Insuficiência de vitamina D e fatores associados: um estudo com idosos assistidos por serviços de atenção básica à saúde

VDR, SOD-2, and CYP24A1 Gene Expression in Different Genotypes of BsmI SNP of the Vitamin D Receptor Gene in Individuals with Hypovitaminosis

BACKGROUND

Hypovitaminosis D is a public health problem due to its implications for various diseases. Vitamin D has numerous functions, such as modulating the metabolism of cellular tissues, and it is expressed through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene that may influence gene expression modulation, which plays an important role in vitamin D metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of the genotypes of BsmI single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the VDR gene on VDR, SOD2, and CYP24A1 gene expression in individuals with low serum vitamin D levels.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional analytical study. After signing the informed consent form, individuals were invited to participate and answered a structured questionnaire with identification data. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis, and vitamin D was measured by chemiluminescence; BsmI polymorphism was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays with TaqMan allelic discrimination, and gene expression was conducted by qRT-PCR using QuantiFast SYBR® Green PCR Master Mix. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 software, and differences were considered significant at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

98 individuals with vitamin D ≤ 20 ng/dL were evaluated, and the BsmI SNP of the VDR gene showed CYP24A1 overexpression and low SOD2 expression.

CONCLUSION

BsmI SNP of the VDR gene can modulate the expression of the genes evaluated without interfering with serum levels.

Factors associated with added sugar consumption of older adults from the region of Campinas-SP, Brazil

Adequate nutrition has a profound impact on older adults' health. Therefore, special attention should be given to the dietetic intake of added sugars, which in excess is associated with poorer control of chronic diseases in this phase. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of consumption of added sugars in older adults in the Campinas-SP region, its associated factors, and its main dietary sources. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the region of Campinas-SP, with a convenience sample of 586 older individuals. Intake was obtained using two 24-hour food recalls, and values >5% of total energy consumption were considered inadequate. The contribution of the groups and foods in relation to the total content of sugars was also calculated. A critical level of p<0.05 was considered. The average intake of added sugars was higher than recommended (7.0%), and this inadequacy was observed in more than half of the sample, being table sugar and honey the main dietary sources. The prevalence of inadequate consumption was higher among women (69.8%; p=0.004) and individuals with low weight (83.7%; p=0.014), and lower in those with diabetes (47.8%; p<0.001). Results indicate that health and nutrition actions should be developed to ensure adequate sugar intake at this stage.

Association between zinc deficiency and cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults

This is a cross-sectional study evaluating the association between zinc deficiency and cognitive decline in 591 community-dwelling older adults living in the cities of Campinas, Limeira, and Piracicaba-SP. Cognitive status was evaluated using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument-CASI-S, considering a decline for scores <23 for those aged 60-69 and <20 for those aged ≥70 years. Among the evaluated cognitive domains, older adults with zinc deficiency had significantly lower mean scores on the memory test (p=0.018). For zinc deficiency, values below 70 µg/dL were considered for women and 74 µg/dL for men. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 3.9%, and cognitive deficit was 9.4%, being significantly higher in those with zinc deficiency compared with those with normal serum zinc concentrations. In adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis, the factors that remained associated with cognitive decline were zinc deficiency (OR=3.80; 95%CI=1.30-11.12), low schooling level (OR=3.12; 95%CI=1.49-6.50), lack of a partner (OR=1.88; 95%CI=1.04-3.42), risk of malnutrition (OR=3.98; 95%CI=2.36-6.71), and a history of encephalic vascular accident (OR=2.70; 95%CI=1.04-6.98). Zinc deficiency was associated with the presence of cognitive decline in older adults. Actions in primary health care are necessary to prevent the deficiency of this nutrient.

Association between zinc deficiency and cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults

Abstract This is a cross-sectional study evaluating the association between zinc deficiency and cognitive decline in 591 community-dwelling older adults living in the cities of Campinas, Limeira, and Piracicaba-SP. Cognitive status was evaluated using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument-CASI-S, considering a decline for scores <23 for those aged 60-69 and <20 for those aged ≥70 years. Among the evaluated cognitive domains, older adults with zinc deficiency had significantly lower mean scores on the memory test (p=0.018). For zinc deficiency, values below 70 µg/dL were considered for women and 74 µg/dL for men. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 3.9%, and cognitive deficit was 9.4%, being significantly higher in those with zinc deficiency compared with those with normal serum zinc concentrations. In adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis, the factors that remained associated with cognitive decline were zinc deficiency (OR=3.80; 95%CI=1.30-11.12), low schooling level (OR=3.12; 95%CI=1.49-6.50), lack of a partner (OR=1.88; 95%CI=1.04-3.42), risk of malnutrition (OR=3.98; 95%CI=2.36-6.71), and a history of encephalic vascular accident (OR=2.70; 95%CI=1.04-6.98). Zinc deficiency was associated with the presence of cognitive decline in older adults. Actions in primary health care are necessary to prevent the deficiency of this nutrient.