Highlights of three metabolites HDL and reduction in blood pressure values after dietary fiber supplementation in overweight and obese normotensive women: a metabolomic study.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of hypertension and obesity are a worldwide concern. OBJETIVES: Assess the metabolites profile after intervention with mixed dietary fiber in overweight and obese normotensive women. METHODS: This is a randomized double blind placebo-controlled study. Through a simple randomization process, two groups were allocated, with eleven women (group 1) receiving 12 g of mixed dietary fiber and thirteen women (group 2) receiving 12 g of placebo (corn starch) for eight weeks. Anthropometric and biochemical tests and lifestyle were analyzed. As for evaluation metabolomics, used a 1H NMR. The data matrix generated 96 samples and 225 variables, which was exported in the ASCII format for the "The Unscrumbler" statistics software (version 9.7, CAMO Process). RESULTS: After the intervention with mixed dietary fiber, significant differences were observed between the main types of metabolites, referring to the increase in the relative peak areas of in three HDL metabolites 4.94 ppm (0.0086*), HDL 1.28 ppm (0 .0337*), HDL 0.88 ppm (0.0224*) and an α-glucose metabolite 4.90 ppm (0.0106) and the reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (0.0292*) of 7 mmHg in the reference range and in the placebo group there was a reduction in SBP (0.0118*) of 4 mmHg and of a choline metabolite 3.65 ppm (0.0266*), which does not call into question the validity of these results in the literature. CONCLUSION: The synergism of the functions of these statistically highlighted metabolites contributed to prevention the increase in SBP after fiber intervention in overweight and obese normotensive women.

Estimation of the availability of iron in the school meals of Municipal Centers for Early Childhood Education of a capital city in northeastern Brazil.

The final stage of Fe deficiency is Fe deficiency anaemia, with repercussions for human health, especially in children under 5 years of age. Studies conducted in Brazilian public daycare centres show high prevalence of anaemia. The present study aims to evaluate the availability of Fe in the meals of the Municipal Centers of Early Childhood Education in Maceió. The experimental design comprises selection of algorithms, menu evaluation, calculation of the estimates, comparison between the estimates obtained and the recommendations, and analysis of correlation between meal constituents, and of the concordance between the absorbable Fe estimates. Four algorithms were selected and a monthly menu consisting of 22 d. The correlation analysis showed a moderate positive correlation to animal tissue (AT) v. non-heme iron (r = 0·42; P = 0·04), and negative to AT v. Ca (r = -0·54; P = 0·09) and Ca v. phytates (r = -0·46, P = 0·03). Estimates of absorbable Fe ranged from 0·23 to 0·44 mg/d. The amount of Fe available, unlike the total amount of Fe offered, does not meet the nutritional recommendations on most school days. The Bland-Altman analysis indicated that the Monsen and Balinfty and Rickard et al. showed greater agreement. The results confirm the need to adopt strategies to increase the availability of Fe in school meals.

Association between diet quality index, food and nutrient intake and metabolic parameters in adolescents from Recife, northeastern Brazil.

Nutritional studies shifted the focus of attention to the analysis of food quality, addressing general diet considering the foods, food groups and nutrients included. This study evaluates the association between diet quality index, food and nutrient intake and metabolic parameters of adolescents from Recife, northeastern Brazil. It is a cross-sectional study involving adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Food intake was assessed using the FFQ to estimate the adapted Diet Quality Index for Adolescents for Brazilians (DQIA-BR-A). The analysis included metabolic parameters (glucose, lipid profile, apo A1 and B, α-1-acid glycoprotein, retinol, ß-carotene, α-tocopherol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathormone). Multiple linear regression analysis between the DQIA-BR-A and daily nutrient intake showed a positive correlation (R2adjusted = 0·29) for linoleic fatty acid, Ca and folate and a negative correlation for oleic fatty acid, carbohydrates and vitamins B2 and C, in addition to a low correlation (R2adjusted < 0·07) with all metabolic parameters. However, the DQIA-BR-A correlated significantly (R2adjusted = 0·62; P < 0·001) with food intake. In this way, the DQIA-BR-A can be considered as an accurate and useful instrument for assessing the overall quality of adolescent diets. The diet of the adolescents was considered to be of moderate quality. Changes are required to ensure a balanced diet, considering the high-sugar intake and consumption of sweets as well as the low consumption of vegetables, milk and dairy products, oils, fats and seeds. Such changes should prioritise the consumption of foods rich in essential fatty acids and poor in saturated fat.

Decrease of the DNA methylation levels of the ADRB3 gene in leukocytes is related with serum folate in eutrophic adults.

BACKGROUND: DNA methylation has been evidenced as a potential epigenetic mechanism related to various candidate genes to development of obesity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the DNA methylation levels of the ADRB3 gene by body mass index (BMI) in a representative adult population, besides characterizing this population as to the lipid profile, oxidative stress and food intake. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional population-based study, involving 262 adults aged 20-59 years, of both genders, representative of the East and West regions of the municipality of João Pessoa, Paraíba state, Brazil, in that were evaluated lifestyle variables and performed nutritional, biochemical evaluation and DNA methylation levels of the ADRB3 gene using high resolution melting method. The relationship between the study variables was performed using analyses of variance and multiple regression models. All results were obtained using the software R, 3.3.2. RESULTS: From the stratification of categories BMI, was observed a difference in the average variables values of age, waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, triglycerides and intake of trans fat, which occurred more frequently between the categories "eutrophic" and "obesity". From the multiple regression analysis in the group of eutrophic adults, it was observed a negative relationship between methylation levels of the ADRB3 gene with serum levels of folic acid. However, no significant relation was observed among lipid profile, oxidative stress and food intake in individuals distributed in the three categories of BMI. CONCLUSIONS: A negative relationship was demonstrated between methylation levels of the ADRB3 gene in eutrophic adults individuals with serum levels of folic acid, as well as with the independent gender of BMI, however, was not observed relation with lipid profile, oxidative stress and variables of food intake. Regarding the absence of relationship with methylation levels of the ADRB3 gene in the categories of overweight, mild and moderate obesity, the answer probably lies in the insufficient amount of body fat to initiate inflammatory processes and oxidative stress with a direct impact on methylation levels, what is differently is found most of the times in exacerbated levels in severe obesity.

Influence of the C677T Polymorphism of the MTHFR Gene on Oxidative Stress in Women With Overweight or Obesity: Response to a Dietary Folate Intervention.

The C677T polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) is related to folate metabolism and can alter the levels of biochemical markers.Objective: Investigate the influence of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism on the effects of a dietary folate intervention on oxidative stress in women with overweight or obesity.Methods: Forty-eight adult women with overweight or obesity were subjected to a 24-hour dietary recall, anthropometric measurements, biochemical analysis, and genotyping of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. They were allocated by convenience sampling to 2 groups, which received 300 g of folate-rich vegetables containing 191 µg/d (Group 1) (n = 24) or 95 µg/d (Group 2) (n = 24) of folate for 8 weeks.Results: The dietary intervention increased the serum folic acid levels in the 2 analyzed groups. The intervention with 191 µg/d of folate led to relevant results in terms of homocysteine levels (p = 0.0005) and total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.0261); the effect was larger among carriers of the TT genotype.Conclusions: The study demonstrated the beneficial effect of folate intake in terms of a TAC elevation for the CC and TT genotypes of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism, an increase in folic acid levels for all genotypes, and a reduction in the Hcy levels for the TT genotype in response to an intervention consisting of an intake of 191 µg/d of folate supplied by vegetables.

Prognostic value of the geriatric nutritional risk index and other hematological markers on long-term survival in the geriatric population.

OBJECTIVES: The prognostic value of hematological markers has not been extensively explored in the geriatric population, particularly in the presence of the frailty phenotype among hospitalized individuals. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the influence of the frailty phenotype in hospitalized geriatric individuals on hematological markers and their impact on short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. This study involved hospitalized individuals who were followed during their hospitalization and for nearly 2 years after discharge. At baseline, Fried's frailty phenotype was assessed, as well as hematological markers, including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-monocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, systemic inflammation index, prognostic nutritional index, geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), and C-reactive protein-albumin ratio. The phase angle derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis was likewise considered a prognostic biomarker. Our main outcomes were hospital length of stay and mortality during follow-up. RESULTS: Frailty occurred in 43.2% of the population. Individuals with the frailty phenotype exhibited worse hematological markers and lower phase angle values. Low GNRI and elevated C-reactive protein-albumin ratio values were independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio = 6.88, 95% confidence interval 2.0-23.6; hazard ratio = 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1-4.4). Only higher values of the systemic inflammation index were independently associated with prolonged hospital stays. CONCLUSION: Hematological markers may serve as a feasible tool for prognostic assessment. Individuals with the frailty phenotype and low GNRI represented a worst-case scenario. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 312-318.

Strength-to-muscle radiodensity: A potential new index for muscle quality.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although it is widely recognized that muscle quality significantly influences adverse outcomes in patients with cancer, the precise definition of muscle quality remains elusive. The muscle quality index (MQI), also known as muscle-specific strength, is a relatively recent functional concept of muscle quality. It is obtained through the ratio of muscle strength to muscle mass, but its predictive value in patients with cancer remains unknown. In this study, we explored the prognostic significance of MQI in patients with cancer. Furthermore, we introduce and assess the prognostic potential of a novel muscle quality metric: the strength-to-muscle-radiodensity index (SMRi). METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted on a prospective cohort study. CT scans were opportunistically used to assess body composition parameters, including skeletal muscle mass (SM in cm2) and muscle radiodensity (SMD in HU) at the third lumbar vertebra (L3). Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured. MQICT was calculated using the ratio of HGS to SM (cm2). SMRi was calculated as the ratio of HGS to SMD (HU). For analysis purposes, low MQICT and SMRi were defined using two approaches: statistical cutoffs associated with survival, and median-based distribution data. RESULTS: A total of 250 patients were included (52.8% females, 52% adults, 20-90 years). Gastrointestinal tumors and stage III-IV were the most frequent diagnosis and stages. SMRi and MQICT were strongly positively correlated (ρ = 0.71 P < 0.001). Individual components of MQICT and SMRi were also positively correlated. Patients with both low MQICT and SMRi had shorter survival (log-rank P = 0.023 and P = 0.003, respectively). When applying median distribution cutoffs, SMRi emerged as the most accurate predictor of mortality (HR adjusted 3.18, 95% CI 1.50 to 6.75, C-index: 0.71), when compared to MQICT (HR adjusted 1.49, 95% CI 0.77 to 2.87, C-index: 0.68). CONCLUSION: This study introduces the concept and potential prognostic significance of the SMRi. The physiological and clinical implications of this new index warrant further investigation across a spectrum of diseases, including cancer.

Is phase angle associated with visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk in cardiology outpatients?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Phase angle (PhA) serves as a prognostic marker in various clinical scenarios, reflecting oxidative stress and cellular damage. Despite its clinical relevance, its connection with adiposity and cardiovascular risk markers remains underexplored. Hence, our study sought to investigate the relationship between PhA and metabolic, adiposity, and cardiovascular risk parameters among outpatients with cardiology diagnosis. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Adults aged between 26 and 59 years, under the care of a cardiology unit, were included. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) [50 kHz] was employed to calculate PhA, from BIA's resistance and reactance measurements. Muscle strength, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio were also evaluated. Framingham's risk score was calculated to estimate the cardiovascular risk events. Metabolic blood samples' results were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: One hundred and five participants were included in our study. Low PhA was observed in 29.5% of our sample. Higher PhA values were independently and inversely associated with both higher VAT and cardiovascular risk (adjusted OR: 0.79 [95% CI 0.69;0.91], OR: 0.74 [95% CI 0.60;0.89], respectively). Lower PhA values (≤5.59) were goodly associated with high VAT (AUC: 0.82 p < 0.001). Lower PhA values (≤5.06) were fairly associated with higher cardiovascular risk (AUC: 0.70 p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that PhA is independently and inversely associated with elevated VAT and cardiovascular risk. These findings underscore the potential of PhA as a valuable complementary marker in assessing cardiometabolic health.

[Lipid and glucose profiles in outpatients and their correlation with anthropometric indices]. / Perfil lipídico e glicídico de pacientes atendidos em ambulatório e sua correlação com índices antropométricos.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Obesity is associated with high rates of dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation of anthropometric indices with the lipid and glucose profiles of outpatients. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study assessing anthropometric and metabolic parameters in a sample of 550 individuals. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight exceeded 80%, with no difference between the sexes. However, 80.9% of women vs. 52.1% of men had waist circumference in the very high risk range (P=000). Glucose and lipid abnormalities were found in over 40% of the sample. In men, no correlation was found between anthropometric indices and metabolic profile. In women, HDL cholesterol was negatively correlated with body mass index waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. Triglycerides were positively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio and fasting plasma glucose with waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. After adjustment for age and nutritional status, the correlations only remained significant between HDL cholesterol and anthropometric indices. CONCLUSIONS: Among women, the anthropometric indices waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and body mass index proved good predictors of HDL cholesterol, showing the importance of using these parameters in clinical practice and for screening of cardiovascular risk.

Evaluation of ultrasonographic approaches aimed at determining distinct abdominal adipose tissue depots.

Objective: To analyze different anatomical sites in the abdominal region, in order to determine the positional parameter that identifies a higher level of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and confers a greater cardiometabolic risk. Materials and methods: This is a methodological study in which VAT was evaluated by ultrasonography (USG) in three anatomical sites in the abdomen, while the abdominal circumference (AC) was measured using seven different protocols. Additionally, the glycemic and lipid profile, C-reactive protein, and the presence of systemic arterial hypertension were evaluated. Results: One hundred and six individuals with an average age of 42 (36.8-46.2) years were included. The evaluation of the calibration of the ultrasound procedure for the analysis of VAT by intra- and inter-evaluators showed high reproducibility. The pattern of abdominal fat distribution differed between sexes, with higher mean VAT in males (p < 0.05) and higher mean SAT (subcutaneous adipose tissue) in females (p < 0.005). In the abdominal scan applied to women, higher levels of VAT and lower levels of SAT were observed in the narrower waist region, between the iliac crest and the last rib (p < 0.001). In males, the profile of adipose disposition along the abdomen was uniform (p > 0.05). Correlations between VAT measured by USG and cardiometabolic parameters were relatively stronger in the upper abdomen (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Women accumulate more VAT in the narrower waist region, while men accumulate VAT uniformly across the abdomen. There was relative superiority in predicting cardiometabolic risk in the upper abdomen for both sexes.

Abdominal obesity and hydration status as protective factors against mortality in older adults: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the association between different anthropometric and body composition techniques for defining obesity status and to investigate their clinical implications in older hospitalized patients, both during their hospitalization and after discharge. METHODS: This prospective study included patients ≥60 y of age. They were followed for 18 mo to assess mortality and hospital length of stay. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were evaluated, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, body fat percentage, total body water percentage, and muscle mass. These measurements are associated with prognosis and survival. RESULTS: A higher BMI, excessive body fat, higher total body water percentage, and abdominal obesity were associated with a lower risk for death (P < 0.05). Higher hydration levels were identified as an independent protective factor against mortality. Obesity, defined by body fat percentage, was associated with a shorter hospital stay (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the existence of the obesity paradox in hospitalized older patients. Additionally, our novel finding reveals that higher levels of total body water percentage are associated with decreased odds of mortality. The study emphasizes the importance of considering other anthropometric measurements and body composition in addition to BMI, considering its limitations. These findings have important implications for health care providers when recommending changes in nutritional status for the older adult population.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adolescents based on three diagnostic definitions: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: There is no consensus as to the best criterion for the evaluation of metabolic syndrome (MS), impairing the estimation of its prevalence. This study aims to compare MS estimates using three recommended definitions for adolescents based on a cross-sectional study nested in the Consortium of Brazilian Birth Cohorts in São Luís, Maranhão. Subjects and methods: A total of 2,515 adolescents aged between 18 and 19 years were evaluated. The criteria of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program Panel III (NCEP-ATP) modified by Cook and cols. (2003) and De Ferranti and cols. (2004) defined SM. To compare the estimates of MS prevalence, the chi-square, Fisher´s exact and Cohen´s Kappa index tests were used. Results: Among the 2,064 participants evaluated in the final sample. The prevalence of MS ranged from 4.2% (95% CI: 3.3-5.1) to 10.2% (95% CI: 8.8-11.4). When comparing the estimates of MS prevalence in the total sample and by sex, a statistically significant difference was observed. The agreement between the criteria ranged from 0.42 (CI 95%: 0.35-0.49) to 0.55 (CI 95%: 0.48-0.62) in the total sample, 0.33 (CI 95%: 0.24-0.42) to 0.59 (95%CI: 0.47-0.71) among boys and 0.39 (95% CI: 0.26-0.52) to 0.54 (95% CI: 0.44-0.64) among girls. Conclusion: Different criteria provide different estimates for the prevalence of MS in adolescents, reflecting the importance of establishing a consensus.

The importance of habitual vitamin A dietary intake on the serum retinol concentration in the elderly: a population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: The aging population is one of the main results of population demographic trends during the twentieth century and will be the hallmark of populations during this century. OBJECTIVE: To assess the habitual dietary vitamin A intake and serum retinol concentration in the elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a population-based epidemiological study conducted in João Pessoa, Paraiba, northeastern Brazil, from July 2008 to January 2010, with 212 individuals from 60 to 90 years of age, from both genders. Habitual food intake, retinolemia and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as socioeconomic and anthropometric data were collected. RESULTS: The median of vitamin A intake was 1643.40 microg EAR/day (p25 = 1112.20-p75 = 2430.80). The average serum retinol concentration was 1.91 +/- 0.68 mmol/L. There was no correlation of CRP concentration with serum retinol (r = 0.061/p = 0.424), nor with the habitual dietary retinol intake (r = 0.000/p = 0.932). However, there was a direct relationship between food intake and serum retinol concentration (r = 0.173/p = 0.025). Only 3.98% (IC95% 6.88-1.08) of subjects had inadequate serum retinol concentrations 1.05 micromol/L), and 12.4% (IC95% 17.36-7.44) had inadequate vitamin A intake (< 625 microg for males and < 500 microg for females). Most individuals assessed in this study showed adequate retinolemia state and habitual dietary vitamin A intake, probably protecting them from this specific nutritional vulnerability, and no correlation between CRP concentration and serum and dietary retinol was found, possibly because these individuals had no acute inflammation and absence of chronic decompensated diseases.

SARC-F and SARC-CalF in screening for sarcopenia in older adults with Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have investigated the performance of screening tools in truly sarcopenic individuals, especially subgroups of this population, or in comparison to previous and current criteria for the definition of sarcopenia. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the performance of SARC-F and SARC-CalF in screening for sarcopenia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in comparison to the diagnostic criteria proposed by the 2010 (1) and 2019 (2) European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). METHODS: A methodological, cross-sectional study was conducted involving male and female patients ≥60 years of age diagnosed with PD in outpatient care. The risk of sarcopenia was assessed using the SARC-F and SARC-CalF questionnaires, the latter of which includes the calf circumference as an additional item. RESULTS: Sixty patients were evaluated (mean age: 68.9 ± 6.5 years). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 21.7% according to EWGSOP-2 and 55.0% according to EWGSOP-1. Positive screening for sarcopenia was 30% according to the SARC-F and 36.7% according to SARC-CalF. The sensitivity of the SARC-F for the detection of sarcopenia was 27.2% and 23.1% using the criteria of the 2010 and 2019 consensuses, respectively. The comparative analysis of the SARC-CalF revealed a better performance in the diagnostic discrimination with the addition of calf circumference, with sensitivity ranging from 53.8 to 54.5%. Higher sensitivity was found on items addressing the ability to stand up from a chair and climb stairs (69.2%) and the occurrence of falls (76.9%) compared to the use of the complete questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Relatively low sensitivity and an underestimation of sarcopenia were found in the analysis of the SARC-F as a screening tool for sarcopenia. Thus, a significant number of sarcopenic patients would not be identified using this screening tool alone. The SARC-CalF performed better than the SARC-F.

Visceral adiposity indicators and cardiovascular risk in hemodialytic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular diseases represent the main cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and association of the hypertriglyceridemia-waist phenotype (HWP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) with cardiometabolic risk factors (CR) in patients with CKD on hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: The study is based on a cross-sectional design with 265 HD patients in two cities in northeastern Brazil. The VAI was calculated considering the variables body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). HWP was defined as the concomitant elevation of WC and TG. The Poisson Regression Model with robust variance estimation was adjusted considering a hierarchical approach for explanatory variables. Prevalence ratios (PR) were also estimated. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: In our study HWP and VAI prevalence's were 29.82% and 58.49%, respectively. In the final model, there was an association between VAI and female gender (PR = 1.46; p < 0.0001) and high body fat (% BF) (PR = 1.33; p < 0.0019). HWP was associated with females (PR = 1.80; p = 0.002), alcohol consumption (PR = 1.58; p = 0.033), obesity (PR = 1.89; p = 0.0001), high %BF (PR = 1.76; p = 0.012) and reduced HDL-c (PR = 1.48; p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: The HWP stood out as the association with more CR factors, representing a promising method for tracking cardiometabolic risk in HD patients, mainly female.

The direct correlation between oxidative stress and LDL-C levels in adults is maintained by the Friedewald and Martin equations, but the methylation levels in the MTHFR and ADRB3 genes differ.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) concentrations are a standard of care in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and are influenced by different factors. This study compared the LDL-C concentrations estimated by two different equations and determined their associations with inflammatory status, oxidative stress, anthropometric variables, food intake and DNA methylation levels in the LPL, ADRB3 and MTHFR genes. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with 236 adults (median age 37.5 years) of both sexes from the municipality of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. The LDL-C concentrations were estimated according to the Friedewald and Martin equations. LPL, ADRB3 and MTHFR gene methylation levels; malondialdehyde levels; total antioxidant capacity; ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, homocysteine, cobalamin, and folic acid levels; usual dietary intake; and epidemiological variables were also determined. For each unit increase in malondialdehyde concentration there was an increase in the LDL-C concentration from 6.25 to 10.29 mg/dL (p <0.000). Based on the Martin equation (≥70 mg/dL), there was a decrease in the DNA methylation levels in the ADRB3 gene and an increase in the DNA methylation levels in the MTHFR gene (p <0.05). There was a positive relation of homocysteine and cholesterol intake on LDL-C concentrations estimated according to the Friedewald equation and of waist circumference and age based on the two estimates. It is concluded the LDL-C concentrations estimated by the Friedewald and Martin equations were different, and the Friedewald equation values were significantly lower than those obtained by the Martin equation. MDA was the variable that was most positively associated with the estimated LDL-C levels in all multivariate models. Significant relationships were observed based on the two estimates and occurred for most variables. The methylation levels of the ADRB3 and MTHFR genes were different according to the Martin equation at low LDL-C concentrations (70 mg/dL).

Consumption of ultraprocessed foods, nutritional status, and dyslipidemia in schoolchildren: a cohort study.

This study evaluates the relation between consumption of ultraprocessed foods, nutritional status, and dyslipidemia in schoolchildren from Recife/PE, Brazil. This is a cohort study conducted in 2008-2009 and 2012-2013, with 238 students recruited from the public school system of the city of Recife, Northeast Brazil. Demographic data, stage of sexual maturation, socioeconomic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and lipid profiles were collected. There was a high prevalence of overweight, abdominal obesity, and dyslipidemia in both the time periods. The number of teenagers sufficiently active was higher in 2012-2013. There was a positive correlation between the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and age in 2008-2009. In 2008-2009, high consumption of ultraprocessed foods occurred in the majority of adolescents with normal total serum cholesterol values. In 2012-2013, low maternal schooling proved to be an important factor for a lower consumption of ultraprocessed foods. The consumption of ultraprocessed foods showed no direct relationship with overweight, abdominal obesity, and dyslipidemia in adolescents.

Serum retinol concentrations in hospitalized severe protein-energy malnourished children.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major nutritional problem in many developing countries. Vitamin A status has been reported to be adversely affected in protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare serum retinol concentrations in hospitalized children with severe PEM and normal ones. METHODS: A prospective series of 34 malnourished and 29 normal control children, <60 months old, hospitalized at IMIP, Recife-PE were recruited for the study between August 2004 and May 2005. Serum retinol level was assayed by high performance liquid chromatography and concentrations adjusted for presence of inflammation as evidenced by levels of C-reactive protein. Blood retinol level was compared according to nutritional status (severe PEM versus normal), gender, age, maternal schooling, family income, breastfeeding practice, residence and perceived morbidity. RESULTS: The prevalence of low serum retinol (<0.70 micromol l(-1)) was 41.2% in children with severe PEM and 24.1% in normal children. Serum retinol concentrations were lower in children whose mothers had low schooling (p = 0.025) and families with low per capita income (p = 0.049), regardless of their nutritional status. Serum retinol concentrations had similar distribution between children with severe PEM and normal, when adjusted for gender (p > 0.05), age (p > 0.05), maternal schooling (p > 0.05), family income (p > 0.05), breastfeeding practice (p > 0.05) and residence (p > 0.05). However, malnourished children with diarrhoea showed lower serum retinol concentrations (p = 0.021) compared to those without diarrhoea. CONCLUSION: VAD was prevalent in hospitalized children with severe PEM and also among normal ones although in lesser magnitude. Intervention for prevention and control of deficiency of vitamin A are recommended in settings where diarrhea is endemic and there are unfavorable socio-economical conditions.

α-Tocopherol influences glycaemic control and miR-9-3 DNA methylation in overweight and obese women under an energy-restricted diet: a randomized, double-blind, exploratory, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Excess weight is a strong risk factor for the development of dysglycaemia. It has been suggested that changes in the metabolism microRNAs, small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, could precede late glycaemic changes. Vitamin E in turn may exert important functions in methylation and gene expression processes. This study aimed to determine the effect of α-tocopherol on glycaemic variables and miR-9-1 and miR-9-3 promoter DNA methylation in overweight women. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, exploratory, placebo-controlled study was conducted in overweight and obese adult women (n = 44) who ingested synthetic vitamin E (all-rac-α-tocopherol), natural source vitamin E (RRR-rac-α-tocopherol) or placebo capsules and were followed up for a period of 8 weeks. Supplemented groups also received dietary guidance for an energy-restricted diet. An additional group that received no supplementation and did not follow an energy-restricted diet was also followed up. The intervention effect was evaluated by DNA methylation levels (quantitative real-time PCR assay) and anthropometric and biochemical variables (fasting plasma glucose, haemoglobin A1C, insulin, and vitamin E). RESULTS: Increased methylation levels of the miR-9-3 promoter region (P < 0.001) and reduced haemoglobin A1C (P < 0.05) were observed in the natural source vitamin E group after intervention. Increased fasting plasma glucose was observed in the synthetic vitamin E group, despite the significant reduction of anthropometric variables compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: α-Tocopherol from natural sources increased methylation levels of the miR-9-3 promoter region and reduced haemoglobin A1C in overweight women following an energy-restricted diet. These results provide novel information about the influence of vitamin E on DNA methylation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02922491. Registered 4 October, 2016.

The effect of vitamin A supplementation with 400 000 IU vs 200 000 IU on retinol concentrations in the breast milk: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The vitamin A nutritional status is marginal for most of the newborns, and the prevention of that deficiency is promoted by breastfeeding. The Ministry of Health of Brazil established the National Vitamin A Supplementation Program, giving mega-doses of this nutrient to women right after delivery, in order to provide adequate vitamin A content in the breast milk and The International Vitamin A Consultative Group has supported the recommendation, to supplement with 400 000 IU of VA immediately after delivery. This study compares retinol concentrations in breast milk (colostrum, 2 and 4 months) from mothers supplemented during immediate postpartum with 400 000 IU versus 200 000 IU of vitamin A. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial, conducted in two public maternities in Recife, Northeast Brazil. Two hundred and ten mothers were recruited and allocated into two treatment groups: 400 000 IU or 200 000 IU of Vitamin A and monitored for 4 months. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between retinol concentrations in breast milk between treatment groups (400 000 IU vs 200 000 IU) in the studied period: 2 months (p = 0.790) and 4 months (p = 0.279), although a progressive reduction of concentrations throughout the study was observed in both treatment groups, 400 000 IU (p < 0.0001) and 200 000 IU (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The absence of an additional effect of a higher dosage justifies the 200 000 IU supplementation, according to the World Health Organization. Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier No. NCT00742937.