Adenovirus 36 seropositivity is related to the expression of anti-adipogenic lncRNAs GAS5 and MEG3 in adipose tissue obtained from subjects with obesity.

BACKGROUND: Human Adenovirus D-36 (HAdV-D36) promotes adipogenesis in cellular and animal models and may contribute to the development of human obesity. Induction of PPARγ by HAdV-D36 seems to have a central role in the maintenance of adipogenic status. There is limited information about epigenetic mechanisms contributing to this process in human adipose tissue. This study evaluated the expression of lncRNAs (ADINR, GAS5 and MEG3) and miRNAs (miR-18a and miR-140) involved in the adipogenic process in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of subjects with obesity with previous HAdV-D36 infection (seropositive) and unexposed (seronegative) subjects with obesity. METHODS: Individuals with obesity were grouped according to the presence of antibodies against HAdV-D36 (Seropositive: HAdV-D36[+], n = 29; and Seronegative: HAdV-D36[-], n = 28). Additionally, a group of individuals without obesity (n = 17) was selected as a control group. The HAdV-D36 serology was carried out by ELISA. Biopsies of VAT were obtained during an elective and clinically indicated surgery (bariatric or cholecystectomy). RNA extraction from VAT was performed and the expression of PPARG and non-coding RNAs was evaluated by qPCR. RESULTS: HAdV-D36[+] individuals had lower expression of anti-adipogenic lncRNAs GAS5 (p = 0.016) and MEG3 (p = 0.035) compared with HAdV-D36[-] subjects with obesity. HAdV-D36[+] subjects also presented increased expression of the adipogenic miRNA miR-18a (p = 0.042), which has been reported to be modulated by GAS5 through a RNA sponging mechanism during adipogenic differentiation. Additionally, an inverse correlation of GAS5 with PPARG expression was observed (r = -0.917, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that HAdV-D36 is related to non-coding RNAs implicated in adipogenesis, representing a potential mechanism by which previous HAdV-D36 infection could be associated with the long-term maintenance of adipogenic status, probably through the GAS5/miR-18a axis.

Muscle Mass and Strength Gains Following Resistance Exercise Training in Older Adults 65-75 Years and Older Adults Above 85 Years.

Resistance exercise training (RET) can be applied effectively to increase muscle mass and function in older adults (65-75 years). However, it has been speculated that older adults above 85 years are less responsive to the benefits of RET. This study compares the impact of RET on muscle mass and function in healthy older adults 65-75 years versus older adults above 85 years. We subjected 17 healthy older adults 65-75 years (OLDER 65-75, n = 13/4 [female/male]; 68 ± 2 years; 26.9 ± 2.3 kg/m2) and 12 healthy older adults above 85 years (OLDER 85+, n = 7/5 [female/male]; 87 ± 3 years; 26.0 ± 3.6 kg/m2) to 12 weeks of whole-body RET (three times per week). Prior to, and after 6 and 12 weeks of training, quadriceps and lumbar spine vertebra 3 muscle cross-sectional area (computed tomography scan), whole-body lean mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan), strength (one-repetition maximum test), and physical performance (timed up and go and short physical performance battery) were assessed. Twelve weeks of RET resulted in a 10% ± 4% and 11% ± 5% increase in quadriceps cross-sectional area (from 46.5 ± 10.7 to 51.1 ± 12.1 cm2, and from 38.9 ± 6.1 to 43.1 ± 8.0 cm2, respectively; p < .001; η2 = .67); a 2% ± 3% and 2% ± 3% increase in whole-body lean mass (p = .001; η2 = .22); and a 38% ± 20% and 46% ± 14% increase in one-repetition maximum leg extension strength (p < .001; η2 = .77) in the OLDER 65-75 and OLDER 85+ groups, respectively. No differences in the responses to RET were observed between groups (Time × Group, all p > .60; all η2 ≤ .012). Physical performance on the short physical performance battery and timed up and go improved (both p < .01; η2 ≥ .22), with no differences between groups (Time × Group, p > .015; η2 ≤ .07). Prolonged RET increases muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in the aging population, with no differences between 65-75 years and 85+ years older adults.

Adenovirus 36 seropositivity is related to obesity risk, glycemic control, and leptin levels in Chilean subjects.

BACKGROUND: Adenovirus 36 (Ad-36) has been associated to adiposity in animal and in vitro studies. Ad-36 seropositivity has also been reported to contribute to obesity risk in children and adult populations. We investigated the relationship of Ad-36 serology with obesity and metabolic parameters in a Chilean population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Clinical and anthropometric data were obtained and blood samples were drawn from 99 lean (BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and 151 obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) subjects. Laboratory tests included lipid profile as well as glucose, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels. Ad-36 seropositivity was evaluated in serum samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of Ad-36 was higher in the obese group (58%) than in lean controls (34%) demonstrating that individuals previously infected with Ad-36 have higher risk of obesity in the study population (OR: 2.67, 95%CI: 1.58-4.51, p < 0.001). Interestingly, Ad-36 was related to lower concentrations of triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol in lean subjects (p = 0.049) and lower leptin in obese individuals (p = 0.014). Previous Ad-36 infection was also related to lower glycemia, insulinemia, and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05) in obese subjects who were not under antidiabetic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence of the contribution of previous Ad-36 infection to an increased risk of obesity in adult Chilean population. Ad-36 seropositivity was also associated to lipid profile, glycemic control, and leptin levels in adult Chilean population.

Influence of adenovirus 36 seropositivity on the expression of adipogenic microRNAs in obese subjects.

BACKGROUND: Infection by Adenovirus 36 (Ad-36) has been associated with adipogenesis using cell and animal models, and a high risk of developing obesity has been reported in Ad-36-seropositive individuals. However, molecular mechanisms involved in the maintenance over the years of adipogenesis associated with Ad-36 has not been investigated in human adipose tissue. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as micro-RNAs (miRNAs) that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, have shown an important role in the development and maintenance of metabolic diseases. AIM: This study investigated the expression of miRNA associated with the adipogenic process in visceral adipose tissue from obese individuals according to Ad-36 serology. METHODS: Obese individuals were separated according to their status of Ad-36 serology in seropositive (Ad-36 (+); n = 29) and seronegative (Ad-36 (-); n = 28) groups. Additionally, a group of lean controls (n = 17) was selected to compare with obese individuals. Biopsies of visceral adipose tissue were obtained to evaluate miRNA and gene expression. The study of Ad-36 serology was carried out by ELISA. The expression of pro-adipogenic (miR-17 and miR-210) and anti-adipogenic (miR-155, miR-130 and miR-27a) miRNAs was evaluated using Taqman advanced miRNA assays by qPCR. The expression of adipogenes encoding LEP, ADIPOQ, and PPARγ was evaluated by Taqman predesigned assays through qPCR. RESULTS: The obese group had higher LEP (p < 0.001) and PPARγ (p = 0.016) expression and lower ADIPOQ expression (p = 0.017), and also had higher expression of miR-210 (p = 0.039), whereas lower expression of miR-155 (p = 0.019) and miR-27a (p = 0.028) as compared to lean controls. Higher PPARγ expression (p = 0.008), but no influence on LEP or ADIPOQ expression was observed in Ad-36 (+) group. Those seropositive individuals also had higher expression of the miR-17 (p = 0.028) and lower levels of miR-155 (p = 0.031) in adipose tissue as compared to seronegative subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with previous infection by Ad-36 had higher expression of the pro-adipogenic miR-17 and lower expression of the anti-adipogenic miR-155, which could lead to an increased adipogenic status by positively modulating PPARγ expression in adipose tissue from obese subjects.

[Longitudinal association between chronic psychological stress and metabolic syndrome]. / Estrés psicológico y síndrome metabólico.

BACKGROUND: Psychological stress and depressive symptoms are variables associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). AIM: To determine the longitudinal association between psychological stress, depressive symptoms and MetS, and whether these variables predict MetS and its component trajectories. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four hundred and twenty-three participants aged 44 ± 9 years (59% women), free of cardiovascular disease at baseline were enrolled into the Chilean study of psychological stress, obesity and MetS. Participants were followed-up for three years (three waves). Each year, they completed psychological questionnaires, anthropometric variables were measured, and blood samples were obtained. RESULTS: Hierarchical linear regression showed that chronic psychological stress at baseline predicted the total number of MetS components (MetS score) during the third assessment wave (ß = 0.147; p < 0.01). Growth curve modeling allowed to determine that participants who scored +1 standard deviation (SD) at baseline over the mean in psychological stress (ßchronic stress = 0.903; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.065; 1.741), and depressive symptoms (ßdepressive symptoms = 2.482; 95% CI = 0.040; 4.923) had a higher waist circumference trajectory, as compared to those scoring -1 SD above the mean. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic psychological stress is longitudinally associated with the MetS score. Further, psychological stress and depressive symptoms at baseline predicted elevated MetS score trajectories, and a highest waist circumference.

[Management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]. / Análisis crítico del tratamiento de la enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFDL) includes fatty liver or simple steatosis, characterized by lipid deposits in hepatocytes and more advanced stages such as steatohepatitis (NASH) and non-alcoholic cirrhosis. Physical inactivity, hypercaloric and unbalanced diet together with aging play a key role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and are strongly associated with metabolic and physical activity continue to be major components in prevention and first-line treatment to attenuate or reverse NAFLD. Dietary patterns, their composition and weight reduction would be the most relevant nutritional aspects in NAFDL treatment. Physical exercise, moderate to intense, aerobic and resistance type contributes to weight loss, improves metabolic control and body composition. Pharmacological therapy can be useful in clinical circumstances that require it and needs a medical evaluation when there is no adherence and success in non-pharmacological interventions.

[High prevalence of dyslipidemia and high atherogenic index of plasma in children and adolescents]. / Alta prevalencia de dislipidemias y riesgo aterogénico en una población infanto-juvenil.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemias in childhood increase the risk of cardiovascular events in adult life. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and risk of atherogenicity based in the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in a sample of school children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 208 children aged 10.4 ± 1.0 years (107 women). Demographic data were obtained, and a clinical evaluation was conducted, including pubertal development according to Tanner and anthropometric parameters. A fasting blood sample was obtained to measure total cholesterol (CT), HDL cholesterol (cHDL) and triglycerides (TG), glucose and insulin. LDL cholesterol (cLDL), Non-HDL cholesterol and the indices CT/cHDL, cLDL/cHDL and AIP (log[TG/cHDL]) were calculated. Risk categories according to AIP for the pediatric population were also determined (low: AIP < 0.11, intermediate: AIP 0.11-0.21, high: AIP > 0.21). RESULTS: Thirty eight percent of participants had dyslipidemia, without differences by gender and pubertal development. The frequency of dyslipidemia was significantly higher in children with obesity (54%, p < 0.01) and a waist circumference over percentile 90 (61%; p < 0.01). The later conditions had also higher CT/cHDL, cLDL/cHDL and AIP. According to AIP, 54% of children had a high atherogenicity risk along with alterations in anthropometric parameters and insulin resistance. All anthropometric and insulin resistance parameters were significantly correlated with the AIP. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of dyslipidemia in the studied population, which is associated with an increased cardiometabolic risk. The indices of atherogenicity and particularly AIP are correlated with nutritional status, abdominal obesity and parameters of insulin resistance.

[High prevalence of overweight, obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in rural children and adolescents]. / Alta prevalencia de trastornos nutricionales por exceso, resistencia insulínica y síndrome metabólico en escolares de la comuna de Carahue, Región de la Araucanía.

BACKGROUND: Childhood and adolescent obesity is a major public health problem in Chile. AIM: To characterize cardiometabolic risk factors in a population of schoolchildren from Carahue, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional assessment of 208 children aged 10.4 ± 1.0 years (106 women). A clinical evaluation was carried out including pubertal development according to Tanner and anthropometric parameters. A fasting blood sample was obtained to measure glucose, insulin and lipid profile. HOMA-IR and Quicki indices were calculated. Insulin resistance (IR) was established according to Burrows criteria and Barja criteria, previously proposed for the Chilean pediatric population. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) was established using the modified Cook criteria. RESULTS: Thirty eight percent of children had overweight and 33.1% obesity. MetS was only observed in obese subjects and the frequency in this subgroup was 38%. The prevalence of IR was 51% according to the Burrows criteria and 19% according to Barja criteria. It was more common in participants who were overweight, obese or had abdominal obesity. Children with insulin resistance according to Barja criteria, had worse anthropometric measures than their counterparts without resistance. When Burrows criteria was used, no differences in anthropometric measures were observed between participants with or without resistance. The frequency of MetS was 26 and 18% in children with insulin resistance according to Barja and Burrows criteria, respectively. Insulin levels and insulin sensitivity indexes were positively correlated with anthropometric parameters. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of overweight, obesity and MetS in these participants. Our results suggest that the IR criteria according to Barja allows to identify cases with higher metabolic risk.

[Consensus statement of the Chilean endocrinological society on the role of bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes]. / Rol de la cirugía bariátrica/metabólica en el manejo de la diabetes mellitus 2. Consenso SOCHED/SCCBM.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and obesity are a public health problem in Chile. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment alternative to achieve a significant and sustained weight reduction in patients with morbid obesity. The results of controlled clinical trials indicate that, compared to medical treatment, surgery for obese patients with DM2 allows a better control of blood glucose and cardiovascular risk factors, reduces the need for medications and increases the likelihood for remission. Consensus conferences and clinical practice guidelines support bariatric surgery as an option to treat DM2 in Class III Obesity (Body Mass Index (BMI) > 40) regardless of the glycemic control and the complexity of pharmacological treatment and in Class II Obesity (BMI 35-39,9) with inadequate glycemic control despite optimal pharmacological treatment and lifestyle. However, surgical indication for patients with DM2 and BMI between 30-34.9, the most prevalent sub-group, is only suggested. The Chilean Societies of Endocrinology and Diabetes and of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery decided to generate a consensus regarding the importance of other factors related to DM2 that would allow a better selection of candidates for surgery, particularly when weight does not constitute an indication. Considering the national reality, we also need a statement regarding the selection and characteristics of the surgical procedure as well as the role of the diabetologist in the multidisciplinary team.

[Second Consensus of the Chilean Society of Endocrinology and Diabetes about insulin resistance]. / II Consenso de la Sociedad Chilena de Endocrinología y Diabetes sobre resistencia a la insulina.

Insulin resistance is a prevalent condition commonly associated with unhealthy lifestyles. It affects several metabolic pathways, increasing risk of abnormalities at different organ levels. Thus, diverse medical specialties should be involved in its diagnosis and treatment. With the purpose of unifying criteria about this condition, a scientific-based consensus was elaborated. A questionnaire including the most important topics such as cardio-metabolic risk, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome, was designed and sent to national experts. When no agreement among them was achieved, the Delphi methodology was applied. The main conclusions reached are that clinical findings are critical for the diagnosis of insulin resistance, not being necessary blood testing. Acquisition of a healthy lifestyle is the most important therapeutic tool. Insulin-sensitizing drugs should be prescribed to individuals at high risk of disease according to clinically validated outcomes. There are specific recommendations for pregnant women, children, adolescents and older people.

[High intensity interval training improves glycemic control and aerobic capacity in glucose intolerant patients]. / Ejercicio físico interválico de alta intensidad mejora el control glicémico y la capacidad aeróbica en pacientes con intolerancia a la glucosa.

BACKGROUND: Proper exercise training modifies intra miocellular energy utilization, glucose transport and mitochondrial biogenesis. AIM: To determine the therapeutic effects of a high intensity intermittent training (HIIT) program on glucose homeostasis, physical fitness and body fat in glucose intolerant patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with overweight or obesity and glucose intolerance were invited to participate in an exercise program consisting in three sessions per week for 3 months. Ten participants aged 35 ± 13 years who attended > 26 of the planned 36 sessions, were considered as adherent to exercise. The other eight participants aged 37 ± 17 years, who attended to a mean of 13 sessions, were considered as non-adherent. Both groups had similar body weight, body mass index, body fat, plasma glucose 2 h after an oral glucose load and maximal oxygen uptake. All these variables were measured at the end of exercise intervention. Each session consisted of 1 min exercise of cycling at maximal intensity until muscle fatigue followed by 2 min rest, repeated 10 times. RESULTS: Among adherent participants, twelve weeks of HIIT improved significantly maximal oxygen uptake (6.1 + 3.6 mL/kg/min or 24.6%), reduced 2 h post load blood glucose (-33.7 + 47.9 mg/dL or -12.5%) and body fat (-4.3 + 5.6 kg). No significant changes were observed in the non-adherent group. CONCLUSIONS: HIIT exercise reduces blood glucose after an oral load in glucose intolerant patients.

[Effects of neonatal nutritional status on the risk for metabolic syndrome in Chilean obese children]. / Efecto del estado nutricional neonatal en el riesgo de síndrome metabólico en niños obesos de 2 comunas de la Región del Bío-Bío.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal malnutrition defined by birth weight (BW) is a risk factor for obesity and cardio-metabolic diseases in adults. Neonatal ponderal index (NPI) may have better diagnostic value than BW to establish nutritional status. AIM: To determine the effect of neonatal nutritional status, established by the three NPI curves available in Chile, on the risk of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) in obese school children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A nested case/control study in a sample of 410 obese school children aged 10 to 16 years (57% males) was performed. The dichotomous response variable was the presence of MS defined as International Diabetes Federation (IDF) or Cook's criteria. The exposure variable was having NPI < percentile (p) 10. RESULTS: The frequency of MS was 36 and 39% according to the IDF and Cook criteria, respectively. The proportion of children with neonatal malnutrition exceeded 20%. A significantly increased risk for MS was only found when PNI was defined according to Lagos's Table and MS was defined using IDF criteria. Having a PNI > p90, however, showed a trend towards a reduced risk of MS, which only reached significance using Lagos's Table and Cook's Criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal malnutrition defined by NPI is common in obese school children. The condition of neonatal under nutrition defined as PNI < p10 may be a risk factor for developing MS. Instead, having a NPI > p90 could be protective.

Influence of Seropositivity against Adenovirus-36 on the Risk of Obesity and Insulin Resistance in the Child Population of Southern Chile.

Background: Previous infection with Adenovirus-36 (HAdv-D36) has been associated with adipogenesis and glycemic regulation in cell culture and animal models. In humans, HAdv-D36 antibodies correlate with increased obesity risk yet paradoxically enhance glycemic control across various demographics. This study assesses the association of HAdv-D36 seropositivity with obesity, lipid, and glycemic profiles among school-aged children. Methods: We evaluated 208 children aged 9-13, categorized by BMI z-scores into normal weight (-1 to +1), overweight (+1 to +2), and obese (>+3). Assessments included anthropometry, Tanner stage for pubertal development, and biochemical tests (relating to lipids, glucose, and insulin), alongside HAdv-D36 seropositivity checked via ELISA. Insulin resistance was gauged using Chilean pediatric criteria. Results: The cohort displayed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity. HAdv-D36 seropositivity was 5.4%, showing no correlation with nutritional status. Additionally, no link between HAdv-D36 seropositivity and lipid levels was observed. Notably, insulin levels and HOMA-RI were significantly lower in HAdv-D36 positive children (p < 0.001). No cases of insulin resistance were reported in the HAdv-D36 (+) group in our population. Conclusions: HAdv-D36 seropositivity appears to decrease insulin secretion and resistance, aligning with earlier findings. However, no association with obesity development was found in the child population of southern Chile.

Clinical and histopathological features of follicular thyroid cancer in Chile.

Objective: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is less frequent but has a worse prognosis than papillary carcinoma. The available evidence on pre-operative characteristics of FTC is controversial. Our objective was to characterize the clinical, ultrasound and histopathological presentation of FTC patients treated Chile. Subjects and methods: Retrospective analysis of 97 patients treated for FTC in 6 large centers in Chile. We analyzed their ultrasonographic features and classified the nodules according to ATA risk of malignancy and TI-RADS score, as well as the cytological findings according to the Bethesda system. We described their clinical and histopathological findings at diagnosis and classified their risk of recurrence and mortality according to ATA 2015 recurrence risk category and the eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC staging system, respectively. Results: Median age was 48 years and 73.2% were females. The median diameter was 38.8 mm; only 9.5% of them were microtumors. According to ATA risk of malignancy, 86% of the nodules were low or intermediate suspicious, while 78% were category 3 or 4A nodules according to the TI-RADS. Regarding the Bethesda system, 65.9% had indeterminate cytology (20.6% category III and 45.3% category IV). At histological examination, most were minimally-invasive and angio-invasive tumors with less than 4 foci (54.7% and 28.4% respectively). More than 90% of FTC were unifocal and there was no lymphovascular or extrathyroidal invasion or lymph node involvement. Four patients (4.1%) had distant metastases at diagnosis. Most patients (95%) had stage I or II disease according to the AJCC/UICC staging system, while the risk of recurrence was low at 51.5% when using the ATA risk of recurrence scale. Conclusion: At diagnosis, most FTCs were nodules of low or intermediate suspicion at ultrasound, nearly two thirds had indeterminate cytology according to the Bethesda system, and nearly 50% of them were of low risk of recurrence.

High-intensity interval training reduces the induction of neutrophil extracellular traps in older men using live-neutrophil imaging as biosensor.

Neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis) is a mechanism used by neutrophils to capture pathogens with their own DNA. However, the exacerbation of this immune response is related to serious inflammatory diseases. Aging is known to lead to an excessive increase in NETosis associated with various diseases. Under this scenario, the search for strategies that regulate the release of NETosis in older people becomes relevant. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves repeated bouts of relatively intense exercise with alternating short recovery periods. This training has shown beneficial effects on health parameters during aging and disease. However, little is known about the potential role of HIIT in the regulation of NETosis in healthy older people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the induction of NETosis by serum from healthy young and older men, before and after 12 weeks of HIIT using healthy neutrophils as a biosensor. HIIT was performed 3 times per week for 12 weeks in young (YOUNG; 21 ± 1 years, BMI 26.01 ± 2.64 kg⋅m-2, n = 10) and older men (OLDER; 66 ± 5 years, BMI 27.43 ± 3.11 kg⋅m-2, n = 10). Serum samples were taken before and after the HIIT program and NETosis was measured with live cell imaging in donated neutrophils cultured with serum from the participants for 30 h. Our results showed that serum from older men at baseline induced greater baseline NETosis than younger men (p < 0.05; effect size, ≥0.8), and 12 weeks of HIIT significantly reduced (Interaction Effect, p < 0.05; effect size, 0.134) the induction of NETosis in older men. In conclusion, HIIT is a feasible non-invasive training strategy modulating NETosis induction. Additionally, the use of neutrophils as a biosensor is an effective method for the quantification of NETosis induction in real time.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on lean mass, strength, and power of the lower limbs in healthy old and young people.

Introduction: Whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can improve lean mass, strength, and power of the lower limbs in young and older people is still under discussion. This study aimed to determine the effect of HIIT on lean mass, maximal strength, rate of force development (RFD), and muscle power of both lower limbs in healthy young and older adults. Secondarily, to compare the effects of HIIT between dominant vs. non-dominant lower limbs of each group. Materials and methods: Healthy older (n = 9; 66 ± 6 years; BMI 27.1 ± 3.1 kg m-2) and young (n = 9; 21 ± 1 years; BMI 26.2 ± 2.8 kg m-2) men underwent 12 weeks of HIIT (3x/week) on a stationary bicycle. The evaluations were made before and after the HIIT program by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), anthropometry, force transducer and, Sit-to-Stand test. The outcomes analyzed were limb lean mass, thigh circumference, maximal voluntary isometric strength, RFD (Time intervals: 0-50, 50-100, 100-200, and 0-200 ms), and muscle power in both lower limbs. Results: After 12 weeks of HIIT, non-dominant limb (NDL) showed increase in limb lean mass (p < 0.05) but without interaction (time*group). HIIT showed a gain in absolute maximal strength and also when adjusted for thigh circumference in the dominant lower limb (DL) in both groups. The RFD0-200 ms showed differences between groups but without interaction. The RFD0-50 ms of the NDL showed post-training improvements (p < 0.05) in both groups. Only the older group showed differences between DL vs. NDL in most of the RFD obtained post-intervention. In addition, post-HIIT muscle power gain was observed in both groups (p < 0.05), but mainly in older adults. Conclusion: HIIT promotes increases in lean mass, maximal strength, early RFD, and lower limb muscle power in healthy older and young individuals. The differences shown between the DL and the NDL must be analyzed in future studies.

FTO gene is related to obesity in Chilean Amerindian children and impairs HOMA-IR in prepubertal girls.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the allelic frequency of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene (rs9939609) and its influences on obesity and metabolic risk biomarkers in a cohort of normal weight and obese Chilean children determining its ethnicity. METHODS: A total of 136 normal weight children and 238 obese children (between 6 and 11 yr old) from an urban setting were recruited for this case-control study. The children were classified as normal weight [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 5th and < 85th percentiles] or obese (BMI >95th percentile), according to the international age- and gender-specific percentiles defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The analysis of serum markers was carried out using commercial kits. The FTO polymorphism was determined through a high-resolution melting enabled real time polymerase chain reaction. Ethnicity was determined by analyzing mitochondrial DNA by the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: As much as 85% of the cohort was Amerindian. The minor A allele of rs9939609 was associated with obesity (odds ratio (OR): 1.422 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.068-1.868] p = 0.015), calculated using an additive model. In sex-stratified analysis we found that the risk variant (A) of rs9939609 was associated with a higher homeostasis model of assessment for insulin (HOMA-IR) in prepubertal obese girls. In male carriers of the A allele, HOMA-IR showed no further deterioration than that already associated with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we confirm the association of the FTO gene single-nucleotide polymorphism rs9939609 with obesity in Chilean Amerindian children. Furthermore we show an association between the risk allele (A) and insulin resistance-related markers in prepubertal obese girls.

[Association between adiponectin gene polymorphisms and obesity in school age children from Hualpén, Chile]. / Asociación entre polimorfismos del gen de adiponectina y estado nutricional en escolares de la comuna de Hualpén.

BACKGROUND: Several genetic polymorphisms of adiponectin have been associated to metabolic diseases as obesity and co-morbidities. AIM: To investigate if there are associations between +45TG, +276GT, -11,377CG y -11,391GA adiponectin SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism) with obesity in a Chilean children population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study was performed in 241 obese and 126 normal weight children (7-11 years old) from the urban community of Hualpén, Biobío region. Children were classified as normal or obese, according to age and gender-specificpercentiles defined by Centerfor Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The analysis of serum markers was carried out using commercial kits. Adiponectin polymorphisms were determined through a High Resolution Melting (HRM)-enabled real time PCR and by DNA fragment sequencing. RESULTS: The observed allelic frequencies of the studied SNPs were over 11%. The 11,377CG polymorphism was associated with a high risk of obesity, calculated by the additive inheritance model (odds ratio = 1.389, 95% confidence interval: 1.001-1.929,p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Obese school children of the Biobío Region, have an increased risk of carrying the susceptibility allele polymorphism 11377CG of adiponectin gene.

The Armed Conflict and the Impact on Patients With Cancer in Ukraine: Urgent Considerations.

On February 24, 2022, a war began within the Ukrainian borders. At least 3.0 million Ukrainian inhabitants have already fled the country. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, has been damaged. Children with cancer were urgently transported to foreign countries, in an effort to minimize interruption of their life-saving treatments. Most adults did not have that option. War breeds cancer-delaying diagnosis, preventing treatment, and increasing risk. We project that a modest delay in care of only 4 months for five prevalent types of cancer will lead to an excess of over 3,600 cancer deaths in the subsequent years. It is critical that we establish plans to mitigate that risk as soon as possible.