Metabolic syndrome determinants in an urban population from Brazil: Social class and gender-specific interaction

Introduction: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by multiple cardiovascular risk factors such as central obesity, arterial hypertension, dislipidemia and hyperinsulinemia and is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality. The aim of the present work is to describe the prevalence of MS in an urban population from a highly admixed developing country and to characterize the different correlations between this diagnosis, cardiovascular risk factors and demographic variables distributed in this population. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases was performed in the urban population of Vitoria, Brazil (n= 1507). Major cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking habits, alcohol intake, amount of physical activity, diabetes and hypertension were inquired. Blood biochemical assays were performed by standard techniques in 12 h fasting blood sample and Metabolic Syndrome (MS) was characterizes following the ATP III criteria. Results: The analysis of 1507 individuals showed a 25.43% general prevalence of MS without any significant difference between sexes, but a clear relation of the prevalence with progressing age (p=<0.0001). Even though both sexes showed similar prevalence rates, distribution of risk factors that defined MS was different between men and women, with the prevalence of hypertension, fasting hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia being higher in men. Race was not an important risk factor for MS in this population as opposed to social economic class that was highly associated with the risk of MS in women as their social class was lower, but not in men. Conclusion: This cross-sectional study from a large urban population in Brazil showed a high general prevalence of MS (25.4%), which is increased as the population becomes older (especially in women) and poorer. Although prevalence was very similar in both genders, the frequency of components defining the syndrome varied greatly amongst them. In particular, a significant interaction between gender and social class was observed and may shed light in our understanding of the complex interplay between demographic and biological risk factors for metabolic syndrome. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of specific leaf nitrogen on radiation use efficiency and growth of sunflower

Specific leaf nitrogen (SLN, g/m(2)) is known to affect radiation use efficiency (RUE, g/MJ) in different crops, However, this association and importance have not been well established over a range of different nitrogen regimes for held-grown sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). An experiment was conducted to investigate different combinations and rates of applied nitrogen on SLN, RUE, and growth of sunflower, A fully irrigated crop was sown on an alluvial-prairie soil (Fluventic Haplustoll) and treated with five combinations of applied nitrogen, Greater nitrogen increased biomass, grain number, and yield, but did not affect harvest index energy-corrected for oil (0.4) or canopy extinction coefficient (0.88), Decreases in biomass accumulation under low nitrogen treatments were associated,vith reductions in leaf area index (LAI) and light interception, When SLN and RUE were examined together, both were less in the anthesis to physiological maturity period, but relatively stable between bud visible and anthesis, However, the effects of canopy SLN on RUE were confounded by high SLN in the top of the canopy and the crop maintaining SLN by reducing LAI, Measurements of leaf CO2 assimilation and theoretical analyses of RUE supported that RUE was related to SLN, The major effect of nitrogen on early growth of sunflower was mediated by leaf area and the distribution of SLN in the canopy rather than direct effects of canopy SLN on RUE alone. Greater responses of RUE to SLN are more evident later in growth, and may be related to the demand of nitrogen by the grain.

Contractions of specific abdominal muscles in postural tasks are affected by respiratory maneuvers

The influence of respiratory activity of the abdominal muscles on their reaction time in a postural task was evaluated. The electromyographic (EMG) onsets of the abdominal muscles and deltoid were evaluated in response to shoulder flexion initiated by a visual stimulus occurring at random throughout the respiratory cycle. Increased activity of the abdominal muscles was produced by inspiratory loading, forced expiration below functional residual capacity, and a static glottis-closed expulsive maneuver. During quiet breathing, the latency between activation of the abdominal muscles and deltoid was not influenced by the respiratory cycle. When respiratory activity of the abdominal muscles increased, the EMG onset of transversus abdominis and internal oblique, relative to deltoid, was significantly earlier for movements beginning in expiration, compared with inspiration [by 97-107 ms (P < 0.01) and 64-90 ms (P < 0.01), respectively]. However, the onset of transversus abdominis EMG was delayed by 31-54 ms (P < 0.01) when movement was performed during a static expulsive effort, compared with quiet respiration. Thus changes occur in early anticipatory contraction of transversus abdominis during respiratory tasks but they cannot be explained simply by existing activation of the motoneuron pool.

XPC polymorphisms play a role in tissue-specific carcinogenesis: a meta-analysis

XPC participates in the initial recognition of DNA damage during the DNA nucleotide excision repair process in global genomic repair. Polymorphisms in XPC gene have been analyzed in case-control studies to assess the cancer risk attributed to these variants, but results are conflicting. To clarify the impact of XPC polymorphisms in cancer risk, we performed a meta-analysis that included 33 published case-control studies. Polymorphisms analyzed were Lys939Gln and Ala499Val. The overall summary odds ratio (OR) for the associations of the 939Gln/Gln genotype with risk of cancer was 1.01 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.94-1.09), but there were statistically significant associations for lung cancer, observed for the recessive genetic model (Lys/Lys + Lys/Gln vs Gln/Gln), (OR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.113-1.53), whereas for breast cancer a reduced but nonsignificant risk was observed for the same model (OR 0.87; 95% CI: 0.74-1.01). The results for Ala499Val showed a significant overall increase in cancer risk (OR 1.15; 95% CI: 1.02-1.31), and for bladder cancer in both the simple genetic model (Ala/Ala vs Val/Val) (OR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.04-1.61) and the recessive genetic model (Ala/Ala + Ala/Val vs Val/Val) (OR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.06-1.63). Our meta-analysis supports that polymorphisms in XPC may represent low-penetrance susceptibility gene variants for breast, bladder, head and neck, and lung cancer. XPC is a good candidate for large-scale epidemiological case-control studies that may lead to improvement in the management of highly prevalent cancers.

Decrease in Mycobacterium tuberculosis specific immune responses in patients with untreated psoriasis living in a tuberculosis endemic area

Tuberculosis has emerged as a major concern in patients with immuno-mediated diseases, including psoriasis, undergoing treatment with biologicals. However, it is not known whether the chronically activated immune system of psoriasis patients interferes with their Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-specific immunity, especially in tuberculosis-endemic areas like Brazil. We evaluated T-cell responses to a Mtb lysate and to the recombinant Mtb proteins ESAT-6 and Ag85B of tuberculin skin test (TST) positive and TST negative patients with severe or mild/moderate, untreated psoriasis in three different assays: lymphocyte proliferation, enzyme immunoassay for interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-10 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and overnight enzyme immunospot (ELISpot) for enumerating IFN-gamma-secreting cells. In our cohort, a low proportion (29%) of the severe psoriasis patients tested were TST-positive. IFN-gamma and IL-10 secretion and T-cell proliferation to Mtb antigens were reduced in TST-negative but not in TST-positive patients with severe psoriasis when compared to healthy controls with the same TST status. Similarly, severe psoriasis patients had decreased cytokine secretion and proliferative response to phytohemagglutinin. However, most psoriasis patients and healthy controls showed detectable numbers of IFN-gamma-secreting effector-memory T-cells in response to Mtb antigens by ELISpot. TST-negative, mild/moderate psoriasis patients had responses that were mostly intermediary between TST-negative controls and severe psoriasis patients. Thus, patients with severe psoriasis possess decreased anti-Mtb central memory T-cell responses, which may lead to false-negative results in the diagnosis of TB infection, but retain T-cell memory-effector activity against Mtb antigens. We hypothesize that the latter may confer some protection against tuberculosis reactivation.

Down-regulation of the amyloid protein precursor of Alzheimer's disease by antisense oligonucleotides reduces neuronal adhesion to specific substrata

The hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is the cerebral deposition of amyloid which is derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). The function of APP is unknown but there is increasing evidence for the role of APP in cell-cell and/or cell-matrix interactions. Primary cultures of murine neurons were treated with antisense oligonucleotides to down-regulate APP. This paper presents evidence that APP mediates a substrate-specific interaction between neurons and extracellular matrix components collagen type I, laminin and heparan sulphate proteoglycan but not fibronectin or poly-L-lysine. It remains to be determined whether this effect is the direct result of APP-matrix interactions, or whether an intermediary pathway is involved. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Tube feeding with a diabetes-specific feed for 12 weeks improves glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes patients

Background and aims: Assess longer-term (12 weeks) effects of a diabetes-specific feed on postprandial glucose response, glycaemic control (HbA1c), lipid profile, (pre)-albumin, clinical course and tolerance in diabetic patients. Methods: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel group study 25 type 2 diabetic patients on tube feeding were included. Patients received a soy-protein based, multi-fibre diabetes-specific feed or isocaloric, fibre-containing standard feed for 12 weeks, while continuing on their anti-diabetic medication. At the beginning, after 6 and 12 weeks, several (glycaemic) parameters were assessed. Results: The postprandial glucose response (iAUC) to the diabetes-specific feed was lower at the 1st assessment compared with the standard feed (p = 0.008) and this difference did not change over time. HbA1c decreased over time in the diabetes-specific and not in the standard feed group (treatment*time:p = 0.034): 6.9 +/- 0.3% (mean +/- SEM) at baseline vs. 6.2 +/- 0.4% at 12 weeks in the diabetes-specific group compared to 7.9 +/- 0.3% to 8.7 +/- 0.4% in the standard feed group. No significant treatment*time effect was found for fasting glucose, insulin, (pre-) albumin or lipid profile, except for increase of HDL in the diabetes-specific group. Conclusions: The diabetes-specific feed studied significantly improved longer-term glycaemic control in diabetic patients. This was achieved in addition to on-going anti-diabetic medication and may affect clinical outcome. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism.

New Specific Equation to Estimate Resting Energy Expenditure in Severely Obese Patients

Calculating the estimated resting energy expenditure (REE) in severely obese patients is useful, but there is controversy concerning the effectiveness of available prediction equations (PE) using body weight (BW). We evaluated the efficacy of REE equations against indirect calorimetry (IC) in severely obese subjects and aimed to develop a new equation based on body composition compartments. One hundred and twenty severely obese patients had their REE measured (MREE) by IC and compared to the most commonly used PE (Harris-Benedict (HB), Ireton-Jones, Owen, and Mifflin St. Jeor). In a random sample (n = 60), a new REE equation based on fat-free mass (FFM) was developed and validated. All PE studied failed to estimate REE in severe obesity (low concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and limits of agreement of nearly 50% of the sample +/- 10% of MREE). The HB equation using actual BW exhibited good results for all samples when compared to IC (2,117 +/- 518 kcal/day by HB vs. 2,139 +/- 423 kcal/day by MREE, P > 0.01); these results were blunted when patients were separated by gender (2,771 vs. 2,586 kcal/day, P < 0.001 in males and 1,825 vs. 1,939 kcal/day, P < 0.001 in females). A new resting energy expenditure equation prediction was developed using FFM, Horie-Waitzberg, & Gonzalez, expressed as 560.43 + (5.39 x BW) + (14.14 x FFM). The new resting energy expenditure equation prediction, which uses FFM and BW, demonstrates higher accuracy, precision, CCC, and limits of agreement than the standard PE in patients when compared to MREE (2,129 +/- 45 kcal/day vs. 2,139 +/- 423 kcal/day, respectively, P = 0.1). The new equation developed to estimate REE, which takes into account both FFM and BW, provides better results than currently available equations.

The generation of H-1-NMR-detectable mobile lipid in stimulated lymphocytes: Relationship ts cellular activation, the cell cycle, and phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C

Mobile Lipids detected using H-1-NMR in stimulated lymphocytes were correlated with cell cycle phase, expression of the interleukin-2 receptor alpha and proliferation to assess the activation status of the lymphocytes. Mobile lipid levels, IL-2R alpha expression and proliferation increased after treatment with PMA and ionomycin. PMA or ionomycin stimulation alone induced increased IL-2R alpha expressiom but not proliferation, PMA- but not ionomycin-stimulation generated mobile lipid, Treatment with anti-CD3 antibody did not increase IL-2R alpha expression or proliferation but did generate increased amounts of mobile lipid, The cell cycle status of thymocytes treated with anti-CD3, PMA or ionomycin alone indicated an. accumulation of the cells in the G(1) phase of the cell cycle, The generation of mobile lipid was abrogated in anti-CD3 antibody-stimulated thymic lymphocytes but not in splenic lymphocytes, using a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) inhibitor which blocked cells in the G(1)/S phase of the cell cycle, This suggests that the H-1-NMR-detectable mobile Lipid may be generated in anti-CD3 antibody-stimulated thymic lymphocytes by the action of PC-PLC activity via the catabolism of PC, in the absence of classical signs of activation. (C) 1997 Academic Press.

Chronic hepatitis C: Hepatic fibrosis evolution after ineffective specific treatment

Background/Aims: Specific treatment of chronic hepatitis C is effective in 50% of patients, improving the]liver`s fibrosis, necroinflammatory changes and steatosis. However, in patients still viremic after treatment the extension of these benefits remains doubtful. The evolution of the disease in this group and its relationship to demographic data, biometric indices and time lapse between biopsies was evaluated. Methodology: In 141 patients, paired biopsies were classified and compared according to fibrosis grading. Necroinflammation, steatosis, demographic data (age and gender), body mass index (BMI) and time lapse between biopsies were compared with fibrosis grading. Results: The grade of fibrosis of the patients, after approximately 3.5 years time lapse between biopsies, could be classified into 4 groups; Improved: 29(20.0%), Unaltered: 64(45.0%), Worsened: 48(34%) and Cirrhotic: 14(9.93%). For necroinflammation, the Improved/Unaltered groups were statistically similar but different from the Worsened and Cirrhotic. The mean age, BMI and time lapse between biopsies were statistically similar in all groups. Steatosis occurred in 35 (24.82%) between biopsies and its incidence was reduced in the Worsened and Cirrhotic groups. Conclusions: Fibrosis turned into cirrhosis in a significant number of patients, after a short time lapse. The reverse correlation of steatosis to fibrosis and its occurrence during the time lapse between biopsies suggests it might induce hepatic necrosis and contribute to fibrogenesis.

A method to immunolabel rodent spinal cord neurons and glia for molecular study in specific laser microdissected cells involved in neurodegenerative disorders

Neuron-glia interaction is involved in physiological function of neurons, however, recent evidences have suggested glial cells as participants in neurotoxic and neurotrophic mechanisms of neurodegenerative/neuroregenerative processes. Laser microdissection offers a unique opportunity to study molecular regulation in specific immunolabeled cell types. However, an adequate protocol to allow morphological and molecular analysis of rodent spinal cord astrocyte, microglia and motoneurons remains a big challenge. In this paper we present a quick method to immunolabel those cells in flash frozen sections to be used in molecular biology analyses after laser microdissection and pressure catapulting.

Gender-Specific Differences in Fetal Cardiac Troponin T in Pregnancies Complicated by Placental Insufficiency

Background: Placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction may lead to fetal hypoxia and acidemia, which result in fetal cardiac injury. Objective: The goal of this study was to compare the levels of fetal cardiac troponin T (cTnT) at birth and fetal Doppler parameters according to fetal gender in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency before 34 weeks` gestation. Methods: Between March 2007 and November 2010, singleton pregnancies with placental insufficiency characterized by abnormal umbilical artery Doppler results were prospectively studied. All the patients delivered by cesarean section, and Doppler examinations were performed up to 48 hours before birth. Immediately after delivery, umbilical artery blood samples were obtained for fetal cTnT measurements. Results: Fifty high-risk pregnant women met the study criteria. The study groups were as follows: group 1 consisted of 23 male fetuses (46%) and group 2 consisted of 27 female fetuses (54%). cTnT levels were significantly higher in the group of male fetuses (median, 0.14; range, 0.01-0.85) compared with the group of female fetuses (median, 0.05; range, 0.01-0.27) (P = 0.039). In the group of male fetuses, Doppler results of the ductus venosus assessment revealed values of pulsatility index for veins >= 1.0 in 15 male fetuses (65.2%) and 9 female fetuses (33.3%) (P = 0.032). Conclusions: Fetal gender was associated with cTnT level at birth in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency before 34 weeks` gestation, although the Doppler findings did not support gender differences. The fetal cardiac compromise and cardiac injury may be influenced by fetal gender, suggesting differences in the cardiovascular response to fetal hypoxia. (Gend Med. 2011;8:202-208) (C) 2011 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of cannabis use in Brazil: Data from the I Brazilian National Alcohol Survey (BNAS)

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of cannabis use in the last 12 months in the Brazilian population and to examine its association with individual and geographic characteristics. Design: Cross-sectional survey with a national probabilistic sample. Participants: 3006 individuals aged 14 to 65 years. Measurements: Questionnaire based on well established instruments, adapted to the Brazilian population. Findings: The 12-month prevalence of cannabis use was 2.1% (95%Cl 1.3-2.9). Male gender, better educational level, unemployment and living in the regions South and Southeast were independently associated with higher 12-month prevalence of cannabis use. Conclusion: While the prevalence of cannabis use in Brazil is lower than in many countries, the profile of those who are more likely to have used it is similar. Educational and prevention policies should be focused on specific population groups. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Sex-Specific Association between a 15q25 Variant and Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancers

Background: Sequence variants located at 15q25 have been associated with lung cancer and propensity to smoke. We recently reported an association between rs16969968 and risk of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers (oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and esophagus) in women (OR = 1.24, P = 0.003) with little effect in men (OR = 1.04, P = 0.35). Methods: In a coordinated genotyping study within the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) consortium, we have sought to replicate these findings in an additional 4,604 cases and 6,239 controls from 10 independent UADT cancer case-control studies. Results: rs16969968 was again associated with UADT cancers in women (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.08-1.36, P = 0.001) and a similar lack of observed effect in men [OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.95-1.09, P = 0.66; P-heterogeneity (P(het)) = 0.01]. In a pooled analysis of the original and current studies, totaling 8,572 UADT cancer cases and 11,558 controls, the association was observed among females (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.12-1.34, P = 7 x 10(-6)) but not males (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97-1.08, P = 0.35; P(het) = 6 x 10(-4)). There was little evidence for a sex difference in the association between this variant and cigarettes smoked per day, with male and female rs16969968 variant carriers smoking approximately the same amount more in the 11,991 ever smokers in the pooled analysis of the 14 studies (P(het) = 0.86). Conclusions: This study has confirmed a sex difference in the association between the 15q25 variant rs16969968 and UADT cancers. Impact: Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these observations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(4); 658-64. (C) 2011 AACR.