Ameliorating effect of probiotic on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and lipolytic gene expression in rabbits.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that affects about 24% of people worldwide. Increased liver fat, inflammation, and, in the most severe cases, cell death are all characteristics of NAFLD. However, NAFLD pathogenesis and therapy are still not clear enough. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) inducing NAFLD on lipolytic gene expression, liver function, lipid profile, and antioxidant enzymes in rabbits and the modulatory effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) on it. A total of 45 male New Zealand white rabbits, eight weeks old, were randomly divided into three groups of three replicates (5 rabbits/replicate). Rabbits in group I were given a basal diet; rabbits in group II were given a high-cholesterol diet that caused NAFLD; and rabbits in group III were given a high-cholesterol diet as well as probiotics in water for 8 weeks. The results showed that a high-cholesterol diet caused hepatic vacuolation and upregulated the genes for lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL), and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). Downregulated low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) gene, increased liver enzymes [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)], cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose, and total bilirubin. On the other hand, it decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total protein, albumin, and liver antioxidants [glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)]. Supplementing with probiotics helped to return all parameters to normal levels. In conclusion, probiotic supplementation, especially L. acidophilus, protected against NAFLD, and restored lipolytic gene expression, liver functions, and antioxidants to normal levels.

Effective-by-method for the preparation of folic acid-coated TiO2 nanoparticles with high targeting potential for apoptosis induction against bladder cancer cells (T24).

The research's goal is to create the surfaces of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in a layer of folic acid (FA) that can effectively target human bladder cancer cells (T24). An efficient method for creating FA-coated TiO2 NPs was used, and many tools have been used to analyze its physicochemical properties. The cytotoxic effects of FA-coated NPs on T24 cells and the mechanisms of apoptosis generation were examined employing a variety of methodologies. The prepared FA-coated TiO2 NPs suspensions with a hydrodynamic diameter around 37 nm and a negative surface charge of -30 mV reduced T24 cell proliferation with stronger IC50 value (21.8 ± 1.9 µg/ml) than TiO2 NPs (47.8 ± 2.5 µg/ml). This toxicity resulted in apoptosis induction (16.63%) that was caused through enhanced reactive oxygen species formation and stopping the cell cycle over G2/M phase. Moreover, FA-TiO2 NPs raised the expression levels of P53, P21, BCL2L4, and cleaved Caspase-3, while decreasing Bcl-2, Cyclin B, and CDK1 in treated cells. Overall, these findings revealed efficient targeting of the FA-TiO2 NPs resulted in increasing cellular internalization caused increased apoptosis in T24 cells. As a result, FA-TiO2 NPs might be a viable treatment for human bladder cancer.

Downregulation of aquaporin 3 in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune bullous skin disease. Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) is a glycerol/water channel involved in several physiological functions. Evaluation of the tissue expression and localization of AQP3 in the skin of PV patients. Twenty-seven PV patients and 30 controls were included. The patients were subjected to history taking, clinical evaluation, Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score and 4-mm punch biopsy. The biopsies were stained using anti-human AQP3 antibody and the immunofluorescence pattern and intensity were evaluated using a scoring system and ImageJ software analysis. AQP3 was expressed in the basal epidermis in 27 (100%) and in the suprabasal epidermis in 19 PV patients (70.4%). It was expressed in all controls in basal and suprabasal layers. Intensity of AQP3 immunofluorescence was strong in 2 (7.4%), moderate in 19 (70.4%) and weak in 6 patients (22.2%) while it was strong in 18 (60%) and moderate in 12 controls (40%). AQP3 expression was significantly lower in patients than controls in the suprabasal epidermis (p = 0.001). Patients with extensive disease had significantly weaker AQP3 intensity than those with marked disease (p = 0.005) Downregulation of AQP3 in patients with PV, especially in the suprabasal layers and in extensive clinical disease, suggests a potential role of AQP3 in the pathogenesis of PV.

Do GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Risk of cancer is a major concern in the development of drugs for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. In randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the Liraglutide Clinical Development Program, subjects treated with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) had a higher absolute number of breast cancer events. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether patients treated with GLP-1RAs had a higher risk of breast neoplasms. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL from July 31, 2019 to February 8, 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Reviewers assessed abstracts and full-text articles for RCTs of GLP-1RAs in adults with excessive weight and/or diabetes and a minimum follow-up of 24 weeks. DATA EXTRACTION: Researchers extracted study-level data and assessed within-study risk of bias with the RoB 2.0 tool and quality of evidence with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). DATA SYNTHESIS: We included 52 trials, of which 50 reported breast cancer events and 11 reported benign breast neoplasms. Overall methodological quality was high. Among 48 267 subjects treated with GLP-1RAs, 130 developed breast cancer compared with 107 of 40 755 controls (relative risk [RR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1.26). Subset analyses according to follow-up, participant/investigator blinding, and type of GLP-1RA did not reveal any differences. The risk of benign breast neoplasms also did not differ between groups (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.48-2.01). Trial sequential analysis provided evidence that the sample size was sufficient to avoid missing alternative results. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with GLP-1RAs for obesity and diabetes does not increase the risk of breast neoplasms.

Polypharmacy among the elderly: a population-based study. / Polifarmácia em idosos: um estudo de base populacional.

OBJECTIVE:: To investigate polypharmacy among the elderly living in the urban area of Florianopolis, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, estimating the prevalence and associated factors. METHODS:: This is a cross-sectional population-based study with a sample of 1,705 individuals aged 60 years old or older, between 2009 and 2010. The dependent variable was polypharmacy (defined as "use of five or more medications"). The following exploratory variables were utilized: sociodemographic data, use of health services and self-rated health status. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated by multivariate analysis using the Poisson regression. RESULTS:: The mean for the medications used by the elderly population was 3.8 (ranging from 0 to 28). The prevalence of polypharmacy was 32%, with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 29.8 - 34.3. The characteristics presenting a positive association with polypharmacy were: female gender (PR = 1.27; 95%CI 1.03 - 1.57), increasing age (PR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.08 - 1.77), negative self-rated health status (PR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.59 - 2.48) and medical appointments in the 3 months prior to the interview (PR = 1.89; 95% CI 1.53 - 2.32). The groups of medication most utilized by the elderly individuals in polypharmacy were those indicated for the cardiovascular system, digestive tract and metabolism, as well as the nervous system. CONCLUSION:: The pattern of medication use among this elderly population is within the national average. The prevalence of polypharmacy and the characteristics associated with it were similar to those found in other regions of Brazil.

Polifarmácia em idosos: um estudo de base populacional / Polypharmacy among the elderly: a population-based study

RESUMO: Objetivo: Investigar a polifarmácia em idosos residentes na área urbana de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil, estimando a prevalência e os fatores a ela associados. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal de base populacional em uma amostra de 1.705 idosos, entre 2009 e 2010. A variável dependente foi polifarmácia (definida como "uso de cinco ou mais medicamentos"). Utilizaram-se variáveis sociodemográficas, uso de serviços de saúde e autoavaliação de saúde como exploratórias. Foram estimadas razões de prevalência (RP) por meio de análise multivariada utilizando-se da regressão de Poisson. Resultados: A média do uso de medicamentos por idosos foi de 3,8 (variando entre 0 e 28). A prevalência de polifarmácia foi de 32%, com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) 29,8 - 34,3. As características que apresentaram associação positiva com polifarmácia foram: sexo feminino (RP = 1,27; IC95% 1,03 - 1,57), aumento da idade (RP = 1,38; IC95% 1,08 - 1,77), autoavaliação de saúde negativa (RP = 1,99; IC95% 1,59 - 2,48) e realização de consulta médica nos últimos 3 meses anteriores à entrevista (RP = 1,89; IC95% 1,53 - 2,32). Os grupos de medicamentos mais utilizados pelos idosos na polifarmácia foram os indicados para o sistema cardiovascular, trato alimentar e metabolismo e sistema nervoso. Conclusão: O padrão de uso de medicamentos por idosos está dentro da média nacional. A prevalência de polifarmácia e as características a ela associadas foram semelhantes aos achados em outras regiões do Brasil.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To investigate polypharmacy among the elderly living in the urban area of Florianopolis, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, estimating the prevalence and associated factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional population-based study with a sample of 1,705 individuals aged 60 years old or older, between 2009 and 2010. The dependent variable was polypharmacy (defined as "use of five or more medications"). The following exploratory variables were utilized: sociodemographic data, use of health services and self-rated health status. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated by multivariate analysis using the Poisson regression. Results: The mean for the medications used by the elderly population was 3.8 (ranging from 0 to 28). The prevalence of polypharmacy was 32%, with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 29.8 - 34.3. The characteristics presenting a positive association with polypharmacy were: female gender (PR = 1.27; 95%CI 1.03 - 1.57), increasing age (PR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.08 - 1.77), negative self-rated health status (PR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.59 - 2.48) and medical appointments in the 3 months prior to the interview (PR = 1.89; 95% CI 1.53 - 2.32). The groups of medication most utilized by the elderly individuals in polypharmacy were those indicated for the cardiovascular system, digestive tract and metabolism, as well as the nervous system. Conclusion: The pattern of medication use among this elderly population is within the national average. The prevalence of polypharmacy and the characteristics associated with it were similar to those found in other regions of Brazil.

[Medicines prescribed to the elderly in a city in southern Brazil and the Municipal Medicines List]. / Medicamentos prescritos aos idosos em uma capital do Sul do Brasil e a Relação Municipal de Medicamentos.

The aim of this study was to describe the medicines prescribed to elderly residents of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in the 30 days prior to the interview, and to compare them with the Municipal Medicines List (REMUME). A cross-sectional population-based household survey was conducted, in which 1,705 elderly respondents reported having used a total of 5,458 prescription drugs meeting the study criteria and corresponding to 374 different active ingredients. The most frequently used medicines were for the cardiovascular system, among which the most prevalent pharmacological class was lipid-lowering drugs (although there were no examples of this drug class in the REMUME list). Despite some gaps, the majority of the drugs prescribed in Florianópolis coincided with the REMUME list. Prescriptions filled through the Unified National Health System were in greater conformity with the REMUME list.

Medicamentos prescritos aos idosos em uma capital do Sul do Brasil e a Relação Municipal de Medicamentos / Medicines prescribed to the elderly in a city in southern Brazil and the Municipal Medicines List

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os medicamentos prescritos aos idosos residentes na zona urbana do Município de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil, nos 30 dias anteriores à entrevista e, a partir disto, comparar com a Relação Municipal de Medicamentos (REMUME). Foi realizado um estudo transversal populacional de base domiciliar, no qual os 1.705 idosos entrevistados relataram ter utilizado o total de 5.458 medicamentos prescritos e dentro dos critérios da pesquisa, que corresponderam a 374 princípios ativos diferentes. Os medicamentos mais utilizados foram os indicados para o sistema cardiovascular, sendo a classe farmacológica dos redutores de colesterol e triglicerídeos os mais prevalentes, apesar de não haver nenhum exemplar desta classe de medicamentos selecionado na REMUME. Embora haja algumas faltas, a REMUME coincide com a maior proporção dos medicamentos prescritos no Município de Florianópolis. A principal diferença entre as prescrições é que as oriundas do SUS estão em maior conformidade com a REMUME.

The aim of this study was to describe the medicines prescribed to elderly residents of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in the 30 days prior to the interview, and to compare them with the Municipal Medicines List (REMUME). A cross-sectional population-based household survey was conducted, in which 1,705 elderly respondents reported having used a total of 5,458 prescription drugs meeting the study criteria and corresponding to 374 different active ingredients. The most frequently used medicines were for the cardiovascular system, among which the most prevalent pharmacological class was lipid-lowering drugs (although there were no examples of this drug class in the REMUME list). Despite some gaps, the majority of the drugs prescribed in Florianópolis coincided with the REMUME list. Prescriptions filled through the Unified National Health System were in greater conformity with the REMUME list.

[Prevalence and factors associated with access to medication among the elderly in a city in southern Brazil: a population-based study]. / Prevalência e fatores associados ao acesso a medicamentos pela população idosa em uma capital do sul do Brasil: um estudo de base populacional.

This study aimed to describe the prevalence of access to prescription drugs for the elderly and associated factors in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. A cross-sectional population-based household survey was performed in a sample of 1,469 individuals (non-response rate: 10.8%). The data were analyzed with Poisson regression, from two perspectives: access to medicines in general and access to medicines through the Unified National Health System (SUS). The results were, respectively, 95.8% (95%CI: 94.7-96.8) and 50.3% (95%CI: 47.7-52.8). Lower access to medicines was associated with functional dependence, chronic illness, and at least one medical visit in the previous three months. Access to medicines through the National Health System was associated with black or mixed race, younger age, lower schooling, lower income, more chronic diseases, lack of private health insurance, and at least one medical visit in the previous three months. The results show that the National Health System has been successful in promoting universal access to medicines in Florianópolis.

Prevalência e fatores associados ao acesso a medicamentos pela população idosa em uma capital do sul do Brasil: um estudo de base populacional / Prevalence and factors associated with access to medication among the elderly in a city in southern Brazil: a population-based study

O presente estudo tem por objetivo descrever a prevalência, fatores associados e a forma de acesso aos medicamentos prescritos aos idosos residentes na área urbana do Município de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foi realizado estudo transversal populacional de base domiciliar em amostra de 1.469 indivíduos (taxa não-resposta 10,8 por cento). Os dados foram analisados, por meio de regressão de Poisson, sob duas perspectivas: do acesso a medicamentos em geral e do acesso a medicamentos pelo SUS. Os resultados foram, respectivamente, 95,8 por cento (IC95 por cento: 94,7-96,8) e 50,3 por cento (IC95 por cento: 47,7-52,8). Observou-se que ocorre menor acesso a medicamentos quanto maior a dependência funcional, maior o número de doenças crônicas e quando há realização de consulta médica. Acessam mais medicamentos pelo SUS indivíduos de cor da pele parda ou negra, menor idade, pior escolaridade, pior renda, maior número de doenças crônicas, ausência de plano de saúde privado e consulta médica nos últimos três meses. Estes resultados mostram que o SUS vem cumprindo seu papel na universalização do acesso aos medicamentos em Florianópolis.

This study aimed to describe the prevalence of access to prescription drugs for the elderly and associated factors in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. A cross-sectional population-based household survey was performed in a sample of 1,469 individuals (non-response rate: 10.8 percent). The data were analyzed with Poisson regression, from two perspectives: access to medicines in general and access to medicines through the Unified National Health System (SUS). The results were, respectively, 95.8 percent (95 percentCI: 94.7-96.8) and 50.3 percent (95 percentCI: 47.7-52.8). Lower access to medicines was associated with functional dependence, chronic illness, and at least one medical visit in the previous three months. Access to medicines through the National Health System was associated with black or mixed race, younger age, lower schooling, lower income, more chronic diseases, lack of private health insurance, and at least one medical visit in the previous three months. The results show that the National Health System has been successful in promoting universal access to medicines in Florianópolis.

Avaliação dos índices hematimétricos emitidos pelos contadores hematológicos Pentra 120 Range e Sysmex XT-2000i / Evaluation of the hematimetric index emitted by hematological accountants Pentra 120 Screeches and Sysmex XT-2000i

O avanço tecnológico permitiu o desenvolvimento de modernos contadores automatizados de células sanguíneas, os quais combinam diferentes métodos de avaliação de índices hematológicos. Considerando a importância destes índices no diagnóstico diferencial de anemias e a variabilidade dos resultados emitidos pelos contadores Sysmex XT-2000i e Pentra 120 Range através da comparação dos valores dos parâmetros hematimétricos obtidos pelos contadores e a análise morfológica da distensão do sangue periférico. Foram analisados aleatoriamente 444 hemogramas de pacientes atendidos no Laboratório de Análises Clínicas do HU-UFSC, Processados pelos contadores Pentra 120 Range e Sysmex XT-2000i e comparados com a análise morfológica das células. Além disso, a comparação dos valores de HCM e CHCM com a avaliação morfológica mostrou que os critérios utilizados pelos contadores Sysmex XT-2000i e Pentra 120 Range na análise do HCM são os mais compatíveis com a microscopia. Entretanto, em relação ao CHCM, apenas os resultados do Pentra 120 Range foram compatíveis estatisticamente. Assim, concluímos que o uso dos parâmetros hematimétricos devem ser criteriosos, e, que dependem do contador de células usado pelo laboratório. Por isso, o controle de qualidade é imprescindível, e, além disso, amostras com valores fora daqueles de referência requerem avaliação morfológica por microscopia óptica.