Publicações 2025
Adiposity and inflammation markers explain mostly part of the plasma zonulin variation in Brazilian adults with overweight/obesity: A cross-sectional analysis from Brazilian nuts study.
Madalena Geralda Cupertino Ribeiro, Ana Claudia Pelissari Kravchychyn, Josefina Bressan, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff
Clinical Nutrition, v.45, Pp. 22-30
Fator de impacto: 6.6
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.12.017
Resumo: Objective: This study evaluated intestinal permeability according to plasma zonulin and its association with adiposity, inflammation, cardiometabolic risk, liver function, and intestinal health markers in adults with overweight/obesity. Methodology: This study is a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from the Brazilian Nut Study, which involved 123 participants (93 women, age 33.2 ± 8.58 years, BMI 33.9 ± 4.30kg/m2). Subjects were divided into quartiles according to plasma zonulin, assessed by Elisa. Cytokines were assessed by flow cytometry; anthropometric measurements were collected by standard procedure and body composition was assessed by DXA. SCFA analysis was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and fecal pH, by a pH meter. Linear regression models were performed (a<5 %). Results: Participants included in the last quartile of plasma zonulin had higher values of body fat (%), proinflammatory cytokines (CRP, IL-1). According to the multivariate regression model, each one-unit increased in body fat, CRP, IL-12p70, IL-6 and IL-8 resulted correspondingly in an increment of 0.42, 0.14, 0.192, 0.250 and 0.312 ng/ml in plasma zonulin, respectively. Conversely, a one-unit decreased in IL10 led to an increase of 0.40 ng/ml in plasma zonulin. Conclusion: Intestinal permeability assessed by plasma zonulin is associated with adiposity, subclinical inflammation and reduced serum HDL levels adults with overweight/obesity, while adiposity and inflammation markers are independent factors for plasma zonulin variation.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of anthocyanins in Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a systematic review of in vivo studies
Kelly Aparecida Dias, Lívya Alves Oliveira, Stephanie Michelin Santana Pereira, Lívia Carvalho Sette Abrantes , Laura Célia Oliveira de Souza Vicente , Reggiani Vilela Gonçalves, Ceres Mattos Della Lucia
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, v.2025, p.1-18.
Fator de impacto: 7.3
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2025.2472882
Resumo: Anthocyanins are natural flavonoids, which belong to a group of polyphenols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities. The aim of this systematic review is to answer the questions “What are the impacts of anthocyanins on inflammatory and oxidative mediators of NAFLD in vivo?” and “What are the possible molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of anthocyanins on NAFLD and hepatic steatosis?” The search was performed at PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, and the risk of bias was assessed by the SYRCLE tool. The data analysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-three studies performed in animal models evaluating the effects of anthocyanins in inflammatory and oxidative stress mediators in NAFLD were included and evaluated. The anthocyanins demonstrated potential positive effects on inflammation and oxidative stress (OS), in addition to reduced hepatic steatosis. The main results identified were a reduction in TLR, NF-κB, MCP-1/CCL-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in addition to an improvement in antioxidant defense with an increase in Nrf2, SOD, GSH, GPx and CAT and a reduction in OS. The findings from this review provide insights for the development of future studies with anthocyanins on liver health and inflammatory and oxidative parameters. PROSPERO (CRD42024502710).
Brazil nut consumption within an energyrestricted diet improved cardiometabolic risk markers in women: a quasi-experimental, controlled study (Brazilian Nuts Study)
Alessandra da Silva, Brenda Kelly S. Silveira, Brenda V.M. De Freitas, Karina Waskow, Helen Hermana M. Hermsdorff, Walmir Da Silva, Josefina Bressan
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, v. 97, p.1-18
Fator der impacto 1.1
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202520240631
Resumo: Consuming functional foods alongside the energy-restricted diet can be a great ally in weight loss and improving cardiometabolic risk factors. Whether Brazil nut (BN) consumption in the context of energy restriction affects them remains to be answered. We aimed to evaluate the effect of BN within an energy-restricted diet on cardiometabolic risk markers among women. This is an eight-week, quasi-experimental, controlled nutritional intervention study. The women were allocated into two energyrestricted (-500 kcal/d) groups: a control free of BN (n=29) and a BN-group (BNG) (n=27)
with 2 units/day of BN (~ 347 µg of selenium). Both groups had similar weight loss, but in the BNG, the serum selenium increased by 276.7% and apolipoprotein A1 increased by 27.4%. In addition, BNG had a more pronounced reduction in liver enzymes, and presented the most preserved percentages of lean and fat-free mass in relation to the control group. Consuming 2 units/day of BN in an 8-week weight loss intervention improved cardiometabolic risk markers in women. Our results suggest that regular consumption of BN during energy-restricted diets may be a strategy to minimize adiposity, preserve
lean mass, improve serum selenium status, lipid, and liver metabolism markers, and, consequently, help obesity management and its comorbidities
Can physical exercise modify intestinal integrity and gut microbiota composition? A systematic review of in vivo studies.
Stephanie Michelin Santana Pereira, Vinícius Parzanini Brilhante de São José, Alessandra da Silva, Karina Vitoria Cipriana Martins, Luciano Bernardes Leite, Pedro Forte, Antônio José Natali, Hércia Stampini Duarte Martino, Ceres Mattos Della Lucia, Josefina Bressan
Biology of Sport, v. 42, p. 13-28
Fator de impacto: 4.2
DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2025.148545
Resumo: There is little evidence about how physical exercise affects the gut microbiota since studies in
the field are relatively recent. Thus, we aimed to systematically review the main effects of regular physical
exercise on the intestinal integrity and microbiota composition in animal models, discuss the mechanisms
involved, and indicate future directions. Searches for original articles were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. A total of 18 studies were selected. These studies suggest that physical exercise has a significant impact on the gut microbiota. Voluntary running increased the thickness of duodenal villi and microbiota diversity but reduced its richness. Low-intensity treadmill running increased the abundance of the phylum Actinobacteria and the family Bifidobacteriaceae, while that of moderate-intensity reduced the Bacteroides/Prevotella ratio. High-intensity swimming and treadmill running altered the gut microbiota, evidenced by β-diversity, and increased the Shannon and Chao indices but reduced short-chain fatty acids. Resistance exercise increased the Chao index and altered the functionality of the gut microbiota, increasing carbohydrate
metabolism and reducing lipid and amino acid metabolism. Thus, regular physical exercise of different intensities and types can modify the gut microbiota, and the exercise benefits appear to be positively associated with training intensity.
Comorbidities and Sociodemographic Factors as Determinants of COVID-19 Outcome in Hospitalized Pregnant Women in Brazil
Francilene Maria Azevedo, Ariane Ribeiro de Freitas, Núbia de Souza de Morais, Sarah Aparecida Vieira Ribeiro, Silvia Eloiza Priore, Jackson Martins Rodrigues, Sylvia do Carmo Castro Franceschini.
Archives of Medical Research, v. 56, p. 103184 – 103192.
Fator de impacto: 4.7
DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2025.103184
Resumo: Introduction. SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy causes maternal health complications.
Objective. To investigate the relationship between comorbidities and sociodemographic factors with COVID-19 outcome (death/healing) among hospitalized pregnant women in Brazil. Methodology. A longitudinal study, based on secondary data from the SIVEP Gripe. All hospitalizations of adult pregnant women with COVID-19 were assessed, with a total sample of 16,202 women. The dependent variable was the evolution of COVID19 hospitalizations (death/healing), and the independent variables were age, ethnicity, gestational trimester, immunization, and comorbidities. R software version 4.3.2 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, the χ2 test, and Poisson regression were used. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess trends in lethality during the pandemic. Results. The median age of the pregnant women assessed was 30 years (P25- 25; P75-35). Lethality was 7.62 % (n = 1,236), and death was associated with the group of women who did not receive any dose of vaccine in the second trimester of pregnancy, were aged ≥35 years, and had black/brown skin color. The risk of death was higher among unvaccinated women (RR: 4.29; CI: 2.97–6.50), those aged ≥35 years (RR: 1.37; CI: 1.13–1.67), and those with obesity (RR: 2.08; CI: 1.66–2.58). In the temporal analysis, the monthly percentage change (MPC) in lethality was significant in three periods. Conclusion. Black ethnicity, obesity, and lack of vaccination were the main factors that increased the risk of death from COVID-19 among pregnant women.
Construção e validação de instrutivo para o cuidado nutricional da pessoa com obesidade grave no Sistema Único de Saúde (Construction and validation of an instruction manual of nutritional care for severely obese people in the Unified Health System)
Mariana de Moura e Dias, Olívia Gonçalves Leão Coelho, Flávia Galvão Cândido, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorf
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva, v. 30, p. 30-42
Fator de impacto: 1.1
DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232025301.05572023
Resumo: O artigo descreve a construção e a validação de um instrutivo destinado ao cuidado nutricional de pessoas com obesidade grave no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Na construção do instrutivo, uma ampla revisão de literatura foi realizada para identificação e discussão dos tópicos a serem abordados. As validações de conteúdo e aparente se deram mediante técnica Delphi e grupos focais, respectivamente, com juízes nutricionistas especialistas e práticos de todas as regiões do Brasil. De acordo com a técnica Delphi, os atributos do instrutivo e seu conteúdo como um todo foram avaliados como adequadamente e suficientemente abordados, mediante valores obtidos para o índice de validade de conteúdo (IVC > 0,8). Nos grupos focais, atingiu-se a saturação de conteúdo. Além disso, discussões alinhadas com a realidade do SUS foram conduzidas e, posteriormente, incorporadas ao instrutivo, para adequar a versão final às necessidades dos profissionais do SUS. Em conclusão, o instrutivo construído para preencher uma lacuna sobre o cuidado nutricional da pessoa com obesidade grave apresenta conteúdo adequado em qualidade e tópicos de interesse (validação de conteúdo), aplicável dentro da realidade do(s) nutricionistas do SUS (validade aparente).
Dietary inflammatory index (DII) and telomere length: a systematic review
Joice da Silva Castro, Carolynne Martins Teixeira, Daniela Mayumi Usuda Prado Rocha, Andréia Queiroz Ribeiro, Ana Claudia Pelissari Kravchychyn, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff
Biogerontology, v. 26, p. 1-16
Fator de impacto: 4.4
DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10522-025-10237-8
Resumo: Dietary intake influences inflammation and may impact telomere length (TL), a biomarker of biological aging. However, the relationship between the inflammatory potential of the diet and TL remains unclear. This review systematically assessed whether higher Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) scores, indicative of pro-inflammatory diets, are associated with shorter TL. Searches in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane up to October 2024 identified nine eligible studies, involving 123,923 participants (53% women), aged 9–80 years. Seven studies were cross-sectional, and two were longitudinal, with follow-ups of 5–10 years. Most studies (n = 4) examined adult and older adult populations of both sexes. DII values ranged from -6.48 (anti-inflammatory) to 3.98 (pro-inflammatory). None included all DII parameters, and three adjusted for energy intake. Four studies linked higher DII to shorter TL, focusing on European adults with and without cardiovascular risk, healthy American adults, and Chinese older adults with mild cognitive impairment. This systematic review presents limited data to provide a definitive conclusion on the association between higher DII and shorter TL. Additional studies that address the limitations identified in this review are needed.
Effect of Nut Consumption on Human Gene Expression: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials
Aline Lage Wendling, Madalena Geralda Cupertino Ribeiro, Ana Claudia Pelissari Kravchychyn, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff
Nutrition Reviews, v. 2025, p.1-16
Fator de impacto: 5.9
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaf023
Resumo: Context. The consumption of nuts has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, body composition, cognitive functions, the intestinal microbiota, and satiety control, but how nuts and their nutrients impact related gene expression is unclear. Objective. We analyzed the effects of nut consumption on human gene expression as investigated in controlled clinical trials. Data Sources. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The databases used in the search were MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Data Extraction. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials conducted to date that evaluated the effect of nut consumption on the mRNA expression of human genes were evaluated according to eligible criteria. Two authors screened and determined the quality of the studies; disagreements were resolved by the third author between May and June 2024. All authors were involved in analyzing the compiled data. Data Analysis. We selected 13 original articles. Most studies evaluated the effects of Brazil nuts, followed by studies using combinations of two or more nuts, with an interventional duration of six weeks to one year. The consumption of hazelnuts and Brazil nuts increased expression in antioxidant-related genes, while beneficial regulation of proinflammatory pathways (tumor necrosis factor – TNF, interleukin-6 – IL-6, and toll-like receptors 2 and 4 – TLR2 and TLR4) was reported after consumption of Brazil nuts. Genes involved in vascular inflammation (eg, ciclooxygenase-2 – COX-2) were downregulated after the consumption of mixed nuts, and the expression of selenoprotein – SELENOP and glutathione peroxidase 1 – GPX1 were regulated according to the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms after the consumption of Brazil nuts. Finally, pistachio consumption reduced telomere oxidation (telomerase reverse transcriptase – TERT and WD repeat containing antisense to TP53 – WRAP53) and downregulated resistin and IL-6 genes. Conclusion. The consumption of nuts has beneficial effects on human health, modulating gene expression involved in the progression of chronic diseases, with emphasis on the pathways of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular health.
Effect of Polyphenol Supplementation on Adiposity: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
Isabella Mendes, Madalena Geralda Cupertino Ribeiro, Layla Fagundes de Souza, Carla de Oliveira Barbosa Rosa, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff, Josefina Bressan
Current Nutrition Reports, v. 14, p. 1-13.
Fator de impacto: 4.6
DOI: 10.1007/s13668-025-00626-3
Resumo: Purpose of Review The obesity is a multifactorial disease, result of high adiposity and excessive body fat, with closed relation to the development of other chronic disease. The growing obesity-related costs has relevant public health impact. In turn, the polyphenol is a dietary bioactive compound with recognized antioxidant propriety and healthy benefts. The polyphenol supplementation can be a promising strategy for obesity treatment, due to its potential antiadipogenic and metabolic control
efects, improving quality of life of this population. This systematic review evaluated the efect of polyphenol supplementation on adiposity in overweight adults and elderly people (Systematic Review Registration: CRD42024586193). Recent Findings Current research demonstrates that polyphenol supplementation resulted in a signifcant decrease in markers of central adiposity (percentage of body fat, fat mass, waist circumference) and visceral adiposity (visceral adipose tissue). The mechanisms may be involved in the activation of lipid turnover pathways, AMPK activation and suppression of
transcription factors (SREBPs, PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α) and key enzymes in lipid synthesis in adipose tissue. Furthermore, polyphenol supplementation has also benefcial efects on controlling of blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid profle, contribute to the prevention of other chronic metabolic disorders.
Summary Adiposity refers to the distribution of body fat, closely related to cardiometabolic risk, while polyphenols are phytochemicals with potential health-promoting efects. However, the role of these bioactive compounds in controlling adiposity is not well established. This systematic review presents antiadipogenic and metabolic control efects of the dietary polyphenol supplementation. However, there is no consensus on a specifc dosage or form of presentation that generates the best results. Further studies are needed to elucidate better the potential efect of these compounds and related-pathway, to
perform clinical validation of their use, and to establish the benefts of their long-term use.
Effects of a Shake with Cashew and Brazil Nuts on Metabolic Response and Oxidative Stress in Individuals with Overweight or Obesity
Mirian Aparecida C. Costa, Daniela Mayumi Usuda Prado Rocha, Ana Paula Silva Caldas, Dandara Bauão Bonifácio, Alessandra da Silva, Sônia Lopes Pinto, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff, Leandro Licursi de Oliveira, Josefina Bressan
Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, v. 35, p. 104131
Fator de impacto: 3.3
DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2025.104131
Resumo: Background and Aims. Nuts are recognized for their potential health benefits, yet little is known about their postprandial impact on metabolic responses and oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the acute effect of a shake containing a mixture of 30g cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.) and 15g Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) on glucose levels, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers in individuals with overweight or obesity. Methods and Results. This was a clinical, randomized, controlled, single-blind, crossover study. On two test days, fifteen subjects consumed either a control (absent of nuts) or a test shake. Metabolic biomarkers were analyzed at fasting and 60, 120, and 240 minutes after shake intake. Compared to the control, the shake with nuts promoted specific changes in oxidative stress and metabolic markers. Differences were observed at 120 minutes after beverage consumption regarding superoxide dismutase (SOD) (control: 117.7 ± 14.6 vs. test: 82.1 ± 10.0 U/mL; p<0.05) and at 240 minutes regarding malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (control: 5.0 ± 0.2 vs. test: 4.4 ± 0.3 μM/mg; p<0.05). Also, at 240 minutes postprandial, complement C3 and stearic acid concentrations were higher in the test group than in the control, and a positive correlation was observed between them (p<0.05). However, no differences were observed when considering time x intervention. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that cashew and Brazil nuts did not promote acute metabolic changes. We highlight that the mixed nuts decreased lipid peroxidation but did not improve antioxidant status in individuals with overweight or obesity.
Fluorescent advanced glycation end products contents in foods and culinary preparations.
Nélia Pinheiro Mendes, Eliana Carla Gomes de Souza, Leidjaira Juvanhol Lopes, Leandro Licursi de Oliveira, Rita de Cássia Gonçalves Alfenas
Food and Humanity, v. 4, p. 100620 -100627
DOI: 10.1016/j.foohum.2025.100620
Resumo: Total advanced glycation end products (AGEs) content of a food is based on its fluorescent and non-fluorescent AGEs contents. However, fluorescent AGEs contents in foods and food preparations are still unknown. Therefore, in this study we assessed that content by Fluorescence Spectroscopy in triplicate food samples. Fluorescent AGEs contents are higher in processed and ultra-processed foods; and deep-fried, grilled, boiled after stir-fried, oil-free fried (air fryer), barbecue, and roasted foods. While unprocessed foods have high fluorescent AGEs contents when prepared using dry heat; boiled foods, fruits, vegetables, milk, and milk products have low contents. Fluorescent AGEs contents were similar among carbohydrate-, protein-, and fat-rich foods. The results of this study expand the available data on foods fluorescents contents, which can be used in association with the previously published data in clinical studies and clinical practice.
Healthful plant-based diet and incidence of hypertension in Brazilian adults: A six-year follow-up of the CUME study
Fernanda Maria Oliveira da Silva, Adriano Marçal Pimenta, Leidjaira Juvanhol Lopes, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff, Josefina Bressan
Nutrition, v.133, p. 1-9
Fator de impacto: 3.2
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2025.112711
Resumo: Studies demonstrate that consuming plant-based diets has beneficial effects on several health outcomes. However, the evaluation of the healthiness of plant-based diets and the incidence of hypertension has still been little explored in the literature. Objectives: Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the association between plant-based diet indices and the incidence of hypertension in Brazilian adults and test whether the interaction between hPDI, sociodemographic, and lifestyle variables modifies this association. Methods: This longitudinal study included 3192 (F = 2125, average age 34 years) participants from the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME Study, Brazil, 2016-2022). Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We measured three plant-based diet indices: overall plant-based diet index (PDI), healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). Participants were classified as new cases of hypertension if they were free of this disease at baseline, had a systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, were using antihypertensive medications, or had a diagnosis of hypertension by a physician in at least one of the follow-ups. Crude and adjusted Cox regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between plant-based diet indices and hypertension incidence and a multiplicative interaction was tested. Results: The incidence of hypertension was 19,8/1000 person-years total. The mean follow-up time was 3.36 years. There was an inverse association between the highest quintiles of hPDI (HR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.37–0.86; HR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.35–0.88) and hypertension. In subgroup analysis, inverse associations between hPDI and hypertension risk were stronger in participants who were insufficiently active and overweight (p-interaction < 0.05). Conclusion: Greater consumption of healthful plant foods, reduced consumption of animal-source foods, and less consumption of unhealthful plant foods are important for hypertension prevention in the Brazilian population.
Insulin resistance mediate the association between leucine intake, dietary glycemic index, and type 2 diabetes in secondary cardiovascular prevention: path analysis from Brazilian cardioprotective nutritional (BALANCE) program
Alinne Paula de Almeida, Leidjaira Juvanhol Lopes, Ângela Cristine Bersch-Ferreira, Camila Ragne Torreglosa, Aline Marcadenti, Bernardete Weber, Josefina Bressan, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff
European Journal of Nutrition, v. 64, p.1-11.
Fator de impacto: 4.1
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-025-03653-6
Resumo: Purpose Insulin resistance (IR) is an important mediator of the relationship between food intake and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Most of the few studies that have evaluated this relationship relied on the triglycerideglucose index (TyG index) tool. Here, we evaluated the association between leucine intake, glycemic index, and T2DM with related mediators in individuals throughout secondary cardiovascular prevention. Methods Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and food intake data were recorded from the baseline of the trial Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional (BALANCE) Program. Path analysis was used to explore the relationships between variables. Results This study enrolled 2,247 participants (median age of 63.0 (45–91) years; 58.8% males). The TyG index showed
positive association with T2DM (SC=0.356; p<0.001) and negative association with leucine intake (SC= -0.046; p=0.028). The glycemic index (GI) was positively associated with BMI (SC=0.072; p=0.001), and BMI had an indirect positive effect on T2DM mediated by the TyG index (SC=0.078; p<0.001). Leucine intake had indirect negative effect on T2DM, mediated by the TyG index (SC= -0.016; p=0.029), while GI had indirect positive effect on T2DM mediated by BMI and TyG index (SC=0.006; p=0.002). Conclusion Leucine intake and GI showed indirect association with T2DM, mediated by TyG and BMI, in individuals on secondary cardiology prevention, reinforcing the importance of assessing food consumption and promotin food quality improvements for cardiometabolic control by different pathway
Mapping of Congenital Zika virus syndrome, low birth weight and prematurity in Brazil: a spatial analysis
Cíntia Pereira Donateli, Gustavo Bastos Braga, Gabriel Gonçalves Assunção, Jefferson Souza Fernandes, Glauce Dias da Costa
Revista Ra’e ga – Espaço Geográfico em Análise, v. 61, p. 48-61
DOI: 10.5380/raega.v61i1.95646
Resumo: Knowledge and assessment of the consequences, mainly nutritional, that can affect children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome (CZS) still need to advance, mainly through spatial approachesthat allow analyzing local vulnerabilities to generate better disease control and monitoring. This study aims to analyze the spatial distribution of CZS cases in Brazilian children and its association with low birth weight and prematurity. This is a retrospective ecological study with anonymized secondary data from the national public health event registration system (RESP-Microcephaly). To verify the existence of spatial association, the Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), univariate and bivariate, were calculated. Therefore, we found that CZS is locally associated with low birth weight and prematurity. Of the 1,834 confirmed cases of CZS from 2015 to 2021 in Brazil that were part of the research universe, 31.2% of babies were born with low weight and 14.7% were premature. Furthermore, the results of LISA’s bivariate analysis show clusters of municipalities with a high incidence of CZS and a high incidence of low birth weight and prematurity in the Northeast region of the country. Finally, our findings demonstrated that there is a spatial association of CZS in Brazil and between CZS and childhood nutritional risks. Given the spatial analysis carried out, this study can contribute to the detection of vulnerable areas with a high incidence of CZS and thus assist in monitoring and evaluating their impacts
Nutritional and technological potential of umbu-caja and soursop co-product flour
Valeria Silva de Lana, Patrícia Nayara Estevam, Thais Barcelos de Castro, Vinícius Parzanini Brilhante de São José, Thais Carvalho Brito-Oliveira, Pedro Henrique Santos, Cristiane Almeida Santos Oliveira, Cristiane Bani Corrêa, Mauricio Ariel Rostagno, Hércia Stampini Duarte Martino, Izabela Maria Montezano de Carvalho
Food Research International, v. 200, p. 115520- 115531
Fator de impacto: 7.0
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.115520
Resumo: Umbu-caja and soursop from the Northeast region of Brazil are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds and are widely processed by the fruit agroindustry. However, there is a lack of research examining the composition and nutritional/technological potential of these co-product fruits. The present study evaluated the nutritional and technological characteristics of umbu-caja and soursop co-product flours (UCF and SCF, respectively), in addition to cytotoxicity in healthy cells. The results demonstrated that they are rich in dietary fiber (approximately 53 %), low in protein (approximately 8.0 %), and have minimal moisture content (<15 %). The mineral composition of the flours exhibited a notable presence of copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and boron. The evaluation of antioxidant capacity using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods demonstrated the presence of antioxidants that resisted processing, indicated by a high antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the flours were found to contain phenolic compounds, predominantly rutin (UCF) and p-coumaric acid (SCF). The cytotoxicity test demonstrated that both co-product flours did not exert detrimental effects on healthy cells according to the MTT assay. The technological analyses highlighted low pH values (2.38 and 3.61 for UCF and SCF, respectively), which is favorable for a greater shelf life and suggests applications in fermented products. In addition, the flours have good water and oil holding capacity and low foaming, and they could be incorporated into food products that require these properties. The results demonstrated promising qualities of the UCF and SCF for incorporation into the human diet and product development, mainly due to their high fiber content, antioxidant capacity and low cytotoxicity.
Obesity Incidence According to Branched-Chain Amino Acid Intake and Plant-Based Diet Index Among Brazilian Adults: A Six-Year Follow-Up of the CUME Study
Fernanda Maria Oliveira da Silva, Adriano Marçal Pimenta, Leidjaira Lopes Juvanhol, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff, Josefina Bressan
Nutrients, v. 17, p. 227- 243
Fator de impacto: 4.8
DOI: 10.3390/nu17020227
Resumo: Background: Few studies have evaluated the impact of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake on the risk of obesity in adults. The results are contradictory, and the causality has not been explored. This study assessed the association between BCAA intake and obesity incidence among Brazilian adults and investigated the potential moderating role of the plant-based index (PDI) in this relationship. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted between 2016 and 2022, with 3090 participants (2043 women, 1047 men; mean age 34 years) from the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME) Study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. The relationship between BCAA intake and obesity incidence was assessed using crude and adjusted Cox regression models. Restricted cubic spline analysis (RCS) was used to estimate the nonlinearity. The multiplicative interaction with PDI was tested. Results: The overall incidence of obesity was 192 cases (6.21%). The incidence was 16.4/1000 person-years in females; 21.8/1000 person-years in males; and 18.3/1000 person-years total, with a mean follow-up period of 3.4 years. Compared to the first tertile, the highest intake tertiles for BCAA (HR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.03–2.18), isoleucine (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.04–2.22), and leucine (HR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.03–2.20) were independently associated with obesity risk. BCAA intake above 16 g/day increases the risk of obesity. Conclusions: There was a positive association between the intake of BCAA, isoleucine, and leucine with the risk of obesity. The PDI accentuated the association between BCAA intake and obesity in both the lowest and highest quintiles.
Oral intake of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. increased c-Myc and caspase-3 gene expression and altered microbial population in colon of BALB/c mice induced to preneoplastic lesions.
Andressa Ladeira Bernardes, Mariana de Fátima Albuquerque Pereira, Iasmim Xisto Campos, Larissa Ávila, Bruna Cristina dos Santos Cruz, Marcella Duarte Villas Mishima, Manoela Maciel dos Santos Dias, Tiago Antônio de Oliveira Mendes, Maria do Carmo Gouveia Peluzio
European Journal of Nutrition, v. 64, p. 1-11
Fator de impacto: 4.1
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-025-03622-z
Resumo: Background: Colorectal carcinogenesis induces changes in the colon, such as the appearance of aberrant crypt foci (ACF). This process is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as diet. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a considerable source of phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins, and dietary fibers that may exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and prebiotic properties, attenuating the appearance of ACFs. Objectives: To investigate whether supplementation with 5% or 10% of dehydrated calyces of Hibiscus sabadariffa (DHSC) influences the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the expression of genes related to colorectal carcinogenesis in BALB/c mice. Methods: The in vivo experiment lasted 12 weeks and the animals were divided into 3 experimental groups: the control group and the supplemented groups (5% or 10% DCHS) and induced pre-neoplastic lesions with the drug Dimethylhydrazine. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase markers, liver cytokine profile, gut microbiota composition and tumor protein 53, cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene, caspase-3 and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen gene expression were determined. Results: Supplementation with 5% or 10% of DCHS altered the composition of the intestinal microbiota, increasing the abundance of the families Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiaceae and of the genus Clostridum, important producers of butyrate. Furthermore, 5% and 10% DCHS supplementation increased caspase-3 and c-Myc expression, respectively, which may suggest apoptotic events. Conclusions: Therefore, the effects of DHSC, rich in anthocyanins and dietary fiber, on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and on the expression of genes associated with cell apoptosis may contribute to reducing the risk of developing preneoplastic lesions.
Relationship between blood DNA methylation, diet quality indices and metabolic health: Data from Obekit study
Aline Rosignoli da Conceição, Josefina Bressan, Marta Cuervo, Maria Luisa Mansego, J. Alfredo Martínez, José Ignacio Riezu-Boj, Fermín I. Milagro
Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, v. 136, p. 109805-109817
Fator de impacto: 4.8
DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109805
Resumo: Epigenetic mechanisms, which can be modulated by dietary factors, have been proposed as a possible factor in understanding interindividual differences in disease susceptibility. We aimed to determine the relationships between DNA methylation (DNAm), diet quality, and metabolic health in Spanish individuals. This is a transversal study encompassing 337 male and female participants in the Obekit study. Diet quality was assessed using a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and seven previously established scores: overall, healthy and unhealthy Plant-Based Diet Index (PDI, hPDI and uPDI, respectively), dietary diversity score (DDS), unprocessed/minimally processed foods (MPF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption and Mediterranean diet (MD) score. DNAm was analyzed in white blood cells using the Infinium MethylationEPIC v1.0 BeadChip kit. After filtering by a variance >0.36, we have worked with 5,261 CpG sites. We found four false discovery rate (FDR)-significant correlations between nutrients and CpGs sites: cg00167275 (GLUD1) correlated with alcohol, cg05218090 with folic acid, cg16682935 (PAPSS2) with selenium, and cg09821790 (SLC7A6) with fish food. One differentially methylated region (DMR) located at zinc finger protein gene 57 (ZFP57) was closely related to obesity and specific nutrients, food groups, and diet quality indices. The regression models of diet quality based on DNAm demonstrated that the most predictive values were when UPF and hPDI were considered. Also, UPF and hPDI were the best indices for predicting the main cardiometabolic risk factors. Our finding suggests that specific nutrients and diet quality indices may influence the degree of DNAm and putatively, the metabolic health in Spanish individuals.
Relationship Between Brazilian Dietary Patterns and the Global Syndemic: Data from the CUME Study
Jéssica Bevenuto Mattar, Marcos Heil Costa, Ana Luiza Gomes Domingos, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff, Adriano Marçal Pimenta, Josefina Bressan
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, v. 22, p. 805-822
Fator de impacto: 4.614
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22050805
Resumo: Global food systems are contributing to a shift toward unhealthy diets, which is linked to the three components of the global syndemic. This cross-sectional study evaluates how dietary patterns in Brazil are associated with the components of the global syndemic. Anthropometric and food intake data were obtained from the CUME Study—a prospective cohort conducted with a sample of Brazilian university graduates. BMI was used to assess obesity. Insufficient intake of micronutrients was considered undernutrition. Carbon, water, and ecological footprints were used to assess the environmental impact of dietary patterns. Dietary patterns were identified through principal components analysis. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between dietary patterns and the components of the global syndemic. The Unhealthy Dietary Pattern was positively associated with BMI and had the highest environmental impact. The Brazilian Dietary Pattern was also positively associated with BMI but had the lowest environmental impact. The Healthy Dietary Pattern was the most protective against micronutrient inadequacy. Diet affected the environment and people’s health in this sample. The dietary patterns identified here as contributing to poor health and environmental damage can help the government develop policies that incorporate the costs of these effects into the prices of food.
Reply to S Lv et al
Daniela Mayumi Usuda Prado Rocha, Brenda Kelly Souza Silveira, Josefina Bressan, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff
Journal of Nutrition, v. 155, p. 657-658
Fator de impacto: 3.7
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.08.003
Sleep quality and duration and frailty in older adults: a systematic review
Ângela Maria Natal de Souza, Dalila Pinto De Souza Fernandes, Isabella Silva Castro, Fernanda Gaspar Gróla, Andréia Queiroz Ribeiro
Frontiers in Public Health, v. 13, p. 1-10, 2025.
Fator de impacto: 3,0
DOI 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1539849
Resumo: Introduction: Sleep problems and frailty are associated with adverse health outcomes in older adults, including mortality, and constitute a major public health challenge. Objective: This study investigated the association between sleep quality and duration and frailty in older adults, with emphasis on methods of evaluation. Methods: This systematic review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA). The Embase, Medline (Pubmed) and Cochrane libraries were searched, with no time restrictions for publications. Results and discussion: Of the 17 studies included in this review, all published between 2009 and 2024, 13 were cross-sectional and only four were longitudinal. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Fried phenotype were widely used as methods to assess, respectively, sleep and frailty. Studies evaluating insomnia and frailty by the Fried phenotype all found an independent association. Poor sleep quality was independently associated with pre-frailty and frailty. Sleep onset insomnia, but not sleep maintenance insomnia, was associated with frailty. Short (5 h) and long (9 h) sleep duration were also associated with frailty. Poor sleep quality was associated with pre-frailty and frailty in older adults. The results show a wide diversity of methods for assessing both exposure (sleep quality) and outcome (frailty) and point to a need for further – especially longitudinal – research on the relationship between sleep and frailty.
Soybean Flour Fortified with Gryllus assimilis Powder to Increase Iron Bioavailability Improves Gut Health and Oxidative Balance In Vivo
Michele Lílian da Fonseca Barnabé, Laura Célia de Oliveira Souza Vicente, Karina Vitoria Cipriana Martins, Gabrieli Fernandes Lacerda, Elias Rodrigues, Lívya Alves Oliveira, Kelly Aparecida Dias, Stephanie Michelin Santana Pereira, Vinicius Parzanini Brilhante de São José, Manoela Maciel dos Santos Dias, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Luciano Bernardes Leite, Lúcia Ribeiro, Izabela Maria Montezano de Carvalho, Bárbara Pereira da Silva, Hércia Stampini Duarte Martino, Reggiani Vilela Gonçalves, Ceres Mattos Della Lucia
Nutrients, v. 17, p. 437 -452
Fator de impacto: 4.8
DOI: 10.3390/nu17030437
Resumo: Background: Insects like Gryllus assimilis have an excellent nutritional profile, including iron. However, the bioavailability of this iron and its effects on intestinal health and oxidative balance remain unclear. To enhance acceptance, insects can be used in powder form and combined with common flours. Objective: This study evaluates the effects of Gryllus assimilis powder, alone or with soy flour, on iron bioavailability, intestinal health, and oxidative balance in rodents. Methods: Using the hemoglobin depletion/repletion method, 32 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: A (standard diet + ferrous sulfate), B (diet + Gryllus assimilis + soy flour), C (diet + Gryllus assimilis), and D (diet + soy flour). Hemoglobin levels, regeneration efficiency, biological value, serum markers, intestinal health, and oxidative balance were assessed. Results: Food intake, weight gain, and bioavailability measures showed no differences. However, the Gryllus + soy group showed higher weekly and final hemoglobin levels than Gryllus alone. This combination also improved acetic acid levels, fecal moisture, and oxidative balance, increasing superoxide dismutase activity while reducing peroxidation products compared to Gryllus alone. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential benefits of combining Gryllus assimilis with soy flour for iron bioavailability and overall health.
Sustainable extraction of carotenoids from macauba pulp and press‐cake: Use of ethyl acetate and ultrasound as optimization strategies
Danúbia Joanes Rosa Guerra, Caroline Wolffel Silva, Amanda Lais Alves Almeida Nascimento, Paulo César Stringheta, Moysés Naves de Moraes, Ceres Mattos Della Lucia, Frederico Augusto Ribeiro de Barros
Journal of Food Science, v. 90, p. 1-11
Fator de impacto: 3.2
DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.70030
Resumo: Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) is a Brazilian palm whose pulp is rich in carotenoids and holds potential for the development of healthy foods. This study presents an innovative approach utilizing ethyl acetate, a solvent recognized as generally safe (GRAS), in conjunction with ultrasound technology, to optimize the extraction of carotenoids from both macauba pulp (MP) and its pulp press-cake (PPC). The effects of varying time and temperature parameters (5–30 min at 25–60°C) alongside ultrasound conditions (25 and 60°C at frequencies of 25 and 45 kHz) on the extraction process were evaluated, with total carotenoid content quantified via spectrophotometry. For MP, the optimal extraction conditions were 60°C for 30 min, yielding 219.33 µg/g of carotenoids, while ultrasound at 45 kHz, under the same time/temperature, enhanced the extraction efficiency to 277.55 µg/g. In the case of PPC, ultrasound extraction achieved a carotenoid content of 124.23 µg/g. Overall, the findings indicate that elevating the temperature to 60°C favored the extraction process, while ultrasound demonstrated effective even under milder conditions. This study emphasizes the potential of ethyl acetate as a sustainable alternative to traditional toxic solvents, aligning with the growing demand for safer and more environmentally friendly practices in the extraction of bioactive compounds.
Unhealthy Food Consumption Is Associated with Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 in Brazilian Elderly People
Guilherme José Silva Ribeiro, Rafaela Nogueira Gomes de Morais, Olufemi Gabriel Abimbola, Nalva de Paula Dias, Mariana De Santis Filgueiras, André de Araújo Pinto, Juliana Farias de Novaes
Infectious Disease Reports, v. 17, p. 25-38
Fator de impacto: 3.4
DOI: 10.3390/idr17020025
Resumo: Background/Objectives: The factors associated with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are not yet fully understood in developing countries. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between food consumption and the occurrence of PASC in Brazilian elderly people. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1322 elderly people aged 60 or over, infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2020, living in the state of Roraima in Brazil. Using the Brazilian National Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN, in Portuguese) tool, food consumption markers were evaluated. The persistence of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 was assessed three months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Poisson regression with robust variance was performed to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Fruit consumption [PR 0.92; 95% CI: 0.85–0.99] was associated with a lower occurrence of PASC, with a significant interaction in individuals aged 60 to 69 years old, not hospitalized, and those without chronic kidney disease. In addition, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages [PR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.12–1.35], sandwich cookies, sweets, and treats [PR 1.12; 95% CI 1.03–1.22] was positively associated with the occurrence of PASC in the elderly people, with a significant interaction in individuals living in the capital and without hypercholesterolemia. Conclusions: Unhealthy food consumption was associated with PASC in Brazilian elderly people. An improvement in the diet quality of elderly people is necessary to minimize health complications in PASC.
Vaccination and food consumption: association with Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome in Brazilian adults (CUME Study)
Marlise Lima Brandão, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff, Arieta Carla Gualandi Leal, Josefina Bressan, Adriano Marçal Pimenta
Frontiers in Nutrition, v. 12, p. 1549747-1549759
Fator de impacto: 4.0
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1549747
Resumo: Background: Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) is an important sequalae of COVID-19. Then, our objective was to analyze the risk and protective factors for PACS in Brazilian adults participating in the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME Study), with emphasis on COVID-19 vaccination and food consumption. Methods: In this sub-study, we included 2,065 participants of CUME Study who answered the baseline questionnaire in 2016 or 2018 or 2020 or 2022, and the follow-up COVID-19/PACS-specific questionnaire in 2023. PACS diagnosis was based on self-reporting of continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation. To estimate the risk and protective factors for PACS, hierarchical multivariate statistical analysis was conducted using the Cox regression technique, producing two models: (1) focusing on consumption of macro and micronutrients; (2) focusing on consumption of food groups. Results: After a median of 5.5 years of follow-up, 54.4% of the participants
reported PACS. When we analyzed the consumption of macro and micronutrients, higher intake of proteins (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.06–1.74-4th quartile) and lipids (HR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.02–1.48-4th quartile) were risk factors for PACS. On the other hand, higher intake of vitamin C (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.64–0.94-4th
quartile), vitamin D (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67–0.99-4th quartile), and zinc (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.52–0.83-4th quartile) were protective factors for the outcome (model 1). When we analyzed the consumption of food groups, higher intake of eggs (HR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.34–1.89-4th quartile) increased the risk of PACS, whereas, respectively, higher and intermediate consumption of white meat (HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.71–1.00-4th quartile) and vegetables (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67–0.99-2nd quartile; HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67–0.99-3rd quartile) decreased the risk of the outcome (model 2). In both models, pre-infection COVID-19 vaccination was a protective factor for PACS. Conclusion: A healthy diet, with higher consumption of white meat, vegetables and specific micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc), in parallel with preinfection COVID-19 vaccination, is essential to reduce the risk of PACS.
