Association of oxytocin levels and oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (rs2254298) with cardiovascular risk factors in Brazilian elderly from Primary Health Care.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease is a typical phenomenon in the elderly, and are related to unfavorable genetic, hormonal and environmental (lifestyle) interactions. In this context, oxytocin (OT) seems plays a key role in the development of CVD by performing important actions in metabolism energy and hemodynamic variables. OBJECTIVE: To verify if there is an association between (OT) levels and the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphism (rs2254298) with cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) in the elderly. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in community-dwelling elderly attending primary health care. The genotyping was done using the polymerase chain reaction technique. The CRF factors investigated included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Levels of triglycerides (TGC) postprandial and glucose were measured in capillary blood. OT and cortisol levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The sample comprised 177 elderly individuals. OT levels showed a significant negative correlation with postprandial triglycerides (p = 0.030) and BMI (p = 0.019). OT levels were also associated with leanness (p = 0.005). On Poisson regression analysis, OT remained a predictor for leanness (p = 0.010). No significant associations were observed between the OXTR polymorphism and CRF. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Postprandial TGC levels are increased, while OT levels are decreased, and this hormone was significantly elevated in lean elderly. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings, and the role of OT in metabolic parameters.

Medidas antropométricas em idosos assistidos na atenção básica e sua associação com gênero, idade e síndrome da fragilidade: dados do EMI-SUS / Anthropometric measurements in elderly assisted in primary health care and their association with gender, age and frailty syndrome: EMI-SUS data

Objetivos: Descrever medidas antropométricas em idosos assistidos na atenção básica e analisar sua associação com gênero, idade e síndrome da fragilidade. Métodos: Este estudo transversal é parte do Estudo Epidemiológico e Clínico dos Idosos Atendidos pela Estratégia Saúde da Família de Porto Alegre-RS-Brasil (EMI-SUS). Foram obtidas dos idosos 27 medidas antropométricas (analisadas de forma isolada ou em equações, totalizando 41 dados de medidas antropométricas) e dados para determinação da síndrome de fragilidade (Fenótipo de Fried). Foram utilizados o teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, o teste t de Student e o teste de análise de variância (ANOVA). Considerou-se o nível de confiança de 95%. Resultados: A amostra incluiu 583 idosos, sendo 371 (63,6%) mulheres. Homens apresentaram médias significativamente superiores de peso, estatura, altura do joelho, circunferências (antebraço, muscular do braço, pescoço, punho), área muscular do braço, relações (cintura/quadril, cintura/coxa, dobras tronco/extremidades) e índices (sagital, de conicidade). Mulheres apresentaram médias superiores do índice de massa corporal, circunferências (braço, cintura, coxa, quadril), dobras cutâneas (bicipital, tricipital, subescapular, suprailíaca, peitoral, coxa, panturrilha, média seis dobras), área de gordura do braço, relação cintura/estatura e relação diâmetro abdominal sagital/estatura. Idosos mais jovens apresentaram medidas superiores das circunferências do antebraço, braço, músculo do braço, coxa e área muscular do braço em relação aos mais velhos. Idosos robustos tinham estatura, altura do joelho, circunferência muscular do braço e área muscular do braço superiores e área de gordura do braço, dobras cutâneas da coxa, peitoral, bicipital, tricipital, panturrilha e relação diâmetro abdominal sagital/estatura inferiores aos frágeis e pré-frágeis. Idosos frágeis tinham circunferências da panturrilha e antebraço menores e relações cintura/estatura, cintura/coxa, cintura/panturrilha e índices de conicidade e sagital, maiores que os robustos. Conclusões: As medidas antropométricas mostraram-se associadas com gênero, idade e fragilidade. Nos homens, as médias das medidas de tamanho, compleição e de reserva de massa muscular foram maiores. Nas mulheres, as médias das medidas de reserva adiposa foram maiores e a associação das medidas com a faixa etária foi mais frequente. Fragilidade mostrou-se associada com perda de massa muscular. Idosos frágeis apresentaram medidas inferiores de tamanho e compleição.

Aims: To describe anthropometric measurements and analyze their association with gender, age, and frailty syndrome in elderly assisted in primary health care. Methods: This cross-sectional study is part of the Multidimensional Study of the Elderly in the Family Health Strategy in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil (EMI-SUS). Twenty-seven anthropometric measurements (analyzed in isolation or in equations, totaling 41 measurements) and data for determining the frailty (Fried Phenotype) were collected from elderly individuals. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analysis, considering a confidence level of 95%. Results: The sample included 583 elderly, of whom 371 (63.6%) were women. Men presented significantly higher means for weight, height, knee-height; forearm, muscle arm, neck and wrist circumferences; muscle arm area; ratios for waist-to-hip, waist-to-thigh, and trunk-to-skinfolds-extremities; and sagittal and conicity indexes. Women showed higher means for body mass index; arm, waist, thigh and hip circumferences; biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, pectoral, thigh, calf, and mean of six skinfolds; fat arm area, waist-to-height ratio and sagittal abdominal diameter-to-height ratio. The younger elderly presented higher measures of forearm, arm, muscle arm and thigh circumferences; and muscle arm area, in relation to the older. The robust elderly had higher measures of height, knee-height, muscle arm circumference and muscle arm area; and lower fat arm area, thigh, pectoral, biceps, triceps and calf skinfolds; and sagittal abdominal diameterto-height ratio, than the pre-frail and frail seniors. The frail elderly had lower calf and forearm circumferences than the robust elderly, and higher waist-to-height, waist-to-thigh and waist-to-calf ratios, and conicity and sagittal indexes. Conclusions: Anthropometric measures were associated with gender, age and frailty. In men, the mean measures of size, build and muscle mass reserve were higher. In women, the mean measures of fat reserve were higher and the association of the measures with age group was more frequent. Frailty proved to be associated with muscle mass loss. The frail elderly had lower measures of size and complexion.

Lack of association of body composition and functionality variables with metabolic syndrome in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: The aging process causes alterations in body composition (decrease in lean mass and increase in fat mass), diminution of functionality (strength, mobility, and physical performance), and an increased prevalence of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome and obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of body composition and functionality with metabolic syndrome in the elderly. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Clinic of the Geriatric Service of Hospital São Lucas of Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) involving 74 patients (14 males and 60 females). The patients were separated into two groups: Group 1=elderly with metabolic syndrome [through the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NECP ATP III) criteria; n=34], group 2=elderly without metabolic syndrome (n=40). The variables evaluated included age, gender, body composition (circumferences, skinfold thickness, BMI, muscle and fat thickness and muscle mass), functional variables [hand grip strength, Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), and Sit-to-Stand Test]. RESULTS: The results showed that elderly individuals with metabolic syndrome had a higher mean of the anthropometric measures (except abdominal skinfold thickness) compared to subjects without metabolic syndrome (P<0.005). We observed significant differences for muscle mass index (higher, P=0.029), TUGT (longer time, P=0.008), and hand grip strength (lower, P=0.015) in elderly with metabolic syndrome compared with subjects without metabolic syndrome. However, when these variables were adjusted for gender, age, and body mass index (BMI), none showed a significant association with metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: We did not observe associations among metabolic syndrome, body composition, and functionality variables.

Comparative study of anthropometric and body composition variables, and functionality between elderly that perform regular or irregular physical activity / Estudo comparativo de variáveis antropométricas, de composição corporal e de funcionalidade entre idosos que praticam atividade física regular e irregular

Background: The impact of regular and irregular physical activity in body composition, muscle mass and strength of the elderly is not well studied yet. Objective: To compare anthropometric variables, muscle and fat thickness, mobility, handgrip and lower limb strength between regularly and irregularly active elderly classified by the International Physical Questionnaire Activity Questionnaire. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted with 75 elderly people (14 males and 61 females) who practiced regular (RPA=10) or irregular physical activity (IPA=65). Anthropometric variables (body mass index, circumferences and skinfolds), muscular and fat thickness (triceps, vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius [ultrasound]), handgrip strength (Crown dynamometer), lower limb strength (sit and stand up test) and mobility were collected from the sample. Physical activity was assessed by the International Physical Questionnaire Activity Questionnaire. Results: No significant differences were found in the anthropometric, skeletal muscle and fat mass and force variables between two groups (p>0.05). However, elders who practiced irregular physical activity presented best performance in the time up and go test than those who practiced regular physical activity (p=0.008). Results were independent of sex and age of subjects (p=0.017). Conclusion: The study showed no significant differences between elderly that performed physical activity in regular or irregular way in relation body composition and force parameters. However, the results suggest that even irregular physical activity can help the elderly individuals in the mobility, and prevent falls. .

Introdução: o impacto da atividade física regular e/ou irregular na composição corporal, massa e força muscular e funcionalidade em idosos é ainda pouco estudado. Objetivo: comparar variáveis antropométricas, espessura muscular e de gordura, mobilidade e força de preensão palmar de membros inferiores entre idosos regular e irregularmente ativos classificados pelo International Phisical Activity Questionnnaire. Método: estudo transversal com 75 idosos (14 homens e 61 mulheres) que praticavam atividade física regular (AFR=10) ou irregular (AFI=65). Variáveis antropométricas (índice de massa corporal, circunferências e dobras cutâneas), espessura muscular e de gordura (tríceps braquial, vasto lateral e gastrocnêmico medial [ultrassom]), força de preensão palmar (dinamômetro Crown), força de membros inferiores (teste de senta e levanta) e mobilidade foram coletadas da amostra de idosos. A atividade física foi avaliada através do International Phisical Activity Questionnnaire. Resultados: não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas variáveis antropométricas, espessura muscular e de gordura e força entre os dois grupos (p>0,05). No entanto, no grupo de idosos que praticavam atividade física irregular, foi obtido melhor desempenho no teste de mobilidade do que nos idosos que praticavam atividade física regular (p<0,008). Esse resultado foi independente de sexo e idade (p=0,017). Conclusão: o estudo não encontrou diferenças significativas entre os idosos que praticam atividade física de forma regular ou irregular em relação à composição corporal e parâmetros de força. Contudo, os resultados sugerem que a prática de atividade física irregular pode ajudar a mobilidade dos idosos e prevenir quedas. .