Daniela Lopes dos Santos

Response of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers to a 12-week aerobic exercise training in women with metabolic syndrome

BackgroundEvidences have been highlighted the relationship among metabolic syndrome, chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress and several diseases. In this sense, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise training on oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters on women with metabolic syndrome (MS).MethodsTwenty-three untrained women (51.86 ± 6.58 years old, BMI 30.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2) completed a 12-week treadmill exercise training, without modifications on dietary pattern. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), total thiol content (T-SH) and nitrite and nitrate (NOx) levels were assessed in plasma while the levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were evaluated in the serum. The RNA expression (mRNA) of IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were performed inperipheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of a subset with eight women with MS using real real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).ResultsThe intervention resulted in decreased serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, AOPP and TBARS, besides increased levels of IL-10 and T-SH (P < 0.001). NOx concentrations were unchanged, similarly to mRNA expressions quantified in PBMC.ConclusionsTwelve weeks of AT improved systemic oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in women with MS, although PBMC mRNA expression for inflammatory pathways appeared to be unchanged. This may indicate that AT induced beneficial effects not only in physical fitness but also on health promotion through decreased oxidative damage and proinflammatory status.

Clustering of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in Brazilian adolescents: prevalence and correlates.

BACKGROUND Few studies have investigated the prevalence and correlates of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases among Brazilian adolescents. We evaluated the clustering of risk factors and their associations with sociodemographic variables. METHODS We used a cross-sectional study carried out in 2011 comprising 1132 students aged 14-19 years from Santa Maria, Brazil. The cluster index was created as the sum of the risk factors. For the correlates analysis, a multinomial logistic regression was used. Furthermore, the observed/expected ratio was calculated. RESULTS Prevalence of individual risk factors studied was as follows: 85.8% unhealthy diets, 53.5% physical inactivity, 31.3% elevated blood pressure, 23.9% overweight, 22.3% excessive drinking alcohol, and 8.6% smoking. Only 2.8% of the adolescents did not present any risk factor, while 21.7%, 40.9%, 23.1%, and 11.5% presented 1, 2, 3, and 4 or more risk factors, respectively. The most prevalent combination was between unhealthy diets and physical inactivity (observed/expected ratio =1.32; 95% CI: 1.16-1.49). Clustering of risk factors was directly associated with age and inversely associated with socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS Clustering of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases is high in Brazilian adolescents. Preventive strategies are more likely to be successful if focusing on multiple risk factors, instead of a single one.

An active lifestyle induces positive antioxidant enzyme modulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of overweight/obese postmenopausal women.

AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an active lifestyle on mitochondrial functioning, viability, bioenergetics, and redox status markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of overweight/ obese postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study with postmenopausal women aged 45–64 years and body mass index N 25 kg/m2, divided into physically active (n = 23) and sedentary (n = 12) groups. Mitochondria functioning and viability, bioenergetics and redox status parameters were assessed in PBMC with spectrophotometric and fluorometric assays. KEY FINDINGS No differences were found in the enzyme activity of complexes I and II of the electron transport chain (ETC), mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity, methyl-tetrazolium reduction levels and reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione levels between the groups. However, the physically active group presented higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (P= 0.04) and increased catalase (CAT) (P= 0.029), total (P= 0.011) and cytosolic SOD (CuZnSOD) (P= 0.009) activities. SIGNIFICANCE An active lifestyle that includes aerobic exercise for at least 30 min, three times per week may improve antioxidant enzyme activities in PBMC in overweight/obese postmenopausal women, without changes in the activity of the ETC enzymes. However, this low intensity physical activity is not able to induce relevant mitochondrial adaptations.

Barreiras percebidas e hábitos de atividade física de adolescentes escolares de uma cidade do sul do Brasil

The purpose of this study was to analyze physical activity (PA) habits and perceived barriers to PA in high school students from the municipality of Santa Maria, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A total of 424 students with a mean age of 15.69 (± 0.9) years, 54.72% of them male and 45.28% female, took part in the study. The third part of the COMPAC questionnaire was used to assess physical activity habits, and the questionnaire developed by Martins and Petroski (2000), adapted for this study population, to investigate perceived barriers to physical activity. The main perceived barriers were time devoted to studies, absence of an exercise partner, poor weather and long work hours. Girls perceived more barriers than boys. Nearly one-third of participants (32.35%) were considered insufficiently active. Engagement in moderate to vigorous PA differed significantly (p<0.05) between genders, girls being less active. Walking was the most widely practiced activity among girls (76.04%), whereas boys favored soccer (71.90%). There were significant differences in PA between private and public school students; those enrolled in state-run schools were most active. Our results can serve as a reference for specific actions designed to promote physical activity and health.

Perceived barriers and physical activity in adolescent students from a Southern Brazilian city

The purpose of this study was to analyze physical activity (PA) habits and perceived barriers to PA in high school students from the municipality of Santa Maria, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A total of 424 students with a mean age of 15.69 (± 0.9) years, 54.72% of them male and 45.28% female, took part in the study. The third part of the COMPAC questionnaire was used to assess physical activity habits, and the questionnaire developed by Martins and Petroski (2000), adapted for this study population, to investigate perceived barriers to physical activity. The main perceived barriers were time devoted to studies, absence of an exercise partner, poor weather and long work hours. Girls perceived more barriers than boys. Nearly one-third of participants (32.35%) were considered insufficiently active. Engagement in moderate to vigorous PA differed significantly (p<0.05) between genders, girls being less active. Walking was the most widely practiced activity among girls (76.04%), whereas boys favored soccer (71.90%). There were significant differences in PA between private and public school students; those enrolled in state-run schools were most active. Our results can serve as a reference for specific actions designed to promote physical activity and health.

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING ON INFLAMMATORY PARAMETERS IN MEN WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME RISK FACTORS.

BACKGROUND evidences have shown a strongly association between metabolic syndrome (MS), cardiovascular diseases and chronic low-grade inflammation, being this last, related with the occurrence of sarcopenia and atherosclerosis. Despite several benefits, the effects of resistance training (RT) on inflammatory profile are controversial. Thereby, this study aims to investigate the effects of a RT on the inflammatory profile of men with MS risk factors. METHODS fifteen sedentary men (57.53 ± 7.07 years old) with 2 or more MS components underwent a RT for 14 weeks (3 times per week), with intensity ranging between 40 and 70% of one repetition maximum. The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to body composition assessment and serum was collected to evaluate biochemical and inflammatory parameters before and after the RT. RESULTS despite the absence of changes in body weight, total muscular content and biochemical parameters, the individuals demonstrated a reduction on body fat content (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the RT resulted in lower circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin- 6 (p < 0.05), in higher levels of intelerukin-10 (p < 0.05) and in the stabilization of interleukin-1 beta and interferon-gamma concentrations. It was concluded that a moderate RT benefits inflammatory profile, contributing to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Impacts of a Temporary Urban Pop-Up Park on Physical Activity and Other Individual- and Community-Level Outcomes

Physical inactivity is a known risk factor for obesity and a number of chronic diseases. Modifying the physical features of neighborhoods to provide residents with equitable and convenient access to spaces for physical activity (PA) is a promising strategy for promoting PA. Public urban recreation spaces (e.g., parks) play an important role in promoting PA and are potentially an important neighborhood element for optimizing social capital and liveability in cities. Most studies examining the effects of park availability and use on PA have focused on traditional, permanent parks. The aims of this study were to (1) document patterns of park use and park-based PA at a temporary urban pop-up park implemented in the downtown business district of Los Altos, California during July–August 2013 and May–June 2014, (2) identify factors associated with park-based PA in 2014, and (3) examine the effects of the 2014 pop-up park on additional outcomes of potential benefit for park users and the Los Altos community at large. Park use remained high during most hours of the day in 2013 and 2014. Although the park attracted a multigenerational group of users, children and adolescents were most likely to engage in walking or more vigorous PA at the park. Park presence was significantly associated with potentially beneficial changes in time-allocation patterns among users, including a reduction in screen-time and an increase in overall park-time and time spent outdoors. Park implementation resulted in notable use among people who would otherwise not be spending time at a park (85% of surveyed users would not be spending time at any other park if the pop-up park was not there—2014 data analysis). Our results (significantly higher odds of spending time in downtown Los Altos due to park presence) suggest that urban pop-up parks may also have broader community benefits, such as attracting people to visit downtown business districts. Pending larger, confirmatory studies, our results suggest that temporary urban pop-up parks may contribute to solving the limited access to public physical activity recreation spaces many urban residents face.

Colesterolemia, trigliceridemia e excesso de peso em escolares de Santa Maria, RS, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Cholesterol level in childhood is a predictor of cholesterol level in adult life. The consequences of high cholesterol levels summed to other risk factors constitute a worldwide public health problem. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of blood lipid abnormalities and overweight among school students of the city of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 374 children, aged between 10 and 12 years, from public and private schools of the city of Santa Maria, RS, conducted on the second semester of 2005. Total cholesterol levels (TC), fractions of cholesterol (HDL- C and LDL- C), triglycerides (TG) and nutritional status were determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglicemia and overweight found were 4.7%, 8.9% and 20.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference between sexes or public and private schools. The overweight children presented higher prevalence of lipid alterations. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of lipid alterations may be considered low, but the prevalence of overweight among the students of Santa Maria was high, demonstrating hence the importance of public policies and the need for pediatric assistance at this age group. The aims here would be early diagnosis, especially for nutritional advising and stimulus for physical activities, since overweight and blood lipid abnormalities have been pointed out as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Citizen Science applied to building healthier community environments: advancing the field through shared construct and measurement development

BackgroundPhysical inactivity across the lifespan remains a public health issue for many developed countries. Inactivity has contributed considerably to the pervasiveness of lifestyle diseases. Government, national and local agencies and organizations have been unable to systematically, and in a coordinated way, translate behavioral research into practice that makes a difference at a population level. One approach for mobilizing multi-level efforts to improve the environment for physical activity is to engage in a process of citizen science. Citizen Science here is defined as a participatory research approach involving members of the public working closely with research investigators to initiate and advance scientific research projects. However, there are no common measures or protocols to guide citizen science research at the local community setting.ObjectivesWe describe overarching categories of constructs that can be considered when designing citizen science projects expected to yield multi-level interventions, and provide an example of the citizen science approach to promoting PA. We also recommend potential measures across different levels of impact.DiscussionEncouraging some consistency in measurement across studies will potentially accelerate the efficiency with which citizen science participatory research provides new insights into and solutions to the behaviorally-based public health issues that drive most of morbidity and mortality. The measures described in this paper abide by four fundamental principles specifically selected for inclusion in citizen science projects: feasibility, accuracy, propriety, and utility. The choice of measures will take into account the potential resources available for outcome and process evaluation. Our intent is to emphasize the importance for all citizen science participatory projects to follow an evidence-based approach and ensure that they incorporate an appropriate assessment protocol.ConclusionsWe provided the rationale for and a list of contextual factors along with specific examples of measures to encourage consistency among studies that plan to use a citizen science participatory approach. The potential of this approach to promote health and wellbeing in communities is high and we hope that we have provided the tools needed to optimally promote synergistic gains in knowledge across a range of Citizen Science participatory projects.

BENEFÍCIOS DO TREINAMENTO FUNCIONAL PARA O EQUILÍBRIO E PROPRIOCEPÇÃO DE DEFICIENTES VISUAIS

Introducao: A deficiencia visual e uma limitacao sensorial que afeta 6,5 milhoes de pessoas somente no Brasil, chegando a 285 milhoes no mundo. Os sujeitos afetados pela deficiencia visual tem dificuldade maior para manter o equilibrio, ja que a visao e um dos principais sentidos envolvidos nesse complexo processo. Para melhorar essa capacidade fisico-motora e, consequentemente, a qualidade de vida desses sujeitos, e necessario aperfeicoar os outros sistemas de propriocepcao. Um dos metodos para isso e o treinamento funcional. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do treinamento funcional sobre a propriocepcao e o equilibrio de pessoas com deficiencia visual. Metodos: O presente estudo de caso analisou tres sujeitos com cegueira total ou baixa visao, durante um programa de treinamento funcional que teve duracao de 12 semanas, com duas sessoes semanais. O equilibrio postural foi avaliado em uma plataforma de forca, em condicao bipodal e olhos vendados. A avaliacao da propriocepcao de membros superiores foi realizada com um cinesiometro e a avaliacao de membros inferiores foi realizada com a fixacao de um fleximetro na articulacao do joelho dominante do participante, ambas com os olhos vendados. Os resultados foram analisados de maneira descritiva e utilizando a tecnica de analise de series temporais. Resultados: Todos os sujeitos apresentaram melhora do equilibrio postural. Com respeito a propriocepcao do membro superior, o sujeito 1 (S1) apresentou melhora e quanto a propriocepcao do membro inferior todos os sujeitos apresentaram melhora. Conclusao: Dessa forma, os resultados sugerem que o treinamento funcional influenciou positivamente o equilibrio e a propriocepcao desses individuos.