We observed that treatment with resveratrol improved lipid metabolism, and decreased NAFLD and pro-inflammatory profile in liver of mice with obesity-inducible diets. These data suggest an important clinical application of RSV in preventing liver diseases.

OBJECTIVE:To identify variables associated with hospitalizations sensitive to primary care. METHODS:A hospital morbidity survey was conducted using a random sample of 660 patients hospitalized in clinical and surgical wards of hospitals that had service agreements with the Brazilian National Health System, in the municipality of Montes Claros, Southeastern Brazil, between 2007 and 2008. Interviews were held with patients and members of their families using a specific form, and the patients' medical files were investigated. The definition of conditions considered sensitive to primary care was based on the Ministry of Health's list. Associations shown by socioeconomic and health variables in relation to hospitalizations sensitive to primary care were analyzed using bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS:The percentage of hospitalizations sensitive to primary care in the study group was 38.8% (n = 256). The variables that remained statistically associated with conditions considered sensitive to primary care were: previous hospitalization (OR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.51;2.28); regular visits to healthcare units (OR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.44;3.36); low schooling level (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.02;2.20); health checks not performed by the family health team (OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.64;3.74); hospitalization requested by physicians who were not part of the family health team (OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.03;4.94); and age greater than or equal to 60 years (OR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.45;3.09). CONCLUSIONS:The variables associated with hospitalizations sensitive to primary care are particularly those relating to patients, such as age, schooling level and previous hospitalization, but regular health checks outside of the Family Health Strategy doubled the likelihood of hospitalization.

Evaluation of physical consumption in head and neck cancer patients at diagnosis may indicate a more aggressive type of malignant disease. Thus, the ECOG-PS scale may help to identify HNSCC patients in need of rapid referral, who may benefit from specific therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions.

We showed that stress is associated with the progression of bone loss in a CFS model in rats and that fluoxetine treatment reduces the bone loss.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently considered an important component of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The spectrum of NAFLD includes conditions that range from simple hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. NAFLD is correlated with liver-related death and is predicted to be the most frequent indication for liver transplantation by 2030. Insulin resistance is directly correlated to the central mechanisms of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients, which is strongly correlated to the imbalance of the renin-angiotensin system, that is involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. Among the emerging treatment approaches for NAFLD is the anti-hypertensive agent telmisartan, which has positive effects on liver, lipid, and glucose metabolism, especially through its action on the renin-angiotensin system, by blocking the ACE/AngII/AT1 axis and increasing ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas axis activation. However, treatment with this drug is only recommended for patients with an established indication for anti-hypertensive therapy. Thus, there is an increased need for large randomized controlled trials with the aim of elucidating the effects of telmisartan on liver disease, especially NAFLD. From this perspective, the present review aims to provide a brief examination of the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH and the role of telmisartan on preventing liver disorders and thus to improve the discussion on potential therapies.