Increased monocytes are associated with overweight in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

Introduction: Objective: to investigate the monocyte count and its association with nutritional status in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: a cross-sectional study carried out at a Neurodevelopmental Center in the south of Brazil, with 68 ASD patients aged 3 to 18 years. The number of monocytes (per mm3) was determined in blood samples. Nutritional status was defined as BMI-for-age according to WHO standards. The Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire and a standard questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were administered to caregivers. Comparisons between sociodemographic, clinical, and eating behavior variables were performed with parametric tests. Linear regression was used to test the association between nutritional status and monocyte count. Results: mean age was 8.6 ± 3.3 years, 79 % were males and 66 % were overweight. In the unadjusted regression overweight was associated with higher monocyte counts compared to those non-overweight (B: 64.0; 95 % CI, 13.9 to 114.1; ß: 0.30, p = 0.01). This association remained significant after adjustment for the subscale of "emotional overeating" (B: 37.0; 95 % CI, 17.1 to 91.3; ß: 0.29; p = 0.02). The variability in monocyte count attributed to overweight was 14 %. Conclusions: overweight is associated with a higher monocyte count in children and adolescents with ASD. Nutritional intervention to control overweight is essential to mitigate the negative impact on inflammatory activity and immune dysfunction in these patients.

Introducción: Objetivo: investigar el recuento de monocitos y su asociación con el estado nutricional en niños y adolescentes con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Método: estudio transversal realizado en el Centro de Neurodesarrollo, en el sur de Brasil, con 68 pacientes con TEA de 3 a 18 años de edad. Se determinó el número de monocitos (por mm3) en muestras de sangre. El estado nutricional se definió como IMC para la edad según los estándares de la OMS. Se aplicó a los cuidadores el Cuestionario de Conducta Alimentaria Infantil y un cuestionario estándar para recoger características sociodemográficas y clínicas. Las comparaciones entre las variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y de conducta alimentaria se realizaron con pruebas paramétricas. Se utilizó la regresión lineal para probar la asociación entre el estado nutricional y el recuento de monocitos. Resultados: la edad media fue de 8,6 ± 3,3 años, el 79 % eran varones y el 66 % tenían sobrepeso. En la regresión no ajustada, el sobrepeso se asoció a un mayor número de monocitos en comparación con los que no tenían sobrepeso (B: 64,0; IC 95 %: 13,9 a 114,1; ß: 0,30; p = 0,01). Esta asociación siguió siendo significativa tras ajustar la subescala de "sobrealimentación emocional" (B: 37,0; IC 95 %: 17,1 a 91,3; ß: 0,29; p = 0,02). La variabilidad en el recuento de monocitos atribuida al sobrepeso fue del 14 %. Conclusiones: el sobrepeso se asocia a un mayor recuento de monocitos en niños y adolescentes con TEA. La intervención nutricional para controlar el sobrepeso es esencial para mitigar el impacto negativo sobre la actividad inflamatoria y la disfunción inmune en estos pacientes.

Weight gain speed and z-score behavior in large prematures for gestational age / Velocidad de aumento de peso y comportamiento de la puntuación z en prematuros grandes para la edad gestacional

Objetivo: investigar la velocidad de la ganancia de peso (GP) y la puntuación z (E-z) de peso en neonatos prematuros grandes para la edad gestacional (GEG) durante cuatro semanas de hospitalización. Métodos: estudio longitudinal retrospectivo con neonatos prematuros de una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales de un hospital universitario. Los datos se obtuvieron desde enero de 2017 hasta diciembre de 2018. Se incluyeron 115 bebés con edad gestacional (EG) ≥ 27 y < 37 semanas, no gemelos, AEG o GEG. El GP (g/kg/día) se obtuvo a partir del peso nadir y el E-z se calculó en línea basado en las curvas Intergrowth-21st. Se utilizaron el ANOVA de medidas repetidas y la regresión lineal múltiple para evaluar la asociación entre GP y E-z y las variables explicativas; p < 5 %. Resultados: la EG media fue de 32,5 semanas, el peso al nacer de 1910 g y la pérdida de peso del 5 % a los 7 días. El GP fue menor en los bebés GEG, con EG entre 32 y 37 semanas (GEG: 9,2 ± 5,6 g/kg/día vs. AEG: 13,9 ± 6,0 g/kg/día). El cambio en el GP se explicó por el suministro de proteínas en los AEG (B = 2,5 g/kg/día; IC 95 %: 0,7 a 4,3; y β = 0,543) y por EG en los GEG (B = -0,05 g/kg/día; IC 95 %: -0,09 a -0,02; y β = -0,574). En la 4ª semana de hospitalización, el peso E-z se redujo de manera similar en los GEG y los AEG, y esta variación se explicó por el crecimiento. Conclusiones: los prematuros GEG tuvieron un menor GP en comparación con los AEG durante el periodo neonatal. El crecimiento lineal y cerebral explicó la variación del peso E-z de estos prematuros. (AU)

Objective: to investigate the speed of weight gain (WG) and the z-score (E-z) of weight in premature neonates large for gestational age (LGA) during four weeks of hospitalization. Methods: a retrospective longitudinal study with premature neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit at a university hospital. Data were obtained from January 2017 to December 2018; 115 babies with gestational age (GA) ≥ 27 and < 37 weeks, non-twin, AGA or LGA were included. The WG (g/kg/day) was obtained from the nadir weight and the E-z was calculated online based on the Intergrowth-21st curves. Repeated-measures ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used to assess the association between WP and E-z and explanatory variables; p < 5 %. Results: mean GA was 32.5 weeks, birth weight was 1910 g and weight loss was 5 % at 7 days. WG was lower in LGA babies, with GI between 32 and 37 weeks (LGA, 9.2 ± 5.6 g/kg/day vs AGA, 13.9 ± 6.0 g/kg/day). The change in WG was explained by protein supply in AGA (B = 2.5 g/kg/day; 95 % CI, 0.7 to 4.3; and β = 0.543) and by GA in LGA (B = -0.05 g/kg/day; 95 % CI, -0.09 to -0.02; and β = -0.574). In the 4th week of hospitalization, weight E-z decreased similarly for LGAs and AGAs, and this variation was explained by growth. Conclusions: premature LGAs had lower WG compared to AGAs during the neonatal period. The linear and brain growth explained the variation in weight E-z among these preterms. (AU)

Weight gain speed and z-score behavior in large prematures for gestational age.

Introduction: Objective: to investigate the speed of weight gain (WG) and the z-score (E-z) of weight in premature neonates large for gestational age (LGA) during four weeks of hospitalization. Methods: a retrospective longitudinal study with premature neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit at a university hospital. Data were obtained from January 2017 to December 2018; 115 babies with gestational age (GA) ≥ 27 and < 37 weeks, non-twin, AGA or LGA were included. The WG (g/kg/day) was obtained from the nadir weight and the E-z was calculated online based on the Intergrowth-21st curves. Repeated-measures ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used to assess the association between WP and E-z and explanatory variables; p < 5 %. Results: mean GA was 32.5 weeks, birth weight was 1910 g and weight loss was 5 % at 7 days. WG was lower in LGA babies, with GI between 32 and 37 weeks (LGA, 9.2 ± 5.6 g/kg/day vs AGA, 13.9 ± 6.0 g/kg/day). The change in WG was explained by protein supply in AGA (B = 2.5 g/kg/day; 95 % CI, 0.7 to 4.3; and ß = 0.543) and by GA in LGA (B = -0.05 g/kg/day; 95 % CI, -0.09 to -0.02; and ß = -0.574). In the 4th week of hospitalization, weight E-z decreased similarly for LGAs and AGAs, and this variation was explained by growth. Conclusions: premature LGAs had lower WG compared to AGAs during the neonatal period. The linear and brain growth explained the variation in weight E-z among these preterms.

Introducción: Objetivo: Investigar la velocidad de la ganancia de peso (GP) y la puntuación z (E-z) de peso en neonatos prematuros grandes para la edad gestacional (GEG) durante cuatro semanas de hospitalización. Métodos: estudio longitudinal retrospectivo con neonatos prematuros de una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales de un hospital universitario. Los datos se obtuvieron desde enero de 2017 hasta diciembre de 2018. Se incluyeron 115 bebés con edad gestacional (EG) ≥ 27 y < 37 semanas, no gemelos, AEG o GEG. El GP (g/kg/día) se obtuvo a partir del peso nadir y el E-z se calculó en línea basado en las curvas Intergrowth-21st. Se utilizaron el ANOVA de medidas repetidas y la regresión lineal múltiple para evaluar la asociación entre GP y E-z y las variables explicativas; p < 5 %. Resultados: la EG media fue de 32,5 semanas, el peso al nacer de 1910 g y la pérdida de peso del 5 % a los 7 días. El GP fue menor en los bebés GEG, con EG entre 32 y 37 semanas (GEG: 9,2 ± 5,6 g/kg/día vs. AEG: 13,9 ± 6,0 g/kg/día). El cambio en el GP se explicó por el suministro de proteínas en los AEG (B = 2,5 g/kg/día; IC 95 %: 0,7 a 4,3; y ß = 0,543) y por EG en los GEG (B = -0,05 g/kg/día; IC 95 %: -0,09 a -0,02; y ß = -0,574). En la 4ª semana de hospitalización, el peso E-z se redujo de manera similar en los GEG y los AEG, y esta variación se explicó por el crecimiento. Conclusiones: los prematuros GEG tuvieron un menor GP en comparación con los AEG durante el periodo neonatal. El crecimiento lineal y cerebral explicó la variación del peso E-z de estos prematuros.

Behavior of weight z-score in preterm infants who are small for gestational age.

Introduction: Introduction: the follow-up of small for gestational age (SGA) preterm infants is critical due to their differentiated postnatal growth pattern. Objective: to investigate the weight z-score behavior in SGA preterm infants during a four-week stay in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Methods: a retrospective longitudinal study with data from nutritional anamneses of 190 preterm infants admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between January/2017 and December/2019, classified according to nutritional status at birth as either SGA or appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Linear regression was used to verify association between weight z-score with gestational age, birth weight, initiation of enteral nutrition and relative amount of energy and protein administered. Results: SGA preterm infants accounted for 23 % of the study participants. In SGA, the difference in weight score was observed at week 1 when compared to admission (p < 0.05), while in AGA there was a difference sustained during the whole period (p < 0.05). In SGA, the linear regression analysis showed that the change in z-score was explained by time to start of enteral nutrition (p = 0.033), gestational age (p = 0.003) and birth weight (p = 0.001). In AGA the change was explained by gestational age (p = 0.000) and birth weight (p = 0.000). Conclusion: the weight z-score behavior in preterm infants was downward compared to admission, stable at the end of 4 weeks, and different according to nutritional status at birth. In the AGA group the decline in nutritional status was not recovered throughout hospitalization and in the SGA group the unfavorable nutritional status was maintained.

Introducción: Introducción: el seguimiento de los prematuros pequeños para la edad gestacional (PEG) es crítico debido al patrón de crecimiento posnatal diferenciado. Objetivo: investigar el comportamiento de la puntuación z del peso en recién nacidos prematuros PEG durante cuatro semanas de estancia en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales. Métodos: estudio longitudinal retrospectivo con datos de anamnesis nutricionales de 190 prematuros ingresados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales entre enero/2017 y diciembre/2019, clasificados según el estado nutricional al nacer como PEG o como adecuado para la edad gestacional (AEG). Se utilizó la regresión lineal para verificar la asociación entre la puntuación z del peso con la edad gestacional, el peso al nacer, el inicio de la nutrición enteral y la cantidad relativa de energía y proteínas administradas. Resultados: los bebés prematuros PEG representaron el 23 % de los participantes en el estudio. En el grupo PEG, la diferencia de la puntuación z del peso se observó en la semana 1 en comparación con el ingreso (p < 0,05), mientras que en el grupo AEG hubo diferencia durante todo el período evaluado (p < 0,05). En los PEG, el análisis de regresión lineal mostró que el cambio de la puntuación z se explicaba por el tiempo transcurrido hasta el inicio de la nutrición enteral (p = 0,033), la edad gestacional (p = 0,003) y el peso al nacer (p = 0,001). En el caso de la AEG, el cambio se explicaba por la edad gestacional (p = 0,000) y el peso al nacer (p = 0,000). Conclusión: el comportamiento de la puntuación z del peso en los prematuros fue descendente en comparación con la admisión, estable al final de 4 semanas y diferente según el estado nutricional al nacer. En el caso de los AEG, el estado nutricional no se recuperó a lo largo de la investigación y, en el caso de los PEG, el estado nutricional desfavorable se mantuvo.

The effect of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene polymorphisms T(-107)C and L55M and diet composition on serum PON1 activity in women

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum activity of PON1 in women according to SNPs L55M and T-107C and diet composition. Materials and methods: Blood and serum samples from 26 women were used. DNA extraction, PCR and digestion with restriction enzymes of the PCR fragment were performed for genotyping the PON1 SNPs T-107C and L55M. Serum PON1 activity was measured in a single time point. Patients completed the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and diet composition was estimated. Results: Genotypic distribution for L55M SNP was 56% for the LL genotype, 32% for LM and 12% for MM; for the PON1 C(-107)T SNP it was 28% for the TT genotype, 41% for CT and 31% for CC. Individuals with C and L alleles had higher serum PON1 activity. Combining the two SNPs, we observed that individuals carrying the LL and CC genotypes had twice the activity of carriers of the TT and MM genotypes. Considering food intake, no significant difference was observed between genotypes and intake levels. Conclusion: PON1 T(-107)C and L55M SNPs exert a strong effect on serum PON1 activity in an additive manner and are more important than diet to predict serum PON1 activity.

The effect of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene polymorphisms T(-107)C and L55M and diet composition on serum PON1 activity in women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum activity of PON1 in women according to SNPs L55M and T-107C and diet composition. METHODS: Blood and serum samples from 26 women were used. DNA extraction, PCR and digestion with restriction enzymes of the PCR fragment were performed for genotyping the PON1 SNPs T-107C and L55M. Serum PON1 activity was measured in a single time point. Patients completed the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and diet composition was estimated. RESULTS: Genotypic distribution for L55M SNP was 56% for the LL genotype, 32% for LM and 12% for MM; for the PON1 C(-107)T SNP it was 28% for the TT genotype, 41% for CT and 31% for CC. Individuals with C and L alleles had higher serum PON1 activity. Combining the two SNPs, we observed that individuals carrying the LL and CC genotypes had twice the activity of carriers of the TT and MM genotypes. Considering food intake, no significant difference was observed between genotypes and intake levels. CONCLUSION: PON1 T(-107)C and L55M SNPs exert a strong effect on serum PON1 activity in an additive manner and are more important than diet to predict serum PON1 activity.

Interest in food and triglyceride concentrations in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder

Abstract Objective: To investigate eating behavior and serum concentration of triglycerides in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in the neurodevelopment nucleus, from October 2018 to April 2019 in a neurodevelopment center in the city of Pelotas/RS. Blood samples were collected, and serum was essayed for triglycerides by colorimetric enzymatic reaction. The Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire was applied to the parents. The comparison between two or three categories of variables was performed with nonparametric tests. Linear regression was used to access the association between the log triglyceride serum concentration and the score above or below the median score of the food response and emotional overeating subscales. Results: Sixty patients were evaluated. The average age was 8.6 ± 3.2 years and most were white (75 %), male (80 %), and overweight (66%). Half of the sample had elevated triglycerides. Triglyceride concentrations were higher among overweight children and adolescents with higher median scores on the "food response" and "emotional overeating" subscales. In the adjusted analysis, the association between triglycerides and higher scores on subscales reflecting interest in food remained significant. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder present high triglyceride concentrations associated with a greater interest in food. Knowledge of this eating behavior may provide more effective nutritional intervention in this population.

Interest in food and triglyceride concentrations in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate eating behavior and serum concentration of triglycerides in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in the neurodevelopment nucleus, from October 2018 to April 2019 in a neurodevelopment center in the city of Pelotas/RS. Blood samples were collected, and serum was essayed for triglycerides by colorimetric enzymatic reaction. The Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire was applied to the parents. The comparison between two or three categories of variables was performed with nonparametric tests. Linear regression was used to access the association between the log triglyceride serum concentration and the score above or below the median score of the food response and emotional overeating subscales. RESULTS: Sixty patients were evaluated. The average age was 8.6±3.2 years and most were white (75 %), male (80 %), and overweight (66%). Half of the sample had elevated triglycerides. Triglyceride concentrations were higher among overweight children and adolescents with higher median scores on the "food response" and "emotional overeating" subscales. In the adjusted analysis, the association between triglycerides and higher scores on subscales reflecting interest in food remained significant. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder present high triglyceride concentrations associated with a greater interest in food. Knowledge of this eating behavior may provide more effective nutritional intervention in this population.

Combination of ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms as a tool for prediction of obesity risk in children.

The genetic influence in obesity prevalence is well described, but the role of genetic markers related to athletic strength/ endurance performance remains controversial. We investigated associations between obesity and the genetic polymorphisms alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) R577X and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D in schoolchildren aged 4-13 years from Southern Brazil. We collected sociodemographic data from parents through a questionnaire and conducted an anthropometric assessment. DNA was extracted from buccal cells and genotyping was performed by PCR. We found that 1.9% of the individuals were classified as low weight-for-age, 57.6% as normal weight and 40.5% as overweight/ obesity. Regarding allelic distribution, we found that 52.5% of individuals were DD, 30.8% ID, and 16.7% II for ACE; and 38.8% of individuals were RR, 40.2% RX and 21.0% XX for ACTN3. When both polymorphisms were combined, we observed a clear association between the composed genetic profile of these alleles and severe obesity in schoolchildren. Our data suggest that the combined analysis of ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms may serve as a predictor for the risk of severe obesity in children. These data can contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between these polymorphisms and the body weight development of school-age children.

Influência da vitamina C na lipoperoxidação hepática e muscular de camundongos C57BL/6 submetidos à dieta de cafeteria / Influence of vitamin C on hepatic and muscular lipoperoxidation of C57BL / 6 mice conducted on the cafeteria diet

Analisar o efeito do tratamento com vitamina C sobre a lipoperoxidação hepática e muscular, assim como sobre parâmetros bioquímicos de camundongos C57BL/6 submetidos à dieta de cafeteria durante nove semanas. Dezessete camundongos da linhagem C57BL/6, com dois meses de idade foram alocados em três grupos: 1) Controle, 2) Cafeteria e 3) Cafeteria + Vitamina C. O ensaio biológico foi conduzido por nove semanas, os animais foram mantidos em jejum de doze horas, e depois de sacrificados, o sangue e os tecidos foram coletados para dosagens bioquímicas. A partir de amostras de fígado e músculo sóleo, foram quantificados os teores de espécies reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e de lipídeos totais. Os fígados dos camundongos alimentados com dieta de cafeteria tratados ou não com vitamina C apresentaram maiores teores de TBARS comparados aos controles (p<0,05). Já o teor de TBARS muscular foi maior nos camundongos do grupo Cafeteria + Vitamina C comparado àquele encontrado para os animais Cafeteria e Controle (p<0,05). As concentrações de colesterol hepático e muscular foram mais elevadas no grupo Cafeteria + Vitamina C comparadas às dos grupos Controle e Cafeteria (p<0,05). O tratamento com vitamina C aumentou a lipoperoxidação muscular, mas não influenciou esse parâmetro no fígado de camundongos C57BL/6 alimentados com dieta de cafeteria. Além disso, a vitamina C elevou a concentração de colesterol nos tecidos hepático e muscular, mas não alterou a glicemia e os lipídeos séricos dos animais após nove semanas de tratamento.(AU)

To analyze the effect of vitamin C treatment on hepatic and muscular lipoperoxidation, as well as on biochemical parameters of C57BL / 6 mice submitted to the cafeteria diet for nine weeks. Seventeen mice of the C57BL / 6 lineage, two months old, were allocated to three groups: 1) Control, 2) Cafeteria and 3) Cafeteria + Vitamin C. The biological assay was conducted for nine weeks, the animals were kept in fasting for 12 hours and after being sacrificed, blood and tissues were collected for biochemical dosages. From the samples of liver and muscle, the contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and total lipids were quantified. The livers of mice fed with a diet of coffee or not treated with vitamin C showed higher levels of TBARS compared to controls (p <0.05). The muscle TBARS content was higher in the mice of the Cafeteria + Vitamin C group compared to that found for the Cafeteria and Control animals (p <0.05). The concentrations of hepatic and muscular cholesterol were higher in the Cafeteria + Vitamin C group compared to the Control and Cafeteria groups (p <0.05). Treatment with vitamin C increased muscle lipoperoxidation, but did not influence this parameter in the liver of C57BL 6 mice fed with cafeteria diet. In addition, vitamin C increased cholesterol concentration in liver and muscle tissues, but did not change serum glycemia and serum lipids after nine weeks of treatment.(AU)

Paraoxonase 1 serum activity in women: the effects of menopause, the C(-107)T polymorphism and food intake

ABSTRACT Objective The aims of this study were to investigate changes in serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity in women at the pre and postmenopausal stages and its association with the PON1 C(-107)T polymorphism and food intake profile. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study with female patients aged between 35 and 59 years old was conducted. Women were divided into two groups: premenopausal (n = 40) and postmenopausal (n = 36). Women enrolled in the study had serum PON1, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, glucose and HbA1c, as well as the BMI measured. Additionally, women were genotyped for the PON1 T(-107)C polymorphism and the food intake profile was obtained through interview. Results Glucose (p = 0.03), HbA1c (p = 0.002) and total cholesterol (p = 0.002)concentrations were higher in post than premenopausal women, however PON1 activity was not different (p > 0.05). Carriers of the C allele had higher PON1 activity (CC: 88.9 ± 6.5 U/mL and CT: 79.9 ± 4.7 U/mL) than women of the TT genotype (66.6 ± 5.9 U/mL) (p < 0.05). However, the model predicting PON1 activity was slightly better when genotype, total fat and cholesterol content in the diet were all included. Conclusion In sum, we observed that the PON1 C(-107)T genotype was the major regulator of PON1 activity, and menopause had no effect on PON1 activity. The lipid and glycemic profile were altered in postmenopausal women.

Paraoxonase 1 serum activity in women: the effects of menopause, the C(-107)T polymorphism and food intake.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate changes in serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity in women at the pre and postmenopausal stages and its association with the PON1 C(-107)T polymorphism and food intake profile. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study with female patients aged between 35 and 59 years old was conducted. Women were divided into two groups: premenopausal (n = 40) and postmenopausal (n = 36). Women enrolled in the study had serum PON1, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, glucose and HbA1c, as well as the BMI measured. Additionally, women were genotyped for the PON1 T(-107)C polymorphism and the food intake profile was obtained through interview. RESULTS: Glucose (p = 0.03), HbA1c (p = 0.002) and total cholesterol (p = 0.002)concentrations were higher in post than premenopausal women, however PON1 activity was not different (p > 0.05). Carriers of the C allele had higher PON1 activity (CC: 88.9 ± 6.5 U/mL and CT: 79.9 ± 4.7 U/mL) than women of the TT genotype (66.6 ± 5.9 U/mL) (p < 0.05). However, the model predicting PON1 activity was slightly better when genotype, total fat and cholesterol content in the diet were all included. CONCLUSION: In sum, we observed that the PON1 C(-107)T genotype was the major regulator of PON1 activity, and menopause had no effect on PON1 activity. The lipid and glycemic profile were altered in postmenopausal women.

Insulin-like receptors and carbohydrate metabolism in gills of the euryhaline crab Neohelice granulata: Effects of osmotic stress.

The present study determined the effect of osmotic stress on the insulin-like receptor binding characteristics and on glucose metabolism in the anterior (AG) and posterior (PG) gills of the crab Neohelice granulata. Bovine insulin increased the capacity of the PG cell membrane to phosphorylate exogenous substrate poly (Glu:Tyr 4:1) and the glucose uptake in the control crab group. The crabs were submitted to three periods of hyperosmotic (HR) and hyposmotic (HO) stress, for 24, 72 and 144 h, to investigate the insulin-like receptor phosphorylation capacity of gills. Acclimation to HO for 24 h or HR for 144 h of stress inhibited the effects of insulin in the PG, decreasing the capacity of insulin to phosphorylate exogenous substrate poly (Glu:Tyr 4:1) and decreasing the glucose uptake. Hyperosmotic stress for the same period of 144 h significantly affected 125I-insulin binding in the AG and PG. However, HO stress for 24 h significantly reduced 125I-insulin-specific uptake only in the PG. Therefore, osmotic stress induces alterations in the gill insulin-like receptors that decrease insulin binding in the PG. These findings indicate that osmotic stress induced a pattern of insulin resistance in the PG. The free-glucose concentration in the PG decreased during acclimation to 144 h of HR stress and 24 h of HO stress. This decrease in the cell free-glucose concentration was not accompanied by a significant change in hemolymph glucose levels. In AG from the control group, neither the capacity of bovine insulin to phosphorylate exogenous substrate poly (Glu:Tyr 4:1) nor the glucose uptake changed; however, genistein decreased tyrosine-kinase activity, confirming that this receptor belongs to the tyrosine-kinase family. Acclimation to HO (24 h) or HR (144 h) stress decreased tyrosine-kinase activity in the AG. This study provided new information on the mechanisms involved in the osmoregulation process in crustaceans, demonstrating for the first time in an estuarine crab that osmotic challenge inhibited insulin-like signaling and the effect of insulin on glucose uptake in the PG.

The influence of CYP1A2 genotype in the blood pressure response to caffeine ingestion is affected by physical activity status and caffeine consumption level.

This study aimed to investigate whether the influence of CYP1A2 genotype in the blood pressure (BP) response to caffeine ingestion was affected by physical activity status and habitual caffeine consumption. Thirty-seven participants (19-50 years old) took place in the study and were categorized according to i) genotype: CYP1A2 (AA) "fast metabolizer", and CYP1A2 (AC) "slow metabolizer"; ii) physical activity level: sedentary (S) and physically active (A); and iii) caffeine consumption level: non-habitual caffeine consumer (NC) and habitual heavy caffeine consumer (C). All groups had BP assessed before (basal) and 1 hourh after (post) caffeine ingestion (6 mg·kg-1). It was observed that AC genotype individuals had increased basal-DBP and post-caffeine SBP when compared to AA individuals. Additionally, acute caffeine ingestion increased SBP only in the AC group. It was also found that physical activity only modulated the BP responses to acute caffeine ingestion in AC individuals. Furthermore, the results indicated that the habitual heavy caffeine consumers AC individuals had increased basal-DBP when compared to the AA ones. Our results suggest that the influence of CYP1A2 genotype in the basal and post-caffeine BP response to caffeine ingestion is modified by physical activity status and caffeine consumption level.

Age at onset of caloric restriction and its effects on the redox profile of the rat hippocampus

BACKGROUND: The benefits of caloric restriction (CR) on the protection against age-related neurodegenerative diseases have been the subject of several studies. However, the effects of CR on the central nervous system are still poorl y understood since most studies were carried out in mature animals. The present study aimed to investigate whether the age at onset of CR could differently affect the redox status of the rat hippocampus. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats at 35 days old (35d;n= 16) and 65 days old (65d;n= 16) were fed ad libitum or subjected to 30 % CR (n= 8 group/age) for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were euthanized, blood was collected, and the hippocampus was dissected for measuring the redox status. RESULTS: CR in 35d and 65d rats induced a 16 and 21% reduction in body weight gain, respectively, compared to controls (p< 0.05). Urea, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol concentrations were lower in CR 35d rats than in 35d controls (p< 0.05). No differences were detected between the CR groups and controls in the object recognition test (p> 0.05) and in superoxide dismutase activity, nitric oxide content, and lipid peroxidation levels(p> 0.05). However, glutathione peroxidase activity was higher (p< 0.0001) in 65d rats compared to that in 35d rats, and GSH content was higher (p< 0.05) in CR-fed rats compared to that in controls at both ages. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, CR increased GSH content when started at both ages but did not affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the level of ROS in the hippocampus. In addition, CR did not induce any detrimental effects on memory and nutritional status when started in both 35d and 65d rats

Differential effects of a high-fat diet on serum lipid parameters and ovarian gene expression in young and aged female mice.

The aim of this study was to compare serum lipid profiles and ovarian gene expression between aged and younger female mice fed a control or a high-fat diet for 2 months. For this 16 female mice (C57BL/6) of 4 months (Young, n = 8) or 13 months (Old, n = 8) of age were used. The females were divided into four groups: (i) young females fed a normal diet; (ii) young females fed a high-fat diet; (iii) old females fed a normal diet; and (iv) old females fed a high-fat diet. Food intake was reduced (P < 0.05) in mice fed with a high-fat (2.9 ± 0.1 g) diet in comparison with control mice (3.9 ± 0.1 g). Body weight was higher for old females on the high-fat diet (35.1 ± 0.3 g) than for young females on the same diet (23.3 ± 0.4 g; P < 0.05). PON1 activity was lower in the high-fat than control diet group (114.3 ± 5.8 vs. 78.1 ± 6.0 kU/L, respectively) and was higher in older than younger females (85.9 ± 6.4 vs. 106.5 ± 5.3; P < 0.05, respectively). Females fed a high-fat diet had lower expression of Igf1 mRNA (P = 0.04). There was an interaction between age and diet for the expression of Gdf9 and Survivin, with lower expression in older females in both diets and young females that received the high-fat diet (P < 0.05). Concluding, the high-fat diet reduced the expression of ovarian Igf1 mRNA, and Gdf9 and Survivin mRNA in younger females, which can indicate lower fertility rates. High-density lipoprotein concentration and PON1 activity were higher in aged female mice.

Seasonal variation in glucose and neutral amino acid uptake in the estuarine crab Neohelice granulata.

This study investigates the mechanisms of glucose and amino acid transport in gills and jaw muscle of N. granulata collected from an estuarine natural population. The physicochemical parameters of the estuarine environment and of this crustacean's hemolymph were measured during different seasons of the year. In summer, the lagoon water osmolality increased (5-6 times), and hemolymph osmolality decreased. In fall, water pH increased, whereas hemolymph pH decreased markedly. In all seasons, 2-deoxi glucose (DG) uptake in gills was significantly higher than 3-O methyl-glucose (MG) uptake. Phloretin reduced DG uptake in gills; phloretin and phlorizin did not affect MG uptake in this organ. DG and MG uptake was highest in gills during spring and summer. In jaw muscle, MG uptake in winter and spring was higher than DG uptake. In fall, gill methyl aminoisobutyric acid (MeAIB) uptake increased. In jaw muscle, MeAIB uptake was higher in spring. The observed changes in glucose uptake and in the type of glucose and amino acid transporter used in gills and muscle appear to be strategies used by N. granulata to minimize seasonal oscillations in the environmental parameters of their estuarine habitat.