Association between clinical variables related to asthma in schoolchildren born with very low birth weight with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia / Associação entre variáveis clínicas relacionadas à asma em escolares nascidos com muito baixo peso com e sem displasia broncopulmonar

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence, spirometry findings and risk factors for asthma in schoolchildren who were very low birth weight infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. METHODS: Observational and cross-sectional study. The parents and/or tutors answered the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The schoolchildren were submitted to the skin prick test and spirometry assessment. RESULTS: 54 schoolchildren who were very low birth weight infants were assessed and 43 met the criteria for spirometry. Age at the assessment (bronchopulmonary dysplasia=9.5±0.85; without bronchopulmonary dysplasia=10.1±0.86 years) and birth weight (bronchopulmonary dysplasia=916.7±251.2; without bronchopulmonary dysplasia=1171.3±190.5g) were lower in the group with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p<0.05). The prevalence of asthma among very low birth weight infants was 17/54 (31.5%), being 6/18 (33.3%) in the group with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There was an association between wool blanket use in the first year of life (p=0.026) with the presence of asthma at school age. The skin prick test was positive in 13/17 (76.5%) and 23/37 (62.2%) of patients with and without asthma, respectively. The schoolchildren with asthma had lower z-score values of forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (n=16;−1.04±1.19) when compared to the group of patients without asthma (n=27;−0.380.93) (p=0.049). There was no difference between the spirometry variables in the groups regarding the presence or absence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Very low birth weight infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia showed a high prevalence of asthma (33.3% and 30.6%, respectively). Pulmonary flow in the small airways was lower in children with asthma.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar prevalência, espirometria e fatores de risco para asma em escolares que foram recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso com e sem displasia broncopulmonar. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional e transversal. Aplicou-se aos pais e/ou responsáveis o questionário International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Foi feito teste cutâneo de hipersensibilidade imediata e espirometria nos escolares. RESULTADOS: Avaliados 54 escolares que foram recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso e 43 preencheram critérios para espirometria. A idade na avaliação (displasia broncopulmonar=9,5±0,85; sem displasia broncopulmonar=10,1±0,86 anos) e o peso de nascimento (displasia broncopulmonar=916,7±251,2; sem displasia broncopulmonar=1.171,3±190,5 g) foram menores no grupo com displasia broncopulmonar (p<0,05). A prevalência de asma entre os recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso foi de 17/54 (31,5%); no grupo com displasia broncopulmonar, de 6/18 (33,3%). Houve associação entre uso de cobertor de lã no primeiro ano de vida (p=0,026) com presença de asma na idade escolar. O teste cutâneo de hipersensibilidade imediata foi positivo em 13/17 (76,5%) e 23/37 (62,2%) nos grupos com e sem asma, respectivamente. Os escolares com asma apresentaram menores valores em z-score do fluxo expiratório forçado entre 25% e 75% da capacidade vital forçada (n=16; −1,04±1,19) comparados com os do grupo de pacientes sem asma (n=27; −0,38±0,93) (p=0,049). Não houve diferença entre as variáveis da espirometria no grupo com relação à presença ou não de displasia broncopulmonar. CONCLUSÕES: Os recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso, com e sem displasia broncopulmonar, apresentaram prevalência elevada de asma (33,3% e 30,6%, respectivamente). Os fluxos pulmonares das pequenas vias aéreas foram menores nos escolares com asma.

Association between clinical variables related to asthma in schoolchildren born with very low birth weight with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. / Associação entre variáveis clínicas relacionadas à asma em escolares nascidos com muito baixo peso com e sem displasia broncopulmonar.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the prevalence, spirometry findings and risk factors for asthma in schoolchildren who were very low birth weight infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. METHODS: Observational and cross-sectional study. The parents and/or tutors answered the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The schoolchildren were submitted to the skin prick test and spirometry assessment. RESULTS: 54 schoolchildren who were very low birth weight infants were assessed and 43 met the criteria for spirometry. Age at the assessment (bronchopulmonary dysplasia=9.5±0.85; without bronchopulmonary dysplasia=10.1±0.86 years) and birth weight (bronchopulmonary dysplasia=916.7±251.2; without bronchopulmonary dysplasia=1,171.3±190.5g) were lower in the group with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p<0.05). The prevalence of asthma among very low birth weight infants was 17/54 (31.5%), being 6/18 (33.3%) in the group with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There was an association between wool blanket use in the first year of life (p=0.026) with the presence of asthma at school age. The skin prick test was positive in 13/17 (76.5%) and 23/37 (62.2%) of patients with and without asthma, respectively. The schoolchildren with asthma had lower z-score values of forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (n=16; -1.04±1.19) when compared to the group of patients without asthma (n=27; -0.38±0.93) (p=0.049). There was no difference between the spirometry variables in the groups regarding the presence or absence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Very low birth weight infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia showed a high prevalence of asthma (33.3% and 30.6%, respectively). Pulmonary flow in the small airways was lower in children with asthma.

Whey and soy protein supplements changes body composition in patients with Crohn’s disease undergoing azathioprine and anti-TNF-alpha therapy / Suplementos de proteína de suero y soya cambia la composición corporal en los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn sometidos con azatioprina y anti-TNF-alfa terapias

Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic transmural inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown cause. Malnutrition associated with active CD has been reduced although obesity has increased. Dietary strategies such as those with high-protein have been proposed to reduce body fat. This study compares the effects of two supplements on the nutritional status of CD patients. Materials and Methods: 68 CD patients were randomized in two groups: whey protein group (WP) and soy protein group (SP). Using bioimpedance analysis, anthropometry and albumin and pre-albumin dosages the nutritional status was measured before starting the intervention and after 8 and 16 weeks. The disease activity was determined by Crohn’s Disease Activity Index and serum C-reactive protein dosage and dietary intake by 24h dietary recalls. Results: Forty-one patients concluded the study and both supplements changed body composition similarly. Triceps skin fold thickness (p< 0.001) and body fat percentage (p=0.001) decreased, whereas mid-arm muscle circumference (p=0.004), corrected arm muscle area (p=0.005) and body lean percentage (p=0.001) increased. Conclusions: For Crohn’s disease patients undergoing anti TNF-alpha and azatioprine therapies, supplementation with whey and soy proteins changes body composition through reduction of body fat and thus contributes to control inflammation (AU)

Introducción: La enfermedad de Crohn (EC) es un trastorno inflamatorio crónico transmural del tracto gastrointestinal de carácter desconocida. La desnutrición asociada con EC activa se ha reducido a pesar de la obesidad que ha aumentado. Se han propuesto estrategias dietéticas, como aquellos con alto contenido de proteínas para reducir la grasa corporal. Este estudio compara los efectos de dos suplementos sobre el estado nutricional de los pacientes con EC. Materiales y Métodos: Fueron randomizados en dos grupos 68 pacientes con EC: el grupo de proteína de suero y el grupo de proteína de soya. Se utilizó el análisis de bioimpedancia eléctrica, la antropometría y dosificaciones de albúmina y prealbúmina del estado nutricional midiéndose antes de comenzar la intervención y después de 8 y 16 semanas. La actividad de la enfermedad se determinó por Índice de Actividad de Enfermedad de Crohn (CDAI), dosificación en suero de la proteína C reactiva y la ingesta dietética por recordatorio de 24h. Resultados: Cuarenta y un pacientes concluyeron el estudio y ambos suplementos cambiaron la composición corporal de manera similar. El espesor del pliegue cutáneo del tríceps (p <0,001) y el porcentaje de grasa corporal (p = 0,001) se redujeron, mientras que la circunferencia muscular braquial (p = 0,004), el área muscular del brazo corregida (p = 0,005) y el porcentaje corporal magra (p = 0,001) han aumentado. Conclusiones: En los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn sometidos con anti-TNF-alfa y terapias azatioprina, la suplementación con proteínas de suero de leche y de soya cambia la composición corporal a través de la reducción de la grasa corporal y por lo tanto contribuye para controlar la inflamación (AU)

Whey and soy protein supplements changes body composition in patients with Crohn's disease undergoing azathioprine and anti-TNF-alpha therapy.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic transmural inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown cause. Malnutrition associated with active CD has been reduced although obesity has increased. Dietary strategies such as those with high-protein have been proposed to reduce body fat. This study compares the effects of two supplements on the nutritional status of CD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 68 CD patients were randomized in two groups: whey protein group (WP) and soy protein group (SP). Using bioimpedance analysis, anthropometry and albumin and pre-albumin dosages the nutritional status was measured before starting the intervention and after 8 and 16 weeks. The disease activity was determined by Crohn's Disease Activity Index and serum C-reactive protein dosage and dietary intake by 24h dietary recalls. RESULTS: Forty-one patients concluded the study and both supplements changed body composition similarly. Triceps skin fold thickness (p< 0.001) and body fat percentage (p=0.001) decreased, whereas mid-arm muscle circumference (p=0.004), corrected arm muscle area (p=0.005) and body lean percentage (p=0.001) increased. CONCLUSIONS: For Crohn's disease patients undergoing anti TNF-alpha and azatioprine therapies, supplementation with whey and soy proteins changes body composition through reduction of body fat and thus contributes to control inflammation.

Introducción: La enfermedad de Crohn (EC) es un trastorno inflamatorio crónico transmural del tracto gastrointestinal de carácter desconocida. La desnutrición asociada con EC activa se ha reducido a pesar de la obesidad que ha aumentado. Se han propuesto estrategias dietéticas, como aquellos con alto contenido de proteínas para reducir la grasa corporal. Este estudio compara los efectos de dos suplementos sobre el estado nutricional de los pacientes con EC. Materiales y Métodos: Fueron randomizados en dos grupos 68 pacientes con EC: el grupo de proteína de suero y el grupo de proteína de soya. Se utilizo el análisis de bioimpedancia eléctrica, la antropometría y dosificaciones de albúmina y prealbúmina del estado nutricional midiéndose antes de comenzar la intervención y después de 8 y 16 semanas. La actividad de la enfermedad se determinó por Índice de Actividad de Enfermedad de Crohn (CDAI), dosificación en suero de la proteína C reactiva y la ingesta dietética por recordatorio de 24h. Resultados: Cuarenta y un pacientes concluyeron el estudio y ambos suplementos cambiaron la composición corporal de manera similar. El espesor del pliegue cutáneo del tríceps (p.

Nasal potential difference in cystic fibrosis considering severe CFTR mutations.

The gold standard for diagnosing cystic fibrosis (CF) is a sweat chloride value above 60 mEq/L. However, this historical and important tool has limitations; other techniques should be studied, including the nasal potential difference (NPD) test. CFTR gene sequencing can identify CFTR mutations, but this method is time-consuming and too expensive to be used in all CF centers. The present study compared CF patients with two classes I-III CFTR mutations (10 patients) (G1), CF patients with classes IV-VI CFTR mutations (five patients) (G2), and 21 healthy subjects (G3). The CF patients and healthy subjects also underwent the NPD test. A statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, χ(2), and Fisher's exact tests, α = 0.05. No differences were observed between the CF patients and healthy controls for the PDMax, Δamiloride, and Δchloride + free + amiloride markers from the NPD test. For the finger value, a difference between G2 and G3 was described. The Wilschanski index values were different between G1 and G3. In conclusion, our data showed that NPD is useful for CF diagnosis when classes I-III CFTR mutations are screened. However, if classes IV-VI are considered, the NPD test showed an overlap in values with healthy subjects.

The relationship between physical functional capacity and lung function in obese children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding obesity repercussions for lung function in children and adolescents. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine whether obesity is associated with poor physical conditioning and damaged lung function in children and adolescents, and to correlate lung function with six-minute walk test (6MWT) results. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 38 obese subjects of both sexes, ranging between 5 and 17 years of age, as well as 56 control subjects paired by sex and age for the 6MWT, and 39 subjects for spirometry. Subjects performed spirometry according to the guidelines of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society. The obese group repeated spirometry after receiving bronchodilator (BD) treatments. Physical performance was evaluated via the 6MWT according to ATS guidelines. RESULTS: The obese group demonstrated lower forced expiratory volumes in the first second compared with the control group based on forced vital capacity indices (p < 0.01), findings consistent with airway obstruction in 36.8% of patients in the obese group. Walking distances were shorter in the obese group than in the control group. Changes in lung function did not correlate directly with performance on the 6MWT among obese patients. However, there was a correlation between lung function and variables indicative of effort during exercise. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the obese group walked shorter distances and demonstrated lower values in some markers of lung function. However, there is no relationship between their physical conditions and these test results. Therefore, we cannot conclusively state that poor physical performance results from damaged pulmonary function.

Effect of exercise test on pulmonary function of obese adolescents / Efeito do teste do exercício na função pulmonar de adolescentes obesos

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the pulmonary response to exercise of non-morbidly obese adolescents, considering the gender. METHODS: a prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 92 adolescents (47 obese and 45 eutrophic), divided in four groups according to obesity and gender. Anthropometric parameters, pulmonary function (spirometry and oxygen saturation [SatO2]), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), and respiratory muscle strength were measured. Pulmonary function parameters were measured before, during, and after the exercise test. RESULTS: BP and HR were higher in obese individuals during the exercise test (p = 0.0001). SatO2values decreased during exercise in obese adolescents (p = 0.0001). Obese males had higher levels of maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (p = 0.0002) when compared to obese and eutrophic females. Obese males showed lower values of maximum voluntary ventilation, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in the first second when compared to eutrophic males, before and after exercise (p = 0.0005). Obese females had greater inspiratory capacity compared to eutrophic females (p = 0.0001). Expiratory reserve volume was lower in obese subjects when compared to controls (p < 0,05). CONCLUSION: obese adolescents presented changes in pulmonary function at rest and these changes remained present during exercise. The spirometric and cardiorespiratory values were different in the four study groups. The present data demonstrated that, in spite of differences in lung growth, the model of fat distribution alters pulmonary function differently in obese female and male adolescents. .

OBJETIVO: verificar a resposta da função pulmonar ao exercício em adolescentes obesos, não mórbidos, nos diferentes gêneros. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal com 92 adolescentes (47 obesos e 45 eutróficos), divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com obesidade e gênero, submetidos à avaliação de parâmetros antropométricos, função pulmonar [espirometria e saturação de oxigênio (SatO2)], frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial (PA), frequência respiratória (FR) e força dos músculos respiratórios. A função pulmonar foi avaliada antes, durante e após teste de esforço. RESULTADOS: a PA e a FC foram maiores nos dois grupos de obesos, durante teste de esforço (p = 0,0001) enquanto os valores de SatO2 diminuíram durante o exercício (p = 0,0001) nestes grupos. Meninos obesos apresentaram maiores valores de pressão inspiratória e expiratória máxima (p = 0,0002), quando comparados com as meninas obesas e eutróficas. A ventilação voluntária máxima, capacidade vital forçada e o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo apresentaram menores valores em meninos obesos, quando comparados com meninos não obesos, antes e após exercício (p = 0,0005). Os valores de capacidade inspiratória foram maiore sem meninas obesas quando comparado com as eutróficas (p = 0,0001). Os valores de volume de reserva expiratória foram menores em todos os obesos comparados com os controles (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: adolescentes obesos apresentam alterações da função pulmonar no repouso e que não se alteram com o exercício. Os valores das variáveis espirométricas e cardiorrespiratórias foram diferentes nos quatro grupos estudados. Os resultados mostram; que ...

Effect of exercise test on pulmonary function of obese adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the pulmonary response to exercise of non-morbidly obese adolescents, considering the gender. METHODS: a prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 92 adolescents (47 obese and 45 eutrophic), divided in four groups according to obesity and gender. Anthropometric parameters, pulmonary function (spirometry and oxygen saturation [SatO2]), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), and respiratory muscle strength were measured. Pulmonary function parameters were measured before, during, and after the exercise test. RESULTS: BP and HR were higher in obese individuals during the exercise test (p = 0.0001). SatO2 values decreased during exercise in obese adolescents (p = 0.0001). Obese males had higher levels of maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (p = 0.0002) when compared to obese and eutrophic females. Obese males showed lower values of maximum voluntary ventilation, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in the first second when compared to eutrophic males, before and after exercise (p = 0.0005). Obese females had greater inspiratory capacity compared to eutrophic females (p = 0.0001). Expiratory reserve volume was lower in obese subjects when compared to controls (p ≤ 0,05). CONCLUSION: obese adolescents presented changes in pulmonary function at rest and these changes remained present during exercise. The spirometric and cardiorespiratory values were different in the four study groups. The present data demonstrated that, in spite of differences in lung growth, the model of fat distribution alters pulmonary function differently in obese female and male adolescents.

The effect of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha on the NADPH oxidase system of human colostrum macrophages, blood monocytes, and THP-1 cells.

The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on NADPH oxidase activity and gp91-phox gene expression in human colostrum macrophages (CM), peripheral blood monocytes (PBM), and myelomonocytic THP-1 cells. We also investigated the effect of IFN-gamma on the release of TNF-alpha by these cells. Our results show that under basal culture conditions, CM release more superoxide than PBM and THP-1 cells (p < 0.05). The addition of IFN-gamma, alone or in combination with TNF-alpha, increased spontaneous superoxide release by PBM and THP-1 cells (p < 0.05) and increased phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated superoxide release by CM, PBM, and THP-1 cells (p < 0.05). The NADPH oxidase activity of THP-1 cells consistently remained lower than that of CM or PBM, despite a dramatic response to IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. Under basal conditions, gp91-phox gene expression was significantly higher in CM and PBM compared with THP-1 cells (p < 0.05). The addition of IFN-gamma alone or in combination with TNF-alpha caused a dramatic increase in gp91-phox gene expression in THP-1 cells (p < 0.05) but not in CM or PBM. Under basal conditions or in the presence of IFN-gamma, CM released more TNF-alpha than PBM or THP-1 cells (p < 0.05). In addition, PBM released more TNF-gamma than THP-1 cells (p < 0.05). IFN-gamma did not significantly augment the release of TNF-alpha by these cells (p > 0.05). Thus, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha induced equivalent gp91-phox gene expression in THP-1 cells compared with CM or PBM but did not bring about equivalent NADPH oxidase activity. TNF-alpha release was higher in more mature cells. This partial divergence of gp91- phox gene expression, NADPH oxidase activity, and TNF-alpha release is probably a consequence of different events of myeloid cell biology and relates at least in part to cell differentiation state.