Cardiorespiratory fitness as a mediator in the relationship between lung function and blood pressure in adults.

It is unclear whether physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are pathways that link low pulmonary function (LPF) to increased blood pressure (BP). Therefore, we investigated the extent to which CRF and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) mediate the relationship between LPF and high BP in adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 1,362 participants that underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), spirometry, and wore an accelerometer to determine physical activity patterns. We performed mediation analyses using structural equations considering peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and MVPA as mediators, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) as independent variables, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) as dependent variables. The probability of alpha error was set at 5%. We found a significant total effect of FVC on SBP and DBP considering V̇O2 as mediator (P<0.01). Indirect effects were also significant, with 42.6% of the total effect of FVC on SBP and 77% on DBP mediated by V̇O2 (P<0.01). We did not observe a direct effect of FVC on SBP and DBP. Considering FEV1 as an independent variable, the total effect on SBP was also significant, as were the indirect effects, mediated by V̇O2 at 14.8% for SBP and 7.6% for DBP (P<0.01). We did not find an indirect effect of FVC or FEV1 considering the MVPA as a mediator. CRF mediates the pathway that links LPF and elevated BP. Therefore, CRF is more sensitive to variations in FVC and FEV1 than MVPA.

Cardiorespiratory fitness as a mediator in the relationship between lung function and blood pressure in adults

It is unclear whether physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are pathways that link low pulmonary function (LPF) to increased blood pressure (BP). Therefore, we investigated the extent to which CRF and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) mediate the relationship between LPF and high BP in adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 1,362 participants that underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), spirometry, and wore an accelerometer to determine physical activity patterns. We performed mediation analyses using structural equations considering peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and MVPA as mediators, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) as independent variables, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) as dependent variables. The probability of alpha error was set at 5%. We found a significant total effect of FVC on SBP and DBP considering V̇O2 as mediator (P<0.01). Indirect effects were also significant, with 42.6% of the total effect of FVC on SBP and 77% on DBP mediated by V̇O2 (P<0.01). We did not observe a direct effect of FVC on SBP and DBP. Considering FEV1 as an independent variable, the total effect on SBP was also significant, as were the indirect effects, mediated by V̇O2 at 14.8% for SBP and 7.6% for DBP (P<0.01). We did not find an indirect effect of FVC or FEV1 considering the MVPA as a mediator. CRF mediates the pathway that links LPF and elevated BP. Therefore, CRF is more sensitive to variations in FVC and FEV1 than MVPA.

Classification of cardiorespiratory fitness using the six-minute walk test in adults: Comparison with cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

BACKGROUND: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) distance could facilitate the assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in clinical practice as recommended. We aimed to develop a CRF classification using the 6MWT distance in asymptomatic adults considering the treadmill maximum oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) as the gold standard method. METHODS: We evaluated V˙O2max and 6MWT distance in 1295 asymptomatic participants aged 18-80 years (60% women). Age- and sex-related CRF was classified based on the percentiles as very low (<5th percentile), low (5th-25th percentile), regular (26th-50th percentile), good (51st-75th percentile), excellent (76th-95th percentile), and superior (>95th percentile) for both V˙O2max and 6MWT distance. We investigated the 6MWT distance cut-off (%pred.) with the highest sensitivity and specificity for identifying each V˙O2max classification. RESULTS: V˙O2max declined by 8.7% per decade in both men and women. The 6MWT distance declined by 9.3% per decade in women and 9.5% in men. We formulated age- and sex-related classification tables for CRF using the 6MWT distance. Moreover, the 6MWT distance (%pred.) showed excellent ability to identify very low CRF (6MWT distance ≤ 96%; AUC=0.819) and good ability to differentiate CRF as low (6MWT distance=97%-103%; AUC=0.735), excellent (6MWT distance=107%-109%; AUC=0.715), or superior (6MWT distance>109%; AUC=0.790). It was not possible to differentiate between participants with regular and good CRF. CONCLUSION: The CRF classification by the 6MWT distance is valid in comparison with V˙O2max, especially for identifying adults with low CRF. It could be useful in clinical practice for screening and monitoring the cardiorespiratory risk in adults.

Treatment with Bifidobacterium longum 51A attenuates intestinal damage and inflammatory response in experimental colitis.

This study evaluated the effects of Bifidobacterium longum 51A on the intestinal mucosa and inflammatory response in experimental colitis. Colitis was induced by administration of 3.5% dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) solution for 7 days. Two periods of administration were performed: treatment (T) group, mice received Bifidobacterium only during disease induction (7 days); total treatment (TT) group, mice received Bifidobacterium for 10 days before and during disease induction. The probiotic effects on intestinal permeability, inflammatory infiltrate, histological analysis, cytokines, chemokines and sIgA were evaluated. Bifidobacterium administration in the T group showed reduction in intestinal permeability and lower IL-1ß, myeloperoxidase, and eosinophil peroxidase levels compared to those in the colitis group (P<0.05). Bifidobacterium administration in the TT group attenuated severe lesions in the colon and reduced eosinophil peroxidase level (P<0.05). B. longum 51A treatment modality was more effective than total treatment and reduced the inflammatory response and its consequences on intestinal epithelium.

Fermented whey dairy beverage offers protection against Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium infection in mice.

Fermented whey dairy beverages are dairy products obtained by fermentation from a mixture of milk and whey. These beverages have important health benefits, which could be improved with the addition of probiotic cultures. This study assessed the protective effect of the cosupplementation of a probiotic culture (Lactobacillus casei 01) with a fermented whey dairy beverage against infection by Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium in a murine model. Two fermented whey dairy beverages were prepared: conventional (FWB; starter culture) and probiotic (PFWB; starter and probiotic cultures). In the first set of experiments, Balb/C female mice were treated with FWB or PFWB, challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium, and analyzed for clinical signs, weight loss, and mortality for 20 d postinfection. In the second set of experiments, mice were treated with FWB or PFWB, challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium, and killed on d 10 postinfection. The liver, colon, and ileum were used for myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase, and histological analysis and translocation to the liver. The contents from the small intestine were used for secretory IgA determination. The FWB treatment showed a better effect on animal survival (70%), translocation of the pathogen to the liver (2 out of 10), histopathology (fewer lesions), and inflammation than PFWB, which presented 50% animal survival, translocation in 5 out of 10 animals, and higher lesions. The control group presented 40% animal survival, translocation in 6 out of 10 animals, and severe lesions. Therefore, FWB was deemed to have a greater protective effect against Salmonella Typhimurium infection in the murine model compared with PFWB.

Ethanol and caffeine consumption modulates the expression of miRNAs in the cerebellum and plasma of UChB rats.

AIMS: The present study aimed to verify changes in cerebellar and plasmatic expression of miRNAs after the chronic consumption of ethanol and caffeine in the UChB rat, an experimental model for alcoholism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male rats at 5 months of age, were divided into the following groups (n = 10/group): 1. Ethanol (UChB rats receiving 10% ethanol solution and water ad libitum); 2. Ethanol + caffeine (UChB rats receiving 10% ethanol solution + 3g/l caffeine and water ad libitum); 3. Control (rats receiving water ad libitum). The cerebellum and plasma of the animals were collected and processed by RT-PCR for the miRNAs-155-5p, -146a-5p, -126-3p, -132-3p, -339-5p. KEY FINDINGS: Ethanol and caffeine were capable of regulating the expression of miRNAs associated with the inflammatory process in the tissue and plasma of the UChB rats. Increased expression of the analyzed miRNAs-155-5p, -146a-5p, -126-3p, -132-3p was observed for the cerebellar tissue in the Ethanol group and reduced expression of them in the Ethanol + caffeine group. In plasma, caffeine significantly elevated the miR-126-3p and miR-132-3p levels and decreased miR-155-5p levels. Ethanol consumption increased miR-146a-5p expression and decreased miR-339-5p levels. In brief, altered plasmatic levels of the miRNAs did not reflect the miRNAs levels found in cerebellar tissue. SIGNIFICANCE: Considering the results herein, we concluded that ethanol predisposes to an inflammatory process while caffeine has a neuroprotective effect on the cerebellar tissue.

Serum miRNAs are differentially altered by ethanol and caffeine consumption in rats.

Alcoholism is a multifactorial disease with high risk for dependence determined by genetic background, environmental factors and neuroadaptations. The excessive consumption of this substance is related to psychiatric problems, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis and cancers. Caffeine is one of the most popular psychostimulants currently consumed in the world. The combination of ethanol and caffeine ingested by consuming "energy drinks" is becoming increasingly popular among young people. We analyzed the effect of simultaneous consumption of ethanol and caffeine on the serum profile of miRNAs differentially expressed in the ethanol-drinking rat model (UChB strain). Adult rats were divided into three groups (n = 5 per group): UChB group (rats fed with 1 : 10 (v/v) ethanol ad libitum); UChB + caffeine group (rats fed with 1 : 10 (v/v) ethanol ad libitum + 3 g L-1 of caffeine); control group (rats drinking water used as the control for UChB). The treatment with caffeine occurred from day 95 to 150 days old, totalizing 55 days of ethanol + caffeine ingestion. The expressions of microRNAs (miR) -9-3p, -15b-5p, -16-5p, -21-5p, -200a-3p and -222-3p were detected by Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR). The expressions of miR-9-3p, -15b-5p, -16-5p and -222-3p were upregulated in the UChB group. Conversely, simultaneous ingestion of ethanol and caffeine significantly reversed these expressions to similar levels to control animals, thus emphasizing that caffeine had a protective effect in the presence of ethanol. In addition, miR-21-5p was downregulated with ethanol consumption whereas miR-222-3p was unchanged. Ethanol and caffeine consumption was capable of altering serum miRNAs, which are potential biomarkers for the systemic effects of these addictive substances.

Access to Liver Transplantation in Different ABO-Blood Groups and "Exceptions Points" in a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Allocation System: A Brazilian Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: In the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) system, patients with "MELD exceptions" points may have unfair privilege in the competition for liver grafts. Furthermore, organ distribution following identical ABO blood types may also result in unjust organ allocation. The aim of this study was to investigate access to liver transplantation in a tertiary Brazilian center, regarding "MELD exceptions" situations and among ABO-blood groups. METHODS: A total of 465 adult patients on the liver waitlist from August 2015 to August 2016 were followed up until August 2017. Patients were divided into groups according to ABO-blood type and presence of "exceptions points." RESULTS: No differences in outcomes were observed among ABO-blood groups. However, patients from B and AB blood types spent less time on the list than patients from A and O groups (median, 46, 176, 415, and 401 days, respectively; P = .03). "Exceptions points" were granted for 141 patients (30.1%), hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common reason (52.4%). Patients with "exceptions points" showed higher transplantation rate, lower mortality on the list, and lower delta-MELD than non-exceptions patients (56.7% vs 19.1% [P < .01]; 18.4% vs 38.5% [P < .01], and 2.0 ± 2.6 vs 6.9 ± 7.0 [P < .01], respectively). Patients with refractory ascites had a higher mortality rate than those with other "exceptions" or without (48%). CONCLUSIONS: The MELD system provides equal access to liver transplantation among ABO-blood types, despite shorter time on the waitlist for AB and B groups. The current MELD exception system provides advantages for candidates with "exception points," resulting in superior outcomes compared with those without exceptions.

Stratifying Mortality in a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Waiting List: A Brazilian Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) system reliably predicts mortality in cirrhotic patients. However, the etiology of liver disease and presence of portal vein thrombosis are not directly taken into account in MELD score. Its impact on the outcomes of patients on the waiting list is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate mortality and access to transplantation regarding etiology of liver disease and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). METHODS: A total of 465 adult patients on the liver waiting list from August 2015 to August 2016 were followed up until August 2017. Patients were divided into groups according to the etiology of liver disease and presence of PVT. RESULTS: The most frequent etiologies were hepatitis C (26.88%), alcoholic cirrhosis (26.02%) and cryptogenic cirrhosis (10.75%). Death while on the waiting list occurred in 168 patients (36.1%) and was more frequent in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, 65.4%) and alcoholic cirrhosis (41.3%). A total of 142 (30.5%) patients underwent transplantation and viral, autoimmune, and biliary diseases showed higher proportion of transplantation (36.3%, 53.8%, and 34%, respectively; P < .01). Mean delta-MELD at the study endpoint was higher in patients with autoimmune hepatitis, biliary diseases, and NASH (8.3 ± 7.2, 8.3 ± 9.1, and 7.5 ± 9.1, respectively; P < .01). A total 77 patients (16.7%) presented PVT. There was no significant difference in outcomes between patients with and without PVT. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NASH and alcoholic liver disease had higher mortality while on the waiting list, whereas patients with viral and autoimmune hepatitis had higher transplantation rate. Outcomes were not influenced by PVT.

Use of cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess early ventilatory changes related to occupational particulate matter.

Spirometry has been used as the main strategy for assessing ventilatory changes related to occupational exposure to particulate matter (OEPM). However, in some cases, as one of its limitations, it may not be sensitive enough to show abnormalities before extensive damage, as seen in restrictive lung diseases. Therefore, we hypothesized that cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) may be better than spirometry to detect early ventilatory impairment caused by OEPM. We selected 135 male workers with at least one year of exposure. After collection of self-reported socioeconomic status, educational level, and cardiovascular risk data, participants underwent spirometry, CPET, body composition assessment (bioelectrical impedance), and triaxial accelerometry (for level of physical activity in daily life). CPET was performed using a ramp protocol on a treadmill. Metabolic, cardiovascular, ventilatory, and submaximal relationships were measured. We compared 52 exposed to 83 non-exposed workers. Multiple linear regressions were developed using spirometry and CPET variables as outcomes and OEPM as the main predictor, and adjusted by the main covariates. Our results showed that OEPM was associated with significant reductions in peak minute ventilation, peak tidal volume, and breathing reserve index. Exposed participants presented shallower slope of ΔVT/ΔlnV̇E (breathing pattern), i.e., increased tachypneic breathing pattern. The OEPM explained 7.4% of the ΔVT/ΔlnV̇E variability. We found no significant influence of spirometric indices after multiple linear regressions. We conclude that CPET might be a more sensitive feature of assessing early pulmonary impairment related to OEPM. Our cross-sectional results suggested that CPET is a promising tool for the screening of asymptomatic male workers.

Reducing Indigenous Oral Health Inequalities: A Review from 5 Nations.

Indigenous populations around the world experience a disproportionate burden in terms of oral diseases and conditions. These inequalities are likely due to a complex web of social determinants that includes poverty, historical consequences of colonialism, social exclusion, government policies of assimilation, cultural annihilation, and racism in all its forms (societal, institutional). Despite documented oral health disparities, prevention interventions have been scarce in Indigenous communities. This review describes oral health interventions and their outcomes conducted for Indigenous populations of the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand. The review includes research published since 2006 that are available in English in electronic databases, including MEDLINE. A total of 13 studies were included from the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia. The studies reviewed provide a wide range of initiatives, including interventions for prevention and treatment of dental disease, as well as interventions that improve oral health knowledge, behaviors, and other psychosocial factors. Overall, 6 studies resulted in improved oral health in the study participants, including improvements in periodontal health, caries reduction, and oral health literacy. Preferred intervention methodologies included community-based research approaches, culturally tailored strategies, and use of community workers to deliver the initiative. Although these studies were conducted with discrete Indigenous populations, investigators reported similar challenges in research implementation. Recommendations for future work in reducing oral health disparities include addressing social determinants of health in various Indigenous populations, training future generations of dental providers in cultural competency, and making Indigenous communities true partners in research.

Osseointegration of zirconia and titanium implants in a rabbit tibiae model evaluated by microtomography, histomorphometry and fluorochrome labeling analyses.

OBJECTIVES: This study compares the osseointegration of machined-zirconia implants containing yttria (M-Y-TZP) with machined (M-Ti) and resorbable blast media (RBM-Ti) titanium implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: M-Y-TZP, M-Ti and RBM-Ti implants were randomly placed in rabbit tibiae. Fluorochrome bone labels (tetracycline, alizarin and calcein) were administered at different time periods. After 8 weeks, osseointegration was evaluated in terms of bone-to-implant contact (BIC), new bone area (nBA), remaining cortical bone area (rBA) and temporal quantification of fluorochromes, using micro-CT and histomorphometric analyses. RESULTS: RBM-Ti implants showed higher resorption of the remaining cortical bone and bone formation (rBA = 36.9% and nBA = 38.8%) than M-Y-TZP implants (rBA = 48% and nBA = 26.5%). The BIC values showed no differences among the groups in the cortical region (mean = 52.2%) but in the medullary region, they were 0.45-fold higher in the RBM-Ti group (51.2%) than in the M-Y-TZP group (35.2%). In all groups, high incorporation of tetracycline was observed (2nd to 4th weeks), followed by alizarin (4th to 6th weeks) and calcein (6th to 8th weeks). In the cortical region, incorporation of tetracycline was similar between RBM-Ti (49.8%) and M-Y-TZP (35.9%) implants, but higher than M-Ti (28.2%) implants. Subsequently, alizarin and calcein were 1.1-fold higher in RBM-Ti implants than in the other implants. In the medullary region, no significant differences were observed for all fluorochromes. CONCLUSION: All implants favored bone formation and consequently promoted primary stability. Bone formation around the threads was faster in RBM-Ti and M-Y-TZP implants than in M-Ti implants, but limited bone remodeling with M-Y-TZP implants over time can have significant effects on secondary stability, suggesting caution for its use as an alternative substitute for titanium implants.

Small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) in the endometrium of polycystic ovary syndrome women: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) play an important role in tissue homeostasis and cell proliferation since these proteoglycans sequester multiple growth factors. However, the content of SLRPs in the endometrium of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women is unknown. Our purpose was to test the hypothesis that excessive endometrial proliferation in PCOS may be partly related to abnormalities in SLRPs. METHODS: In a cross section study a total of 20 endometrial samples were collected from 10 patients with PCOS and 10 ovulatory women during their proliferative (pre-ovulatory) phase. The study subjects were matched for age, body mass index and race. The age range was 20 to 35 years. All volunteers were evaluated in reproductive endocrinology clinic, Gynecology Division, Clinics Hospital, University of São Paulo Medical School Profile and concentration of small leucine-rich proteoglycans (decorin, lumican, fibromodulin and biglycan) were determined by immunohistochemical testing and Western blotting. RESULTS: Decorin and lumican demonstrated higher immunoreactivity and relative expression in the endometrium of women with PCOS compared to that of women with regular menstrual cycles. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that the endometrium of PCOS women demonstrate a greater content of SLRP than controls; decorin and lumican, in particular, were found in higher concentrations in the endometrium of PCOS women during the proliferative phase. These differences may, in part, explain the excess of endometrial proliferation frequently observed in PCOS. Further studies are warranted.

Evaluation of dose-response relationship between smoking load and cardiopulmonary fitness in adult smokers: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dose-response relationship between smoking load and cardiopulmonary fitness, as measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), in adult smokers free of respiratory diseases. METHODS: After a complete clinical evaluation and spirometry, 95 adult smokers (35 men and 60 women) underwent CPET on a treadmill. RESULTS: The physiological responses during CPET showed lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels, regardless of smoking load, with a peak [Formula: see text] lower than 100% of the expected value and a lower maximum heart rate. We observed a significant moderate negative correlation between smoking load and peak [Formula: see text] . The smoking load also presented a significant negative correlation with maximum heart rate(r=-0.36; p<0.05), lactate threshold(r=-0.45; p<0.05), and peak ventilation(r=-0.43; p<0.05). However, a dose-response relationship between smoking load quartiles and cardiopulmonary fitness was not found comparing quartiles of smoking loads after adjustment for age, sex and cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSION: There appears to be no dose-response relationship between SL and cardiopulmonary fitness in adult smokers with preserved pulmonary function, after adjusting the analysis for age and cardiovascular risk. Our results suggest that smoking cessation might be useful as the primary strategy to prevent cardiopulmonary fitness decline in smokers, regardless of smoking load. Thus, even a very low dose of tobacco use must be avoided in preventive strategies focusing on becoming people more physically active and fit.

Evaluation of colonisation resistance in stool of human donors using ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo assays.

The indigenous microbiota is the population of microorganisms normally present on the surface and mucosa of an individual, where it performs essential health functions, including the colonisation resistance (CR) against pathogens. To identify the bacteria responsible and the mechanisms involved in the CR, the germ-free (GF) animal model has been used, because in vitro studies cannot always be extrapolated to what occurs in vivo. In this study, ex vivo antagonism assays against seven enteropathogenic bacteria using stools from 15 healthy human donors confirmed that the CR showed individual variation. Using in vitro antagonism assays, 14 strains isolated from dominant faecal microbiota of donors with elevated CR were selected for mono-association in GF mice to test the in vivo antagonism against Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium. Mice mono-associated with Enterococcus hirae strain 8.2, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron strain 16.2 and Lactobacillus ruminis strain 18.1 had significant reductions in faecal counts of the pathogen during the challenge. After five days of infection, the group associated with E. hirae 8.2 showed a reduction in the translocation of S. Typhimurium to the spleen, while the group associated with L. ruminis 18.1 presented an increased translocation to the liver. The histological data confirmed these results and revealed that the mice associated with E. hirae 8.2 showed fewer lesions on ileum and liver, compared to the damage caused by S. Typhimurium alone, while in mice associated with L. ruminis 18.1 there was significantly worse lesions. Concluding, from the dominant faecal microbiota from healthy human with high CR, through ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo assays, a bacterium was characterised for its high CR potential, being a candidate for probiotic use.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-905 treatment reduces intestinal damage in a murine model of irinotecan-induced mucositis.

Indigenous microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of several intestinal diseases, including mucositis. Gastrointestinal mucositis is a major and serious side effect of cancer therapy, and there is no effective therapy for this clinical condition. However, some probiotics have been shown to attenuate such conditions. To evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-905 (Sc-905), a potential probiotic yeast, we investigated whether pre- or post-treatment with viable or inactivated Sc-905 could prevent weight loss and intestinal lesions, and maintain integrity of the mucosal barrier in a mucositis model induced by irinotecan in mice. Only post-treatment with viable Sc-905 was able to protect mice against the damage caused by chemotherapy, reducing the weight loss, increase of intestinal permeability and jejunal lesions (villous shortening). Besides, this treatment reduced oxidative stress, prevented the decrease of goblet cells and stimulated the replication of cells in the intestinal crypts of mice with experimental mucositis. In conclusion, Sc-905 protects animals against irinotecan-induced mucositis when administered as a post-treatment with viable cells, and this effect seems to be related with the reduction of oxidative stress and preservation of intestinal mucosa.

Correlation between heart rate variability and pulmonary function adjusted by confounding factors in healthy adults

The autonomic nervous system maintains homeostasis, which is the state of balance in the body. That balance can be determined simply and noninvasively by evaluating heart rate variability (HRV). However, independently of autonomic control of the heart, HRV can be influenced by other factors, such as respiratory parameters. Little is known about the relationship between HRV and spirometric indices. In this study, our objective was to determine whether HRV correlates with spirometric indices in adults without cardiopulmonary disease, considering the main confounders (e.g., smoking and physical inactivity). In a sample of 119 asymptomatic adults (age 20-80 years), we evaluated forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). We evaluated resting HRV indices within a 5-min window in the middle of a 10-min recording period, thereafter analyzing time and frequency domains. To evaluate daily physical activity, we instructed participants to use a triaxial accelerometer for 7 days. Physical inactivity was defined as <150 min/week of moderate to intense physical activity. We found that FVC and FEV1, respectively, correlated significantly with the following aspects of the RR interval: standard deviation of the RR intervals (r =0.31 and 0.35), low-frequency component (r =0.38 and 0.40), and Poincaré plot SD2 (r =0.34 and 0.36). Multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, smoking, physical inactivity, and cardiovascular risk, identified the SD2 and dyslipidemia as independent predictors of FVC and FEV1 (R2=0.125 and 0.180, respectively, for both). We conclude that pulmonary function is influenced by autonomic control of cardiovascular function, independently of the main confounders.

Correlation between heart rate variability and pulmonary function adjusted by confounding factors in healthy adults.

The autonomic nervous system maintains homeostasis, which is the state of balance in the body. That balance can be determined simply and noninvasively by evaluating heart rate variability (HRV). However, independently of autonomic control of the heart, HRV can be influenced by other factors, such as respiratory parameters. Little is known about the relationship between HRV and spirometric indices. In this study, our objective was to determine whether HRV correlates with spirometric indices in adults without cardiopulmonary disease, considering the main confounders (e.g., smoking and physical inactivity). In a sample of 119 asymptomatic adults (age 20-80 years), we evaluated forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). We evaluated resting HRV indices within a 5-min window in the middle of a 10-min recording period, thereafter analyzing time and frequency domains. To evaluate daily physical activity, we instructed participants to use a triaxial accelerometer for 7 days. Physical inactivity was defined as <150 min/week of moderate to intense physical activity. We found that FVC and FEV1, respectively, correlated significantly with the following aspects of the RR interval: standard deviation of the RR intervals (r =0.31 and 0.35), low-frequency component (r =0.38 and 0.40), and Poincaré plot SD2 (r =0.34 and 0.36). Multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, smoking, physical inactivity, and cardiovascular risk, identified the SD2 and dyslipidemia as independent predictors of FVC and FEV1 (R2=0.125 and 0.180, respectively, for both). We conclude that pulmonary function is influenced by autonomic control of cardiovascular function, independently of the main confounders.

Weissella paramesenteroides WpK4 reduces gene expression of intestinal cytokines, and hepatic and splenic injuries in a murine model of typhoid fever.

Diarrhoea in piglets by Salmonella and other pathogens can be a serious health problem. Non-drug treatments such as probiotic microorganisms have various effects on the gastrointestinal microbiota dysbiosis and host immune system modulation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the suitable use of Weissella paramesenteroides WpK4 strain isolated from healthy piglets as an alternative prophylactic or therapeutic treatment against Salmonella Typhimurium. Out of 37 lactic acid bacteria isolates, 24 strains belonging to the Weissella and Lactobacillus genera were analysed in vitro for desirable probiotic characteristics. The W. paramesenteroides WpK4 strain fulfilled all in vitro tests: resistance to acidic pH and bile salts, hydrophobic cell surface, antagonism against bacterial pathogens, H2O2 production and exopolysaccharide secretion, and non-transferable resistance to antibiotics. Mice fed with WpK4 showed no signs of bacterial translocation to the liver or spleen and decreased Salmonella translocation to these organs. Significantly, WpK4 intake attenuated the weight loss, fostered the preservation of intestinal architecture and integrity, and promoted survival in mice following infection with Salmonella Typhimurium. In addition, WpK4 modulated immune cellular response by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducing anti-inflammatory mediators. These findings validate the probiotic properties of W. paramesenteroides WpK4 strain, and its eventual use in piglets.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain UFMG A-905 in experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease.

In the present study, the protective potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain UFMG A-905 was evaluated in a murine model of acute ulcerative colitis (UC). Six groups of Balb/c mice were used: not treated with yeast and not challenged with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) (control); treated with S. cerevisiae UFMG A-905 (905); treated with the non-probiotic S. cerevisiae W303 (W303); challenged with DSS (DSS); treated with S. cerevisiae UFMG A-905 and challenged with DSS (905 + DSS); and treated with S. cerevisiae W303 and challenged with DSS (W303 + DSS). Seven days after induction of UC, mice were euthanised to remove colon for enzymatic, immunological, and histopathological analysis. In vivo intestinal permeability was also evaluated. An improvement of clinical manifestations of experimental UC was observed only in mice of the 905 + DSS group when compared to animals from DSS and W303 + DSS groups. This observation was confirmed by histological and morphometrical data and determination of myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase activities, intestinal permeability and some pro-inflammatory cytokines. S. cerevisiae UFMG A-905 showed to be a potential alternative treatment for UC when used in an experimental animal model of the disease.