Effect of l-arginine intake on exercise-induced hypotension / Efecto de la ingestión de L-arginina en la hipotensión inducida por el ejercicio

Objective: to verify if one single dose of L-arginine improves post-exercise hypotension (PEH) in hypertensive. Methods: double-blind, placebo, randomized with 20 hypertensive (51.47 ± 1.24 years). Two sessions of aerobic exercise were performed proceeded for the ingestion of one dose of 7 g of L-arginine (EX-LARG) or placebo (EX-PLA), plus one session only with L-arginine ingestion (L-ARG). Blood pressure (BP) was measured at rest, and each ten minutes for a period of 60 minutes recovery after exercise. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise for analysis of plasma concentration of nitrite and malondial de hyde (MDA). One-way ANOVA tests were used to compare the baseline conditions and two-way ANOVA, to evaluate possible differences in pressure responses between procedures. Results: both sessions EX-LARG and EX-PLA showed similar peak reduction for the mean systolic blood pressure (-6.58 ± 0.95 mmHg and -8.38 ± 1.29 mmHg respectively, p = 0.28). On the other hand, for the diastolic component, only L-ARG was able to promote PEH (-1.85 ± 0.44 mmHg), significantly better than EX-PLA (+2.13 ± 0.62 mmHg; p < 0.01). L-ARG alone did not result in significant changes in BP. Nitrite and MDA behaved similarly between procedures. Conclusion: a single dose of L-arginine before exercise improves diastolic PEH

Objetivo: verificar si una sola dosis de L-arginina mejora la hipotensión post-ejercicio (HPE) en hipertensos. Métodos: estudio doble ciego, placebo, aleatorizado con 20 hipertensos (51,47 ± 1,24 anos). Se realizaron dos sesiones de ejercicio aeróbico para la ingestión de una dosis de 7 g de L-arginina (EX-LARG) o placebo (EX-PLA), mas una sesión solo con ingestión de L-arginina (L-ARG). La presión arterial (PA) se midió en reposo y cada diez minutos durante un periodo de recuperación de 60 minutos después del ejercicio. Se tomaron muestras de sangre antes y después del ejercicio para el análisis de la concentración plasmática de nitrito y malondialdehido (MDA). Se usaron pruebas de ANOVA de una via para comparar las condiciones iniciales y ANOVA de dos vías para evaluar las posibles diferencias en las respuestas de presión entre procedimientos. Resultados: ambas sesiones, EX-LARG y EX-PLA, mostraron una reducción máxima similar de la presión arterial sistólica media (-6,58 ± 0,95 mmHg y -8,38 ± 1,29 mmHg, respectivamente, p = 0,28). Por otro lado, con respecto al componente diastólico, solo L-ARG fue capaz de promover HPE (-1,85 ± 0,44 mmHg), significativamente mejor que EX-PLA (+2,13 ± 0,62 mmHg, p < 0,01). L-ARG solo no dio como resultado un cambio significativo en la PA. El nitrito y la MDA se comportaron de manera similar entre los procedimientos. Conclusión: una dosis unica de L-arginina antes del ejercicio mejora la HPE diastolic

Existe Relação Entre Níveis de Retinol Sérico, Ingestão de Fibra e Proteína C-Reativa Ultra-Sensível Em Idosos Hipertensos? / Is There A Relationship Between Serum Retinol Levels, Fiber Intake And High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein In Hypertensive Elderlies?

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação do retinol sérico, proteína C-reativa ultra-sensível (PCR-us) e a ingestão de fibras alimentares em uma população de idosos hipertensos. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base populacional com 170 idosos com idade entre 60 e 90 anos, de ambos os sexos, de uma cidade do Nordeste do Brasil. Para as análises bioquímicas, as concentrações de retinol sérico e PCR-us foram analisadas e um questionário quantitativo de frequência de alimentar auto-administrado foi coletado. Foram utilizados como critérios de inclusão: idosos de 60 a 90 anos que residiam na cidade de João Pessoa e hipertensão auto-relatada. Os critérios de exclusão foram indivíduos com transtornos neuropsiquiátricos e indivíduos que relataram suplementação de vitamina A, carotenóides ou suplementos de fibras. Os dados foram analisados com o teste de Wilcoxon, teste exato de Fisher e análise de regressão logística. Todas as análises estatísticas foram realizadas com o Software R Development Core Team. Resultados: Não foram observadas relações significativas entre hipertensão arterial e níveis séricos de retinol (p = 0,4325), níveis de PCR (p = 0,4104) e consumo de fibra alimentar (p = 0,0935). Com base na regressão logística, cada aumento de 1 unidade no índice de massa corporal (IMC) aumenta a probabilidade de hipertensão em 0,009545%. As outras variáveis não contribuíram para o modelo de regressão final. Conclusão: Considerando a alta prevalência de indivíduos hipertensos com valores adequados de retinol, não houve associação entre retinol sérico, níveis de PCR e ingestão de fibra. A maioria dos participantes apresentou níveis normais de PCR-us, que podem ter sido influenciados pela atividade antioxidante do retinol e pela ingestão inadequada de fibras. (AU)

Objective: To investigate the association between serum retinol, highlsensitivityC- reactive protein (hs-CRP) and dietary fiber intake in a population of hypertensive elderlies. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional population-based study with170 elderly people aged 60-90 years, of both sexes, from a city in northeastern Brazil. Biochemical analyses were performed, in which serum retinol and hs- CRP concentrations were analyzed, and a self-administered quantitative food frequency questionnaire was applied. Inclusion criteria were: 60-90 years old, living in the city of Joao Pessoa, and selfreported hypertension. Exclusion criteria were: individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, and individuals who reported supplementation of vitamin A, carotenoids or fiber supplements. The data were analyzed using Wilcoxon test, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis. All statistical analyses were performed with the R Development Core Team Software. Results: No significant relationships were observed between hypertension and serum retinol levels (p = 0.4325), hs-CRP levels (p = 0.4104) and dietary fiber intake (p = 0.0935). Based on logistic regression, each 1 unit increase in body mass index (BMI) increases the probability of hypertension by 0.009545%. The other variables did not contribute to the final regression model. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of hypertensive individuals with adequate retinolvalues, there was no association between serum retinol, CRP levels and fiber intake. The majority of participants had normal hs-CRP levels, which may have been influenced by the antioxidant activity of retinol and inadequate fiber intake. (AU)

Potential ergogenic activity of grape juice in runners.

Recent studies have indicated that certain food products have ergogenic potential similar to that of sports supplements. The present study aimed to investigate the potential ergogenic effect of integral purple grape juice on the performance of recreational runners. Twenty-eight volunteers of both sexes (age, 39.8 ± 8.5 years; peak oxygen consumption, 43.2 ± 8.5 mL/(kg·min)) were randomized into either a group that received grape juice (grape juice group (GJG), n = 15; 10 mL/(kg·min) for 28 days) or a group that received an isocaloric, isoglycemic, and isovolumetric control beverage (control group (CG), n = 13). A time-to-exhaustion exercise test, anaerobic threshold test, and aerobic capacity test were performed, together with assessments of markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, immune response, and muscle injury, performed at baseline and 48 h after the supplementation protocol. The GJG showed a significant increase (15.3%) in running time-to-exhaustion (p = 0.002) without significant improvements in either anaerobic threshold (3.6%; p = 0.511) or aerobic capacity (2.2%; p = 0.605). In addition, GJG exhibited significant increases in total antioxidant capacity (38.7%; p = 0.009), vitamin A (11.8%; p = 0.016), and uric acid (28.2%; p = 0.005), whereas α-1-acid glycoprotein significantly decreased (20.2%; p = 0.006) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels remained unchanged. In contrast, no significant changes occurred in any of these variables in the CG. In conclusion, supplementation with purple grape juice shows an ergogenic effect in recreational runners by promoting increased time-to-exhaustion, accompanied by increased antioxidant activity and a possible reduction in inflammatory markers.

Perfil demográfico de idosos não institucionalizados e sua percepção sobre alimentos funcionais / Demographic profile of non-institutionalized elderly and their perception of functional food / Perfil demográfico de los ancianos no institucionalizados y su percepción sobre los alimentos funcionales

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o perfil demográfico de idosos e sua percepção sobre alimentos funcionais. A pesquisa foi descritiva, com delineamento transversal, e abordagem quantitativa, envolvendo 200 idosos, em João Pessoa – PB, em 2011. Na análise, utilizou-se o software SPSS, versão 19, teste de quiquadrado com nível de significância de p<0,05. São resultados: maioria do sexo feminino, faixa etária entre 60 e 69 anos, com um salário mínimo; e maioria viúvos. Quanto aos hábitos alimentares, 90,5% consumiam diariamente frutas e hortaliças, 35,5% referiram não comer frituras e gorduras; 45% bebiam mais de cinco xícaras de líquido e 51,5% atestaram estado de saúde regular. Como conclusão, tem-se que a maioria dos idosos tem um bom conhecimento sobre os alimentos funcionais e os utiliza frequentemente. A percepção dos idosos sobre os alimentos funcionais e seus hábitos alimentares foi de extrema importância para o planejamento de futuras ações, indispensáveis para a promoção da saúde dessa população.

The study analyzed demographic profile and perceptions of functional foods among 200 elderly in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, in 2011. The design was cross-sectional and the approach, quantitative. The analysis used SPSS software, version 19, chi-square test with a p<0.05 significance level. The results were: mostly female, from 60 and 69 to old, earning one minimum wage; and mostly widowers. Eating habits featured 90.5% consumed fruits and vegetables daily; 35,5% reported not eating fried foods and fats; 45% drank more than five cups of liquid; and 51.5% self-rated their state of health as fair. In conclusion, most of the elderly had good knowledge of functional foods and used them often. Their perceptions of functional foods and their eating habits were extremely important to planning future actions, which are essential to health promotion for this population.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el perfil demográfico de los ancianos y su percepción de los alimentos funcionales. La investigación fue descriptiva con diseño transversal y un abordaje cuantitativo, involucrando a 200 ancianos, en João Pessoa –Paraíba, Brasil, en 2011. En el análisis, se ha utilizado el software SPSS, versión 19, prueba de chi cuadrado con un nivel designificación de p<0,05. Los resultados son: en su mayoría mujeres, con edades comprendidas entre 60 y 69 años, recibiendo un salario mínimo; y en su mayoría viudas. En cuanto a las costumbres alimentarias, el 90,5% consumía frutas y verduras; el 35,5% informó que no comía alimentos fritos y grasas; un 45% bebía más de cinco tazas de líquido y el 51,5% afirmó que tenía estado de salud regular. En conclusión, la mayoría de los ancianos tiene un buen conocimiento de los alimentos funcionales y los ingieren con frecuencia. La percepción de los ancianos sobre los alimentos funcionales y sus hábitos de alimentación fue sumamente importante para la planificación de acciones futuras, esenciales para la promoción de la salud de esta población.

Chia induces clinically discrete weight loss and improves lipid profile only in altered previous values / Chía promueve reducción del peso corporal, pero clínicamente discreto, y la mejora del perfil lipídico sólo en los valores previos alterados

Introduction: chia (Salvia hispanica L.) has an elevated concentration of dietary fiber, it has been used to weight loss and enhance blood glucose and lipid profile. However, data in human are still scarce or do not exist, according to the analyzed variable. Aim: to evaluate the effect of chia supplementation in body composition, lipid profile and blood glucose in overweight or obese individuals. Methods: men and women were randomly allocated in groups that ingested 35g of chia flour/day (CHIA; n=19;48.8±1.8 years) or placebo (PLA; n=7; 51.4±3.1 years) for12 weeks. Body composition and food intake were evaluated in each four weeks. Lipid profile and blood glucose were measured in the beginning and in the end of the study. Results: Chia induced significant intragroup reduction in body weight (-1.1±0.4kg; p<0.05), with a greater reduction among obese than overweighed individuals (-1.6±0.4kg; p<0.00), but without difference when compared to PLA. Waist circumference reduced 1.9±0.6 cmin CHIA group (p <0.05), but only intragroup. It was observed a reduction in total cholesterol (p=0.04) and VLDL-c (p=0.03), and an increase in HDL-c (p=0.01) but only in the groups that ingested chia flour and presented abnormal initial values. Triglycerides, blood glucose and LDL-C showed no changes for either group. Conclusion: consumption of chia for 12 weeks promotes significant but discrete reduction in weight and waist circumference, and enhances lipid profile dependent of initial values (AU)

Introducción: Debido al alto contenido de fibra dietética, la chía (Salvia hispánica L.) han sido propuesta para la pérdida de peso y mejora del perfil lipídico y glucémico. Pero los datos en humanos son escasos o inexistentes, en función de la variable analizada. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la suplementación con harina de chía en la composición corporal, perfil lipídico y glucémico de individuos con sobrepeso y obesidad. Métodos: hombres y mujeres fueron asignados aleatoriamente en grupos que consumieron 35 g / día de chía (CHIA; n = 19; 48.8 ± 1.8 años) o placebo (PLA; n = 7; 51.4 ± 3.1 años) durante 12 semanas. La composición corporal y el consumo de alimentos fueron evaluados la cada cuatro semanas de intervención. Perfil lipídico y los niveles de glucosa se midieron al principio y al final del estudio. Resultados: La chía promovió reducción significativa en el peso corporal (-1.1kg; p <0.05) con la mayor reducción entre los obesos (-1.9kg; p <0.00), mientras que el grupo PLA tenía ningún cambio. Circunferencia de la cintura disminuyó en 1,9 cm en el grupo CHIA (p <0.05), pero sólo intragrupo. Fue observada una disminución en el colesterol total (p = 0.04) y VLDL-c (P = 0.03) y el aumento de los niveles de HDL-c (p = 0.01), pero sólo en el grupo que consumió la chía y tenía valores anormales al inicio del estudio. Los niveles de triglicéridos, glucosa y LDL-c no mostraron cambios en ninguno de los grupos. Conclusión: El consumo de chía durante 12 semanas reduce el peso corporal y la circunferencia de la cintura de manera significativa, pero clínicamente discreto. Chía promueve la mejora del perfil lipídico, pero estos efectos son dependientes de los valores iniciales de los grupos (AU)