Probiotic Supplementation, Hepatic Fibrosis, and the Microbiota Profile in Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Promising results in improvement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have been identified following probiotic (PRO) treatment. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate PRO supplementation on hepatic fibrosis, inflammatory and metabolic markers, and gut microbiota in NASH patients. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 48 patients with NASH with a median age of 58 y and median BMI of 32.7 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to receive PROs (Lactobacillus acidophilus 1 × 109 colony forming units and Bifidobacterium lactis 1 × 109 colony forming units) or a placebo daily for 6 mo. Serum aminotransferases, total cholesterol and fractions, C-reactive protein, ferritin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and leptin were assessed. To evaluate liver fibrosis, Fibromax was used. In addition, 16S rRNA gene-based analysis was performed to evaluate gut microbiota composition. All assessments were performed at baseline and after 6 mo. For the assessment of outcomes after treatment, mixed generalized linear models were used to evaluate the main effects of the group-moment interaction. For multiple comparisons, Bonferroni correction was applied (α = 0.05/4 = 0.0125). Results for the outcomes are presented as mean and SE. RESULTS: The AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) score was the primary outcome that decreased over time in the PRO group. Aspartate aminotransferase presented a statistically significant result in the group-moment interaction analyses, but no statistical significance was found after the Bonferroni correction. Liver fibrosis, steatosis, and inflammatory activity presented no statistically significant differences between the groups. No major shifts in gut microbiota composition were identified between groups after PRO treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NASH who received PRO supplementation for 6 mo presented improvement in the APRI score after treatment. These results draw attention to clinical practice and suggest that supplementation with PROs alone is not sufficient to improve enzymatic liver markers, inflammatory parameters, and gut microbiota in patients with NASH. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02764047.

Nutrition Knowledge of Elderly Women: Effect of Two Food and Nutrition Education Programs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of two programs of Food and Nutrition Education (FNE) on the Nutrition knowledge of elderly women, Brazil. METHODS: Randomized field trial. Community-based elderly women over 60 years (n = 36) participated in a twelve-week intervention in either of two FNE programs: Psychopedagogical Program (PP) or Culinary Workshop Program (CWP). There were three moments of data collection in the study; pre-intervention knowledge data); post intervention and follow up (after 6 months upon intervention completion). A questionnaire about knowledge of food and Nutrition was administered at every data collection moment. RESULTS: In the analysis performed by the Generalized Estimation Equation Models (GEE) there was a significant interaction effect (P = 0.033) in the diabetes block in which the percentage of correct answers in the follow-up moment was higher compared to the pre-intervention moment in the CWP group (65.65% and 45.66%, respectively). In the knowledge blocks: total percentage of correct answers, hypertension, food processing, the evaluation effect was observed, regardless of the intervention performed.Three blocks of knowledge, including the block of the total percentage of correct answers in knowledge in Nutrition, presented a significant evaluation effect, which suggests that the interventions were important for the gain of knowledge, regardless of the type of intervention performed. Elderly-focused FNE programs should include a methodology that encompasses recreational education activities, and practical activities, such as culinary workshops.

There is no correlation between stages of nafld assessed by liver biopsy and the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia in active populations: a cross-sectional study / Não há correlação entre os estágios da dhgna avaliados por biópsia hepática e os critérios diagnósticos para sarcopenia em populações ativas: um estudo transversal / No existe correlación entre las etapas de ehgna evaluadas mediante biopsia hepática y los criterios diagnósticos de sarcopenia en poblaciones activas: un estudio transversal

Objective: To demonstrate the correlations of the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia and the levels of Non-alcoholic Fat Liver Disease (NAFLD) assessed by liver biopsy in a physically active population. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Individuals aged >18 years, with NAFLD confirmed by liver biopsy, physically active. Sarcopenia assessment followed EWGSOP2: muscle strength by handgrip, Skeletal Muscle Mass by Bioimpedance, and physical performance by usual gait speed. Statistical Analysis: To test differences between groups in continuous variables, Student's T or Mann-Whitney U Test for independent samples. Pearson and Spearman tests were used for correlations. A 5% significance was considered (p<0.05). Results: 52 patients with NAFLD included, consisting of 35 women and 15 men. There was no difference in age or anthropometric variables. Were found difference statically significant in platelets (higher in women), basal insulin, HOMA-IR and Quick (higher in men). In sarcopenia, the handgrip strength showed difference in favors of men. There was no statistically significant correlation between the sarcopenia and NAFLD levels. Discussion: sarcopenia has been reported as an independent risk factor for NAFLD and its progressions. The physical exercise is one of the most recommended and more effective treatment for both conditions, so is expected that a non-sedentary individual can reduce both indicators. However, there is no consensus about the best method. Also, the both conditions share heterogeneity in diagnosis, prognosis, reason for develop and risk factors across the literature. Conclusion: For populations where most individuals are physically active, it is not possible to find correlation between sarcopenia diagnostic criteria and the stages of NAFLD.

Objetivo: Demonstrar as correlações dos critérios diagnósticos de sarcopenia e dos níveis de doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) avaliados por biópsia hepática em uma população fisicamente ativa. Métodos: Estudo transversal. Indivíduos com idade >18 anos, com DHGNA confirmada por biópsia hepática, fisicamente ativos. A avaliação da sarcopenia seguiu o EWGSOP2: força muscular por preensão manual, massa muscular esquelética por bioimpedância e performance física por velocidade usual de marcha. Análise Estatística: Para testar diferenças entre grupos nas variáveis contínuas, teste T de Student ou Teste U de Mann-Whitney para amostras independentes. Os testes de Pearson e Spearman foram utilizados para correlações. Foi considerada significância de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: Foram incluídos 52 pacientes com DHGNA, sendo 35 mulheres e 15 homens. Não houve diferença na idade ou nas variáveis antropométricas. Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas em plaquetas (maior em mulheres), insulina basal, HOMA-IR e Quick (maior em homens). Na sarcopenia, a força de preensão manual apresentou diferença em favor dos homens. Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre os níveis de sarcopenia e DHGNA. Discussão: a sarcopenia tem sido relatada como fator de risco independente para DHGNA e suas progressões. O exercício físico é um dos tratamentos mais recomendados e mais eficazes para ambas as condições, pelo que se espera que um indivíduo não sedentário consiga reduzir ambos os indicadores. No entanto, não há consenso sobre o melhor método. Além disso, ambas as condições compartilham heterogeneidade no diagnóstico, prognóstico, razão de desenvolvimento e fatores de risco em toda a literatura. Conclusão: Para populações onde a maioria dos indivíduos é fisicamente ativo, não é possível encontrar correlação entre os critérios diagnósticos de sarcopenia e os estágios da DHGNA.

Objetivo: demostrar las correlaciones de los criterios diagnósticos de sarcopenia y los niveles de enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico (EHGNA) evaluados mediante biopsia hepática en una población físicamente activa. Métodos: Estudio transversal. Individuos mayores de 18 años, con EHGNA confirmada mediante biopsia hepática, físicamente activos. La evaluación de la sarcopenia siguió el EWGSOP2: fuerza muscular mediante agarre manual, masa muscular esquelética mediante bioimpedancia y rendimiento físico mediante velocidad de marcha habitual. Análisis estadístico: Para probar diferencias entre grupos en variables continuas, prueba T de Student o U de Mann-Whitney para muestras independientes. Para las correlaciones se utilizaron las pruebas de Pearson y Spearman. Se consideró una significancia del 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: Se incluyeron 52 pacientes con EHGNA, 35 mujeres y 15 hombres. No hubo diferencia en la edad ni en variables antropométricas. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en plaquetas (mayor en mujeres), insulina basal, HOMA- IR y Quick (mayor en hombres). En la sarcopenia, la fuerza de prensión manual mostró diferencia a favor de los hombres. No hubo correlación estadísticamente significativa entre la sarcopenia y los niveles de NAFLD. Discusión: la sarcopenia ha sido reportada como un factor de riesgo independiente para NAFLD y sus progresiones. El ejercicio físico es uno de los tratamientos más recomendados y efectivos para ambas afecciones, por lo que se espera que una persona no sedentaria pueda reducir ambos indicadores. Sin embargo, no hay consenso sobre cuál es el mejor método. Además, ambas afecciones comparten heterogeneidad en el diagnóstico, pronóstico, motivo de desarrollo y factores de riesgo en la literatura. Conclusión: Para poblaciones donde la mayoría de las personas son físicamente activas, no es posible encontrar correlación entre los criterios de diagnóstico de sarcopenia y las etapas de NAFLD.

Fibromax and inflamatory markers cannot replace liver biopsy in the evaluation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the performance of a non-invasive test (Fibromax™, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Saint-Prex, Switzerland) and inflamatory markers (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, MCP-1) in the diagnosis and staging of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS: Patients older than 18 years with steatosis were prospectively evaluated at a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil. Liver biopsy, Fibromax™ test and inflamatory markers (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, MCP-1) were performed. Measures of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy were used, considering liver biopsy as the gold standard. RESULTS: Seventy-three Fibromax™ tests were analyzed. SteatoTest presented a sensitivity of 95.5% and PPV of 97.0% for the diagnosis of steatosis. NashTest obtained a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 37.5%, PPV of 90.9% and NPV of 23.1% for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). FibroTest presented a sensitivity of 38.9%, specificity of 92.7%, PPV of 63.6% and NPV of 82.3% to evaluate advanced fibrosis. In the evaluation of patients with grade 2 and 3 steatosis, ROC analyses showed an area under the curve (AUROC) for SteatoTest of 0.68 (P=0.015). NashTest AUROC was 0.59 (P=0.417) for the evaluation of NASH. FibroTest AUROC was 0.79 (P<0.001) for advanced fibrosis. Kappa coefficient values for SteatoTest, NashTest and FibroTest were not statistically significant. Thirty-seven patients performed also analysis of the inflamatory markers, showing that patients with inflammatory activity grade 2-3 on liver biopsy had significantly higher levels of IL6 (P=0.016) and lower TNF-α (P=0.034), but there was no other difference when analysed fibrosis or steatosis. CONCLUSIONS: The Fibromax™ test and the inflamatory markers (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, MCP-1) did not present a satisfactory performance to be considered a good alternative to replace liver biopsy in the evaluation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Obesity blunts cephalic-phase microvascular responses to food.

Neurally mediated anticipatory responses, also named cephalic-phase responses, and microcirculatory regulation are two important mechanisms to maintain metabolic homeostasis. Altered cephalic-phase responses in obesity and its metabolic consequences have been proposed. There is, however, a lack of studies focusing on in vivo assessment of the microcirculation during this phase in patients with obesity. In this randomized controlled trial, we selected patients with obesity and healthy subjects after clinical and laboratory assessments. Those with obesity were randomized into two groups: experimental (cephalic-phase microvascular response stimulation - CP group, n = 13) and controls (n = 14). Healthy subjects (n = 17) were also included to form a CP control group. Skin microvascular assessment was used as a model of systemic microcirculation. Resting functional capillary density (FCD) and peak FCD during post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) were measured by dorsal finger videocapillaroscopy and expressed mainly capillary recruitment capacity. Resting red blood cell velocity (RBCV), peak RBCV during PORH (RBCVmax), and time taken to reach RBCVmax (TRBCVmax) were assessed by dynamic nailfold videocapillaroscopy and expressed the microhemodynamics. Patients with obesity (with or without stimulus) failed to show an increase on FCD during PORH post-stimulus (p = 0.221 and p = 0.307, respectively) depicting lack of capillary recruitment. In contrast, healthy subjects presented an increase in this microvascular outcome (p = 0.004). Changes in all variables of microhemodynamics occurred in both CP groups (healthy and those with obesity). During CP, we originally demonstrated an absence of capillary recruitment in subjects with obesity. These findings might contribute to the literature of microvascular impairment and metabolic conditions.

Transient hepatic elastography has the best performance to evaluate liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The gold-standard for fibrosis diagnosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is liver biopsy, despite its invasive approach, sampling limitations and variability among observers. The objective was to validate the performance of non-invasive methods (Fibroscan™; APRI, FIB4 and NAFLD score) comparing with liver biopsy in the evaluation of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: NAFLD patients ≥18 years of age who were submitted to liver biopsy were included and evaluated at two reference tertiary hospitals in Brazil with transient hepatic elastography (THE) assessment through Fibroscan™, APRI, FIB4 and NAFLD scores were determined. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis were calculated to evaluate the performance of these non-invasive methods in NAFLD patients, adopting liver biopsy as the gold standard. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were studied. At three different cutoff values (7.9, 8.7 and 9.6kPa) THE presented the highest sensitivity values (95%, 90% and 85% respectively), and the highest NPV (98%, 96.4% and 95.1% respectively) for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis. It also presented the highest AUROC (0.87; CI 95% 0.78-0.97). CONCLUSION: When compared to the gold standard, transient hepatic elastography presented the best performance for the diagnosis and exclusion of advanced fibrosis in patients with NAFLD, overcoming APRI, FIB4 and NAFLD score.

Food consumption of users of the Brazilian Unified Health System by type of assistance and participation in the "Bolsa Família". / Consumo alimentar de usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde segundo o tipo de assistência e participação no Bolsa Família.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate and compare dietary intake, type of assistance (Basic Health Units - UBS and Family Health Strategies - ESF) and participation in the "Bolsa Família" Program (PBF) among users of the Brazilian Unified Health System, (SUS). The sample was composed of individuals of both sexes between 18 and 78 years of age in Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul. Socioeconomic, clinical and food consumption data were collected via a questionnaire adapted from the SISVAN and VIGITEL national surveys. The analyses were conducted using R3.1 software. Of the 187 patients, 91 were affiliated to the ESF, 96 to UBS and 40 were registered with the PBF. A healthy eating pattern was identified in only 41% of SUS users. It was observed that 55% did not consume raw salad (37% p = 0.04) and vegetable consumption was lower among the PBF users (67.5% versus 75.9%; p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in food consumption considering the kind of assistance (ESF or UBS). A healthy consumption pattern was not associated with demographic and socioeconomic variables. The majority of beneficiaries of the PBF did not admit to healthy eating patterns. Therefore, effective health promotion and prevention is needed for this population, mainly among the beneficiaries of the PBF.

Foi realizado estudo transversal com objetivo de avaliar e comparar o consumo alimentar de usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), segundo tipo de assistência (Unidades Básicas de Saúde-UBS e Estratégias de Saúde da Família-ESF) e participação no Programa Bolsa Família (PBF). A amostra foi composta por indivíduos de 18 a 78 anos, de ambos sexos, de Porto Alegre-RS. Foram coletados dados socioeconômicos, clínicos e de consumo alimentar através de questionário adaptado dos inquéritos nacionais SISVAN e VIGITEL. As análises foram realizadas no software R3.1. Dos 187 entrevistados, 91 pertenciam à ESF, 96 à UBS e 40 eram beneficiários do PBF. O padrão alimentar saudável foi identificado em apenas 41% dos usuários do SUS. Entre os beneficiários do PBF, consumo de hortaliças foi menor (67,5% vs 75,9;p = 0,02) e 55% não consumiam salada crua (37%;p = 0,04). Não houve diferença significativa no consumo considerando o tipo de assistência recebida (ESF ou UBS). O padrão de consumo saudável não foi associado às variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas. A maioria dos beneficiados pelo PBF também não demonstrou padrão alimentar saudável. Portanto, maiores esforços para efetiva promoção e prevenção da saúde são necessários para essa população, principalmente entre os beneficiados pelo PBF.

Consumo alimentar de usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde segundo o tipo de assistência e participação no Bolsa Família / Food consumption of users of the Brazilian Unified Health System by type of assistance and participation in the "Bolsa Família"

Resumo Foi realizado estudo transversal com objetivo de avaliar e comparar o consumo alimentar de usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), segundo tipo de assistência (Unidades Básicas de Saúde-UBS e Estratégias de Saúde da Família-ESF) e participação no Programa Bolsa Família (PBF). A amostra foi composta por indivíduos de 18 a 78 anos, de ambos sexos, de Porto Alegre-RS. Foram coletados dados socioeconômicos, clínicos e de consumo alimentar através de questionário adaptado dos inquéritos nacionais SISVAN e VIGITEL. As análises foram realizadas no software R3.1. Dos 187 entrevistados, 91 pertenciam à ESF, 96 à UBS e 40 eram beneficiários do PBF. O padrão alimentar saudável foi identificado em apenas 41% dos usuários do SUS. Entre os beneficiários do PBF, consumo de hortaliças foi menor (67,5% vs 75,9;p = 0,02) e 55% não consumiam salada crua (37%;p = 0,04). Não houve diferença significativa no consumo considerando o tipo de assistência recebida (ESF ou UBS). O padrão de consumo saudável não foi associado às variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas. A maioria dos beneficiados pelo PBF também não demonstrou padrão alimentar saudável. Portanto, maiores esforços para efetiva promoção e prevenção da saúde são necessários para essa população, principalmente entre os beneficiados pelo PBF.

Abstract A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate and compare dietary intake, type of assistance (Basic Health Units - UBS and Family Health Strategies - ESF) and participation in the "Bolsa Família" Program (PBF) among users of the Brazilian Unified Health System, (SUS). The sample was composed of individuals of both sexes between 18 and 78 years of age in Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul. Socioeconomic, clinical and food consumption data were collected via a questionnaire adapted from the SISVAN and VIGITEL national surveys. The analyses were conducted using R3.1 software. Of the 187 patients, 91 were affiliated to the ESF, 96 to UBS and 40 were registered with the PBF. A healthy eating pattern was identified in only 41% of SUS users. It was observed that 55% did not consume raw salad (37% p = 0.04) and vegetable consumption was lower among the PBF users (67.5% versus 75.9%; p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in food consumption considering the kind of assistance (ESF or UBS). A healthy consumption pattern was not associated with demographic and socioeconomic variables. The majority of beneficiaries of the PBF did not admit to healthy eating patterns. Therefore, effective health promotion and prevention is needed for this population, mainly among the beneficiaries of the PBF.

Dietary Management in the Immediate Preoperative Period of Bariatric Surgery: a National Overview : Bariatric Preoperative Diets.

BACKGROUND: Although widely applied, there is no consensus about the characteristics of the diets prescribed in the immediate preoperative period of bariatric surgery (BS). The objective of this study was to perform a survey on preoperative dietary management in BS centers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with BS Brazilian centers. Only BS centers with certificate of excellence by Surgical Review Corporation were included. An electronic questionnaire was applied to assess details about the dietary management in the immediate preoperative period of BS. RESULTS: Of the 15 centers invited, 80% (n = 12) answered the questionnaire. Preoperative weight loss was required to patients in all 12 centers. For 8.3% (n = 1), this request was applied to all patients; 91.7% (n = 11) of the centers requested weight loss in specific cases. Ten (83.3%) centers prescribed restrictive diets; none of these adopted a standard dietary protocol. The caloric value of the diets ranged from 800 to 2000 kcal/day. The duration of the diet ranged from 10 to 20 days in 40% (n = 4) of the centers and from 20 to 90 days in 60% (n = 6) of the centers. Dietary prescription was based on team consensus in 100% (n = 12) of the centers. In 33.3% (n = 4) of the centers, scientific evidence supporting dietary prescription was cited. CONCLUSION: This study identified the frequent practice of requesting preoperative weight loss and the diversity of diets used in the immediate preoperative period by Brazilian BS centers. Future guideline proposal is needed on preoperative BS diets.

Effects of very low calorie diets on liver size and weight loss in the preoperative period of bariatric surgery: a systematic review.

Restrictive diet implementation in bariatric surgery (BS) preoperative period is common, although its benefits are not well established. This study aimed to assess the effects of very low calorie diets (VLCD) on liver size and weight loss during BS preoperative period. Surgery-related complications were also assessed. A systematic review of the literature was performed. Terms such as "bariatric surgery" and "very low energy diet" were included in the search strategy. Inclusion criteria were adult patients (aged>18 yr); VLCD treatment in BS preoperative period (10 d to 12 wk); and assessment of 1 the following outcomes: weight loss, liver volume reduction, and surgical complications. There were 9 studies included (849 patients including 250 controls, 196 controls without VLCD). Of the studies, 3 were randomized clinical trials and 6 were observational studies. VLCD treatment led to weight loss (-2.8 to -14.8 kg) and to liver size reduction by 5% to 20% of the initial volume. VLCD treatment did not significantly reduce perioperative complications. However, 1 study (n = 273) reported a protective effect 30 days after surgery. This systematic review found VLCD treatment led to significant weight loss and liver volume reduction when applied to patients with obesity in BS preoperative period. The effect of VLCD on surgical risks is not clear. Standardization of dietary characteristics is needed, because weight loss and decrease in liver size were not connected to higher caloric restriction. This is an important matter in clinical practice as to avoid unnecessary prolonged and/or excessive dietary restriction.

Is there an association between vitamin D and liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C? / Existe associação entre vitamina D e fibrose hepática em pacientes com hepatite C crônica?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Vitamin D is known for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties, which are quite relevant in the pathogenesis and treatment of many causes of chronic liver disease. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and the histopathological findings in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. METHODS Cross-sectional study composed of patients with chronic hepatitis C. All patients underwent vitamin D 25 dosage and anthropometric data analysis. Liver biopsy was performed in a maximum 36-month period before inclusion in the study. RESULTS Of the 74 patients included in the study, 45 (60.8%) were women, mean age was 57.03±9.24 years, and 63 (85.1%) were white. No association was observed between the serum levels of vitamin D and inflammatory activity (P=0.699) nor with the degree of liver fibrosis (P=0.269). CONCLUSION In this study, no association was observed between vitamin D and inflammatory activity, as well as the degree of liver fibrosis, in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

RESUMO CONTEXTO A vitamina D é conhecida por possuir propriedades imunomoduladoras, anti-inflamatórias e antifibróticas, relevantes na patogênese e tratamento de muitas causas de doença hepática crônica. OBJETIVO Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a associação entre os níveis séricos de vitamina D e os achados histopatológicos em pacientes com infecção crônica do vírus da hepatite C. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal, composto por pacientes com hepatite C crônica. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à dosagem de vitamina D 25 e análise de dados antropométricos. A biópsia hepática foi realizada em um período máximo de 36 meses antes da inclusão no estudo. RESULTADOS Dos 74 pacientes incluídos no estudo, 45 (60,8%) eram mulheres, média de idade de 57,03±9,24 anos e 63 (85,1%) eram brancos. Não foi observada associação entre os níveis séricos de vitamina D e atividade inflamatória (P=0,699), nem com o grau de fibrose hepática (P=0,269). CONCLUSÃO No presente estudo, não foi observada associação entre a vitamina D e a atividade inflamatória, bem como com o grau de fibrose hepática, em pacientes com hepatite C crônica.

Relative validity of a food frequency questionnaire in patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Validation of food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) is recommended for accurate measurement of habitual food consumption. We assessed the relative validity of a FFQ in patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus. METHODS: Each patient responded to a FFQ and three 24-hour food recalls. Pearson's correlation and weighted Kappa index analyses were performed to identify the FFQ relative validity and concordance. RESULTS: De-attenuated correlation coefficients ranged from 0.35 (vitamin B1) to 0.81 (selenium). The concordance index ranged from 0.07 (vitamin C) to 0.51 (calcium). CONCLUSIONS: The FFQ showed satisfactory relative validity for most nutrients.

Is there an association between vitamin D and liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C?

BACKGROUND: - Vitamin D is known for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties, which are quite relevant in the pathogenesis and treatment of many causes of chronic liver disease. OBJECTIVE: - This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and the histopathological findings in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. METHODS: - Cross-sectional study composed of patients with chronic hepatitis C. All patients underwent vitamin D 25 dosage and anthropometric data analysis. Liver biopsy was performed in a maximum 36-month period before inclusion in the study. RESULTS: - Of the 74 patients included in the study, 45 (60.8%) were women, mean age was 57.03±9.24 years, and 63 (85.1%) were white. No association was observed between the serum levels of vitamin D and inflammatory activity (P=0.699) nor with the degree of liver fibrosis (P=0.269). CONCLUSION: - In this study, no association was observed between vitamin D and inflammatory activity, as well as the degree of liver fibrosis, in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Association of caffeine intake and liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Caffeine consumption has been associated to decreased levels of liver enzymes and lower risk of fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the association between caffeine consumption and inflammatory activity or degree of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection treated in an outpatient Gastroenterology Unit of Santa Casa Hospital (Porto Alegre - Brasil). Patients were interviewed regarding the consumption of caffeine and anthropometric assessment was performed. Liver biopsy was performed in a maximum period of 36 months before inclusion in the study. RESULTS: There were 113 patients, 67 (59.3%) females, 48 (42.5%) were aged between 52 and 62 years, and 101 (89.4%) were white. The average caffeine consumption was 251.41 ± 232.32 mg/day, and 70 (62%) patients consumed up to 250 mg/day of caffeine. There was no association between caffeine consumption and inflammatory activity on liver biopsy. On the other hand, when evaluating the caffeine consumption liver fibrosis an inverse association was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The greater consumption of caffeine was associated with lower liver fibrosis. There was no association between caffeine consumption and inflammatory activity.

Association of aaffeine intake and liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatiti cc / Associação do consumo da cafeína com o grau de fibrose hepática em pacientes com hepatite C crônica

Background Caffeine consumption has been associated to decreased levels of liver enzymes and lower risk of fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the association between caffeine consumption and inflammatory activity or degree of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus infection. Methods A cross-sectional study of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection treated in an outpatient Gastroenterology Unit of Santa Casa Hospital (Porto Alegre - Brasil). Patients were interviewed regarding the consumption of caffeine and anthropometric assessment was performed. Liver biopsy was performed in a maximum period of 36 months before inclusion in the study Results There were 113 patients, 67 (59.3%) females, 48 (42.5%) were aged between 52 and 62 years, and 101 (89.4%) were white. The average caffeine consumption was 251.41 ± 232.32 mg/day, and 70 (62%) patients consumed up to 250 mg/day of caffeine. There was no association between caffeine consumption and inflammatory activity on liver biopsy. On the other hand, when evaluating the caffeine consumption liver fibrosis an inverse association was observed. Conclusions The greater consumption of caffeine was associated with lower liver fibrosis. There was no association between caffeine consumption and inflammatory activity. .

Contexto O consumo de cafeína tem sido relacionado à diminuição dos níveis de enzimas hepáticas e menor risco de fibrose em pacientes portadores do vírus da hepatite C. Objetivo O presente estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a associação do consumo da cafeína com a atividade inflamatória e o grau de fibrose hepática em pacientes com infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C. Métodos Estudo transversal, constituído por pacientes com infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C atendidos no ambulatório de Gastroenterologia do Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa (Porto Alegre - Brasil). Os pacientes foram entrevistados e avaliados individualmente quanto ao consumo de cafeína e antropometria. A biópsia hepática foi realizada em um período de no máximo 36 meses antes da inclusão no estudo. Resultados Foram avaliados 113 pacientes, sendo 67 (59,3%) do sexo feminino, 48 (42,5%) apresentavam idade entre 52 e 62 anos, e 101 (89,4%) eram de cor branca. O consumo médio de cafeína foi de 251,41 ± 232,32 mg/dia, sendo que 70 (62%) pacientes consumiam até 250 mg/dia de cafeína. Não houve associação entre o consumo de cafeína e a atividade inflamatória na biópsia hepática. Por outro lado, quando avaliada a associação entre o consumo de cafeína e fibrose hepática observou-se relação inversa. Conclusões O maior consumo de cafeína apresentou associação com menor grau de fibrose hepática. Não houve associação entre o consumo de cafeína e a atividade inflamatória. .

Probiotics and synbiotics may improve liver aminotransferases levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as a spectrum of liver diseases ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis (NASH). Alterations in intestinal microbiota and inflammatory response may play a key role in disease progression and development of complications in liver diseases, mainly in cirrhosis and NASH. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) testing probiotics, prebiotics or both (synbiotics) in the treatment of NAFLD in adult patients. After the screening process, 9 full-text articles were included in the review and 6 studies were excluded. Three randomized controlled trials were finally included in the qualitative synthesis. All patients in all the 3 studies were randomized to receive different formulations of probiotics, synbiotics or placebo. Reductions in aminotransferases were observed in the treated group in 2 of the studies. However, in one study reductions were also detected in the control group. In conclusion, the available evidence precludes, for the moment, recommendations on the use of pre and probiotics in clinical practice.

Dietary patterns during pregnancy and the association with sociodemographic characteristics among women attending general practices in southern Brazil: the ECCAGe Study / Padrões alimentares na gestação e associação com características sociodemográficas em mulheres atendidas em unidades básicas de saúde no Sul do Brasil: Estudo ECCAGe / Padrones alimentarios en la gestación y su asociación con características sociodemográficas en mujeres atendidas en unidades básicas de salud en el sur de Brasil: estudio ECCAGe

The assessment of the relationship between food intake and sociodemographic factors is crucial for developing effective public health policies. The present study aimed to examine dietary patterns in pregnant women and the association between these patterns and sociodemographic characteristics. Pregnant women attending general practices in southern Brazil (n = 712) answered a questionnaire and a food-frequency questionnaire with 88 items. Three dietary patterns were identified using cluster analysis. The association between the dietary patterns and sociodemographic variables was analyzed using the chi-square test and adjusted standardized residuals (p < 0,05). The restricted pattern was associated with lower maternal age, not living with a partner and being a non-working student. The varied pattern was associated with older maternal age, living with a partner, being employed and higher levels of education and income. The common-Brazilian dietary pattern included traditional Brazilian food items and was associated with lower levels of education and income, being unemployed and being a non-student.

A avaliação do consumo alimentar e das condições sociodemográficas é crucial para o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas. Este estudo examinou os padrões alimentares em gestantes e sua associação com características sociodemográficas. Gestantes (n = 712) atendidas em unidades básicas de saúde no sul do Brasil, responderam a um questionário sobre as características sociodemográficas e a um outro de frequência alimentar. Foram identificados três padrões alimentares por análise de cluster. Utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado com resíduos ajustado verificou-se a associação dos padrões alimentares com as variáveis sociodemográficas (p < 0,05). O padrão restrito foi associado com gestantes mais jovens, que não moram com o companheiro e só estudam; o padrão variado com mulheres mais velhas que moram com o companheiro, trabalham e têm níveis de escolaridade e renda mais altos. Mulheres que não trabalham nem estudam e possuem níveis de renda e escolaridade mais baixos estiveram associadas ao padrão comum-brasileiro, caracterizado por alimentos tradicionais da população brasileira.

La evaluación del consumo alimentario y de las condiciones sociodemográficas es crucial para el desarrollo de políticas públicas. Este estudio examinó padrones alimentarios en gestantes y su asociación con características sociodemográficas. Las gestantes (n = 712) atendidas en unidades básicas de salud en el sur de Brasil, respondieron a un cuestionario sobre características sociodemográficas y a un cuestionario de frecuencia alimentaria. Se identificaron tres padrones alimentarios por análisis de clúster. A través del test chi-cuadrado ajustado con residuos se verificó la asociación de los padrones alimentarios con las variables sociodemográficas (p < 0,05). El padrón restringido fue asociado con gestantes más jóvenes, que no viven con un compañero y sólo estudian; el padrón variado con mujeres más viejas, que viven con compañero, trabajan y tienen niveles de escolaridad y renta más altos. Mujeres que no trabajan ni estudian, y poseen niveles de renta y escolaridad más bajos, estuvieron asociadas al padrón común-brasileño, caracterizado por alimentos tradicionales de la población brasileña.

Índice de alimentação saudável para gestantes: adaptação para uso em gestantes brasileiras / Healthy eating index for pregnancy: adaptation for use in pregnant women in Brazil / Índice de alimentación saludable para gestantes: adaptación para uso en gestantes brasileñas

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade global da dieta em uma amostra de gestantes, a partir de um parâmetro único, simples e objetivo. MÉTODOS: Gestantes entre a 16ª e 36ª semana de gestação (n = 712) foram arroladas em unidades básicas de saúde em Porto Alegre e Bento Gonçalves, RS, em 2010. Com base no índice americano Alternate Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P) foi criado o Índice de Alimentação Saudável para Gestantes Brasileiras (HEIP-B). Foram aplicados o questionário de frequência alimentar e o questionário sociodemográfico. Foi utilizada a análise de componentes principais focada para avaliar a relação entre os índices e os nutrientes relevantes à gestação. RESULTADOS: A mediana e o intervalo interquartílico dos índices AHEI-P e HEIP-B foram 66,6 (57,8-72,4) e 67,4 (60,0-73,4), respectivamente. O HEIP-B mostrou boa correlação positiva com os nutrientes que têm recomendação específica no período gestacional folato (r = 0,8; p < 0,001), cálcio (r = 0,6; p < 0,001) e ferro (r = 0,7; p < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A qualidade da dieta das gestantes do presente estudo foi classificada dentro do ponto de corte "precisando de melhorias", o que mostra a necessidade de se trabalhar mais especificamente com educação alimentar nesse ciclo da vida. O índice aplicado mostrou boas correlações e, portanto, pode ser considerado um bom instrumento de avaliação da qualidade da alimentação durante a gestação.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dietary quality in a sample of pregnant women based on one simple and objective parameter. METHODS: Pregnant women (n = 712), between 16 and 36 weeks, attending primary care clinics in Porto Alegre and Bento Gonçalves, Southern Brazil, in 2010 were recruited to take part. The Healthy Eating Index for Brazilian Pregnancy (HEIP-B) was created, derived from the American instrument called Alternate Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P). Questionnaires on frequency of consumption and on socio-demographic factors were completed. Focused principal component analysis (ACPF) was used to assess the relationship between the index and nutrients relevant to pregnancy. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) of AHEI-P and HEIP-B were 66.6 (57.8-72.4) and 67.4 (60.0-73.4), respectively. The HEIP-B showed a good positive correlation with nutrients which are specifically recommended for pregnancy: folate (r = 0.8; p < 0.001), calcium (r = 0.6; p < 0.001) and iron (r = 0.7; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the diet of the pregnant women in this study was classified as within the "improvements needed" cut off point, which demonstrates the need for more specific education on nutrition for this stage of life. The index showed good correlations and, thus, may be considered an effective tool for assessing the quality of nutrition during pregnancy.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la calidad global de la dieta en una muestra de gestantes, a partir de um parámetro único, simple y objetivo. MÉTODOS: Gestantes entre 16ª y 36ª semana de gestación (n=712) fueron inventariadas en unidades básicas de salud en Porto Alegre y Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brasil, en 2010. Con base en el índice americano Alternate Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P) se creó en índice de Alimentación Saludable para Gestantes (HEIP-B). Se aplicaron el cuestionario de frecuencia alimentaria y el cuestionario sociodemográfico. Se utilizó el análisis de componentes principales para evaluar la relación entre los índices y los nutrientes relevantes para la gestación. RESULTADOS: La mediana y el intervalo intercuartil de los índices AHEI-P y HEIP-B fueron 66,6 (57,8-72,4) y 67,4 (60,0-73,4), respectivamente. El HEIP-B mostró buena correlación positiva con los nutrientes que tienen recomendación específica en el período gestacional folato (r = 0,8; p < 0,001), calcio (r = 0,6; p < 0,001) e hierro (r = 0,7; p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: La calidad de la dieta de las gestantes del presente estudio fue clasificada dentro del punto de corte "precisando de mejorías", lo que muestra la necesidad de trabajar más específicamente con educación alimentaria en ese ciclo de la vida. El índice aplicado mostró buenas correlaciones y, por tanto, puede ser considerado un buen instrumento de evaluación de la calidad de la alimentación durante la gestación.

Novel findings in the cephalic phase of digestion: a role for microcirculation?

The cephalic phase of digestion (CPD) has been extensively investigated in terms of digestion and metabolism. Nevertheless, microcirculatory changes required to prepare peripheral tissues in order to dispose nutrients have never been assessed. In this study, microvascular function has been evaluated to determine its behavior and potential association to hormonal secretions during CPD. Thirty-nine healthy male subjects, 23.4 ± 0.5 years (mean ± SD) and BMI of 23.3 ± 2.3 kg/m(2), were randomized into receiving cognitive-sensorial stimuli to elicit CPD (CPD group, n=20) or not (control group, n=19), after a 12-h overnight fast. Main outcomes were differences in resting and peak functional capillary density (FCD, cap/mm(2)); resting red blood cell velocity (RBCV), peak RBCV (RBCV(max)) and time taken to reach it (TRBCV(max)); peak flow and vasomotion, before and after CPD and their associations with insulin and/or pancreatic polypeptide (PP). In the CPD group, basal FCD (24.9 ± 7.6 to 28.3 ± 8.1, p=0.005), peak FCD (27.8 ± 6.3 to 32.6 ± 7.1, p=0.002), RBCV (0.306 ± 0.031 to 0.330 ± 0.027 mm/s, p=0.005), RBCV(max) (0.336 ± 0.029 to 0.398 ± 0.292 mm/s, p=0.005) and peak flow (23.5 ± 14.3 to 26.9 ± 15.8 PU, p<0.01) increased while TRBCV(max) decreased (4.9 ± 1.5 to 3.5 ± 1.2s, p=0.01). No significant changes could be detected in the control group. Groups have not presented differences for insulin, but PP significantly increased in the CPD group and was positively associated to basal FCD increase (rho=0.527, p=0.03). In conclusion, neurally-mediated anticipatory responses of digestion elicited functional capillary recruitment associated to PP in healthy men, suggesting a precocious role for microcirculation in the physiology of digestion and nutrient homeostasis.

Socioeconomic, demographic and nutritional factors associated with maternal weight gain in general practices in Southern Brazil / Fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e nutricionais associados com ganho de peso gestacional em unidades básicas de saúde no Sul do Brasil

In order to describe adequacy of weight gain during pregnancy and its association with pre-pregnancy nutritional status and other factors, a cohort study of pregnant women enrolled at 16-36 weeks of gestation and followed up until delivery was carried out in prenatal care in primary care services in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Maternal weight was recorded at each prenatal care visit. Weight gain was classified as "adequate," "insufficient" or "excessive" (Institute of Medicine). Poisson regression was used to measure the associations. The sample was comprised of 667 women, and insufficient and excessive weight gain incidences were 25.8 percent and 44.8 percent, respectively. Overweight and obese before pregnancy had a significant increased risk of excessive weight gain in pregnancy (RR: 1.75; 95 percentCI: 1.48-2.07, RR: 1.55; 95 percentCI: 1.23-1.96, respectively). Women with fewer than six prenatal visits had a 52 percent increased risk for weight gain below recommended values. Although insufficient weight gain may still be a public health problem, excessive gain is becoming a concern that needs immediate attention in prenatal care.

Para caracterizar o ganho ponderal gestacional e sua associação com estado nutricional pré-gestacional e fatores relacionados à gravidez, realizou-se estudo de coorte com gestantes arroladas consecutivamente entre a 16ª e a 36ª semanas, e seguidas até o parto em serviços da rede básica de saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Informações do peso da gestante em cada consulta de pré-natal foram obtidas. Ganho de peso foi classificado conforme o Instituto de Medicina dos Estados Unidos. Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foi utilizada. Incidências de ganho de peso insuficiente e excessivo das 667 gestantes foram de 25,8 por cento e 44,8 por cento, respectivamente. Gestantes com sobrepeso e obesidade pré-gestacional apresentaram risco para ganho ponderal excessivo (RR: 1,75; IC95 por cento: 1,48-2,07 e RR: 1,55; IC95 por cento: 1,23-1,96). Gestantes com menos de seis consultas de pré-natal tiveram risco de 52 por cento de ganhar peso insuficiente. Embora o ganho ponderal insuficiente persista como um problema de saúde pública, o ganho excessivo está se configurando como uma questão que precisa de atenção imediata nos serviços de pré-natal.