The effect of physical activity on fluoride metabolism in sedentary children: a feasibility study

Abstract

Many factors appear to affect fluoride metabolism, however, there is limited and often contradictory evidence from the literature on the effect of exercise on fluoride metabolism. The primary aim of Dra Liane Azevedo visit is to collect data for a feasibility trial aiming to inform the design of a full trial targeting the effect of physical activity on fluoride metabolism. Dra Azevedo was one of the selected participants of the British-Council FAPESP Researcher Links workshop a question of "DET AIL" held at USP in 2014. A research team was established from that meeting with world leading researchers on oral health form USP, Newcastle University and Teesside University. The group has developed a research agenda aiming to explore the effect of exercise and genetics on fluoride metabolism. The group was lately joined by Dra Sandra Lia do Amaral Cardoso, UNESP who is an expert in cardiovascular exercise physiology and on studies with animal models. The research collaboration has recently (2015) received funding from SPRINT- FAPESP for a pilot project to investigate the effect of genetic variation and environment (dose and exercise) on fluoride metabolism in mice (data collection is ongoing). A definitive animal-based trial informed by this pilot study is aimed to start in February 2016 as part of a funded FAPESP post-doctoral fellowship. In parallel with the animal studies, the group has been investigating the effect of exercise on fluoride metabolism in a healthy adult population (ZOHOORI et al). However, the effect of exercise on fluoride metabolism in children has not yet been investigated and, in terms of optimal timing for systemic F therapy (eg. through F milk schemes), may have implications for national policy and guidelines for timing of F milk consumption in schools. Dra Liane Azevedo has been involved in a number of public health interventions targeting physical activity in children and on the research into fluoride metabolism and exercise. During the Brazil visit, Dra Azevedo and Dra Amaral will explore the willingness of schools, parents and children to be involved in a large study and investigate the levels of sedentary behavior in school children. They will also test some methodological procedures in children (measurements of blood lactate and ductal saliva). The data from this feasibility trial will guide the development of a grant application (British Council Newton Fund calls) for a full trial. Finally, Dra Azevedo plans to give seminars in three leading universities in the state of Sao Paulo (USP, UNESP and UNIFESP). (AU)