Abstract Introduction: obesity is associated with high levels of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. There is a lot of evidence that some polyphenols, such as green tea, have a positive impact on the OS state and consecutively, on inflammation. Objectives: the purposes of this study were: a) evaluate OS biomarkers in both obese and normal weight women; and b) evaluate if green tea supplementation has an impact on OS and inflammatory cytokine biomarkers of obese women. Methods: we evaluated obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg/m²) and normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²) women. Blood samples were used to access malondialdehyde (MDA), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and inflammatory cytokines. We randomly chose obese patients (18 individuals) and then gave them green tea supplementation for eight weeks. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, independent and paired t tests; p < 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: we enrolled 42 obese (BMI: 48.2 ± 9.3kg/m2) and 21 normal weight (BMI: 22.5 ± 2 kg/m2) women with an average age of 36.2 ± 9.1 years old. The serum levels of MDA were higher in obese (2.52 ± 0.31 µmol/l) than in eutrophic women (2.13 ± 0.26 µmol/l; p = 0.000). On the other hand, lower TEAC values were observed in the obese (0.75 ± 0.06 mM/l) than in the eutrophic group (0.78 ± 0.04 mM/l; p = 0.009). After the green tea intervention, MDA decreased 4.7% and TEAC increased 10%. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum levels decreased 12.7% after treatment (p = 0.03). Conclusions: a) the obese group had lower antioxidant capacity than eutrophic; and b) green tea supplementation ameliorated TEAC and MDA and reduced serum levels of IL-6 in obese women.

Resumen Introducción: la obesidad se asocia con altos niveles de estrés oxidativo (EO) e inflamación. Existe mucha evidencia de que algunos polifenoles, como el té verde, tienen un impacto positivo en el estado del EO y, consecutivamente, en la inflamación. Objetivos: los propósitos de este estudio fueron: a) evaluar los biomarcadores de EO en mujeres obesas y de peso normal; y b) evaluar si la suplementación con té verde tiene un impacto en el EO y biomarcadores de citoquinas inflamatorias de las mujeres obesas. Métodos: evaluamos mujeres obesas (índice de masa corporal [IMC] ≥ 40 kg/m²) y con peso normal (IMC entre 18,5 y 24,9 kg/m²). Se utilizaron muestras de sangre para determinar el malondialdehído (MDA), la capacidad antioxidante equivalente de trolox (TEAC) y las citoquinas inflamatorias. Elegimos al azar pacientes obesas (18 individuos) y luego les dimos suplementos de té verde durante ocho semanas. El análisis estadístico incluyó las pruebas de Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, t pareadas e independientes; p < 0,05 fueron considerados como significativos. Resultados: se reclutaron 42 mujeres obesas (IMC: 48,2 ± 9,3 kg/m2) y 21 de peso normal (IMC: 22,5 ± 2 kg/m2) con un promedio de edad de 36,2 ± 9,1 años. Los niveles séricos de MDA fueron más altos en las personas obesas (2,52 ± 0,31 µmol/L) que en las mujeres eutróficas (2,13 ± 0,26 µmol/L; p = 0,000). Por otro lado, se observaron valores TEAC más bajos en los obesos (0,75 ± 0,06 mM/L) que en el grupo eutrófico (0,78 ± 0,04 mM/L; p = 0,009). Después de la intervención con té verde, la MDA disminuyó 4.7% y el TEAC aumentó 10%. Los niveles séricos de interleucina-6 (IL-6) disminuyeron 12.7% después del tratamiento (p = 0,03). Conclusiones: a) mujeres obesas tienen menor capacidad antioxidante que las eutrófica; y b) la suplementación con té verde mejora TEAC y MDA y redujo los niveles séricos de IL-6 en mujeres obesas.

Abstract Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the association between polymorphisms of INSIG, PCSK9 and FTO genes with anthropometric, biochemical characteristics and presence of metabolic syndrome in patients with severe obesity. Material and methods: the present study enrolled 150 patients with grade II or III obesity, who were submitted to nutritional assessment, blood pressure measurement and peripheral blood collection. INSIG2 (rs75666605), PCSK9 (rs505151), and FTO (rs9939609) polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan Pre-Designed SNP Genotyping Assays probes in real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The experimental data are processed in SPSS Statistics 22.0 (p < 0.05). Results: in this study, 72.2% of obese subjects had metabolic syndrome (MS). There was a higher prevalence of AA (86.9%), CG (51.1%) and AT (46.2%) genotypes for the PCSK9, INSIG2 and FTO polymorphisms, respectively. There was no association of these polymorphisms with the prevalence of MS (p > 0.05). On the other hand, individuals with at least one variant allele (G) for the INSIG2 gene had higher triglycerides levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). Conclusions: the polymorphism rs7566605 of the INSIG2 gene is associated with higher triglycerides levels and blood pressure values, which are also considered as risk factors for the development of MS.

Resumen Objetivo: este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la asociación entre polimorfismos de los genes INSIG, PCSK9 y FTO con las características antropométricas, bioquímicas y la presencia de síndrome metabólico (SM) en pacientes con obesidad grave. Material y métodos: el presente estudio incluyó 150 pacientes con obesidad de grado II o III, que fueron sometidos a evaluación nutricional, medición de la presión arterial y extracción de sangre periférica. Los polimorfismos INSIG2 (rs75666605), PCSK9 (rs505151) y FTO (rs9939609) fueron genotipados utilizando sondas TaqMan Pre-Designed SNP Genotyping Assays en la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real (PCR). Los datos experimentales se procesan en SPSS Statistics 22.0 (p < 0,05). Resultados: en este estudio, el 72,2% de los sujetos obesos tenían síndrome metabólico (EM). Hubo una mayor prevalencia de genotipos AA (86,9%), CG (51,1%) y AT (46,2%) para los polimorfismos PCSK9, INSIG2 y FTO, respectivamente. No hubo asociación de estos polimorfismos con la prevalencia de SM (p > 0,05). Por otro lado, los individuos con al menos una variante de alelo (G) para el gen INSIG2 tenían niveles más altos de triglicéridos, presión arterial sistólica y diastólica (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: el polimorfismo rs7566605 del gen INSIG2 se asocia con niveles más altos de triglicéridos y valores de presión arterial, que también se consideran factores de riesgo para el desarrollo del síndrome metabólico.

Abstract Introduction: inflammation and oxidative stress are factors that may play a substantial role in telomere attrition. In line of this, obesity is associated with telomere shortening. Green tea had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may alter telomere length (TL). Objectives: we evaluated the effect of decaffeinated green tea supplementation in obese women on TL. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional interventional study with ten obese (body mass index [BMI] > 40 kg/m²) and eight normal weight (BMI > 18.5 and < 24.9 kg/m²) women (age between 27 and 48 years). The supplementation was carried out with capsules (each contained 450.7 mg of epigallocatechin-3-gallate) during eight weeks. Anthropometric and dietary intake assessment, and blood collection (for biochemical and TL analysis by quantitative PCR) were performed before and after supplementation. Normal weight patients were evaluated at a single moment. Results: we observed a significant increase on TL after supplementation (1.57 ± 1.1 to 3.2 ± 2.1 T/Sratio; p < 0.05). Moreover, we found shorter TL in obese patients (day 0) when compared to normal weight individuals (3.2 ± 1.9 T/Sratio; p < 0.05) and an inverse association between TL and BMI, even after age adjustment (beta = -0.527; r² = 0.286; IC = -0.129, -0.009). Conclusion: obesity is related to shorter telomeres. Green tea supplementation during eight weeks promotes telomere elongation in obese women.

Resumen Introducción: la inflamación y el estrés oxidativo son factores que pueden jugar un papel importante en el desgaste de los telómeros. En línea con esto, la obesidad está asociada con el acortamiento de los telómeros. El té verde tiene efectos antiinflamatorios y antioxidantes y puede alterar la longitud de los telómeros (LT). Objetivos: evaluamos el efecto de la suplementación de té verde descafeinado en la LT en mujeres obesas. Métodos: realizamos un estudio intervencionista de corte transversal con 10 mujeres obesas (IMC > 40 kg/m²) y 8 con peso normal (IMC > 18,5 y < 24,9 kg/m²) (edad entre 27 y 48 años). La suplementación se llevó a cabo con cápsulas (cada una contenía 450,7 mg de epigalocatequina-3-galato) durante 8 semanas. La evaluación de la ingesta antropométrica y dietética y la recolección de sangre (para análisis bioquímicos y LT por PCR cuantitativa) se realizaron antes y después de la administración de suplementos. Los pacientes de peso normal fueron evaluados en un solo momento. Resultados: observamos un aumento significativo en LT después de la suplementación (1,57 ± 1,1 a 3,2 ± 2,1 T/S ratio; p < 0,05). Además, encontramos LT más corta en pacientes obesos (día 0) en comparación con individuos de peso normal (3,2 ± 1,9 T/S ratio; p < 0,05) y una asociación inversa entre LT e IMC, incluso después del ajuste de edad (beta = -0,527; r² = 0,286; IC = -0,129, -0,009). Conclusión: la obesidad está relacionada con los telómeros más cortos. La administración de suplementos de té verde durante 8 semanas promueve la elongación de los telómeros en mujeres obesas.

Introdução A patogênese da doença de Parkinson (DP) envolve fatores ambientais e suscetibilidade genética, destacando-se a mutação de alfa-sinucleína (SNCA.)Objetivos Analisar a variante genética SNCA-A53T em pacientes com DP familiar (DPF) e DP esporádica (DPE).Método Foram estudados 294 indivíduos, independente de sexo, com etnia miscigenada, sendo 154 com DP e 140 sem a doença (grupo controle). A genotipagem deSNCA-A53T foi realizada por PCR/RFLP. Nível de significância para p < 0,05.Resultados Entre os pacientes, 37(24%) tinham DPF e 117 (75,9%) DPE. A ausência da mutação SNCA-A53T em todos os indivíduos.Conclusão DPE é destacada entre os pacientes, no entanto a mutaçãoSNCA-A53T ausente em todos os indivíduos, não diferenciando os grupo controle e pacientes, o que deve ser confirmado em população brasileira, considerando uma ampla casuística, além da ancestralidade.

Introduction The pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, with focus on the mutation in thealpha-synucleingene (SNCA).Objective To analyse the polymorphism SNCA-A53T in patients with familial PD (FPD) and sporadic PD (SPD).Method A total of 294 individuals were studied, regardless of sex and with mixed ethnicity. The study group with 154 patients with PD, and the control group included 140 individuals without PD. The genotyping ofSNCA-A53T was performed by PCR/RFLP. Significance level was p < 0.05.Results Among all patients, 37 (24%) had FPD and 117 (75.9%) had SPD. The absence ofSNCA-A53T mutation was observed in all individuals.Conclusion SPD is notably observed in patients. However, the SNCA-A53T mutation was absent in all individuals, which does not differ controls from patients. This fact should be confirmed in a Brazilian study case with a more numerous and older population.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar freqüências alélicas e genotípicas para o gene codificador da cadeia beta do fibrinogênio em pacientes com doença arterial periférica (DAP). Foram estudados 44 pacientes caucasóides do sexo masculino com sintomas clínicos e comprovação angiográfica de DAP, com idade entre 38 e 79 anos (62±8,6 anos). Entre eles, 22 apresentaram obstrução aterosclerótica nas artérias ilíacas, femorais e/ou carótidas e 22 tinham aneurisma de aorta torácica, abdominal ou tóraco-abdominal. O grupo controle foi constituído por 56 indivíduos, sem história clínica de DAP ou alterações ao exame clínico, com idades variando de 43 a 80 anos (59±9,2 anos). Foram excluídos os indivíduos com doença renal, doença hepática ou diabetes mellitus. A análise do polimorfismo genético da cadeia do fibrinogênio foi realizada por PCR (polimerase chain reaction) e RFLP (restriction fragment lenght polimorphism) com a endonuclease Bcl I, identificando-se três genótipos: B1/B1, B1/B2 e B2/B2. A análise estatística incluiu teste exato de Fisher, calculo do odds ratio, teste de Kruskal Wallis e análise de variância (ANOVA). Admitiu-se erro a igual a 5%, com nível de significância para P<0,05. O alelo B1 foi o mais prevalente em pacientes e controles (0,819 e 0,857, respectivamente; P=0,5605), com prevalência do genótipo B1/B1 nos pacientes (65,9%) e controles (71,4%; P=0,6639), seguido de B1/B2 (31,8; 28,6%, respectivamente; P=0,8268). Em conclusão, DAP, independente do tipo de lesão obstrutiva ou aneurismática, apresenta-se indiferente ao polimorfismo Bcl I do fibrinogênio, portanto, sem influência dos alelos B1 e B2 para fibrinogênio e seus respectivos genótipos na doença.

The objective of this study was to analyze the frequencies of the alleles and genotypes of the gene encoder of the fibrinogen b-chain in patients suffering from peripheral artery disease. A total of 62 male Caucasoid patients with ages varying from 38 to 79 years old were studied. All the patients had clinical symptoms of peripheral artery disease, which was later confirmed by angiography. Forty of the patients had atherosclerotic obstructions of the iliac, femoral or carotid arteries and 22 suffered from aneurysms of the thoracic, abdominal or thoracoabdominal aortas. All the patients were submitted to surgery. A control group was formed of 62 individuals, with ages ranging from 43 to 80 years old, without clinical histories or alterations in their clinical examinations of peripheral artery disease. Individuals with renal disease, liver disease or diabetes mellitus were excluded. Analysis of the fibrinogen b-chain was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism with Bcl I endonuclease. Three genotypes, B1/B1, B1/B2 and B2/B2 were identified. Statistical analysis was made using the Fisher Exact test, odds ratio, Kruskal-Wallis test and variance analysis (ANOVA). A p-value = 0.05 was considered significant. The B1 allele was the most prevalent in both patients and the control group (0.819 and 0.857, respectively), with prevalence of the B1/B1 genotype in patients and controls (65.9% vs. 71.4% respectively), followed by B1/B2 (31.8% vs. 28.6% respectively). No significant difference was observed in relation to the Bcl I polymorphisms of the fibrinogen b-chain and obstructive and aneurysmal peripheral artery disease. In conclusion, the B1 and B2 polymorphisms of the fibrinogen b-chain and their respective genotypes do not have any influence in peripheral artery disease.