Impact of menopause and diabetes on atherogenic lipid profile: is it worth to analyse lipoprotein subfractions to assess cardiovascular risk in women?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women at advanced age, who are affected a decade later compared to men. Cardiovascular risk factors in women are not properly investigated nor treated and events are frequently lethal. Both menopause and type 2 diabetes substantially increase cardiovascular risk in the female sex, promoting modifications on lipid metabolism and circulating lipoproteins. Lipoprotein subfractions suffer a shift after menopause towards a more atherogenic lipid profile, consisted of hypertriglyceridemia, lower levels of both total high density lipoprotein (HDL) and its subfraction HDL2, but also higher levels of HDL3 and small low-density lipoprotein particles. This review discusses the impact of diabetes and menopause to the lipid profile, challenges in lipoprotein subfractions determination and their potential contribution to the cardiovascular risk assessment in women. It is still unclear whether lipoprotein subfraction changes are a major driver of cardiometabolic risk and which modifications are predominant. Prospective trials with larger samples, methodological standardizations and pharmacological approaches are needed to clarify the role of lipoprotein subfractions determination on cardiovascular risk prediction and intervention planning in postmenopausal women, with or without DM.

Nutritionists' Health Study cohort: a web-based approach of life events, habits and health outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCDs) represent a burden for public health. Alongside the established cardiometabolic risk factors such as high blood pressure and disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism, living habits and nutritional status at different stages of life are seen as contributors to this scenario. Gut microbiota composition and subclinical inflammation have been pointed out as underlying mechanisms of NCCDs. Studies involving health professionals have brought relevant contributions to the knowledge about risk factors. Technological advances facilitate data collection and analysis for big samples. A web-based survey addressed to collect data from a cohort study, which is able to identify NCCDs risk factors, is highly desirable. The objective of the Brazilian Nutritionists' Health Study (NutriHS) is to gather online information on early life events, daily habits, emergent cardiometabolic risk factors and health outcomes of a specific subset of the Brazilian population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: NutriHS, developed at the School of Public Health-University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a research initiative that enrols undergraduates of nutrition courses from Brazilian universities and graduated volunteers. A web-based self-administered system was designed to collect health-related data. After fulfilling online questionnaires (socioeconomic, early life events and lifestyle data), participants are invited to a clinical visit for physical examination and laboratory procedures (blood sampling, faeces collection and body composition). At a 3-year interval, they will be invited to repeat similar procedures. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The NutriHS research protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee and is providing promising data which contribute to the understanding of pathophysiological links between early life events, body composition, gut microbiota, and inflammatory and metabolic risk profile. The combination of a friendly tool with the innovative purposes of NutriHS offers a remarkable resource for testing hypotheses about mechanisms of nutrition-related diseases and further planning of preventive programmes in public health.

Fish oil and vitamin E change lipid profiles and anti-LDL-antibodies in two different ethnic groups of women transitioning through menopause / El aceite de pescado y la vitamina E modifican el perfil lipídico y los anticuerpos anti-ldl en dos grupos étnicos diferentes de mujeres en transición hacia la menopausia

Background: studies have investigated the relationship between the transition through menopause and cardiovascular diseases. White population, generally, have lower levels of traditional coronary heart risk factors, particularly dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, and lower rates of coronary heart disease mortality, than black population. Furthermore many studies have shown the cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) of marine origin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 supplementation, combined or not with vitamin E, on oxidative biomarkers and lipid profiles in nonwhite and white women with dyslipidemia transitioning through menopause. Methods: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Seventy-four eligible women were assigned to receive: fish oil, fish oil plus vitamin E and placebo for three months. At baseline, 45 and 90 days blood sample for biochemical variables and biomarkers of oxidative stress were taken. Socioeconomic and lifestyle variables were collected with standardized questionnaires. Results: after 90 days the fish oil plus vitamin E treated group had a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-C. Furthermore, there was a decrease in anti-LDL- autoantibodies after 45 days. Plasma TBARS concentrations were increased after 90 days in the group receiving only fish oil when compared to the placebo and fish oil-vitamin E groups. All of the effects observed were independent of ethnic group. Conclusion: supplementation with fish oil and vitamin E reduced total cholesterol and LDL-C, but had opposite. effects on oxidative stress compared to supplementation with fish oil alone (AU)

Introducción: diversos estudios han investigado la relación entre la transición a la menopausia y las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Generalmente, la población de etnia blanca posee bajos niveles de factores de riesgo coronarios, particularmente dislipidemia, hipertensión, obesidad, diabetes y bajas tasas de mortalidad por enfermedades del corazón en comparación con la población de etnia negra. Además, varios estudios demostraron efectos cardioprotectores y antiinflamatorios provenientes de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega-3 (ácido eicosapentaenoico y ácido docosahexaenoico) de origen marino. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar el efecto de la suplementación de omega-3 combinado o no con vitamina E en biomarcadores oxidativos y perfiles lipídicos en mujeres blancas y no blancas con dislipidemia en transición hacia la menopausia. Métodos: fue realizado un estudio randomizado, duplo-ciego, placebo-controlado. Setenta y cuatro mujeres elegibles fueron escogidas para recibir: aceite de pescado, aceite de pescado con vitamina E y placebo durante tres meses. Fueron recogidas muestras de sangre en de referencia, 45 y 90 días para realizar exámenes bioquímicos y de biomarcadores para estrés oxidativo. Las variables socioeconómicas y de estilo de vida fueron recogidas por medio de cuestionarios estandarizados. Resultados: después de 90 días, el grupo tratado con aceite de pescado con vitamina E tuvo una disminución significativa para colesterol total y LDL-C. Además, hubo una disminución de anticuerpos anti-LDL después de 45 días. La concentración de plasma TBARS aumentó después de 90 días en el grupo que recibió solamente aceite de pescado, comparado con los grupos placebo y aceite de pescado con vitamina E. Todos los efectos observados fueron independientes del grupo étnico. Conclusión: la suplementación con aceite de pescado y vitamina E redujo el colesterol total y LDL-C, pero tuvo un efecto opuesto en el estrés oxidativo comparado con la suplementación solamente con aceite de pescado (AU)

Reassessing lipid metabolism and its potentialities in the prediction of cardiovascular risk.

There are numerous particles, enzymes, and mechanisms in the lipid metabolism that are involved in the genesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Given its prevalence in populations and its impact on mortality, it is relevant to review the lipid metabolism as it may potentially provide subsidies to better prediction. This article reviews the importance of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and comments on the potential of novel lipid biomarkers involved in the physiopathology of CVD. The Framingham cohorts proved the role of traditional risk factors (physical inactivity, smoking, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, plasma glucose) in the prediction of cardiovascular events. However, a significant number of individuals that suffer from a cardiovascular event has few or none of these factors. Such finding indicates the need for new biomarkers able to identify plaques that are more susceptible to rupture. Some of bloodstream biomarkers related to lipid metabolism are modified LDL particles, apolipoprotein AI (apo AI), apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)], cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), subtypes of LDL and HDL particles, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). These factors participate in the atherosclerotic process, and are abnormal in individuals at high risk, or in those who suffered from a cardiovascular event. Lp (a) determination is already employed in clinical practice and should be included as a reference parameter for CVD monitoring. Furthermore, there are expectations for wider use of apo B, non-HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol / HDL-C determination to improve cardiovascular risk assessment.

Reassessing lipid metabolism and its potentialities in the prediction of cardiovascular risk

There are numerous particles, enzymes, and mechanisms in the lipid metabolism that are involved in the genesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Given its prevalence in populations and its impact on mortality, it is relevant to review the lipid metabolism as it may potentially provide subsidies to better prediction. This article reviews the importance of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and comments on the potential of novel lipid biomarkers involved in the physiopathology of CVD. The Framingham cohorts proved the role of traditional risk factors (physical inactivity, smoking, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, plasma glucose) in the prediction of cardiovascular events. However, a significant number of individuals that suffer from a cardiovascular event has few or none of these factors. Such finding indicates the need for new biomarkers able to identify plaques that are more susceptible to rupture. Some of bloodstream biomarkers related to lipid metabolism are modified LDL particles, apolipoprotein AI (apo AI), apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)], cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), subtypes of LDL and HDL particles, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). These factors participate in the atherosclerotic process, and are abnormal in individuals at high risk, or in those who suffered from a cardiovascular event. Lp (a) determination is already employed in clinical practice and should be included as a reference parameter for CVD monitoring. Furthermore, there are expectations for wider use of apo B, non-HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol / HDL-C determination to improve cardiovascular risk assessment.

Human milk bank: the breastfeeding counseling and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding / Banco de leite humano: o apoio à amamentação e a duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo

OBJECTIVE: To identify which sociodemographic factors are associated with early weaning and compare the duration of exclusive breast feeding between mothers which received counseling about maternal feeding and mothers which was not guided for these practices METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 25 mothers that received counseling about the benefits of maternal feeding in the human milk bank and 25 from a university hospital that were not counseled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing mother-related data, the infant and the breastfeeding in the first semester. Comparison and odds ratio were the statistical analyses adopted RESULTS: There was not a significant difference of the duration of exclusive breast-feeding between the two groups (p = 0,524). Among mothers in the human milk bank group that discontinued early exclusive breast-feeding, fewer children (p=0,034) and a higher frequency of maternal work (p = 0,022) were observed. Wile, in the university hospital group low education (p < 0.001) and lower income (p = 0.009) were prevalent. In the totality of the sample, the interruption of exclusive breast-feeding was associated with <1 children (OR = 0.21, p = 0.030), the presence of a partner (OR = 0.046, p = 0.001) and the use of bottles or pacifiers (OR = 87.5, p <0.001). In both groups, the most cited motivation for exclusive breast-feeding discontinuation was the medical assistance. It was observed the absence of a specific standard guideline provided in the Human Milk Bank, and less than the recommended number of consultations in the literature CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic factors and inadequate incentives negatively influence the duration of exclusive breast feeding. It was verified the need to provide standardized and more frequent counseling for effective reduction of early weaning.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Identificar quais fatores sociodemográficos estão associados ao desmame precoce e comparar a duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo entre mães que receberam orientações sobre aleitamento materno e mães que não receberam MÉTODO: Estudo transversal realizado com 25 mães orientadas sobre aleitamento materno no Banco de Leite Humano e 25 não orientadas, provenientes de um Hospital Universitário. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário estruturado abordando dados relacionados à mãe, ao lactente e ao aleitamento materno no primeiro semestre. Comparação e razão de chances foram as análises estatísticas adotadas RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa na duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo entre os grupos (p = 0,524). Entre as mães que interromperam precocemente o aleitamento materno exclusivo, menor número de filhos (p = 0,034) e maior frequência de trabalho materno (p = 0,022) foram observados. Já, no segundo grupo a baixa escolaridade (p < 0,001) e a menor renda (p = 0,009) foram mais frequentes. Na população total, associaram-se à interrupção do aleitamento materno exclusivo o número de filhos inferior a 1 (OR = 0,21; p = 0,030), presença de cônjuge (OR = 0,046; p = 0,001) e a utilização de bicos artificiais (OR = 87,5; p < 0,001). O motivo mais citado para tal interrupção foi a orientação do médico em ambos os grupos. Observou-se inexistência de um padrão específico de orientações prestadas no Banco de Leite Humano, além de uma média de consultas inferior ao recomendado na literatura CONCLUSÕES: Fatores socioeconômicos e incentivo inadequado exercem influência negativa na duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo. Observa-se a necessidade de fornecer orientações padronizadas e mais frequentes às lactantes, para redução eficaz do desmame precoce.(AU)

Banco de leite humano: o apoio à amamentação e a duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo / Human milk bank: the breastfeeding counseling and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding

To identify which sociodemographic factors are associated with early weaning and compare the duration of exclusive breast feeding between mothers which received counseling about maternal feeding and mothers which was not guided for these practices METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 25 mothers that received counseling about the benefits of maternal feeding in the human milk bank and 25 from a university hospital that were not counseled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing mother-related data, the infant and the breastfeeding in the first semester. Comparison and odds ratio were the statistical analyses adopted RESULTS: There was not a significant difference of the duration of exclusive breast-feeding between the two groups (p = 0,524). Among mothers in the human milk bank group that discontinued early exclusive breast-feeding, fewer children (p=0,034) and a higher frequency of maternal work (p = 0,022) were observed. Wile, in the university hospital group low education (p < 0.001) and lower income (p = 0.009) were prevalent. In the totality of the sample, the interruption of exclusive breast-feeding was associated with <1 children (OR = 0.21, p = 0.030), the presence of a partner (OR = 0.046, p = 0.001) and the use of bottles or pacifiers (OR = 87.5, p <0.001). In both groups, the most cited motivation for exclusive breast-feeding discontinuation was the medical assistance. It was observed the absence of a specific standard guideline provided in the Human Milk Bank, and less than the recommended number of consultations in the literature CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic factors and inadequate incentives negatively influence the duration of exclusive breast feeding. It was verified the need to provide standardized and more frequent counseling for effective reduction of early weaning.

Identificar quais fatores sociodemográficos estão associados ao desmame precoce e comparar a duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo entre mães que receberam orientações sobre aleitamento materno e mães que não receberam MÉTODO: Estudo transversal realizado com 25 mães orientadas sobre aleitamento materno no Banco de Leite Humano e 25 não orientadas, provenientes de um Hospital Universitário. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário estruturado abordando dados relacionados à mãe, ao lactente e ao aleitamento materno no primeiro semestre. Comparação e razão de chances foram as análises estatísticas adotadas RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa na duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo entre os grupos (p = 0,524). Entre as mães que interromperam precocemente o aleitamento materno exclusivo, menor número de filhos (p = 0,034) e maior frequência de trabalho materno (p = 0,022) foram observados. Já, no segundo grupo a baixa escolaridade (p < 0,001) e a menor renda (p = 0,009) foram mais frequentes. Na população total, associaram-se à interrupção do aleitamento materno exclusivo o número de filhos inferior a 1 (OR = 0,21; p = 0,030), presença de cônjuge (OR = 0,046; p = 0,001) e a utilização de bicos artificiais (OR = 87,5; p < 0,001). O motivo mais citado para tal interrupção foi a orientação do médico em ambos os grupos. Observou-se inexistência de um padrão específico de orientações prestadas no Banco de Leite Humano, além de uma média de consultas inferior ao recomendado na literatura CONCLUSÕES: Fatores socioeconômicos e incentivo inadequado exercem influência negativa na duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo. Observa-se a necessidade de fornecer orientações padronizadas e mais frequentes às lactantes, para redução eficaz do desmame precoce.

[Intestinal microbiota and cardiometabolic risk: mechanisms and diet modulation]. / Microbiota intestinal e risco cardiometabólico: mecanismos e modulação dietética.

The gut microbiota obtained after birth is composed of a large range of bacteria that play different roles in the human host, such as nutrient uptake, protection against pathogens and immune modulation. The intestinal bacterial content is not completely known, but it is influenced by internal, and mainly by external factors, which modulate its composition and function. Studies indicate that the gut microbiota differs in lean and obese individuals, and in individuals with different food habits. There is evidence that the relationship between diet, inflammation, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic risk are, in part, mediated by the composition of intestinal bacteria. Knowledge about the gut microbiota may result in different strategies to manipulate bacterial populations and promote health. This review discusses the relevance of understanding the role of dietary factors or patterns in the composition of the microbiota, as well as pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic metabolic diseases, and the potential of prebiotics and probiotics on the cardiometabolic risk profile.

Microbiota intestinal e risco cardiometabólico: mecanismos e modulação dietética / Intestinal microbiota and cardiometabolic risk: mechanisms and diet modulation

A microbiota intestinal, adquirida no período pós-natal, é composta por grande diversidade de bactérias que desempenham diferentes funções no hospedeiro humano, entre elas a absorção de nutrientes, proteção contra patógenos e modulação do sistema imune. O conteúdo bacteriano intestinal ainda não é totalmente conhecido, mas sabe-se que é influenciado por fatores internos e principalmente externos que modulam sua composição e função. Estudos indicam que a microbiota intestinal difere em indivíduos magros e obesos e ainda naqueles que mantêm hábitos alimentares diferentes. Há evidências de que as relações entre dieta, inflamação, resistência à insulina e risco cardiometabólico são em parte mediadas pela composição de bactérias intestinais. Conhecimentos sobre a microbiota poderão reverter em diferentes estratégias para manipular as populações bacterianas e promover saúde. Esta revisão aborda a relevância do conhecimento sobre o papel de fatores ou padrões alimentares na composição da microbiota, assim como mecanismos fisiopatológicos de doenças metabólicas crônicas e as potencialidades de prebióticos e probióticos sobre o perfil de risco cardiometabólico.

The gut microbiota obtained after birth is composed of a large range of bacteria that play different roles in the human host, such as nutrient uptake, protection against pathogens and immune modulation. The intestinal bacterial content is not completely known, but it is influenced by internal, and mainly by external factors, which modulate its composition and function. Studies indicate that the gut microbiota differs in lean and obese individuals, and in individuals with different food habits. There is evidence that the relationship between diet, inflammation, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic risk are, in part, mediated by the composition of intestinal bacteria. Knowledge about the gut microbiota may result in different strategies to manipulate bacterial populations and promote health. This review discusses the relevance of understanding the role of dietary factors or patterns in the composition of the microbiota, as well as pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic metabolic diseases, and the potential of prebiotics and probiotics on the cardiometabolic risk profile.

Is plasma alpha-tocopherol associated with electronegative LDL in obese adolescents?

Obesity has increased in children and adolescents. What is reflected in the early occurrence of cardiometabolic alterations, like hypertension and type 2 diabetes, where the oxLDL formation is stimulated. Various studies have shown that plasma α-tocopherol (α-TP) can protect LDL against oxidation. Nevertheless, the action of plasma α-TP in cardiovascular diseases remains controversial. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate plasma α-TP and its impact on the concentration of LDL(-). Adolescents (n=150) of both sexes were classified into three groups: healthy weight (HW; 50%), overweight (OV; 22%), and obese (OB; 28%). Lipid profile, LDL(-), anti-oxLDL and anti-LDL(-) antibodies, CRP (ELISA) and plasma α-TP (HPLC) were analyzed. Demographic, anthropometric, and food intake data were evaluated. Crude and energy-adjusted intake of vitamin E in the OB group were higher than in the HW group (p<0.001). Crude and energy-adjusted vitamin E intakes were not correlated with plasma α-TP (r=-0.07; p=0.412 and r=-0.064; p=0.467, respectively). Subjects in the OB group had higher TC and LDL-C and lower HDL-C than in the HW and OV groups. C-reactive protein and anti-oxLDL antibodies changed as a function of BMI. The impact of obesity was reinforced by high values for LDL(-) and low content of plasma α-TP in comparison with the HW (p<0.001) and OV groups (p=0.03). This negative profile was maintained for the ratio between α-TP and TC or LDL-C. Plasma α-TP, α-TP/TC and α-TP/LDL-C were negatively associated with LDL(-) and other cardiometabolic risk factors (BMI, WC, AC and anti-oxLDL). Our results demonstrate that obesity in adolescents is associated with high levels of LDL(-) and low plasma α-TP content.

Electronegative low-density lipoprotein: origin and impact on health and disease.

Oxidative modifications in lipoproteins (LP), especially in low-density lipoproteins (LDL), are associated with initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The levels of a sub-fraction of LDL with oxidative characteristics, named electronegative LDL [LDL(-)], minimally oxidized LDL, and minus LDL, are known to be increased in subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, patients undergoing hemodialysis, and athletes after aerobic exercise. In addition to the oxidative profile, physical and biological characteristics of LDL(-) consist of nonenzymatic glycosylation, increased expression and activity of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) and phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), enriched NEFA content, hemoglobin and ApoB-100 cross-linking, and increase in ApoC-III and ApoE in LDL. Herein, we summarize the state of the art of the up-to-date body of knowledge on the possible origin and impact of LDL(-) in health and disease. Further, the potential perspectives of using LDL(-) as a biomarker in conditions under metabolic stress are also discussed.

Associação da atividade da Lp-PLA2 e de antioxidantes lipossolúveis com marcadores cardiometabólicos em adolescentes / Association of Lp-PLA activity and fat-soluble antioxidants with cardiometabolic markers in adolescents

Introdução: A obesidade se caracteriza como um processo oxidativo e inflamatório, que predispõe adolescentes, de modo precoce, a eventos até recentemente pouco frequentes nessa faixa etária. Assim, a ação da enzima Fosfolipase A associada às lipoproteínas (Lp-PLA ), que reduz fosfolipídios oxidados e gera lisofosfolipídios, bem como a disponibilidade de antioxidantes plasmáticos, representam um importante tema de pesquisa no contexto cardiovascular. Objetivo: Verificar se a atividade da LP-PLA 2 2 e a concentração de antioxidantes lipossolúveis se associam com os principais marcadores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes. Métodos: Duzentos e quarenta e dois adolescentes (10 a 19 anos), de ambos os sexos foram distribuídos, segundo o índice de massa corporal (IMC), em três grupos: Eutróficos (n=77), Sobrepeso (n=82) e Obesos (n=83). A amostra foi caracterizada através de parâmetros sócio-econômicos, estado de saúde, uso de medicamentos, antedecentes familiares de doenças crônicas e prática de atividade física. Foram avaliados ainda os dados antropométricos (peso, altura e composição corporal - bioimpedância), e o consumo alimentar por meio de três recordatórios 24 h. A partir de uma amostra de sangue coletada após jejum (12h), realizaram-se as análises da atividade da Lp-PLA , LDL(-) e seus auto-anticorpos, perfil lipídico (colesterol total, LDL-C, HDL-C e triglicerídeos), tamanho da HDL, proteína transportadora de éster de colesterol (CETP), ácidos graxos não esterificados (NEFAs), adipocitocinas, assim como antioxidantes (retinol, licopeno, -tocoferol e -caroteno) no plasma. Resultados: Artigo 1: Lp-PLA maybe an important cardiovascular biomarker in obese adolescents. Verificou-se que o perfil lipídico, insulina, HOMA-IR (resistência à insulina) e LDL(-) evidenciaram um maior risco cardiovascular nos adolescentes obesos. A atividade da enzima Lp-PLA 2 mostrou uma variação proporcional ao IMC, circunferência da cintura e porcentagem de gordura.

Electronegative low-density lipoprotein is associated with dense low-density lipoprotein in subjects with different levels of cardiovascular risk.

Dyslipidemias and physicochemical changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are very important factors for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, pathophysiological properties of electronegative low-density lipoprotein [LDL(-)] remain a controversial issue. Our objective was to investigate LDL(-) content in LDL and its subfractions (phenotypes A and B) of subjects with different cardiovascular risk. Seventy-three subjects were randomized into three groups: normolipidemic (N; n = 30) and hypercholesterolemic (HC; n = 33) subjects and patients with CAD (n = 10). After fasting, blood samples were collected and total, dense and light LDL were isolated. LDL(-) content in total LDL and its subfractions was determined by ELISA. LDL(-) content in total LDL was lower in the N group as compared to the HC (P < 0.001) and CAD (P = 0.006) groups. In the total sample and in those of the N, HC, and CAD groups, LDL(-) content in dense LDL was higher than in light LDL (P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, and 0.033, respectively) The impact of LDL(-) on cardiovascular risk was reinforced when LDL(-) content in LDL showed itself to have a positive association with total cholesterol (beta = 0.003; P < 0.001), LDL-C (beta = 0.003; p < 0.001), and non-HDL-C (beta = 0.003; P < 0.001) and a negative association with HDL-C (beta = -0.32; P = 0.04). Therefore, LDL(-) is an important biomarker that showed association with the lipid profile and the level of cardiovascular risk.

Impacto da proteína-C reativa no risco cardiovascular de adolescentes / Impact of C-reactive protein on cardiovascular risk in adolescents

FUNDAMENTO: Vários estudos sugerem que a proteína-C reativa (PCR) se correlaciona com doença arterial coronariana em adultos. Entretanto, essa associação ainda é pouco explorada em adolescentes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre a PCR e os fatores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes obesos. MÉTODOS: Oitenta e quatro adolescentes (12,6 ± 1,3 anos), ambos os sexos, foram distribuídos nos grupos Eutrófico (n = 28), Sobrepeso (n = 28) e Obeso (n = 28), segundo o índice de massa corpórea (IMC). A concentração de PCR (ELISA ultrassensível), o perfil lipídico e o conteúdo de anticorpos anti-LDLox (ELISA) foram determinados após jejum de 12h. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram semelhantes quanto a idade (p = 0,13) e sexo (p = 0,83). Colesterol total, HDL-C, CT/HDL-C e LDL-C/HDL-C apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos Eutrófico e Obeso. Não houve variação significativa no conteúdo de anticorpos anti-LDLox. Os valores de PCR foram diferentes entre os três grupos (p < 0,01). PCR apresentou associação significativa com IMC (β = 2,533), CB (β = 2,645) e CC (β = 2,945), CT (β = 0,006), LDL-C (β = 0,006) e anticorpos anti-LDLox (β = 0,383) e negativa entre HDL-C (β = -0,017). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados indicam que a PCR se associa significativamente com marcadores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes.

BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest that C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with coronary artery disease in adults. However, this association has not been thoroughly explored in cases of adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between CRP and cardiovascular risk factors in obese adolescents. METHODS: Eighty-four adolescents (12.6 ± 1.3 years) of both genders were divided into the following groups: Normal weight (n = 28), Overweight (n = 28), and Obese (n = 28), according to body mass index (BMI). CRP levels (ultrasensitive ELISA), the lipid profile, and anti-oxLDL antibody levels (ELISA) were determined after a 12-hour fast. RESULTS: The groups were similar in age (p = 0.13) and gender (p = 0.83). Total cholesterol, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C showed significant differences between Normal weight and Obese groups. There was no significant variation in anti-oxLDL levels. CRP values were different among the three groups (p < 0.01). CRP levels showed a significant association with BMI (β = 2.533), AC (β = 2.645), WC (β = 2.945), TC (β = 0.006), LDL-C (β = 0.006), and anti-oxLDL antibodies (β = 0.383), and a negative association with HDL-C (β = -0.017). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that CRP is significantly associated with markers of cardiovascular risk in adolescents.

[Impact of C-reactive protein on cardiovascular risk in adolescents]. / Impacto da proteína-C reativa no risco cardiovascular de adolescentes.

BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest that C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with coronary artery disease in adults. However, this association has not been thoroughly explored in cases of adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between CRP and cardiovascular risk factors in obese adolescents. METHODS: Eighty-four adolescents (12.6 +/- 1.3 years) of both genders were divided into the following groups: Normal weight (n = 28), Overweight (n = 28), and Obese (n = 28), according to body mass index (BMI). CRP levels (ultrasensitive ELISA), the lipid profile, and anti-oxLDL antibody levels (ELISA) were determined after a 12-hour fast. RESULTS: The groups were similar in age (p = 0.13) and gender (p = 0.83). Total cholesterol, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C showed significant differences between Normal weight and Obese groups. There was no significant variation in anti-oxLDL levels. CRP values were different among the three groups (p < 0.01). CRP levels showed a significant association with BMI (beta = 2.533), AC (beta = 2.645), WC (beta = 2.945), TC (beta = 0.006), LDL-C (beta = 0.006), and anti-oxLDL antibodies (beta = 0.383), and a negative association with HDL-C (beta = -0.017). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that CRP is significantly associated with markers of cardiovascular risk in adolescents.

Avaliação das condições microbiológicas de refeições de trabalhadores rurais do leste de Minas Gerais / Evaluation of the microbiological conditions of meals to rural workers in the east of Minas Gerais

Este trabalho avaliou a qualidade microbiológica de marmitas dos trabalhadores, conhecidos vulgarmente como bóias-frias. Das 30 amostras de marmitas analisadas, 15 (50 por cento) estavam em condições sanitárias insatisfatórias, por apresentarem nível de contaminação por Staphylococus aureus, Bacillus cereus, ou coliformes fecais acima do limite tolerável pela legislação vigente federal. Embora a contagem aeróbia mesófílica não seja considerada pela legislação brasileira, como um elemento de avaliação da qualidade microbiológica de refeições prontas ao consumo, 16 (53,33 por cento) das amostras apresentaram contagem acima de 105ufc/g. Medidas educativas com relação às boas práticas de manuseio de alimentos serão implementadas.

Qualidade microbiológica de águas minerais comercializadas em Ouro Preto, MG / Microbiological quality of mineral water commercialized in Ouro Preto, MG

Avaliou-se a qualidade microbiológica da água mineral comercializada em Ouro Preto (MG). Foi aplicado um plano de amostragem indicativa, que incluíam embalagens de 500ml, 1500ml e de 201. Coliformes totais, coliformes fecais, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, clostrídios redutores de sulfito, enterococos e a contagem padrão, foram os microrganismos analisados segundo a legislação pertinente. Do total de 50 amostras analisadas, 43 (86 por cento) apresentaram resultados microbiológicos satisfatórios. Sete amostras (14 por cento), não atenderam ao padrão vigente, devido à presença de Pseudomonas aeruginosa de 1,1 a maior que 23 (NMP/100ml). Entretanto, 25 (50 por cento) das amostras de água mineral apresentaram contagem padrão acima de 500ufc/ml, o qual é o limite tolerável para a água de abastecimento público. Comparativamente, quatro amostras de água potável tratada, foram analisadas para todos os microrganismos anteriormente relacionados. Os resultados microbiológicos encontrados foram mais satisfatórios do que os da água mineral.