Effects of an L-Leucine-Rich Diet on Liver and Kidneys in a Doxorubicin Toxicity Model.

Supplements and diets containing L-leucine, a branched-chain amino acid, have been considered beneficial for controlling oxidative stress and maintaining cardiac tissue in toxicity models using doxorubicin, a drug widely used in cancer treatment. However, there is a lack of studies in the literature that assess the effects of this diet on other organs and tissues, such as the liver and kidneys. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of a leucine-rich diet on the liver and kidneys of healthy rats submitted to the doxorubicin toxicity model by analyzing biomarkers of oxidative stress and histological parameters. The animals were divided into four groups: naive, doxorubicin, L-leucine, and doxorubicin + L-leucine, and the diet was standardized with 5% L-leucine and a dose of 7.5 mg/kg of doxorubicin. We evaluated tissue injury parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress, including enzymes, antioxidant profile, and oxidized molecules, in the liver and kidneys. Although some studies have indicated benefits of a diet rich in L-leucine for the muscle tissue of animals that received doxorubicin, our results showed that the liver was the most affected organ by the L-leucine-rich diet since the diet reduced its antioxidant defenses and increased the deposit of collagen and fat in the hepatic tissue. In the kidneys, the main alteration was the reduction in the number of glomeruli. These results contribute to the scientific literature and encourage further studies to evaluate the effects of an L-leucine-rich diet or its supplementation, alone or combined with doxorubicin using an animal model of cancer. Therefore, our study concludes that the leucine-rich diet itself was harmful and, when co-administered with doxorubicin, was not able to maintain the antioxidant defenses and tissue structure of the evaluated organs.

Cardioprotective Effects of the 4-Week Aerobic Running Exercises Before Treatment with Doxorubicin in Rats.

Doxorubicin is associated with cardiotoxicity, and physical exercise seeks to minimize the toxic effects of doxorubicin through physiological cardiac remodeling, as well as the reduction of oxidative stress, evidenced by previous studies. This study aimed to analyze whether running training before treatment with doxorubicin influences tolerance to physical exertion and cardiotoxicity. Thirty-nine male Wistar rats, aged 90 days and weighing between 250 and 300 g, were divided into 4 groups: Control (C), Doxorubicin (D), Trained (T), and Trained + Doxorubicin (TD). Animals in groups T and DT were submitted to treadmill running for 3 weeks, 5 times a week at 18 m/min for 20-30 min before treatment with doxorubicin. Animals in groups D and DT received intraperitoneal injections of doxorubicin hydrochloride three times a week for two weeks, reaching a total cumulative dose of 7.50 mg/kg. Our results show an increase in total collagen fibers in the D group (p = 0.01), but no increase in the TD group, in addition to the attenuation of the number of cardiac mast cells in the animals in the TD group (p = 0.05). The animals in the TD group showed maintenance of tolerance to exertion compared to group D. Therefore, running training attenuated the cardiac damage caused by the treatment with doxorubicin, in addition to maintaining the tolerance to exertion in the rats.

Effects of hyperprotein diet on anxiety, haemodynamics and morphofunctional aspects of the heart of Wistar rats.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? The consumption of a high-protein diet has been associated with an anxiogenic factor that can influence anxiety and possible cardiovascular changes: does the consumption of a high-protein diet interfere with anxiety, haemodynamics and morphofunctional aspects of the heart of Wistar rats? What is the main finding and its importance? Our study showed that the high-protein diet did not interfere with anxiety and haemodynamics. The animals in the hyperproteic group showed positive heart adaptations characterized by less work and lower heart rate without impairing ejection fraction and systemic blood pressure. ABSTRACT: Anxiety is a mechanism preparatory to a response in situations of threat and danger, involving behavioural, affective and physiological factors. Protein-based foods have a high concentration of amino acids which perform multiple functions, including in the biosynthesis of excitatory transmitters for the central nervous system. In recent years, adherence to high-protein diets has been gaining ground in society, on the basis that it brings benefits to the musculoskeletal system and cardiovascular health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a high-protein diet in a state of anxiety and to investigate morphofunctional cardiovascular effects of a high-protein diet in Wistar rats. The experiment lasted 8 weeks and two groups of male rats were submitted to either a normoproteic or a hyperproteic diet. Anxiety was assessed using the plus maze test and cardiovascular morphofunctional aspects using transthoracic echocardiography and invasive measurements of femoral blood pressure. There was no statistically significant difference in the anxiety test, but the hyperproteic group was more agitated, with greater displacement during the test. Changes were found in systolic and end-diastolic volume, left ventricular diameter in systole and heart rate, which were significantly lower in the hyperproteic group, and there was an increase in the thickness of the interventricular septum in diastole. The results showed no influence of the higher protein diet on the animals' anxiety, body weight and haemodynamics.

Lactacidemia in two different weight training models / Lactacidemia em dois modelos diferentes de treino de musculação

The knowledge of the physiological aspects in the execution of the training in the bodybuilding is important to improve the training; being the lactate concentration an important marker applied in several types of exercises. Some studies have evaluated lactacidemia and training models but did not use squatting in their protocols. The aim of the study was to analyze blood lactate concentration in free squat exercise training in two training models: strength and resistance.Experimental study with a sample of five men of 24 ± 4.6 years, physically active and practicing for at least one year, with no history of orthopedic and cardiovascular problems. The tests were performed in two days, in the strength session the volunteers performed 12 sets, 6 to 12 maximal repetitions and in the resistance session 12 series, 13 to 20 maximum repetitions. In both tests the interval was 1 minute and 30 seconds between sets and 2 minutes every 4 sets. Blood lactate was collected at rest, during and after the test.No significant differences were found in the lactate concentration during and after the tests in the strength training and the resistance training. However, the lactacidemia variation between the first and last collection presented a significantly higher result in strength training. We conclude that the models of strength and resistance training, in the free squat exercise, do not present significant differences in lactate concentration during and after the tests. The total lactacidemia variation was greater in strength training.

O conhecimento dos aspectos fisiológicos na execução do treino na musculação é importante para aprimorarmos os treinamentos; sendo a concentração de lactato um importante marcador aplicado em diversos tipos de exercícios. Alguns estudos já avaliaram lactacidemia e modelos de treinamento, porém não utilizaram o agachamento em seus protocolos. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a concentração de lactato sanguíneo no treino do exercício agachamento livre em dois modelos de treinamento: força e resistência. Estudo experimental, com amostra de cinco homens de 24 ± 4.6 anos, fisicamente ativos e praticantes há pelo menos um ano, sem histórico de problemas ortopédicos e cardiovasculares. Os testes foram realizados em dois dias, na sessão de força os voluntários executaram 12 séries, 6 a 12 repetições máximas e na sessão de resistência 12 séries, 13 a 20 repetições máximas. Em ambos os testes o intervalo foi de 1 minuto e 30 segundos entre as séries e de 2 minutos a cada 4 séries. O lactato sanguíneo foi coletado no repouso, durante e no pós-teste. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na concentração de lactato durante e após os testes no treino de força e no treino de resistência. No entanto, a variação da lactacidemia entre a primeira e a última coleta apresentou resultado significativamente maior no treino de força. Concluímos que os modelos de treinamento de força e de resistência, no exercício agachamento livre, não apresentam diferenças significativas na concentração de lactato durante e após os testes. Sendo a variação total de lactacidemia maior no treinamento de força.

Acute effect of sodium bicarbonate supplementation by resistant training practices / Efeito agudo da suplementação de bicarbonato de sódio por práticas de treinamento de resistência

Currently, the use of sodium bicarbonate (SB) as an ergogenic supplement has been linked to improved performance in several high-intensity and short time interval modalities because it is a natural buffer of the body fluids of the human body. This study aimed to evaluate the acute effect of SB supplementation on muscle strength endurance of resistance training practitioners. Crossover clinical trial, placebo-controlled (PL), and single-masked, included 10 trained adult men. The maximum repetition (1RM) and exhaustion tests with 80% 1RM were performed in the extensor chair and direct thread. In all sessions, the volunteers were verbally stimulated, the total maximum repetitions in the exercises and the blood lactate concentration were measured. SB was supplemented at a dose of 0.3 g/kg body mass. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. The Shapiro­Wilktest was used to evaluate the normality of the data, and the Student's t-test was used for independent and paired samples. The size of the Cohen's effect was calculated, and the significance level was set at p<0.05. Comparing the supplements, no significant differences were found in all variables tested. However, when comparing pretest and posttest periods, significant differences were found between lactate concentrations, with considerably large effect sizes (> 1.00).SB supplementation by endurance training practitioners induces blood alkalosis, which reduces fatigue and possibly improves muscle strength endurance

Atualmente, o uso de bicarbonato de sódio (SB) como suplemento ergogênico tem sido associado a um melhor desempenho em várias modalidades de alta intensidade e intervalos de tempo curtos, pois é um amortecedor natural dos fluidos corporais do corpo humano. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito agudo da suplementação de SB na resistência da força muscular de praticantes de treinamento de resistência. Ensaio clínico cruzado, controlado por placebo (PL) e com máscara única, incluiu 10 homens adultos treinados. Os testes de repetição máxima (1RM) e exaustão com 80% de 1RM foram realizados na cadeira extensora e na rosca direta. Em todas as sessões, os voluntários foram estimulados verbalmente, foram medidas as repetições máximas totais nos exercícios e a concentração de lactato sanguíneo. O SB foi suplementado na dose de 0,3 g / kg de massa corporal. A análise estatística foi realizada no SPSS versão 25.0. O teste Shapiro-Wilk foi usado para avaliar a normalidade dos dados, e o teste t de Student foi usado para amostras independentes e emparelhadas. O tamanho do efeito de Cohen foi calculado e o nível de significância foi estabelecido em p <0,05. Comparando os suplementos, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas em todas as variáveis testadas. No entanto, ao comparar os períodos pré e pós-teste, foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as concentrações de lactato, com tamanhos de efeito consideravelmente grandes (> 1,00). A suplementação de SB por praticantes de treinamento de resistência induz alcalose no sangue, o que reduz a fadiga e possivelmente melhora a resistência da força muscular.

Association between obesity and knee osteoarthritis in users of brazilian unified national health system / Associação entre obesidade e osteoartrite de joelhos em usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde

Verify possible associations between obesity and knee OA in users of Brazilian Unified National Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS) of primary care network in Catalão-GO, Brazil. This is an observational study conducted in 2014 and 2015. A total of 81 volunteers from the Basic Attention Network in the city of Catalão, with body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2 in both sexes, age between 40 and 60 years, and OA on radiological examination of the knee. Obesity was classified according to BMI. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) was made clinically and by radiography according to Kellgren radiological classification. The level of physical activity was assessed using the Baecke questionnaire and the Gordon Functional Classification. The volunteers underwent an anthropometric evaluation and physical examination with inspection and palpation of the joint and subsequent radiological examination of the knee. The volunteers answered a questionnaire on the level of physical activity and functional classification. Data analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test or chi-square test was used for comparisons of two proportions. In comparisons of continuous variables, Student's t-test or the nonparametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used. The level of significance was set to 5%. Practice of regular physical exercise decreases functional impairment in obese individuals with knee OA. The weight variable demonstrated a strong association with the severity of OA and degree of functionality of patients. Obesity and OA durations and lack of patient guidance are variables that may contribute to the progression of knee OA. Although the incidence among men is lower, they are more severely affected and anthropometric evaluation and physical examination are an efficacy implementations for Brazilian users of SUS.

Verificar possíveis associações entre obesidade e osteoartrite (OA) de joelho em usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) da cidade de Catalão-GO. Trata-se de um estudo observacional realizado entre 2014 e 2015. Participaram deste estudo 81 voluntários da Rede de Atenção Básica da cidade de Catalão, com índice de massa corporal (IMC) acima de 30 kg / m2 em ambos os sexos, idade entre 40 e 60 anos e OA no exame radiológico do joelho. A obesidade foi classificada de acordo com o IMC. O diagnóstico de OA foi feito clinicamente e por radiografia de acordo com a classificação radiológica de Kellgren. O nível de atividade física foi avaliado pelo questionário de Baecke e pela Classificação Funcional de Gordon. Os voluntários responderam a uma avaliação antropométrica e exame físico com inspeção e palpação da articulação e posterior exame radiológico do joelho. Os voluntários responderam a um questionário sobre o nível de atividade física e classificação funcional. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste exato de Fisher ou o teste do qui-quadrado foi utilizado para comparações de duas proporções. Nas comparações das variáveis contínuas, utilizou-se o teste t de Student ou o teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney. O nível de significância foi estabelecido em 5%. A prática de exercício físico regular diminui o comprometimento funcional em indivíduos obesos com OA de joelho. A variável peso demonstrou uma forte associação com a gravidade da OA e o grau de funcionalidade dos pacientes. Obesidade e duração da OA e falta de orientação do paciente são variáveis que podem contribuir para a progressão da OA do joelho. Embora a incidência entre os homens seja menor, eles são mais gravemente afetados. Adicionalmente, a avaliação antropométrica e o exame físico são procedimentos complementares eficazes para usuários brasileiros do SUS.

Leucine Supplementation Improves Effort Tolerance of Rats With Hyperthyroidism.

Leucine is a regulator of protein metabolism in vivo and information on its action on effort tolerance of both animals and humans with hyperthyroidism is scarce. The objective of the present study was to verify the influence of leucine supplementation on the effort tolerance of Wistar rats with experimental hyperthyroidism. 40 animals were divided into four groups of ten: control (C), hormone (H), leucine (L), and hormone + leucine (HL). Hyperthyroidism was induced by daily administration of 20 µâ‹…g100 g-1 of levothyroxine sodium in aqueous suspension by gavage. Leucine was supplemented by adding 5% of the amino acid to the conventional feed. The animals' blood was collected by cardiac puncture to analyze TSH, T4, and T3 levels. The effort tolerance was determined by the swimming test with a 7% load attached to animals' tails. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, followed by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) of repeated measures of two factors (treatment × time) and Tukey post hoc, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Administering thyroid hormone increased the swimming performance of rats after 14 and 21 days, but with a drop in performance at 28 days. The HL group, on the other hand, had a significantly higher swimming performance compared to the other groups after 28 days of treatment. Leucine supplementation associated with the experimental model of hyperthyroidism improved the performance of rats in a swimming test after 28 days of treatment.

High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol functionality and metabolic syndrome: Protocol for review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related stroke is set to increase dramatically in coming decades. MetS is a complex disease that includes endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, ectopic obesity, and dyslipidaemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. One function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) is the cholesterol-efflux pathway, which is the pathway where cholesterol is removed from macrophages within the arterial walls back into the bloodstream and out to the liver. As one of the key functions of HDL, their hypothesis was that if they could measure HDL-C-efflux capacity, they would have a better handle on the role of HDL in atherosclerosis. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between HDL-C functionality and MetS. The aim of this study is to examine this association of HDL-C functionality with MetS in different ages and sex. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The update systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Studies that examined the association between HDL-C functionality and MetS; focused on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies; were conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years; provided sufficient data for calculating odds ratio or relative risk with a 95% confidence interval; were published as original articles written in English or other languages; and have been published until January 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42018083465).

High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol functionality and metabolic syndrome: Protocol for review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related stroke is set to increase dramatically in coming decades. MetS is a complex disease that includes endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, ectopic obesity, and dyslipidaemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. One function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) is the cholesterol-efflux pathway, which is the pathway where cholesterol is removed from macrophages within the arterial walls back into the bloodstream and out to the liver. As one of the key functions of HDL, their hypothesis was that if they could measure HDL-C-efflux capacity, they would have a better handle on the role of HDL in atherosclerosis. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between HDL-C functionality and MetS. The aim of this study is to examine this association of HDL-C functionality with MetS in different ages and sex. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The update systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Studies that examined the association between HDL-C functionality and MetS; focused on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies; were conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years; provided sufficient data for calculating odds ratio or relative risk with a 95% confidence interval; were published as original articles written in English or other languages; and have been published until January 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators.

Statins in adult patients with HIV: Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with HIV have been found to suffer from lipid abnormalities, including elevated levels of total and LDL-cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels. Abnormal lipid levels are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which are significant causes of mortality among the general population. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to conduct a systematic review with network meta-analysis to compare the effects of statins classes on HIV patients. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies published in English up to 31 December 2017, and which include direct and/or indirect evidence, will be included. Studies will be retrieved by searching four electronic databases and cross-referencing. Dual selection and abstraction of data will occur. The primary outcome will all-cause mortality, new event of acute myocardial infarction, stroke (hemorrhagic and ischemic), hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome and urgent revascularization procedures and cardiovascular mortality. Secondary outcomes will be assessment of the differences in change of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment instrument for RCTs and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology instrument for observational studies. Network meta-analysis will be performed using multivariate random-effects meta-regression models. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve will be used to provide a hierarchy of statins that reduce cardiovascular mortality in HIV patients. A revised version of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) will be used to assess the risk of bias in eligible RCTs. Results will be synthesized and analyzed using network meta-analysis (NMA). Overall strength of the evidence and publication bias will be evaluated. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis will also be performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. The evidence will determine which combination of interventions are most promising for current practice and further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42017072996).

Epicardial adipose tissue and carotid artery disease: Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is now widely recognized as a multifactorial disease with outcomes that arise from complex factors such as plaque components, blood flow, and inflammation. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active fat depot, abundant in proinflammatory cytokines, and has been correlated with the extent and severity of carotid artery disease (CD). The locations most frequently affected by carotid atherosclerosis are the proximal internal carotid artery (ie, the origin) and the common carotid artery bifurcation. Progression of atheromatous plaque at the carotid bifurcation results in luminal narrowing, often accompanied by ulceration. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between EAT and CD. The aim of this study is to examine this association of EAT with CD in different ages and sex. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (ie, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies that (1) examined the association between EAT and CD, (2) focus on cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies, (3) will conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years, (4) provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, (5) will published as original articles written in English or other languages, and (6) have been published until January 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. RESULTS: We propose the current protocol to evaluate the evaluation of EAT with ED. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will not need ethical approval, because it does not involve human beings. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42018083458).

Eletromyography of abdominal muscles in different physical exercises: An update protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The abdominal muscles are extremely important because they are directly involved in the functions of support, containment of viscera, and help in the process of expiration, defecation, urination, vomiting, and also at the time of childbirth. Many exercises and equipment are used to strengthen the abdominal muscles, and the workouts are proposed for a variety of purposes, such as preventing and rehabilitating low back pain, improving sports performance, achieving aesthetic standards, among others. Exercises that potentiate the electromyographic activity promote a greater recruitment of muscle fibers and are more effective to improve or maintain of the force. The electromyographic activity analysis allows us to reflect on the quality of the exercises proposed, consequently, to choose and order the exercises properly in a training session. METHODS: Our systematic review protocol will developed following the reporting items for the systematic review. To identify relevant studies, we sought articles on the following bases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Europubmed, SciELO, Physiotherapy Evidences Data Base (PEDro), Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The methodological quality of the studies included in the review will evaluated using a checklist and quality assessment. For intervention studies, risk of bias will estimated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. RESULTS: The results of this study will show the electromyographic activation of the abdomen in the different types of exercises. CONCLUSION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018086172.

Epicardial adipose tissue and metabolic syndrome: An update protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related stroke is set to increase dramatically in coming decades. MetS is a complex disease that includes endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, ectopic obesity, and dyslipidaemia, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, there are no systematic analyses, or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and (MetS). The aim of this study is to examine this association of EAT with MetS in different ages and sex. METHODS: The update systematic review, and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (ie, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies that firstly, examined the association between EAT and MetS, secondly, focus on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies, thirdly, were conducted among in adults aged between 40 and 70 years, fourth, provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, fifth, were published as original articles written in English or other languages, and sixth, have been published until January year 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. RESULTS: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. This study will provide a high quality synthesis on the association of EAT and MetS. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will provide evidence to assess whether there is a strong association of EAT and MetS, and its components.

Metabolic syndrome and risk of stroke: Protocol for an update systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The metabolic syndrome is composed of several cardiovascular risk factors and has a high prevalence throughout the world. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and stroke. The aim of this study is to examine this association of metabolic syndrome with stroke in different ages and sex. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The update systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies that examined the association between metabolic syndrome and stroke, had a longitudinal or prospective cohort design, were conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years, provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, were published as original articles written in English or other languages, and have been published until December 2017 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. The findings from this study could be useful for assessing metabolic syndrome risk factors in stroke, and determining approaches for prevention of stroke in the future.

Epicardial adipose tissue and metabolic syndrome An update protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related stroke is set to increase dramatically in coming decades. MetS is a complex disease that includes endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, ectopic obesity, and dyslipidaemia, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, there are no systematic analyses, or well conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and (MetS). The aim of this study is to examine this association of EAT with MetS in different ages and sex. METHODS: The update systematic review, and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (ie, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies that firstly, examined the association between EAT and MetS, secondly, focus on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies, thirdly, were conducted among in adults aged between 40 and 70 years, fourth, provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, fifth, were published as original articles written in English or other languages, and sixth, have been published until January year 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. RESULTS: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. This study will provide a high quality synthesis on the association of EAT and MetS. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will provide evidence to assess whether there is a strong association of EAT and MetS, and its components.

Statins in adult patients with HIV Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Patients with HIV have been found to suffer from lipid abnormalities, including elevated levels of total and LDL cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels. Abnormal lipid levels are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which are significant causes of mortality among the general population. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to conduct a systematic review with network meta-analysis to compare the effects of statins classes on HIV patients. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies published in English up to 31 December 2017, and which include direct and/or indirect evidence, will be included. Studies will be retrieved by searching four electronic databases and cross referencing. Dual selection and abstraction of data will occur. The primary outcome will all-cause mortality, new event of acute myocardial infarction, stroke (hemorrhagic and ischemic), hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome and urgent revascularization procedures and cardiovascular mortality. Secondary outcomes will be assessment of the differences in change of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment instrument for RCTs and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology instrument for observational studies. Network meta-analysis will be performed using multivariate random-effects meta-regression models. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve will be used to provide a hierarchy of statins that reduce cardiovascular mortality in HIV patients. A revised version of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) will be used to assess the risk of bias in eligible RCTs. Results will be synthesized and analyzed using network meta-analysis (NMA). Overall strength of the evidence and publication bias will be evaluated. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis will also be performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. The evidence will determine which combination of interventions are most promising for current practice and further investigation.

Epicardial adipose tissue and carotid artery disease Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is now widely recognized as a multifactorial disease with outcomes that arise from complex factors such as plaque components, blood flow, and inflammation. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active fat depot, abundant in proinflammatory cytokines, and has been correlated with the extent and severity of carotid artery disease (CD). The locations most frequently affected by carotid atherosclerosis are the proximal internal carotid artery (ie, the origin) and the common carotid artery bifurcation. Progression of atheromatous plaque at the carotid bifurcation results in luminal narrowing, often accompanied by ulceration. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between EAT and CD. The aim of this study is to examine this association of EAT with CD in different ages and sex. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (ie, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies that (1) examined the association between EAT and CD, (2) focus on cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies, (3) will conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years, (4) provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, (5) will published as original articles written in English or other languages, and (6) have been published until January 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. Results: We propose the current protocol to evaluate the evaluation of EAT with ED. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will not need ethical approval, because it does not involve human beings. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal.

Metabolic syndrome and risk of stroke Protocol for an update systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: The metabolic syndrome is composed of several cardiovascular risk factors and has a high prevalence throughout the world. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and stroke. The aim of this study is to examine this association of metabolic syndrome with stroke in different ages and sex. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The update systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies that examined the association between metabolic syndrome and stroke, had a longitudinal or prospective cohort design, were conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years, provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, were published as original articles written in English or other languages, and have been published until December 2017 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators.

Action of leucine in heart hypertrophy induced by thyroid hormone in rats / Ação da leucina na hipertrofia cardíaca induzida pelo hormônio tireoidiano em ratos

Leucine is a regulator of protein metabolism in vivo, but there is little information regarding its effect on hyperthyroidism-induced cardiac hypertrophy. This study aimed to verify the action of leucine in heart hypertrophy using an experimental model of hyperthyroidism in rats. A total of 40 Wistar rats were used and allocated randomly into four groups: control (C), hormone (H), leucine (L) and hormone plus leucine (HL). Hyperthyroidism was induced by administering daily by gavage 20 µg of levothyroxine sodium in aqueous suspension per 100 g of body weight, and leucine was supplemented by adding 5% of the amino acid to conventional food. After 28 days, the heart was removed and weighed; the left ventricle was separated along with the interventricular septum and weighed. Histological slides were made from the left ventricle and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to measure the transverse diameter of cardiomyocytes. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-test were used and significance level set at 5%. There was a significant increase in the absolute heart weight, the left ventricular weight and cardiomyocyte diameter in rats of the H group compared to the other groups. The addition of leucine inhibited heart hypertrophy. Levothyroxine sodium-induced cardiac hypertrophy in Wistar rats is inhibited by leucine.

A leucina é um regulador do metabolismo proteico in vivo, e existem poucas informações referentes à sua ação na hipertrofia cardíaca induzida pelo hipertireoidismo. O estudo teve por objetivo verificar a ação da leucina na hipertrofia cardíaca de ratos Wistar em um modelo experimental de hipertireoidismo. Foram utilizados 40 animais, alocados ao acaso em quatro grupos, sendo: grupo controle (C), grupo hormônio (H), grupo leucina (L) e grupo hormônio + leucina (HL). O hipertireoidismo foi induzido administrando-se, diariamente, 20µg/100 gramas de levotiroxina sódica em suspensão aquosa, por gavagem e a leucina foi suplementada adicionando-se 5% do aminoácido à ração convencional. Ao final do período experimental, o coração foi removido e pesado. Foi separado o ventrículo esquerdo juntamente com o septo interventricular e pesado. Foram feitas lâminas histológicas a partir do ventrículo esquerdo, coradas com hematoxilina-eosina, para a medida do diâmetro transversal dos cardiomiócitos. Foi utilizada a análise de variância (ANOVA) de duas vias e pós-teste de Tukey e adotado um P<0,05. Houve aumento significante para o peso do coração, peso do ventrículo esquerdo e diâmetro dos cardiomiócitos no grupo H em relação aos demais grupos. A adição de leucina inibe a hipertrofia. A hipertrofia cardíaca induzida em ratos Wistar pela levotiroxina sódica é inibida pela leucina.

Efeito da leucina na hipertrofia cardíaca e na concentração sérica de creatina quinase em ratos Wistar em hipertireoidismo experimental / Effect of leucine in cardiac hypertrophy and serum creatine kinase in rats in experimental hyperthyroidism

A leucina é um regulador do metabolismo proteico in vivo, e existem poucas informações referentes à sua ação na hipertrofia cardíaca induzida pelo hipertireoidismo experimental e sua relação com a creatina quinase sérica. O estudo teve por objetivo verificar a ação da leucina na hipertrofia cardíaca e na concentração sérica de creatina quinase em ratos Wistar em hipertireoidismo. Foram utilizados 20 animais, divididos em quatro grupos sendo estes o controle, hormônio, leucina e hormônio + leucina. O hipertireoidismo foi induzido administrando-se, diariamente, 20µg/100 gramas de levotiroxina sódica em suspensão aquosa, por gavagem. A leucina foi suplementada adicionando-se 5% do aminoácido à ração convencional. O sangue foi coletado por punção cardíaca e as análises feitas em kits para CK-NAC, CK-MB e TSH. Ao final do período experimental de sete dias o coração foi removido e pesado. Posteriormente, foi separado o ventrículo esquerdo juntamente com o septo interventricular e pesado. Na comparação estatística foi utilizada a análise de variância (ANOVA) de duas vias e pós-teste de Tukey, considerando-se significativos valores de p<0,05. As concentrações séricas de CK-MB sérica foram menores no grupo leucina (p<0,05) e hormônio + leucina (p<0,05) em comparação a controle. O grupo hormônio, apresentou peso relativo do coração maior que o grupo controle (p<0,05) e peso absoluto do coração maior que hormônio + leucina (p<0,05). Em conclusão, a leucina parece reduzir a hipertrofia cardíaca e a concentração sérica da creatina quinase por mecanismos ainda desconhecidos.

Leucine is a regulator of protein metabolism in vivo, and there is little information regarding its action on cardiac hypertrophy induced by experimental hyperthyroidism and its relationship to serum creatine kinase. The study aimed to verify the effect of leucine in cardiac hypertrophy and serum creatine kinase in rats with hyperthyroidism. We used 20 animals were divided into four groups and these control, hormone, hormone + leucine and leucine. Hyperthyroidism was induced by administration of daily 20µg/100 grams of levothyroxine sodium in aqueous suspension by gavage. Leucine was supplemented by adding 5% of the amino conventional diet. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture and analyzes made in kit CK-NAC, CK-MB and TSH. At the end of the trial period of seven days the hearts were removed and weighed. Subsequently, the left ventricle was separated together with the interventricular septum and weighed. In statistical comparison was used analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-way post-Tukey test, considering p values <0.05. Serum concentrations of serum CK-MB were lower in leucine (p <0.05) and hormone + leucine (p <0.05) compared to control. The hormone group, showed greater relative heart weight than the control group (p <0.05) and absolute heart weight greater than hormone + leucine (p <0.05). In conclusion, leucine appears to reduce cardiac hypertrophy and serum concentration of creatine kinase by unknown mechanisms.