The direct correlation between oxidative stress and LDL-C levels in adults is maintained by the Friedewald and Martin equations, but the methylation levels in the MTHFR and ADRB3 genes differ.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) concentrations are a standard of care in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and are influenced by different factors. This study compared the LDL-C concentrations estimated by two different equations and determined their associations with inflammatory status, oxidative stress, anthropometric variables, food intake and DNA methylation levels in the LPL, ADRB3 and MTHFR genes. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with 236 adults (median age 37.5 years) of both sexes from the municipality of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. The LDL-C concentrations were estimated according to the Friedewald and Martin equations. LPL, ADRB3 and MTHFR gene methylation levels; malondialdehyde levels; total antioxidant capacity; ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, homocysteine, cobalamin, and folic acid levels; usual dietary intake; and epidemiological variables were also determined. For each unit increase in malondialdehyde concentration there was an increase in the LDL-C concentration from 6.25 to 10.29 mg/dL (p <0.000). Based on the Martin equation (≥70 mg/dL), there was a decrease in the DNA methylation levels in the ADRB3 gene and an increase in the DNA methylation levels in the MTHFR gene (p <0.05). There was a positive relation of homocysteine and cholesterol intake on LDL-C concentrations estimated according to the Friedewald equation and of waist circumference and age based on the two estimates. It is concluded the LDL-C concentrations estimated by the Friedewald and Martin equations were different, and the Friedewald equation values were significantly lower than those obtained by the Martin equation. MDA was the variable that was most positively associated with the estimated LDL-C levels in all multivariate models. Significant relationships were observed based on the two estimates and occurred for most variables. The methylation levels of the ADRB3 and MTHFR genes were different according to the Martin equation at low LDL-C concentrations (70 mg/dL).

Intestinal parasitism and related risk factors for primary school students in João Pessoa, northeast Brazil / Parasitismo intestinal e fatores de risco relacionados entre os escolares do ensino fundamental I e II na cidade de João Pessoa, no nordeste do Brasil

The goal of the present study was to determine both prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitism in school students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a single primary school located in João Pessoa, from February to August in 2016. The students were selected from the age group of 5-16 years. Of the school total of 341 students, 150 fecal specimens (from participants) were collected and were evaluated by three methods: Hoffman, Pons, and Janer (HPJ); Rugai; and the Paratest® Kit. A questionnaire concerning socio-demographic, environmental and behavioral variables was also applied. A logistic regression model was used to explain the occurrence of intestinal parasitism and the associated risk factors. The prevalence was 38.7% of students, with positive samples being more prevalent in the male students (47.0%). The most common parasite was Giardia lamblia 13 (14.8%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 8 (9%), Enterobius vermicularis 5 (5.7%), Strongyloides stercolaris 2 (2.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides 2 (2.3%) and Trichuris trichiura 2 (2.3%). Among the enterocommensals, the most frequent was Endolimax nana 36 (40.9%) followed by Entamoeba coli 20 (22.7%). The variables that presented statistical significance (pvalue< 0.05) ) together with the Odds Ratio (OR) were: gender (female) (OR=2.4; 95% CI, 0.19-0.98), family allowance participant (yes) (OR=4.4; 95% CI, 1.84-10.66), number of rooms in the residence (OR=3.5; 95% CI, 1.13-10.64), family nucleus (OR=7.0; 95% CI, 1.46-12.43), fruit and vegeTable hygiene (OR=2.0; 95% CI, 1.23-3.36), use of anthelmintic (OR= 0.02; 95% CI, 0.001-0.30) and detection of worms (OR=25.0; 95% CI, 20.6-30.10). Diseases caused by protozoa were more prevalent. The analyzed risk factors demonstrate that disease transmission happens through differing routes. Thus, appropriate health intervention strategies should be implemented to reduce the burden of intestinal parasites for school students and their families.

O presente estudo tem como objetivo determinar a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados ao parasitismo intestinal em escolares. Este estudo transversal foi conduzido em uma escola primária localizada na cidade de João Pessoa, de fevereiro a agosto de 2016. As crianças foram selecionadas entre 5 a 16 anos de idade. De 341 alunos, foram coletados 150 espécimes fecais e foram avaliados por três métodos: Método de Hoffman, Pons e Janer (HPJ); Kit Rugai e Paratest®. Foi preenchido um questionário sobre dados de variáveis sociodemográficas, ambientais e de comportamento. O modelo de regressão logística foi utilizado para explicar a ocorrência de parasitismo intestinal e os fatores de risco associados. A prevalência foi de 38,7% das crianças, sendo a amostra positiva mais predominante nas crianças do sexo masculino (47,0%). O parasita mais comum foi Giardia lamblia 13 (14,8%), seguido de Entamoeba histolytica / dispar 8 (9%), Enterobius vermicularis 5 (5,7%), Strongyloides stercolaris 2 (2,3%), Ascaris lumbricoides 2 (2,3%) e Trichuris Trichiura 2 (2,3%). Entre os enterocomensais, a maioria das freqüências foi Endolimax nana 36 (40,9%) seguido de Entamoeba coli 20 (22,7%). As variáveis que apresentaram significância estatística (p-valor <0,05) foram: gênero (feminino) (OR = 2,4; IC 95%; 0,19-0,98), recebe subsídio familiar (sim) (OR = 4,4; 95% CI, 1,84-10,66), número de quartos na residência (OR = 3,5; IC 95%, 1,13-10,64), núcleo familiar (OR = 7,0; IC 95%; 1,46- 12,43), higiene das frutas e legumes (OR = 2,0, IC 95%, 1,23-3,36), uso de vermifugio (OR = 0,02, IC 95%, 0,001-0,30) e visualização de vermes (OR = 25,0; IC 95%, 20,6-30,10). As doenças causadas por protozoários foram mais prevalentes. Os fatores de risco analisados demonstram que a transmissão de doenças ocorre por rotas diferentes. Portanto, as estratégias de intervenção em saúde devem ser implementadas para as crianças da escola e suas famílias para reduzir o peso dos parasitas intestinais.