Adiposity, inflammation and fat-soluble vitamins in adolescents / Adiposidade, inflamação e vitaminas lipossolúveis em adolescentes

Abstract Objective: Evaluate the association between inflammatory process, adiposity, and vitamins A, D, and E in adolescents, according to gender. Methods: Cross-sectional study with adolescents aged 12-19 years old of both genders attending public schools in Recife. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socioeconomic level, lifestyle, and food intake of adolescents. Then, an anthropometric evaluation and a blood sampling were performed to analyze serum concentrations of α-1-acid glycoprotein, retinol, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D. Results: The levels of α-1-acid glycoprotein were higher for abdominal obesity in both genders. Male adolescents with insufficient serum α-tocopherol levels had low levels of α-1-acid glycoprotein (p = 0.03) and an increased risk of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D and β-carotene deficiency in relation to total and abdominal fat; female adolescents had an increased risk of insufficient β-carotene with abdominal obesity (PR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.2-1.5). Conclusion: Abdominal adiposity implies a higher risk of inflammation and causes different changes to the levels of fat-soluble vitamins according to gender.

Resumo: Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre processo inflamatório, adiposidade e as vitaminas A, D e E em adolescentes, segundo o sexo. Métodos: Estudo transversal com adolescentes de 12 a 19 anos de ambos os sexos de escolas públicas de Recife. Foi utilizado um questionário para coleta de dados socioeconômicos, de estilo de vida e de consumo alimentar dos adolescentes. Em seguida, realizou-se a avalição antropométrica e coleta de sangue para análise das concentrações séricas de α-1-glicoproteína ácida, retinol, β-caroteno, α-tocoferol e 25-hidroxivitamina D. Resultados: Os níveis de α-1-glicoproteína ácida foram maiores na obesidade abdominal de ambos os sexos. Os meninos com níveis séricos insuficientes de α-tocoferol expressaram níveis reduzidos de α-1-glicoproteína ácida (p = 0,03) e apresentaram um maior risco de deficiência de 25-hidroxivitamina D e β-caroteno na adiposidade total e abdominal, enquanto as meninas mostraram maior risco de insuficiência de β-caroteno com a obesidade abdominal (RP 1,33; IC 95% 1,2-1,5). Conclusão: A adiposidade abdominal reflete maior risco de inflamação e causa alterações distintas nas concentrações das vitaminas lipossolúveis, de acordo com o sexo.

Validation of a food frequency questionnaire to assess the consumption of carotenoids, fruits and vegetables among adolescents: the method of triads / Validação de um questionário de frequência alimentar para avaliar o consumo de carotenóides, frutas e hortaliças: o método das tríades

The aim of this study was to validate the intake of carotenoids, fruits and vegetables estimated by the Food Frequency Questionnaire for Adolescents (FFQA) using the method of triads. Blood samples were collected from 80 elementary school adolescents to assess serum levels of β-carotene. Partial correlation coefficients (r) were calculated between an estimated intake of carotenoids, fruits and vegetables and the serum levels of β-carotene. Validity coefficients were calculated using the method of triads. With the exception of carotenoids, partial r from the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were greater than those of the 24-hour recall (24hR). The fruit/vegetable group showed the highest partial r for the FFQ (r = 0.235) and the 24hR (r = 0.137). The highest validity coefficient was obtained for the vegetable group, as assessed by the FFQ (r = 0.873). On average, the validity coefficient values for the FFQ were greater than those obtained for the 24hR or the β-carotene serum levels. The FFQA is an accurate tool for estimating the intake of carotenoids, fruits and vegetables in this population group.

O objetivo do estudo foi validar a ingestão de carotenóides, frutas e hortaliças estimada pelo Questionário de Frequência Alimentar para Adolescentes (QFAA) utilizando o método das tríades. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas de 80 adolescentes de uma escola de Ensino Fundamental para análise do b-caroteno plasmático. Coeficientes de correlação (r) parciais foram obtidos entre a ingestão de carotenóides, frutas e hortaliças e o b-caroteno plasmático. Os coeficientes de validade foram estimados a partir do método das tríades. O QFA apresentou valores de r parcial superiores ao recordatório alimentar de 24 horas (R24h), exceto para carotenóides. O grupo das frutas/hortaliças apresentou os maiores valores de r parciais tanto para o questionário de frequência alimentar (QFA) (r = 0,235) quanto para R24h (r = 0,137). O maior coeficiente de validade foi o do grupo de hortaliças avaliado pelo QFA (r = 0,873). Os valores de coeficiente de validade observados para o QFA foram em média superiores aos obtidos para R24h e b-caroteno plasmático. O QFAA é um instrumento com boa acurácia para estimar o consumo de carotenóides, frutas e hortaliças nesse grupo populacional.

Nutritional and anthropometric analysis of edentulous patients wearing implant overdentures or conventional dentures

As masticatory efficiency diminishes drastically in edentulous patients, several researchers have studied over the past two decades how dietary intake varies when different types of oral rehabilitation are provided. Since the use of implants to support prostheses in edentulous mandibles has been shown to significantly improve masticatory performance, the question remains as to whether this improvement will influence the nutritional status. The purose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of edentulous patients who randomly received either a mandibular conventional denture (CD) or an implant-supported overdenture (IP) 1 year previously. Weight, height, body composition and handgrip strength measurements were collected for analysis. Blood tests were performed to measure plasma parameters of diet intake. Participants responded to a Food Frequency Questionnaire and a Masticatory Function Questionnaire. Fifty-three people participated (58 percent men, 42 percent women; mean age = 53). Body composition indicators as well as plasma parameters were generally within normal range, and no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was found between the groups. Patients in the CD group had significantly lower ratings for items regarding difficulty in chewing (p<0.05), but no significant difference was found for dietary intake (p>0.05). Although the CD wearers reported having more difficulty in chewing hard foods, both groups appeared to have a similar nutritional status.

O uso de implantes para suportar próteses em pacientes edêntulos completos causa uma melhora significativa na performance mastigatória desses indivíduos. Contudo, a influência desse benefício no estado nutricional do paciente ainda não está completamente estabelecida. Esse estudo avaliou o estado nutricional de pacientes desdentados completos reabilitados com próteses totais convencionais (grupo CD) ou com próteses totais implanto-suportadas (grupo IP) na mandíbula. Foram coletados dados sobre composição corporal e uma amostra de sangue para análise. Os participantes responderam a um questionário sobre freqüência alimentar (QFA) e outro sobre habilidade mastigatória e método de preparo dos alimentos (QMF). A amostra foi composta de 53 participantes selecionados a partir de um estudo randomizado, sendo 58 por cento homens e 42 por cento mulheres, com idade média de 53 anos. Os indicadores de composição corporal se encontraram dentro da normalidade e sem diferenças significativas (p>0.05). O grupo CD obteve valores significativamente diferentes para itens do QMF sobre dificuldade de mastigar (p<0.05). Os dados do QFA e o resultado do exame de plasma estavam dentro dos níveis normais, e os valores entre os grupos foram semelhantes (p>0.05). Embora os participantes que receberam prótese total convencional tenham relatado maior dificuldade de mastigar alimentos duros, os dois grupos apresentaram estados nutricionais semelhantes.

Chemical and biological studies on local husk tomato fruits fed to hyperlipedimic rats at different levels

Husk tomato is uncommon season fruit in Egypt. It was analyzed to identify its nutrient constituents and investigate the possible effect to reduce the overweight and hyperlipedimia of albino rats. Thirty two male albino rats Sprague dawley strains were divided into four groups 8 rats each. The first group [negative control] fed standard diet and the second group was [positive control] hyperlipedimic rats fed standard diet only. The third group hyperlipedimic rats fed standard diet containing 5% of homogeneous pulp of husk tomato fruits and the fourth group hyperlipedimic rats fed standard diet containing 10% homogeneous pulp of husk tomato fruits. Food and water were provided ad libitum for 4 weeks. Rats were weighed twice weekly and food was recorded to estimate the food consumption. At the end of experiment the animals were sacrificed under ether anesthesia. Blood samples were taken from hepatic portal vein. Serum was separated and subjected to biochemical analysis. Liver was removed and washed in saline solution then dried using filter paper and weighed to estimate relative weight. The results showed that all constituents on dry base of Husk tomato fruits were higher than on fresh Husk tomato fruits. Potassium was the highest macro element. The micro element zinc was slightly higher than copper. Values of total carotenoids micro g/100 gm and L-Ascorbic acid mg/100gm were high. Significant reduction [p<0.01] in body weight gain was observed in groups of rats fed a diet containing 5% and 10% of husk tomato fruits compared with negative and positive control groups. The highest food intake was found in groups of rats fed standard diet with 5% husk tomato fruits. Relative weight of liver in groups of rats fed a diet containing 5% and 10% husk tomato fruits were nearly the same as negative control group while [positive control] was the highest relative weight of liver. Total cholesterol cleared reduction [p<0.01] in group of rats fed a diet containing 5% and 10% husk tomato fruits compared with hyperlipedimic rats [positive control] group while significantly higher [p<0.01] than negative control group. Group of rats fed a diet containing 10% husk tomato fruits was the lowest value of triglyceride compared with hyperlipedimic rats [positive control] while higher than negative control group with significant differences at [p<0.01]. Group of rats fed a standard diet containing 10% of husk tomato fruits showed the highest value of HDL-C compared with negative and positive control groups while showed the lowest value [p<0.01] in LDL-C and nearly the same as control group. Group of rats fed a standard diet containing 10% of husk tomato fruits showed the lowest value of VLDL-C compared with other groups. The lowest ratio of total cholesterol to LDL cholesterol was found in positive control group while the lowest ratio of LDL Cholesterol to HDL cholesterol was found in rats group received 10% husk tomato fruits

Associations of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver with the Metabolic Syndrome and Serum Carotenoids / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the associations of non alcoholic fatty liver with metabolic syndrome and the serum carotenoids. METHODS: This study was conducted in a general hospital in South Korea from November, 2004 to August, 2005. The study subjects were 350 sampled persons who were aged from 40 years and older (males: 180, females: 170). They were grouped into the normal, mild and severe groups according to fat accumulation in their livers, as determined by ultrasonography. We analyzed the association between non alcoholic fatty liver and metabolic syndrome by multiple logistic regression analysis and we analyzed the association between non alcoholic fatty liver and the serum carotenoids by a general linear model(ANCOVA). RESULTS: After adjustment for the effect of potential covariates, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was associated with fat accumulation in the liver (p trend <0.001). If the odds ratio of normal group is 1.00, then that of the mild group is 2.80 (95% C.I=1.17-6.71) and that of the severe group is 7.29 (95% C.I=2.76-19.30). The prevalence of metabolic alterations fitting the criteria of metabolic syndrome, according to the class of fat accumulation in the liver, was significantly increased, except for criteria of high blood pressure, a large waist circumference and low HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol level (p trend <0.001). The level of serum beta-carotene was decreased according to the class of fat accumulation in the liver (p trend=0.036), but the levels of serum alpha-carotene, lycopene, bata-cryptoxanthin and lutein were not decreased. CONCLSIONS: This study shows that non alcoholic fatty liver was associated with metabolic syndrome and with the serum beta-carotene level.

Consumo alimentar e concentrações séricas de micronutrientes: associação com lesões neoplásicas e câncer cervical / Diet and serum micronutrientes: association with cervical neoplasia and cancer

Objetivos. O câncer cervical é o segundo câncer mais comum entre as mulheres em todo o mundo. A infecção por Papilomavirus (HPV) do tipo oncogênico é causa necessária. Estudos internacionais sugerem importante papel de carotenóides e tocoferóis séricos e dietéticos na redução do risco para lesões precursoras, mas os resultados dos estudos prévios são inconsistentes. Indivíduos e métodos. O presente estudo de casos e controles de base hospitalar conduzido na cidade de São Paulo analisou a associação entre concentrações séricas de carotenóides (licopeno, ß-caroteno), tocoferóis (α- e γ-), consumo alimentar e casos incidentes, com confirmação histopatológica, de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) graus 1,2,3 e câncer cervical. O estudo incluiu 453 mulheres do grupo controle (sem lesões do colo uterino) e 4 grupos de casos (NIC1, n=140; NIC2, n=126; NIC3, n=231; câncer cervical, n=108) recrutadas em dois hospitais públicos de referência entre 2003 e 2005. Resultados. A concentração sérica de licopeno foi inversamente associada á NIC1, NIC3 e câncer cervical com os seguintes Odds Ratio (OR) (intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento), respectivamente: 0,53 (0,27-1,00; p de tendência=0,05); 0,48 (0,22-1,04; p de tendência=0,05) e 0,18 (0,06-0,52; p de tendência=0,002) quando comparado o maior com o menor tercil após ajuste de variáveis de confusão e grupos de HPV. O maior tercil de ß-caroteno sérico foi inversamente associado ao câncer quando comparado ao menor: OR ajustado = 0,36 (0,13-1,03; p de tendência=0,04). Maiores concentrações de α- e γ-tocoferóis foram inversamente associadas a NIC3 com redução do risco em 50 por cento, após ajustes por covariáveis e HPV. Maior tercil de consumo do grupo de folhas verde-escuras, legumes e frutas de cor alaranjada ou amarela escura foi inversamente associado ao risco para NIC3: OR ajustado comparado ao menor foi 0,52 (0,27-1,00; p de tendência=0,05). Conclusão. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem...

A population-based follow-up study on mortality from cancer or cardiovascular disease and serum carotenoids, retinol and tocopherols in Japanese inhabitants.

OBJECTIVE: Observational epidemiologic studies have shown that a high intake of dietary and high serum levels of carotenoids are associated with a reduced risk of mortality from cancer and cardiovascular disease. To investigate whether high serum levels of carotenoids can reduce mortality rates, a population-based follow-up study was conducted among Japanese inhabitants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three thousand two hundred and fifty-four subjects (1,260 males and 1,994 females) aged from 39 to 85 years who had attended health check-up programs from 1989 to 1995 were recruited from the Japanese population. Serum levels of carotenoids, retinol and tocopherols were separately determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Hazard ratios for serum values of carotenoids, retinol and tocopherols were estimated by Cox's proportional hazard model after adjusting for sex, age, and other confounding factors. RESULTS: During the 11.7-year follow-up period, 140 deaths (86 males and 54 females) from cancer of all sites were identified among the cohort subjects, including 41 from lung , 17 from stomach , 16 from colorectal and 12 from liver cancer, as well as 89 deaths from cardiovascular disease, including 45 from heart disease and 37 from stroke. High serum values of carotenoids including xanthophylls were apparently associated with low hazard ratios for mortality rates of cancer of all sites or of cardiovascular disease. High serum values of beta-carotene, total carotene, provitamin A and total carotenoid for colorectal cancer or stroke also appeared to be related to low hazard ratios. Those of retinol and tocopherols were not associated with any reduction in risk of mortality from cancer or cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our follow-up study demonstrated that a typical Japanese diet related to elevating serum levels of carotenoids with provitamin A activity may significantly reduce risk of mortality from cancer of certain sites or cardiovascular disease, especially colorectal cancer or stroke, while high serum levels of some xanthophylls, retinol and tocopherols do not.

El consumo de Lycopersicum esculentum podría aumentar lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL) y disminuir el estrés oxidativo a corto plazo / Short-term Lycopersicum esculentum consumption may increase plasma high density lipoproteins and decrease oxidative stress

Background: Tomato has a high antioxidant capacity due to its high content of vitamin C, vitamin E and lycopene that is a powerful free radical scavenger. However, the effects of tomato on plasma lipoproteins is not well known, and there is little evidence about the relationship between tomato consumption and oxidative state changes in humans. Aim: To assess in vivo the effects of dietary supplementation with pure concentrated tomato juice on short term changes in oxidative state and plasma lipoproteins in healthy volunteers. Subjects and methods: Seventeen healthy volunteers were studied. They received a supplement of pure tomato juice during 7 days. At baseline, at the end of the supplementarion period and eight days after the end of the supplementation, a blood sample was drawn to measure total antioxidant capacity (TRAP), enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase), non-enzimatic antioxidants (lycopene and a-tocopherol) and plasma lipoproteins. Results: Lycopene level increased early and significantly in comparison with basal levels (48%; p <0.05). TRAP, catalase and superoxide dismutase did not change significantly. HDL cholesterol increased significantly in 5.6±4.3 mg/dL (p <0.002) on the second sampling period, improving the ratio cholesterol/HDL. It returned to baseline in the third period. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation of concentrated tomato juice significantly increases lycopene levels and HDL cholesterol. Non significant changes observed in TRAP, catalase and superoxide dismutase were observed during the supplementation period.

Lycopene and ß-carotene protect in vivo iron-induced oxidative stress damage in rat prostate

It has been suggested that iron overload may be carcinogenic. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of plasma and prostate carotenoid concentration on oxidative DNA damage in 12-week-old Wistar rats treated with intraperitoneal (ip) ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) (10 mg Fe/kg). Plasma ß-carotene and lycopene concentrations were measured as a function of time after ip injection of carotenoids (10 mg kg-1 day-1 ß-carotene or lycopene) in rats. The highest total plasma concentration was reached 3 and 6 h after ip injection of lycopene or ß-carotene, respectively. After 5 days of carotenoid treatment, lycopene and ß-carotene were present in the 0.10-0.51 nmol/g wet tissue range in the prostate. Using a sensitive method to detected 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) by HPLC/EC, the level of 8-oxodGuo in rat prostate DNA was significantly higher (6.3 ± 0.6 residues/10(6) dGuo) 3 h after Fe-NTA injection compared with control rats (1.7 ± 0.3 residues/10(6) dGuo). Rats supplemented with lycopene or ß-carotene for 5 days prior to Fe-NTA treatment showed a reduction of about 70 percent in 8-oxodGuo levels to almost control levels. Compared with control rats, the prostate of Fe-NTA-treated animals showed a 78 percent increase in malondialdehyde accumulation. Lycopene or ß-carotene pre-treatment almost completely prevented lipid damage. Epidemiological studies have suggested a lower risk of prostate cancer in men reporting a higher consumption of tomato products. However, before associating this effect with tomato sauce constituents, more information is required. The results described here may contribute to the understanding of the protective effects of carotenoids against iron-induced oxidative stress.

Status of carotenoids, vitamin A, and vitamin E in the mother-infant dyad and anthropometric status of infants in Malawi.

This prospective study was carried out during February 2000-April 2003 to characterize the relationship between the status of carotenoids, vitamin E, and retinol and anthropometric status in apparently healthy infants and their mothers in Blantyre, Malawi. Anthropometric status of infants and concentrations of carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene), retinol, and alpha-tocopherol in plasma were measured in 173 infants at 12 months of age, and concentrations of carotenoids, retinol, and a-tocopherol in plasma were measured in their mothers two weeks postpartum. In multivariate analyses, concentrations of retinol, total carotenoids, non-provitamin A carotenoids, and alpha-tocopherol in infants were associated with under-weight (p = 0.05). Concentrations of a-tocopherol were associated with wasting (p = 0.04). Concentrations in mothers and infants were all correlated (correlation coefficients from 0.230 to 0.502, p < 0.003). The findings suggest that poor status of carotenoids, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol in infants is associated with their poor anthropometric status, and status of carotenoids, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol in mothers and infants has a low-to-moderate association in the mother-infant dyad.

Predictors of fatality in neonates requiring mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate initial arterial blood gas, pulmonary pressures, pulmonary mechanics (compliance and resistance), pulmonary volumes, oxygenation indices and serum carotenoid levels as predictors of fatality in mechanically ventilated neonates. DESIGN: Cross Sectional. SETTING: Referral neonatal unit of a teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: 83 mechanically ventilated outborn neonates. METHODS: 83 neonates consecutively put on mechanical ventilator from March to December 2001 were enrolled in the study. The mechanical ventilator used was pressure limited time cycled ventilator with facility for online measurement of volumes and pulmonary mechanics. Arterial blood gas after half an hour of initiation of mechanical ventilation and initial pulmonary pressures, pulmonary compliance, resistance and duration of mechanical ventilation were recorded in a pre structured proforma. Initial serum carotenoid levels were also measured using spectrophotometric method. The neonates were regularly followed up for outcome. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to find out the predictors of fatality for those variables that were significantly associated with outcome on univariate analysis. RESULTS: On univariate analysis weight ( < 2000 g), gestational age <34 weeks, pH <7.3, duration of mechanical ventilation <72 hours, a/A <0.25, compliance <1 mL/cmH2O, fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) >60%, oxygenation index >10, AaDO2 >250 and serum carotenoid levels < 100 microg/dL were significantly associated with fatality in neonates requiring mechanical ventilation. However, on multiple regression analysis only FiO2, gestational age and serum carotenoids < 100 microg/dL were found to be independent predictors of fatality. CONCLUSIONS: Initial FiO2 > 60%, gestational age <34 weeks and initial serum carotenoid levels < 100 microg/dL were independent predictors of fatality in neonatal mechanical ventilation. Even in a setting with high fatality rates, high risk of mortality in mechanically ventilated neonates can be identified.

Cancer mortality and serum levels of carotenoids, retinol, and tocopherol: a population-based follow-up study of inhabitants of a rural area of Japan.

A total of 3,182 subjects (1,239 males and 1,943 females) aged from 39y to 79y, were recruited from the inhabitants of a rural area in Japan who participated in health check-up programs from 1988 to 1995. During the 10.5 year follow-up, 287 deaths (175 males and 112 females) from all causes, 134 (81 males and 53 females) from cancer of all sites, 31 from lung cancer, 21 from colorectal cancer, 20 from stomach cancer, and 62 from other cancers, were identified among the cohort subjects. Fasting serum samples were taken at the time of the health check-ups, and serum levels of carotenoids, retinol and tocopherols were separately determined by HPLC. Statistical analyses were performed using Cox's proportional hazard model after adjusting for sex, age, and other confounding factors. High serum levels of alpha- and beta- carotenes and lycopene were found to marginally significantly or significantly reduce the risk for mortality rates of cancer of all sites and of colorectal cancers. High serum levels of beta-cryptoxanthin also showed an inversely relation with the risk of mortality from lung and stomach cancers, but this was not statistically significant. High intake of green-yellow vegetables contributing to serum levels of alpha- and beta- carotenes, as well as lycopene, may reduce the risk of cancer mortality, especially from colorectal cancer, in rural Japanese.

Fatores determinantes da concentração de licopeno no tecido oral neoplásico em pacientes com cânceres da cavidade oral e da orofaringe / Factors associated with lycopene tissue concentrations in pacients with cancer in the oral cavity and oropharynx

O licopeno pode ser importante na prevenção e no tratamento do câncer porque possui vários mecanismos de ação anticarcinogênicos. Objetivo: Verificar quais fatores clínicos e/ou nutricionais e/ou laboratoriais estão associados às concentrações teciduais de licopeno no tecido oral neoplásico, em pacientes com cânceres da cavidade oral e da orofaringe. Casuística e Métodos: Estudo de caso, de corte transversal e prospectivo. Foram avaliados 37 pacientes homens e 11 mulheres, com idade entre 39 e 77 anos, sem tratamento anterior da doença. As seguintes informações foram obtidas : dados clínicos, nutricionais e laboratoriais. Para avaliar e ingestão habitual de carotenóides foi utilizado o questionário de freqüência alimentar quantitativo. As concentrações teciduais de carotenóides foram determinadas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC). As associações foram examinadas pelas análises univariada (correlação de Spearman/Pearson) e de regressão linear múltipla, tendo a concentração de licopeno no tecido oral neoplásico como variável dependente. Resultados: A mediana e intervalos interquartis da concentração de licopeno no tecido oral neoplásico foram 1,15 (0,8-1,9)µmol/Kg. As concentrações de licopeno, no tecido oral neoplásico, foram associadas com as seguintes variáveis na análise univariada: idade (r=-0,38; P=0,027), concentrações séricas de licopeno (r=0,46: P=0,001), circunferência do braço (r=0,38: P=0,008) e circunferência muscular do braço (r=0,44: P=0,001). Na análise de regressão linear múltipla as variáveis determinantes das concentrações de licopeno no tecido oral neoplásico foram: palato mole (ß=0,699: P=0,017), creatinina sérica (ß=0,995: P=0,028), licopeno sérico (ß=1,628: P<0,001) e ß-caroteno sérico (ß=-2,106: P=0,003): estas quatro variáveis explicaram 41% da variação das concentrações teciduais de licopeno. Conclusões: Os fatores determinantes da concentração de licopeno no tecido oral neoplásico, foram: sítio do tumor...

Serum antioxidant vitamin levels of people in Khon Kaen, northeastern Thailand.

Three antioxidant vitamins, the alpha- and beta-carotenes as well as vitamin E, were measured in sera of a normal population in Northeastern Thailand using HPLC. The mean serum beta-carotene level of females was significantly higher than the value for males, i.e, 37.55 (95%CI=34.59-40.51) versus 32.97 (95% CI=30.01-35.93) micro/dl. The beta-carotene level tended to decrease as age increased, particularly in the male population. The mean serum beta-carotene level was also higher in females than in males, i.e., 7.08 (95%CI=6.57-7.59) and 6.26 (95% CI=5.77-6.75) micro/dl, respectively. The average serum alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) level of the whole population was 1.08 (95% CI=1.04-1.12) micro/dl and did not show age or sex differences. In general, the serum antioxidant vitamins of smokers were lower than those of the non-smokers but a significant difference was observed only for alpha-tocopherol. Alcohol drinking resulted in slightly lower serum beta-carotene values, whereas coffee or tea drinking and betel nut chewing did not cause any differences with these three antioxidant vitamins. However, we report higher in serum beta-carotene levels of people in Ban Fang district than in Chonnabot district. The results from our study give the base line data of serum antioxidant vitamins in a Thai population and also suggest future intensive study on the relationship of dietary intake and cancer prevention.

Relationship between carotenoids and anaemia during acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children.

A clinic-based cohort study in Kampala, Uganda, was conducted to examine the relationship between severe malarial anaemia and plasma micronutrients. Plasma carotenoids, retinol, vitamin E, and four trace metal concentrations were measured at enrollment and seven days later in 273 children, aged 1-10 year(s), with acute, uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Concentrations of plasma provitamin A carotenoids (p < 0.0001), non-provitamin A carotenoids (p < 0.0001), retinol (p < 0.0001), all four trace elements (all p < 0.001), and vitamin E (p < 0.0001) rose significantly by day 7 among children without severe anaemia (haemoglobin 70 g/L). There was no change in provitamin A carotenoids (p = 0.24) among children with severe anaemia (haemoglobin <70 g/L), whereas non-provitaminAcarotenoids (p < 0.0001), retinol (p < 0.0001), and vitamin E (p = 0.011) increased. These observations also support the hypothesis that the use of provitamin A carotenoids increases during malaria infection.

Diferencias en antioxidantes plasmáticos según nivel socioeconómico en mujeres chilenas / Differences in plasma antioxidants according to socioeconomic level in chilean women

Background: Free radical-mediated oxidative damage is a known initial event in atherogenesis. Cardiovascular disease is frequent in the Chilean population showing differences in the prevalence of risk factors of the disease according to socioeconomic level (SEL). Aim: To determine levels of antioxidants and lipid peroxides in Chilean women from different SEL. Patients and methods: Blood samples were taken from 81 women for measurements of plasma ascorbic acid, ß-carotene, a-tocopherol, licopene, ubiquinol, glutathione, total plasma antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxides (TBARS). Results:Individuals in the lower SEL showed reduced levels of plasma ß-carotene, ascorbic acid, a-tocopherol, and ubiquinol compared to women in the higher SEL. There were no differences between groups in the plasma levels of glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, or TBARS. Conclusions: The results could be explained in part by the higher consumption of fruits and vegetables in women from the upper SEL

Sinais clínicos, níveis bioquímicos e consumo alimentar de vitamina A em idosos atendidos em ambulatório geriátrico / Clinical signs, biochemical levels and dietetic consumption of vitamin A in ambulatory geriatric patients

Objetivo: Avalia o estado nutricional em relaçäo à vitamina A, de idosos atendidos em ambulatório de Geriatria, através de parâmetros clínicos e bioquímicos, comparando-os com consumo alimentar e de suplementos vitamínicos. Método: Dosagem de vitamina A e carotenóides plasmáticos pelo método de Neeld-Pearson, exame clínico, inquérito alimentar e verificaçäo do uso de suplementos vitamínicos. Resultados: Em 828 idosos, a média de idade foi 74,2 anos e 70,8 por cento eram mulheres. A médcia de vitamina A foi de 39,4mg/dL, sendo 38,2mg/dL para mulheres e 42,2mg/dL para homens, diferença estatisticamente significante (p=0,0027). A média de carotenóides foi 152,1mg/dL, 162,3mg/dL nas mulheres e 124,9mg/dL nos homens, 159,9mg/dL nos menos idosos e 133,2mg/dL nos mais idosos. As diferenças foram estatisticamente significantes para sexo (p=0,0000) e idade (p=0,0000). Para os sinais clínicos, houve diferenças de médias de vitamina A para xerose cutânea (p=0,0244) e hiperceratose folicular em dois pares de membros (p=0,0271), e de prevalência de níveis mais altos ou mais baixos para a hiperceratose folicular em um par de membros (p=0,0046). Näo houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes em relaçäo ao inquérito alimentar ou ao uso de suplementos. Conclusöes: Os níveis de vitamina A e carotenóides foram adequados na maioria dos idosos e foram raros os resultados abaixo do limite de normalidade. Os homens tiveram níveis médios de vitamina A mais altos, enquanto as mulheres tiveram média mais alta de carotenóides; os sinais clínicos näo se correlacionaram aos níveis de vitaminas; a ingestäo alimentar e o consumo de suplementos vitamínicos näo influenciaram os níveis de vitamina A nestes idosos.

Prevalência da deficiência de vitamina A em pré-escolares de três capitais da Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira / Prevalence of vitamin A in pre-school children in three capital cities of the Western Amazon region of Brazil

Determina a prevalência da deficiência de vitamina A em pré-escolares de três capitais da Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira, utilizando inquéritos alimentar, bioquímico e clínico-nutricional. Estudou-se 711 pré-escolares, de 3 a 6 anos de idade, de ambos os sexos, matriculados em creches e/ou pré-escolares de três capitais dessa regiäo, sendo 90 em Boa Vista/RR, 476 em Manaus/AM e 145 em Porto Velho/RO. Verificou-se a relaçäo da deficiência de vitamina A com alguns fatores sócio-econômicos-culturais-sanitários das famílias dos pré-escolares, com parasitas intestinais e com o estado nutricional relativo ao zinco. Realizaram-se exames oculares - nutricionais e cutâneos; aplicando a classificaçäo de xeroftalmia adotada pela Organizaçäo Mundial de Saúde (OMS); foram colhidas amostras de sangue para determinaçöes de zinco, de vitamina A e carotenóides, pelo método espectrofotométrico de Bessey e Lowry, modificado por Araújo e Flores e os resultados classificados segundo o Interdepartamental Committee on Nutrition for National Defense (ICNND), usando os critérios adotados pela OMS para caracterizar problema de saúde pública, em nível bioquímico. Quanto ao zinco sérico, foi determinado mediante espectrofotometria de absorçäo atômica, pelo método de Smith et al, sendo considerado como ponto de corte o valor de 10,71 umol/L. O exame coproparasitológico empregou os métodos de Faust e de Kato-Katz. O inquérito dietético foi realizado em sub-amostras, mediante os métodos recordatório de 24 horas e de freqüência de consumo de alguns alimentos fontes de vitamina A. A adequaçäo de consumo de energia, vitamina A, proteínas e zinco foi feita com base nas recomendaçöes da "National Academy of Sciences". Näo foram encontrados sinais clínicos oculares sugestivos de xeroftalmia, sendo observados somente poucos sinais cutâneos, todos com baixo percentual. As dosagens bioquímicas evidenciaram que os níveis séricos de vitamina A das crianças näo alcançaram 5 por cento em nenhuma das três capitais. Conclui que há um padräo alimentar monótono e limitado, com baixo consumo de fontes de vitamina A pré-formada e de frutas e hortaliças, sendo a distribuiçäo dos casos positivos em relaçäo ao exame coproparasitológico foi: Boa Vista (66,3 por cento), Manaus (70,4 por cnto) e Porto Velho (73,8 por cento)

Evaluación nutricional de un grupo de adultos mayores en un consultorio médico de familia / Nutrition assessment of a group of elderly adults at a family doctorïs consulting-office

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el estado nutricional de adultos en un consultorio del médico de familia. Se evaluó un grupo de 70 individuos mayores de 65 años de edad mediante indicadores dietéticos (encuesta de frecuencia semicuantitativa de consumo), bioquímicos (hemoglobina, vitaminas C, E y carotenos en suero) y antropométricos (índice de masa corporal). Se halló una situación desfavorable; el 70 porciento de los ancianos estaban malnutridos, el 24,6 porciento por defecto, sobre todo los varones, y el 44,2 porciento por exceso, sobre todo las mujeres. La vitamina E no mostró problemas; sin embargo, sólo el 13,6 porciento de los individuos tuvo valores adecuados de vitamina C, y el 57,6 porciento valores adecuados de carotenos. Hubo un 20 porciento de individuos con anemia. Los resultados indican que el grupo necesita acciones inmediatas, como proporcionarles mayores conocimientos de nutrición a las personas que están directamente relacionadas con la alimentación de la familia