oil (CaEO) induces an antihyperalgesic effect in a model of postoperative pain. But the mechanism that underlies this effect is not yet fully known. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigates the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the antihyperalgesic effect produced by the inhalation of CaEO in a post operative pain model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Swiss mice (25-35±2g) were subjected to plantar incision. To assess the involvement of the endocannabinoid system, two different approaches were made: (1) by administering antagonists to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in different sites (intraperitoneal [i.p.], intraplantar [i.pl.] and intrathecal [i.t.]) and (2) by assessing the synergic effect of the inhalation of sub-effective doses of CaEO, Fatty acid hydrolase (FAAH) and Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), and endocannabinoid degradation inhibitors (URB937 and JZL184, respectively). RESULTS: The antihyperalgesic effect of CaEO inhalation was prevented by pretreatment with AM281 or AM630 given by i.p. and i.t., but not i.pl. Additionally, in mice pretreated with FAAH or the MAGL inhibitors, the antihyperalgesic effect of CaEO inhalation was significantly longer, which demonstrates the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the antihyperalgesic effect of CaEO inhalation in a preclinical model of postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that CaEO inhalation exerts an antihyperalgesic effect, possibly by the activation of the endocannabinoid system in a preclinical model of postoperative pain. It could be a new alternative to treat pain in a clinical environment.

Long-Term Regular Eccentric Exercise Decreases Neuropathic Pain-like Behavior and Improves Motor Functional Recovery in an Axonotmesis Mouse Model: the Role of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1.

Although training programs with regular eccentric (ECC) exercise are more commonly used for improving muscular strength and mobility, ECC exercise effects upon functional recovery of the sciatic nerve has not yet been determined. After sciatic nerve crush, different mice groups were subjected to run on the treadmill for 30 min at a speed of 6, 10, or 14 m/min with - 16° slope, 5 days per week, over 8 weeks. During the training time, neuropathic pain-like behavior (mechanical and cold hyperalgesia) was assessed and functional recovery was determined with the grip strength test and the Sciatic Functional and Static indexes (SFI and SSI). After 9 weeks, triceps surae muscle weight and morphological alterations were assessed. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-1Ra (IL-1Ra), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, and markers pro- and anti-inflammatory and regeneration, respectively, were quantified in the muscle and sciatic nerve on day 14 post-crushing. Exercised groups presented less neuropathic pain-like behavior and better functional recovery than non-exercised groups. Biochemically, ECC exercise reduced TNF-α increase in the muscle. ECC exercise increased sciatic nerve IGF-1 levels in sciatic nerve crush-subjected animals. These findings provide new evidence indicating that treatment with ECC might be a potential approach for neuropathy induced by peripheral nerve injury.

Effects of Different Parameters of Continuous Training and High-Intensity Interval Training in the Chronic Phase of a Mouse Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I.

This study evaluated the effects of continuous and interval running on a treadmill on mechanical hyperalgesia in an animal model of chronic postischemia pain and analyzed the mechanism of action of this effect. Different groups of male Swiss mice with chronic postischemia pain, induced by 3 hours of paw ischemia followed by reperfusion, ran on the treadmill in different protocols-the speed (10, 13, 16, or 19 m/min), duration (15, 30, or 60 minutes), weekly frequency (3 or 5 times), weekly increase in continuous and interval running speed-were tested. Mechanical hyperalgesia was evaluated by von Frey filament 7, 14, and 21 days after paw ischemia followed by reperfusion. On day 11 after paw ischemia followed by reperfusion and after 5 days of continuous and interval running, concentrations of cytokines, oxidative stress parameters, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and AKT 1/2/3 expression in the spinal cord were measured. The results showed that continuous running has an antihyperalgesic effect that depends on intensity and volume. Interval running has a longer-lasting antihyperalgesic effect than continuous running. The antihyperalgesic effect depends on intensity and volume in continuous running, and increasing speed maintains the antihyperalgesic effect in both protocols. In the spinal cord, both runs decreased tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels and increased interleukin-10. Both running protocols reduced oxidative damage in the spinal cord. Only interval running had lower concentrations of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in the spinal cord. Interval running presented a great antihyperalgesic potential with more promising results than continuous running, which may be owing to the fact that the interval running can activate different mechanisms from those activated by continuous running. PERSPECTIVE: A minimum of .5-hour sessions of moderate to high intensity ≥3 times a week are essential parameters for continuous and interval running-induced analgesia. However, interval running was shown to be more effective than continuous running and can be an important adjuvant treatment to chronic pain.

Foot Reflexotherapy Induces Analgesia in Elderly Individuals with Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the effects of foot reflexotherapy on pain and postural balance in elderly individuals with low back pain. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled pilot study. Participants (n = 20) were randomly assigned to 2 groups: individuals submitted to conventional foot massage (control group) or foot reflexotherapy (RT, intervention group) for a period of 5 weeks. Questionnaires on pain and disability (visual analogue scale [VAS] and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ]), heart rate variability, and orthostatic balance and baropodometric analysis were assessed at two intervals: before and after intervention. RESULTS: RT group showed statistically significant differences when compared to control group in the following parameters: decrease in VAS scores for pain throughout the study, decrease in parasympathetic activity, and improvement in RMDQ scores. The two groups did not statistically differ in either orthostatic balance or baropodometric analyses. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that foot reflexotherapy induced analgesia but did not affect postural balance in elderly individuals with low back pain.

Força de preensão manual de idosos participantes de grupos de convivência / Hand grip strength in elderly participants in community groups / Fuerza de prensión manual en mayores participantes de grupos de convivência

Analisar a força de preensão manual (FPM) de idosos participantes de grupos de convivência e sua relação com sexo, prática de atividade física, diabetes, hipertensão arterial sistêmica e osteoporose. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com idosos de ambos os sexos, participantes de grupos de convivência do município de Palhoça-SC. Coletaram-se dados clínicos e FPM entre julho e outubro de 2012 e analisou-se a influência das variáveis estudadas sobre a FPM. Resultados: Fizeram parte da amostra 69 mulheres (87,3%) e 10 homens (12,7%), onde 34,2% (n=27) dos idosos relataram apresentar diabetes, 55,7% (n=44) hipertensão arterial sistêmica e 25,3% (n=20) osteoporose. A FPM dos homens (63,9 ± 15,1 pounds) foi maior do que das mulheres, (40,5 ± 12,2 pounds) (p=0,001). Não houve diferença significativa entre as médias da FPM entre os idosos praticantes e não praticantes de atividade física (p=0,99). Houve influência da osteoporose sobre FMP, onde os idosos sem a doença tinham mais força que os acometidos (p=0,002). Conclusão: Os idosos investigados apresentaram baixa FPM, sendo a dos homens maior do que das mulheres. A prática da atividade física, hipertensão arterial sistêmica e a diabetes não influenciaram a FPM, entretanto, os idosos com osteoporose apresentaram FPM diminuída...

To analyze the hand grip strength (HGS) in elderly participants in community groups and its relation to gender, physical activity practice, diabetes, systemic arterial hypertension and osteoporosis. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, performed with 79 elderly people of both genders, participants of community groups in the city of Palhoça-SC. Clinical data and HGS were assessed from July to October 2012, being analyzed the influence of the variables on the HGS. Results: The sample comprised 69 women (87.3%) and 10 men (12.7%), where 34.2% (n= 27) of the elderly reported having diabetes, 55.7% (n= 44) systemic arterial hypertension and 25.3% (n= 20) osteoporosis. The men?s HGS (63.97 ± 15.17 pounds) was higher than the women?s (40.52 ± 12.27 pounds), (p=0.001). There was no significant difference between the HGS averages among the elderly practitioners of physical activity and the non-practitioners (p= 0.99). There was influence of osteoporosis on the HGS, where the elderly without the disease presented more strength than the affected ones (p=0.002). Conclusion: The elderly showed lower HGS values than expected for their age, being men?s HGS higher than the women?s. The physical activity practice, systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes did not influence the HGS, however, the elderly with osteoporosis showed diminished HGS...

Analizar la fuerza de prensión manual (FPM) em mayores participantes de grupos de convivencia y su relación con el sexo, práctica de actividad física, diabetes, hipertensión arterial sistémica y osteoporosis. Métodos: Se trata de un estúdio descriptivo, trasversal con abordaje cuantitativo realizado em mayores de ambos sexos, participantes de grupos de convivência del municipio de Palhoça-SC. Se recogieron datos clínicos y FPM de julio a octubre de 2012 y se analizó la influencia de lãs variables estudiadas sobre la FRM. Resultados: La muestra fue de 69 mujeres (87,3%) y 10 hombres (12,7%), de los cuales el 34,2% (n= 27) de los mayores relataron presentar diabetes, El 55,7% (n= 44) hipertensión arterial sistémica y el 25,3% (n= 20) osteoporosis. La FPM de los hombres 63,9 (± 15,1) pounds, fue más elevada que de las mujeres 40,5 (± 12,2) pounds (p=0,001). Conclusión: Los mayores investigados presentaron baja FPM siendo la de los hombres más elevada que de las mujeres. La práctica de actividad física, hipertensión arterial sistémica y La diabetes no han influenciado en la FPM, sin embargo, los mayores con osteoporosis presentaron la FPM disminuida...

Análise da ativddade eletromiográfica do músculo tibial anterior de idosos, em solo estável e instáell / Electromygraphic activity analysis of tibialis anterior muscle in elderlly in stable and unstable soil

O estudo teve como objetivo analisar a atividade eletromiográfica do músculo tibial anterior em solo estável e instável em idosos e comparar os sinais entre os gêneros e entre os solos. A amostra foi composta por 13 idosos, de idades entre 60 e 70 anos, sendo 6 homens e 7 mulheres. A coleta do sinal eletromiográfico do músculo tibial anterior foi realizada inicialmente em apoio unipodal em solo estável (solo), em apoio unipodal em solo instável (cama elástica) e finalmente em contração isométrica voluntária máxima (CIVM). Os indivíduos também foram submetidos ao teste Agilidade e Equilíbrio Dinâmico (AGIL). Para a análise estatística entre os sujeitos do mesmo grupo foi utilizado o teste t student paramétrico, e entre grupos diferentes foi utilizado o teste t student não paramétrico, para intervalo de confiança p<0,05. Quanto aos resultados verificou-se que não houve diferença significativa na % do Root Mean Square (RMS) da CIVM do músculo tibial anterior entre os gêneros e os solos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os gêneros no AGIL. Entretanto os resultados das médias dos valores de RMS do músculo tibial anterior, em solo instável, dos indivíduos idosos do presente estudo (166µV no gênero feminino e 204µV no gênero masculino) são consideravelmente maiores que os valores de RMS de indivíduos jovens em outros estudos (90µV). Ressalta-se com os resultados, a importância do trabalho de propriocepção para a melhora da reatividade e do padrão de recrutamento neuromuscular em idosos buscando a melhora da capacidade funcional.

The study aimed to analyze the electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior muscle in stable and unstable soil in the elderly and compare the signals between genders and between soils. The sample consisted of 13 elderly, aged between 60 and 70 years, 6 men and 7 women. The EMG signal from the tibialis anterior muscle was initially performed on one foot on stable ground (soil) in one foot on unstable ground (trampoline) and finally voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). The subjects were also tested with Agility and Dynamic Equilibrium (AGIL). Statistical analysis between the subjects of the same group was used parametric Student t test, and between different groups we used the Student t test nonparametric confidence interval for p <0.05. As the results showed that there was no significant difference in% Root Mean Square (RMS) of the tibialis anterior muscle MVIC between genders and soils. There was no significant difference between genders in AGIL. However the results of mean RMS values of the tibialis anterior muscle in unstable soil, the elderly subjects in this study (166?V 204?V in females and in males) are considerably larger than the RMS values of young individuals in other studies (90?V). It is emphasized by the results, the importance of the work of proprioception to improve the reactivity and the pattern of neuromuscular recruitment in elderly seeking improved functional capacity.