O trabalho como determinante de saúde: perfil e vulnerabilidades de agricultores expostos a agrotóxicos / Work as a health determinant: profile and vulnerabilities of farmers exposed to agrochemicals / El trabajo como determinante de la salud: perfil y vulnerabilidades de los agricultores expuestos a plaguicidas

O mercado consumidor exige a produção de alimentos "estéticos". Para isso, se faz necessária uma grande utilização de agrotóxicos e um contato longitudinal do agricultor, o que o deixa vulnerável ao desenvolvimento de diversos agravos à saúde. Objetivou-se pesquisar os determinantes e condicionantes do processo saúde-doença relacionados ao trabalho, traçando o perfil das vulnerabilidades dos agricultores expostos a agrotóxicos. O estudo caracterizou-se como exploratório-descritivo, quantitativo, realizado por meio de um formulário aplicado a agricultores no distrito de Tomé (CE). Dos dados mais relevantes, foi observada predominância da escolaridade básica e do analfabetismo. O tempo de trabalho na agricultura variou entre seis e cinquenta anos; o tempo de contato com agrotóxicos variou entre um e mais de vinte anos; a maioria disse ter noção sobre a classe toxicológica dos produtos, porém, 53,3% afirmaram que não leem as informações contidas nos rótulos. Houve predominância de negligência no uso dos componentes de proteção, com isso, 33,3% disseram sentir vários sintomas de intoxicação associados quando lidavam com os produtos. Concluímos que nossos dados subsidiam, confirmam e explicam os resultados dos agravos encontrados em outros estudos realizados na região e nos indicadores de saúde, a partir do perfil das vulnerabilidades encontradas entre os trabalhadores escutados. É necessária uma articulação entre os dispositivos de saúde para implementar ações de educação em saúde do trabalhador, a fim de promover modulação no ganho de saúde e diminuição dos índices de doenças crônicas da região.

Consumer market demand for "aesthetic" foods incurs in greater use of agrochemicals and a longitudinal exposure of farmers to such chemicals, making them vulnerable to the development of several health problems. This study sought to investigate work-related determinants of health, outlining the profile and vulnerabilities of farmers exposed to agrochemicals. An exploratory, descriptive and quantitative research was conducted with farmers from the municipality of Tomé, Ceará, Brazil. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire. Results showed the predominance of basic education and illiteracy. Working time in agriculture ranged from six to 50 years; exposure to agrochemicals ranged from one to over 20 years. Most farmers claimed to be aware of the toxicological class of the products, but 53.3% acknowledged not reading the label information. Most participants neglected the use of protective equipment, and 33.3% reported showing various symptoms of pesticide intoxication. In conclusion, the data support, confirm, and explain the injury results found in other studies conducted in the region and on health indicators, based on the profile of vulnerabilities found among interviewed workers. Articulation between health services is necessary for implementing occupational health actions, to promote a health gain modulation and decreased chronic disease rates in the region.

El mercado consumidor demanda la producción de alimentos "estéticos". Para ello, es necesario un gran uso de plaguicidas y un contacto longitudinal del agricultor que lo expone al desarrollo de diversos problemas de salud. El objetivo de este artículo fue investigar los determinantes y condiciones del proceso de salud relacionados con el trabajo, al rastrear el perfil de las vulnerabilidades de los agricultores expuestos a plaguicidas. Este es un estudio exploratorio-descriptivo, cuantitativo, que utilizó un formulario aplicado a agricultores en el distrito de Tomé, en Ceará (Brasil). De los datos más relevantes, se observó el predominio del nivel educativo básico y del analfabetismo. El tiempo de trabajo en la agricultura varió de seis a cincuenta años, el tiempo de contacto con los plaguicidas estuvo entre uno a más de veinte años, la mayoría dijo conocer la clase toxicológica de los productos, sin embargo, el 53,3% dijo no leer la información contenida en las etiquetas. Hubo predominio de negligencia en cuanto al uso de componentes protectores, así el 33,3% dijo sentir varios síntomas de intoxicación cuando utilizaban los productos. Se concluye que los datos confirman los resultados encontrados en otros estudios realizados en la región y los indicadores de salud, a través del perfil de vulnerabilidades absolutas entre los trabajadores entrevistados. Es necesaria una articulación entre los dispositivos para la implementación de acciones de salud de los trabajadores, con el fin de promover una modulación en las ganancias de salud y una reducción de los índices de enfermedades crónicas en la región.

The triterpenoid alpha, beta-amyrin prevents the impaired aortic vascular reactivity in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

To characterize the protective effects of the triterpenoid mixture alpha, beta-amyrin (AMY, 20 mg/kg, during 15 days) on the reactivity of isolated aorta of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Male Swiss mice were fed with HFD or normal diet (ND) for 15 weeks. Contractions of thoracic aorta in response to KCl or phenylephrine (PHE) and relaxation by acetylcholine (ACh) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were analyzed. HFD-fed mice developed hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and significant body weight gain, parameters prevented by AMY treatment. Whereas aortic contractility did not differ in response to KCl, contractions induced by PHE (1 µM) as well as relaxation induced by ACh (1-30 µM) or SNP (1 nM-0.1 mM) on PHE-contracted aorta were decreased (p < 0.05) in tissues of HFD compared to ND mice, phenomenon significantly (p < 0.05) diminished in HFD mice treated with AMY. The relaxant actions of ACh and SNP were inhibited (p < 0.05) by tetraethylammonium (TEA, 5 mM), apamin (0.1 µM), and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; 3 mM) in aortae from ND group, but not from HFD. Treatment of HFD mice with AMY rescued the inhibitory effect of TEA (p < 0.05) on vasorelaxant actions of ACh and SNP. 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) inhibited similarly the relaxant effects of SNP in all groups. 8-Br-cGMP relaxed with similar profile aortae of all groups. By preventing HFD-induced obesity in mice, AMY rescued the blunted contractile response to PHE, and the attenuated vasorelaxation and K+ channel activation (opening) induced by ACh and SNP in isolated aorta.

Amyrins from Protium heptaphyllum Reduce High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice via Modulation of Enzymatic, Hormonal And Inflammatory Responses.

Obesity remains a global problem. In search of phytochemicals that have antiobesity potential, this study evaluated α,ß-amyrin, a triterpenoid mixture from Protium heptaphyllum, on high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. Groups of mice (n = 8) were fed a normal diet or a high-fat diet, and were orally treated or not treated with either α,ß-amyrin (10 or 20 mg/kg) or sibutramine (10 mg/kg) for 15 weeks. Variables measured at termination were body weight, visceral fat accumulation, adipocyte surface area, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and lipoprotein lipase expressions in adipose tissue, the levels of plasma glucose and insulin, the satiety hormones ghrelin and leptin, the digestive enzymes amylase and lipase, and the inflammatory mediators TNF-α, interleukin-6, and MCP-1. Results showed that α,ß-amyrin treatment resulted in lower high-fat diet-induced increases in body weight, visceral fat content, adipocyte surface area, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and lipoprotein lipase expressions, and blood glucose and insulin levels. Additionally, the markedly elevated leptin and decreased ghrelin levels seen in the high-fat diet-fed control mice were significantly modulated by α,ß-amyrin treatment. Furthermore, α,ß-amyrin decreased serum TNF-α and MCP-1. These results suggest that α,ß-amyrin could be beneficial in reducing high-fat diet-induced obesity and associated disorders via modulation of enzymatic, hormonal, and inflammatory responses.

A resina de protium heptaphyllum e seu principal constituinte, a mistura de triterpenosalfa e beta-amirina, previnem a obesidade induzida por dieta em camundongos: evidências e potenciais mecanismos

A obesidade, que se caracterizada pelo acúmulo excessivo de gordura corporal decorrente principalmente do aumento do consumo de alimentos calóricos e do sedentarismo, está associada a várias condições patológicas como doenças cardiovasculares, diabetes,desordens musculoesqueléticas e câncer. As opções farmacológicas para o tratamento da obesidade são limitadas e apresentam diversos efeitos colaterais. No Brasil apenas dois fármacos estão disponíveis, sibutramina e orlistate. Na busca de novas opções terapêuticas para o tratamento da obesidade, as plantas medicinais têm sido uma importante fonte de pesquisa, em especial os compostos terpênicos, conhecidos reguladores da glicemia e do metabolismo lipídico. O presente estudo investigou o efeito anti-obesidade da resina do Protium heptaphyllum (RPH) e de seu principal constituinte, a mistura de triterpenos alfa ebeta-amirina (AMI), na obesidade induzida por dieta hipercalórica em camundongos e seus possíveis mecanismos de ação. Foram utilizados camundongos Swiss, albinos, machos,pesando entre 20-25g, que após uma semana de livre acesso a ração padrão (Purina®,Brasil) foram divididos em 7 grupos de 10 animais e tratados com dieta padrão (DP), dieta hipercalórica (DH), DH+RPH 10mg/kg, DH+RPH 20mg/kg, DH+AMI 10mg/kg, DH+AMI 20mg/kg ou DH+sibutramina 10mg/kg (SIB) por 15 semanas. RPH e AMI foram inicialmente diluídas em 2% Tween 80 em água...

Obesity which is characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat mainly due to theincreased consumption of high-calorie foods and sedentary lifestyle is associated withvarious pathological conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletaldisorders and cancer. Pharmacologic options for the treatment of obesity are limited andhave many side effects. In Brazil only two drugs are available, sibutramine and orlistat. In thesearch for new therapeutic options for the treatment of obesity, medicinal plants have beenan important source of research, particularly the terpene compounds, known regulators ofblood glucose and lipid metabolism. This study investigated the antiobesity effect of Protiumheptaphyllum resin (RPH) and its main constituent, the mixture of triterpenes alpha and betaamyrin(AMY), in obesity induced by high calorie diet in mice and its possible mechanisms ofaction. Swiss albino male mice were used, weighing between 20-25g, which after a week offree access to standard chow (Purina®, Brazil) were divided into 7 groups of 10 animals eachand treated with standard diet (SD), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD+RPH 10mg/kg, HFD+RPH20mg/kg, HFD+AMY 10mg/kg, HFD+AMY 20 mg/kg or HFD+sibutramine 10mg/kg (SIB) for15 weeks. RPH and AMY were initially diluted in 2% Tween 80 in water...

The Resin from Protium heptaphyllum Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice: Scientific Evidence and Potential Mechanisms.

Herbal compounds rich in triterpenes are well known to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism and to have beneficial effects on metabolic disorders. The present study investigated the antiobesity properties of resin from Protium heptaphyllum (RPH) and the possible mechanisms in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. Mice treated with RPH showed decreases in body weight, net energy intake, abdominal fat accumulation, plasma glucose, amylase, lipase, triglycerides, and total cholesterol relative to their respective controls, which were RPH unfed. Additionally, RPH treatment, while significantly elevating the plasma level of ghrelin hormone, decreased the levels of insulin, leptin, and resistin. Besides, HFD-induced increases in plasma levels of proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 were significantly lowered by RPH. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed that RPH could significantly inhibit the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes (measured by Oil-Red O staining) at concentrations up to 50 µg/mL. These findings suggest that the antiobese potential of RPH is largely due to its modulatory effects on various hormonal and enzymatic secretions related to fat and carbohydrate metabolism and to the regulation of obesity-associated inflammation.

1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) ameliorates cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis via modulation of cytokines, oxidative stress and NF-κB activity in mice.

AIMS: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition wherein pro-inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, and NF-κB signaling play a key role. Currently, no specific therapy exists and treatment is mainly supportive and targeted to prevent local pancreatic injury and systemic inflammatory complications. This study was aimed to examine whether 1,8-cineole, a plant monoterpene with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties could ameliorate cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. MAIN METHODS: AP was induced in Swiss mice by six one hourly injections of cerulein (50 µg/kg, i.p.). 1,8-cineole (100, 200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) was administered 1h prior to first cerulein injection, keeping vehicle and thalidomide treated groups as controls. Blood samples were taken 6-h later to determine serum levels of amylase and lipase, and cytokines. The pancreas was removed for morphological examination, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and for nuclear factor (NF)-κB immunostaining. KEY FINDINGS: 1,8-cineole effectively reduced the cerulein-induced histological damage, pancreatic edema and NF-κB expression, levels of MPO activity and MDA, and replenished the GSH depletion. Cerulein increased serum levels of amylase and lipase, and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were also decreased by 1,8-cineole pretreatment, similar to thalidomide, a TNF-α inhibitor. The anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine level was, however, enhanced by 1,8-cineole. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicate that 1,8-cineole can attenuate cerulein-induced AP via an anti-inflammatory mechanism and by combating oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to clearly elucidate its benefits in patients on acute pancreatitis.

The natural flavonoid quercetin ameliorates cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice.

Many plant-derived flavonoids including quercetin exhibit antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress play an important role in acute pancreatitis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of quercetin on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice. Animal groups were pretreated with quercetin (25, 50, 100 mg/kg, per os (p.o.)), thalidomide (200 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle (2% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)) 1 h before hourly (x5) intraperitoneal injections of cerulein. A saline (0.9%, NaCl)-treated control group was included for comparison. Cerulein significantly enhanced the serum levels of amylase and lipase, and pancreatic myeloperoxidase activities, malondialdehyde and the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and IL-6, as well as the pancreatic wet weight/body weight ratio. Cerulein significantly reduced the serum levels of IL-10. Histological assessment of the pancreas showed tissue edema, neutrophil infiltration, acinar vacuolization, and cell necrosis and a marked increase in the immunoreactivity staining for TNF-alpha. Pretreatment with quercetin or thalidomide significantly attenuated the severity of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis as evidenced by effective reductions in the pancreatic wet weight/body weight ratio, biochemical indices, proinflammatory cytokines, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde formation, and an increase in antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10. Quercetin treatment also markedly suppressed the histological changes such as pancreatic edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, acinar cell necrosis, and the expression of TNF-alpha. Taken together, these results indicate that quercetin ameliorates the severity of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis by acting as an antiinflammatory and antioxidant agent.

alpha,beta-amyrin, a natural triterpenoid ameliorates L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis in rats.

AIM: To study the beneficial effects of triterpene alpha,beta-amyrin and the underlying mechanisms in an experimental pancreatitis model. METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced in five groups of rats (n = 8) by L-arginine (2 x 2.5 g/kg, intraperitoneal, 1 h apart) and 1 h later, they received a single oral dose of alpha,beta-amyrin (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg), methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg) and vehicle (3% Tween 80). A saline (0.9% NaCl) treated group served as a normal control. Efficacy was assessed at 24 h by determination of serum levels of amylase, lipase and pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6], pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, lipid peroxidation [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)], nitrate/nitrite levels, and the wet weight/body weight ratio. Tissue histology and the immunoreactivity for TNF-alpha and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) were performed. RESULTS: alpha,beta-amyrin and methylprednisolone treatments significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the L-arginine-induced increases in pancreatic wet weight/body weight ratio, and decreased the serum levels of amylase and lipase, and TNF-alpha and IL-6, as compared to the vehicle control. Also, pancreatic levels of MPO activity, TBARS, and nitrate/nitrite were significantly lower. Histological findings and TNF-alpha and iNOS immunostaining further confirmed the amelioration of pancreatic injury by alpha,beta-amyrin. CONCLUSION: alpha,beta-amyrin has the potential to combat acute pancreatitis by acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.