Dietary advanced glycation end products, body composition, and anthropometric measures: A cross-sectional analysis in women with excess body weight.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To assess the association between dietary advanced glycation end products (dAGEs) versus body composition and anthropometric variables. METHODS AND RESULTS: Body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), anthropometry, and habitual food intake were cross-sectionally evaluated in women with excess body weight and body fat. Mean dAGEs content was estimated using a database containing the Nԑ-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) content of 549 foods, which was adjusted by mean energy intake, and categorized into low, medium, and high dAGEs, by the 10th and 50th percentiles of the sample. Associations were tested by linear regression adjusted for age, education, marital status, and physical activity level. Eighty participants had mean ± standard deviation dAGEs 7.85 ± 2.65 AGEs kU/kcal. Compared with high dAGEs, women with low dAGEs ingested more carbohydrate (62% vs. 50% of calories, p < 0.001) and fiber (≈25 g vs. ≈18 g, p = 0.027) and less protein (13% vs. 17% of calories, p = 0.006) and fat (26% vs. 33% of calories, p = 0.011). Women with low dAGEs had waist/hip ratio 0.05 higher than those with high dAGEs (R2 = 0.256, p = 0.005). Low dAGEs relative to medium (p = 0.009) and high (p = 0.002) dAGEs was associated with a ≈5% gynoid fat reduction (R2 = 0.164). CONCLUSION: Low dAGEs was associated with a higher waist/hip ratio and lower percentage of gynoid fat in women with excess body weight and excess body fat. REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-7z358j.

Homogenised and pasteurised human milk: lipid profile and effect as a supplement in the enteral diet of Wistar rats.

The retention of human milk (HM) fat in nasogastric probes of infusion pumps can be observed during the feed of infants unable to suck at the mother's breast. The lack of homogenisation of HM could contribute to the fat holding. Therefore, the present study evaluated (i) the influence of homogenisation on milk fat retaining in infant feeding probes and (ii) the in vivo effect of the homogenisation on lipid absorption by Wistar rats. The animals were fed with HM treated following two processing conditions, that is, pasteurised and homogenised-pasteurised. The animals were randomly subdivided into four experimental groups: water-fed (control), pasteurised milk, homogenised-pasteurised milk and pasteurised-skimmed milk. The results of food consumption, mass body gain, corporate metrics and plasma blood levels of total cholesterol did not show any difference (P < 0·05) among the three types of HM used in the experiments. The liver, intestine and intra-abdominal adipose tissue of the four groups of animals presented normal and healthy histology. The composition of fatty acids in the brain tissue of animals fed with homogenised HM increased when compared with the groups fed with non-homogenised HM. These values were 11·08 % higher for arachidonic acids, 6·59 % for DAH and 47·92 % for nervous acids. The ingestion of homogenised HM promoted higher absorption of milk nutrients. Therefore, the addition of the homogenisation stage in HM processing could be an alternative to reduce fat retention in probes and to improve the lipids' absorption in the body.

ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate supplementation benefits the effects of resistance training on body fat reduction via increased irisin expression in white adipose tissue.

The effects of resistance training (RT) associated with calcium ß-hydroxyß-methylbutyrate (CaHMB) supplementation on the body composition and gene expression of cytokines related to skeletal muscle hypertrophy and adipose tissue metabolism were studied in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 12 animals: sedentary control (SC); sedentary supplemented (SS); resistance training control (RTC) and resistance training supplemented (RTS). Rats from RTC and RTS groups were submitted to an RT programme and those from SS and RTS groups received 1 mL of CaHMB (320 mg kg-1 day-1) by gavage, for 8 weeks. We evaluated: body composition; plasma lipid profile; the gene expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-15 and fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC-5) in skeletal muscle, and IL-6, mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) in white adipose tissue (WAT); and the concentration of irisin in WAT. Compared to RTC alone, the combination of CaHMB with RT (RTS) further reduced abdominal circumference (5.3%), Lee index (2.4%), fat percentage (24.4%), plasma VLDL cholesterol (16.8%) and triglycerides (17%) and increased the gene expression of FNDC-5 (78.9%) and IL-6 (47.4%) in skeletal muscle and irisin concentration (26.9%) in WAT. Neither RT nor CaHMB affected the protein percentage or the gene expression of IL-6 and UCP-1 in WAT and IL-10, IL-15 in skeletal muscle. In conclusion, CaHMB supplementation increased the beneficial effects of RT on body fat reduction and was associated with muscular genic expression of IL-6 and FNDC-5 and irisin concentration in WAT, despite the lack of change in protein mass and maximal strength.

LINE-1 in Obesity and Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Epigenetic mechanisms may play an important role in the etiology of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, by activating or silencing the related-genes. Scientific evidence has suggested that LINE-1 methylation is associated with body composition and obesity-related diseases, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It also has been evaluated as predictor of weight loss. The studies' results are still conflicting, and positive and negative associations have been found to LINE-1 methylation regarding adiposity and cardiometabolic markers. Overall, this review presents observational (cross-sectional and longitudinal) studies and interventions (diet, exercises, and bariatric surgery) that evaluated the relationship of the LINE-1 methylation with obesity, weight loss, dyslipidemias, hypertension, insulin resistance, CVD, and metabolic syndrome. TEACHING POINTS Epigenetic mechanisms may play an important role in the etiology of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. Many studies have related methylation of LINE-1 with cardiometabolic diseases; however, the results are still controversial. The relationship between the etiology of chronic diseases and the methylation of LINE-1 is not fully elucidated. With advances in epigenetic studies, related mechanisms may be early biomarkers in weight change and cardiometabolic risk.

Postprandial Lipid Response to High-Saturated and High-Monounsaturated Fat Meals in Normal-Weight or Overweight Women.

PURPOSE: We evaluated postprandial response of the lipid metabolism markers after the intake of a high-saturated fat (HSM) or high-monounsaturated fat meal (HMM). METHODS: A randomized, controlled and acute intervention study included 63 women (age 26.9 ± 6.1 years): 35 normal weight (NW) and 28 overweight (OW) (total body fat [TBF] 24.7 ± 3.9% and 36.6 ± 3.9%, respectively). After 12 hours of fasting, each subject was given one of the two test meals standardized, including 2 muffins and water (HSM, 42.1% of saturated fat acid, or HMM, 34.5% of monounsaturated fat acid). Plasma fatty acid profile and concentrations of apolipoproteins A1 and B100, complement C3, and triacylglycerols were analyzed during fasting and at 2, 3, and 5 postprandial hours. RESULTS: Among the markers studied, the triacylglycerol (TAG) and complement C3 were significantly higher in the OW group, compared to NW. The increment in the C3 concentration was higher after HSM intake, compared with HMM (iAUC = 4365.5 ± 5477.4 vs. 1215.2 ± 882.4; p = 0.006), with no differences between groups. After 5 hours postprandial, plasma oleic acid values remained high compared with the fasting value in the NW group, but not in the OW group (26.0 ± 4.2 vs 23.7 ± 3.9%; p < 0.001). Women with high percentage of total plasma saturated fatty acids (SFA) at the beginning of the intervention had higher incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for the palmitic, stearic, and total fatty acids (p < 0.005). Those women with a high percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) showed lower iAUC values for the same fatty acid profile (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the effect of the HSM on postprandial increment of C3 concentration, suggesting another mechanism for saturated fat metabolism. The postprandial response to HSM appears to be the mediated by baseline lipid profile of the individuals, while the response to HMM was correlated to the weight status.

Milk kefir: nutritional, microbiological and health benefits.

Kefir is fermented milk produced from grains that comprise a specific and complex mixture of bacteria and yeasts that live in a symbiotic association. The nutritional composition of kefir varies according to the milk composition, the microbiological composition of the grains used, the time/temperature of fermentation and storage conditions. Kefir originates from the Caucasus and Tibet. Recently, kefir has raised interest in the scientific community due to its numerous beneficial effects on health. Currently, several scientific studies have supported the health benefits of kefir, as reported historically as a probiotic drink with great potential in health promotion, as well as being a safe and inexpensive food, easily produced at home. Regular consumption of kefir has been associated with improved digestion and tolerance to lactose, antibacterial effect, hypocholesterolaemic effect, control of plasma glucose, anti-hypertensive effect, anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidant activity, anti-carcinogenic activity, anti-allergenic activity and healing effects. A large proportion of the studies that support these findings were conducted in vitro or in animal models. However, there is a need for systematic clinical trials to better understand the effects of regular use of kefir as part of a diet, and for their effect on preventing diseases. Thus, the present review focuses on the nutritional and microbiological composition of kefir and presents relevant findings associated with the beneficial effects of kefir on human and animal health.

Review of the mechanisms of probiotic actions in the prevention of colorectal cancer.

The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential mechanisms of probiotics action in colorectal cancer prevention. In this regard, the composition of the intestinal microbiota is considered as an important risk factor in the development of colorectal cancer, and probiotics are able to positively modulate the composition of this microbiota. Studies have shown that the regular consumption of probiotics could prevent the development of colorectal cancer. In this respect, in vitro and experimental studies suggest some potential mechanisms responsible for this anticarcinogenic action. The mechanisms include modification of the intestinal microbiota composition, changes in metabolic activity of the microbiota, binding and degradation of carcinogenic compounds present in the intestinal lumen, production of compounds with anticarcinogenic activity, immunomodulation, improvement of the intestinal barrier, changes in host physiology, inhibition of cell proliferation, and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. In contrast, very few reports demonstrate adverse effects of probiotic oral supplementation. In light of the present evidence, more specific studies are needed on probiotic bacteria, especially regarding the identification of the bacterial strains with greater anticarcinogenic potential; the verification of the viability of these strains after passing through the gastrointestinal tract; the investigation of potential adverse effects in immunocompromised individuals; and finally establishing the dosage and frequency of use.

Kefir reduces insulin resistance and inflammatory cytokine expression in an animal model of metabolic syndrome.

There is growing evidence that kefir can be a promising tool in decreasing the risk of many diseases, including metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of kefir supplementation in the diet of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) in which MetS was induced with monosodium glutamate (MSG), and to determine its effect on metabolic parameters, inflammatory and oxidation marker expression and glycemic index control. Thirty animals were used in this experiment. For the induction of MetS, twenty two-day-old male SHR received five consecutive intradermal injections of MSG. For the Negative Control, ten newborn male SHR received intradermal injections of saline solution (0.9% saline solution). After weaning, animals received standard diet and water ad libitum until reaching 3 months old, for the development of MetS. They were then divided into three groups (n = 10): negative control (NC, 1 mL saline solution per day), positive control (PC, 1 mL saline solution per day) and the Kefir group (1 mL kefir per day). Feeding was carried out by gavage for 10 weeks and the animals received standard food and water ad libitum. Obesity, insulin resistance, pro- and anti-inflammatory markers, and the histology of pancreatic and adipose tissues were among the main variables evaluated. Compared to the PC group, kefir supplementation reduced plasma triglycerides, liver lipids, liver triglycerides, insulin resistance, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, thoracic circumference, abdominal circumference, products of lipid oxidation, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-1ß) and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-10). The present findings indicate that kefir has the potential to benefit the management of MetS.

Main characteristics of metabolically obese normal weight and metabolically healthy obese phenotypes.

In this review, the influence of fat depots on insulin resistance and the main characteristics of metabolically obese normal-weight and metabolically healthy obese phenotypes are discussed. Medline/PubMed and Science Direct were searched for articles related to the terms metabolically healthy obesity, metabolically obese normal weight, adipose tissue, and insulin resistance. Normal weight and obesity might be heterogeneous in regard to their effects. Fat distribution and lower insulin sensitivity are the main factors defining phenotypes within the same body mass index. Although these terms are interesting, controversies about them remain. Future studies exploring these phenotypes will help elucidate the roles of adiposity and/or insulin resistance in the development of metabolic alterations.

Red but not white meat consumption is associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and lipid peroxidation in Brazilian middle-aged men.

BACKGROUND: The influence of diet on metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress are not completely known. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study assessed the association of red meat and white meat consumption with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and lipid peroxidation in Brazilian middle-aged men. METHODS: A total of 296 subjects (age: 50.5 ± 5.0 years, body mass index: 25.8 ± 3.5 kg/m(2)) were evaluated. Anthropometry, lifestyle features, blood biochemical parameters, diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, a lipid peroxidation marker (oxidized low-density lipoprotein) and triglycerides:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio were assessed. Dietary intake was estimated by a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: The subjects included in the highest tertile red meat (≥81.5 g/d) and saturated fatty acid from red meat consumption (≥4.3 g/d) had higher occurrence of central obesity (nearly 60%, p < 0.01), hypertriglyceridaemia (nearly 43%, p < 0.01) and metabolic syndrome (35%, p < 0.01). They also had higher values of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, regardless of interfering factors. There were no associations of highest white meat tertile (≥39.4 g/d) and saturated fatty acid from white meat (≥1.0 g/d) consumption with the assessed parameters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Red meat consumption was cross-sectionally associated with the occurrence of central obesity, hypertriglyceridaemia, and metabolic syndrome as well as with higher homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, oxidized low-density lipoprotein concentrations and triglycerides:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. The content of saturated fatty acid from red meat consumption may be a factor that contributed to this relationship, while white meat consumption was not associated with metabolic syndrome and the assessed biomarkers.

Body composition and risk for metabolic alterations in female adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To study anthropometrical and body composition variables as predictors of risk for metabolic alterations and metabolic syndrome in female adolescents. METHODS: Biochemical, clinical and corporal composition data of 100 adolescents from 14 to 17 years old, who attended public schools in Viçosa, Southeastern Brazil, were collected. RESULTS: Regarding nutritional status, 83, 11 and 6% showed eutrophia, overweight/obesity and low weight, respectively, and 61% presented high body fat percent. Total cholesterol presented the highest percentage of inadequacy (57%), followed by high-density lipoprotein (HDL - 50%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL - 47%) and triacylglycerol (22%). Inadequacy was observed in 11, 9, 3 and 4% in relation to insulin resistance, fasting insulin, blood pressure and glycemia, respectively. The highest values of the fasting insulin and the Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were verified at the highest quartiles of body mass index (BMI), waist perimeter, waist-to-height ratio and body fat percent. Body mass index, waist perimeter, and waist-to-height ratio were the better predictors for high levels of HOMA-IR, blood glucose and fasting insulin. Waist-to-hip ratio was associated to arterial hypertension diagnosis. All body composition variables were effective in metabolic syndrome diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Waist perimeter, BMI and waist-to-height ratio showed to be good predictors for metabolic alterations in female adolescents and then should be used together for the nutritional assessment in this age range.

Body composition and risk for metabolic alterations in female adolescents / Composición corporal y riesgo de alteraciones metabólicas en adolescentes del sexo femenino / Composição corporal e risco de alterações metabólicas em adolescentes do sexo feminino

To study anthropometrical and body composition variables as predictors of risk for metabolic alterations and metabolic syndrome in female adolescents. METHODS: Biochemical, clinical and corporal composition data of 100 adolescents from 14 to 17 years old, who attended public schools in Viçosa, Southeastern Brazil, were collected. RESULTS: Regarding nutritional status, 83, 11 and 6% showed eutrophia, overweight/obesity and low weight, respectively, and 61% presented high body fat percent. Total cholesterol presented the highest percentage of inadequacy (57%), followed by high-density lipoprotein (HDL - 50%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL - 47%) and triacylglycerol (22%). Inadequacy was observed in 11, 9, 3 and 4% in relation to insulin resistance, fasting insulin, blood pressure and glycemia, respectively. The highest values of the fasting insulin and the Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were verified at the highest quartiles of body mass index (BMI), waist perimeter, waist-to-height ratio and body fat percent. Body mass index, waist perimeter, and waist-to-height ratio were the better predictors for high levels of HOMA-IR, blood glucose and fasting insulin. Waist-to-hip ratio was associated to arterial hypertension diagnosis. All body composition variables were effective in metabolic syndrome diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Waist perimeter, BMI and waist-to-height ratio showed to be good predictors for metabolic alterations in female adolescents and then should be used together for the nutritional assessment in this age range...

Estudiar variables antropométricas y de composición corporal como pronósticos de riesgo de alteraciones metabólicas y de síndrome metabólico en adolescentes del sexo femenino. MÉTODOS: Se recogieron datos bioquímicos, clínicos y de composición corporal de 100 adolescentes de 14 a 17 años de escuelas públicas de Viçosa, Minas Gerais (Brasil). RESULTADOS: Respecto al estado nutricional, 83, 11 y 6% presentaron eutrofia, sobrepeso/obesidad y bajo peso, respectivamente, y 61% presentaron alto porcentaje de grasa corporal. El colesterol total fue el que presentó mayor porcentaje de inadecuación (57%), seguido del HDL (high-density lipoprotein - 50%), del LDL (low-density lipoprotein - 47%) y de los triglicéridos (22%). Se observó inadecuación en 11, 9, 3 y 4% respecto a la resistencia a la insulina, insulina en ayuno, presión arterial y glucemia, respectivamente. Se encontraron mayores valores de insulina de ayuno y HOMA-IR (índice de resistencia a la insulina, del inglés Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistence) en los mayores cuartiles de índice de masa corporal (IMC), perímetro de la cintura, relación cintura/estatura y porcentaje de grasa corporal. Se observó que el IMC, el perímetro de la cintura y la relación cintura/estatura fueron las variables que demostraron predecir mejor el diagnóstico de niveles elevados de HOMA-IR, glucemia e insulina de ayuno y la relación cintura/cuadril para diagnóstico de la hipertensión arterial. Todas las variables de composición corporal fueron eficaces en el diagnóstico del síndrome metabólico. CONCLUSIONES: Las variables perímetro de la cintura, IMC y relación cintura/estatura fueron buenos pronósticos de alteraciones metabólicas en las adolescentes y, por ello, se debe usarlas...

Estudar variáveis antropométricas e de composição corporal como preditores de risco de alterações metabólicas e de síndrome metabólica em adolescentes do sexo feminino. MÉTODOS: Coletaram-se dados bioquímicos, clínicos e de composição corporal de 100 adolescentes de 14 a 17 anos de escolas públicas de Viçosa, MG. RESULTADOS: Quanto ao estado nutricional, 83, 11 e 6% apresentaram eutrofia, sobrepeso/obesidade e baixo peso, respectivamente, e 61% apresentaram alto percentual de gordura corporal. O colesterol total foi o que apresentou maior porcentagem de inadequação (57%), seguido do HDL (high-density lipoprotein - 50%), do LDL (low-density lipoprotein - 47%) e dos triglicerídeos (22%). Observou-se inadequação em 11, 9, 3 e 4% quanto à resistência à insulina, insulina de jejum, pressão arterial e glicemia, respectivamente. Encontraram-se maiores valores de insulina de jejum e HOMA-IR (índice de resistência à insulina, do inglês Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance) nos maiores quartis de índice de massa corpórea (IMC), perímetro da cintura, relação cintura/estatura e percentual de gordura corporal. Observou-se que o IMC, o perímetro da cintura e a relação cintura/estatura foram as variáveis que demonstraram predizer melhor o diagnóstico de níveis elevados de HOMA-IR, glicemia e insulina de jejum. A relação cintura/quadril se associou ao diagnóstico da hipertensão arterial. Todas as variáveis de composição corporal foram eficazes no diagnóstico da síndrome metabólica. CONCLUSÕES: As variáveis perímetro da cintura, IMC e relação cintura/estatura foram bons preditores de alterações metabólicas nas adolescentes...

Fruit and vegetable intake and related nutrients are associated with oxidative stress markers in middle-aged men.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the potential relationships between fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and oxidative stress markers in middle-aged men, with an emphasis on vitamin C, fiber, and magnesium content. METHODS: The study was conducted with 296 healthy men, age 50.5 ± 5.0 y, and body mass index (BMI) of 25.8 ± 3.5 kg/m(2). Dietary intake, anthropometry, blood pressure, lifestyle features, and blood and urine biochemical data were assessed with validated procedures. The oxidative stress markers selected were plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2 α (8-iso-PGF2 α) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). RESULTS: The men included in the highest tertile of FV intake (≥341.1 g/d) displayed lower concentrations of ox-LDL, 8-iso-PGF2 α and 8-OHdG (P for trend < 0.05), regardless of confounding factors. Concentrations of ox-LDL were negatively associated with fiber from the FV intake (P for trend < 0.05) regardless of confounding factors. ox-LDL and 8-OHdG concentrations tended to be lower in the higher tertile of magnesium (P for trend = 0.06) and vitamin C from FV intake (P for trend = 0.05), respectively. Additionally, concentrations of 8-iso-PGF2 α were lower in men in the highest tertile of fiber (≥6.5 g/d; P for trend = 0.034), vitamin C (≥98.0 mg/d; P for trend = 0.007), and magnesium (≥48.9 mg/d; P for trend = 0.018) from the FV-group intake. CONCLUSIONS: Greater FV intake was independently associated with reduced ox-LDL, 8-OHdG, and 8-iso-PGF2 α in middle-aged men. Fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium from FV seem to contribute to this beneficial relationship.

Usual dietary glycemic load is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in physically active Brazilian middle-aged men.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of dietary glycemic load (GL) on cardiometabolic risk factors in physically active subjects are not completely known. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study assessed the association of habitual dietary GL with cardiometabolic risk factors in physically active Brazilian middle-aged men. METHODS: One-hundred seventy-six subjects (Age: 50.6 ± 5.0 years, BMI: 25.5 ± 3.6 kg/m2) were evaluated. Anthropometry, lifestyle features, insulin resistance, oxidative stress biomarkers (8-iso-prostaglandin F2α; 8-iso-PGF2α and 8- hydroxydeoxyguanosine; 8-OHdG) and lipid profile were assessed. Dietary intake was estimated through a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: The dietary GL was positively associated with free fatty acid concentrations (ß= 0.311, r2 = 0.13, P-value = 0.034) and triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio (ß = 0.598, r2 = 0.19, P-value = 0.028) regardless of confounding factors (central obesity, red meat consumption, age and energy intake). The oxidative stress biomarker, 8-OHdG, was associated with habitual dietary GL (ß = 0.432, r2 = 0.11, P-value = 0.004), regardless of previous confounding factors plus excessive alcohol consumption, iron intake and current smoking status. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary GL was positively associated with lipid profile (free fatty acid concentrations and triglyce rides/HDL cholesterol ratio) and oxidative stress biomarker (8-OHdG). These results indicate potential harmfulness of diet with higher GL to cardiometabolic risk factors in middle-aged men, even in physically active individuals.

Introducción: Los efectos de la carga glucémica (CG) de la dieta sobre los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en sujetos físicamente activos no están establecidos por completo. Objetivo: Este estudio transversal evaluó la asociación entre la CG de la dieta habitual y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en hombres brasileños de mediana edad físicamente activos. Métodos: Ciento setenta y seis sujetos (índice de masa corporal: 25,5 ± 3,6 kg/m2; edad: 50,6 ± 5,0 años) fueron evaluados. Antropometría, características del estilo de vida, la resistencia a la insulina, biomarcadores del estrés oxidativo (8-iso-prostaglandina F2, 8-iso-PGF2y 8 hidroxideoxiguanosina, 8-OHdG) y el perfil lipídico fueron evaluados. La ingesta dietética se estimó por medio de un cuestionario cuantitativo de frecuencia de consumo. Resultados: La CG de la dieta se asoció positivamente con las concentraciones de ácidos grasos libres (= 0,311, r2 = 0,13, P = 0,034) y la razón triglicéridos/colesterol HDL (= 0,598, r2 = 0,19, P = 0,028), independientemente de los factores de confusión (obesidad central, consumo de carne roja, edad e ingesta calórica). El biomarcador del estrés oxidativo, 8-OHdG, también se asoció con CG de la dieta habitual (= 0,432, r2 = 0,11, P = 0,004), independientemente de los factores de confusión anteriores más el consumo excesivo de alcohol, la ingesta de hierro y tabaquismo actual. Conclusiones: La CG de la dieta se asoció positivamente con el perfil lipídico (concentraciones de ácidos grasos libres y razón triglicéridos/HDL colesterol) y el biomarcador de estrés oxidativo 8-OHdG. Estos resultados indican el potencial de nocividad de una dieta con mayor CG respecto a los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en hombres de mediana edad, incluso en aquellos físicamente activos.

Benefits and relationship of steps walked per day to cardiometabolic risk factor in Brazilian middle-aged men.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the benefits and relationship of the number of steps per day to the cardiometabolic risk factors: adiposity indicators; insulin resistance; and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in apparently healthy Brazilian middle-aged men. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Apparently healthy men (age: 50 ± 5 years; n=299) were studied. The number of steps per day was measured by pedometer. The adiposity indicators (waist circumference, total body fat, android and gynoid body fat), serum insulin, glucose and triglycerides, triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) ratio, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and MetS were assessed. Subjects were placed in groups to reflect different levels of steps per day (average of 7 consecutive days): Group 1<10,000 and Group 2 ≥ 10,000. Relationships among variables were measured by multiple linear regressions and the Spearman correlation coefficient as appropriate (p<0.05). RESULTS: The cardiometabolic risk factors were lower (p<0.05) in Group 2 than in Group 1. The number of steps per day was a negative predictive factor for total body fat, android and gynoid body fat and HOMA-IR independent of age, working position, android fat, overweight/obesity prevalence, and triglycerides/HDL-c ratio. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between the number of steps and total body fat, android and gynoid body fat, HOMA-IR and MetS. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian middle-aged men performing more than 10,000 steps per day have better cardiometabolic conditions than those walking fewer than 10,000 steps. The number of steps per day is inversely related to the indicators of total and regional adiposity, insulin resistance and MetS.

Usual dietary glycemic load is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in physically active Brazilian middle-aged men / La carga glucémica dietética habitual se asocia con factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en hombres brasileños de mediana edad físicamente activos

Introduction: The effects of dietary glycemic load (GL) on cardiometabolic risk factors in physically active subjects are not completely known. Objective: This cross-sectional study assessed the association of habitual dietary GL with cardiometabolic risk factors in physically active Brazilian middle-aged men. Methods: One-hundred seventy-six subjects (Age: 50.6 ± 5.0 years, BMI: 25.5 ± 3.6 kg/m2) were evaluated. Anthropometry, lifestyle features, insulin resistance, oxidative stress biomarkers (8-iso-prostaglandin F2α; 8-iso-PGF2α and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine; 8-OHdG) and lipid profile were assessed. Dietary intake was estimated through a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: The dietary GL was positively associated with free fatty acid concentrations (β = 0.311, r2 = 0.13, P-value = 0.034) and triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio (β = 0.598, r2 = 0.19, P-value = 0.028) regardless of confounding factors (central obesity, red meat consumption, age and energy intake). The oxidative stress biomarker, 8-OHdG, wasassociated with habitual dietary GL (β = 0.432, r2 = 0.11, P-value = 0.004), regardless of previous confounding factors plus excessive alcohol consumption, iron intake and current smoking status. Conclusions: The dietary GL was positively associated with lipid profile (free fatty acid concentrations and triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio) and oxidative stress biomarker (8-OHdG). These results indicate potential harmfulness of diet with higher GL to cardiometabolic risk factors in middle-aged men, even in physically active individuals (AU)

Introducción: Los efectos de la carga glucémica (CG) de la dieta sobre los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en sujetos físicamente activos no están establecidos por completo. Objetivo: Este estudio transversal evaluó la asociación entre la CG de la dieta habitual y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en hombres brasileños de mediana edad físicamente activos. Métodos: Ciento setenta y seis sujetos (índice de masa corporal: 25,5 ± 3,6 kg/m2; edad: 50,6 ± 5,0 años) fueron evaluados. Antropometría, características del estilo de vida, la resistencia a la insulina, biomarcadores del estrés oxidativo (8-iso-prostaglandina F2α, 8-iso-PGF2α y 8 hidroxideoxiguanosina, 8-OHdG) y el perfil lipídico fueron evaluados. La ingesta dietética se estimó por medio de un cuestionario cuantitativo de frecuencia de consumo. Resultados: La CG de la dieta se asoció positivamente con las concentraciones de ácidos grasos libres (β = 0,311, r2 = 0,13, P = 0,034) y la razón triglicéridos/colesterol HDL (β = 0,598, r2 = 0,19, P = 0,028), independientemente de los factores de confusión (obesidad central, consumo de carne roja, edad e ingesta calórica). El biomarcador del estrés oxidativo, 8-OHdG, también se asoció con CG de la dieta habitual (β = 0,432, r2 = 0,11, P = 0,004), independientemente de los factores de confusión anteriores más el consumo excesivo de alcohol, la ingesta de hierro y tabaquismo actual. Conclusiones: La CG de la dieta se asoció positivamente con el perfil lipídico (concentraciones de ácidos grasos libres y razón triglicéridos/HDL colesterol) y el biomarcador de estrés oxidativo 8-OHdG. Estos resultados indican el potencial de nocividad de una dieta con mayor CG respecto a los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en hombres de mediana edad, incluso en aquellos físicamente activos (AU)

Methodological and ethical aspects of the sexual maturation assessment in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To analyze methodological and ethical aspects in the sexual maturation assessment of adolescents. DATA SOURCES Books and theses, articles and legislations on the Medline, SciELO, Science Direct databases, besides institutional documents of the World Health Organization and the Pediatric Societies of Brazil and São Paulo, considering the period from 1962 to 2012. The following keywords were used in Portuguese and English: "sexual maturation", "self-assessment", "ethics", "OBJECTIVE assessment of sexual maturation", "puberty", "adolescent", and "adolescentdevelopment". DATA SYNTHESIS The sexual maturation assessment is used in populatinal studies and in clinical daily care. The direct evaluation is performed by a specialized physician, whereas the self-assessment is carried out by the adolescent. This evaluation should be carefully performed in the appropriate place, taking into account the ethical aspects. The patient should not be constrained and the physician must respect the privacy and the confidentiality. Before this evaluation and independently of the used method, the adolescent should receive information and explanation about the procedure and the tools that will be applied. Furthermore, the patient has the right to want or not an adult close to him. CONCLUSIONS Validation studies showed that self-assessment is inferior to clinical assessment and should, therefore, be performed only when the direct examination by physicians is not possible.

Methodological and ethical aspects of the sexual maturation assessment in adolescents / Aspectos metodologicos y eticos de la evaluacion de la maturacion sexual de adolescentes / Aspectos metodologicos e eticos da avaliacao da maturacao sexual de adolescentes

OBJECTIVE To analyze methodological and ethical aspects in the sexual maturation assessment of adolescents. DATA SOURCES Books and theses, articles and legislations on the Medline, SciELO, Science Direct databases, besides institutional documents of the World Health Organization and the Pediatric Societies of Brazil and São Paulo, considering the period from 1962 to 2012. The following keywords were used in Portuguese and English: "sexual maturation", "self-assessment", "ethics", "OBJECTIVE assessment of sexual maturation", "puberty", "adolescent", and "adolescentdevelopment". DATA SYNTHESIS The sexual maturation assessment is used in populatinal studies and in clinical daily care. The direct evaluation is performed by a specialized physician, whereas the self-assessment is carried out by the adolescent. This evaluation should be carefully performed in the appropriate place, taking into account the ethical aspects. The patient should not be constrained and the physician must respect the privacy and the confidentiality. Before this evaluation and independently of the used method, the adolescent should receive information and explanation about the procedure and the tools that will be applied. Furthermore, the patient has the right to want or not an adult close to him. CONCLUSIONS Validation studies showed that self-assessment is inferior to clinical assessment and should, therefore, be performed only when the direct examination by physicians is not possible. .

OBJETIVO Analizar los aspectos metodológicos y éticos en la evaluación de la maturación sexual en adolescentes. FUENTES DE DATOS Libros y tesis, artículos y legislaciones encontrados en las bases Medline, SciELO y Science Direct, además de documentos de instituciones como la Organización Mundial de la Salud y las Sociedades Brasileña y Paulista de Pediatría. Se consideró el periodo de 1962 a 2012.Se utilizaron las palabras clave en portugués e inglés: "madurez sexual", "autoevaluación", "ética", "evaluación clínica de la maturación sexual", pubertad, "adolescente" y "desarrollo del adolescente". SÍNTESIS DE LOS DATOS La evaluación de la maturación sexual se usa en estudios poblacionales y en atención clínica, siendo la evaluación directa realizada por médico especializado y la autoevaluación realizada por el adolescente mismo. Se debe realizar esa evaluación en local adecuado, de modo cuidadoso y ético, no constriñendo al paciente. Se debe siempre mantener la privacidad del adolescente y respetar la confidencialidad. Antes de la evaluación, independiente del método usado, el adolescente deberá ser informado y aclarado sobre el procedimiento y los instrumentos que serán utilizados, teniendo el derecho de querer o no un responsable junto de sí. CONCLUSIONES Los estudios de validación de la autoevaluación mostraron que ésta es inferior a la evaluación clínica y, por ello, se debe realizarla solamente cuando no sea posible el examen directo por un médico. .

OBJETIVO Analisar os aspectos metodológicos e éticos na avaliação da maturação sexual em adolescentes. FONTES DE DADOS Livros e teses, artigos e legislações encontrados nas bases Medline, SciELO e Science Direct, além de documentos de instituições como a Organização Mundial da Saúde e as Sociedades Brasileira e Paulista de Pediatria. Considerou-se o período de 1962 a 2012. Utilizaram-se as palavras-chave em português e inglês: "maturidade sexual", "auto-avaliação", "ética", "avaliação clínica da maturação sexual", "puberdade", "adolescente" e "desenvolvimento do adolescente". SÍNTESE DOS DADOS A avaliação da maturação sexual é usada em estudos populacionais e em atendimento clínico, sendo a avaliação direta realizada por médico especializado e a autoavaliação realizada pelo próprio adolescente. Deve-se realizar essa avaliação em local adequado, de forma cuidadosa e ética, não constrangendo o paciente. Deve-se sempre manter a privacidade do adolescente e respeitar a confidencialidade. Antes da avaliação, independentemente do método usado, o adolescente deverá ser informado e esclarecido sobre o procedimento e os instrumentos que serão utilizados, tendo o direito de querer ou não um responsável junto a ele. CONCLUSÕES Os estudos de validação da autoavaliação mostraram que esta é inferior à avaliação clínica e, por isso, deve ser realizada apenas quando não for possível o exame direto por um médico. .

Potential mechanisms for the emerging link between obesity and increased intestinal permeability.

Recently, increased attention has been paid to the link between gut microbial composition and obesity. Gut microbiota is a source of endotoxins whose increase in plasma is related to obesity and insulin resistance through increased intestinal permeability in animal models; however, this relationship still needs to be confirmed in humans. That intestinal permeability is subject to change and that it might be the interface between gut microbiota and endotoxins in the core of metabolic dysfunctions reinforce the need to understand the mechanisms involved in these aspects to direct more efficient therapeutic approaches. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the emerging link between obesity and increased intestinal permeability, including the possible factors that contribute to increased intestinal permeability in obese subjects. We address the concept of intestinal permeability, how it is measured, and the intestinal segments that may be affected. We then describe 3 factors that may have an influence on intestinal permeability in obesity: microbial dysbiosis, dietary pattern (high-fructose and high-fat diet), and nutritional deficiencies. Gaps in the current knowledge of the role of Toll-like receptors ligands to induce insulin resistance, the routes for lipopolysaccharide circulation, and the impact of altered intestinal microbiota in obesity, as well as the limitations of current permeability tests and other potential useful markers, are discussed. More studies are needed to reveal how changes occur in the microbiota. The factors such as changes in the dietary pattern and the improvement of nutritional deficiencies appear to influence intestinal permeability, and impact metabolism must be examined. Also, additional studies are necessary to better understand how probiotic supplements, prebiotics, and micronutrients can improve stress-induced gastrointestinal barrier dysfunction and the influence these factors have on host defense. Hence, the topics presented in this review may be beneficial in directing future studies that assess gut barrier function in obesity.

3,4-Dihydroxycinnamic acid attenuates the fatigue and improves exercise tolerance in rats.

3,4-Dihydroxycinnamic acid (3,4-DA) is a natural compound with high antioxidant potential found in various foods. This study found that animals administered with 3,4-DA had higher exercise tolerance, reduced blood lactate, and markers of hepatic oxidation. Blood glucose and antioxidant enzymes were not affected by this treatment. 3,4-DA may have applicability in reducing the fatigue associated with exercise.