Variant rs4986790 of toll-like receptor 4 affects the signaling and induces cell dysfunction in patients with severe COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the expression of toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 on the cell surface of innate and adaptive cells from patients with COVID-19 carrying the rs4986790 GG genotype in the TLR4 gene and the functional profile of these cells. METHODS: We included 1169 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The rs4986790 in TLR4 was identified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured to evaluate TLR-4 expression on immune cells. Supernatants recovered culture assays were stored, and we measured cytokines and cytotoxic molecules. RESULTS: We showed that the rs4986790 (GG) was significantly associated (P = 0.0310) with severe COVID-19. Cells of patients with COVID-19 carrying the GG genotype have increased the frequency of monocytes and activated naïve and non-switched B cells positive to TLR-4 when cells are stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and with spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Also, cells from patients with GG COVID-19 cannot produce pro-inflammatory cytokines after lipopolysaccharide stimulus, but they are high producers of cytotoxic molecules at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The rs4986790 GG genotype of the TLR4 is associated with the risk of COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients carrying the rs4986790 (TLR4) GG genotype had a limited delivery of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to the AA and AG genotypes in which TLR-4 stimulation induces IL-10, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and Fas ligand production.

Influential Serum Kinases (Non-sFlt-1) and Phosphatases in Preeclampsia-Systemic Review and Metanalysis.

The early identification of women with an increased risk of preeclampsia (PE) is desirable, but apart from soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), few biomarkers have previously been identified as relevant for predicting preeclampsia. Since kinases and phosphatases regulate critical biological processes and previous evidence suggests a potential role of these molecules in preeclampsia, we performed this systematic review and metanalysis. The objective was to determine if there are kinases and phosphatases whose serum levels are different between women with and without PE, being relevant biomarkers of PE. We followed the recommendations of Cochrane and the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalysis (PRISMA) to perform this study. The MESH terms preeclampsia, kinases, phosphatases, angiopoietins, soluble tyrosine protein kinase receptor (sTIE2), and cellular-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) were combined to find relevant articles in the PubMed, PROSPERO, and Cochrane databases. Then, a qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed in R Studio software. From 580 abstracts identified, 37 were included in the final analysis, which comprised 24,211 pregnant women (2879 with PE and 21,332 women without PE [HP]. The pooled analysis showed that serum creatine kinase (CK) (SMD: 2.43, CI 95% 0.25-4.62) was significantly higher in PE, whereas sTIE2 and anti-angiogenic factor soluble c-Met (sMet)were significantly lower in PE than in HP (SMD: -0.23, CI95% -0.37 to -0.09; and SMD:0.24, CI95% 0.01-0.47, respectively). Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1), angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2), the ratio angiopoietin-1/angiopoietin-2, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase were not different between women with PE and HP. In summary CK, sTIE2, and c-MET are relevant biomarkers of PE. It is desirable to incorporate them into current models for PE prediction to evaluate their utility as biomarkers.

Serum Levels of IFABP2 and Differences in Lactobacillus and Porphyromonas gingivalis Abundance on Gut Microbiota Are Associated with Poor Therapeutic Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot Study.

Intestinal dysbiosis is related to the physiopathology and clinical manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the response to pharmacologic treatment. The objectives of this study were (1) to analyze the effect of conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) on the abundance of gut microbiota's bacteria; (2) to evaluate the relationship between the differences in microbial abundance with the serum levels of intestinal fatty-acid binding protein 2 (IFABP2), cytokines, and the response phenotype to csDMARDs therapy in RA. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 23 women diagnosed with RA. The abundance of bacteria in gut microbiota was determined with qPCR. The ELISA technique determined serum levels of IFABP2, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-17A. We found that the accumulated dose of methotrexate or prednisone is negatively associated with the abundance of Lactobacillus but positively associated with the abundance of Bacteroides fragilis. The Lactobacillus/Porphyromonas gingivalis ratio was associated with the Disease Activity Score-28 for RA with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (DAS28-ESR) (r = 0.778, p = 0.030) and with the levels of IL-17A (r = 0.785, p = 0.027) in the group treated with csDMARD. Moreover, a relation between the serum levels of IFABP2 and TNF-α (r = 0.593, p = 0.035) was observed in the group treated with csDMARD. The serum levels of IFABP2 were higher in patients with secondary non-response to csDMARDs therapy. In conclusion, our results suggest that the ratios of gut microbiota's bacteria and intestinal permeability seems to establish the preamble for therapeutic secondary non-response in RA.

TNFRSF1B and TNF Variants Are Associated With Differences in Levels of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors in Patients With Severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The impact of genetic variants in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and its receptors in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity has not been previously explored. We evaluated the association of TNF (rs1800629 and rs361525), TNFRSF1A (rs767455 and rs1800693), and TNFRSF1B (rs1061622 and rs3397) variants with COVID-19 severity, assessed as invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) requirement, and the plasma levels of soluble TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 in patients with severe COVID-19. METHODS: The genetic study included 1353 patients. Taqman assays were used to assess the genetic variants. ELISA was used to determine soluble TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 in plasma samples from 334 patients. RESULTS: Patients carrying TT (TNFRSF1B rs3397) exhibited lower PaO2/FiO2 levels than those with CT + CC genotypes. Differences in plasma levels of TNFR1 and TNFR2 were observed according to the genotype of TNFRSF1B rs1061622, TNF rs1800629, and rs361525. According to the studied genetic variants, there were no differences in the soluble TNF-α levels. Higher soluble TNFR1 and TNFR2 levels were detected in patients with COVID-19 requiring IMV. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variants in TNF and TNFRSFB1 influence the plasma levels of soluble TNFR1 and TNFR2, implicated in COVID-19 severity.

The association between modifiable lifestyle behaviour in Latin-American schoolchildren with abdominal obesity and excess weight. A comparison of Chile and Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to determine the association of lifestyle (i.e., Mediterranean diet [MD] adherence, physical activity [PA], screen time [ST]) and fitness with abdominal obesity (AO) and excess weight in the Chilean and Colombian schoolchildren. RESEARCH METHODS & PROCEDURES: This cross-sectional study included 969 schoolchildren, girls (n=441, 5.24±0.80 years old) and boys (n=528, 5.10±0.78 years old) from Chile (n=611) and Colombia (n=358). The body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), MD adherence, PA, ST and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were evaluated. The association of AO and anthropometric variables with lifestyle was estimated through multiple linear regression. To determine the association between AO and lifestyle, a logistic regression and the inclusion of odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used. RESULTS: Worse CRF in Chilean children were positively correlated with WC. Excess weight in Chilean and Colombian children was positively associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. In Chilean children unhealthy lifestyle was also associated with AO based on WC≥85th percentile and AO based on WtHR≥85th percentile. In Chilean children, excess weight (BMI≥85th percentile) was positively associated with poor MD adherence. CONCLUSION: AO and excess weight were associated with an unhealthy lifestyle in Latin-American schoolchildren. Interventions to reduce the prevalence of AO should include promoting healthier lifestyle choices (i.e., increasing PA after school, reducing ST and improving CRF).

Lifestyle mediates the relationship between self-esteem and health-related quality of life in Chilean schoolchildren.

A healthy lifestyle, including food habits, physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST), is an important factor for well-being. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the association between lifestyle (i.e., PA, ST and food habits), self-esteem and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A second objective was to determine the association between self-esteem with HRQoL, considering the mediating effect of lifestyle. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed, involving both girls (n = 282, 11.86 ± 0.82 years) and boys (n = 352, 12.02 ± 0.87 years). Lifestyle, self-esteem, HRQoL and anthropometrics parameters were evaluated. The study reported that self-esteem (ß; 0.04, P = 0.49) and PA (ß; 1.15, P < 0.001) had positive association with HRQoL. By contrast,ST was linked in an inverse way to HRQoL (ß; -1.82,, P < 0.001). According to the second objective, self-esteem had a significant association with HRQoL (total effect = 0.48, p < 0.01), and ST mediated this association negatively, instead, PA and food habits positively mediated this association. In conclusion, self-esteem presented association with HRQoL and lifestyle mediates this relationship positively (PA, MD adherence) and negatively (ST). Therefore, promoting healthy lifestyle among children should be a target of community- and school-based interventions to promote well-being.

Association between relative handgrip strength and abdominal obesity, type-2 diabetes and hypertension in a Mexican population.

INTRODUCTION: Background: handgrip strength (HGS) is a health-status parameter associated with multicomorbidity in the adult population. Objective: the aim of the present study was to determine the association between HGS (i.e., absolute and relative) and abdominal obesity (AO), type-2 diabetes (T2D), and hypertension (HT), as well as to determine the association between low relative HGS with the presence of multicomorbidity (i.e., the co-occurrence of two or more comorbidities together) in a Mexican population. Methodology: a cross-sectional study was carried out in 860 participants from the south of Mexico (661 women and 199 men). The age range evaluated was from 18 to 65 years. Assessments were made of sociodemographic data, clinical history, anthropometric parameters, and measurement of maximal HGS. Results: the regression models adjusted by age show that the presence of comorbidities (i.e., AO, HT and T2D) was linked negatively to HGS (i.e., absolute and relative). Moreover, in men, a low relative HGS in both hands reported an association with the presence of three simultaneous comorbidities (right, RR: 17.2, p < 0.001; left, RR: 11.92, p = 0.020). In women the same association was found (right, RR: 10.42, p < 0.001; left, RR: 9.90, p < 0.001). Conclusion: lower levels of relative HGS were linked to the presence of simultaneous comorbidities (i.e., the joint presence of AO, T2D and HT). Furthermore, HGS (i.e., absolute and relative) presented an inverse association with individual anthropometric and clinical parameters related to cardiovascular risk in the Mexican population.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la fuerza prensil de la mano (FPM) es un parámetro asociado con la multicomorbilidad en la población adulta. Objetivo: el objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la asociación entre la FPM (absoluta y relativa) y la obesidad abdominal (OA), la diabetes tipo 2 (DT2) y la hipertensión (HT), así como su asociación con la multicomorbilidad (co-occurrencia de dos o más comorbilidades conjuntas) en una población mexicana. Metodología: se presenta un estudio transversal realizado en 860 participantes del sur de México (661 mujeres y 199 hombres). El rango de edad de los participantes fue de 18 a 65 años. Se evaluaron las características sociodemográficas de la población, los parámetros clínicos y antropométricos, y la medición de la FPM máxima. Resultados: los resultados demostraron una asociación entre la disminución de la FPM (absoluta y relativa) y la presencia de comorbilidades (OA, DT2 e HT). En los hombres, la disminución de la FPM relativa reportada en ambas manos se asoció con la presencia simultánea de tres comorbilidades (derecha, RR: 17,2, p < 0,001; izquierda, RR: 11,92, p = 0,020). Se observó una asociación similar también en las mujeres (derecha, RR: 10,42, p < 0,001; izquierda, RR: 9,90, p < 0,001). Conclusión: los bajos niveles de FPM relativa se asocian con la presencia simultánea de comorbilidades (presencia conjunta de OA, DT2 y HT). Además, la FPM (absoluta y relativa) se relaciona negativamente con los parámetros clínicos y antropométricos relacionados con el riesgo cardiovascular en la población mexicana.

Novel Ratio Soluble Fms-like Tyrosine Kinase-1/Angiotensin-II (sFlt-1/ANG-II) in Pregnant Women Is Associated with Critical Illness in COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: In healthy pregnancies, components of the Renin-Angiotensin system (RAS) are present in the placental villi and contribute to invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. At the same time, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) production is induced after binding of ANG-II to its receptor (AT-1R) in response to hypoxia. As RAS plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, we hypothesized that angiogenic marker (sFlt-1) and RAS components (ANG-II and ACE-2) may be related to adverse outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19; Methods: Prospective cohort study. Primary outcome was severe pneumonia. Secondary outcomes were ICU admission, intubation, sepsis, and death. Spearman's Rho test was used to analyze the correlation between sFlt-1 and ANG-II levels. The sFlt-1/ANG-II ratio was determined and the association with each adverse outcome was explored by logistic regression analysis and the prediction was assessed using receiver-operating-curve (ROC); Results: Among 80 pregnant women with COVID-19, the sFlt-1/ANG-II ratio was associated with an increased probability of severe pneumonia (odds ratio [OR]: 1.31; p = 0.003), ICU admission (OR: 1.05; p = 0.007); intubation (OR: 1.09; p = 0.008); sepsis (OR: 1.04; p = 0.008); and death (OR: 1.04; p = 0.018); Conclusion: sFlt-1/ANG-II ratio is a good predictor of adverse events such as pneumonia, ICU admission, intubation, sepsis, and death in pregnant women with COVID-19.

Association between the Sociodemographic Characteristics of Parents with Health-Related and Lifestyle Markers of Children in Three Different Spanish-Speaking Countries: An Inter-Continental Study at OECD Country Level.

The purpose of this cross-cultural study was to determine the association between the sociodemographic background of a child's parents (i.e., their socioeconomic level, marital status, and educational level) with the child's lifestyle (i.e., Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST)), and health markers. Material: This cross-sectional study included 1273 children, from Chile (n = 496), Colombia (n = 340), and Spain (n = 437). The sociodemographic information together with the lifestyle and health markers of the children were measured. There was an inverse association between a low or medium-low socioeconomic level for the parents of Chilean children and handgrip strength (ß -0.61, p < 0.001); meanwhile, for Spanish children, an inverse association between a low or medium-low socioeconomic level and PA after school (ß -0.58, p = 0.016), lifestyle (ß -0.74, p = 0.015), and with MD adherence (ß -0.86, p = 0.004) was found. The risk (i.e., by odd ratios (OR)) of being divorced/separated parents marital status showed an inverse association with abdominal obesity (OR 0.21, p = 0.045) in Spanish children; however, the parent's marital status and a low educational level were risk factors for the suffering of a low nutritional level in Colombian children (OR 2.02, p = 0.048; OR 2.49, p < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, a low educational level for parents reported for Chilean children had a positive association with ST of ≥4 h per day (OR 1.82, p = 0.020). In conclusion, in Spanish-speaking children, the lifestyle and health markers of the children are affected by the sociodemographic background of their parents; however, these effects could be moderated by the socio-cultural and economic status of their countries as members of the OCDE; therefore, it is essential to develop policies that decrease these gaps, so that children who are under-resourced can reach their full potential.

Lifestyle and Sociodemographic Parameters Associated with Mental and Physical Health during COVID-19 Confinement in Three Ibero-American Countries. A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the association between the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with sociodemographic parameters and lifestyle during COVID-19 confinement in Mexico, Chile, and Spain. METHODS: A cross-sectional pilot study, with 742 observations of online surveys in 422, 190, and 130 individuals from Mexico, Chile, and Spain, respectively. Sociodemographic data, presence of comorbidities, food habits, and physical activity (PA) patterns were evaluated. The HRQoL was evaluated according to the SF-36 Health Survey. The multilinear regression analysis was developed to determine the association of variables with HRQoL and its physical and mental health dimensions. RESULTS: The female sex in the three countries reported negative association with HRQoL (Mexico: ß -4.45, p = 0.004; Chile: ß -8.48, p < 0.001; Spain: ß -6.22, p = 0.009). Similarly, bad eating habits were associated negatively with HRQoL (Mexico: ß -6.64, p < 0.001; Chile: ß -6.66, p = 0.005; Spain: ß -5.8, p = 0.032). In Mexico, PA limitations presented a negative association with HRQoL (ß -4.71, p = 0.011). In Chile, a sedentary lifestyle (h/day) was linked negatively with HRQoL (ß -0.64, p = 0.005). In Spain, the highest associations with HRQoL were the presence of comorbidity (ß -11.03, p < 0.001) and smoking (ß -6.72, p = 0.02). Moreover, the PA limitation in Mexico (ß -5.67, p = 0.023) and Chile (ß -9.26, p = 0.035) was linked negatively with mental health. CONCLUSIONS: The bad eating habits, PA limitations, female sex, comorbidity presence, and smoking were parameters linked negatively with HRQoL.

Positive and Negative Changes in Food Habits, Physical Activity Patterns, and Weight Status during COVID-19 Confinement: Associated Factors in the Chilean Population.

The association between the changes in lifestyle during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confinement and body weight have not been studied deeply. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity (PA) patterns, caused by confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze its association with changes in body weight. Seven hundred participants (women, n = 528 and men, n = 172) aged between 18-62 years old of the Chilean national territory participated in the study. Food habits, PA, body weight, and sociodemographic variables were measured through a survey in May and June 2020. The body weight increase presented positive association with the consumption of fried foods ≥ 3 times per week (OR; 3.36, p < 0.001), low water consumption (OR; 1.58, p = 0.03), and sedentary time ≥6 h/day (OR; 1.85, p = 0.01). Conversely, fish consumed (OR; 0.67, p = 0.03), active breaks (OR; 0.72, p = 0.04), and PA ≥ 4 times per week (OR; 0.51, p = 0.001) presented an inverse association with body weight increase. Daily alcohol consumption (OR; 4.77, p = 0.003) was associated with PA decrease. Food habits, PA, and active breaks may be protective factors for weight increase during COVID-19 confinement.

Negative feelings and behaviour are associated with low nutritional level, unhealthy lifestyle, and cardiometabolic risk factors in Chilean schoolchildren.

INTRODUCTION: Background: feelings and behaviours are an important tool that should be considered to prevent early unhealthy lifestyles. Objective: the objective was to determine the association between feelings (i.e., sadness, loneliness, and school behaviour) with lifestyle (i.e., physical activity patterns and nutritional level), and as secondary endpoint to determine the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and lifestyle with obesity and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors in Latin American schoolchildren. Methods: this cross-sectional study included a sample of 634 schoolchildren (girls, n = 282, 11.86 ± 0.82 years, and boys, n = 352, 12.02 ± 0.87 years) from publics schools in Chile. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), body fat (BF), lifestyle, nutritional level, HRQoL, and CMR (i.e., WtHR > 0.5) were evaluated. Results: schoolchildren who have felt sadness and loneliness presented an association with low nutritional level (OR: 4.26, 95 % CI: 2.0-9.0, p < 0.001, and OR: 4.47, 95 % CI: 2.5-7.9, p < 0.001, respectively), bad lifestyle (OR: 2.14, 95 % CI: 1.0-4.54, p = 0.048, and OR: 1.78, 95 % CI: 1.01-3.1, p = 0.045, respectively), and obesity (OR: 2.0, 95 % CI; 0.89-4.54, p = 0.09, and OR: 2.05, 95 % CI; 1.04-4.0, p = 0.037, respectively). Schoolchildren who have had enough time for themselves reported an association with bad lifestyle (OR: 0.69, 95 % CI: 0.47-1.02, p = 0.06), and those who have could not pay attention presented the highest association with bad lifestyle (OR: 4.64, 95 % CI: 72-12.56, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Latin American schoolchildren who have felt sadness and loneliness reported unhealthy lifestyles (i.e., lower nutritional level, increased screen time, and low physical activity), obesity, and thus a higher CMR burden.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: los sentimientos y los comportamientos son una herramienta importante que se debe tener en cuenta para prevenir el estilo de vida poco saludable. Objetivo: el objetivo fue determinar la asociación entre los sentimientos (es decir, tristeza, soledad y comportamiento escolar) con el estilo de vida (es decir, los patrones de actividad física y el nivel nutricional), y el segundo objetivo fue determinar la relación entre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) y el estilo de vida con la obesidad y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico (CMR) en escolares latinoamericanos. Métodos: este estudio transversal incluyó una muestra de 634 escolares (niñas, n = 282, 11,86 ± 0,82 años y niños, n = 352, 12,02 ± 0,87 años) de escuelas públicas de Chile. Se evaluaron el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la circunferencia de la cintura (CC), la relación cintura-estatura (RCE), la grasa corporal (GC), el estilo de vida, el nivel nutricional, la CVRS y el CMR (es decir, RCE> 0,5). Resultados: los escolares que han sentido tristeza y soledad presentaron asociación con un bajo nivel nutricional (OR: 4,26, IC 95 %: 2,0-9,0, p < 0,001, y OR: 4,47, IC 95 %: 2,5-7,9, p < 0,001, respectivamente), un mal estilo de vida (OR: 2,14, IC 95 %: 1,0-4,54, p = 0,048 y OR: 1,78, IC 95 %: 1,01-3,1, p = 0,045, respectivamente) y obesidad (OR: 2,0, IC 95 %: 0,89-4,54, p = 0,09 y OR: 2,05, IC 95 %: 1,04-4,0, p = 0,037, respectivamente). Los escolares que han tenido suficiente tiempo para sí mismos informaron la asociación con un mal estilo de vida (OR: 0,69; IC del 95 %: 0,47-1,02, p = 0,06), y los que no han podido prestar atención en la escuela presentaron una mayor asociación con un estilo de vida malo (OR: 4.64, IC 95 %: 72-12,56, p = 0,002). Conclusión: en conclusión, los escolares latinoamericanos que han sentido tristeza y soledad reportaron un estilo de vida poco saludable (es decir, un nivel nutricional más bajo, más tiempo frente a la pantalla y poca actividad física), obesidad y, por lo tanto, mayor CMR.

Perception of obese schoolchildren regarding their participation in the Physical Education class and their level of self-esteem: comparison according to corporal status.

BACKGROUND: adequate exposure to Physical Education (PE) classes contributes to a healthier lifestyle among children during their lifespan. OBJECTIVE: the main objective of this research was to evaluate the perception of obese schoolchildren regarding their participation in PE class and to determine their self-esteem compared with overweight and normal weight groups. METHOD: in total, 656 schoolchildren (284 females and 372 males), between eleven and 14 years of age, participated in this study. Assessments were made regarding age, sex, anthropometric variables, children's self-esteem, and perception of participation in the PE class. RESULTS: obese schoolchildren presented significantly lower values of self-esteem (p < 0.001), and exhibited the highest proportion of schoolchildren with low self-esteem (53%). There was a significant relationship between obesity and the following sentence: "I am the last one they choose for games and in games and sports"; 48.53% of schoolchildren with obesity responded positively. With the following sentence: "I look instead of playing", 57.4% of schoolchildren with obesity responded positively. CONCLUSION: the results revealed that schoolchildren with obesity feel excluded from PE classes and show low levels of self-esteem, compared with normal weight schoolchildren.

Body image dissatisfaction and its association with antropometrics parameters, weight status and self-esteem in Chilean schoolchildren

Although an increasing number of children are becoming obese, the psychological comorbidities associated with obesity are not well established. This research was aimed at determining if there is association between body image dissatisfaction with anthropometrics parameters, weight status and self-esteem in children from public schools. The sample comprised 712 schoolchildren age 11.94 ± 1.16 years (351 girls and 361 boys). Self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction, body fat (BF), body mass index (BMI), Waist circumference (WC) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were evaluated. 372 children (52.2%) presented normal weight, 201 (28.2%) children presented overweight and 139 children (19.5%) presented obesity. There were no differences in proportions between boys and girls (p = 0.778). Girls presented a higher proportion of body image dissatisfaction (p = 0.0045). The children with obesity presented the highest proportion with low or very low self-esteem (p < 0.001) and presented a higher proportion of body image dissatisfaction (p<0.001). The body image dissatisfaction was associated with overweight/obesity status (OR = 4.12, p < 0.001), WtHR (OR = 3.53, p < 0.001) and self-esteem (OR = 2.91, p = 0.03). In conclusion the body image dissatisfaction in the sample of study was associated with antropometric parameters and self- esteem(AU)

A pesar de que un número creciente de niños se está volviendo obeso, las comorbilidades psicológicas asociadas con la obesidad no están bien establecidas. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar si existe asociación entre la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal con parámetros antropométricos, el estatus corporal y la autoestima en niños de escuelas públicas. La muestra comprendía a 712 niños en edad escolar 11,94 ± 1,16 años (351 niñas y 361 niños). Se evaluaron la autoestima, la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal, la grasa corporal (GC), el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la circunferencia de la cintura (CC) y la relación cintura estatura (RCE). 372 niños (52,2%) presentaron peso normal, 201 (28,2%) sobrepeso y 139 niños (19,5%) presentaron obesidad. No hubo diferencias en las proporciones entre niños y niñas (p = 0.778). Las niñas presentaron una mayor proporción de insatisfacción con la imagen corporal (p = 0,0045). El grupo obeso presentó la proporción más alta con baja o muy baja autoestima (p <0.001) y presentó una mayor proporción de insatisfacción con la imagen corporal (p <0.001). La insatisfacción con la imagen corporal se asoció con el estado de sobrepeso/obesidad (OR = 4.12, p <0.001), RCE (OR = 3.53, p <0.001) y autoestima (OR = 2.91, p = 0.03). En conclusión, la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal en la muestra de estudio se asoció con parámetros antropométricos y la autoestima(AU)

Función pulmonar, capacidad funcional y calidad de vida en pacientes con fibrosis pulmonar idiopática. Revisión de la literatura / Pulmonary function, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Literature review

Resumen Introducción. La fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (FPI) es un tipo de enfermedad intersticial, crónica y progresiva que suele manifestarse con disnea y deterioro progresivo de la tolerancia al ejercicio y a las actividades de la vida diaria, llegando a comprometer el nivel psicológico y la interacción social. Objetivos. Seleccionar y sintetizar información acerca de la respuesta de la capacidad funcional, la función pulmonar y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con FPI luego de ser sometidos a un programa de rehabilitación pulmonar. Materiales y métodos. Revisión de la literatura desde 2000 a 2016, utilizando las bases de datos PubMed y ScienceDirect. Resultados. Se seleccionaron 10 ensayos clínicos randomizados. Se observó tendencia al aumento significativo en la distancia recorrida en test de marcha de 6 minutos. Respecto a la función pulmonar, los resultados variaron entre las poblaciones estudiadas. En la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud se observó mejora en los pacientes sometidos a rehabilitación, pero los niveles de disnea mostraron resultados discordantes. Conclusión. Se evidenciaron beneficios en términos de capacidad funcional y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, pero los estudios siguen siendo escasos y con poblaciones pequeñas; los efectos de los programas de rehabilitación no se mantienen a los 6 meses de evaluación post-entrenamiento.

Abstract Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial, chronic and progressive disease that usually appears with dyspnea and progressive deterioration of exercise tolerance and activities of daily living, compromising psychological well-being and social interaction. Objectives: To select and summarize information about functional capacity response, pulmonary function and health-related quality of life in patients with IPF after being subjected to a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Materials and methods: Literature review from 2000 to 2016, using the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. Results: 10 randomized clinical trials were selected. A tendency to a significant increase in the distance traveled in the 6-minute walk test was found. Regarding pulmonary function, results were variable among the studied populations. Quality of life related to health improvement was observed in all patients undergoing rehabilitation, but dyspnea levels showed discordant results. Conclusion: The trials show benefits in terms of functional capacity and health-related quality of life; however, studies are still scarce, done on small populations, and the effects of rehabilitation programs are not sustained 6 months after post-training evaluation.

Methamidophos induces cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Previous studies have shown that organophosphate pesticide (OP) exposure is associated with oxidative stress. Methamidophos (MET) is an OP widely used in agriculture, which is regarded as a highly toxic pesticide and it is a potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether MET can induce oxidative stress at low concentrations in primary cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs from healthy individuals were exposed to MET (0-80 mg/L) for 0-72 h. We performed the MTT and neutral-red assays to assess the cytotoxicity. As indicators of oxidative stress, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed using flow cytometry, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were determined. MET decreased the viability of PBMCs in a dose-dependent manner. At concentrations of 3, 10, or 20 mg/L for 24 h, MET increased the ROS production significantly compared with the vehicle control. Similarly, MET increased the levels of MDA at the same concentrations that increased ROS (10 and 20 mg/L); however, no changes in GSH levels were observed. These results suggest that MET increased the generation of oxidative stress in PBMCs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 147-155, 2017.

[Circulating levels of MCP-1, VEGF-A, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sVE-cadherin: Relationship with components of metabolic syndrome in young population]. / Concentraciones circulantes de MCP-1, VEGF-A, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectina y sVE-cadherina: su relación con componentes del síndrome metabólico en población joven.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are considered the primary manifestations of the cardiovascular disease. Studies have established a relationship among components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with inflammatory markers and the loss of permeability, vasoconstriction and vasodilatation endothelial. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship among the concentrations of soluble endothelial dysfunction molecules and inflammation cytokines and components of the metabolic syndrome in young population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study was performed in 240 young adult students ages 18-28 years. To define the presence of clinical and metabolic alterations and MetS the modified ATP-III criteria was considered. In all subjects were determined sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures and the metabolic profile. Circulating levels of MCP-1, VEGF-A, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sVE-cadherin were determined by ELISA immunoassay (Bioscience). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA statistical software v. 9.2. RESULTS: From all the participants, 44.6% had obesity, 59.9% had abdominal obesity, 49.6% low HDL-c and 16.7% high levels triglycerids. The 16.25% of the population showed 3 or more components of the MetS. Elevated MCP-1, sICAM-1 and sE-selectin levels were linked to the presence of obesity. In a model adjusted by age-gender, high soluble levels of MCP-1 and VEGF-A were linked with abdominal obesity (OR=1.83; 1.02-3.28 and OR=2.03; 1.15-3.56, respectively), as well as to the presence of the 2 components of MetS. sVCAM-1 levels were associated with impaired glucose (OR=4.74; 1.32-17.0); sE-selectin with low HDL-c (OR=1.99; 1.05-3.75), although sICAM-1 and sVE-cadherin were associated with impaired systolic blood pressure (OR=4.04; 1.24-13.1 and OR=6.28; 1.90-20.7, respectively). CONCLUSION: Levels of circulating MCP-1 and VEGF-A were associated with adiposity, levels of sVCAM-1 with the presence of impaired glucose, sE-selectin with low HDL-c, while the levels of sICAM-1 and sVE-cadherin were associated with impaired systolic blood pressure in young adults independently of other traditional risk factors.

Significant associations between C-reactive protein levels, body adiposity distribution and peripheral blood cells in school-age children / Asociaciones significativas entre los niveles de proteína C reactiva, distribución de la adiposidad corporal y células sanguíneas periféricas en niños escolares

Obesity is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. Generally, there are significant correlations between body mass index and increased C-reactive protein levels. We investigated the relationship of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels with body adiposity distribution and blood cell count in obese children. A cross-sectional study was performed in 225 Mexican children. In the study were included 106 obese and 119 normal-weight children, aged 6-13 years old. The body composition was evaluated by BMI, body circumferences and skinfold thickness. hsCRP levels and hematological parameters were analyzed in all children. The hsCRP levels were higher in obese children than in the control group (1.5 and 0.41 mg/L respectively, P<0.001). Interestingly, hsCRP levels >3 mg/L were associated with the increase of circumferences of the waist, hip and arms (ORs= 9.08, 6.78 and 8.73, respectively, P<0.001), and a higher thickness of triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds (ORs= 4.73, 6.39 and 5.26, respectively, P=0.001), as well as a higher leukocyte and platelet counts. The data suggest that hsCRP levels are associated with skinfold thickness and body circumferences, and a moderate relationship was found with leukocyte and platelet counts in the studied children.

La obesidad se asocia con un estado de inflamación crónica de bajo grado. Generalmente, hay correlaciones significativas entre el índice de masa corporal y el incremento en los niveles de la proteína C reactiva (CRP). Se investigó la relación de los niveles de CRP de alta sensibilidad (hsCRP) con la distribución de la adiposidad corporal y la cuenta de las células sanguíneas en niños obesos. Se realizó un estudio transversal en 225 niños mexicanos. En el estudio se incluyeron 106 niños obesos y 119 con peso normal, edad de 6-13 años. La composición corporal fue evaluada por IMC, circunferencias corporales y grosor de pliegues cutáneos. Los niveles de la hsCRP de alta sensibilidad y los parámetros hematológicos fueron analizados en todos los niños. Los niveles de la hsCRP presentaron un incremento en los niños obesos con respecto al grupo control (1,5 y 0,41 mg/L respectivamente, P<0,001). Es interesante que los niveles de hsCRP>3 mg/L se asociaron con mayor circunferencia de cintura, cadera y brazo (ORs= 9,08, 6,78 y 8,73, respectivamente, P<0,001) y mayor grosor de los pliegues como tríceps, subescapular y suprailiaco (ORs= 4,73, 6,39 y 5,26, respectivamente, P=0,001), así como con el aumento en la cuenta de leucocitos y plaquetas. Los datos sugieren que los niveles de la hsCRP se asocian con el grosor de los pliegues cutáneos y las circunferencias corporales y fue encontrada una relación moderada con las cuentas de leucocitos y plaquetas en los niños estudiados.

[Levels of obesity, fasting glycemia and physical condition in Chilean students]. / NIVELES DE OBESIDAD, GLICEMIA EN AYUNO Y CONDICIÓN FÍSICA EN ESCOLARES CHILENOS.

BACKGROUND: Chile has drastically altered eating patterns and physical activity. The main nutritional problem faced by Chilean society is overweight, which arises progressively from an early age. The aim of this study is to determine the nutritional status and compare fitness levels and fasting glucose in students. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional comparative study was conducted, making a comparison by gender and nutritional status, with 100 students (56 men and 44 women) aged 12-15 years old. Body composition, fasting glucose and fitness were evaluated. RESULTS: Women had a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than men (22.73% and 19.65%). In the comparison of gender differences statistics were reported in one repetition maximum (1RM) (p = 0.001), abdominal strength (p = 0.004) and velocity (p = 0.001), there were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.24) and fasting glucose (p = 0.99). In the comparison of nutritional status, the students classified as obese had a higher waist perimeter (p = 0.001), more time to walk 400 m (p = 0.008). There were no significant differences in other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Women have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than men. Obese students have a waist circumference more elevated, more time to walk 400 meters (p = <0.05) and they have increased levels of basal glucose.

Antecedentes: en Chile se han modificado drásticamente los patrones de alimentación y de actividad física. El principal problema nutricional que enfrenta la sociedad chilena es el exceso de peso, que se presenta en forma progresiva desde temprana edad. El objetivo del estudio es determinar el estado nutricional y comparar los niveles de condición física y glicemia en ayuno de los escolares. Pacientes y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo- comparativo de corte transversal, realizando una comparación por género y estado nutricional, con 100 escolares (56 hombres y 44 mujeres) de entre 12 a 15 años de edad. Se evaluó la composición corporal, la glucosa en ayuna y la condición física. Resultados: las mujeres presentaron mayor prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad que los hombres (22,73% y 19,65%). En la comparación de género se reportaron diferencias estadísticas en una repetición máxima (1RM) (p = 0,001), resistencia abdominal (p = 0,004) y velocidad (p = 0,001); no existieron diferencias significativas en el índice de masa corporal (IMC) (p = 0,24) ni en glucosa en ayunas (p = 0,99). En la comparación del estado nutricional, en los escolares clasificados como obesos se observó un perímetro de cintura más elevado (p = 0,001) y mayor tiempo para recorrer 400 m (p = 0,008); no existieron diferencias significativas en las demás variables. Conclusiones: las mujeres presentan una mayor prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad que los hombres. Los escolares obesos presentan un perímetro de cintura más elevado, mayor tiempo para recorrer 400 metros (p = < 0,05) y poseen niveles aumentados de glucosa basal.

Interleukin-6 gene promoter polymorphisms and cardiovascular risk factors. A family study.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine involved in inflammatory process, as well as in glucose and lipid metabolism. Several studies of the biological relevance of IL-6 gene polymorphisms have indicated a relationship with cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to assess whether the -174 G/C and -572 G/C of IL-6 gene polymorphisms are associated with cardiovascular risk factors in Mexican families. Ninety members of 30 Mexican families, in which an index case (proband) had obesity, were included in the study. We evaluated the body composition by bioelectrical impedance. Peripheral blood samples were collected to determine biochemical and hematological parameters. High sensitivity C- reactive protein levels were measurement for nephelometric analysis. Screening for both polymorphisms studied was performed by PCR-RFLP. In the parents, both polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg's equilibrium. The genotypes -174 GC/CC were associated with T2D (OR=1.23, IC(95%) 1.01-1.5) and highest levels of hsCRP (p=0.02), whereas genotype -572 GG was associated with T2D (OR=1.24, IC(95%) 1.04-1.47) with an inflammatory state determined by the increase in the leukocyte count (OR=1.24, IC(95%) 1.02-1.51). The genotypes -174 GC/CC and -572 GG may confer susceptibility for the development of subclinical inflammation and type 2 diabetes in Mexican families.