RESUMO: Este estudo trata do uso de psicoestimulantes entre acadêmicos de Medicina de uma Universidade do sul de Minas Gerais. Parte-se do pressuposto de que atualmente, devido a grande carga horária e ao acúmulo usual de matérias, os estudantes recorrem ao uso de psicoestimulantes para enfrentarem longas jornadas de estudo. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a frequência do uso de psicoestimulantes em acadêmicos do curso de Medicina de uma Universidade do sul de Minas Gerais. A Metodologia baseou-se na aplicação de questionários em uma amostra de cento e vinte alunos, considerando-se os seis primeiros períodos do curso de Medicina. Os resultados mostraram que a maior parte dos alunos faz uso destas substâncias e considera seu uso efetivo. Na grande maioria das vezes os psicoestimulantes não apresentam indicação médica. Além disso, o estudo apontou prevalência de usuários do sexo feminino. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Estudantes de Medicina. Substâncias para Melhoria do Desempenho. Taurina. Prescrições de medicamentos. Efetividade.

Objective: In this study, the effects of a green banana pasta diet on the oxidative damage from type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) were investigated. Materials and methods: Formulations containing 25 (F25), 50 (F50), and 75% (F75) of green banana pasta were prepared and included in a 12-week diet of Wistar rats with alloxan-induced type 1 DM. The effects of these formulations in preventing oxidative damage in kidneys and liver homogenates of rats were evaluated using the TBARS assay (lipid peroxidation in liver) and the DNPH assay (protein oxidation in liver and kidneys). Furthermore, the effects of the formulations on the fasting glycemia, fructosamine levels, renal function (creatinine), liver function (enzymes aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]), and lipid profile (total cholesterol and fractions) in the serum of rats were evaluated in addition to the evaluation of the centesimal composition and microbiological analysis of the produced green banana pasta. Results: An F75 diet prevented hyperglycemia in diabetic rats (p < 0.05) compared to the diabetic rats fed a standard diet (commercial feed). Notably, the protein oxidation in both the liver and kidneys were prevented in diabetic rats on the F50 or F75 diets compared to the control group, whereas the lipid peroxidation was only prevented in the liver (p < 0.05). Moreover, all formulations prevented an increase in the amount of triglycerides in the serum of the rats. The F25 and F50 diet prevented the increase of cholesterol, and the F75-based diet of ALT and fructosamine (p < 0.05) supported the anti-hyperglycemic effects and the protection against oxidative damage. Conclusion: The green banana pasta (F75) diet showed great potential for preventing complications associated with diabetes. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2016;60(4):355-66

The control of dyslipidemia by using herbal products is an important subject for studies. In this study, we evaluated the effects of dry Passiflora incarnata L. extract over dyslipidemia, left ventricular hypertrophy, and hepatic oxidative stress of LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLr-/-). Forty 4-month old male LDLr-/-mice were distributed into four groups: Group standard diet; Group standard diet and 200 mg/kg of body weight of Passiflora incarnata L. leaf dry extract; Group high-fat diet; Group high-fat diet and 200 mg/kg of body weight of Passiflora incarnata L. leaf dry extract. After 30 days, Passiflora incarnata L. dry extract reduced the effects of the high-fat diet, with a decrease of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and increase of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), as well as a reduction of C-reactive protein, alkaline phosphatase and insulin. There was no effect on glucose, Homa index and enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. However, the prevention of left ventricular hypertrophy occurred, as well as lipid peroxidation and the production of carbonyl proteins, which are both oxidative stress markers. In conclusion, Passiflora incarnata L. dry extract acts in the prevention of dyslipidemia, consequently, hindering the occurrence of hepatic oxidative stress and the development of left ventricular hypertrophy by the increase of serum HDL, in mice that had the effects of a high-fat diet.

Neutrophils (PMN) play a central role in host defense against the neglected fungal infection paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), which is caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb). PCM is of major importance, especially in Latin America, and its treatment relies on the use of antifungal drugs. However, the course of treatment is lengthy, leading to side effects and even development of fungal resistance. The goal of the study was to use low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate PMN to fight Pb in vivo. Swiss mice with subcutaneous air pouches were inoculated with a virulent strain of Pb or fungal cell wall components (Zymosan), and then received LLLT (780 nm; 50 mW; 12.5 J/cm2; 30 seconds per point, giving a total energy of 0.5 J per point) on alternate days at two points on each hind leg. The aim was to reach the bone marrow in the femur with light. Non-irradiated animals were used as controls. The number and viability of the PMN that migrated to the inoculation site was assessed, as well as their ability to synthesize proteins, produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their fungicidal activity. The highly pure PMN populations obtained after 10 days of infection were also subsequently cultured in the presence of Pb for trials of protein production, evaluation of mitochondrial activity, ROS production and quantification of viable fungi growth. PMN from mice that received LLLT were more active metabolically, had higher fungicidal activity against Pb in vivo and also in vitro. The kinetics of neutrophil protein production also correlated with a more activated state. LLLT may be a safe and non-invasive approach to deal with PCM infection.

Introdução: Indivíduos com diabetes correm um risco maior de hospitalização e mortalidade resultante de infecções virais, bacterianas e fúngicas. A doença do coronavírus-2019 (COVID-19), causada pela síndrome respiratória aguda grave do coronavírus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), se espalhou rapidamente para os países e custou milhares de vidas até dezembro de 2020. Notavelmente, em vários estudos, o diabetes é uma das comorbidades mais relatadas em pacientes com COVID-19 grave. Objetivo: Discutir sobre a influência do diabetes sobre o prognóstico de pacientes com COVID-19 através de uma revisão literatura. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo de revisão sistemática. Para identificar a literatura publicada até dezembro de 2020, foram aplicadas estratégias de buscas individuais nos seguintes bancos de dados eletrônicos: PubMed, Medline, Lilacs e SciELO. Resultados: Pode-se notar que com base nos novos dados clínicos obtidos de pacientes COVID-19, vários mecanismos, como tempestade de citocinas, disfunção pulmonar e endotelial e hipercoagulação, que podem tornar os indivíduos com diabetes mais vulneráveis à COVID-19. Estudos epidemiológicos mostram que o diabetes mal controlado é um fator de risco para várias doenças infecciosas. Conclusão: Dado a importância clínica do diabetes e a natureza pandêmica dos coronavírus, compreender como o diabetes afeta a gravidade da COVID-19 é fundamental para o desenvolvimento de conscientização da população e de tratamentos personalizados de indivíduos afetados pelas doenças.