Genetic polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme, actinin 3 and paraoxonase 1 genes in women with diabetes and hypertension

ABSTRACT Objective: To study associations between polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE I/D), actinin 3 (ACTN3 R577X) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1 T(-107)C) genes and chronic diseases (diabetes and hypertension) in women. Materials and methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples of 78 women between 18 and 59 years old used for genetic polymorphism screening. Biochemical data were collected from the medical records in Basic Health Units from Southern Brazil. Questionnaires about food consumption, physical activity level and socioeconomic status were applied. Results: The XX genotype of ACTN3 was associated with low HDL levels and high triglycerides, total cholesterol and glucose levels. Additionally, high triglycerides and LDL levels were observed in carriers of the TT genotype of PON1, and lower total cholesterol levels were associated to the CC genotype. As expected, women with diabetes/hypertense had increased body weight, BMI (p = 0.02), waist circumference (p = 0.01), body fat percentage, blood pressure (p = 0.02), cholesterol, triglycerides (p = 0.02), and blood glucose (p = 0.01), when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Both ACTN3 R577X and PON1 T(-107)C polymorphisms are associated with nutritional status and blood glucose and lipid levels in women with diabetes/hypertense. These results contribute to genetic knowledge about predisposition to obesity-related diseases.

Frequency of alleles associated with celiac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease / Frequência dos alelos associados com a doença celíaca em portadores de doenças autoimunes da tireoide

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the frequency of Human leukocyte antigen alleles and to verify the association of the presence of these alleles with symptoms and other diseases related to celiac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Methods A questionnaire on the symptoms and diseases associated with celiac disease was applied. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted by collecting cells from the oral mucosa. The alleles (DQA1*0501; DQB1*0201; DRB1*04) were identified by means of the polymerase chain reaction. Results A total of 110 patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases participated in this study. It was observed that 66.4% of the individuals carried at least one of the alleles assessed and that 58.2% of the individuals were positive for at least one of the DQ2 alleles (DQA1*0501; DQB1*0201) and out of these 18.2% were positive for both DQ2 alleles (DQA1*0501; DQB1*0201). With regard to DQ8 (DRB1*04), 21.8% of the studied population was positive for this allele and 3.6% was positive for both DQ2 (DQA1*0501; DQB1*0201) and DQ8 (DRB1*04). A significant association was found between the presence of the DRB1*04 allele and gastrointestinal symptoms (p=0.02). A significant association of the DRB1*04 allele with type 1 diabetes mellitus (p=0.02) was observed. Conclusion The genetic profiles most commonly associated with celiac disease, such as DQ2 (DQA1*0501; DQB1*0201) and DQ8 (DRB1*04) were around 20.0% prevalent in the studied population. These are risk haplotypes for celiac disease especially when symptoms and diseases related to celiac disease are present. Therefore, it is important to screen patients to investigate a potential diagnosis for celiac disease.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar a frequência dos alelos do Human leukocyte antigen e verificar a associação da presença desses alelos com sintomas e outras doenças relacionados à doença celíaca em portadores de doenças autoimunes da tireoide. Métodos Aplicou-se um questionário relacionado aos sintomas e doenças associados à doença celíaca. O ácido desoxirribonucleico genômico foi extraído por meio da coleta das células da mucosa bucal. Os alelos (DQA1*0501; DQB1*0201; DRB1*04) foram identificados por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase. Resultados Participaram deste estudo 110 portadores de doenças autoimunes da tireoide. Observou-se que 66,4% dos indivíduos carregavam pelo menos um dos alelos estudados e que 58,2% dos indivíduos eram positivos para pelo menos um dos alelos DQ2 (DQA1*0501; DQB1*0201) e destes 18,2% foram positivos para ambos alelos do DQ2(DQA1*0501; DQB1*0201). Com relação ao DQ8 (DRB1*04), 21,8% da população estudada eram positivos para esse alelo e 3,6% eram positivos tanto para o DQ2 (DQA1*0501; DQB1*0201) quanto para o DQ8 (DRB1*04). Foi encontrada associação significativa da presença do alelo DRB1*04 com os sintomas gastrointestinais (p=0,02). Houve associação significativa do alelo DRB1*04 com diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (p=0,02). Conclusão O perfil genético mais fortemente associado à doença celíaca, tais como DQ2 (DQA1*0501; DQB1*0201) e DQ8 (DRB1*04) estavam presentes em torno de 20,0% da população estudada, estes são haplótipos de risco para doença celíaca e principalmente na presença de sintomas e doenças relacionadas à doença celíaca. Sendo assim, é importante realizar o rastreamento para investigar um possível diagnóstico para doença celíaca.

Home composting using different ratios of bulking agent to food waste.

The negative environmental impacts associated with home composting may be due to the absence of a defined operation criteria for the degradation process. In addition to the potentially low environmental impact in terms of energy and water usage, which is minimal to the manufacture of the composting unit and avoiding the processing and transportation of waste or byproduct, composting at home can also promote a reduction in the emission of unpleasant gases. The proportion of the food waste and bulking agents in the composting mixture may be decisive to fulfill good practices of waste stabilization. The aim of this study was to investigate how different ratios of bulking agent and organic household waste can affect the progress and outcome of the composting process. Three treatments, varying in the ratio of rice husk: raw fruit and vegetable leftovers (70:30, 50:50, 30:70; v:v) were used in a home composting system on a pilot scale. Results show that the proportion of starting materials used in the composting mixture influenced the degradation of organic matter, nitrogen dynamics of the process and its toxicity on germinating plants. The proportions with greater amounts of food waste had higher concentrations of mineral matter, higher peak temperature, and a better initial carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, while the proportion containing 70% of bulking agent lacked odors and leachate generation and showed a low nitrogen loss. A higher proportion of food waste presented better conditions for microbiological development and less time to obtain characteristics of matured composts. A higher proportion of bulking agents resulted in favorable conditions for household handling and less potential for environmental impacts.

Effect of different types of processing on the total phenolic compound content, antioxidant capacity, and saponin content of Chenopodium quinoa Willd grains.

The effects of five processing forms on the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and saponin content in quinoa grains were evaluated. The processes included washing, washing followed by hydration, cooking (with or without pressure), and toasting. The highest content of phenolic compounds was obtained after cooking under pressure; however, these compounds also increased with grain washing. The toasting process caused the greatest loss. The antioxidant capacity of the grains was similarly affected by the processing techniques. According to the amount of saponins, the grains were classified as bitter. Washing caused a reduction in these compounds, but the levels remained unchanged after cooking (with and without) pressure and toasting; however, they significantly increased after hydration. Cooking, especially with pressure, had greater effects than the other processes, and potentiated the functional properties of quinoa grains.

[Change in the socio-demographic profile of consumers of organic produce]. / Mudança no perfil sociodemográfico de consumidores de produtos orgânicos.

The scope of this study was to establish the socio-demographic profile, health status and the relationship with the consumption of organic produce among consumers who frequent different agroecological street markets in Pelotas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. A questionnaire was given to the consumers of organic produce while shopping in the agroecological street markets. It was found that the consumers with lower education levels and lower income began to frequent the agroecological street markets more often and consume more organic foods. The consumers were concerned about their health and nutrition status with very few of them having a diagnosis of disease, there being different motivations influencing the purchase of organic food.

Mudança no perfil sociodemográfico de consumidores de produtos orgânicos / Change in the socio-demographic profile of consumers of organic produce

ResumoEste estudo teve como objetivo verificar o perfil sociodemográfico, as condições de saúde e a relação com o consumo de produtos orgânicos de consumidores que frequentavam diferentes feiras agroecológicas no município de Pelotas – RS. Aplicou-se um questionário aos consumidores de produtos orgânicos durante as compras nas feiras agroecológicas. Observou-se que os consumidores com menor nível de escolaridade e renda passaram a frequentar mais as feiras agroecológicas consumindo mais alimentos orgânicos. Os consumidores estavam preocupados com saúde e alimentação, sendo pequena a parcela dos que apresentavam diagnóstico de doença, ocorrendo diferentes motivações que influenciavam a compra de alimentos orgânicos.

AbstractThe scope of this study was to establish the socio-demographic profile, health status and the relationship with the consumption of organic produce among consumers who frequent different agroecological street markets in Pelotas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. A questionnaire was given to the consumers of organic produce while shopping in the agroecological street markets. It was found that the consumers with lower education levels and lower income began to frequent the agroecological street markets more often and consume more organic foods. The consumers were concerned about their health and nutrition status with very few of them having a diagnosis of disease, there being different motivations influencing the purchase of organic food.

Análise laboratorial de bolos destinados para público infantil e comparação com as informações nutricionais contidas nos rótulos e adequação à legislação / Laboratory analysis of cakes for children and comparison with the nutritional information included in the label and their adequacy to the legislation

A Resolução nº 360 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) estabelece o regulamento sobre rotulagem nutricional e de sua obrigatoriedade em alimentos embalados. Os conteúdos declarados não devem ultrapassar 20 % para mais ou para menos do valor real. Neste trabalho foi determinada a composição nutricional de bolos destinados ao público infantil. Os dados obtidos foram comparados com as informações contidas no rótulo, e sua adequação com a legislação brasileira foi averiguada. Foram analisados bolos de 13 diferentes sabores e de três marcas (A, B e C). Umidade, cinzas e sódio foram determinados seguindo-se as metodologias estabelecidas pelo Instituto Adolfo Lutz. As determinações de lipídeos, proteínas e fibras foram executadas seguindo os métodos da Association of Official Analytical Chemists; e os valores de carboidratos foram obtidos por diferença. Dos 13 bolos analisados, nenhum demonstrou conformidade coma legislação em todos os nutrientes. As maiores inconformidades foram detectadas nas amostras da marca B e nos nutrientes fibra e sódio. Os valores de fibras e de sódio foram, respectivamente, inferiores e superiores àqueles mencionados nos rótulos. É relevante a fidedignidade das informações nutricionais de produtos, para que os rótulos sirvam como ferramenta de apoio nas escolhas destes pelos consumidores...