Anaemia among school children of different socioeconomical status in a city of Southern Brazil

Background: Iron deficiency is one of the leading causes of anaemia, with those most affected being children and women of childbearing age, in Brazil there is a scarcity of studies involving the local prevalence of anaemia. Aim: To evaluate anaemia and associated factors in schoolchildren in Santa Cruz do Sul through the analysis of biochemical and haematological markers and parasitological examination of faeces. Subjects and methods: School children from 10 to 12 years of age were evaluated through complete blood count, serum ferritin, C-reactive protein and stool parasitological examination, as well as socio-demographic characteristics and prophylaxis with ferrous sulphate in childhood. Results: It was found that 13.0% of the population was anaemic, girls were very slightly overrepresented among the anaemic children. Only 5.3% had altered haematocrit levels; 26.6% had low Mean Corpuscular Volume levels; 18.4% had low ferritin levels; 2.4% had increased C-reactive protein levels, and 21.7% had altered eosinophils. As for the socioeconomic level, classes A2 and D presented lower haemoglobin levels, as well as class D presenting lower ferritin levels, although without statistical significance. Only 6.0% of the population presented iron-deficiency anaemia and 46.0% of the schoolchildren had used ferrous sulphate supplementation in childhood. Conclusion: The prevalence of anaemia in the studied municipality is low, probably due to the high municipal human development index. Epidemiological studies are essential to characterise the population in a systematic form, to prevent future problems.

Longitudinal relationship between screen time, cardiorespiratory fitness, and waist circumference of children and adolescents: a 3-year cohort study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine the interaction between screen time and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in their longitudinal association with waist circumference (WC) during a follow-up of 3 years from childhood to adolescence.

METHODS

Observational 3-year longitudinal study with 401 students (224 females), seven to 15 years of age at baseline. The CRF was evaluated by estimating peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) from an indirect field-based test and body mass index. Screen time was assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Moderation analyses were tested using a multiple linear regression model with adjustments for sex, age, puberty stage, and ethnicity.

RESULTS

A statistically significant interaction term was observed (B = -0.0003; 95% CI: -0.007; -0.0001). Since screen time was contextualized as the independent variable, the results show that relationship between screen time and WC varies across different CRF levels.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that higher CRF can attenuate the harmful association that increased sedentary behavior might have on abdominal adiposity.

Association between the use of muscle-building supplements and DNA damage in resistance training practitioners

OBJECTIVES

Little is known about the relationship between the supplements used for sport and safety, especially regarding the induction of genotoxicity. Therefore, more knowledge about a DNA damage possibly caused using sport supplements is necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between the use of muscle-building supplements and DNA damage in resistance training practitioners.

METHODS

Muscle-building supplements were classified into three categories based on evidence of efficacy and safety: Strong Evidence to Support Efficacy and Apparently Safe (SESEAS); Limited or Mixed Evidence to Support Efficacy (LMESE), and Little to No Evidence to Support Efficacy and/or Safety (LNESES). DNA damage was evaluated by the comet assay (DNA damage index and frequency) and buccal micronucleus by the cytome assay (micronuclei and nuclear buds). In the sequence, the adjusted analysis of covariance was performed. This study included 307 individuals ages 37.99 ± 13.95 y (52.1% men), of which 157 consumed supplements.

RESULTS

The results of the comet assay revealed that participants who used supplements had higher DNA damage indexes (P = 0.018) and damage frequency (P = 0.045) than those who reported using no supplements. Moreover, the comet assay also indicated that the participants who used supplements classified into the SESEAS category presented the highest DNA damage index (P = 0.025) and frequency (P = 0.044) compared with those who used no supplements. However, we found no significant difference in the micronuclei and nuclear buds in the evaluated groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Supplement use is not associated with permanent damage, suggesting that SESEAS supplements are safe for consumption.

The moderating role of macronutrient intake in relation to body composition and genotoxicity: A study with gym users

In a cross-sectional study of gymnasium users (both sexes, ages = 41.9 ± 14.8 years), we examined the moderating role of macronutrient intake in relation to body composition and genotoxicity. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate characteristics of the participants. To assess macronutrient consumption, we used 24-h food recalls on three non-consecutive days. Body composition (body fat percentage and muscle mass) was evaluated with a bioimpedance scale. Genotoxicity was assessed with the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Multiple linear regression models were applied, adjusting for age; sex; tobacco and alcohol consumption; and (with regard to exercise habits) frequency, training time, intensity, and types. Micronucleus frequency was directly associated with body fat and inversely associated with muscle mass. Our study shows that carbohydrate and fat intakes affect body fat percentage and micronucleus frequency in gymnasium users.

Iron supplementation does not aggravate impaired glucose tolerance and sugar overload-induced genotoxicity in rats

High sugar intake is a major risk factor for metabolic disorders. Genotoxicity is an important factor in diabetes onset, and iron (Fe) may be an aggravating element. However, this relationship is still poorly established. Thus, this study evaluated whether Fe supplementation could aggravate obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and sugar overload-induced genotoxicity in rats. A total of 24 rats were treated with different diets: standard diet (SD, n = 8), invert sugar overload (320 g/L, HSD, n = 8), or Fe plus invert sugar overload (2.56 mg/L of Fe²⁺, Fe-HSD, n = 8) for four months. After treatment, the Fe-HSD group showed no excessive weight gain or impaired glucose tolerance. DNA damage in blood, as assessed by comet assay, gradually increased in HSD during treatment (p < 0.001), whereas Fe-HSD showed a nonlinear increase in DNA damage. Moreover, Fe-HSD presented 0.6-fold more DNA damage compared with SD (p = 0.0055) in the 1st month of treatment. At months 2 and 3, results show a ≥ 1.4-fold increase in HSD and Fe-HSD DNA damage, respectively, compared with SD (p < 0.01). At the end of the experiment, only HSD DNA damage differed from SD (1.5-fold more, p = 0.0196). Fe supplementation did not aggravate the invert sugar-induced DNA damage (p > 0.05). In the pancreas, results showed no differences in DNA damage. Mutagenicity, evaluated by micronucleus testing, was not observed regardless of treatment (p = 0.428). Fe supplementation, in the evaluated concentration, did not aggravate weight gain, impaired glucose tolerance, and sugar overload-induced genotoxicity in rats.

DNA DAMAGE AND OTHER NUCLEAR ANOMALIES AMONG GYM USERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN BRAZIL AND SPAIN

Populations from different countries may present different cellular modifications among themselves, and the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay in human buccal mucosal tissue may be a marker to evaluate these modifications. This study evaluated and compared DNA damage and other nuclear anomalies between Brazilian and Spanish gym users. This is a cross-sectional study carried out with gym users of Santa Cruz do Sul/Brazil and Madrid/Spain. The BMCyt assay was performed for biomarkers of DNA damage (micronuclei and/or nuclear buds), cytokinetic defects (binucleated cells), proliferative potential (basal cell frequency) and/or cell death (condensed chromatin, karyorrhexis, pyknotic and karyolytic cells) in human buccal mucosal. Of the 228 individuals evaluated, 163 were Brazilian, and 65 were Spanish. Gym users of both countries differed between weight, body mass index, body fat, and muscle mass. The Brazilians presented a significantly higher frequency of micronuclei, nuclear buds, cells with condensed chromatin and karyorrhexis. Spaniards, however presented a significantly higher frequency of karyolytic cells. In conclusion, Brazilian gym users presented significantly higher rates of DNA damage and cell death, while the Spanish presented a higher frequency of advanced stage cell death.

Micronuclei frequency and renal function markers in gym members: The moderating role of supplement intake

This research investigates the moderating role of dietary supplement intake in the relationship between MNi frequency and renal markers in gym members. A cross-sectional study was carried out with gym members of all sexes, between 20 and 59 years of age, with data on supplement use obtained via questionnaire. Renal markers (urea and creatinine) were assessed by blood collection. Buccal mucosa cells were collected to assess MNi frequency by buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Moderation was tested using multiple linear regression models by PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results showed significant interactions for supplement use (p = 0.001) and supplement type, ergogenic (p = 0.003) and sports food (p = 0.003), with MNi for urea. For creatinine, only supplement use showed interaction with MNi frequency (p = 0.048). In conclusion, supplement intake is a moderator in the relationship between MNi frequency and renal function markers in gym members.

Metabolic risk is associated with sociodemographic characteristics in adolescents from both rural and urban regions from southern Brazil

Background

The prevalence of several cardiovascular metabolic disorders are increasingly cause for concern in adolescents worldwide. Given the complex interrelations between metabolic risk (MR) and sociodemographic variables, the present study aims to examine the association between the presence of MR with sociodemographic characteristics (sex, skin color, residential area, and parental socioeconomic status) in adolescents from Southern Brazil.

Methods

Cross-sectional study conducted with 1,152 adolescents (507 males) aged between 12 and 17 years. MR was assessed using a continuous score (cMetS; sum of Z-scores of the following variables: waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C, inverse], triglycerides [TG], and estimated cardiorespiratory fitness [CRF, inverse]). Poisson regression was used to examine associations between sociodemographic variables with the dichotomized cMetS and separate metabolic variables. The results were expressed with prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The presence of MR (evaluated by the cMetS) was observed in 8.7% of adolescents. Higher MR was less prevalent among non-white adolescents (PR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93; 0.99). Adolescents living in rural areas had a lower prevalence of the following metabolic variables; low HDL-C (PR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.94; 0.97), elevated TG (PR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92; 0.99), elevated glucose (PR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.95; 0.98), and low CRF levels (PR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.85; 0.92). Whereas, SBP was higher in those living in rural areas (PR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05; 1.17). In girls, there was a higher prevalence of raised TG (PR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02; 1.10) and lower levels of CRF (PR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.16; 1.24), but a lower prevalence of elevated glucose (PR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.97; 0.99).

Conclusion

Higher MR prevalence was lower in those self-reporting non-white skin color and selected MR factors were less prevalent in those living in rural areas. The identification of groups at higher MR is important for early prevention and monitoring strategies for both Type 2 diabetes and later cardiovascular disease. Future studies should be conducted to assess the socio-cultural aspects of the relationships between MR and socio-cultural and lifestyle variables.

Cardiorespiratory fitness, screen time and cardiometabolic risk in South Brazilian school children

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is considered a beneficial effect of physical activity (PA). PA and excessive screen time have implications for cardiometabolic risk. Objective: To verify the association between screen time and CRF grouped by cardiometabolic risk factors. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional study evaluated 1,253 schoolchildren (54.2% girls) aged seven to 17 years from southern Brazil. The outcomes were body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, glucose, and lipid profile. Exposure was a combined variable of self-reported screen time (television, video game, computer) and CRF. Results: The main result is that CRF had a more consistent association with anthropometric factors than with metabolic variables. Low CRF students, regardless of screen time, showed a 15% increase in the risk of elevated WC (p < 0.001) and a 24% (<2h screen time) and 19% (≥2h) higher risk of overweight (p < 0.001). Second, the increase in SBP was associated with a combination of the two risk factors, ≥2h screen time/low CRF was associated with a 7% increase in elevated SBP (p = 0.025). Conclusion: Low CRF was a risk factor for elevated BMI and WC, regardless of screen time. High screen time and low CRF were associated with higher SBP values.

NÍVEL DE ESTRESSE PERCEBIDO E INSTABILIDADE GENÔMICA ENTRE OS USUÁRIOS DE ACADEMIA

O estresse e a prática de exercícios físicos, implicam em diversos desfechos à saúde dos indivíduos, dentre eles as alterações celulares. O ensaio de citoma de micronúcleo bucal (BMCyt) é um biomarcador amplamente utilizado para avaliar os impactos das características de estilo de vida como níveis de estresse sobre alterações nucleares. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e relacionar o nível de estresse percebido com a ocorrência de dano no DNA e outras anormalidades nucleares/celulares em praticantes de academia. Estudo transversal descritivo, realizado com 116 praticantes de academia de Madrid, Espanha. Um questionário foi utilizado para avaliar o nível de estresse percebido e o BMCyt foi utilizado para avaliar a de dano no DNA e outras anormalidades nucleares/celulares. Dos 116 indivíduos avaliados, 54,3% relataram estar às vezes estressados. Não houve diferença significativa em relação ao nível de estresse relatado e os biomarcadores de dano no DNA (células com micronúcleos ou brotos nucleares), potencial proliferativo (frequência de células basais) e de morte celular (células com cromatina condensada, cariorréxicas, cariolíticas e picnóticas) (p>0,05). Contudo, os praticantes de academia que relataram estar quase sempre/excessivamente estressados apresentaram significativamente menor frequência de células binucleadas (biomarcador de defeitos citogenéticos) em relação aos indivíduos que relataram estar raramente estressados (p=0,008). Nossos resultados mostraram que a maioria dos praticantes de academia relataram estar às vezes estressados. Entretanto, verificou-se que os praticantes de academia que relataram estar quase sempre/excessivamente estressados apresentaram menor frequência de células binucleadas.

Food Consumption is Associated with Hyperuricemia in Boys

INTRODUCTION

Hyperuricemia is related to health issues among children and adolescents, once the uric acid concentration is associated with metabolic syndrome, hypertension, insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia. However, few studies are addressing uric acid levels and food uptake in this age group.

AIM

To verify the association between food consumption and uric acid in children and adolescents.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study developed with 2335 children and adolescents of both genders aged 6-17 years old. Blood collection was performed after 12 h of fasting. Uric acid values were classified according to tertiles, in which the highest tertile was considered as hyperuricemia. Food consumption was evaluated by weekly consumption frequency questionnaire. Pearson correlation and logistic binary regressions were used for statistical analysis. Models were adjusted for age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and skin color/ethnicity.

RESULTS

It was found an association between red meat consumption and hyperuricemia only in boys in the crude model (OR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.12; 2.18). Also, there was an association between pasta (OR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.11; 2.10) with hyperuricemia in boys, when adjusted age, systolic blood pressure, BMI, and skin color/ethnicity.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge of food patterns which are predisposing factors for the increase in serum uric acid levels is important for the implementation of strategies and public health policies for health promotion among children and adolescents.

Biochemical profile, eating habits, and telomere length among Brazilian children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

Lifestyle, obesity, and eating habits are emerging as determinants for the instability of telomeres. The increase in childhood and adolescent obesity and the association of biochemical profiles and dietary components with telomere length (TL) makes it an important issue in nutritional research. The aim of the present study was to investigate TL and its association with ethnic background, adiposity, clinical and biochemical parameters, and dietary patterns among Brazilian children and adolescents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study encompassing 981 children and adolescents between 7 and 17 y of age was performed. Dietary intake habits, anthropometry, and clinical data were collected. TL analysis was performed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Children presented significantly longer TL than adolescents (P = 0.046). Participants who self-declared as black, mulatto, or brown (P < 0.001) also showed longer TL than those who were white. Regarding biochemical parameters, individuals with altered glucose levels had shorter TL than normoglycemic participants in the total sample (P = 0.014). Such difference remained statistically significant in adolescents (P = 0.019). Participants who reported eating fruits and vegetables regularly had longer TL than those who did not (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that both biochemical parameters and the intake of antioxidant-rich food, such as fruits and vegetables, are associated with the stability of telomere biology among young Brazilians.

Relationship between Dyslipidemia, Cultural Factors, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Schoolchildren

BACKGROUND

The presence of dyslipidemia and behavioral aspects are determinants of cardiovascular risk, especially in childhood and adolescence.

OBJECTIVE

To verify possible relationships between dyslipidemia, cultural factors, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in schoolchildren.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated a sample of 1,254 children and adolescents between the ages of 7 and 17 from the South of Brazil, 686 of whom were female. Dyslipidemia was defined as increased levels of at least one of the following lipid profile parameters: triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and fractions of high (HDL-c) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c). Cultural aspects were evaluated by a self-reported questionnaire. Data were analyzed by logistic regression, considering the odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) at 95%.

RESULTS

The results revealed a high prevalence of dyslipidemia (41.9%), which was associated with female sex (OR: 1.56; IC: 1.24-1.96) and overweight/obese status (OR: 1.55; IC: 1.20-2.00). When lipid profile parameters were evaluated separately, high levels of LDL-c were observed to be associated with sedentary school transport (OR: 1.59; IC: 1.20-2.09). Schoolchildren who were overweight/obese had higher chances of elevated levels of TC (OR: 1.40; IC: 1.07-1.84) and TG (OR: 3.21; IC: 1.96-5.26). HDL-c was shown to be related to high television time (OR: 1.59; IC: 1.00-2.54).

CONCLUSION

Alterations in lipid parameters are associated with cultural factors, especially those related to sedentary lifestyle and low levels of CRF.

High urate concentration is associated with elevated blood pressure in schoolchildren

Background Studies in adults have shown a relationship between high blood pressure and hyperuricemia, but few studies have investigated this association in children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to associate urate concentration with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in schoolchildren. Methods This cross-sectional study used a sample of 2335 schoolchildren in basic education between 7 and 17 years old. Blood pressure was classified by percentile according to Brazilian parameters for sex and age, reclassified into two categories: normal and borderline/hypertension. Blood collection to obtain serum for urate concentration analysis was performed after a 12-h fast. Values above 5.5 mg/dL were considered hyperuricemia. Descriptive data were presented in frequency and percentage. Linear regression and Poisson regression (prevalence ratio [PR]) was used to test the association between urate concentration and blood pressure. Results Urate concentration was weakly associated with SBP (β: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02-0.08) and DBP (β: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01-0.05) z-scores. Schoolchildren with hyperuricemia had a higher prevalence of high SBP (PR: 1.12; p<0.001) and DBP (PR: 1.08; p<0.001). Conclusions Elevated urate concentration is associated with altered blood pressure in schoolchildren.

AVALIAÇÃO DA INGESTÃO DE VITAMINA D E CÁLCIO EM INDIVÍDUOS PRÉ-DIABÉTICOS E SUA RELAÇÃO COM A ESTABILIDADE GENÔMICA

Avaliar a ingestão de vitamina D e cálcio em indivíduos pré-diabéticos e verificar sua relação com a estabilidade genômica. Estudo transversal, com 51 indivíduos pré-diabéticos. A ingestão de vitamina D e cálcio foi determinada no programa DietWin® e a avaliação da prevalência de inadequação dos nutrientes foi classificada de acordo com as recomendações das Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). O ensaio de citoma de micronúcleos com bloqueio de citocinese (CBMN) e o ensaio cometa foram utilizados para avaliar a estabilidade genômica. A prevalência de inadequação de vitamina D e cálcio foi de 94,1% e 86,3%, respectivamente. O consumo de vitamina D associou-se à ingestão de cálcio (r=0,66 e p

Comparison between different criteria for metabolic syndrome in schoolchildren from southern Brazil

The metabolic syndrome (MetS), although more frequent in adults, is already evident in the infant-juvenile population. On the other hand, there are different criteria for the diagnosis, without a consensus of which is the best to be used in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between different criteria for diagnosis of MetS in adolescents from southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study consisting of a sample of 1200 subjects, 679 females, aged between 12 and 17 years. MetS was assessed by three different criteria: Cook (2003), Ferranti (2004), and International Diabetes Federation - IDF (2007). The agreement between the criteria was evaluated by the Kappa index. Low prevalence of MetS was found among schoolchildren (1.9% for Cook, 5.0% for Ferranti, and 2.1% for IDF). Regular (Ferranti - IDF: Kappa 0.382; p < 0.001) and moderate (Cook - Ferranti: Kappa 0.542; p < 0.001; Cook - IDF: Kappa 0.532; p < 0.001) agreement was demonstrated between the criteria. Elevated blood pressure was the most frequent condition in all the criteria, and the least frequent condition was in the glycemia (Cook and Ferranti) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

CONCLUSION

The low prevalence of MetS and the low agreement among the existing criteria suggest the elaboration of new criteria for the diagnosis of MetS in the child and adolescent population. What is Known: • There are different criteria for the diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), without a consensus of which is the best to be used in the infant-juvenile population. What is New: • Low prevalence of MetS identified among schoolchildren and the low agreement among the existing criteria suggest the elaboration of new criteria for the diagnosis of MetS in the child and adolescent population.

Os efeitos da música em biomarcadores de estresse, imunológicos e comportamentais em portadores do espectro autista

Resumo: A utilização da Musicoterapia em portadores do Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) teve início na década de 60 e mostrou promover benefícios, tais como: diminuição de crises comportamentais, diminuição de resistência ao tratamento, melhora nos relacionamentos interpessoais, aquisição de liberdade expressiva, aquisição da melhora vocal, melhora na comunicação, aquisição de confiança verbal e vocal, aquisição de ordem rítmica e melhora na produção da fala e mutualidade (BRANDALISE, 2013). Objetivo: embora os resultados em nível comunicacional sejam de amplo conhecimento e na busca por compreender o impacto da música nos biomarcadores imunológicos e de estresse nesses indivíduos, o presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar uma breve revisão dos estudos recentes acerca dessa temática. Método: Foram utilizadas ferramentas de busca nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs, Cochrane e Scielo. A busca foi realizada em artigos publicados em português e inglês, por meio dos descritores “imunoglobulina”, “cortisol salivar”, “dano celular” e “autismo”. Resultado: por meio da pesquisa foi possível constatar a influência da música como um meio complementar no cuidado de portadores do TEA, enquanto instrumento de promoção da saúde e melhoria de qualidade de vida desses indivíduos. Considerações finais: Embora os estudos apontem os benefícios da música em portadores do TEA, sugere-se que sejam realizadas mais pesquisas nesse campo, sobretudo no Brasil. Portanto, o presente artigo se propõe como base teórica para uma posterior pesquisa-intervenção a fim de verificar os possíveis efeitos provocados por diferentes tipos de escuta musical sobre os indicadores de cortisol salivar, imunoglobulina A e dano celular de células epiteliais, bem como nos aspectos comportamentais, em crianças portadoras do Transtorno do Espectro Autista. A segunda fase da pesquisa já está em desenvolvimento, por meio do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Promoção da Saúde (Mestrado – UNISC) e seus resultados serão conhecidos em 2018.

Neuropsychomotor development and genomic stability associated to folate and blood iron levels in preschool children

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the neuropsychomotor development and the genomic stability associated to folate and blood iron levels in preschool children. Methods: a cross-sectional study in which evaluated the biochemical exams (complete hemogram, serum ferritin, iron and folate), neuropsychomotor development (Denver II Test) and genotoxicity (micronuclei cytome in buccal mucosa cells) of 55 children aging 36-59 months old. Student´s T test, Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson's or Spearman's correlation tests were applied with a significance level of p<0.05 for data analysis. Results: the prevalence of anemia was 1.8%. The Denver II test classified 32.7% of the children as normal and 67.3% were suspected of having a delay. The children suspected of having a delay presented a slight reduction on hemoglobin and hematocrit (p=0.05 and p=0.14), intermediate reduction on iron and folate (p=0.29 and p=0.23) and a notable reduction on ferritin (p=0.03). Folate and iron were significantly associated to the frequency of cells with DNA damages (p<0.05). The frequency of binucleated cells was positively associated to the Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) (r=0.56; p=0.02) in children without a delay and negatively with folate (r=-0.334; p=0.047) in children with a delay. Conclusions: this study showed a low prevalence of anemia, but a high rate of children suspected of having a neuropsychomotor, possibly associated to low ferritin levels. Additionally, iron and folate were associated to DNA damage which may have contributed to the psychomotor development delay.

Associação entre periodontite e fatores sociodemográficos, índice de massa corporal e características do estilo de vida

Justificativa e Objetivos: as doenças periodontais são bastante prevalentes na população, tornando-se fundamental a necessidade de se identificar os aspectos epidemiológicos relacionados a essas patologias. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar se características do estilo de vida, fatores sócio demográficos e o estado nutricional estariam correlacionados à presença ou não de periodontite, bem como com a sua severidade. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal com 77 indivíduos (40-70 anos de idade), de ambos os gêneros, voluntários da clínica do Curso de Odontologia da Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul. Realizou-se um questionário com a história médica, hábito de fumo e álcool, dados socioeconômicos e antropométricos. Clinicamente, executaram-se os exames de profundidade de sondagem, sangramento à sondagem e perda de inserção clínica de todos os dentes presentes na boca dos sujeitos da amostra que foram divididos em três grupos: saúde periodontal, periodontite moderada e periodontite severa. Resultados: a idade média dos indivíduos foi de 52,32±6,86 anos, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino. O predomínio da doença periodontal severa foi na faixa etária entre 50-59 anos, assim como entre aqueles sujeitos com sobrepeso e obesidade. O consumo de fumo e álcool foi pequeno (18% e 11%, respectivamente). Verificou-se uma associação significativa entre a periodontite e o nível socioeconômico, sendo que nas classes A-B1, a maioria dos indivíduos estava com saúde (61%), enquanto que nas classes C2-D-E, a maioria estava com periodontite severa (47%). Conclusão: a população menos favorecida financeiramente teve maior comprometimento periodontal e, mesmo havendo associação com a periodontite, às demais variáveis não apresentaram diferença significativa.

Associação entre hábitos alimentares inadequados e inatividade física com fatores de risco cardiometabólicos: um estudo em Santa Cruz do Sul

Objetivo: comparar os hábitos alimentares e de atividade física com fatores de risco cardiometabólicos de crianças e adolescentes. Método: trata-se de um estudo transversal, compreendendo uma amostra de 1963 escolares de ambos os sexos, com idade de 7 a 17 anos, pertencentes a 19 escolas da zona urbana e rural do município de Santa Cruz do Sul, RS. As questões referentes aos hábitos alimentares e prática de atividade física foram avaliadas por meio de questionário. Os fatores de risco cardiometabólicos avaliados foram: IMC, circunferência da cintura, percentual de gordura corporal, colesterol total e suas frações (HDL e LDL), triglicerídeos e glicose. Foi utilizado o programa SPSS 20.0 para a realização das análises estatísticas. Foram avaliados os valores médios, por meio da ANOVA, bem como o tamanho de efeito, considerando diferenças significativas para p

Cumulative incidence of youth obesity is associated with low cardiorespiratory fitness levels and with maternal overweight

Abstract This longitudinal study evaluated the association between the incidence of youth overweight/obesity (Ow/Ob) and low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) over 4 years and youths' and their parents' demographic and nutritional characteristics. The randomized sample comprised 398 youth, aged 7-17 years at baseline, from a city in southern Brazil. Subjects were classified as being Ow/Ob according to international body mass index (BMI) parameters. Parental weight and height were determined by direct questioning. Youth CRF was measured by a 9-minute walk-and-run test. The cumulative incidences of Ow/Ob and of low CRF levels were 25.1% and 20.5%, respectively. Relative to other youth, youth who were classified as "unhealthy" at baseline (with respect to CRF) and by the fourth year were more likely to be classified as Ow/Ob (relative risks: 1.12 and 1.10, respectively). Youth whose mothers were categorized as Ow/Ob were at higher risk of being classified as Ow/Ob than youth whose mothers had normal BMIs (relative risks: 1.19 at baseline and 1.20 in the fourth year). The incidence of Ow/Ob among the former youth was associated with low CRF levels and with maternal Ob.

Relationship between anthropometric measures and cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Obesity has been identified as an important risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases; however, other factors, combined or not with obesity, can influence cardiovascular risk and should be considered in cardiovascular risk stratification in pediatrics.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the association between anthropometry measures and cardiovascular risk factors, to investigate the determinants to changes in blood pressure (BP), and to propose a prediction equation to waist circumference (WC) in children and adolescents.

METHODS

We evaluated 1,950 children and adolescents, aged 7 to 18 years. Visceral fat was assessed by WC and waist-hip relationship, BP and body mass index (BMI). In a randomly selected subsample of these volunteers (n = 578), total cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides levels were evaluated.

RESULTS

WC was positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.85; p < 0.001) and BP (SBP r = 0.45 and DBP = 0.37; p < 0.001). Glycaemia and triglycerides showed a weak correlation with WC (r = 0.110; p = 0.008 e r = 0.201; p < 0.001, respectively). Total cholesterol did not correlate with any of the variables. Age, BMI and WC were significant predictors on the regression models for BP (p < 0.001). We propose a WC prediction equation for children and adolescents: boys: y = 17.243 + 0.316 (height in cm); girls: y = 25.197 + 0.256 (height in cm).

CONCLUSION

WC is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and presents itself as a risk factor predictor of hypertension in children and adolescents. The WC prediction equation proposed by us should be tested in future studies.

Iron and genome stability: an update

Iron is an essential micronutrient which is required in a relatively narrow range for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and genome stability. Iron participates in oxygen transport and mitochondrial respiration as well as in antioxidant and nucleic acid metabolism. Iron deficiency impairs these biological pathways, leading to oxidative stress and possibly carcinogenesis. Iron overload has been linked to genome instability as well as to cancer risk increase, as seen in hereditary hemochromatosis. Iron is an extremely reactive transition metal that can interact with hydrogen peroxide to generate hydroxyl radicals that form the 8-hydroxy-guanine adduct, cause point mutations as well as DNA single and double strand breaks. Iron overload also induces DNA hypermethylation and can reduce telomere length. The current Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for iron, according with Institute of Medicine Dietary Reference Intake (DRI), is based in the concept of preventing anemia, and ranges from 7mg/day to 18mg/day depending on life stage and gender. Pregnant women need 27mg/day. The maximum safety level for iron intake, the Upper Level (UL), is 40-45mg/day, based on the prevention of gastrointestinal distress associated to high iron intakes. Preliminary evidence indicates that 20mg/day iron, an intake slightly higher than the RDA, may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancer in the elderly as well as increasing genome stability in lymphocytes of children and adolescents. Current dietary recommendations do not consider the concept of genome stability which is of concern because damage to the genome has been linked to the origin and progression of many diseases and is the most fundamental pathology. Given the importance of iron for homeostasis and its potential influence over genome stability and cancer it is recommended to conduct further studies that conclusively define these relationships.

A possible link between iron deficiency and gastrointestinal carcinogenesis

There is definitive evidence that iron overload induces oxidative stress and DNA damage, which can enhance carcinogenic risk. However, other evidence suggests that iron deficiency and anemia also increase oxidative stress and DNA damage, which might increase carcinogenesis risk, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The aim of this review is to provide essential background information for the accurate interpretation of future research on iron deficiency and increased GI cancer risk. Based on clinical, epidemiological, and experimental evidence, we discuss how iron deficiency might contribute to increased cancer risk through the impairment of several iron-dependent metabolic functions that are related to genome protection and maintenance (e.g., immune responses against cancer-initiated cells, metabolism of toxic compounds, and redox regulation of DNA biosynthesis and repair). Some epidemiological studies have indicated increased risk of GI tumors among individuals with low iron intake or low somatic iron stores, and in vivo data from rodent cancer models indicates the early progression of GI tumors during iron deficiency. Given the preliminary but consistent evidence relating iron deficiency to cancer risk and the fact that iron deficiency affects about one third of the world's population, further studies are needed to define the extent to which iron deficiency might increase GI cancer risk.

Influence of orange juice in the levels and in the genotoxicity of iron and copper

World consumption of natural juices is increasing as a consequence of the human search for a healthier life. The juice production industry, especially for orange juice, is expanding in several countries and particularly in Brazil. Despite scientific data reporting beneficial properties derived from juice consumption, some components of juices have been identified as mutagenic or carcinogenic. Carcinogenic or genotoxic effects may be mediated by the interaction of juice components with transition metals or by sub-products of juice auto-oxidation. In this study, the mutagenic potential of orange juice and two metallic agents used in dietary supplementation, FeSO(4) and CuSO(4), were investigated using the comet assay in mouse blood cells (in vivo). Both metal compounds were genotoxic for eukaryotic cells after 24h treatment at the doses used. Significant damage repair was observed after 48h of treatment with the same compounds. Orange juice had a modulating effect on the action of metallic sulfates. In the case of iron treatment, the presence of the orange juice had a preventive, but not restorative, effect. On the other hand, in the case of copper treatment, the effects were both preventive and restorative. PIXE (particle induced X-ray emission) analysis indicated a positive correlation between DNA damage and the hepatic levels of iron and a negative correlation between whole blood copper and DNA damage. A negative correlation between hepatic iron and whole blood copper content was also seen in the treatment with both ferrous and cupric sulfates.

Influence of orange juice over the genotoxicity induced by alkylating agents: an in vivo analysis

There is considerable epidemiological evidence indicating an association between diets rich in fresh fruit and vegetables and a decreased incidence of cancers. Methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and cyclophosphamide (CP) are alkylating agents that differ in their mode of action. MMS is a directly-acting, monofunctional agent, while CP is a bifunctional agent that requires metabolic activation to a reactive metabolite. To evaluate if orange juice could reduce DNA damage induced by these alkylating agents, mice were treated orally (by gavage) with MMS and CP, prior to and after treatment with orange juice. DNA damage was evaluated by the comet assay in peripheral white blood cells. Under these experimental conditions, orange juice reduced the extent of DNA damage caused by both mutagens. For MMS, the antigenotoxic effect of the orange juice was both protective (orange juice pre-treatment) and reparative (orange juice post-treatment); for CP, the effect was reparative only. The components of orange juice can have several biological effects, including acting as targets of toxicants and modulating metabolization/detoxification routes. Considering the different mechanisms of the action of the two drugs, different protective effects are suggested. These results demonstated the ability of the in vivo comet assay to detect in vivo modulation of MMS and CP mutagenicity by orange juice.

Possible repair action of Vitamin C on DNA damage induced by methyl methanesulfonate, cyclophosphamide, FeSO4 and CuSO4 in mouse blood cells in vivo

Interaction between Vitamin C (VitC) and transition metals can induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). VitC may also act as an ROS scavenger and as a metal chelant. To examine these possibilities, we tested in vivo the effect of two doses of VitC (1 and 30 mg/kg of mouse body weight) on the genotoxicity of known mutagens and transition metals. We used the alkaline version of the comet assay to assess DNA damage in peripheral white blood cells of mice. Animals were orally given either water (control), cyclophosphamide (CP), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), cupric sulfate or ferrous sulfate. A single treatment with each VitC dose was administered after treatment with the mutagens or the metal sulfates. Both doses of VitC enhanced DNA damage caused by the metal sulfates. DNA damage caused by MMS was significantly reduced by the lower dose, but not by the higher dose of VitC. For CP, neither post-treatment dose of VitC affected the DNA damage level. These results indicate a modulatory role of Vitamin C in the genotoxicity/repair effect of these compounds. Single treatment with either dose of VitC showed genotoxic effects after 24 h but not after 48 h, indicating repair. Double treatment with VitC (at 0 and 24 h) induced a cumulative genotoxic response at 48 h, more intense for the higher dose. The results suggest that VitC can be either genotoxic or a repair stimulant, since the alkaline version of the comet assay does not differentiate "effective" strand breaks from those generated as an intermediate step in excision repair (incomplete excision repair sites). Further data is needed to shed light upon the beneficial/noxious effects of VitC.