Antonio Augusto Ferreira Carioca

Interaction of SNP in the CRP gene and plasma fatty acid profile in inflammatory pattern: A cross-sectional population-based study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the interaction of three single nucleotide polymorphisms in the C-reactive protein (CRP) gene and plasma fatty acid (FA) levels in modulating inflammatory profile. METHODS A total of 262 subjects, aged >19 y and <60 y, participated in a cross-sectional, population-based study performed in Brazil. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1205, rs1417938, and rs2808630) spanning the CRP gene were genotyped. Eleven plasma inflammatory biomarkers and plasma FA profile were determined. Cluster analysis was performed to stratify individuals based on eleven inflammatory biomarkers into two groups: an inflammatory (INF) and a noninflammatory group. RESULTS The INF cluster had higher age, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure; higher levels of triacylglycerol, high-sensitivity CRP, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-10, soluble monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, C16:0, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and omega (n)-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid; and greater C20:4n-6, C18:1/18:0, and C20:4/20:3 ratios than the noninflammatory group. Statistically significant gene-plasma C16:1n-7 interaction was detected for rs1417938 (P = 0.047). Those with a dominant homozygous rs2808630 had a lower risk of belonging to the INF group with the upper 50th percentile of C20:4n-6, n-3 highly unsaturated FA, and C20:4/20:3 ratio. Regarding rs1205, A allele carriers had lower risk of being in the INF group when C20:5n-3 and n-3 highly unsaturated FA levels were greater than the median. CONCLUSIONS The INF group exhibited changes in metabolic parameters that predispose this group to chronic disease, where polymorphisms in the CRP gene modulated the risk of being in the INF group depending on individual plasma fatty acid and lipid profile.

Healthy dietary pattern is inversely associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in elderly

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising, an increase that may be associated with changes in lifestyle such as unhealthy dietary patterns. Although advanced age is a risk factor for NAFLD, no studies reporting this association in the elderly population were found. In the present study, the association between dietary patterns and NAFLD in the elderly was assessed. A study including 229 older adults was conducted. NAFLD diagnosis was defined as individuals whose ultrasound examination disclosed hepatic steatosis at any stage, in the absence of excess intake of alcoholic beverages. Dietary patterns were obtained by principal components analysis. Mean scores and standard errors of each dietary pattern were calculated for the groups with and without NAFLD, and mean scores of the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The prevalence ratios and 95 % CI were estimated for each tertile of the dietary pattern adherence scores using Poisson multiple regression models with robust variance. A total of 103 (45 %) elderly with NAFLD and four dietary patterns were identified: traditional, regional snacks, energy dense and healthy. Mean scores for adherence to the healthy pattern in the groups with and without NAFLD differed. NAFLD was inversely associated with greater adherence to the healthy pattern and directly associated with the regional snacks, after adjustment for confounders. In conclusion, healthy dietary pattern is inversely associated with NAFLD in elderly.

Fish oil and vitamin E change lipid profiles and anti-LDL-antibodies in two different ethnic groups of women transitioning through menopause

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.

Antigos e novos indicadores antropométricos como preditores de resistência à insulina em adolescentes

OBJECTIVE Despite the importance of insulin resistance (IR) on chronic diseases development, its diagnosis remains invasive. Thus, its necessary to develop alternative methods to predict IR on clinical practice, and the anthropometric indices are a good alternative to it. Given that, this studys purpose is to evaluate these indices behavior in relation to HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance). MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected weight, height and waist circumference from 148 adolescents. Through these indices, we calculated the body mass index (BMI), inverted body mass index (iBMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and conicity index (C index). We also collected data from body composition (body fat percentage - %BF), through electric impedance, and biochemical data (fasting glucose and insulin levels) employed on the HOMA-IR calculation. The HOMA-IR cutoff adopted was of 2.39±1.93. The statistical analysis involved the Spearman correlation analysis, multiple linear regression models and ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curves construction, using 95% CI. We used the statistic pack SPSS v.18, considering p<0.05 as the significance level. RESULTS All anthropometric indices were statistically and positively correlated to HOMA-IR. The ROC curve showed that WC, WHtR and C index, in this order, were the most efficient to predict IR. CONCLUSION Among the indicators studied, those related to central fat accumulation seem the most suitable for predicting IR.Objective Despite the importance of insulin resistance (IR) on chronic diseases development, its diagnosis remains invasive. Thus, it’s necessary to develop alternative methods to predict IR on clinical practice, and the anthropometric indices are a good alternative to it. Given that, this study’s purpose is to evaluate these indices behavior in relation to HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance). Materials and methods: We collected weight, height and waist circumference from 148 adolescents. Through these indices, we calculated the body mass index (BMI), inverted body mass index (iBMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and conicity index (C index). We also collected data from body composition (body fat percentage – %BF), through electric impedance, and biochemical data (fasting glucose and insulin levels) employed on the HOMA-IR calculation. The HOMA-IR cutoff adopted was of 2.39±1.93. The statistical analysis involved the Spearman correlation analysis, multiple linear regression models and ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curves construction, using 95% CI. We used the statistic pack SPSS v.18, considering p<0.05 as the significance level. Results All anthropometric indices were statistically and positively correlated to HOMA-IR. The ROC curve showed that WC, WHtR and C index, in this order, were the most efficient to predict IR. Conclusion Among the indicators studied, those related to central fat accumulation seem the most suitable for predicting IR.

Letramento em saúde de diabéticos tipo 2: fatores associados e controle glicêmico

Diabetes mellitus patients must concentrate on self-care, with complex treatments and adequate health behavior in which such habits are a key factor. Due to the complexity of this issue, the importance of literacy in health arises. The goal of the study was to analyze factors associated with literacy in health and its relation with glycemic control in diabetic patients. It involved a study with 82 type 2 diabetic patients of both sexes and aged between 19 and 59 attended in the outpatient endocrinology ward of a public hospital, who filled out an abbreviated and translated version of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (b-TOFHLA). Fasting glycaemia values and glycated hemoglobin were collected from the clinical history of the participants. Correlations, mean comparisons and linear regression models were tested. Inadequate literacy in health was encountered in 65.9% of the patients. The issues involved factors associated with the b-TOFHLA point scores were age and years of schooling. Global literacy did not explain the glycemic control, but the level of numeracy presented an association with this control. The results point to the need to improve the numeracy in health of the patients to obtain enhanced glycemic control, mainly in those with more advanced age and less years of schooling.Diabetes mellitus patients must concentrate on self-care, with complex treatments and adequate health behavior in which such habits are a key factor. Due to the complexity of this issue, the importance of literacy in health arises. The goal of the study was to analyze factors associated with literacy in health and its relation with glycemic control in diabetic patients. It involved a study with 82 type 2 diabetic patients of both sexes and aged between 19 and 59 attended in the outpatient endocrinology ward of a public hospital, who filled out an abbreviated and translated version of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (b-TOFHLA). Fasting glycaemia values and glycated hemoglobin were collected from the clinical history of the participants. Correlations, mean comparisons and linear regression models were tested. Inadequate literacy in health was encountered in 65.9% of the patients. The issues involved factors associated with the b-TOFHLA point scores were age and years of schooling. Global literacy did not explain the glycemic control, but the level of numeracy presented an association with this control. The results point to the need to improve the numeracy in health of the patients to obtain enhanced glycemic control, mainly in those with more advanced age and less years of schooling.

Association of oxidative stress biomarkers with adiposity and clinical staging in women with breast cancer

Background/Objectives:Breast cancer is a disease characterised by both oxidative reactions and inflammation. However, few studies have focused on the oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between oxidative stress markers and adiposity and clinical staging, as well as the association between the oxidative and the antioxidant biomarkers of women with breast cancer.Subjects/Methods:A total of 135 cases of breast cancer occurring in 2011 and 2012 were assessed. After exclusions, 101 pre- and post-menopausal women with clinical staging I to IV were eligible to participate in the study. The anthropometric evaluation was performed by collecting data on waist circumference, body mass index and body composition. The socioeconomic and clinical profiles were determined using a standard questionnaire. For the oxidative biomarkers, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), low-density lipoprotein(−) (LDL(−)), autoantibody anti-LDL(−) and liposoluble antioxidants (α-tocopherol, retinol and β-carotene) were analysed. The data were analysed using differences in the mean values, correlation tests and multiple linear regression.Results:The antioxidant levels were higher in postmenopausal women with clinical staging I and II and negative lymph nodes. The TBARS level was associated with clinical staging. Adiposity was associated with levels of retinol and 8-OHdG, whereas LDL(−), 8-OHdG and TBARS were correlated with liposoluble antioxidants after adjusting for the confounders.Conclusions:The adiposity and clinical staging of patients were associated with oxidative stress. The oxidative and antioxidant biomarkers showed a negative correlation in patients with breast cancer.

The relationship between carbohydrate quality and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome: challenges of glycemic index and glycemic load

PurposeTo estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in adults and older adults residents of São Paulo, the association of MetS with the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) and the foods that contribute to dietary GI and GL in this population.MethodsData from 591 adults and older adults participants in the Health Survey of São Paulo were used. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study with a complex multistage sample design of residents in the urban area of the municipality. Dietary consumption data, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and blood samples were collected. The associations between GI, GL and MetS and its components were tested using logistic regression models, considering the sample design of the study.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS in the adult and older adults residents of São Paulo was 30.3%. There was no association between GI, GL and MetS. GI and GL were positively associated with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), OR = 1.113 (95% CI 1.007–1.230) and OR = 1.019 (95% CI 1.002–1.037), respectively. GL was inversely associated with high blood pressure and this association differed by age group (OR = 0.981; 95% CI 0.964–0.998). Foods that most contributed to dietary GI and GL were sugar, white rice and French bread.ConclusionsConsidering the high prevalence of low HDL-c in the population of São Paulo, GI and GL may contribute to the nutritional therapy of this dyslipidemia. However, findings should be treated with caution, considering several conflicting results between studies.

Is Lipid Accumulation Product Associated with an Atherogenic Lipoprotein Profile in Brazilian Subjects

Background Lipid accumulation product (LAP), a simple and low-cost tool, is a novel biomarker of central lipid accumulation and represents a potential surrogate marker for atherogenic lipoprotein profile. However, its association with lipoprotein subfractions has not been described in the literature. Objective To determine whether LAP index could be used as a marker of low- and high-density lipoprotein (LDL and HDL) size in Brazilian individuals. Methods This cross-sectional study included patients (n = 351) of both sexes and age between 30-74 years. Clinical and sociodemographic data and family history of diseases were evaluated. Lipoprotein size, and levels of total cholesterol (TC), lipoproteins, apolipoprotein AI and B (APO AI/APO B), glucose, insulin, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were assessed in blood samples. LAP was calculated by the formulas [(waist circumference[cm]-58) × (triglycerides[mmol/L]) for women and (waist circumference [cm]-65) × (triglycerides [mmol/L]) for men]. The association between LAP and metabolic parameters were tested by linear trend (general linear model, GLM test) before and after multiple adjustments for potential confounders (sex, age, smoking, statin, fibrate, and hypoglycemic drugs) at significant level p < 0.05. Results LAP was positively associated with TC, APO B, NEFA, glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR values, and negatively associated with HDL-C. Higher central lipid accumulation was corelated with higher percentage of intermediate HDL and of small LDL and HDL and less amount of large HDL. LDL size was also reduced in greater LAP index values. The negative impact of LAP was maintained after adjustment for multiple variables. Conclusion LAP was robustly associated with atherogenic profile of lipoprotein subfractions, independently of multiple confounders.

Genetic Variants Involved in One-Carbon Metabolism: Polymorphism Frequencies and Differences in Homocysteine Concentrations in the Folic Acid Fortification Era

Folate and other B vitamins are essential co-factors of one-carbon metabolism, and genetic variants, such as polymorphisms, can alter the metabolism. Furthermore, the adoption of food fortification with folic acid showed a decrease of homocysteine concentration. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequencies of the polymorphisms of enzymes and carrier proteins involved in one-carbon metabolism, and to evaluate homocysteine concentrations in the presence of these genetic variants in a population exposed to mandatory food fortification with folic acid. Using data from a population-based cross-sectional study in São Paulo, Brazil, the study population comprised 750 participants above 12 years of age of both genders. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the homocysteine concentrations according to genetic variants and folate level. The results showed that the minor allelic frequencies were 0.33 for MTHFR (rs1801133), 0.24 for MTHFR (rs1801131), 0.19 for MTR (rs1805087), 0.42 for MTRR (rs1801394), 0.46 for RFC1 (rs1051266), and 0.47 for DHFR (19-bp deletion). The genetic variants of MTHFR 677C>T, MTRR 66A>G and RFC-1 80G>A were different according to race. The homocysteine concentrations increased in the CT and TT compared to CC genotypes of polymorphism MTHFR 677C>T in all populations, and differences between the homocysteine concentrations according to the genotypes of MTHFR 677C>T were observed regardless of folate level.

Dietary patterns and glycemic indexes in type 2 diabetes patients

Objective To identify the main dietary patterns in type 2 diabetes patients and study their association with glycemic indexes. Methods This is a cross-sectional study carried out in a diabetes treatment reference institution located in the city of Fortaleza (CE). Two R24h were applied, as well as 12h fast blood glucose tests and anthropometric assessments in 188 diabetic patients. The principal components factor analysis method was applied together with a Varimax orthogonal rotation method to identify dietary patterns. The Poisson Regression and the Spearman coefficient were used to test the association with glycemic indexes.