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Accumulating evidence suggests that interactions between the brain and gut microbiota significantly impact brain function and mental health. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether young, healthy adults without psychiatric diagnoses exhibit differences in metabolic stool and microbiota profiles based on depression/anxiety scores and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics was used to identify fecal metabolic profiles. Results were subjected to multivariate analysis through principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and the metabolites were identified through VIP score. Metabolites separating asymptomatic and symptomatic groups were acetate, valine, and glutamate, followed by sugar regions, glutamine, acetone, valerate, and acetoacetate. The main metabolites identified in high vagal tone (HVT) and low vagal tone (LVT) groups were acetate, valerate, and glutamate, followed by propionate and butyrate. In addition to the metabolites identified by the PLS-DA test, significant differences in aspartate, sarcosine, malate, and methionine were observed between the groups. Levels of acetoacetate were higher in both symptomatic and LVT groups. Valerate levels were significantly increased in the symptomatic group, while isovalerate, propionate, glutamate, and acetone levels were significantly increased in the LVT group. Furthermore, distinct abundance between groups was only confirmed for the Firmicutes phylum. Differences between participants with high and low vagal tone suggest that certain metabolites are involved in communication between the vagus nerve and the brain.
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OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the salivary flow and metabolomic profile of stimulated and unstimulated saliva in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children who attended the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of the State University of Rio de Janeiro -UERJ between 3 and 12 years of age were selected. Unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva, using mechanical stimulus, were collected. The samples were centrifuged at 12,000 g, 4oC for 1 h. The 1H- NMR spectra were acquired in 500 MHz equipment. The data were extracted into 0.03 ppm buckets in AMIX, and multivariate analysis (PLS-DA and O-PLS-DA) was performed in Metaboanalyst 2.0. For other analyses, such as salivary flow, the data was tabulated in the SPSS 20.0 statistical package, analyzed descriptively, and after applying the Wilcoxon test. The interval of confidence was set at 95%. RESULTS: The mean age was 7.5 (± 1.94), and 47.0% (n = 31) were female, 63.6% (n = 42). The median flow rate for stimulated saliva was 0.74 (IC 0.10-2.40) and was statistically higher (p < 0.001; Wilcoxon test) than unstimulated was 0.39 (IC 0.00-1.80). Children older than seven years old also presented a higher difference between unstimulated and stimulated saliva (p = 0.003; Mann-Whitney test). The PLS-DA and O-PLS-DA demonstrated a different profile in stimulated and unstimulated saliva. Acetate, glucose, propionate, and lysine were higher in the unstimulated whole saliva than in stimulated saliva. Isoleucine, N-acetyl sugar, hydroxybutyrate, glutamate, leucine, propionate, butyrate, valine, isoleucine, succinate, saturated fatty acid, and histidine were found in greater amounts in the saliva of patients with stimulated saliva. CONCLUSION: The stimulated saliva presented a higher flow rate, and older children exhibited a higher flow rate resulting from it's the stimulus. The mechanical stimulus increased the levels of the major metabolites.
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Metabolómica , Saliva , Humanos , Saliva/química , Saliva/metabolismo , Femenino , Niño , Masculino , Preescolar , Tasa de Secreción , Espectroscopía de Resonancia Magnética/métodos , BrasilRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence of succinic acid release from amber necklace that justifies its biological plausibility. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the release of succinic acid from Baltic amber beads in the presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis. DESIGN: The Baltic amber beads from the necklace were stratified according to their weight (average 0.05 g ± 0.067). Subsequently, the beads (n = 8) were submerged in 0.9% buffered saline (Control) or brain-heart infusion culture medium in the presence of a commercial strain of S. epidermidis, a resident skin bacterium incubated at 37°C for 24 h or 7 days. The samples were centrifuged, and the supernatants were analyzed by 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Multivariate analyses were adopted using the sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis method (p < .05). RESULTS: The group incubated with saline solution showed small release of succinic acid only after 7 days. In the groups with S. epidermidis, the release of succinic acid was observed in the both presence and absence of amber beads, indicating that succinic acid is a product released by bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that amber beads do not exhibit the ability to release expressive succinic acid, especially in a short period of time, which does not justify their use in infants. The most production of succinic acid is tributed to S. epidermidis.
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The (S)-norcoclaurine synthase from Thalictrum flavum (TfNCS) stereoselectively catalyzes the Pictet-Spengler reaction between dopamine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde to give (S)-norcoclaurine. TfNCS can catalyze the Pictet-Spengler reaction with various aldehydes and ketones, leading to diverse tetrahydroisoquinolines. This substrate promiscuity positions TfNCS as a highly promising enzyme for synthesizing fine chemicals. Understanding carbonyl-containing substrates' structural and electronic signatures that influence TfNCS activity can help expand its applications in the synthesis of different compounds and aid in protein optimization strategies. In this study, we investigated the influence of the molecular properties of aldehydes and ketones on their reactivity in the TfNCS-catalyzed Pictet-Spengler reaction. Initially, we compiled a library of reactive and unreactive compounds from previous publications. We also performed enzymatic assays using nuclear magnetic resonance to identify some reactive and unreactive carbonyl compounds, which were then included in the library. Subsequently, we employed QSAR and DFT calculations to establish correlations between substrate-candidate structures and reactivity. Our findings highlight correlations of structural and stereoelectronic features, including the electrophilicity of the carbonyl group, to the reactivity of aldehydes and ketones toward the TfNCS-catalyzed Pictet-Spengler reaction. Interestingly, experimental data of seven compounds out of fifty-three did not correlate with the electrophilicity of the carbonyl group. For these seven compounds, we identified unfavorable interactions between them and the TfNCS. Our results demonstrate the applications of in silico techniques in understanding enzyme promiscuity and specificity, with a particular emphasis on machine learning methodologies, DFT electronic structure calculations, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations.
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Aldehídos , Cetonas , Aldehídos/química , Aldehídos/metabolismo , Cetonas/química , Cetonas/metabolismo , Especificidad por Sustrato , Ligasas de Carbono-Nitrógeno/metabolismo , Ligasas de Carbono-Nitrógeno/química , Thalictrum/enzimología , Thalictrum/metabolismo , Thalictrum/química , Simulación de Dinámica Molecular , BiocatálisisRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are at risk of progressing from inflammatory to stricturing and penetrating phenotypes. The influence of the depth of remission on the risk of progression has not been adequately evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including surgically naïve CD patients with inflammatory phenotype evaluated concomitantly by magnetic resonance enterography and colonoscopy. The degree of remission was correlated with the risk of progressing to stricturing and penetrating phenotypes. RESULTS: Three hundred nineteen CD patients were included: 27.0% with transmural remission, 16.0% with isolated endoscopic remission, 14.4% with isolated radiologic remission, and 42.6% without remission. Patients with transmural remission presented the lowest rates of phenotype progression (1.2%), with a significant difference compared to isolated radiologic remission (10.9%, p = 0.019), to isolated endoscopic remission (19.6%, p ≤ 0.001), and to no remission (46.3%, p ≤ 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, transmural remission (OR 0.017 95% CI 0.002-0.135, p < 0.001), isolated radiologic remission (OR 0.139 95% CI 0.049-0.396, p < 0.001), and isolated endoscopic remission (OR 0.301 95% CI 0.123-0.736, p = 0.008) resulted in lower rates of phenotype progression compared to no remission. No patient with transmural or isolated radiologic remission progressed to penetrating phenotypes. CONCLUSION: The degree of bowel remission correlates with the risk of phenotype progression. Patients with transmural remission are at the lowest risk of progressing to stricturing and penetrating phenotypes.
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BACKGROUND: Natural and synthetic cannabinoids are being used worldwide to treat various symptoms in cancer patients. This study aims to map the therapeutic benefits and adverse effects associated with the use of cannabis-based drugs in these outcomes. METHODS: Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines a scoping review was conducted. The study protocol was available in the Open Science Framework public repository. An extensive search strategy involving databases like Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Medline/PubMed, Lilacs, Google Scholar, and Open Gray for gray literature analysis was executed by a skilled librarian. The inclusion criteria were primary studies (observational and randomized) that evaluated the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in cancer patients. The review encompassed studies of diverse designs, publication years, and types, as long as they addressed cannabinoids' impact in oncology. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (82.86%) out of total of 35 were randomized and 6 (14.14%) were non-randomized. About 57.1% of studies utilized registered products as interventions, with THC being the most natural cannabinoid cited in variable doses and administration routes. Moreover, 62.85% of studies specified the cancer types (breast, lung, sarcomas, hematological and reproductive system), while only one study detailed cancer staging. The evaluated outcomes encompassed nausea and vomiting (77.14%), appetite (11.43%), pain (8.57%), and tumor regression (2.86%) across different proportions of studies. CONCLUSION: Cannabinoids show promise in managing pain, emesis, and anorexia/cachexia linked to cancer progression. New randomized clinical trials with a larger number of participants and observational studies on long-term safety are crucial to affirm their medicinal utility for cancer patients unresponsive to conventional drugs.
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Cannabinoides , Marihuana Medicinal , Neoplasias , Humanos , Marihuana Medicinal/uso terapéutico , Marihuana Medicinal/efectos adversos , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Cannabinoides/uso terapéutico , Cannabinoides/efectos adversos , Vómitos/inducido químicamente , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto , Náusea/inducido químicamenteRESUMEN
The management of hyperparathyroidism (intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) serum levels > 585 pg/mL), frequently focuses on the appropriate control of mineral and bone markers, with the decrease in serum and dietary phosphorus as two of the targets. We aimed to investigate the association between iPTH, serum phosphorus levels and dietary intake. This was a cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study with 561 patients on hemodialysis treatment. Clinical parameters, body composition and dietary intake were assessed. For the analysis, patients were divided into three groups: (a) iPTH < 130, (b) iPTH between 130 and 585 and (c) iPTH > 585 pg/mL. The association between PTH, serum phosphorus and dietary intake was analyzed using linear regression models. In the whole sample, 23.2% of patients presented an iPTH > 585 pg/mL. Patients with higher iPTH levels were those with longer HD vintage and lower ages, higher serum phosphorus, serum calcium, Ca/P product, albumin and caffeine intake, and a lower dietary intake of phosphorus, fiber, riboflavin and folate. Higher serum phosphorus predicted higher iPTH levels, even in the adjusted model. However, lower dietary phosphorus and fiber intake were predictors of higher iPTH levels, including in the adjusted model. Our results bring new data to the relationship between dietary intake and iPTH values. Despite higher serum phosphorus being observed in patients with HPTH, an opposite association was noted regarding dietary phosphate and fiber.
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Hiperparatiroidismo , Fósforo Dietético , Humanos , Fósforo , Calcio , Estudios Transversales , Hormona Paratiroidea , Diálisis Renal/métodos , Ingestión de AlimentosRESUMEN
Objective: Some patients with cancer admitted to palliative care have relatively long survivals of 1 year or more. The objective of this study was to find out factors associated with prolonged survival. Methods: Retrospective case-control study comparing the available data of patients with cancer who survived more than 1 year after admission in a palliative care service with patients with cancer who survived 6 months or less. The intended proportion was 4 controls for each case. Patients were identified through electronic records from 2012 until 2018. Results: And 1721 patients were identified. Of those patients, 111 (6.4%) survived for at least 1 year, and 363 (21.1%) were included as controls according to the established criteria. The intended proportion could not be reached; the proportion was only 3.3:1. The median survival of cases was 581 days (range: 371-2763), and the median survival of controls was 57 days (range: 1-182). In the multivariable analysis, patients with a hemoglobin ≥ 10.6â g/dL and a creatinine level >95 µmol/L had a higher probability of living more than 1 year. In contrast, patients with abnormal cognition, pain, anorexia, liver metastases, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status >1, and a neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥ 3.43 had a low probability of living more than 1 year. Conclusion: Several factors were statistically associated positively or negatively with prolonged survival. However, the data of this study should be confirmed in other studies.
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Neoplasias , Cuidados Paliativos , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Cuidados Paliativos/estadística & datos numéricos , Neoplasias/mortalidad , Neoplasias/terapia , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Anciano , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Adulto , Análisis de SupervivenciaRESUMEN
A competitive volleyball game is a highly metabolic and physically demanding event for professional players. This study aimed to investigate whether a single game at the end of a preseason promotes changes in the biochemical markers of physical exercise responses and the metabolomic profile of professional volleyball players. This cross-sectional study included 13 male Brazilian professional volleyball players. Food intake, body composition, heart rate, physical movement variables, and blood biochemical indicators were evaluated. For non-target metabolomic analysis, serum samples were subjected to 500 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Data analysis showed no significant difference in the biochemical indicators after the game (p > 0.05). The level of metabolites present in the groups of the main components (ß-hydroxybutyrate, arginine/lysine, isoleucine, leucine, and valine) had decreased after the game. However, formic acid and histidine levels increased. Among the compounds not part of the main components, hypoxanthine and tyrosine increased, whereas low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein levels decreased. After the game, the metabolomic profiles of players showed significant negative variations in essential amino acids (leucine, valine, and isoleucine). These decreases might be influenced by athlete diet and reduced glycogen storage due to lower carbohydrate intake, potentially impacting serum-essential amino acid levels via oxidation in skeletal muscle. The study provides insights for developing metabolic compensation strategies in athletes.
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AIM: To assess the periapical alveolar bone pattern and the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines, biochemical markers and metabolites in rats subjected to chronic alcohol and nicotine consumption and induced apical periodontitis. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control, Alcohol, Nicotine and Alcohol+Nicotine. The alcohol groups were exposed to self-administration of a 25% alcohol solution, while the other groups were given only filtered water. The nicotine groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of a nicotine solution (0.19 µL of nicotine/mL), whereas the other groups received saline solution. Periapical lesions were induced by exposing the pulps of the left mandibular first molars for 28 days. After euthanasia, the mandibles were removed and the percentage bone volume, bone mineral density, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation and trabecular number of the periapical bone were measured using micro-computed tomography images. Serum samples were collected for analysis of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α), biochemical and metabolomic analysis. Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level of 5%. Nonparametric data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's test, while one-way anova followed by Tukey's test was performed for parametric data. RESULTS: The groups exposed to alcohol or nicotine consumption exhibited an altered bone pattern indicating lower bone density and higher levels of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α compared to the Control group (p < .05). Significant differences were observed among the groups in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, albumin, uric acid, bilirubin and calcium. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant differences in glycine, phosphocholine, lysine, lactate, valine, pyruvate and lipids (CH2 CH2 CO), n(CH2 ) and n(CH3 ). Most of these parameters were even more altered in the simultaneous consumption of both substances compared to single consumption. CONCLUSION: Alcohol and nicotine chronic consumption altered several metabolic markers, impaired liver and kidney function, increased the production of systemic proinflammatory mediators and harmed the periapical bone microarchitecture in the presence of apical periodontitis. The simultaneous consumption of alcohol and nicotine intensified these detrimental effects.
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Nicotina , Periodontitis Periapical , Ratas , Masculino , Animales , Ratas Wistar , Nicotina/farmacología , Microtomografía por Rayos X , Interleucina-6 , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa , Etanol , Interleucina-1betaAsunto(s)
Azetidinas , Dermatitis Atópica , Humanos , Dermatitis Atópica/diagnóstico , Dermatitis Atópica/tratamiento farmacológico , Azetidinas/efectos adversos , Purinas/efectos adversos , Pirazoles/efectos adversos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Método Doble CiegoRESUMEN
ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the salivary metabolites profile of Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) types I, II, IV, and VI patients. Material and Methods: The participants were asked to refrain from eating and drinking for one hour before sampling, performed between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. Samples were centrifuged at 10.000 × g for 60 min at 4°C, and the supernatants (500µl) were stored at −80°C until NMR analysis. The salivary proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectra were acquired in a 500 MHz spectrometer, and TOCSY experiments were used to confirm and assign metabolites. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Differences in salivary metabolites were found among MPS types and the control, such as lactate, propionate, alanine, and N-acetyl sugar. Understanding these metabolite changes may contribute to precision medicine and early detection of mucopolysaccharidosis and its monitoring. Conclusion: The composition of low molecular weight salivary metabolites of mucopolysaccharidosis subjects may present specific features compared to healthy controls.
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Saliva , Espectroscopía de Resonancia Magnética/instrumentación , Mucopolisacaridosis/patología , Metabolómica , Espectroscopía de Protones por Resonancia Magnética/instrumentación , Estudios Transversales/métodosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence supports the use of transmural remission as a treatment target in Crohn's disease (CD), but it is seldom achieved in clinical practice. Tight monitoring of inflammation using fecal calprotectin with reactive treatment escalation may potentially improve these results. AIMS: To evaluate if treatment escalation based on fecal calprotectin can improve the rates of transmural remission in CD. The influence of the timing of intervention on this strategy was also evaluated. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including 256 CD patients with 2 consecutive assessments by MRI-enterography and colonoscopy and with regular monitoring using fecal calprotectin. For each occurrence of an elevated fecal calprotectin (≥250 µg/g), we evaluated whether a reactive adjustment of medical treatment was performed. The ratio of treatment escalation/elevated fecal calprotectin was correlated with the chances of reaching transmural remission. Early disease was defined as disease duration <18 months without previous exposure to immunomodulators and biologics. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 2 years (IQR 1-4), 61 patients (23.8%) reached transmural remission. Ratios of escalation ≥50% resulted in higher rates of transmural remission (34.2% vs. 15.1%, p < 0.001). The effect was more pronounced in patients with early disease (50.0% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, a treatment escalation ratio ≥50% (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.67-7.17, p = 0.001) and early disease intervention (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.12-9.34, p = 0.030) were independent predictors of achieving transmural remission. CONCLUSION: Tight-monitoring and reactive treatment escalation increase the rates of transmural remission in CD. Intervention in early disease further improves these results.
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BACKGROUND: Few patients can reach transmural remission in Crohn's disease (CD) with currently available therapies. Proactive optimization of infliximab (IFX) based on trough levels may potentially improve these results. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including consecutive CD patients starting treatment with IFX. Rates of transmural remission were compared between patients with and without therapeutic drug monitoring (target level: 5-7 µg/mL). A propensity score-matched analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: A total of 195 CD patients were included, 57.9% receiving proactive therapeutic drug monitoring. The rates of transmural remission were higher in patients under proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (37.2% vs 18.3%; Pâ =â .004) with similar results in the propensity score-matched analysis (34.2% vs 17.1%; Pâ =â .025). In multivariate analysis, proactive therapeutic drug monitoring was independently associated with transmural remission (odds ratio, 2.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-6.06; Pâ =â .003). CONCLUSIONS: Proactive optimization of IFX based on trough levels increases the rates of transmural remission in CD.
In the following study, we demonstrate that proactive optimization of infliximab using a trough level protocol (aim 5-7 µg/mL) results in higher rates of transmural remission compared with conventional infliximab treatment. These results remained significant in a propensity scorematched analysis.
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Introduction: Pea protein (PP) concentrate is a plant-based alternative to animal protein sources, such as whey protein (WP). In addition to its valuable amino acid composition, PP has a low environmental impact, making it a sustainable, nutritious, and viable alternative for enhanced sports performance, such as in soccer. PP Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of PP and WP supplementation on biochemical and metabolic parameters in soccer players. Methods: Twelve male under-20 soccer players were included in this double-blind, randomized crossover intervention study. For 10 consecutive days, each participant received either 0.5 g/kg of the PP or WP supplementation after training, starting 7 days before the test game, and continuing until 2 days after. After a 4-day washout period, the athletes switched groups and the intervention was restarted. Blood samples were collected before and after the game, as well as 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h intervals thereafter. Creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate (LA), urea, creatinine, and uric acid were analyzed using commercial kits. Exploratory metabolic profiling of the serum samples was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results: A comparison of biochemical markers showed that the PP group had lower CK in the post-game moment, 24 h, and 48 h. Lower LA in the post-game moment, and lower ALT in the post-game moment and at 24 h. Of the 48 metabolites analyzed, 22 showed significant differences between the time points, such as amino acids, ketone bodies, and glucose metabolism. Glutamate and lactate levels significantly increased between the pre- and post-game moments in the WP group. After the game, the WP group exhibited reduced levels of metabolites such as arginine and taurine, whereas no such change was observed in the PP group. There was no difference in metabolites 72 h after the game. Conclusions: Despite the slight advantage of the PP group in specific biochemical markers, these differences are not sufficient to justify the choice of a particular type of protein. However, the results highlight the viability of plant protein as a potential alternative to animal protein without compromising athletic performance or recovery.
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Although breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women, metastasization to the gastrointestinal tract is rare. We present a 59-year-old woman with simultaneous gastric and colonic metastasis of invasive lobular breast carcinoma. She had been diagnosed with BC and underwent surgery and systemic therapy. Two years later, an increase in tumor markers motivated investigation, including upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, which identified gastric ulcers and mucosal irregularity in the cecum. Histopathological analysis was compatible with gastric and colonic metastases from BC. We highlight the importance of biopsying every endoscopically visible lesion in patients with BC history.
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Brazil has the second-highest COVID-19 death rate worldwide, and Rio de Janeiro is among the states with the highest rate in the country. Although vaccine coverage has been achieved, it is anticipated that COVID-19 will transition into an endemic disease. It is concerning that the molecular mechanisms underlying clinical evolution from mild to severe disease, as well as the mechanisms leading to long COVID-19, are not yet fully understood. NMR and MS-based metabolomics were used to identify metabolites associated with COVID-19 pathophysiology and disease outcome. Severe COVID-19 cases (n = 35) were enrolled in two reference centers in Rio de Janeiro within 72 h of ICU admission, alongside 12 non-infected control subjects. COVID-19 patients were grouped into survivors (n = 18) and non-survivors (n = 17). Choline-related metabolites, serine, glycine, and betaine, were reduced in severe COVID-19, indicating dysregulation in methyl donors. Non-survivors had higher levels of creatine/creatinine, 4-hydroxyproline, gluconic acid, and N-acetylserine, indicating liver and kidney dysfunction. Several changes were greater in women; thus, patients' sex should be considered in pandemic surveillance to achieve better disease stratification and improve outcomes. These metabolic alterations may be useful to monitor organ (dys) function and to understand the pathophysiology of acute and possibly post-acute COVID-19 syndromes.
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(1) Background: Excessive meat consumption has raised multiple health and environmental concerns; however, there are no data on the population's willingness to reduce its intake for these reasons. The current study aims to assess the frequency of meat intake and readiness to limit consumption due to concern about the impact on health and the environment in residents of the Lisbon metropolitan region. (2) Methods: This analytical cross-sectional observational study was carried out in 197 residents in the metropolitan region of Lisbon. The participants were divided into two groups by age (GI: 20-29 years; GII: 40-64 years). Meat consumption and willingness to reduce it were assessed through a questionnaire. (3) Results: Most participants (67%) reported not having knowledge about the ecological footprint of meat. Being a less frequent meat consumer (<1 time per day) is associated with a willingness 3.6 times higher (p < 0.001) to reduce meat consumption due to sensitivity to the impact on health and 4.0 times higher (p < 0.001) due to environmental reasons. (4) Conclusions: Lower meat consumption frequency was associated with reductions in this consumption for environmental and health reasons.
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Comportamiento del Consumidor , Carne , Humanos , Adulto Joven , Adulto , Proyectos Piloto , Estudios Transversales , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine residue in CpG dinucleotides, which are particularly abundant in gene promoter regions. Several studies have highlighted the role that modifications of DNA methylation may have on the adverse health effects caused by exposure to environmental toxicants. One group of xenobiotics that is increasingly present in our daily lives are nanomaterials, whose unique physicochemical properties make them interesting for a large number of industrial and biomedical applications. Their widespread use has raised concerns about human exposure, and several toxicological studies have been performed, although the studies focusing on nanomaterials' effect on DNA methylation are still limited. The aim of this review is to investigate the possible impact of nanomaterials on DNA methylation. From the 70 studies found eligible for data analysis, the majority were in vitro, with about half using cell models related to the lungs. Among the in vivo studies, several animal models were used, but most were mice models. Only two studies were performed on human exposed populations. Global DNA methylation analyses was the most frequently applied approach. Although no trend towards hypo- or hyper-methylation could be observed, the importance of this epigenetic mechanism in the molecular response to nanomaterials is evident. Furthermore, methylation analysis of target genes and, particularly, the application of comprehensive DNA methylation analysis techniques, such as genome-wide sequencing, allowed identifying differentially methylated genes after nanomaterial exposure and affected molecular pathways, contributing to the understanding of their possible adverse health effects.
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Sleep is extremely important for the homeostasis of the organism. In recent years, various studies have been carried out to address factors related to sleep patterns and their influence on food choices, as well as on the onset of chronic noncommunicable diseases. The aim of this article is to provide a scientific literature review on the possible role of sleep patterns on eating behavior and the risk of noncommunicable diseases. A search was performed on Medline (PubMed interface) using several keywords (e.g., "Factors Influencing Sleep" OR "Sleep and Chronic Diseases"). Articles published between 2000 and the present date that relate sleep to cyclic metabolic processes and changes in eating behavior were selected. Changes in sleep patterns are increasingly detected today, and these modifications are mainly caused by work and lifestyle conditions as well as a growing dependence on electronic devices. Sleep deprivation and the resultant short sleep duration lead to an increased appetite via an increase in the hunger hormone (ghrelin) and a decrease in the satiety hormone (leptin). Nowadays, sleep is undervalued, and thus often impaired, with consequences for the performance of various body systems. Sleep deprivation alters physiological homeostasis and influences eating behavior as well as the onset of chronic diseases.