Polymorphism eNOS Glu298Asp modulates the inflammatory response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

INTRODUCTION: Nitric oxide is a gaseous radical produced by the nitric oxide endothelial synthase (eNOS) whose most studied physiological action is the vasodilation. However, it also acts in the defense of the organism through the formation of cytotoxic radicals, which can potentiate the inflammatory lesion of the cells. The Glu298Asp is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the eNOS gene related to the risk of cardiovascular disease. Blacks present a higher prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular mortality. Then, we aimed to evaluate the influence of Glu298Asp polymorphism on inflammatory response in vitro and gene expression in blacks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from blacks with different Glu298Asp genotypes were treated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), a mitogen and activator of T cells. Oxidative, inflammatory markers, and expression of inflammation genes were evaluated. RESULTS: The genotype frequencies were TT 6.7%; TG 29.3% and GG 64.0%. Activation of PBMCs with 125 µg of PHA modulated the expression of inflammatory genes and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. The T allele showed increased susceptibility to inflammation (higher levels of interleukin 1, interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha; p < 0.001). The G allele exhibited protection through higher levels of nitric oxide (p < 0.001) and fewer inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION: Despite methodological limitations related to in vitro assays, the whole of results suggested that Glu298Asp modulates inflammatory genes, the T allele is more susceptible to inflammation and the G allele is protective.

Rotenone-exposure as cytofunctional aging model of human dermal fibroblast prior replicative senescence.

Rotenone (Ro), causes superoxide imbalance by inhibiting complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, being able to serve as a model for functional skin aging by inducing cytofunctional changes in dermal fibroblasts prior to proliferative senescence. To test this hypothesis, we conducted an initial protocol to select a concentration of Ro (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 µM) that would induce the highest levels of the aging marker beta-galactosidase (ß-gal) in human dermal HFF-1 fibroblasts after 72 h of culture, as well as a moderate increase in apoptosis and partial G1 arrestment. We evaluated whether the selected concentration (1 µM) differentially modulated oxidative and cytofunctional markers of fibroblasts. Ro 1.0 µM increased ß-gal levels and apoptosis frequency, decreased the frequency of S/G2 cells, induced higher levels of oxidative markers, and presented a genotoxic effect. Fibroblasts exposed to Ro showed lower mitochondrial activity, extracellular collagen deposition, and fewer fibroblast cytoplasmic connections than controls. Ro triggered overexpression of the gene associated with aging (MMP-1), downregulation genes of collagen production (COL1A, FGF-2), and cellular growth/regeneration (FGF-7). The 1 µM concentration of Ro could serve as an experimental model for functional aging fibroblasts prior to replicative senescence. It could be used to identify causal aging mechanisms and strategies to delay skin aging events.

Black skin color but not VDR gene represent a risk factor for low serum levels of vitamin D in self-declared black individuals.

BACKGROUND: The absorption of vitamin D occurs via two main pathways: first, through the biosynthesis in the skin under the exposure of UV from sunlight; and second, through the intake of certain foods. However, its levels can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, which can generate changes such as vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis D), a condition that black adults have a high potential to suffer from. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to study the association of skin color (self-reported: black, brown and white), food consumption, and the BsmI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) on serum levels of vitamin D in a group of adults. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. Individuals in the community were invited to participate in the research and, After signing the informed consent, a structured questionnaire was applied containing identification data, self-declaration of race/color, and nutritional data (Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and 24 h); afterwards, blood was collected for biochemical analysis, vitamin D was measured by Chemiluminescence and RT-PCR was used to evaluate the BsmI polymorphism of the VDR gene. Data was analyzed using a statistical program (SPSS 20.0) and differences between groups using p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 114 persons was evaluated between black, brown and white individuals. It was found that a large part of the sample presents hypovitaminosis D, and blacks stand out with an average serum vitamin D level of 15.9 ng/dL. The group demonstrated that dietary intake of vitamin D is low, with the present study is a pioneer in associating the polymorphism of the VDR gene (BsmI) with the consumption of foods that are considered to have a higher content of vitamin D in their composition. CONCLUSION: The VDR gene does not represent a risk factor for the consumption of vitamin D in this sample, and it was found that the self-declaration of "black" skin color was an independent risk factor for low serum levels of vitamin D.

VDR, SOD-2, and CYP24A1 Gene Expression in Different Genotypes of BsmI SNP of the Vitamin D Receptor Gene in Individuals with Hypovitaminosis.

BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is a public health problem due to its implications for various diseases. Vitamin D has numerous functions, such as modulating the metabolism of cellular tissues, and it is expressed through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene that may influence gene expression modulation, which plays an important role in vitamin D metabolism. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the genotypes of BsmI single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the VDR gene on VDR, SOD2, and CYP24A1 gene expression in individuals with low serum vitamin D levels. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. After signing the informed consent form, individuals were invited to participate and answered a structured questionnaire with identification data. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis, and vitamin D was measured by chemiluminescence; BsmI polymorphism was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays with TaqMan allelic discrimination, and gene expression was conducted by qRT-PCR using QuantiFast SYBR® Green PCR Master Mix. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 software, and differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: 98 individuals with vitamin D ≤ 20 ng/dL were evaluated, and the BsmI SNP of the VDR gene showed CYP24A1 overexpression and low SOD2 expression. CONCLUSION: BsmI SNP of the VDR gene can modulate the expression of the genes evaluated without interfering with serum levels.

The Val16Ala MnSOD gene polymorphism is associated with hypertension in self-declared black individuals.

Hypertension is the leading contributor to cardiovascular disease worldwide; the prevalence of hypertension is higher among black adults than other racial/ethnic groups. One of the cellular defense mechanisms against reactive oxygen species are the antioxidants, such as the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the influence of the SNP Val16Ala of the SOD2 gene on oxidative stress and hypertension in a community population of self-declared black individuals in southern Brazil. The 158 participants declared themselves black (black/brown) regarding their skin color, being 89 (56.3%) self-declared black and 69 (43.7%) brown. A real-time polymerase chain reaction determined the MnSOD Ala16Val polymorphism, and oxidative stress marker levels were significant, in addition to differences in the hypertensive group regarding the levels of carbonyl (p = .016), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p = .040), ischemia-modified albumin (p = .046), total antioxidant capacity (p = .011), and Nitric oxide metabolites (p = .029). The SOD Val/Val genotype was considered a risk factor regardless of the other variables for hypertension (p = .034). The Val16Ala polymorphism of the MnSOD gene presented an association with hypertension.

Evaluation In Vitro of Toxicity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves and Roots from Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius).

Yacon is an Andean plant that has been used in folk medicine for its medicinal properties. The beneficial effects of this plant are possibly due to the high content of phenolic compounds present in its leaves and roots. This study evaluated the in vitro toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves and roots from yacon (1, 10, 50, and 100 µg/mL) through cell viability tests, genotoxic and mutagenic activity in leukocytes culture cells; and cytotoxicity and apoptosis cell death (1, 10, 50, 100, and 500 µg/mL) in cell line originally established from the primary mouse embryonic fibroblast cells that were cultured by the designated protocol, so-called 3T3 protocol "3-day transfer, inoculum 3 × 105 cells" (3T3 cell line). No mutagenic and cytotoxic activities were observed in leukocyte cultures. Cytotoxic activity was evidenced in the highest concentrations of yacon leaf extract (50 and 100 µg/mL), whereas all concentrations tested with yacon leaf extract there was induction for apoptosis in the 3T3 cells. Genotoxic potential was observed only at higher doses of leaf (50 and 100 µg/mL) and root (100 µg/mL) extract. These results suggest that yacon leaf at high concentrations may present toxic potential showing concentration-dependent behavior; however, in vivo studies should be performed to validate these results.

Virgin Coconut Oil Associated with High-Fat Diet Induces Metabolic Dysfunctions, Adipose Inflammation, and Hepatic Lipid Accumulation.

Obesity reaches an epidemic level worldwide, and this condition is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and secondary comorbidities, largely driven by global changes in lifestyle and diet. Various dietary approaches are proposed for the obesity treatment and its associated metabolic disorders. Good taste, antioxidant functions, and vitamins have been attributed to virgin coconut oil (VCO). However, VCO contains a large amount of saturated fatty acids, and the consumption of this fat is associated with a number of secondary diseases. We evaluate the effects of VCO supplementation on biochemical, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in rats fed with high-fat diet (HFD). After feeding with HFD for 12 weeks, the animals were supplemented with VCO for 30 days. HFD+VCO group increased in diet intake, weight gain, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. These findings were accompanied by increased in hepatic lipid profile and fat deposition in the liver. Adipocyte hypertrophy was observed in the HFD+VCO group, which was associated with elevated expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in adipose tissue. These results revealed that VCO associated with HFD induced important metabolic alterations, adipose inflammation, and hepatic lipid accumulation in rats.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of antihypertensives distributed in Brazil by social programs: Are they safe?

Hypertension, a chronic non-transmissible multifactorial condition, it is highly frequent in Brazil, affecting about 32.5% of the population over 25 years of age. It is characterized by the sustained increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels above 140 mmHg and 90 mmHg, respectively. It is the major aggravating factor in cardiovascular complications and the appearance of other comorbidities. Aiming to promote greater adherence to treatment and improve the population's access to basic medicament, in 2004 the Federal Government created the Programa Farmácia Popular do Brasil (PFPB); partnership with private institutions that provides the population with medicament to control hypertension, free of charge or subsidized at up to 90% of the value. The PFPB distributes the anti-hypertensives atenolol, captopril, enalapril, hydrochlorothiazide, losartan and propranolol. In this way, this work aims to evaluate the genotoxic potential of antihypertensives in human lymphocytes and macrophages, since they are widely used drugs and with few studies about their genotoxicological safety. The tests were developed from cell cultures treated with five different antihypertensive concentrations, all based on plasma peaks, evaluating cell viability, DNA damage index and DNA double strand breakdown. The results show that, as the concentration of captopril and enalapril maleate increased, cell viability decreased. In addition, a DNA damage was observed with the use Captopril and Enalapril in the higher concentrations. Hydrochlorothiazide also caused DNA damage in the five doses tested. Regarding the breaking of double strands of DNA, all the compounds showed increased ruptures. This decrease in dsDNA is dose dependent for all compounds tested. The set of results shows that the use although frequent still requires care and greater knowledge. In general, the antihypertensive drugs that proved to be safer in relation to the genetic damage tested were Losartan and Propranolol.

Association of alcohol consumption with coronary artery disease severity.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The ingestion of small to moderate alcohol consumption amounts has been associated to cardiovascular protection. This study aimed to evaluate the association between alcohol consumption and coronary artery disease severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional Study with patients undergoing coronary angiography. Age, cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, systemic arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes) and alcohol drinking habit were investigated. Alcohol consumption was divided in three categories: nondrinker, moderate alcohol consumption (less than 15 g ethanol/day for women or 30 g ethanol/day for men) and heavy alcohol consumption. Coronary artery disease severity was assessed through the Friesinger Score (FS) in the coronary angiography, by interventional cardiologists blinded to alcohol consumption. RESULTS: The final sample included 363 adults; of those, 228 were men (62.81%). Mean age was 60.5 ± 10.9 y. Unadjusted analyses identified sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and alcohol consumption as the main covariates associated with the Friesinger score. Lower Friesinger scores were also observed in moderate alcohol consumption when comparing to those who do not drink (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.79-0.95). CONCLUSION: Among patients with suspected coronary artery disease undergoing coronary angiography, moderate alcohol consumption is associated to a lower coronary artery disease severity than heavy drinking.

Atrioventricular block in coronary artery bypass surgery: perioperative predictors and impact on mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Disturbances of the cardiac conduction system are frequent in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery. They are mostly reversible and associated with some injury of the conduction tissue, caused by the ischemic heart disease itself or by perioperative factors. OBJECTIVE: Primary: investigate the association between perioperative factors and the emergence of atrioventricular block in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery. Secondary: determine the need for temporary pacing and of a permanent pacemaker in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery and the impact on hospital stay and hospital mortality. METHODS: Analysis of a retrospective cohort of patients submitted to coronary artery bypass surgery from the database of the Postoperative Heart Surgery Unit of the Sao Lucas Hospital of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, using the logistic regression method. RESULTS: In the period from January 1996 to December 2012, 3532 coronary artery bypass surgery were carried out. Two hundred and eighty-eight (8.15% of the total sample) patients had atrioventricular block during the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery, requiring temporary pacing. Eight of those who had atrioventricular block progressed to implantation of a permanent pacemaker (0.23% of the total sample). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of atrioventricular block with age above 60 years (OR=2.34; CI 95% 1.75-3.12; P<0.0001), female gender (OR=1.37; CI 95% 1.06-1.77; P=0.015), chronic kidney disease (OR=2.05; CI 95% 1.49-2.81; P<0.0001), atrial fibrillation (OR=2.06; CI 95% 1.16-3.66; P=0.014), functional class III and IV of the New York Heart Association (OR=1.43; CI 95% 1.03-1.98; P=0.031), perioperative acute myocardial infarction (OR=1.70; CI 95% 1.26-2.29; P<0.0001) and with the use of the intra-aortic balloon in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery (OR=1.92; CI 95% 1.21-3.05; P=0.006). The presence of atrioventricular block resulted in a significant increase in mortality (17.9% vs. 7.3% in those who did not develop atrioventricular block) (OR=2.09; CI 95% 1.46-2.99; P<0.0001) and a longer hospital stay (12.75 days x 10.53 days for those who didn't develop atrioventricular block) (OR=1.01; CI 95% 1.00-1.02; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In most cases, atrioventricular block in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery is transient and associated with several perioperative factors: age above 60 years, female sex, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, New York Heart Association functional class III or IV, perioperative acute myocardial infarction and use of an intra-aortic balloon. Its occurrence prolongs hospitalization and, above all, doubles the risk of mortality.

Preliminary in vitro assessment of the potential toxicity and antioxidant activity of Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hill) Ravenna (Paineira)

ABSTRACT The bark tea of Ceiba speciosa, a tropical tree of the Malvaceae family, is used in the Northwestern Region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, to reduce blood cholesterol levels. However, there are no scientific data on the efficacy and safety of this plant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and toxic potential of bark extracts of C. speciosa. We performed a preliminary phytochemical analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and evaluated the oxidative damage to proteins and lipids, the radical scavenging effect, and genotoxicity of the lyophilized aqueous extract (LAECs) and the precipitate obtained from the raw ethanol extract (Cs1). The phytochemical profile demonstrated the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The LAECs and Cs1 prevented damage to lipids and proteins at concentrations of 50 and 10 µg/mL. They also showed a scavenging effect on 2,2-diphenyl-1-pricril-hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, no genotoxic effect was observed at concentrations of 10, 5 and 2 µg/mL in the Comet assay. The present study is the first evaluation regarding the characterization of C. speciosa and its safety, and the results demonstrate its antioxidant potential and suggest that its therapeutic use may be relatively safe.

Inflammatory markers and antichlamydial antibodies in patients with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. Inflammatory markers and antichlamydial antibodies have been linked to the development and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as anti-chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies, in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS), with and without cardiovascular events. METHODS: Cross sectional study consisting of 147 individuals. Out of these, 100 (68%) with MS and without cardiovascular events; and 47 (32%) with MS and with cardiovascular events. Among the individuals who had had cardiovascular events, 13 (6.11%) had acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ten (4.7%) had cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The diagnosis of MS was determined by the criteria of NCEP-ATPIII. RESULTS: The mean age of subjects with cardiovascular events was 61.26 ± 8.5 and 59.32 ± 9.9 in subjects without such events (p = 0.279), with a predominance of females. The weight, height, BMI and waist circumference of the group with MS and without event was greater. Among individuals with cardiovascular events (p = 0.001), the inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α and the peripheral vascular disease were significantly greater. There were high levels of IgG antibodies to C. pneumoniae in the SM group, without events, and of IgA antibodies in the group with events, when the two groups were compared. With respect to AMI and stroke, the anti-chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies showed no statistical significance, compared to the group without cardiovascular events. An association was observed with the use of statins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and injectable, oral hypoglycemic agents, in the group with these events. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory markers were significantly elevated in patients with MS, with acute myocardial infarction and stroke. There was no significant difference in anti-chlamydial antibodies in patients with MS, with and without events.

The use of inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme and its relation to events in the postoperative period of CABG.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce the chance of death, myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in patients with coronary disease. However there is no consensus as to its indication in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between preoperative use of ACE inhibitors and clinical outcomes after CABG. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. We included data from 3,139 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG in Brazilian tertiary care hospital between January 1996 and December 2009. Follow-up was until discharge or death. Clinical outcomes after surgery were analyzed between users and nonusers of ACE inhibitors preoperatively. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent (n=1,635) of patients received ACE inhibitors preoperatively. The use of ACE inhibitors was an independent predictor of need for inotropic support (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.47, P = 0.01), acute renal failure (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.73, P = 0.04) and progression to atrial fibrillation (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.7, P = 0.03) postoperatively. The mortality rate among patients receiving or not preoperative ACE inhibitors was similar (10.3% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.436), as well as the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke (15.6% vs. 15.0%, P = 0.694 and 3.4% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.963, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of preoperative ACE inhibitors was associated with increased need for inotropic support and higher incidence of acute renal failure and postoperative atrial fibrillation, not associated with increased rates of myocardial infarction, stroke or death.

Atrioventricular block in the postoperative period of heart valve surgery: incidence, risk factors and hospital evolution.

INTRODUCTION: Disturbances of the cardiac conduction system are potential complications after cardiac valve surgery. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the association between perioperative factors and atrio-ventricular block, the need for temporary cardiac artificial pacing and, if necessary, permanent pacemaker implantation after cardiac valve surgery. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the Cardiac Surgery Database - Hospital São Lucas/PUCRS. The data are collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Between January 1996 and December 2008 were included 1102 valve surgical procedures: 718 aortic valves (65.2%), 407 (36.9%) mitral valve and 190 (17.2%) coronar artery bypass grafting combined with valve repair and 23 (2.1%) aortic and mitral combined surgery. 187 patients (17%) showed clinical and electrocardiographic pattern of atrio-ventricular block requiring artificial temporary pacing. Of these, 14 patients (7.5%) required permanent pacemaker implantation (1.27% of the total valve surgery patients). Multivariate analysis showed association of the incidence of atrio-ventricular block and temporary pacing with mitral valve surgery (OR 1,76; CI 95% 1.08-2.37; P = 0.002), implantation of bioprosthetic devices (OR 1.59; CI 95% 1.02-3.91; P = 0,039), age over 60 years (OR 1.99; CI 95% 1.352.85; P < 0.001), prior use of anti-arrhythmic drugs (OR 1.86; CI 95% 1.04-3.14; P = 0.026) and previous use of b-blocker (OR 1.76; CI 95% 1.25-2.54; P = 0.002). Remarkably the presence of atrio-ventricular block did not significantly show association with increased mortality, but significantly prolonged (P < 0.0001) hospital length-of-stay and, therefore, hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study presents a group of predictive factors referring to a specific patient profile by which high risk of atrio-ventricular block and the need of temporary cardiac pacing after cardiac valve surgery it is determined.

Associação entre depressão, medo de cair e mobilidade em idosos residentes em uma comunidade / Association between depression, fear of falling and mobility of elderly residents in the community

A queda bem como a depressão são causas importantes para a perda de autonomia e independência funcional de indivíduos idosos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a associação entre depressão, ansiedade, medo de cair de e mobilidade de idosos residentes em uma comunidade. Foram coletados dados de identificação, antropométricos, ansiedade (autorrelatada), medo de cair (autorrelatado) e pela escala de eficácia de quedas (FES-I), depressão (GDS 15) e histórico de quedas do último ano (HQA). A mobilidade foi avaliada através do Timed Up and Go test (TUG). A amostra foi composta por 50 idosos com idade média de 74,5 (±6,7 anos). Os resultados mostraram que 32 (64%) indivíduos possuíam medo de cair e 21 (42%) relataram ter sofrido queda no último ano. Também foi evidenciada diferença estatisticamente significante nas variáveis de FES-I com o HQA (ρ= 0,05) e depressão com TUG (ρ= 0,001). A regressão binária logística mostrou que a depressão está associada com o pior desempenho no TUG teste (p<0,003). O presente estudo identificou alta prevalência do medo de cair nos idosos e associação significativa entre FES-I e HQA dos idosos. Além disso, foi encontrada associação entre TUG teste e depressão.

The fall and depression are major causes for the loss of autonomy and functional independence of older people. This study aimed to verify the association between depression, anxiety, fear of falling and mobility of elderly residents in the community. Data were collected for identification, anthropometric, anxiety (selfreported), fear of falling (self-reported) and falls efficacy scale (FES-I), depression (GDS 15) and last year falls history (HQA). Mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). The sample consisted of 50 individuals with a mean age of 74.5(± 6.7 years).The results showed that 32 (64%) individuals had fear of falling and 21 (42%) reported having been dropped in the last year. It was also statistically significant differences in the FES-I variables with HQA (ρ = 0.05) and depression with TUG (ρ = 0.001). The regression binary logistic analysis showed that depression is associated with poorer performance in TUG test (p <0.003). This study identified a high prevalence of fear of falling in the elderly and a significant correlation between FES-I and HQA the elderly. Furthermore, an association was found between TUG test and depression.

A score proposal to evaluate surgical risk in patients submitted to myocardial revascularization surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Scores to predict surgical risk in patients submitted to myocardial revascularization surgery are broadly used. OBJECTIVE: To develop a score capable to predict mortality in patients submitted to myocardial revascularization surgery. METHODS: From January 1996 to December 2007, data were collected from 2809 patients submitted to myocardial revascularization surgery at PUC-RS São Lucas Hospital. In 2/3 of the sample (n = 1875), the score was developed, after uni and mutivariated analyses. In the remaining 1/3 (n = 934) the score was validated. The final score was developed with the total sample, using the same variables (n = 2809). The accuracy of the model was tested using the area under the ROC curve. RESULTS: The mean age was 61.3 ± 10.1 years and 34% were women. The risk factors identified as independent predictors of surgical mortality and used for score development (parentheses) were: age > 60 years (2), female (2), extracardiac vasculopathy (2), heart failure functional class III and IV (3), ejection fraction<45% (2), atrial fibrillation (2), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3), aortic stenosis (3), creatinine 1.5-2.4 (2), creatinine > 2.5 or dialysis (4), emergency/urgency surgery (16). The area obtained under the ROC curve was 0.86 (CI 0.81-0.9). CONCLUSION: The score developed, using clinical variables easy to obtain (age, sex, extracardiac vasculopathy, functional class, ejection fraction, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, aortic stenosis, creatinine and emergency/urgency surgery) showed capability to predict mortality in patients submitted to myocardial revascularization surgery in our Hospital.

Risk score elaboration for mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass grafting.

INTRODUCTION: The mediastinitis is a serious postoperative complication of cardiac surgery, with an incidence of 0.4 to 5% and mortality between 14 and 47%. Several models were proposed to assess risk of mediastinitis after cardiac surgery. However, most of these models do not evaluate the postoperative morbidity. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop a score risk model to predict the risk of mediastinitis for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: The study sample included data from 2,809 adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting between January 1996 and December 2007 at Hospital São Lucas -PUCRS. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between risk factors and the development of mediastinitis. Data from 1,889 patients were used to develop the model and its performance was evaluated in the remaining data (n=920). The definitive model was created with the data analysis of 2,809 patients. RESULTS: The rate of mediastinitis was 3.3%, with mortality of 26.6%. In the multivariate analysis, five variables remained independent predictors of the outcome: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, surgical reintervention, blood transfusion and stable angina class IV or unstable. The area under the ROC curve was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.67-0.78) and P = 0.61. CONCLUSION: The risk score was constructed for use in daily practice to calculate the rate of mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass grafting. The score includes routinely collected variables and is simple to use.

Atrioventricular block in coronary artery bypass surgery: perioperative predictors and impact on mortality / Bloqueio atrioventricular pós-cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio: fatores preditores perioperatórios e impacto na mortalidade

Abstract Introduction: Disturbances of the cardiac conduction system are frequent in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery. They are mostly reversible and associated with some injury of the conduction tissue, caused by the ischemic heart disease itself or by perioperative factors. Objective: Primary: investigate the association between perioperative factors and the emergence of atrioventricular block in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery. Secondary: determine the need for temporary pacing and of a permanent pacemaker in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery and the impact on hospital stay and hospital mortality. Methods: Analysis of a retrospective cohort of patients submitted to coronary artery bypass surgery from the database of the Postoperative Heart Surgery Unit of the Sao Lucas Hospital of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, using the logistic regression method. Results: In the period from January 1996 to December 2012, 3532 coronary artery bypass surgery were carried out. Two hundred and eighty-eight (8.15% of the total sample) patients had atrioventricular block during the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery, requiring temporary pacing. Eight of those who had atrioventricular block progressed to implantation of a permanent pacemaker (0.23% of the total sample). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of atrioventricular block with age above 60 years (OR=2.34; CI 95% 1.75-3.12; P<0.0001), female gender (OR=1.37; CI 95% 1.06-1.77; P=0.015), chronic kidney disease (OR=2.05; CI 95% 1.49-2.81; P<0.0001), atrial fibrillation (OR=2.06; CI 95% 1.16-3.66; P=0.014), functional class III and IV of the New York Heart Association (OR=1.43; CI 95% 1.03-1.98; P=0.031), perioperative acute myocardial infarction (OR=1.70; CI 95% 1.26-2.29; P<0.0001) and with the use of the intra-aortic balloon in the postoperative ...

Resumo Introdução: Os distúrbios do sistema de condução cardíaca são frequentes no pós-operatório de cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. Majoritariamente reversíveis, estão associados com alguma injúria do tecido de condução, causada pela própria cardiopatia isquêmica ou por fatores perioperatórios. Objetivo: Primário: investigar a associação entre fatores perioperatórios com o surgimento de bloqueio atrioventricular no pós-operatório de cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. Secundários: determinar a necessidade de estimulação cardíaca artificial temporária e de marca-passo definitivo no pós-operatório de cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio e seu impacto na permanência e na mortalidade hospitalar. Métodos: Análise de Coorte retrospectiva de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio, do banco de dados da unidade de Pós-Operatório de Cirurgia Cardíaca do Hospital São Lucas da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, pelo método de regressão logística. Resultados: No período de janeiro de 1996 a dezembro de 2012, foram realizadas 3532 cirurgias de revascularização do miocárdio. Duzentos e oitenta e oito (8,15%) pacientes apresentaram bloqueio atrioventricular durante o pós-operatório de cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio, necessitando de estimulação cardíaca artificial temporária. Oito dos que apresentaram bloqueio atrioventricular evoluíram para implante de marcapasso definitivo (0,23% do total da amostra). A análise multivariada evidenciou associação significativa de bloqueio atrioventricular com idade acima de 60 anos (OR=2,34; IC 95% 1,75-3,12; P<0,0001), sexo feminino (OR=1,37; IC 95% 1,06-1,77; P=0,015), doença renal crônica (OR=2,05; IC 95% 1,49-2,81; P<0,0001), fibrilação atrial (OR=2,06; IC 95% 1,16-3,66; P=0,014), classe funcional III e IV da New York Heart Association (OR=1,43; IC 95% 1,03-1,98; P=0,031), infarto agudo do miocárdio perioperatório (OR=1,70; IC ...

Association between the Gln223Arg polymorphism of the leptin receptor and metabolic syndrome in free-living community elderly.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors. Aging and gene-environmental interactions are involved in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome. The LEPR gene Gln223Arg polymorphism has been associated with energy metabolism and body weight. METHODS: The association of the Gln223Arg polymorphism with metabolic syndrome was evaluated in a case-control study with elderly subjects (> or = 60 years old). The case-control groups were: (1) healthy group (HG), individuals without any cardio-metabolic diseases (CMD) or previous cardiovascular events (n = 64); (2) metabolic disorder group (MD), subjects with at least one metabolic disorder (hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose tolerance, n = 306); and (3) metabolic syndrome group (MS) (n = 98). The Gln223Arg polymorphism of the LEPR gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using Msp I endonuclease enzyme restriction. RESULTS: The mean age of the HG subjects was 70.12 +/- 7.7, and the MD and MS subjects were 69.7 +/- 6.4 and 69.68 +/- 5.0 years old, respectively. The MS group showed higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels than did the HG individuals. The analysis showed differences in genotype frequencies: reduction in the Gln/Gln genotype and an excess of the Arg/Arg genotype in MD (chi(2) = 7.886, P = 0.019) and MS (chi(2) = 14.941, P = 0.001) when compared to the HG group. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for a role of the LEPR gene Gln223Arg polymorphism in predisposition to metabolic syndrome in the elderly.