Federal University of São Paulo

About: Federal University of São Paulo is a education organization based out in São Paulo, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 27971 authors who have published 49365 publications receiving 935536 citations. The organization is also known as: Universidade Federal de São Paulo & Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo.

Lipotoxicity: effects of dietary saturated and transfatty acids

Abstract: The ingestion of excessive amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and transfatty acids (TFAs) is considered to be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obesity. The focus of this paper was to elucidate the influence of dietary SFA and TFA intake on the promotion of lipotoxicity to the liver and cardiovascular, endothelial, and gut microbiota systems, as well as on insulin resistance and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The saturated and transfatty acids favor a proinflammatory state leading to insulin resistance. These fatty acids can be involved in several inflammatory pathways, contributing to disease progression in chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, allergy, cancer, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart hypertrophy as well as other metabolic and degenerative diseases. As a consequence, lipotoxicity may occur in several target organs by direct effects, represented by inflammation pathways, and through indirect effects, including an important alteration in the gut microbiota associated with endotoxemia. Interactions between these pathways may perpetuate a feedback process that exacerbates an inflammatory state. The importance of lifestyle modification, including an improved diet, is recommended as a strategy for treatment of these diseases.

Qualidade de vida de pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica em hemodiálise avaliada através do instrumento genérico SF-36

Abstract: Quality of life is a new concept in the health area and controversies exist about its application to clinical practice. Studies carried out in Brazil in the nephrology area have indicated the need for further investigations. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the quality of life of patients with different times of hemodialysis. METHODS: The study consisted of application of the questionnare SF-36, collection of demographic, socioeconomic and biochemical data, as well as of the clinical characteristics. RESULTS: The study was conducted on 184 patients, 63% of them males, aged 46±15 years (X±SD), with a hemodialysis time of 30±36 months; 48% had up to 4 years of schooling and 53% belonged to the economic-social classes D and E. Impairment of the different dimensions analyzed was observed, with the poorest results being obtained for Physical Aspects and Vitality. A negative correlation was detected between Age and Functional Capacity, Physical Aspects, Pain, and Vitality, and between Hemodialysis Time and Emotional Aspects. A positive correlation was observed between Schooling and Emotional Aspects and between Hemoglobin and Vitality. We observed that diabetic patients were older than non-diabetic patients and presented lower values for the Functional Capacity and General Health condition dimensions. CONCLUSION: SF-36 proved to be a good instrument for the assessment of the quality of life of hemodialysis patients. The presence of a chronic disease, the need for continuous treatment over a long period of time, advanced age, and the presence of co-morbidities were factors that might interfere with the quality of life of this population.

Mucopolysaccharidosis I, II, and VI: Brief review and guidelines for treatment

Abstract: Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare genetic diseases caused by the deficiency of one of the lysosomal enzymes involved in the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) breakdown pathway. This metabolic block leads to the accumulation of GAG in various organs and tissues of the affected patients, resulting in a multisystemic clinical picture, sometimes including cognitive impairment. Until the beginning of the XXI century, treatment was mainly supportive. Bone marrow transplantation improved the natural course of the disease in some types of MPS, but the morbidity and mortality restricted its use to selected cases. The identification of the genes involved, the new molecular biology tools and the availability of animal models made it possible to develop specific enzyme replacement therapies (ERT) for these diseases. At present, a great number of Brazilian medical centers from all regions of the country have experience with ERT for MPS I, II, and VI, acquired not only through patient treatment but also in clinical trials. Taking the three types of MPS together, over 200 patients have been treated with ERT in our country. This document summarizes the experience of the professionals involved, along with the data available in the international literature, bringing together and harmonizing the information available on the management of these severe and progressive diseases, thus disclosing new prospects for Brazilian patients affected by these conditions.