Social vulnerability and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Social vulnerability can influence in the development of cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents (CRF). For this reason, the objective of our study was to evaluate the presence of CRF in adolescents, according to social vulnerability. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 517 adolescents of both sexes, from 10 to 19 years of age, classified into 2 groups by social vulnerability, according to socioeconomic characteristics collected by means of questionnaires, where adolescents who did not have access to drinking water, sewage network, and adequate per capita income were classified as vulnerable. Anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure data were evaluated. Level of physical activity was assessed by an adapted questionnaire, and food intake was assessed by a 3-day food record. Independent T, Mann-Whitney, and χ2 tests were used, according to the scale of measurement of the variables, on the statistical program SPSS, version 25, at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Adolescents had median age of 14 (11 to 15) years; 58.4% were female; 32.4% were overweight, and 52.4% were physically inactive in leisure. Mean consumption of ultra-processed food was observed to account for 45.0% of calorie intake. Adolescents classified as vulnerable had lower weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and neck circumference when compared to non-vulnerable adolescents. Both groups had cholesterol concentrations above the normal level. Non-vulnerable adolescents had higher triglyceride concentrations, higher alcohol consumption, and lower fiber intake compared to vulnerable adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with social vulnerability are less likely to have cardiovascular risk factors.

Association of Dietary Inflammatory Potential in Metabolically Healthy and Metabolically Unhealthy Obese Individuals

Abstract Introduction: Currently, two types of phenotypes have been recognized in individuals who are obese. Among the factors related to lifestyle, diet has a relevant influence, although there is no consensus regarding the role of diet in metabolic phenotypes; furthermore, diet is a strong moderator of chronic systemic inflammation. Objective: Investigate dietary inflammatory potential between metabolic phenotypes and to compare the differences between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory diets in individuals with the same phenotype. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study that utilized the database of 533 individuals divided into 4 groups, according to metabolic phenotype and dietary inflammatory characteristic. Sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric and biochemical characteristics were evaluated and the inflammatory index of the diet was calculated. Results: The mean Dietary Inflammatory index (DII) of the total sample was 0.974±1.02, with a maximum of 4.34 and a minimum of −1.74. In the metabolically unhealthy groups, we found a statistical difference in relation to systolic blood pressure when comparing the anti-inflammatory [median 120 (110.0-130.0)] and pro-inflammatory diets [median 130 (120.0-140.0); p = 0.022], and mean isoprostane concentrations were lower in the metabolically healthy group with anti-inflammatory diet. In regression analysis, the only variable that demonstrated a higher risk of alterations in all groups when compared to the metabolically healthy and anti-inflammatory group were isoprostane concentrations. Conclusion: We are able to conclude that an anti-inflammatory diet is associated with lower oxidative stress in metabolically healthy obese, and a pro-inflammatory diet is associated with higher systolic blood pressure values.

One Size Does Not Fit All: The Need to Rethink the Metabolic Syndrome in Women

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing at epidemic proportions worldwide. MetS and its components are frequent among Brazilian women (41.8%). Women are affected by changes in adipose tissue distribution, lipid profile, insulin resistance (IR), and vascular remodeling during their lives. These changes result from the lack of estrogen after menopause. There have been various attempts to propose a uniform origin for the clustering of the MetS components, including genetics, IR, obesity, lifestyle, sleep disturbances, inflammation, fetal and neonatal programming, and disturbed circadian rhythm of the body functions. The proinflammatory and prothrombotic state in MetS is well-defined. Socioeconomic and lifestyle-related factors are also essential triggers of MetS, which is associated with a higher risk for coronary artery diseases (CAD) and stroke in women. Population measures in health and community medicine, such as continuing education on the importance of lifestyle change to reduce cardiovascular risks from early childhood, are fundamental strategies. Statins reduce high-sensitivity C-reactive protein blood levels and treat high cholesterol. According to the patient, hypoglycemic agents, such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1a), and sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, in addition to metformin, have their indication due to their beneficial cardiometabolic and vascular effects. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) should be the first choice to treat hypertension in postmenopausal womem. The recognition of the different gender- and age-specific risk factors, allowing for specific and targeted interventions, is fundamental, especially for women.

Food Consumption and Health Outcomes in Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has changed food consumption. Objective Evaluate the association between metabolic phenotypes, changes in food consumption during the pandemic, and health outcomes in obese women. Methods Cross-sectional observational study including 491 women without previous diagnosis of chronic diseases, evaluated according to metabolic phenotype. During the pandemic, a subsample was re-evaluated by online questionnaires via Google Forms. Analyzed anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary data as well as health outcomes (coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia or death). Information on mortality was collected from the Internal Affairs Office of the State of Rio de Janeiro and the Health Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical program SPSS 21, with Mann-Whitney test, Pearson's chi-squared, Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression, at a significance level of 5%. Results The anthropometric, glucose, and lipid profiles showed significant differences between the metabolically healthy and metabolically unhealthy groups (p = 0.00). Before the pandemic, women in the metabolically unhealthy group had higher dietary intakes of lipids (p = 0.01), saturated fat (p = 0.01) and sodium (p = 0.04), during the pandemic, they consumed more energy (p = 0.04), lipids (p = 0.02), saturated fat (p = 0.02), proteins (p = 0.03) and sodium from ultra-processed foods (p = 0.03). Consequently, health outcomes were more prevalent in the metabolically unhealthy group (p = 0.00). Conclusion Observed that metabolically healthy women had qualitatively better food intake and fewer health outcomes throughout the study.

Effect of Hypoenergetic Diet Combined With Pumpkin Seed Flour Consumption on Obese Women

Abstract Background Dietary treatment containing fiber-rich foods may contribute to lowering weight in obese women. Objective To investigate the effect of a hypoenergetic diet combined with pumpkin seed flour (PSF) consumption on diet quality, anthropometric indices, and glucose and lipid metabolism in obese women. Methods We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 90-day clinical trial with obese women, distributed into the following two groups: hypoenergetic diet + placebo (PG) and hypoenergetic diet + pumpkin seed flour (PSFG). A total of 100 participants were included in the PSFG (n = 47) and PG (n = 53). We evaluated neck circumference (NC); waist to height ratio; conicity index; fat mass (FM); lipid profile; blood concentrations of glucose and insulin; homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI); and blood pressure at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days. Dietary analysis was determined by differences between diet quality indices before and after prescribing the experimental diet. Chi-squared, Student's t-tests and analysis for repeated measures were used, and values were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results The dietary pattern improved after 90 days in both groups. The PSFG presented lower NC (p < 0.001), FM (p = 0.010), triglycerides (TG) (p = 0.025), insulin (p = 0.003), and HOMA-IR (p = 0.018). The PG presented a lower diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.004) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (p = 0.056). Conclusion A hypoenergetic diet combined with PSF consumption contributes to lowering NC, FM, HOMA-IR, TG, and insulin concentrations.

Vegetarian Diets and Cardiovascular Risk in Women

Abstract Introduction: Vegetarian diets have favorable effects on cardiovascular risk, provided that they do not contain ultra-processed foods (UPF). Objective: To compare the metabolic profile, cardiovascular risk, body composition, and food consumption in vegan (VEG), lacto-ovo vegetarian (LOV), and omnivorous (OMNI) women. To verify the association between UPF consumption and cardiovascular risk. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 119 VEG (n = 43), LOV (n = 38), and OMNI (n = 38) women. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters and the Framingham risk score were assessed. Food consumption was assessed by means of a 3-day food register, and intake of macronutrients, micronutrients, and UPF was estimated. The correlation between UPF consumption and cardiovascular risk was assessed using Spearman's coefficient, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The groups showed low cardiovascular risk, without significant difference between them. The VEG and LOV groups had lower body mass index, neck circumference, body shape index, and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) than the OMNI group; greater consumption of carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fibers, micronutrients, beta-carotene, and carotenoids; and lower consumption of total fat, saturated fatty acids, and cholesterol (p < 0.05). Consumption of UPF was lower in the LOV group (5.7 [0.0- 19.8]) than in the OMNI group (14.9 [5.1 - 22.3]; p < 0.05). UPF consumption was associated with SBP (ρ = 0.439; p = 0.007) and blood sugar (ρ = 0.422; p = 0.010) in the VEG group, and in the LOV group it was inversely associated with LDL-c (ρ = −0.456; p = 0.010). Conclusion: Vegetarian women showed better body composition and dietary quality than OMNI women. It is important to take consumption of UPF in vegetarians into consideration, in order to improve cardiovascular risk in women.

Gut microbiota of adults with different metabolic phenotypes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the gut microbiota of individuals with different metabolic phenotypes and to compare their characteristics. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 109 adults, classified according to metabolic status, by body mass index, and homeostasis model assessment. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics and blood pressure were evaluated. Level of physical activity was evaluated by means of a questionnaire, and dietary consumption was evaluated using a 3-d food record. Feces samples were collected from each participant, and gut microbiota profile was analyzed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The Kruskal-Wallis and χ2 tests were used, according to the scale of measurement of the variables, on the statistical program SPSS version 25, with significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Significantly lower values of saturated fat intake and fasting glycemia were observed in metabolically healthy individuals who were overweight and obese compared with their unhealthy counterparts. Diversity and richness of bacterial communities were lower in individuals who were obese and in the unhealthy phenotype. The genus Eubacterium rectale and genera of the family Prevotellaceae were more abundant in the metabolically healthy obese and metabolically healthy overweight groups than in the metabolically healthy normal weight one, whereas Bifidobacterium was more abundant in the metabolically healthy normal weight group. The genera Coprococcus and Ruminococcus were more abundant in the metabolically healthy overweight group than in the metabolically unhealthy overweight one. CONCLUSIONS: We observed distinct characteristics in the gut microbiota of different metabolic phenotypes. The intestines of individuals with unhealthy phenotypes hosted inflammation-associated microbiota, with lower butyrate production potential and reduced bacterial diversity.

Effects of a hypoenergetic diet associated with açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp consumption on antioxidant status, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight, dyslipidemic individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a hypoenergetic diet (HD)associated with açaí pulp consumption on oxidative stress, antioxidant status and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight, dyslipidemic individuals. RESEARCH METHODS & PROCEDURES: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted for 90 days. The study began with a 30-day run-in period, during which the intervention was exclusively a HD. Following this period, volunteers were randomized into 2 groups, and 200 g of either açaí pulp or placebo were added to the HD for 60 days. Anthropometric measurements, arterial pressure, oxidative stress and antioxidant status biomarkers, inflammatory and biochemical biomarkers were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-nine volunteers completed the clinical trial, 30 of which were in the HD + açaí group and 39 in HD + placebo group. Plasma 8-isoprostane concentrations significantly reduced 60 days after the intervention in the açaí group (p = 0.000), and there was a significant difference between the groups (açaí versus placebo; p = 0.037). Regarding inflammatory status parameters, a significant reduction in IL-6 was observed in the HD + açaí group (p = 0.042), and IFN-γ decreased significantly in both groups, HD + açaí (p = 0.001) and HD + placebo (p = 0.008); there were, however, no differences between the groups. Lipid profile parameters and blood glucose levels did not show change, regardless of nutritional intervention. CONCLUSION: The addition of açaí to a HD, for 60 days, reduced oxidative stress and improved inflammation in overweight, dyslipidemic individuals.

Relationship between zinc levels and plasma leptin in hemodialysis patients.

UNLABELLED: Recent evidences suggested a possible relationship between zinc deficiency and leptin levels in pathogenesis of anorexia in chronic kidney disease. The present study addressed the relationship between zinc and leptin in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: Fifty HD patients (54.3±12.7years old, 62% men) were studied and compared to 21 healthy volunteers (50.7±15.7years old, 43% men). Biochemical data, serum zinc, plasma leptin, IL-6, TNF-α and C-Reactive Protein levels were determined. Anthropometric parameters, food intake and appetite score were also assessed. RESULTS: The leptin levels were higher in HD patients (16.1µg/mL (0.21-118.25) vs 6.0µg/mL (0.50-23.10)) in healthy volunteers (p=0.04), whereas serum zinc levels were lower (54.5±16.3µg/dL) compared to healthy volunteers (78.4±9.4µg/dL) (p=0.0001). The plasma leptin was correlated negatively with plasma zinc (r=-0.33; p=0.007), energy (r=-0.38; p=0.002) and protein intake (r=-0.34; p=0.006) and, positively correlated with BMI (r=0.54; p=0.0001), % body fat (r=0.70; p=0.0001) and conicity index (r=0.46; p=0.001). Plasma zinc was associated with hemoglobin (r=0.30; p=0.04) and negatively associated with TNF-α (r=-0.37; p=0.002) and C-Reactive Protein (r=-0.37; p=0.004). There was no correlation among Zn, leptin and appetite score in these patients. CONCLUSION: This study showed that low plasma zinc levels are negatively associated with high leptin levels in HD patients.

Linking zinc and leptin in chronic kidney disease: future directions.

Anorexia is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with the development of malnutrition and an increased risk of mortality. Several compounds are linked to anorexia in these patients; however, the mechanisms are unknown. Zinc (Zn) deficiency is associated with decreased food intake and has been observed in CKD patients. In addition, leptin is an anorexigenic peptide, and patients with CKD present generally high levels of this hormone. Studies have suggested an association between Zn and leptin status in human and rats; however, the results are inconsistent. Some claimed that Zn supplementation does not change leptin release or that there is no significant relationship between Zn and leptin. Others have reported that Zn might be a mediator of leptin production. CKD patients have hyperleptinemia and hypozincemia, but the relationship between Zn deficiency and leptin levels in CKD patients has been poorly understood until now. The aim of this review is to integrate knowledge on leptin and Zn actions to provide a cohesive clinical perspective regarding their interactions in CKD patients.