Marcell Alysson Batisti Lozovoy

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Overweight Subjects With or Without Metabolic Syndrome

Although oxidative stress is considered the underlying mechanism by which dysfunctional metabolism occurs in obese subjects, there are few studies on oxidative stress in overweight subjects. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in overweight subjects. There were 123 subjects (50 in the control group and 73 in the overweight group) chosen to participate in this cross‐sectional study. The control group included 50 healthy individuals with a BMI between 20 and 24.9 kg/m2 and without MetS. The overweight group included 73 subjects with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2. Overweight subjects were divided into two groups: with MetS (29 subjects) and without MetS (44 subjects). Control group and overweight group subjects without MetS showed no differences in oxidative stress parameters and total antioxidant capacity (TRAP). Overweight subjects with MetS had higher hydroperoxide concentrations measured by chemiluminescence compared to the control group (P < 0.05), higher hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide concentrations determined by ferrous oxidation‐xylenol orange assay compared to overweight subjects without MetS (P < 0.001), and higher advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) concentrations (P < 0.001) compared to the other groups. AOPP was directly correlated with uric acid concentrations. Overweight subjects with MetS had lower TRAP concentrations compared to the control group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, this study showed that overweight subjects with MetS, in contrast to overweight subjects without MetS, have a redox imbalance characterized by increased plasma oxidation and reduced antioxidant capacity.

Beneficial effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on glycemia and homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women is an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity, especially stroke and coronary heart disease and mortality. Preventing and treating MetS would be useful in preventing disability and promoting normal aging. Previous human studies have found some beneficial effects of Lactobacillus species on some isolated parameters of MetS. Nevertheless, we are not aware, to date, of any study which has verified the influence of probiotics in patients with MetS. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of fermented milk with L. plantarum in the classical parameters related to MetS, as well as in other parameters related to cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women. METHODS Twenty-four individuals were paired by age, ethnicity, and body mass index in two groups: Non-fermented milk (NFM = 12) 80 mL/d and fermented milk (FM = 12) 80 mL/d. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, biochemical, inflammatory, and immunologic biomarkers were measured. RESULTS Total cholesterol and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase had a significant reduction both in NFM (P = 0.043 and P = 0.036, respectively) and FM groups (P = 0.010 and P = 0.018, respectively) after 90 d, whereas low-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed a significant reduction in NFM group (P = 0.002) and trend in the FM group (P = 0.092). Glucose and homocysteine levels showed a significant reduction in the FM group compared with the NFM group (P = 0.037 and P = 0.019, respectively). In relation to inflammatory biomarkers, there was a significant decrease in interleukin-6 both in NFM (P = 0.032) and in FM (P = 0.001) groups. CONCLUSION FM with L. plantarum showed more favorable results than NFM in relation to cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with MetS.

Blood pressure decrease with ingestion of a soya product (kinako) or fish oil in women with the metabolic syndrome: role of adiponectin and nitric oxide.

The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of fish oil and a soya-based product on inflammatory markers and endothelial function measured by NO in women with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of sixty-five women (mean age: 47·9 (SD 9·98) years) were studied in a 90-d parallel, randomised design. A control group maintained their usual diet; the second group received 29 g/d of soyabean (kinako); the third group received 3 g/d of fish oil n-3 fatty acids; and the fourth group received fish oil (3 g/d) and kinako (29 g/d). Anthropometric, blood pressure (BP), inflammatory markers, anti-inflammatory marker (adiponectin) and NO concentrations were evaluated. In relation to the baseline values, the group that received fish oil and kinako concomitantly presented a statistically significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP; P < 0·05), whereas there was a significant decrease in diastolic BP (DBP) in the control group (P < 0·05), kinako group (P < 0·01) and fish oil group (P < 0·01) after 90 d. There was a significant increase in adiponectin (P < 0·01) and NO values (P < 0·05) after 90 d in the kinako and fish oil groups. Differences between treatment groups verified a significant decrease (P < 0·05) in DBP in the kinako group after 90 d when compared to the results obtained from the fish oil and kinako groups. In conclusion, the findings of increased serum adiponectin and NO metabolite levels after 90 d, both in the fish oil and soya groups, reinforce the importance of the influence of adiponectin and NO levels on BP decrease in patients with the MetS.

Nitric oxide enhancement and blood pressure decrease in patients with metabolic syndrome using soy protein or fish oil.

OBJECTIVE To verify the effects of fish oil and soy on nitric oxide (NO) and blood pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Sixty women with MS were investigated in a parallel randomized design study. The first group maintained their usual diet; the second group received 25 g/day of soy; the third group received 3 g/day of n-3 fatty acids, and the fourth group the same amount previously cited of n-3 fatty acids and soy. RESULTS Serum nitric oxide metabolites showed significant increase after 90 days in the fish oil and soy groups. Systolic pressure reduced after 45 days of treatment with fish oil, whereas diastolic pressure decreased significantly throughout the study in the soy group. CONCLUSIONS NO increase and blood pressure reduction with fish oil or soy protein reinforce the importance of the influence of NO on blood pressure in patients with MS.

Reduced-energy cranberry juice increases folic acid and adiponectin and reduces homocysteine and oxidative stress in patients with the metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises pathological conditions that include insulin resistance, arterial hypertension, visceral adiposity and dyslipidaemia, which favour the development of CVD. Some reports have shown that cranberry ingestion reduces cardiovascular risk factors. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of this fruit in subjects with the MetS. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of reduced-energy cranberry juice consumption on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with the MetS, and to verify the effects of cranberry juice concomitantly on homocysteine and adiponectin levels in patients with the MetS. For this purpose, fifty-six individuals with the MetS were selected and divided into two groups: control group (n 36) and cranberry-treated group (n 20). After consuming reduced-energy cranberry juice (0·7 litres/d) containing 0·4mg folic acid for 60 d, the cranberry-treated group showed an increase in adiponectin (P=0·010) and folic acid (P=0·033) and a decrease in homocysteine (P<0·001) in relation to baseline values and also in comparison with the controls (P<0·05). There was no significant change in the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-a, IL-1 and IL-6. In relation to oxidative stress measurements, decreased (P<0·05) lipoperoxidation and protein oxidation levels assessed by advanced oxidation protein products were found in the cranberry-treated group when compared with the control group. In conclusion, the consumption of cranberry juice for 60 d was able to improve some cardiovascular risk factors. The present data reinforce the importance of the inverse association between homocysteine and adiponectin and the need for more specifically designed studies on MetS patients.

The uric acid metabolism pathway as a therapeutic target in hyperuricemia related to metabolic syndrome

Introduction: Uric acid (UA) increase is considered an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) favoring oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction and is also involved in metabolic syndrome (MS) pathophysiology. Areas covered: Insulin has a physiological action on renal tubules, causing a reduction in UA clearance, what could explain the hyperuricemia found in MS. On the other hand, it was also hypothesized a causal role of UA in fructose-induced MS. Moreover, it has been suggested that higher UA levels predict the development of MS. MS subjects present a redox imbalance and UA participates in this process. UA can contribute to oxidative stress present in MS; however, it has also an important role in the antioxidant defense system. Although UA may have a protective effect due to its antioxidant properties, it is clear that the dominant effect of UA in MS is deleterious. All-cause mortality and CVD have been shown to be increased with higher UA levels. Expert opinion: It is extremely important to prescribe drugs which concomitantly decrease hyperuricemia and improve co-morbidities associated with hyperuricemia. Long-term studies to verify the consequences of decreasing UA concentration below current recommendations in asymptomatic patients are needed.

Efeito dos ácidos graxos n-3 no perfil glicêmico e lipídico, no estresse oxidativo e na capacidade antioxidante total de pacientes com síndrome metabólica

OBJECTIVE Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of factors which favors the development of cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can improve some of these factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fish oil on glucose and lipid profiles, oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity (TRAP) in patients with MS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We conducted a clinical trial in 40 patients with the MS (20 controls and 20 patients receiving 3 g/day of PUFAs). SUBJECTS AND RESULTS The group that received treatment showed a significant decrease in levels of triglycerides and increased in TRAP, but they had a significant increase in LDL, glucose and insulin resistance. CONCLUSION We conclude that intake of fish oil resulted in decreased levels of triglycerides and increased the TRAP of patients with MS; however, increased LDL levels and insulin resistance, were observed.

Effect of soy product kinako and fish oil on serum lipids and glucose metabolism in women with metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVES At the doses typically used to treat hypertriacylglycerolemia, fish oil may increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and blood glucose levels. The aim of the present study was to verify whether soy could attenuate the effects of fish oil on blood lipids and carbohydrate metabolism in patients with metabolic syndrome. METHODS Sixty-five women (47.9 ± 9.98 y) were studied with the use of a parallel, randomized design. The control group maintained the usual diet; the second group received 29.14 g/d of soy (kinako); the third group received 3 g/d of fish oil n-3 fatty acids; and the fourth group received fish oil (3 g/d) and kinako (29.14 g/d). Assessments were performed at baseline and after 45 and 90 d. RESULTS In relation to baseline values, fish oil increased (P < 0.05) total and LDL cholesterol, glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels after 90 d. Comparisons among groups demonstrated a decrease (P < 0.05) in total cholesterol in the fish oil and kinako group after 90 d as compared with the fish oil group. LDL cholesterol decreased (P < 0.01) in the kinako group as compared with the fish oil group. Blood glucose and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels decreased after 90 d (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) and insulin levels decreased (P < 0.05) after 45 d when the kinako group was compared with the fish oil group. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that kinako moderates the adverse effects of high doses of fish oil on LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and glucose metabolism levels.

Immunological and biochemical parameters of patients with metabolic syndrome and the participation of oxidative and nitroactive stress

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a multifactorial disease involving inflammatory activity and endothelial dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the changes in lipoperoxidation, in immunological and biochemical parameters and nitric oxide metabolite (NOx) levels in MS patients. Fifty patients with MS (4 males/46 females) and 50 controls (3 males/47 females) were studied. Compared to control (Mann-Whitney test), MS patients presented higher serum levels (P < 0.05) of fibrinogen: 314 (185-489) vs 262 (188-314) mg/dL, C-reactive protein (CRP): 7.80 (1.10-46.50) vs 0.70 (0.16-5.20) mg/dL, interleukin-6: 3.96 (3.04-28.18) vs 3.33 (2.55-9.63) pg/mL, uric acid: 5.45 (3.15-9.65) vs 3.81 (2.70-5.90) mg/dL, and hydroperoxides: 20,689 (19,076-67,182) vs 18,636 (15,926-19,731) cpm. In contrast, they presented lower (P < 0.05) adiponectin: 7.11 (3.19-18.22) vs 12.31 (9.11-27.27) µg/mL, and NOx levels: 5.69 (2.36-8.18) vs 6.72 (5.14-12.43) µM. NOx was inversely associated (Spearmans rank correlation) with body mass index (r = -0.2858, P = 0.0191), insulin resistance determined by the homeostasis model assessment (r = -0.2530, P = 0.0315), CRP (r = -0.2843, P = 0.0171) and fibrinogen (r = -0.2464, P = 0.0413), and positively correlated with hydroperoxides (r = 0.2506, P = 0.0408). In conclusion, NOx levels are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. The high uric acid levels together with reactive oxygen species generation may be responsible for the reduced NO levels, which in turn lead to endothelial dysfunction. The elevated plasma chemiluminescence reflecting both increased plasma oxidation and reduced antioxidant capacity may play a role in the MS mechanism.

Cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus: far beyond Th1/Th2 dualism lupus: cytokine profiles

The aims of this study were to delineate cytokine profiles of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), construct prediction models for diagnosis and disease activity using those profiles, and to examine the associations between TNFB Ncol polymorphism, body mass index (BMI) and vitamin D levels with cytokine levels. Two hundred SLE patients and 196 healthy controls participated in this case–control study. Plasma cytokines levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐ 4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12 and IL‐17 were measured and cytokines profiles were computed. IL‐6, IL‐12, IL‐17, IFN‐γ and IL‐10 levels were significantly higher in SLE, while IL‐4 was lower in SLE. The Th1/Th2 and Th1+Th17/Th2 profiles were significantly higher in SLE than in healthy controls, whereas there were no significant differences in the proinflammatory cytokine profile (TNFα+IL‐6+IL‐1β). In total, 90.4% of all subjects were correctly classified using Th1+Th17 profile and IL‐10 (positively associated) and IL‐4 (negatively associated) as predictor variables (sensitivity=66.7% and specificity=96.9%). In all, 20.9% of the variance in the SLE Disease Activity Index was predicted by the Th1+Th17/Th2 ratio, IL‐10 and BMI (all positively) and proinflammatory profile (inversely associated). B1/B1 genotype is accompanied by increased IL‐17 and Th17/Th2 ratio, while B1/B2 genotype is accompanied by higher IL‐4 and IFNγ values. 25‐OH vitamin D was inversely associated with IFN‐γ levels. SLE is accompanied by Th1, Th17 and Treg profile and lowered IL‐4 production. Lowered vitamin D levels and B1/B1 genotype, but not BMI, contribute to changes in cytokines profiles. Future treatments should target Th1, Th2 and Th17 profiles rather than inflammatory cytokines.