RESUMEN
AIMS: investigate the association between the +45T > G variant of the ADIPOQ gene and the metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with sickle cell trait (SCT). 33 patients with SCT and 35 control group participated in the study. Lower levels of HDL and adiponectin were observed in patients with G allele and sickle cell trait. There were no differences between the prevalence of MS between the groups and there was no association between the +45T > G variant of the ADIPOQ gene and MS risk allele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants with and without sickle cell anemia answered a questionnaire, performed anthropometric and laboratory analyzes. They were genotyped for the +45T > G variant of the ADIPOQ gene and evaluated for the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of UNIPAMPA (RS/Brazil). KEY FINDINGS: The GG + TG genetic model, it was associated with lower levels of adiponectin and HDL cholesterol in the SCT group. There was no association between the other studied markers and MS. SIGNIFICANCE: For the first time, an association was demonstrated between the G allele of the +45T > G variant of the ADIPOQ gene and a worse cardiometabolic profile (lower serum concentrations of adiponectin and HDL cholesterol) in patients with sickle cell trait.
RESUMEN
The effects of supplementation with blueberry (BE) extract (Vaccinium ashei Reade) for 14 consecutive days on biochemical, hematological, histopathological and oxidative parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats were investigated. After supplementation with lyophilized extract of BE, the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were decreased. Histopathological analysis showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) of aortic lesions in hypercholesterolemic rats. Oxidative parameters showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in oxidative damage to lipids and proteins and an increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The BE extract showed an important cardioprotective effect by the improvements in the serum lipid profile, antioxidant system, particularly in reducing oxidative stress associated with hypercholesterolemia and anti-atherogenic effect in rats.