Association of the dopamine D2 receptor rs1800497 polymorphism with food addiction, food reinforcement, and eating behavior in Chilean adults.

PURPOSE: The regulation of food intake and body weight involves two interacting systems: (a) The homeostatic system (including biological regulators of hunger and satiety) and (b) the non-homeostatic system, (involving concepts of food reinforcement and food addiction). Studies have established a strong genetic component in eating behavior and obesity. The TaqI A1 polymorphism (rs1800497) has previously been associated with eating behavior, diminished dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) density, higher body mass, and food reinforcement, but relations to food addiction remain unclear. AIM: To evaluate the association between the polymorphism rs1800497 with eating behavior, food reinforcement and food addiction in Chilean adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of 97 obese, 25 overweight and 99 normal-weight adults (18-35 years). Anthropometric measurements were performed by standard procedures. Eating behavior was assessed using the: Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), the Three Factor Eating Behavior Questionnaire and the Food Reinforcement Value Questionnaire (FRVQ). The DRD2 genotype (rs1800497) was determined by taqman assays. RESULTS: Twenty-two percentage of the participants met the criteria for food addiction. Food addiction was higher in women than men (26% vs 10.7%) and in obese compared to non-obese (40% vs 6%). There was no relationship between food addiction and DRD2 genotype. However when stratified by sex and nutritional status, obese female carriers of the A1 allele reported greater scores on emotional eating and snack food reinforcement compared to non-carriers. CONCLUSIONS: The DRD2 polymorphism is associated with some hedonic aspects of eating behavior, namely food reinforcement and emotional eating but not food addiction, and this association may be moderated by sex and obesity status, with obese women who are carriers of this genetic variant at higher risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V: evidence obtained from a cross-sectional descriptive study.

[The potential contribution of adenovirus 36 to the development of obesity]. / Adenovirus 36 y su potencial contribución en el desarrollo de obesidad.

The evidence of the last 20 years shows a link between viral infections and obesity in animals and humans. There are five adenovirus which have been associated with development of obesity in animals. SMAM-1 virus was the first studied in humans associated with obesity. There is compelling evidence that Ad-36 virus could contribute to the development of obesity in humans and it is related with body mass index (BMI). This manuscript reviews the association between Ad-36 and the other four virus infections with obesity. An electronic search of articles in the databases PubMed and Scielo, with use of key words: obesity, infection, adipose tissue, Ad-36, 3T3-L1 was performed. The search was restricted "human" and "animals". The importance of the relationship between virus infections and obesity has increased over the past two decades. Ad-36 shows more compelling evidence in humans. There are reports involving this virus in the enhancement of adipogenesis, adipocyte differentiation, a lower secretion of leptin and an increased insulin sensitivity. Future work should focus in larger cohort studies to confirm this association, which explains the global obesity epidemic from a new perspective.

[Association of sedentariness and health promoting lifestyles in older adults]. / Actividad física y perfil de estilos de vida promotores de la salud en adultos mayores chilenos.

Background Part of having healthy lifestyles should be a regular practice of physical activities. Aim To evaluate the association between the practice of physical activity and healthy lifestyles in older people. Material and Methods The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile survey was applied to 1688 older people living in the community, aged 72 ± 7 years (61% women). This survey includes questions about regular physical activity. Results Twenty four percent of surveyed participants declared to practice physical activities at least three times per week, without gender differences. Sedentariness increased along with age. There was a negative association between low physical activity and healthy lifestyles (odds ratio (OR): 3.2 confidence intervals (CI): 2.3-4.5). There was also an association between sedentariness and low self-realization (OR 2.4 CI: 1.8-3.3), low responsibility with health (OR 1.6 CI: 1.22.1), low concern about nutrition (OR 1.8 CI: 1.4-2.4), low stress management (OR 2.0 CI: 1.5-2.7) and low interpersonal support (OR 2.0 CI: 1.5-2.6). Conclusions Sedentariness is negatively associated with health promoting lifestyles in this group of older people.

Association between Eating Behavior and Academic Performance in University Students.

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

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

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

[Association between obesity and ovarian cancer]. / Asociación entre obesidad y cáncer de ovario.

Obesity is a risk factor for cancer. Epidemiological evidences associate ovarian cancer with obesity. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer and accounts for a high rate of mortality. The association between ovarian cancer and obesity could be explained by molecular factors secreted by adipose tissue such as leptin. In EOC, leptin increases cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. Additionally, adipose tissue synthesizes endogenous estrogens, which increase cell proliferation of epithelial ovarian cells. Also, obesity associated hyperinsulinism could increase ovarian estrogen secretion.

Consumption of ultra-processed food and its association with obesity in Chilean university students: A multi-center studyUltra-processed food and obesity in Chilean university students.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations between the consumption of three categories of ultra-processed food (sugary beverages, sweet, and salty snacks) and body mass index (BMI) among Chilean university students. METHODS: We conducted a multi-center, descriptive study among 2,039 students from 6 Chilean universities. Food consumption was surveyed using a validate food survey. That height and body weight were objectively measured to calculate BMI for determining weight status, and also, tobacco use and physical activity were measured. RESULTS: An intake equal to or higher than 1 serving of sugary beverage a day was associated with greater odds of obesity in university students (OR:1.32 [95% CI: 1.00, 1.74]), 2 servings/day (OR: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.50]), and 3 servings/day (OR: 1.39 [95% CI: 1.05, 1.80]). Neither consumption of sweet nor salty snacks (≥1 servings/day) related to differential odds of obesity: (OR: 0.83 [95% CI: 0.42, 1.64]) and (OR: 1.79 [95% CI: 0.93, 3.41]), respectively. CONCLUSION: In a sample of Chilean university students, consumption of sugary beverages, and not consumption of sweet or salty snacks, was associated with obesity.

Tobacco consumption in Chilean university students and associations with anthropometry, eating habits and sleep quality multicentric study.

Tobacco Consumption (TC) is one of the main causes of the deterioration of health; however, there are few studies linking its consumption with diet and nutrition among university students. The objective of this study is to test the association of smoking with anthropometry, diet and sleep quality among Chilean university students. Cross-sectional study. University students (n = 1454) from the North, South and Central parts of Chile were evaluated. A self-assessment survey was used to evaluate healthy and unhealthy eating habits. Nutritional status was evaluated by Body Mass Index (BMI). Two surveys were used to assess sleep quality: the Questionnaire of Insomnia and the Epworth Scale. Finally, participants were consulted about Tobacco Consumption: 30% of the students consume tobacco and have a higher score in unhealthy food consumption, less frequent weekly breakfast consumption (< 0.01), lower daily fruit (< 0.01) and vegetables (< 0.05) consumption, higher alcohol consumption (< 0.05) and daily junk food consumption (< 0.05) compared to non-consuming students. Men who consume tobacco present greater insomnia (< 0.001), sleep latency (< 0.001) and daytime sleepiness (< 0.05) compared to non-consumers; and women who consume tobacco have a higher weight (< 0.001) and BMI (< 0.01). When performing logistic regression, tobacco consumption is positively associated with major alcohol consumption (< 0.001), whereas fish (< 0.05) and vegetable (< 0.05) consumption was negatively associated. In conclusion, students of both sexes who smoke have more unfavorable health factors and a poorer quality of life.

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

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

Association of the FTO fat mass and obesity-associated gene rs9939609 polymorphism with rewarding value of food and eating behavior in Chilean children.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the association between the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs9939609 in the FTO gene and homeostatic/non-homeostatic eating behavior patterns in Chilean children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 258 children (44% female; 8-14 y of age). Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, Z-score of height, body mass index, and waist circumference) were performed. Eating behavior was assessed using the Eating in Absence of Hunger Questionnaire; the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire; the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, and the Food Reinforcement Value Questionnaire. Genotype of rs9939609 was determined by a Taqman assay. Association of rs9939609 with eating behavior was assessed using non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Allelic frequencies of rs9939609 were estimated as 77% for the A allele and 23% for the T allele. We found that normal-weight girl A carriers had higher scores of Satiety Responsiveness and Slowness on the Eating subscale. Normal-weight boy A carriers showed significantly higher scores on the Negative Affect and lower scores of the Desire to Drink subscale. In overweight children, A carriers showed higher scores on the Food Responsiveness, Emotional Overeating, Enjoyment of Food, and Food Choice subscales and lower scores on the Satiety- Responsiveness and Slowness in Eating subscales. In obese children, we found higher scores on the Cognitive Restrained subscale and lower Food Choice. CONCLUSION: The rs9939609 A allele of the FTO gene is associated with eating behavior traits and may predispose to obesity.

Effect of healthy and unhealthy habits on obesity: a multicentric study.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to characterize and compare eating patterns of university students in Chile, by sex and body weight, body mass index, and nutritional status. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. University students (n = 1454) of Chile were evaluated. A self-assessment survey was used to evaluate healthy eating habits using a questionnaire with values between 1 (do not consume) and 5 (consume) for a total of 9 to 45 points (higher values represent better eating habits). Unhealthy habits were assessed with six questions, including consumption of sugary soft drinks, alcohol, fried foods, fast food, and snacks and adding salt to foods without tasting first. RESULTS: Obese students had a lower consumption of healthy foods (P <0.05) compared with normal weight participants. Underweight male participants had higher unhealthy food consumption (P <0.05) and obese women had the lowest score (P <0.05). Protective factors for being overweight/obese were included (odds ratio [OR] = 0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-0.8), consumption of ≥2 servings of vegetables (OR = 0.5; 95% CI 0.4-0.7). Risk factors included consumption (more than 1 cup a day) of sugary soft drinks (OR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.0-2.1) and male sex (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.4). CONCLUSION: The consumption of vegetables and belonging to an undergraduate program in health sciences at a university contributed to protection against for obesity. On the other hand, male sex and consumption of sugary drinks were found to be risk factors for obesity.

Association of the dopamine D2 receptor rs1800497 polymorphism and eating behavior in Chilean children.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have established a strong genetic component in eating behavior. The TaqI A1 polymorphism (rs1800497) has previously been associated with obesity and eating behavior. Additionally, this polymorphism has been associated with diminished dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) density, higher body mass, and food reinforcement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the DRD2 rs1800497 polymorphism and eating behavior in Chilean children. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which we selected 258 children (44% girls, 56% boys; ages 8-14 y) with a wide variation in body mass index. Anthropometric measurements were performed by standard procedures. Eating behavior was assessed using the Eating in Absence of Hunger Questionnaire (EAHQ), Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and the Food Reinforcement Value Questionnaire. Genotype of the rs1800497 was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Association of the TaqI A1 variant (T allele) with eating behavior was assessed using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Compared with normal-weight children, the obese group demonstrated higher scores on the External Eating and Fatigue/Boredom subscales of the EAHQ. Higher scores were assessed in Food Responsiveness, Emotional Overeating, Enjoyment to Food and Desire to Drink subscales (P < 0.001) and lower scores of the Satiety Responsiveness and Slowness in Eating (P < 0.05). In the sex-specific analysis, the TaqI A1 allele was associated with higher scores on Satiety Responsiveness and Emotional Undereating subscales in obese girls, and higher scores of Enjoyment of Food subscale in boys. CONCLUSION: The TaqI A1 polymorphism may be a risk factor for eating behavior traits that may predispose children to greater energy intake and obesity.

Effect of estradiol on the expression of angiogenic factors in epithelial ovarian cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian cancer presents a high angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) regulated by pro-angiogenic factors, mainly vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). An association between endogenous levels of estrogen and increased risk of developing ovarian cancer has been reported. Estrogen action is mediated by the binding to its specific receptors (ERα and ERß), altered ERα/ERß ratio may constitute a marker of ovarian carcinogenesis progression. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of estradiol through ERα on the expression of NGF and VEGF in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODOLOGY: Levels of phosphorylated estrogen receptor alpha (pERα) were evaluated in well, moderate and poorly differentiated EOC samples (EOC-I, EOC-II, EOC-III). Additionally, ovarian cancer explants were stimulated with NGF (0, 10 and 100 ng/ml) and ERα, ERß and pERα levels were detected. Finally, human ovarian surface epithelial (HOSE) and epithelial ovarian cancer (A2780) cell lines were stimulated with estradiol, where NGF and VEGF protein levels were evaluated. RESULTS: In tissues, ERs were detected being pERα levels significantly increased in EOC-III samples compared with EOC-I (p<0.05). Additionally, ovarian explants treated with NGF increased pERα levels meanwhile total ERα and ERß levels did not change. Cell lines stimulated with estradiol revealed an increase of NGF and VEGF protein levels (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Estradiol has a positive effect on pro-angiogenic factors such as NGF and VEGF expression in EOC, probably through the activation of ERα; generating a positive loop induced by NGF increasing pERα levels in epithelial ovarian cells.

Asociación entre cronotipo y obesidad en jóvenes.

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

Results From Chile's 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.

BACKGROUND: The 2016 Chilean Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth is a review of the evidence across indicators of behaviors, settings, and sources of influence associated with physical activity (PA) of Chilean children and youth. METHODS: A Research Work Group reviewed available evidence from publications, surveys, government documents and datasets to assign a grade for 11 indicators for PA behavior based on the percentage of compliance for defined benchmarks. Grades were defined as follows: A, 81% to 100% of children accomplishing a given benchmark; B, 61% to 80%; C, 41% to 60%; D, 21% to 40%; F, 0% to 20%; INC, incomplete data available to assign score. RESULTS: Grades assigned were for i) 'Behaviors that contribute to overall PA levels': Overall PA, F; Organized Sport Participation, D; Active Play, INC; and Active Transportation, C-; ii) 'Factors associated with cardiometabolic risk': Sedentary Behavior, D; Overweight and Obesity, F; Fitness, F; and iii) 'Factors that influence PA': Family and Peers, D; School, D; Community and Built Environment, C; Government Strategies and Investments, C. CONCLUSIONS: Chile faces a major challenge as most PA indicators scored low. There were clear research and information gaps that need to be filled with the implementation of consistent and regular data collection methods.

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

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