Toll-like receptor inflammatory cascade and the development of diabetic kidney disease in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association of toll-like receptor (TLR) inflammatory cascade with the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: A total of 49 T1D patients and 49 normoglycaemic (NG) subjects aged 5-20 years old were recruited. TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, NFKB, MCP1/CCL2 and IL18 mRNA expressions were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin, serum urea, serum creatinine and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were determined. RESULTS: The mRNA expressions of TLR2, TLR4, MYD88 and NFKB were significantly increased in the T1D group compared with the NG group. The mRNA expression levels of MCP1/CCL2 and IL18 were higher in 21 T1D patients (42.9%) (average of MCP1/CCL2: 6.6-fold and IL18: 5.8-fold) than in NG patients. Furthermore, ACR was increased in the T1D group compared with the NG group. CONCLUSION: The increased mRNA expression of TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, NFKB, MCP1/CCL2 and IL18 favours the development of an inflammatory process that may lead to a decline in renal function and consequently DKD in children and adolescents with T1D. This suggests that these genes are early mediators of onset DKD since the beginning of the lives of the paediatric T1D patients.

The influence of biological maturation and neuromuscular performance on peak bone mineral density in children.

BACKGROUND: The growth and development cycle of the adult is characterized by substantial changes in physical size and maturity, and is controlled by the simultaneous influence of genetic components and the environment. Changes in the development of bones, muscles and adipose tissue are among the most important aspects of adolescent physical development. The aim of this research was to examine the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and neuromuscular performance in children at different stages of maturation. METHODS: The study included 31 participants of both sexes (11.7±1.89 years). Body composition was assessed through bone densitometry using an energy duo X-ray source. The neuromuscular performance of the upper limbs was analyzed by the medicine ball hand grip and throwing tests. The lower limbs by the vertical counter-motion jump test, and skeletal maturation was analyzed by bone age. Maturation was used as an effect control between the association of BMD and neuromuscular performance. RESULTS: The results demonstrated significant associations between the performance of upper (P<0.0001) and lower (P=0.01) limbs and BMD. On inter-group comparison for only the accelerated maturational stage, male participants had greater BMD than female participants (P=0.001; effect size 3.13). Regarding the maturational stages, male participants in the accelerated maturational stage demonstrated higher BMD than those in the normal and delayed maturational stages (P=0.04; effect size 3.10), whereas female participants did not demonstrate significant differences in BMD accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: BMD has a strong correlation with the neuromuscular performance of upper and lower limbs of children of both sexes.

Albuminuria and low bone mineral density in paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes.

AIM: To evaluate glycaemic control and its influence on albuminuria and bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: We collectively assessed 84 T1D children/adolescents (T1D group), aged between 6 and 17 years, and then divided them into two groups according to their glycaemic profile (T1D with good glycaemic control (T1DG group) and T1D with poor glycaemic control (T1DP group)). Serum glucose, glycated haemoglobin, serum urea, serum creatinine, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate and BMD levels were assessed. RESULTS: Of the patients studied, 77% presented with poor glycaemic control. Patients with T1DP showed an increased ACR (P < 0.001) and a low BMD (P = 0.025) when compared to the T1DG group. In addition, five patients in the T1DP group presented with concomitant albuminuria and a low BMD for their chronological age. Significant negative correlations were identified between the ACR and glycated haemoglobin (r = 0.655, P < 0.001), BMD and glycated haemoglobin (r = -0.262, P = 0.047) and BMD and the ACR (r = -0.631, P = <0.001). In linear regression analysis, the ACR showed a negative effect on BMD (P = 0.044) in the T1D patient group. CONCLUSION: Poor glycaemic control was correlated with albuminuria, suggestive of a negative effect on bone tissue, leading to a low BMD in children and adolescents with T1D.

Prediction of pubertal maturation from anthropometric variables: proposal for a non-invasive method.

BACKGROUND: Identifying new perspectives for the development of methods to analyze biological maturation is a very important step for the selection of sports talent. The current study proposed a non-invasive method for evaluating the pubertal status of young males based on anthropometric variables. METHODS: Two hundred six male participants between 8 and 18 years old were evaluated, selected randomly from a school in Natal, Brazil. Seven anthropometric variables were evaluated, as recommended by ISAK, in addition to the pubertal stages being measured through analysis of genital development. The statistics were represented through means and standard deviations of the groups. An Analysis of Variance and multivariate method of discriminative analysis were performed to compare groups and create the predictive equation. RESULTS: The significant differences in the anthropometric variables between the pubertal stages were able to predict the stage of maturity of the participants with an accuracy of 75%. Through a validation sample (N.=52), the level of agreement between the proposed equation and the objective method was excellent, presenting an index of 0.840. CONCLUSIONS: The predicted equation proposed in this study demonstrated a high level of validity, presenting it as a new alternative for the evaluation of pubertal maturity of male youths.

Prevalência da síndrome metabólica nos estágios pubertários de escolares do sexo feminino / Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in pubertal stages of female students / Prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en etapas de la pubertad de las estudiantes do sexo femenino

Objetivo Analisar a prevalência da síndrome metabólica (SM) nos estágios pubertários de escolares do sexo feminino. Métodos Estudo transversal com 449 escolares, entre oito e 18 anos, estratificadas nos estágios pubertário, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e percentual de gordura (%G). A SM foi classificada pela International Diabetes Federation. A análise feita pela distribuição de frequências, intervalos de confiança (95 %), Qui-quadrado e razão de chance para associações. Resultados A prevalência de SM foi 3,3 % (IC:2 %-5 %), sendo 2,5 % (IC:0,1 %-5%) no púbere e 7,9 % (IC:3,2 %-12,6 %) no pós-púberes, com associação significante destes com a SM (X²=5,2 [p<0,02]). A razão de chance aponta meninas pós-púberes (3,3 [IC:1,2-5]) e obesas (2,1 [CI:2-2,2]) mais propensas à SM, indicando associação linear significante do IMC com o desfecho (X²=29,4 [p<0,001]). Púberes menos de 10 anos com SM apresentaram maiores %G. Os componentes prevalentes foram: circunferência da cintura alterada (27,2 % [IC23 %-31 %]) e colesterol HDL baixo (39,6 % [IC35 %-44 %]) e prevalência da hipertensão sistêmica nas pós-púberes. Conclusões A SM inicia-se no estágio púbere, com prevalência no pós-púbere, sendo o excesso de gordura o desencadeador nas menores de 10 anos. Estratégias de prevenção são necessárias à população de crianças e adolescentes.(AU)

Objective To analyze the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in pubertal stages of female students. Methods Cross-sectional study of 449 school children between eight and 18 years, stratified by pubertal stage, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF %). The MS was classified according to the International Diabetes Federation. The analysis by frequency distribution, confidence intervals (95 %), Chi-square and odds ratio for associations was performed. Results The prevalence of MS was 3.3 % (CI:2 %-5 %) and 2.5 % (CI: 0.1 - 5 %) in pubertal and 7.9% (CI:3.2 % - 12.6 %) in the post-pubescent, with a significant association of this group with MS (X² = 5.2 [p <0.02]). The odds ratio shows that post-pubescent girls (3.3 [CI: 1.2 to 5]) and obese girls (2.1 [CI: 2 - 2.2]) are more likely to have MS, indicating significant linear association between BMI and the outcome (X²=29.4 [p<0.001]). Pubescent children under 10 years of age with MS had higher %G. The prevalent components were altered waist circumference (27.2 % [CI23 %-31 %]) and low HDL cholesterol (39.6 % [CI 35 % - 44 %]), as well as prevalence of systemic hypertension in post-pubertal girls. Conclusions MS begins in the pubertal stage, with prevalence in the post-pubertal stage. Excess fat is a trigger in children under 10 years of age. Prevention strategies are needed for the population of children and adolescents.(AU)

Objetivo Analizar la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico (SM) en el estadio puberal de estudiantes de sexo femenino. Métodos Estudio transversal con 449 niños en edad escolar entre ocho y 18 años, estratificado en la etapa de la pubertad, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el porcentaje de grasa corporal (% GC). El SM fue clasificado por la Federación Internacional de Diabetes. El análisis se adelantó por medio de la distri study bución de frecuencias, intervalos de confianza (95 %), Chi-cuadrado y Odds ratio para las asociaciones. Resultados La prevalencia de SM fue del 3,3 % (IC:2 %-5 %) y 2,5 % (IC:0,1 %-5 %) en la pubertad y el 7,9 % (IC:3,2 %-12,6 %) en el post-pubescente, con estas asociación significativa con SM (X²=5,2 [p <0,02]). El Odds ratio señala niñas post-púberes (3,3 [IC: 1.2 a 5]) y obesidad (2,1 [IC: 2-2,2]) más probabilidades de SM, lo que indica la asociación lineal significativa entre el IMC y la resultado (X²=29,4 [p<0,001]). Pubescentes menos de 10 años con EM tenía mayor %G. Los componentes predominantes fueron alterados circunferencia de la cintura (27,2 % [IC del 23 %-31 %]) y colesterol HDL bajo (39,6 % [IC del 35 %-44 %]) y la prevalencia de la hipertensión arterial sistémica en la post-puberal. Conclusiones SM comienza en la etapa puberal, con una prevalencia en el post-puberal, y el exceso de grasa es el desencadenante en niños menores de 10 años. Se necesitan estrategias de prevención para la población de niños y adolescentes.(AU)

[Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in pubertal stages of female students]. / Prevalência da síndrome metabólica nos estágios pubertários de escolares do sexo feminino.

Objective To analyze the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in pubertal stages of female students. Methods Cross-sectional study of 449 school children between eight and 18 years, stratified by pubertal stage, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF %). The MS was classified according to the International Diabetes Federation. The analysis by frequency distribution, confidence intervals (95 %), Chi-square and odds ratio for associations was performed. Results The prevalence of MS was 3.3 % (CI:2 %-5 %) and 2.5 % (CI: 0.1 - 5 %) in pubertal and 7.9% (CI:3.2 % - 12.6 %) in the post-pubescent, with a significant association of this group with MS (X² = 5.2 [p <0.02]). The odds ratio shows that post-pubescent girls (3.3 [CI: 1.2 to 5]) and obese girls (2.1 [CI: 2 - 2.2]) are more likely to have MS, indicating significant linear association between BMI and the outcome (X²=29.4 [p<0.001]). Pubescent children under 10 years of age with MS had higher %G. The prevalent components were altered waist circumference (27.2 % [CI23 %-31 %]) and low HDL cholesterol (39.6 % [CI 35 % - 44 %]), as well as prevalence of systemic hypertension in post-pubertal girls. Conclusions MS begins in the pubertal stage, with prevalence in the post-pubertal stage. Excess fat is a trigger in children under 10 years of age. Prevention strategies are needed for the population of children and adolescents.

Low bone mineral density is associated to poor glycemic control and increased OPG expression in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

AIMS: To investigate early alterations on bone mineral density (BMD) and RANK, RANKL and OPG mRNA expression in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the relationship with glycemic control and bone biomarkers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 75 children and adolescents with T1D and 100 individuals without diabetes (normoglycemic-NG) aged 6-20 years old. T1D individuals were considered to have good (T1DG) or poor (T1DP) glycemic control according to the values of HbA1c. Phosphorus, magnesium, total and ionized calcium, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and tartaric-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) values were determined in blood samples. BMD was measured by DEXA. RANK, RANKL and OPG mRNA expression was measured in PBL by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Osteocalcin values were decreased in diabetic groups in comparison to NG group (p<0.05), and a negative correlation with both serum glucose (r=-0.265, p<0.01) and Hb1Ac (r=-0.252, p<0.01) in T1D group was found. BMD was lower in diabetic groups in comparison with NG group (p<0.05) and a negative correlation was observed between BMD and both serum glucose (r=-0.357, p<0.01) and HbA1c (r=-0.351, p<0.01) in T1D group. OPG mRNA expression was significantly increased in T1D and T1DP groups in comparison with NG group (p<0.05). In conclusion, children and adolescents with early onset T1D presented low bone mineral density associated to unsatisfactory glycemic control, increased OPG mRNA expression and low osteocalcin concentration.

Comparison between objective assessment and self-assessment of sexual maturation in children and adolescents / Comparação entre avaliação objetiva e autoavaliação da maturação sexual em crianças e adolescentes

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as correlações entre avaliação objetiva e autoavaliação em ambientes diferentes (ambulatorial e escolar). MÉTODOS: Trezentos e dezenove indivíduos, 178 ambulatoriais (96 meninos e 82 meninas) e 141 (73 meninos e 68 meninas) de escolas públicas (8,3-18,7 anos), com 73 indivíduos (39 meninas e 34 meninos) apresentando índice de massa corporal acima do percentil 85 do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, de 2000. Todos foram examinados, após consentimento informado, em sequência e individualmente, por dois médicos treinados, e então submetidos a autoavaliação, utilizando fotogramas (Tanner). Dos dados obtidos foram calculados os coeficientes de correlação de kappa entre examinadores e a autoavaliação. Para os testes foi adotado p < 5%. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significante entre as correlações obtidas no ambulatório e nas escolas e os dois grupos foram analisados em conjunto. As correlações obtidas entre os examinadores foram significantemente maiores que as da autoavaliação, com kappa (e intervalo de confiança) de 0,75 (0,8-0,69) para mamas/genitália entre examinadores contra 0,27 (0,34-0,20) e 0,29 (0,36-0,22) entre os dois examinadores e a autoavaliação (p < 0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: Na amostra estudada, a autoavaliação do estádio puberal não deve substituir a avaliação objetiva feita por profissionais treinados. Um aperfeiçoamento do método de autoavaliação poderia permitir seu uso em estudos populacionais.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlations between objective assessment and self-assessment of sexual maturation in the outpatient and school settings. METHODS: Three hundred and nineteen individuals, 178 (96 boys and 82 girls) from an outpatient clinic and 141 (73 boys and 68 girls) from public schools (8.3-18.7 years), of whom 73 individuals (39 girls an d 34 boys) had a body mass index above the 85th percentile, according to 2000 CDC Growth Chart, were analyzed. All of them were examined sequentially and individually by two trained physicians after a written consent form was signed by parents or surrogates, and then submitted to self-assessment using pictures (Tanner stages). Kappa coefficients between examiners and the self-assessment were calculated based on the collected data. A p value < 5% was established as statistically significant. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between correlations obtained from the outpatient clinic and schools, and both groups were combined for analysis. The correlations obtained by examiners were significantly higher than those from self-assessment, with a kappa coefficient (and confidence interval) of 0.75 (0.8-0.69) for breasts/genitals across examiners against 0.27 (0.34-0.20) and 0.29 (0.36-0.22) between the two examiners and the self-assessment (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In the studied sample, self-assessment of the pubertal stage should not replace the objective assessment made by trained professionals. Improvement of the self-assessment method may validate its use in population-based studies.

Comparison between objective assessment and self-assessment of sexual maturation in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlations between objective assessment and self-assessment of sexual maturation in the outpatient and school settings. METHODS: Three hundred and nineteen individuals, 178 (96 boys and 82 girls) from an outpatient clinic and 141 (73 boys and 68 girls) from public schools (8.3-18.7 years), of whom 73 individuals (39 girls an d 34 boys) had a body mass index above the 85th percentile, according to 2000 CDC Growth Chart, were analyzed. All of them were examined sequentially and individually by two trained physicians after a written consent form was signed by parents or surrogates, and then submitted to self-assessment using pictures (Tanner stages). Kappa coefficients between examiners and the self-assessment were calculated based on the collected data. A p value <5%was established as statistically significant. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between correlations obtained from the outpatient clinic and schools, and both groups were combined for analysis. The correlations obtained by examiners were significantly higher than those from self-assessment, with a kappa coefficient (and confidence interval) of 0.75 (0.8-0.69) for breasts/genitals across examiners against 0.27 (0.34-0.20) and 0.29 (0.36-0.22) between the two examiners and the self-assessment (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In the studied sample, self-assessment of the pubertal stage should not replace the objective assessment made by trained professionals. Improvement of the self-assessment method may validate its use in population-based studies.

[Plasma lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in overweight or obese children and adolescents]. / Perfil lipídico e peroxidação de lipídeos no plasma em crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso e obesidade.

OBJECTIVE: To study the plasma lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in overweight or obese children and adolescents receiving care at the pediatric endocrinology clinic in HOSPED/UFRN, a university hospital. METHODS: Three groups were studied: overweight (n = 15), obese (n = 30) and control (n = 21) children and adolescents. To evaluate plasma lipid profile, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring malondialdehyde concentration. Data were analyzed using Student's t test, Tukey test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Altered levels of total and LDL-cholesterol were observed mainly in overweight or obese males. HDL-cholesterol was borderline in the overweight and obese groups of both sexes. Obese females had the highest levels of triglycerides. Increased plasma lipid peroxidation was observed mainly in obese males. CONCLUSION: In the present population, the greatest alterations in lipid profile were observed in obese and overweight males. Plasma lipid peroxidation was more evident in obese males and females.

Perfil lipídico e peroxidação de lipídeos no plasma em crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso e obesidade / Plasma lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in overweight or obese children and adolescents

OBJETIVO: Identificar o perfil lipídico e a peroxidação de lipídeos no plasma de crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso e obesidade atendidos no Ambulatório de Endocrinologia Pediátrica do HOSPED/UFRN. MÉTODOS: Foram constituídos grupos com crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso (n = 15), obesidade (n = 30) e controle (n = 21). O perfil lipídico foi avaliado por meio do colesterol total, LDL-colesterol, HDL-colesterol e triglicerídeos. A peroxidação de lipídeos no plasma foi medida pelo marcador malonildialdeído (MDA). A análise estatística foi realizada através do teste t de Student, teste de Tukey, ANOVA e correlação de Pearson. RESULTADOS: As alterações de colesterol total e LDL-colesterol estavam mais presentes nos grupos sobrepeso e obesidade masculinos. O HDL-colesterol mostrou-se em condições limítrofes nos grupos sobrepeso e obesidade em ambos sexos. As maiores concentrações de triglicerídeos foram registradas no grupo obesidade feminino. Identificou-se elevada peroxidação de lipídeos no plasma no grupo obesidade, principalmente no sexo masculino. CONCLUSÕES: Na amostra estudada, maiores alterações do perfil lipídico foram observadas no sexo masculino nos grupos sobrepeso e obesidade, e a peroxidação de lipídeos estava mais evidente no grupo obesidade em ambos sexos.

Efeito da suplementaçäo com zinco sobre a zincúria de pacientes com diabetes tipo 1 / Effect of zinc supplementation on urinary zinc excretion of patients with type 1 diabetes

Neste estudo foi investigado o efeito da suplementaçäo oral de zinco (Zn) em crianças e adolescentes com diabetes (DM), avaliando o controle metabólico da doença e concentrações de Zn na urina. A amostra foi constituída por 20 pacientes com DM tipo 1, os quais foram comparados com um grupo controle (n=17). O controle metabólico foi avaliado pela glicemia de jejum, glicosúria 24h e HbA1c. As concentrações de Zn foram investigadas na urina de 24h antes (T1) e após a suplementaçäo (T2). Após a 1a coleta de dados dos pacientes com DM1 (T1), teve início a suplementaçäo oral com Zn bis-glicina quelato sem sabor, por um período de 4 meses. As doses foram estabelecidas baseadas nas Dietary Reference Intakes. Os resultados evidenciaram um controle metabólico insatisfatório da doença, devido ao aumento da HbA1c de alguns pacientes, após a suplementaçäo. A excreçäo urinária de Zn foi maior nos pacientes com DM1 e esteve correlacionado positivamente com o tempo de doença e HbA1c. A suplementaçäo com Zn näo corrigiu a heterogeneidade na variaçäo circadiana da zincúria nos pacientes estudados, sugerindo que o controle metabólico inadequado no DM predispöe a distúrbios no metabolismo do Zn, independente da fonte, alimentar ou medicamentosa