High-intensity interval training mitigates the progression of periodontitis and improves behavioural aspects in rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on periodontitis (PD) progression and behavioural outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups: non-trained (NT); non-trained with PD; HIIT with PD; and HIIT. The HIIT protocol, involving daily treadmill sessions, spanned 8 weeks, with PD induced by ligature after the 6th week. Behavioural tests were conducted to assess anxiety and memory. Post euthanasia, we evaluated the systemic inflammatory profile and oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus and amygdala. A morphological evaluation and elemental composition analysis of the mandibular alveolar bone were performed. RESULTS: PD exacerbated alveolar bone level, bone surface damage and alterations in calcium and phosphorus percentages on the bone surface (p < .05), while HIIT attenuated these changes (p < .05). HIIT improved systemic inflammatory markers altered by PD (tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-10, TNF-α/IL-10 and IL-1ß/IL-10 ratios, p < .05). PD animals exhibited lower total antioxidant capacity and levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the amygdala and hippocampus, respectively (p < .05). HIIT maintained these parameters at levels similar to those in NT animals. HIIT improved anxiety and memory outcomes altered by PD (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: HIIT attenuates systemic inflammation, anxiety and memory outcomes promoted by PD.

Game-based learning enhances students' understanding of endocrine physiology in veterinary medicine.

Endocrine physiology is a complex subject for students. Game-based learning (GBL) and case-based learning (CBL) are active methodologies that are widely used because of their potential for motivation and greater proximity to the reality of modern students. We evaluated the effectiveness of GBL and CBL among veterinary medicine students compared with a control group using peer tutoring. Students (n = 106) from two institutions volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were submitted to a pretest questionnaire and subsequently were divided into three paired groups by their performance on the pretest exam: 1) traditional class + peer tutoring, 2) traditional class + GBL, and 3) traditional class + CBL. After the students completed the activities, their performance was once again evaluated by applying a new test with the same initial 10 questions and another set of 10 different questions. The students' perceptions and satisfaction with the methodologies and learning strategies were assessed. Anxiety was assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the conventional class and after the active methodologies. The GBL group significantly improved their correct answers compared with the baseline (P < 0.05), with no significant difference from CBL and peer tutoring. Anxiety levels did not differ regardless of the time of evaluation or the teaching methodology applied. GBL promoted a greater perception of the stimulus for self-study and problem-solving ability and contributed to the development of group dynamics compared with the group who received CBL (P < 0.05). In conclusion, GBL showed better results than peer tutoring and CBL.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We compared the supplementary use of game-based learning, case-based learning, and peer tutoring in the study of endocrine physiology by veterinary students and observed a slight advantage for game-based learning over the other two methodologies. The game was developed by the authors and is an unprecedented tool that can prove useful to improve knowledge acquisition in students of veterinary medicine. Thus, game-based learning is an effective supplementary teaching strategy.

Fear of COVID-19 influences physical activity practice: a study in a Brazilian sample.

The suspension of social activities combined with health insecurity, uncertainty and fear of COVID-19 may influence physical activity practice. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and anxiety on physical activity patterns during the pandemic period. This cross-sectional study was performed in a sample of 520 Brazilian participants recruited by online sampling and snowball method. We assessed demographic variables, health perceptions, anxiety, fear of COVID-19 and physical activity characteristics. Both fear scores and anxiety were higher in woman (p < 0.0001). We observed a remarkable reduction in the frequency and intensity of physical activity and a modification in the exercise practice environment (from gym or sports centers to home-based physical activity) (p < 0.05). Sedentary (sitting) behavior increased during pandemic both in the weekdays and in the weekend (p < 0.0001). Participants who have never been infected were more prone of being classified in higher levels for physical activity (OR: 1.916, CI = 1.043-3.521) versus those who were previously infected (p = 0.05). Participants with a low or moderate level of physical activity before the pandemic presented lower chances of being classified as high physical activity level during the pandemic in comparison to those with high level before pandemic (p < 0.001). The Fear of Covid-19 score was negatively associated with the physical activity level (the higher the fear, the lower the level of physical activity); that is, for every increase in scale score, the odds of vigorous physical activity decreased 3%. In conclusion, fear of COVID-19 and previous contact with the virus negatively influenced physical activity practice.

Quality of life, physical activity and burnout syndrome during online learning period in Brazilian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cluster analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused several changes in the teaching-learning process, as it abruptly replaced the conventional classes into online classes despite social distancing requirements. Such changes may be associated with several mental health problems and negatively affect the quality of life and academic performance of university students. We performed a cluster analysis in a large sample of Brazilian undergraduate students, considering sociodemographic data, physical activity frequency, study areas, Burnout Syndrome (BS), Quality of Life (QoL) and perception of online learning (OL) during COVID-19 pandemic. Seven hundred and three students (between 17 and 62 years, from 67 higher education institutions) participated in the study. We identified three different profiles of students regarding psychological aspects and OL perception. The first profile, called as the 'Low QoL' group was composed of younger students, mainly females, with higher frequency of psychological disorders (as evidenced by the self-report of depression and/or anxiety), in addition to higher Burnout scores, lower QoL and worse OL perception. The second profile called 'Intermediate QoL' comprised participants with an average age of 45 years, with a greater number of men, married, with kids and working in addition to studying. They presented better OL scores than the 'Low QoL' group. The third profile called 'Better QoL' comprised students with higher scores in all domains of QoL and better OL perception, with greater frequency of physical activity and lower BS scores. Students from Health courses showed higher scores for general QoL, and also for the psychological and environmental domains in relation to the other areas. Besides, students of the Exact Sciences courses showed higher scores on all OL perception items in comparison to the other courses. Our results provide insights regarding the mental health profile of undergraduate students, allowing educational managers to outline specific coping strategies to assist students during the pandemic.

Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (BP-OCS) using a large University Sample in Brazil.

We aimed to validate a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (BP-OCS) using a large sample of university students in Brazil (N = 1454). The scale showed solid psychometric characteristics in terms of internal consistency (α = .78), test-retest reliability (ICC = .86), factorial validity (PAF and CFA support), and construct validity. Additionally, BP-OCS scores were found to be higher among females, participants with diagnosed depression, anxiety, and self-reported anxiety. These findings suggest that the BP-OCS is a reliable and valid measure of persistent and disturbed thinking about COVID-19 for Brazilian university students.

Perceived fear of COVID-19 infection according to sex, age and occupational risk using the Brazilian version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale.

We investigated the fear of COVID-19 infection after proper translation and cultural adaptation of the "Fear of COVID-19 Scale" to the Brazilian Portuguese language. A sample of 1,743 Brazilian participants were included. The scale showed excellent psychometric characteristics. Women showed higher anxiety levels. Fear of COVID-19 scores were lower in males with occupational risk of contamination. On the other hand, women and younger individuals showed higher fear of COVID-19 infection scores. The Brazilian Fear of COVID-19 Scale proved to be a reliable tool with excellent psychometric properties for identifying fear of COVID-19 infection in the Brazilian population.

An examination of the fear of COVID-19 and professional quality of life among nurses: A multicultural study.

AIM: To determine the factors that influence nurses' fear of COVID-19 and professional quality of life as well as their attitudes towards COVID-19 in four different countries. BACKGROUND: The emergence of COVID-19 has affected the psychological and professional quality of life of the frontline health care workers, especially nurses. DESIGN: An online cross-sectional multicultural study. METHODS: A total of 1071 nurses from Turkey, Brazil, Spain and Italy were selected by convenience sampling. All participants were invited to complete the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and Professional Quality of Life Scale through online form from October 2020 to January 2021. RESULTS: It has been seen that nurses' fear of COVID-19 has been above the average and their professional quality of life has been affected negatively during the pandemic. Almost one out of three nurses (28.6%) thought of quitting their job during the pandemic. The majority of nurses (91.0%) thought their professional quality of life changed during the pandemic. The mean score of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale is higher in nurses who are working in Brazil, are female, have a chronic illness and are working in an outpatient clinic. Professional quality of life is even lower in nurses who are younger than 40, have a professional experience of less than 15 years, are working in Brazil and have concerns about themselves and their relatives because of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that there was a relationship between fear of COVID-19 and professional quality of life subscales of nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse leaders have an important role in supporting nurses actively during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and providing them with good working conditions, sufficient resources and rewards. In order for nurses to be able to cope with the challenges brought about by the pandemic, particularly the fear of COVID-19, and to avoid thoughts of quitting the profession, it would be beneficial to take certain administrative measures on institutional and territorial basis. It is recommended that employees with a chronic disease work in low-risk clinics, the number of nurses be increased in busier clinics, working hours be reduced and nurses be provided with psychosocial support by experts to cope with stress. On the other hand, effective infection control, personal protective measures and implementing institutional policies and protocols can help to reduce the fear of COVID-19 and increase their professional quality of life.

Adaptation to physical training in rats orally supplemented with glycerol.

We evaluated training adaptation and physical performance parameters in rats orally supplemented with glycerol, glucose, or saline, and submitted to moderate aerobic exercise. Thirty male rats were trained for 6 weeks and administered the supplements during the last 4 weeks of the experiment. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized factorial 2 × 3 design (with or without exercise and 3 substrates). Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were compared using the Student-Newmann-Keuls test at 5%. Among the trained animals, none of the substances caused differences in the percentages of protein, fat, or water content in the carcass. Compared with the sedentary animals, the trained animals supplemented with saline and glucose showed a higher protein percentage in the carcass. The relative mass of the heart and adrenal glands was higher in the trained animals. Glycerol improved the protein content in non-trained animals and increased the relative adrenal mass in both groups. Glycerol reduced the variation in levels of lactate and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) during the last exercise session. There was no difference between groups regarding the relative mass of the thymus and gastrocnemius or with the diameter of muscle fibers or the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. Supplementation with glycerol was efficient at attenuating variation in AST and lactate levels during exercise.

Metabolic effects of glycerol supplementation and aerobic physical training on Wistar rats.

We evaluated the effects of oral glycerol supplementation on trained rats fed a normal diet. Wistar rats were distributed among 6 groups in a completely randomized 2 × 3 factorial design. The animals were subjected to 6 weeks of aerobic training. In the last 4 weeks, the animals' diet was supplemented with saline, glucose, or glycerol. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a Student-Newmann-Keuls test, with values for P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The change in body mass was lower in the trained groups, and their food and water consumption were higher. Glycerol supplementation resulted in an increase in the levels of triacylglycerol (TAG) and total cholesterol, as well as in the area and diameter of adipocytes. When associated with training, these parameters were similar to those of other trained groups. Levels of low-density lipoprotein + very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased in the trained animals that received glycerol compared with the non-trained ones. Glycerol consumption caused a reduction in food intake and increased the villous:crypt (V:C) ratio. No changes in glycemia, high density lipoproteins, or density of adipocytes were observed. Supplementation with glycerol together with aerobic physical training promoted beneficial metabolic effects. However, in non-trained rats glycerol increased the diameter and area of adipocytes, as well as the levels of TAG and total cholesterol.

Fear of the COVID-19 vaccine in a public healthcare system and university setting.

Despite the known benefits, some individuals remain apprehensive about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, which hampers vaccination efforts and the achievement of herd immunity. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess vaccination rates and identify factors influencing fear of the COVID-19 vaccine among individuals served by the public healthcare system (Family Health Strategy - FHS) and in a university community in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Surveys were conducted face-to-face with FHS participants and online with university members, employing a free sharing approach on social media. A total of 1896 and 312 responses were collected, respectively. The survey covered sociodemographic information, COVID-19 fear levels, and vaccination status for both individuals and their children Vaccination coverage was 83% among FHS participants and 99.1% in the university setting. Female respondents in both groups exhibited higher levels of COVID-19 fear (p<0.05), with FHS-assisted women reporting greater apprehension towards vaccination (p<0.05). Educated parents demonstrated better understanding of the importance of child vaccination, while younger parents expressed heightened concerns about vaccine side effects. Among FHS participants, women exhibited a 1.6 times higher fear of vaccination compared to men. Additionally, fear of vaccination increased by 1.10 times for each additional point on the COVID-19 Fear Scale (physiological domain). Effective communication strategies and dispelling misconceptions surrounding immunization could alleviate fear and promote vaccination acceptance.

Humic Acid Derived from Agricultural Biomass Mitigates Alveolar Bone Loss and Modulates Systemic Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats with Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Humic acid (HA) is a bioproduct that can be extracted from different sources and has anti-inflammatory properties that have been little explored in the treatment and prevention of Periodontal Disease (PD). Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of HA on the progression of PD in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were distributed into three experimental groups (Control/ Sham, PD, and PD + HA). HA was administered by gavage (80 mg/kg/day) for 28 days, and PD was induced 14 days after the beginning of treatment. Bone loss, bone topography, and surface elemental composition were analyzed. Circulating IL1-beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 levels were evaluated through Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The animals treated with HA showed lower bone loss (p < 0.05). Calcium and phosphorus levels on the alveolar bone surface were lower in the PD group (p < 0.05) compared to the control group, whereas the animals treated with HA exhibited attenuation in this loss (p < 0.05). The animals treated with HA showed reduced TNF-alpha, IL1-beta, IL-10, and the TNF-alpha/IL-10 ratio compared to those with PD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with HA attenuated the parameters of alveolar bone loss and modulated systemic inflammatory parameters in rats with ligature-induced PD.

Metabolic control of diabetic patients assisted by private and public health care systems during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study.

AIMS: We sought to analyze the impacts of social restriction measures imposed by the pandemic COVID-19 on the control of metabolic parameters in diabetic patients. METHODS: We accessed the medical records of patients who underwent clinical follow-up in the public and private health systems between July 2019 and June 2021. The sample consisted of 288 patients (111 adults and 177 older individuals). A two-way ANOVA mixed model was used to test the effects of intra- (time: baseline and after 24 months) and inter-subject factors. Linear regression analysis was used to predict the difference in body weight considering age, sex, HbA1c, health care system and insulin use. RESULTS: Among adults, we observed an increase in body weight and LDL-c levels, especially for insulin users (p ≤ 0.05). Adults assisted by the public health care system showed higher HbA1c levels (p = 0.001). Among older individuals using insulin, blood glucose levels decreased (p = 0.019). Body weight decreased in those assisted by the private system (p = 0.005), while glycemia decreased for patients assisted by both health care systems (p = 0.043). The linear regression model confirmed that the increase in body weight was more pronounced in adults than in older individuals. CONCLUSION: The social restriction measures imposed by the pandemic affected the metabolic control of diabetic patients, especially adults assisted by the public health care system.

Antitumor effect of selenium-rich Brazil nuts and selenomethionine dietary supplementation on pre-existing 4T1 mammary tumor growth in mice.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient known to play an important role in the antioxidant system that can potentially influence tumor growth. We aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Se supplementation after detection of 4T1 mammary tumor growth in BALB/c mice. Thirty female mice received subcutaneous inoculation of 4T1 cells. After five days, all animals presenting palpable tumors were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (Se-control) receiving a diet with adequate Se (0.15 mg/kg) and two other groups that received Se-supplemented diets (1.4 mg/kg of total Se) with either Brazilian nuts (Se-Nuts) or selenomethionine (SeMet). Data were assessed by either One or Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD or Bonferroni's post hoc tests, respectively. Both Se-supplemented diets reduced tumor volume from the thirteenth day of feeding compared with the Se-adequate (control) diet (p < 0.05). The SeMet group presented a higher Se blood concentration (p < 0.05) than the Se-control group, with the Se-Nuts group presenting intermediate values. Selenoprotein P gene expression in the liver was higher in the Se-Nuts group than in the Se-control group (p < 0.05), while the SeMet group presented intermediate expression. Dietary Se supplementation, starting after detection of 4T1 palpable lesions, reduced tumor volume in mice.

Irisin effects on bone: systematic review with meta-analysis of preclinical studies and prospects for oral health.

Bone quality is an important issue in dentistry. Low bone density may be associated with more severe periodontitis, and may influence implant therapy success. Recent evidence suggests that physical activity can improve alveolar bone quality. Irisin is an exercise-mediated peptide that might be involved in this process. We assessed the effect of exercise and that of intra-peritoneal irisin administration on bone quality in healthy and osteoporosis-induced rodents. This study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020184140), and followed PRISMA guidelines. A search by two independent examiners was conducted in five databases and gray literature up to July 2021, without restrictions regarding language or date of publication. Initially, they analyzed retrieved titles and abstracts (n=3,844) based on eligibility criteria. Of this total, 19 studies remained for full-text reading, and 16 proceeded to the data extraction and quality assessment phases. Meta-analyses were conducted (n= 6 studies) to establish the effects of irisin administration on cancellous bone mineral density (BMD). Exercise or irisin administration enhanced bone quality, but the meta-analysis showed that BMD increased only slightly in osteoporotic rodents (BMD: mean difference 0.03 mg/cm3 - 95% CI 0.01-0.05). This indicates that they had no significant benefits on the bones of healthy animals. Implications of key findings evidence the potential of irisin as an agent able to mitigate bone loss caused by osteoporosis, an outcome that could favor dental rehabilitation. More studies investigating the effect of irisin on alveolar bone are needed to elucidate its therapeutic viability and implications.

Circadian preference and its relationship with possible sleep and awake bruxism in adults assisted by the public health system.

Modern lifestyle and social demands induce changes in sleep routines that may not meet individual circadian preferences (chronotype). Such changes may be associated with the development of unhealthy lifestyles and the emergence of diseases relevant to public health services, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, as well as sleep bruxism (SB) and awake bruxism (AB). The present study aimed to assess the relationship between the evening, morning or intermediate chronotypes with the report of possible SB and AB in adult individuals assisted by the Family Health Strategy (FHS). The selection of participants was performed through probabilistic cluster analysis. The sample size (n = 384) was calculated to include a representative sample of the 52,628 adults registered in the FHS of a countryside city located in the Southeast Region of Brazil. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) was used to determine the chronotype, and Questionnaire-Based Self-Reported Bruxism was used for identifying possible SB and AB. The following clinical and social-behavioral variables were also evaluated: age, sex, BMI, income, physical activity, schooling, alcohol consumption and smoking, chronic diseases and depression. Two logistic regression models were used: one for SB and one for AB. Possible SB was associated with female sex, lack of physical activity and income above 2 minimum wages. Regarding chronotype, a 19% reduction in the chance of possible SB was observed in morning individuals compared to evening individuals (p = .017). Possible AB was associated with younger individuals, smoking and depression. In conclusion, compared with the evening circadian preference, the morning circadian preference was associated with greater protection against possible SB in an adult population assisted by the FHS.

Fatty acids composition and in vivo biochemical effects of Aleurites moluccana seed (Candlenut) in obese wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Candlenut (CN) has been used indiscriminately for weight loss. In vivo effects of CN in different doses are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of CN ingestion in obese rats. DESIGN: Thirty animals (obese and non-obese) received one of three different types of treatments: placebo, CN ingestion in a popular therapeutic regimen (8 days with oral administration of 0.2 mg/kg followed by 20 days with doses of 0.4 mg/kg), and ingestion of a doubled popular dose-called 2CN. Treatment was maintained for 28 days. RESULTS: The fatty acid profile of CN indicated mainly linolelaidic and palmitoleic acids. Rats receiving CN and 2CN showed reduced plasmatic levels of glucose and lipoproteins (p < 0.05). A dose-dependent carcass fat reduction was observed (p < 0.05). Blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) reduced with CN and increased with 2CN doses (p < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the atherogenic index remained similar among all treatments (p > 0.05). Hepatic vacuolation decreased with CN, but the 2CN dose produced mononuclear leucocyte infiltrate. CONCLUSIONS: Although CN presented beneficial effects on the metabolism of rats, it also caused increased risk of liver damage.

Accumulated High-intensity Interval Training Protocol: A New Approach to Study Health Markers in Wistar Rats.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and accumulated exercises are two time-efficient programs to improve health in humans and animal models. However, to date, there are no studies on whether HIIT performed in an accumulated fashion is as effective as a traditional HIIT performed with single daily sessions in improving health markers. This paper presents the effects of a new HIIT protocol, called accumulated HIIT, on body weight gain, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and cardiac hypertrophy in young Wistar rats. Sixty-day-old male Wistar rats were assigned to three groups: untrained (UN; n = 16), HIIT performed with single daily sessions (1-HIIT; n = 16), and HIIT performed with three daily sessions (3-HIIT; n = 16). Body weight and VO2max were recorded before and after the training period. The VO2max measurements were taken using a metabolic analyzer at the maximal running velocity (Vmax). The training was performed for both HIIT groups five days per week over eight weeks with the same weekly progression of the exercise intensity (85-100% Vmax). The 1-HIIT group performed single daily sessions (6 bouts of 1 min interspersed with 1 min of passive recovery). The 3-HIIT group performed three daily sessions (2 bouts of 1 min interspersed with 1 min of passive recovery with an interval of 4 h between bouts). After the last VO2max test, the rats were euthanized, and their hearts were harvested and weighed. The results showed that 3-HIIT had similar beneficial effects to 1-HIIT in preventing body weight gain, improving VO2max, and inducing cardiac hypertrophy. These findings reveal for the first time the efficacy of an accumulated HIIT protocol on the health markers of young Wistar rats. This new HIIT protocol may be more feasible than traditional HIIT protocols as exercise can be split into very short sessions throughout a day in this new approach.

Superior cardiometabolic and cellular adaptive responses to multiple versus single daily sessions of high-intensity interval training in Wistar rats.

This study aimed to compare in rats the cardiometabolic and cellular adaptative responses to 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) performed in a single (1xHIIT) or three shorter daily sessions (3xHIIT). Male Wistar rats were assigned to untrained (n = 10), 1xHIIT (n = 10), and 3xHIIT (n = 10) groups. Both HIIT groups performed 15 min of a treadmill run five times per week for 8 weeks. The 1xHIIT performed single daily sessions of 15 min, and the 3xHIIT performed three daily sessions of 5 min with an interval of 4 h between sessions. Resting VO2 and VO2max were measured using a metabolic chamber; blood pressure and heart rate were measured by plethysmography; body composition was estimated by DEXA; Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed; after euthanasia, hearts, gastrocnemius, and visceral fat were harvested for analysis of cardiac function, histology, and morphology. Mitochondrial densities of the gastrocnemius and left ventricle muscles were determined by electron microscopy. 3xHIIT induced similar positive adaptative responses to 1xHIIT on resting VO2 and VO2max, cardiac function, and mitochondria density. 3xHIIT was superior to 1xHIIT in reducing visceral fat weight and adipocyte size and improving insulin tolerance. Multiple short daily bouts of HIIT may be superior to single HIIT daily sessions in improving cardiometabolic and cellular adaptations in rats.

Dose-response effect of prebiotic ingestion (ß-glucans isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in diabetic rats with periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is one of the most frequent comorbidities in diabetic patients and can contribute to poor blood glucose control. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of ingesting different doses of beta-glucans (BG) isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae on alveolar bone loss (ABL) and inflammatory/metabolic parameters in normal and diabetic rats with ligature-induced periodontal disease (PD). DESIGN: Sixty male rats were assigned into two groups: non-diabetic or diabetic (i.p. 70 mg/kg streptozotocin) with PD. Then, groups were subdivided into five subgroups according BG doses: 0 mg/Kg; 10 mg/Kg; 20 mg/Kg; 40 mg/Kg or 80 mg/Kg. Animals received BG for 28 days and ligatures were placed on lower first molars during the last 14 days. RESULTS: ABL of diabetic and non-diabetic animals receiving BG 40 mg/kg (1.33 ± 0.03 mm and 0.77 ± 0.07 mm, respectively) and 80 mg/kg (1.26 ± 0.07 mm and 0.78 ± 0.05 mm, respectively) doses was lower (p < 0.05) in comparison to respective controls (1.59 ± 0.11 mm and 0.90 mm ±0.08). COX-2 (Control: 1.66 ± 0.12; 40 mg/kg: 1.13 ± 0.07; 80 mg/kg: 0.92 ± 0.18) and RANKL expressions (Control: 1.74 ± 0.34; 40 mg/kg: 1.03 ± 0.29 ;80 mg/kg: 0.75 ± 0.21), together with the RANKL/OPG ratio (Control: 1.17 ± 0.08; 40 mg/kg: 0.67 ± 0.09; 80 mg/kg: 0.63 ± 0.28) were attenuated above the same dose (p < 0.05). BG did not influence (p > 0.05) metabolic parameters in non-diabetic rats. In diabetic animals, doses above 40 mg/kg reduced IL-1ß (Control: 387 ± 66; 40 mg/kg: 309 ± 27; 80 mg/kg: 300 ± 14) and TNF-α (Control: 229 ± 19; 40 mg/kg: 128 ± 53; 80 mg/kg: 71 ± 25), blood glucose levels (Control: 402 ± 49; 40 mg/kg: 334 ± 32; 80 mg/kg: 287 ± 56), total cholesterol (Control: 124 ± 8; 40 mg/kg: 120 ± 10; 80 mg/kg: 108 ± 9), LDL-c + VLDL-c (Control: 106 ± 8; 40 mg/kg: 103 ± 10; 80 mg/kg: 87 ± 10) and triacylglycerols (Control: 508 ± 90; 40 mg/kg: 301 ± 40; 80 mg/kg: 208 ± 61), whereas increased HDL-c (Control: 18 ± 0.5; 40 mg/kg: 19 ± 1; 80 mg/kg: 21 ± 1) (p < 0.05). Optimal dose needed to reduce ABL was higher in diabetic animals with PD. CONCLUSIONS: BG ingestion reduced ABL and improved inflammatory profile in a dose-dependent manner. Best effects were achieved with doses above 40 mg/kg.

Mechanisms Involved in Glycemic Control Promoted by Exercise in Diabetics.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by high glycemic levels for long periods. This disease has a high prevalence in the world population, being currently observed an increase in its incidence. This fact is mainly due to the sedentary lifestyle and hypercaloric diets. Non-pharmacological interventions for glycemic control include exercise, which promotes changes in skeletal muscle and adipocytes. Thus, increased glucose uptake by skeletal muscle and decreased insulin resistance through modulating adipocytes are the main factors that improve glycemic control against diabetes. CONCLUSION: It was sought to elucidate mechanisms involved in the improvement of glycemic control in diabetics in front of the exercise.