Magnesium Supplementation Is Associated with a Lower Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Patients Submitted to Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: Literature has demonstrated an inverse relation between magnesium (Mg) consumption and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HT), and dyslipidemia. After bariatric surgery (BS), micronutrients deficiencies are common, it being important to ensure appropriate supplementation. There is no recommendation about Mg supplementation and to our knowledge, its effect has not been studied to date. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of Mg supplementation in cardio-metabolic risk factors on post-bariatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study of patients with obesity who underwent BS was performed. Data was assessed preoperatively and yearly (4-year follow-up). RESULTS: A total of 3363 patients were included. In the first year of follow-up, 79.8% (n = 2123) of the patients were supplemented with Mg, with evidence of slightly decreased percentages in the following years. Mg deficiency (serum Mg < 1.52 mEq/L) was more common among patients who were not supplemented during each year of follow-up (p < 0.05). Among those who underwent Mg supplementation, the percentage of T2DM, HT, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) > 130 mg/dL was significantly lower. In the first year post-surgery, the supplementation group had a lower risk of T2DM (OR = 0.545, p < 0.0001), LDL-C > 130 mg/dL (OR = 0.612, p < 0.0001), and HT (OR = 0.584, p < 0.0001). The OR for having these metabolic comorbidities persisted lower during the 4 years' follow-up. Patients who had Mg deficiency had higher prevalence of T2DM and HT. CONCLUSION: Mg supplementation seems to have a protective effect on the development of T2DM, HT, and LDL-C > 130 mg/dL in post-bariatric patients.

Supplying sows energy on the expected day of farrowing improves farrowing kinetics and newborn piglet performance in the first 24 h after birth.

The farrowing process is one of the most energy-demanding activities for the modern hyperprolific sow. This study evaluated the effects of supply of energy on the expected date of farrowing on the farrowing kinetics and piglets' performance during the first 24 h after birth. A total of 80 sows were used. The sows and their respective litters were considered as the experimental unit. On the expected day of farrowing, the sows were allocated to one of the following groups: sows that did not have access to feed from farrowing induction until the end of the farrowing process (CON, n = 40); sows fed 500 g of energetic supplement, which consisted of 250 g of the basal lactation diet plus 250 g of cane sugar, 18 h after farrowing induction (SUP, n = 40). The farrowing duration, farrowing assistance, birth interval, number of total born, stillborn and mummified piglets were recorded for each sow. Piglets were weighed individually at birth and 24 h later. The interval from birth to first suckle was evaluated individually for each piglet in 16 randomly selected litters (eight litters per treatment group). Blood glucose concentrations of six sows were measured shortly after expulsion of the first piglet. Farrowing duration, farrowing assistance and stillborn rate tended to be greater (P = 0.06, P = 0.09 and P = 0.07, respectively) in sows from the CON group compared to sows from the SUP group. However, there was no difference (P > 0.05) between the groups for birth interval. Colostrum intake was greater (P < 0.05) for piglets from the SUP group compared to piglets from the CON group. Additionally, BW gain of the piglets suckling the SUP group was greater (P < 0.05) than those suckling the CON group at 24 h after birth. The blood glucose concentrations during the expulsive stage of farrowing were greater (P < 0.05) in the SUP group than for sows from the CON group. In conclusion, supplying modern hyperprolific sows energy on the expected day of farrowing is a valuable nutritional intervention to improve the farrowing kinetics and piglets' performance in early life.

Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Long-term Cardiovascular Risk: Comparative Effectiveness of Different Surgical Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Several reports highlight bariatric surgery as an efficient and long-lasting strategy for weight loss. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and to compare the effectiveness of different surgical procedures, employing the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). METHODS: Retrospective longitudinal observational study of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Data was assessed preoperatively and during a 4-year follow-up period. RESULTS: We evaluated 1449 individuals, 85.2% female, age of 42.4 ± 10.6 years, and preoperative BMI of 44.3 ± 5.8 kg/m2; 58.0% underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 23.4% sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and 18.6% adjustable gastric band (AGB). The 10-year CVD risk decreased 43.6% in the first postoperative year. The decrease in FRS was more pronounced in the RYGB group (50.5% in the first postoperative year) (p < 0.001). Although there was a subsequent slight increase in FRS during the follow-up period, the cardiovascular benefits were maintained when compared with baseline. For all surgical procedures, CVD risk showed a quadratic trend with a J-shaped curve. A negative interaction between the RYGB group CVD risk and time was observed (ß = - 0.072 (95% CI, - 0.109; - 0.035)). In the RYGB group, FRS decreased more when compared with the SG and AGB groups and, from the second postoperative year onwards, increased more slowly, regardless of gender. The SG group showed similar trend as that of the AGB (ß = - 0.002 (95% CI, - 0.049; 0.053)). CONCLUSION: Our study showed a significant reduction of 10-year CVD risk after bariatric surgery. This decrease was more pronounced in the first postoperative year, and RYGB was the procedure with the greatest decrease of the 10-year CVD risk.

Insulin resistance and sex hormone-binding globulin are independently correlated with low free testosterone levels in obese males.

Male obesity is associated with decreased testosterone levels but the pathophysiological mechanisms behind this association are not completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hyperglycaemia/insulin resistance and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels on testosterone levels in a population of obese men. We investigated the impact of several clinical, anthropometric and analytic measures on testosterone levels in 150 obese males. Testosterone deficiency was present in 52.0% of the enrolled patients. This percentage dropped to 17.6% when only calculated free testosterone (FT) was accounted, as SHBG levels were correlated negatively with body mass index (r = -.20; p < .05). Older age (p < .05) and higher homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p < .01) and lower SHBG levels (p < .05) were independently correlated with lower FT. Weight and fasting plasma glucose lost their statistical significance after multivariate adjustment. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes had lower FT than those with normal glucose tolerance (p < .05 and p < .01 respectively). Insulin resistance, and not hyperglycaemia and weight per se, seems to be the main determinant of low testosterone levels in obese males. Low SHBG levels are correlated with low FT even after HOMA-IR adjustment. This suggests that SHBG can be associated with testosterone deficiency beyond the influence of insulin resistance unlike previously reported.

Effects of loss of occlusal contact on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2, membrane type 1-MMP, tissue inhibitor of the MMP-2, eruption rate, organization and resistance of collagen fibers of the rat incisor periodontal ligament.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of occlusal contact loss (induced by tooth shortening), on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) and tissue inhibitor of the MMP-2 (TIMP-2) expressions in the periodontal ligament of the rat incisor, as well as eruption rate, resistance and collagen organization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were distributed into a control group, denominated normofunctional group, whose lower teeth underwent a normal eruption process; and a hypofunctional group, whose lower left incisor teeth were shortened every 2 days during 14 days. Parameters were evaluated on the first, seventh and 14th days and the eruption rate was determined according to the size of the incisor during the eruption process. MMP-2 activity was determined by zymography and the expressions of the MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 proteins were quantitated by western blot. Collagen protein organization, as indicated by the birefringence of the periodontal ligament, was analyzed under polarized light and the periodontal ligament's resistance was determined from the load necessary to inject the incisor into its alveolar space, before extraction. RESULTS: Loss of occlusal contact, in rats submitted to hypofunctional eruption, increased MMP-2 activity and eruption rate, but decreased MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 expression and disrupted collagen organization in the periodontal ligament, consequently reducing periodontal ligament resistance. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, after incisor eruption, occlusal contact may be an important factor for regulating the remodeling and the physiological resistance of the periodontal ligament against the continuous eruption process observed in rat incisors.

S100A1: a major player in cardiovascular performance.

Calcium cycling is a major determinant of cardiac function. S100A1 is the most abundant member of the calcium-binding S100 protein family in myocardial tissue. S100A1 interacts with a variety of calcium regulatory proteins such as SERCA2a, ryanodine receptors, L-type calcium channels and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers, thus enhancing calcium cycling. Aside from this major function, S100A1 has an important role in energy balance, myofilament sliding, myofilament calcium sensibility, titin-actin interaction, apoptosis and cardiac remodeling. Apart from its properties regarding cardiomyocytes, S100A1 is also important in vessel relaxation and angiogenesis. S100A1 potentiates cardiac function thus increasing the cardiomyocytes' functional reserve; this is an important feature in heart failure. In fact, S100A1 seems to normalize cardiac function after myocardial infarction. Also, S100A1 is essential in the acute response to adrenergic stimulation. Gene therapy experiments show promising results, although further studies are still needed to reach clinical practice. In this review, we aim to describe the molecular basis and regulatory function of S100A1, exploring its interactions with a myriad of target proteins. We also explore its functional effects on systolic and diastolic function as well as its acute actions. Finally, we discuss S100A1 gene therapy and its progression so far.

Relationship between cell proliferation and eruption rate in the rat incisor.

The aim of this study was to further define the relationship between cell proliferation and the rate of tooth eruption in the rat incisor. Vinblastine is a drug that blocks cellular mitosis and was used to inhibit cell proliferation in the odontogenic region of rat incisors that were submitted to a shortening treatment or to higher masticatory forces. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: normofunctional (control group for incisor eruption), hypofunctional (incisor submitted to eruption acceleration), hyperfunctional (incisors under higher masticatory forces), hypofunctional with vinblastine and hyperfunctional with vinblastine. In incisors submitted to shortening procedures, a significant decrease in the eruption rate and cell proliferation was observed two days after vinblastine injection, suggesting that incisor eruption is dependent on cell proliferation.

Immunolocalization of CSF-1, RANKL and OPG in the enamel-related periodontium of the rat incisor and their implications for alveolar bone remodeling.

The enamel-related periodontium (ERP) in rat incisors is related to bone resorption. In these teeth the face of the socket related to the enamel is continuously removed at the inner side and newly formed at the outer side. CSF-1, RANKL and OPG are regulatory molecules essential for osteoclastogenesis. To verify the effects of impeded eruption on bone remodeling, the tooth eruption was prevented by immobilization of lower rat incisor and CSF-1, RANKL and OPG distribution in the ERP was analyzed after 18 days of immobilization and in normal eruption. The region of the alveolar crest of the rat incisor was used. Immunohistochemistry and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were performed. The immunostaining of the dental follicle was quantified using Leica QWin software. Positive-TRAP osteoclasts were counted, and both groups were compared. In the normal incisor, the number of osteoclasts was significantly greater than in the immobilized tooth. In the dental follicle, there was no significant difference in the immunostaining intensity for CSF-1 and OPG between the groups (p > 0.05), but for RANKL the immobilized incisor group showed immunostaining intensity smaller than the normal incisor group (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that changes in the ERP, in the immobilized incisor, modify the RANKL/OPG ratio, in the presence of CSF-1, altering the metabolism of cells that participate in the bone remodeling.

Efeito do nível de fibra e da fonte de proteína sobre o comportamento alimentar de novilhas mestiças Holandês-Zebu / Effect of fiber levels and protein sources on the eating behavior of crossbred Holstein-Zebu heifers

Este trabalho foi realizado para avaliar a influência do nível de fibra, da fonte de proteína e do horário de fornecimento da raçäo sobre aspectos do comportamento alimentar de novilhas mestiças Holandês x Zebu. As dietas com baixa ou alta fibra, em base de cana-de-açúcar mais silagem de capim-elefante como volumoso, continham 38,7 ou 57,2 por cento de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), respectivamente. As fontes de proteína foram o farelo de soja com alta (65,0 por cento) ou farinha de sangue mais farelo de glúten de milho com baixa (32,2 por cento) degradaçäo ruminal. Dezesseis novilhas mestiças, com idade média de 14 meses e 220kgPV foram distribuídas em um delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso em esquema fatorial 2x2x2 (nível de fibra, fonte de proteína, horário de fornecimento), com duas repetiçöes. 0 comportamento alimentar das novilhas foi determinado pela observaçäo visual, em intervalos de 5 minutos, durante 24 horas, uma vez por mês durante o período experimental para determinar o tempo despendido com ingestäo, ruminaçäo e descanso. Novilhas alimentadas com dietas com alto nível de FDN despenderam mais tempo com ingestäo e ruminaçäo. Em relaçäo às fontes de proteína näo foi observada diferença quanto ao tempo despendido com ingestäo, ruminaçäo e descanso. O tempo despendido com ingestäo foi maior quando a dieta foi fornecida pela manhä. O comportamento alimentar das novilhas foi influenciado pelo teor de FDN da dieta

Efeito do nível de fibra e da fonte de proteína sobre o desempenho ponderal de novilhas mestiças Holandês-Zebu / Effect of fiber level and protein source on live weight gain of crossbred Holstein-Zebu heifers

Este trabalho foi realizado para avaliar a influência do nível de fibra, da fonte de proteína e do horário de fornecimento da raçäo sobre o desempenho ponderal de novilhas mestiças Holandês x Zebu. As dietas com baixa ou alta fibra, à base de cana-de-açúcar mais silagem de capim-elefante como volumoso, continham 38,7 ou 57,2 por cento de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), respectivamente. As fontes de proteína foram o farelo de soja com alta (65,0 por cento) ou farinha de sangue mais farelo de glúten de milho com baixa (32,2 por cento) degradaçäo ruminal. Dezesseis novilhas mestiças, com idade média de 14 meses e 220kgPV, foram distribuídas em um delineamento experimental interiramente ao acaso em esquema fatorial 2x2x2 (nível de fibra, fonte de proteína, horário de fornecimento), com duas repetiçöes. O ganho de peso diário (GPD), o consumo de matéria seca (MS), de proteína bruta (PB) e de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) foram maiores para os animais que consumiram dietas com baixo teor de fibra, expresso em kg/dia, por centoPV e g/kg0,75 sobrescrito. O consumo de FDN foi maior para as dietas com alto conteúdo de fibra (kg/dia, por centoPV e g/kg0,75 sobrescrito). As fontes de proteína e o horário de fornecimento da raçäo näo influenciaram o GPD e o consumo de MS, PB e NDT das novilhas. Dietas com baixa fibra resultaram em maior consumo de MS, PB e NDT, os quais permitiram maiores ganhos de peso

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the latex containing triterpenes from Himatanthus sucuuba.

Some triterpenes and iridoids were previously isolated from the stem bark of Himatanthus sucuuba. The latex from Himatanthus sucuuba is used in popular amazonian medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy. Fractions of the latex were pharmacologically evaluated with a view to verify this popular use in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and in the acetic acid-induced mouse constriction tests. The hexane fraction inhibited the edema formation by 35.9% at a dose of 200 mg/kg (p.o.) but no activity was observed at 100 mg/kg (p.o.). The triterpenes present in the hexane fraction were identified as lupeol acetate, alpha-amyrin and lupeol cinnamates. The fraction containing only cinnamates inhibited the edema and the abdominal constrictions by 50-40% and 57.9%, respectively, at 100 mg/kg (p.o.). Among all the fractions studied, the fraction containing only cinnamates showed the greatest anti-inflammatory activity which suggests that these compounds were responsible for the previously described activity of the crude extract.

The large septal arteries in normal hearts, in aortic valve disease, and in tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: Several surgical techniques such as the Ross operation or total correction of tetralogy of Fallot require incisions of the upper ventricular septum. Very few reports on the anatomy of the septal arteries of the pathologic heart can be found in the literature. To get a more precise knowledge of the large septal arteries in pathologic hearts, we have compared the anatomy of normal hearts with that of hearts with aortic valve disease and of tetralogy of Fallot. METHODS: Twenty-six normal heart specimens (group A), 11 with aortic valve disease (group B), and 4 with tetralogy of Fallot (group C) were dissected. RESULTS: In groups B and C a single large septal artery was always found. The large septal artery had the orientation previously described for normal hearts. Still, its course in the lower border of the anterior extension of the septomarginal trabecula was deeper. The anterior extension of the septomarginal trabecula was 4 +/- 3 mm deep in group A, 6 +/- 2 mm in group B, and 3 mm in group C. The interventricular septum was much thicker in groups B and C than in group A. CONCLUSIONS: The position of the large septal artery can be predicted from coronary angiography and from the morphology of the anterior extension of the septomarginal trabecula. Knowledge of its position can improve the safety of operations performed on the outflow of the interventricular septum.

[Erythrocytic enzymatic systems and their antioxidative potential in pregnant women undergoing labor induction with intracervical PGE2]. / Sistemas enzimáticos eritrocitários e seu potencial antioxidante nas grávidas submetidas a indução do trabalho de parto com PGE2 intracervical.

Our purpose is to correlate, the apgar score of the new-borns from induction of labour (IL) with Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) endocervical gel, and the oxidative environment of the pregnant woman during labour, studying biochemical markers of the erythrocytes. PGE2 is responsible for the regulation of the vascular response in pregnancy, namely for the vasoconstriction caused by Angitensin II. The production of Prostaglandins in vivo depends on mechanisms related to free radicals of oxygen (FRO). The production of FRO is enhanced in normal pregnancy. We have studied two erythrocytic enzymes and plasmatic concentration of PGE2 before and after the IL. Those enzymes are oxireductases-the transmembrane reductase (RTM) and the metahemoglobin reductase (MHR). Their function is to prevent the effects of the FRO on cellular biomolecules namely the endothelium and the red blood cells. This prevention of oxidative stress can facilitate the deformability of the erythrocytes, so these cells can easily transpose the small vessels and bind the oxygen to the tissues. The activity of those enzymes can be modulated by PGE2 used in the IL. We have not found significant variations on the activity of RTM after IL. The activity of MHR was enhanced with statistical significance, 30 minutes after the induction. This enhancement of activity can be a mechanism to prevent the oxidative stress of the induction of labour.