(-)-epicatechin treatment did not modify the thermogenic pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle of male rat offspring obeses by programming.

The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of genes related to the regulation of energy metabolism in skeletal muscle tissue by comparing male offspring in two age groups [at 110 and 245 postnatal days (pnd)] from a mother with obesity induced by a high-fat diet and (-)-epicatechin (Epi) administration. Four groups of six male offspring from different litters were randomly selected for the control groups [C and offspring of mothers with maternal obesity (MO)] or Epi intervention groups. We evaluated the effect of Epi on gastrocnemius tissue by analysing the mRNA and protein expression levels of Fndc5/irisin, Pgc-1α, Ucp3, and Sln. Epi significantly increased the Pgc-1α protein in the MO group of offspring at 110 pnd (p < 0.036, MO vs. MO+Epi), while at 245 pnd, Epi increased Fndc5/irisin mRNA expression in the MO+Epi group versus the MO group (p = 0.006).No differences were detected in Fndc5/irisin, Ucp3 or Sln mRNA or protein levels (including Pgc-1α mRNA) in the offspring at 110 pnd or in Pgc-1α, Ucp3, or Sln mRNA or protein levels (including Fndc5/irisin protein) at 245 pnd among the experimental groups. In conclusion, (-)-epicatechin treatment increased Fndc5/irisin mRNA expression and Pgc-α protein levels in the gastrocnemius muscle of offspring at postnatal days 110 and 245. Furthermore, it is suggested that the flavonoid effect in a model of obesity and its impact on thermogenesis in skeletal muscle are regulated by a different pathway than Fndc5/irisin.

A fermented milk drink with Umbu (Spondias tuberosa) pulp and whey is effective for weight gain and re-nutrition in malnourished: An in vivo study in mice and children.

Malnutrition is considered one of the major public health problems worldwide and negatively affects the growth, development and learning of schoolchildren. This study developed and evaluated a fermented milk drink with added Umbu (Spondias tuberosa) pulp in the weight gain and renutrition of mice submitted to malnutrition by calorie restriction, and in malnourished children. The supplementation with this fermented milk drink contributed to an increase of 7.2 % in body weight, and 64.3 % in albumin, and a reduction of 35 % in cholesterol in malnourished mice. In humans, a group of nine malnourished children consumed a daily 200 mL serving of the milk drink (for 60 days). For humans, the fermented milk drink allowed an increase of 16.5 % in body weight, and 20.9 % in body mass index in malnourished children. In conclusion, fermented milk drink has a positive effect on the re-nutrition of malnourished mice and helps to improve the nutritional status of malnourished children.

Maternal malnutrition associated with postnatal sugar consumption increases inflammatory response and prostate disorders in rat offspring.

Maternal malnutrition can alter developmental biology, programming health and disease in offspring. The increase in sugar consumption during the peripubertal period, a worldwide concern, also affects health through adulthood. Studies have shown that maternal exposure to a low protein diet (LPD) is associated with an increase in prostate disease with aging. However, the combined effects of maternal LPD and early postnatal sugar consumption on offspring prostate disorders were not investigated. The effects on aging were evaluated using a maternal gestational model with lactational LPD (6% protein) and sugar consumption (10%) from postnatal day (PND) 21-90, associating the consequences on ventral prostate (VP) rats morphophysiology on PND540. An increase was shown in mast cells and in the VP of the CTR + SUG and Gestational and Lactational Low Protein (GLLP) groups. In GLLP + SUG, a significant increase was shown in TGF-ß1 expression in both the systemic and intra-prostatic forms, and SMAD2/3p had increased. The study identified maternal LPD and sugar consumption as risk factors for prostatic homeostasis in senility, activating the TGFß1-SMAD2/3 pathway, a signaling pathway with potential markers for prostatic disorders.

Older adults, appendicular anthropometric measurements, and poor functional performance are predictors of sarcopenia in individuals with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of sarcopenia (demographical, anthropometric measurements, tumor-related clinical characteristics, performance status, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels in individuals with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study selected diagnosed with HNSCC (n = 125). Sarcopenia was defined as low muscle strength and low physical performance. Association between sarcopenia and anthropometric assessments (weight, height, body mass index, triceps skinfold, mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC], mid-upper arm muscle circumference, mid-upper arm fat area [UFA], mid-upper arm bone free muscle area, calf circumference, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass and index), tumor clinical characteristics (anatomical site, tumor size, and cervical metastasis), performance status scale (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status [ECOG-PS]), and CRP and albumin levels was analyzed using binary logistic regression models. RESULTS: The diagnosis of sarcopenia was identified in 28 (22.4%) individuals with HNSCC. Being an older adult increases the odds of association with sarcopenia in individuals with HNSCC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05). Increments in MUAC measurement reduce the odds of association with sarcopenia (OR = 0.69), while the increase in the UFA measurement increases the odds of association with sarcopenia (OR = 1.33). Poor ECOG-PS scores increase the odds of association with sarcopenia in individuals with HNSCC (OR = 5.54). CONCLUSION: Early identification of easy-to-perform, cost-effective predictors of sarcopenia tends to favor the implementation of personalized therapeutic and supportive interventions in individuals with HNSCC.

A pre-post quasi-experimental study: effect of an educational intervention on the quality of life, and coping strategies of people living with HIV (PLHIV).

INTRODUCTION: The current study provides people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) the support to cope with this disease and to improve their quality of life, since their longevity has significantly increased. AIM: Investigating the effect of an educational intervention on PLHIV's strategies to cope with HIV. METHODOLOGY: Quasi-experimental, before-and-after study type, whose data were collected before and after educational intervention, was carried out with 75 PLHIV at a School Outpatient Clinic. The Brazilian version of the Ways of Coping Scale was herein used. It is a questionnaire comprising 4 disease-coping domains, namely: coping focused on problem, emotion and on seeking social support and religious practices. RESULTS: There was increased use of all coping-strategy domains after the educational intervention, as well as reduced standard deviation, and it pointed out that the recorded values were grouped closer to the mean therefore showing less variability. Coping focused on social support was the strategy mostly used after the educational intervention; it was followed by strategies focused on both emotion and problem. The least used strategy was the one focused on religion/fantasy. DISCUSSION: This study identified the need of introducing a new coping strategy focused on prejudice against patients with HIV.

Deregulation of ABCG1 early in life contributes to prostate carcinogenesis in maternally malnourished offspring rats.

AIMS: The developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept has provided the framework to assess how early life experiences can shape health and disease throughout the life course. Using a model of maternal exposure to a low protein diet (LPD; 6% protein) during the gestational and lactational periods, we demonstrated changes in the ventral prostate (VP) transcriptomic landscape in young rats exposed to maternal malnutrition. Male offspring Sprague Dawley rats were submitted to maternal malnutrition during gestation and lactation, and they were weighed, and distance anogenital was measured, followed were euthanized by an overdose of anesthesia at 21 postnatal days. Next, the blood and the ventral prostate (VP) were collected and processed by morphological analysis, biochemical and molecular analyses. RNA-seq analysis identified 411 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the VP of maternally malnourished offspring compared to the control group. The molecular pathways enriched by these DEGs are related to cellular development, differentiation, and tissue morphogenesis, all of them involved in both normal prostate development and carcinogenesis. Abcg1 was commonly deregulated in young and old maternally malnourished offspring rats, as well in rodent models of prostate cancer (PCa) and in PCa patients. Our results described ABCG1 as a potential DOHaD gene associated with perturbation of prostate developmental biology with long-lasting effects on carcinogenesis in old offspring rats. A better understanding of these mechanisms may help with the discussion of preventive strategies against early life origins of non-communicable chronic diseases.

Early-life origin of prostate cancer through deregulation of miR-206 networks in maternally malnourished offspring rats.

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept has provided the framework to assess how early life experiences can shape health and disease throughout the life course. While maternal malnutrition has been proposed as a risk factor for the developmental programming of prostate cancer (PCa), the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using RNA-seq data, we demonstrated deregulation of miR-206-Plasminogen (PLG) network in the ventral prostate (VP) of young maternally malnourished offspring. RT-qPCR confirmed the deregulation of the miR-206-PLG network in the VP of young and old offspring rats. Considering the key role of estrogenic signaling pathways in prostate carcinogenesis, in vitro miRNA mimic studies also revealed a negative correlation between miR-206 and estrogen receptor α (ESR1) expression in PNT2 cells. Together, we demonstrate that early life estrogenization associated with the deregulation of miR-206 networks can contribute to the developmental origins of PCa in maternally malnourished offspring. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which early life malnutrition affects offspring health can encourage the adoption of a governmental policy for the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases related to the DOHaD concept.

Enhancement of oriented cement-bonded boards' properties through CO2 curing.

This study investigates the effects of CO2 curing on oriented cement-bonded boards. The boards comprised 35% and 45% (by mass) of strand-type particles of Eucalyptus spp. (8 × 2 × 0.1 cm) and 65% and 55% (by mass) of early high-strength Portland cement. To fabricate the boards, three layers of strands were arranged perpendicular to the previous layer, aiming for a target density of 1250 kg/m3, and the dimensions of the boards were 40 × 40 × 1 cm. The oriented cement-bonded boards underwent three different curing conditions: control, CO2 curing for 6 h, and 12 h, followed by curing in a saturated environment until the 28th day. The results indicated that CO2 curing increased the CaCO3 content in the boards, particularly when the curing period was longer (12 h). The physical and mechanical performance of the CO2-cured boards surpassed that of the control boards, with the modulus of rupture (MOR) increasing by 80% (6 h) and 84% (12 h) compared to the control. Scanning electron microscope investigations revealed that CO2 curing produced a denser matrix, leading to an improved bond between the strands and the matrix, resulting in enhanced technical performance. Based on these findings, this study suggests that CO2 curing can enhance the physical and mechanical properties of oriented cement-bonded boards, and a longer curing time (12 h) yielded superior performance.

Aortic Dissection With Cardiac Tamponade in Pregnancy: A Challenging Clinical Scenario.

Aortic dissection is the acute aortic syndrome with the highest mortality, and pregnancy and arterial hypertension are known risk factors. Its association with the perinatal period is a particularly unique and potentially devastating clinical catastrophe which is why the approach to a pregnant woman in cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) should be multidisciplinary and early, with extraction of the fetus ideally within five minutes after the arrest. We present the case of a 39-year-old pregnant woman, who presented with a cardiorespiratory arrest in the context of an aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade and the need for an urgent perimortem cesarean section. Increasing knowledge and understanding among healthcare professionals has the potential to aid in the early detection and effective treatment of this challenging medical issue.

Lychnophora ericoides Mart. (Brazilian arnica) ethanol extract accelerates the skin wound healing process: Evidence for its mechanism of action.

BACKGROUND: Lychnophora ericoides Mart, also known as the Brazilian arnica or fake arnica, belongs to the Asteraceae family. Leaves and roots are used in alcoholic and hydroalcoholic preparations for the treatment of wounds, inflammation, and pain. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of L. ericoides ethanolic extract (EELE) on cutaneous wound healing and the mechanisms of action involved. METHODS: A total of 72 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. An excisional wound was made in the dorsal region of each mouse. The test groups were topically treated with the vehicle, a positive control commercial reference drug, EELE ointment (5%), and EELE ointment (10%). The treatments were applied over 14 days. The wound area was measured every two days to verify the wound closure kinetics. On days 3, 7, and 14 the wound tissue samples were processed for Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson-Trichrome, and Toluidine blue staining. The expression of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components, the vascular growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), and type I collagen genes were evaluated. Phytochemical analyses were performed using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS. RESULTS: The EELE (10%) significantly reduced the wound area compared to the treatments used for the other groups. Histological analysis demonstrated that wounds treated with L. ericoides for 14 days developed improved anatomical skin features, healed with hair follicles and sebaceous glands, increased collagen production and angiogenesis, and decreased the number of mast cells at the injury site. Real-time PCR data demonstrated that groups treated with EELE (10%) showed increased Type I collagen, VEGF-A, FGF-2, and AT1R and decreased ACE II and receptor MAS. The healing action of L. ericoides may be related to the presence of phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid derivatives, and C-glycoside flavonoids. CONCLUSION: Topical treatment with EELE increases important factors for wound healing: FGF, VEGF, collagen formation, and the expression of the proliferative axis of the renin-angiotensin system. For the first time, the present study shows the healing action of L. ericoides at the molecular level in an animal model. This process can be used as an alternative therapy for wound healing and the development of herbal therapy.

Gallic acid as a Sestrin (SESN2) activator and potential obesity therapeutic agent: A molecular docking study.

Sestrins (SESNs) are a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins among mammals. They have several body homeostatic functions such as antioxidant, metabolic, and anti-aging, and are required to regenerate hyperoxidized forms of peroxiredoxins and reactive oxygen species. Sestrin 2 has been studied as a therapeutic agent in obesity treatment. Gallic acid (GA) is a triphenolic compound with beneficial biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antioxidant effects. Recent studies demonstrated the GA's ability to reduce body weight gain and improve glycemic parameters. In this sense, the present study aims to investigate the GA activating potential of Sestrin using the molecular docking method. The 3D structure of gallic acid was retrieved from the NCBI PubChem database and the chemical structure of the Sestrin2 protein from the RCSB Protein Data Bank (5DJ4). The docking calculus was performed via UCSF Chimera and AutoDock Vinaprograms. The results showed that amino acids Arg390, Glu451, Trp444, Thr386, Arg448, Thr374, Tyr375, Asn376, Thr377, Leu389, His454, Ser450, His86, and Val455 are very important for GA stabilization, resembling the interactions that permit Leucine to activate SESN2. In this context, the obesity therapeutic property of GA can be understood from a Sestrin activating process through amino acid metabolism.

Differential histological features and myogenic protein levels in distinct muscles of d-sarcoglycan null muscular dystrophy mouse model.

Skeletal muscle (SkM) comprises slow and fast-twitch fibers, which differ in molecular composition, function, and systemic energy consumption. In addition, muscular dystrophies (DM), a group of diverse hereditary diseases, present different patterns of muscle involvement, progression, and severity, suggesting that the regeneration-degeneration process may differ depending on the muscle type. Therefore, the study aimed to explore the expression of proteins involved in the repair process in different muscles at an early stage of muscular dystrophy in the δ-sarcoglycan null mice (Sgcd-null), a limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2 F model. Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) Staining showed a high number of central nuclei in soleus (Sol), tibialis (Ta), gastrocnemius (Gas), and extensor digitorum longus (Edl) from four months Sgcd-null mice. However, fibrosis, determined by trichrome of Gomori modified staining, was only observed in Sgcd-null Sol. In addition, the number of Type I and II fibers variated differentially in the Sgcd-null muscles vs. wild-type muscles. Besides, the protein expression level of ß-catenin, myomaker, MyoD, and myogenin also presented different expression levels in all the Sgcd-null muscles studied. In summary, our study reveals that muscles with different metabolic characteristics showed distinct expression patterns of proteins involved in the muscle regeneration process. These results could be relevant in designing therapies for genetic and acquired myopathy.

Desafios dos profissionais de enfermagem na promoção da saúde no sistema prisional / Challenges of nursing professionals in health promotion in the prision system / Desafíos de los profesionales de enfermaría en la promoción de la salud en el sistema penitenciario

Conclusão: há a necessidade de maior formação e treinamento para que esses profissionais consigam gerenciar questões éticas, manter sua identidade e autonomia e desenvolver mais habilidades no contexto prisional

Conclusion:there is a need for greater education and training so that these professionals can manage ethical issues, maintain their identity and autonomy, and develop more skills in the prison context

Conclusión: son necesarios más formación y entrenamiento para que los profesionales de enfermería puedan gestionar cuestiones éticas, mantener su identidad y autonomía y desarrollar mayores habilidades en el contexto penitenciario

Chronic kidney disease prevention campaign: relationship between proteinuria and elderly people / Campanha de prevenção de doença renal crônica: relação entre proteinúria e idosos

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the relationship between the presence of proteinuria as a renal injury marker in elderly without history of systemic arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. A cross-sectional study was developed from January 2014 to December 2019, through kidney disease prevention campaigns promoted by the Federal University of Ceará in the city of Fortaleza. Methods: The sample consisted of 417 elderlies. A questionnaire was used to characterize individuals and assess previous diseases, and urinalysis reagent strips were used to assess proteinuria. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) and moderate effect sizes were found for blood pressure levels (CI 0.53-0.93), systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure (CI 0.21-0.61). Significant differences in capillary glycemia were also found between groups (p = 0.033), but with a low effect size (0.02-0.42). The group with comorbidities was 2.94 times more likely to have proteinuria than those without comorbidities (OR 2.94, CI 1.55-4.01; p < 0.05). In the group without cardiovascular disease/high blood pressure, a statistically significant association was found for previous diabetes and proteinuria (p = 0.037), presenting 2.68 times higher risk of proteinuria in those with diabetes mellitus (OR 2.68, CI 1.05-6.85). Significant association was also found between age groups, with the older group having 2.69 times higher risk of developing proteinuria (75 to 90 compared to 60 to 74 years) (CI 1.01-7.16; p = 0.045). Conclusion: Even without systemic arterial hypertension or cardiovascular disease, diabetes and older age can be considered high risk factors for proteinuria.

Resumo Objetivo: Verificar a relação entre a presença de proteinúria como marcador de lesão renal em idosos sem histórico de hipertensão arterial sistêmica e doenças cardiovasculares. Um estudo transversal foi desenvolvido de Janeiro de 2014 a Dezembro de 2019, por meio de campanhas de prevenção a doenças renais promovidas pela Universidade Federal do Ceará, na cidade de Fortaleza. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 417 idosos. Um questionário foi usado para caracterizar indivíduos e avaliar doenças prévias, e foram utilizadas tiras reagentes de urinálise para avaliar proteinúria. Resultados: Diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,05) e tamanhos de efeito moderados foram encontrados para níveis de pressão arterial (IC 0,53-0,93), pressão arterial sistólica e pressão arterial diastólica (IC 0,21-0,61). Também foram encontradas diferenças significativas na glicemia capilar entre grupos (p = 0,033), mas com um tamanho de efeito baixo (0,02-0,42). O grupo com comorbidades apresentou 2,94 vezes mais probabilidade de ter proteinúria do que aqueles sem comorbidades (OR 2,94; IC 1,55-4,01; p < 0,05). No grupo sem doença cardiovascular/hipertensão, foi encontrada uma associação estatisticamente significativa para diabetes anterior e proteinúria (p = 0,037), apresentando risco 2,68 vezes maior de proteinúria naqueles com diabetes mellitus (OR 2,68; IC 1,05-6,85). Também foi encontrada uma associação significativa entre faixas etárias, com o grupo mais velho apresentando risco 2,69 vezes maior de desenvolver proteinúria (75 a 90 em comparação com 60 a 74 anos) (IC 1,01-7,16; p = 0,045). Conclusão: Mesmo sem hipertensão arterial sistêmica ou doença cardiovascular, o diabetes e a idade avançada podem ser considerados fatores de alto risco para proteinúria.

Quantification of van der Waals forces in bimodal and trimodal AFM.

The multifrequency formalism is generalized and exploited to quantify attractive forces, i.e., van der Waals interactions, with small amplitudes or gentle forces in bimodal and trimodal atomic force microscopy (AFM). The multifrequency force spectroscopy formalism with higher modes, including trimodal AFM, can outperform bimodal AFM for material property quantification. Bimodal AFM with the second mode is valid when the drive amplitude of the first mode is approximately an order of magnitude larger than that of the second mode. The error increases in the second mode but decreases in the third mode with a decreasing drive amplitude ratio. Externally driving with higher modes provides a means to extract information from higher force derivatives while enhancing the range of parameter space where the multifrequency formalism holds. Thus, the present approach is compatible with robustly quantifying weak long range forces while extending the number of channels available for high resolution.

Assessment of content, behavior change techniques, and quality of unintended pregnancy apps in Spain: Systematic search on app stores.

Objective: Unintended pregnancies are a public health problem that represents 48% of global pregnancies. Despite the proliferation of smartphones there is limited data on the app's features on unintended pregnancy. The purpose of this research was to identify free apps available in Spanish, in the iOS Store and Google Play, which can be recommended to prevent unintended pregnancies in adolescents. Methods: A systematic search to identify apps was performed in the iOS App Store and in Google Play aiming to replicate the way a patient might access an "unintended pregnancy prevention" app. Additionally, the quality, using the Mobile Application Rating Scale, and content were assessed. Results: A total of 4614 apps were identified, of which 8 were retrieved for assessment (0.17%). The mean for objective and subject quality was 3.39 (standard deviation (SD) = 0.694) and 1.84 (SD = 0.626), respectively. A total of 16 thematic categories were identified. The mean of topics covered in the apps was 5.38 (SD = 2.925) being those related to contraception the more frequent. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that only a small percentage of free pregnancy prevention apps in Spanish should be recommended. The contents of the apps retrieved meet the potential necessities of adolescents.

Using MCDA to assist an Intermunicipal community develop a resilience strategy in face of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2.

The topic of regional economic resilience has been the subject of intense debate in the academic and political fields over the past decade and gained a new sense of urgency because of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus as territories faced relevant impacts on their economies and social structures. The economic downturn, the increase in unemployment, and the deterioration of social conditions lead policy makers to search for solutions to make their territories more resilient to this type of event. The current article discusses how multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) was used to help a Portuguese Intermunicipal Community, formed by 16 councils, develop a strategy to make its territory more cohesive, competitive, sustainable, and resilient. In addition to discussing an innovative application of a MCDA technique, this article illustrates how, through a MCDA approach, it was possible to reach a consensus among several policymakers, despite each of them having their own political agendas.

Apelin and Visfatin Expression in Placental Tissue in Women With Preeclampsia and Overweight/Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia (PE) is a multifunctional and multisystem disorder. Several factors favor the development of PE, including obesity. Cytokines are also expressed in the placenta, predisposing to local alterations that favor the development of distinct pathological processes, including PE. This study aimed to evaluate the apelin and visfatin mRNA expression in the placental tissue of women with preeclampsia and overweight/obesity and correlates with maternal and fetal variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was performed with 60 pregnant women and their newborns. Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory variables were collected. Placental tissue samples were obtained, and the apelin and visfatin mRNA expression levels were assessed by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: The main findings evidenced lower levels of apelin expression in overweight/obese women, accompanied by a negative correlation with BMI and pre-pregnancy weight; a higher expression of apelin was also observed in women with late PE and no personal history of PE. For visfatin levels, higher expression levels were observed in women with late PE and term delivery. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between visfatin levels and fetal anthropometric parameters, such as weight, length, and head circumference. CONCLUSION: Apelin levels were less expressed in overweight/obese women. Apelin and visfatin levels were correlated/associated with maternal-fetal variables.

Increased Depression and the Worsening of Depressive Symptoms Associated with Physical Inactivity during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Two-Phase Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the incidence of depression and other mental disorders in the general population, influenced by various individual and contextual factors. Physical activity (PA) interventions offer a promising approach to mitigating the negative mental health effects of the pandemic. This study aims to analyze the association between PA and depressive symptoms. A total of 785 individuals aged 37.4 ± 13.2 years (72.5% female) were evaluated at two different time points: the first between 2018 and 2019, and the second during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Depressive symptoms, demographic, and socioeconomic data were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory to estimate depressive symptoms. Frequency analysis and binary and multinomial regression were employed for data analysis. The prevalence of mild depressive symptoms increased from 23.1% before the pandemic to 35.1% during the pandemic. Our findings reveal that practicing PA before the pandemic was a protective factor (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.30; p < 0.001) against mild depressive symptoms. Additionally, individuals who continued to practice PA during the pandemic had a lower chance of presenting mild (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.30) and moderate/severe (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.27) symptoms. Furthermore, our study shows that PA, which was already a protective factor before the pandemic, remained protective during the pandemic, even for those with the highest levels of depression.