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The pequi is a native fruit of the Brazilian Savanna and the consumption of its carotenoid-rich pulp has been associated with several health benefits. However, there are considerable differences in carotenoid content reported for this fruit, mainly due to the diversity of extraction methods used in the recovery of these compounds from pequi pulp. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of different organic solvents and mixtures in the extraction of total carotenoids from pequi pulp. For the carotenoids extraction, pure solvents and the mixtures of acetone, ethyl alcohol and petroleum ether were used. The mixture planning was used to determine the proportions of the solvents in each treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify that the most efficient treatment for total carotenoid extraction from pequi pulp is pure petroleum ether solvent (234.40 μg/g). In contrast, ethyl alcohol was the solvent that extracted the lowest concentration of total carotenoids (124.03 μg/g). Pure acetone, one of the most used solvents in the extraction of carotenoids from pequi, showed intermediate efficiency (166.07 μg/g). Thus, pure petroleum ether is the solvent recommended for total carotenoid extraction, mainly in the samples rich in carotenoid and lipids, such as pequi pulp.

Evidence shows that genetic polymorphisms in perilipin 1 gene (PLIN1) are associated with excessive accumulation of body fat and disturbances in cardiometabolic markers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify whether the SNP PLIN1 11482 G>A (rs894160) interacts with nutrient intake, anthropometric, body composition and cardiometabolic markers in adults with normal-weight obesity (NWO) syndrome. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 116 individuals aged 20–59 years, with normal BMI and high percentage of body fat. Anthropometric and body composition measures, glycaemic control and serum lipid markers, SNP PLIN1 11482 G>A and nutrient intake were evaluated. Interactions between nutrient intake and the SNP were determined by regression models and adjusted for potential confounders. The SNP frequency was 56·0 % GG, 38·8 % GA and 5·2 % AA. Anthropometric measures and biochemical markers were not different according to genotype, except for total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol concentrations. However, important interactions between the SNP and dietary intake were observed. Carbohydrate intake interacted with the SNP PLIN1 11482 G>A to modulate waist circumference (WC) and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index. Interaction of lipid intake and the SNP modulated TC and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, and the interaction between protein intake and the SNP tended to modulate weight, WC and BMI. The SNP PLIN1 11482 G>A seems to modulate responses in anthropometric and lipid profile biomarkers of subjects with NWO depending on the dietary macronutrient composition, which may have long-term impact on cardiometabolic markers.

Background: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), first recognised in Wuhan City, China, has spread rapidly around the world. As a result, record numbers of students are not attending University due to temporary closures mandated by governments in an attempt to reduce the number of cases. The COVID-19 outbreak has created challenges for academics and students in the process of adapting to online teaching and learning. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of bioscience academics during the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020. Design and methods: Perspectives from academics across eight countries (Brazil, Georgia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, UK and USA) were included giving a global insight into the phenomena. A descriptive multiple case study approach was used with each academic in their context as the case. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data, which enabled themes to emerge. Results and Conclusions: Three major themes emerged from the experiences of the participants: (1) teaching methods, (2) emotions, and (3) support networks. Our results suggest there have been both benefits and challenges to the change in teaching methods and this is reflected in similarities across the case studies. One key finding was that both students and staff need to be better trained to use online platforms, and adequate peer support and technical support must be given to improve program effectiveness. The results of this study have contributed new information on teaching and learning throughout the pandemic and can be used as a platform for further research and also as a reflection for those making high-level decisions in policy in education in these interesting times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Research in Science & Technological Education is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important epigenetic regulators in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), with miR-31 being considered an oncomir and miR-375, a tumor suppressor miR, which are up- and down-regulated in HNSCC, respectively. Nutrients are known to influence miRNA expression; however, this association is poorly explored in HNSCC. This work aimed to identify associations between dietary intake and the expression of miR-31 and miR-375 in patients newly diagnosed with HNSCC. The expression of miR-31 was positively associated with the consumption of iron (β = 16.65) and vitamin C (β = 0.37), and inversely associated with total sugar (β = -0.88), cholesterol (β= -0.23), vitamin B9 (β= -0.37) and zinc (β = -5.66) intake. The expression of miR-375 was positively associated with the consumption of selenium (β = 1.52), vitamin C (β = 0.17) and vitamin D (β = 13.01), and inversely associated with the consumption of added sugar (β = -0.49), phosphorus (β= -0.27) and vitamin B12 (β = -10.80). Our findings showed important associations between dietary intake and miR-31 and miR-375 expression in HNSCC, offering possible directions for further studies investigating how nutrients interfere with carcinogenesis.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1990972 .

The baru almond has a high nutrient and phytochemical density, such as monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, vitamin E, zinc, and phenolic compounds. This study aimed to optimize the extraction conditions of total phenolic compounds from baru almond (with and without skin) and baru almond skin using a fractional factorial 24-1 and the Box-Behnken designs, and to analyze the influence of the extraction factors on total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays) in the extracts obtained. The optimal extraction conditions were: for whole baru almond (with skin) - 79% ethanol and 2 mg mL-1 solid-solvent ratio at 85 °C; for baru almond without skin - 68% ethanol and 20 mg mL-1 solid-solvent ratio during 34 min; and for baru almond skin - 40% ethanol and 0.2 mg mL-1 solid-solvent ratio at 66 °C. On these conditions, whole baru almond showed high phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, and the almond skin featured about 10% of phenolics and a very high antioxidant capacity. The experimental designs used revealed the baru almond skin as an abundant source of antioxidant compounds. We recommend the consumption of whole baru almond, and the use of its skin in different food systems.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the association between dietary patterns and tumor staging and the degree of cell differentiation in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 136 individuals newly diagnosed with different stages of HNSCC, aged 20- to 80 years-old. Dietary patterns were determined by principal component analysis (PCA), using data collected from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric, lifestyle, and clinicopathological data were collected from patients’ medical records. Disease staging was categorized as initial stage (stages I and II), intermediary (stage III), and advanced (stage IV). Cell differentiation was categorized as poor, moderate, or well-differentiated. The association of dietary patterns with tumor staging and cell differentiation was evaluated using multinomial logistic regression models and adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Three dietary patterns, “healthy,” “processed,” and “mixed,” were identified. The “processed” dietary pattern was associated with intermediary (odds ratio (OR) 2.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–4.26; p = 0.001) and advanced (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.12–2.84; p = 0.015) staging. No association was found between dietary patterns and cell differentiation. Conclusion: A high adherence to dietary patterns based on processed foods is associated with advanced tumor staging in patients newly diagnosed with HNSCC.

Evidence shows that genetic polymorphisms in perilipin 1 gene (

Agents that inhibit angiogenic factors may prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, the objective of this study was to kinetically evaluate the antiangiogenic activity of tributyrin (TB), a butyric acid prodrug, in the promotion stage of hepatocarcinogenesis. For this purpose, the resistant hepatocyte (RH) model was used for induction of preneoplastic lesions in Wistar rats. During the promotion phase, the animals received TB or maltodextrin (MD) as control daily. The rats were killed at three time-points (P1, P2 and P3). Increased expression of Vegfa and Vegfr2 was observed during promotion phase of hepatocarcinogenesis, which was not reversed by TB treatment. However, TB treatment reduced the expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 34-positive vessels at P3 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive vessels at P2 compared with MD. Enhanced levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (pERK) were detected at P3 when compared with P1 and P2 in the MD treatment. TB treatment reduced the levels of HIF-1α and pERK at P3 relative to the MD control. Experiments with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) showed that sodium butyrate (NaBu) inhibited cell migration and tube formation, confirming the antiangiogenic activity of its prodrug TB. In conclusion, antiangiogenic activity of TB is an early event that already occurs in preneoplastic livers, reinforcing its potential chemopreventive effects against HCC.

Purpose The development of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) is closely linked to a complex interplay between genetic and dietary factors. The prevalence of abdominal obesity, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidaemia, and high blood pressure among Brazilian adolescents is increasing and hence, early lifestyle interventions targeting these factors might be an effective strategy to prevent or slow the progression of T2D. Methods We aimed to assess the interaction between dietary and genetic factors on metabolic disease-related traits in 200 healthy Brazilian young adults. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day food records. Ten metabolic disease-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to construct a metabolic-genetic risk score (metabolic-GRS). Results We found significant interactions between the metabolic-GRS and total fat intake on fasting insulin level (Pinteraction = 0.017), insulin-glucose ratio (Pinteraction = 0.010) and HOMA-B (Pinteraction = 0.002), respectively, in addition to a borderline GRS-fat intake interaction on HOMA-IR (Pinteraction = 0.051). Within the high-fat intake category [37.98 ± 3.39% of total energy intake (TEI)], individuals with ≥ 5 risk alleles had increased fasting insulin level (P = 0.021), insulin-glucose ratio (P = 0.010), HOMA-B (P = 0.001) and HOMA-IR (P = 0.053) than those with Conclusion Our study has demonstrated a novel GRS-fat intake interaction in young Brazilian adults, where individuals with higher genetic risk and fat intake had increased glucose and insulin-related traits than those with lower genetic risk. Large intervention and follow-up studies with an objective assessment of dietary factors are needed to confirm our findings.

Objective The aim of this study was to develop genetic scores based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to lipid metabolism and evaluate whether they used to estimate disturbances in the circulating lipid profile biomarkers of adolescents. Methods In a preliminary cross-sectional approach, 113 Brazilian adolescents (10–19 y of age) with cardiovascular disease risk factors were evaluated. Genetic scores from 20 SNPs related to lipid metabolism were calculated by codifying each of them as the rescaled sum of risk allele frequencies. All scores were distributed in classes between 0 (absence of risk alleles) and 10 (presence of all risk alleles) to evaluate the additive effect of risk alleles on the lipid profile outcomes in the same interval. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between each score and blood lipid profile biomarkers. Results Significant associations between genetic scores and unfavorable outcomes in all evaluated lipid profile biomarkers were found. The mean ± SD of the genetic scores for the circulating lipid profile biomarkers in the 0 to 10 scale were 4.4 ± 2 for triacylglycerol, 5.3 ± 1.5 for total cholesterol, 5.6 ± 1.2 for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 4.9 ± 1.6 for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 3.6 ± 1.9 for minimally modified low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. For each point obtained in each genetic score, a mean increase ± SE of 15.8 ± 4.2 mg/dL in triacylglycerol (P = 0.0001), 5.3 ± 1.7 mg/dL in total cholesterol (P = 0.0032), 4.8 ± 1.3 mg/dL in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.0003), and 1.1 ± 0.3 U/L in minimally modified low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.0020) and a mean decrease of 3.7 ± 0.7 mg/dL in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P Conclusion The calculated genetic scores could be used to estimate disturbances in circulating lipid profile biomarkers of adolescents and be applied in clinical practice to better target interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease risk throughout life.

Considerando a demanda para o desenvolvimento de habilidades para geração de renda de famílias de comunidades carentes atendidas pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Benemerência e Integração do Ser (IBBIS), Goiânia, Estado de Goiás, Brasil, diagnosticou-se a necessidade de criar estratégias para compartilhar e fornecer conhecimentos básicos sobre produção, manipulação e consumo de alimentos, visando à promoção da saúde, aplicabilidade ocupacional e geração de renda. Assim, foram ministrados os cursos Noções Básicas de Higiene e Manipulação de Alimentos e Aproveitamento Integral dos Alimentos, para adultos de ambos os sexos de famílias de baixo poder aquisitivo, nas dependências do IBBIS. As aulas teóricas corresponderam a 30 a 40% e as práticas a 60 a 70% da carga horária total. Após a realização dos cursos, o desempenho dos participantes foi determinado por meio de testes oral e escrito. Por sua vez, os participantes responderam a questionários sobre os cursos e professores, contendo questões abertas e fechadas. O desempenho dos participantes foi satisfatório e houve ampla aprovação dos cursos, professores e conhecimentos compartilhados. Os cursos atenderam as expectativas dos participantes com relação à manipulação segura de alimentos e o aproveitamento de alimentos em preparações nutritivas. Palavras-chave: Higiene, Alimentos, Educação, Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional. Continued education of adults: notions of healthy food and food manipulation Abstract: Considering the demand for the development of skills for income generation of families from underprivileged assisted communities by the Instituto Brasileiro de Benemerência e Integração do Ser (IBBIS) in Goiânia city, Goiás State, Brazil, it was diagnosed the need to create strategies to share and provide basic knowledge about food production, manipulation and consumption, aiming at health promotion, occupational applicability and income generation. The courses of Basic Notions of Food Hygiene and Manipulation and Whole Food Utilization were given to adults of both sexes from low-income families in the dependencies of the IBBIS. The theoretical classes corresponded to 30 up 40 % of the total course and practices, 60 to 70%. After the end of the courses, the participant´s performance was assessed through oral and written test. In turn, the participants answered the questionnaires, about the courses and teachers, containing direct and indirect questions. The performance of the participants was satisfactory and there was great approval of the courses, teachers and shared knowledge. The participants considered that the courses of safe food handling and the use of food in nutritional preparations were satisfactory. Keywords: Food, Hygiene, Education, Food and Nutrition Security Educación continua de adultos: conceptos de alimentación saludable y manipulación de alimentos Resumen: Considerando la necesidad de desarrollar habilidades para generar renta de familias de comunidades carentes atendidas por el Instituto Brasileiro de Benemerência e Integração do Ser (IBBIS), Goiânia, Estado de Goiás, Brasil, se observó la necesidad de crear estrategias para compartir y proporcionar conocimientos básicos sobre producción, manipulación y consumo de alimentos, buscando promoción de la salud, aplicabilidad ocupacional y generación de renta. Se ofrecieron los cursos Nociones Básicas de Higiene y Manipulación de Alimentos y Aprovechamiento Integral de los Alimentos, para adultos de ambos géneros de familias de bajo poder adquisitivo en las dependencias del IBBIS. Las clases teóricas correspondieron a 30-40% y las prácticas a 60-70% de la carga horaria total. Después de la realización de los cursos, el desempeño de los participantes fue evaluado por medio de prueba oral y escrita. Los participantes respondieron los cuestionarios, sobre cursos y profesores, conteniendo cinco cuestiones abiertas y cerradas. El desempeño de los participantes fue satisfactorio y hubo amplia aprobación de los cursos, profesores y conocimientos compartidos por parte de los alumnos. Los cursos atendieron las expectativas de los participantes con relación a la manipulación segura de alimentos y el aprovechamiento de alimentos en preparaciones nutritivas. Palabras-clave: Higiene, Alimentos, Educación, Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional

Position statement: The Brazilian Society for Food and Nutrition (SBAN) bases the following position statement on a critical analysis of the literature on nutritional genomics and nutrigenetic tests: (1) Nutrigenetic tests are predictive and not diagnostic, should not replace other evaluations required to treatment, and should only be used as an additional tool to nutritional prescription; (2) Nutritionists/registered dietitians and other health professionals must be able to interpret the nutrigenetic tests and properly guide their patients, as well as build their professional practice on general ethical principles and those established by regulatory authorities; (3) It is extremely important to highlight that the misinterpretation of nutrigenetic tests can cause psychological and health problems to the patient; (4) Currently, there is insufficient scientific evidence for the recommendation of dietary planning and nutritional supplementation based only on nutrigenetic tests. This position statement has been externally reviewed and approved by the board of SBAN and has not gone through the journal’s standard peer review process.

Baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) is a native fruit of the Brazilian Savannah that can be used in the food industry and may contribute to the economy of the Brazilian Midwest. The proximate composition, the phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity of the peel, pulp and raw and roasted baru almond were examined and compared. Peel showed higher concentrations of dietary fibers (24.1 g/100 g) followed by pulp and roasted almond (18 g/100 g and 16 g/100 g, respectively), and raw almond (12.0 g/100 g). However, the almonds presented the highest lipid and protein concentrations compared to baru peel and pulp. In addition, raw almond showed the highest total phenolic contents (1,107.0 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant capacity, but the roasted almond, and baru peel with its pulp, also presented high phenolic contents. The correlation coefficients between phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (via ABTS and FRAP) were strong and significant. The chemical composition of baru peel has not previously been reported. The results showed promising prospects for the consumption of baru pulp with its peel, the fruit component richest in fiber, whose phenolic content and antioxidant capacity are comparable to those of the baru almond.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate possible relationships among the A1298C (rs1801131) and C677T (rs1801133) polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and levels of homocysteine, vitamins B6, B12, folic acid and lipid profile, including oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), of adolescents at cardiovascular risk. Methods: We recruited 115 adolescents (10-19 years old), 58.3% (n = 67) female, from a public school in Brazil who underwent anthropometric, biochemical and genetic tests as well as food consumption evaluation. Results: An important prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (19.1%) and alterations in triacylglycerol (17.4%), total cholesterol (26.9%) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (48.0%) concentrations were observed, as well as low vitamin B6 concentrations (23.5%). The categorization of homocysteine concentrations into tertiles revealed significant differences in serum concentrations of folate, vitamin B12 and HDL, waist circumference and intake of total and saturated fat among the tertiles. The presence of variant alleles regarding the MTHFR C677T polymorphism interfered with vitamin B6 and ox-LDL cholesterol concentrations. There was a trend for higher waist circumference values in T carriers (C677T), but not in C carriers (A1298C). Conclusions: The MTHFR C677T allele was associated with higher plasma vitamin B6 and ox-LDL compared to the CC genotype.

ADAM10 is the α-secretase that cleaves amyloid-β protein precursor in the non-amyloidogenic pathway in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is known to be regulated by different microRNAs (miRNAs), which are post-transcriptional regulators related to several biological and pathological processes, including AD. Here we proposed to explore and validate miRNAs that have direct or indirect relations to the AD pathophysiology and ADAM10 gene. Approximately 700 miRNAs were analyzed and 21 differentially expressed miRNAs were validated in a sample of 21 AD subjects and 17 cognitively healthy matched controls. SH-SY5Y cells were transfected with miR-144-5p, miR-221, and miR-374 mimics and inhibitors, and ADAM10 protein levels were evaluated. miR-144-5p, miR-221, and miR-374 were downregulated in AD. The overexpression of miR-221 in SH-SY5Y cells resulted in ADAM10 reduction and its inhibition in ADAM10 increased. These findings show that miR-221 can be a new potential therapeutic target for increasing ADAM10 levels in AD. In addition, these results can contribute to the better understanding of ADAM10 post-transcriptional regulation.

Background Cardiovascular diseases constitute the main death cause worldwide resulting from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, and the prevalence among younger individuals has increased. It is important to early identify changes in lipid profile and the influence of genetic variations in specific genes on the individual patterns of lipid profile. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the relationship of polymorphisms in PPAR-gamma gene (PPARG − rs1801282 − Pro12Ala) and in apolipoprotein E gene (APOE − rs429358 + rs7412, determinants of the APOE2, APOE3, or APOE4 genotypes) with lipid profile of adolescents under cardiovascular risk factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with 115 adolescents aged 10–19 years, which presented cardiovascular risk factors. The students were evaluated regarding socioeconomic, anthropometric, biochemical, genetic, and dietetic variables. Student’s t test or Mann-Whitney test were applied to the analysis of the genotypes. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the variables that most influenced the lipid profile. Results Adolescents carrying PPARG Ala allele showed higher serum triglycerides (p = 0.0423) and very low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.0410) levels when compared to those carrying the wild genotype. For the APOE polymorphism, it was observed a trend of higher triglycerides (p = 0.0712) and very low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.0758) levels in the adolescents carrying the E4 allele when compared to those who did not carry this allele. Conclusion The polymorphisms PPARG rs1801282 and APOE rs429358 + rs7412 seem to be related to the development of lipid profile alterations in adolescents.

Background: Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with the metabolism of Vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine and lipids. However, the interaction between SNPs involved in the one-carbon metabolism pathway and macronutrient intake on cardiovascular risk factors in the Brazilian population has not yet been investigated. Hence, the present study examined whether the association of ten SNPs involved in the one-carbon metabolism pathway with Vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine and lipid levels is modified by dietary factors and physical activity in adolescents with cardiovascular risk. Materials and Methods: A total of 113 adolescents (10–19 years old), from a public school in the city of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, underwent anthropometric, biochemical and food consumption evaluations and genetic tests. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, SNPs rs4633 (catechol-O-methyltransferase, COMT), rs602662 (fucosyltransferase 2, FUT2) and rs1801394 (5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase reductase) showed significant associations with folic acid (P = 0.042), Vitamin B12 (P = 0.009) and oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) (P = 0.041) concentrations, respectively. The COMT SNP rs4680 showed a significant interaction with carbohydrate intake on ox-LDL concentrations (Pinteraction = 0.005). In addition, the FUT2 SNP rs602662 showed a significant interaction with protein intake on homocysteine concentrations (Pinteraction = 0.007). However, after correction for multiple testing, none of these associations and interactions were statistically significant. Conclusions: For the first time, we provide evidence for the interactions between COMT SNP rs4680 and carbohydrate intake on ox-LDL levels and the FUT2 SNP rs602662 and protein intake on homocysteine concentrations. However, replication of our results in a larger sample size is required to confirm our findings.

Summary Background & aim Normal-Weight Obesity Syndrome has been characterized by a normal body mass index and high percentage of body fat. It is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease development. This study aimed to evaluate whether apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes and food consumption are related to the lipid profiles of adults with Normal-Weight Obesity Syndrome. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study, including adults with Normal-Weight Obesity Syndrome. Socioeconomic, health and lifestyle questionnaires were administered. Anthropometric variables, body composition and blood pressure were evaluated. Dietary intake, lipid profile and genotyping of polymorphisms rs7412 and rs429358 in the APOE gene were evaluated. Results Only 6.0% of women and none of the men had increased waist circumference (≥80 cm for women and ≥94 cm for men). No women and 6.2% of men had altered blood pressure (systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mmHg). When the traditional lipid profile was assessed, 52.5% of individuals presented dyslipidaemia. When the levels of apolipoproteins A1 and B were included, the prevalence was 73.0%. Regression analysis showed a positive relationship between the presence of allele e2 and apolipoprotein A1 levels (95% CI = 4.2 to 38.3; p = 0.015) and between the e4 allele and apolipoprotein B (e4 versus e2: 95% CI = 0.08 to 29.5; p = 0.049 and e4 versus e3: 95% CI = 0.6 to 17.6; p = 0.036). Carriers of the e2 allele had a 75.0% lower probability of presenting dyslipidaemia compared with e3e3 individuals (95% CI = 0.04 to 0.8; p = 0.027). Relationships between body fat, food consumption and lipid profile were observed and differed among genotypes. Conclusions APOE genotype and food consumption were associated with lipid profile. This was the first study to evaluate the APOE genotype and to analyze relationships between genetic profile, food intake and lipid profile of subjects with Normal-Weight Obesity Syndrome.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), an aggressive and the fastest growing life-threatening cancer worldwide, is often diagnosed at intermediate or advanced stages of the disease, which substantially limits therapeutic approaches for its successful treatment. This indicates that the prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis is probably the most promising approach to reduce both the HCC incidence and cancer-related mortality. In previous studies, we demonstrated a potent chemopreventive effect of tributyrin, a butyric acid prodrug, on experimental hepatocarcinogenesis. The cancer-inhibitory effect of tributyrin was linked to the suppression of sustained cell proliferation and induction of apoptotic cell death driven by an activation of the p53 apoptotic signaling pathway. The goal of the present study was to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms linked to tributyrin-mediated p53 activation. Using in vivo and in vitro models of liver cancer, we demonstrate that an increase in the level of p53 protein in nuclei, a decrease in the level of cytoplasmic p53, and, consequently, an increase in the ratio of nuclear/cytoplasmic p53 in rat preneoplastic livers and in rat and human HCC cell lines caused by tributyrin or sodium butyrate treatments was associated with a marked increase in the level of nuclear chromosome region maintenance 1 (CRM1) protein. Mechanistically, the increase in the level of nuclear p53 protein was associated with a substantially reduced binding interaction between CRM1 and p53. The results demonstrate that the cancer-inhibitory activity of sodium butyrate and its derivatives on liver carcinogenesis may be attributed to retention of p53 and CRM1 proteins in the nucleus, an event that may trigger activation of p53-mediated apoptotic cell death in neoplastic cells.

Selenoproteins play important roles in antioxidant mechanisms, and are thus hypothesised to have some involvement in the pathology of certain types of dementia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are both thought to involve impaired biological activity of certain selenoproteins. Previously, supplementation with a selenium-rich Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) has shown potential in reducing cognitive decline in MCI patients, and could prove to be a safe and effective nutritional approach early in the disease process to slow decline. Here, we have conducted a pilot study that examined the effects of a range of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding the selenoproteins glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) and selenoprotein P (SEPP) in response to selenium supplementation via dietary Brazil nuts, including selenium status, oxidative stress parameters and GPX1 and SEPP gene expression. Our data suggest that GPX1 Pro198Leu rs1050450 genotypes may differentially affect the selenium status and GPx activity. Moreover, rs7579 and rs3877899 SNPs in SEPP gene, as well as GPX1 rs1050450 genotypes can influence the expression of GPX1 and SEPP mRNA in response to Brazil nuts intake. This small study gives cause for larger investigations into the role of these SNPs in both the selenium status and response to selenium dietary intake, especially in chronic degenerative conditions like MCI and AD.

The chemopreventive potential of water extracts of the Brassica vegetables cabbage and kale was evaluated by administering their aqueous extracts in drinking water ad libitum to Wistar rats submitted to Ito's hepatocarcinogenesis model (CB group and K group, respectively - 14 rats per group). Animals submitted to this same model and treated with water were used as controls (W group - 15 rats). Treatment with the vegetable extracts did not inhibit (P > 0.05) placental glutathione S-transferase-positive preneoplastic lesions (PNL). The number of apoptotic bodies did not differ (P > 0.05) among the experimental groups. Ex vivo hydrogen peroxide treatment of rat livers resulted in lower (P < 0.05) DNA strand breakage in cabbage- (107.6 +/- 7.8 microm) and kale- (110.8 +/- 10.0 microm) treated animals compared with control (120.9 +/- 12.7 microm), as evaluated by the single cell gel (comet) assay. Treatment with cabbage (2 +/- 0.3 microg/g) or kale (4 +/- 0.2 microg/g) resulted in increased (P < 0.05) hepatic lutein concentration compared with control (0.5 +/- 0.07 microg/g). Despite the absence of inhibitory effects of cabbage and kale aqueous extracts on PNL, these Brassica vegetables presented protection against DNA damage, an effect possibly related to increased hepatic lutein concentrations. However, it must be pointed out that the cause-effect relationship between lutein levels and protection is hypothetical and remains to be demonstrated.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks in prevalence and mortality among top 10 cancers worldwide. Butyric acid (BA), a member of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) has been proposed as an anticarcinogenic agent. However, its short half-life is a therapeutical limitation. This problem could be circumvented with tributyrin (TB), a proposed BA prodrug. To investigate TB effectiveness for chemoprevention, rats were treated with the compound during initial phases of "resistant hepatocyte" model of hepatocarcinogenesis, and cellular and molecular parameters were evaluated. TB inhibited (p < 0.05) development of hepatic preneoplastic lesions (PNL) including persistent ones considered HCC progression sites. TB increased (p < 0.05) PNL remodeling, a process whereby they tend to disappear. TB did not inhibit cell proliferation in PNL, but induced (p < 0.05) apoptosis in remodeling ones. Compared to controls, rats treated with TB presented increased (p < 0.05) hepatic levels of BA indicating its effectiveness as a prodrug. Molecular mechanisms of TB-induced hepatocarcinogenesis chemoprevention were investigated. TB increased (p < 0.05) hepatic nuclear histone H3K9 hyperacetylation specifically in PNL and p21 protein expression, which could be associated with inhibitory HDAC effects. Moreover, it reduced (p < 0.05) the frequency of persistent PNL with aberrant cytoplasmic p53 accumulation, an alteration associated with increased malignancy. Original data observed in our study support the effectiveness of TB as a prodrug of BA and as an HDACi in hepatocarcinogenesis chemoprevention. Besides histone acetylation and p21 restored expression, molecular mechanisms involved with TB anticarcinogenic actions could also be related to modulation of p53 pathways.

O câncer é a segunda maior causa de morte no mundo, sendo responsável por aproximadamente 7,6 milhões de óbitos. Entretanto, pesquisadores alertam para uma associação inversa entre o consumo de frutas e hortaliças e o desenvolvimento de neoplasias, desta forma a organização mundial da saúde sugere, dentre outras medidas para controle do câncer, o aumento do consumo de frutas e hortaliças. Nesse contexto o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os eventuais efeitos quimiopreventivos das hortaliças Brassicas, couve (C) e repolho (R). Realizaram-se dois experimentos sendo o primeiro, o modelo de hepatocacinogênese de Ito, onde as hortaliças foram fornecidas durante 8 semanas na água de beber (10% p/v), animais que receberam apenas água foram utilizados como controle. Nesse experimento não houve inibição (P>0,05) de lesões pré-neoplásicas hepáticas positivas para glutationa S-transferase forma placental e não houve indução (P>0,05) da apoptose nos grupos tratados com C ou R. Contudo, observou-se redução (P0,05) de danos em DNA, contudo a concentração do aduto de DNA 8-hidroxi-2-deoxiguanosina (8-OHdG) e foi elevada (P

Purpose Definitive radiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for early stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). However, up to 30% of the patients do not respond to radiotherapy. Unfortunately, we are unable to predict which tumors are likely to respond to radiation, and which will be resistant and persist. Therefore, the development of novel markers to predict response to radiotherapy is urgently needed. This study was designed to evaluate the expression pattern of microRNAs (miRNAs) in LSCC in order to identify markers capable of segregating radioresistant and radiosensitive tumors and to investigate the relationship between the expression of these miRNAs and the prognosis of LSCC. Methods The expression profile of 667 miRNAs was determined in an initial screening of nine early-stage LSCC samples (5 radioresistant and 4 radiosensitive) using TaqMan Low-Density Array (TLDA). Real-time polymerase chain reactions were performed to validate the expression of selected miRNAs in an expanded LSCC cohort (20 radioresistant and 14 radiosensitive). The miRNA expression level was scored as high or low based on the median of the expression in the LSCC samples. Results A comprehensive miRNA expression profiling enabled the identification of four miRNAs (miR-296-5p miR-452, miR-183* and miR-200c) differentially expressed in radioresistant LSCC. Moreover, the analysis of additional 34 LSCC samples, confirmed the expression of miR-296-5p as significantly related to radioresistance (p = 0.002) as well as an association of this marker with recurrence (p = 0.025) in early stage laryngeal cancer. Conclusions This study indicates that miR-296-5p expression is associated with resistance to radiotherapy and tumor recurrence in early stage LSCC, showing the feasibility of this marker as a novel prognostic factor for this malignance. Furthermore, miR-296-5p expression could be helpful in the identification of tumors resistant to radiotherapy; thus aiding the clinicians in the choice of the best therapeutic scheme to be used in each case. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0621-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Dietary isoprenic derivatives such as β-ionone (βI) are a promising class of chemopreventive agents. In this study, cellular aspects of βI protective activities during early hepatocarcinogenesis were evaluated. Male Wistar rats were submitted to "resistant hepatocyte" model and then received daily 16 mg/100 g body weight (b.w.) of βI (βI group) or only 0.25 mL/100 g b.w. of corn oil (vehicle, control group [CO]) during 4 wk, specifically during early promotion phase. Compared to controls, βI inhibited (P0.05) the development of persistent preneoplastic lesions (pPNL), considered to be potential hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression sites, and increased remodeling PNL (rPNL) (P0.05) that tend to regress to a normal phenotype. Increased βI hepatic levels (P0.05), in the βI group, were associated with its chemopreventive actions. Compared to control rats, βI reduced the frequency of both pPNL and rPNL positive for tumor growth factor (TGF)-α (P0.05), reduced the frequency of pPNL stained for p65 (nuclear factor-kappaB; NF-κB) (P0.05), and reduced the frequency of pPNL positive for cytoplasmic p53 (P0.05). Our data demonstrated that βI targets TGF-α, NF-κB, and p53 in initial phases of hepatocarcinogenesis and specifically inhibits PNL with increased probability to progress to HCC. This isoprenoid may represent a chemopreventive agent of choice for HCC control.

The chemopreventive effects of tributyrin (TB) and vitamin A (VA), alone or in combination, were investigated during the promotion phase of rat hepatocarcinogenesis. Compared to diethylnitrosamine control rats, TB and TB+VA-treated rats, but not VA-treated rats, presented a lower incidence and mean number of hepatocyte nodules and a smaller size of persistent preneoplastic lesions (pPNLs). In addition, TB and TB+VA-treated rats exhibited a higher apoptotic body index in pPNL and remodeling PNL, whereas VA-treated rats presented only a higher apoptotic body index in remodeling PNL. None of the treatments inhibited cell proliferation in PNL. TB and TB+VA-treated rats, but not VA-treated rats, exhibited higher levels of H3K9 acetylation and p21 protein expression. TB and VA-treated rats exhibited increased hepatic concentrations of butyric acid and retinoids, respectively. Compared to normal rats, diethylnitrosamine control animals exhibited lower retinyl palmitate hepatic concentrations. All groups had similar expression levels and exhibited similar unmethylated CRBP-I promoter region in microdissected pPNL, indicating that epigenetic silencing of this gene was not involved in alteration of retinol metabolism in early hepatocarcinogenesis. Data support the effectiveness of TB as a dietary histone deacetylase inhibitor during the promotion phase of hepatocarcinogenesis, which should be considered for chemoprevention combination strategies.

Chemopreventive activities of the dietary isoprenoids β-ionone (βI) and geraniol (GOH) were evaluated during the promotion phase of hepatocarcinogenesis. Over 5 consecutive weeks, rats received daily 16 mg/100 g body weight (b.w.) of βI (βI group), 25 mg/100 g b.w. of GOH (GOH group), or only corn oil (CO group, controls). Compared to the CO group, the following was observed: only the βI group showed a decrease in the mean number of visible hepatocyte nodules (P

Early-stage laryngeal cancer has cure rates above 80% with exclusive radiotherapy. However, when salvage treatment is needed, surgery is the main option and despite efforts to conservative procedures to preserve laryngeal function, up to 50% will require total laryngectomy at diagnosis of recurrence or future. So, the use of microRNAs as molecular markers is a method to be tested with the aim of predicting the chances of success with radiotherapy, lowering tumor relapses and turning possible to reduce the need for salvage procedures that would affect speech and impact in quality of life. Objectives: To identify microRNAs capable of segregating radioresistant from radiosensitive tumors, to determine prognosis in pre-treatment tumors and to predict failure with radiotherapy. Methods: Molecular Screening of 667 microRNAs using taqman low density array (TLDA) for target selection and then validation in 34 patients, being 20 radioresistant and 14 radiosensitive by RT-PCR with individual assays. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square and Fisher exact test for associations between variables, and log-rank method of Kaplan-Meier for recurrence free survival between molecular, clinical, demographic and treatment variables. Also to verify differences in distribution between the expression levels in radioresistant and radiosensitive the Mann-Whitney test was performed. Results: Four microRNAs were selected for validation, miR-296, miR-452, miR-183*, miR-200c based on fold-change and literature review and those were analyzed with respect to age, gender, TNM, laryngeal subsite, radiation dose and treatment interval. Among clinical, demographic, treatment and molecular variables, only miR-296 was shown to present different distribution with statistical significance between radioresistant and radiosensitive (p = 0.002), also demonstrated association with recurrence (p = 0.01) with an odds ratio (OR) of 8.6, confidence interval (CI) between 1.7 and 42.2. Conclusions: In our study, only miR-296 demonstrated the ability to predict patients most likely to fail radiotherapy, also showing a worse prognosis for tumors with high expression level. miR-296 is a molecular predictive and prognostic marker to be considered prior to treatment selection for early-stage laryngeal tumors. Citation Format: Danielle C C Maia, Ana Carolina de Carvalho, Maria Aderuza Horst, Cristovam Scapulatempo Neto, Andre Lopes Carvalho, Andre L. Vettore. miR-296 as prognostic and predictive molecular marker for recurrence in early-stage laryngeal carcinoma treated with definitive radiotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1481. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1481

Head and neck Squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a disease with high incidence and mortality, and the sixth most common cancer worldwide. The diagnosis is usually made late, after the appearance of visible lesions. The discovery of altered epigenetic profiles in cancer awakened to new paradigms by which molecular mechanisms contribute significantly to carcinogenesis. To date, approximately 1000 miRNAs have been described and it is estimated that they may influence the expression of up to one third of human genes. The deregulation of the expression of miRNAs can directly influence cell proliferation and differentiation and therefore, they can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The aim of this study is to compare the miRNAs expression profiles in saliva samples from patients with HNSCC and normal controls in order to identify potential diagnostic markers for this cancer. Comprehensive miRNA profile was done in 4 salivary rinse samples from HNSCC patients and 3 samples from healthy donors using a Megaplex TaqMan Low Density miRNA Arrays (TLDA) to assess the expression status of miRNAs. 101 miRNAs differentialy expressed were identified. From that, 21 were upregulated in the HNSCC samples while 80 were downregulated in these samples. After a deep revision of the information available from them, we selected candidates to be validated in an independent group of 100 salivary rinses collected from HNSCC patient at diagnoses. A preliminary result indicated that four selected miRNA were down regulated with 90-91% of specificity and 53-64% of sensibility. Our hypothesis is based on the fact that the down regulation confirmed in our results may be related to the potential of tumor suppressor activity of these miRNAs; Besides the validation obtained by our tests, important studies in the literature show agreement with this hypothesis and may add relevant data in developing this study. Supported by Fapesp (Grant 2011/15122-9). Citation Format: Maria Fernanda A. Pelarin, Maria Aderuza Horst, Ana Carolina Carvalho, Luiz Paulo Kowalski, André Luiz Vettore, Bruno Karia. Downregulated microRNAs in salivary rinse from patients with head and neck squamous cells carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1946. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1946

The development of locoregional recurrence is the main reason for treatment failure in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and the remaining of tumor cells in surgical margins is associated with recurrence. Surgical margins are considered negative based on histologic assessment of the pathological specimen. However, this method lacks sensitivity in identifying cells that already started malignant transformation but have not yet developed a pathologic phenotype. We investigated the usefulness of assessing the expression of microRNA-31 for the detection of molecular alterations in histologically negative surgical margins (HNSM) and determine the correlation of these tumor-related alterations with clinical and prognostic parameters. MicroRNAs are endogenously expressed non-coding RNAs that have important biological and pathological functions. The microRNA-31 was found markedly upregulated in different malignancies, including HNSCC. The microRNA-31 expression was determined by qRT-PCR in HNSCC (n=19), HNSM (n=37) and normal mucosa (n=10). According to our results, 76% of tumor samples and 30% of the HNSM specimens were positive for microRNA-31 overexpression. Moreover, the overexpression of this microRNA in the HNSM was associated with perineural invasion (p < 0.05 Fisher's exact tests) and showed a tendency to correlates with poor disease-free survival (p < 0,09 log-rank). These findings demonstrate that the overexpression of microRNA-31 in histologically negative surgical margins is a frequent event. The use of qRT-PCR may be an useful tool in detecting actually negative HNSCC surgical margins and the overexpression of microRNA-31 in these margins could be helpful in the identification of patients with worst outcome. Supported by Fapesp (Grant 2011/01919-2). Citation Format: Maria Aderuza Horst, Ana Carolina Carvalho, Danielle Campelo Maia, Juliana Aymberé Bello, Luiz Paulo Kowalski, Andre Lopes Carvalho, Andre Luiz Vettore. Oncogenic microRNA-31 as prognostic potential biomarker in histologically negative surgical margins of head and neck cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4202. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4202

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) constitute the fifth most common malignancy worldwide. Over the last years, diagnosis and management have improved through combined efforts in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but long-term survival rates have improved only marginally, and the overall 5-year survival rate for HNSCC patients is around 50%. Late diagnosis and frequent locoregional relapse after definitive therapy are the major causes of morbidly and mortality in HNSCC cases. Hence, there is a need to acquire deeper understanding of HNSCC biology and to identify effective molecular biomarkers useful for a precocious recognition of the relapses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved, endogenous, small, noncoding RNA molecules of about 19-24 nucleotides in length that function as posttranscriptional gene regulators, might also function as tumor suppressors and oncogenes. These small regulatory RNAs have been recently recognized to play important roles in human cancers and increasing data support the value of miRNA expression profiling to distinguish different types of human malignancies and to categorize various cancer subtypes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the miRNA expression profile in salivary rinse samples from HNSCC patients and to investigate the significance of miRNA as molecular marker for tumor recurrence detection. Comprehensive miRNA profile was done in 4 salivary rinse samples from HNSCC patients and 3 samples from healthy donors using a Megaplex TaqMan Low Density miRNA Arrays (TLDA - Life Technologies) to assess the expression status of 670 miRNAs. Expression values were calculated using the ΔΔCt method, where mean Ct of the 3 normal samples was used as reference. All target miRNAs with undetermined Ct values in all samples were removed, leaving 198 miRNAs in the analysis. Using a cut-off of 2X to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs, 101 candidates were selected. From that, 21 were upregulated in the HNSCC samples while 80 were downregulated in these samples. After a deep revision of the information available from the 101 differentially expressed miRNA, we selected 10 candidates to be validated in an independent group of 100200 salivary rinses collected from HNSCC patient at diagnoses. A preliminary result indicated that one of the selected miRNA is overexpressed 95% (19/20) of tumor samples evaluated. In the future, the validated candidates will be evaluated in salivary rinses that are being collected each six months during the fallow-up of 300 patients included in the study. So we could evaluate their uselfulness as markers for HNSCC relapses. Supported by Fapesp (Grant 2011/01919-2). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5050. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5050

Introdução: O padrão da dieta ocidental, caracterizado pela ingestão elevada de açúcares e lipídios, está relacionado à gênese da inflamação metabólica, a qual é caracterizada por um quadro de inflamação crônica, sistêmica e de baixa intensidade. A inflamação metabólica contribui para o desenvolvimento de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT), as quais representam a principal causa de morte no mundo. Por outro lado, a ingestão de uma dieta saudável, rica em frutas e hortaliças, é relevante para a redução do risco das DCNT. Nesse contexto, destaca-se o suco de uva, bebida rica em compostos bioativos, que possui potencial efeito anti-inflamatório. Estudos recentes sugerem que nutrientes e compostos bioativos dos alimentos possam atenuar a inflamação por meio da modulação da expressão de microRNA, os quais representam novos biomarcadores inflamatórios, contribuindo para a identificação do risco de desenvolvimento de doenças cardiometabólicas. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito da ingestão de suco de uva integral sobre a expressão de microRNA no plasma e em células mononucleares do sangue periférico (PBMC) e sua relação com a resposta inflamatória. Métodos: Estudo intervencional, no qual, durante quatro semanas, as voluntárias ingeriram 500 mL diários de suco de uva integral, com coletas de sangue no momento basal, 2 e 4 semanas após o início da ingestão da bebida. A população do estudo foi composta por mulheres saudáveis (n = 20), com idade entre 18 e 40 anos e índice de massa corpórea classificado como sobrepeso (25,0 - 29,9 kg/m2). Foram avaliados o perfil lipídico, o hemograma e as concentrações plasmáticas de glicose, insulina, leptina, adiponectina, lipopolissacarídeos e seus ligantes plasmáticos LBP e sCD14 e biomarcadores inflamatórios (IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, proteína C reativa, MCP-1, VCAM-1 e ICAM-1), bem como a concentração dos principais compostos bioativos presentes no suco de uva. Dois painéis de microRNA, sendo um plasmático e outro de PBMC, de 8 indivíduos foram avaliados, em todos os tempos, pelo ensaio de PCR em tempo real. Posteriormente, foram selecionados os microRNA relacionados à resposta inflamatória e à endotoxemia metabólica, os quais foram avaliados no restante das voluntárias. As proteínas-alvo dos microRNA em PBMC foram analisadas por Western Blotting. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado pela análise de três recordatórios de 24 horas coletados em todos os tempos experimentais. Resultados: A ingestão de suco de uva, após 4 semanas de intervenção, em PBMC, promoveu redução da expressão gênica do TNF-α, IL-6 e das subunidades p50 e p65, as quais compõem o fator de transcrição NF-kB. Em relação ao conteúdo de proteínas nestas células, houve apenas diminuição da fosforilação da TAK-1 em relação ao seu conteúdo total. Dentre os miRNA analisados, o miR-144-5p e o miR-144-3p tiveram a sua expressão aumentada no plasma e em PBMC, respectivamente. A concentração plasmática de sICAM-1 reduziu significativamente na semana 4 em relação a semana 2, enquanto, a concentração plasmática de gama glutamil transferase aumentou significativamente na última semana. As voluntárias apresentaram menor pressão arterial diastólica no final do estudo em relação ao momento basal. Conclusão: A ingestão do suco de uva, após 4 semanas de intervenção, influenciou a concentração de biomarcadores relacionados ao processo inflamatório mediado pela via do fator de transcrição NF-kB em mulheres com sobrepeso. Introduction: The Western diet pattern, characterized by excessive ingestion of sugars and lipids, is related to the genesis of metabolic inflammation, which is characterized by a condition of a chronic, systemic, and low-grade inflammation. Metabolic inflammation contributes to the development of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the leading cause of death in the world. On the other hand, the adoption of a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is relevant to reduce the risk of NCDs. Grape juice is a beverage rich in bioactive compounds which have a potential anti-inflammatory effect. Recent studies suggest that nutrients can modulate inflammation through microRNAs action, which have been highlighted because they are new inflammatory biomarkers, contributing to the identification of the risk of cardiometabolics diseases. Objective: Investigate the effect of the grape juice ingestion on microRNA expression in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and its relationship with the development of the inflammatory process. Methods: Interventional study, in which, for four weeks, the volunteers ingested 500 mL of whole grape juice daily, with blood drawn at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks after the intake. The study population consisted of healthy women (n = 20), aged between 18 and 40 years and body mass index classified as overweight (25.0 - 29.9 kg/m2). The lipid profile, blood count and plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, lipopolysaccharides, and their plasma ligands LBP and sCD14 and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, MCP-1, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1) were evaluated, as well as the concentration of the main bioactive compounds present in grape juice. Two microRNA panels, one plasma and the other PBMC, from 8 individuals were evaluated, at all times, by real-time PCR. Subsequently, microRNAs related to the inflammatory response and metabolic endotoxemia were selected, which were evaluated in the rest of the volunteers. MicroRNA target proteins in PBMC were analyzed by Western Blotting. Food consumption was assessed by analyzing three 24-hour recalls collected at all experimental times. Results: The intake of grape juice, after 4 weeks of intervention, in PBMC, promoted a reduction in gene expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and p50 and p65 subunits, which composes the NF-kB transcription factor. Regarding the protein content in these cells, there was only a decrease in TAK-1 phosphorylation in relation to its total content. Among the analyzed miRNAs, miR-144-5p and miR-144-3p had their expression increased in plasma and in PBMC, respectively. The plasma concentration of sICAM-1 significantly reduced in week 4 compared to week 2, while the plasma concentration of gamma glutamyl transferase increased significantly in the last week. The volunteers had lower diastolic blood pressure at the end of the study compared to baseline. Conclusion: The intake of grape juice after 4 weeks of intervention influenced the concentration of biomarkers related to the inflammatory process mediated by the transcription factor NF-kB pathway in overweight women.

Introdução: A inflamação crônica, sistêmica e de baixa intensidade, para a qual a dieta é um importante fator de risco, está presente na fisiopatologia de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, as quais figuram entre as principais causas de morte no mundo. Além da dieta isolada, a interação entre os padrões dietéticos e o genoma pode explicar variações na resposta inflamatória entre indivíduos. Objetivo: Verificar a associação de padrões alimentares e de polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNP) presentes nos genes da adiponectina, do receptor do tipo Toll (TLR)-4, da interleucina (IL)-1β, da IL-6, da IL-10, do fator de necrose tumoral (TNF)-α, da quimiocina ligante de C-C motif (CCL)-2 e da proteína C reativa (PCR) com um escore de inflamação sistêmica. Métodos: Dados secundários de 269 indivíduos adultos (20 a 59 anos) e 172 idosos (60 a 75 anos) do estudo de base populacional ISA-capital, edição de 2008, e 284 adultos e 217 idosos do ISA-capital de 2015 foram utilizados pelo presente estudo. A coleta dos dados dietéticos foi realizada por meio de recordatório de 24 horas, aplicado em duplicata e um questionário de frequência alimentar. A partir do plasma, foram determinadas as concentrações plasmáticas de adiponectina, PCR, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-12p70, CCL-2, molécula de adesão intercelular solúvel (sICAM)-1 e molécula de adesão celular vascular solúvel (sVCAM)-1, os quais compõem o escore de inflamação sistêmico. A partir do DNA genômico foi realizada a genotipagem de 31 SNP dos genes ADIPOQ, TLR4, IL1B, IL6, IL10, TNFA, CCL2 e CRP pelo sistema Taqman Open Array. Os padrões dietéticos analisados foram o índice de qualidade da dieta revisado (IQD-R) e o padrão empírico de inflamação da dieta (EDIP), o qual foi adaptado para uso na população do ISA-capital (EDIP-SP). Resultados: O escore de inflamação foi associado com perfil lipídico plasmático, glicemia e pressão arterial sistêmica. São fatores associados ao escore de inflamação, em um modelo múltiplo, ter maior índice de massa corporal; ter mais de 50 anos de idade; fazer menos de 150 min/semana de atividade física como meio de transporte; ter menor IQD-R, ter maior EDIP-SP, ser homozigoto selvagem para o SNP TLR4 rs5030728 G>A e para o SNP ADIPOQ rs1501299 G>T após ajuste para uso de medicamento, super- e sub-relato da ingestão energética e fumo. O EDIP-SP, composto por \"carnes processadas\", \"frutas e hortaliças\" e \"arroz e feijão\", foi replicado em uma amostra independente apenas em homens. Nenhuma interação foi encontrada entre os SNP TLR4 rs5030728 G>A e ADIPOQ rs1501299 G>T e os padrões dietéticos IQD-R e EDIP-SP. Conclusão: Maiores escores para o IQD-R, e menores valores para o padrão alimentar EDIP-SP, estão inversamente associados à inflamação sistêmica e de baixa intensidade, independente de outros fatores de risco, na população de adultos da cidade de São Paulo. Os genótipos GG para os SNP TLR4 rs5030728 G>A e ADIPOQ rs1501299 G>T predispõem essa população a maior inflamação sistêmica e de baixa intensidade. Os padrões dietéticos e polimorfismos genéticos não são capazes de modificar os efeitos uns dos outros sobre a inflamação. Introduction: Chronic and systemic low-grade inflammation, for which diet is an important risk factor, is present in the pathophysiology of chronic non-communicable diseases that are among the main causes of death worldwide. Besides diet, the interaction between dietary patterns and the genome can explain variations in the inflammatory response across individuals. Objective: To verify the association of dietary patterns and single nucleotide polymorphism in the genes of adiponectin, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)-2 and C-reactive protein (PCR) with a systemic inflammation score. Methods: Secondary data of 269 adults (20 to 59 y.o.) and 172 elderly (60 to 75 y.o.) from the population-based study Health Survey of Sao Paulo (HS-SP), 2008 edition, and 284 adults and 217 elderly individuals from HS-SP 2015 edition were used in the present study. Dietary assessment was done through two 24-hour recalls and one validated food frequency questionnaire. From the blood, plasma concentration of adiponectin, CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-12p70, CCL-2, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1 were determined, all of which composed the systemic inflammation score. From extracted DNA, 31 SNPs in ADIPOQ, TLR4, IL1B, IL6, IL10, TNFA, CCL2 e CRP genes were genotypes using the Taqman Open Array system. The two analyzed dietary patterns were the Brazilian Health Eating Index-revised (IQD-R) and the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern (EDIP), which was further adapted to be used in the Sao Paulo population (EDIP-SP). Results: The systemic inflammation score was associated with blood lipid levels, glycemia and blood pressure. The systemic inflammatory score independently associated factors were: having higher BMI; being in the highest category of age (> 50 years); doing less than 150min/week of commuting physical; having lower IQD-R and higher EDIP-SP, being GG homozygous for SNP TLR4 rs5030728 G>A e and SNP ADIPOQ rs1501299 G>T, even after adjustments for medication use, misreporting of energy intake and smoking status. EDIP-SP, composed of \"processed meat\", \"fruits and vegetables\" and \"rice and beans\" groups, was replicated only in men. No interaction was observed between SNP TLR4 rs5030728 G>A and ADIPOQ rs1501299 G>T and the dietary patterns, IQD-R and EDIP-SP. Conclusion: Higher score for IQD-R, and a lower score for EDIP-SP, were inversely associated with systemic low-grade inflammation, independently of confounders, in the Sao Paulo population. The GG genotype for SNP TLR4 rs5030728 G>A and for ADIPOQ rs1501299 G>T predispose this population to systemic low-grade inflammation. Neither the dietary patterns nor the SNP modify the effect of one another on inflammation.

O selênio (Se), mineral traço essencial para o ser humano, exerce sua função no organismo por meio de sua participação nas selenoproteínas, dentre as quais destacam-se as glutationas peroxidase (GPx), importantes no sistema de defesa antioxidante. São conhecidas sete isoformas da GPx, sendo a GPx 1 (citosólica) a mais abundante. Como a atividade dessa enzima encontra-se fortemente correlacionada com a concentração sanguínea de Se, este parâmetro é normalmente utilizado como indicador do balanço metabólico do mineral. A concentração de Se nos alimentos depende do local onde foram cultivados e reflete diretamente o teor do mineral no solo, sendo os alimentos da região Norte e Nordeste mais ricos nesse nutriente quando comparados às demais regiões brasileiras. O consumo inadequado de Se provoca uma diminuição da atividade dessa enzima, o que por sua vez pode afetar a proteção antioxidante. Além disso, estudos vêm mostrando que o polimorfismo Pro198Leu no gene da GPx1 também pode diminuir a atividade da GPx. O presente estudo se propôs a verificar a relação entre esse polimorfismo e o estado nutricional relativo ao selênio de uma população adulta residente no município de Fortaleza/Ceará. A população do estudo foi constituída por 176 indivíduos (79 homens e 97 mulheres), com média de idade de 30,4 ± 8,9 anos. Foram realizadas a avaliação da composição corporal por antropometria e a avaliação do consumo alimentar, por meio de três recordatórios de 24h. Os biomarcadores para avaliação do estado nutricional dos indivíduos quanto ao selênio foram: a concentração de Se plasmático e eritrocitário e a atividade da GPx total no eritrócito. Também foi determinado o polimorfismo Pro198Leu no gene que codifica para a GPx 1 por meio de PCR em Tempo Real. Foram encontradas concentrações médias de 62,6 µg/L para Se plasmático e de 101,5 µg/L para Se eritrocitário, não sendo observada correlação entre os dois. A média de ingestão de selênio foi de 76,88 µg/dia, apresentando correlação positiva com o consumo de energia e proteína. Separando por gênero, encontrou-se que as médias de Se plasmático e de Se ingerido dos homens foram significativamente maiores que as das mulheres (p