The influence of serum selenium in differential epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of CPT1B gene in women with obesity.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing prevalence of obesity has become a major health problem worldwide. The causes of obesity are multifactorial and could be influenced by dietary patterns and genetic factors. Obesity has been associated with a decrease in micronutrient intake and consequently decreased blood concentrations. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for human health, and its metabolism could be affected by obesity, especially severe obesity. This study aimed to identify differential methylation genes associated with serum selenium concentration in women with and without obesity. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-four patients were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: Obese (Ob) n = 20 and Non-Obese (NOb) n = 14, according to the Body Mass Index (BMI). Anthropometry, body composition, serum selenium, selenium intake, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. DNA extraction and bisulfite conversion were performed to hybridize the samples on the 450k Methylation Chip Infinium Beadchip (Illumina). Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the R program and the Champ package. The differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified using the Bumphunter method. In addition, logarithmic conversion was performed for the analysis of serum selenium and methylation. RESULTS: In the Ob group, the body weight, BMI, fat mass, and free fat mass were higher than in the NOb group, as expected. Interestingly, the serum selenium was lower in the Ob than in the NOb group without differences in selenium intake. One DMR corresponding to the CPT1B gene, involved in lipid oxidation, was related to selenium levels. This region was hypermethylated in the Ob group, indicating that the intersection between selenium deficiency and hypermethylation could influence the expression of the CPT1B gene. The transcriptional analysis confirmed the lower expression of the CPT1B gene in the Ob group. CONCLUSION: Studies connecting epigenetics to environmental factors could offer insights into the mechanisms involving the expression of genes related to obesity and its comorbidities. Here we demonstrated that the mineral selenium might play an essential role in lipid oxidation via epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of the CPT1B gene in obesity.

Polymeric biomaterials for wound healing.

Skin indicates a person's state of health and is so important that it influences a person's emotional and psychological behavior. In this context, the effective treatment of wounds is a major concern, since several conventional wound healing materials have not been able to provide adequate healing, often leading to scar formation. Hence, the development of innovative biomaterials for wound healing is essential. Natural and synthetic polymers are used extensively for wound dressings and scaffold production. Both natural and synthetic polymers have beneficial properties and limitations, so they are often used in combination to overcome overcome their individual limitations. The use of different polymers in the production of biomaterials has proven to be a promising alternative for the treatment of wounds, as their capacity to accelerate the healing process has been demonstrated in many studies. Thus, this work focuses on describing several currently commercially available solutions used for the management of skin wounds, such as polymeric biomaterials for skin substitutes. New directions, strategies, and innovative technologies for the design of polymeric biomaterials are also addressed, providing solutions for deep burns, personalized care and faster healing.

Effectiveness of systemic acupuncture in the control of urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture associated with pelvic floor muscle training for the control of urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy. METHOD: Open-label, parallel randomized clinical trial. The intervention group (n = 33) underwent eight sessions of systemic acupuncture associated with pelvic floor muscle training and the control group (n = 31) performed only pelvic floor muscle training. The outcome variable was urinary incontinence assessed by the Pad Test and Daily Pad Used, before treatment (T0), after four weeks (T1) and after eight weeks of treatment (T2). Data analysis was performed using a longitudinal model of Generalized Estimating Equations, significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The control group showed greater urinary loss compared to the intervention group at T1 (p = 0.006) and at T2 (p < 0.001). Both groups showed improvement in the level of urinary incontinence over time, but the improvement was greater in the intervention group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture associated with pelvic floor muscle training was effective in reducing urinary incontinence in prostatectomized men.Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials:RBR-3jm5y2.

A Versatile Nanocarrier-Cubosomes, Characterization, and Applications.

The impact of nanotechnology on the exponential growth of several research areas, particularly nanomedicine, is undeniable. The ability to deliver active molecules to the desired site could significantly improve the efficiency of medical treatments. One of the nanocarriers developed which has drawn researchers' attention are cubosomes, which are nanosized dispersions of lipid bicontinuous cubic phases in water, consisting of a lipidic interior and aqueous domains folded in a cubic lattice. They stand out due to their ability to incorporate hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and amphiphilic compounds, their tortuous internal configuration that provides a sustained release, and the capacity to protect and safely deliver molecules. Several approaches can be taken to prepare this structure, as well as different lipids like monoolein or phytantriol. This review paper describes the different methods to prepare nanocarriers. As it is known, the physicochemical properties of nanocarriers are very important, as they influence their pharmacokinetics and their ability to incorporate and deliver active molecules. Therefore, an extensive characterization is essential to obtain the desired effect. As a result, we have extensively described the most common techniques to characterize cubosomes, particularly nanocarriers. The exceptional properties of the cubosomes make them suitable to be used in several applications in the biomedical field, from cancer therapeutics to imaging, which will be described. Taking in consideration the outstanding properties of cubosomes, their application in several research fields is envisaged.

Nanocarriers as Active Ingredients Enhancers in the Cosmetic Industry-The European and North America Regulation Challenges.

"Flawless skin is the most universally desired human feature" is an iconic statement by Desmond Morris. Skin indicates one´s health and is so important that it affects a person's emotional and psychological behavior, these facts having propelled the development of the cosmetics industry. It is estimated that in 2023, this industry will achieve more than 800 billion dollars. This boost is due to the development of new cosmetic formulations based on nanotechnology. Nanocarriers have been able to solve problems related to active ingredients regarding their solubility, poor stability, and release. Even though nanocarriers have evident benefits, they also present some problems related to the high cost, low shelf life, and toxicity. Regulation and legislation are two controversial topics regarding the use of nanotechnology in the field of cosmetics. In this area, the U.S. FDA has taken the lead and recommended several biosafety studies and post-market safety evaluations. The lack of a global definition that identifies nanomaterials as a cosmetic ingredient is a hindrance to the development of global legislation. In the EU, the legislation regarding the biosafety of nanomaterials in cosmetics is stricter. "The cost is not the only important issue, safety and the application of alternative testing methods for toxicity are of crucial importance as well".

Effectiveness of systemic acupuncture in the control of urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy: a randomized clinical trial / Efectividad de la acupuntura sistémica en el control de la incontinencia urinaria post-prostatectomía radical: ensayo clínico randomizado / Efetividade da acupuntura sistêmica no controle da incontinência urinária pós-prostatectomia radical: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture associated with pelvic floor muscle training for the control of urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy. Method: Open-label, parallel randomized clinical trial. The intervention group (n = 33) underwent eight sessions of systemic acupuncture associated with pelvic floor muscle training and the control group (n = 31) performed only pelvic floor muscle training. The outcome variable was urinary incontinence assessed by the Pad Test and Daily Pad Used, before treatment (T0), after four weeks (T1) and after eight weeks of treatment (T2). Data analysis was performed using a longitudinal model of Generalized Estimating Equations, significance level of 0.05. Results: The control group showed greater urinary loss compared to the intervention group at T1 (p = 0.006) and at T2 (p < 0.001). Both groups showed improvement in the level of urinary incontinence over time, but the improvement was greater in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Acupuncture associated with pelvic floor muscle training was effective in reducing urinary incontinence in prostatectomized men. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials:RBR-3jm5y2

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de la acupuntura asociada al entrenamiento muscular de piso pélvico para el control de la incontinencia urinaria post-prostatectomía radical. Método: ensayo clínico aleatorizado paralelo, del tipo abierto. El grupo intervención (n = 33) fue sometido a ocho sesiones de acupuntura sistémica asociada al entrenamiento muscular de piso pélvico y el grupo control (n = 31) solamente al entrenamiento muscular de piso pélvico. La variable desfecho fue incontinencia urinaria evaluada por el Pad Test y Daily Pad Used, antes del tratamiento (T0), después de cuatro semanas (T1) y después de ocho semanas de tratamiento (T2). El análisis de datos fue realizado por modelo longitudinal de Ecuaciones de Estimaciones Generalizadas, nivel de significancia de 0,05. Resultados: el grupo control presentó mayor pérdida urinaria en comparación al grupo intervención en T1 (p = 0,006) y en T2 (p < 0,001). Ambos grupos presentaron mejor nivel de incontinencia urinaria a lo largo del tiempo, sin embargo la mejora fue mayor en el grupo intervención (p < 0,001). Conclusión: la acupuntura asociada al entrenamiento muscular de piso pélvico fue efectiva para la reducción de la incontinencia urinaria en hombres prostatectomizados. Registro Brasileño de Ensayos Clínicos:RBR-3jm5y2

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade da acupuntura associada ao treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico para o controle da incontinência urinária pós-prostatectomia radical. Método: Ensaio clínico aleatorizado paralelo, do tipo aberto. O grupo intervenção (n = 33) foi submetido a oito sessões de acupuntura sistêmica associada ao treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico e o grupo controle (n = 31) somente ao treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico. A variável desfecho foi incontinência urinária avaliada pelo Pad Test e Daily Pad Used, antes do tratamento (T0), após quatro semanas (T1) e após oito semanas de tratamento (T2).A análise de dados foi realizada por modelo longitudinal de Equações de Estimações Generalizadas, nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: O grupo controle apresentou maior perda urinária em comparação ao grupo intervenção em T1 (p = 0,006) e em T2 (p < 0,001). Ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora no nível de incontinência urinária ao longo do tempo, porém a melhora foi maior no grupo intervenção (p < 0,001). Conclusão A acupuntura associada ao treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico foi efetiva para a redução da incontinência urinária em homens prostatectomizados. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos:RBR-3jm5y2

Structure of Relationships Between the University Organizational Image and Student Loyalty.

The aim of this research is to contrast an explanatory model of how the perceived organizational image of a university center (faculty) influences its students' loyalty. The data is obtained from a structured survey of students in Spain, obtaining a sample of 224 valid questionnaires. The methodology used is exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement scales and the estimation of the model is carried out by applying Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results show that organizational image is the key variable to influence students' decision to continue taking new courses at the center, as well as to recommend it to other people. It is observed that the greater students' positive perception of the organizational image is, the greater their satisfaction with the center will be, which results in a higher level of loyalty to the center in which they study. However, their identification levels with the center is not a relevant variable in the process of increasing loyalty.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Approach in the Inactivation of Viruses in Wastewater: Influence of Alternative Adjuvants.

Pathogenic viruses are frequently present in marine and estuarine waters, due to poor wastewater (WW) treatments, which consequently affect water quality and human health. Chlorination, one of the most common methods used to ensure microbiological safety in tertiarily treated effluents, may lead to the formation of toxic chemical disinfection by-products on reaction with organic matter present in the effluents. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) can be a promising disinfecting approach for the inactivation of pathogens, without the formation of known toxic by-products. Additionally, some studies have reported the potentiator effect on aPDT of some compounds, such as potassium iodide (KI) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In the present study, the aPDT efficiency of a PS formulation constituted of five cationic porphyrins (Form) in the inactivation of E. coli T4-like bacteriophage, a model of mammalian viruses, in different aqueous matrices with different organic matter content, was evaluated. Photoinactivation studies were performed at different concentrations of Form and in the presence of the adjuvants KI and H2O2. The results showed that the efficiency of bacteriophage photoinactivation is correlated with the Form concentration, the amount of the organic matter in WW, and the adjuvant type. Form can be an effective alternative to controlling viruses in WW, particularly if combined with H2O2, allowing to significantly reduce PS concentration and treatment time. When combined with KI, the Form is less effective in inactivating T4-like bacteriophage in WW.

The Impact of Gastric Bypass on Telomere Length and Shelterin Complex Gene Expression: 6 Months Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Telomeres are structures located at the ends of chromosomes associated with a protein complex, known as the shelterin complex. In individuals with obesity, excess adipose tissue plays a key role in inducing a chronic and systemic inflammatory state, which can cause TL shortening. In this context, bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatment modalities in improving metabolic control. AIM: Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate how a short postoperative period of gastric bypass affects TL and expression of POT1, TRF1 and TRF2 genes. METHODS: Forty-eight women submitted to RYGB were evaluated before and after 6 months of the surgical procedure. Anthropometric measures of body weight and height (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), body composition, food intake and blood collection for biochemical evaluation, TL analysis (DNA), and gene expression (RNA) were collected at each moment. RESULTS: There was a reduction of weight, BMI, AC, FM and FFM as well as of glycemia, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides after gastric bypass. No difference in energy intake and macronutrients consumption was observed. There was no significant change in TL, but there was a significant increase of POT1 and TRF1 gene expression after surgery, while TRF2 expression did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Despite bariatric surgery is not capable of increasing telomere length in a short-term period, no reduction is observed; additionally, we found a correlation between serum triglycerides concentration and TL. The increase of POT1 and TRF1 gene expression may explain the maintenance of the TL after 6 months postoperative period.

Reações à queda do cabelo e estratégias de enfrentamento dos adolescentes com doença oncológica / Reactions to hair loss and coping strategies in adolescents with cancer / Reacciones a la caída del cabello y estrategias de afrontamiento en adolescentes con enfermedad oncológica

Resumo Enquadramento: O cancro na adolescência tem um impacte importante no desenvolvimento psicossocial e físico, sendo a queda do cabelo considerada foco de grande ansiedade e stresse. Objetivos: Identificar as reações emocionais à queda do cabelo dos adolescentes com doença oncológica; as estratégias de coping mais utilizadas; e as percecionadas como mais eficazes; bem como, analisar as relações entre reações emocionais e estratégias utilizadas; e as relações entre variáveis demográficas/clínicas e reações emocionais, estratégias utilizadas e respetiva eficácia. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo-correlacional, com uma amostra de 30 adolescentes. Resultados: Salienta-se que a queda do cabelo é um problema considerado grande/urgente, sendo a tristeza/choro e o medo/irritabilidade as emoções que melhor descrevem a reação dos adolescentes. Os resultados indicam, também, as estratégias mais utilizadas, as percecionadas como mais eficazes e a existência de relações entre reações emocionais e estratégias de coping utilizadas, assim como, entre variáveis demográficas, reações emocionais e estratégias. Conclusão: O conhecimento das reações à queda do cabelo destes adolescentes e das estratégias de enfrentamento, é essencial para uma prática de enfermagem mais direcionada.

Abstract Background: Cancer in adolescence has a significant impact on psychological and physical development, and hair loss is a major cause of anxiety and stress. Objectives: To identify emotional reactions to hair loss in adolescents with cancer, the most frequently used coping strategies, and those perceived as most effective; to analyze the relationship between emotional reactions and the strategies used and between demographic/clinical variables and emotional reactions, strategies used, and their efficacy. Methodology: Quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study with a sample of 30 adolescents. Results: Hair loss is a large/emergency problem, and sadness/crying and fear/irritability are emotions that best describe the adolescents' reactions. The results also show the most frequently used strategies, those perceived as most effective, and the relationships between emotional reactions and coping strategies used and between demographic variables, emotional reactions, and strategies. Conclusion: The knowledge of these adolescents' reactions to hair loss and their coping strategies is essential for a more targeted nursing practice.

Resumen Marco contextual: El cáncer en los adolescentes tiene un gran impacto en el desarrollo psicosocial y físico, y la pérdida de cabello se considera un foco de gran ansiedad y estrés. Objetivos: Identificar las reacciones emocionales a la caída del cabello de los adolescentes con enfermedad oncológica; las estrategias de coping más utilizadas, y las que se perciben como más eficaces; así como analizar las relaciones entre las reacciones emocionales y las estrategias utilizadas, y las relaciones entre las variables demográficas/clínicas y las reacciones emocionales, las estrategias utilizadas y su respectiva eficacia. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo, transversal, descriptivo-correlacional, con una muestra de 30 adolescentes. Resultados: Se destaca que la caída del cabello es un problema considerado grande/urgente, en el cual la tristeza/llanto y el miedo/la irritabilidad son las emociones que mejor describen la reacción de los adolescentes. Los resultados también indican las estrategias más utilizadas, las percibidas como más eficaces y la existencia de relaciones entre las reacciones emocionales y las estrategias de coping utilizadas, así como entre las variables demográficas, las reacciones emocionales y las estrategias. Conclusión: Conocer las reacciones a la caída del cabello de estos adolescentes y sus estrategias de afrontamiento es esencial para una práctica de enfermería más enfocada.

Auriculoterapia em profissionais de enfermagem na pandemia do coronavírus: estudo de casos múltiplos / Auriculotherapy in nursing professionals during the coronavirus pandemic: a multiple case study

Objetivou avaliar o efeito antes e depois de uma sessão de auriculoterapia nos níveis de ansiedade, depressão e estresse nos profissionais de enfermagem escalados para atuar na assistência durante a pandemia do coronavírus. Estudo de caso, com casos múltiplos e uma unidade de análise. Estabeleceu-se uma amostra por conveniência de 41 profissionais. Aplicou-se o instrumento de caracterização sociodemográfica e a escala de Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, antes e após uma sessão de auriculoterapia com protocolo de 10 acupontos. Teste de Wilcoxon e T emparelhado foram empregados para análise. Níveis de ansiedade, depressão e estresse apresentaram resultados significativos, cujas medianas reduziram de seis para quatro (p<0,001), nas variáveis depressão e ansiedade, e a média de estresse reduziu de 19,37 para 11,95 (p<0,001). A auriculoterapia foi efetiva na redução de distúrbios emocionais nos profissionais de enfermagem.

This study aimed to evaluate the levels of anxiety, depression and stress before and after an auriculotherapy session, in nursing professionals working during the coronavirus pandemic. Case study, with multiple cases and one unit of analysis. A convenience sample of 41 professionals was established. The sociodemographic characterization instrument and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale were applied before and after an auriculotherapy session with a 10-acupoint protocol. The Wilcoxon and t tests were paired for analysis. Anxiety, depression and stress levels showed significant results, the medians decreased from six to four (p<0.001), in the variables depression and anxiety, and the average stress decreased from 19.37 to 11.95 (p<0.001). Auriculotherapy was effective in reducing emotional disorders in nursing professionals.

Changes in DNA Methylation and Gene Expression of Insulin and Obesity-Related Gene PIK3R1 after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Weight regulation and the magnitude of weight loss after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can be genetically determined. DNA methylation patterns and the expression of some genes can be altered after weight loss interventions, including RYGB. The present study aimed to evaluate how the gene expression and DNA methylation of PIK3R1, an obesity and insulin-related gene, change after RYGB. Blood samples were obtained from 13 women (35.9 ± 9.2 years) with severe obesity before and six months after surgical procedure. Whole blood transcriptome and epigenomic patterns were assessed by microarray-based, genome-wide technologies. A total of 1966 differentially expressed genes were identified in the pre- and postoperative periods of RYGB. From these, we observed that genes involved in obesity and insulin pathways were upregulated after surgery. Then, the PIK3R1 gene was selected for further RT-qPCR analysis and cytosine-guanine nucleotide (CpG) sites methylation evaluation. We observed that the PI3KR1 gene was upregulated, and six DNA methylation CpG sites were differently methylated after bariatric surgery. In conclusion, we found that RYGB upregulates genes involved in obesity and insulin pathways.

Green tea supplementation improves oxidative stress biomarkers and modulates IL-6 circulating levels in obese women.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: obesity is associated with high levels of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. There is a lot of evidence that some polyphenols, such as green tea, have a positive impact on the OS state and consecutively, on inflammation. Objectives: the purposes of this study were: a) evaluate OS biomarkers in both obese and normal weight women; and b) evaluate if green tea supplementation has an impact on OS and inflammatory cytokine biomarkers of obese women. Methods: we evaluated obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg/m²) and normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²) women. Blood samples were used to access malondialdehyde (MDA), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and inflammatory cytokines. We randomly chose obese patients (18 individuals) and then gave them green tea supplementation for eight weeks. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, independent and paired t tests; p < 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: we enrolled 42 obese (BMI: 48.2 ± 9.3kg/m2) and 21 normal weight (BMI: 22.5 ± 2 kg/m2) women with an average age of 36.2 ± 9.1 years old. The serum levels of MDA were higher in obese (2.52 ± 0.31 µmol/l) than in eutrophic women (2.13 ± 0.26 µmol/l; p = 0.000). On the other hand, lower TEAC values were observed in the obese (0.75 ± 0.06 mM/l) than in the eutrophic group (0.78 ± 0.04 mM/l; p = 0.009). After the green tea intervention, MDA decreased 4.7% and TEAC increased 10%. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum levels decreased 12.7% after treatment (p = 0.03). Conclusions: a) the obese group had lower antioxidant capacity than eutrophic; and b) green tea supplementation ameliorated TEAC and MDA and reduced serum levels of IL-6 in obese women.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la obesidad se asocia con altos niveles de estrés oxidativo (EO) e inflamación. Existe mucha evidencia de que algunos polifenoles, como el té verde, tienen un impacto positivo en el estado del EO y, consecutivamente, en la inflamación. Objetivos: los propósitos de este estudio fueron: a) evaluar los biomarcadores de EO en mujeres obesas y de peso normal; y b) evaluar si la suplementación con té verde tiene un impacto en el EO y biomarcadores de citoquinas inflamatorias de las mujeres obesas. Métodos: evaluamos mujeres obesas (índice de masa corporal [IMC] ≥ 40 kg/m²) y con peso normal (IMC entre 18,5 y 24,9 kg/m²). Se utilizaron muestras de sangre para determinar el malondialdehído (MDA), la capacidad antioxidante equivalente de trolox (TEAC) y las citoquinas inflamatorias. Elegimos al azar pacientes obesas (18 individuos) y luego les dimos suplementos de té verde durante ocho semanas. El análisis estadístico incluyó las pruebas de Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, t pareadas e independientes; p < 0,05 fueron considerados como significativos. Resultados: se reclutaron 42 mujeres obesas (IMC: 48,2 ± 9,3 kg/m2) y 21 de peso normal (IMC: 22,5 ± 2 kg/m2) con un promedio de edad de 36,2 ± 9,1 años. Los niveles séricos de MDA fueron más altos en las personas obesas (2,52 ± 0,31 µmol/L) que en las mujeres eutróficas (2,13 ± 0,26 µmol/L; p = 0,000). Por otro lado, se observaron valores TEAC más bajos en los obesos (0,75 ± 0,06 mM/L) que en el grupo eutrófico (0,78 ± 0,04 mM/L; p = 0,009). Después de la intervención con té verde, la MDA disminuyó 4.7% y el TEAC aumentó 10%. Los niveles séricos de interleucina-6 (IL-6) disminuyeron 12.7% después del tratamiento (p = 0,03). Conclusiones: a) mujeres obesas tienen menor capacidad antioxidante que las eutrófica; y b) la suplementación con té verde mejora TEAC y MDA y redujo los niveles séricos de IL-6 en mujeres obesas.

Green tea supplementation improves oxidative stress biomarkers and modulates IL-6 circulating levels in obese women / La suplementación con té verde mejora los biomarcadores del estrés oxidativo y modula los niveles de IL-6 de la circulación en mujeres obesas

Introduction: obesity is associated with high levels of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. There is a lot of evidence that some polyphenols, such as green tea, have a positive impact on the OS state and consecutively, on inflammation. Objectives: the purposes of this study were: a) evaluate OS biomarkers in both obese and normal weight women; and b) evaluate if green tea supplementation has an impact on OS and inflammatory cytokine biomarkers of obese women. Methods: we evaluated obese (body mass index [BMI] = 40 kg/m²) and normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²) women. Blood samples were used to access malondialdehyde (MDA), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and inflammatory cytokines. We randomly chose obese patients (18 individuals) and then gave them green tea supplementation for eight weeks. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, independent and paired t tests; p < 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: we enrolled 42 obese (BMI: 48.2 ± 9.3kg/m2) and 21 normal weight (BMI: 22.5 ± 2 kg/m2) women with an average age of 36.2 ± 9.1 years old. The serum levels of MDA were higher in obese (2.52 ± 0.31 µmol/l) than in eutrophic women (2.13 ± 0.26 µmol/l; p = 0.000). On the other hand, lower TEAC values were observed in the obese (0.75 ± 0.06 mM/l) than in the eutrophic group (0.78 ± 0.04 mM/l; p = 0.009). After the green tea intervention, MDA decreased 4.7% and TEAC increased 10%. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum levels decreased 12.7% after treatment (p = 0.03). Conclusions: a) the obese group had lower antioxidant capacity than eutrophic; and b) green tea supplementation ameliorated TEAC and MDA and reduced serum levels of IL-6 in obese women

Introducción: la obesidad se asocia con altos niveles de estrés oxidativo (EO) e inflamación. Existe mucha evidencia de que algunos polifenoles, como el té verde, tienen un impacto positivo en el estado del EO y, consecutivamente, en la inflamación. Objetivos: los propósitos de este estudio fueron: a) evaluar los biomarcadores de EO en mujeres obesas y de peso normal; y b) evaluar si la suplementación con té verde tiene un impacto en el EO y biomarcadores de citoquinas inflamatorias de las mujeres obesas. Métodos: evaluamos mujeres obesas (índice de masa corporal [IMC] = 40 kg/m²) y con peso normal (IMC entre 18,5 y 24,9 kg/m²). Se utilizaron muestras de sangre para determinar el malondialdehído (MDA), la capacidad antioxidante equivalente de trolox (TEAC) y las citoquinas inflamatorias. Elegimos al azar pacientes obesas (18 individuos) y luego les dimos suplementos de té verde durante ocho semanas. El análisis estadístico incluyó las pruebas de Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, t pareadas e independientes; p < 0,05 fueron considerados como significativos. Resultados: se reclutaron 42 mujeres obesas (IMC: 48,2 ± 9,3 kg/m2) y 21 de peso normal (IMC: 22,5 ± 2 kg/m2) con un promedio de edad de 36,2 ± 9,1 años. Los niveles séricos de MDA fueron más altos en las personas obesas (2,52 ± 0,31 µmol/L) que en las mujeres eutróficas (2,13 ± 0,26 µmol/L; p = 0,000). Por otro lado, se observaron valores TEAC más bajos en los obesos (0,75 ± 0,06 mM/L) que en el grupo eutrófico (0,78 ± 0,04 mM/L; p = 0,009). Después de la intervención con té verde, la MDA disminuyó 4.7% y el TEAC aumentó 10%. Los niveles séricos de interleucina-6 (IL-6) disminuyeron 12.7% después del tratamiento (p = 0,03). Conclusiones: a) mujeres obesas tienen menor capacidad antioxidante que las eutrófica; y b) la suplementación con té verde mejora TEAC y MDA y redujo los niveles séricos de IL-6 en mujeres obesas

Reações à queda do cabelo e estratégias de enfrentamento dos adolescentes com doença oncológica / Reactions to hair loss and coping strategies of adolescents with cancer disease

Enquadramento: O cancro na adolescência tem um impacte importante no desenvolvimento psicológico e físico, sendo a queda do cabelo induzida pela quimioterapia evidenciada como foco de grande ansiedade e stresse, que pode conduzir a um intenso sofrimento emocional. Objetivos: Identificar as reações emocionais à queda do cabelo dos adolescentes com doença oncológica; Identificar as estratégias de coping mais utilizadas para lidarem com esta situação; Identificar as estratégias percecionadas como mais eficazes; Analisar as relações entre as reações emocionais e as estratégias utilizadas; e por fim, Analisar as relações entre variáveis demográficas (sexo; idade); clínicas (modo de perda do cabelo) e as reações emocionais, as estratégias utilizadas e a respetiva eficácia. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo-correlacional, com uma amostra de 30 adolescentes. Os dados foram colhidos através de um questionário constituído por várias partes, nomeadamente, caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica da amostra; escala How big is your problem; instrumento Kidcope e, por último, duas questões complementares de resposta aberta. A colheita de dados decorreu no período entre 5 de maio e 5 de outubro de 2018, e foram analisados no programa informático IBM SPSS, versão 24. Resultados: Os resultados evidenciam que a queda do cabelo é avaliada subjetivamente como um problema ?Grande/Urgente?, sendo que a tristeza/choro e o medo/irritabilidade são destacadas como as emoções que melhor descrevem a reação dos adolescentes com doença oncológica relativamente a este. As estratégias de enfrentamento mais utilizadas são a ?Resignação?, a ?Distração?, a ?Reestruturação Cognitiva? e a ?Resolução de Problemas?. No entanto, o ?Apoio Social? constitui a estratégia percecionada como a mais eficaz, pela grande maioria dos adolescentes. Verifica-se a existência de relações entre as reações emocionais e as estratégias utilizadas, assim como, entre as variáveis demográficas (sexo e idade), as reações emocionais e as estratégias utilizadas, não se tendo verificado relação entre a idade e a perceção de eficácia. O modo de perda do cabelo não se evidencia relevante para as reações emocionais, nem para as estratégias utilizadas e perceção da respetiva eficácia. Conclusão: O conhecimento das reações à queda do cabelo dos adolescentes com doença oncológica, das estratégias de enfrentamento e da respetiva eficácia das mesmas, é essencial para possibilitar o desenvolvimento de intervenções facilitadoras para o processo de adaptação/transição eficaz destes adolescentes.

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 signaling in obese women changes after bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVES: After bariatric surgery, modifications to signaling pathway networks including those of the metabolic regulator called mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) may lead to molecular alterations related to energy source availability, systemic nutrients, and catabolic and anabolic cellular processes. This study aimed to identify gene expression changes with regard to the mTOR complex 2 subunit signaling pathway in obese patients before and after bariatric surgery. METHODS: The experimental group included 13 obese women who were examined before (preoperative) and 6 mo after (postoperative) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. The control group included nine apparently eutrophic women matched by age and without any other metabolic diseases (i.e., no diabetes and no liver or kidney diseases). Peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples were collected for RNA extraction and subsequent microarray analysis. RESULTS: After this methodological procedure, we identified 47 000 differentially expressed genes. A subsequent bioinformatic analysis showed that three diferentially expressed genes (rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR [RICTOR], phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 [PIK3 R1], and hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha subunit 1A [HIF1 A]) participated in the mTOR signaling pathway. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that RICTOR, PIK3 R1, and HIF1 A were upregulated 6 mo after RYGB surgery (P <0.05). In addition, patients in the experimental group lost weight significantly and presented significant improvement in biochemical/metabolic variables. CONCLUSIONS: The weight loss that was induced by RYGB surgery alters the mTOR signaling pathway and specifically the mTOR complex 2 subunit. The increased expression of genes that act in this pathway such as RICTOR, PIK3 R1, and HIF1 A reflects the induced weight loss and improved metabolic indicators (e.g., insulin resistance and lipolysis) that are evidenced in this study.

High frequency equipment promotes antibacterial effects dependent on intensity and exposure time.

BACKGROUND: The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has caused bacteria to develop mechanisms of resistance to antibacterial agents, limiting treatment options. Therefore, there is a great need for alternative methods to control infections, especially those related to skin. One of the alternative methods is the high frequency equipment (HFE), which is used on skin conditions as an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory, and mainly to accelerate cicatricial processes and have a bactericidal effect through the formation of ozone. This research investigated the antibacterial effect of HFE on standard cultures of bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dilutions (104 colony forming unit mL-1) were performed for Enterobacter aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus with 24-hour growth bacteria. Then, 1 µL of each dilution was pipetted into suitable medium and the HFE flashing technique was used at intensities of 6, 8 and 10 mA for 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 seconds. The control group received no treatment. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and then read. RESULTS: The spark at intensity of 6 mA had no bactericidal effect on the E. aerogenes; however, a significant bacterial growth reduction occurred at intensity of 8 mA after 120 and 180 seconds, and at 10 mA, reduction in bacterial growth could already be verified at 30 seconds and total bacterial growth inhibition occurred in 180 seconds. For S. aureus, there was a strong bacterial growth inhibition at all intensities used; however, at 6 mA, absence of bacterium growth after 120 and 180 seconds was observed. By increasing the flashing intensity to 8 and 10 mA, it was observed that the bacterium growth was inhibited after only 30 seconds of irradiation. CONCLUSION: The HFE has time-dependent antibacterial effects against E. aerogenes and S. aureus bacteria that have several resistance mechanisms.

A new resting metabolic rate equation for women with class III obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is an important parameter to guide the nutritional therapy of class III obese patients. The aims of the present study were to develop a predictive equation for RMR estimation in class III obese women using anthropometric indicators and to compare indirect calorimetry with other predictive equations. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on women with class III obesity (body mass index >40 kg/m2). Weight, height, fat-free mass, fat mass, and RMR of all individuals were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the new RMR equation and the Bland-Altman plot was used to analyze the agreement between indirect calorimetry and the results of predictive equations. RESULTS: We evaluated 101 women with obesity class III and a mean age of 36.3 ± 10 y. The anthropometric and body composition variables used in the new equation had a coefficient of determination of 0.80, and a significant influence on RMR (P = 0.01). Harris-Benedict and World Health Organization equations showed similar bias and limits (181.6, +2 SD = 765.5, -2 SD = -402.2; 156.4, +2 SD = 799.4, -2 SD = -486.6, respectively). The Mifflin-St Jeor and Owen equations showed large clinical bias (mean, 239.2 and 463.9, respectively), and a tendency to overestimate RMR. CONCLUSION: The prediction equations tested in the study had low accuracy in estimating RMR of women with class III obesity. However, our equation was developed specifically for this population, using variables known to influence their energy expenditure.

Green tea supplementation upregulates uncoupling protein 3 expression in severe obese women adipose tissue but does not promote weight loss.

This study aims (i) to verify expression of the UCPs, PLIN1, PPARG2, and ADRB3 genes in the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese women at baseline and after 8 weeks of supplementation with decaffeinated green tea extract, and (ii) to associate findings with clinical parameters. This is a longitudinal study during which 11 women with obesity grade III were submitted to supplementation with 450 mg of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (intervention group); the control group consisted of 10 eutrophic women. Anthropometric parameters [weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)], resting metabolic rate (RMR, measured by indirect calorimetry), and gene expression (measured by real-time PCR, RT-qPCR) were determined before and after supplementation. After 8 weeks, clinical parameters and UCP1, PLIN1, PPARG2, and ADRB3 expression remained unaltered in the intervention group (p > .05). Genetic analysis also showed that the UCP3 gene was upregulated (p = .026), but its upregulation did not promote weight loss.

Nutritional Status of Children from Women with Previously Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Number of pregnancies has been increasing in women of childbearing age after the gastric bypass. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of children of women submitted to gastric bypass. METHODS: We evaluated anthropometric, breastfeeding and biochemical profile, body composition, and dietary intake indicators of children of both sexes who were born alive after the surgery. For statistical analysis, were performed Shapiro-Wilk and ANOVA test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The sample consisted of 13 children (61.6% female, mean age of 46 ± 22.3 months, BMI of 18.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2). The classification of BMI index by age showed that 46.1% of the children were normal weight and 30.8% obese. We observed a large percentage of children with deficiency of iron and vitamin A. 7.6 and 30.7% of children presented carbohydrate and lipid, respectively, lower than the recommendation. Fiber intake was inadequate in all children, calcium in 61.5%, vitamin A in 30.7%, and folate in 76.9% of them. Also, 84.6% presented sodium intake higher than the recommendations. The blood glucose levels were lower in children with maternal breastfeeding (65.5 ± 2.1 mg/dL, p < 0.05); furthermore, children breastfed with artificial and breast milk presented lower fat mass (3.8 ± 1.9 kg; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Children from women with previously gastric bypass presented low birth weight; however, they are currently underweight or overweight and present important deficiency of iron and vitamin A and inadequate alimentary intake mainly of sodium and fibers. Breastfeeding may play a protective role in the development of obesity in these children.