: Since the discovery of ischemic pre- and post-conditioning, more than 30 years ago, the knowledge about the mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in these processes has significantly increased. In clinical practice, on the other hand, such advancement has yet to be seen. This article provides an overview of ischemic pre-, post-, remote, and pharmacological conditioning related to the heart. In addition, we reviewed the cardioprotective signaling pathways and therapeutic agents involved in the above-mentioned processes, aiming to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the advancements in the field. The advancements made over the last decades cannot be ignored and with the exponential growth in techniques and applications. The future of pre- and post-conditioning is promising.

Clinical-nutritional profile and dietary intake of participants of the Elderly Program, Ouro Preto-MGRealizou-se estudo transversal com 28 idosos de faixa etária ≥ 60 anos. Na análise antropométrica, foram aferidos peso, altura, perímetro da cintura e calculado o índice de massa corporal. Os dados bioquímicos analisados foram: colesterol total e frações, triglicerídeos e glicose. Investigou-se também a presença de diabetes e hipertensão. A avaliação do consumo alimentar foi realizada por questionário de frequência alimentar. Para a análise estatística, utilizou-se o software PASW versão 17.0. Resultados: Houve prevalência de excesso de peso (53,6%), perímetro da cintura elevado (67,9%), alterações no perfil glicêmico (56,5%) e hipertensão (82%). Na análise dietética, apesar de 100% dos idosos relatarem o consumo de cereais, leguminosas, frutas e hortaliças, a ingestão de alimentos ultraprocessados (93%) e com alto índice glicêmico (89%) foi elevada. Conclusão: A maior parte dos idosos apresentou excesso de peso, adiposidade abdominal, alterações glicêmicas, hipertensão e alto consumo de alimentos processados, o que reforça a necessidade de orientações nutricionais específicas para este grupo etário.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of acai pulp consumption on biometric parameters and inflammatory biomarkers (sCD40L, CCL5, TNF-a and CRP) in apparently healthy women. Design/methodology/approach Nutritional intervention was performed with women who consumed 200 g of acai pulp daily during 30 consecutive days. Firstly, they were divided into two groups: normal weight and overweight related to BMI. Then, such volunteers were subdivided into other two groups according to values below or above the median of sCD40L. Findings sCD40L (ρg/mL) concentrations increased in overweight volunteers post-consumption of acai (964 ± 542) compared with the same volunteers pre-consumption of acai (633 ± 187, p = 0.03), and the CCL5 concentrations (ρg/mL) decreased in volunteers with sCD40L concentrations below median after the treatment (4.1 ± 1.5) when compared in same volunteers before the treatment (5.8 ± 1.8, p = 0.02). Protein consumption (g) reduced in volunteers with sCD40L concentrations below median after the intervention (96.6 ± 44.5), when compared before the intervention (96.7 ± 33.8, p = 0.03). Originality/value This paper concluded that the acai consumption can modulate the inflammatory profile in both stratified volunteers according to the BMI and the sCD40L marker median.

Follow-up of patients affected by COVID-19 has unveiled remarkable findings. Among the several sequelae caused by SARS-CoV-2 viral infection, it is particularly noteworthy that patients are prone to developing depression, anxiety, cognitive disorders, and dementia as part of the post-COVID-19 syndrome. The multisystem aspects of this disease suggest that multiple mechanisms may converge towards post-infection clinical manifestations. The literature provides mechanistic hypotheses related to changes in classical neurotransmission evoked by SARS-CoV-2 infection; nonetheless, the interaction of peripherally originated classical and non-canonic peptidergic systems may play a putative role in this neuropathology. A wealth of robust findings shows that hemoglobin-derived peptides are able to control cognition, memory, anxiety, and depression through different mechanisms. Early erythrocytic death is found during COVID-19, which would cause excess production of hemoglobin-derived peptides. Following from this premise, the present review sheds light on a possible involvement of hemoglobin-derived molecules in the COVID-19 pathophysiology by fostering neuroscientific evidence that supports the contribution of this non-canonic peptidergic pathway. This rationale may broaden knowledge beyond the currently available data, motivating further studies in the field and paving ways for novel laboratory tests and clinical approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Fast and exponentially spreading, COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire world and caused a collapse in health systems to, due to the short contagion time, the need for hospitalization and intensive care. Of the affected, some portion needs hospitalization and essential nutritional support. OBJECTIVE: Considering the current demand on the need to better inform and prepare health professionals and the general population in a simplified mode, given a huge amount of disseminated information, the objective of this work was to present a summarized and practical guide of references and nutritional recommendations for individuals affected by COVID-19. METHODS: Bibliographic review about this subject related publications was carried out on scientific websites, including the main themes: critical patient, nutritional status, nutritional recommendations, immunity and coronavirus. RESULTS: The following items were included and presented very clearly in this guide: screening for nutritional risk; administration routes, objectives and guidelines of nutritional therapy; dietary and nutritional recommendations; immunomodulation; probiotics; and liquids/hydration. CONCLUSION: This article has summarized what is available on the subject in the literature up to now. We believe that this practical guide will facilitate and optimizes the conduct of health professionals.