Avaliação da frequência alimentar, perfil nutricional e antropométrico de adolescentes

To evaluate food frequency and verify the association with nutritional and anthropometric profile in adolescents. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected, as well as a three-day food record to identify food frequency, whether or not breakfast was served and the average consumption of dairy products and ultra-processed foods. Sixty-three adolescents aged 14 to 16 years, mostly females (61.9%), participated in the study. In none of the associations it was possible to identify significant differences, however it was observed: consumption of ≥4 meals a day present in 60.3% of the adolescents, being linked to overweight; low consumption of dairy products in both genders and high consumption of ultra-processed foods among younger people. The breakfast variable did not establish an association with the nutritional status of the sample. There was no relation found between food frequency and the nutritional and anthropometric profile in adolescents. However, further studies should be encouraged.

Female rats are more susceptible to metabolic effects of dehydroepiandrosterone treatment

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone that presents several effects on metabolism; however, most of the studies have been performed on male animals, while few authors have investigated possible sex differences regarding the metabolic effects of DHEA. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of DHEA on metabolic parameters of male and ovariectomized female Wistar rats. Sex differences were found in the metabolism of distinct substrates and in relation to the effect of DHEA. In respect to the glucose metabolism in the liver, the conversion of glucose to CO₂ and the synthesis of lipids from glucose were 53% and 33% higher, respectively, in males. Also, DHEA decreased hepatic lipogenesis only in females. Regarding the hepatic glycogen synthesis pathway, females presented 73% higher synthesis than males, and the effect of DHEA was observed only in females, where it decreased this parameter. In the adipose tissue, glucose uptake was 208% higher in females and DHEA decreased this parameter. In the muscle, glucose uptake was 168% higher in females and no DHEA effect was observed. In summary, males and females present a different metabolic profile, with females being more susceptible to the metabolic effects of DHEA.

Acute intraperitoneal administration of taurine decreases the glycemia and reduces food intake in type 1 diabetic rats

Taurine, an amino acid with antioxidant and osmoregulatory properties, has been studied for its possible antidiabetic properties in type 1 and type 2 diabetic animals. In type 2 diabetic mice, taurine decreases blood glucose through increased insulin secretion and insulin receptor sensitization. However, insulin is absent in type 1 diabetic individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of taurine on parameters related to the energy balance that could explain the metabolic action of this amino acid in type 1 diabetic rats. Control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received saline or taurine (100 mg/kg/day), intraperitoneally, for 30 days. Parameters such as palatable food intake, gastrointestinal transit rate, serum glucose, insulin, leptin, and glucagon levels were measured 60 min after the last taurine administration. Liver, kidneys, heart, and retroperitoneal fat were dissected and weighted. Glycogen levels were measured in the liver and soleus muscle. Our results showed that acute taurine administration decreased glycemia. It also decreased food intake in diabetic rats, without affecting other metabolic parameters. Altogether, our results suggest that in type 1 diabetic rats, taurine decreases blood glucose by a non-insulin-dependent mechanism. Due to the safety profile of taurine, and its effect on glycemia, this amino acid may help to design new drugs to add benefit to insulin therapy in type 1 diabetic individuals.

Sex-specific effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on glucose metabolism in the CNS

DHEA is a neuroactive steroid, due to its modulatory actions on the central nervous system (CNS). DHEA is able to regulate neurogenesis, neurotransmitter receptors and neuronal excitability, function, survival and metabolism. The levels of DHEA decrease gradually with advancing age, and this decline has been associated with age related neuronal dysfunction and degeneration, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of endogenous DHEA. There are significant sex differences in the pathophysiology, epidemiology and clinical manifestations of many neurological diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether DHEA can alter glucose metabolism in different structures of the CNS from male and female rats, and if this effect is sex-specific. The results showed that DHEA decreased glucose uptake in some structures (cerebral cortex and olfactory bulb) in males, but did not affect glucose uptake in females. When compared, glucose uptake in males was higher than females. DHEA enhanced the glucose oxidation in both males (cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb, hippocampus and hypothalamus) and females (cerebral cortex and olfactory bulb), in a sex-dependent manner. In males, DHEA did not affect synthesis of glycogen, however, glycogen content was increased in the cerebral cortex and olfactory bulb. DHEA modulates glucose metabolism in a tissue-, dose- and sex-dependent manner to increase glucose oxidation, which could explain the previously described neuroprotective role of this hormone in some neurodegenerative diseases.

Sex-related differences in the effects of high-fat diets on DHEA-treated rats

Several studies have investigated the beneficial effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on lipid and glucose metabolism. However, many of these studies are inconclusive about the effects of DHEA administration on metabolic disorders, and there appear to be sex-related differences in the effects of DHEA treatment. Few animal studies have addressed the effects of DHEA on diet-induced metabolic disorders. The present study sought to ascertain whether sex differences exist in the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) on weight gain, adiposity, and biochemical and hormonal parameters in DHEA-treated rats. Rats were fed a HFD for 4 weeks and simultaneously received treatment with DHEA (10 mg/kg by subcutaneous injection) once weekly. Body weight, retroperitoneal fat depot weight, serum glucose, insulin, and leptin levels, and hepatic lipids were measured. HFD exposure increased the adiposity index in both sexes, the hepatic triglyceride content in both sexes, and the hepatic total cholesterol level in males. Moreover, the HFD induced an increase in blood glucose levels in both sexes, and hyperinsulinemia in males. In this experimental model, DHEA treatment reduced hepatic triglyceride levels only in females, regardless of HFD exposure. Exposure to a HFD, even if it does not cause obesity, may enhance risk factors for metabolic disorders, and males are more sensitive to this effect. DHEA treatment can help prevent metabolic derangements, but its effect varies with sex.

Methylglyoxal alters glucose metabolism and increases AGEs content in C6 glioma cells

Methylglyoxal is a dicarbonyl compound that is physiologically produced by enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions. It can lead to cytotoxicity, which is mainly related to Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) formation. Methylglyoxal and AGEs are involved in the pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases (ND) and, in these situations, can cause the impairment of energetic metabolism. Astroglial cells play critical roles in brain metabolism and the appropriate functioning of astrocytes is essential for the survival and function of neurons. However, there are only a few studies evaluating the effect of methylglyoxal on astroglial cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of methylglyoxal exposure, over short (1 and 3 h) and long term (24 h) periods, on glucose, glycine and lactate metabolism in C6 glioma cells, as well as investigate the glyoxalase system and AGEs formation. Glucose uptake and glucose oxidation to CO(2) increased in 1 h and the conversion of glucose to lipids increased at 3 h. In addition, glycine oxidation to CO(2) and conversion of glycine to lipids increased at 1 h, whereas the incorporation of glycine in proteins decreased at 1 and 3 h. Methylglyoxal decreased glyoxalase I and II activities and increased AGEs content within 24 h. Lactate oxidation and lactate levels were not modified by methylglyoxal exposure. These data provide evidence that methylglyoxal may impair glucose metabolism and can affect glyoxalase activity. In periods of increased methylglyoxal exposure, such alterations could be exacerbated, leading to further increases in intracellular methylglyoxal and AGEs, and therefore triggering and/or worsening ND.

The effects of hypercaloric diets on glucose homeostasis in the rat: influence of saturated and monounsaturated dietary lipids

Consumption of energy-dense/high-fat diets is strongly and positively associated with overweight and obesity, which are associated with increase in the prevalence of certain chronic diseases. We evaluated the effect of hypercaloric/fat or normocaloric diets on some biochemical parameters in rats. Seventy-two rats were divided into four groups that were fed for 16 weeks with diets: normocaloric [9.12% soy oil, normocaloric soy oil (NSO)], hypercaloric olive oil [43.8% olive oil, hypercaloric olive oil (HOO)], hypercaloric saturated fat [43.8% saturated fat, hypercaloric saturated fat (HSF)] and normocaloric saturated fat [43.8% saturated fat, normocaloric saturated fat (NSF)]. HSF rats consumed more calories daily than the others and gained more retroperitoneal fat, although HSF and HOO rats had higher body weight. In liver, glycogen synthesis and concentration were higher in rats HSF and NSF. In plasma, total cholesterol (TC) levels were higher in HSF rats than in the others, and triacylglycerol (TAG) levels were lower in HOO and higher in HSF rats in relation to the others. In liver, TC and TAG were elevated in HSF, NSF and HOO rats. Paraoxonase 1 activity, which is related to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and has anti-atherogenic role was lower in rats HSF. In HOO rats, glucose tolerance test was altered, but insulin tolerance test was normal. These results suggest that consumption of energy-dense/high-fat diets, both saturated or monounsaturated, causes damaging effects. However, more studies are necessary to understand the mechanisms by which these diets cause the metabolic alterations observed.

Auditoria Médica: atendimento de crianças com asma em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família, Pelotas, RS

Descrição do processo de atendimento médico às crianças com asma, mediante auditoria realizada concomitantemente a estudo transversal, conduzido em crianças da área de cobertura de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família, para verificar a prevalência de asma e avaliar o conhecimento materno sobre a doença. Utilizaram-se como fonte de dados os prontuários de família das crianças com asma que se consultaram nos últimos 12 meses. Das 258 crianças com asma identificadas no estudo, 69 (26,7%) tinham registros de consultas devido à doença. Havia registros de peso em 76,8% dos prontuários, de frequência respiratória em 26,1%, de tiragem intercostal em 21,7%, de cianose em 1,4% e de orientações sobre o uso da medicação em 33,3%. A frequência de registros de orientações sobre os sinais e sintomas de gravidade e o manejo das crises foi de 15,9% e sobre os fatores desencadeantes, modificações ambientais e comportamentais, 14,5%. Foram encontrados registros de prescrição de broncodilatador para 55,1% das crianças, e de corticoesteroide mais broncodilatador para 42,0%. Os baixos percentuais de registros sobre orientações evidenciam as deficiências no atendimento médico realizado na Unidade de Saúde da Família, sobretudo no que se refere à educação em saúde.

[Lower back pain in health insurance policyholders: prevalence and associated factors]

A cross-sectional study was conducted with individuals of both sexes (20-59 years of age), all covered by the COOPERSINOS Health Care Plan of Vale do Rio dos Sinos University. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of lower back pain and associated factors in the previous three months. A self-applied questionnaire included socioeconomic, demographic, occupational, and lifestyle questions. Prevalence of lower back pain among the 775 individuals was 52.8% in the previous year (95%CI: 49.3-56.3) and 46% in the previous three months (95%CI: 42.5-49.5). Poisson regression for lower back pain in the previous 90 days showed an association with: (1) age 40-49 years; (2) self-reported strenuous or difficult work; and (3) smoking. Despite the high prevalence of lower back pain and difficulty in performing work activities, the pain was not disabling. Although 29.9% of workers reported some difficulty in performing their daily or work-related activities due to lower back pain, absenteeism was quite low.