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.

No association of the dopamine D2 receptor genetic bilocus score (rs1800497/rs1799732) on food addiction and food reinforcement in Chilean adults.

Purpose: Different systems regulate food intake. In the reward system, dopamine (DA) is the main neurotransmitter, and a variety of genetic variants (rs1799732 and rs1800497) are associated with addiction. Addiction is a highly polygenic disease, where each allelic variant adds a small amount of vulnerability. Polymorphisms rs1799732 and rs1800497 are associated with eating behavior and hedonic hunger, but links to food addiction remain unclear. Aim: To evaluate the association between the bilocus profile (rs1799732-rs1800497) of the dopaminergic pathway with food reinforcement and food addiction in Chilean adults. Methods: A 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 and eating behavior was assessed using the: Food Reinforcement Value Questionnaire (FRVQ) and Yale Food Addiction scale (YFAS). The DRD2 genotypes were determined by TaqMan assays (rs1800497 and rs1799732). A bilocus composite score was calculated. Results: In the normal weight group, individuals who were heterozygous for the rs1977932 variant (G/del) showed higher body weight (p-value 0.01) and abdominal circumference (p-value 0.01) compared to those who were homozygous (G/G). When analyzing rs1800497, a significant difference in BMI was observed for the normal weight group (p-value 0.02) where heterozygous showed higher BMI. In the obese group, homozygous A1/A1 showed higher BMI in comparison to A1/A2 and A2/A2 (p-value 0.03). Also, a significant difference in food reinforcement was observed in the rs1800497, where homozygous for the variant (A1A1) show less reinforcement (p-value 0.01).In relation to the bilocus score in the total sample, 11% showed "very low dopaminergic signaling", 24.4% were "under", 49.7% showed "intermediate signaling", 12.7% showed "high" and 1.4% showed "very high". No significant genotypic differences were observed in food reinforcement and food addiction by bilocus score. Conclusions: The results indicate that the genetic variants rs1799732 and rs1800497 (Taq1A) were associated with anthropometric measurements but not with food addiction or food reinforcement in Chilean university students. These results suggest that other genotypes, such as rs4680 and rs6277, which affect DA signaling capacity through a multilocus composite score, should be studied. Level V: Evidence obtained from a cross-sectional descriptive study.

A Short-Term Sucrose Diet Impacts Cell Proliferation of Neural Precursors in the Adult Hypothalamus.

Radial glia-like cells in the hypothalamus and dorsal vagal complex are neural precursors (NPs) located near subventricular organs: median eminence and area postrema, respectively. Their strategic position can detect blood-borne nutrients, hormones, and mitogenic signals. Hypothalamic NPs increase their proliferation with a mechanism that involves hemichannel (HC) activity. NPs can originate new neurons in response to a short-term high-fat diet as a compensatory mechanism. The effects of high carbohydrate Western diets on adult neurogenesis are unknown. Although sugars are usually consumed as sucrose, more free fructose is now incorporated into food items. Here, we studied the proliferation of both types of NPs in Sprague Dawley rats exposed to a short-term high sucrose diet (HSD) and a control diet. In tanycyte cultures, we evaluated the effects of glucose and fructose and a mix of both hexoses on HC activity. In rats fed an HSD, we observed an increase in the proliferative state of both precursors. Glucose, either in the presence or absence of fructose, but not fructose alone, induced in vitro HC activity. These results should broaden the understanding of the nutrient monitoring capacity of NPs in reacting to changes in feeding behavior, specifically to high sugar western diets.

Association between eating behavior scores and obesity in Chilean children.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate eating behavior and physical inactivity contribute to the current epidemic of childhood obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the association between eating behavior scores and childhood obesity in Chilean children. DESIGN AND METHODS: We recruited 126 obese, 44 overweight and 124 normal-weight Chilean children (6-12 years-old; both genders) according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria. Eating behavior scores were calculated using the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). Factorial analysis in the culturally-adapted questionnaire for Chilean population was used to confirm the original eight-factor structure of CEBQ. The Cronbach's alpha statistic (>0.7 in most subscales) was used to assess internal consistency. Non-parametric methods were used to assess case-control associations. RESULTS: Eating behavior scores were strongly associated with childhood obesity in Chilean children. Childhood obesity was directly associated with high scores in the subscales "enjoyment of food" (P < 0.0001), "emotional overeating" (P < 0.001) and "food responsiveness" (P < 0.0001). Food-avoidant subscales "satiety responsiveness" and "slowness in eating" were inversely associated with childhood obesity (P < 0.001). There was a graded relation between the magnitude of these eating behavior scores across groups of normal-weight, overweight and obesity groups. CONCLUSION: Our study shows a strong and graded association between specific eating behavior scores and childhood obesity in Chile.

Genetic variation of the dopamine D2 receptor gene: association with the reinforcing value of food and eating in the absence of hunger in Chilean children.

INTRODUCTION: Background: food is a powerful reinforcer that motivates people to eat. The TaqI A1 polymorphism (rs1800497; T>C) downstream of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene has been associated with diminished DRD2 receptor density, higher food reinforcement, and impaired eating behavior in adults. Objective: to evaluate the association between the rs1800497 polymorphism and the reinforcing value of food and eating in the absence of hunger in Chilean children. Material and method: nineteen Chilean children (aged 8-12 years) who were carriers of the A1-allele and 19 age- and gender-matched non-carriers (A2-allele) were evaluated on the reinforcing value of food and eating in the absence of hunger. Anthropometric measures were performed by standard procedures. Briefly, children received a standard pre-load lunch followed by an ad-libitum exposure to palatable foods. Results: no differences were found between A1-allele carriers and non-carriers, whether obese or non-obese, in ad libitum energy intake, macronutrient consumption, or the relative reinforcing value of food (p > 0.05). In obese children, A1 carriers reported significantly lower satiety and fullness before lunch (p < 0.05). However, in children with normal weight A1 carriers were found to exhibit trends for greater satiety and fullness before lunch when compared to non-carriers, but this trend reversed after lunch such that carriers exhibited lower satiety and fullness (p = 0.06). Conclusions: although TaqI A1 may play an important role in some eating behavior-related traits such as satiety and fullness, especially in obese children, our findings indicate that this polymorphism does not appear to affect eating in the absence of hunger or food reinforcement in children.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: los alimentos son un poderoso reforzador de la alimentación. El polimorfismo TaqI A1 (rs1800497; T> C) del gen del receptor 2 de dopamina (DRD2) se ha asociado con una menor densidad de DRD2, un mayor refuerzo alimentario y un comportamiento alimentario alterado en adultos. Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre el polimorfismo rs1800497, el valor reforzador del alimento y la conducta de comer en ausencia de hambre en niños chilenos. Material y método: treinta y ocho niños chilenos, 19 portadores del alelo A1 y 19 no portadores (alelo A2), pareados por genero y edad, fueron evaluados en condiciones de laboratorio para determinar el valor reforzador del alimento y la conducta de comer en ausencia de hambre. Las mediciones antropométricas se realizaron por procedimientos estándar. Brevemente, los niños recibieron un almuerzo estándar seguido de una exposición ad-libitum a alimentos sabrosos. Resultados: no hubo diferencias en la ingesta ad libitum de energía, ni en el consumo de macronutrientes, ni en el valor reforzador del alimento entre los portadores del alelo A1 frente a los no portadores (p > 0,05). Entre los niños obesos, los portadores del alelo A1 reportaron un menor nivel de saciedad y plenitud pre-almuerzo (p < 0,05). Sin embargo, entre los niños con normopeso se observó que los portadores de A1 tenían tendencia a presentar un mayor grado de saciedad y plenitud (pre-almuerzo) frente a los no portadores. Esta tendencia se invirtió post-almuerzo, de modo que los portadores exhibieron menor saciedad y plenitud (p = 0,06). Conclusiones: la variante TaqI A1 podría desempeñar un papel importante en algunos rasgos relacionados con la conducta alimentaria, como la saciedad y la plenitud.

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.

Genetic variation of the dopamine D2 receptor gene: association with the reinforcing value of food and eating in the absence of hunger in Chilean children / Variación genética del gen del receptor D2 de dopamina: asociación con el valor reforzador de la comida y el comer en ausencia de hambre en niños chilenos

BACKGROUND: food is a powerful reinforcer that motivates people to eat. The TaqI A1 polymorphism (rs1800497; T>C) downstream of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene has been associated with diminished DRD2 receptor density, higher food reinforcement, and impaired eating behavior in adults. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the association between the rs1800497 polymorphism and the reinforcing value of food and eating in the absence of hunger in Chilean children. MATERIAL AND METHOD: nineteen Chilean children (aged 8-12 years) who were carriers of the A1-allele and 19 age- and gender-matched non-carriers (A2-allele) were evaluated on the reinforcing value of food and eating in the absence of hunger. Anthropometric measures were performed by standard procedures. Briefly, children received a standard pre-load lunch followed by an ad-libitum exposure to palatable foods. RESULTS: no differences were found between A1-allele carriers and non-carriers, whether obese or non-obese, in ad libitum energy intake, macronutrient consumption, or the relative reinforcing value of food (p > 0.05). In obese children, A1 carriers reported significantly lower satiety and fullness before lunch (p < 0.05). However, in children with normal weight A1 carriers were found to exhibit trends for greater satiety and fullness before lunch when compared to non-carriers, but this trend reversed after lunch such that carriers exhibited lower satiety and fullness (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: although TaqI A1 may play an important role in some eating behavior-related traits such as satiety and fullness, especially in obese children, our findings indicate that this polymorphism does not appear to affect eating in the absence of hunger or food reinforcement in children

ANTECEDENTES: los alimentos son un poderoso reforzador de la alimentación. El polimorfismo TaqI A1 (rs1800497; T> C) del gen del receptor 2 de dopamina (DRD2) se ha asociado con una menor densidad de DRD2, un mayor refuerzo alimentario y un comportamiento alimentario alterado en adultos. OBJETIVO: evaluar la asociación entre el polimorfismo rs1800497, el valor reforzador del alimento y la conducta de comer en ausencia de hambre en niños chilenos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: treinta y ocho niños chilenos, 19 portadores del alelo A1 y 19 no portadores (alelo A2), pareados por género y edad, fueron evaluados en condiciones de laboratorio para determinar el valor reforzador del alimento y la conducta de comer en ausencia de hambre. Las mediciones antropométricas se realizaron por procedimientos estándar. Brevemente, los niños recibieron un almuerzo estándar seguido de una exposición ad-libitum a alimentos sabrosos. RESULTADOS: no hubo diferencias en la ingesta ad libitum de energía, ni en el consumo de macronutrientes, ni en el valor reforzador del alimento entre los portadores del alelo A1 frente a los no portadores (p > 0,05). Entre los niños obesos, los portadores del alelo A1 reportaron un menor nivel de saciedad y plenitud pre-almuerzo (p < 0,05). Sin embargo, entre los niños con normopeso se observó que los portadores de A1 tenían tendencia a presentar un mayor grado de saciedad y plenitud (pre-almuerzo) frente a los no portadores. Esta tendencia se invirtió post-almuerzo, de modo que los portadores exhibieron menor saciedad y plenitud (p = 0,06). CONCLUSIONES: la variante TaqI A1 podría desempeñar un papel importante en algunos rasgos relacionados con la conducta alimentaria, como la saciedad y la plenitud

Adaptación y análisis factorial del cuestionario de conducta de alimentación del adulto (AEBQ) en idioma español / Adaptation and factorial analysis of the Spanish version of the adult eating behaviour questionnaire (AEBQ)

El Cuestionario de Conducta de Alimentación de Adultos (AEBQ, por su sigla en inglés derivada de Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire) es una de las herramientas psicométricas más usadas para evaluar la conducta de alimentación. El objetivo de este estudio fue adaptar y analizar factorialmente la versión en idioma español del AEBQ. El cuestionario adaptado al idioma español se aplicó en un estudio piloto de 50 voluntarias universitarias entre 20 y 30 años de edad. Se utilizó la técnica de análisis factorial para reducir la dimensionalidad de los datos y evaluar preliminarmente su estructura. Se usó la estadística alfa de Cronbach para explorar la consistencia interna del cuestionario adaptado. El análisis factorial reveló una estructura de 8 factores que explican el 82,8 % de la variación de los datos, lo que es concordante con el número de dimensiones de la conducta de alimentación publicada para el AEBQ original. La consistencia interna fue alta, con valores de la estadística α de Cronbach entre 0,77 y 0,91 para las 8 dimensiones consideradas. En conclusión, la versión adaptada al idioma español del AEBQ presenta una razonable concordancia en su estructura de datos con el cuestionario publicado originalmente en inglés, así como una adecuada consistencia interna. Se deben realizar futuros estudios de mayor tamaño muestral que incluyan participantes de diferentes grupos de edad, sexo y estado nutricional(AU)

The Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) is one the most used psychometric tool to evaluate eating behavior. The objective of this study was to adapt and analyze the factorial structure of the Spanish version of the AEBQ. The adapted questionnaire was submitted to a non-probabilistic sample of 50 female university students aged 20 - 30 years old. A factorial analysis was used to preliminary assess data structure, while Cronbach's alpha statistic was used to assess internal consistency. Factor analysis revealed an8-factor structure explaining 82,8% of data variation, which is concordant with data structure of the original AEBQ. The internal consistency was high, with Cronbach's α between 0.77 and 0.91 for all eating behavior dimensions. In conclusion, this Spanish version of the AEBQ shows adequate concordance with the factor structure of the originally published AEBQ, as well as high internal consistency. Future studies will evaluate the validity of the questionnaire in different subpopulation groups according to gender, age or nutritional status(AU)

Melanocortin-4 receptor polymorphism rs17782313: association with obesity and eating in the absence of hunger in Chilean children.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the association between melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) rs17782313 alleles with obesity and eating behavior scores in Chilean children. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 139 normal-weight and 238 obese children (ages 6-12 y). MC4R rs17782313 genotypes were determined by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction allelic-discrimination assays. Eating behavior scores were evaluated in a subset of participants using the Chilean version of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). Additionally, five normal-weight C-allele carriers of rs17782313 were matched by sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) to five TT homozygous children to carry out the Eating in the Absence of Hunger (EAH) test. RESULTS: The frequency of the C-allele of MC4R rs17782313 was higher in the obese group than in the control group, without achieving statistical significance (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-2.4; P = 0.16). CEBQ scores of "enjoyment of food" were higher (P = 0.04) and "satiety responsiveness" were lower (P = 0.02) in children with CC genotype than in those with TT genotype matched by sex, age, and BMI. In the EAH test, all five non-obese carriers of the C-allele (three CC and two CT) showed increased sweet snack consumption compared with five matched (by sex-age-BMI) non-carriers after a preload meal, without achieving statistical significance (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: MC4R polymorphism rs17782313 may contribute to childhood obesity, affecting enjoyment of food, satiety responsiveness, and possibly eating in the absence of hunger.

Effect of the melanocortin-3 receptor Thr6Lys and Val81Ile genetic variants on body composition and substrate oxidation in Chilean obese children.

Mice genetically deficient in the melanocortin-3 receptor gene are characterized by normal body weight, increased body fat, mild hypophagia, reduced locomotor activity, and increased respiratory quotient compared with wild-type mice. In humans, the 6Lys-81Ile haplotype of melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) gene has been associated with childhood obesity, higher body fat percentage, and reduced fat oxidation compared to non-carriers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between MC3R 6Lys-81Ile haplotype with body composition and substrate oxidation in response to moderate exercise in obese children. Eight Chilean obese children (aged 8-12) carriers of MC3R 6Lys-81Ile haplotype were compared with eight age-gender-matched obese non-carriers. Children were identified through a previous cross-sectional study on genetic determinants of childhood obesity (n = 229). Genotypes for MC3R Thr6Lys and Val81Ile were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Body composition was assessed by the four-compartment model (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, total body water by the deuterium dilution technique, and total fat mass by air-displacement plethysmography). Substrate oxidation was assessed by indirect calorimetry in response to moderate exercise (60% VO(2 max)). Wilcoxon matched-pairs test was used to compare quantitative variables. No significant differences among carriers and non-carriers were found in anthropometrical and body composition measurements. The Carriers of the 6Lys-81Ile haplotype showed higher respiratory quotient (p = 0.06) and a significantly higher glucose oxidation (p = 0.01) compared with non-carriers after standardization for fat-free mass. Our results are consistent with a possible participation of MC3R 6Lys-81Ile variants in glucose oxidation in response to moderate exercise.

Caries dental y la higiene bucal en adolescentes de 12 a 15 años. Área Norte Sancti Spíritus. 2010 / Dental Caries and oral hygiene in adolescents between 12 and 15 years. Northern Area, Sancti Spíritus. 2010

Fundamento: la caries dental es una enfermedad multifactorial y causa de la pérdida dentaria en edades tempranas. Objetivo : identificar el comportamiento de la caries dental y la higiene bucal en los adolescentes de 12 a 15 años de los consultorios médicos de la familia 3 y 4 del área norte de Sancti Spíritus en el período de septiembre a diciembre del 2010. Metodología: s e realizó estudio descriptivo transversal. La población fueron 346 adolescentes y la muestra 109 con criterios de inclusión. Las variables: edad, sexo, índice de cariados, obturados y perdidos para dientes permanentes, higiene bucal, dientes afectados por caries. Se realizó examen bucal a cada adolescente y confección de historia clínica individual. Resultados: la mayoría de los adolescentes presentó caries dental, predominó el sexo femenino y la edad de 14 a 15 años. El índice de cariados, obturados y perdidos para dientes permanentes tuvo un valor de 5,3 y los molares fueron el órgano dental de mayor presencia de caries. Conclusiones: El sexo femenino en los adolescentes presenta una mayor prevalencia por caries dental asociado a una deficiente higiene bucal, un alto índice de cariados, obturados y perdidos para dientes permanentes y los molares, el órgano dental de mayor afectación.

Background: Dental caries is a multifactor disease and causes the deltal loss in early ages. Objective : to identify the behavior of dental caries and oral hygiene in adolescents between 12 and 15 from the doctors´ offices 3 and 4 in the northern area, Sancti Spíritus, in a period from September to December 2010. Methodology: A transversal descriptive study was carried out. A population of 346 adolescents and a simple of 109 with inclusion criteria. The following variables were included, age, sex, rate of caries, lost and filled teeth, oral health, teeth affected by caries. A dental examination to each adolescent and the making of a patient file was carried out. Results: The majority of adolescents had dental caries, feminine sex prevailed and the ages between 14 and 15 years. The rate of caries, filled and lost of permanent teeth had a value of 5,3 and the molar were the dental organs of most frequency of caries. Conclusions: Feminine sex in adolescents had a great prevalence of dental caries associated to poor dental or oral hygiene, high rate of caries, filled and lost teeth and molars as the major dental organ affected.

[Identification of Leptospira isolates by serological and genetic methods]. / Identificación de aislamientos de Leptospira por métodos serológicos y genéticos.

Serological and genetic methods were used to study 18 leptospiral strains isolated from patients with leptospirosis in 3 Cuban provinces. The strains were grouped by microscopic agglutination with 8 polyclonal antisera. Nine monoclonal antibodies served to determine the strain serovars. Alternatively, DNA was extracted from these strains and applied by a polymerase chain reaction system described for pathogenic leptospiras. Amplified DNA was digested by restriction enzymes Alu I and Hae III. MAT grouped the strains among serogroups Ballum, Ponoma, Canicula and Icterohaemorrhagiae. Monoclonal antibodies determined the serovars of seven of the studied strains. For all the strains, an amplified fragment of 631 pb was obtained by polymerase chain reaction. The analysis of the amplified product with restriction enzymes revealed similar patterns of restriction in all the strains. The used methods made it possible to identify all the strains at different levels. It is also pointed out that the use of monoclonal antibodies allowed to typify seven strains up to the serovar level.

[Lepto-dipstick: results of its application to the fast diagnosis of human leptospirosis]. / Lepto dipstick: resultados de su aplicación al diagnóstico rapido de la leptospirosis humana.

Forty one serum specimens from critical patients who were suspected of having human leptospirosis were studied by using simultaneously convencional test Lepto-dipstick and serogroup microagglutination test (MAT) with live antigens. Different reactivity levels were reached in 26 tested samples by Lepto-dipstick. This assay and MAT coincided in 85,4% of results. It was confirmed that Lepto-dipstick detects antibodies to various leptospiral serovars and that the degree of intensity of the band staining corresponded with the level of detected antibodies by MAT. The implementation of Lepto-dipstick in the diagnosis of human leptospirosis allows providing a rapid response to the medical staff in charge of the studied cases. This proved that Lepto-dipstick is a rapid method that is easy-to-read and interpret.

Effect of the melanocortin-3 receptor Thr6Lys and Val81Ile genetic variants on body composition and substrate oxidation in Chilean obese children

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Mice genetically deficient in the melanocortin-3 receptor gene are characterized by normal body weight, increased body fat, mild hypophagia, reduced locomotor activity, and increased respiratory quotient compared with wild-type mice. In humans, the 6Lys-81Ile haplotype of melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) gene has been associated with childhood obesity, higher body fat percentage, and reduced fat oxidation compared to non-carriers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between MC3R 6Lys-81Ile haplotype with body composition and substrate oxidation in response to moderate exercise in obese children. Eight Chilean obese children (aged 8-12) carriers of MC3R 6Lys-81Ile haplotype were compared with eight age-gender-matched obese non-carriers. Children were identified through a previous cross-sectional study on genetic determinants of childhood obesity (..) (AU)

Identificación de aislamientos de Leptospira por métodos serológicos y genéticos / Identification of Leptospira isolates by serological and genetic methods

Se estudiaron 18 cepas de Leptospira, aisladas de pacientes con leptospirosis humana de 3 provincias de Cuba, empleando métodos serológicos y genéticos. Las cepas fueron agrupadas por aglutinación microscópica (MAT), con 8 antisueros policlonales. Se utilizaron 9 anticuerpos monoclonales (AcMs) para determinar el serovar de las cepas. Alternativamente se realizó la extracción del ADN de estas cepas y fue amplificado por un sistema de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa descrito para leptospiras patógenas. El ADN amplificado fue digerido con las enzimas de restricción Alu I y Hae III. Por MAT las cepas fueron agrupadas entre los serogrupos Ballum, Pomoma, Canicola e Icterohaemorrhagiae. Se determinó el serovar de 7 de las cepas estudiadas con el uso de los AcMs. Para la totalidad de las cepas se obtuvo por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa un fragmento amplificado de 631 pb. El análisis con enzimas de restricción del producto amplificado, originó iguales patrones de restricción en todas las cepas estudiadas. Los métodos utilizados permitieron la identificación a diferentes niveles de todas las cepas estudiadas, se señala que el uso de los AcMs hizo posible tipificar hasta serovar a 7 de las cepas

Lepto dipstick: resultados de su aplicación al diagnóstico rápido de la leptospirosis humana / Lepto-dipstick: results of application to rapid diagnosis of human leptospirosis

Se estudiaron 41 sueros provenientes de pacientes en estado grave con sospechas de leptospirosis humana, mediante la prueba comercial Lepto dipstick y haciendo uso paralelamente de la microaglutinación de serogrupos con antígenos vivos (MAT). Se obtuvieron diferentes niveles de reactividad por el dipstick en 26 de las muestras investigadas. Este ensayo y la MAT coincidieron en 85,4 porciento de los resultados. Se comprobó que el Lepto dipstick reconoce anticuerpos contra diferentes serovares de leptospiras, y que el grado de intensidad de la tinción de las bandas se corresponde con el nivel de anticuerpos detectados por la MAT. La aplicación del Lepto dipstick al diagnóstico de la leptospirosis humana, permitió ofrecer una respuesta rápida al personal médico de asistencia de los casos estudiados. Esto demostró que se trata de un método rápido de realizar y de fácil lectura e interpretación

Caracterización serológica de cepas aisladas de pacientes con leptospirosis humana en Cuba / Serological characterization of strains isolated from patients with human leptospirosis in Cuba

Se estudiaron 204 cepas de leptospiras, obtenidas a partir de hemocultivos de pacientes con leptospirosis humana, procedentes de diferentes regiones del país. Mediante las pruebas de determinación de especie se halló que todas pertenecían al complejo patogénico Leptospira interrogans, y al caracterizarlas hasta serogrupo usando 13 sueros hiperinmunes se detectó que los de mayor circulación fueron Ballum, Pomona y Canicola. Por primera vez se encontraron los serogrupos Pyrogenes, Autumnalis y Betaviae, no aislados con anterioridad en pacientes con leptospirosis humana en Cuba. Estos resultados relacionan a los ratones, cerdos y perros como principales reservorios de esta entidad y contribuyen al perfeccionamiento de la vacuna cubana contra la leptospirosis humana