Estimates of genomic heritability and genome-wide association study for fatty acids profile in Santa Inês sheep

Background: Despite the health concerns and nutritional importance of fatty acids, there is a relative paucity of studies in the literature that report genetic or genomic parameters, especially in the case of sheep populations. To investigate the genetic architecture of fatty acid composition of sheep, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and estimated genomic heritabilities for fatty acid profile in Longissimus dorsi muscle of 216 male sheep. Results: Genomic heritability estimates for fatty acid content ranged from 0.25 to 0.46, indicating that substantial genetic variation exists for the evaluated traits. Therefore, it is possible to alter fatty acid profiles through selection. Twenty-seven genomic regions of 10 adjacent SNPs associated with fatty acids composition were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, each explaining ≥0.30% of the additive genetic variance. Twenty-three genes supporting the understanding of genetic mechanisms of fat composition in sheep were identified in these regions, such as DGAT2, TRHDE, TPH2, ME1, C6, C7, UBE3D, PARP14, and MRPS30. Conclusions: Estimates of genomic heritabilities and elucidating important genomic regions can contribute to a better understanding of the genetic control of fatty acid deposition and improve the selection strategies to enhance meat quality and health attributes

Convergent functional genomic studies of omega-3 fatty acids in stress reactivity, bipolar disorder and alcoholism

Omega-3 fatty acids have been proposed as an adjuvant treatment option in psychiatric disorders. Given their other health benefits and their relative lack of toxicity, teratogenicity and side effects, they may be particularly useful in children and in females of child-bearing age, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. A comprehensive mechanistic understanding of their effects is needed. Here we report translational studies demonstrating the phenotypic normalization and gene expression effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in a stress-reactive knockout mouse model of bipolar disorder and co-morbid alcoholism, using a bioinformatic convergent functional genomics approach integrating animal model and human data to prioritize disease-relevant genes. Additionally, to validate at a behavioral level the novel observed effects on decreasing alcohol consumption, we also tested the effects of DHA in an independent animal model, alcohol-preferring (P) rats, a well-established animal model of alcoholism. Our studies uncover sex differences, brain region-specific effects and blood biomarkers that may underpin the effects of DHA. Of note, DHA modulates some of the same genes targeted by current psychotropic medications, as well as increases myelin-related gene expression. Myelin-related gene expression decrease is a common, if nonspecific, denominator of neuropsychiatric disorders. In conclusion, our work supports the potential utility of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, for a spectrum of psychiatric disorders such as stress disorders, bipolar disorder, alcoholism and beyond

Acute spinal cord compression due to epidural lipomatosis complicated by an abscess: magnetic resonance and pathology findings

A 68-year-old male presented with rapidly progressive paraplegia. MR images of the thoracic spine were interpreted as being consistent with an abscess within an epidural lipomatosis compressing the spinal cord. Laminectomy was performed, and a large amount of pus was drained from the epidural lipomatosis, from which Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. This is the first reported case of an abscess involving an epidural lipomatosis

Consumo alimentar e perfil antropométrico de tenistas amadores e profissionais Food intake and anthropometric profile of amateur and professionals tennis players

INTRODUÇÃO: O perfil antropométrico e o consumo alimentar exercem grande influência no desempenho esportivo; entretanto, essas informações sobre tenistas brasileiros ainda são escassas. OBJETIVO: Descrever e comparar o consumo alimentar e o perfil antropométrico de tenistas amadores (AM) e profissionais (PRO). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 24 tenistas, com a seguinte distribuição: profissionais (PRO; n = 9) e amadores (AM; n = 15). Os atletas foram avaliados quanto a variáveis antropométricas (peso, estatura, circunferências e dobras cutâneas) e a composição corporal foi estimada por três diferentes protocolos. As dietas foram avaliadas a partir de três diários alimentares. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa no perfil antropométrico dos atletas PRO em relação aos AM (peso: 69,5 ± 9,8kg e 66,0 ± 5,0kg; estatura: 177,9 ± 4,3cm e 175,6 ± 2,7cm, IMC: 23,5 ± 1,4kg/m² e 22,6 ± 0,8kg/m² e gordura corporal: 13,0 ± 5,5% e 13,7 ± 2,4%, respectivamente). Observou-se significativo déficit energético entre a estimativa da necessidade energética e a ingestão energética relatada. O consumo de carboidratos apresentou-se no limite mínimo sugerido (AM: 6,3 ± 0,5g/kg/dia e PRO: 6,5 ± 0,7g/kg/dia), enquanto a ingestão de proteínas mostrou-se superior às recomendações disponíveis na literatura (AM: 2,4 ± 0,2g/kg/dia e PRO: 2,3 ± 0,3g/kg/dia). Com relação aos minerais, a principal preocupação foi a baixa ingestão de cálcio (AM: 798,1 ± 786,3mg/dia e PRO: 766,9 ± 602,4mg/dia). CONCLUSÃO: Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no perfil antropométrico e no consumo alimentar entre os atletas AM e PRO. Os desvios observados no consumo alimentar reforçam a necessidade de orientação/planejamento nutricional, a fim de atender às demandas específicas da modalidade, visando maximizar o desempenho.<br>The anthropometric profile and food intake play a key role in sports performance; however, there is little information available regarding Brazilian tennis players. AIM: the present study aimed to evaluate the food intake and the anthropometric profile of professional and amateur tennis players. METHODS: twenty-four tennis players were distributed in two groups: professionals (PRO; n = 9) and amateurs (AM; n = 15). The athletes were evaluated on their anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, circumferences and skin folders). Body fat was estimated from three different equations. Food intake was determined by a 3-day food diary. RESULTS: there were no significant differences from anthropometric profile between PRO and AM (body weight: 69.5 ± 9.8 kg and 66.0 ± 5.0 kg; height: 177.9 ± 4.3 cm and 175.6 ± 2.7 cm, BMI: 23.5 ± 1.4 kg/m² and 22.6 ± 0.8 kg/m² and body fat: 13.0 ± 5.5% and 13.7 ± 2.4%, respectively). Significant difference between the energy expenditure and estimation and reported energy intake was observed. Both groups showed low carbohydrate (AM: 6.3 ± 0.5 g/kg/day and PRO: 6.5 ± 0.7 g/kg/day) and high protein intake AM: 2.4 ± 0.2 g/kg/day and PRO: 2.3 ± 0.3 g/kg/day) compared to the current recommendations. Very low calcium intake was observed (AM: 798.1 ± 786.3 mg/day and PRO: 766.9 ± 602.4 mg/day). CONCLUSION: no significant differences were detected for food intake pattern and anthropometric profile between PRO and AM. The results presented herein reinforce the relevance of nutritional planning in order to achieve specific demands of tennis and maximize performance