Browsing by Author "Calhau, C"
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- Ansiedade, Funcionamento Familiar e Biomarcadores Neuroendócrinos em Crianças ObesasPublication . Pinto, I; Wilkinson, S; Virella, D; Alves, M; Calhau, C; Coelho, RINTRODUCTION: This observational study explores potential links between obese children's cortisol, and parental mental state, family functioning, and the children's symptoms of anxiety and depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A non-random sample of 104 obese children (55 boys), mean age 10.9 years (standard deviation 1.76), was recruited from a childhood obesity clinic. Obesity was defined as body mass index above the 95th age- and gender-specific percentiles. Neuroendocrine biomarkers were measured. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed with self and parent-reported questionnaires (Anxiety, Depression and Stress Scales; Child Behaviour Checklist). Family functioning was assessed with parent-reported questionnaires (Family Adaptation and Cohesion Scales-III). RESULTS: A significant, negative correlation (rs = -0.779; p = 0.003) between girls' cortisol and their parents' anxiety symptoms was found, limited to high functioning families. Boys scored significantly higher than girls on parent-reported internalizing symptoms but not on self-report. No association was found between cortisol in children and parental depressive symptoms. DISCUSSION: Whether the association between cortisol levels in obese children and parental mental health is effectively restricted to girls from high functioning families or is due to study limitations, requires further research. The lack of associations between cortisol in children and parental depressive symptoms, suggests a specific association between cortisol and parental anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the importance of taking into account family functioning, parental mental state and gender, when investigating neuroendocrine biomarkers in obese children associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Attachment, Physiological and Familial Vulnerability in Childhood Obesity: an Interactive Multisystem ApproachPublication . Pinto, I; Oliveira, L; Pinto, M; Calhau, C; Coelho, RThe aims of the present study were to test the association between insecure attachment and basal cortisol and catecholamines levels in a sample of obese children. The role of familial vulnerability and gender was also investigated. Methods: Cortisol and catecholamines levels of 8- to 13-year olds obese children were measured. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess attachment pattern and current anxiety and depression, and parent-report questionnaires were used to assess attachment, current anxiety and depression and familial vulnerability. Linear regression analyses were performed for individuals that scored low versus high on parental internalizing problems, and for boys and girls, separately. Results: In the group with high parental internalizing problems, insecure attachment was significantly associated with reduced basal levels of cortisol, in boys (p=0.007, b= -0.861, R2= 73.0%). In the group with low parental internalizing problems, the association between insecure attachment and cortisol was not significant in either boys or girls, and it was negative in boys (p=0.075, b= -0.606, R2= 36.7%) and positive in girls (p=0.677, b= 0.176, R2= 3.1%) . Conclusions: Apparently, physiological risk factors for psicopathology in obesity are more evident in individuals with a high familial vulnerability. In addition, patterns of physiological risk for psicopathology in obesity are different in boys and girls. Therefore, it is important to take into account familial vulnerability and gender when investigating physiological risk factors for psycopathology in obesity. Insecure attachment in childhood may be a risk factor for obesity. Interventions to increase children's attachment security should examine the effects on children's weight.
- Biochemical and Anthropometric Outcomes in Paediatric Patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia after COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns: An Exploratory AnalysisPublication . Peres, M; Moreira-Rosário, A; Padeira, G; Gaspar Silva, P; Correia, C; Nunes, A; Garcia, E; Faria, A; Teixeira, D; Calhau, C; Pereira-da-Silva, L; Ferreira, AC; César Rocha, JThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns affected the lifestyles of children and adolescents, leading to an increase in childhood obesity. Paediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) may be more susceptible to lockdown effects due to their increased cardiovascular risk. However, data are lacking. We investigated the effect of lockdowns on the metabolic profile of paediatric patients with FH. Blood lipids and anthropometry measured in September 2021-April 2022 were retrospectively compared with pre-pandemic values. Thirty participants were included (1-16 years; 57% female). From baseline to post-pandemic, median [P25, P75] blood LDL-C concentration was 125 [112, 150] mg/dL vs. 125 [100, 147] mg/dL (p = 0.894); HDL-C was 58 [52, 65] mg/dL vs. 56 [51, 61] mg/dL (p = 0.107); triglycerides were 64 [44, 86] mg/dL vs. 59 [42, 86] mg/dL (p = 0.178). The BMI z-score did not change significantly (0.19 [-0.58, 0.89] vs. 0.30 [-0.48, 1.10], p = 0.524). The lack of deterioration in metabolic profiles during lockdowns is positive, as some deterioration was expected. We speculate that patients and caregivers were successfully educated about healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. Our results should be interpreted with caution since the study sample was small and heterogeneous. Multicentre research is needed to better understand the impact of lockdowns on this population.
- Body Composition Evaluation and Clinical Markers of Cardiometabolic Risk in Patients with PhenylketonuriaPublication . Luengo-Pérez, LM; Fernández-Bueso, M; Ambrojo, A; Guijarro, M; Ferreira, AC; Pereira-da-Silva, L; Moreira-Rosário, A; Faria, A; Calhau, C; Daly, A; MacDonald, A; Rocha, JCCardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality worldwide. Patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) may be at increased cardiovascular risk. This review provides an overview of clinical and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors, explores the connections between body composition (including fat mass and ectopic fat) and cardiovascular risk, and examines various methods for evaluating body composition. It particularly focuses on nutritional ultrasound, given its emerging availability and practical utility in clinical settings. Possible causes of increased cardiometabolic risk in PKU are also explored, including an increased intake of carbohydrates, chronic exposure to amino acids, and characteristics of microbiota. It is important to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors and body composition in patients with PKU. We suggest systematic monitoring of body composition to develop nutritional management and hydration strategies to optimize performance within the limits of nutritional therapy.
- Can Wheat Germ Have a Beneficial Effect on Human Health? A Study Protocol for a Randomised Crossover Controlled Trial to Evaluate its Health EffectsPublication . Moreira-Rosário, A; Pinheiro, H; Calhau, C; Azevedo, LFINTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and diet is an important contributor to CVD risk. Thus, several food derivatives are being investigated for their beneficial impact on reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, either in risk groups or in healthy population as a preventive measure. Wheat germ is a food by-product with high nutritional value, especially as a concentrated source of dietary fibre and essential fatty acids, but its incorporation into the diet has been rare up to now. Previous studies do not clarify the hypothesised potential causal relationship between the consumption of wheat germ and benefits for human health. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We are conducting a randomised, double-blinded, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to assess the physiological effects of daily consumption of wheat germ-enriched bread (containing 6 g of wheat germ) compared with non-enriched bread, over a 4-week period with a 15-week follow-up, in a healthy human population. A total of 55 participants (healthy volunteers, aged 18-60) have been recruited from the Porto metropolitan area in northern Portugal. Our aim is to evaluate the health effects of wheat germ on blood cholesterol and triglycerides, postprandial glycaemic response, gastrointestinal function and discomfort, and changes in intestinal microbiota and insulin resistance as secondary outcomes. The study follows the best practices for evaluating health claims in food according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) scientific opinion, namely random allocation, double blinding, reporting methods to measure and maximise compliance, and validated outcomes with beneficial physiological effects as recommended by EFSA. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the Health Ethics Committee of São João Hospital Centre (156-15) and the Ethics Committee of Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (PCEDCSS-FMUP07/2015). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international scientific meetings.
- Changes in Microbiota Profile in the Proximal Remnant Intestine in Infants Undergoing Surgery Requiring EnterostomyPublication . Barreiros-Mota, I; R. Araújo, J; Marques, C; Sousa, L; Morais, J; Castela, I; Faria, A; Neto, MT; Cordeiro-Ferreira, G; Virella, D; Pita, A; Pereira-da-Silva, L; Calhau, CEarly-life gut dysbiosis has been associated with an increased risk of inflammatory, metabolic, and immune diseases later in life. Data on gut microbiota changes in infants undergoing intestinal surgery requiring enterostomy are scarce. This prospective cohort study examined the enterostomy effluent of 29 infants who underwent intestinal surgery due to congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract, necrotizing enterocolitis, or spontaneous intestinal perforation. Initial effluent samples were collected immediately after surgery and final effluent samples were collected three weeks later. Gut microbiota composition was analysed using real-time PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Three weeks after surgery, an increase in total bacteria number (+21%, p = 0.026), a decrease in Staphylococcus (-21%, p = 0.002) and Candida spp. (-16%, p = 0.045), and an increase in Lactobacillus (+3%, p = 0.045) and in less abundant genera belonging to the Enterobacteriales family were found. An increase in alpha diversity (Shannon's and Simpson's indexes) and significant alterations in beta diversity were observed. A correlation of necrotizing enterocolitis with higher Staphylococcus abundance and higher alpha diversity was also observed. H2-blockers and/or proton pump inhibitor therapy were positively correlated with a higher total bacteria number. In conclusion, these results suggest that positive changes occur in the gut microbiota profile of infants three weeks after intestinal surgery.
- Colonisation of the Proximal Intestinal Remnant in Newborn Infants with Enterostomy: a Longitudinal Study ProtocolPublication . Barreiros Mota, I; Marques, C; Faria, C; Neto, MT; Cordeiro-Ferreira, G; Virella, D; Pita, A; Pereira-da-Silva, L; Calhau, CThe gut microbiota plays a main role in the maintenance of host's health. Exposure to different conditions in early life contributes to distinct 'pioneer' bacterial communities in the intestine, which shape the newborn infant development. Newborn infants with congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract (CMGIT), necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) commonly require abdominal surgery and enterostomy. The knowledge about the colonisation of these newborns' intestine by microorganisms is scarce. This protocol is designed to explore the microbial colonisation over time of the proximal intestinal remnant in newborn infants who underwent surgery for CMGIT, NEC or SIP and require enterostomy.
- Daily Intake of Wheat Germ-Enriched Bread May Promote a Healthy Gut Bacterial Microbiota: a Randomised Controlled TrialPublication . Moreira-Rosário, A; Marques, C; Pinheiro, H; Norberto, S; Sintra, D; Teixeira, JA; Calhau, C; Azevedo, LFPurpose: Wheat bran fibre has a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal function, but evidence for wheat germ is scarce. Accordingly, we evaluated the effects of daily intake of wheat germ on gastrointestinal discomfort and gut microbiota by adding wheat germ to refined (white) wheat bread, the most consumed bread type. We hypothesised that an improvement in the composition of refined bread could beneficially affect intestinal health without compromising consumers' acceptance. Methods: Fifty-five healthy adults were recruited for a randomised, double-blind, crossover, controlled trial comprising two 4-week intervention periods separated by a 5-week washout stage. During the first 4-week period, one group consumed wheat bread enriched with 6 g of wheat germ and the control group consumed non-enriched wheat bread. Results: Wheat germ-enriched bread was well-appreciated and the number of participants that demonstrated minimal gastrointestinal improvements after wheat-germ intake was higher than in the control arm. Importantly, intake of wheat germ-enriched bread decreased the perceived gastrointestinal discomfort-related quality of life (subscale worries and concerns) over refined white bread. The improvements in the gastrointestinal function were accompanied by favourable changes in gut microbiota, increasing the number of Bacteroides spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. Conclusions: Adding wheat germ to industrially made white bread without altering sensory properties may promote a healthy gut bacterial microbiota and the gastrointestinal health.
- Does Intake of Bread Supplemented with Wheat Germ Have a Preventive Role on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Markers in Healthy Volunteers? A Randomised, Controlled, Crossover TrialPublication . Moreira-Rosário, A; Pinheiro, H; Marques, C; Teixeira, JA; Calhau, C; Azevedo, LFOBJECTIVE: Intake of whole grains is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This evidence is also strong for bran alone, but findings about germ are conflicting. Our aim was to elucidate the role of germ in primary prevention of cardiovascular events, and therefore, a staple food was selected for 6 g of germ supplementation. This corresponds to sixfold increase in the global mean consumption of germ, while preserving the sensory proprieties of refined bread which is crucial for consumer's acceptance. DESIGN: Randomised, double-blinded, crossover, controlled clinical trial with 15-week follow-up comprising a 2-week run-in, two intervention periods of 4 weeks each and a 5-week washout period. SETTING: A single centre in the north of Portugal. PARTICIPANTS: 55 eligible healthy adults (mean age of 34 years and body mass index between 19 and 38 kg/m2) were randomly assigned. INTERVENTIONS: The study consisted of two intervention periods including daily intake of refined wheat bread enriched with 6 g of wheat germ and control (non-enriched bread). OUTCOMES: Changes in fasting cholesterol and triglycerides, fasting and postprandial glucose, insulin sensitivity and C reactive protein. RESULTS: We observed no significant effect of daily intake of wheat germ on cholesterol and triglycerides levels, on postprandial glucose response and on insulin sensitivity. Incremental area under curve glucose and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance did not change, suggesting that 6 g of wheat germ have no effect on glucose metabolism. No effect was also observed in the subgroup of participants who complied with the protocol (n=47). CONCLUSIONS: The absence of alterations on lipid and glucose profiles suggests that germ up to 6 g/day may have no preventive effect on CVD risk. However, it is important to investigate other food vehicles that can accommodate higher doses of wheat germ in future studies.
- FEEDMI: A Study Protocol to Determine the Influence of Infant-Feeding on Very-Preterm-Infant's Gut MicrobiotaPublication . Morais, J; Marques, C; Teixeira, D; Durão, C; Faria, A; Brito, S; Cardoso, M; Macedo, I; Tomé, T; Calhau, CBackground: Preterm infants are especially vulnerable to gut microbiota disruption and dysbiosis since their early gut microbiota is less abundant and diverse. Several factors may influence infants' gut microbiota, such as the mother's diet, mode of delivery, antibiotic exposure, and type of feeding. Objectives: This study aims to examine the factors associated with very-preterm neonate's intestinal microbiota, namely: (1) type of infant-feeding (breast milk, donor human milk with or without bovine protein-based fortifier, and preterm formula); (2) maternal diet; and (3) mode of delivery. Methods: This is an observational study conducted in a cohort of very preterm infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa. After delivery, the mothers are asked to collect their own fecal samples and are invited to complete a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The maternal diet will be classified in accordance to the Mediterranean Diet adherence score. Stool samples have been collected from very premature infants every 7 days for 21 days. DNA has been extracted from the fecal samples, and different bacterial genus and species will be quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results and conclusions: It is hypothesized that significant differences in the microbiota composition and clinical outcomes of very preterm infants will be observed depending on the type of infant feeding. In addition, this study will clarify how pasteurized donor's milk influences the intestinal microbiota colonization of preterm infants. This is a pioneer study developed in collaboration with the country's Human Milk Bank. We also expect to find microbiota alterations in infants according to the mode of delivery and to maternal diet. This study will contribute to increase the evidence on the effects of breast or donor human milk and its fortification with a bovine protein-based fortifier on infant microbiota.