Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis: Comparison of Intestinal Microbiota between Different Metabolic Profiles. A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has multifactorial etiopathogenesis, and intestinal microbiota is co-responsible in this process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intestinal microbiota in NASH patients with different metabolic profiles. METHODS: Patients with biopsy-proven NASH were evaluated. Subjects were divided into two groups according to their metabolic profile, with or without metabolic syndrome (MS). Their characteristics in relation to liver disease and intestinal microbiota were analyzed. To evaluate the microbiota, breath tests to investigate small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and fecal microbiota analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of SIBO in both groups, with no significant difference between them. Breathing tests were positive in 43.8% of patients with MS and 50% of those without MS. There was a significant difference regarding the quantification of Verrucomicrobiales, less abundant in patients with NASH without MS. Its lower concentration also correlated with higher serum ferritin levels and higher hepatocyte ballooning. This order of bacteria, through its representative in human microbiota, Akkermansia muciniphila, is associated with mucosal protection and metabolic processes with liver aggression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that lower Verrucomicrobiales concentration is associated with higher inflammatory activity in patients with NASH without MS, where the disease etiopathogenesis does not have its classic metabolic substrate.

Effects of Dietary Intervention on Gut Microbiota and Metabolic-Nutritional Profile of Outpatients with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Modulation of the gut microbiota emerges as a therapeutic possibility to improve health. Our objective was to compare the impact of three months of intervention with diet plus nutritional orientation versus only nutritional orientation on the gut microbiota and metabolic-nutritional profile of outpatients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. METHODS: It was a randomized clinical trial with 40 outpatients (49.48 ± 10.3 years), allocated in two groups: DIET group (n=20), who received diet (1.651.34 ± 263.25 kcal; 47% carbohydrates, 28% lipids, 25% proteins, 30 g fibers) and nutritional orientation, and control group (n = 20), which received only nutritional orientation. RESULTS: The DIET group, in relation to baseline, presented a reduction in body weight (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), waist circumference (p=0.001), percentage of fat (p=0.002), serum aspartate aminotransferase (p<0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p<0.001), γ-glutamyltransferase (p=0.001), glycemia (p=0.003), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (p=0.017), total cholesterol (p=0.014), and triacylglycerols (p=0.008), whereas the control group did not present changes. After intervention, the small intestinal bacterial overgrowth frequency was 30% in the DIET group and 45% in the control group (p=0.327). In the DIET group, an increase in the density of total microorganisms (3.76 ± 7.17 x 10 8 cells g -1 ; p=0.048) was detected, while in the control group reduced Bacteroidetes (-0.77 ± 2.01 x 10 8 cells g -1 , p=0.044) and Verrucomicrobiales (-0.46 ± 0.75 x 10 8 cells g -1 ; p=0.022) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that exclusively dietary modifications contribute to health promotion in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and should be the basis of nutritional treatment for this condition.

[Impairment of muscle vasodilation during mental stress in women with subclinical hypothyroidism]. / Prejuízo da vasodilatação muscular durante estresse mental em mulheres com hipotireoidismo subclínico.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) have forearm vascular conductance (FVC) impaired during mental stress. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 20 women with SH and 21 euthyroid (Control group), matched for age (p = 0.699) and body mass index (p = 0.462). Muscle blood flow (MBF) was assessed by venous occlusion plethysmography and blood pressure by Dixtal2023. Both variables were recorded simultaneously for 3 minutes of baseline followed by 3 minutes of mental stress. The FVC was calculated by dividing MBF by mean arterial pressure. Significant differences were assumed at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The SH group had higher concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (7.57 ± 3.17 vs. 2.10 ± 0,88 mU/L, p < 0.001). At baseline, the SH and control groups were similar for MBF (2.50 ± 0.79 vs. 2.55 ± 0,71 mL/ min/100 mL, p = 0.905, respectively) and FVC (2.80 ± 0.90 vs. 2.92 ± 0.88 units, p = 0.952, respectively). Throughout the mental stress test the SH and Control groups increased the MBF (time effect, p < 0.001) and FVC (time effect, p < 0.001) compared to baseline protocol. However, these variables were lower in SH group during the first (MBF: 3.66 ± 0.96 vs. 4.66 ± 1,61 mL/min/100 mL, p = 0.018, FVC: 3.95 ± 1.08 vs. 5.19 ± 1,96 units, p = 0.010) and second (MBF: 3.55 ± 1.01 vs. 4.62 ± 2,27 mL/min/100 ml, p = 0.018; FVC: 3.75 ± 1.07 vs. 4.92 ± 2,37 units, p = 0.020) minutes of mental stress test. CONCLUSION: Women with SH have reduced muscle vasodilatatory response during mental stress.

Prejuízo da vasodilatação muscular durante estresse mental em mulheres com hipotireoidismo subclínico / Impairment of muscle vasodilation during mental stress in women with subclinical hypothyroidism

Objetivo Testar a hipótese de que mulheres com hipotireoidismo subclínico (HSC) possuem condutância vascular do antebraço (CVA) prejudicados durante estresse mental. Sujeitos e métodos Foram avaliadas 20 mulheres com HSC e 21 eutireoidianas (Grupo Controle), pareadas por idade (p = 0,699) e índice de massa corporal (p = 0,462). O fluxo sanguíneo muscular (FSM), avaliado pela pletismografia de oclusão venosa, e a pressão arterial, medida pelo Dixtal2023, foram registrados simultaneamente durante 3 minutos de basal, seguidos de 3 minutos de estresse mental. A CVA foi calculada pela divisão do FSM pela pressão arterial média. Foi adotada significância de p < 0,05. Resultados O grupo HSC apresentou maior concentração do hormônio tireoestimulante (7,57 ± 3,17 vs. 2,10 ± 0,88 mU/L, p < 0,001). No basal, os grupos HSC e Controle foram semelhantes respectivamente para FSM (2,50 ± 0,79 vs. 2,55 ± 0,71 mL/min/100 mL, p = 0,905) e CVA (2,80 ± 0,90 vs. 2,92 ± 0,88 unidades, p = 0,952). Durante todo o estresse mental, os grupos HSC e Controle aumentaram significativamente o FSM (efeito tempo, p < 0,001) e CVA (efeito tempo, p < 0,001) em relação ao basal. Porém, essas variáveis foram significativamente menores no grupo HSC durante o primeiro (FSM: 3,66 ± 0,96 vs. 4,66 ± 1,61 mL/ min/100 mL, p = 0,018; CVA: 3,95 ± 1,08 vs. 5,19 ± 1,96 unidades, p = 0,010) e segundo (FSM: 3,55 ± 1,01 vs. 4,62 ± 2,27 mL/min/100 mL, p = 0,018; CVA: 3,75 ± 1,07 vs. 4,92 ± 2,37 unidades, p = 0,020) minutos do teste de estresse mental. Conclusão Mulheres com HSC possuem comportamento vasodilatador prejudicado durante o estresse mental. .

Objective To test the hypothesis that women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) have forearm vascular conductance (FVC) impaired during mental stress. Subjects and methods We evaluated 20 women with SH and 21 euthyroid (Control group), matched for age (p = 0.699) and body mass index (p = 0.462). Muscle blood flow (MBF) was assessed by venous occlusion plethysmography and blood pressure by Dixtal2023. Both variables were recorded simultaneously for 3 minutes of baseline followed by 3 minutes of mental stress. The FVC was calculated by dividing MBF by mean arterial pressure. Significant differences were assumed at p < 0.05. Results The SH group had higher concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (7.57 ± 3.17 vs. 2.10 ± 0,88 mU/L, p < 0.001). At baseline, the SH and control groups were similar for MBF (2.50 ± 0.79 vs. 2.55 ± 0,71 mL/ min/100 mL, p = 0.905, respectively) and FVC (2.80 ± 0.90 vs. 2.92 ± 0.88 units, p = 0.952, respectively). Throughout the mental stress test the SH and Control groups increased the MBF (time effect, p < 0.001) and FVC (time effect, p < 0.001) compared to baseline protocol. However, these variables were lower in SH group during the first (MBF: 3.66 ± 0.96 vs. 4.66 ± 1,61 mL/min/100 mL, p = 0.018, FVC: 3.95 ± 1.08 vs. 5.19 ± 1,96 units, p = 0.010) and second (MBF: 3.55 ± 1.01 vs. 4.62 ± 2,27 mL/min/100 ml, p = 0.018; FVC: 3.75 ± 1.07 vs. 4.92 ± 2,37 units, p = 0.020) minutes of mental stress test. Conclusion Women with SH have reduced muscle vasodilatatory response during mental stress. .

Efeitos da dieta hipocalórica sobre a função endotelial em adultos obesos / Effects of caloric restriction diet on endothelial function in obese adults

A obesidade é uma doença inflamatória crônica caracterizada pelo acúmulo excessivo de gordura no tecido adiposo. Componentes fisiopatológicos decorrentes do excesso de gordura corporal, como alterações no balanço de adipocinas, resistência insulínica e aumento de mediadores inflamatórios, promovem disfunção endotelial, e, consequentemente, maior risco de morbidade e mortalidade de origem cardiovascular. Por outro lado, a adoção de dieta hipocalórica tem sido recomendada como medida não farmacológica para o tratamento da obesidade. Portanto, o objetivo desse artigo foi o de realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre os efeitos da dieta hipocalórica na função endotelial em adultos com obesidade. Foram analisados 26 artigos com os descritores dieta redutora, restrição calórica e perda de peso, combinados com os termos vasodilatação e endotélio,publicados nas bases de dados eletrônicas Medline e Scielo. Foi possível observar que a dieta hipocalórica, quando associada à perda de peso corporal, melhora os parâmetros metabólicos, inflamatórios, hemodinâmicos e neurovasculares, os quais promovem melhora da função endotelial em indivíduos obesos. Entretanto, para que esses benefícios sejam obtidos, a dieta deve ser individualizada, balanceada e com orientação e prescrição de especialistas.

Obesity is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in adipose tissue. Pathophysiological components due to excess of body fat, such as changes in the balance of adipokines, insulin resistance and increased inflammatory mediators, promote endothelial dysfunction and consequently higher risk of morbidity and mortality fromcardiovascular causes. On the other hand, energy reduced diet has been recommended as non-pharmacological measure for treatment of obesity. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to realize a literature review on the effects of energy reduced diet on endothelial function in obese adults. Twenty-six papers with descriptions energy reduced diet, calorie restriction and weight loss, combined with the terms vasodilatation and endothelium,published in Medline and Scielo electronic databases were evaluated. It was noted that energy reduced diet, when it results in weight loss, changes metabolic, inflammatory, hemodynamic and neurovascular parameters, with restoration of normal endothelial function in obese subjects. However, to achieve those benefits, the energy reduced diet should be individualized, balanced and with guidance and prescription of experts.

Programa de follow-up de recém-nascidos de alto risco: relato da experiência de uma equipe interdisciplinar / Follow-up program of high risk neonates: report of the experience of an interdisciplinary team

O avanço da Neonatalogia nas últimas décadas trouxe grandes mudanças na assistência ao recém-nascido, levando a um aumento na sobrevida de neonatos que apresentarão um alto risco para o surgimento de sequelas no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. Quando se comparam crianças prematuras com as nascidas a termo, é possível observar diferenças marcantes nas habilidades cognitivas, na performance escolar, no comportamento, entre outras. Dessa forma, o acompanhamento clínico dessas crianças, durante os primeiros anos de vida, é essencial para que haja a detecção precoce de alterações no desenvolvimento e as intervenções necessárias, além da identificação das necessidades da família e a orientação dos pais quanto às dificuldades que enfrentarão nos cuidados com essas crianças. Esse tipo de serviço é chamado de follow-up e sua implantação é recomendada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde, mas, infelizmente, a rede de assistência prestada aos bebês que recebem alta das UTIs Neonatais ainda é deficiente em nosso país. Há cerca de sete anos, foi criado, no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, um programa de follow-up de recém-nascidos de alto risco, que atende crianças egressas das UTIs Neonatais de Juiz de Fora e Zona da Mata. Desde sua criação, o programa cadastrou 356 pacientes. As crianças são acompanhadas até os cinco anos de idade por uma equipe interdisciplinar, composta por médicos (Pediatras Neonatalogistas), enfermeiros, fisioterapeutas,fonoaudiólogo, nutricionista, assistente social, psicólogos e profissionais afins. O presente artigo tem por objetivo relatar a experiência dessa equipe interdisciplinar no atendimento dessas crianças.

The advance of Neonatology in the last decades has brought great changes to neonatal care, leading to an increase in the survival rates of neonates which will present a high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. When we compare premature children with those born at term, it is possible to observe clear differences in cognitive abilities, school performance,behavior, etc. Thus, clinical assessment of these children during the first years of life is essential. This strategy can provide early detection of neurodevelopmental disabilities, propose timely interventions, identify psychological needs of families and parents, and provide advice regarding the difficulties that they will face in the care of their children. This service is called follow-up, and the World Health Organization recommends its implantation, but unfortunately the chain of care provided to the babies who have received high-quality care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units is defficient in Brazil. About seven years ago, the University Hospital/Health Care Center of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora created a follow-up program for high-risk neonates, which attends children from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Juiz de Fora and region. Since its creation, the program registered 356 patients. Follow-upoccurs up to the age of five years, and is provided by an interdisciplinary team, composed of physicians (Pediatricians),nurses, physical therapists, audiologists and speech therapists, nutritionists, social workers, psychologists and other professionals. The aim of this article is to reportthe experience of this interdisciplinary team in the care of these children.

Importância dos fatores nutricionais no cálculo do risco cardiovascular global / The importance of nutritional factors in the calculation of global cardiovascular risk

Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência dos fatores de risco para a doença arterial coronariana (DAC) e caracterizar o risco cardiovascular global, estabelecendo sua correlação com o estado nutricional. Métodos - Estudo transversal em que foram avaliados 108 indivíduos, selecionados aleatoriamente quanto à prevalência dos principais fatores de risco para doença arterial coronariana (DAC). Caracterizou-se o risco de DAC em baixo, médio e alto, segundo o escore de Framinghan, estabelecendo-se para cada nível de risco associação com excesso de peso/obesidade, relação cintura-quadril, percentual de gordura corporal e ingestão de gorduras. Resultados: Constatou-se que 25,2% apresentavam risco médio e alto de manifestar doença arterial coronariana, com inadequações quanto ao estado nutricional e à qualidade da gordura da dieta em todos os níveis de risco, com elevada ingestão de ácidos graxos e colesterol e baixa ingestão de monoinsaturados e poliinsaturados. Verificou-se que 52.8% apresentavam excesso de peso/obesidade, 81,7% e 33% com gordura corporal e razão cintura-quadril elevada. respectivamente. Pôde-se ainda constatar que 37% dos indivíduos estavam hipertensos, 47,2% apresentavam colesterol total elevado e 42.7%, níveis baixos de HDL-c. Conclusão: Sabendo-se da correlação entre obesidade e doenças cardiovasculares, pode-se inferir que o cálculo do risco sem levar em conta o estado nutricional, especialmente o peso corporal, subestima o real risco dos indivíduos. A correção do excesso de peso, do sedentarismo e do tabagismo melhora a saúde cardiovascular dos indivíduos.

Objective: To characterize the global cardiovascular risks in workers of the Federal University of Viçosa, MG, and correlate the nutritional status and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A transversal study where clinical and nutritional evaluations were carried out. The Framingham score of cardiovascular risk was used. The sample consisted of 108 subjects selected at random. The risk factors were: total body fat, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, and fat intake. Results: Moderate and high risk of coronary artery disease was found in 25.2% of the patients who ingested an inadequate diet with high and low ingestion of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol and low ingestion of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Overweight or obesity was present in 52.8% of the patients and 81.7 and 33.0% had excess body fat and elevated waist/hip ratio, respectively. High blood pressure occurred in 37.0% of the subjects; 47.2% showed elevated blood total cholesterol and 42.7% had low HDL-c levels. Conclusion: The studied population had a significant risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the parameters studied.