Assessing the impact of arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium exposure on glycemic and lipid profile markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

The toxicity of metals presents a significant threat to human health due to the metabolic changes they induce. Thus, it is crucial to understand the impact of exposure to toxic elements on glycemic and lipid profiles. To this end, we developed a systematic review protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023393681), following PRISMA-P guidelines. This review aims to assess environmental exposure to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in individuals aged over ten years and elucidate their association with glycemic markers such as fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, as well as lipid parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Articles published in the MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases until March 2024 will be included without language restrictions. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale will be employed to assess the quality of the included studies, and the results will be presented through narrative synthesis. If adequate data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. This review can help understand the metabolic responses to exposure to toxic elements and the associated health risks.

Glycemic Changes Related to Arsenic Exposure: An Overview of Animal and Human Studies.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic (As) is a risk factor associated with glycemic alterations. However, the mechanisms of action and metabolic aspects associated with changes in glycemic profiles have not yet been completely elucidated. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to investigate the metabolic aspects of As and its mechanism of action associated with glycemic changes. METHODS: We searched the PubMed (MEDLINE) and Google Scholar databases for relevant articles published in English. A combination of free text and medical subject heading keywords and search terms was used to construct search equations. The search yielded 466 articles; however, only 50 were included in the review. RESULTS: We observed that the relationship between As exposure and glycemic alterations in humans may be associated with sex, smoking status, body mass index, age, occupation, and genetic factors. The main mechanisms of action associated with changes induced by exposure to As in the glycemic profile identified in animals are increased oxidative stress, reduced expression of glucose transporter type 4, induction of inflammatory factor expression and dysfunction of pancreatic ß cells. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, As exposure may be associated with glycemic alterations according to inter-individual differences.

Associations between Components of Metabolic Syndrome and Demographic, Nutritional, and Lifestyle Factors.

Objectives: To evaluate the associations between individuals with and without changes in components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and demographic, nutritional, and lifestyle factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 224 individuals followed-up at a public hospital in Northeast Brazil. We used National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP) criteria to diagnose MetS. We assessed components of MetS as dependent variables, while sex, age, food consumption, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, anthropometric parameters, and sleep hours were independent variables. Results: Comparing individuals with and without changes in components of MetS, the logistic regression models revealed that female sex was predictive of increased waist circumference and low HDL-c levels while advanced age was predictive of increased blood pressure and blood glucose levels. BMI emerged as a predictor for waist circumference and a protective factor for triglyceride levels. In addition, potassium intake, physical activity, and sleep duration were protective against decreased HDL-c, elevated triglyceride, and elevated blood pressure levels, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that sex, age, BMI, dietary potassium intake, physical activity, and hours of sleep are factors to be targeted in public health actions for prevention and treatment of MetS.

Status de vitamina D e risco cardiovascular em indivíduos com síndrome metabólica / Vitamin D status and cardiovascular risk in individuals with metabolic syndrome

Introdução: A síndrome metabólica é um conjunto de desordens metabólicas, consideradas fatores de risco cardiovascular. Estima-se que indivíduos com síndrome metabólica apresentam probabilidade três vezes maior de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares. O status inadequado de vitamina D tem apresentado múltiplos mecanismos fisiopatológicos que sugerem um envolvimento no desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares. Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre o status de vitamina D e o risco de doenças cardiovasculares em indivíduos com síndrome metabólica. Métodos: Estudo do tipo transversal realizado com 161 indivíduos adultos, diagnosticados com síndrome metabólica. Foram realizadas as medidas antropométricas, pressão arterial, e as análises bioquímicas, incluindo a dosagem de 25(OH)D no soro. O critério estabelecido para classificação do status de 25(OH)D foi deficiente < 20 ng/mL; insuficiente≤ 29 ng/mL e suficiente ≥ 30 ng/mL. Ademais, avaliou-se o risco absoluto de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares usando o Escore de Risco de Framingham. Resultados: A mediana da concentração de 25(OH)D foi 29,7 (21-34) ng/mL, indicando status de 25(OH)D insuficiente na população. Não houve associação entre status de vitamina D e o risco cardiovascular em indivíduos com síndrome metabólica (p > 0,05). Conclusão: Não se observou associação entre status 25(OH)D inadequado e maior risco cardiovascular nos indivíduos com síndrome metabólica. Entretanto,esses resultados reforçam a importância do monitoramento clínico para prevenir os impactos da hipovitaminose D nos indivíduos com síndrome metabólica e o desenvolvimento de novos estudos para avaliar a relação entre status de 25(OH)D e risco cardiovascular.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a set of metabolic disorders that are considered cardiovascular risk factors. It is estimated that individuals with metabolic syndrome are three times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Inadequate vitamin D status has shown multiple pathophysiological mechanisms that suggest an involvement in the development of cardiovascular disease. Objective: To evaluate the association between vitamin D status and the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 161 adult individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analyzes were performed, including serum 25(OH)D status. The established criterion for classifying 25(OH)D status was deficient < 20 ng/mL; insufficient ≤ 29 ng/mL and sufficient ≥ 30 ng/mL. Furthermore, the absolute risk of developing cardiovascular disease was assessed using the Framingham Risk Score. Results: The mean 25(OH)D concentration was 29.7 (21-34) ng/mL, indicating insufficient 25(OH)D status in the population. There was no association between vitamin D status and cardiovascular risk in subjects with metabolic syndrome (p > 0.05). Conclusion: There was no association between inadequate 25(OH)D status and increased cardiovascular risk in individuals with metabolic syndrome. However, these results reinforce the importance of clinical monitoring to prevent the impacts of hypovitaminosis D in individuals with metabolic syndrome and the development of new studies to assess the relationship between 25(OH)D status and cardiovascular risk.

Factors associated with anemia and vitamin A deficiency in Brazilian children under 5 years old: Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019) / Fatores associados à anemia e deficiência de vitamina A em crianças brasileiras menores de cinco anos: Estudo Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição Infantil (ENANI-2019) / Factores asociados con la anemia y la deficiencia de vitamina A en niños brasileños menores de cinco años: Estudio Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición Infantil (ENANI-2019)

Abstract: Factors associated with anemia and vitamin A deficiency were investigated in 7,716 children 6-59 months of age studied in the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019). We adopted a hierarchical approach based on a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) theoretical model with three levels, stratifying by age (6-23; 24-59 months). Prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were estimated. Enabling determinants: a higher prevalence of anemia was observed in children 6-23 months whose mothers had ≤ 7 years of schooling (PR = 1.92; 95%CI: 1.10; 3.34), < 20 years old (PR = 2.47; 95%CI: 1.34; 4.56) or 20-30 years old (PR = 1.95; 95%CI: 1.11; 3.44), mixed-race (PR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.06; 2.23); and in children 24-59 months in the North Region (PR = 3.11; 95%CI: 1.58; 6.13). A higher prevalence for vitamin A deficiency was observed in children 6-23 months from Central-West (PR = 2.32; 95%CI: 1.33; 4.05), and in children 24-59 months living in the North (PR = 1.96; 95%CI: 1.16; 3.30), South (PR = 3.07; 95%CI: 1.89; 5.01), and Central-West (PR = 1.91; 95%CI: 1.12; 3.25) and whose mothers were 20-34 years (PR = 1.62; 95%CI: 1.11; 2.35). Underlying determinants: the presence of more than one child < 5 years old in the household was associated with a higher prevalence of anemia (PR = 1.61; 95%CI: 1.15; 2.25) and vitamin A deficiency (PR = 1.82; 95%CI: 1.09; 3.05) in children 6-23 months. Immediate determinants: consumption of 1-2 groups of ultra-processed foods in children 24-59 months (PR = 0.44; 95%CI: 0.25; 0.81) and lack of breastfeeding in the day before in children 6-23 months (PR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.36; 0.95) were associated with lower prevalence of anemia and vitamin A deficiency. Public policies focused on geographically and socially vulnerable groups are needed to promote equity.

Resumo: Fatores associados a anemia e deficiência de vitamina A foram investigados em 7.716 crianças de 6-59 meses de idade parte da Estudo Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição Infantil (ENANI-2019). Adotamos uma abordagem hierárquica baseada em um modelo teórico do Fundo das Nações Unidas para a Infância (UNICEF) com três níveis estratificados por idade (6-23; 24-59 meses). Foram estimadas razões de prevalência (RP) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Determinantes habilitadores: observamos maior prevalência de anemia em crianças de 6-23 meses de idade cujas mães tinham ≤ 7 anos de escolaridade (RP = 1,92; IC95%: 1,10; 3,34), < 20 anos de idade (RP = 2,47; IC95%: 1,34; 4,56) ou 20-30 anos de idade (RP = 1,95; IC95%: 1,11; 3,44), cor parda (RP = 1,57; IC95%: 1,06; 2,23); e em crianças de 24-59 meses de idade na Região Norte (RP = 3,11; IC95%: 1,58; 6,13). Encontramos maior prevalência de deficiência de vitamina A em crianças de 6-23 meses de idade no Centro-oeste (RP = 2,32; IC95%: 1,33; 4,05) e em crianças de 24-59 meses de idade residentes nas regiões Norte (RP = 1,96; IC95%: 1,16; 3,30), Sul (RP = 3,07; IC95%: 1,89; 5,01) e Centro-oeste (RP = 1,91; IC95%: 1,12; 3,25) cujas mães tinham entre 20-34 anos de idade (RP = 1,62; IC95%: 1,11; 2,35). Determinantes subjacentes: a presença de mais de uma criança < 5 anos de idade no domicílio se associou a maior prevalência de anemia (RP = 1,61; IC95%: 1,15; 2,25) e deficiência de vitamina A (RP = 1,82; IC95%: 1,09; 3,05) em crianças de 6-23 meses de idade. Determinantes imediatos: o consumo de 1-2 grupos de alimentos ultraprocessados em crianças de 24-59 meses de idade (RP = 0,44; IC95%: 0,25; 0,81) e o não aleitamento materno no dia anterior em crianças de 6-23 meses de idade (RP = 0,56; IC95%: 0,36; 0,95) foram associados com a menor prevalência de anemia e deficiência de vitamina A. Políticas públicas focadas em grupos geográfica e socialmente vulneráveis são necessárias para promover equidade.

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Factors associated with inflamm-aging in institutionalized older people.

The increase in inflammatory cytokines associated with a reduction in the bioavailability of zinc has been used as a marker for inflammation. Despite the high inflammatory state found in institutionalized older individuals, few studies have proposed verifying the factors associated with this condition in this population. To verify the factors associated with inflamm-aging in institutionalized older people. A total of 178 older people (≥ 60 years old) living in nursing homes in Natal/RN were included in the study. Cluster analysis was used to identify three groups according to their inflammatory state. Analysis anthropometric, biochemical, sociodemographic, and health-related variables was carried out. In sequence, an ordinal logistic regression was performed for a confidence level of 95% in those variables with p < 0.20 in the bivariate analysis. IL-6, TNF-α, zinc, low-density lipids (LDL), high-density lipids (HDL), and triglycerides were associated with inflamm-aging. The increase of 1 unit of measurement of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides increased the chance of inflammation-aging by 1.5%, 4.1%, and 0.9%, respectively, while the oldest old (≥ 80 years old) had an 84.9% chance of presenting inflamm-aging in relation to non-long-lived older people (< 80 years). The association between biochemical markers and inflamm-aging demonstrates a relationship between endothelial injury and the inflammatory state. In addition, the presence of a greater amount of fat in the blood may present a higher relative risk of death.

Selenium in Human Health and Gut Microflora: Bioavailability of Selenocompounds and Relationship With Diseases.

This review covers current knowledge of selenium in the dietary intake, its bioavailability, metabolism, functions, biomarkers, supplementation and toxicity, as well as its relationship with diseases and gut microbiota specifically on the symbiotic relationship between gut microflora and selenium status. Selenium is essential for the maintenance of the immune system, conversion of thyroid hormones, protection against the harmful action of heavy metals and xenobiotics as well as for the reduction of the risk of chronic diseases. Selenium is able to balance the microbial flora avoiding health damage associated with dysbiosis. Experimental studies have shown that inorganic and organic selenocompounds are metabolized to selenomethionine and incorporated by bacteria from the gut microflora, therefore highlighting their role in improving the bioavailability of selenocompounds. Dietary selenium can affect the gut microbial colonization, which in turn influences the host's selenium status and expression of selenoproteoma. Selenium deficiency may result in a phenotype of gut microbiota that is more susceptible to cancer, thyroid dysfunctions, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disorders. Although the host and gut microbiota benefit each other from their symbiotic relationship, they may become competitors if the supply of micronutrients is limited. Intestinal bacteria can remove selenium from the host resulting in two to three times lower levels of host's selenoproteins under selenium-limiting conditions. There are still gaps in whether these consequences are unfavorable to humans and animals or whether the daily intake of selenium is also adapted to meet the needs of the bacteria.

Vitamin D status and predictors of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in patients with heart failure living in a sunny region.

INTRODUCTION: Aims: hypovitaminosis D has frequently been identified in patients with heart failure (HF). However, few studies have been conducted in regions with high solar incidence. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate vitamin D status and predictors of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in patients with HF living in a sunny region (5 °- 6 °S). Methods: this cross-sectional study enrolled 70 patients with HF. Biodemographic, clinical, biochemical, dietary, and sun exposure data were collected, and 25(OH)D levels were measured. Results: the mean 25(OH)D level was 40.1 (12.4) ng/mL, and 24.3 % (95 % CI: 14.2-33.8) of patients with HF had hypovitaminosis D (25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL). Female patients (p = 0.001), those with ischemic etiology (p = 0.03) and those with high parathyroid hormone levels (> 67 pg/mL) (p = 0.034) were more likely to present hypovitaminosis D. Higher 25(OH)D levels were observed in men than in women (ß = 7.78, p = 0.005) and in patients with HF in New York Heart Association (NHYA) functional class I when compared to those in class III/IV (ß = 8.23, p = 0.032). Conclusions: the majority of patients with HF had sufficient 25(OH)D levels. Sex and functional classification were identified as independent predictors of 25(OH)D levels. These results highlight the need for increased monitoring of vitamin D status among female patients with heart failure and those with more severe symptoms.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivos: la hipovitaminosis D se ha identificado con frecuencia en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC). Sin embargo, pocos estudios se han realizado en regiones con una alta exposición solar. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el estado de la vitamina D y los predictores de los niveles de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25(OH)D) en pacientes con IC que viven en una región soleada (5 °-6 °S). Métodos: este estudio transversal incluyó a 70 pacientes con IC. Se recopilaron datos biodemográficos, clínicos, bioquímicos, dietéticos y de exposición solar, y se midieron los niveles de 25(OH)D. Resultados: el nivel medio de 25(OH)D fue de 40,1 (12,4) ng/mL y el 24,3 % (IC 95 %: 14,2-33,8) de los pacientes con IC tenían hipovitaminosis D (25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL. Las pacientes mujeres (p = 0,001), aquellos con IC de etiología isquémica (p = 0,03) y aquellos otros pacientes con niveles altos de hormona paratiroidea (> 67 pg/mL) (p = 0,034) tenían más probabilidades de presentar hipovitaminosis D. Se observaron niveles más altos de 25(OH)D en los hombres que en las mujeres (ß = 7,78, p = 0,005), y en los pacientes con IC de clase funcional I de la New York Heart Association (NHYA) que en los de clase III/IV (ß = 8,23, p = 0,032). Conclusiones: la mayoría de los pacientes con IC tenían niveles suficientes de 25(OH)D. El sexo y la clasificación funcional se identificaron como predictores independientes de los niveles de 25(OH)D. Estos resultados destacan la necesidad de un mayor control del estado de la vitamina D entre las mujeres con insuficiencia cardíaca y los pacientes con síntomas más graves.

Frequency of metabolic syndrome and associated factors in institutionalized elderly individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Population aging generally accompanies an increase in chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as metabolic syndrome (MS). Nursing homes have provided a solution for the decreased ability of elderly individuals for self-care and familial difficulties in meeting the health care needs of elderly individuals. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of MS and its associated factors in elderly individuals living in nursing homes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 202 institutionalized elderly individuals. MS was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors were assessed to verify their association with MS by logistic regression. RESULTS: The MS frequency was 29.2%. The most frequent MS components were low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (63.9%) and abdominal obesity (42.7%). Factors associated with MS were female sex (prevalence ratio [PR]=2.16; 95% CI, 1.04-4.49), age-adjusted institutionalization time >50% (PR=2.38, 95% CI, 1.46-3.88), and high concentrations of interleukin-6 (PR=2.01; 95% CI, 1.21-3.32) and tumor necrosis factor-α (PR=1.70; 95% CI, 1.05-2.77). Moreover, it was verified that the likelihood of having MS was 1.85-fold higher (95% CI, 1.11-3.10) in the group with a diet characterized by very high energy, very low fat, and high dietary fiber. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of MS in institutionalized elderly individuals was higher in females, and individuals with longer age-adjusted institutionalization time, higher concentrations of immunologic biomarkers, and a dietary intake consisting of higher energy and fiber and lower total fat. The results of the study are useful for guiding health care programs aimed at institutionalized elderly individuals.

Variance sources and ratios to estimate energy and nutrient intakes in a sample of adolescents from public schools, Natal, Brazil / Fontes e razões de variância para estimar a ingestão de energia e nutrientes de uma amostra de adolescentes de escolas públicas

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the sources of dietary variance, and determine the variance ratios and the number of days needed for estimating the habitual diet of adolescents. METHODS: Two 24 hour food recalls were used for estimating the energy, macronutrient, fatty acid, fiber and cholesterol intakes of 366 adolescents attending Public Schools in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The variance ratio between the intrapersonal and interpersonal variances, determined by Analysis of Variance, was calculated. The number of days needed for estimating the habitual intake of each nutrient was given by the hypothetical correlation (r)>0.9 between the actual and observed nutrient intakes. RESULTS: Sources of interpersonal variation were higher for all nutrients and in both genders. Variance ratios were <1 for all nutrients and higher in women. Two 24 hour dietary recalls were enough to assess energy, carbohydrate, fiber and saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid intakes accurately. However, the accurate assessment of protein, lipid, polyunsaturated fatty acid and cholesterol intakes required three 24 hour recalls. CONCLUSION: Interpersonal dietary variance in adolescents was greater than intrapersonal variance for all nutrients, resulting in a variance ratio of less than 1. Two to three 24 hour recalls, depending on gender and the study nutrient, are necessary for estimating the habitual diet of this population.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as fontes de variância da dieta, determinar as razões de variâncias e o número de dias necessários para estimar a dieta habitual em adolescentes. MÉTODOS: A ingestão de energia, macronutrientes, ácidos graxos, fibra e colesterol foram estimadas por meio de dois recordatórios de 24 horas, aplicados em 366 adolescentes de escolas públicas de Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. A razão de variância foi calculada entre o componente da variância intrapessoal e interpessoal, determinada pela Análise de Variância. A definição do número de dias para a estimativa da ingestão habitual de cada nutriente foi obtida considerando a correlação hipotética de (r)>0,9, entre a verdadeira ingestão de nutrientes e a observada. RESULTADOS: As fontes de variância interpessoal foram maiores para todos os nutrientes e em ambos os sexos. As razões de variâncias foram <1 para todos os nutrientes, e mais elevadas no sexo feminino. Dois dias de recordatórios de 24 horas seriam suficientes para avaliar com precisão o consumo de energia, carboidratos, fibra, ácidos graxos saturados e monoinsaturados, exceto para proteínas, lipídeos, ácidos graxos poliinsaturados e o colesterol, que necessitariam de três dias. CONCLUSÃO: A variância interpessoal da dieta dos adolescentes foi maior do que a intrapessoal, para todos os nutrientes, repercutindo em uma razão de variância menor que 1. Para estimar a dieta habitual nesta população, uma variação de dois a três dias é necessária considerando o sexo e o nutriente avaliado.

Astaxanthin: structural and functional aspects / Astaxantina: aspectos estruturais e funcionais

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid belonging to the xanthophyll class, has stirred great interest due to its antioxidant capacity and its possible role in reducing the risk of some diseases. Astaxanthin occurs naturally in microalgae, such as Haematococcus pluvialis and the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma, and has also been considered to be the major carotenoid in salmon and crustaceans. Shrimp processing waste, which is generally discarded, is also an important source of astaxanthin. The antioxidant activity of astaxanthin has been observed to modulate biological functions related to lipid peroxidation, having beneficial effects on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration and cancer. Researches have shown that both astaxanthin obtained from natural sources and its synthetic counterpart produce satisfactory effects, but studies in humans are limited to natural sources. There is no established nutritional recommendation regarding astaxanthin daily intake but most studies reported beneficial results from a daily intake of 4mg. Thus, this review discusses some aspects of the carotenoid astaxanthin, highlighting its chemical structure and antioxidant activity, and some studies that report its use in humans.

A astaxantina, carotenóide pertencente à classe das xantofilas, tem despertado grande interesse devido à sua capacidade antioxidante e possível papel na redução de risco de algumas doenças. A astaxantina pode ser encontrada naturalmente em microalgas como Haematococcus pluvialis e na levedura Phaffia rhodozyma como também tem sido considerada principal carotenóide em salmão e crustáceos. Os resíduos do processamento de camarão, geralmente descartados, são também importante fonte de astaxantina. A atividade antioxidante da astaxantina tem demonstrado importante função na modulação de funções biológicas relacionadas à peroxidação lipídica, desempenhando efeitos benéficos em doenças crônicas como doenças cardiovasculares, degeneração macular e câncer. Pesquisas têm demonstrado efeitos satisfatórios da astaxantina obtida de fontes naturais assim como da obtida sinteticamente, porém os estudos em humanos se limitam à utilização de fontes naturais. Não há recomendação nutricional estabelecida para a ingestão diária de 4mg de astaxantina, mas muitos estudos relatam resultados benéficos com a ingestão diária média de 4mg. Assim, a presente revisão discute alguns aspectos do carotenóide astaxantina, com destaque para sua estrutura química e atividade antioxidante, mostrando também alguns estudos que relatam seu uso em humanos.