Lycopene from Red Guava (Psidium guajava L.): From Hepatoprotective Effect to Its Use as Promising Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Applications.

Lycopene is a carotenoid with potential use in the treatment of chronic illnesses. Here, different formulations of lycopene were studied: lycopene-rich extract from red guava (LEG), purified lycopene from red guava (LPG) and a self-emulsifying drug delivery system loaded with LPG (nanoLPG). The effects of administering orally various doses of LEG to hypercholesterolemic hamsters were evaluated regarding the liver function of the animals. The cytotoxicity of LPG in Vero cells was analyzed by a crystal violet assay and by fluorescence microscopy. In addition, nanoLPG was employed in stability tests. LPG and nanoLPG were tested for their cytotoxic effect on human keratinocytes and antioxidant capacity on cells in an endothelial dysfunction model in an isolated rat aorta. Finally, the effect of different nanoLPG concentrations on the expression of immune-related genes (IL-10, TNF-α, COX-2 and IFN-γ) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using real-time PCR was also analyzed. Results suggest that LEG, despite not being able to improve blood markers indicative of liver function in hypercholesterolemic hamsters, reduced hepatic degenerative changes. Additionally, LPG did not show cytotoxicity in Vero cells. In relation to nanoLPG, the effects produced by heat stress evaluated by Dynamics Light Scattering (DLS) and visually were loss of color, texture change and phase separation after 15 days without interfering with the droplet size, so the formulation proved to be efficient in stabilizing the encapsulated lycopene. Although LPG and nanoLPG showed moderate toxicity to keratinocytes, which may be related to cell lineage characteristics, both revealed potent antioxidant activity. LPG and nanoLPG showed vasoprotective effects in aortic preparations. The gene expression assay indicates that, although no significant differences were observed in the expression of IL-10 and TNF-α, the PBMCs treated with nanoLPG showed a reduction in transcriptional levels of IFN-γ and an increased expression of COX-2. Thus, the work adds evidence to the safety of the use of lycopene by humans and shows that tested formulations, mainly nanoLPG due to its stability, stand out as promising and biosafe products for the treatment of diseases that have oxidative stress and inflammation in their etiopathology.

Hypokinetic Activity of Menthofuran on the Gastrointestinal Tract in Rodents.

The acute toxicity and hypokinetic activity induced by menthofuran on the gastrointestinal tract of rodents were investigated in the present study. An absence of acute toxicity was observed. Menthofuran delayed gastric emptying at oral doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg in the experimental model of phenol red, as well as it reduced the intestinal transit at oral doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. Interestingly, a scopolamine-similar hypokinetic effect was observed for menthofuran. In the experimental model of castor oil-induced intestinal hypermotility, menthofuran (50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced the number of loose stools as observed for the normal group. Additionally, menthofuran induced a marked concentration-dependent relaxation in rat ileum segments precontracted with KCl (EC50 = 0.059 ± 0.008 µg/mL) or carbachol (EC50 = 0.068 ± 0.007 µg/mL). These results suggest the possible decrease of calcium influx underlying the effects of menthofuran on the gastrointestinal tract, which opens the door for further study regarding this potential application for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, noting possible limitations of its use due to adverse effects in children.

Effects of consumption of mauritia flexuosa fruits on renal and hepatic functions in growing rats

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have reported that buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) is a typical fruit from the Brazilian cerrado ecosystem and an important food source for low-income populations. Its composition is rich in carotenoid polyphenols, monounsaturated fatty acids, and ascorbic acid. However, studies on the biological effects resulting from the consumption of this fruit are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a diet supplemented with buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) on kidney and liver functions in growing rats. METHODS: Determination of centesimal composition, carotenoids, and fatty acids content for buriti pulp, standard chow, and butiti-supplemented chow were performed. Then, Wistar rats of both sexes were fed a standard diet or supplemented with buriti pulp. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment to determine biochemical parameters. The unpaired t-test was applied, and differences were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: A diet enriched with buriti pulp did not interfere with kidney function and most markers of liver function in animals. Alkaline phosphatase showed significantly higher plasma concentration in female rats, and albumin and uric acid showed lower concentrations in male rats in both experimental groups. CONCLUSION: The changes observed in biochemical markers did not provide evidence of adverse effects of buriti pulp supplementation on liver function. Thus, the intake of buriti pulp can be encouraged as it is a low-cost food source for the general population.

Relationship among Dietary Intake of Vitamin E, Lipid Peroxidation Markers, and C-Reactive Protein in Flu-Like Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19.

Objective: This research aimed to assess the intake of vitamin E and its relationship with lipid peroxidation markers and C-reactive protein levels in patients with flu symptoms and COVID-19 diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 121 patients of both sexes assisted at two basic health units in the city of Teresina, Piauí, with COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed through real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, was performed between the 3rd and 7th days of flu symptoms. The global nutritional status and the measurement of waist circumference were assessed according to the World Health Organization recommendations. The dietary energy intake, macronutrients, and vitamin E consumption were assessed through the 24 hr food recall method. The malondialdehyde plasmatic concentration (MDA) was measured through the method of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) was assessed through the oxidation speed of the o-dianisidine substrate in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured by a high-sensitivity immunoturbidimetry method. Results: The most common symptoms reported by the participants were sore throat, fever, and cough. Regarding the global nutritional status evaluation, the majority of the sample had overweight. The dietary intake of vitamin E was 100% inadequate and presented a mild correlation (r = 0.197) with MDA, a redox status marker. No correlation was observed among MPO, CRP, and the dietary intake of vitamin E. Conclusion: The dietary intake of vitamin E was related to MDA as the marker of redox status.

Cryolipolysis on More than One Body Area Increases Lipid Peroxidation without Changing Lipid Profile and Inflammatory Markers.

In the present study, the effects of cryolipolysis on one and multiple body areas, assessing body composition, lipid profile and peroxidation and inflammatory markers were investigated. Twenty-four women aged between 20 and 59 years were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) control, (2) cryolipolysis on the abdomen and (3) cryolipolysis on the abdomen + flanks. Anthropometric measurements, bioimpedance and ultrasound were performed, as well serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation markers (malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and Interleukin-1ß) were determined. In addition, food consumption and physical activity level were evaluated. Data were obtained at 0, 10 and 30 days (t0, t10 and t30) after cryolipolysis. Cryolipolysis did not change anthropometric measurements, body composition or lipid profile. Interestingly, the abdomen + flanks group had significantly increased plasma myeloperoxidase activity at t0, t10 and t30, and increased malondialdehyde levels at t0 and t10 when compared to the other groups. Furthermore, there were no differences between macronutrient intake and total energy value, physical activity level, malondialdehyde and interleukin-1ß at t30. Cryolipolysis did not change body composition, lipid profile or inflammatory markers investigated. On the other hand, when used on the abdomen and flanks, it produced an increase in lipid peroxidation markers, malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase.

Effects of "Bacuri" Seed Butter (Platonia insignis Mart.), a Brazilian Amazon Fruit, on Oxidative Stress and Diabetes Mellitus-Related Parameters in STZ-Diabetic Rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of Platonia insignis Mart. ("bacuri") seed butter (BSB) on oxidative stress and diabetes mellitus-related parameters in streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in female Wistar rats (180-250 g) by the intraperitoneal administration of STZ (45 mg/kg, b.w). BSB (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) was administered to animals for four weeks. The effect on weight gain, food intake, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, hepatic transaminases, plasma and liver TBARS and MPO activity, erythrocyte SOD activity, non-protein sulfhydryl groups (SH-NP), and histopathology of the liver tissue was investigated. BSB at the dose of 100 mg/kg had a positive effect on the reduction in glycated hemoglobin percentage and increased albumin concentration, as well as decreased ALT and AST levels and increased SH-NP liver levels in treated animals compared to normal control rats. Moreover, BSB had no effects on weight gain, food intake, and fasting glucose. Thus, the BSB presented marked properties in improvement of hepatic antioxidant defenses, which demonstrates BSB as a potential hepatoprotective agent in metabolic disorders.

Effects of Fish Oil Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Liver Damage in Hypercholesterolemic Rats.

Metabolic syndrome, especially its component related to dyslipidemia, is related to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a disease with a significant global prevalence. Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids emerged as a complementary therapeutic possibility for dyslipidemia, but its benefits are questioned. This paper aims at evaluating the effects of fish oil supplementation in rats with hypercholesterolemia induced by hypercholesterolemic diet (HD). The study design is based on an experimental model in which the animals were randomly divided into 3 groups: G1 (standard commercial feed + saline solution); G2 (hypercholesterolemic diet + saline solution) and G3 (hypercholesterolemic diet + fish oil) over a period of 16 weeks. Metabolic control parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated according to standardized methodologies. The G3 group showed significantly lower values of plasma concentrations of TG, and hepatic myeloperoxidase as well as higher erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity (p < 0.05). Regarding histopathological analysis, there was lipid accumulation in the liver of animals from group G2; meanwhile, hepatocytes reorganization and expressive reduction of lipid vacuoles and hepatic TG content was observed in group G3. This study demonstrated how fish oil supplementation reduced the plasma concentration and hepatic content of triglycerides, as well as liver tissue damage in histopathological analysis.

Effects of ω-3 PUFA-Rich Oil Supplementation on Cardiovascular Morphology and Aortic Vascular Reactivity of Adult Male Rats Submitted to an Hypercholesterolemic Diet.

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease associated with abnormalities of vascular functions. The consumption of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids can be considered a strategy to reduce clinical events related to atherosclerosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of supplementation with 310 mg of ω-3 PUFAs (2:1 eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic acids) for 56 days on rats with hypercholesterolemia induced by a diet containing cholesterol (0.1%), cholic acid (0.5%), and egg yolk. Serum biochemical parameters were determined by the enzymatic colorimetric method. Assessment of vascular effects was performed by analysis of histological sections of the heart and aortic arch stained with hematoxylin and eosin and vascular reactivity of the aorta artery. We observed that treatment with ω-3 PUFAs did not promote alterations in lipid profile. On the other hand, we documented a favorable reduction in liver biomarkers, as well as contributions to the preservation of heart and aortic arch morphologies. Interestingly, the vascular reactivity of rat thoracic aortic preparations was improved after treatment with ω-3 PUFAs, with a decrease in hyperreactivity to phenylephrine and increased vasorelaxation promoted by acetylcholine. Our findings suggest that the supplementation of hypercholesterolemic rats with ω-3 PUFAs promoted improvement in liver and vascular endothelial function as well as preserving heart and aortic tissue, reinforcing the early health benefits of ω-3 PUFAs in the development of atherosclerotic plaque and further related events.

Effects of "Bacuri" Seed Butter (Platonia insignis Mart.) on Metabolic Parameters in Hamsters with Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the treatment with bacuri seed butter (BB) on body weight, growth, body mass index, lipid profile, atherosclerotic indices, and liver function in dyslipidemic hamsters. Freshly weaned, male hamsters were divided into four groups: (1) normal group (NG)-maintained with standard chow (AIN-93G); (2) dyslipidemia group (DG)-maintained with hyperlipidemic chow (AIN-93G modified) throughout the follow-up period; (3) bacuri seed butter 25 mg/kg/day (BB-25); and (4) bacuri seed butter 50 mg/kg/day (BB-50). BB groups (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) were also maintained with hyperlipidemic chow throughout the follow-up period, and the treatment started after 21 days receiving a hyperlipidemic diet to induce hypercholesterolemia and maintained for 28 days. No significant differences in triglycerides and total cholesterol were observed for BB-25 and BB-50 groups when compared with NG and DG groups. On the contrary, BB-25 and BB-50 induced both increase of HDL-c (51.40 ± 1.69 and 51.00 ± 2.34, respectively) and decrease of LDL-c (103.80 ± 6.87 and 100.50 ± 3.95, respectively) when compared with DG (41.00 ± 2.94 and 132.70 ± 9.41, respectively). In addition, BB promoted a reduction in the risk of atherosclerotic disease by decreasing (p < 0.05) the atherogenic index, coronary artery risk index, and LDL/CT ratio (p < 0.05) and increasing HDL/CT ratio. On the contrary, no changes were observed in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels or in body weight, growth, body mass index, or liver function parameters. Thus, bacuri seed butter at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg/day has positive repercussions on the lipid profile, more precisely on plasma HDL-c and LDL-c, and additionally promotes reduction in the risk of atherosclerosis in hamsters.

Lycopene-Rich Extract from Red Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Decreases Plasma Triglycerides and Improves Oxidative Stress Biomarkers on Experimentally-Induced Dyslipidemia in Hamsters.

This work assessed the effects of a 28-day treatment with lycopene-rich extract (LRE) from red guava fruit (Psidium guajava L.) on the lipid profile and oxidative stress in an experimental model of dyslipidemia. Male hamsters (116.5 ± 2.16 g) were fed with the AIN 93G diet containing casein (20%), coconut fat (13.5%) and cholesterol (0.1%). The animals were divided into four groups: normolipidemic control (standard feed; NC, n = 7); hypercholesterolemic control (HC, n = 7); LRE 25 mg/kg/day (LRE-25, n = 7) and LRE 50 mg/kg/day (LRE-50, n = 9). After treatment, plasma concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-c), malondialdehyde (MDA-p) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as erythrocytic superoxide dismutase (SOD-e) and the atherogenic index, were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA-h), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD-h) levels were assessed. Feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG) were also determined. The LRE-25 group presented significantly lower TG levels and atherogenic index than did the HC group (p < 0.05). Both LRE-25 and LRE-50 groups presented lower levels of MDA-p and MPO than did the HC group (p < 0.05). LRE demonstrated a promising effect against dyslipidemia and oxidative stress.

Syzygium cumini Nectar Supplementation Reduced Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress, Muscle Damage, and Improved Psychological Response in Highly Trained Young Handball Players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Syzygium cumini (SC) nectar supplementation on performance, markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage, and psychological response in Handball players. Twenty-five young athletes (age = 18.6 ± 2.4 years) from an elite high school national level Brazilian Handball team were randomized into two study groups: SC/Jamelon nectar (SC, n = 12) and placebo (n = 13). The subjects ingested 10 mL/kg/day of Jamelon nectar or placebo 30 min before the training sessions and immediately after training cessation, for 28 days. Body mass index (BMI) and percentage of fat mass were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were measured by lipid peroxidation, which was quantified by malondialdehyde (MDA). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), creatine kinase (CK) activity, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined. The 20 m shuttle run test, vertical jump, and running anaerobic sprint test were assessed to verify performance and the fatigue index was calculated. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire was used for psychological evaluation. Both groups demonstrated improved vertical jump performance and a decreased fatigue index over time but without significant differences between them regarding performance. There was statistically significance only for SC in CK, LDH, and MDA, and TAC was greater in the SC compared to placebo. Furthermore, only the SC group demonstrated improved mood disturbance and confusion after the intervention. In conclusion, the present study suggests that SC nectar supplementation reduced biomarkers of oxidative stress and muscle damage, and improved psychological response in young handball players.

Cholesterol-Lowering and Liver-Protective Effects of Cooked and Germinated Mung Beans (Vigna radiata L.).

We investigated the hypocholesterolemic and liver-protective effects of cooked and germinated whole mung beans. Hamsters were fed for 28 days on diets rich in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, differing only in protein source (20%): casein, cooked whole mung bean, and germinated mung bean. After 28 days, we found reduced plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, increased faecal cholesterol excretion, and reduced levels of asparagine aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzymes in the liver. Reduction in hepatic lipid deposition was observed between each of the mung bean groups relative to the casein group. In addition, the animals of the geminated mung bean group showed a lack of inflammatory infiltrate and better vascularisation of the hepatic tissue. Results from this study show significant hypocholesterolemic and liver-protective properties of the mung bean, which are further enhanced after germination.

Desmame precoce em crianças atendidas na Estratégia Saúde da Família / Early weaning in children attended in the Family Health Strategy

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de desmame precoce e fatores associados em crianças atendidas na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Trata-se de pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva e exploratória realizada com 241 crianças atendidas pela equipe de saúde. Para coleta dos dados foram usados um formulário e um questionário. Nas análises, para variáveis em que foram encontradas associações estatisticamente significativas foi realizado teste de regressão logística binária. A prevalência de desmame precoce foi de 58,51%. Maiores proporções de desmame precoce ocorreram em crianças com idade entre um e três meses. Pertencer a classe econômica B/C e ter recebido orientação sobre amamentação no pré-natal apresentaram-se significativamente associados com o desmame precoce. A prevalência do desmame precoce foi elevada, e considerada semelhante à prevalência nacional e descrita para o estado do Piauí. Houve associação entre o desmame precoce, classe econômica B/C e ter recebido orientação sobre amamentação no pré-natal.

The study objective was to assess the early weaning prevalence, and associated factors of children attended in the Family Health Strategy.We conducted a quantitative, descriptive and exploratory study with 241 children accompanied by the health team. We used a form and a questionnaire for data collection. In the analyses, we conducted a binary logistic regression for variables with statistically significant associations. The prevalence of early weaning was 58.51%. Higher proportions of early weaning occurred in children aged one to three months. To be part of economic level B/C and to have received breastfeeding guidance during the prenatal period was significantly associated with early weaning. The early weaning prevalence was high and similar to the national prevalence described for Piauí state. Early weaning, economic level B/C and breastfeeding guidance during prenatal were associated.

A formação do profissional nutricionista na percepção do docente / Professional nutritionists education from the perception of the teacher / La formación del profesional nutricionista en la percepción del docente

Este estudo avaliou a formação do profissional de nutrição na percepção dos docentes nutricionistas de uma instituição de Ensino Superior do nordeste brasileiro. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa realizada com vinte professores nutricionistas que ministraram disciplinas do ciclo profissional no período de 1980 a 2008. A principal limitação foi a deficiência de infraestrutura física, de material e de equipamentos, sobretudo para a realização de aulas práticas. Limitações relacionadas à atividade docente e ao conhecimento adquirido pelos estudantes foram mencionadas. Apesar das dificuldades apontadas, melhorias estruturais foram referidas. Adequações adicionais são necessárias na infraestrutura, bem como medidas voltadas para melhor planejamento do trabalho docente e para conscientização do corpo discente do seu papel no processo ensino-aprendizagem, possibilitando a formação de profissionais mais capacitados para o mercado de trabalho.

This study evaluated the nutrition professionals education from the perception of nutrition teachers at a higher education institution in northeastern Brazil. This was a qualitative study among twenty nutrition teachers who were giving classes within disciplines in the professional cycle between 1980 and 2008. The main limitations faced were deficiencies in physical infrastructure, material and equipment, especially for conducting practical classes. Limitations relating to teaching activities and the knowledge acquired by students were mentioned. In spite of the difficulties, structural improvements were reported. Additional adjustments to infrastructure are required, along with measures aimed at better planning of teaching work and greater awareness among students regarding their role in the teaching-learning process, thereby enabling the education of professionals who are better qualified for the labor market.

Este estudio evaluó la formación del profesional de nutrición en la percepción de los docentes nutricionistas de una institución de Enseñanza Superior del nordeste brasileño. Se trata de encuesta cualitativa realizada con veinte profesores nutricionistas que dictaran asignaturas del ciclo de profesionalización en el período de 1980 a 2008. La principal limitación fue la deficiencia de infraestructura física, de material y de equipos, principalmente para la realización de clases prácticas. Se mencionaron las limitaciones relacionadas con la actividad docente y con el conocimiento adquirido por los estudiantes. A pesar de las dificultades señaladas, se refirieron mejoras estructurales. Son necesarias adecuaciones adicionales en la infraestructura, así como medidas enfocadas en una mejor planificación del trabajo docente y para la toma de conciencia del cuerpo discente de su papel en el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje, posibilitando la formación de profesionales más capacitados para el mercado de trabajo.

Dor lombar em adolescentes: um rastreamento escolar / Low back pain in adolescents: a school screening

INTRODUÇÃO: A dor lombar é um sintoma com repercussões biopsicossociais com potencial de atingir o indivíduo como um todo. A idade escolar coincide com um período importante no desenvolvimento humano e em que desigualdades e compensações resultantes de posturas inadequadas ou alterações estruturais podem aumentar a chance do surgimento de dores. OBJETIVO: Estimar prevalência de dor lombar entre adolescentes. MÉTODO: A amostra foi constituída por 166 adolescentes com idades entre 11 e 18 anos (86 meninas e 80 meninos), regularmente matriculados em um colégio particular em cidade do estado do Piauí, no ano letivo 2012. Um questionário estruturado contendo questões fechadas sobre sexo, idade e aspectos relacionados à dor lombar foi utilizado. RESULTADOS: Quase 80% dos estudantes referiram presença de lombalgia no último ano, e quase metade (41,3 %) informou dor classificada como grau 3 segundo escala de faces. Cerca de dois terços dos adolescentes (63,1%) afirmaram não deixar de realizar suas atividades diárias por conta da dor. Não houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre sexo e dor lombar (p = 0,117) ou intensidade de dor (p = 0,065), embora para esta última variável tenha sido encontrado p-valor marginal. CONCLUSÃO: Elevada prevalência de dor lombar foi encontrada no grupo estudado, sem diferenças entre sexos quanto às características da dor.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain is a symptom with biopsychosocial implications with the potential to reach the whole individual. The school-age coincides with an important period in human development and in which inequalities and compensation resulting from poor posture or structural changes may increase the chance of the emergence of pain. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of low back pain among adolescents. METHODS: The sample consisted of 166 adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age (86 girls and 80 boys) enrolled in a private school in a town in the state of Piauí, in the academic year 2012. A structured questionnaire with closed questions on gender and low back pain aspects was used. RESULTS: Almost 80% of the students reported the presence of low back pain in the past year, and nearly half (41.3%) reported pain classified as 3, according to faces pain scale. About two-thirds of the adolescents (63.1%) said they did not fail to perform their daily activities due to pain.There was no statistically significant association between gender and low back pain (p = 0.117) or pain intensity (p = 0.065), although for the latter a variable marginal p-value was found. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of low back pain was found in the study group without gender differences regarding pain characteristics.

Dor lombar em adolescentes: um rastreamento escolar / Low back pain in adolescents: a school screening

INTRODUÇÃO: A dor lombar é um sintoma com repercussões biopsicossociais com potencial de atingir o indivíduo como um todo. A idade escolar coincide com um período importante no desenvolvimento humano e em que desigualdades e compensações resultantes de posturas inadequadas ou alterações estruturais podem aumentar a chance do surgimento de dores. OBJETIVO: Estimar prevalência de dor lombar entre adolescentes. MÉTODO: A amostra foi constituída por 166 adolescentes com idades entre 11 e 18 anos (86 meninas e 80 meninos), regularmente matriculados em um colégio particular em cidade do estado do Piauí, no ano letivo 2012. Um questionário estruturado contendo questões fechadas sobre sexo, idade e aspectos relacionados à dor lombar foi utilizado. RESULTADOS: Quase 80% dos estudantes referiram presença de lombalgia no último ano, e quase metade (41,3 %) informou dor classificada como grau 3 segundo escala de faces. Cerca de dois terços dos adolescentes (63,1%) afirmaram não deixar de realizar suas atividades diárias por conta da dor. Não houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre sexo e dor lombar (p = 0,117) ou intensidade de dor (p = 0,065), embora para esta última variável tenha sido encontrado p-valor marginal. CONCLUSÃO: Elevada prevalência de dor lombar foi encontrada no grupo estudado, sem diferenças entre sexos quanto às características da dor.(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain is a symptom with biopsychosocial implications with the potential to reach the whole individual. The school-age coincides with an important period in human development and in which inequalities and compensation resulting from poor posture or structural changes may increase the chance of the emergence of pain. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of low back pain among adolescents. METHODS: The sample consisted of 166 adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age (86 girls and 80 boys) enrolled in a private school in a town in the state of Piauí, in the academic year 2012. A structured questionnaire with closed questions on gender and low back pain aspects was used. RESULTS: Almost 80% of the students reported the presence of low back pain in the past year, and nearly half (41.3%) reported pain classified as 3, according to faces pain scale. About two-thirds of the adolescents (63.1%) said they did not fail to perform their daily activities due to pain.There was no statistically significant association between gender and low back pain (p = 0.117) or pain intensity (p = 0.065), although for the latter a variable marginal p-value was found. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of low back pain was found in the study group without gender differences regarding pain characteristics.(AU)