Nadir do Nascimento Nogueira

Mudanças na concentração plasmática de zinco e ácido fólico em adolescentes grávidas submetidas a diferentes esquemas de suplementação

O estado nutricional do zinco e acido folico foi avaliado em 74 adolescentes gravidas, de baixa renda, entre 13 e 18 anos, atendidas no pre-natal na Maternidade Dona Evangelina Rosa, Teresina, Piaui, Brasil. Para avaliar os diferentes esquemas de suplementacao no estado nutricional das adolescentes, estas foram aleatoriamente distribuidas em cinco grupos: Os grupos I e II receberam quantidades iguais de acido folico (250µg) e diferentes concentracoes em ferro (sulfato ferroso) 120 e 80mg, respectivamente. Os grupos III e IV receberam quantidades iguais de acido folico (250µg) associado ao sulfato de zinco (5mg) e ferro nas concentracoes de 120 e 80mg, respectivamente e o grupo V, apenas ferro, 120mg (rotina). Os resultados quanto ao zinco mostraram uma reducao na sua concentracao plasmatica, sendo esse declinio significativo apenas nos grupos que nao receberam o mineral. Quanto ao uso associado de ferro/acido folico e ferro/acido folico/zinco, verifica-se excelente resposta no estado nutricional referente ao acido folico, sendo esse efeito mais expressivo nos grupos que receberam acido folico associado ao zinco, sugerindo a possivel participacao do zinco no aproveitamento da vitamina.

Controle da anemia ferropriva em pré-escolares por meio da fortificação de alimento com concentrado de Hemoglobina Bovina (estudo preliminar)

O efeito da introducao de biscoitos fortificados com ferro heminico no estado de nutricao de ferro de pre-escolares foi avaliado em um estudo piloto que inclui 16 criancas, com idade entre 2 e 4 anos, de uma creche publica do estado do Piaui. A fonte de ferro utilizada foi o sangue bovino seco pelo processo de leito de jorro, uma alternativa para a secagem em spray, adaptada para a secagem de sangue. A primeira tomada de amostra, detectou-se anemia (Hb < 11 g/dL) em 12 criancas (75%). O valor medio de Hb foi de 9,4 2,6 g/dL. Os biscoitos fortificados com 3% de concentrado de hemoglobina bovina foram introduzidos na dieta oferecida (5 biscoitos (4mg Fe)/d) durante 3 meses. Apos esse periodo, houve aumento da concentracao de hemoglobina em todas as criancas e ausencia de anemia (Hb = 13,2 0,2 g/dL). Os resultados obtidos apontam para a utilizacao do sangue total seco como uma fonte de ferro heminico possivel de ser utilizada na fortificacao de alimentos, principalmente dirigidos a grupos de risco de anemia por deficiencia de ferro, como e o caso dos pre-escolares.

Perfil nutricional de recém-nascidos de mães adolescentes suplementadas com ferro, em diferentes concentrações, zinco e ácido fólico

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of newborn infants of low income adolescent mothers, aged up to 18 years old, supplemented during pregnancy with iron, in different concentrations, zinc and folic acid. These mothers received prenatal care supervision in the Institute of Social Perinatology of Piaui, Dona Evangelina Rosa Maternity, located in the city of Teresina, Piaui, Northeast of Brazil. The adolescents were distributed at random into five groups: groups I and II received constant quantities of folicc acid (250 µg) and different iron concentrations, in the form of iron sulfate (120 and 80 mg, respectively); groups III and IV received constant quantities of folic acid (250 µg) associated to zinc sulfate (5 µg) and iron in the concentrations of 120 and 80 mg, respectively; and group V, considered control, received only 120 mg of iron (Institution routine). The evaluation of the nutritional status of 74 newborn infants was done through data referring to their age, weight, height and cephalic perimeter, on the occasion of their birth. According to the results, the averages of weight (3000 ± 418g), height ( 48.07 ± 2,15 cm) and cephalic perimeter (33.53 ± 1,50 cm) found in children of group V mothers (local routine) did not present significant differences in relation to the intervention groups. The newborn infants of adolescents supplemented with iron in different concentrations (120 and 80 mg), zinc and folic acid, presented a good nutritional profile. However, it was not observed, between the intervention groups and the control, significant differences in the pregnancy duration or in the nutritional status of the babies.

Enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and zincemia in women with preeclampsia

INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is a complex syndrome of unknown aetiologic origin. It is characterized by the clinical triad of hypertension, edema and protenuria. Current concepts of the genesis of preeclampsia include endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the relationship between the activity of superoxide dismutase, the zincemia and the preeclampsia. METHODS A case-control study was carried out with 94 women, age between 17 and 44 years, which were divided in two groups: women with preeclampsia (n = 44) and control group women with normal pregnancy (n = 50). The activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme was determined according to Ransod kit. Zinc concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes were determined using the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique, both determined before delivery and during puerperium. Students t-test and the paired t-test were used for statistical analysis, and significance was established at p < 0.05. RESULTS The study revealed plasma hypozincemia more pronounced in women with severe preeclampsia (p < 0.05). This behavior was not observed in erythrocytes, whose concentrations remained stable, before delivery and puerperium in women with preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. The antioxidant activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase was found elevated in women with and without preeclampsia (p>0.05), with significant reduction in activity in the postpartum period (p < 0.05) in both groups studied (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study shows there are alterations in biochemical parameters of zinc in women with preeclampsia. The activity of superoxide dismutase shows that this marker cannot be used to predict the evolution of the disease.

Effectiveness of different iron supplementation strategies on hemoglobin and ferritin levels among schoolchildren in Teresina, Piauí State, Brazil

This study evaluated the effectiveness of supplementation with ferrous sulfate and iron bis-glycinate chelate on hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels among schoolchildren (7-11 years) of both sexes. A randomized community-based trial including 138 anemic children (hemoglobin < 11.5 g/dL) was conducted in Teresina, Piauí State, Brazil. Children were assigned to two treatment groups on an individual basis. One group (n = 71) received 40 mg iron as ferrous sulfate once weekly and the other group (n = 67) received 3.8 mg of iron bis-glycinate chelate-enriched cookies, 3x/week, for 8 weeks. The interventions showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in hemoglobin levels (1.1g/dL) for children who received ferrous sulfate and 0.9 g/dl in those who received iron bis-glycinate chelate, although not significant in the inter-group comparison (p > 0.05). No effect was observed on body iron for either intervention (p > 0.05). Children with depleted iron stores (< 15 ng/mL) at the beginning of interventions showed increased serum ferritin concentrations after 8 weeks (p < 0.01), although no difference between treatments (p > 0.05) was observed. The results confirm the effectiveness of the iron supplementation interventions and corroborate the use of iron salts or ferrous bisglycinate chelate on a weekly basis to overcome iron deficiency and anemia.

Influence of Cortisol on zinc metabolism in morbidly obese women

INTRODUCTION The accumulation of visceral fat affects the metabolism of hormones and some nutrients, but these mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To assess the influence of cortisol on the metabolism of zinc in morbidly obese women. METHOD Cross-sectional, case-control study involving 80 women aged between 20 and 59 years. The participants were divided into two groups: experimental (morbidly obese, n = 40) and control (normal weight, n = 40). Zinc concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and serum and urinary cortisol by chemiluminescence method. RESULTS Zinc intake was significantly different between groups. Mean plasma zinc was lower in obese compared to control group. Mean values for erythrocyte zinc were 44.52 ± 7.84 µg/gHb and 40.17 ± 6.71 µg/gHb for obese and control groups, respectively. Urinary excretion of this mineral was higher in obese compared to control subjects (p < 0.05). Mean values for plasma cortisol were 9.58 ± 4.86 µg/dL for obese and 9.89 ± 5.61 µg/dL for control groups. Mean values for urinary cortisol were 163.00 ± 100.35 µg/dL and 109.71 ± 34.88 µg/dL for obese and control groups, respectively (p > 0.05). The correlation analysis between cortisol and zinc was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Obese patients have hypozincemia and high erythrocyte zinc levels. The correlation between zinc parameters and cortisol concentration showed no influence of this hormone on zinc metabolism.

Oxidative stress and immunological alteration in women with preeclampsia

Objectives: To determine plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and of inflammatory markers in women with preeclampsia. Methods: A case–control study was conducted on 50 preeclamptic and 50 healthy pregnant women. The concentrations of MDA were determined by the method of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Markers of inflammation were determined by the multiplex method. Results: The concentrations of MDA did not differ between groups (p > 0.05) and the preeclampsia group had significantly higher IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-6/IL-10 ratio, compared to those with normal pregnancy. Conclusions: The MDA is a nonspecific marker for oxidative stress in preeclampsia, and the gestantes with preeclampsia have immune dysfunction.

Effect of zinc supplementation on superoxide dismutase activity in patients with ulcerative rectocolitis

INTRODUCTION Ulcerative rectocolitis is characterized by diffuse mucosal inflammation and oxidative stress. Thus, the organism activates the antioxidant defence system in an attempt to reduce the excessive production of reactive oxygen species or neutralize them. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the effect of zinc supplementation on the activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in patients with ulcerative rectocolitis. METHODS The study included 24 patients, aged between 20 and 59 years and diagnosed with ulcerative rectocolitis, in the remission stage of the disease, who were divided into two groups: experimental - deficient in zinc (n=12) and control - normal or high zinc (n=12). Only the first group underwent supplement intervention, in the form of zinc gluconate (30 mg Zn/day), taken daily in the morning, fasted for 60 days. Plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The erythrocyte SOD activity was determined in vitro according to the methodology recommended by the manufacturer Randox. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Zinc supplementation caused a significant increase in the plasma concentrations of the mineral, and showed a significant reduction in erythrocyte zinc, remaining within normal limits. The SOD activity was high in patients of both the experimental and control groups, with no difference after supplementation. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that zinc supplementation improves the homeostatic condition of the mineral, with no change in SOD activity, as a marker of oxidative stress in patients with ulcerative rectocolitis.

Concentrações de hemoglobina e ferritina sérica em escolares da rede pública municipal de Teresina, Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil

OBJECTIVES: to assess iron nutritional status of public school children in Teresina, Piaui, Brazil. METHODS: a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 747 school children of both sexes, aged between seven and eleven years, who were randomly selected using a two-step sampling procedure, in August/September 2000. Children with hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations less than 11.5 g/dL were evaluated as anemic and low body iron (Sfer< 15µg/L) was evaluated in 207 children. RESULTS: the prevalence of anemia was 14.3% (95%CI 12.2-17.4) and of low body iron 20.3% (95%CI 15.2-26.6). Anemia and body iron depletion were not correlated with gender (p=0.60; p=0.96, respectively) or age group (p=0.85; p=0.53, respectively). SFer was not correlated (r=0.1; p=0.168) with Hb concentrations. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (Hb< 11.5g/dL and SFer< 15.0µg/L) was 26.3% (95%CI 17.3-37.5). CONCLUSIONS: iron deficiency and anemia seem to be a public health problem among school children in Teresina. Concerted action to prevent and control these conditions is strongly recommended. However, all anemia cannot be explained by iron deficiency. Therefore, it may be wise to consider other etiologies, such as micronutrient status, parasite infestation, hereditary disorders and exposure to environmental pollutants.

Mineral status and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in Alzheimer’s disease

The study evaluated the dietary intake of zinc and copper, as measured by plasma and erythrocyte concentrations, the Cu/Zn ratio and measure the erythrocyte superoxide dismutase enzyme (eSOD) activity and the relationship between these markers and the degree of dementia in elderly individuals with and without Alzheimers Disease (AD). A total of 93 elderly people aged 60-94 years were divided into two groups: with AD (n=44) and without AD (n=49). The NINCDS-ADRDA criteria were used for diagnosing AD, and dementia staging was determined using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale. The dietary intake of Zn and Cu was obtained from a standard 3-day food record. Plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of the minerals were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and by measuring eSOD activity in an automatic biochemical analyzer. The results showed dietary intake of Zn and Cu above the reference values with no differences observed between the two groups (p>0.05). Plasma and erythrocyte normocupremia as well as alteration in the Zn pool, with its reduced plasma concentrations and high in the erythrocytes, were observed in both groups (p>0.05). The plasma Cu/Zn ratio were not significantly different in patients with and without AD (p>0.05). The eSOD activity was high in both patient groups (p>0.05). However, among elderly patients with AD there was a positive correlation between this marker and dementia severity. According to our study results, we conclude that plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of Cu and Zn, as well as Cu/Zn ratio among elderly individuals is not related to Alzheimers Disease. However, antioxidant activity of eSOD is associated with dementia severity.