Abstract Background The MTHFR 677C>T variant’s involvement with hyperhomocysteinemia and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is still unclear. Objectives To evaluate associations between the MTHFR 677C>T (rs1801133) variant and susceptibility to and severity of PAD and homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Methods The study enrolled 157 PAD patients and 113 unrelated controls. PAD severity and anatomoradiological categories were assessed using the Fontaine classification and the Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC), respectively. The variant was genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Hcy levels were determined using chemiluminescence microparticle assay. Results The sample of PAD patients comprised 60 (38.2%) females and 97 (61.8%) males. Patients were older and had higher Hcy than controls (median age of 69 vs. 45 years, p<0.001; and 13.66 µmol/L vs. 9.91 µmol/L, p=0.020, respectively). Hcy levels and the MTHFR 677C>T variant did not differ according to Fontaine or TASC categories. However, Hcy was higher in patients with the CT+TT genotypes than in those with the CC genotype (14.60 µmol/L vs. 12.94 µmol/L, p=0.008). Moreover, patients with the TT genotype had higher Hcy than those with the CC+CT genotypes (16.40 µmol/L vs. 13.22 µmol/L, p=0.019), independently of the major confounding variables. Conclusions The T allele of MTHFR 677C>T variant was associated with higher Hcy levels in PAD patients, but not in controls, suggesting a possible interaction between the MTHFR 677C>T variant and other genetic, epigenetic, or environmental factors associated with PAD, affecting modulation of Hcy metabolism.

Resumo Contexto O envolvimento da variante MTHFR 677C>T na hiperhomocisteinemia e na doença arterial periférica (DAP) ainda não está claro. Objetivos Avaliar a associação da variante MTHFR 677C>T (rs1801133) com suscetibilidade e gravidade da DAP e valores séricos de homocisteína (Hcy). Métodos Este estudo caso-controle envolveu 157 pacientes com DAP e 113 controles não relacionados. A gravidade e as categorias anatomorradiológicas da DAP foram avaliadas pela classificação de Fontaine e pelo Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease, respectivamente. A genotipagem foi realizada por meio de reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real, e os valores de Hcy foram determinados por ensaio de micropartículas de quimioluminescência. Resultados Entre os pacientes com DAP, 97 (61,8%) eram homens e 60 (38,2%) eram mulheres, com mediana de idade de 69 anos. Os pacientes com DAP eram mais velhos e apresentaram valores mais elevados de Hcy do que os controles (mediana de 69 vs. 45 anos de idade, p < 0,001; 13,66 µmol/L vs. 9,91 µmol/L, p = 0,020, respectivamente). Os valores de Hcy foram mais elevados em pacientes com os genótipos CT+TT do que aqueles com o genótipo CC (14,60 µmol/L vs. 12,94 µmol/L, p = 0,008). Além disso, os pacientes com o genótipo TT apresentaram valores mais elevados de Hcy do que aqueles com os genótipos CC+CT (16,40 µmol/L vs. 13,22 µmol/L, p = 0,019, respectivamente), independentemente das principais variáveis confundidoras. Conclusões O alelo T da variante MTHFR 677C>T foi associado a valores mais elevados de Hcy nos pacientes com DAP, mas não em controles, sugerindo uma possível interação entre a variante genética MTHFR 677C>T e outros fatores genéticos, epigenéticos ou ambientais associados com a DAP na modulação do metabolismo da Hcy.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of -924 G>A (rs2232365) and -3279 C>A (rs3761548) FOXP3 variants with IBD susceptibility, clinical and endoscopic activity, and IL-10 and TGF-β1 plasma levels. Method: The study included 110 IBD female patients, 60 with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and 50 with Crohn’s Disease (CD), and 154 female controls. FOXP3 variants were determined with Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Plasma levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1 were determined using immuno-fluorimetric assay. Results: AA genotype of rs2232365 and rs3761548 was associated with CD (OR = 3.147, 95% CI 1.015-9.758, p = 0.047) and UC (OR = 3.221, 95% CI 1.050-9.876, p = 0.041) susceptibility, respectively. However, were not associated with TGF-β1 and IL-10 levels, and endoscopic/clinical activity disease. GAGA haplotype was associated with IBD (OR = 4.003, 95% CI 1.100–14.56, p = 0.035) and UC susceptibility (OR = 6.107, 95% CI 1.609–23.18, p = 0.008). In addition, IBD patients with the GAGA haplotype had lower TGF-β1 levels (p = 0.041). Moreover, G/C haplotype (dominant model) had a protective effect of 60% in CD susceptibility and lower Endoscopic Severity Index. Conclusions: These results suggest that FOXP3 variants could exert a role in the Treg, which could be one of the factors involved in the susceptibility and pathogenesis of IBD.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of the body mass index (BMI) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters on oxidative and nitrosative stress in overweight and obese subjects. Subjects and methods: Individuals were divided into three groups: the control group (G1, n = 131) with a BMI between 20 and 24.9 kg/m2, the overweight group (G2, n = 120) with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2 and the obese group (G3, n = 79) with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Results: G3 presented higher advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in relation to G1 and G2 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively) whereas G2 and G3 had lower levels of nitric oxide (NO) (p = 0.009 and p = 0.048, respectively) compared to G1. Adjusted for the presence of MetS to evaluate its influence, the levels of AOPPs did not differ between the groups, whereas NO remained significantly lower. Data adjusted by the BMI showed that subjects with higher triacylglycerol levels had higher AOPPs (p = 0.001) and decreased total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter/uric Acid (p = 0.036). Subjects with lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and patients with higher blood pressure showed increased AOPPs (p = 0.001 and p = 0.034, respectively) and lower NO levels (p = 0.017 and p = 0.043, respectively). Subjects who presented insulin resistance had higher AOPPs (p = 0.024). Conclusions: Nitrosative stress was related to BMI, and protein oxidation and nitrosative stress were related to metabolic changes and hypertension. MetS components were essential participants in oxidative and nitrosative stress in overweight and obese subjects.

OBJETIVO: Estudos demonstram que o consumo regular de soja diminui o risco cardiovascular e de diabetes. No entanto, grande parte desses estudos preconiza a ingestão diária de 25 g ou mais de proteína de soja, quantidade essa considerada alta e não bem tolerada pelos pacientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do baixo consumo diário de soja no estresse oxidativo e nos componentes da síndrome metabólica (SM). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS:Quarenta indivíduos com SM foram selecionados e alocados em dois grupos: grupo controle (n = 20) e grupo soja (n = 20), que consumiu diariamente 12,95 g de proteína de soja, durante 90 dias. RESULTADOS:Após o tratamento o grupo soja apresentou diminuição da glicemia de jejum e aumento nos níveis de HDL e adiponectina. CONCLUSÃO: O consumo de uma baixa quantidade de soja por 90 dias, além de bem tolerado pelos pacientes, foi capaz de melhorar vários parâmetros relacionados à fisiopatologia da SM.

OBJECTIVE:Studies show that regular consumption of soybeans reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, most of these studies recommend daily intake of 25 g or more of soy protein, an amount considered high and not well tolerated by patients. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of low daily intake of soybeans in oxidative stress and in components of the metabolic syndrome (MS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty individuals with MS were selected and divided into two groups: control group (n = 20) and soybean-treated group (n = 20), which consumed 12.95 g of soy protein for 90 days. RESULTS: After the treatment, the soybean-treated group showed a decrease in fasting glucose and increase in serum HDL and adiponectin. CONCLUSION:Low intake of soy protein for 90 days, besides being well tolerated by the patients, was able to improve several parameters related to the pathophysiology of MS.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito do óleo de peixe e soja sobre o óxido nítrico (NO) e a pressão arterial em pacientes com síndrome metabólica (SM). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Sessenta mulheres com SM foram avaliadas em estudo paralelo randomizado. O primeiro grupo manteve sua dieta habitual, o segundo grupo recebeu 25 g/dia de soja, o terceiro grupo recebeu 3 g/dia de ácidos graxos n-3 e o quarto grupo, a mesma quantidade citada anteriormente de ácidos graxos n-3 e soja. RESULTADOS: Os níveis séricos de metabólitos de NO foram significativamente superiores após 90 dias de intervenção com soja ou óleo de peixe. Somente o grupo que recebeu o óleo de peixe apresentou redução na pressão sistólica após 45 dias. Já a soja reduziu a pressão diastólica em 45 e 90 dias. CONCLUSÕES: O aumento de NO e a redução da pressão arterial com óleo de peixe ou proteína de soja reforçam a influência do óxido nítrico sobre a pressão arterial em pacientes com SM.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of fish oil and soy on nitric oxide (NO) and blood pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty women with MS were investigated in a parallel randomized design study. The first group maintained their usual diet; the second group received 25 g/day of soy; the third group received 3 g/day of n-3 fatty acids, and the fourth group the same amount previously cited of n-3 fatty acids and soy. RESULTS: Serum nitric oxide metabolites showed significant increase after 90 days in the fish oil and soy groups. Systolic pressure reduced after 45 days of treatment with fish oil, whereas diastolic pressure decreased significantly throughout the study in the soy group. CONCLUSIONS: NO increase and blood pressure reduction with fish oil or soy protein reinforce the importance of the influence of NO on blood pressure in patients with MS.

OBJETIVO: A síndrome metabólica (SM) é um conjunto de fatores que favorecem o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares. Estudos prévios demonstram que os ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (PUFAs) podem melhorar alguns desses fatores. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito do óleo de peixe rico em PUFAs nos perfis glicêmico e lipídico, no estresse oxidativo e na capacidade antioxidante total (TRAP) no plasma em pacientes com SM. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico em 40 pacientes com SM (20 controles e 20 pacientes que consumiram 3 g/dia de PUFAs). RESULTADOS: O grupo que recebeu tratamento apresentou redução significativa nos níveis de triacilgliceróis e aumento no TRAP, mas sofreu aumento nos níveis de LDL, glicose e na resistência à insulina. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a ingestão de óleo de peixe foi capaz de diminuir os níveis de triacilgliceróis e aumentar o TRAP de pacientes com SM, porém verificou-se aumento nos níveis de LDL e na resistência à insulina.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of factors which favors the development of cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can improve some of these factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fish oil on glucose and lipid profiles, oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity (TRAP) in patients with MS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a clinical trial in 40 patients with the MS (20 controls and 20 patients receiving 3 g/day of PUFAs). SUBJECTS AND RESULTS: The group that received treatment showed a significant decrease in levels of triglycerides and increased in TRAP, but they had a significant increase in LDL, glucose and insulin resistance. CONCLUSION: We conclude that intake of fish oil resulted in decreased levels of triglycerides and increased the TRAP of patients with MS; however, increased LDL levels and insulin resistance, were observed.