Relative fat mass as an estimator of body fat percentage in Chilean adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The Relative Fat Mass (RFM) is an alternative index to body mass index (BMI) for estimating whole body fat percentage (BF%). Our aims were to determine the accuracy of the RFM for 1) identifying individuals with elevated BF% and, 2) estimating the BF% compared to Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a Chilean adult population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Body composition was assessed by DXA in 270 healthy participants (125 women/145 men). Anthropometric measurements were assessed to calculate RFM and BMI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were obtained to assess the sensitivity and specificity of both, RFM and BMI. Bland-Altman analysis between BF% measured by DXA vs. predicted BF% derived from RFM was performed to assess validity. Pearson´s correlation coefficients to analyze the association between BMI, RFM and DXA were also calculated. RESULTS: For RFM, the cut-off for elevated BF% was ≥22.7% for men and ≥32.4% for women and for BMI was ≥24.4 kg/m2 for men and ≥24.1 kg/m2 for women. The area under the ROC curve between RFM and BMI was not significantly different in men (0.970 vs. 0.959; p = 0.420) and women (0.946 vs. 0.942, p = 0.750). The Bland-Altman analysis showed that the estimation bias is more pronounced in men than in women. CONCLUSION: RFM is an accurate tool for identifying individuals with elevated BF%, although it was not as accurate as DXA for estimating the BF%. RFM may be an alternative method useful in primary care to select individuals for lifestyle counseling and in research to select patients for epidemiological studies.

Dietary Fibre Intake in Chile: 13 Years after the Last National Report.

BACKGROUND: The objective is to provide updated data on the intake of total dietary fibre in the population residing in Chile and to identify food sources that contribute most to its intake, as well as its association with different sociodemographic and nutritional status-related determinants. METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a nationwide survey was applied to determine fibre intake using an instrument that has been previously validated in the resident population of Chile. RESULTS: The sample consisted of a total of 1761 participants. Dietary fibre intake was 12.8 ± 7.1 g/day for the total population, and 90% of participants did not meet the recommendation, with no differences in consumption by sex, geographical area, and the urban/rural population. A lower consumption was found among participants with overweight and obesity. According to food groups, bread was the major contributor to fibre intake, providing 4.39 ± 3.05 g/day, followed by cereals (2.26 ± 2.80 g/day) and vegetables (1.85 ± 1.59 g/day). CONCLUSIONS: 90% of the population consume less fibre than recommended, and bread is the main food source; these data are critical for the development of strategies that are aimed at changing habits in order to improve diet quality.

[The role of intestinal microbiota in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]. / Rol de la microbiota intestinal en el desarrollo del hígado graso no alcohólico.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of hepatic pathologies ranging from simple steatosis (SS) to hepatocellular carcinoma. Intestinal microbiota (IM) is composed of trillions of microorganisms existing in the gut. It has 150 times more genes than the host. Changes in the composition and function of the IM are associated with different diseases, including NAFLD. In this condition, IM could have a pathogenic role through different mechanisms such as energy salvaging from food, an inflammatory stimulus, a modulation of the innate immune system, regulation of bile acid turnover, alteration of choline metabolism and increasing endogenous ethanol levels. This review is an update on the role of the intestinal microbiota in NAFLD and the possible mechanisms involved.

Rol de la microbiota intestinal en el desarrollo del hígado graso no alcohólico / The role of intestinal microbiota in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of hepatic pathologies ranging from simple steatosis (SS) to hepatocellular carcinoma. Intestinal microbiota (IM) is composed of trillions of microorganisms existing in the gut. It has 150 times more genes than the host. Changes in the composition and function of the IM are associated with different diseases, including NAFLD. In this condition, IM could have a pathogenic role through different mechanisms such as energy salvaging from food, an inflammatory stimulus, a modulation of the innate immune system, regulation of bile acid turnover, alteration of choline metabolism and increasing endogenous ethanol levels. This review is an update on the role of the intestinal microbiota in NAFLD and the possible mechanisms involved.

Asociación entre el sistema de recompensa del cerebro y elección de comida en adultos mayores y de mediana edad / Association between the reward system and food choice in middle-aged and older adults

Resumen Introducción. Todos los días las personas toman diferentes decisiones relacionadas con su elección de alimentos, lo que a su vez determina sus hábitos alimenticios. El sistema de recompensa del cerebro (SRC) permite asociar ciertas situaciones con una sensación de placer, lo que influye en la posterior elección de alimentos. Objetivo. Describir cómo influye el SRC en el proceso de elección de comida en adultos de mediana edad y en adultos mayores autosuficientes. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en PubMed y SciELO. Se buscaron artículos escritos en inglés y español y publicados entre 1996 y 2018 utilizando los siguientes términos (en ambos idiomas): "elección de la comida", "sistema de recompensa", "nutrición", "adulto", "adulto mayor", "estado nutricional" y "envejecimiento". Resultados. 50 artículos cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Solo 1 estudio estaba escrito en español; 22 fueron realizados en adultos mayores y el resto en adultos entre 20 y 40 años. Conclusiones. Teniendo en cuenta el escaso número de estudios sobre la conducta alimentaria en general, y en particular sobre la elección de comida en adultos mayores y de mediana edad, es necesario realizar más estudios en Latinoamérica sobre los procesos que subyacen al SRC y su relación con la elección de comida, y cómo estos cambian con la edad para predecir posibles conductas alimentarias e implementar intervenciones efectivas, pues una dieta saludable es esencial para un envejecimiento saludable.

Abstract Introduction: Every day, people make different decisions regarding the food they choose, which in turn determine their eating habits. The reward system (RS) allows associating certain situations to pleasure, which influences subsequent food choices. Objective: To describe how the RS influences the selection of foods in middle-aged and self-reliant older adults. Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and SciELO. Articles written in English and Spanish and published between 1996 and 2018 were included in the search; the following search terms (in both languages) were used: "food choice", "reward system", "nutrition", "adult", "elderly", "nutritional status" and "aging". Results: 50 articles met the inclusion criteria. Only 1 study was written in Spanish; 22 were conducted on older adults and the rest on adults between 20 and 40 years old. Conclusions: Studies on eating behavior in general and on food choice in older and middle-aged adults in particular, are scarce. Therefore, further research in the Latin-America is needed to analyze the processes underlying the RS and its relationship to food choice, and how these processes change as people age in order to predict possible eating behaviors and implement effective interventions, since a healthy diet is essential for healthy aging.

Effects of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene polymorphisms on binge eating in women with binge-eating disorder: The moderating influence of attachment style.

OBJECTIVES: The genetics of binge-eating disorder (BED) is an emerging topic and one candidate pathway, namely the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene, may be implicated because of its role in food reward sensitivity and self-regulation of eating. The aims of this study were to examine the independent effects of variants of FTO on binge frequency in women with and without BED and to examine the moderating role of interpersonal attachment in this association. METHODS: Secondary data analysis was conducted on a cross-sectional comparison of three groups of women in a trial of group treatment for BED: BED with obesity (n = 73), BED without obesity (n = 55), and normal weight without BED (n = 50). Women were genotyped for five of the most common FTO single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs9939609, rs8050136, rs3751812, rs1421085, and rs1121980, which have been related to body mass index and energy intake. Binge frequency (Eating Disorder Examination), body composition (bioelectric impedance), and attachment (Attachment Style Questionnaire) were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences for frequencies of FTO alleles, nor were there any significant anthropometric associations. The FTO × attachment interaction was significant whereby, relative to a low-risk FTO genotype, individuals with a high-risk genotype for the SNP rs1421085 and high-avoidant attachment had higher mean binge frequency than those with high genetic risk but low-avoidant attachment (ß = -7.96; t = -2.07; P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: FTO genotypes associated with risk for obesity and loss of control of eating, specifically rs1421085, may interact with insecure attachment in a way that may exacerbate binge eating among women with BED.

Individual differences in chronotypes associated with academic performance among Chilean University students.

A chronotype is an individual trait that determines circadian rhythm (dark/light cycle) characteristics, associated with bedtime, waking, and other daily activities. A chronotype is classified as morning, intermediate, and evening. The objective is to associate chronotypes with academic performance in university students. A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the chronotype of university students (n = 703) by Horne-Ostberg questionnaire and associated with academic performance. The group with higher GPAs had higher chronotype scores (p = 0.002). Morning and intermediate chronotypes exhibited better academic performance; however, more studies are necessary to determine the underlying causes, which could influence cognitive aspects.

Asociación entre cronotipo y obesidad en jóvenes.

Introducción: existen características respecto a los ritmos circadianos (ciclo sueño-vigilia), lo que genera un rasgo denominado cronotipo (madrugador o trasnochador). Se ha asociado el cronotipo vespertino a menos horas de sueño y hábitos alimentarios poco saludables. El cronotipo vespertino se asocia con un mayor riesgo de desarrollar obesidad.Objetivo: determinar la asociación del cronotipo con variables antropométricas en jóvenes de 18 a 25 años.Métodos: jóvenes (n = 65) (18 a 25 años), se les determinó el cronotipo (cuestionario de Horne-Ostberg) y mediciones antropométricas (peso, talla, porcentaje de grasa y perímetro de cintura). Resultados: los hombres con cronotipo trasnochador presentaron significativamente mayor perímetro de cintura (p = 0,03). Las mujeres con un porcentaje de grasa < 25% se asoció con cronotipo trasnochador (p = 0,05). Conclusiones: el cronotipo trasnochador se asocia a mayor perímetro de cintura y mayor porcentaje de grasa. El cronotipo constituye un nuevo foco para la prevención y el tratamiento de la obesidad.

Conducta alimentaria en niños.

Introducción: cambios socioculturales como el incremento en el sedentarismo y el consumo de alimentos ricos en grasas y azúcares, sumado a características genéticas, han producido un aumento en las cifras de obesidad a nivel mundial. La evaluación temprana en niños, mediante el establecimiento de perfi les genéticos asociados a obesidad y a la regulación metabólica y hedónica de la alimentación, complementado con estudios de la conducta alimentaria, nos permitiría predecir la predisposición a la obesidad en etapas adultas.Objetivo: revisar los conceptos asociados a la conducta alimenticia, enfocándose en la regulación hedónica, que puede convertirse en un parámetro predictivo de obesidad en niños.Material y métodos: se revisó la bibliografía asociada a obesidad infantil y a la regulación homeostática y hedónica de la obesidad, como también parámetros génicos asociados a la obesidad. En la búsqueda de artículos se incluyó el trabajo en animales y humanos (adultos y niños, pero con énfasis en niños).Resultados: se analizaron los mecanismos celulares de la regulación de la ingesta, así como los estudios de conducta alimentaria en niños, entregando antecedentes y carencias en el desarrollo investigativo para la predicción de la obesidad infantil.Conclusión: la regulación hedónica de la ingesta alimenticia en niños, como perfi les genéticos asociados a receptores de dopamina, puede convertirse en un importante predictor de la obesidad. Es necesario incrementar el número de estudios que permitan defi nir de mejor forma, cuáles son los mejores parámetros para predecir el desarrollo de la obesidad adulta.

Asociación entre cronotipo y obesidad en jóvenes / Association between chronotype and obesity in young people

Introducción: existen características respecto a los ritmos circadianos (ciclo sueño-vigilia), lo que genera un rasgo denominado cronotipo (madrugador o trasnochador). Se ha asociado el cronotipo vespertino a menos horas de sueño y hábitos alimentarios poco saludables. El cronotipo vespertino se asocia con un mayor riesgo de desarrollar obesidad. Objetivo: determinar la asociación del cronotipo con variables antropométricas en jóvenes de 18 a 25 años. Métodos: jóvenes (n = 65) (18 a 25 años), se les determinó el cronotipo (cuestionario de Horne-Ostberg) y mediciones antropométricas (peso, talla, porcentaje de grasa y perímetro de cintura). Resultados: los hombres con cronotipo trasnochador presentaron significativamente mayor perímetro de cintura (p = 0,03). Las mujeres con un porcentaje de grasa < 25% se asoció con cronotipo trasnochador (p = 0,05). Conclusiones: el cronotipo trasnochador se asocia a mayor perímetro de cintura y mayor porcentaje de grasa. El cronotipo constituye un nuevo foco para la prevención y el tratamiento de la obesidad (AU)

Introduction: Characteristics regarding circadian rhythms (Sleep-Wake Cycle) generating a feature called chronotype (morning or evening). It has been associated evening chronotype with reduced hours of sleep and unhealthy eating habits. Evening chronotype is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity. Aim: To determine the association of chronotype with anthropometric variables in young people to18 to 25 years. Methods: Young people (n = 65) chronotype was determined (Horne-Ostberg questionnaire) and anthropometric measurements were determined (weight, eight, fat percentage and waist circumference). Results: Men with evening chronotype had signifi cantly higher waist circumference (p = 0.03). In women with a percentage of fat < 25% are associated with evening chronotype (p = 0.05). Conclusions: The evening chronotype is associated with higher waist circumference and fat percentage. Chronotype is a new focus for the prevention and treatment of obesity (AU)

Conducta alimentaria en niños / Eating behavior in children

Introducción: cambios socioculturales como el incremento en el sedentarismo y el consumo de alimentos ricos en grasas y azúcares, sumado a características genéticas, han producido un aumento en las cifras de obesidad a nivel mundial. La evaluación temprana en niños, mediante el establecimiento de perfiles genéticos asociados a obesidad y a la regulación metabólica y hedónica de la alimentación, complementado con estudios de la conducta alimentaria, nos permitiría predecir la predisposición a la obesidad en etapas adultas. Objetivo: revisar los conceptos asociados a la conducta alimenticia, enfocándose en la regulación hedónica, que puede convertirse en un parámetro predictivo de obesidad en niños. Material y métodos: se revisó la bibliografía asociada a obesidad infantil y a la regulación homeostática y hedónica de la obesidad, como también parámetros génicos asociados a la obesidad. En la búsqueda de artículos se incluyó el trabajo en animales y humanos (adultos y niños, pero con énfasis en niños). Resultados: se analizaron los mecanismos celulares de la regulación de la ingesta, así como los estudios de conducta alimentaria en niños, entregando antecedentes y carencias en el desarrollo investigativo para la predicción de la obesidad infantil. Conclusión: la regulación hedónica de la ingesta alimenticia en niños, como perfiles genéticos asociados a receptores de dopamina, puede convertirse en un importante predictor de la obesidad. Es necesario incrementar el número de estudios que permitan definir de mejor forma, cuáles son los mejores parámetros para predecir el desarrollo de la obesidad adulta (AU)

Introduction: Socio-cultural changes such as increase in sedentary and high fat and sugar food intake, along with genetic characteristics, have produced an increase on obesity worldwide. Early evaluation in children, through the establishment of genetic profiles associated with obesity and metabolic and hedonic feeding regulation, complemented with feeding behavior studies would allow us to predict obesity predisposition at adult stages. Objective: To review concepts associated with feeding behavior regulation, focusing on hedonic control, which can become a predictive parameter of obesity in children. Material and methods: A review on child obesity papers and homeostatic and hedonic regulation of food intake literature was performed, including paper describing genetic parameters associated with obesity. In the articles search work on animals and humans (children and adults, but with emphasis on children) was included. Results: Cellular mechanisms of food intake regulation and also feeding behavior studies on children were analyzed, exposing background and deficiencies on research development for predicting child obesity. Conclusion: Hedonic regulation of feeding behavior in children, such as genetic profiles associated with dopamine receptors, can become important predictors of obesity. It is necessary to increase the number of studies that allows a better definition of which are the best parameters to predict obesity development in adulthood (AU)

Association between Eating Behavior and Academic Performance in University Students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between academic performance and eating behavior in university students in Chile. METHODS: A total of 680 college students, 409 (60%) women and 271 (40%) men, were randomly recruited and the mean age of the entire sample was 26. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), which evaluates 3 dimensions of eating behavior-cognitive restriction (limiting own intake), uncontrolled eating (inclination to eat), and emotional eating (control of food intake in the context of negative emotions)-was used. Academic performance was measured by the grade point average (GPA) and was associated with eating behavior. RESULTS: Women had significantly higher scores in the "emotional eating" dimension than men (p = 0.002). The eating behavior analysis showed that female students with higher GPAs (above 5.5) had statistically significantly lower uncontrolled eating scores (p = 0.03) and higher cognitive restriction scores (p = 0.05) than women with lower academic performance (below 5.5). There were no significant associations between eating behavior and academic performance in men. CONCLUSIONS: A positive association between eating behavior and academic performance was observed in female university students in Chile. Further studies are needed to explore the causes of this association and determine how to improve the nutritional habits of this population.

Melanocortin-4 Receptor Gene Variation Is Associated with Eating Behavior in Chilean Adults.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the association between allelic variants of melanocortin receptors -3 and -4 (MC3R and MC4R, respectively) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes with body mass index (BMI) and eating behavior. METHODS: We selected 344 Chilean adults (57.8% women; age 39.1 ± 6.6 years) with a wide variation in BMI (30.3 ± 6.3 kg/m²). The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 that measures uncontrolled eating (UE), emotional eating (EE) and cognitive restraint scores was adapted, validated and assessed for association with BMI. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques and Taqman assays. RESULTS: Higher EE scores were found in obese vs. non-obese in both men (p = 0.01) and women (p < 0.001). UE scores were significantly associated with BMI only in women (p = 0.002). No significant differences in eating behavior scores or BMI were found by LEPR (rs1137101, rs8179183 and rs1137100 polymorphisms) or MC3R (rs3746619 and rs3827103). Carriers of the C allele for MC4R rs17782313 showed significantly higher scores of UE compared to non-carriers (2.3 ± 0.8 vs. 2.0 ± 0.7; p = 0.02). Additionally, we also report a monogenic case of obesity carrying the pathogenic mutation 449C>T (Thr150Ile) in MC4R gene with no apparent alterations in eating behavior scores. CONCLUSIONS: UE scores were higher in C-allele carriers of MC4R-rs17782313 compared to non-carriers.

Association between genetic variants of the clock gene and obesity and sleep duration

Obesity is a multifactorial disease caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors related to lifestyle aspects. It has been shown that reduced sleep is associated with increased body mass index (BMI). Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput (CLOCK) gene variants have also been associated with obesity. The objective of this mini-review was to discuss the available literature related to CLOCK gene variants associated with adiposity and sleep duration in humans. In total, 16 articles complied with the terms of the search that reported CLOCK variants associated with sleep duration, energy intake, and BMI. Overall, six CLOCK single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with sleep duration, and three variants have been associated with energy intake variables. Overall, the most studied area has been the association of CLOCK gene with obesity; close to eight common variants have been associated with obesity. The most studied CLOCK SNP in different populations is rs1801260, and most of these populations correspond to European populations. Collectively, identifying at risk CLOCK genotypes is a new area of research that may help identify individuals who are more susceptible to overeating and gaining weight when exposed to short sleep durations

Association between genetic variants of the clock gene and obesity and sleep duration.

Obesity is a multifactorial disease caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors related to lifestyle aspects. It has been shown that reduced sleep is associated with increased body mass index (BMI). Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput (CLOCK) gene variants have also been associated with obesity. The objective of this mini-review was to discuss the available literature related to CLOCK gene variants associated with adiposity and sleep duration in humans. In total, 16 articles complied with the terms of the search that reported CLOCK variants associated with sleep duration, energy intake, and BMI. Overall, six CLOCK single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with sleep duration, and three variants have been associated with energy intake variables. Overall, the most studied area has been the association of CLOCK gene with obesity; close to eight common variants have been associated with obesity. The most studied CLOCK SNP in different populations is rs1801260, and most of these populations correspond to European populations. Collectively, identifying at risk CLOCK genotypes is a new area of research that may help identify individuals who are more susceptible to overeating and gaining weight when exposed to short sleep durations.

Asociación entre la conducta alimentaria y polimorfismos genéticos de la leptina y su receptor en niños obesos chilenos / Association between feeding behavior, and genetic polymorphism of leptin and its receptor in obese Chilean children

Introducción: La leptina (LEP) se produce principalmente en el tejido adiposo y actúa en el hipotálamo regulando la ingesta energética. Mutaciones en el gen LEP o en su receptor (LEPR) que generen obesidad monogénica son pocos frecuentes. Sin embargo, polimorfismos de LEP y LEPR han sido relacionados con la obesidad multifactorial, debido a la asociación encontrada con el peso corporal y la conducta alimentaria. Objetivo: Medir la asociación entre polimorfismos de LEP y LEPR con obesidad infantil y conducta alimentaria en niños obesos. Métodos: Se reclutaron 221 niños obesos Chilenos (IMC sobre el percentil 95). Los progenitores de 134 de esos niños también fueron reclutados, para determinar la asociación entre los polimorfismos de LEP y LEPR con la obesidad en un estudio de tríos caso-progenitor. La conducta alimentaria se midió a través del cuestionario de alimentación de tres factores versión progenitores (TFEQ-P19) y el de conducta alimentaria en niños (CEBQ). Resultados: No se observa una diferencia significativa entre los polimorfismos estudiados y la obesidad infantil, luego de la corrección por comparaciones múltiples. Por otro lado, se encontraron asociaciones significativas entre ciertos polimorfismos de LEP y LEPR con dimensiones de la conducta alimentaria tales como: 'lentitud para comer', 'alimentación emocional', 'disfrute de los alimentos' y 'alimentación sin control'. Conclusiones: Existiría una asociación entre polimorfismos de los genes LEP y LEPR con la conducta alimentaria en niños obesos Chilenos (AU)

Introduction: Leptin (LEP) is mainly produced in adipose tissue and acts in the hypothalamus to regulate energy intake. Mutations in the LEP gene or its receptor (LEPR) that produce monogenic obesity are infrequent. However, LEP and LEPR polymorphisms have been associated with obesity multifactorial, due to the association found with body weight and eating behavior. Aim: Measure the association between LEP and LEPR polymorphisms with childhood obesity and eating behavior. Methods: 221 Chilean obese children (BMI above the 95th percentile) were recruited. Parents of 134 of these children were also recruited to determine the association between LEP and LEPR polymorphisms with obesity in a case study-parent trio. Eating behavior was measured through the questionnaire of three factors progenitors’ version (TFEQ-P19) and eating behavior in children (CEBQ). Results: No significant difference between the studied polymorphisms and childhood obesity, after correction for multiple comparisons, was observed. The dimensions; 'Slow eating', 'emotional eating', 'enjoyment of food' and 'uncontrolling eating' were significant associated with certain polymorphisms of LEP and LEPR. Conclusions: There would be an association between polymorphisms of the LEP and LEPR genes with eating behavior in Chilean obese children (AU)

Childhood obesity and eating behaviour.

The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased substantially in the recent decade as a result of the reduction in physical activity and the availability of high-fat and high-energy-density foods which the paediatric population faces daily. Although children are highly exposed to these foods, there is a wide variation in body weight, suggesting the presence of different patterns of response to an "obesogenic" environment. This wide variability from the point of view of eating behaviour involves a number of social issues (e.g., food availability, cost) as well as genuine behavioural traits such as the response to satiety, energy compensation, eating rate, responsiveness to food, food reward and dietary preferences. This article reviews the main physiological variables related to energy intake affecting eating behaviour in the paediatric population.

[Association between feeding behavior, and genetic polymorphism of leptin and its receptor in obese Chilean children]. / Asociación entre la conducta alimentaria y polimorfismos genéticos de la leptina y su receptor en niños obesos chilenos.

INTRODUCTION: Leptin (LEP) is mainly produced in adipose tissue and acts in the hypothalamus to regulate energy intake. Mutations in the LEP gene or its receptor (LEPR) that produce monogenic obesity are infrequent. However, LEP and LEPR polymorphisms have been associated with obesity multifactorial, due to the association found with body weight and eating behavior. AIM: Measure the association between LEP and LEPR polymorphisms with childhood obesity and eating behavior. METHODS: 221 Chilean obese children (BMI above the 95th percentile) were recruited. Parents of 134 of these children were also recruited to determine the association between LEP and LEPR polymorphisms with obesity in a case study-parent trio. Eating behavior was measured through the questionnaire of three factors progenitors' version (TFEQ-P19) and eating behavior in children (CEBQ). RESULTS: No significant difference between the studied polymorphisms and childhood obesity, after correction for multiple comparisons, was observed. The dimensions; "Slow eating", "emotional eating", "enjoyment of food" and "uncontrolling eating" were significant associated with certain polymorphisms of LEP and LEPR. CONCLUSIONS: There would be an association between polymorphisms of the LEP and LEPR genes with eating behavior in Chilean obese children.

Introducción: La leptina (LEP) se produce principalmente en el tejido adiposo y actúa en el hipotálamo regulando la ingesta energética. Mutaciones en el gen LEP o en su receptor (LEPR) que generen obesidad monogénica son pocos frecuentes. Sin embargo, polimorfismos de LEP y LEPR han sido relacionados con la obesidad multifactorial, debido a la asociación encontrada con el peso corporal y la conducta alimentaria. Objetivo: Medir la asociación entre polimorfismos de LEP y LEPR con obesidad infantil y conducta alimentaria en niños obesos. Métodos: Se reclutaron 221 niños obesos Chilenos (IMC sobre el percentil 95). Los progenitores de 134 de esos niños también fueron reclutados, para determinar la asociación entre los polimorfismos de LEP y LEPR con la obesidad en un estudio de tríos caso-progenitor. La conducta alimentaria se midió a través del cuestionario de alimentación de tres factores versión progenitores (TFEQ-P19) y el de conducta alimentaria en niños (CEBQ). Resultados: No se observa una diferencia significativa entre los polimorfismos estudiados y la obesidad infantil, luego de la corrección por comparaciones múltiples. Por otro lado, se encontraron asociaciones significativas entre ciertos polimorfismos de LEP y LEPR con dimensiones de la conducta alimentaria tales como: "lentitud para comer", "alimentación emocional", "disfrute de los alimentos" y "alimentación sin control". Conclusiones: Existiría una asociación entre polimorfismos de los genes LEP y LEPR con la conducta alimentaria en niños obesos Chilenos.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in obese Chilean children and association with gene variants of the leptin-melanocortin system.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) related to adult type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease is prevalent among obese children/adolescents. Genetic variants of the leptin-melanocortin system have been associated with components of MS. The aim of our study is to estimate the prevalence of MS (according to Cook's criteria) in a Chilean cross-sectional sample of 259 obese children (47.1% girls, aged 6-12 years), and to assess the association between common genetic variants of leptin-melanocortin pathway genes (LEP, LEPR, POMC, MC3R and MC4R) with components of the MS using logistic regression. We observed an overall MS prevalence of 26.3% (32.2% in girls and 21.1% in boys) in obese Chilean children. No associations were detected between genetic variants of leptin-melanocortin genes and MS components. MS prevalence among our obese children sample is similar to those previously described in Chile, demonstrating the increased risk of diseases in adulthood that obese children carry.

Programa educativo sobre conocimiento de salud bucal en las embarazadas / Educative Program on oral health knowledge in pregnant women

Fundamento: existe desconocimiento sobre salud bucal en las embarazadas lo que trae como consecuencia que acudan con una alta frecuencia a los servicios estomatológicos. Objetivo: diseñar un Programa Educativo sobre salud bucal para las embarazadas. La California 2012. Metodología: según resultados de investigación descriptiva con el objetivo de identificar el nivel de conocimiento de salud bucal en embarazadas del consultorio La California en el Estado Lara de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela en el período comprendido de junio del 2010 a febrero del 2011, con una muestra de 93 gestantes quedó demostrado que el mismo era deficiente. Resultados: diseño de programa educativo sobre salud bucal que aborda temas con información sobre entidades patológicas, su prevención y control de factores de riesgo de las mismas. Conclusiones: el Programa Educativo diseñado permitirá incrementar el conocimiento sobre salud bucal de las embarazadas elevando su calidad de vida(AU)

Introduction: Pregnant women have no knowledge about oral health. This brings about their frequent visit to the dentist. Objective: To design an educative program about oral health for pregnant women. Methodology: According to the results found in a descriptive study carried out at “La California” family doctors office in Venezuela aiming at identifying the knowledge level of oral health in pregnant women from June 2010 to February 2011 and with a sample of 93 patients, it was proved that the knowledge level was low. Results: An educative program about oral health which includes topics of pathological entities, their prevention and control of risk factors was designed. Conclusion: The educative program permits pregnant women increase their oral health and their life quality as well(AU)