Topiramate treatment during adolescence induces short and long-term alterations in the reproductive system of female rats.

Topiramate (TPM) is an antiepileptic drug used for treating epilepsy in children, and migraine in teenagers. In this context, preclinical studies with adult female rats observed reproductive system abnormalities following treatment with TPM. Additionally, exposure to endocrine disruptors during developmental plasticity periods, such as childhood and adolescence, may influence characteristics in the adult individual. This study evaluated whether treatment with TPM during developmental periods influences the reproductive system of female rats either immediately or in adult life. Female Wistar rats were treated with TPM (41 mg/Kg/day) by oral gavage from postnatal day (PND) 16-28, or PND 28-50, which correspond to childhood and adolescence, respectively, and euthanized either 24 h after the final administration or during adulthood. Treatment with TPM during adolescence induced short-term increase in uterus and ovary weights and reduction in endometrial stroma thickness. Adult animals treated during adolescence displayed reduced primordial ovarian follicles' numbers, and increased primary and pre-antral ovarian follicles' numbers. Treatment during childhood induced no short or long-term differences. These results indicate TPM treatment during adolescence is capable of inducing short and long-term alterations on the reproductive system of female Wistar rats.

Insufficient Answer During the Public Health Emergency: A Lesson from the Persistence of Food Insecurity in Low-Income Communities.

Cohort study in deprived communities to investigate the persistence of food insecurity (FI) during the COVID-19 was conducted. Sample were derived from a list of mobile phone numbers provided by community leaders and local nonprofit organizations. Temporal trends and prevalence ratios of FI persistence, categorized as "never," "occasional FI," "consistent FI," were calculated. A total of 302 households completed three assessments, the majority nonwhite women. During the follow-up, families covered by social assistance increased; however, their income decreased (p < 0.05). 33% were "consistent," and 46% "occasional" FI. Permanent difficulties accessing gas canisters, hygiene products, and hand sanitizers were observed.

High glycemia and resistin normalized in children with double burden of malnutrition: a cross-sectional study.

The coexistence of stunting and excess weight in the same individual is defined as a double burden of malnutrition (DBM) and is associated with noncommunicable diseases. In this study, we evaluated the impact of DBM on adipokine concentrations and metabolic profiles in children compared with weight excess alone. Children were allocated to the weight excess group (n = 23) (height-for-age (HAZ) > 0.0 and < 2.0 Z-score and body mass index-for-age (BMI/A) > 1.0 Z-score) or DBM (n = 22) group (HAZ < -1.0 Z-score (including mild stunting) and BMI/A > 1.0 Z-score). Lipid, glycemic profile, resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, leptin, and adiponectin concentrations were analyzed. Glycemia was significantly higher in the DBM group compared to the weight excess group (5.05 (4.76-5.31) mmol/L vs. 4.57 (4.35-4.81) mmol/L), although no differences were found in insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Adipokine concentrations did not differ between the groups. However, the DBM group showed higher resistin concentrations normalized by body fat mass than those of the weight excess group (1.44 (0.98-1.93) ng/mL vs. 0.76 (0.55-1.45) ng/mL). Insulin and HOMA-IR showed a negative correlation with adiponectin (r = -0.590 and -0.624, respectively, both p < 0.01). DBM was associated with increased glucose and resistin concentrations adjusted by fat mass compared to that associated with excess weight alone. Therefore, this association between mild stunting and weight excess has deleterious potential for long-term metabolic function, highlighting an additional precaution against weight gain in children, especially in those with stunting.

Treatment with topiramate in rats during childhood causes testicular structural impairment at adulthood.

Topiramate (TOP) is a psychotropic drug prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy in children older than 2 years of age and for migraine prophylaxis in adolescents. There is evidence that TOP promotes negative effects on the reproductive system of male rats. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate and late treatment effects of TOP during childhood and adolescence on the male rat reproductive system. Two experimental groups received 41 mg/kg of TOP daily, by gavage, from postnatal day (PND) 16 to 28 (TOPc group) or from PND 28 to 50 (TOPa group). Control groups (CTRc group or CTRa group) received water daily. Half of the anim-als were evaluated 24 h after the end of treatment (PND 29 and PND 51, respectively) and the remainder were evaluated in adulthood (PND120). The following parameters were determined: anogenital distance, sperm evaluation, testis' histomorphometry and plasma testosterone concentration. At PND 120, the volume (CTRc:62.58 ± 2.13; TOPc: 54.54 ± 2.10*%, p = 0.018) and total length (CTRc: 25.48 ± 1.61; TOPc: 18.94 ± 2.41*, p = 0.035) of seminiferous tubules were decreased and the volume of interstitial tissue (CTRc:37.41 ± 2.13; TOPc: 45.45 ± 2.09*%, p = 0.018) and number of Leydig cells/testis (CTRc: 277.00 ± 36.70; TOPc: 400.20 ± 13.23*, p = 0.013) were increased in the TOPc group. The other parameters remained similar between the groups. Therefore, the present study contributes to our understanding that childhood treatment with TOP has an impact on the rat reproductive system in adulthood, suggesting that this period is more sensitive to TOP exposure than adolescence.

Erythrocyte and plasma selenium in children with acute inflammatory response.

OBJECTIVES: Plasma selenium may not reflect selenium status in critically ill patients because it transiently decreases inversely with the magnitude of the systemic inflammatory response. The decision to supplement selenium should ideally be based on laboratory measurements that reliably reflect selenium status. We hypothesized that erythrocyte selenium, unlike plasma selenium, is not affected by the systemic inflammatory response in critically ill children. METHODS: In a prospective study of 109 critically ill children, plasma and erythrocyte selenium concentrations were evaluated on admission, and plasma selenoprotein P was evaluated on days 1, 2, and 3 of the ICU stay. The main outcome was the effect of systemic inflammation on the erythrocyte and plasma selenium concentrations. The magnitude of the systemic inflammatory response was measured using serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin levels. The covariates were age, sex, anthropometric nutritional status, diagnosis of severe sepsis/septic shock, and clinical severity on admission. Multiple linear regression and generalized estimating equations were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Erythrocyte selenium levels were not influenced by the magnitude of the inflammatory response or by the patient's clinical severity. Procalcitonin (ß coefficient=-0.99; 95%CI: -1.64; -0.34, p = 0.003) and clinical severity (ß coefficient= -11.13; 95%CI: -21.6; -0.63), p = 0.038) on admission were associated with decreased plasma selenium concentrations. Erythrocyte selenium was associated with selenoprotein P in the first three days of ICU stay (ß coefficient=0.32; 95%CI: 0.20; 0.44, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Unlike plasma selenium, erythrocyte selenium does not change in children with an acute systemic inflammatory response and is associated with selenoprotein P concentrations. Erythrocyte selenium is probably a more reliable marker than plasma selenium for evaluating the selenium status in critically ill children.

Thyroid axis hormones and anthropometric recovery of children/adolescents with overweight/obesity: A scoping review.

Introduction: Thyroid hormones exert multiple physiological effects essential to the maintenance of basal metabolic rate (BMR), adaptive thermogenesis, fat metabolism, growth, and appetite. The links between obesity and the hormones of the thyroid axis, i.e., triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyrotropin (TSH), are still controversial, especially when considering children and adolescents. This population has high rates of overweight and obesity and several treatment approaches, including nutritional, psychological, and physical exercise interventions have been used. Understanding the importance of the hormones of the thyroid axis in the recovery from overweight and obesity may help directing measures to the maintenance of a healthy body composition. The present scoping review was carried out to analyze studies evaluating these hormonal levels throughout interventions directed at treating overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. The main purpose was to ascertain whether the hormones levels vary during weight loss. Methods: We selected for analysis 19 studies published between 1999 and 2022. Results: Most of the studies showed that changes in different anthropometric indicators, in response to the multidisciplinary interventions, correlated positively with free T3 (fT3), total T3 (TT3), and TSH. With respect to free T4 (fT4) and total T4 (TT4). Discussion: The most common finding was of unchanged levels and, hence, no significant association with weight loss. Moreover, thyroxine supplementation has failed to affect the response to the interventions. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the relevance of the variations in hormone levels to the establishment of overweight/obesity and to the recovery from these conditions in children/adolescents. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42020203359.

Acute kidney injury: Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes in severe COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a multisystemic disorder that frequently causes acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the precise clinical and biochemical variables associated with AKI progression in patients with severe COVID-19 remain unclear. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on 278 hospitalized patients who were admitted to the ward and intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19 between March 2020 and June 2020, at the University Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with COVID-19 confirmed on RT-PCR were included. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. We evaluated the incidence of AKI, several clinical variables, medicines used, and outcomes in two sub-groups: COVID-19 patients with AKI (Cov-AKI), and COVID-19 patients without AKI (non-AKI). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: First, an elevated incidence of AKI (71.2%) was identified, distributed across different stages of the KDIGO criteria. We further observed higher levels of creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the Cov-AKI group than in the non-AKI group, at hospital admission. On univariate analysis, Cov-AKI was associated with older age (>62 years), hypertension, CRP, MCV, leucocytes, neutrophils, NLR, combined hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin treatment, use of mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive drugs. Multivariate analysis showed that hypertension and the use of vasoactive drugs were independently associated with a risk of higher AKI in COVID-19 patients. Finally, we preferentially found an altered erythrocyte and leukocyte cellular profile in the Cov-AKI group compared to the non-AKI group, at hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the development of AKI in patients with severe COVID-19 was related to inflammatory blood markers and therapy with hydroxychloroquine/azithromycin, with vasopressor requirement and hypertension considered potential risk factors. Thus, attention to the protocol, hypertension, and some blood markers may help assist doctors with decision-making for the management of COVID-19 patients with AKI.

Mitochondrial DNA: A new driver for sex differences in spontaneous hypertension.

The prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) is higher in men than in premenopausal women of the same age. AH has been characterized as a chronic inflammatory disease and activation of Toll-like receptors (TLR) by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) is involved. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) may be released by end-organ damage, which is recognized and activates TLR9. The serum level of mtDNA is increased in AH. The aim of this study was to compare the serum mtDNA levels between male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and to evaluate the sex differences in the effect of mtDNA on the function, inflammation and signaling pathway related to TLR9 in the vasculature. Male and female 15-week-old SHR and Wistar rats were used to evaluate the arterial blood pressure, serum mtDNA, contractile response, inflammatory markers and signaling pathway related to TLR9. Male SHR had higher arterial blood pressure values and serum mtDNA compared to female SHR and to male and female normotensive Wistar rats. In male SHR aorta, mtDNA incubation increased the contractile response to phenylephrine, which was blunted by inhibition of TLR9, and also increased pro-inflammatory molecules IL-6 and TNF-α. However, in female SHR aorta, mtDNA incubation did not change the contractile response, reduced pro-inflammatory molecules and prevented oxidative stress. mtDNA incubation did not change the expression of TLR9, MyD88 and eNOS neither in male nor in female SHR aorta, but it increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in male and reduced in female SHR aorta. The mtDNA differential modulation of vascular response in male and female SHR might contribute to sex differences in AH. This study contributes to the understanding of a need for more personalized therapeutic strategies for men and women with hypertension. Keywords: Sex differences, Arterial hypertension, Mitochondrial DNA, Toll-Like receptor 9.

[Nutritional status and environmental and health conditions of Pataxó indigenous children, Minas Gerais State, Brazil]. / Estado nutricional e condições ambientais e de saúde de crianças Pataxó, Minas Gerais, Brasil.

To describe the nutritional status and the environmental and health conditions of the Pataxó children from five villages of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Among the under 10 years old, weight and height/length were classified according to the growth references of World Health Organization. Questionnaires evaluating environmental conditions of the households and health conditions of under 5 years old were based in the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition. Among the 70 children evaluated (93.3%), 34 were under 5 years old. Nutritional deficits were not observed and overweight was registered for 11.4% of the children. Most of the children (74.3%) lived in households with electric energy, 95% in households with toilets and 52.9% in households that threw waste in septic tanks. Six or more antenatal appointments were reported by 82.4% of the mothers of the under five years old and 91.2% started the antenatal appointments within the first trimester of pregnancy. Among the causes of hospitalizations in the previous 12 months (23.5%), only one was due to diarrhea and none to respiratory infection. Universal coverage was observed for the majority of the vaccines. The absence of nutritional deficits among the Pataxó children may be associated to better housing and sanitation conditions and coverage of basic childhood health actions when compared to the conditions reported by the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition and related studies with other specific indigenous peoples. The current study aims to back discussions and measures to improve the nutritional status of indigenous children in Brazil.

Descrever o estado nutricional e as condições ambientais e de saúde das crianças Pataxó de cinco aldeias de Minas Gerais, Brasil. O estado nutricional foi classificado com base no peso e estatura/comprimento, tendo como referência o padrão de crescimento da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Questionários baseados no I Inquérito Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição dos Povos Indígenas foram utilizados para a avaliação das condições ambientais dos domicílios e de saúde dos menores de cinco anos. Dos 70 menores de dez anos avaliados (93,3%), 34 tinham menos de cinco anos. Não se observaram déficits nutricionais e sobrepeso foi registrado para 11,4% das crianças. A maioria das crianças (74,3%) vivia em domicílios com energia elétrica, 95% em domicílios com latrina/sanitário e 52,9% lançavam dejetos em fossa séptica. A realização de seis ou mais consultas de pré-natal foi reportada por 82,4% das mães dos menores de cinco anos, e 91,2% iniciaram o pré-natal no primeiro trimestre de gestação. Dentre as causas de internações hospitalares nos últimos 12 meses (23,5%), somente uma foi devido à diarreia e nenhuma por causa de infecções respiratórias. Foram verificadas coberturas universais para a maioria das vacinas avaliadas. A inexistência de déficits nutricionais entre as crianças Pataxó pode estar associada às melhores condições de habitação, saneamento e cobertura das ações básicas de saúde infantil quando comparadas às condições verificadas no I Inquérito Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição dos Povos Indígenas e de estudos pontuais. Este trabalho pretende subsidiar discussões e ações que visem a melhorias do estado nutricional infantil dos indígenas no Brasil.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir el estado nutricional, así como las condiciones ambientales y de salud de niños Pataxó, procedentes de cinco aldeas de Minas Gerais, Brasil. El estado nutricional se clasificó en base al peso y estatura/longitud, teniendo como referencia el patrón de crecimiento de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se utilizaron cuestionarios basados en la I Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de los Pueblos Indígenas para la evaluación de las condiciones ambientales de los domicilios y de salud de los menores de cinco años. De los 70 menores de 10 años evaluados (93,3%), 34 tenían menos de cinco años. No se observaron déficits nutricionales y se registro sobrepeso en 11,4% de los niños. La mayoría de los niños (74,3%) vivía en domicilios con energía eléctrica, 95% en domicilios con letrina/retrete y un 52,9% efectuaba deposiciones en fosa séptica. La realización de seis o más consultas de carácter prenatal fueron informadas por parte de un 82,4% de las madres de los menores de cinco años, y un 91,2% comenzaron las consultas prenatales durante el primer trimestre de gestación. Entre las causas de internamientos hospitalarios en los últimos 12 meses (23,5%), solamente una se debió a diarrea y ninguna a causa de infecciones respiratorias. Se verificaron coberturas universales para la mayoría de las vacunas evaluadas. La inexistencia de déficits nutricionales entre los niños Pataxó puede estar asociada a las mejores condiciones de vivienda, saneamiento y cobertura de las acciones básicas respecto a salud infantil, cuando se comparan con las condiciones verificadas en la I Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de los Pueblos Indígenas y de otros estudios puntuales. Este trabajo pretende servir de apoyo para futuras discusiones y acciones que tengan por objetivo las mejoras en el estado nutricional infantil de los indígenas en Brasil.

Nandrolone combined with strenuous resistance training reduces vascular nitric oxide bioavailability and impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AASs) misuse has increased among adolescents and recreational athletes due to their potential effects on muscle hypertrophy. On the other hand, AAS might induce alterations on cardiovascular system, although some controversies regarding AAS on vascular properties remain unknown. To address this question, we aimed to investigate the effects of high doses of nandrolone combined with strenuous resistance training (RT) on function and structure of thoracic aorta. Rats were randomized into four groups: non-trained vehicle (NTV), trained vehicle (TV), non-trained nandrolone (NTN), and trained nandrolone (TN), and submitted to 6 weeks of treatment with nandrolone (5 mg/kg, twice a week) and/or resistance training. In vitro response of thoracic aorta to acetylcholine (ACh) was analyzed. Vascular nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis were evaluated using 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2) and hydroethidine fluorescent techniques, respectively. Thoracic aorta was processed for microscopy analyses and tunica media thickness was measured. ACh-mediated relaxation response was impaired in endothelium intact aortic rings isolated from trained rats (TV and TN) as compared with their matched non-trained groups. TN rats showed reduced ACh-mediated vasodilatation than NTN rats. NO production and bioavailability decreased in thoracic aorta of nandrolone-treated rats in relation to their matched non-trained group (NTN vs. NTV; TN vs. TV). ROS production and tunica media thickness were increased in TN rats when compared with TV rats. These findings indicate that high doses of nandrolone combined with strenuous RT affect NO bioavailability and might induce endothelial dysfunction and arterial morphological alterations.

Estado nutricional e condições ambientais e de saúde de crianças Pataxó, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Nutritional status and environmental and health conditions of Pataxó indigenous children, Minas Gerais State, Brazil / Estado nutricional y condiciones ambientales y de salud de niños Pataxó, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Resumo: Descrever o estado nutricional e as condições ambientais e de saúde das crianças Pataxó de cinco aldeias de Minas Gerais, Brasil. O estado nutricional foi classificado com base no peso e estatura/comprimento, tendo como referência o padrão de crescimento da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Questionários baseados no I Inquérito Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição dos Povos Indígenas foram utilizados para a avaliação das condições ambientais dos domicílios e de saúde dos menores de cinco anos. Dos 70 menores de dez anos avaliados (93,3%), 34 tinham menos de cinco anos. Não se observaram déficits nutricionais e sobrepeso foi registrado para 11,4% das crianças. A maioria das crianças (74,3%) vivia em domicílios com energia elétrica, 95% em domicílios com latrina/sanitário e 52,9% lançavam dejetos em fossa séptica. A realização de seis ou mais consultas de pré-natal foi reportada por 82,4% das mães dos menores de cinco anos, e 91,2% iniciaram o pré-natal no primeiro trimestre de gestação. Dentre as causas de internações hospitalares nos últimos 12 meses (23,5%), somente uma foi devido à diarreia e nenhuma por causa de infecções respiratórias. Foram verificadas coberturas universais para a maioria das vacinas avaliadas. A inexistência de déficits nutricionais entre as crianças Pataxó pode estar associada às melhores condições de habitação, saneamento e cobertura das ações básicas de saúde infantil quando comparadas às condições verificadas no I Inquérito Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição dos Povos Indígenas e de estudos pontuais. Este trabalho pretende subsidiar discussões e ações que visem a melhorias do estado nutricional infantil dos indígenas no Brasil.

Abstract: To describe the nutritional status and the environmental and health conditions of the Pataxó children from five villages of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Among the under 10 years old, weight and height/length were classified according to the growth references of World Health Organization. Questionnaires evaluating environmental conditions of the households and health conditions of under 5 years old were based in the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition. Among the 70 children evaluated (93.3%), 34 were under 5 years old. Nutritional deficits were not observed and overweight was registered for 11.4% of the children. Most of the children (74.3%) lived in households with electric energy, 95% in households with toilets and 52.9% in households that threw waste in septic tanks. Six or more antenatal appointments were reported by 82.4% of the mothers of the under five years old and 91.2% started the antenatal appointments within the first trimester of pregnancy. Among the causes of hospitalizations in the previous 12 months (23.5%), only one was due to diarrhea and none to respiratory infection. Universal coverage was observed for the majority of the vaccines. The absence of nutritional deficits among the Pataxó children may be associated to better housing and sanitation conditions and coverage of basic childhood health actions when compared to the conditions reported by the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition and related studies with other specific indigenous peoples. The current study aims to back discussions and measures to improve the nutritional status of indigenous children in Brazil.

Resumen: El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir el estado nutricional, así como las condiciones ambientales y de salud de niños Pataxó, procedentes de cinco aldeas de Minas Gerais, Brasil. El estado nutricional se clasificó en base al peso y estatura/longitud, teniendo como referencia el patrón de crecimiento de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se utilizaron cuestionarios basados en la I Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de los Pueblos Indígenas para la evaluación de las condiciones ambientales de los domicilios y de salud de los menores de cinco años. De los 70 menores de 10 años evaluados (93,3%), 34 tenían menos de cinco años. No se observaron déficits nutricionales y se registro sobrepeso en 11,4% de los niños. La mayoría de los niños (74,3%) vivía en domicilios con energía eléctrica, 95% en domicilios con letrina/retrete y un 52,9% efectuaba deposiciones en fosa séptica. La realización de seis o más consultas de carácter prenatal fueron informadas por parte de un 82,4% de las madres de los menores de cinco años, y un 91,2% comenzaron las consultas prenatales durante el primer trimestre de gestación. Entre las causas de internamientos hospitalarios en los últimos 12 meses (23,5%), solamente una se debió a diarrea y ninguna a causa de infecciones respiratorias. Se verificaron coberturas universales para la mayoría de las vacunas evaluadas. La inexistencia de déficits nutricionales entre los niños Pataxó puede estar asociada a las mejores condiciones de vivienda, saneamiento y cobertura de las acciones básicas respecto a salud infantil, cuando se comparan con las condiciones verificadas en la I Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de los Pueblos Indígenas y de otros estudios puntuales. Este trabajo pretende servir de apoyo para futuras discusiones y acciones que tengan por objetivo las mejoras en el estado nutricional infantil de los indígenas en Brasil.

Family history of cardiovascular disease and non-HDL cholesterol in prepubescent non-obese children.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the values of non-HDL cholesterol (NHDL-c) and the frequency of a family history of early cardiovascular disease (family HCVD) in healthy prepubescent children. Analyze the association between NHDL-c and family HCVD, and possible associations with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHOD: Cross-sectional study including 269 prepubescent (aged 6-10 years) schoolchildren with a normal body mass index (+1SD-2SD). DATA COLLECTED: Family HCVD; weight and height, waist circumference and systemic blood pressure; lipid profile (total cholesterol TC, HDL-c, triglycerides and LDL-c), NHDL-c calculation (CT-HDL-c, cut-off = 145 mg/dL) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: High levels were found for NHDL-c in 10 (3.7%) of these schoolchildren, and family early HCVD was found in 46 (17.1%) of them. There was a weak association between family HCVD and NHDL-c (Cramer's-V-test = 0.120; p=0.050). Among the children with NHDL-c≥145 mg/dL, 4 (40%) have family HCVD. The presence of family HCVD was not associated with the variables being studied. The variables independently associated with NHDL-c ≥ 145 mg/dL were: HOMA-IR (OR=1.7; 95CI 1.1-2.6) and diastolic blood pressure (OR=1.1; 95CI 1.02-1.2). CONCLUSION: NHDL-c values were associated with blood pressure and insulin resistance. Family HCVD was not associated with other classic risk factors for CVD, even though the frequency found was five times higher than that of high NHDL-c.

Family history of cardiovascular disease and non-HDL cholesterol in prepubescent non-obese children / Importância clínica da história familiar de doença cardiovascular e da dosagem do colesterol não HDL em crianças eutróficas

Summary Objective: To describe the values of non-HDL cholesterol (NHDL-c) and the frequency of a family history of early cardiovascular disease (family HCVD) in healthy prepubescent children. Analyze the association between NHDL-c and family HCVD, and possible associations with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Method: Cross-sectional study including 269 prepubescent (aged 6-10 years) schoolchildren with a normal body mass index (+1SD<BMI>-2SD). Data collected: Family HCVD; weight and height, waist circumference and systemic blood pressure; lipid profile (total cholesterol TC, HDL-c, triglycerides and LDL-c), NHDL-c calculation (CT-HDL-c, cut-off = 145 mg/dL) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: High levels were found for NHDL-c in 10 (3.7%) of these schoolchildren, and family early HCVD was found in 46 (17.1%) of them. There was a weak association between family HCVD and NHDL-c (Cramer’s-V-test = 0.120; p=0.050). Among the children with NHDL-c≥145 mg/dL, 4 (40%) have family HCVD. The presence of family HCVD was not associated with the variables being studied. The variables independently associated with NHDL-c ≥ 145 mg/dL were: HOMA-IR (OR=1.7; 95CI 1.1-2.6) and diastolic blood pressure (OR=1.1; 95CI 1.02-1.2). Conclusion: NHDL-c values were associated with blood pressure and insulin resistance. Family HCVD was not associated with other classic risk factors for CVD, even though the frequency found was five times higher than that of high NHDL-c.

Resumo Objetivos: descrever os valores do colesterol não HDL (NHDL-c) e a frequência de história cardiovascular familiar precoce (HDCV familiar) em crianças eutróficas e pré-púberes. Analisar a associação entre o NHDL-c e o HDCV familiar e possíveis associações com outros fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares (DCV). Método: estudo transversal com 269 escolares (6-10 anos) pré-púberes e com índice de massa corporal normal (+1DP<IMC>-2DP). Dados coletados: HDCV familiar; peso e estatura, circunferência abdominal e pressão arterial sistêmica; perfil lipídico (colesterol total – CT, HDL-c, triglicérides e LDL-c), cálculo do NHDL-c (CT-HDL-c, ponto de corte 145 mg/dL) e resistência à insulina (HOMA-IR). Resultados: observaram-se valores elevados de NHDL-c em 10 (3,7%) e presença de HDCV familiar precoce em 46 (17,1%) crianças. Houve fraca associação entre HDCV familiar e NHDL-c (Cramer’s-V-test = 0,120; p=0,050). Entre as crianças com NHDL-c ≥145 mg/dL, quatro (40%) tinham HDCV familiar. A presença de HDCV familiar não se associou com as variáveis estudadas. As variáveis que se associaram de forma independente com o NHDL-c ≥145 mg/dL foram HOMA-IR (OR=1,7; IC95% 1,1-2,6) e pressão arterial diastólica (OR=1,1; IC95% 1,02-1,2). Conclusão: os valores de NHDL-c se associaram com pressão arterial e resistência insulínica. HDCV familiar não se associou com outros fatores de risco clássicos para DCV, embora a frequência encontrada tenha sido quase cinco vezes superior à de NHDL-c elevado.

Resistance Training in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats with Severe Hypertension / Treinamento de Força em Ratos Espontaneamente Hipertensos com Hipertensão Arterial Grave

Abstract Background: Resistance training (RT) has been recommended as a non-pharmacological treatment for moderate hypertension. In spite of the important role of exercise intensity on training prescription, there is still no data regarding the effects of RT intensity on severe hypertension (SH). Objective: This study examined the effects of two RT protocols (vertical ladder climbing), performed at different overloads of maximal weight carried (MWC), on blood pressure (BP) and muscle strength of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with SH. Methods: Fifteen male SHR ENT#091;206 ± 10 mmHg of systolic BP (SBP)ENT#093; and five Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY; 119 ± 10 mmHg of SBP) were divided into 4 groups: sedentary (SED-WKY) and SHR (SED-SHR); RT1-SHR training relative to body weight (~40% of MWC); and RT2-SHR training relative to MWC test (~70% of MWC). Systolic BP and heart rate (HR) were measured weekly using the tail-cuff method. The progression of muscle strength was determined once every fifteen days. The RT consisted of 3 weekly sessions on non-consecutive days for 12-weeks. Results: Both RT protocols prevented the increase in SBP (delta - 5 and -7 mmHg, respectively; p > 0.05), whereas SBP of the SED-SHR group increased by 19 mmHg (p < 0.05). There was a decrease in HR only for the RT1 group (p < 0.05). There was a higher increase in strength in the RT2 (140%; p < 0.05) group as compared with RT1 (11%; p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our data indicated that both RT protocols were effective in preventing chronic elevation of SBP in SH. Additionally, a higher RT overload induced a greater increase in muscle strength.

Resumo Fundamentos: O treinamento de força (TF) tem sido recomendado como tratamento não farmacológico para hipertensão arterial moderada. Apesar do papel importante que a intensidade do exercício desempenha sobre a prescrição do treinamento, ainda não há nenhum dado avaliando os efeitos da intensidade do TF sobre a hipertensão arterial grave (HAG). Objetivo: Este estudo analisou os efeitos de dois protocolos do TF(subida em escada vertical), realizados com diferentes sobrecargas do peso máximo carregado (PMC), sobre a pressão arterial (PA) e a força muscular de ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) com HAG. Métodos: Quinze SHR machos (206 ± 10 mmHg de PA sistólica (PAS)) e cinco ratos Wistar Kyoto (WKY; 119 ± 10 mmHg de PAS) foram divididos em 4grupos:sedentários: (SED-WKY) e SHR (SED-SHR); treinados: TF1-SHR conforme o peso corporal (~40% do PMC); e TF2-SHR conforme o teste de PMC (~70% do PMC). Foram coletadas medidas de PAS e a frequência cardíaca (FC) semanalmente usando o método de pressão arterial caudal. A progressão da força muscular foi determinada a cada 15 dias. O TF consistiu de 3 sessões semanais em dias não consecutivos durante 12 semanas. Resultados: Os dois protocolos de TF preveniram o aumento da PAS(respectivamente, delta - 5 e -7 mmHg; p > 0, 05), enquanto que a PAS do grupo SED-SHR aumentou em 19 mmHg (p < 0, 05). Houve queda na FC apenas para o grupo TF1 (p < 0, 05). Foi observado um aumento mas significativo de força no grupo do protocolo TF2 (140%; p < 0, 05) em comparação com o TF1 (11%; p>0, 05). Conclusões: Nossos dados indicam que ambos os protocolos de TF foram efetivos na prevenção da elevação crônica da PAS na HAG. Além disso, sobrecargas maiores de TF induziram a um maior aumento de força muscular.

Resistance Training in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats with Severe Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Resistance training (RT) has been recommended as a non-pharmacological treatment for moderate hypertension. In spite of the important role of exercise intensity on training prescription, there is still no data regarding the effects of RT intensity on severe hypertension (SH). OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of two RT protocols (vertical ladder climbing), performed at different overloads of maximal weight carried (MWC), on blood pressure (BP) and muscle strength of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with SH. METHODS: Fifteen male SHR ENT#091;206 ± 10 mmHg of systolic BP (SBP)ENT#093; and five Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY; 119 ± 10 mmHg of SBP) were divided into 4 groups: sedentary (SED-WKY) and SHR (SED-SHR); RT1-SHR training relative to body weight (~40% of MWC); and RT2-SHR training relative to MWC test (~70% of MWC). Systolic BP and heart rate (HR) were measured weekly using the tail-cuff method. The progression of muscle strength was determined once every fifteen days. The RT consisted of 3 weekly sessions on non-consecutive days for 12-weeks. RESULTS: Both RT protocols prevented the increase in SBP (delta - 5 and -7 mmHg, respectively; p > 0.05), whereas SBP of the SED-SHR group increased by 19 mmHg (p < 0.05). There was a decrease in HR only for the RT1 group (p < 0.05). There was a higher increase in strength in the RT2 (140%; p < 0.05) group as compared with RT1 (11%; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that both RT protocols were effective in preventing chronic elevation of SBP in SH. Additionally, a higher RT overload induced a greater increase in muscle strength.

Sleep restriction during pregnancy: hypertension and renal abnormalities in young offspring rats.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Because the maternal environment can affect several physiological functions of the newborn, the aim of the present study was to examine the impact of sleep restriction during pregnancy on renal morphology and function in young offspring. DESIGN: Female 3-month-old Wistar rats were divided in 2 experimental groups: C (control) and SR (sleep restriction between the 14th and 20th day of pregnancy). Pregnancy was confirmed by vaginal smear. SR females were subjected to sleep restriction by the multiple platform technique for 20 h daily. After birth, only male litters (6 for each mother) were selected and designated OC (offspring from C) and OSR (offspring from SR). At 2 months of age, blood pressure (BP) was measured by tail plethysmography; at 3 months the renal plasma flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), glomerular area, and number of glomeruli per mm3 were evaluated. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Offspring from SR had higher systolic blood pressure than OC. In this group (OSR), we also observed significant increase in RPF and GFR, enlarged glomeruli diameter, and reduced number of glomeruli per mm3 of renal tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that sleep restriction during pregnancy is able to modify renal development, resulting in morphologic and functional alterations in young offspring.

Leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Wilms tumor in childhood: the role of birth weight.

There is emerging evidence that higher birth weight is associated with increased risk of cancer, in particular childhood leukemia. The purpose of this paper is to study whether this correlation is also significant with other childhood cancer. For this, we conducted a case-control study including 410 childhood cancer patients and 1,575 matched controls to investigate birth weight as a risk factor for leukemia, Wilms tumor, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The estimated risk for all cancers has been found to be statistically and significantly higher in birth weight of more than 4,000 g (odds ratio, 2.50 and 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.72-3.63). For leukemia, the estimated risk was 1.86 (95% CI, 1.04-3.30), for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 1.99 (95% CI, 1.08-3.69), and being more remarkable for Wilms tumor, 4.76 (95% CI, 2.73-8.28). Moreover, moderate increased risk of both leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma was also associated with birth weight between 3,000 and 3,999 g. High birth weight was associated with all cancers also when adjusted by gestational age, length at birth, and gender (odds ratio, 6.10 and 95% CI, 1.15-32.57). No associations were found for maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, maternal smoking, or smoking by other people at home or presence of obstetric variables (e.g., gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and abruptio placentae). The present study supports the hypothesis that high birth weight is an independent risk factor for childhood Wilms tumor, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Further studies should explore biological reasons to explain this relationship and, ultimately, to expand our knowledge about prenatal influences on the occurrence of this disease.

The influence of L-arginine on blood pressure, vascular nitric oxide and renal morphometry in the offspring from diabetic mothers.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of L-arginine (L-arg) supplementation on blood pressure, vascular nitric oxide content, and renal morphometry in the adult offspring from diabetic mothers. Diabetes mellitus was induced in female rats with a single dose of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg), before mating. The offspring was divided into four groups: group C (controls); group DO (diabetic offspring); group CA (controls receiving 2% L-arg solution dissolved in 2% sucrose in the drinking water) and group DA (DO receiving the L-arg solution). Oral supplementation began after weaning and continued until the end of the experiments. In DO, hypertension was observed, from 3 mo on. In DA, pressure levels were not different from C and CA. In 6-mo-old animals, basal NO production (assessed by DAF-2) was significantly depressed in DO in comparison to controls. The NO production was significantly increased after stimulation with Ach or BK in all groups, the increase being greater in control than in DO rats. L-arg was able to improve the NO production and to prevent the glomerular hypertrophy in the DO. Our data suggest that the bioavailability of NO is reduced in the DO, because L-arg corrected both the hypertension and glomerular hypertrophy.