Selenium Biomarkers and Their Relationship to Cardiovascular Risk Parameters in Obese Women.

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 210 women divided into a case group (obese, n = 84) and a control group (eutrophic, n = 126). Body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and hip and neck circumference were measured and the waist-hip ratio and conicity index were calculated. Selenium in plasma, erythrocytes and urine, erythrocyte GPx activity, lipid profile, Castelli I and II indices, and systolic and diastolic blood (DBP) pressure were evaluated. Mean dietary selenium intake (µg/kg/day) and plasma and erythrocyte concentrations were lower in the obese group compared to the healthy group (p < 0.001). while urinary selenium concentrations were higher (p < 0.001). There was a statistical difference between groups regarding cardiovascular risk parameters: waist circumference, neck circumference, waist-hip ratio, conicity index, triacylglycerols (TGC), and lipoproteins rich in triacylglycerols (VLDL-c) (p > 0.05). There was a negative correlation between plasma selenium concentrations and total cholesterol (TC), non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Urinary selenium correlated negatively with waist circumference and hip circumference and positively with neck circumference, TC, TGC, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), non-HDL, and VLDL-c. There was a negative correlation between dietary selenium and waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, neck circumference, conicity index, non-HDL cholesterol, LDL-c, and Castelli indices I and II, as well as a positive correlation with HDL-c and diastolic blood pressure. Women with obesity present changes in their nutritional status related to selenium, as well as increased cardiovascular risk parameters. Thus, the positive role of selenium in protecting the risk of cardiovascular disease is likely.

Association Between Parameters of Cortisol Metabolism, Biomarkers of Minerals (Zinc, Selenium, and Magnesium), and Insulin Resistance and Oxidative Stress in Women with Obesity.

This is a cross-sectional study with women divided into a group of those with obesity (n = 80) and a control group (n = 94). Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS program. There were high values of GPx and TBARS and reduced values of SOD in women with obesity compared to the control group. Obese women showed increased concentrations of cortisol in serum and urine as well as hypozincemia, hyposelenemia, and hypomagnesemia and increased urinary excretion of these minerals. There was a negative correlation between the cortisol/cortisone ratio and erythrocyte zinc and selenium concentrations and a significant positive correlation between GPx and SOD activity and erythrocyte and plasma concentrations of zinc and selenium. The results of the study suggest the influence of adiposity on the increase in cortisol concentrations and the role of this hormone in the compartmentalization of the minerals zinc, selenium, and magnesium. However, the association study does not allow identifying the impact of such action on the antioxidant defense system and insulin sensitivity.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELENIUM NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND MARKERS OF LOW-GRADE CHRONIC INFLAMMATION IN OBESE WOMEN.

Low-grade chronic inflammation is one of the main disorders that characterize adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and is an important element in the pathogenesis of several comorbidities. In this context, selenium is an essential micronutrient that exerts important anti-inflammatory functions, and the role of selenium in controlling inflammation associated with obesity is not well defined. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between markers of the nutritional status of selenium and low-grade chronic inflammation in obese women. This cross-sectional study included 81 women aged between 18 and 50 years, who were divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI): the obesity group (n = 38) and normal weight group (n = 43). Selenium intake was assessed by 3-day diet records. The plasma, erythrocyte, and urinary selenium concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The analysis of serum cytokines interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) was performed using flow cytometry. The results of this study revealed that the obese women had higher dietary intake of selenium than eutrophic women. However, obese participants showed decreased selenium concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes, in parallel with increased concentrations of selenium in the urine. Regarding the inflammatory parameters, obese women exhibited higher concentrations of IL-6 and lower concentrations of the cytokines IL-8, IL-1ß, and TNFα than eutrophic women. In the binary logistic regression analysis, erythrocyte selenium was considered an independent predictor of the serum concentrations of cytokine IL-8 in obese women, reflecting the anti-inflammatory action of this micronutrient.

Adipose Tissue Dysfunction: Impact on Metabolic Changes?

Adipose tissue is a metabolically dynamic organ that is the primary site of storage for excess energy, but it serves as an endocrine organ capable of synthesizing a number of biologically active compounds that regulate metabolic homeostasis. However, when the capacity of expansion of this tissue exceeds, dysfunction occurs, favoring ectopic accumulation of fat in the visceral, which has been implicated in several disease states, most notably obesity. This review highlights the mechanisms involved in the structure of adipose tissue, tissue expandability, adipocyte dysfunction, as well as the impact of these events on the manifestation of important metabolic disorders associated with adipose tissue dysfunction. A literature search using Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were used to identify relevant studies, using clinical trials, experimental studies in animals and humans, case-control studies, case series, letters to the editor, and review articles published in English, without restrictions on year of publication. The excessive ectopic lipid accumulation leads to local inflammation and insulin resistance. Indeed, overnutrition triggers uncontrolled inflammatory responses white adipose tissue, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation, therefore fostering the progression of important metabolic disorders. Thus, it is essential to advance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in adipose tissue dysfunction in order to mitigate the negative metabolic consequences of obesity.

Participation of Magnesium in the Secretion and Signaling Pathways of Insulin: an Updated Review.

Several studies have demonstrated the participation of various minerals in mechanisms involving insulin. Magnesium, in particular, plays an important role in the secretion and action of this hormone. Therefore, this review aimed to examine the latest insights into the biochemical and molecular aspects of the participation of magnesium in insulin sensitivity. Magnesium plays a vital role in the activity of intracellular proteins involved in insulin secretion in ß-pancreatic cells, such as glucokinase, ATPase, and protein kinase C. In addition, evidence suggests that this mineral participates directly in insulin sensitivity and signaling in peripheral tissues, acting in the phosphorylation of the receptor tyrosine kinase and the insulin receptor substrates 1, insulin receptor substrates 2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and protein kinase B, and indirectly by reducing oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation, which also lead to insulin resistance. Thus, magnesium deficiency is associated with glucose intolerance, while magnesium supplementation stimulates insulin secretion in pancreatic cells and improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. However, studies must consider assess short- and long-term nutritional status of mineral before performing intervention, the relevance of the balance of other nutrients that influence hormone secretion and sensibility, and health status of the assessed population.

Antiviral and immunological activity of zinc and possible role in COVID-19.

Zn deficiency compromises its biological functions, its effect on the immune system and its antiviral activity, increasing vulnerability to infectious diseases. This narrative review aims at presenting and discussing functional aspects and possible mechanisms involved in the potential role of Zn in the immune response and antiviral activity for coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19) prevention and control. The searches were conducted in PubMed and Science Direct databases, using clinical trials, experimental studies in animals and humans, case-control studies, case series, letters to the editor, and review articles published in English, without restrictions on year of publication. Search approach was based on using the terms: 'zinc', 'COVID-19', 'antiviral agents', 'immunologic factors' and 'respiratory tract infections'. Literature shows the importance of Zn as an essential mineral immunomodulator with relevant antiviral activity in the body. Thus, although there is still a scarcity of studies evaluating Zn supplementation in patients with COVID-19, the results on the topic show the necessity of controlling Zn mineral deficiency, as well as maintaining its homoeostasis in the body in order to strengthen the immune system and improve the prevention of highly complex viral infections, such as that of the COVID-19.

Participação social de conselheiros de segurança alimentar e nutricional / Participación social de asesores de seguridad alimentaria y nutricional / Social participation of food and nutrition security counselors

OBJECTIVE: To know the sociodemographic profile and social participation of food and nutrition security counselors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted with members of municipal councils and the state council for food and nutrition security of Piauí, Brazil, between 2016 and 2017. A questionnaire was applied for identification of sex, age, schooling, skin color/race, and level of representation; segment and entity represented by them; time of participation in the Food and Nutrition Security National Council (CONSEA); theoretical-political training in food and nutrition security (FNS). The software Stata® was used to organize and analyze data. Variables were presented in numbers and proportions. For association between the variables, Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used, when appropriate, considering the tests with p-value ≤ 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: The study found 117 councilors from 16 municipalities and the (state) CONSEA. The majority were female (69.2%, n = 81), aged between 40 and 59 years (45.3%; n = 53). Moreover, 64.1% (n = 75) attained higher education, 87.2% (n = 102) worked in urban areas, and 35% (n = 41) had been working for the councils for 4 to 6 years. There was a statistically significant association (p=0.056) between participation in conferences and confidence in CONSEA's representation. CONCLUSION: There was a higher prevalence of female counselors, aged between 40 and 59 years, with higher education, from urban area and working for the CONSEA for 4 to 6 years. In addition, there was a high level of insecurity about CONSEA's representation associated with low participation in conferences.

OBJETIVO: Conhecer o perfil sociodemográfico e a participação social de conselheiros de segurança alimentar e nutricional. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com membros dos conselhos municipais e do conselho estadual de segurança alimentar e nutricional do Piauí, Brasil, entre 2016 a 2017. Aplicou-se questionário para identificação do sexo, idade, escolaridade, cor da pele/raça e instância de representação; segmento e entidade que representa; tempo de participação no Conselho Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (CONSEA) e formação teórico-política em segurança alimentar e nutricional (SAN). Utilizou-se o software Stata® para organizar e analisar os dados. As variáveis foram apresentadas em números e proporções. Para associação entre as variáveis, aplicou-se o qui-quadrado de Pearson ou teste exato de Fisher, quando apropriado, considerando-se estatisticamente significantes os testes com p-valor ≤ 0,05. RESULTADOS: Encontraram-se 117 conselheiros de 16 municípios e do CONSEA (estadual). A maioria era do sexo feminino (69,2%, n = 81), com idade entre 40 e 59 anos (45.3%; n=53). Além disso,64,1% (n = 75) tinham ensino superior, 87,2% (n = 102) trabalhavam em áreas urbanas e 35% (n = 41) possuíam entre 4 e 6 anos de trabalho nos conselhos. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa (p=0,056) entre a participação em conferências e a segurança na representação do CONSEA. CONCLUSÃO: Houve maior prevalência de mulheres conselheiras, entre 40 e 59anos de idade, com nível superior, da área urbana e com tempo de atuação no CONSEA de 4 a 6 anos. Além disso, houve alto nível de insegurança na representação do CONSEA associado à baixa participação nas conferências.

OBJETIVO: Conocer el perfil sociodemográfico y la participación social de los consejeros de seguridad alimentaria y nutricional. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado con miembros de los consejos municipales y del consejo estadual de seguridad alimentaria y nutricional de Piauí, Brasil, entre 2016 y 2017. Se aplicó un cuestionario para la identificación del sexo, la edad, la escolaridad, el color de la piel/raza y la instancia de representación; el segmento y la entidad que representa; el tiempo de participación en el Consejo Nacional de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional (CONSEA) y la formación teórico-político en seguridad alimentaria y nutricional (SAN). Se utilizó el software Stata® para organizar y analizar los datos. Las variables fueron presentadas en números y proporciones. Para la asociación entre las variables, se aplicó el chi-cuadrado de Pearson o la prueba exacto de Fisher, cuando apropiado, considerándose estadísticamente significativas las pruebas con el p-valor ≤ 0,05. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron 117 consejeros de 16 municipios y del CONSEA (estadual). La mayoría era del sexo femenino (69,2%, n = 81) y con edad entre 40 y 59 años (45,3%; n=53). Además, el 64,1% (n = 75) tenía educación superior, el 87,2% (n = 102) trabajaban en áreas urbanas y el 35% (n = 41) tenían entre 4 y 6 años de trabajo en los consejos. Hubo asociación estadísticamente significativa (p=0,056) entre la participación en ponencias y la seguridad en la representación del CONSEA. CONCLUSIÓN: Hubo mayor prevalencia de mujeres consejeras entre los 40 y 59 años de edad, con educación superior, del área urbana y con tiempo de actuación en el CONSEA entre 4 y 6 años. Además, hubo elevado nivel de inseguridad en la representación del CONSEA asociado con la pequeña participación en las ponencias.