Background: Epidemiologic evidence supports the association between shiftwork and the development of cardiovascular disease. Sleep disturbances are associated with a variety of adverse cardiometabolic outcomes and they may lie on the causal pathway between the exposure to shiftwork and cardiovascular disease. Objectives: 1) To describe sleep quality in a group of shift-working and day-working female hospital employees; 2) To determine the association between shiftwork status and sleep disturbances in this group and to determine the effect of lifetime exposure to shiftwork on current sleep disturbances; and 3) To explore whether sleep disturbances mediate the relationship between shiftwork and cardiometabolic risk. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among female hospital employees: participants were 132 women working only during the day, and 98 women who worked a shift schedule of two 12-hour days, followed by two 12-hour nights and five days off. Sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. The primary outcome of interest was the metabolic syndrome defined in accordance with the 2009 Joint Interim Studies consensus statement. Results: Shiftwork was associated with poor sleep latency (odds ratio (OR)= 2.08 95% CI: 1.11-3.92), poor sleep efficiency (OR=2.35 95% CI: 1.21- 4.54), and poor global sleep quality (OR=1.88 95% CI: 1.02-3.49), while the impact of past shiftwork history was inconclusive. The OR for the association of shiftwork with the metabolic syndrome was 2.00 (95% CI: 0.89-4.51), and there was no evidence of mediation by sleep disturbances in the relationship of shiftwork and the metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: In this study, a rapid forward rotating 2-shift system is associated with self-reported poor sleep quality, while the long-term effects of sleep disturbances on cardiometabolic risk requires further study. / Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2013-09-24 21:16:38.768

The aim of this study was to explore, from different perspectives, whether obesity related variables are associated with facets of psychological well-being, with a vision to future enhancement of health and the quality of life of people in the African context. This study was undertaken from the perspective of positive psychology and focused on the metabolic syndrome and obesity as biological facets. This research was conducted as part of the multidisciplinary POWIRS (Profiles of Obese Women with Insulin Resistance Syndrome) project. African (n=102) and Caucasian (1 15) women took part in a cross-sectional design. The thesis consists of 3 articles: I) Childhood relationships and bio-psycho-.gocia1 well-being in African women, 2) Psychological well-being and rhe metabolic syndrome in African and Caucasian women, and 3) Psychological wellbeing and (the absence of obesity in African and Caucasian women. In this study psychological well-being was conceptualized and operationalized by means of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ); Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29); Affectometer 2 (AFM) (short form); Fortitude Questionnaire (FORQ); Cognitive Appraisa1 Questionnaire (CAQ); Psychological Well-being Scales (SPWB); Quality of Childhood Relationship Questionnaire (QCR); Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Jarel Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWS-H). These scales were chosen to include hedonic as well as eudaimonic psychological well-being facets, but also an index of psychological symptoms. As far as possible, scales with acceptable psychometric properties as described in international as well as South African context were selected. The first article focused on whether African women with a recalled higher level of quality of childhood relationships mould differ significantly with regard to biological, psychological and social well-being from women with a recalled lower level of quality of childhood relationships. Body mass index (BMI) was used as objective measure of obesity to operationalize physical health. Findings were that the recalled quality of childhood relationships is linked with obesity and psycho-social well-being in this group of African women. The second article focused on psychological well-being and (the absence of) the metabolic syndrome (MS). It explored the possible association between comprehensive psychological well-being and MS in different cultural contexts, and explored whether African and Caucasian women without MS markers and those with MS differ on specific indices of psychological well-being. The criteria of the NCEP ATPIII mere implemented to determine markers of MS, and the absence of markers of MS was used as measure of physical health. Findings were that an association is found in Caucasian women between comprehensive psychological well-being and the absence of the metabolic syndrome, but not in the case of African women. Caucasian women without metabolic syndrome markers had significantly higher levels of psycho-social wellbeing than uomen with the metabolic syndrome. but a less apparent pattern of differences emerged for African women. MS markers for African women should be further explored. The third article explored facets of psychological well-being as predictors for (the absence of) obesity (measured by BMI and WHR) in African and Caucasian women, and whether similar or different psychological well-being facets will emerge as predictors of obesity in different cultural contexts. Obesity was operationalized in terms of waist-hip-ratio (WHR) and body-mass-index (BMI). The finding was that clusters of psychological well-being facets are practical significant predictors of obesity (measured by BMI and WHR) and that these clusters differ in some respects for African and Caucasian women. It was concluded that, firstly. findings support holistic conceptualizations of health such as proposed by the WHO (1999). Secondly, it may be worthwhile to include facets of psychological well-being in already existing intervention programmes. The development of strengths that focus on life skills and behaviours related to positive interpersonal relationships, optimistic cognitive attributional styles, finding a sense of purpose and meaningfulness in life, may be particularly beneficial. Sensitivity for cultural contexts is indicated. In view of the increase in the occurrence of obesity in childhood and adolescence it is recommended that educational training programmes should be implemented early in life in order to facilitate protective strengths and to promote bio-psycho-social health in individuals and communities. Advocacy for more attention to psycho-social and protective factors in public health is needed. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Obesity is currently the most common and costly nutritional problem in developed countries and ten percent of the world's school-aged children are estimated to be overweight to some extent. Low-grade systemic inflammation is increasingly emerging as a significant component of the metabolic syndrome. Youth in lower income families are particularly vulnerable because of poor diet and limited opportunities for physical activity. In developing countries obesity among youth is rising among the urban poor, possibly due to their exposure to Westernised diets coinciding with a history of under-nutrition. The aim of this study was to assess the association between serum CRP and physical activity and to assess the association between serum CRP and body composition in black high-school children from a township in the North West Province (NWP), South Africa. Methods and results: The study group consisted of 193 school children between the ages 13 to 18 years (78 boys and 115 girls) residing in lkageng, the township outside of Potchefstroom in the North West Province, South Africa. Children were from a black ethnic group, living in a poor socioeconomic setting. Demographic and body composition measurements were taken and fasting blood samples were drawn for serum C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements. The difference between serum CRP of overfat versus girls with a normal fat percentage was non-significant (p = 0.46). Boys with body fat percentage >20% (n=16) had .a mean serum CRP of 1.42 2.16 mg/L and for boys with a normal fat percentage (n=53) mean serum CRP was 0.89 k 1.62 mg/L. The Mann-Whitney U-test for the difference between mean CRP of the two groups of boys was Z=1.39, p=0.16 (no significant difference), but with a trend of higher serum CRP concentration in the boys with higher % body fat. For the boys, the only positive partial correlation was between serum CRP and triceps skinfold (r=0.327, p=0.045). In the girls' group no statistically significant partial correlations were found between CRP and body composition variables. There was no significant difference between serum CRP concentrations of the three physical activity categories of girls. Interestingly, there was an inverse correlation between percentage body fat and fitness in the boys' group (r=-0.509 and p= 0.008). The difference in log CRP between activity groups showed a trend of lower serum CRP with higher physical activity in the girls. Conclusion: This study showed no statistically significant associations between serum CRP and body composition, except for the positive correlation between triceps skin fold and serum CRP in boys, or CRP and physical activity, but clear trends were noted of an inverse association between CRP and physical activity in the girls. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Background: As psychosis is often a lifelong disorder, improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) can be a relevant treatment goal. Persons with psychosis have significantly reduced physical health. Research has demonstrated a great excess of mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, as psychosis may lead to an inactive lifestyle and difficulties making healthy lifestyle choices. Metabolic side effects of second-generation antipsychotics are also common. Many are therefore affected by the metabolic syndrome. The overall situation calls for action by developing health promotion interventions suitable for this group. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the physical health of persons with psychosis. However, efforts have not been optimally tailored to the needs of this group, and health care services have not done enough, despite being aware of the problem. Aim: The general aim of this thesis was to study HRQoL, and metabolic risk factors in persons with psychosis, and by a health promotion intervention and through the participants’ own perspective contribute to an improvement in lifestyle interventions. Methods: Study 1 had a cross-sectional cohort study design that was carried out in specialised psychiatric outpatient departments in Sweden. The patients (n=903) were diagnosed with a psychotic disorder and invited consecutively to participate. A prospective population-based study of public health in the south-east of Sweden (n=7238) served as reference group. Patients were assessed using psychiatric questionnaires, including the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Health-related quality of life was assessed using the EQ5D, both for patients and the population. Several other health status outcomes relevant to the metabolic syndrome were measured, together with lifestyle habits and clinical characteristics. Study II, III and IV were based on a lifestyle intervention for persons with psychosis. Study II was a longitudinal intervention study with a matched reference sample. The purpose of the lifestyle intervention  was to promote a healthier lifestyle by combining theoretical education with physical activities. The intervention group consisted of 42 participants. A matching procedure was made in which two individuals per participant were matched (n=84) into a reference group. The reference sample was matched for sex, BMI class, and being of as similar an age as possible. Socio-demographics were collected and metabolic risk factors relevant to the metabolic syndrome were measured. Symptom severity was measured using Clinical Global Impression (CGI), and HRQoL was assessed using EQ5D. Measurements were made at baseline and at a one-year follow-up. In study III, a qualitative exploratory study was conducted in order to explore prerequisites for a healthy lifestyle. Data were collected through individual interviews (n=40), using a semi-structured interview guide with participants who had undergone the lifestyle intervention. Data were collected 6–7 months after the intervention had been completed. Conventional content analysis was used. Study IV was also based on these 40 interviews and aimed to describe how persons with psychosis perceive participation in a lifestyle intervention. A phenomenographic analysis approach was used. Results/conclusions: Persons with psychosis are at great additional risk of physical comorbidity. Almost half of the patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. In addition, persons with psychosis had significantly lower HRQoL in all dimensions in the EQ5D, except for the pain/discomfort dimension. The only risk factor included in the metabolic syndrome that was associated with lower HRQoL was elevated blood pressure. Raised LDL-cholesterol was also related to lower HRQoL, together with low GAF, older age, high BMI, and female gender. The intervention study demonstrated that HRQoL was significantly improved in the intervention group when comparing EQ-VAS at baseline and at the one-year follow-up. It can be concluded that our intervention was not powerful enough to influence the metabolic factors to any greater extent. The key prerequisite for a healthy lifestyle seemed to be a wish to take part in the society and a longing to live like everybody else. However, many became stuck in a constant state of planning instead of taking action towards achieving a healthy lifestyle. Support by health care professionals is therefore also a prerequisite for a healthy lifestyle. This support should target the transition from thought to action and facilitate the participants’ ability to mirror themselves against healthy people in society by introducing activities they perceive that “common people” do. The challenge for health care professionals is to find a moderate intervention level that does not underestimate or overestimate the person’s capacity. This can facilitate continued participation, and participants can thereby find new social contacts and achieve health benefits.

11-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11HSD1) is an oxidoreductase which catalyzes conversion of inactive 11-oxo steroid derivatives into active 11-hydroxy forms. 11HSD1 elevates intracellular level of active glucocorticoid (GC) hormones: cortisol in human tissues and corticosterone in rodents, therefore local level of active GCs can be set independently from systemic secretion driven by hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). Chronic systemic excess of GCs results in development of Cushing's syndrome which is characterised by central obesity and other metabolic disturbances. Despite normal serum levels of GCs, the patients with idiopathic obesity also develop metabolic syndrome. It was suggested that GCs could be elevated locally in target tissues due to enhanced 11HSD1 activity. This hypothesis was confirmed in transgenic rodent models. Prague hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HHTg) rats represent a non-obese model of metabolic syndrome without genetic manipulations or specific mutations. The strain was bred by cross-mating of Wistar rat individuals with elevated serum levels of triglycerides (TGs). The strain exhibit hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension. When kept on high carbohydrate diet HHTg rats exhibit alterations in glucose homeostasis. Since there are no data that would describe...

Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia de medidas antropométricas que melhor identificam a Síndrome Metabólica (SM), bem como, conhecer a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade na população indígena adulta no Brasil. Método: Este trabalho foi dividido em duas partes: i) para identificar a melhor medida antropométrica que identifica a SM, analisou-se os seguintes componentes da SM: pressão artéria sistêmica, circunferência da cintura, relação cintura-quadril, glicemia de jejum e índices séricos de HDL-colesterol e triglicerídeos. Para classificação da SM, levaram-se em consideração os pontos de corte estabelecidos pelo National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, International Diabetes Federation e pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Para avaliar o desempenho das medidas antropométricas utilizou-se a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). Para as análises estatísticas utilizaram-se os Softwares SAS 9.2 e MedCalc v12; ii) realizou-se revisão sistemática para estimar a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade na população indígena adulta no Brasil. A revisão foi realizada baseada nos critérios e recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline - PRISMA. Para avaliação de qualidade dos estudos incluídos utilizou-se o score proposto por Downs e Black. Para a metanálise foi utilizado o Software RStudio®. Resultado: Dentre as três medidas antropométricas analisadas (índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura e relação cintura/altura) a relação cintura/altura apresentou o melhor desempenho para prever SM. As análises dos estudos sobre prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade evidenciaram que o sobrepeso é mais prevalente nas etnias Parkatêjê (68%) e Aruák (52%). Enquanto que a prevalência de obesidade foi maior nas etnias Guarani, Kaiowá e Terena (31%). Considerando o efeito combinado global a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade foi de 45%. Conclusão: Dentre os indicadores antropométricos utilizados, a relação cintura/altura apresenta um melhor desempenho para prever SM. Aproximadamente metade (45%) dos indígenas adultos brasileiros possui excesso de peso. / Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of anthropometric measures that better identify the Metabolic Syndrome (MS), and to know the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adult indigenous population in Brazil. Method: This work was divided into two parts: i) in order to identify the best anthropometric measure that identifies MS, the following components of MS were analyzed: systemic arterial pressure, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, fasting glycemia and serum HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels. For classifying the MS, we have considered the cutoff established by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organization. In order to evaluate the performance of the anthropometric measurements, The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of the anthropometric measures. The statistical analyzes were performed using both the SAS 9.2 and MedCalc v12 software packages; ii) a systematic review was performed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adult indigenous population in Brazil. Such review followed the criteria and recommendations from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes guideline - PRISMA. We have used the score proposed by Downs and Black for evaluating the quality of the included studies. For the meta-analysis, RStudio® Software package was used. Results: Amidst the three anthropometric measures analyzed (body mass index, waist circumference and waist / height ratio), the waist / height ratio presented the best performance to predict SM. The analyzes of the studies on the prevalence of overweight and obesity showed that overweight is more prevalent in the Parkatêjê (68%) and Aruák (52%) ethnic groups. Furthermore, the prevalence of obesity was higher in the Guarani, Kaiowá and Terena ethnic groups (31%). Considering the overall combined effect the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 45%. Conclusion: The waist / height ratio shows a better performance to predict MS. Approximately half (45%) of indigenous Brazilian adults are overweight.

Le Syndrome métabolique (SMet) traduit le développement de désordres glucidiques et lipidiques résultant d’une balance énergétique positive. Par ses caractéristiques, le SMet est un facteur de risque de développer un diabète de type 2 qui se caractérise dans ses formes pathologiques par des altérations vasculaires, en particulier au niveau de la rétine, créant ainsi une rétinopathie diabétique (RD). Fortement vascularisée et bien que présentant une barrière hémato-rétinienne qui limite l’entrée de composés sanguins, la rétine subit les variations métaboliques. Les conséquences du SMet dans la rétine sont peu étudiées, alors même qu’une prise en charge précoce pourrait diminuer leur importance. A cet égard, une alimentation à la fois riche en acides gras polyinsaturés (AGPI) à longue chaîne de type oméga 3, comme l’acide docosahexaénoïque (DHA) et l’acide eicosapentaénoïque (EPA) et pauvre en oméga 6 participerait à la prévention de l’insulinorésistance, une composante du SMet, et serait protectrice vis-à-vis des premiers stades de la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l’âge (DMLA) et du vieillissement de la rétine. La biodisponibilité des AGPI oméga 3 dans la rétine, est un paramètre à prendre en compte pour bénéficier de leurs effets protecteurs. Pourtant, ces données, selon la source de provenance des AGPI, sont peu accessibles et méritent d’être étudiées. Nous voulions d’abord évaluer l’effet d’un régime diabétogène sur le métabolisme glucidique et lipidique chez le rat pour, de manière concomitante, en étudier les conséquences fonctionnelles et structurales sur la rétine. Notre second objectif était de comparer l’intégration de plusieurs formulations à base de phospholipides ou triglycérides, portant EPA ou DHA, dans la rétine.Ainsi, des rats Brown Norway ont été nourris avec un régime composé de 60% de fructose et 10% de lipides saturés (HFHF). L’étude du métabolisme glucidique a révélé une hyperglycémie à jeun, une intolérance au glucose et une résistance à l’insuline dès 8 jours de régime. D’autre part, nos analyses n’ont pas révélé de dyslipidémie. Ainsi, compte tenu de la résistance de ces rats à développer de manière précoce des altérations d’un mécanisme clé du syndrome métabolique comme la dyslipidémie, nous avons réalisé une étude comparative entre rats Brown Norway (BN) et Wistar (W) soumis au régime HFHF. Cette étude a révélé que les rats W étaient plus sensibles aux dérégulations lipidiques. Toutefois, les rats W n’ont pas développé d’insulinorésistance, et présentaient une hyperglycémie à jeun plus tardive que les rats BN. En complément de ces données, les analyses fonctionnelles de la rétine des rats BN par électrorétinographie ont révélé une diminution de sensibilité des photorécepteurs de type cône, après 4 semaines de régime HFHF. De plis, nos résultats indiquent que le régime HFHF constitue un terrain favorable au développement néovasculaire dans la rétine, avec une exacerbation de l’activation des cellules de Müller.Dans l’objectif d’optimiser la forme d’apport en acides gras à effets protecteurs de la rétine, nous souhaitions comparer l’intégration du DHA dans la rétine apporté par différentes sources de lipides intégrées dans l’alimentation de rats Wistar. L’apport consistait principalement en EPA ou en DHA, soit sous forme de phospholipides, soit sous forme de triglycérides. Nos données mettent principalement en évidence un enrichissement de la couche des photorécepteurs dans une zone à proximité du nerf optique, ceci quelle que soit la formule lipidique considérée. Nos données quantitatives révèlent quant à elles une meilleure intégration du DHA, estérifié sur les phosphatidylcholines de la rétine lorsque l’EPA est apporté sous forme de phospholipides, et que le DHA est apporté par les phospholipides ou les triglycérides. L’ensemble des régimes permettent d’augmenter la teneur en AGPI à très longue chaîne dans la rétine. / Metabolic syndrome (MetS) results from carbohydrate and lipid disorders that originate from misbalanced energy metabolism. MetS is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes that, in pathophysiological conditions, is characterized by vascular alterations, particularly in the retina, creating the diabetic retinopathy (DR). Despite it presents a barrier limiting the input of blood factors, the retina is under metabolic variations. The consequences of MetS in the retina have not been characterized. MetS would be responsible for the inflammation and microvascular alterations in the retina and could participate to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A diet rich in omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) i.e. docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and low omega-6 fatty acid, should participate to the prevention of insulin resistance, a feature of MetS. Such diet would be protective against AMD, the leading cause of visual impairment after the age of 55 years in Western populations. Meanwhile, the bioavailability of omega-3 in the retina, is a parameter to consider to fully take advantages of their protective effects. Yet, data on the bioavailability of fatty acids from different origins are sparse and need to be studied.Our first goal was to associate metabolic and retinal disturbances in the context of MetS. For that purpose, we evaluated the impact of a pro diabetic diet on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the rat, and further analyzed the function and structure of the retina. Our second objective was to compare the efficacy of phospholipids and triglycerides to improve the incorporation of omega-3 LC-PUFA in the retina and others tissues in the rat.Brown Norway (BN) rats were fed with a 60% fructose and 10% saturated lipid diet (HFHF). The results revealed fasted hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance at 8 days and afterwards, without dyslipidaemia. Thus, considering the resistance of BN rats to develop dyslipidaemia, we performed a comparative study with BN and W rats by feeding them with HFHF. Our results showed that W rats were more sensitive to lipid deregulations. However, they did not develop insulin resistance, and developed hyperglycaemia later than BN. Regarding these data, functional analyses of retina by electroretinography was performed in BN. Electroretinograms revealed a loss of cone photoreceptor sensitivity after 4 weeks of HFHF diet without other functional dysfunction.In one independent group of BN rats, choroidal neovascularization was induced by rupture of Bruch’s membrane with impact lasers in eye fundus. Retinal angiography revealed that feeding HFHF diet during 4 weeks favoured neovascular development in the retina, and activated Müller cells. Then, we wanted to compare omega-3 LC-PUFA integration in the retina by feeding Wistar rats with 6 different lipid sources. The strength of this work was to use either phospholipids, triglycerides or a mix of both, that contained either EPA or DHA as the prominent omega-3 fatty acid. Our qualitative data revealed an increase of DHA in the retina, particularly in the photoreceptor layer, around the optic nerve, regardless lipid formula. Our quantitative data revealed a better integration of DHA, particularly DHA-containing phosphatidylcholine, in the retina, when EPA is provided esterified on phospholipids, and DHA is provided on both, phospholipids and triglycerides. All the supplemented diets allowed an increase in very long chain-PUFAs in the retina.

A síndrome metabólica (SM) é definida como um grupo de condições que aumentam o risco para doenças cardiovasculares e diabetes, com quadro clínico reconhecido por componentes como obesidade abdominal, dislipidemia, hipertensão arterial e resistência à insulina ou intolerância à glicose. Na população de 20 a 70 anos, apresenta prevalência de 24% no Brasil e no mundo. A resistência à insulina e a inflamação são demonstradas como características de grande importância na síndrome metabólica, que constituem alvos interessantes para novas abordagens terapêuticas. Nesse sentido, a classe de fármacos anti-diabéticos orais das tiazolidinadionas (TZDs), que são agonistas do receptor gama ativado por proliferadores de peroxissoma (PPAR=γ), cujo efeito hipoglicemiante é mediado pela redução da resistência à insulina sistêmica pelos tecidos periféricos, pode ser apontada como alternativa no tratamento de síndrome metabólica. No entanto, os fármacos dessa classe disponíveis comercialmente apresentam efeitos adversos importantes, o que incentivou a descoberta de novos derivados tiazolidínico, almejando a identificação de fármacos mais eficazes e com menos efeitos adversos. Considerando que os efeitos desses novos derivados tiazolidínicos ainda não haviam sido investigados em modelos de síndrome metabólica, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos biológicos de quatro novos derivados tiazolidínicos, a saber, GQ-02, GQ-11, GQ-177 e Lyso-7 em modelo animal utilizando as linhagens de camundongo C57BL/6J e C57BL/6J LDLr -/-. O tratamento com os novos derivados tiazolidínicos mostrou efeito hipoglicemiante, com melhora na sensibilidade à insulina, no estado hiperinsulinêmico e hiperleptinêmico, além da modulação do perfil inflamatório e lipídico. / Metabolic syndrome (MetS) can be defined as a group of conditions that increases cardiovascular diseases and diabetes risk, with obesity, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension and insulin resistance or glucose intolerance as clinical features. The 20-70 years olds population have a prevalence of 24% in Brazil and world. An inflammatory reaction series and insulin resistance, also triggered by obesity, are demonstrated in metabolic syndrome what composes interesting targets to new therapeutic approaches. The anti-diabetic oral drugs class of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), that are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists, whose hypoglycemic effect is mediated by insulin resistance reduction in peripheral tissues, can be appointed how an alternative treatment of MetS. However, this class of drugs commercially available shows important adverse effects, such as weight increase and cardiovascular events risk. Thus, new thiazolidine compounds have been developed, craving identify more effective drugs and fewer adverse effects. Considering that these new thiazolidinediones effects aren\'t investigated in MetS models, the present study objects evaluated the action of four new thiazolidine compounds, denominated GQ-11, GQ-02, GQ-177 and Lyso-7 in animal model of MetS, using C57BL/6J and C57BL/6J LDLr -/- mice. The treatment with new thiazolidine compounds showed hypoglycemic effect, improving insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia, with peculiar characteristics on inflammatory and lipid profile modulation

A síndrome metabólica (SM) é uma somatória de fatores de risco para desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV), intimamente ligada à obesidade e, assim como a última, sua prevalência cresce mundialmente. Sua etiologia é complexa e suas causas são influenciadas por fatores ambientais e genéticos. Sabe-se que a elevação da capacidade cardiorrespiratória (VO2máx) seja um melhor atenuador do risco de mortalidade por DCV do que a própria obesidade. Atualmente a forma conhecida para aumento do VO2máx é o exercício físico aeróbio, porém vários indivíduos reportam falta de tempo para realização de uma rotina de exercícios físicos. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo comparar dois protocolos de treinamento aeróbio de alta intensidade e outro contínuo de moderada intensidade quanto à influência na capacidade cardiorrespiratória, variáveis de síndrome metabólica (circunferência da cintura - CC, glicemia de jejum, HDL, triglicérides e pressão arterial) e composição corporal (massa e percentual de gordura) em indivíduos com sobrepeso/obesidade e; observar a influência de polimorfismos dos genes visfatina e receptor tipo 1 de angiotensina 2 (AGTR1) nos níveis de glicemia, HDL, triglicérides e pressão arterial. 40 indivíduos foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos de treinamento: contínuo moderado (CM), 4x1 e 4x4. O grupo CM realizou cinco sessões semanais de treino por 30 minutos; os grupos 4x1 e 4x4 realizaram 3 sessões semanais com duração de 19 e 40 minutos, respectivamente. A intervenção durou 16 semanas e as sessões foram monitoradas quanto à frequência cardíaca para controlar a intensidade do exercício. O grupo CM se exercitou a 70% da frequência cardíaca máxima, enquanto os grupos 4x1 e 4x4 realizaram estímulos a 90% da frequência cardíaca máxima. Os resultados encontrados apontaram uma melhora na capacidade cardiorrespiratória em todos os grupos, sem diferença entre eles. Diminuição da massa corpórea, IMC, percentual de gordura somente no grupo 4x4. Diminuição de CC nos grupos 4x4 e CM. Os dados da análise genética não apontaram nenhuma relação entre os polimorfismos avaliados e as variáveis de interesse. Por fim, concluiu-se que o treinamento de alta intensidade com duração de 19 minutos promove resultados semelhantes ao treinamento de mesma intensidade e duração de 40 minutos e ao treinamento de intensidade moderada na capacidade cardiorrespiratória em indivíduos com sobrepeso/obesidade, sendo uma alternativa viável para treinamento físico com pouco volume. / Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a sum of risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), closely linked to obesity and, like the latter, its prevalence is growing worldwide. Its etiology is complex and its causes are influenced by environmental and genetic factors. It is known that the increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) is a better attenuator of CVD mortality risk rather than obesity itself. Currently, the best known way to increase VO2max is aerobic exercise, but many people report lack of time to perform a exercise routine exercise. In this context, this study aimed to compare two high intensity aerobic exercise protocols and a continuous moderate exercise regarding their effects on cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic syndrome variables (waist circumference - WC, fasting plasma glucose, HDL, triglycerides, and blood pressure) and body composition (body mass and fat percentage) in overweight/obese individuals and; observe the influence of genetic polymorphisms of visfatin and angiotensin 2 receptor type 1(AGTR1) in blood glucose levels, HDL, triglycerides and blood pressure. 40 subjects were randomly divided into three training groups: continuous moderate intensity (CM), 4x1 and 4x4. The CM group held five weekly training sessions for 30 minutes; the 4x1 and 4x4 groups performed three weekly sessions lasting 19 and 40 minutes, respectively. The intervention lasted 16 weeks and the sessions were monitored for heart rate to control the exercise intensity. The CM group exercised at 70% of maximum heart rate, while the 4x1 and 4x4 groups performed stimuli to 90% of maximum heart rate. The findings showed an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness in all groups, with no difference between them. A decreased body mass, BMI, body fat percentage only in the group 4x4. WC decrease in 4x4 and CM groups. Data from genetic analysis did not show any relationship between the evaluated polymorphisms and the variables of interest. Finally, it was concluded that the high intensity training lasting 19 minutes promotes similar results to the training of the same intensity and duration of 40 minutes and moderate intensity training on cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight/obese individuals, being a viable alternative for exercise training with low volume.

OBJETIVO: No Brasil, a prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT), especialmente obesidade, tem aumentado dramaticamente, constituindo-se em grave problema de saúde pública. Paradoxalmente, no país ainda são observadas altas taxas de desnutrição crônica em crianças de baixa renda, o que tem sido, recentemente, apontada como fator de risco para desenvolvimento de DCNT na vida adulta. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de síndrome metabólica (SM) e sua relação com a baixa estatura, marcador de desnutrição pregressa na infância, em população adulta. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em população adulta, com idades entre 20 e 64 anos, residente em município da região metropolitana de São Paulo. A amostra foi composta por 287 indivíduos, sendo 214 (74,6%) do sexo feminino e 75 (25,4%) do sexo masculino. Foram obtidos dados antropométricos e clínico-bioquímicos através de exame físico e coleta de material biológico, respectivamente. Os dados socioeconômico-demográficos e de hábitos de vida foram obtidos por meio de entrevista. Para classificação da síndrome metabólica utilizou-se o critério do International Diabetes Federation e para o ponto de corte da baixa estatura utilizou-se o padrão do National Center for Health Statistics (homens <165cm e mulheres <154cm). RESULTADOS: A prevalência padronizada por sexo e idade para a síndrome metabólica foi de 40,0% no sexo feminino e 10,0% no sexo masculino e a de baixa estatura 30,0% entre as mulheres e 23,0% entre os homens. Em análise univariada, a baixa estatura demonstrou associação com a SM em ambos os sexos (Odds Ratio=1,308; p<0,001). Em análise multivariada, ajustada por sexo, idade, escolaridade, renda, tabagismo, etilismo, atividade física, antecedentes familiares e índice de massa corpórea, a baixa estatura mostrou-se associada a SM (Odds Ratio=1,299; IC95%:1,288-1,310). CONCLUSÃO: No presente estudo foi demonstrada possível associação entre SM e baixa estatura em adultos. / OBJECTIVE: In Brazil, the prevalence of chronic diseases, especially obesity, has increased dramatically, thus becoming a serious problem of public health. There are, however, high rates of undernutrition and stunting in low-income children, which have been appointed as risk factor to cause chronic diseases in later life. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its relationship to short stature, as evidence of stunting in early life in adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of adult population (age 20 to 64 years old) living in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo. The sample comprehended a total of 287 individuals, 214 (74,6%) were women and 73 (25,4%) were men. The anthropometric and clinical-biochemical data were collected through the physical exam and the biological material, respectively. The socio-economic-demographic data and life habit conditions were obtained through interview. The metabolic syndrome was defined by the criteria of International Diabetes Federation and the cut-off point for short stature was based on the standard given by National Center for Health Statistics (male <165cm and female <154cm). RESULTS: The standard prevalence for sex and age to metabolic syndrome was 40,0% among women and 10,0% among men and the prevalence of short stature were 30,0% in women and 30,0% in men. In univariate analyses the metabolic syndrome showed to be associated to short stature (Odds Ratio=1,308; p<0,001). The multiple regression analyses, adjusted by sex, age, education, income, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history and body mass index showed association between the metabolic syndrome and short stature (Odds Ratio=1,299; IC95%:1,288-1,310). CONCLUSIONS: In this study was demonstrated association between metabolic syndrome and short stature in adults.