Association between Bone Mineral Density and Nutritional Status, Body Composition and Bone Metabolism in Older Adults.

PURPOSE: To identify an association between bone mineral density (BMD) and nutritional status, body composition and bone metabolism in older patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, involving older adults, with osteopenia/osteoporosis and with normal BMD. The mineral density of the lumbar spine from L1 to L4 and the proximal region of the femur was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Biochemical analyzes were performed of 25(OH)-D, calcium and parathormone. Weight, knee height, and abdominal (AC), mid-upper arm (MUAC) and calf (CC) circumferences were measured. The percentage of body fat (%BF) and Fat-Free Mass (FFM) were quantified by electrical bioimpedance analysis. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The statistical analysis used bivariate and multivariate, parametric and/or non-parametric tests, and was considered significant when p <0.05. RESULTS: Of the total 51 older adults assessed, 30 of them (58.8%) were diagnosed with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Body weight (p = 0.001), BMI (p = 0.001), % BF (p = 0.030) and serum concentrations of 25(OH)-D (p = 0.003) were higher in the group without changes in BMD. BMI and serum levels of 25(OH)-D demonstrated a positive correlation with the BMD of all bone compartments and the AC displayed a positive correlation with the lumbar vertebrae. In the logistic regression models, adjusted for sex and age, the BMI and the serum concentration of 25(OH)-D were presented as a protective factor against osteopenia/osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: Higher body weight, BMI, AC and %BF, and sufficient serum levels of vitamin D, were shown to be promoters of BMD.

Bacterial profile and bone healing in rats receiving cancer therapeutic doses of bisphosphonates and corticosteroids: a pilot study.

The microbial aetiology of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) remains undefined. This study investigated the oral microbiota and socket healing after zoledronic acid (ZA) and dexamethasone (DX) administration. Fourteen rats assigned randomly to experimental (n=8) and control (n=6) groups were injected with ZA+DX or saline, respectively, for 3 weeks prior to and 9 weeks after the extraction of left first upper and lower molars. Whole genomic DNA probes of 38 bacterial species and five Candida species were hybridized to DNA extracted from biofilm samples on exposed bone and adjacent teeth. Only experimental rats exhibited exposed bone at euthanasia. All BRONJ-like lesions were colonized by Staphylococcus pasteuri, Streptococcus parasanguinis, and Streptococcus mitis. A significant correlation was observed between the mean proportions of species colonizing BRONJ-like lesions and the teeth of experimental rats (r=0.818, P<0.001). Significant differences were seen in several species colonizing the teeth of control rats compared to experimental rats (P<0.05). Micro-computed tomography analyses revealed higher residual bone in mandibular (P=0.001) and maxillary (P=0.108) tooth sockets of experimental rats. BRONJ-like lesions were colonized mainly by non-pathogenic bacteria. ZA+DX administered to rats at doses equivalent to those given to cancer patients resulted in changes to the oral biofilm and impaired bone healing following tooth extraction.

Juçara pulp supplementation improves glucose tolerance in mice.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of hyperlipidic and hypercaloric diet is considered a major factor to promote obesity and the consumption of food with antioxidant properties, like Juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart), could be a tool to prevent the deleterious effect of high white adipose deposition. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of administration of juçara pulp in mice fed a high-fat, high-calorie diet on glucose tolerance and adipose tissue inflammatory status. METHODS: Mice were distributed into the following groups: control diet; control diet plus 0.5 % of juçara; control diet plus 2 % of juçara; hypercaloric and hyperlipidic diet; hypercaloric and hyperlipidic diet plus 0.5 % of juçara and hypercaloric and hyperlipidic diet plus 2 % of juçara. Treatments started when mice were 8 weeks old and carried on for a total period of 10 weeks. The serum glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, insulin, adiponectin, lipopolysaccharides and free fatty acids concentrations were measured. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 protein level were determined by ELISA on mesenteric and epididymal white adipose tissues. Determination of catalase activity was realized in the same tissues. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc analysis was performed with the Tukey's test. RESULTS: The addition of 0.5 % juçara improved glycemic response in animals that consumed normocaloric as well as hypercaloric and hyperlipidic diets (HC). Supplementation with 0.5 and 2 % did not change the body composition of animals that received the HC diet; however, the animals fed the normocaloric diet with 2 % juçara gained body mass. An intake of 2 % juçara in the HC diet promoted a reduction of catalase activity and IL-10 level in epididymal adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that with the administration of 0.5 % juçara, the beneficial effects of polyphenols overcome the deleterious effects of macronutrient composition of juçara, whereas with the administration of 2 % juçara promotes damage by the composition of the fruit and overshadows the beneficial effects of polyphenols on glucose metabolism. On the other hand, higher juçara supplementation improves the inflammatory status targeted by the HC diet.

Reduction in saturated fat intake improves cardiovascular risks in obese adolescents during interdisciplinary therapy.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is related to inflammation and cardiovascular disease. The increase in saturated fatty acid intake (SFA) can potentiate cardiovascular risks. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of change in SFA on carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), metabolic profile and anti/pro-inflammatory adipokines in obese adolescents. METHODS: Sixty obese adolescents were subjected to 1 year of interdisciplinary intervention (nutrition, psychology, physical exercise and clinical therapy). Blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, leptin and adiponectin were analysed. Insulin resistance was estimated by HOMA-IR and HOMA-AD. cIMT was measured by ultrasonography. Dietetic intake was calculated by 3-day dietary record. Volunteers were analysed according to tertiles of change (Δ) in SFA intake: Low-SFA reduction<3.68 g; Moderate-SFA reduction 3.68-13.67 g; and High-SFA reduction>13.67 g. RESULTS: Moderate and High-SFA tertiles presented reduction in insulin, leptin/adiponectin ratio, cIMT and increase in adiponectin and adiponectin/leptin ratio. Adiponectin/leptin ratio was predictor of cIMT. HOMA-IR, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol reduced only in High-SFA tertile, and was associated with SFA independent of visceral fat. Negative correlations between Δ of SFA and adiponectin and adiponectin/leptin ratio were observed. CONCLUSION: Obese adolescents with moderate and high reduction in SFA presented improvements on pro/anti-inflammatory biomarkers and cIMT, leading to reduction in cardiovascular risks.

Saturated fatty acid intake can influence increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in obese adolescents.

The aim of this study was to verify if saturated fatty acid intake adjusted by tertiles can influence metabolic, inflammation, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in obese adolescents. Body mass, height, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, and body composition of 108 obese adolescents were obtained. Fasting glucose, insulin, PAI-1, and CRP were determined. Insulin resistance was assessed by Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity by Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI). Dietetic intake was estimated by a 3-day dietary record, and volunteers were divided according to consumption of saturated fatty acids: tertile 1 [Low Saturated Fatty Acid Intake (Low-SFA): ≤12.14 g], tertile 2 [Moderate Saturated Fatty Intake (Moderate SFA intake): 12.15-20.48 g], and tertile 3 [High Saturated Fatty Acid Intake (High-SFA Intake); >20.48 g]. Statistical analysis was performed using STATISTICA 7.0 software and the significance level was set at p<0.05. The most important finding in the present study is that Moderate and High-SFA intakes presented significantly higher values of PAI-1 than Low-SFA Intake. PAI-1 was positively associated with saturated fatty intake, waist circumference, mean blood pressure, and HOMA-IR. SFA intake was predictor of PAI-1 independent of body fat, HOMA-IR and total-cholesterol. In addition, PAI-1 was an independent predictor of blood pressure. HOMA-IR and QUICKI presented significantly higher and lower, respectively, in High-SFA compared to Moderate-SFA intake. High-SFA influenced cardiovascular disease risks, since it increased PAI-1 and insulin resistance, and decreased insulin sensibility, leading to vicious cycle among food ingestion, pro-thrombotic state, and cardiovascular risks in obese adolescents.

Probability of remission of juvenile idiopathic arthritis following treatment with steroid joint injection.

OBJECTIVES: Steroid joint injection is indicated as starting treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, but its effect as single treatment has not been explored. Our aim was to estimate arthritis remission probability after single or repeated injections. METHODS: Conduct a retrospective analysis of inactive arthritis status, remission on medication and remission off medication, estimating cumulative probability and mean time to survival, from the first joint injection session to the last follow-up visit or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs initiation. Remission and time to achieve remission status after single or repeated injections were compared. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients with 4-year medium follow-up and 254 treated joints, were reviewed. Eighty-three percent of the individuals had oligoarticular subtype and 57% had persistent oligoarticular course. Overall, 26% achieved remission off medication status, 4% remission on medication and 38% initiated disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Survival analysis resulted in mean time of achieving inactive disease status, remission on medication and off medication of 8, 11 and 56 months, respectively. The cumulative probability of remission off medication was 2% at 12 months, 8% at 24 months and 18% at 36 months. Frequency of inactive disease, remission on medication and remission off medication status decreased proportionally following repeated joint injections in comparison with the frequency of the same status for those receiving single treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The dropout rates due to anti-rheumatic drugs initiation indicated limited long-term benefits of intra-articular steroids for juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Chronic exercise promotes alterations in the neuroendocrine profile of elderly people.

Aging and physical inactivity are 2 factors that favour the development of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. In contrast, adopting a habitual moderate exercise routine may be a nonpharmacological treatment alternative for neuroendocrine aging disorders. We aimed to assess the effects of moderate exercise training on the metabolic profiles of elderly people with sedentary lifestyles. Fourteen sedentary, healthy, elderly male volunteers participated in a moderate training regimen for 60 min/day, 3 days/week for 24 weeks at a work rate equivalent to their ventilatory aerobic threshold. The environment was maintained at a temperature of 23±2°C, with a humidity of 60±5%. Blood samples for analysis were collected at 3 intervals: at baseline (1 week before training began), and 3 and 6 months after training. The training promoted increased aerobic capacity (relative VO(2), and time and velocity to VO(2)max; (p<0.05)) and reduced serum α-MSH (p<0.05) after 3 months of training when compared with the baseline data. In addition, serum thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) was reduced after 6 months of training compared with baseline levels. Our results demonstrate that a moderate exercise training protocol improves the metabolic profile of older people, and metabolic adaptation is dependent on time.

In vivo evaluation of a metronidazole-containing gel for the adjuvant treatment of chronic periodontitis: preliminary results.

The present study developed an experimental metronidazole-based gel and evaluated its efficacy for the adjuvant treatment of chronic periodontitis. Sixteen patients were randomly allocated into two groups of eight subjects according to the following proposed treatments: (1) scaling and root planing (active control) or (2) scaling and root planing and direct periodontal intrapocket application of 15% metronidazole-based gel in two sites (≥5 mm in depth) (experimental group). Potential changes in the subgingival microbiota were assessed using a DNA Checkerboard method at three proposed times: baseline and following 7 or 30 days of drug administration. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) monitored metronidazole concentrations in the crevicular fluid during treatment. The metronidazole experimental group presented lower bacterial counts than the control group at the three evaluated times (p<0.01 for baseline, p<0.001 for 7 or 30 days) when the target species were analyzed as a pool of bacteria. Samples revealed significantly lower counts 7 days after drug administration compared with baseline or after 30 days (p<0.05). HPLC analysis detected gel 1 h after application. The metronidazole-based gel significantly decreased the total bacterial count at the three evaluated times. Periodontopathogenic species were not different after gel administration.

Gene expression in swine granulosa cells and ovarian tissue during the estrous cycle.

The components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system appear to be involved in regulation of ovarian follicular growth and atresia in the pig. We investigated the expression pattern of mRNAs for IGF1 (IGF1), its binding proteins (IGFBP1, IGFBP2, IGFBP3, and IGFBP5), and epidermal growth factor in swine follicle cells and ovarian tissue throughout the estrous cycle using the real-time quantitative PCR technique. The results of gene expression were analyzed using linear regression with gene expression as a dependent variable and days of estrous cycle as an independent variable. Additionally, an analysis was made of the correlation of expression levels with plasma concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol-17ß, progesterone, and prolactin. Expression of mRNA of all of these genes was detected in granulosa cells and ovarian tissue. IGFBP3 mRNA showed a quadratic expression pattern (P ≤ 0.001) and was significantly and positively correlated with progesterone (r = 0.81; P ≤ 0.01) but negatively correlated with prolactin (r = -0.596; P ≤ 0.05). Expression of the other genes was unaffected by the stage of the estrous cycle. Real-time quantitative PCR effectively detected all transcripts, including the very low levels of IGFBP1 transcripts, and could be used for studies of follicle dynamics.

Bacterial diversity of periodontal and implant-related sites detected by the DNA Checkerboard method.

The aim of this study was to compare the microbial composition of the subgingival biofilm from teeth and implant sulci in relation to contents originating from internal parts of the implant, abutment and implant prosthesis. Twenty subgingival biofilm samples from the mesial and distal aspects of each tooth/implant and 29 samples from the internal parts of titanium implants, abutments and implant prostheses were evaluated for the presence of 18 bacterial species using DNA Checkerboard and the differences between samples from teeth and implants were assessed with Pearson's correlation analysis. The periodontal and peri-implantar sulci presented significantly higher bacterial counts than the implant-related sites (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The highest counts were observed for Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, P. nigrescens and P. micra. The correlation between the counts in the periodontal and peri-implantar sulci was r = 0.66 (p < 0.001). Weaker correlations between samples from the internal parts of the implants and periodontal sulcus (r = 0.49; p < 0.001) or peri-implant sulcus (r = 0.42; p < 0.001) were found. All 18 bacterial species were detected to be colonising the subgingival sulcus of teeth and implants, and implant components in the evaluated patients. Significant correlations between the microbiota were found, the strongest being between the periodontal and peri-implantar sulci.

The role of orexigenic and anorexigenic factors in an interdisciplinary weight loss therapy for obese adolescents with symptoms of eating disorders.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of orexigenic and anorexigenic factors in an interdisciplinary weight loss therapy for obese adolescents with symptoms of eating disorders. METHODS: Thirty-seven post-pubertal, obese adolescents (14 to 19 years old) with symptoms of eating disorders were submitted to long-term interdisciplinary therapy (1 year). Bulimic and binge eating symptoms were measured using the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh, and the Binge Eating Scale respectively. Neuropeptide Y, melanin-concentrating hormone, total ghrelin, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and leptin were measured using radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: After long-term interdisciplinary therapy, the adolescents showed significantly improved body composition, visceral and subcutaneous fat and reduced symptoms of bulimia and binge eating. Intriguingly, orexigenic peptides were up-regulated after short-term therapy and down-regulated at the end of therapy, whereas the anorexigenic pathway was improved with therapy. Furthermore, after long-term therapy, a negative correlation was observed between leptin concentration and melanin-concentrating hormone. DISCUSSION: We suggest that long-term therapy promotes an intrinsic association between weight loss, improvement of eating disorder symptoms and a decrease in orexigenic factors. Together, these results represent a more effective course by which patients can normalise behaviours related to eating disorders as well the actions of hormones involved in energy balance, and thus advance obesity control. CONCLUSION: Long-term interdisciplinary therapy was effective to improve anorexigenic and orexigenic factors that influence energy balance and avoid the development of eating disorders in obese adolescents. However, the associations between eating disorders and neuroendocrine factors need to be confirmed in future studies.

Electroacupuncture promotes a decrease in inflammatory response associated with Th1/Th2 cytokines, nitric oxide and leukotriene B4 modulation in experimental asthma.

Previously, we have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) in rats decreased eosinophil infiltration into the pulmonary tissue (PT) and in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in an experimental model of asthma. Th2 cytokines, leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and nitric oxide (NO) are involved in the asthma inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of EA on these asthma mediators. Male Wistar rats were divided into control (C), immobilized (I), sham acupuncture (SA), and acupuncture (A) groups. All rats were sensitized, and EA treatment using clinical acupuncture points was started 24h after antigen priming. EA was done every other day for 2weeks. Subsequently, animals were challenged by inhalation and sacrificed 24h later. At this time, the BAL and lungs were collected and used to analyze cytokine production, LTB4 and NO. The EA increased IL-1 and IFN-gamma and decreased IL-4, IL-10, NO and LTB4 in the BAL and PT compared to the C and SA groups. The presence of eosinophils in the BAL negatively correlated with IL-1 and IFN-gamma production and positively correlated with IL-4 and IL-10 production. Our results show that the beneficial anti-inflammatory action of EA on asthma is related to the balance of the Thl/Th2 response and the reduction of LTB4 and NO. These results suggest that EA therapy could be an important complementary treatment for asthma.

The effect of thyroid hormones on the white adipose tissue gene expression of PAI-1 and its serum concentration

Metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) overexpression may play a significant role in this process. A positive correlation between adipose tissue gene expression of PAI-1 and its serum concentration has been reported. Furthermore, high serum levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and PAI-1 have been observed in obese children. The present study evaluates the impact of thyroid hormone treatment on white adipose tissue PAI-1 gene expression and its serum concentration. Male Wistar rats (60 days old) were treated for three weeks with T4 (50 µg/day, Hyper) or with saline (control). Additionally, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated for 24 h with T4 (100 nM) or T3 (100 nM). PAI-1 gene expression was determined by real-time PCR, while the serum concentration of PAI-1 was measured by ELISA using a commercial kit (Innovative Research, USA). Both the serum concentration of PAI-1 and mRNA levels were similar between groups in retroperitoneal and epididymal white adipose tissue. Using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, in vitro treatment with T4 and T3 increased the gene expression of PAI-1, suggesting non-genomic and genomic effects, respectively. These results demonstrate that thyroid hormones have different effects in vitro and in vivo on PAI-1 gene expression in adipocytes.

The effect of thyroid hormones on the white adipose tissue gene expression of PAI-1 and its serum concentration.

Metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) overexpression may play a significant role in this process. A positive correlation between adipose tissue gene expression of PAI-1 and its serum concentration has been reported. Furthermore, high serum levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and PAI-1 have been observed in obese children. The present study evaluates the impact of thyroid hormone treatment on white adipose tissue PAI-1 gene expression and its serum concentration. Male Wistar rats (60 days old) were treated for three weeks with T4 (50 microg/day, Hyper) or with saline (control). Additionally, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated for 24 h with T4 (100 nM) or T3 (100 nM). PAI-1 gene expression was determined by real-time PCR, while the serum concentration of PAI-1 was measured by ELISA using a commercial kit (Innovative Research, USA). Both the serum concentration of PAI-1 and mRNA levels were similar between groups in retroperitoneal and epididymal white adipose tissue. Using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, in vitro treatment with T4 and T3 increased the gene expression of PAI-1, suggesting non-genomic and genomic effects, respectively. These results demonstrate that thyroid hormones have different effects in vitro and in vivo on PAI-1 gene expression in adipocytes.

Diametral compressive bond strength of composite resin associated with an adhesive system in incremental filling technique.

AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the diametral compressive bond strength between Charisma or TPH composite resin after association or not to an adhesive system in incremental filling technique. METHODS: Twenty cylinders of each composite resin brand were fabricated using a Teflon matrix and divided into four groups, according to the numbers of adhesive layers applied: group 1 Control without adhesive; group 2 one layer; group 3 two layers and group 4 three layers. The bonding system Adper Single Bond was used between composite resin increments. Diametral compression assays were carried out in an EMIC-MEM 2000 universal testing machine, adjusted at 1 mm/min. ANOVA and Tukey's test were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean strengths and standard deviations for each group were: Charisma 1= 38.26+/-2.38; 2=46.56+/-2.38; 3=40.57+/-2.38; 4=36.87+/-2.38 (2>1=3=4; P<0.05) and TPH 1=52.17+/-2.38; 2=52.23+/-2.38; 3=44.68+/-2.38; 4=44.11+/-2.38 (1=2>3=4; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS. It was concluded that TPH presented higher means of compressive bond strength than Charisma, and the association of an adhesive system between the increments may influence the diametral compressive bond strength of composite resins.

Shear-bond strength between a new format of intra-buccal acrylic bioadhesive drug delivery system and adhesive systems.

AIM: An intra-buccal acrylic bioadhesive device designated for drug programmed release that can stay adhered to dental enamel, and also on removable prosthetic restorations, with preventive and/or therapeutic purpose for a large clinical applications based on polymethyl methacrylate/methyl methacrylate/2 hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PMMA/MMA/HEMA) was developed, using the sodium fluoride as an active principle. This bioadhesive was evaluated for its shear bond strength when bonded with different adhesive systems. METHODS: Two substrates (recently extracted human teeth and acrylic prosthesis basis) were used to obtain the 96 test-specimens. Four adhesive systems (Cyanoacrylate ester, 3M Concise Enamel Bond Resin with or without previous enamel etching, MMA/HEMA or PMMA/MMA/ HEMA) were chosen for the fixation of the bioadhesives to substrate. Artificial saliva or distilled water was used as medium for maintaining the specimens until test. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that the interaction bioadhesives/acrylic prosthesis basis/cyanoacrylate ester adhesive was the most resistant to the physical removal by shearing. CONCLUSION: The newly rounded semi-convex format of acrylic device developed in this study presented satisfactory shear bond strength and might contribute to the comfort of intra-buccal use.

Effect of fluoride varnish or nail polish on the superficial roughness of amalgam restorations.

AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the superficial roughness of amalgam specimens made with Velvalloy and Permite alloys, with superficial protection (Nail polish or Varnish-Fluorniz) and without protection, immersed in artificial saliva or Coke. METHODS: All the 84 specimens (N = 7) were performed according to the manufacturer's recommendations for each alloy, condensed in acrylic moulds and immediately polished. The superficial protections were made before the immersion in the proposed solutions. After superficial treatment, the specimens were maintained at 37 degrees C during 21 days. All specimens were brushed with a tooth paste twice a day. The roughness analysis was carried out using a Prazis equipment (Ra) in four moments (T): after 48 hours (T1), 7 days (T2), 14 days (T3) and 21 days (T4). The data of each alloy were individually submitted to statistical analysis (ANOVA) and Tukey test (P < 0.01). RESULTS: Statistical analysis has demonstrated the existence of a significance difference for the studying factors, except for immersion. The mean values of superficial roughness, for evaluated groups, in relation to protection and time factor were, respectively: Po (1.16) = P1 (1.13) < P2 (2.96) and T1 (1.56) = T2 (1.66) = T3 (1.77) < T4 (2.01) for Velvalloy; and Po (1.14) = P1 (0.85) < P2 (2.61) and T1 (1.18) < T2 (1.48) = T3 (1.67) = T4 (1.79) for Permite. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the use of nail polish as superficial protection presented less roughness than varnish for the studied alloys; and Velvalloy roughness increased at 21 days while Permite increased at seven days and presented a tendency to stability.

DNA Checkerboard method for bacterial detection of microbiota from teeth and tongue biofilms. A preliminary study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of 13 bacterial species in the dorsum tongue biofilm and compare its microbiota to that of subgingival samples in healthy adult subjects using DNA Checkerboard hybridization. METHODS: A total of 40 samples, from subgingival and tongue biofilm, were enrolled into the study. All the samples were harvested and analyzed by DNA Checkerboard method for their content of 13 species of bacteria. Bacterial scores from each subject and location were averaged and the results of both sites were compared using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. RESULTS: All the microorganisms evaluated were detected in both tongue and subgingival samples, without significant differences in their prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: The dorsum of the tongue was colonized by various microorganisms with similar prevalence as found in the subgingival biofilm of healthy individuals, suggesting that the tongue could be a potential microbial reservoir and may play a role in the recolonization of teeth surfaces.

Correlation of serum leptin and insulin levels of pregnant protein-restricted rats with predictive obesity variables.

During pregnancy and protein restriction, changes in serum insulin and leptin levels, food intake and several metabolic parameters normally result in enhanced adiposity. We evaluated serum leptin and insulin levels and their correlations with some predictive obesity variables in Wistar rats (90 days), up to the 14th day of pregnancy: control non-pregnant (N = 5) and pregnant (N = 7) groups (control diet: 17% protein), and low-protein non-pregnant (N = 5) and pregnant (N = 6) groups (low-protein diet: 6%). Independent of the protein content of the diet, pregnancy increased total (F1,19 = 22.28, P < 0.001) and relative (F1,19 = 5.57, P < 0.03) food intake, the variation of weight (F1,19 = 49.79, P < 0.000) and final body weight (F1,19 = 19.52, P < 0.001), but glycemia (F1,19 = 9.02, P = 0.01) and the relative weight of gonadal adipose tissue (F1,19 = 17.11, P < 0.001) were decreased. Pregnancy (F1,19 = 18.13, P < 0.001) and low-protein diet (F1,19 = 20.35, P < 0.001) increased the absolute weight of brown adipose tissue. However, the relative weight of this tissue was increased only by protein restriction (F1,19 = 15.20, P < 0.001) and the relative lipid in carcass was decreased in low-protein groups (F1,19 = 4.34, P = 0.05). Serum insulin and leptin levels were similar among groups and did not correlate with food intake. However, there was a positive relationship between serum insulin levels and carcass fat depots in low-protein groups (r = 0.37, P < 0.05), while in pregnancy serum leptin correlated with weight of gonadal (r = 0.39, P < 0.02) and retroperitoneal (r = 0.41, P < 0.01) adipose tissues. Unexpectedly, protein restriction during 14 days of pregnancy did not alter the serum profile of adiposity signals and their effects on food intake and adiposity, probably due to the short term of exposure to low-protein diet.

Correlation of serum leptin and insulin levels of pregnant protein-restricted rats with predictive obesity variables

During pregnancy and protein restriction, changes in serum insulin and leptin levels, food intake and several metabolic parameters normally result in enhanced adiposity. We evaluated serum leptin and insulin levels and their correlations with some predictive obesity variables in Wistar rats (90 days), up to the 14th day of pregnancy: control non-pregnant (N = 5) and pregnant (N = 7) groups (control diet: 17 percent protein), and low-protein non-pregnant (N = 5) and pregnant (N = 6) groups (low-protein diet: 6 percent). Independent of the protein content of the diet, pregnancy increased total (F1,19 = 22.28, P < 0.001) and relative (F1,19 = 5.57, P < 0.03) food intake, the variation of weight (F1,19 = 49.79, P < 0.000) and final body weight (F1,19 = 19.52, P < 0.001), but glycemia (F1,19 = 9.02, P = 0.01) and the relative weight of gonadal adipose tissue (F1,19 = 17.11, P < 0.001) were decreased. Pregnancy (F1,19 = 18.13, P < 0.001) and low-protein diet (F1,19 = 20.35, P < 0.001) increased the absolute weight of brown adipose tissue. However, the relative weight of this tissue was increased only by protein restriction (F1,19 = 15.20, P < 0.001) and the relative lipid in carcass was decreased in low-protein groups (F1,19 = 4.34, P = 0.05). Serum insulin and leptin levels were similar among groups and did not correlate with food intake. However, there was a positive relationship between serum insulin levels and carcass fat depots in low-protein groups (r = 0.37, P < 0.05), while in pregnancy serum leptin correlated with weight of gonadal (r = 0.39, P < 0.02) and retroperitoneal (r = 0.41, P < 0.01) adipose tissues. Unexpectedly, protein restriction during 14 days of pregnancy did not alter the serum profile of adiposity signals and their effects on food intake and adiposity, probably due to the short term of exposure to low-protein diet.