Obesity and COVID-19 in Latin America: A tragedy of two pandemics-Official document of the Latin American Federation of Obesity Societies.

In May 2020, Latin America became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, a region already afflicted by social disparities, poor healthcare access, inadequate nutrition and a large prevalence of noncommunicable chronic diseases. Obesity and its comorbidities are increasingly prevalent in Latin America, with a more rapid growth in individuals with lower income, and currently a disease associated with COVID-19 severity, complications and death. In this document, the Latin American Association of Obesity Societies and collaborators present a review of the burden of two pandemics in Latin America, discuss possible mechanisms that explain their relationship with each other and provide public health and individual recommendations, as well as questions for future studies.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in three regions in Venezuela: The VEMSOLS Study / Prevalência de síndrome metabólica em três regiões da Venezuela: o estudo VemSOLS

Background: No previous study has evaluated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in more than one region in Venezuela.Objective: To determine the prevalence of MS in three Venezuelan regions. Methods: From 2006 to 2010, a total of 1,320 subjects aged ≥ 20 years were selected by multistage stratified random sampling from the regions of Lara State (western region), Mérida State (the Andean region), and Capital District (Capital Region). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis were obtained from each participant. MS was defined according to the harmonized Joint Interim Statement (2009) definition.Results: Mean age was 44.8 ± 0.39 years and 68.5% of the participants were female. The overall prevalence of MS was 35.7% (95% confidence interval 32.2 ­ 39.2%), while the prevalence was 42.5% (95% CI 38.8 ­ 46.1%) among men and 32.6% (95% CI 29.1 ­ 36.0%) among women (p < 0.001). In women, the prevalence of MS increased at almost every decade of life, while in men, the prevalence was similar from the age of 30 years onwards. The most prevalent abnormalities were low HDL-c levels (58.6%, 95% CI 54.9 ­ 62.1%), abdominal obesity (52.0%, 95% CI 48.4 ­ 55.7%), and elevated triglycerides levels (39.7%, 95% CI 36.1 ­ 43.2%). The prevalence of MS increased with increasing body mass index categories. Conclusion: In Venezuela, MS is a highly prevalent condition, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in a large number of subjects

Prevalence of Dyslipidemias in Three Regions in Venezuela: The VEMSOLS Study Results.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of dyslipidemia in multiple regions of Venezuela is unknown. The Venezuelan Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (VEMSOLS) was undertaken to evaluate cardiometabolic risk factors in Venezuela. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in five populations from three regions of Venezuela. METHODS: During the years 2006 to 2010, 1320 subjects aged 20 years or older were selected by multistage stratified random sampling from all households in five municipalities from 3 regions of Venezuela: Lara State (Western region), Merida State (Andean region), and Capital District (Capital region). Anthropometric measurements and biochemical analysis were obtained from each participant. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the NCEP/ATPIII definitions. RESULTS: Mean age was 44.8 ± 0.39 years and 68.5% were females. The prevalence of lipids abnormalities related to the metabolic syndrome (low HDL-c [58.6%; 95% CI 54.9 - 62.1] and elevated triglycerides [39.7%; 36.1 - 43.2]) were the most prevalent lipid alterations, followed by atherogenic dyslipidemia (25.9%; 22.7 - 29.1), elevated LDL-c (23.3%; 20.2 - 26.4), hypercholesterolemia (22.2%; 19.2 - 25.2), and mix dyslipidemia (8.9%; 6.8 - 11.0). Dyslipidemia was more prevalent with increasing body mass index. CONCLUSION: Dyslipidemias are prevalent cardiometabolic risk factors in Venezuela. Among these, a higher prevalence of low HDL is a condition also consistently reported in Latin America.

Prevalence of Dyslipidemias in Three Regions in Venezuela: The VEMSOLS Study Results / Prevalência de Dislipidemias em Três Regiões na Venezuela: Resultados do Estudo VEMSOLS

Abstract Background: The prevalence of dyslipidemia in multiple regions of Venezuela is unknown. The Venezuelan Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (VEMSOLS) was undertaken to evaluate cardiometabolic risk factors in Venezuela. Objective: To determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in five populations from three regions of Venezuela. Methods: During the years 2006 to 2010, 1320 subjects aged 20 years or older were selected by multistage stratified random sampling from all households in five municipalities from 3 regions of Venezuela: Lara State (Western region), Merida State (Andean region), and Capital District (Capital region). Anthropometric measurements and biochemical analysis were obtained from each participant. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the NCEP/ATPIII definitions. Results: Mean age was 44.8 ± 0.39 years and 68.5% were females. The prevalence of lipids abnormalities related to the metabolic syndrome (low HDL-c [58.6%; 95% CI 54.9 - 62.1] and elevated triglycerides [39.7%; 36.1 - 43.2]) were the most prevalent lipid alterations, followed by atherogenic dyslipidemia (25.9%; 22.7 - 29.1), elevated LDL-c (23.3%; 20.2 - 26.4), hypercholesterolemia (22.2%; 19.2 - 25.2), and mix dyslipidemia (8.9%; 6.8 - 11.0). Dyslipidemia was more prevalent with increasing body mass index. Conclusion: Dyslipidemias are prevalent cardiometabolic risk factors in Venezuela. Among these, a higher prevalence of low HDL is a condition also consistently reported in Latin America.

Resumo Fundamento: A prevalência de dislipidemia em várias regiões da Venezuela é desconhecida. A Síndrome Metabólica venezuelana, Obesidade e Estilo de Vida Estudo (VEMSOLS) foram realizados para avaliar os fatores de risco cardiometabólico na Venezuela. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de dislipidemia em cinco populações de três regiões da Venezuela. Métodos: Durante os anos de 2006 a 2010, 1320 indivíduos com 20 anos ou mais foram selecionados por amostragem aleatória estratificada de vários estágios de todas as famílias em cinco municípios a partir de 3 regiões da Venezuela: Estado Lara (região Oeste), Estado de Mérida (região andina) e Capital Distrito (região Capital). medidas antropométricas e análise bioquímica foram obtidas de cada participante. Dislipidemia foi definida de acordo com as definições NCEP / ATPIII. Resultados: A idade média foi de 44,8 ± 0,39 anos, e 68,5% eram do sexo feminino. A prevalência de lípidos anormalidades relacionadas à síndrome metabólica (HDL-c baixo [58,6%; IC95% 54,9-62,1] e triglicerídeos elevados [39,7%; 36,1-43,2]) foram as alterações lipídicas mais prevalente, seguida pela dislipidemia aterogênica ( 25,9%; 22,7-29,1), LDL-C elevado (23,3%; 20,2-26,4), hipercolesterolêmica (22,2%; 19,2-25,2), e misturar dislipidemia (8,9%; 6,8-11,0). Dislipidemia foi mais prevalente com o aumento do índice de massa corporal. Conclusão: As dislipidemias são fatores de risco cardiometabólico prevalentes na Venezuela. Entre elas, uma maior prevalência de baixo HDL é uma condição também consistentemente relatada na América Latina.

APPLICATION OF THE AACE/ACE ADVANCED FRAMEWORK FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF OBESITY AND CARDIOMETABOLIC DISEASE STAGING IN A GENERAL POPULATION FROM 3 REGIONS OF VENEZUELA: THE VEMSOLS STUDY RESULTS.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of obesity according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology (AACE/ACE) framework based on a complications-centric model with further application of the Cardiometabolic Disease Staging (CMDS) system in a Venezuelan population. METHODS: A total of 1,320 adults were randomly selected from 3 regions. The AACE/ACE framework definitions were as follows: overweight, body mass index (BMI) 25 to 29.9 kg/m2 and no obesity-related complications (ORC); obesity stage 0, BMI ≥30 and no ORC; stage 1, BMI ≥25 and 1 or more mild-to-moderate ORC; and stage 2, BMI ≥25 and 1 or more severe ORC. CMDS definitions were as follows: stage 0, no metabolic syndrome (MS) components; stage 1, 1 to 2 MS components without impaired fasting glucose (IFG); stage 2, IFG or ≥3 MS components but without IFG; stage 3, IFG and MS; and stage 4, type 2 diabetes (T2D) or cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: The mean age was 44.8 ± 0.4 years, and 68.5% were female. The prevalence of obesity according to the AACE/ACE framework was 63.1%: overweight 3.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1-3.9); obesity stage 0: 0.1% (0.07-0.27); obesity stage 1: 26.6% (24.2-29.0); and obesity stage 2: 36.4% (33.8-39.0). Most subjects with a BMI <25 were CMDS 0 or 1. In those with BMI ≥ 25, only 4.6% were CMDS 0. The prevalence of obesity according to the World Health Organization (WHO, BMI ≥30) was 29.3% (24.7-33.7). CONCLUSION: In a general population study, applying the AACE/ACE framework for obesity and CMDS increased the detection of ORC and therefore higher risk subjects compared to classic anthropometric measurements. ABBREVIATIONS: AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; ACE = American College of Endocrinology; BMI = body mass index; CMDS = Cardiometabolic Disease Staging; DALY = disability-adjusted life years; LA = Latin America; MS = metabolic syndrome; ORC = obesity-related complications; WC = waist circumference; WHO = World Health Organization.

Prevalence of diabetes in three regions of Venezuela. The VEMSOLS study results.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of diabetes in multiple regions of Venezuela is unknown. To determine the prevalence of diabetes in five populations from three regions of Venezuela. METHODS: During 2006-2010, 1334 subjects ≥20years were selected by multistage stratified random sampling from all households from 3 regions of Venezuela. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical analysis were obtained. Statistical methods were calculated using SPSS 20 software. FINDINGS: Mean (SE) age was 44.8 years (0.39) and 68.5% were females. The prevalence of diabetes was 8.3% (95% CI, 6.9%-10.0%), higher in men than women (11.2% and 7.0% respectively; p=0.01). The prevalence adjusted by age and gender was 8.0% (95% CI, 6.9%-9.9%). This figure increased with age, with the lowest prevalence in the 20-29year old group (1.8% [95% CI, 0.6%-4.8%]) and the highest in the oldest group (26.8% [95% CI, 16.2%-40.5%]). Subjects with overweight or obesity had no increased risk of diabetes compared with those with normal weight. However, in women, the presence of abdominal obesity was associated with an increase of the risk of diabetes by 77% (OR 1.77 [95% CI, 1.1%-2.9%]). The prevalence of prediabetes was 14.6% (95% CI, 12.8%-16.7%), and only 48.2% were aware of their diabetes condition. CONCLUSION: In this study, 8.3% of the subjects had diabetes and 14.6% prediabetes. Less than half of the subjects with diabetes were aware of their condition. These results point to a major public health problem, requiring the implementation of diabetes prevention programs.

High prevalence and poor control of hypertension in five venezuelan populations: the VEMSOLS study / Alta prevalencia y pobre control de la hipertensión en cinco poblaciones de Venezuela: Estudio VEMSOLS

The prevalence of hypertension in multiple regions of Venezuela is unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in five populations from three regions. During 2006 to 2010, 1392 subjects aged 20 or older were selected by multistage stratified random sampling from all households in five municipalities from: Lara State (Western region), Merida State (Andean region), and Capital District (Capital region). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis were obtained from each participant. Mean age was 45.2 ± 0.4 years and 68% were females. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 31.3% (CI 95% 28.9 - 33.8), it was higher in men than women (38.1% [33.5 - 42.8] vs. 28.2% [25.4 - 31.2], respectively; p <0.001). The hypertensive participants were older, with higher body mass index (BMI), glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglycerides; and lower values of HDL-c, than pre-hypertensive and normotensive participants (p < 0.05). In women, hypertension prevalence increased linearly for every decade of life and by category of BMI; whereas in men it increased until the fifth decade of life, and was similar in patients with overweight and obesity. The risk of hypertension increased with age, the presence of obesity, diabetes, overweight and family history of hypertension. Only 17.7% of the hypertensive subjects were both treated and controlled. In conclusion, about one third of the subjects evaluated had hypertension and about one fifth of them had their hypertension under control. In Venezuela, hypertension is a serious public health problem exacerbated by age and overweight.

Se desconoce la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial (HTA) en múltiples regiones de Venezuela. El objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de HTA en cinco poblaciones de tres regiones. Durante 2006 a 2010, 1392 sujetos de 20 o más años de edad fueron seleccionados mediante un muestreo aleatorio estratificado polietápico, de todas las casas en 5 municipios de: Estado Lara (región Oeste), Estado Mérida (región Andina) y Distrito Capital (región Capital). Se obtuvieron medidas antropométricas, presión arterial y análisis bioquímico. La media de edad fue 45,2 ± 0,4 años, y 68% fueron mujeres. La prevalencia de HTA fue 31,3% (IC 95%: 28,9 - 33,8), mayor en hombres que en mujeres (38,1% [33,5 - 42,8] vs 28,2% [25,4 - 31,2], respectivamente; p <0,001). Los sujetos hipertensos mostraron mayor edad, índice de masa corporal (IMC), glucemia, colesterol total, c-LDL y triglicéridos; y valores más bajos de c-HDL, que los sujetos pre-hipertensos y normotensos (p< 0,05). En las mujeres, la prevalencia de HTA aumentó linealmente en cada década de la vida y en cada categoría de IMC; en los hombres, se incrementó hasta la quinta década, siendo similar en sujetos con sobrepeso y obesidad. El riesgo de HTA se incrementó con la edad, presencia de sobrepeso/obesidad, diabetes, e historia familiar de HTA. Sólo 17,7% de los sujetos hipertensos se encontraban tratados y controlados. En conclusión, un tercio de los sujetos evaluados presentó HTA y alrededor de un quinto está bajo control. En Venezuela, la HTA es un grave problema de salud pública exacerbado por la edad y el sobrepeso.

High prevalence and poor control of hypertension in five venezuelan populations: the VEMSOLS study.

The prevalence of hypertension in multiple regions of Venezuela is unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in five populations from three regions. During 2006 to 2010, 1392 subjects aged 20 or older were selected by multistage stratified random sampling from all households in five municipalities from: Lara State (Western region), Merida State (Andean region), and Capital District (Capital region). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis were obtained from each participant. Mean age was 45.2 ± 0.4 years and 68% were females. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 31.3% (CI 95% 28.9 ­ 33.8), it was higher in men than women (38.1% [33.5 ­ 42.8] vs. 28.2% [25.4 ­ 31.2], respectively; p <0.001). The hypertensive participants were older, with higher body mass index (BMI), glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglycerides; and lower values of HDL-c, than pre-hypertensive and normotensive participants (p < 0.05). In women, hypertension prevalence increased linearly for every decade of life and by category of BMI; whereas in men it increased until the fifth decade of life, and was similar in patients with overweight and obesity. The risk of hypertension increased with age, the presence of obesity, diabetes, overweight and family history of hypertension. Only 17.7% of the hypertensive subjects were both treated and controlled. In conclusion, about one third of the subjects evaluated had hypertension and about one fifth of them had their hypertension under control. In Venezuela, hypertension is a serious public health problem exacerbated by age and overweight.

Determination of the cutoff point for waist circumference that establishes the presence of abdominal obesity in Latin American men and women.

AIMS: The recent definitions of the metabolic syndrome (MS) recognize the need for ethnic and region-specific waist circumference (WC) cut-offs that identify people with abdominal obesity. We tested WC as a diagnostic tool to identify people with visceral adiposity in Hispanics from the Latin America region. METHODS: We used the area of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) ≥ 100 cm² at the level between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae in abdominal CT scans as a marker of visceral adiposity and established the optimal WC threshold for men and women by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: 179 men and 278 women from Mexico, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Paraguay were included. The ROC curves were highly discriminative of excess VAT for men and women (area under the curve 0.9 and 0.8 respectively) and the WC threshold was identified at 94 cm for men and between 90 and 92 cm for women. CONCLUSION: In men the WC cutoff was equal to that proposed for europids and suggested for US adults who may have strong genetic contribution to insulin resistance such as Hispanics. In women the threshold was significantly higher than previously proposed for South and Central Americans.

Entendiendo las causas de la obesidad a traves de la biologia celular del adiposito

La obesidad es un área multidisciplinaria, cuya biología abarca: 1) los mecanismos fundamentales sobre la regulación del balance energético; 2) las bases genómicas para el desarrollo de la obesidad, 3) las vías celulares de las funciones del tejido adiposo; 4) la descripción molecular del estado obeso; 5) las consecuencias patológicas de la obesidad; 6) las bases fisiológicas para las estrategias de tratamiento. El tejido adiposo es reconocido hoy en día como un órgano endocrino clave, cuya comunicación amplia es efectuada tanto con el cerebro como con tejidos periféricos a través de estas adipocinas. La obesidad es caracterizada por una inflamación moderada y el adipocito parece ser el sitio principal de este estado inflamatorio, que lo estimula a producir citocinas, quimiocinas, proteínas de fase aguda, y factores angiogénicos. En este artículo, discutiremos las vías de señalizaciones celulares y moleculares que se encuentran en las intersecciones de los caminos inflamatorios y metabólicos que contribuyen al desarrollo de la diabetes y la disfunción endotelial a través de un exceso de grasa corporal. También nos atrevemos a sugerir varios modelos que pretenden explicar la integración de las vías inflamatorias y metabólicas dentro del contexto de las enfermedades del metabolismo y la obesidad.

Obesity is a multidisciplinary topic, the biology of which includes: 1) the f fundamental mechanisms of energy balance and its regulation; 2) the genomic basis for the development of obesity; 3) the cellular pathways of adipose tissue function; 4) the molecular description of the obese state; 5) the pathological consequences of obesity; 6) the physiological basis for treatment strategies. Adipose tissue is now recognized as a key endocrine organ, communicating both with the brain and peripheral tissues through the adipokines. Obesity is characterized by mild inflammation, and the adipocyte may be the main locus of the inflammatory state, producing cytokines, chemokines, acute-phase proteins and angiogenic factors. In this article, we discuss the molecular and cellular signaling pathways at the intersection of metabolism and inflammation that contribute to diabetes and endothelial dysfunction through an excess of body fat. We dare to suggest several models for the integration of inflammatory and metabolic pathways in metabolic disease and obesity.

Dislipidemias en infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana en diferentes estados de la enfermedad: estudio prospectivo en 41 pacientes / Hyperdipilemia in infection by human inmunodeficiency virus in differents stades of the desease: study in 41 patients

Las anormalidades de los lípidos han sido descritas especialmente con síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida, especialmente en los episodios de infecciones oportunistas. El presente trabajo tiene como finalidad estudiar los niveles de triglicéridos, colesterol total y HDL colesterol, en diferentes estadios de la enfermedad y con la presencia de infecciones oportunistas. Se evaluaron 50 individuos sanos normolipemicos (Grupo control: G1), y un total de 41 pacientes que fueron subdivididos en tres grupos según el contaje de CD4 en: Grupo 2 (G2) formado por 12 pacientes HIV positivos sin evidencia de infección con una media de CD4 de 401.08 +/- 111,4, Grupo 3 (G3) con 17 pacientes con SIDA C3 con infección oportunísta con media de CD4 de 69.4 +/-52.52 y Grupo 4 (G4) con pacientes con SIDA C3 sin tratamiento retroviral convalencientes por 2 meses de infección oportunísta con una media de CD4 de 69.18 +/- 69.77. Así mismo se evaluaron los niveles de triglicéridos, colesterol total y HDLc (método enzimático Ciba Corning), y su correlación con el contaje de CD4+ e índice de masa corporal. La media del índice de masa corporal fue: G1: 23,69+/- 1.17 por ciento, G2: 24.12 +/- 1.80 por ciento, G3 21.11 +/- 1.96 por ciento y G4 20.42 +/- 3.92 siendo en G1 y G2 significativamente diferente de G3 y G4 (ANOVA, T de Bonferroni) (p<0.0001). El valor de triglicéridos fue: G1 103 +/- 28.3 mg/dl, G2: 170+/- 49, G3: 177+/-30 y G4: 180 +/-55 siendo diferente G1 Vs G2, G3 y G4 con una p<0.0001. El valor de colesterol fue: G1: 188+/- 15mg/dl, G2:210.8 +/- 57.62, G3: 129 +/- 41 y G4:123 +/- 62 siendo diferente solo G1, G2, G3 Vs G4 con p<0.05. El valor de HDL fue: G1 52 +/- 10 mg/dl, G2: 30+/- 2, G:3 29+/- 1.9 y G:4 25 +/- siendo diferente G1 vs G2, G3: G4 con p<0.0001. La hipertrigliceridemia y el ascenso del HDL en estos pacientes está presente desde los primeros estadios de la enfermedad, pudiendo ser esto por un descenso de la aclaración de triglicéridos y por un aumento de la lipogénesis hepática, ambas producidas por las citoquinas que median la respuesta inmune. Se ha descrito hipocolesterolemia, pero en nuestro grupo de pacientes sólo se encontró en el G4, no teniendo relación con el grado de hipertrigliceridemia

Presion coloido osmótica plasmática en pacientes criticamente enfermos, relación con parametros clinicos y de laboratorio / Plasma calloial osmotic pressure in critically ill patients: relation by clinical and laboratory parameters

La presión coloido-osmótica plasmática (PCO), albúmina plasmática, hematocrito, electrolitos, gases sanguíneos, presión venosa central y el balance de liquidos fueron medidos en 33 pacientes en nuestra Unidad de Terapia Intensiva; a cada paciente se le practicaron las medidas al ingreso y diariamente durante su estado estadia en la Unidad. En algunos pacientes se realizaron, además, mediciones después de su egreso de la Unidad. Encontramos una perfecta correlación entre los valores de PCO, Albúmina y Hematocrito, pero no se encontró relación entre los valores de PCO, la mortalidad, el tiempo de permanencia en la Unidad y la presencia o no de Edema Pulmonar