Clustering Health Behaviors in Mexican Adolescents: The HELENA-MEX Study.

Purpose: The prevalence of excess weight within the adolescent population is rapidly increasing in Mexico, especially in areas with lower socioeconomic status. The present study aimed to identify lifestyle clustered patterns in adolescents and analyze the associations among these clusters and body composition. Method: A final sample of n=259 participants (13 to 17 years old, 58.7% girls), residents in rural and urban areas, were included. Hierarchical and k-means clusters analyses included moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), handgrip strength, screen time, sleep time, and diet. The associations between cluster membership and body composition were analyzed through general linear models (ANCOVA), including sex, age, place of residence, and socioeconomic status as covariates. Results: Three different clusters were identified: Cluster 1, [Unhealthy] (low values in all lifestyle patterns), Cluster 2, [Low Physical Fitness] (low values in CRF and handgrip strength) and Cluster 3, [High Physical Activity and CRF] (highest values in CRF, handgrip strength and MVPA). Clusters 2 and 3 showed high values in screen time and industrialized food consumption. There were no differences in sleep between the 3 Clusters. ANCOVA analysis revealed that participants belonging to Cluster 3 showed significantly lower adiposity and a higher Fat Free Mass compared with the other two clusters (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a lifestyle characterized by high levels of physical activity and physical fitness and low consumption of industrialized food may be protective against the problem of obesity, which could be helpful to develop interventions to reduce excess weight in Mexican adolescents.

CRP Serum Levels Are Associated with High Cardiometabolic Risk and Clinical Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have a higher frequency of cardiovascular risk factors such as high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels than the general population. CRP is considered a cardiovascular disease marker that could be related to SLE clinical disease activity. This study aimed to assess the association between CRP with cardiometabolic risk and clinical disease activity in SLE patients. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in 176 female SLE patients and 175 control subjects (CS) with median ages of 38 and 33 years, respectively; SLE patients were classified by the 1997 SLE-ACR criteria, and the clinical disease activity by the Mexican-SLEDAI (Mex-SLEDAI). CRP and lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C) were quantified by turbidimetry and colorimetric-enzymatic assays, respectively. SLE patients had higher CRP levels than CS (SLE: 5 mg/L vs. CS = 1.1 mg/L; p < 0.001). In SLE patients, CRP levels ≥ 3 mg/L were associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic risk status assessed by LAP index (OR = 3.01; IC: 1.04−8.7; p = 0.04), triglycerides/HDL-C index (OR = 5.2; IC: 2.1−12.8; p < 0.001), Kannel index (OR = 3.1; IC: 1.1−8.1; p = 0.03), Castelli index (OR = 6.6; IC: 2.5−17.8; p < 0.001), and high clinical disease activity (OR = 2.5: IC: 1.03−6.2; p = 0.04; and ß coefficient = 5.8; IC: 2.5−9.4; R2 = 0.15; p = 0.001). In conclusion, high CRP levels were associated with high cardiometabolic risk and clinical disease activity in SLE patients.

Body Dissatisfaction and Its Association with Health-Related Factors in Rural and Urban Mexican Adolescents from the State of Jalisco.

BACKGROUND: To better understand Mexican adolescent's body self-perception, this study aimed to analyze their body dissatisfaction (BD) levels according to sex and place of residence. We also aimed to explore differences in body composition (BC), physical fitness (PF), and physical activity (PA) between satisfied and dissatisfied adolescents and to find the associations between BD and these parameters. METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational study carried out in Jalisco (Mexico) in which 451 adolescents (43.68% males, 43.90% rural) aged 13-17 years were evaluated. BD and self-perceived PF and PA were assessed with validated questionnaires, while objectively measured PF (strength, explosive strength, speed-agility, and cardiovascular fitness) was assessed using field tests. To evaluate BC, anthropometric measures and bioelectric impedance analysis were carried out. Regression analysis was used to ascertain the associations between health-related factors and body dissatisfaction. RESULTS: Girls obtained higher scores on the BD questionnaire than boys (11.12 ± 3.13 vs. 10.33 ± 2.73; p < 0.05), whereas no geographical differences between rural and urban adolescents were found. BD was positively associated with higher fat mass (ß = 0.15; p < 0.001), and negatively associated with muscle mass and PF (ß = -0.24 and ß = -0.23; p < 0.001). However, PA was not associated with any of the measured parameters. CONCLUSIONS: selected parameters of BC, PF, and sex have an impact on the Mexican adolescent's body satisfaction levels and should be considered when designing future health policies.

Association of High Calcitriol Serum Levels and Its Hydroxylation Efficiency Ratio with Disease Risk in SLE Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency.

Vitamin D (calcidiol) deficiency in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is more frequent than in healthy subjects (HS); it is associated with clinical activity and damage in SLE. Although calcidiol is considered the best indicator of the vitamin D serum status, its deficiency could not reflect its hydroxylation efficiency ratio and calcitriol serum status. This study was aimed at assessing the association of calcidiol and calcitriol serum levels and its hydroxylation efficiency ratio with the risk to clinical and renal disease activities in SLE patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 308 SLE and HS women; calcidiol and calcitriol serum levels were evaluated by immunoassays. SLE patients showed lower calcidiol serum levels vs. HS (21.2 vs. 24.2 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Active SLE patients presented higher calcidiol/calcitriol ratio scores vs. inactive SLE patients (2.78 vs. 1.92 pg/ng; p = 0.02), and SLE patients with renal disease activity showed a pattern of calcidiol-deficient levels (19.5 vs. 25.3 ng/mL; p < 0.04) with higher calcitriol levels (47 pg/mL vs. 41.5 pg/mL; p = 0.02) and calcidiol/calcitriol ratio scores (2.13 vs. 1.54 pg/ng; p < 0.02) compared to SLE patients without renal disease activity. Calcidiol levels were negatively correlated with calcitriol levels (r = -0.26; p = 0.001) and urine proteins (mg/dL) (r = -0.39; p < 0.01). Regarding calcitriol levels, it was positively correlated with the blood lymphocyte count (r = 0.30; p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with the glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.28; p = 0.001). Moreover, the calcitriol/calcidiol ratio was positively correlated with urine proteins (r = 0.38; p < 0.01). The calcidiol deficiency (OR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.15-4.49; p < 0.01), high calcitriol levels (T3rd, OR = 4.19, 95% CI = 2.23-7.90; p < 0.001), and a high calcitriol/calcidiol ratio score (T3rd, OR = 5.93, 95% CI: 3.08-11.5; p < 0.001) were associated with the risk for SLE. In conclusion, a pattern of calcidiol deficiency with high calcitriol serum levels and a high vitamin D hydroxylation efficiency ratio was associated with disease risk in SLE patients.

Association of cardiometabolic risk status with clinical activity and damage in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A cross-sectional study.

Cardiometabolic status is a key factor in mortality by cardiovascular disease (CVD) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study evaluated the association of cardiometabolic risk status with clinical activity and damage in SLE patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 158 SLE patients and 123 healthy subjects (HS). Anthropometry, glucose, hs-CRP, lipid profile, oxLDL, sCD36, anti-oxLDL antibodies, and cardiometabolic indexes were evaluated. SLE patients had dyslipidemia, higher sCD36, anti-oxLDL antibodies, hs-CRP, and risk (OR > 2) to present Castelli score ≥ 4.5, HDL-C < 40 mg/dL and LDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dL. Disease evolution time was correlated with glucose and BMI, damage with TG, and clinical activity with TG, TG/HDL-C ratio, and Kannel index. Active SLE patients had risk (OR > 2) to present a Castelli score ≥ 4.5, Kannel score ≥ 3, TG/HDL-C ratio ≥ 3 and HDL-C < 40 mg/dL. In conclusion, SLE patients have high cardiometabolic risk to CVD related to disease evolution time, and clinical activity.

Association of Vitamin D Metabolism Gene Polymorphisms with Autoimmunity: Evidence in Population Genetic Studies.

A high prevalence of vitamin D (calcidiol) serum deficiency has been described in several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (AR), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Vitamin D is a potent immunonutrient that through its main metabolite calcitriol, regulates the immunomodulation of macrophages, dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes, which express the vitamin D receptor (VDR), and they produce and respond to calcitriol. Genetic association studies have shown that up to 65% of vitamin D serum variance may be explained due to genetic background. The 90% of genetic variability takes place in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and SNPs in genes related to vitamin D metabolism have been linked to influence the calcidiol serum levels, such as in the vitamin D binding protein (VDBP; rs2282679 GC), 25-hydroxylase (rs10751657 CYP2R1), 1α-hydroxylase (rs10877012, CYP27B1) and the vitamin D receptor (FokI (rs2228570), BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), and TaqI (rs731236) VDR). Therefore, the aim of this comprehensive literature review was to discuss the current findings of functional SNPs in GC, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, and VDR associated to genetic risk, and the most common clinical features of MS, RA, and SLE.

Health-Related Factors in Rural and Urban Mexican Adolescents from the State of Jalisco: The HELENA-MEX Study.

Mexico shows a high prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents. Geographical location and cultural environment could play a role in the promotion of healthy lifestyles in terms of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and nutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess rural and urban differences in body composition (BC), physical fitness (PF), PA and nutritional status of adolescents from the state of Jalisco (Mexico). The study involved 469 students aged 13-17 years (55.0% girls) from eight high schools. BC was analyzed by bioimpedance and PF by standardized field tests. Objective measurements of PA and SB were taken in a subsample (n = 240). Energy intake (EI) was calculated from two 24h recalls. Rural residents presented a higher prevalence of overweight, waist circumference, trunk fat mass, regional fat free mass and muscle handgrip strength (all p < 0.05, η2p < 0.06). Cardiorespiratory fitness was similar among participants, whereas urban adolescents showed higher muscle power, speed-agility and flexibility scores (all p < 0.05, η2p < 0.07). Overall lifestyle behavior in urban adolescents was more sedentary (p < 0.05, η2p = 0.11). EI was similar in both locations. In conclusion, rural Mexican adolescents presented a generally lower sedentary behavior and a lower fitness and fatness profile than their urban peers.

Using a lactation room at the workplace is associated with longer breastfeeding duration in working mothers / El uso de una sala de lactancia en el lugar de trabajo se asocia a una mayor duración de la lactancia en las madres trabajadoras

INTRODUCTION: maternal employment after childbirth is associated with abandonment of breastfeeding; however, lactation rooms in the workplace increase the practice of breastfeeding. OBJECTIVE: to compare the frequency and duration of breastfeeding among working mothers based on the presence of lactation rooms in their workplaces. METHODS: we included mothers from different institutions whose infants were between 6 and 35 months (n = 158), and an ad hoc questionnaire was applied to assess breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), partial breastfeeding (PBF), and use of human milk substitutes (HMS). Two groups were compared: working mothers with a lactation room at their workplace (n = 76) versus working mothers without this resource (n = 82). RESULTS: breastfeeding duration (7.5 vs. 5.0 months, p < 0.001) and EBF (3.0 vs. 1.2 months, p = 0.005) were higher in mothers who had a lactation room. HMS use was shorter in mothers who had a lactation room (2.5 vs. 10.0 months, p = 0.001). There were more working mothers who breastfed for more than six months (75.0 % vs. 48.8 %) [OR = 3.15 (95 % CI, 1.60-6.19), p = 0.001] and 12 months (31.6 % vs. 14.6 %) [OR = 2.69 (95 % CI, 1.23-5.87), p = 0.014] when lactation rooms were available in their workplaces. CONCLUSION: the presence of a lactation room in the workplace was associated with a higher frequency and duration of breastfeeding

INTRODUCCIÓN: el empleo materno después del parto se asocia con el abandono de la lactancia materna, mientras que las salas de lactancia en el lugar de trabajo aumentan la práctica de la lactancia. OBJETIVO: comparar la frecuencia y duración de la lactancia materna entre madres trabajadoras en función de la presencia o no de salas de lactancia en sus lugares de trabajo. MÉTODOS: incluimos madres de diferentes instituciones cuyos bebés tenían entre 6 y 35 meses (n = 158) y se aplicó un cuestionario ad hoc para evaluar la lactancia materna, la lactancia materna exclusiva (LME), la lactancia materna parcial (LMP) y el uso de sucedáneos de la leche humana (SLH). Se compararon dos grupos: madres trabajadoras con una sala de lactancia en su lugar de trabajo (n = 76) y madres trabajadoras sin este recurso (n = 82). RESULTADOS: la duración de la lactancia (7,5 vs. 5,0 meses, p < 0,001) y LME (3,0 vs. 1,2 meses, p = 0,005) fueron mayores en las madres que tenían sala de lactancia. El uso de SLH fue más corto en las madres que tenían sala de lactancia (2,5 vs. 10,0 meses, p = 0,001). Hubo más madres trabajadoras que amamantaron más de seis meses (75,0 % vs. 48,8 %) [OR = 3,15 (IC 95 %: 1,60-6,19), p = 0,001] y 12 meses (31,6 % vs. 14,6 %) [OR = 2,69 (IC 95 %: 1,23-5,87), p = 0,014] cuando había salas de lactancia disponibles en sus lugares de trabajo. CONCLUSIÓN: la presencia de una sala de lactancia en el lugar de trabajo se asoció a una mayor frecuencia y duración de la lactancia materna

Using a lactation room at the workplace is associated with longer breastfeeding duration in working mothers.

INTRODUCTION: IIntroduction: maternal employment after childbirth is associated with abandonment of breastfeeding; however, lactation rooms in the workplace increase the practice of breastfeeding. Objective: to compare the frequency and duration of breastfeeding among working mothers based on the presence of lactation rooms in their workplaces. Methods: we included mothers from different institutions whose infants were between 6 and 35 months (n = 158), and an ad hoc questionnaire was applied to assess breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), partial breastfeeding (PBF), and use of human milk substitutes (HMS). Two groups were compared: working mothers with a lactation room at their workplace (n = 76) versus working mothers without this resource (n = 82). Results: breastfeeding duration (7.5 vs. 5.0 months, p < 0.001) and EBF (3.0 vs. 1.2 months, p = 0.005) were higher in mothers who had a lactation room. HMS use was shorter in mothers who had a lactation room (2.5 vs. 10.0 months, p = 0.001). There were more working mothers who breastfed for more than six months (75.0 % vs. 48.8 %) [OR = 3.15 (95 % CI, 1.60-6.19), p = 0.001] and 12 months (31.6 % vs. 14.6 %) [OR = 2.69 (95 % CI, 1.23-5.87), p = 0.014] when lactation rooms were available in their workplaces. Conclusion: the presence of a lactation room in the workplace was associated with a higher frequency and duration of breastfeeding.

INTRODUCCIÓN: RESUMEN Introducción: el empleo materno después del parto se asocia con el abandono de la lactancia materna, mientras que las salas de lactancia en el lugar de trabajo aumentan la práctica de la lactancia. Objetivo: comparar la frecuencia y duración de la lactancia materna entre madres trabajadoras en función de la presencia o no de salas de lactancia en sus lugares de trabajo. Métodos: incluimos madres de diferentes instituciones cuyos bebés tenían entre 6 y 35 meses (n = 158) y se aplicó un cuestionario ad hoc para evaluar la lactancia materna, la lactancia materna exclusiva (LME), la lactancia materna parcial (LMP) y el uso de sucedáneos de la leche humana (SLH). Se compararon dos grupos: madres trabajadoras con una sala de lactancia en su lugar de trabajo (n = 76) y madres trabajadoras sin este recurso (n = 82). Resultados: la duración de la lactancia (7,5 vs. 5,0 meses, p < 0,001) y LME (3,0 vs. 1,2 meses, p = 0,005) fueron mayores en las madres que tenían sala de lactancia. El uso de SLH fue más corto en las madres que tenían sala de lactancia (2,5 vs. 10,0 meses, p = 0,001). Hubo más madres trabajadoras que amamantaron más de seis meses (75,0 % vs. 48,8 %) [OR = 3,15 (IC 95 %: 1,60-6,19), p = 0,001] y 12 meses (31,6 % vs. 14,6 %) [OR = 2,69 (IC 95 %: 1,23-5,87), p = 0,014] cuando había salas de lactancia disponibles en sus lugares de trabajo. Conclusión: la presencia de una sala de lactancia en el lugar de trabajo se asoció a una mayor frecuencia y duración de la lactancia materna.

Validation of a Spanish-Language Questionnaire on Adolescent Eating Behavior Based on Social Cognitive Theory.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a Spanish-language questionnaire on adolescent eating behavior based on Social Cognitive Theory. DESIGN: The validity (reliability and construct validity) of a self-administered questionnaire containing 28 questions with Likert scale-type response options was evaluated. SETTING: School located in Tonala, Jalisco, Mexico (a peri-urban area) with approximately 1,400 students enrolled. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty-two adolescents enrolled in the second year of a middle school in Tonalá, Jalisco, Mexico (mean age, 13.7 years; SD, 0.5 years; 64% female). The retest was completed by 70 adolescents chosen at random. OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS: The questionnaire's reliability was measured through internal consistency (Cronbach α) and reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]). Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: Five questions were eliminated from the questionnaire because of a lack of temporal stability (ICC ≤0.4). The exploratory factor analysis was satisfactory for 3 factors (41.89% of variance): environmental facilitators and social support, self-efficacy and self-regulation, and outcome expectations and outcome expectations value. The questionnaire had good internal consistency (α = 0.824) and excellent temporal stability (ICC = 0.849). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The results substantiate the reliability and construct validity of this questionnaire. The questionnaire has the potential to use the assessment of Social Cognitive Theory constructs in clinical practice or in nutrition interventions aimed at modifying the eating habits of Spanish-speaking adolescents.

Anthropometric and Body Composition Profile of Young Professional Soccer Players.

Bernal-Orozco, MF, Posada-Falomir, M, Quiñónez-Gastélum, CM, Plascencia-Aguilera, LP, Arana-Nuño, JR, Badillo-Camacho, N, Márquez-Sandoval, F, Holway, FE, and Vizmanos-Lamotte, B. Anthropometric and body composition profile of young professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1911-1923, 2020-The purpose was to describe the anthropometric and body composition profile of young professional soccer players and to compare the players profiles between different competitive divisions and playing positions. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out with anthropometric data obtained from the records of soccer players of Club Deportivo Guadalajara, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) in the under-17, under-20, second, third, and fourth division categories. Body mass, height, sitting-height, skinfolds, girths, and bone breadths were measured by certified anthropometrists from September 2011 to March 2015, following the procedures recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Body composition was determined using the 5-way fractionation method. Comparisons between playing positions in each division and between divisions were performed using analysis of variance, and Bonferroni's post-hoc analyses (SPSS version 22 for Windows, p < 0.05 considered as significant). Data from 755 subjects were analyzed. The mean age was 18.1 ± 1.7 years old (minimum 14.8, maximum 23.2). The under-20 division registered higher anthropometric and body composition values than all other competitive divisions. In addition, goalkeepers were taller, heavier, and obtained the highest values for adipose mass, whereas forwards presented higher percentages of muscle mass. These tables can be used during nutritional assessment and nutritional monitoring of players to establish body composition goals. In addition, the strength and conditioning practitioner may also use these data to design effective and specific training programs most suitable to the anthropometric and body composition profile of each player, taking into consideration his competitive division and playing position.

Healthy Obese Subjects Differ in Chronotype, Sleep Habits, and Adipose Tissue Fatty Acid Composition from Their Non-Healthy Counterparts.

Obesity is not the same in all individuals and two different phenotypes have been described: metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). The aim of this study was to identify factors that explain metabolic health status in a rigorously matched Spanish population. Subcutaneous and visceral fat, adipocyte size and fatty acid composition, cardiometabolic markers in serum, and lifestyle habits were assessed. Higher physical activity in the mornings (Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) (OR (95% CI) = 1.54 (1.09-2.18), p = 0.01)), earlier bedtimes (8:30-10:30 pm) (OR = 2.11 (1.02-4.36), p = 0.04), a complete breakfast (OR = 1.59 (1.07-2.36), p = 0.02), and a greater number of meals per day (4.10 ± 0.05 vs. 3.93 ± 0.05, p < 0.01), were associated with the MHO phenotype. Concentrations of 20:5 n-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (0.26 ± 0.46 vs. 0.10% ± 0.11%, p = 0.04) and 18:3 n-6 gamma-linolenic acid (0.37 ± 0.24 vs. 0.23% ± 0.22%, p = 0.04) in subcutaneous adipocytes were higher and omental adipocyte size (187 094 ± 224 059 µm3 vs. 490 953 ± 229 049 µm3, p = 0.02) was lower in MHO subjects than in those with MUO. Visceral fat area differed between MHO and MUO subjects (135 ± 60 cm2 vs. 178 ± 85 cm2, p = 0.04, respectively). The study highlights specific lifestyle habits that could form part of obesity therapies, not only involving healthier eating habits but also earlier sleeping and exercise patterns.

Relationship of Excess Weight with Clinical Activity and Dietary Intake Deficiencies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients.

Obesity and nutrients intake deficiencies may contribute to the clinical manifestations and inflammatory processes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between nutritional status and dietary intake with clinical variables in Mexican-mestizo SLE patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 130 female SLE patients, classified by the 1997 SLE American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria; the clinical activity was evaluated by the Mexican-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Disease Activity Index (Mex-SLEDAI); body mass index (BMI) by the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria; the energy calculation and nutritional intake were performed by Nutritionist Pro Diet software. SLE patients with excess weight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) showed a higher score of clinical activity (Mex-SLEDAI = 2; p = 0.003), higher clinical activity prevalence (40.9%; p = 0.039) and a significant association for high clinical activity (odds ratio (OR) = 2.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-5.9; p = 0.033), in comparison with patients without excess weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2). In particular, the excess weight increased the Mex-SLEDAI score (ß coefficient = 1.82; R2 = 0.05; p = 0.005). Also, the SLE patients presented a high prevalence (%) of deficient consumption (cut-off point: <67% of dietary adequacy) of vitamin E (100%), iodine (96%), omega 3 (93.44%), biotin (78%), vitamin K (73.33%), iron (67%), vitamin D (63.3%), potassium (59%), folic acid (56.67%), pantothenic acid (43.3%), vitamin A (41.67%) and zinc (32%). In conclusion, in SLE patients the excess weight was associated with increased clinical activity and to the presence of deficiencies in some essential nutrients ingested.

Frequency and Risk Factors of Kidney Alterations in Children and Adolescents who Are Overweight and Obese in a Primary Health-care Setting.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is clearly associated to kidney disease in adult population; however, there is scarce evidence in children and adolescents. The aim was to compare frequency of renal damage according to the presence of overweight-obesity in children and adolescents, as well as to compare nutritional and biochemical risk factors, according to the presence of kidney alterations. METHODS: Cross-sectional study; 172 children and adolescents, 6-16 years old, without malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and independent comorbid conditions associated to obesity or kidney disease, as well as transitory causes of microalbuminuria (MA) from a Primary Health-Care Unit were included. Clinical, biochemical, anthropometric and dietetic evaluations were measured in all subjects; subsequently they were classified as normal weight, overweight and obesity groups according to sex- and age-adjusted body mass index (BMI). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR, estimated by Schwartz equation) and albuminuria (albumin/creatinine ratio) were determined. Presence of kidney alterations was measured as decreased GFR (<90 mL/min/1.73m2), hyperfiltration (>170 mL/min/1.73m2) and MA (30-300 mg/g). RESULTS: Compared with controls, subjects with overweight-obesity had significantly (P<.05) abdominal obesity (0 vs 69%), hypertension (19 vs 26%), hypertriglyceridemia (11 vs 47%), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2 vs 8%) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol; 2 vs 28%), hyperuricemia (11 vs 28%) and hyperinsulinemia (8 vs 70%). Hyperfiltration and MA were present in 5 and 4 subjects with overweight/obesity, respectively, whereas decreased GFR was present in only 1 subject with obesity. Normal weight subjects had no kidney alterations. In multivariate analysis, kidney alterations were significantly predicted by higher BMI and lower HDL-cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney alterations were observed only in subjects with overweight (3.6%) and obesity (9.9%), who additionally, displayed cardiometabolic and kidney disease risk factors more frequently than normal weight subjects.

Interaction of Vitamin E Intake and Pro12Ala Polymorphism of PPARG with Adiponectin Levels.

BACKGROUND/AIM: One of the beneficial effects associated with vitamin E intake is the enhancement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) activity and the consequent upregulation of adiponectin expression. The aim of this study was to analyze the adiponectin levels in subjects with the Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARG according to vitamin E intake. METHODS: A total of 283 subjects were enrolled. Total vitamin E intake was estimated based on a validated 3-day food consumption record and analyzed using Nutritionist ProTM software. The Pro12Ala polymorphism (rs1801282) was determined by allelic discrimination. The adiponectin levels were measured by an ELISA assay. RESULTS: Vitamin E intake was deficient in all subjects (1.50 ± 1.78 mg/day). Subjects with higher vitamin E intake levels and the Pro12Ala/Ala12Ala genotype had statistically significant higher levels of serum adiponectin than subjects with the Pro12Pro genotype (4.4 [3.2-5.7] vs. 2.7 [2.0-3.5] µg/mL; p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that increased consumption of vitamin E should be encouraged since it has been reported that vitamin E promotes adiponectin expression via PPARγ activation. Subjects with Pro12Pro genotype had lower serum adiponectin levels than subjects with Pro12Ala/Ala12Ala genotype; therefore, they might be at higher risk of developing metabolic complications.

EFFECTS OF A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT ON THE INCIDENCE OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN SUSCEPTIBLE ADULTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

INTRODUCTION: although supplementation of specific micronutrients may improve immunologic factors, few studies about the combination of micronutrients with plant extracts on the occurrence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) have been published. OBJECTIVES: to assess the effect of a nutritional supplement with micronutrients and plant extracts on the incidence of ARI in susceptible adults between January and April, 2012. METHODS: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo- controlled clinical trial was performed. Participants were adults susceptible to ARI who were healthy at the time of evaluation, signed informed consent forms and were not taking medication. They completed a medical history; weight, height, vital signs and laboratory analyses were assessed. Subjects were randomly assigned for consumption of the supplement or a placebo, for a 90 days period. Subjects made daily diary entries indicating the presence ARI symptoms. Those who became ill notified researchers and the attending physician confirmed the presence of an infection. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the proportion of ill subjects between groups. Relative risk and risk difference were also calculated (p < 0.05 significant). RESULTS: of 59 included subjects, 45 (25 women) completed the study (21 in the supplemented group and 24 in the placebo group). There were no significant differences at baseline between groups. After the intervention, the supplemented group had a lower incidence of ARI compared with the placebo group (57.1% vs. 91.7%, p = 0.013, RR = 0.62, 95%CI 0.42, 0.92). DISCUSSION: the consumption of a supplement with vitamins, minerals and plant extracts may decrease the incidence of ARI in susceptible adults.

Introducción: aunque la suplementación de micronutrientes específicos puede mejorar determinados factores inmunológicos, han sido publicados pocos estudios sobre la combinación de micronutrientes con extractos herbales y la incidencia de infecciones respiratorias agudas (ARI) . Objetivos: evaluar el efecto de un suplemento alimenticio con micronutrientes y extractos herbales en la incidencia de ARI en adultos susceptibles, en enero-abril de 2012. Métodos: se realizó un ensayo clínico paralelo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo. Se incluyeron adultos susceptibles a ARI, sanos en el momento de la evaluación, que firmaron un consentimiento informado y que no tomaban medicamentos. Completaron una historia clínica y se evaluó: peso, talla, signos vitales y de laboratorio. Se asignaron aleatoriamente para consumir durante 90 días el suplemento o un placebo. Los sujetos registraron diariamente si presentaban o no síntomas de ARI en un diario. En caso de enfermedad, se lo notificaron a los investigadores y el médico responsable confirmó la presencia de infección. Se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher para comparar la proporción de enfermos entre los grupos y se calculó el riesgo relativo y la diferencia de riesgos (p < 0,05 significativa). Resultados: de 59 sujetos incluidos, 45 (25 mujeres) completaron el estudio (21 del grupo suplementado y 24 del placebo). No hubo diferencias significativas al inicio entre grupos. Al finalizar la intervención, el grupo suplementado tuvo una menor incidencia de ARI en comparación con el placebo (57,1% vs 91,7%, p = 0,013, RR = 0,62, IC95% 0,42, 0,92). Discusión: en conclusión, el consumo de un suplemento a base de micronutrientes y extractos herbales puede disminuir la incidencia de ARI en adultos susceptibles.

Effects of a dietary supplement on the incidence of acute respiratory infections in susceptible adults: a randomized controlled trial / Efectos de un suplemento nutricional en la incidencia de infecciones respiratorias agudas en adultos susceptibles: un ensayo clínico controlado

Introduction: although supplementation of specific micronutrients may improve immunologic factors, few studies about the combination of micronutrients with plant extracts on the occurrence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) have been published. Objectives: to assess the effect of a nutritional supplement with micronutrients and plant extracts on the incidence of ARI in susceptible adults between January and April, 2012. Methods: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed. Participants were adults susceptible to ARI who were healthy at the time of evaluation, signed informed consent forms and were not taking medication. They completed a medical history; weight, height, vital signs and laboratory analyses were assessed. Subjects were randomly assigned for consumption of the supplement or a placebo, for a 90 days period. Subjects made daily diary entries indicating the presence ARI symptoms. Those who became ill notified researchers and the attending physician confirmed the presence of an infection. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the proportion of ill subjects between groups. Relative risk and risk difference were also calculated (p< 0.05 significant). Results: of 59 included subjects, 45 (25 women) completed the study (21 in the supplemented group and 24 in the placebo group). There were no significant differences at baseline between groups. After the intervention, the supplemented group had a lower incidence of ARI compared with the placebo group (57.1% vs. 91.7%, p=0.013, RR=0.62, 95%CI 0.42, 0.92). Discussion: the consumption of a supplement with vitamins, minerals and plant extracts may decrease the incidence of ARI in susceptible adults (AU)

Introducción: aunque la suplementación de micronutrientes específicos puede mejorar determinados factores inmunológicos, han sido publicados pocos estudios sobre la combinación de micronutrientes con extractos herbales y la incidencia de infecciones respiratorias agudas (ARI). Objetivos: evaluar el efecto de un suplemento alimenticio con micronutrientes y extractos herbales en la incidencia de ARI en adultos susceptibles, en enero-abril de 2012. Métodos: se realizó un ensayo clínico paralelo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo. Se incluyeron adultos susceptibles a ARI, sanos en el momento de la evaluación, que firmaron un consentimiento informado y que no tomaban medicamentos. Completaron una historia clínica y se evaluó: peso, talla, signos vitales y de laboratorio. Se asignaron aleatoriamente para consumir durante 90 días el suplemento o un placebo. Los sujetos registraron diariamente si presentaban o no síntomas de ARI en un diario. En caso de enfermedad, se lo notificaron a los investigadores y el médico responsable confirmó la presencia de infección. Se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher para comparar la proporción de enfermos entre los grupos y se calculó el riesgo relativo y la diferencia de riesgos (p < 0,05 significativa). Resultados: de 59 sujetos incluidos, 45 (25 mujeres) completaron el estudio (21 del grupo suplementado y 24 del placebo). No hubo diferencias significativas al inicio entre grupos. Al finalizar la intervención, el grupo suplementado tuvo una menor incidencia de ARI en comparación con el placebo (57,1% vs 91,7%, p=0,013, RR=0,62, IC95% 0,42, 0,92). Discusión: en conclusión, el consumo de un suplemento a base de micronutrientes y extractos herbales puede disminuir la incidencia de ARI en adultos susceptibles (AU)

[Association between food behavior and hypercholesterolemia-LDL in university students]. / ASOCIACIÓN ENTRE COMPORTAMIENTO ALIMENTARIO E HIPERCOLESTEROLEMIA-LDL EN JÓVENES UNIVERSITARIOS.

INTRODUCTION: Hypercholesterolemia-LDL (H-LDL) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The association between H-LDL and feeding has focused on nutritional aspects. The study of the association between eating behavior (EB) and H-LDL in university students, could provide nutritional elements for correction and/or prevention in this population. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between EB and H-LDL in university students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 167 students from the Autonomous University of Guerrero, Mexico. LDL cholesterol in serum was measured and a concentration ≥100 mg/dL was considered hypercholesterolemia. The EB was assessed using a previously validated questionnaire. The association between EB and H-LDL was determined with a bivariate logistic regression, adjusting for sex, age, socioeconomic status, smoking, energy intake, physical activity, presence or absence of obesity and family history. RESULTS: Eating lunch (morning snack) was related with 63% lower risk of H-LDL (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.15, 0.90). Take food away from home once or twice a week was associated with a fourfold increased risk of H-LDL (R 5.14; 95% CI 1.12, 23.62). Subjects who reported consuming excess food (1 or 2, and 3 or more times/week) had higher risk of H-LDL (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.10, 9.64 and OR 10.52; 95% CI 2.66, 41.60 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Some usual EB of the university students (Guerrero, Mexico) involve greater risk of H-LDL. To encourage actions corrective and/or preventive focused on these EB, could improve the health of this population.

Introducción: la hipercolesterolemia-LDL (H-LDL) se asocia a mayor riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. La asociacion entre H-LDL y alimentacion se ha centrado en aspectos nutrimentales. El estudio de la asociacion entre el comportamiento alimentario (CA) y la H-LDL en estudiantes universitarios podria brindar elementos de correccion y/o prevencion nutricional en esta poblacion. Objetivo: evaluar la asociacion entre CA e H-LDL en estudiantes universitarios. Métodos: estudio transversal realizado en una muestra de 167 estudiantes de la Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Mexico. Se midio el colesterol-LDL serico, considerandose hipercolesterolemia una concentracion ≥100 mg/dL. El CA se evaluo mediante un cuestionario previamente validado. La asociacion entre CA e H-LDL se determino con una regresion logistica bivariada, ajustando por sexo, edad, nivel socioeconomico, tabaquismo, ingesta de energia, actividad fisica, presencia o no de obesidad y antecedentes familiares. Resultados: consumir el almuerzo (colacion matutina) se asocio con un 63% de menos riesgo de H-LDL (OR 0,37; 95% IC 0,15, 0,90). Ingerir alimentos fuera de casa una o dos veces a la semana, se asocio con cuatro veces mas riesgo de H-LDL (R 5,14; 95% IC 1,12, 23,62). Los sujetos que referian consumir alimentos en exceso (1 o 2, y 3 o mas veces/semana) tuvieron mayor riesgo de H-LDL (OR 3,26; 95% IC 1,10, 9,64 y OR 10,52; 95% IC 2,66, 41,60, respectivamente). Conclusiones: algunos CA habituales de los estudiantes universitarios de Guerrero implican mayor riesgo de H-LDL. Por ello, promover acciones correctivas y/o preventivas centradas en estos CA podria mejorar la salud de esta poblacion.