Morphological and functional facial asymmetry in patients with mild temporomandibular disorders: a pilot study

Facial asymmetry is normal in humans[1]. Authors indicated that facial asymmetry could influence the shape and function of the temporomandibular joints and vice versa[2]. In this study we collected preliminary reference values for facial asymmetry in adults with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), compared to a control group, using a 3D stereophotogrammetric imaging system and electromyographic (EMG) indices. Forty subjects (22 TMD; 18 control; paired for age: 21±2y) were recruited. Five linear measurements for each hemiface and asymmetry index (AI%) were computed from stereophotogrammetric scans. Standardized EMG indices for masseter and temporal muscles were obtained during clenching and gum chewing. Means of control and TMD groups were compared by t-test. For both groups, the AI for all linear measurements ranged from -10% to +10%; there was a great variability, especially for TMD group, who showed the higher values. For EMG indices, TMD group demonstrated a tendency to a more asymmetric muscular recruitment in static activities (masseter & temporal symmetry, C 87.5±1.76%; TMD 84.6±6.2%; p=0.06) and reduced symmetry during gum chewing (C 67.1± 20.9%; TMD 55.0±18.1%; p=0.06). The presence of higher asymmetry for stereophotogrammetry and EMG analyses, as well as the presence of alterations of masticatory function for the TMD group, suggest that this relationship should be further investigated. An analysis with a larger sample and with more severe TMD patients, together with a longitudinal study, is required to understand these possible relationships between morphology and function

Dna Damage In Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes And Association With Polymorphisms In The Promoter Region Of The Cyp2e1 Gene In Alcoholics From Central Brazil

DNA damage caused by the accumulation of bio-products generated in the biotransformation of ethanol to acetaldehyde mediated by the CYP2E1 enzyme has been studied. To evaluate DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes and the possible association with polymorphisms in the promoter region of the CYP2E1 gene, we performed a case-control study including 75 alcoholics and 59 individuals who consume alcohol socially. Alcoholics were previously diagnosed by the Psychosocial Care Center – Alcohol and Drugs (CAPS A/D) in the city of Goiania, Goias state, Central Brazil. DNA damage was evaluated by comet assay. The analysis of the rs3813867, rs2031920, and rs2031921 polymorphisms in the promoter region of CYP2E1 gene was performed by Sanger sequencing. Men older than 35 years old were the most common alcoholics. We found increased DNA damage in the case group, compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Alcoholics who were heterozygous in the rs3813867, rs2031920, and rs2031921 polymorphisms showed higher DNA damage (tail length and olive tail moment), compared to individuals with the homozygous non-mutated allele. Previous studies have shown that polymorphisms in the promoter region of the CYP2E1 gene could cause higher CYP2E1 transcriptional activity, increasing enzyme activity compared with nondrinkers, indicating that the presence of the mutated allele (heterozygous or homozygous) may be associated with higher alcohol metabolic rates and therefore show increased acetaldehyde levels after alcohol consumption, which then can exert its carcinogenic effect. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.573539201210267001217, FAPEG, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiá

Implementation of a Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional (BALANCE) Program for improvement on quality of diet and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events: A randomized, multicenter trial

Background: Appropriate dietary recommendations represent a key part of secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease (CVD). We evaluated the effectiveness of the implementation of a nutritional program on quality of diet, cardiovascular events, and death in patients with established CVD. Methods: In this open-label, multicenter trial conducted in 35 sites in Brazil, we randomly assigned (1:1) patients aged 45 years or older to receive either the BALANCE Program (experimental group) or conventional nutrition advice (control group). The BALANCE Program included a unique nutritional education strategy to implement recommendations from guidelines, adapted to the use of affordable and regional foods. Adherence to diet was evaluated by the modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index. The primary end point was a composite of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, stroke, myocardial revascularization, amputation, or hospitalization for unstable angina. Secondary end points included biochemical and anthropometric data, and blood pressure levels. Results: From March 5, 2013, to Abril 7, 2015, a total of 2534 eligible patients were randomly assigned to either the BALANCE Program group (n = 1,266) or the control group (n = 1,268) and were followed up for a median of 3.5 years. In total, 235 (9.3%) participants had been lost to follow-up. After 3 years of follow-up, mean modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (scale 0-70) was only slightly higher in the BALANCE group versus the control group (26.2 ± 8.4 vs 24.7 ± 8.6, P <.01), mainly due to a 0.5-serving/d greater intake of fruits and of vegetables in the BALANCE group. Primary end point events occurred in 236 participants (18.8%) in the BALANCE group and in 207 participants (16.4%) in the control group (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% CI 0.95-1.38; P =.15). Secondary end points did not differ between groups after follow-up. Conclusions: The BALANCE Program only slightly improved adherence to a healthy diet in patients with established CVD and had no significant effect on the incidence of cardiovascular events or death. © 2019 The Author