Green tea supplementation upregulates uncoupling protein 3 expression in severe obese women adipose tissue but does not promote weight loss.

This study aims (i) to verify expression of the UCPs, PLIN1, PPARG2, and ADRB3 genes in the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese women at baseline and after 8 weeks of supplementation with decaffeinated green tea extract, and (ii) to associate findings with clinical parameters. This is a longitudinal study during which 11 women with obesity grade III were submitted to supplementation with 450 mg of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (intervention group); the control group consisted of 10 eutrophic women. Anthropometric parameters [weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)], resting metabolic rate (RMR, measured by indirect calorimetry), and gene expression (measured by real-time PCR, RT-qPCR) were determined before and after supplementation. After 8 weeks, clinical parameters and UCP1, PLIN1, PPARG2, and ADRB3 expression remained unaltered in the intervention group (p > .05). Genetic analysis also showed that the UCP3 gene was upregulated (p = .026), but its upregulation did not promote weight loss.

Influence of excess weight loss and weight regain on biochemical indicators during a 4-year follow-up after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery produces a substantial weight loss and improves the comorbidities associated with obesity such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, although inability to lose weight or weight regain has been estimated to occur in 20 % of cases. The objective of the present study was to assess the influence of weight variations on biochemical indicators during a 4-year period after bariatric surgery. METHODS: A 4-year retrospective longitudinal study was conducted on 138 patients with grade III obesity submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, with the assessment of anthropometric measurements and biochemical indicators. The patients were divided into two groups according to percent excess weight loss (%EWL): %EWL > 50 % and %EWL < 50 %, and into two groups according to weight regain: <10 % and >10 %. The Student t test for independent samples was used to assess the differences in biochemical indicators between groups (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Four years after surgery, there was a weight loss of 49.4 ± 21.8 kg and %EWL of 61 ± 21.2 %, with 73.2 % (n = 101) of the patients showing %EWL of 50 % or more. Significant weight regain occurred in 24.6 % of the sample. There was a difference in weight, BMI, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and albumin between patients with different %EWL. No difference in biochemical indicators was observed between subjects with and without regain. CONCLUSION: Four years after surgery, greater %EWL was associated with a better lipid profile. In addition, weight regain did not change the biochemical indicators of this patient series.

Impact of green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate on HIF1-α and mTORC2 expression in obese women: anti-cancer and anti-obesity effects? / Impacto del té verde epigalocatequina-3-galato en la expresión de HF1-a y mTORC2 en mujeres obesas: ¿efectos anticancerígenos y antiobesidad?

Introduction: epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin contained in green tea (Camellia sinensis) and has been associated with anti-obesity and anti-cancer effects, but the exact molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this context, this study was designed to improve the understanding of the EGCG anti-obesity and anti-cancer action. Objectives: this study was designed to examine the effects of EGCG on the expression of genes involved in obesity and cancer pathways in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of obese women. Material and methods: this longitudinal interventional study enrolled eleven women with severe obesity that were submitted to eight weeks of green tea (decaffeinated green tea capsules with 450.7 mg of EGCG, two capsules/day) supplementation (intervention group) and ten eutrophic women as a control group. Weight (kg), body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), fat mass (kg) and gene expression (qPCR method) were assessed before and after supplementation. HIF1-alpha (HIF1-α), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) and rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR) were selected as potential targets. Results: after supplementation, body weight (114.9 ± 14.3 versus 115 ± 13.8 kg), body mass index (44.1 ± 3.7 versus 44.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2) and fat mass (47.6 ± 3.3 versus 47.3 ± 3.4 kg) did not change. EGCG upregulated the RICTOR and HIF1-α expression, however, did not modify PI3K expression. Conclusion: this study demonstrated that EGCG has a potential role to obesity and cancer related to obesity control and can be used not only for the purpose of weight loss, but also for the improvement of obesity-related comorbidities

Introducción: la obesidad se asocia con altos niveles de estrés oxidativo (EO) e inflamación. Existe mucha evidencia de que algunos polifenoles, como el té verde, tienen un impacto positivo en el estado del sistema operativo y consecutivamente en la inflamación. Objetivos: los propósitos de este estudio fueron: a) acceso a biomarcadores de EO en mujeres obesas y de peso normal; y b) evaluar si la suplementación con té verde tiene impacto en los biomarcadores de citoquinas inflamatorias y de EO de mujeres obesas. Métodos: evaluamos mujeres obesas (índice de masa corporal - IMC ≥ 40 kg/m²) y peso normal (IMC entre 18,5 y 24,9 kg/m²). Se utilizaron muestras de sangre para acceder al malondialdehído (MDA), la capacidad antioxidante equivalente de Trolox (TEAC) y las citoquinas inflamatorias. Elegimos al azar pacientes obesos (18 individuos) y luego les dimos suplementos de té verde durante 8 semanas. El análisis estadístico incluyó las pruebas de Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, t pareadas e independientes, p < 0,05 se consideraron significativas. Resultados: se reclutaron 42 mujeres obesas (IMC: 48,2 ± 9,3 kg/m2) y 21 de peso normal (IMC: 22,5 ± 2 kg/m2) con una edad promedio de 36,2 ± 9,1 años. Los niveles séricos de MDA fueron más altos en las personas obesas (2,52 ± 0,31 μmol/L) que en las mujeres eutróficas (2,13 ± 0,26 μmol/L; p = 0.000). Por otro lado, se observaron valores de TEAC más bajos en obesos (0,75 ± 0,06 mM) que en el grupo eutrófico (0,78 ± 0,04 mM; p = 0,009). Después de la intervención del té verde, la MDA disminuyó 4,7% y el TEAC aumentó 10%. Los niveles séricos de interleucina-6 (IL-6) disminuyeron 12,7% después del tratamiento (p = 0,03). Conclusiones: el grupo obeso tenía menor capacidad antioxidante que el eutrófico. La suplementación con té verde mejoró TEAC y MDA y redujo los niveles séricos de IL-6 en mujeres obesas

Comparison of gene expression profile between blood cells and white adipose tissue of patients with obesity / Comparación del perfil de expresión génica entre células de la sangre y el tejido adiposo blanco de pacientes con obesidad

Introduction: Gene expression analyses from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and white adipose tissue are conflicting. It seems that results from single tissue are not enough to explain how changes affect humans as a complex biological system. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare, from obesity subjects, PBMC and white adipose tissue gene expression that regulates adipogenesis (perilipin 1 [PLIN1], adrenoreceptor beta 3 [ADRB3] and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [PPARG2]) and the energy metabolism (uncoupling protein UCP1, UCP2 and UCP3) process. Methods: This study enrolled 35 obese patients, with a body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m2 (obesity group [OG]), and ten eutrophic health subjects, 18 > BMI > 24.9 kg/m2 (control group [CG]). Anthropometric and body composition data were assessed at recruitment using standardized protocols. Samples of peripheral blood and subcutaneous adipose tissue (biopsy) were collected to analyze gene expression by RT-qPCR technique. For statistical analysis, we used the Shapiro-Wilk test and Wilcoxon tests by the SPSS software version 20.0; a p < 0.05 significance level was adopted. Results: There were significant differences of PLIN1, ADRB3, PPARG2 and UCP3 expression between blood against adipose tissue samples, showing that these genes are upregulated in adipose tissue. UCP2 expression was upregulated in PBMC. Conclusion: The PLIN1, ADRB3, PPARG2 and UCP3 genes were preferentially expressed in adipose tissue. However, UCP2 was upregulated in PBMC, suggesting that this gene may be assessed in a peripheral blood cell, which is easily accessible, safe and practical (AU)

Introducción: la expresión de genes de células mononucleares de sangre periférica y de tejido adiposo blanco es contradictoria. Los resultados del tejido no son suficientes para explicar cómo afectan los cambios al ser humano como un sistema biológico complejo. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue comparar, en individuos con obesidad, la expresión de genes que regulan los procesos de adipogénesis (PLIN1, ADRB3 y PPARg2) y el metabolismo energético (UCP1, UCP2 y UCP3) en sangre y tejido adiposo blanco. Métodos: este estudio incluyó a 35 pacientes con obesidad e índice de masa corporal (IMC) > 40 kg/m2 en el grupo obesidad (GO) y a diez personas sanas con peso normal (18 > IMC > 24,9 kg/m2) en el grupo control (GC). Los datos antropométricos y de composición corporal fueron obtenidos por protocolos estandarizados. Se recogieron muestras de sangre periférica y tejido adiposo subcutáneo (biopsia) para analizar la expresión génica por la técnica de RT-qPCR. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizaron el test de Shapiro-Wilk y pruebas de Wilcoxon mediante el programa SPSS versión 20.0 (p < 0,05). Resultados: no se encontraron diferencias significativas en la expresión de genes PLIN1, ADRB3, PPARg2 y UCP3 entre la sangre y las muestras de tejido adiposo, mostrando que estos genes son regulados positivamente en el tejido adiposo. La expresión del gen UCP2 fue regulada positivamente en sangre. Conclusión: los genes PLIN1, ADRB3, PPARg2 y UCP3 se expresaron de forma preferente en el tejido adiposo. Sin embargo, el gen UCP2 se reguló positivamente en sangre, lo que sugiere que puede ser evaluado en sangre periférica, que es fácilmente accesible, de forma segura y práctica (AU)

Lipid profile, apolipoprotein A-I and oxidative stress in professional footballers, sedentary individuals, and their relatives.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether lipid profile (LP), apolipoprotein A-1 (apo A-I) and malondialdehyde (MDA) have any relationship with physical exercise by comparing the groups of footballers (FG) with sedentary individuals (CG) and their relatives (RFG and RCG). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty individuals from FG and CG, 60 from RFG, and 57 from RCG were studied. RESULTS: FG showed lower levels of total cholesterol (119.5 ± 37.9 mg/dL), LDL-cholesterol fraction (53.6 ± 30.3), apo A-I (116.7 ± 11.9), and higher level of HDL-cholesterol fraction (HDLc) (49.7 ± 8.5) compared to RFG (148.3 ± 36.9, P = 0.02; 82.4 ± 37.7, P < 0.01; 124.6 ± 10.2, P = 0.03; and 42.7 ± 7.7, P < 0.01; respectively). Moreover, FG had reduced levels of MDA (101.0 ± 77.0 ng/mL) compared to CG (290.0 ± 341.0, P = 0.03) and RFG (209.9 ± 197.5, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest an association between physical exercise and lower levels of MDA in FG. Physical activity seems to promote beneficial effects on the LP regardless of the genetic influence considering HDLc levels.

Lipid profile, apolipoprotein A-I and oxidative stress in professional footballers, sedentary individuals, and their relatives / Perfil lipídico, apolipoproteína A-I e estresse oxidativo em jogadores de futebol profissionais, indivíduos sedentários e seus familiares

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether lipid profile (LP), apolipoprotein A-1 (apo A-I) and malondialdehyde (MDA) have any relationship with physical exercise by comparing the groups of footballers (FG) with sedentary individuals (CG) and their relatives (RFG and RCG). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty individuals from FG and CG, 60 from RFG, and 57 from RCG were studied. RESULTS: FG showed lower levels of total cholesterol (119.5 ± 37.9 mg/dL), LDL-cholesterol fraction (53.6 ± 30.3), apo A-I (116.7 ± 11.9), and higher level of HDL-cholesterol fraction (HDLc) (49.7 ± 8.5) compared to RFG (148.3 ± 36.9, P = 0.02; 82.4 ± 37.7, P < 0.01; 124.6 ± 10.2, P = 0.03; and 42.7 ± 7.7, P < 0.01; respectively). Moreover, FG had reduced levels of MDA (101.0 ± 77.0 ng/mL) compared to CG (290.0 ± 341.0, P = 0.03) and RFG (209.9 ± 197.5, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest an association between physical exercise and lower levels of MDA in FG. Physical activity seems to promote beneficial effects on the LP regardless of the genetic influence considering HDLc levels.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se perfil lipídico (PL), apolipoproteína A-1 (apo A-I) e malondialdeído (MDA) têm relação com atividade física comparando os grupos: jogadores de futebol (FG) com indivíduos sedentários (CG) e seus familiares. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 20 indivíduos de FG e CG, além de 60 familiares de FG (RFG) e 57 de CG (RCG). RESULTADOS: FG mostrou menores níveis (média ± DP [mg/dL]) de colesterol total (119.5 ± 37.9), LDL colesterol (53.6 ± 30.3), e apo A-I (116.7 ± 11.9), e maiores níveis de HDL colesterol (HDLc) (49.7 ± 8.5) comparado ao RFG (148.3 ± 36.9, P = 0.02; 82.4 ± 37.7, P < 0.01; 124.6 ± 10.2, P = 0.03; e 42.7 ± 7.7, P < 0.01; respectivamente). Além disso, o FG mostrou níveis reduzidos de MDA (101.0 ± 77.0 [ng/mL]) comparado a CG (290.0 ± 341.0, P = 0.03) e RFG (209.9 ± 197.5, P = 0.04). CONCLUSÕES: Esses resultados sugerem que existe uma associação entre atividade física e níveis reduzidos de MDA em FG. O exercício físico parece promover efeitos benéficos no PL independente da influência genética considerando os níveis de HDLc.

Medical students' knowledge about end-of-life decision-making / Conhecimento de Estudantes de Medicina sobre Tomada de Decisão no Fim da Vida

The influence of medical students' knowledge concerning end-of-life care, considering ethical theories and clinical practice, remains controversial. We aimed to investigate medical students' knowledge of bioethical concepts related to moral kinds of death (euthanasia, disthanasia, and orthothanasia) and to analyze the influence of their clinical experience on practicing such approaches in a tertiary hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. We interviewed 180 medical students [distributed in Group 1 (G1) - first to third- year students, and Group 2 (G2) - fourth to sixth-year students] to evaluate the influence of the course on "medical ethics" on ethical theories and clinical practice, using a closed questionnaire. The course on "medical ethics" did not distinguish the groups (P=0.704) in relation to bioethical concepts. Neologisms such as "cacothanasia" and "idiothanasia" were incorrectly viewed as bioethical concepts by 28 percent of the interviewees. Moreover, 45.3 percent of the sample considered health care professionals incapable of managing terminally ill patients, especially G2 (29 percent) as compared to G1 (16.5 percent, P=0.031). The concept of euthanasia was accepted by 41 percent of sample, as compared to 98.2 percent for orthothanasia. Among medical students that accepted ways to abbreviate life (22.9 percent), 30.1 percent belonged to G1, and only 16.1 percent to G2 (P=0.049). These medical students were unfamiliar with common bioethical concepts. Moreover, they considered healthcare professionals incapable of managing terminally ill patients. The ethical ideal of the "good death" reflects better acceptance of orthothanasia by medical students, suggesting a tendency to apply it in their future clinical practice.

A influência do conhecimento de estudantes de medicina sobre o manejo com o fim da vida, considerando teorias éticas e aplicabilidade clínica, permanece controversa. Objetivamos investigar o conhecimento de estudantes de medicina sobre conceitos bioéticos a respeito dos tipos morais de morte (Eutanásia, Distanásia e Ortotanásia) e analisar a influência de suas experiências clínicas para praticá-los, em um hospital terciário do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Nós entrevistamos 180 estudantes de medicina [distribuídos em Grupo 1 (G1) - estudantes do primeiro ao terceiro ano de graduação em medicina e Grupo 2 (G2) - estudantes do quarto ao sexto ano] para avaliar a influência do "curso de ética médica" em teorias éticas e prática clínica, utilizando um questionário fechado. O "curso de ética médica" não diferiu os grupos (P=0.704) sobre os conceitos bioéticos. Neologismos como Cacotanásia e Idiotanásia foram erroneamente considerados como conceitos bioéticos por 28 por cento dos indivíduos. Além disso, 45.3 por cento da amostra consideraram os profissionais de saúde inaptos ao manejo de pacientes terminais, principalmente G2 (29 por cento) comparado a G1 (16.5 por cento, P=0.031). O conceito de Eutanásia foi aceito por 41 por cento da amostra, enquanto Ortotanásia por 98.2 por cento. Dentre os estudantes de medicina que aceitaram maneiras para abreviar a vida (22.9 por cento), 30.1 por cento deles pertenciam a G1 enquanto somente 16.1 por cento a G2 (P=0.049). Estudantes de medicina mostram desconhecimento sobre conceitos clássicos em Bioética. Além disso, consideram os profissionais de saúde inaptos ao manejo de pacientes terminais. O ideal ético considerando a "boa morte" reflete melhor aceitação dos estudantes de medicina pela Ortotanásia, sugerindo tendência em aplicá-la em sua futura prática clínica.