Plasma Sphingomyelin Disturbances: Unveiling Its Dual Role as a Crucial Immunopathological Factor and a Severity Prognostic Biomarker in COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers distinct patterns of disease development characterized by significant alterations in host regulatory responses. Severe cases exhibit profound lung inflammation and systemic repercussions. Remarkably, critically ill patients display a "lipid storm", influencing the inflammatory process and tissue damage. Sphingolipids (SLs) play pivotal roles in various cellular and tissue processes, including inflammation, metabolic disorders, and cancer. In this study, we employed high-resolution mass spectrometry to investigate SL metabolism in plasma samples obtained from control subjects (n = 55), COVID-19 patients (n = 204), and convalescent individuals (n = 77). These data were correlated with inflammatory parameters associated with the clinical severity of COVID-19. Additionally, we utilized RNAseq analysis to examine the gene expression of enzymes involved in the SL pathway. Our analysis revealed the presence of thirty-eight SL species from seven families in the plasma of study participants. The most profound alterations in the SL species profile were observed in patients with severe disease. Notably, a predominant sphingomyelin (SM d18:1) species emerged as a potential biomarker for COVID-19 severity, showing decreased levels in the plasma of convalescent individuals. Elevated SM levels were positively correlated with age, hospitalization duration, clinical score, and neutrophil count, as well as the production of IL-6 and IL-8. Intriguingly, we identified a putative protective effect against disease severity mediated by SM (d18:1/24:0), while ceramide (Cer) species (d18:1/24:1) and (d18:1/24:0)were associated with increased risk. Moreover, we observed the enhanced expression of key enzymes involved in the SL pathway in blood cells from severe COVID-19 patients, suggesting a primary flow towards Cer generation in tandem with SM synthesis. These findings underscore the potential of SM as a prognostic biomarker for COVID-19 and highlight promising pharmacological targets. By targeting sphingolipid pathways, novel therapeutic strategies may emerge to mitigate the severity of COVID-19 and improve patient outcomes.

[Influence of physical activity during outbreak on psychological states in adults in the Covid-19 pandemic: a study protocol.] / Influencia de la actividad física realizada durante el confinamiento en la pandemia del Covid-19 sobre el estado psicológico de adultos: un protocolo de estudio.

This coronavirus pandemic has placed unprecedented restrictions on people's physical activity and routines. Prolonged home stays may lead to fear, panic, anxiety, and depression states, which in turn, can drive to a reduction of active lifestyles. Hence, determining the psychological response in the general population, and the influence level of home-based physical activity development could be relevant during this exceptional Covid-19 disease quarantine period. A multicenter, cross-sectional, and observational study design will be conducted in 12 Iberoamerican countries expecting to enroll 3,096 participants, through a snowball sampling technique. The study started on March 15th, 2020, and it is expected to be completed in August 2020 through online survey that will include demographic data, health status, psychological impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, mental health status, and level of physical activity. This study will be conducted following the principles established by the protocol, the Declaration of Helsinki, and the Ethical Guidelines for Clinical Research. Data from the study will be disseminated in manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals as well as in abstracts for submission to relevant conferences. Trial registration number: NCT04352517, pre-results.

La pandemia del coronavirus ha dado lugar a unas restricciones sin precedentes en las rutinas y la actividad física de la población. Prolongadas estancias en casa podrían generar miedo, pánico, ansiedad y estados de depresión, los cuales pueden a su vez generar estilos de vida sedentarios. Por ello, ante esta situación excepcional de cuarentena generada por la enfermedad del Covid-19, puede ser relevante determinar cuál es el estado psicológico de la población, así como la influencia que el nivel de ejercicio físico desarrollado en casa puede tener sobre estos parámetros. Para ello, se está elaborando un estudio multicéntrico, transversal y observacional, desarrollado en 12 países iberoamericanos e involucrando a 3.096 personas, a través de una técnica de muestreo de bola de nieve. Los datos serán recogidos entre marzo y agosto de 2020 por medio de cuestionarios electrónicos que incluirán: datos demográficos, estado de salud, impacto psicológico del brote de Covid-19, estado mental, y nivel de actividad física. El estudio será desarrollado siguiendo los principios establecidos en la Declaración de Helsinki y siguiendo las consideraciones éticas de la investigación clínica. Los datos recogidos serán divididos en diferentes publicaciones científicas, las cuales serán sometidas a procesos de revisión por pares de revistas de alto impacto, así como a congresos internacionales de relevancia científica. Número de registro de ensayos clínicos: NCT04352517.

Influencia de la actividad física realizada durante el confinamiento en la pandemia del COVID-19 sobre el estado psicológico de adultos: un protocolo de estudio / Influence of physical activity during outbreak on psychological states in adults in the Covid-19 pandemic: a study protocol

La pandemia del coronavirus ha dado lugar a unas restricciones sin precedentes en las rutinas y la actividad física de la población. Prolongadas estancias en casa podrían generar miedo, pánico, ansiedad y estados de depresión, los cuales pueden a su vez generar estilos de vida sedentarios. Por ello, ante esta situación excepcional de cuarentena generada por la enfermedad del Covid-19, puede ser relevante determinar cuál es el estado psicológico de la población, así como la influencia que el nivel de ejercicio físico desarrollado en casa puede tener sobre estos parámetros. Para ello, se está elaborando un estudio multicéntrico, transversal y observacional, desarrollado en 12 países iberoamericanos e involucrando a 3.096 personas, a través de una técnica de muestreo de bola de nieve. Los datos serán recogidos entre marzo y agosto de 2020 por medio de cuestionarios electrónicos que incluirán: datos demográficos, estado de salud, impacto psicológico del brote de Covid-19, estado mental, y nivel de actividad física. El estudio será desarrollado siguiendo los principios establecidos en la Declaración de Helsinki y siguiendo las consideraciones éticas de la investigación clínica. Los datos recogidos serán divididos en diferentes publicaciones científicas, las cuales serán sometidas a procesos de revisión por pares de revistas de alto impacto, así como a congresos internacionales de relevancia científica. Número de registro de ensayos clínicos: NCT04352517

This coronavirus pandemic has placed unprecedented restrictions on people's physical activity and routines. Prolonged home stays may lead to fear, panic, anxiety, and depression states, which in turn, can drive to a reduction of active lifestyles. Hence, determining the psychological response in the general population, and the influence level of home-based physical activity development could be relevant during this exceptional Covid-19 disease quarantine period. A multicenter, cross-sectional, and observational study design will be conducted in 12 Iberoamerican countries expecting to enroll 3,096 participants, through a snowball sampling technique. The study started on March 15th, 2020, and it is expected to be completed in August 2020 through online survey that will include demographic data, health status, psychological impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, mental health status, and level of physical activity. This study will be conducted following the principles established by the protocol, the Declaration of Helsinki, and the Ethical Guidelines for Clinical Research. Data from the study will be disseminated in manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals as well as in abstracts for submission to relevant conferences. Trial registration number: NCT04352517, pre-results

Aptidão física e nível habitual de atividade física associados à saúde cardiovascular em adultos e idosos / Physical fitness and habitual level of physical activity associated with cardiovascular health in adults and elderly

O nível habitual de atividade física (NHAF) vem sendo utilizado para estabelecer uma relação entre estilo de vida ativo e saúde cardiovascular. No entanto, a avaliação da aptidão física permitiria a avaliação real das condições físicas do indivíduo, podendo assim apresentar melhores relações com a saúde cardiovascular. Objetivos: Relacionar o NHAF e aptidão física com a saúde cardiovascular de adultos e idosos e verificar a associação da prática regular de exercícios físicos supervisionada com os diferentes níveis de aptidão física. Método: Foram avaliados 213 adultos e idosos (> 50 anos) participantes de projetos comunitários. Os participantes realizaram as seguintes avaliações: NHAF por meio do questionário IPAQ, aptidão física por meio de uma bateria de testes motores que permitiu o cálculo do Índice de Aptidão Funcional Geral (IAFG), pressão arterial, perfil lipídico e índice de massa corporal. Resultados: O modelo linear generalizado evidenciou um maior número de diferenças com relação às variáveis relacionadas à saúde cardiovascular quando os participantes foram subdivididos em grupos tendo o IAFG como variável independente, comparado ao NHAF. O teste exato de Fisher evidenciou que os grupos de IAFG classificados como “bom” e “muito bom” apresentaram maior proporção de indivíduos com prática regular de exercícios físicos superior a 6 meses, com destaque para um maior número realizando a prática com supervisão (p<0,0001). Conclusão: O IAFG apresenta melhor associação com a saúde cardiovascular do que o NHAF e o tempo de prática e a supervisão estão associados ao nível de aptidão física...

The habitual level of physical activity (HLPA) has been used to establish the relation between active lifestyle and cardiovascular health. However, the assessment of physical fitness would review the actual physical condition of the individual, and thus can have better relations with cardiovascular health. Objectives: Relate HLPA and physical fitness with cardiovascular health of adults and elderly and to verify the association of supervised regular physical exercise with different levels of fitness. Method: 213 adults and elderly (> 50 years) participating in community projects were evaluated. The HLPA were assessed by the IPAQ and physical fitness through a battery of motor tests that allowed the calculation of the General Functional Fitness Index (GFFI). Blood pressure, lipid profile and body mass index were considered as indicators of cardiovascular health. Results: The generalized linear model showed a greater number of differences with respect to variables related to cardiovascular health when participants were subdivided having GFFI as an independent variable, compared to HLPA. The Fisher exact test showed that the groups GFFI classified as “good” and “very good” showed a higher proportion of individuals with regular practice for more than 6 months exercise, especially for a larger number performing the practice under supervision (p <0.0001). Conclusion: The GFFI has better association with cardiovascular health than HLPA and time of practice and supervision are associated with the level of physical fitness...

Relação entre a prática da caminhada não supervisionada e fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovascular em adultos e idosos / Relationship between the practice of unsupervised walking and riskfactors for cardiovascular disease in adults and elderly

A adoção de um estilo de vida ativo através da prática da caminhada é altamente recomendada pelos profissionais de saúde com o intuito de evitar, minimizar ou reverter diversos agravos de saúde que podem comprometer a qualidade de vida da população. Objetivo: Verificar se a prática da caminhada não supervisionada possui estímulo suficiente para a redução de fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares em adultos e idosos. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 225 homens e mulheres saudáveis que foram divididos em 4 grupos: sedentário (G0), caminhada (G1), caminhada e uma atividade extra (G2) e, caminhada e duas atividades extras (G3). Todos os participantes realizaram as seguintes avaliações: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) - versão curta, bateria de testes de aptidão física (AAHPERD), pressão arterial, perfil lipídico e composição corporal. Resultados: Os resultados apontaram que a prática da caminhada não supervisionada (G1) promoveu benefícios limitados à saúde quando comparado ao grupo G3 (índice de aptidão funcional geral = 273,4±111 vs340,6±92; pressão arterial diastólica = 80,0±8 vs 75,4±7 mmHg; HDL colesterol = 44,3±10 vs 50,1±10mg/dL respectivamente). Conclusão: Participar de maior número de atividades foi benéfico para diminuir os fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares quando comparados ao grupo sedentário e praticantes apenas de caminhadas...

Remain physically active through the practice of walking is highly recommended by health professionals in order to avoid, minimize or reverse various health disorders that can compromise a good quality of life for the population. Objective: To verify if the non supervised walk has enough stimulation to reduce risk factors of cardiovascular disease in adults and the elderly. Methods: This study included 225 healthy men and women who were divided in 4 groups: sedentary (G0), walk (G1), walk an extra activity (G2), and walk and 2 extra activities (G3). All participants performed the following assessments: questionnaire IPAQ, AAHPERD battery tests, blood pressure, lipid profile and body composition. Results: The results suggest that practice of non supervised walk (G1) promotes limited benefits to the health when compared to G3 (general functional fitness index = 273.4±111 vs 340.6±92; diastolic blood pressure = 80.0±8vs 75.4±7 mmHg; HDL cholesterol = 44.3±10 vs 50.1±10 mg/dL respectively). Conclusions: The increased number of activities (G3) was considered beneficial to reduce the risk factors of cardiovascular disease compared to sedentary (G0) and walk (G1) groups...