Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs act as endocrine disruptors in Astyanax lacustris (Teleostei: Characidae) reproduction: An ex vivo approach.

Pharmaceutical products can act as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), affecting the physiological processes of animals, such as development or reproduction. This study aimed to investigate the influence of different concentrations of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) diclofenac (DCF) and ibuprofen (IBU) alone and mixed (MIX) on gonadotropin gene expression and gonadal steroid release using Astyanax lacustris pituitary and testes explant systems, respectively. The explant organs were maintained for 12 h in Leibovitz (L-15) medium supplemented with 0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 ng L-1 of DCF, IBU, and MIX (ratio 1:1 of the same concentrations of DCF and IBU alone) and gonadotropin releasing-hormone (cGnRH2) stimulation in pituitary explants and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation in testes explants. The pituitary glands and the media from the testicular explants were collected for gene expression analysis including the ß subunit of the follicle-stimulating hormone (fshß) and luteinizing hormone (lhß) and secreted gonadal steroid concentration analysis, respectively. Both DCF and IBU (alone and mixed) decreased pituitary gene expression of fshß and lhß and this inhibitory effect was evident even at low concentrations. In the testes, DCF and IBU did not change the levels of estradiol, and both pharmaceuticals increased the release of 11-ketotestosterone at low doses, while only IBU decreased the levels of testosterone in all concentrations. IBU's inhibitory effect in the testes was not triggered by the mixture of the two drugs. These results suggest that NSAIDs, may interfere in fish reproduction by acting as EDCs, thereby negatively affecting A. lacustris spermatogenesis and maturation.

Isolation, in vitro study, and stem cell markers for type A spermatogonia in a Characiformes species.

The objective of this study was to establish a protocol for the characterization, isolation, and culture of type A spermatogonia using specific molecular markers for these cells in fish. To this end, adult Prochilodus lineatus testes were collected and digested enzymatically and the resulting testicular suspension was separated using a discontinuous Percoll gradient, followed by differential plating. The cell cultures obtained were monitored for 15 days and analyzed using the immunofluorescence method with anti-Vasa, anti-GFRα1, and anti-OCT4 antibodies. Spermatogonial enrichment was also performed using flow cytometry. Although discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation followed by differential plating enabled the removal of differentiated germ cells and somatic cells, enriching the pool of type A spermatogonia, the enrichment of type A spermatogonia through flow cytometry of samples without Percoll proved to be more efficient. Prominent cell agglomerates that were characterized according to different stem cell markers as type A spermatogonia were observed during the 15 days of the cell culture. The use of immunoperoxidase and western blot analysis methods confirmed the specificity of the markers for type A spermatogonia of P. lineatus. When combined with specific cell culture conditions, the positive characterization of these molecular markers clarified certain aspects of spermatogonial regulation, such as survival and proliferation. Finally, understanding the regulation of the in vitro germ cell maintenance process may contribute to the enhancement of in vivo and in vitro reproduction techniques of endangered or aquaculture fish species.

Lean mass as a determinant of bone mineral density of proximal femur in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To verify which component of body composition (BC) has greater influence on postmenopausal women bone mineral density (BMD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Four hundred and thirty women undergoing treatment for osteoporosis and 513 untreated women, except for calcium and vitamin D. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed in order to correlated BMD at lumbar spine (LS), total femur (FT), femoral neck (FN) with body mass (BM), total lean mass (LM) and total fat mass (FM), all determined by DXA. RESULTS: BM significantly correlated with all bone sites in untreated and treated women (r = 0.420 vs 0.277 at LS; r = 0.490 vs 0.418 at FN, r = 0.496 vs 0.414 at FT, respectively). In untreated women, the LM correlated better than FM with all sites, explaining 179% of LS; 32.3% of FN and 30.2% of FT; whereas FM explained 13.2% of LS; 277% of FN, 23.4% of FT In treated women, correlations with BC were less relevant, with the LM explaining 6.7% of BMD at LS; 15.2% of FN, 16% of FT, whereas the FM explained 8.1% of LS; 179% of FN and 176% of FT. CONCLUSION: LM in untreated women was better predictor of BMD than FM, especialy for distal femur, where it explained more than 30% of the BMD, suggesting that maintaining a healthy muscle mass may contribute to decrease osteoporosis risk. Treatment with anti-osteoporotic drugs seems to mask these relationships. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2018;62(4):431-7.

Lean mass as a determinant of bone mineral density of proximal femur in postmenopausal women

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify which component of body composition (BC) has greater influence on postmenopausal women bone mineral density (BMD). Subjects and methods: Four hundred and thirty women undergoing treatment for osteoporosis and 513 untreated women, except for calcium and vitamin D. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed in order to correlated BMD at lumbar spine (LS), total femur (FT), femoral neck (FN) with body mass (BM), total lean mass (LM) and total fat mass (FM), all determined by DXA. Results: BM significantly correlated with all bone sites in untreated and treated women (r = 0.420 vs 0.277 at LS; r = 0.490 vs 0.418 at FN, r = 0.496 vs 0.414 at FT, respectively). In untreated women, the LM correlated better than FM with all sites, explaining 179% of LS; 32.3% of FN and 30.2% of FT; whereas FM explained 13.2% of LS; 277% of FN, 23.4% of FT In treated women, correlations with BC were less relevant, with the LM explaining 6.7% of BMD at LS; 15.2% of FN, 16% of FT, whereas the FM explained 8.1% of LS; 179% of FN and 176% of FT. Conclusion: LM in untreated women was better predictor of BMD than FM, especialy for distal femur, where it explained more than 30% of the BMD, suggesting that maintaining a healthy muscle mass may contribute to decrease osteoporosis risk. Treatment with anti-osteoporotic drugs seems to mask these relationships. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2018;62(4):431-7

Characterization of undifferentiated spermatogonia and the spermatogonial niche in the lambari fish Astyanax altiparanae.

Undifferentiated type A spermatogonia are the foundation of fish spermatogenesis. This cell population includes the spermatogonial stem cell population, which is able to either self-renew or differentiate into cells that will generate the male gamete - the spermatozoa. Spermatogonia stem cells are located in a specific region of the testes known as the spermatogonial niche, which regulates spermatogonial stem cell function. This study characterizes undifferentiated type A spermatogonia and their S-phase label-retaining cell properties in Astyanax altiparanae testes. This is a fish species of substantial commercial, environmental, and academic importance. Two types of undifferentiated spermatogonia have been described in A. altiparanae testis: Aund* and Aund. Among the main differences observed, Aund* spermatogonia have an irregular nuclear envelope, decondensed chromatin, one or two nucleoli, and nuages in the cytoplasm; meanwhile, type Aund have a round nucleus. Aund* is preferentially distributed in areas neighboring the interstitial compartment, whereas Aund is located in the intertubular area. Finally, this study found that undifferentiated type A spermatogonia were able to retain BrdU over a long chase period, suggesting that these cells have a long cell cycle and potential stem cell candidates among them. Based on these findings, undifferentiated type A spermatogonia may be characterized as putative stem cells in A. altiparanae testis. This work will contribute to further studies on the stem cell biology of this promising Neotropical experimental model.

Involution processes of follicular atresia and post-ovulatory complex in a characid fish ovary: a study of apoptosis and autophagy pathways.

Recent studies seem to indicate that apoptosis and autophagy can act cooperatively in fish ovaries in order to achieve more effective ovarian regression after spawning. Considering the importance of tissue remodeling in ovarian functioning, we sought to morphologically characterize the involution processes of follicular atresia and post-ovulatory complexes using Astyanax altiparanae as an experimental model, and to determine the location of proteins involved in apoptosis and autophagy throughout this process. Fifteen females were collected after reproductive management. Fragments of the left ovaries were removed, fixed, and prepared for light microscopy and immunofluorescence analyses. The main characteristics of the involution processes were found to be consistent with previous descriptions. However, there were certain morphological peculiarities that do not appear to have been described for any other species thus far. These peculiarities may be related to the focus of this study on a single species, which allows for a more detailed investigation into morphological changes than studies on multiple species. Autophagy was also found to precede apoptosis in both involution processes in A. altiparanae. This may be related to the energy recycling process required before the removal of degenerated follicular cells by apoptosis. Thus, these results support the idea that there is crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis pathways in ovarian involution processes, as well as the idea that the cell death pathways of these processes are conserved between teleost species with external fertilization.

Gonadotropin subunits of the characiform Astyanax altiparanae: Molecular characterization, spatiotemporal expression and their possible role on female reproductive dysfunction in captivity.

To better understand the endocrine control of reproduction in Characiformes and the reproductive dysfunctions that commonly occur in migratory fish of this order when kept in captivity, we chose Astyanax altiparanae, which has asynchronous ovarian development and multiple spawning events, as model species. From A. altiparanae pituitary total RNA, we cloned the full-length cDNAs coding for the follicle-stimulating hormone ß subunit (fshb), the luteinizing hormone ß subunit (lhb), and the common gonadotropin α subunit (gpha). All three sequences showed the highest degree of amino acid identity with other homologous sequences from Siluriformes and Cypriniformes. Real-time, quantitative PCR analysis showed that gpha, fshb and lhb mRNAs were restricted to the pituitary gland. In situ hybridization and immunofluorescence, using specific-developed and characterized polyclonal antibodies, revealed that both gonadotropin ß subunits mRNAs/proteins are expressed by distinct populations of gonadotropic cells in the proximal pars distalis. No marked variations for lhb transcripts levels were detected during the reproductive cycle, and 17α,20ß-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one plasma levels were also constant, suggesting that the reproductive dysfunction seen in A. altiparanae females in captivity are probably due to a lack of increase of Lh synthesis during spawning season. In contrast, fshb transcripts changed significantly during the reproductive cycle, although estradiol-17ß (E2) levels remained constant during the experiment, possibly due to a differential regulation of E2 synthesis. Taken together, these data demonstrate the putative involvement of gonadotropin signaling on the impairment of the reproductive function in a migratory species when kept in captivity. Future experimental studies must be carried to clarify this hypothesis. All these data open the possibility for further basic and applied studies related to reproduction in this fish model.

Digital vertebral morphometry performed by DXA: a valuable opportunity for identifying fractures during bone mass assessment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of vertebral morphometry in identifying unreferred vertebral fractures and correlate potential risk factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Female patients above 45 years, postmenopausal for at least 2 years, diagnosed with osteoporosis and undergoing treatment for at least three months were considered eligible. All of them underwent bone densitometry and vertebral morphometry performed by concomitant DXA. The presence of fractures was defined between T7 and L4; only moderate and severe fractures were considered for analysis. All volunteers were submitted to laboratory tests, anthropometry and responded a questionnaire on their lifestyle habits and medical history. RESULTS: Thirty two (17%) out of the 188 female patients presented with at least one vertebral fracture, among whom only 4 (12.5%) were previously aware of the fracture. The fractures were mainly located on the thoracic spine. Nine patients had severe fractures (28.1%), whereas 23 had moderate fractures (71.9%). On average, patients with fractures were 5 years older and weighed 5 kilograms less than those without fractures. The creatinine clearance was on average 9 mL/min less in patients with vertebral fracture. The assessment of vertebral fractures by morphometry is a fast, accurate and complementary method associated with low radiation exposure for identifying moderate and severe vertebral fractures. Predisposition to vertebral fractures does not depend solely on BMD.

Digital vertebral morphometry performed by DXA: a valuable opportunity for identifying fractures during bone mass assessment

Objectives To evaluate the usefulness of vertebral morphometry in identifying unreferred vertebral fractures and correlate potential risk factors. Subjects and methods Female patients above 45 years, postmenopausal for at least 2 years, diagnosed with osteoporosis and undergoing treatment for at least three months were considered eligible. All of them underwent bone densitometry and vertebral morphometry performed by concomitant DXA. The presence of fractures was defined between T7 and L4; only moderate and severe fractures were considered for analysis. All volunteers were submitted to laboratory tests, anthropometry and responded a questionnaire on their lifestyle habits and medical history. Results Thirty two (17%) out of the 188 female patients presented with at least one vertebral fracture, among whom only 4 (12.5%) were previously aware of the fracture. The fractures were mainly located on the thoracic spine. Nine patients had severe fractures (28.1%), whereas 23 had moderate fractures (71.9%). On average, patients with fractures were 5 years older and weighed 5 kilograms less than those without fractures. The creatinine clearance was on average 9 mL/min less in patients with vertebral fracture. The assessment of vertebral fractures by morphometry is a fast, accurate and complementary method associated with low radiation exposure for identifying moderate and severe vertebral fractures. Predisposition to vertebral fractures does not depend solely on BMD. .

25-Hydroxyvitamin D level does not reflect intestinal calcium absorption: an assay using strontium as a surrogate marker.

There is conflicting evidence as to the optimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration for intestinal calcium absorption (Abs-Ca). Our purpose was to assess the relationship between vitamin D status and Abs-Ca in postmenopausal women. Fifty volunteers with low bone mass were grouped according to their serum 25(OH)D concentration as follows: mild deficient, <50 nmol/L (DEF) and sufficient, ≥75 nmol/L (SUF). The subjects were submitted to an oral strontium overload test to assess their Abs-Ca. Fasting blood samples were obtained to perform the relevant hormonal and biochemical tests. After the subjects received the test solution, blood samples were drawn at 30, 60, 120, and 240 min to determine the strontium concentrations. Abs-Ca was indirectly expressed as the area under the serum strontium concentration curve (AUC). A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to determine the differences among the groups. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were used to study the associations between the variables. The mean 25(OH)D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] concentrations differed between the groups (SUF vs. DEF) as follows: 98.7 ± 18.2 vs. 38.4 ± 8.5 nmol/L (p < 0.001) and 36.2 ± 10.2 vs. 24.9 ± 4.6 pg/mL (p < 0.001), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for parathyroid hormone and AUC. Only 1,25(OH)2D influenced the strontium absorption in the last 2 h of the test. In the studied population, no correlation between levels of 25(OH)D and Abs-Ca was found. Only 1,25(OH)2D influenced Abs-Ca as measured by a strontium absorption test.

Recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology (SBEM) for the diagnosis and treatment of hypovitaminosis D.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to present an update on the diagnosis and treatment of hypovitaminosis D, based on the most recent scientific evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Department of Bone and Mineral Metabolism of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology (SBEM) was invited to generate a document following the rules of the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) Guidelines Program. Data search was performed using PubMed, Lilacs and SciELO and the evidence was classified in recommendation levels, according to the scientific strength and study type. CONCLUSION: A scientific update regarding hypovitaminosis D was presented to serve as the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition in Brazil.

Modifiable factors of vitamin D status among a Brazilian osteoporotic population attended a public outpatient clinic.

Objectives To evaluate the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration in Brazilian osteoporotic patients and the modifiable factors of vitamin D status in this population. Subjects and methods In a cross-sectional study, 363 community-dwelling patients who sought specialized medical care were evaluated between autumn and spring in São Paulo, Brazil. Serum levels of 25(OH)D and parathormone (PTH), biochemical and anthropometric measurements, and bone density scans were obtained. The group was assessed using two questionnaires: one questionnaire covered lifestyle and dietary habits, skin phototype, sun exposure, medical conditions, and levels of vitamin D supplementation (cholecalciferol); the other questionnaire assessed health-related quality-of-life. Logistic regression and a decision tree were used to assess the association between the variables and the adequacy of vitamin D status. Results The mean age of the overall sample was 67.9 ± 8.6 years, and the mean 25(OH)D concentration was 24.8 ng/mL. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin D status was high (73.3%), although 81.5% of the subjects were receiving cholecalciferol (mean dose of 8,169 IU/week). 25(OH)D was positively correlated with femoral neck bone mineral density and negatively correlated with PTH. In the multivariate analysis, the dose of cholecalciferol, engagement in physical activity and the month of the year (September) were associated with improvement in vitamin D status. Conclusions In this osteoporotic population, vitamin D supplementation of 7,000 IU/week is not enough to reach the desired 25(OH)D concentration (≥ 30 ng/mL). Engagement in physical activity and the month of the year are modifiable factors of the vitamin D status in this population.

Modifiable factors of vitamin D status among a Brazilian osteoporotic population attended a public outpatient clinic / Fatores modificáveis do status de vitamina D em uma população brasileira de osteoporóticos assistidos em um ambulatório público

Objectives To evaluate the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration in Brazilian osteoporotic patients and the modifiable factors of vitamin D status in this population. Subjects and methods In a cross-sectional study, 363 community-dwelling patients who sought specialized medical care were evaluated between autumn and spring in São Paulo, Brazil. Serum levels of 25(OH)D and parathormone (PTH), biochemical and anthropometric measurements, and bone density scans were obtained. The group was assessed using two questionnaires: one questionnaire covered lifestyle and dietary habits, skin phototype, sun exposure, medical conditions, and levels of vitamin D supplementation (cholecalciferol); the other questionnaire assessed health-related quality-of-life. Logistic regression and a decision tree were used to assess the association between the variables and the adequacy of vitamin D status. Results The mean age of the overall sample was 67.9 ± 8.6 years, and the mean 25(OH)D concentration was 24.8 ng/mL. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin D status was high (73.3%), although 81.5% of the subjects were receiving cholecalciferol (mean dose of 8,169 IU/week). 25(OH)D was positively correlated with femoral neck bone mineral density and negatively correlated with PTH. In the multivariate analysis, the dose of cholecalciferol, engagement in physical activity and the month of the year (September) were associated with improvement in vitamin D status. Conclusions In this osteoporotic population, vitamin D supplementation of 7,000 IU/week is not enough to reach the desired 25(OH)D concentration (≥ 30 ng/mL). Engagement in physical activity and the month of the year are modifiable factors of the vitamin D status in this population. .

Objetivos Avaliar a concentração sérica de 25-hidroxivitamina D [25(OH)D] em pacientes osteoporóticos brasileiros e os fatores modificáveis do status de vitamina D nesta população. Sujeitos e métodos Em um estudo transversal, 363 pacientes, residentes na comunidade, que procuravam atendimento médico especializado, foram avaliados entre o outono e a primavera, em São Paulo, Brasil. Níveis séricos de 25(OH)D e paratormônio (PTH), avaliações bioquímicas e antropométricas e exames de densitometria óssea foram obtidos. O grupo foi avaliado por meio de dois questionários: um questionário abordou estilo de vida e hábitos alimentares, fototipo de pele, exposição solar, problemas médicos e os níveis de suplementação de vitamina D (colecalciferol); o outro questionário avaliou a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. Regressão logística e árvore de decisão foram utilizadas para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis e a adequação do status de vitamina D. Resultados A idade média da amostra foi de 67,9 ± 8,6 anos e a concentração média de 25(OH)D foi de 24,8 ng/mL. A prevalência de um status de vitamina D inadequado foi elevada (73,3%), apesar de 81,5% dos indivíduos receberem colecalciferol (dose média de 8.169 UI/semana). 25(OH)D correlacionou-se positivamente com a densidade mineral óssea do colo de fêmur e negativamente com PTH. Nas análises multivariadas, a dose de colecalciferol, a prática de exercícios físicos e o mês do ano (setembro) foram associados com a melhora do status de vitamina D. Conclusões Nesta população osteoporótica, a suplementação de 7.000 UI/semana não é suficiente para atingir a concentração desejada ...

Recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SBEM) para o diagnóstico e tratamento da hipovitaminose D / Recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology (SBEM) for the diagnosis and treatment of hypovitaminosis D

Objetivo Apresentar uma atualização sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento da hipovitaminose D baseada nas mais recentes evidências científicas. Materiais e métodos O Departamento de Metabolismo Ósseo e Mineral da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SBEM) foi convidado a conceber um documento seguindo as normas do Programa Diretrizes da Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB). A busca dos dados foi realizada por meio do PubMed, Lilacs e SciELO e foi feita uma classificação das evidências em níveis de recomendação, de acordo com a força científica por tipo de estudo. Conclusão Foi apresentada uma atualização científica a respeito da hipovitaminose D que servirá de base para o diagnóstico e tratamento dessa condição no Brasil. .

Objective The objective is to present an update on the diagnosis and treatment of hypovitaminosis D, based on the most recent scientific evidence. Materials and methods The Department of Bone and Mineral Metabolism of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology (SBEM) was invited to generate a document following the rules of the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) Guidelines Program. Data search was performed using PubMed, Lilacs and SciELO and the evidence was classified in recommendation levels, according to the scientific strength and study type. Conclusion A scientific update regarding hypovitaminosis D was presented to serve as the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition in Brazil. .

Vitamin D supplementation and strontium ranelate absorption in postmenopausal women with low bone mass.

BACKGROUND: Strontium ranelate is used to treat osteoporosis. Calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr) have common chemical features and are absorbed by the same pathways. Vitamin D has a main role in calcium intestinal absorption. The aim of this study was to investigate whether vitamin D status is a determinant of strontium ranelate absorption. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D<50 nmol/l) and 25 with vitamin D sufficiency (25(OH)D>75 nmol/l) underwent a 4-h oral Sr overload test. Sr absorption was evaluated as the fraction of absorbed dose and the area under the curve. After the baseline overload test, the deficient patients were treated until reaching sufficient vitamin D levels (25(OH)D>75 nmol/l) and the test was repeated. RESULTS: Changing vitamin D status from deficient to sufficient resulted in a significant increase in 1,25(OH)2D (24.97±4.64×34.62±9.14 pg/ml, P<0.001) and a reduction in parathyroid hormone (73.87±37.50×58.24±20.13 pg/ml, P=0.006). Nevertheless, no differences were found in the parameters used to evaluate Sr absorption between the vitamin D deficient and sufficient groups. In addition, vitamin D3 replacement in the deficient group did not result in enhanced Sr absorption. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D status did not interfere with strontium ranelate absorption. Taking into account the benefits of adequate vitamin D status in osteoporotic patients, we strongly recommend the treatment of vitamin D deficiency. However, the data demonstrate that such treatment does not enhance strontium ranelate absorption in patients with mild deficiency.

Antioxidant intake and bone status in a cross-sectional study of Brazilian women with osteoporosis.

This study aimed to investigate the association between antioxidant intake and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 150 women, mean age 68.7 (SD 9.1) years. BMD and body composition were obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We assessed anthropometric measures and dietary intake and applied an adapted Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score (a-DAQS) to evaluate the antioxidant consumption. 65.3% of women had higher scores on the a-DAQS. We found no relationship between the a-DAQS and BMD; however, we observed an inverse correlation between vitamin A and lumbar spine (LS) BMD in g/cm(2) (r = - 0.201; p = 0.013). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test also showed that vitamin A was negatively associated with the LS BMD (F = 6.143; p = 0.013, but without significance when a multivariate analysis was applied. The a-DAQS did not have an association with BMD; however, Vitamin A showed a negative correlation with BMD, but such an association disappeared when the other antioxidants were taken together. Our findings encourage an antioxidant-based dietary approach to osteoporosis prevention and treatment, since the negative effect of vitamin A was neutralized by the intake of such nutrients.

[Predictors of goal achievement in an intervention program among Japanese-Brazilians]. / Fatores preditores do alcance das metas de um programa de intervenção em nipo-brasileiros.

The aim of this study was to identify baseline factors associated with achieving goals after a 12-month lifestyle intervention program in a Japanese-Brazilian population, using adjusted logistic regression models. In 2005, 321 participants were overweight. The odds [OR (IC95%)] of reaching the goals after 12 months of intervention were directly related to female gender [2.35 (1.34, 4.13)] and older age [1.03 (1.00, 1.06)] and inversely related to baseline morbidity [0.33 (0.14, 0.77)]. Of the 261 sedentary individuals, achieving the goal for physical activity was inversely related to working [0.44 (0.17, 0.95)]. No baseline predictors were found for reaching the goal of fruit and vegetable consumption or saturated fat intake after 12 months. At baseline, women, older individuals, and individuals without diseases or not working showed increased odds of achieving the goals after 12 months of the lifestyle intervention.

Fatores preditores do alcance das metas de um programa de intervenção em nipo-brasileiros / Predictors of goal achievement in an intervention program among Japanese-Brazilians

Identificar fatores da linha de base preditores do alcance das metas do programa de intervenção no estilo de vida após 12 meses em população de nipo-brasileiros, empregando-se modelos de regressão logística ajustados. Em 2005, 321 participantes eram portadores de excesso de peso e houve maior chance [OR (IC95 por cento)] de alcance da meta de perda de peso após 12 meses entre mulheres [2,45 (1,33; 4,13)], indivíduos de maior idade [1,03 (1,00; 1,06)] e menor chance entre portadores de morbidades no início do estudo [0,33 (0,14; 0,77)]. Dos 261 indivíduos sedentários, o alcance da meta de atividades físicas foi inversamente relacionado ao exercício de atividades profissionais [0,40 (0,17; 0,95)]. Não se verificou fatores da linha de base associados ao alcance das metas do consumo de legumes, verduras e frutas e gorduras saturadas da dieta após 12 meses. Indivíduos de maior idade, mulheres, não portadores de morbidades e sem exercício de atividades profissionais na linha de base apresentaram maior chance de alcance das metas após 12 meses de intervenção no estilo de vida.

The aim of this study was to identify baseline factors associated with achieving goals after a 12-month lifestyle intervention program in a Japanese-Brazilian population, using adjusted logistic regression models. In 2005, 321 participants were overweight. The odds [OR (IC95 percent)] of reaching the goals after 12 months of intervention were directly related to female gender [2.35 (1.34, 4.13)] and older age [1.03 (1.00, 1.06)] and inversely related to baseline morbidity [0.33 (0.14, 0.77)]. Of the 261 sedentary individuals, achieving the goal for physical activity was inversely related to working [0.44 (0.17, 0.95)]. No baseline predictors were found for reaching the goal of fruit and vegetable consumption or saturated fat intake after 12 months. At baseline, women, older individuals, and individuals without diseases or not working showed increased odds of achieving the goals after 12 months of the lifestyle intervention.

Evidence-based non-skeletal actions of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a major regulator of mineral homeostasis through its action in the kidney, intestine, bone and parathyroid glands. On these tissues, its active form, calcitriol, acts by binding to a specific nuclear receptor that belongs to the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor family. This receptor, however, has also been identified in several additional human tissues. So, apart from its traditional actions related to calcium, vitamin D and its synthetic analogs are being increasingly recognized for their anti-proliferative, pro-differentiative and immunomodulatory activities. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to many chronic diseases. Decreased muscle function and increased fall risk in elderly people; prostate, breast and colorectal cancers; diabetes mellitus; and other health problems have been associated to low circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. This paper presents an overview of the available scientific evidence for the non-calcemic actions of vitamin D in humans.

Evidence-based non-skeletal actions of vitamin D / Evidências das ações não esqueléticas da vitamina D

Vitamin D is a major regulator of mineral homeostasis through its action in the kidney, intestine, bone and parathyroid glands. On these tissues, its active form, calcitriol, acts by binding to a specific nuclear receptor that belongs to the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor family. This receptor, however, has also been identified in several additional human tissues. So, apart from its traditional actions related to calcium, vitamin D and its synthetic analogs are being increasingly recognized for their anti-proliferative, pro-differentiative and immunomodulatory activities. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to many chronic diseases. Decreased muscle function and increased fall risk in elderly people; prostate, breast and colorectal cancers; diabetes mellitus; and other health problems have been associated to low circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. This paper presents an overview of the available scientific evidence for the non-calcemic actions of vitamin D in humans.

A vitamina D é um importante regulador da homeostase mineral por meio de sua ação nos rins, no intestino, nos ossos e nas glândulas paratireoides. Nesses tecidos, sua forma ativa, o calcitriol, atua ligando-se a um receptor nuclear específico, pertencente à família de receptores dos hormônios esteroides e tireoidianos. Contudo, esse receptor também foi identificado em outros tecidos humanos. Assim, além de suas ações tradicionais, relacionadas ao metabolismo do cálcio, a vitamina D e análogos sintéticos estão, cada vez mais, sendo reconhecidos por seus efeitos antiproliferativos, pró-diferenciação e imunomodulatórios. Baixas concentrações séricas de vitamina D têm sido associadas a várias doenças crônicas. Redução da função muscular e aumento do risco de quedas em idosos; câncer de próstata, mama e colorretal; diabetes melito; e outros problemas de saúde têm sido associados a concentrações circulantes baixas de 25-hidroxivitamina D. Este trabalho apresenta uma visão geral sobre as evidências científicas disponíveis das ações não calcêmicas da vitamina D em humanos.