Association of occupational exposure to pesticides with overweight and abdominal obesity in family farmers in southern Brazil.

The association of chronic exposure to pesticides with overweight and abdominal obesity in adult farmers was investigated. This cross-sectional study included a random sample of 122 farmers and their family members of both sexes (61% were male), living in the municipality of Farroupilha, southern Brazil. Pesticide groups and their individual compounds were self-reported and classified according to major functional and chemical classes (never used, 1-20 years, or > 20 years of use). Abdominal obesity and overweight were the outcomes of interest. A multivariate Poisson regression model was analyzed. After confounding factors were controlled, chronic use (>20 years) of insecticides (PR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.00-2.10) and organophosphorus pesticides (PR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.02-2.12) was associated with a higher prevalence of overweight but not abdominal obesity. Additional studies are needed to confirm our findings and clarify the specific mechanisms of these pollutants in the etiology of obesity.

Thyroid and reproductive hormones in relation to pesticide use in an agricultural population in Southern Brazil.

This study aimed to assess the association of short- and long-term exposure to pesticides with circulating levels of thyroid and reproductive hormones in an agricultural population in the South of Brazil. Serum specimens from 122 male and female adults residing in small agricultural properties were sampled both in the low and high pesticide use season. A comprehensive questionnaire was used to collect detailed information on recent and cumulative lifetime use of pesticides and other agricultural-related exposures. The difference in serum hormone levels between seasons was assessed by the T-test and Wilcoxon test for paired samples, and associations between pesticide exposure-related variables and hormone values were explored by multivariate linear regression analysis. Levels of total thyroxine (T4) and male testosterone were significantly reduced from the low to high pesticide use season. In the high exposure season, recent use of dithiocarbamate fungicides, not using full personal protection equipment, and use of manual equipment was associated with reduced levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Moreover, recent use of lambda-cyhalothrin (pyrethroid) was associated with reduced total T4 and increased male luteinizing hormone (LH), use of paraquat (herbicide) with reduced free triiodothyronine (T3), and use of phthalamide (fungicide) with increased male LH. We also found associations of lifetime years of agricultural work with reduced total T4 and increased male testosterone; and of lifetime agricultural work and use of various pesticide classes (i.e. insecticides, herbicides, organophosphate insecticides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, and pyrethroids), mancozeb (fungicide), and paraquat with slight changes in free or total levels of T4 and/or T3. Findings suggest that both short- and long-term exposure to agricultural pesticides may alter thyroid hormones and male testosterone levels among farm residents.

Melatonin improves nitric oxide bioavailability in isoproterenol induced myocardial injury.

Isoproterenol administration is associated with cardiac inflammation and decreased NO availability. Melatonin has been reported to have cardioprotective effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on NO bioavailability and inflammation in myocardial injury induced by isoproterenol. Isoproterenol was administrated in male Wistar rats for 7 days to induce cardiac injury. The animals were divided into 3 groups: Control, Isoproterenol, Isoproterenol + Melatonin. Animals received melatonin for 7 days. Echocardiographic analysis was performed and the hearts were collected for molecular analysis. Animals that received isoproterenol demonstrated a reduction in left ventricle systolic and diastolic diameter, indicating the presence of concentric hypertrophy. Melatonin was able to attenuate this alteration. Melatonin also improved NO bioavailability and decreased NF-κß, TNFα and IL-1ß expression. In conclusion, melatonin exhibited a cardioprotective effect which was associated with improving NO bioavailability and decreasing the pro-inflammatory proteins.

Síndrome metabólica em idosos de Nova Roma do Sul, RS: prevalência e fatores associados / Metabolic syndrome in elderly from Nova Roma do Sul, RS: prevalence and associated factors

INTRODUÇÃO: Síndrome metabólica (SM) é um transtorno complexo caracterizado por um conjunto de alterações fisiopatológicas simultâneas, como alteração no perfil glicêmico, lipídico, nos níveis pressóricos e obesidade central. OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência de síndrome metabólica em idosos e fatores sociodemográficos, socioeconômicos e comportamentais associados. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo transversal com 293 idosos, residentes no município de Nova Roma do Sul (RS), Brasil. Dados foram coletados por meio de questionário, medidas antropométricas e exames bioquímicos. Determinou-se a síndrome metabólica segundo a National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Tratment Panel III. Aplicou-se estatística descritiva e teste do χ2, além da Regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: A prevalência geral foi de 37,2%. Na análise ajustada, a baixa escolaridade (RP=1,40; IC95% 1,07­1,82), o excesso de peso (RP=4,36; IC95% 2,47­7,68) e o consumo frequente de doces (RP=0,74; IC95% 0,57­0,97) estiveram associados ao desfecho. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de SM apresentou-se elevada, principalmente entre idosos com excesso de peso e com baixa escolaridade. Resultado preocupante, principalmente diante dos agravos que esse distúrbio metabólico pode causar à saúde. Evidencia-se a necessidade de ações, ainda em fase adulta, visando à elaboração de estratégias que atentem integralmente à saúde do idoso.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex disorder characterized by a set of simultaneous pathophysiological changes, including glycemic levels, lipid profile, pressure levels, and central obesity. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of MS in an elderly population and to point out sociodemographic, socioeconomic and behavioral factors associated. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 293 elderly people living in the city of Nova Roma do Sul (RS), Brazil. Data were collected by questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical tests. MS was determined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III. Descriptive statistics, χ2, and Poisson regression tests were applied. RESULTS: The prevalence of MS was 37.2%. In the adjusted analysis, low educational level (PR=1.40; 95%CI 1.07­1.82), overweight (PR=4.36; 95%CI 2.47­7.68), and frequent sugar intake (PR=0.74; 95%CI 0.57­0.97) were shown to be associated with MS. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MS was high, especially among overweight and low-educated elderly. This is a worrying result, especially because MS diagnosis could be associated with higher risk for health. This is evidence of the need of actions to be taken in adulthood still, and elaboration of strategies that improve the health of the elderly.