Cardiovascular Disease Parameters in Periodontitis

Background: Recently, there has been an increasing in the impact of oral health on atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between chronic periodontitis and cardiovascular risk markers. Methods: Forty patients with periodontitis and 40 healthy gender-, body mass index-, and age-matched individuals were compared by measuring total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, levels of cytokines, antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, total and differential white blood cell counts, and the non-linear index of refraction. Results: The levels of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein in periodontitis patients were significantly higher and lower, respectively (P=0.002 and P=0.0126), compared to controls. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and lipid peroxide levels were the same in both groups (P = 0.2943, P = 0.1284, and P = 0.067, respectively). Interleukin (IL)-6 and -8, antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in periodontitis patients (P<0.05). The value of the non-linear index of refraction of low-density lipoprotein solutions was higher in the controls (P = 0.015) compared to individuals with periodontitis. Conclusion: Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between coronary artery disease and periodontitis. J Periodontol 2009;80:378-388.

Differences and similarities of postprandial lipemia in rodents and humans

Background: The rat has been a mainstay of physiological and metabolic research, and more recently mice. This study aimed at characterizing the postprandial triglyceride profile of two members of the Muridae family: the Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) and C57BL/6 mice (Mus musculus) plus comparing them to the profile obtained in humans. Methods: Thirty-one male and twelve female Wistar rats, ten C57BL/6 male and nine female mice received a liquid meal containing fat (17%), protein (4%) and carbohydrates (4%), providing 2 g fat/Kg. Thirty-one men and twenty-nine women received a standardized liquid meal containing fat (25%), dextromaltose (55%), protein (14%), and vitamins and minerals (6%), and providing 40 g of fat per square meter of body surface. Serial blood samples were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h after the ingestion in rats, at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h in mice and in humans at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used. Results/Discussion: The triglyceride responses were evaluated after the oral fat loads. Fasting and postprandial triglyceridemia were determined sequentially in blood sample. AUC, AUIC, AR, RR and late peaks were determined. Conclusions: Rats are prone to respond in a pro-atherogenic manner. The responses in mice were closer to the ones in healthy men. This study presents striking differences in postprandial triglycerides patterns between rats and mice not correlated to baseline triglycerides, the animal baseline body weight or fat load in all animal groups.

Mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channels as redox signals to liver mitochondria in response to hypertriglyceridemia

We have recently demonstrated that hypertriglyceridemic (HTG) mice present both elevated body metabolic rates and mild mitochondrial uncoupling in the liver owing to stimulated activity of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoK(ATP)). Because lipid excess normally leads to cell redox imbalance, we examined the hepatic oxidative status in this model. Cell redox imbalance was evidenced by increased total levels of carbonylated proteins, malondialdehydes, and GSSG/GSH ratios in HTG livers compared to wild type. In addition, the activities of the extramitochondrial enzymes NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase were elevated in HTG livers. In contrast, Mn-superoxide dismutase activity and content, a mitochondrial matrix marker, were significantly decreased in HTG livers. isolated HTG liver mitochondria presented lower rates of H(2)O(2) production, which were reversed by mitoK(ATP) antagonists. In vivo antioxidant treatment with N-acetylcysteine decreased both mitoKATP activity and metabolic rates in HTG mice. These data indicate that high levels of triglycerides increase reactive oxygen generation by extramitochondrial enzymes that promote MitoK(ATP) activation. The mild uncoupling mediated by mitoK(ATP) increases metabolic rates and protects mitochondria against oxidative damage. Therefore, a biological role for mitoK(ATP) is a redox sensor is shown here for the first time in an in vivo model of systemic and cellular lipid excess, (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Catalytic ethanolysis of soybean oil with immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica and (1)H NMR and GC quantification of the ethyl esters (biodiesel) produced

The catalytic ethanolysis of soybean oil with commercial immobilized lipase type B from Candida antarctica to yield ethyl esters (biodiesel) has been investigated. Transesterification was monitored with respect to the following parameters: quantity of biocatalyst, reaction time, amount of water added and turnover of lipase. The highest yields of biodiesel (87% by (1)H NMR; 82.9% by GC) were obtained after a reaction time of 24 h at 32 degrees C in the presence of lipase equivalent to 5.0% (w/w) of the amount of soybean oil present. The production of ethyl esters by enzymatic ethanolysis was not influenced by the addition of water up to 4.0% (v/v) of the alcohol indicating that it is possible to use hydrated ethanol in the production of biodiesel catalyzed by lipase. The immobilized enzyme showed high stability under moderate reaction conditions and retained its activity after five production cycles. The (1)H NMR methodology elaborated for the quantification of biodiesel in unpurified reaction mixtures showed good correlations between the signal areas of peaks associated with the alpha-methylene groups of the ethyl esters and those of the triacyl-glycerides in residual soybean oil. Monoacylglycerides, diacylglycerides and triglycerides could also be detected and quantified in the crude biodiesel using (1)H NMR spectroscopic and GC-FID chromatographic methods. The biodiesel production by enzymatic catalysis was promising. In this case, was produced a low concentration of glycerol (0.74%) and easily removed by water extraction. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Large-scale metabolomic profiling identifies novel biomarkers for incident coronary heart disease

Analyses of circulating metabolites in large prospective epidemiological studies could lead to improved prediction and better biological understanding of coronary heart disease (CHD). We performed a mass spectrometry-based non-targeted metabolomics study for association with incident CHD events in 1,028 individuals (131 events; 10 y. median follow-up) with validation in 1,670 individuals (282 events; 3.9 y. median follow-up). Four metabolites were replicated and independent of main cardiovascular risk factors [lysophosphatidylcholine 18∶1 (hazard ratio [HR] per standard deviation [SD] increment = 0.77, P-value<0.001), lysophosphatidylcholine 18∶2 (HR = 0.81, P-value<0.001), monoglyceride 18∶2 (MG 18∶2; HR = 1.18, P-value = 0.011) and sphingomyelin 28∶1 (HR = 0.85, P-value = 0.015)]. Together they contributed to moderate improvements in discrimination and re-classification in addition to traditional risk factors (C-statistic: 0.76 vs. 0.75; NRI: 9.2%). MG 18∶2 was associated with CHD independently of triglycerides. Lysophosphatidylcholines were negatively associated with body mass index, C-reactive protein and with less evidence of subclinical cardiovascular disease in additional 970 participants; a reverse pattern was observed for MG 18∶2. MG 18∶2 showed an enrichment (P-value = 0.002) of significant associations with CHD-associated SNPs (P-value = 1.2×10-7 for association with rs964184 in the ZNF259/APOA5 region) and a weak, but positive causal effect (odds ratio = 1.05 per SD increment in MG 18∶2, P-value = 0.05) on CHD, as suggested by Mendelian randomization analysis. In conclusion, we identified four lipid-related metabolites with evidence for clinical utility, as well as a causal role in CHD development.

Inflammation, oxidative stress, glomerular filtration rate, and albuminuria in elderly men : a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The role of inflammation and oxidative stress in mild renal impairment in the elderly is not well studied. Accordingly, we aimed at investigating the associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), and markers of different inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress in a community based cohort of elderly men. FINDINGS: Cystatin C-based GFR, ACR, and biomarkers of cytokine-mediated inflammation (interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein[CRP], serum amyloid A[SAA]), cyclooxygenase-mediated inflammation (urinary prostaglandin F2alpha [PGF2alpha]), and oxidative stress (urinary F2 isoprostanes) were assessed in the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men(n = 647, mean age 77 years). RESULTS: In linear regression models adjusting for age, BMI, smoking, blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and treatment with statins, ACE-inhibitors, ASA, and anti-inflammatory agents, eGFR was inversely associated with CRP, interleukin-6, and SAA (beta-coefficient -0.13 to -0.19, p < 0.001 for all), and positively associated with urinary F2-isoprostanes (beta-coefficient 0.09, p = 0.02). In line with this, ACR was positively associated with CRP, interleukin-6, and SAA (beta- coefficient 0.09-0.12, p < 0.02 for all), and negatively associated with urinary F2-isoprostanes (beta-coefficient -0.12, p = 0.002). The associations were similar but with lower regression coefficients in a sub-sample with normal eGFR (>60 ml/min/1.73 m2, n = 514), with the exception that F2-isoprostane and SAA were no longer associated with eGFR. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that cytokine-mediated inflammation is involved in the early stages of impaired kidney function in the elderly, but that cyclooxygenase-mediated inflammation does not play a role at this stage. The unexpected association between higher eGFR/lower albuminuria and increased F2-isoprostanes in urine merits further studies.

Disfunção autonômica e doença vascular periférica em pacientes com diabete melito tipo 2

A disfunção autonômica está associada com aumento da mortalidade em pacientes diabéticos, especialmente naqueles com doença cardiovascular. Neuropatia periférica, mau controle glicêmico, dislipidemia e hipertensão são alguns dos fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de doença vascular periférica (DVP) nestes pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os fatores de risco associados com a presença de DVP em pacientes com DM tipo 2. Um estudo transversal foi realizado em 84 pacientes com DM tipo 2 ( 39 homens, idade média de 64,9 ± 7,5 anos). Os pacientes foram submetidos a uma avaliação clínica e laboratorial. A presença de DVP foi definida, utilizando-se um um aparelho manual de ultrasom com doppler (índice perna-braço < 0,9). A atividade autonômica foi avaliada através da análise da variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (HRV) por métodos no domínio do tempo e da freqüência (análise espectral), e pelo mapa de retorno tridimensional durante o período do dia e da noite. Para a análise da HRV, um eletrocardiograma de 24 horas foi gravado e as fitas analisadas em um analisador de Holter Mars 8000 (Marquete). A potência espectral foi quantificada pela área em duas bandas de freqüência: 0,04-0,15 Hz – baixa freqüência (BF), 0,015-0,5 Hz – alta freqüência (AF). A razão BF/AF foi calculada em cada paciente. O mapa de retorno tridimensional foi construído através de um modelo matemático onde foram analisados os intervalos RR versus a diferença entre os intervalos RR adjacentes versus o número de contagens verificadas, e quantificado por três índices refletindo a modulação simpática (P1) e vagal (P2 e P3). DVP estava presente em 30 (36%) pacientes. Na análise univariada, pacientes com DVP apresentaram índices que refletem a modulação autonômica (análise espectral) diminuídos quando comparados aos pacientes sem DVP, respectivamente: BF = 0,19 ± 0,07 m/s2 vs. 0,29 ± 0,11 m/s2 P = 0,0001; BF/AF = 1,98 ± 0,9 m/s2 vs. 3,35 ± 1,83 m/s2 p = 0,001. Além disso, o índice que reflete a atividade simpática no mapa de retorno tridimensional (P1), foi mais baixo em pacientes com DVP (61,7 ± 9,4 vs. 66,8 ± 9,7 unidades arbitrárias, P = 0,04) durante a noite, refletindo maior ativação simpática neste período. Estes pacientes também apresentavam uma maior duração do diabetes (20 ± 8,1 vs. 15,3 ± 6,7 anos, P = 0,006), níveis de pressão arterial sistólica (154 ± 20 vs. 145 ± 20 mmHg, P = 0,04), razão cintura-quadril ( 0,98 ± 0,09 vs.0,92 ± 0,08, P = 0,01), e níveis de HbA1c mais elevados (7,7 ± 1,6 vs. 6,9 ± 1,7 %, P = 0,04), bem como valores de triglicerídeos ( 259 ± 94 vs. 230 ± 196 mg/dl, P= 0,03) e de excreção urinária de albumina ( 685,5 ± 1359,9 vs. 188,2 ± 591,1 μ/min, P = 0,02) superiores aos dos pacientes sem DVP.. Nos pacientes com DVP observou-se uma presença aumentada de nefropatia diabética (73,3% vs. 29,6% P = 0,0001), de retinopatia (73,3% vs. 44,4% P = 0,02) e neuropatia periférica (705 vs. 35,1% P = 0,006). Os grupos não diferiram quanto à idade, índice de massa corporal, tabagismo e presença de doença arterial coronariana. Na análise logística multivariada, a DVP permaneceu associada com a disfunção autonômica, mesmo após ter sido controlada pela pressão arterial sistólica, duração do DM, HbA1c, triglicerídeos e excreção urinária de albumina. Concluindo, pacientes com DVP e DM tipo 2 apresentam índices que refletem a modulação autonômica diminuídos, o que pode representar um fator de risco adicional para o aumento da mortalidade nestes pacientes.

Terapia de reposição hormonal não altera a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em mulheres pós-menopáusicas

INTRODUÇÃO. Mulheres pós-menopáusicas apresentam maior risco de desenvolvimento de doença arterial coronariana. Estudos observacionais demonstraram que a terapia de reposição hormonal produz efeitos benéficos no perfil lipídico e na modulação autonômica cardíaca. O aumento da variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (VFC), até então atribuído à reposição hormonal, não foi testado em estudos randomizados, placebo-controlados, delineados para permitir a comparação entre as duas formas mais utilizadas de reposição hormonal. A VFC de 24 horas calculada pelo método não linear Mapa de Retorno Tridimensional permite avaliar tanto a modulação vagal como a simpática. OBJETIVOS Avaliar a modulação autonômica cardíaca de mulheres pósmenopáusicas através da análise da VFC no domínio do tempo e dos índices do Mapa de Retorno Tridimensional no ECG de 24 horas. Testar a hipótese de que a reposição hormonal contínua, seja com estradiol isolado (TRE), seja com estradiol associado à noretisterona (TRH), por um período de três meses, aumenta a VFC nessas mulheres. MÉTODOS Quarenta mulheres pós-menopáusicas (46 a 63 anos; média = 54,6 ± 4,2) foram randomizadas para um dos três tratamentos, de forma contínua: TRH, estrogenioterapia (TRE) ou placebo, por três meses consecutivos. Previamente, todas as mulheres foram submetidas a exames clínico, ginecológico e laboratorial (glicose, estradiol, HDL, LDL, triglicerídios; mamografia e ultrassonografia transvaginal). O ECG de 24 horas foi gravado em cada paciente, antes e após o tratamento, para calcular os índices da VFC. RESULTADOS Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os três grupos, após 3 meses de tratamento, nos índices da VFC e do Mapa de Retorno Tridimensional. A TRH diferiu da TRE apenas quanto ao perfil lipídico. A associação com a noretisterona provocou uma redução de 12,4 % no HDL (p = 0,008). CONCLUSÃO Em mulheres pós-menopáusicas, a terapia de reposição hormonal contínua com estradiol, ou com estradiol associado à noretisterona, por um período de 3 meses, não altera a modulação autonômica cardíaca avaliada pela VFC.

Índices de obesidade central e fatores de risco cardiovascular na síndrome dos ovários policísticos

Fundamento: A obesidade abdominal apresenta elevada prevalência em mulheres com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) e está associada a um aumento do risco cardiovascular. Objetivo: Verificar a acurácia da circunferência da cintura (CC), da relação cintura-quadril (RCQ), da relação cinturaestatura (RCEST) e do índice de conicidade (índice C), no que se refere à detecção de fatores de risco cardiovascular (FRCV) em mulheres com SOP. Métodos: Por meio de estudo transversal, foram alocadas 102 mulheres (26,5 ± 5 anos) com diagnóstico de SOP, de acordo com o consenso de Rotterdam. O colesterol total (CT), os triglicerídeos (TG), o LDL-colesterol (LDL-C), o HDLcolesterol (HDL-C), a glicemia de jejum, a glicemia após teste oral de tolerância à glicose (TOTG) e a pressão arterial (PA) foram avaliados em todas as pacientes, além das variáveis antropométricas. Resultados: A relação cintura-estatura foi o marcador que apresentou correlações positivas significativas com o maior número de FRCV (PA, TG e glicemia após TOTG), destacando-se ainda a correlação negativa com HDL-C. Todos os marcadores antropométricos avaliados se correlacionaram positivamente com PA, enquanto CC e RCQ apresentaram correlação positiva também com TG. No tocante à acurácia para detecção de FRCV, os indicadores antropométricos considerados apresentaram taxas de sensibilidade superiores a 60%, com destaque para a RCEST, que apresentou sensibilidade superior a 70%. Conclusão: A RCEST demonstrou ser o indicador antropométrico com a melhor acurácia para a predição de FRCV. Nesse sentido, propõe-se a inclusão desse parâmetro de fácil mensuração na avaliação clínica para o rastreamento de mulheres com SOP e FRCV----------------------ABSTRACT Background: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) present a high prevalence of abdominal obesity, which is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Objective: To verify the accuracy of the waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and the conicity index (CI) in the detection of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in women with PCOS. Methods: The present transversal study allocated 102 women (26.5 ± 5 years) with a diagnosis of PCOS, according to the Rotterdam criteria. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting glucose, glucose after the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and blood pressure (BP) were evaluated in all patients, in addition to the anthropometric variables. Results: The WHtR was the marker that presented significant positive correlations with the highest number of CVRF (BP, TG and post-OGTT glucose), whereas there was a negative correlation with HDL-C. All the evaluated anthropometric markers were positively correlated with BP, whereas WC and WHR also presented a positive correlation with TG. Regarding the accuracy for the detection of CVRF, the anthropometric markers presented a sensibility > 60%, especially the WHtR, which had a sensibility > 70%. Conclusion: The WHtR showed to be the most accurate anthropometric indicator for the prediction of CVRF. In this sense, we propose the inclusion of this easily-measured parameter in the clinical assessment for the screening of women with PCOS and CVRF

A infecção por Leishmania infantum chagasi altera o metabolismo lipídico do hospedeiro

American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL), caused by Leishmania infantum chagasi (L.i.chagasi), stands as a public health problem in Brazil, with human and canine cases related in all states..Lipid metabolism can be modified in several status of infection. For example, experimental studies show that the cholesterol is necessary to internalization and replication of L.i.chagasi in macrophages through caveolar domains. Patients with AVL present low levels of cholesterol and a visible triglycerides increase. This work aimed to evaluate the lipid metabolism in several post-infection status by L.i.chagasi, including individuals with symptomatic infection (AVL), and asymptomatic. The levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and reactive C protein, were measured. Individuals with AVL were compared with individuals with assymptomatic infection and presented low levels of total cholesterol (128 ± 6.180 mg/dL vs. 158 ±5.733 mg/dL, p=0.0001), HDL (29 ± 1.746 mg/dL vs. 37 ± 1.647 mg/dL, p=0.0001), increased levels of triglycerides (149.5 mg/dL ± 12.72 vs. 78.00 ± 10.43 mg/dL, p=0.0095) and higher levels of reactive C protein (1.750± 0.4939 mg/dL vs. 0.40 ± 0.1707 mg/dL; p=0.0001). The expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, such as LXR-a, LXR-b, PPAR-a, PPAR-d, PPAR-g and APOE was evaluated by real time PCR. A reduction in the expression of those genes was found in the group of AVL patients corroborating the serum levels of the metabolites earlier quantified. Our findings suggest a modulation of metabolism of lipids, in the chronic phase of AVL, this could facilitate the survival of leishmania, due to the known reduction on the ability of macrophages in presenting antigens efficiently to the T cells due to the reduction in the cholesterol available, it results in a subversion of the host immunity.

Efeito sacietogênico de um novo inibidor de tripsina da paçoca do amendoim com aumento plasmático de colecistocinina (cck)

Obesity is increasing, reaching epidemic levels in many regions of the world. Studies have shown that consumption of peanuts influences on weight control and this influence may be due to the action of trypsin inhibitors sacietogênica that condition increased plasma colescistocinina (CCK). Moreover, the peanut has other health benefits, and these assignments are guaranteed to increase their production and consumption of several of its products, including the paçoca peanut. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of a trypsin inhibitor in paçoca peanut and evaluate its effect on food intake, weight gain and histomorphological changes in swiss mice (n = 8) and Wistar rats (n = 6). Experimental diets were prepared based on the AIN-93G and supplemented with tack or peanut trypsin inhibitor partially purified paçoca peanut (AHTI). After each treatment, the animals were anesthetized and euthanized, their bloods were collected by cardiac puncture for the determination of CCK and other biochemical parameters (glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and albumin) and their pancreas removed for histologic and morphometric analysis. The supplementation with paçoca peanut and the AHTI showed a decrease of body weight gain and food intake in both mice and rats, due to the satiety, since the animals showed no evidence of impairment of nutritional status conditioned by consumption the AHTI. There were also observed biochemical or morphological important when compared with controls. However, AHTI led to increased secretion of CCK, a peptide sacietogênico. Thus, these results indicate that AHTI present in paçoca peanut, is able to enhance the secretion of plasma CCK and thereby reduce the weight gain associated with lower food intake of experimenta animals

Ação Sacietogênica de um inibidor de tripsina da semente de tamarindo (Tamarindus indica L.)

The seeds are excellent sources of proteinase inhibitors and have been highlighted owing to various applications. Among these applications are those in effect on food intake and weight gain that stand out because of the increasing number of obese individuals. This study evaluated the effects of trypsin inhibitor present in the seed of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) reduction in weight gain, biochemical and morphological alterations in Wistar rats. For this, we partially purified a trypsin inhibitor tamarind seed. This inhibitor, ITT2 at a concentration of 25 mg / kg body weight, over a period of 14 days was able to reduce food intake in rats (n = 6) by approximately 47%, causing a reduction in weight gain approximately 70% when compared with the control group. With the evaluation of the in vivo digestibility was demonstrated that the animals lost weight due to satiety, presented by the reduction of food intake, since there were significant differences between true digestibility for the control group (90.7%) and the group treated with inhibitor (89.88%). Additionally, we checked the deeds of ITT2 on biochemical parameters (glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase albumin, globulin, total protein and C-reactive protein) and these, when assessed in the study groups showed no statistically significant variations. We also evaluate the histology of some organs, liver, stomach, intestine, and pancreas, and showed no changes. And to evaluate the effect of trypsin inhibitor on food intake due to the satiety is regulated by cholecystokinin (CCK) were measured plasma levels, and it was observed that the levels of CCK in animals receiving ITT2 were significantly higher ( 20 + 1.22) than in animals receiving only solution with casein (10.14 + 2.9) or water (5.92 + 1.15). Thus, the results indicate that the effect caused ITT2 satiety, reducing food intake, which in turn caused a reduction in weight gain in animals without causing morphological and biochemical changes, this effect caused by the elevation of plasma levels CCK

Síntese, caracterização e aplicação de LaSBA-15 e como catalisador para obtenção de biodiesel de soja via rota etílica

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel, renewable, biodegradable and nontoxic. The transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fat with alcohol is most common form of production of this fuel. The procedure for production of biodiesel occurs most commonly through the transesterification reaction in which catalysts are used to accelerate and increase their income and may be basic, acid or enzyme. The use of homogeneous catalysis requires specific conditions and purification steps of the reaction products (alkyl ester and glycerol) and removal of the catalyst at the end of the reaction. As an alternative to improve the yield of the transesterification reaction, minimize the cost of production is that many studies are being conducted with the application of heterogeneous catalysis. The use of nano-structured materials as catalysts in the production of biodiesel is a biofuel alternative for a similar to mineral diesel. Although slower, can esterify transesterified triglycerides and free fatty acids and suffer little influence of water, which may be present in the raw material. This study aimed at the synthesis, characterization and application of nano-structured materials as catalysts in the transesterification reaction of soybean oil to produce biodiesel by ethylic route. The type material containing SBA-15 mesoporous lanthanum embedded within rightly Si / La = 50 was used catalyst. Solid samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption and desorption. For the transesterification process, we used a molar ratio of 20:1 alcohol and oil with 0.250 g of catalyst at 60°C and times of 6 hours of reaction. It was determined the content of ethyl esters by H-NMR analysis and gas chromatography. It was found that the variable of conversion obtained was 80%, showing a good catalytic activity LaSBA-15 in the transesterification of vegetable oils via ethylic route

Perfil epidemiológico dos distúrbios hipertensivos na gravidez

The preeclampsia is a disease that evolves to high death rate for the mother and for the fetus. The incidence of this disease in the world is variable and there are no data of this disturb in the Brazilian population. This paper had the objective to determine the incidence and risk factors for development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in a neighborhood in Natal, RN, Brazil, taking place a prospective study, cohort type, with the objective of evaluating the entire pregnancy of 242 women that got pregnant between 2004-2007. The incidence of hypertensive disorders was of 17%, while the incidence of preeclampsia was of 13.8%. The age average of women that developed the hypertensive disorders was of 27.4 years (SD±.9), whilst those that developed preeclampsia was of 26.6 (SD ±7.8) years and the normotensive was of 23.9 (SD±5.8) (p=0.002). It is noted a significant increase of the hypertensive disorder with age (p=0.0265). The gestational age for those who developed preeclampsia was lower than the women that developed normotensive pregnancy (p=0.0002). The body mass index (BMI) of the group of women that developed the hypertensive disorder was of 25.8 (SD±3.9), significantly higher than the group of normotensive women with 23.5 (SD±3.7) (p=0.02). The levels of triglycerides and cholesterol tended to be higher on women with preeclampsia than on normotensive, p=0.0502 and p=0.0566, respectively. Six (6) women presented with severe preeclampsia and one (1) developed HELLP Syndrome. The resolution of the pregnancy was performed by cesarean section in 70% of women that developed hypertensive disorders, whilst the normotensive was of 23.6% (p<0.0001). A subgroup of the studied subjects was reassessed one year after labor, revealing that 50% of the patients were still hypertensive. There were no larger complications nor mother death during labor. The incidence of hypertensive disorders are above the levels noted in other studies and 30% of the women were within the poles of greater risk for the hypertensive disorders; the elevated BMI in the beginning of the pregnancy is a risk factor for hypertensive disorder. The risk of severe complication in preeclampsia is high, with imminence of eclampsia occurring in 20.1% of women who developed hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The adequate prenatal care and the opportune labor assistance may minimize the complications of the pregnancy hypertension and avoid mother death, although the risk of women remaining hypertensive is elevated

Síndrome metabólica e risco cardiovascular na pós- menopausa: avaliação por diferentes critérios diagnósticos e influência de fatores sócio-econômicos

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) involves a group of risk factors and is associated with a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have shown the importance of preventing CVD through early diagnosis and treatment of patients with MetS. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of MetS by different diagnostic criteria in postmenopausal women and analyze the influence of socioeconomic factors on cardiovascular risk in this sample of the population. A cross-sectional study involving 127 postmenopausal women (45 to 64 years) from Natal and Mossoró, Brazil. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. The experimental protocol consisted of applying structured interview, clinical examination and implementation of dosages blood. The diagnosis of MetS was based on NCEP-ATP III (National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III) and IDF (International Diabetes Federation) criteria. The research was accomplished with the participation of an interdisciplinary team in their several phases. The result of the sample studied had mean age of 53.9 ± 4.6 years and per capita income of 54.5 dollars. The prevalence of MetS, according to NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria, was 52.8% and 61.4$, respectively. The agreement rate between NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria was 81.9%, with a kappa value of 0.63 (CI 95%, 0.49-0.76), indicating good agreement between the two definitions. The most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor was HDL < 50 mg/dl, observed in 96.1% of the women analyzed, followed by increased waist circumference (≥ 80 cm) in 78.0%, elevated blood pressure in 51.2%, triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl in 40.9% and glycemia ≥ 100 mg/dl in 37.0% of the women. The occurrence of MetS was significantly associated with schooling and body mass index (BMI). High blood pressure was significantly associated with low family income, low schooling and weight gain. There was no significant association between the intensity of climacteric symptomatology and the occurrence of MetS. The conclusions of the research were that MetS and its individual components show a high prevalence in postmenopausal Brazilian women, and significant associations with weight gain and low socioeconomic indicators. The data point to the need for an interdisciplinary approach at the basic health care level, directed toward the early identification of risk factors and the promotion of cardiovascular health of climacteric women.