Comparison of Four Purification Methods on Serum Extracellular Vesicle Recovery, Size Distribution, and Proteomics.

In recent decades, the role played by extracellular vesicles in physiological and pathological processes has attracted attention. Extracellular vesicles are released by different types of cells and carry molecules that could become biomarkers for the diagnosis of diseases. Extracellular vesicles are also moldable tools for the controlled release of bioactive substances in clinical and therapeutic applications. However, one of the significant challenges when studying these exciting and versatile vesicles is the purification process, which presents significant difficulties in terms of lack of purity, yield, and reproducibility, reflected in unreliable data. Therefore, our objective in the present study was to compare the proteomic profile of serum-derived EVs purified using ExoQuick™ (Systems Biosciences), Total Isolation Kit (Life Technologies), Ultracentrifugation, and Ultrafiltration. Each technique utilized for purification has shown different concentrations and populations of purified particles. The results showed marked differences in distribution, size, and protein content, demonstrating the need to develop reproducible and reliable protocols to isolate extracellular vesicles for their clinical application.

Hallmarks of aging and immunosenescence: Connecting the dots.

Aging is a natural physiological process that features various and variable challenges, associated with loss of homeostasis within the organism, often leading to negative consequences for health. Cellular senescence occurs when cells exhaust the capacity to renew themselves and their tissue environment as the cell cycle comes to a halt. This process is influenced by genetics, metabolism and extrinsic factors. Immunosenescence, the aging of the immune system, is a result of the aging process, but can also in turn act as a secondary inducer of senescence within other tissues. This review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding hallmarks of aging in relation to immunosenescence, with a focus on aging-related imbalances in the medullary environment, as well as the components of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Aging within the immune system alters its functionality, and has consequences for the person's ability to fight infections, as well as for susceptibility to chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype is described, as well as the involvement of this phenomenon in the paracrine induction of senescence in otherwise healthy cells. Inflammaging is discussed in detail, along with the comorbidities associated with this process. A knowledge of these processes is required in order to consider possible targets for the application of senotherapeutic agents - interventions with the potential to modulate the senescence process, thus prolonging the healthy lifespan of the immune system and minimizing the secondary effects of immunosenescence.

Genomic characterization and prognostication applied to a Brazilian cohort of patients with myelofibrosis.

Genomic characterization of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) may lead to better diagnostic classification, prognostic assessment, and treatment decisions. These goals are particularly important in myelofibrosis (MF). We performed target Next Generation Sequencing for a panel of 255 genes and Chromosome Microarray Analysis (CMA) in 27 patients with MF. Patients were classified according to genomic findings and we compared the performance of a personalized prognostication system with IPSS, MIPSS70 and MIPSS70 + v2. Twenty-six patients presented mutations: 11.1% had single driver mutations in either JAK2, CALR or MPL; 85.2% had mutations in non-restricted genes (median: 2 per patient). CMA was abnormal in 91.7% of the 24 cases with available data. Copy-Number-Neutral Loss-of-Heterozygosity was the most common finding (66.7%). Del13q was the most frequent copy number variation, and we could define a 2.4 Mb minimally affected region encompassing RB1, SUCLA2 and CLLS2 loci. The largest genomic subgroup consisted of patients with mutations in genes involved with chromatin organization and splicing control (40.7%) and the personalized system showed better concordance and accuracy than the other prognostic systems. Comprehensive genomic characterization reveals the striking genetic complexity of MF and, when combined with clinical data, led, in our cohort, to better prognostication performance.

Self-Selected Pacing During a World Record Attempt in 40 Ironman-Distance Triathlons in 40 Days.

The present case study analyzed performance, pacing, and potential predictors in a self-paced world record attempt of a professional triathlete to finish 40 Ironman-distance triathlons within 40 days. Split times (i.e., swimming, cycling, running) and overall times, body weight, daily highest temperature, wind speed, energy expenditure, mean heart rate, and sleeping time were recorded. Non-linear regressions were applied to investigate changes in split and overall times across days. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to test which variables showed the greatest influence on the dependent variables cycling, running and overall time. The athlete completed the 40×Ironman distances in a total time of 444:22 h:min. He spent 50:26 h:min in swimming, 245:37 h:min in cycling, 137:17 h:min in running and 11:02 h:min in transition times. Swimming and cycling times became slower across days, whereas running times got faster until the 20th day and, thereafter, became slower until the 40th day. Overall times got slower until the 15th day, became faster to 31st, and started then to get slower until the end. Wind speed, previous day's race time and average heart race during cycling were significant independent variables influencing cycling time. Body weight and average heart rate during running were significant independent variables influencing running performance. Cycling performance, running performance, and body weight were significant independent variables influencing overall time. In summary, running time was influenced by body weight, cycling by wind speed, and overall time by both running and cycling performances.

High-intensity aerobic training lowers blood pressure and modulates the renal renin-angiotensin system in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Background: This study aimed to verify the effects of high-intensity aerobic training (HIAT) on BP control and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components in renal tissue of SHR. Ten SHRs received HIAT or control for 8-weeks. At the end of the training, the SBP showed a reduction of ~ 30mmHg (p < .01) in HIAT and increased by ~ 15 mmHg in the  control group. HIAT resulted in a higher release of nitrite, IL-6, ACE2 and ATR2. These results indicated an association between BP, NO and renal RAS.Abbreviations: JAA: writing, carried out all experimental procedures, performed statistical analysis, original draft and revised manuscript DMS: data interpretation, formal analysis, writing, editing and revised manuscript BAP: carried all experimental procedures, revised manuscritpt CPCG: carried all experimental procedures, revised manuscritpt MEN: experimental procedures, revised manuscript and data interpretation RWP: drafted and revised manuscript RCA: writing, experimental procedures, revised manuscript JP: writing, data interpretation and revised manuscript OLF: writing, original draft and revised manuscript.

Assessment of the Immunosuppressive Potential of INF-γ Licensed Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Their Secretome and Extracellular Vesicles.

There is an active search for the ideal strategy to potentialize the effects of Mesenchymal Stem-Cells (MSCs) over the immune system. Also, part of the scientific community is seeking to elucidate the therapeutic potential of MSCs secretome and its extracellular vesicles (EVs), in order to avoid the complexity of a cellular therapy. Here, we investigate the effects of human adipose MSCs (AMSCs) licensing with INF-γ and TLR3 agonist over AMSCs proliferation, migration, as well as the immunomodulatory function. Furthermore, we evaluated how the licensing of AMSCs affected the immunomodulatory function of AMSC derived-secretome, including their EVs. INF-γ licensed-AMSCs presented an elevated expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), accompanied by increased ICAM-1, as well as a higher immunosuppressive potential, compared to unlicensed AMSCs. Interestingly, the conditioned medium obtained from INF-γ licensed-AMSCs also revealed a slightly superior immunosuppressive potential, compared to other licensing strategies. Therefore, unlicensed and INF-γ licensed-AMSCs groups were used to isolate EVs. Interestingly, EVs isolated from both groups displayed similar capacity to inhibit T-cell proliferation. EVs isolated from both groups shared similar TGF-ß and Galectin-1 mRNA content but only EVs derived from INF-γ licensed-AMSCs expressed IDO mRNA. In summary, we demonstrated that INF-γ licensing of AMSCs provides an immunosuppressive advantage both from a cell-cell contact-dependent perspective, as well as in a cell-free context. Interestingly, EVs derived from unlicensed and INF-γ licensed-AMSCs have similar ability to control activated T-cell proliferation. These results contribute towards the development of new strategies to control the immune response based on AMSCs or their derived products.

LL-37 treatment on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells modulates immune response and promotes regulatory T-cells generation.

LL-37 is a host-defense peptide (HDP) and exerts a broad spectrum of microbicidal activity against bacteria, fungi, and viral pathogens. This peptide also interacts with human cells and influences their behavior, promoting angiogenesis, wound healing, immunomodulation, and affecting apoptosis. Lately, significant advances have been achieved regarding the elucidation of underlying mechanisms related to LL-37 effects over neutrophil and monocytes. However, how T-cells respond to LL-37 stimulation is still largely unknown. Here, we used flow cytometry to evaluate the effects of LL-37 over peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) viability, T-cell proliferation, T-cell activation, as well as the generation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Those aspects were assessed both in immune homeostatic and inflammatory milieu. Furthermore, we investigated the transcript levels of the inflammatory factors INF-γ, TNF-ɑ, and TGF-ß in these conditions. Interestingly, our data revealed that the treatment of PBMCs with LL-37 enhanced the viability of these cells and exerted wide effects over T cell response. Upon activation, LL-37 treated T-cells presented lower proliferation and also increased generation of Tregs. Finally, while non-stimulated cells increased the expression of inflammatory factors when treated with LL-37, activated cells treated with LL-37 presented a decreased production of the same inflammatory mediators. These results are important for the immunotherapy field, and indicate that the use of LL-37 must be carefully evaluated in both homeostatic and inflammatory scenarios, since the microenvironment clearly plays a crucial role in determining how T-cells respond to LL-37.

Small de novo CNVs as biomarkers of parental exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation of caesium-137.

The radiological accident in Goiania in 1987 caused a trail of human contamination, animal, plant and environmental by a radionuclide. Exposure to ionizing radiation results in different types of DNA lesions. The mutagenic effects of ionizing radiation on the germline are special concern because they can endures for several generations, leading to an increase in the rate of mutations in children of irradiated parents. Thus, to evaluate the biological mechanisms of ionizing radiation in somatic and germline cells, with consequent determination of the rate mutations, is extremely important for the estimation of genetic risks. Recently it was established that Chromosomal Microarray Analysis is an important tool for detecting wide spectra of gains or losses in the human genome. Here we present the results of the effect of accidental exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation on the formation of CNVs in the progeny of a human population accidentally exposed to Caesium-137 during the radiological accident in Goiânia, Brazil.

Exercise as an Effective Transgenerational Strategy to Overcome Metabolic Syndrome in the Future Generation: Are We There?

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) consist in a combination of cardiovascular risk factors including elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and abdominal obesity. Exercise performed before, during and after pregnancy can exert positive effects to counteract MetS risk factors. Here this review aims to analyze the effects of exercise performed before (fathers and mothers) and after periconception (mothers) by using experimental models and its effects on MetS risk factors in offspring. All selected studies investigated the effects of aerobic exercise before, during and after periconception on MetS risk factors in offspring, while no studies utilizing resistance exercise were found. Exercise performed before, and after periconception exerted preventive effects in the offspring, with regards to MetS risk factors. However, more studies focusing on the dose-response of exercise before, and after periconception may reveal interesting results on MetS risk factor in offspring. Thus, the prevention from chronic degenerative diseases can be improved by mother exercise and might be associated with epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, hPTMs (histone post translational modifications), non-coding RNAs (ex: MicroRNAs) which results phenotypic modifications by individual genome reprograming. Otherwise, results from paternal exercise are inconclusive at this time.

LL-37 boosts immunosuppressive function of placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.

BACKGROUND: Although promising for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) treatment, MSC therapy still faces important challenges. For instance, increasing MSC migratory capacity as well as potentializing immune response suppression are of interest. For GvHD management, preventing opportunistic infections is also a valuable strategy, since immunocompromised patients are easy targets for infections. LL-37 is a host defense peptide (HDP) that has been deeply investigated due to its immunomodulatory function. In this scenario, the combination of MSC and LL-37 may result in a robust combination to be clinically used. METHODS: In the present study, the effects of LL-37 upon the proliferation and migratory capacity of human placenta-derived MSCs (pMSCs) were assessed by MTT and wound scratch assays. The influence of LL-37 over the immunosuppressive function of pMSCs was then investigated using CFSE cell division kit. Flow cytometry and real-time PCR were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the effects observed. RESULTS: LL-37 had no detrimental effects over MSC proliferation and viability, as assessed by MTT assay. Moreover, the peptide promoted increased migratory behavior of pMSCs and enhanced their immunomodulatory function over activated human PBMCs. Strikingly, our data shows that LL-37 treatment leads to increased TLR3 levels, as shown by flow cytometry, and to an increased expression of factors classically related to immunosuppression, namely IDO, IL-10, TGF-ß, IL-6, and IL-1ß. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our observations may serve as groundwork for the development of new therapeutic strategies based on the combined use of LL-37 and MSCs, which may provide patients not only with an enhanced immunosuppression regime, but also with an agent to prevent opportunistic infections.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines correlate with classical risk factors for atherosclerosis in the admixed Brazilian older women.

AIM: Measurement of inflammatory markers for risk stratification of vascular disorders has been the focus of numerous investigations worldwide, and usually reveals augmented levels of circulating cytokines/chemokines among carriers of classic risk factors for atherosclerosis. Nonetheless, this low-grade inflammatory milieu detected in aged individuals tends to be influenced by body composition. Moreover, cardiovascular risk factors have a complex genetic etiology, and disregarding the genetic heritage may produce spurious results owing to interethnic differences. In this complex scenario, our study was designed to verify the existence and strength of the association between selected mediators of systemic inflammation and classic risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). METHODS: In a sample of post-menopausal older women, correlation analyses explored the association of circulating levels of IL1α, IL1ß, IL8, IL10 and IL12 with atherosclerosis-related clinical/metabolic parameters, using age, body mass index (BMI), genetic ancestry estimates as standard correction factors. Further adjustment for use of therapeutic agents was applied when appropriate. RESULTS: Our analyses revealed association of log10-transformed IL-12 titers with VLDL-c levels (r=.192; p=.002) and with SBP (r-.185; p=.003), and of log10-transformed IL-8 titers with GLY (r=.235; p<.001). CONCLUSION: Interpretation to the results account to a possible dysregulation of the PPAR signaling pathway to explain the association of IL12 and VLDL-c, and to IL8-driven mechanisms to promote dysglycemia. No previous report sought to investigate the relationship between this set of inflammatory markers and classic risk factors for atherosclerosis correcting for the heterogeneity in genetic admixture and body composition of Brazilian post-menopausal women.

The exon 3 polymorphism of the growth hormone receptor is a severity-related factor for osteoporosis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the GHR exon 3 fl/d3 polymorphism and body composition traits in Brazilian cohorts of normal post-menarche adolescent girls and in post-menopausal women with and without osteoporosis. First, multiplex PCR and quantitative PCR (TaqMan) were used with 105 DNA samples from the general Brazilian population to validate the SNP rs6873545 as a surrogate marker for the GHR polymorphism. Subsequently, genotyping was carried out to evaluate associations for this polymorphism in 136 post-menarche adolescents and 175 post-menopausal women, who were evaluated for body composition traits such as bone mineral density and fat-free mass. Statistical analysis used an independent sample t test, one-way ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey HSD test. Significant values were assumed by p < 0.05. Genotyping indicated complete linkage disequilibrium between the GHR polymorphism and the SNP alleles (r(2) = 1.0). Adolescents and healthy post-menopausal women showed no genotype associations for body composition traits or osteoporosis. However, a lower total body bone mineral density was observed in fl/fl post-menopausal women with osteoporosis (p = 0.0004). These results suggest that the SNP rs6873545 can be used as a surrogate for the GHR fl/d3 polymorphism due to linkage disequilibrium in the Brazilian population and that the fl/fl genotype is a severity-related risk factor for osteoporosis, but did not appear to be associated with disease status.

Assessment of maximal lactate steady state during treadmill exercise in SHR.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are one of the main animal models used for studying the effects of exercise on hypertension. Therefore, the determination of adequate intensity has been essential for secure and optimized exercise prescriptions concerning hypertensive subjects. This study aimed to identify the MLSS in SHR by using a treadmill test to improve the protocols and further prescriptions of exercise intensity. FINDINGS: In order to carry out this determination, SHR (n = 10) animals (~17.5 weeks; 227.4 ± 29.3 g; 172.4 ± 8.1 mmHg systolic blood pressure) were divided into two groups (G1 n = 5; G2 n = 5). Rats underwent a test with three different velocities to determine the MLSS. The MLSS was considered as the highest effort intensity where the blood lactate did not vary more than 1 mmol.L-1 from the 10th to the 25th minute. The MLSS was reached at a velocity of 20 m.min-1 with 3.8 ± 0.5 mmol.L-1 of lactate for G1. Additionally, the results were validated in G2. However, when the test was applied at 25 m.min-1, there was no stabilization of BLC in G1 and G2. CONCLUSIONS: In this study it was possible to identify the MLSS in SHR rats, which is an excellent evaluation tool to control exercise intensity. These data are of considerable importance in studies using physical exercise as a means of research in hypertension and may lead to the intensity of exercise being prescribed more appropriately.

Densidade mineral óssea associada a características físicas e estilo de vida em adolescentes / Bone mineral density associated with physical traits and lifestyle in adolescents

INTRODUÇÃO: No Brasil, ainda são poucos os estudos que apresentam dados relevantes sobre fatores relacionados às características físicas ou estilo de vida e a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) de adolescentes do sexo feminino. OBJETIVO: Identificar e verificar a contribuição das características físicas e de estilo de vida relacionadas à DMO de adolescentes do sexo feminino. MÉTODOS: A amostra deste estudo foi composta por 329 meninas com idades entre 10 e 20 anos. Como características físicas, foram avaliados: peso corporal, estatura, índice de massa corporal, estágio de maturação sexual, raça e pigmentação cutânea. Já para o estilo de vida, os seguintes fatores foram avaliados: consumo diário de cálcio, nível de atividade física (NAF) e nível socioeconômico (NSE). A densidade mineral óssea (DMO) do corpo inteiro, da coluna lombar e do colo do fêmur foram avaliados pela densitometria óssea. As relações existentes entre variáveis dependentes e independentes foram avaliadas pela correlação de Pearson (r) e regressão múltipla Stepwise (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: A DMO dos três sítios ósseos tende a aumentar conforme o aumento do peso corporal, estatura, IMC, idade e estágio de maturação sexual (r ≥ 0,43; p < 0,01). Por outro lado, somente o NAF (r = 0,12; p < 0,05) e o NSE (r = 0,14; p < 0,05) correlacionaram-se positivamente com a DMO. O peso corporal, estágio de maturação sexual, idade, consumo de cálcio, NSE e NAF explicaram de 48 a 68% da variação da DMO das adolescentes. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que a utilização de critérios como peso corporal, idade e maturação sexual sejam os mais indicados para controlar as variações da DMO de adolescentes do sexo feminino. Além disso, o NSE, o NAF e o consumo diário de cálcio possuem uma pequena participação na variação da DMO das adolescentes quando comparados com as características físicas.

INTRODUCTION: Just a few studies have evaluated physical traits, lifestyle and bone mineral density (BMD) acquisition in Brazilian female adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To identify physical traits and lifestyle factors related to BMD in Brazilian female adolescents. METHODS: 329 healthy adolescent girls aged between 10 and 20 years participated in this study. The physical characteristics evaluated were: body weight, stature, body mass index, pubertal stage, self-declared ethnicity and skin color. Concerning lifestyle, the following factors were evaluated: socioeconomic status (SES), physical activity level (PAL) and daily calcium intake. Additionally, total body, lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by bone densitometry. Pearson's coefficient of correlation (r) and stepwise regression analysis were employed to check dependent and independent variables correlation (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Total body, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD increase as body weight, height, BMI, age and pubertal stage increase (r ≥ 0.43; p<0.01). On the other hand, only SES (r = 0.14; p<0.05) and PAL (r = 0.12; p<0.05) were correlated. After stepwise regression, body weight, pubertal stage, age, height, calcium intake, SES, and PAL explained around 48-68% for BMD variation in female adolescents. CONCLUSION: The results suggest body weight, age and pubertal stage should be used as control variables for BMD variations in female adolescents. Furthermore, SES, PAL and dialy calcium intake were less important than physical traits for BMD during adolescence.

Associação do polimorfismo ApaI do gene IGF-2 com a força e a massa muscular em idosas / Association between the igf-2/ApaI polymorphism with the strength and muscle mass in elderly women

A sarcopenia diminui a capacidade funcional do idoso. O gene candidato Fator de Crescimento semelhante à Insulina-2 (IGF-2) tem influência na sarcopenia. Este estudo objetivou investigar a associação entre o polimorfismo ApaI do gene IGF-2 e os fenótipos força e massa muscular. Participaram deste estudo 252 voluntárias (66,94 ± 5,59 anos), as quais tiveram a força muscular mensurada em aparelho isocinético, a composição corporal analisada pelo DEXA e o nível de atividade física determinado pelo IPAQ. O DNA foi extraído e genotipado para o polimorfismo ApaI do gene IGF-2. Foi utilizada uma Anova e uma Ancova para comparar as variáveis (p>0,05). Não houve diferença significante entre as variáveis: idade, massa corporal, estatura, IMC e o percentual de gordura nos três grupos genotípicos. A análise de covariância demonstrou que não ocorreram diferenças significantes entre os grupos com os fenótipos analisados. Portanto, não houve associações significativas entre o polimorfismo ApaI do IGF-2 com a força muscular isocinética e a massa livre de gordura.

Sarcopenia reduces functional capacity in elderly people. The candidate gene Insulin Growth Factor (IGF-2) has been suggested to influence on sarcopenia. This study aimed to investigate the association between the IGF-2 / ApaI polymorphism and the phenotypes muscle mass and strength. The study involved 252 subjects (66.94 ± 5.59 years), who underwent muscle strength measurements using an isokinetic dynamometer, and fat-free mass (FFM) assessment using DEXA. Volunteers also answered the IPAQ questionnaire to determine physical activity levels. Statistical procedures included ANOVA and ANCOVA to compare variables (p< 0.05). No significant difference was detected between age, weight, height, BMI and body fat percentage in the three genotype groups. The analysis of covariance evidenced no significant difference between groups regarding the evaluated muscle-related phenotypes. Therefore, there was no significant association between IGF-2 / ApaI polymorphism with isokinetic muscle strength and FFM in this population.

Suggestive linkage to chromosome 1q for bone mineral apparent density in Brazilian sister adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate linkage to chromosome 1q and 11q region for lumbar spine, femoral neck and total body BMD and volumetric BMD in Brazilian sister adolescents aged 10-20-year-old and 57 mothers. METHODS: We evaluated 161 sister pairs (n=329) aged 10-20 years old and 57 of their mothers in this study. Physical traits and lifestyle factors were collected as covariates for lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN) and total body (TB) BMD and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD). We selected nine microsatellite markers in chromosome 1q region (spanning nearly 33cM) and eight in chromosome 11q region (spanning nearly 34cM) to perform linkage analysis. RESULTS: The highest LOD score values obtained from our data were in sister pairs LS BMAD analysis. Their values were: 1.32 (P<0.006), 2.61 (P<0.0002) and 2.44 (P<0.0004) in D1S218, D1S2640 and D1S2623 markers, respectively. No significant LOD score was found with LS and FN BMD/BMAD in chromosome 11q region. Only TB BMD showed significant linkage higher than 1.0 for chromosome 11q region in the markers D11S4191 and D11S937. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Our results provided suggestive linkage for LS BMAD at D1S2640 marker in adolescent sister pairs and suggest a possible candidate gene (LHX4) related to adolescent LS BMAD in this region. These results reinforce chromosome 1q21-23 as a candidate region to harbor one or more bone formation/maintenance gene. In the other hand, it did not repeat for chromosome 11q12-13 in our population.

Conteúdo e densidade mineral óssea de adolescentes do sexo feminino / Bone mineral density and content in adolescent girls

O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar o conteúdo mineral ósseo (CMO) e a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) de adolescentes do sexo feminino de acordo com a faixa etária e o estágio de maturação sexual. A amostra desse estudo foi composta por 329 meninas com idades entre 10 e 20 anos. Foram avaliados o peso corporal, estatura, índice de massa corporal, estágio de maturação sexual, a raça, o consumo diário de cálcio e o tempo dispendido em atividades físicas de intensidades moderada a vigorosa por semana (AFMV). A densidade e o conteúdo mineral ósseo da coluna lombar e do colo do fêmur foram avaliados pela densitometria óssea. As diferenças da DMO e do CMO, de acordo com a idade e a maturação sexual, foram avaliadas por uma análise de variância One-way ANOVA com o teste post-hoc de Tukey (p<0,05). O consumo diário de cálcio reportado pelas adolescentes é inadequado, pois representa uma variação de 26 a 47 por cento do que é recomendado. Por outro lado, o tempo dispendido em AFMV, por semana, foi muito superior ao mínimo recomendado, em todas as idades. Ocorreram diferenças significativas tanto na DMO quanto no CMO das adolescentes no período dos 10 e 14 anos de idade. Além disso, os valores de DMO da coluna lombar e do colo do fêmur das adolescentes pós-púberes foram 58 por cento e 31 por cento maiores,respectivamente, quando comparados com os seus correspondentes nas adolescentes pré-púberes.

The aim of the present study was to characterize bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) in Brazilian adolescent girls according to age and pubertal stage. A total of 329 girls ranging in age from 10 to 20 years participated in this study. Body weight, height, body mass index, pubertal stage, race, daily calcium intake, and time spent per week performing moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) were evaluated. Lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD and BMC were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test was used to identify differences in bone mass between ages and pubertal stages (p£0.05). The daily calcium intake reported by the adolescents was inadequate, corresponding to only 26-47 percent of the recommended allowance (1,300 mg/day). On the other hand, weekly MVPA was higher than that recommended for adolescents. Significant differences in BMD and BMC were observed for girls aged 10-14 years. In addition, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD was 58 and 31 percent higher in postpubertal girls, respectively, when compared to prepubertal adolescents.

Efeitos de 24 semanas de treinamento resistido sobre índices da aptidão aeróbia de mulheres idosas / Effects of 24 weeks of resistance training on aerobic fitness indexes of older women

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVO: O consumo de oxigênio pico (VO2pico) e o limiar anaeróbio (LA) são amplamente aceitos como importantes medidas da aptidão aeróbia. Tradicionalmente, o treinamento aeróbio é visto como o principal meio de se aumentar esses índices. Em contrapartida, o treinamento resistido (TR) não é tipicamente prescrito para este fim. Em indivíduos idosos, tem sido sugerido que o TR é capaz de aprimorar a capacidade aeróbia; entretanto, a temática é controversa. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar os efeitos do treinamento resistido sobre índices da capacidade aeróbia de mulheres idosas. METODOLOGIA: Participaram voluntariamente 50 idosas, as quais foram distribuídas em dois possíveis grupos: grupo controle (GC - n = 25; idade média 68,00 ± 6,38) e grupo treinamento (GT - n = 25; idade média 68,04 ± 6,78 anos). Todas as participantes realizaram teste ergoespirométrico em esteira conduzido até a exaustão voluntária antes e após a intervenção. O GT foi submetido a um programa de TR para os principais grupos musculares três vezes por semana durante um período de 24 semanas. Ao GC foi solicitado que mantivessem suas rotinas habituais. Split plot Anova foi utilizada para verificar possíveis diferenças intra e intergrupos. RESULTADOS: Foi observado que o GT apresentou aumento significativo nas variáveis tempo de teste e VO2, tanto no momento do LA como no momento da exaustão. No GC nenhuma das variáveis dependentes sofreu alteração significativa. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que 24 semanas de TR é capaz de promover melhora no desempenho durante teste de esforço cardiopulmonar em uma amostra de mulheres idosas. Futuros estudos serão importantes para elucidar os mecanismos responsáveis por tais adaptações.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) and anaerobic threshold (AT) have been widely accepted as important predictors of aerobic fitness. Traditionally, aerobic training is viewed as the main way to increase these indices. Conversely, resistance training (RT) is not typically prescribed for this purpose. In elderly subjects, it has been suggested that RT may increase aerobic capacity; however, the literature is controversial. The purpose of the present study was to verify the effects of 24 weeks of RT on aerobic capacity indexes of elderly women. METHOD: Fifty elderly women voluntarily took part in this study and were divided into two possible groups: control group (CG - n=25; mean age of 68.00 ± 6.38 years) and training group (TG - n=25; mean age of 68.04 ± 6.78 years). All volunteers underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test on treadmill until volitional exhaustion before and after the intervention period. A split plot ANOVA test was used to examine differences within and between groups. RESULTS: It was observed that the TG exhibited significant increase in the variables time of test and oxygen uptake for both AT and exhaustion moments. The CG did not show any significant alterations for any of the dependent variables. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that 24 weeks of RT are capable of promoting improvement in performance during a cardiopulmonary exercise test in a sample of elderly women. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for these adaptations.

A new FOXL2 gene mutation in a woman with premature ovarian failure and sporadic blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new FOXL2 gene mutation in a woman with sporadic blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENT(S): A 28-year-old woman. INTERVENTION(S): Clinical evaluation, hormone assays, gene mutation research. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): FOXL2 gene mutation. RESULT(S): The patient with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism was diagnosed with BPES due to a new FOXL2 gene mutation. CONCLUSION(S): Blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome is a rare disorder associated with premature ovarian failure (POF). The syndrome is an autosomal dominant trait that causes eyelid malformations and POF in affected women. Mutations in FOXL2 gene, located in chromosome 3, are related to the development of BPES with POF (BPES type I) or without POF (BPES type II). This report demonstrates a previously undescribed de novo mutation in the FOXL2 gene-a thymidine deletion, c.627delT (g.864delT)-in a woman with a sporadic case of BPES and POF. This mutation leads to truncated protein production that is related to a BPES type I phenotype. This report shows the importance of family history and genetic analysis in the evaluation of patients with POF and corroborates the relationship between mutations on the FOXL2 gene and ovarian insufficiency.