Impacto na saúde mental e qualidade do sono de profissionais da enfermagem durante pandemia da COVID-19 / Impact on nursing personnel's mental health and sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic / Impacto en la salud mental y la calidad del sueño de los profesionales de enfermería durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Objetivo: avaliar a prevalência de depressão, ansiedade, estresse e qualidade do sono de profissionais da enfermagem na pandemia da COVID-19. Método: estudo quali-quantitativo realizado com 104 profissionais de um hospital privado do Paraná, Brasil, em julho de 2020. Utilizaram-se três instrumentos para a coleta de dados: Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (DASS-21), Questionário de Avaliação do Sono Leeds (LSEQ) e Índice da Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh (PSQI). Resultados: foram encontrados 48% sinais de depressão, 52% sinais de ansiedade e 52% sinais de estresse nos profissionais. Quanto à qualidade de sono, 75% da população apresentou distúrbios do sono, 68% relatam insônia com uma média do PSQI de 6,88. Conclusão: apesar do percentual de profissionais com distúrbio do sono e estresse apresentarem-se inferiores comparados à literatura, os níveis de ansiedade, insônia e depressão foram maiores, corroborando com o impacto da pandemia na saúde mental de profissionais da enfermagem.

Objective: to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress and the sleep quality among nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: this quali-quantitative study was conducted with 104 professionals from a private hospital in Paraná, Brazil, in July 2020. Data were collected using three instruments: the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: 48% of the personnel showed signs of depression, 52% signs of anxiety and 52% signs of stress. As for sleep quality, 75% had sleep disorders, and 68% reported insomnia with a mean PSQI of 6.88. Conclusion: although the percentage of personnel with sleep and stress disorders was smaller than in the literature, the levels of anxiety, insomnia and depression were higher, corroborating the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of nursing personnel.

Objetivo: evaluar la prevalencia de depresión, ansiedad, estrés y calidad del sueño de profesionales de enfermería en la pandemia de COVID-19. Método: estudio cuali-cuantitativo realizado junto a 104 profesionales de un hospital privado en Paraná, Brasil, en julio de 2020. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizaron tres instrumentos: Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (DASS-21), Cuestionario de Evaluación del Sueño de Leeds (LSEQ) y el Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh (PSQI). Resultados: se encontraron 48% de signos de depresión, 52% de signos de ansiedad y 52% de signos de estrés en los profesionales. En cuanto a la calidad del sueño, el 75% de la población presentó trastornos del sueño, el 68% refirió insomnio con un PSQI medio de 6,88. Conclusión: a pesar del menor porcentaje de profesionales con trastornos del sueño y estrés en comparación con la literatura, los niveles de ansiedad, insomnio y depresión fueron más altos, corroborando el impacto de la pandemia en la salud mental de los profesionales de enfermería.

Impacto na saúde mental e qualidade do sono de profissionais da enfermagem durante pandemia da COVID-19 / Impacto en la salud mental y la calidad del sueño de los profesionales de enfermería durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Impact on nursing personnel's mental health and sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMO Objetivo avaliar a prevalência de depressão, ansiedade, estresse e qualidade do sono de profissionais da enfermagem na pandemia da COVID-19. Método estudo quali-quantitativo realizado com 104 profissionais de um hospital privado do Paraná, Brasil, em julho de 2020. Utilizaram-se três instrumentos para a coleta de dados: Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (DASS-21), Questionário de Avaliação do Sono Leeds (LSEQ) e Índice da Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh (PSQI). Resultados foram encontrados 48% sinais de depressão, 52% sinais de ansiedade e 52% sinais de estresse nos profissionais. Quanto à qualidade de sono, 75% da população apresentou distúrbios do sono, 68% relatam insônia com uma média do PSQI de 6,88. Conclusão apesar do percentual de profissionais com distúrbio do sono e estresse apresentarem-se inferiores comparados à literatura, os níveis de ansiedade, insônia e depressão foram maiores, corroborando com o impacto da pandemia na saúde mental de profissionais da enfermagem.

RESUMEN Objetivo evaluar la prevalencia de depresión, ansiedad, estrés y calidad del sueño de profesionales de enfermería en la pandemia de COVID-19. Método estudio cuali-cuantitativo realizado junto a 104 profesionales de un hospital privado en Paraná, Brasil, en julio de 2020. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizaron tres instrumentos: Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (DASS-21), Cuestionario de Evaluación del Sueño de Leeds (LSEQ) y el Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh (PSQI). Resultados se encontraron 48% de signos de depresión, 52% de signos de ansiedad y 52% de signos de estrés en los profesionales. En cuanto a la calidad del sueño, el 75% de la población presentó trastornos del sueño, el 68% refirió insomnio con un PSQI medio de 6,88. Conclusión a pesar del menor porcentaje de profesionales con trastornos del sueño y estrés en comparación con la literatura, los niveles de ansiedad, insomnio y depresión fueron más altos, corroborando el impacto de la pandemia en la salud mental de los profesionales de enfermería.

ABSTRACT Objective to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress and the sleep quality among nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method this quali-quantitative study was conducted with 104 professionals from a private hospital in Paraná, Brazil, in July 2020. Data were collected using three instruments: the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results 48% of the personnel showed signs of depression, 52% signs of anxiety and 52% signs of stress. As for sleep quality, 75% had sleep disorders, and 68% reported insomnia with a mean PSQI of 6.88. Conclusion although the percentage of personnel with sleep and stress disorders was smaller than in the literature, the levels of anxiety, insomnia and depression were higher, corroborating the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of nursing personnel.

Eucalyptus cinerea: Microscopic Profile, Chemical Composition of Essential Oil and its Antioxidant, Microbiological and Cytotoxic Activities

Abstract Eucalyptus species possess anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties. In this study, the chemical composition and biological activities of Eucalyptus cinerea essential oil (EO) and the leaf and stem anatomy were investigated. EO was extracted by Clevenger apparatus and the compounds were identified by GC/MS. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and reducing phosphomolybdenum complex. Broth microdilution was used to determine antimicrobial activity. Cytotoxicity was verified against HeLa, HRT-18, and Calu-3 cells by MTT assay. The cytotoxic mechanism was studied by cell DNA content, cell cycle, and DNA fragmentation. The microscopic analyzes of the leaves and the stems were performed by light microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The main constituent of the EO was 1,8-cineole (55.24%). The EO showed low antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Calu-3 cells showed a significant reduction in viability with IC50 of 689.79 ± 29.34 μg/mL. EO at 1000 μg/mL decreased the DNA content in Jurkat cells. In general, EO increased cell percentage in sub-G0 and S phases with concomitant reduction of cell percentage in G0/G1 and G2/M phases and provided DNA fragmentation of 29.73%. Anatomical and micromorphological features of the leaves and stems can help in the species identification and its differentiation from other Eucalyptus species.

Enriched Terpenes Fractions of the Latex of Euphorbia umbellata Promote Apoptosis in Leukemic Cells.

The current study was carried out by a bioguided fractionation of a hexane extract of the latex of Euphorbia umbellata against leukemic cells. Samples were analyzed by NMR, GC/MS, triterpenes quantification, and MTT reduction assay. Morphological, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspases 3/7 analyses were performed for the dichloromethane and ethanol fractions, and selectivity index for the dichloromethane fraction. NMR analysis presented characteristic signals of terpenes and steroids, data were confirmed by the quantification of triterpenes and GC/MS analysis. MTT reduction assay demonstrated that HL-60 was the most sensitive cell lineage against dichloromethane and ethanol fractions. Compounds of these matrices caused morphological changes compatible with apoptosis induction, altered cell cycle, increment of depolarized population cells and activation of caspases 3/7. Selectivity indices were higher than 22.44. Bioguided-fractionation study showed that samples of the latex of E. umbellata raised the activity of the phytocomplex against leukemic cells, and the cytotoxicity can be associated with an apoptosis pathway.

Co-Loaded Curcumin and Methotrexate Nanocapsules Enhance Cytotoxicity against Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells.

Background: As part of the efforts to find natural alternatives for cancer treatment and to overcome the barriers of cellular resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, polymeric nanocapsules containing curcumin and/or methotrexate were prepared by an interfacial deposition of preformed polymer method. Methods: Physicochemical properties, drug release experiments and in vitro cytotoxicity of these nanocapsules were performed against the Calu-3 lung cancer cell line. Results: The colloidal suspensions of nanocapsules showed suitable size (287 to 325 nm), negative charge (-33 to -41 mV) and high encapsulation efficiency (82.4 to 99.4%). Spherical particles at nanoscale dimensions were observed by scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that nanocapsules exhibited a non-crystalline pattern with a remarkable decrease of crystalline peaks of the raw materials. Fourier-transform infrared spectra demonstrated no chemical bond between the drug(s) and polymers. Drug release experiments evidenced a controlled release pattern with no burst effect for nanocapsules containing curcumin and/or methotrexate. The nanoformulation containing curcumin and methotrexate (NCUR/MTX-2) statistically decreased the cell viability of Calu-3. The fluorescence and morphological analyses presented a predominance of early apoptosis and late apoptosis as the main death mechanisms for Calu-3. Conclusions: Curcumin and methotrexate co-loaded nanocapsules can be further used as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating non-small-cell lung cancer.

PEG-PCL Nanocapsules Containing Curcumin: Validation of HPLC Method for Analyzing Drug-loading Efficiency, Stability Testing and Cytotoxicity on NIH-3T3 Cell Line

Abstract Curcumin (CUR) shows potential use for treating cancer. However, CUR has low solubility and reduced bioavailability, which limit its clinical effect. Therefore, the development of nanocarriers can overcome these problems and can ensure the desired pharmacological effect. In addition, it is mandatory to prove the quality, the efficacy, and the safety for a novel nanomedicine to be approved. In that sense, this paper aimed (a) to prepare CUR-loaded polyethylene glycol-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules; (b) to validate an analytical method by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quantifying CUR in these nanoformulations; (c) to evaluate the physicochemical stability of these formulations; and to investigate their cytotoxicity on NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. The HPLC method was specific to CUR in the loaded nanocapsules, linear (r = 0.9994) in a range of 10.0 to 90.0 µg.mL-1 with limits of detection and quantification of 0.160 and 0.480 µg.mL-1, respectively. Precision was demonstrated by a relative standard deviation lower than 5%. Suitable accuracy (102.37 ± 0.92%) was obtained. Values of pH, particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential presented no statistical difference (p > 0.05) for CUR-loaded nanoparticles. No cytotoxicity was observed against NIH-3T3 mouse embryo fibroblast cell line using both the tetrazolium salt and sulforhodamine B assays. In conclusion, a simple and inexpensive HPLC method was validated for the CUR quantification in the suspensions of nanocapsules. The obtained polymeric nanocapsules containing CUR showed suitable results for all the performed assays and can be further investigated as a feasible novel approach for cancer treatment.

Association Between Exercise and Treatment with Liraglutide in Obese Rats by Cafeteria Diet

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of liraglutide, an analog of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in association with physical exercise, on the metabolic and biochemical parameters of rats induced to obesity with a cafeteria diet. Male Wistar rats, aged 21 days, were randomly divided into: Controls (CON) receiving standard feed and water ad libitum; and obese (OBESE) receiving cafeteria diet ad libitum, added to the standard diet. Groups were then subdivided into: Liraglutide animals that received subcutaneous injections of liraglutide from 80 to 90 days of life; exercised (EXE) animals submitted to swimming sessions, three days a week (15 min); and liraglutide + EXE animals that received liraglutide in association with physical exercise. Treatment with liraglutide reduced deposits of mesenteric and periepididymal fat, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, glucose and insulin in obese group. It is important to note that the association of the two treatments reduced the body weight in animals, deposits of mesenteric and periepididymal fat, HOMA-IR, blood triglyceride levels, glucose and insulin in obese rats. As such, the association of liraglutide with exercise potentiated the effects of the drug and ameliorated obesity pathology more effectively. retirar

Characterization and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Produced with Aqueous Extract of Lavandula dentata L. in Relation to K-562 Cell Line

Abstract Metallic nanoparticles have great potential as a chemotherapeutic agent. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize silver and gold nanoparticles using a simple method, as well as evaluating the potential cytotoxic activity in relation to the K-562 cell line. For the synthesis, a solution containing the metallic ions was subjected to magnetic stirring with the aqueous extract of Lavandula dentata L. and a change of colour was observed. With the data obtained from the analyses we concluded that the nanoparticles were successfully obtained by a simple and green method using the aqueous extract of L. dentata. The obtained nanoparticles presented a reduced size, a low level of polydispersion, and a homogenous spherical shape. The nanoparticles presented intense and characteristic diffraction peaks, which could be correlated to the planes of the centred cubic structure of the silver and gold. The two formulations presented predominantly crystalline characteristics. The infrared analysis suggested that the amides and alcohols present in the samples may have been responsible for the reduction and limitation of the size and dispersion of the silver and gold nanoparticles. The cytotoxic assay showed that the nanoparticles demonstrated great potential to reduce the cell viability of the K-562 cell line, especially the gold nanoparticles.

Cytotoxic mechanism of Baccharis milleflora (Less.) DC. essential oil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic activity of the essential oil from cladodes of Bacharis milleflora in relation to Jurkat, Raji and HL-60 cells, as well as exploring the cell mechanisms in order to elucidate how the cytotoxic process occurs. The presence of the following volatile compounds was detected by GC-MS: bicyclogermacrene (12.16%), germacrene D (11.18%), (E)-caryophyllene (9.28%), and α-humulene (8.05%). In general, IC50 values lower than 50µg/mL were obtained for all the tumor cells at 24, 48 and 72h by MTT assay. The decrease in cell DNA content was demonstrated due to the inhibition of the proliferation of Jurkat, Raji and HL-60 cells by B. milleflora essential oil. In particular, Raji cells presented the greatest inhibition of cell proliferation and they were subsequently used to investigate cell death mechanisms. B. milleflora essential oil promoted G0/G1 arrest and also induced cell fragmentation, which was represented by an increase in the sub-G0 population, indicating cell death induced by apoptosis. The selectivity index was 3.97. Necrotic cell death, coupled with low levels of apoptotic cell death, was observed by conventional EB/AO and Hoechst 33342 staining assays, demonstrating that this essential oil acts via both necrotic and apoptotic mechanisms.

Spray-dried Eudragit® L100 microparticles containing ferulic acid: Formulation, in vitro cytoprotection and in vivo anti-platelet effect.

This paper aimed to obtain new spray-dried microparticles containing ferulic acid (FA) prepared by using a methacrylic polymer (Eudragit® L100). Microparticles were intended for oral use in order to provide a controlled release, and improved in vitro and in vivo biological effects. FA-loaded Eudragit® L100 microparticles were obtained by spray-drying. Physicochemical properties, in vitro cell-based effects, and in vivo platelet aggregation were investigated. FA-loaded Eudragit® L100 microparticles were successfully prepared by spray-drying. Formulations showed suitable encapsulation efficiency, i.e. close to 100%. Microparticles were of spherical and almost-spherical shape with a smooth surface and a mean diameter between 2 and 3µm. Fourier-transformed infrared spectra demonstrated no chemical bond between FA and polymer. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicated that microencapsulation led to drug amorphization. FA-loaded microparticles showed a slower dissolution rate than pure drug. The chosen formulation demonstrated higher in vitro cytoprotection, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential and also improved in vivo anti-platelet effect. These results support an experimental basis for the use of FA spray-dried microparticles as a feasible oral drug delivery carrier for the controlled release of FA and improved cytoprotective and anti-platelet effects.

Cytotoxic biomonitored study of Euphorbia umbellata (Pax) Bruyns.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Euphorbia umbellata latex (sap) has normally been used in folk medicine in southern Brazil to treat different types of cancers. AIM OF STUDY: To carry out a biomonitored investigation of partitioned latex using in vitro assay, to identify the main mechanisms related with the action of the most active fraction as well as to develop a phytochemical study with this material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biological screening was performed with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions from the latex of E. umbellata using MTT, trypan blue, and neutral red assays to determine the cytotoxicity against HRT-18, HeLa and Jurkat cells and flow cytometry, DNA quantification, acridine orange and Hoechst 33342 staining to investigate mechanisms of action for the hexane extract. The phytochemical study of the hexane fraction was performed by chromatographic procedures and the substances were identified by NMR analysis. The isolated terpenes were evaluated using MTT to determine the cytotoxicity against Jurkat cells. RESULTS: All the fractions presented concentration and time dependent cytotoxicity. The hexane fraction showed the highest cytotoxicity; whereas the Jurkat cell was the lineage with the highest sensitivity (IC50 1.87µg/mL). Fragmentation of DNA and apoptosis are two mechanisms related with the toxicity of hexane fraction. The hexane fraction arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, and the selectivity index was 4.30. Phytochemical study of the hexane fraction led to isolation of euphol (main compound) and germanicol acetate. Both substances demonstrated some slight cytotoxic activity against Jurkat cells after 72h; however the activity was minimal compared to vincristine (anticancer standard drug). CONCLUSION: The current research proves that the fractions of the latex from E. umbellata have a cytotoxic effect against three different cancer cells lines. The hexane fraction showed high in vitro cytotoxic effects against Jurkat cells demonstrating that the effect may be due to non-polar constituents. The two isolated terpenes (euphol and germanicol acetate) showed poor cytotoxic activity indicating that the anticancer properties of the extract may be caused by other substances present in the hexane fraction.

Cytotoxic effect of inositol hexaphosphate and its Ni(II) complex on human acute leukemia Jurkat T cells.

Inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6) is present in cereals, legumes, nuts and seed oils and is biologically active against some tumor and cancer cells. Herein, this study aimed at evaluating the cellular toxicity, antiproliferative activity and effects on cell cycle progression of free InsP6 and InsP6-Ni(II) of leukemic T (Jurkat) and normal human cells. Treatments with InsP6 at concentrations between 1.0 and 4.0mM significantly decreased the viability of Jurkat cells, but showed no cytotoxic effect on normal human lymphocytes. Treatment with InsP6-Ni(II) complex at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.30 mM showed an anti-proliferative dose and a time-dependent effect, with significantly reduced cell viability of Jurkat cells but showed no cytotoxic effect on normal human lymphocytes as compared to the control. Ni(II) free ion was toxic to normal cells while InsP6-Ni(II) had no cytotoxic effect. The InsP6-Ni(II) complex potentiated (up to 10×) the antiproliferative effect of free InsP6 on Jurkat cells. The cytometric flow assay showed that InsP6 led to an accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, accompanied by a decrease in the number of cells in S and G2/M phases, whereas InsP6-Ni(II) has led to an accumulation of cells in the S and G2/M phases. Our findings showed that InsP6-Ni(II) potentiates cytotoxic effects of InsP6 on Jurkat cells and may be a potential adjuvant in the treatment of cancer.

Splenectomy attenuates obesity and decreases insulin hypersecretion in hypothalamic obese rats.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity-induced abnormalities, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension, are frequently correlated with low-grade inflammation, a process that may depend on normal spleen function. This study investigated the role of the spleen in the obesity induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) treatment. MATERIALS/METHODS: MSG-obese and lean control (CON) rats were subjected to splenectomy (SPL) or non-operated (NO). RESULTS: MSG-NO rats presented a high adipose tissue content, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and islet hypersecretion, accompanied by hypertrophy of both pancreatic islets and adipocytes when compared with CON-NO rats. In addition, changes in nitric oxide response were found in islets from the MSG-NO group without associated alterations in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) or IL1ß expression. MSG-NO also presented increased leukocyte counts and augmented LPS-induced nitric oxide production in macrophages. Splenectomy of MSG-obese animals decreased insulin hypersecretion, normalized the nitric oxide response in the pancreatic islets, improved insulin sensitivity and reduced hypertrophy of both adipocytes and islets, when compared with MSG-NO rats. CONCLUSION: Results show that splenectomy attenuates the progression of the obesity modulating pancreas functions in MSG-obese rats.

In Vitro Cytotoxic Potential of Essential Oils of Eucalyptus benthamii and Its Related Terpenes on Tumor Cell Lines.

Eucalyptus L. is traditionally used for many medicinal purposes. In particular, some Eucalyptus species have currently shown cytotoxic properties. Local Brazilian communities have used leaves of E. benthamii as a herbal remedy for various diseases, including cancer. Considering the lack of available data for supporting this cytotoxic effect, the goal of this paper was to study the in vitro cytotoxic potential of the essential oils from young and adult leaves of E. benthamii and some related terpenes (α-pinene, terpinen-4-ol, and γ-terpinene) on Jurkat, J774A.1 and HeLa cells lines. Regarding the cytotoxic activity based on MTT assay, the essential oils showed improved results than α-pinene and γ-terpinene, particularly for Jurkat and HeLa cell lines. Terpinen-4-ol revealed a cytotoxic effect against Jurkat cells similar to that observed for volatile oils. The results of LDH activity indicated that cytotoxic activity of samples against Jurkat cells probably involved cell death by apoptosis. The decrease of cell DNA content was demonstrated due to inhibition of Jurkat cells proliferation by samples as a result of cytotoxicity. In general, the essential oils from young and adult leaves of E. benthamii presented cytotoxicity against the investigated tumor cell lines which confirms their antitumor potential.

Comparação entre três critérios de classificação do índice de massa corporal para crianças / Comparison among three criteria of classification of the body mass index for children

Tendo em vista o aumento exorbitante de sobrepeso e obesidade na infância, este estudo tem como propósito verificar as possíveis diferenças existentes em relação ao sobrepeso e obesidade em crianças de 7 a 10 anos de idade estudantes da rede particular de ensino do município de Ponta Grossa-Pr, através da utilização de três métodos classificatórios. Metodologia: Este estudo foi realizado com 189 crianças com idades entre 7-10 anos. A amostra foi classificada em sobrepeso e obesidade de acordo com a distribuição percentilar proposta nos critérios de MUST et al., COLE et al. e CDC. A análise foi realizada de forma descritiva, obtendo-se a classificação nominal das prevalências de sobrepeso e obesidade. Resultados: Com base nos resultados encontrados para o sexo masculino, observou-se que há diferença entre os três métodos em todas as idades, principalmente na classificação de sobrepeso, com exceção da faixa etária de 8 anos. Para o sexo feminino pôde-se notar que as diferenças entre os três métodos não foram tão marcantes, com exceção da faixa etária de 7 anos de idade. Porém, ao totalizar os índices de sobrepeso e obesidade nesta faixa etária, notou-se semelhança, ficando clara a falta de concordância em relação à definição de sobrepeso e obesidade. Conclusões: Pode-se concluir que há falta de concordância entre os métodos utilizados para classificar sobrepeso e obesidade em crianças.

Considering the exorbitant increase of overweight and obesity in the childhood, this study has as purpose to verify the possible existent differences in relation to the overweight and obesity in children with ages among 7 and 10 years, students from particular schools of the city of Ponta Grossa-Pr, through the use of three qualifying methods. Methods: This study was accomplished with 189 children and the sample was classified in overweight and obesity in agreement with the distribution percentilar proposed in the criteria of MUST et al., COLE et al. and CDC. The analysis was accomplished in a descriptive way, being obtained the nominal classification of the overweight prevalences and obesity. Results: With base in the results found for the masculine sex, it was observed that there is difference among the three methods in all ages, mainly in the overweight classification, except for the 8 year-old age group. For the feminine sex it could be noticed that the differences among the three methods were not so outstanding, except for the 7 year-old age group. However, when totaling the overweight indexes and obesity in this age group, it was noticed similarity, being clear the agreement lack in relation to the overweight definition and obesity. Conclusions: It can be concluded that there is agreement lack among the methods used to classify overweight and obesity in children.

Comparative effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on proliferation, cytokine production, and pleiotropic gene expression in Jurkat cells.

Comparative effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) acid on Jurkat T cells were investigated. The following parameters were evaluated: concanavalin A (Con A) induced proliferation, production of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-gamma (INF-gamma), and expression of pleiotropic genes by macroarray technique (83 genes in total). DHA inhibiting effect on Con A-induced proliferation was more pronounced than that of EPA. The decrease in IL-2 and INF-gamma production was observed for both fatty acids, whereas the production of IL-10 was decreased by EPA only. The expression of a significant proportion of genes was altered by the fatty acids; 30% for DHA (25 genes) and 26.5% for EPA (22 genes). DHA and EPA markedly affected the expression of genes clustered as cytokines and related receptors, signal transduction pathways, transcription factors, cell cycle, defense and repair, apoptosis, DNA synthesis, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton, and hormone receptors. Therefore, the effect of fatty acids on T-lymphocyte function involves regulation of expression of important genes. Marked differences were observed between the effects of EPA and DHA, indicating that it is an over-simplification to generalize the effects of n-3 fatty acids.

Ciglitizone and 15d PGJ2 induce apoptosis in Jurkat and Raji cells.

Several studies have shown that PPARgamma agonists play a role in the regulation of lymphocytes function and apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the immunomodulatory effects of PPARgamma agonists are not defined yet. In this study, the effects of PPARgamma (15d PGJ2 and ciglitizone) ligands on proliferation, cytokine production and apoptosis of Jurkat and Raji cells (human T and B lymphocytes, respectively) were examined. Ciglitizone and 15d PGJ2 presented antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on Jurkat and Raji cells as shown by [14C]-thymidine incorporation and cell viability assay. In addition, 15d PGJ2 inhibited cytokine production (IL-2 in Jurkat cells and IL-10 in Raji cells). The mechanism whereby PPARgamma agonists induced cytotoxicity is via apoptosis as shown by DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation and phosphatidylserine externalization. The induction of apoptosis by ciglitizone and 15d PGJ2 on Jurkat and Raji cells may explain the suppression of cytokine production and the decrease in proliferation observed in both cell types. The apoptotic process was associated with a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and a marked down-regulation of the c-myc expression. These findings might play a key role in the apoptosis of T and B lymphocytes induced by PPARgamma agonists.

Effects of EPA and DHA on proliferation, cytokine production, and gene expression in Raji cells.

The effects of EPA and DHA on the function and gene expression of a B-lymphocyte cell line (Raji) were investigated. Proliferation; production of interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interferon (INF)-gamma; and expression of pleiotropic genes were evaluated. Cell proliferation was increased in the presence of 12.5 microM EPA (approximately twofold) and 12.5 microM DHA (approximately 1.5-fold). EPA and DHA (25 microM) also decreased production of the key immunoregulatory cytokines IL-10, TNF-alpha, and INF-gamma. EPA and DHA changed the expression of specific genes, but this effect was more marked for EPA (25.9% of genes investigated) compared with DHA (8.4% of genes investigated). EPA and DHA affected the expression of genes clustered as: cytokines, signal transduction, transcription, cell cycle, defense and repair, apoptosis, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton, and hormones. The most remarkable changes were observed in the genes of signal transduction and transcription. These results led us to conclude that the mechanism of DHA and EPA effects on B-lymphocyte functions includes regulation of gene expression. Thus, the ingestion of fish oil, a rich source of EPA and DHA, may have a strong effect on B-lymphocyte function in vivo. However, remarkable differences were observed between DHA and EPA, demonstrating that specific effects of these FA may be responsible for the marked differences in edible oil effects on immune function in vivo reported by others.

Effect of arachidonic acid on proliferation, cytokines production and pleiotropic genes expression in Jurkat cells--a comparison with oleic acid.

The effects of arachidonic (AA) and oleic acids (OA) on proliferation, cytokine production and pleiotropic genes expression in Jurkat T cells were investigated. The following parameters were evaluated: cytotoxicity assessed by loss of membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation, cell proliferation as measured by [14C]-thymidine incorporation, production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and INF-gamma, and expression of pleiotropic genes as determined by macroarray technique (83 genes in total). AA was more toxic for Jurkat cells than OA. However, the inhibiting effect of OA on Jurkat cells proliferation was more pronounced than that of AA. The reduction in the production of IL-2 and INF-gamma was more intense by OA (50 microM) than by AA (5 microM). The percentage of genes changed by the fatty acids was: 20.5% (17 genes) for AA (5 microM) and only 2.4% (2 genes) for OA (50 microM). AA markedly affected the expression of genes clustered as: signal transduction pathways, transcription factors and related genes, cell cycle, defense and repair, apoptosis, DNA synthesis, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton and related genes. In particular, AA induced marked changes in cell cycle, signal transduction, and anti-apoptosis genes expression. Therefore, the effect of AA on T-lymphocyte function does involve regulation of expression of important genes, whereas oleic acid did not markedly affect gene expression of Jurkat cells.

Genes regulated by arachidonic and oleic acids in Raji cells.

FA are known to modulate immune function in conditions such as arthritis and lupus erythematosus. The effects of arachidonic (AA) and oleic acids (OA) on function and pleiotropic gene expression of Raji cells were investigated. The following parameters were evaluated: cytotoxicity as assessed by loss of membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation; proliferation as measured by [14C]thymidine incorporation; production of interleukin (IL)-10, interferon (INF)-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha; and expression of pleiotropic genes by a macroarray technique (83 genes in total). AA was more toxic to Raji cells than OA. Both FA promoted an increase in Raji cell proliferation at 75 microM, whereas OA at high concentrations (200 microM) decreased proliferation. AA reduced the production of IL-10, TNF-alpha, and INF-gamma. On the other hand, OA provoked an increase of INF-gamma production but did not affect the production of IL-10 and TNF-alpha. The proportions of genes with altered expression were 27% for AA and 35% for OA. The FA affected the expression of genes clustered as: cytokines, signal transduction pathways, transcription factors, cell cycle, defense and repair, apoptosis, DNA synthesis, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton, and hormone receptors. The most remarkable changes were observed in the genes of signal transduction pathways. These results led us to conclude that the effect of these FA on B-lymphocytes includes regulation of gene expression. Thus, diets enriched with fat containing OA or AA may affect B lymphocyte function in vivo.