Protective effect of beta-glucan extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, against DNA damage and cytotoxicity in wild-type (k1) and repair-deficient (xrs5) CHO cells

A large number of functional foods, including those that contain P-glucan, have been shown to prevent the development of cancer and other chronic diseases. The aim of the present study was to elucidate its mechanism of action, as well as to understand its effects as an antigenotoxic, anticlastogenic agent, and to determine its capacity to preserve cell viability. The investigation was carried out in the CHO-k1 and CHO-xrs5 cell lines. The cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay indicated that the different doses of beta-glucan examined (5, 10, 20 and 40 mu g/ml) did not show clastogenic effects. In the CHO-k1 cell line, a chemopreventive effect could be observed in all the protocols tested: pre-treatment (% reduction of 35.0-57.3), simultaneous treatment (simple - 5 reduction of 19.7-55.6 and with pre-incubation - of 42.7-56.4) and post-treatment (% reduction of 17.9-37.6). This finding indicates mechanisms of action involving desmutagenesis and bio-antimutagenesis, albeit the latter having a lesser role. However, in the repair-deficient CHO-xrs5 cells, beta-glucan did not show a protective effect with post-treatment (% reduction of 2.96), thus supporting the involvement of bioantimutagenesis. The comet assay in CHO-k1 cells demonstrated that beta-glucan has neither a genotoxic nor an antigenotoxic effect. Cell viability tests indicated that beta-glucan preserves cell viability in both cell lines, preventing apoptotic events. These findings suggest that beta-glucan, when present in foods, could provide them with nutraceutical characteristics and act as a dietary supplement, or that P-glucan could be used in new drug development. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exercícios físicos generalizados capacidade funcional e sintomas depressivos em idosos brasileiros

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos de 16 semanas de exercícios físicos generalizados sobre componentes da capacidade funcional, aptidão funcional geral e sintomas depressivos em idosos. Cinquenta e cinco idosos (67,3±5,8 anos) participaram do estudo. Os grupos foram distribuídos de acordo com a participação no protocolo proposto: a) grupo treinado (GT), composto de 27 participantes que atenderam pelo menos 75% do total de sessões de exercícios físicos generalizados por 16 semanas e; b) grupo controle (GC), participantes que não estiveram participando de nenhum tipo de programa regular de atividades físicas. A capacidade funcional foi avaliada por meio da bateria de testes para idosos da AAHPERD que é composta por cinco testes: coordenação, flexibilidade, resistência de força, agilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico e resistência aeróbia geral. Os sintomas depressivos foram medidos por meio da Escala de Depressão e Geriatria- versão curta (GDS-15). Os resultados demonstraram que os idosos do GT apresentaram melhor desempenho nos testes motores. Os sintomas depressivos não sofreram alterações em ambos os grupos. Desta maneira, nossos resultados indicam que 16 semanas são suficientes para promover benefícios na aptidão funcional geral de idosos, enquanto que idosos que permanecem sedentários tendem a apresentar decréscimo em sua aptidão física geral. O programa proposto não foi capaz de provocar alterações significativas em idosos com baixos valores relatados de sintomas depressivos para esta variável. As evidências do presente estudo possibilitam predizer que um programa generalizado pode auxiliar na prevenção de doenças crônicas, evitar declínios funcionais e produzir efeitos positivos na qualidade de vida.

Walking for leisure among adults from three Brazilian cities and its association with perceived environment attributes and personal factors

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Exercise training as a preventive tool for age-related disorders: a brief review

Aging populations are a worldwide phenomenon affecting both developed and developing countries. This issue raises serious concerns for both governments and the general population. Regular participation in physical activity and/or exercise training programs can minimize the physiological alterations that occur during aging and may contribute to improvements in health and well-being. The present review will discuss the role of regular exercise training in preventing age-related physiological decline and, consequently, associated chronic diseases. Compelling evidence that regular exercise and/or physical activity can improve quality of life, prevent or control the development of chronic disease and increase life expectancy is shown. In summary, regular exercise training and/or physical activity has an important influence on aging and may help to prevent age-related disorders.

Distribuição espacial dos idosos de um município de médio porte do interior paulista segundo algumas características sócio-demográficas e de morbidade

Os Sistemas de Informação Geográfica constituem importantes instrumentos dentro da Saúde Pública como técnicas de análise da distribuição de agravos à população, e, portanto, podem ser usados no estudo da localização de indivíduos portadores de doenças crônicas. Este trabalho objetivou a realização de análise espacial da distribuição da população de sessenta anos e mais no Município de Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil, estudando o perfil sócio-demográfico e a presença de diabetes e hipertensão arterial. Foram analisados dados de 468 idosos da amostra de inquérito populacional realizado entre 2001 e 2002. Os idosos com melhor nível sócio-econômico residem nos setores censitários de estratos sociais mais altos, o que foi estatisticamente comprovado pela utilização de técnicas de análise espacial para renda e escolaridade. Não se encontrou padrão de distribuição espacial para idosos hipertensos e diabéticos que se localizaram no mapa de forma heterogênea. O presente estudo sugere a utilização das técnicas de geoprocessamento para o mapeamento digital das áreas de abrangências das Unidades de Atenção Primária à Saúde, para um melhor controle da distribuição de idosos portadores de doenças crônicas e de sua assistência pelos profissionais de saúde.

Diabetes auto-referido em idosos: prevalência, fatores associados e práticas de controle

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Utilização de medicamentos e fatores associados: um estudo de base populacional no Município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil

Este artigo analisa a prevalência da utilização de medicamentos segundo variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e de comportamentos relacionados à saúde, identificando fatores associados ao uso por meio de estudo transversal de base populacional, com 941 pessoas de 18 anos ou mais residentes em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. A amostragem foi realizada em múltiplos estágios, estratificada e por conglomerados. Utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado, foram estimadas as razões de prevalência ajustadas por sexo e idade e os respectivos IC95%. Desenvolveu-se modelo de regressão múltipla de Poisson ficando associados ao uso: sexo feminino, idade de 40 anos e mais, morbidade referida nos últimos 15 dias e número de doenças crônicas. Os medicamentos mais consumidos foram para os sistemas cardiovascular e nervoso, e os fitoterápicos. A prevalência de uso de medicamentos em Campinas encontrou-se inferior à maioria dos estudos. Por meio de inquéritos de saúde locais espera-se conhecer o perfil de uso dos medicamentos pela população e garantir intervenções mais direcionadas para a Política de Assistência Farmacêutica.

Immunohistochemical characterization of mononuclear cells in delayed hypersensitivity reactions to Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis (paracoccidioidin test)

The density and distribution of T cells, T helper cells, macrophages and B cells at the site of skin tests with a cytoplasmic Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antigen (paracoccidioidin) was studied at 24 and 48 h post-challenge in 10 patients with the chronic form of paracoccidioidomycosis and in 5 noninfected individuals. The in situ study was carried out using immunoperoxidase techniques and monoclonal antibodies. The controls showed negative skin test. In the patients, the great majority of the cells in the perivascular foci were T cells (CD43-positive cells) making up 47% and 48.6% of the total number of cells at 24 and 48 h respectively. Most of the T cells showed a T helper phenotype (CD45RO-positive cells). Approximately 25% of the cells were macrophages (CD68-positive cells) and there were very few B lymphocytes (CD20-positive cells). The present data on the microanatomy of paracoccidioidin skin test sites were consistent with a delayed type hypersensitivity pattern. Our results were comparable to those reported on skin tests for other granulomatous chronic diseases.

O uso das pregas cutâneas e da circunferência muscular do braço no diagnóstico de desnutrição energético-protéica em pacientes adultos: estudo crítico.

The use of anthropometric measurements of triceps (TSF) and subscapular skinfolds (SSF) and mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MAMC) was examined as far as the diagnosis of energy-protein malnutrition (EPM) is concerned. The study was undertaken in five groups of patients (n = 231): arterial hypertension (AH, n = 63), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, n = 17), hemodialyzed chronic renal failure (CRF, n = 19), critically ill patients with an acute event (CA, n = 42) and critically ill patients with chronic diseases (CCD, n = 90). The results were compared to those obtained in a group of healthy individuals (control group, n = 102). The control group and the group of patients were allocated in subgroups according to sex and age (less than 50 and more than 50 years). It was expected that significant differences would be found for the anthropometric values between the control subgroups and the COPD, the CRF and the CCD subgroups of patients. For the skinfold thicknesses (TSF and SSF), significant differences were found between CRF, CCD subgroups and the control subgroups under fifty years of age; however, the differences were not significant when the subgroups over fifty were analyzed. Concerning the MAMC, significant differences were found: 1 degree) between the CRF subgroups (males and females) and the control subgroups under fifty years of age; 2 degrees) between the CCD male subgroups (younger and older subgroups) and the respective control subgroups and 3 degrees) between the COPD and the control subgroups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Síndrome do climatério

The climateric is characterized by progressive hipoestrogenism and by tissue and functional alterations that leads the women to aging. The diagnosis approach needs to consider the symptoms originated by estrogenic deficiency and by the more prevalent chronic diseases in this lifetime, for instance, among others, the cardiovascular and osteoporosis diseases, witch need a systematic screening. The therapeutic management must consider the proposition of healthy life habits and, when indicated, pharmacological treatment for estrogenic deficiency or for anothers comorbidities existent. The estroprogestative hormonal therapeutic is a valuable tool to provide health and better quality of life, once obeyed the individualized criterion of the cases, doses, hormonal composition and mainly of the opportunity of intervention. There are nonhormonal alternatives to treat the menopausal symptoms, as the antidepressives and phytoestrogens. It's also advised to combine with regular physical activities and adequate calcium intake. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora. Todos os direitos reservados.

Contribuição do uso de medicamentos para a admissão hospitalar

According to the Word Health Organization, adverse drug reactions (ADR) are any harmful and non intentional answer which occurred in doses normally used in human beings. The ADR can be responsible for 2.4% to 11.5% of hospital admissions. Therefore, this study aimed at knowing the admitted patient's demographic profile due to possible ADR, identifying the most frequent drugs and complaints, and evaluating the incidence of hospital admission related to drug use. Patients who were 18 years old or more and were admitted during a period of one month to a medical clinical of a general hospital were interviewed for one month about drug use before being admitted, as well as regarding to the complaint which led them to hospital. These information were analyzed according to official data, like MICROMEDEX® and WHO criteria as well. It was observed that the admission due to drug use occurred in most part of the cases in elderly [47.5% (66/139)] and women [62% (87/139)]. The most frequent drugs used were: omeprazole (16), analgesics (31), antihypertensive (31), simvastatin (7) and formoterol fumarate (6), and the symptoms were normally associated to the digestive (20.5%), circulatory (20.2%), respiratory (18.2%) and central nervous systems (13.9%). It was estimated that 15.5% (139/897) of the hospital admission occurred possibly due to the drug use. The data found by present study suggests some strategies in order to prevent ADR in the context of primary health care services, such as monitoring drug therapy, manly for patients with chronic diseases, elderly and polimedicated people; and pharmaceutical care including dispensation and purchasing of the drugs, a lot of them dispensed over the counter (OTC).

Social health protection for the elderly in the English-speaking Caribbean

Includes bibliography

Health status profile of climacteric women

Study design: Retrospective analysis of medical records. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia in a group of climacteric women. Methods: Study of the first patients treated at the Menopause Clinic (ACLI), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (USP), from 1983 to 2007. Data on weight, height, BMI, biological group, diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia was collected from February/2008 until April/2008. Results: From 1983 until 2007, 400 patients were followed up, and 272 had their records registered. Of these 272 patients, 628 were selected queries, and therefore, on average, each woman had three returns. Women over the age of 29 and maximum of 80 years and median BMI above 25kg/m2. The prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia was respectively 32%, 68% and 54%. The prevalence of NCDs and BMI was higher for the later groups. Conclusion: Climacteric women treated at a hospital level care center showed a worsening of the BMI and the prevalence of noncommunicable chronic diseases over time, which is urging a closer look at health professionals in this population group.

Anticlastogenic effect of β-glucan, extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on cultured cells exposed to ultraviolet radiation

β-glucan is an important polysaccharide due to its medicinal properties of stimulating the immune system and preventing chronic diseases such as cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine the anticlastogenic effect of β-glucan in cells exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV). Chromosome aberration assay was performed in drug-metabolizing cells (HTC) and non drug-metabolizing cells (CHO-K1 and repair-deficient CHO-xrs5), using different treatment protocols. Continuous treatment (UV + β-glucan) was not effective in reducing the DNA damage only in CHO-xrs5 cells. However, the pre-treatment protocol (β-glucan before UV exposition) was effective in reducing DNA damage only in CHO-K1 cells. In post-treatment (β-glucan after UV exposition) did not show significative anticlastogenic effects, although there was a tendency toward prevention. The data suggest that β-glucan has more than one action mechanism, being capable of exerting desmutagenic as well as bio-antimutagenic action. The findings also suggest that the presence of the xenobiotic metabolizing system can reduce the chemopreventive capacity of β-glucan. Therefore, these results indicate that β-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be used in the prevention and/or reduction of DNA damage. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Analysis of total glucosinolates and chromatographically purified benzylglucosinolate in organic and conventional vegetables

The limited availability of foods that are free of pesticides has led Brazil to search for alternative production methods to meet the desires of consumers. Currently, organic cultivation represents a production system that complies with general expectations of producers and consumers. Organic cultivation is particularly interesting mainly because of its effect on plant secondary metabolite content, which may help plants to naturally combat pests; in humans, these substances can also contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases. We report on the extraction of glucosinolates (both as total glucosinolates and as benzylglucosinolate) with trifluoroacetic acid addition in a 70:30 MeOH:water (v/v). Total glucosinolates, determined by a thioglucosidase coupled assay, were measured in different Brassicaceae species and were similar to values reported in the literature. For broccoli, analyses were carried out separately on inflorescences, leaves and stalks; analyses were also conducted on thermally processed samples to simulate cooking. Furthermore, when the analysis was conducted on conventional and organic products, the highest concentrations of these substances were most often found in organically cultivated Brassicaceae. The benzylglucosinolate concentrations were evaluated on the same samples using HPLC. The concentration of benzylglucosinolate was significantly higher in organically cultivated vegetables, as well. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.