Epigenetic alteration of BDNF gene, social and health status as predictors of food and nutrition insecurity among familiar coffee farmers / Alteração epigenética no gene BDNF, status social e de saúde como preditores da insegurança alimentar e nutricional em cafeicultores familiares

ntroduction: state of Food and Nutritional Security (FNS) is one that should guarantee the right of permanent access to quality food and in sufficient quantity without prejudicing access to other basic rights. In Brazil, rural family farming establishments represent 84.4% of total agricultural establishments and contribute to more than 70% of all food consumed by Brazilians. In this context, the production of the coffee commodity stands out. However, despite being food producers, they do not earn a good income. Slow economic activity can lead to loss of wages and income, illness, as well as food insecurity (FNiS). In addition, the molecular effects of FNiS are poorly studied, especially epigenetic.Objective: the objective of the present study is to analyze the association between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) DNA methylation and socio demographic, lifestyle, and epigenetic factors, among coffee farmers in the Caparaó zone, in Espirito Santo, Southeast Brazil.Methods: the study was carried out in 22 randomly selected coffee producing communities in Zona Caparaó, an area that produces coffee of recognized quality. A total of 570 coffee farming households, 18 to 60 years of age, were included in the study by answering a questionnaire about socioeconomic characteristics, land use and ownership, behavior, health, and working conditions. FNiS evaluation was carried out using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. BDNF exon I methylation was examined by methylation-specific PCR. Body mass index and biochemical analyses were performed. Logistic regression models were used to verify factors associated with FNiS (p<0.05). Data were analyzed using the Stata® statistical software package version 14.Results: the FNiS prevalence found was 23.68%. In multivariable logistic regression, the occurrence of FNiS was associated with hypermethylation of exon I of the BDNF promoter exon I [ORa = 5.03 (95% (1.98, 12.82)] when compared to the unmethylated gene. Moreover, FNiS was associated with excessive workload [ORa = 3.36 (1.23, 9.22)], possession of less land (hectares) [ORa = 0.77 (0.67, 0.90)] and greater number symptoms and / or illnesses in real life [ORa = 1.12 (1.04.1.20)].Conclusion: there is a high prevalence of Food Insecurity in the studied region. This phenomenon was associated with epigenetic factors (BDNF methylation), excessive workload, small land ownership and a greater number of diseases / symptoms. Food insecurity is a psychosocial stressor that can lead to epigenetic changes in the BDNF gene, responsible for regulating cognitive functions, neuronal survival and involved in the genesis of psychiatric diseases.

Introdução: o Estado de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SAN) é aquele que deve garantir o direito de acesso permanente à alimentação de qualidade e em quantidade suficiente sem prejudicar o acesso a outros direitos básicos. No Brasil, os estabelecimentos de agricultura familiar rural representam 84,4% do total de estabelecimentos agropecuários e contribuem com mais de 70% de todos os alimentos consumidos pelos brasileiros. Nesse contexto, destaca-se a produção da commodity café. No entanto, apesar de serem produtores de alimentos, não auferem bons rendimentos. A lenta atividade econômica pode levar à perda de salários e renda, doenças e insegurança alimentar (INSAN). Além disso, os efeitos moleculares da INSAN são pouco estudados, sobretudo epigenéticos.Objetivos: o objetivo do presente estudo é analisar a associação entre a metilação do promotor do BDNF e a INSAN e a associação da INSAN com fatores sociodemográficos, de estilo de vida e epigenéticos, em cafeicultores da zona do Caparaó, no Espírito Santo, Sudeste do Brasil.Método: o estudo foi realizado em 22 comunidades cafeeiras selecionadas aleatoriamente na Zona do Caparaó, área que produz café de reconhecida qualidade. Um total de 570 famílias de cafeicultores, entre 18 a 60 anos, foram incluídos no estudo e responderam a um questionário sobre características socioeconômicas, uso e posse da terra, hábitos de vida, saúde e condições de trabalho. A avaliação da INSAN foi realizada por meio da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. A metilação do éxon I do BDNF foi examinada por PCR específica para metilação. Índice de massa corporal e análises bioquímicas foram realizadas. Modelos de regressão logística foram utilizados para verificar os fatores associados à INSAN (p<0,05). Os dados foram analisados usando o software estatístico Stata® versão 14.Resultados: a prevalência de INSAN encontrada foi de 23,68%. Na regressão logística multivariada, a ocorrência de INSAN foi associada a hipermetilação do éxon I do promotor do gene BDNF [ORa = 5,03 (95% (1,98, 12,82)] quando comparado ao gene não metilado. Além disso, a INSAN foi associada a carga de trabalho excessiva [ORa = 3,36 (1,23, 9,22)], posse de menos hectares de terra [ORa = 0,77 (0,67, 0,90)] e maior número de sintomas e/ou doenças da vida real [ORa = 1,12 (1.04.1.20)].Conclusão: o estudo mostrou uma alta prevalência de Insegurança Alimentar na região analisada. Esse fenômeno foi associado a fatores epigenéticos (metilação do gene BDNF), carga horária excessiva, pequena propriedade de terra e maior número de doenças/sintomas. A INSAN pode ser um estressor capaz de promover alterações epigenéticas no gene BDNF, importante gene regulador da cognição, crescimento e sobrevivência neuronal e envolvido com doenças psiquiátricas.

Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms Among Rural Residents from Remote Areas.

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for depressive symptoms among rural residents in Brazil. A representative sample of two hundred eighty-eight volunteers aged from 18 to 65 years was included and determining factors for high BDI-II score were investigated through a multivariate logistic model. Sadness, loss of pleasure, crying, worthlessness and loss of interest in sex are more likely to be observed in females, and risk factors to this high depression score among rural residents were shown to be: female gender, tobacco use, pesticide application, poor self-perceived health and presence of chronic disease. These data contribute to the knowledge of factors determining depressive symptoms among rural residents and may help to expand health policies to improve quality of rural life on these communities and others with similar characteristics.

Impacto de uma alimentação rica em açúcar e das condições socioeconômicas na experiência da cárie em crianças e adultos jovens / Impact of a high-sugar diet and socioeconomic conditions on caries experience in children and young adults

Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre a prevalência de cárie dentária em relação a frequência de consumo de alimentos ricos em açúcar, condições socioeconômicas e escolaridade dos pais de crianças e adultos jovens. Material e Métodos: Aplicou-se questionários socioeconômicos com pais e/ou responsáveis de 36 crianças e adolescentes na faixa etária entre 7 e 20 anos de um clube do Município de Alegre - ES. A cárie dentária foi avaliada através do Índice de Dentes Cariados, Perdidos e Obturados (CPO-D) e a placa bacteriana por meio do Índice de Higiene Oral Simplificado (IOHS). Posteriormente, realizaram-se palestras e atividades educativas de higiene bucal e de educação nutricional. Reavaliou-se então índice de placa bacteriana duas semanas após a intervenção. Para avaliação estatística usou-se regressão logística para testar associações e teste t pareado para índice de placa bacteriana. Resultados: Do total de crianças avaliadas, 67% apresentou história pregressa e atual de cárie, na qual a mediana do CPO-D encontrado foi de 2. Para a avaliação do índice de placa bacteriana, observou-se que a intervenção apresentou efetividade (p<0,05) uma vez que IHOS inicial foi de 1,98 e o final foi de 1,43. Conclusão: Foi encontrada alta prevalência de COP-D polarizado na amostra avaliada, e também detectado que as ações de educação em saúde foram efetivas na redução de placa bacteriana

Objective: to evaluate the association between the prevalence of dental caries, sugary food intake and socioeconomic conditions of children and young adults. Material and methods: socioeconomic questionnaires were applied to parents and/or guardians of 36 children and adolescents attending a soccer club in the city of Alegre ­ ES, Brazil, aged between 7 and 20 years. To assess food intake, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was applied. Tooth decay was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) and plaque through the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). Subsequently, lectures and oral hygiene and nutritional education activities were held. The plaque index was then reevaluated two weeks after the intervention. The presence of caries was expressed using relative frequency. In order to evaluate the factors associated with dental caries, a logistic regression model was used (p <0.05), and to evaluate the effect of the intervention, the paired t-test was used to compare the plaque index. Results: 67% out of the assessed children had past and current history of decay, with a median DMFT of 2. Among the variables assessed 'family income', 'parents' educational level' and 'consumption of high-sugar foods' no statistically significant association (p <0.05) with the presence of dental caries was observed. To evaluate the bacterial plaque index, it was observed that the intervention was effective (p <0.05) with an initial OHI-S of 1.98 and final of 1.43. Conclusion: a high prevalence of polarized DMFT was found in the sample. The health education actions were effective in reducing plaque. Almost all of the sample was found to have the habit of consuming sugary food four or more times a week. No significant associations were found between dental caries and the variables analyzed.

Variáveis antropométricas e de composição corporal como preditores de risco cardiovascular e da síndrome metabólica em adolescentes / Anthropometric and body composition variables as predictors of cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome in adolescents

Introdução: Na triagem de indivíduos em risco de desenvolvimento de fatores de risco cardiovasculares e da síndrome metabólica, a antropometria surge como uma alternativa ao Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC), que pode ser utilizada para avaliar a composição corporal e perímetros. Assim, objetivou-se verificar a capacidade das medidas antropométricas, principalmente o perímetro do pescoço (PP) em predizer fatores de risco cardiovascular e síndrome metabólica em adolescentes. Método: Coletaram-se dados referentes à glicemia, colesterol total e frações, triglicerídeos e pressão arterial em 85 adolescentes de 11 a 15 anos, de escolas públicas de Alegre (ES). O percentual de gordura corporal (%GC) foi avaliado pela bioimpedância vertical bipolar. Resultados: Com base na curva ROC, as variáveis antropométricas perímetro do pescoço (PP), PC, IMC e %GC demonstraram ser eficazes no diagnóstico da síndrome metabólica, principalmente o PP. Quanto ao estado nutricional, 76%, 21% e 30%, respectivamente, apresentaram eutrofia, excesso de peso e alto %GC. O %GC, o perímetro da cintura (PC) e relação cintura-estatura (RCE) apresentaram valores mais elevados no sexo feminino em relação ao masculino. O colesterol total foi o que apresentou maior percentual de inadequação (37%), seguido dos triglicerídeos (18%). A prevalência geral da síndrome metabólica foi de 2,35%, sendo observada somente no sexo masculino (6,25%). Conclusão: O PP, o IMC, o %GC, o PC e a RCE são bons preditores de alterações metabólicas em adolescentes. Assim, essas medidas devem ser usadas em conjunto na avaliação nutricional deste grupo.(AU)

Introduction: In the screening of individuals at risk of developing cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome, anthropometry emerges as an alternative to the Body Mass Index (BMI), which can be used to evaluate body composition and perimeters, the ability of anthropometric measures, especially the neck circumference (PP) to predict cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome in adolescents, was verified. Methods: Data on glycemia, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides and blood pressure were collected from 85 adolescents aged 11 to 15 from public schools in Alegre (ES). The percentage of body fat (%GC) was evaluated by bipolar vertical bioimpedance. Results: Based on the ROC curve the anthropometric variables perimeter of the neck (CP), PC, BMI and %GC were shown to be effective in the diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome, mainly PP. Regarding nutritional status, 76%, 21% and 30%, respectively, presented eutrophy, excess weight and high% GC. The %GC, waist circumference (PC) and waist-to-height ratio (RCE) were higher in females than in males. Total cholesterol presented the highest percentage of inadequacy (37%), followed by triglycerides (18%). The overall prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 2.35%, being observed only in the male sex (6.25%). Conclusion: PP, BMI, %GC, PC and CER are good predictors of metabolic changes in adolescents, so these measures should be used together in the nutritional assessment of this group.(AU)

Effects of brown and golden flaxseed on the lipid profile, glycemia, inflammatory biomarkers, blood pressure and body composition in overweight adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Flaxseed is a promising alternative to reduce the risk of diseases associated with body weight excess because it is rich in a-linolenic acid, lignans, and dietary fiber. Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) can be found in brown and golden varieties; however, questions have arisen as to whether the variety may influence the health effects. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of brown and golden flaxseeds on lipid profile, glycemia, blood pressure, inflammatory status,body weight, and body composition in overweight adolescents. METHODS: Seventy-five overweight adolescents (33 boys, 42 girls; age 13.7 ! 2.1 y), from Alegre-ES, Brazil, were randomized to one of the three groups (n » 25) on a parallel, single-blind clinical trial. They received 28 g/d of brown flaxseed (BF), golden flaxseed (GF), or the equivalent amount of wheat bran (Control, CG) in different preparations at school from Monday to Friday for 11 wk. Blood pressure, anthropometric evaluation, and the analyses of blood total cholesterol, lipoproteins, glucose, and inflammatory markers were performed at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. The data were analyzed by ANCOVA at 5% significance. RESULTS: The groups who consumed brown and golden flaxseed showed significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure. Brown and golden flaxseed did not differentially affect plasma lipid responses, plasma glucose and inflammatory profile, although all groups (BF, GF, and CG) showed increased levels of TNF-a. CONCLUSIONS: The adolescents consumed about half the daily amount provided, which may not have been sufficient to exert the health benefits of flaxseed reported in the literature, concerning the lipid profile, inflammation biomarkers and body composition.

Metabolic syndrome components can predict C reactive protein concentration in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is suggested to be associated with a low grade inflammation state, but the relationship between inflammation biomarkers and the components of metabolic syndrome in adolescents are still lacking. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) serum concentrations and metabolic syndrome components in adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional population based study was conducted. Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical data were collected from 524 adolescents (11-15 years old) randomly sampled from school population of Alegre city, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data were analyzed by STATA version 9.0. RESULTS: Adolescents with higher values for BMI (p = 0.001) and higher body fat percentage (p = 0.003) had higher CRP concentrations than those with lower BMI and body fat percentage. CRP concentrations was directly correlated with BMI (r = 0.17, p = 0.0001), waist circumference (r = 0.15, p = 0.0005), HDL-c (r = 0.13, p = 0.003), fasting insulin (r = 0.12, p = 0.003) and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.11, p with = 0.01). In the multiple linear regression analysis BMI (r = 0.05, p = 0.002), fasting glucose (r = -0.01, p = 0.003) and HDL-c (r = 0.017, p < 0.001) were associated to CRP concentrations after adjusting for the other components of MS. CONCLUSION: The association found between individual components of MS and CRP concentrations suggests that inflammation might be an early event in the development of metabolic disorders in adolescents.

Antecedentes: El síndrome metabólico (SM) se sugiere que está asociada con un estado de inflamación crónica de bajo grado, pero la relación entre biomarcadores de inflamación crónica de bajo grado, pero la relación entre biomarcadores de inflamación y los componentes del síndrome metabólico en adolescentes son escasos. Objetivo: Investigar la asociación entre las concentraciones séricas de proteína C reactiva (CRP) y los componentes del síndrome metabólico en adolescentes. Metodología: Hemos realizado una población basada en estudio de corte transversal. Los datos antropométricos, bioquímicos y clínicos se obtuvieron de 524 adolescentes (11-15 años de edad) seleccionados al azar de la población escolar de la ciudad Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Los datos fueron analizados por STATA versión 9.0. Resultados: Los adolescentes, con valores más altos de IMC (p = 0,001) y mayor porcentaje de grasa corporal (p = 0,003) tuvieron mayores concentraciones de PCR que aquellos con menor IMC y porcentaje de grasa corporal. Las concentraciones de PCR se correlacionó directamente con el IMC (r = 0,17, p = 0,0001), la circunferencia de la cintura (r = 0,15, p = 0,0005), HDL-c (r = 0,13, p = 0,003), la insulina en ayunas (r = 0,12, p = 0,009) y la presión arterial sistólica (r = 0,11, p = a 0,01). En el análisis de regresión lineal múltiple IMC (r = 0,05, p = 0,002), la glucosa en ayunas (r = -0,01, p = 0,003) y HDL-c (r = 0,017, p < 0,001) se asociaron a las concentraciones de PCR después de ajustar por los otros componentes de SM. Conclusión: La asociación encontrada entre los componentes individuales de SM y las concentraciones de PCR sugiere que la inflamación podría ser un evento temprano en el desarrollo de trastornos metabólicos en los adolescentes.

Metabolic syndrome components can predict C reactive protein concentration in adolescents / Componentes del síndrome metabólico pueden predecir concentración de proteína C reactiva en adolescentes

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is suggested to be associated with a low grade inflammation state, but the relationship between inflammation biomarkers and the components of metabolic syndrome in adolescents are still lacking.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) serum concentrations and metabolic syndrome components in adolescents.METHODS: A cross-sectional population based study was conducted. Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical data were collected from 524 adolescents (11-15 years old) randomly sampled from school population of Alegre city, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data were analyzed by STATA version 9.0.RESULTS: Adolescents with higher values for BMI (p = 0.001) and higher body fat percentage (p = 0.003) had higher CRP concentrations than those with lower BMI and body fat percentage. CRP concentrations was directly correlated with BMI (r = 0.17, p = 0.0001), waist circumference (r = 0.15, p = 0.0005), HDL-c (r = 0.13, p = 0.003), fasting insulin (r = 0.12, p = 0.003) and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.11, p with = 0.01). In the multiple linear regression analysis BMI (r = 0.05, p = 0.002), fasting glucose (r = -0.01, p = 0.003) and HDL-c (r = 0.017, p < 0.001) were associated to CRP concentrations after adjusting for the other components of MS.CONCLUSION: The association found between individual components of MS and CRP concentrations suggests that inflammation might be an early event in the development of metabolic disorders in adolescents (AU)

Antecedentes: El síndrome metabólico (SM) se sugiere que está asociada con un estado de inflamación crónica de bajo grado, pero la relación entre biomarcadores de inflamación crónica de bajo grado, pero la relación entre biomarcadores de inflamación y los componentes del síndrome metabólico en adolescentes son escasos. Objetivo: Investigar la asociación entre las concentraciones séricas de proteína C reactiva (CRP) y los componentes del síndrome metabólico en adolescentes. Metodología: Hemos realizado una población basada en estudio de corte transversal. Los datos antropométricos, bioquímicos y clínicos se obtuvieron de 524 adolescentes (11-15 años de edad) seleccionados al azar de la población escolar de la ciudad Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Los datos fueron analizados por STATA versión 9.0. Resultados: Los adolescentes, con valores más altos de IMC (p = 0,001) y mayor porcentaje de grasa corporal (p = 0,003) tuvieron mayores concentraciones de PCR que aquellos con menor IMC y porcentaje de grasa corporal. Las concentraciones de PCR se correlacionó directamente con el IMC (r = 0,17, p = 0,0001), la circunferencia de la cintura (r = 0,15, p = 0,0005), HDL-c (r = 0,13, p = 0,003), la insulina en ayunas (r = 0,12, p = 0,009) y la presión arterial sistólica (r = 0,11, p = a 0,01). En el análisis de regresión lineal múltiple IMC (r = 0,05, p = 0,002), la glucosa en ayunas (r = -0,01, p = 0,003) y HDL-c (r = 0,017, p < 0,001) se asociaron a las concentraciones de PCR después de ajustar por los otros componentes de SM. Conclusión: La asociación encontrada entre los componentes individuales de SM y las concentraciones de PCR sugiere que la inflamación podría ser un evento temprano en el desarrollo de trastornos metabólicos en los adolescentes (AU)

[Characterization of Rickettsia spp. circulating in a silent peri-urban focus for Brazilian spotted fever in Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil]. / Caracterização de Rickettsia spp. circulante em foco silencioso de febre maculosa brasileira no Município de Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brasil.

The present study was intended to characterize Rickettsia spp. circulating in arthropod vectors in Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil, by PCR and to investigate the presence of antibodies against the spotted fever Rickettsiae group (SFRG) in dogs and horses. 2,610 arthropods were collected and taxonomically identified. DNA samples obtained from these vectors were submitted to PCR and cycle-sequenced. Ctenocephalides and Amblyomma cajennense showed sequences presenting 100.0% homology with R. felis. A sequence obtained from Rhipicephalus sanguineus showed 99.0% homology with R. felis, and a sequence from A. cajennense showed 97.0% homology with R. honei and R. rickettsii. Canine (73) and equine (18) serum samples were tested by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) using R. rickettsii antigen. Only three of the equine sera tested (17.0%) had positive antibody titers. Molecular detection of rickettsiae species potentially pathogenic to humans in arthropod vectors and the presence of seroreactivity to SFRG in horses show the risk of transmission of rickettsiosis in this area and the need to maintain continuous epidemiological surveillance for rickettsial diseases.

Caracterizacão de Rickettsia spp. circulante em foco silencioso de febre maculosa brasileira no Município de Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Characterization of Rickettsia spp. circulating in a silent peri-urban focus for Brazilian spotted fever in Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar Rickettsia spp. circulante em artrópodes vetores no Município de Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brasil, por meio da PCR, e investigar a presenca de anticorpos para riquétsias do grupo da febre maculosa em cães e eqüinos. 2.610 ectoparasitos foram coletados e identificados taxonomicamente. Amostras de DNA obtidas desses vetores foram submetidas à PCR e seqüenciamento. Em pulgas do gênero Ctenocephalides e em carrapatos Amblyomma cajennense foram identificadas seqüências com 100 por cento de homologia com R. felis. Em carrapatos Rhipicephalus sanguineus uma seqüência apresentou 99 por cento de homologia com R. felis e uma seqüência obtida de A. cajennense apresentou 97 por cento de homologia com R. honei e R. rickettsii. Soros de cães (73) e de eqüinos (18) foram submetidos à imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) usando-se antígeno de R. rickettsii. Apenas três dos soros de eqüinos (17 por cento) mostraram-se positivos. A deteccão molecular de riquetsias potencialmente patogênicas ao homem em vetores e a presenca de sororeatividade para riquetsias do grupo da febre maculosa em eqüinos, demonstram o risco de transmissão de riquetsioses nessa área e a necessidade de se manter um sistema contínuo de vigilância epidemiológica.