Evaluation of Anti-Thyroperoxidase (A-TPO) and Anti-Thyroglobulin (A-Tg) Antibodies in Women with Previous Hashimoto's Thyroiditis during and after Pregnancy.

Background/Objective: Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) affect 2 to 5% of the general population. This study aimed to determine changes in activity of A-Tg and A-TPO antibodies before, during, and after pregnancy in women with previous AITD. Methods: This was a single-center study with a retrospective review of the medical records of 30 female patients aged 25-41 years who came to our endocrinology service in the city of Santo André, state of São Paulo, Brazil, to investigate thyroid diseases. The following data were reviewed: total triiodothyronine (totalT3), total thyroxine (totalT4), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and anti-TSH receptor antibodies (anti-TSH receptor or anti-thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb), anti-thyroid peroxidase (A-TPO), and anti-thyroglobulin (A-Tg)). These data were reviewed for 30 patients before and during the three trimesters of pregnancy and during the three months after pregnancy. Results: During gestation, we observed a progressive decrease in the blood values of A-TPO and A-Tg, which reached their lowest values in the third trimester of pregnancy, but after birth, they returned to values statistically equivalent to those before pregnancy. Analyzing the three trimesters and the post-pregnancy period, A-TPO increased 192% between the first trimester and postpartum (p = 0.009); it increased 627% between the second trimester and postpartum (p < 0.001); and it increased >1000% between the third trimester and postpartum (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the A-TPO values between the pre- and post-gestational periods (p = 1.00), between the first and second trimesters (p = 0.080), or between the second and third trimesters (p = 0.247). Conclusions: According to the results presented here, we observed changes in the activities of A-Tg and A-TPO antibodies during and after pregnancy in women with previous AITD. In women who intend to become pregnant, are pregnant, or have given birth within three months, it is essential to monitor A-TPO, A-Tg, and thyroid function as well as serum thyroid hormones and TSH to identify thyroid dysfunction in a timely manner and adjust the treatment strategy to avoid the deleterious effects of hypothyroidism on both mother and baby during and after pregnancy.

Metabolic Changes Induced by Bariatric Surgery May be Mediated by PAI-1 and PCSK9 Crosstalk.

BACKGROUND: Adiposity favors several metabolic disorders with an exacerbated chronic pro-inflammatory status and tissue damage, with high levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the influence of bariatric surgery on the crosstalk between PAI-1 and PCSK9 to regulate metabolic markers. METHODS: Observational and longitudinal study of 190 patients with obesity and obesity-related comorbidities who underwent bariatric surgery. We measured, before and after bariatric surgery, the anthropometric variables and we performed biochemical analysis by standard methods (glucose, insulin, triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] and TG/HDL-C ratio, PAI-1 and PCSK9 were measured by ELISA). RESULTS: PAI-1 levels decreased significantly after bariatric surgery, and were positively correlated with lipids, glucose, and TG, with significance on PCSK9 and TG/HDL-C alleviating the insulin resistance (IR) and inducing a state reversal of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with a significant decrease in body weight and BMI (p <0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis predicted a functional model in which PAI-1 acts as a regulator of PCSK9 (p <0.002), TG (p <0.05), and BMI; at the same time, PCSK9 modulates LDL-C HDL-C and PAI-1. CONCLUSIONS: After bariatric surgery, we found a positive association and crosstalk between PAI-1 and PCSK9, which modulates the delicate balance of cholesterol, favoring the decrease of circulating lipids, TG, and PAI-1, which influences the glucose levels with amelioration of IR and T2D, demonstrating the crosstalk between fibrinolysis and lipid metabolism, the two main factors involved in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in human obesity.

Transcriptomic point of departure determination: a comparison of distribution-based and gene set-based approaches.

A key step in assessing the potential human and environmental health risks of industrial and agricultural chemicals is to determine the toxicity point of departure (POD), which is the highest dose level that causes no adverse effect. Transcriptomic POD (tPOD) values have been suggested to accurately estimate toxicity POD values. One step in the most common approach for tPOD determination involves mapping genes to annotated gene sets, a process that might lead to substantial information loss particularly in species with poor gene annotation. Alternatively, methods that calculate tPOD values directly from the distribution of individual gene POD values omit this mapping step. Using rat transcriptome data for 79 molecules obtained from Open TG-GATEs (Toxicogenomics Project Genomics Assisted Toxicity Evaluation System), the hypothesis was tested that methods based on the distribution of all individual gene POD values will give a similar tPOD value to that obtained via the gene set-based method. Gene set-based tPOD values using four different gene set structures were compared to tPOD values from five different individual gene distribution methods. Results revealed a high tPOD concordance for all methods tested, especially for molecules with at least 300 dose-responsive probesets: for 90% of those molecules, the tPOD values from all methods were within 4-fold of each other. In addition, random gene sets based upon the structure of biological knowledge-derived gene sets produced tPOD values with a median absolute fold change of 1.3-1.4 when compared to the original biological knowledge-derived gene set counterparts, suggesting that little biological information is used in the gene set-based tPOD generation approach. These findings indicate using individual gene distributions to calculate a tPOD is a viable and parsimonious alternative to using gene sets. Importantly, individual gene distribution-based tPOD methods do not require knowledge of biological organization and can be applied to any species including those with poorly annotated gene sets.

An analysis pipeline for understanding 6-thioguanine effects on a mouse tumour genome.

Mouse tumour models are extensively used as a pre-clinical research tool in the field of oncology, playing an important role in anticancer drugs discovery. Accordingly, in cancer genomics research, the demand for next-generation sequencing (NGS) is increasing, and consequently, the need for data analysis pipelines is likewise growing. Most NGS data analysis solutions to date do not support mouse data or require highly specific configuration for their use. Here, we present a genome analysis pipeline for mouse tumour NGS data including the whole-genome sequence (WGS) data analysis flow for somatic variant discovery, and the RNA-seq data flow for differential expression, functional analysis and neoantigen prediction. The pipeline is based on standards and best practices and integrates mouse genome references and annotations. In a recent study, the pipeline was applied to demonstrate the efficacy of low dose 6-thioguanine (6TG) treatment on low-mutation melanoma in a pre-clinical mouse model. Here, we further this study and describe in detail the pipeline and the results obtained in terms of tumour mutational burden (TMB) and number of predicted neoantigens, and correlate these with 6TG effects on tumour volume. Our pipeline was expanded to include a neoantigen analysis, resulting in neopeptide prediction and MHC class I antigen presentation evaluation. We observed that the number of predicted neoepitopes were more accurate indicators of tumour immune control than TMB. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the usability of the proposed pipeline, and suggests it could be an essential robust genome analysis platform for future mouse genomic analysis.

Tibial tubercle to trochlear groove and the roman arch method for tibial tubercle lateralisation are reliable and distinguish between subjects with and without major patellar instability.

PURPOSE: Patellofemoral (PF) instability recurrence depends on several factors including the relative lateralisation of tibial tubercle (TT) regarding the trochlear groove (TG). TT relative lateralisation quantification has long been a topic of debate. Multiple measuring techniques have been described including TT-trochlear groove (TT-TG), TT-posterior cruciate ligament (TT-PCL) and TT-roman arch (TT-RA), with no clear consensus regarding the most reliable index or pathologic threshold. We set out to determine the normal value range of each index and their association with age, sex and PF instability status. Also, this study aims to determine a reliable pathologic distance threshold to effectively predict patellar dislocation. METHODS: Skeletally mature patients up to 45 years of age who presented a CT Scan and an MRI of the same knee between 2014 and 2018 were included and divided into subgroups based on history of PF instability. Three indexes (TT-TG, TT-PCL and TT-RA) were assessed by two independent observers blinded to instability history. ROC curves were performed for each index to obtain the cut point that better predicts instability. Univariate and multivariate models adjusted by age, sex, instability history and type of imaging technique were performed to test the influence of these variables. RESULTS: 208 patients were included. Mean age was 27.93 â€‹± â€‹8.48 years, 67.3% were female and 71 patients (34.1%) presented major instability history. Good or excellent inter and intraobserver reliability was found for all three indexes. All indexes presented significantly different distributions between subjects with and without major instability (p â€‹< â€‹0.001), except for TT-PCL. Different cut point values differing between imaging modalities were found: 11.4 â€‹mm for MRI TT-TG, 17 â€‹mm for CT TT-TG, 15.6 â€‹mm for MRI TT-RA and 18.2 â€‹mm for CT TT-RA. CONCLUSIONS: All indexes studied had good or excellent inter and intraobserver reliability. Measurements between imaging techniques (CT and MR) are not interchangeable. Both TT-TG and TT-RA correctly distinguish between subjects with and without major instability, while TT-PCL does not, recommending caution when evaluated on its own. Specific threshold values depending on imaging technique should be considered for surgical decision-making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Diagnostic Test.

TnP and AHR-CYP1A1 signaling crosstalk in an injury-induced zebrafish inflammation model

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) signaling is crucial for regulating the biotransformation of xenobiotics and physiological processes like inflammation and immunity. Meanwhile, Thalassophryne nattereri Peptide (TnP), a promising anti-inflammatory candidate from toadfish venom, demonstrates therapeutic effects through immunomodulation. However, its influence on AHR signaling remains unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate TnP’s molecular mechanisms on the AHR–cytochrome P450, family 1 (CYP1) pathway upon injury-induced inflammation in wild-type (WT) and Ahr2-knockdown (KD) zebrafish larvae through transcriptomic analysis and Cyp1a reporters. TnP, while unable to directly activate AHR, potentiated AHR activation by the high-affinity ligand 6-Formylindolo [3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), implying a role as a CYP1A inhibitor, confirmed by in vitro studies. This interplay suggests TnP’s ability to modulate the AHR-CYP1 complex, prompting investigations into its influence on biotransformation pathways and injury-induced inflammation. Here, the inflammation model alone resulted in a significant response on the transcriptome, with most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) being upregulated across the groups. Ahr2-KD resulted in an overall greater number of DEGs, as did treatment with the higher dose of TnP in both WT and KD embryos. Genes related to oxidative stress and inflammatory response were the most apparent under inflamed conditions for both WT and KD groups, e.g., Tnfrsf1a, Irf1b, and Mmp9. TnP, specifically, induces the expression of Hspa5, Hsp90aa1.2, Cxcr3.3, and Mpeg1.2. Overall, this study suggests an interplay between TnP and the AHR-CYP1 pathway, stressing the inflammatory modulation through AHR-dependent mechanisms. Altogether, these results may offer new avenues in novel therapeutic strategies, such as based on natural bioactive molecules, harnessing AHR modulation for targeted and sustained drug effects in inflammatory conditions.

The TG/HDL-c Lipid Ratio as a Cardiovascular Risk Marker in a Mexican Urban Middle-Class Population: Do We Need a Risk Score Tailored for Mexicans?

INTRODUCTION: Risk scores are essential in primary prevention to detect high-risk patients. The most common scores exclude hypertriglyceridemia and abdominal obesity in their risk assessment. We examined the triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) ratio as a cardiovascular (CV) risk marker in a middle-class urban Mexican population sample. AIM: Our aim was to test the concept of a scoring system reflecting Mexican population characteristics. METHODS: A total of 2602 healthy adults from the Lindavista primary prevention program were considered, evaluating gender, age, blood pressure, smoking, body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, and fasting glucose. According to the abnormality, a score from -3 to +3 was assigned. RESULTS: The summation of eleven variables yielded the Lindavista score (LS), which was calibrated versus the TG/HDL ratio and ACC ASCVD Risk Estimator Plus score to determine its correlation with risk categories. The TG/HDL-c ratio had a linear correlation with LS and high-risk ACC ASCVD categories. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with LS and TG/HDL-c, the ACC ASCVD system underestimates the high-risk category. The high prevalence of obesity and lipid triad in the Mexican population requires a scale that considers those traits. The TG/HDL-c ratio is a practical, easy, and economical instrument to categorize risk in Mexicans.

Nutrient intakes from complementary foods are associated with cardiometabolic biomarkers among undernourished Peruvian children.

Relatively little is known about how the diet of chronically undernourished children may impact cardiometabolic biomarkers. The objective of this exploratory study was to characterise relationships between dietary patterns and the cardiometabolic profile of 153 3-5-year-old Peruvian children with a high prevalence of chronic undernutrition. We collected monthly dietary recalls from children when they were 9-24 months old. At 3-5 years, additional dietary recalls were collected, and blood pressure, height, weight, subscapular skinfolds and fasting plasma glucose, insulin and lipid profiles were assessed. Nutrient intakes were expressed as average density per 100 kcals (i) from 9 to 24 months and (ii) at follow-up. The treelet transform and sparse reduced rank regress'ion (RRR) were used to summarize nutrient intake data. Linear regression models were then used to compare these factors to cardiometabolic outcomes and anthropometry. Linear regression models adjusting for subscapular skinfold-for-age Z-scores (SSFZ) were then used to test whether observed relationships were mediated by body composition. 26 % of children were stunted at 3-5 years old. Both treelet transform and sparse RRR-derived child dietary factors are related to protein intake and associated with total cholesterol and SSFZ. Associations between dietary factors and insulin were attenuated after adjusting for SSFZ, suggesting that body composition mediated these relationships. Dietary factors in early childhood, influenced by protein intake, are associated with cholesterol profiles, fasting glucose and body fat in a chronically undernourished population.

Increased TSPO expression, pyroglutamate-modified amyloid beta (AßN3(pE)) accumulation and transient clustering of microglia in the thalamus of Tg-SwDI mice.

Epidemiological studies showed that Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) frequently co-occur; however, the precise mechanism is not well understood. A unique animal model (Tg-SwDI mice) was developed to investigate the early-onset and robust accumulation of both parenchymal and vascular Aß in the brain. Tg-SwDI mice have been extensively used to study the mechanisms of cerebrovascular dysfunction, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline observed in AD/CAA patients and to design biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. In the present study, we documented interesting new features in the thalamus of Tg-SwDI mice: 1) a sharp increase in the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) in microglia in 6-month-old animals; 2) microglia clustering at six months that disappeared in old animals; 3) N-truncated/modified AßN3(pE) peptide in 9-month-old female and 12-month-old male mice; 4) an age-dependent increase in translocator protein (TSPO) expression. These findings reinforce the versatility of this model for studying multiple pathological issues involved in AD and CAA.

Panuveitis by Coinfection with Toxoplasma gondii and Epstein Barr Virus. Should We Use Antiviral Therapy? - A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: To report the atypical presentation and treatment in a case of Toxoplasma gondii (Tg) and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) intraocular coinfection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old male patient who presented anterior hypertensive uveitis followed by a new finding of a yellowish-white fluffy retinochoroidal lesion in the superior-temporal quadrant. He was initially treated with antiviral therapy without improvement. Next, due to the Tg infection suspicion, anti-toxoplasmic treatment was added, and therapeutic and diagnostic vitrectomy was performed along with intravitreal clindamycin. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in intraocular fluids confirmed Tg and EBV coinfection. Then, anti-Toxoplasma oral treatment and antiviral and oral corticosteroids were administrated, achieving improvement. CONCLUSIONS: In a patient with atypical retinochoroidal lesions, an intraocular fluids PCR should be performed, in addition to the serological laboratories to rule out coinfection, confirm the diagnosis, and establish an appropriate treatment. Coinfection could impact the pathogenesis and prognosis of the disease.Abbreviations: OT: Ocular toxoplasmosis; Tg: Toxoplasma gondii; EBV: Epstein Barr Virus; CMV: Cytomegalovirus; HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; HSV: Herpes Simplex Virus; VZV: Varicella Zoster Virus; PCR: Polymerase chain reaction; OD: Right eye; OS: Left eye; BCVA: best-corrected visual acuity.

Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products and lipid profile ratio as cardiovascular risk markers in children with obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity has been shown to be associated with low levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the levels of sRAGE and its association with the lipid index in children with obesity. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of children with obesity aged between six and 11 years. Anthropometric measurements, glucose, lipid profile, insulin and sRAGE were evaluated; body mass index, total cholesterol/high-density cholesterol (TC/HDL-C), triglycerides/glucose (TG/glucose), and triglycerides/HDL-C (TG-HDL-C) ratios and HOMA-IR were also calculated. RESULTS: Eighty children were studied, among which 50% were males and 50% females. Females had higher values for waist circumference, HOMA-IR, and TG/HDL-C and TG/glucose ratios. No significant differences were found for sRAGE. When the variables were compared according to TG/HDL-C ratio tertiles, higher TC/HDL, TG/glucose, and sRAGE values were found at upper tertile. A significant correlation was observed between sRAGE and HOMA-IR (p < 0.03) in males, and between sRAGE and TG/HDL-C (p < 0.01) and TG/glucose ratios (p < 0.008) in females. CONCLUSIONS: The female gender showed more cardiovascular risk factors and higher sRAGE at TG/HDL-C upper tertile. Further studies are required to test the possible predictive effect of higher risk for developing metabolic and cardiovascular complications.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se ha mostrado que la obesidad está asociada a niveles bajos de la forma soluble del receptor para productos finales de glicación avanzada (sRAGE). OBJETIVO: Evaluar los niveles de sRAGE y su asociación con el índice lipídico en niños con obesidad. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal de niños de seis a 11 años de edad con obesidad. Se evaluaron medidas antropométricas, glucosa, perfil lipídico, insulina y sRAGE; también se calculó índice de masa corporal, colesterol total/C-HDL, triglicéridos/glucosa, triglicéridos/C-HDL y HOMA-IR. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 80 niños, 50 % hombres y 50 % mujeres. Las mujeres presentaron mayor perímetro de cintura, HOMA-IR, triglicéridos/C-HDL y triglicéridos/glucosa. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en sRAGE. Al comparar las variables conforme a los terciles de la relación triglicéridos/C-HDL, en el tercil superior se encontraron mayores valores de colesterol total/HDL, triglicéridos/glucosa y sRAGE. Se observó correlación significativa entre sRAGE y HOMA-IR (p < 0.03) en los hombres y entre sRAGE, triglicéridos/C-HDL (p < 0.01) y triglicéridos/glucosa (p < 0.008) en las mujeres. CONCLUSIONES: El sexo femenino mostró más factores de riesgo cardiovascular y mayor sRAGE en el tercil superior de triglicéridos/C-HDL. Se requieren más estudios para probar el posible efecto predictor de mayor riesgo para desarrollar complicaciones metabólicas y cardiovasculares.

Receptor soluble para productos finales de glicación avanzada y perfil lipídico como marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular en niños con obesidad / Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products and lipid profile ratio as cardiovascular risk markers in children with obesity

Resumen Introducción: Se ha mostrado que la obesidad está asociada a niveles bajos de la forma soluble del receptor para productos finales de glicación avanzada (sRAGE). Objetivo: Evaluar los niveles de sRAGE y su asociación con el índice lipídico en niños con obesidad. Métodos: Estudio transversal de niños de seis a 11 años de edad con obesidad. Se evaluaron medidas antropométricas, glucosa, perfil lipídico, insulina y sRAGE; también se calculó índice de masa corporal, colesterol total/C-HDL, triglicéridos/glucosa, triglicéridos/C-HDL y HOMA-IR.] Resultados: Se estudiaron 80 niños, 50 % hombres y 50 % mujeres. Las mujeres presentaron mayor perímetro de cintura, HOMA-IR, triglicéridos/C-HDL y triglicéridos/glucosa. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en sRAGE. Al comparar las variables conforme a los terciles de la relación triglicéridos/C-HDL, en el tercil superior se encontraron mayores valores de colesterol total/HDL, triglicéridos/glucosa y sRAGE. Se observó correlación significativa entre sRAGE y HOMA-IR (p < 0.03) en los hombres y entre sRAGE, triglicéridos/C-HDL (p < 0.01) y triglicéridos/glucosa (p < 0.008) en las mujeres. Conclusiones: El sexo femenino mostró más factores de riesgo cardiovascular y mayor sRAGE en el tercil superior de triglicéridos/C-HDL. Se requieren más estudios para probar el posible efecto predictor de mayor riesgo para desarrollar complicaciones metabólicas y cardiovasculares.

Abstract Introduction: Obesity has been shown to be associated with low levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE). Objective: To evaluate the levels of sRAGE and its association with the lipid index in children with obesity. Methods: Cross-sectional study of children with obesity aged between six and 11 years. Anthropometric measurements, glucose, lipid profile, insulin and sRAGE were evaluated; body mass index, total cholesterol/high-density cholesterol (TC/HDL-C), triglycerides/glucose (TG/glucose), and triglycerides/HDL-C (TG-HDL-C) ratios and HOMA-IR were also calculated. Results: Eighty children were studied, among which 50% were males and 50% females. Females had higher values for waist circumference, HOMA-IR, and TG/HDL-C and TG/glucose ratios. No significant differences were found for sRAGE. When the variables were compared according to TG/HDL-C ratio tertiles, higher TC/HDL, TG/glucose, and sRAGE values were found at upper tertile. A significant correlation was observed between sRAGE and HOMA-IR (p < 0.03) in males, and between sRAGE and TG/HDL-C (p < 0.01) and TG/glucose ratios (p < 0.008) in females. Conclusions: The female gender showed more cardiovascular risk factors and higher sRAGE at TG/HDL-C upper tertile. Further studies are required to test the possible predictive effect of higher risk for developing metabolic and cardiovascular complications.

The influence of periodontal status and serum biomarkers on salivary leptin levels in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the influence of periodontal status, clinical data, and serum markers on salivary leptin levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: A case-control study was conducted with 38 patients with SLE and 29 healthy controls. Periodontal data included periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival bleeding on probing (BOP). Stimulated saliva samples were collected to analyze salivary leptin levels. Clinical and serum data were collected from the SLE group. Statistical analysis included the t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation coefficient, and a structural equation model. Results: The SLE group had a lower salivary leptin level than the control group (P = 0.002). The model revealed that SLE had an inverse and independent effect on salivary leptin (standardized estimate =  - 0.289, P = 0.023). Moreover, salivary leptin level negatively correlated with the serum levels of triglyceride, creatinine, and leukocytes, positively correlated with the serum total cholesterol, but was not significantly correlated with the periodontal status. Conclusion: These findings suggest that patients with SLE have a lower salivary leptin level. In addition, the level of salivary leptin does not appear to be related to periodontal status in patients with SLE.

TG/HDL index to identify subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population.

BACKGROUND: The triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) index has been proposed as an indicator of cardiovascular risk. In Mexico, there is a study in young adults that relates it to insulin resistance, but no cutoff point that distinguishes subjects with metabolic syndrome has been defined. OBJECTIVE: To determine the cutoff point for the TG/HDL index that identifies subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population. METHODS: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the criteria established in the Third Report of the Adult Treatment Panel of the National Cholesterol Education Program adapted to the Mexican population. To identify the TG/HDL index cutoff point, ROC curve analysis and the Youden index were used. RESULTS: 1,318 subjects aged 40.9 ± 13.0 years participated in the study; 65.6% were women and 34.4% men; 41.2% had metabolic syndrome. The TG/HDL index obtained an area under the curve of 0.85 and an optimal cutoff point value ≥ 3.46, with a sensitivity of 79.6% and specificity of 76.4%. CONCLUSIONS: TG/HDL index cutoff point ≥ 3.46 is suitable for identifying subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population.

ANTECEDENTES: El índice triglicéridos/lipoproteína de alta densidad (TG/HDL) ha sido propuesto como un indicador de riesgo cardiovascular. En México, existe un estudio en adultos jóvenes que lo relaciona con resistencia a la insulina, pero no se ha definido un punto de corte que distinga a sujetos con síndrome metabólico. OBJETIVO: Determinar el punto de corte para el índice TG/HDL que identifique a sujetos con síndrome metabólico en población mexicana. MÉTODOS: El síndrome metabólico se diagnosticó mediante los criterios establecidos en el Tercer Reporte del Panel de Tratamiento para Adultos del Programa Nacional de Educación en Colesterol adaptados a la población mexicana. Para identificar el punto de corte del índice TG/HDL se utilizó el análisis de curvas ROC y el índice de Youden. RESULTADOS: En el estudio participaron 1318 sujetos con edad de 40.9 ± 13.0 años; 65.6 % fuerin mujeres y 34.4 % hombres; 41.2% presentó síndrome metabólico. El índice TG/HDL obtuvo un valor del área bajo la curva de 0.85 y un valor óptimo de punto de corte ≥ 3.46, con sensibilidad de 79.6 % y especificidad de 76.4 %. CONCLUSIONES: El punto de corte ≥ 3.46 para el índice TG/HDL es adecuado para identificar a sujetos con síndrome metabólico en población mexicana.

Índice TG/HDL para identificar a sujetos con síndrome metabólico en población mexicana / TG/HDL index to identify subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population

Resumen Antecedentes: El índice triglicéridos/lipoproteína de alta densidad (TG/HDL) ha sido propuesto como un indicador de riesgo cardiovascular. En México, existe un estudio en adultos jóvenes que lo relaciona con resistencia a la insulina, pero no se ha definido un punto de corte que distinga a sujetos con síndrome metabólico. Objetivo: Determinar el punto de corte para el índice TG/HDL que identifique a sujetos con síndrome metabólico en población mexicana. Métodos: El síndrome metabólico se diagnosticó mediante los criterios establecidos en el Tercer Reporte del Panel de Tratamiento para Adultos del Programa Nacional de Educación en Colesterol adaptados a la población mexicana. Para identificar el punto de corte del índice TG/HDL se utilizó el análisis de curvas ROC y el índice de Youden. Resultados: En el estudio participaron 1318 sujetos con edad de 40.9 ± 13.0 años; 65.6 % fuerin mujeres y 34.4 % hombres; 41.2% presentó síndrome metabólico. El índice TG/HDL obtuvo un valor del área bajo la curva de 0.85 y un valor óptimo de punto de corte ≥ 3.46, con sensibilidad de 79.6 % y especificidad de 76.4 %. Conclusiones: El punto de corte ≥ 3.46 para el índice TG/HDL es adecuado para identificar a sujetos con síndrome metabólico en población mexicana.

Abstract Background: The triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) index has been proposed as an indicator of cardiovascular risk. In Mexico, there is a study in young adults that relates it to insulin resistance, but no cutoff point that identifies subjects with metabolic syndrome has been defined. Objective: To determine the cutoff point for the TG/HDL index that identifies subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population. Methods: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the criteria established by the Third Report of the Adult Treatment Panel of the National Cholesterol Education Program adapted to the Mexican population. To identify the TG/HDL index cutoff point, ROC curve analysis and the Youden index were used. Results: 1,318 subjects aged 40.9 ± 13.0 years participated in the study; 65.6% were women and 34.4% men; 41.2% had metabolic syndrome. The TG/HDL index obtained an area under the curve of 0.85 and an optimal cutoff point value ≥ 3.46, with a sensitivity of 79.6% and specificity of 76.4%. Conclusions: TG/HDL index cutoff point ≥ 3.46 is suitable for identifying subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population.

The porosity of carbohydrate-based spray-dried microparticles containing limonene stabilized by pea protein: Correlation between porosity and oxidative stability.

In this study, the effects of different concentrations of pea protein concentrate (PPC) in the physical properties, porosity features, and oxidative stability of maltodextrin-based spray-dried microparticles containing orange essential oil (OEO, rich in limonene) were evaluated. The use of PPC resulted in spray-dried microparticles with encapsulation efficiencies of about 99 wt%, without visible pores, and relatively high glass transition temperature (66,4 °C) at Aw âˆ¼ 0.3. The nitrogen adsorption and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy measurements showed that the increase of PPC concentration from 2.4 to 4.8 wt% (g of PPC/100 g of emulsion) did not affect the porosity features of the microparticles. These results were confirmed by the profiles of OEO retention and limonene oxide production, which were similar for both samples throughout four weeks of storage. Based on these results, we verified that the lower amount of PPC we tested can effectively protect the OEO during storage, showing that a relatively cheaper orange flavor powder can be produced using less protein.

Effect of safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorius L.) supplementation in the abdominal adipose tissues and body weight of male Wistar rats undergoing exercise training.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of safflower oil supplementation on the metabolic parameters, body weight, and abdominal adiposity in male Wistar rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) while undergoing exercise training. The rats were assigned to four groups: standard diet and sedentary (SDS), high-fat diet and sedentary (HFDS), high-fat diet and training (HFDT), and high-fat diet, training, and safflower oil (HFDTSO) groups. HFD significantly increased the abdominal adiposity in male Wistar rats. The safflower oil had no effect on the body weight and levels of blood glucose, TG, and TC, but it significantly reduced abdominal adiposity in male Wistar rats fed with an HFD while undergoing exercise training. Safflower oil supplementation reduced the abdominal fat in rats undergoing swimming training.

Selective effect of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on lipid metabolism. / Efecto selectivo de bypass gástrico laparoscópico en Y de Roux sobre el metabolismo lipídico.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery (BS) has shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in obesity. The BS has improved the dyslipidemia of the insulin resistant patient, our objective was to evaluate if there was a difference in the lipid profile between the laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) technique vs. the sleeve gastrectomy (SG) technique at 18 months of follow-up. METHODS: An observational, open, prospective study of morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery at 18-month follow-up. Anthropometric analysis, body composition, energy expenditure at rest, glucose, insulin, HbA1c, LDL, HDL, TG and CT were performed. RESULTS: Absence baseline differences were found in the proportion of patients with hypertension, diabetes, steatosis, and sex between the RYGB vs SG groups. A reduction of TG was observed at 6 months in favor of RYGB vs SG: 108.60±34.86 vs. 124.59±44.58, P = 0.044), however, a decrease in both LDL levels was found at 12 and 18 months in favor of the RYGB vs. SG group: 96.23±24.33 vs. 107.83±28.88, P = 0.025; 90.98±20.62 vs 106.22±31.48, P = 0.003; the decrease in CT was observed only at 18 months in favor of the RYGB vs. SG group: 171.39±25.058 vs. 186.89±31.81, P = 0.005. CONCLUSIóN: RYBG has shown to be more effective in reducing LDL and CT levels compared to SG, which provides an additional benefit of RYGB in relation to the lipid profile of the patient.

Ex Vivo Human Skin: An Alternative Test System for Skin Irritation and Corrosion Assays.

Native human skin has been reported in the literature as being an important experimental model for studying skin biology. Studies performed by our group have shown that ex vivo skin, from elective plastic surgery, maintains the biological characteristics of native skin under specific culture conditions. As such, it might be a feasible model for the safety and efficacy testing of topical substances. While Brazil is at the forefront of global regulation implementation, Brazilian researchers are not always able to transfer certain widely used protocols to their laboratories, particularly protocols that involve the use of reconstructed tissues with limited viability, such as those for skin corrosion (OECD TG 431) and irritation testing (OECD TG 439). In this study, we investigated the applicability of the ex vivo skin model to the evaluation of irritation and corrosion potential of a number of proficiency substances described in TG 431 and TG 439. The skin fragments were standardised in size and diameter, and placed into cell culture inserts. The experimental protocol was conducted according to TG 431 and TG 439. The results obtained show that ex vivo skin could represent a promising tool for the evaluation of irritation and corrosion potential of substances (subject to inclusion and exclusion criteria), as recommended by OECD guidelines. While this is a proof-of-concept study, the use of ex vivo skin should be considered for such testing.

Reference values for the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein ratio and its association with cardiometabolic diseases in a mixed adult population: The ELSA-Brasil study.

BACKGROUND: Among several lipid ratios available, the triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) may detect individuals at risk of cardiometabolic diseases. However, its reference values for different ethnicities are not well established. OBJECTIVE: To define sex- and ethnicity-specific reference values for TG/HDL-C ratio in a large sample of healthy multiethnic adults and test its association with cardiometabolic conditions. METHODS: An apparently healthy sample (n = 2,472), aged 35-74, free of major cardiovascular risk factors, was used to generate the reference values for the TG/HDL-C. Exclusion criteria were diabetes, elevated blood pressure, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, severe hypertriglyceridemia, and smoking history. Cut-offs based on the reference values were tested in the whole ELSA Brasil study (n = 13,245), stratified by sex and ethnicity, to identify cardiometabolic conditions. RESULTS: TG/HDL-C ratio was higher in men than women, and did not change significantly with age, regardless of sex and ethnicity. Also, black individuals showed lower levels of TG/HDL-C as compared to other ethnic groups. ROC curve showed that the cut-off based on the 75th percentile displayed better sensitivities and specificities for men and women, regardless of ethnicity. Also, the sex- and ethnicity-specific cut-offs based on the 75th percentile were significantly associated with all tested cardiometabolic conditions (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance). Also, we observed that the use of a single sex-specific cut-off (men: 2.6; women: 1.7) could be used for the different ethnicities with good reliability. CONCLUSION: The defined TG/HDL-C cut-offs (men: 2.6; women: 1.7) are reliable and showed good clinical applicability to detect cardiometabolic conditions in a multiethnic population.