Metabolic equivalent concept in apparently healthy men: A re-examination of the standard oxygen uptake value of 3.5 mL·kg-1·min-1

This study compared resting oxygen uptake (V̇O2) with the standard metabolic equivalent (MET) value of 3.5 mL·kg−1·min−1, tested the accuracy of a previously published prediction model for resting V̇O2, and proposed a new prediction model for a more homogeneous population. One hundred and twenty-five apparently healthy men, aged 17–38 years, visited the laboratory for the assessment of resting V̇O2. The mean resting V̇O2 of 3.21 mL·kg−1·min−1 (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.13 to 3.30) was significantly lower than the standard MET value of 3.5 mL·kg−1·min−1 (mean difference, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.37; t = 6.7; p &lt; 0.001). The prediction model proposed by a previous study, derived from a heterogeneous sample, exhibited no predictive ability in our more homogeneous sample. However, our population-specific regression model, which included body surface area and percent body fat as predictors, demonstrated relatively poor predictive ability, with a low R2 (0.22) and high standard error of the estimate (0.42 mL·kg−1·min−1). Pearson’s correlation coefficients for body surface area and resting V̇O2, and for percent body fat and resting V̇O2, were 0.20 (p = 0.022) and –0.36 (p &lt; 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, the standard MET value of 3.5 mL·kg−1·min−1 considerably overestimates mean resting V̇O2 in a relatively large group of apparently healthy men. Our population-specific prediction model for resting V̇O2 demonstrated relatively poor accuracy, although it was considerably more accurate than the previously published model. Further research needs to be conducted to establish accurate population-specific prediction models. </jats:p

Identification of sarcopenic obesity in postmenopausal women: a cutoff proposal

Sarcopenic obesity is the combination of reduced fat-free mass (FFM) and increased fat mass (FM) with advancing age but there is lack of clear criteria for its identification. The purposes of the present investigation were: 1) to determine the prevalence of postmenopausal women with reduced FFM relative to their FM and height, and 2) to examine whether there are associations between the proposed classification and health-related variables. A total of 607 women were included in this cross-sectional study and were separated into two subsets: 258 older women with a mean age of 66.8 ± 5.6 years and 349 young women aged 18-40 years (mean age, 29.0 ± 7.5 years). All volunteers underwent body composition assessment by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The FFM index relative to FM and height was calculated and the cutoff value corresponded to two standard deviations below the mean of the young reference group. To examine the clinical significance of the classification, all older participants underwent measurements of quadriceps strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. Values were compared between those who were classified as low FFM or not, using an independent samples t-test and correlations were examined. The cutoff corresponded to a residual of -3.4 and generated a sarcopenic obesity prevalence of 19.8% that was associated with reduced muscle strength and aerobic fitness among the older participants. Also, the index correlated significantly with the health-related fitness variables. The results demonstrated reduced functional capacity for those below the proposed cutoff and suggested applicability of the approach as a definition for sarcopenic obesity

Blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment of hypertensive patients, users of a school pharmacy

Adherence to pharmacological treatment for hypertension is considered a key factor in guaranteeing successful therapy outcomes. Knowledge of the disease, its complications, as well as the need for changes in lifestyle, call for patient motivation and continuous interactive education. The evidence regarding the beneficial effects of changes in life style by hypertensive individuals in reducing the complications of the disease, as well as in its prevention are indisputable. However, the challenges posed by patient adherence to treatment prescribed by doctors remain. The aim of this study was to assess blood pressure levels together with degree of adherence to pharmacological treatment with Enalapril Maleate by means of the Morisky-Green Test, in hypertensive patients who were users of a School Pharmacy. Of the 102 patients interviewed, 65.7% had controlled blood pressure, but only 36.3% indicated total compliance with the pharmacological treatment. The Morisky-Green test proved ineffective in associating controlled blood pressure levels and positive attitudes toward taking antihypertensive medicines.<br>A adesão ao tratamento farmacológico da hipertensão arterial sistêmica é considerada uma das etapas essenciais para a garantia do seu sucesso. Para tanto, o conhecimento da doença, suas complicações e necessidade de mudanças em relação ao estilo de vida, requer do paciente, além da motivação, a educação contínua e de modo compartilhado. A evidência quanto aos efeitos benéficos da mudança do estilo de vida pelo portador de hipertensão na redução das complicações desta doença, bem como em sua prevenção, já não são mais questionados, porém o desafio continua residindo na adesão do indivíduo ao padrão de tratamento prescrito pelo médico. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os níveis de pressão arterial, assim como o nível de adesão ao tratamento farmacológico com maleato de enalapril de pacientes portadores de hipertensão arterial, usuários de uma Farmácia Escola, através do Teste de Morisky e Green. Dos 102 pacientes entrevistados, 65,7% apresentaram níveis pressóricos controlados, porém apenas 36,3% indicaram níveis de adesão total à terapêutica farmacológica. O teste de Morisky e Green não foi eficiente para relacionar níveis de pressão arterial controlado e atitude positiva frente à tomada do medicamento anti-hipertensivo fornecido

Oxidative stress action in cellular aging

Various theories try to explain the biological aging by changing the functions and structure of organic systems and cells. During lifetime, free radicals in the oxidative stress lead to lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes, homeostasis imbalance, chemical residues formation, gene mutations in DNA, dysfunction of certain organelles, and the arise of diseases due to cell death and/or injury. This review describes the action of oxidative stress in the cells aging process, emphasizing the factors such as cellular oxidative damage, its consequences and the main protective measures taken to prevent or delay this process. Tests with antioxidants: vitamins A, E and C, flavonoids, carotenoids and minerals, the practice of caloric restriction and physical exercise, seeking the beneficial effects on human health, increasing longevity, reducing the level of oxidative stress, slowing the cellular senescence and origin of certain diseases, are discussed.<br>Diferentes teorias tentam explicar o envelhecimento biológico através da alteração das funções e estrutura dos sistemas orgânicos e células. Ao longo da vida, os radicais livres presentes no estresse oxidativo conduzem à peroxidação dos lipídios das membranas celulares, desequilíbrio da homeostase, formação de resíduos químicos, mutações gênicas no DNA, disfunção de certas organelas, bem como ao surgimento de doenças devido à lesão e/ou morte celular. Nesta revisão descreve-se a ação do estresse oxidativo no processo de envelhecimento das células, enfatizando fatores como os danos oxidativos celulares, suas conseqüências e as principais medidas protetoras adotadas para se prevenir ou retardar este processo. Testes com antioxidantes: vitaminas A, E e C, flavonóides, carotenóides e minerais; a prática de restrição calórica e exercícios físicos, que buscam efeitos benéficos sobre a saúde humana, aumentando a longevidade, reduzindo o nível de estresse oxidativo, retardando a senescência celular e a origem de certas doenças, são discutidos