Association of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene rs9939609 with obesity-related traits and glucose intolerance in an indigenous population, the Xavante.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Common variants in fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene have been implicated as a susceptibility locus for obesity and type 2 diabetes in different populations. Here, in an indigenous population-based study, we examined whether FTO rs9939609 has a role in susceptibility to glucose intolerance and obesity. METHODS: The study population comprised 949 full Xavante indigenous people (465 men) aged 18-99 years. The participants were submitted to clinical examination, anthropometrical measures and basal and 2-h post 75g oral glucose load capillary glucose measurements. FTO rs9939609 was genotyped and logistic regression was carried out to test the additive effect of the risk allele. RESULTS: The frequency of the minor allele of the FTO rs9939609 (0.06) was lower in Xavante than observed in some populations. A significant association between the variant and overweight was observed (OR = 1.56 (95% CI:1.06-2.29, p = 0.02), using an additive model of inheritance, adjusted by age and gender and considering the family structure. We found no associations with obesity or glucose intolerance. CONCLUSIONS: The FTO rs9939609 is associated with overweight, but not with obesity or glucose intolerance. The low frequency of the A allele suggests that it is not an important risk determinant for these conditions in Xavante indigenous people.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and its association with glucose intolerance in an indigenous population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Type 2 diabetes is a multifactorial disease resulting from diverse genetic and environmental factors as well as the interaction between them. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], an indicator of vitamin D status, have been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but not consistently. Also, it remains to be determined if this association differs among ethnic groups. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate vitamin D status and its association with glucose intolerance in a Brazilian indigenous population, the Xavante Indians. METHODS: The study population consisted of 819 full Xavante Indians (410 women), aged ≥18 years and living in two indigenous reserves located in Mato Grosso State, central region of Brazil. Clinical examination and anthropometrical measurements were made, blood samples were obtained for total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and 25(OH)D measurement. Fasting and 2-h post 75 g oral glucose load capillary glucose was measured. Vitamin D status was defined by serum 25(OH)D levels: vitamin D sufficiency (25(OH)D: 30-100 ng/mL), vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH)D: 20- <30 ng/mL) and vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D: < 20 ng/mL). Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify independent associations between 25(OH)D levels and impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Analyses stratified by 25(OH)D levels shows that 65.5% of the population had vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency (25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL). 25(OH)D concentrations were lower in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus than in normal glucose tolerant individuals. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an inverse association between increments of 25(OH)D and presence of diabetes mellitus (OR per 1 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D: 0.97; 95% confidence interval: 0.95-0.99), or impaired glucose tolerance (OR per 1 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D: 0.87; 95% confidence interval: 0.85-0.89), in an age, sex, BMI and season of sampling-adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS: The present population-based study found a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among Xavante Indians. In this at-risk population of type 2 diabetes, a significant association of higher serum 25(OH)D with a decreased prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance was observed.

Comparison of relationships between four common anthropometric measures and incident diabetes.

AIMS: First, to conduct a detailed exploration of the prospective relations between four commonly used anthropometric measures with incident diabetes and to examine their consistency across different population subgroups. Second, to compare the ability of each of the measures to predict five-year risk of diabetes. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of individual participant data on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip and waist-height ratio (WHtR) from the Obesity, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Collaboration. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between a one standard deviation increment in each anthropometric measure and incident diabetes. Harrell's concordance statistic was used to test the predictive accuracy of each measure for diabetes risk at five years. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies with 154,998 participants and 9342 cases of incident diabetes were available. Each of the measures had a positive association with incident diabetes. A one standard deviation increment in each of the measures was associated with 64-80% higher diabetes risk. WC and WHtR more strongly associated with risk than BMI (ratio of hazard ratios: 0.95 [0.92,0.99] - 0.97 [0.95,0.98]) but there was no appreciable difference between the four measures in the predictive accuracy for diabetes at five years. CONCLUSIONS: Despite suggestions that abdominal measures of obesity have stronger associations with incident diabetes and better predictive accuracy than BMI, we found no overall advantage in any one measure at discriminating the risk of developing diabetes. Any of these measures would suffice to assist in primary diabetes prevention efforts.

Indices of dietary fat quality during midpregnancy is associated with gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the usual intake of fatty acids and indices of dietary fat quality [the atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity indices (TI), and the ratios of hypo-and hypercholesterolemic (hH), ∑n-3/∑n-6, and polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids (P:S)], during mid-pregnancy. METHODS: 799 adult pregnant women living in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil were screened and accepted for this cross-sectional GDM study. The Multiple Source Method was used to estimate participants' usual diet, using two 24-hour dietary recalls during mid-pregnancy. Diagnosis of GDM was defined by the American Diabetes Association criteria of 2015. Logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between GDM and dietary fat, adjusted for age, education, parity, gestational age at the time of the interview, pre-pregnancy and current BMI, prior GDM, family history of diabetes, smoking, physical activity, energy, fiber, and fatty acids. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) age of the women was 28 (5) years, and 19% had GDM. After multiple adjustments, inverse associations between the highest tertile of ∑n-3 fatty acids intake [0.21 (0.08-0.56)], α-linolenic intake [0.15 (0.05-0.42)], and GDM were found. A positive association between GDM and the highest tertile of TI [2.66 (1.34-5.29)], and a negative association with the highest tertile of hH ratio [0.41 (0.22-0.77)], were observed. No association between GDM and other indices of dietary fat quality were found. CONCLUSION: The quality of dietary fat during pregnancy is strongly associated with GDM. Randomized clinical trial are needed to confirm these findings.

High prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Xavante Indians from Mato Grosso, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and describe demographic, anthropometric and medical characteristics, in a genetically distinct population: the Brazilian Xavante Indians. DESIGN: Population-based survey carried out among 948 Xavante from Mato Grosso, Brazil. Fasting and 2-hour after 75 g glucose capillary glycemia were measured by a portable glucometer (HemoCue Glucose201+). Diabetes was defined according to WHO criteria. Anthropometric data and medical characteristics were measured, and fat mass (%) was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance. Blood pressure was measured by an automated device (OMRON 742INTC), and hypertension was defined according to WHO criteria. RESULTS: Age-adjusted prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals were diabetes: 28.2% (25.3-31.1) in general, 18.4% (14.9-22.2) in men and 40.6% (36.2-45.1) in women (P<.001); impaired glucose tolerance: 32.3% (20.5-26.0) in general, 29.7% (25.4-33.9) in men and 34.4% (30.2-38.8) in women (P>.05); hypertension: 17.5% (15.1-19.9) in general. Obesity was found in 50.8% of the individuals. Fat mass (%) was associated with diabetes in men (P<.05) and women (P<.05). Thigh circumference and waist/ thigh ratio were lower in those with diabetes, in men and women (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of diabetes and obesity in Xavante is likely related to their recent change in food habits and physical activities. Our results should raise awareness about the magnitude of this health problem and also indicate that it could increase dramatically in the future if no preventive actions are adopted.

Evaluation of body adiposity index (BAI) to estimate percent body fat in an indigenous population.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of Body Adiposity Index (BAI) as a predictor of body fat in Xavante Indians and to investigate which anthropometric measures of adiposity best correlate with body fat in this population. METHODS: We evaluated 974 individuals (476 male), aged 42.3 ± 19.5 years. Percentage of body fat (%BF) determined by bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was used as the reference measure of adiposity. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement between the two methods: BAI and BIA. Associations between anthropometric measures of adiposity were investigated by Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: BAI overestimates %BF (mean difference: 4.10%), mainly at lower levels of adiposity. Significant correlations were found between %BF and all measurements, being the strongest correlation with BAI. However, stratified analyses according to gender showed that among men waist circumference has the strongest correlation (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) and among women BAI (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), BMI (r = 0.69, p < 0.001) and waist circumference (r = 0.70, p < 0.001) performed similarly. CONCLUSION: BAI can be a useful tool to predict %BF in Xavante Indians, although it has some limitations. However, it is not a better predictor of adiposity than waist circumference in men or BMI and waist circumference in women.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome using two proposed definitions in a Japanese-Brazilians community.

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased risk of morbi-mortality, thus the characterization of the population magnitude of this syndrome is critical for allocating health care. However, prevalence estimates of MetS in the same population could differ depending on the definition used. Therefore, we compared the prevalence of the MetS using definitions proposed by: National Cholesterol Education Panel Revised (NCEP) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2009 in a Japanese-Brazilians community (131 individuals, age 57 ± 16 years, 1st and 2nd generation). All individuals went through a clinical and laboratorial evaluation for assessment of weigh, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose. The prevalence of MetS was 26.7% (n = 35) and 37.4% (n = 49) under the NCEP and IDF definitions, respectively. Despite higher blood pressure measurements, waist circumference and serum triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels (p < 0.01), individuals identified with MetS did not show increased blood glucose levels. IDF definition classified 14 individuals (10.7%) with MetS that were not classified under the NCEP and 35 individuals were identified with MetS by both criteria. We observed, in this group, more severe lipid disorders, compared to individuals identified only under the IDF definition, and the BMI and waist circumference (p = 0.01; p = 0.006, respectively) were lower. In conclusion, the IDF revised criteria, probably because of the ethnic specific values of waist circumference, was able to identify a larger number of individuals with MetS. However, our data suggesting that additional studies are necessary to define best MetS diagnostic criteria in this population.

The costs of type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatient care in the Brazilian public health system.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has shown a significant increase in parallel with health care costs. The objective of the Brazilian Study on Diabetes Costs (ESCUDI study) was to estimate direct and indirect costs of type 2 diabetes outpatient care in the Brazilian Public Health Care System. METHODS: Data were collected from different levels of health care in eight Brazilian cities in 2007. A total of 1000 outpatients were interviewed and had their medical records data analyzed. Direct medical costs included expenses with medications, diagnostic tests, procedures, blood glucose test strips, and office visits. Nonmedical direct costs included expenses with diet products, transportation, and caregivers. Absenteeism, sick leave, and early retirement were classified as indirect costs. RESULTS: Total annual cost for outpatient care was US$2108 per patient, out of which US$1335 per patient of direct costs (63.3%) and US$773 per patient of indirect costs (36.7%). Costs escalated as duration of diabetes and level of health care increased. Patients with both microvascular and macrovascular complications had higher costs (US$3199 per patient) compared to those with either microvascular (US$2062 per patient) or macrovascular (US$2517 per patient) complications only. The greatest portion of direct costs was attributed to medication (48.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes treatment leads to elevated costs both to Brazilian Public Health Care System and society. Costs increased along with duration of disease, level of care and presence of chronic complications, which suggested a need to reallocate health resources focusing on primary prevention of diabetes and its complications.

Comparison of venous plasma glycemia and capillary glycemia for the screening of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Japanese-Brazilian community of Mombuca (Guatapará-SP).

BACKGROUND: To identify the most appropriate cut-off points of fasting glycemia for the screening of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) with the comparison of the properties of capillary glycemia (CG) and venous blood plasma glycemia (PG) in a population of Japanese origin from the community of Mombuca, Guatapará-SP, Brazil. METHODS: This was a population-based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 131 individuals of both genders aged 20 years or more (66.8% of the target population). CG was measured with a glucometer in a blood sample obtained from the fingertip and PG was determined by an enzymatic method (hexokinase) in venous blood plasma, after a 10-14 hour fast in both cases. Data were analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in order to identify the best cut-off point for fasting glycemia (CG and PG) for the diagnosis of DM, using the 2-hour plasma glycemia > 200 mg/dl as gold - standard. RESULTS: The ROC curve revealed that the best cut-off point for the screening of DM was 110 mg/dl for CG and 105 mg/dl for PG, values that would optimize the relation between individuals with positive and false-positive results. The area under the ROC curve was 0.814 for CG (p < 0.01) and 0.836 for PG (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The cut-off points of 105 mg/dl(5.8 mmol/l) for PG and of 110 mg/dl(6.1 mmol/l) for CG appear to be the most appropriate for the screening of DM2 in the population under study, with emphasis on the fact that the value recommended for CG is 5 mg/dl higher than that for PG, in contrast to WHO recommendations.

[Interethnic marriage of Japanese-Brazilians associated with less healthy food habits and worse cardiometabolic profile]. / União interétnica de nipo-brasileiros associada a hábitos alimentares menos saudáveis e ao pior perfil de risco cardiometabólico.

OBJECTIVE: Interethnic marriage between nikkey Brazilians and non-nikkey Brazilians may favor the westernization of diet. Dietary consumption, clinical data and frequencies of metabolic diseases were compared in a Japanese-Brazilian population, with intraethnic or interethnic marriage. METHODS: T test, Mann-Whitney, chi-square and Person coefficient were used. RESULTS: Among 1009 Japanese-Brazilians there were 18.9% of interethnic marriage, being more frequent among nikkey men. These showed higher means of BMI, waist, blood pressure, glycemia and triglyceridemia than women. Overall frequencies of obesity, hypertrigliceridemia and metabolic syndrome were 47.7%, 68.1% and 45.2%, being higher in interethnic than intraethnic marriage. Comparing individuals with interethnic marriages, hypertriglyceridemia was more common among men while low-HDL among women. Energy, fat, groups of alcohol, sweets and oils were higher in interethnic marriage. Individuals with intraethnic marriage consumed more carbohydrate, proteins, fibers, vitamins, minerals, vegetables, fruits/juice, cereals and missoshiru. Comparing individuals with interethnic marriages, nikkey men showed a more westernized dietary pattern than nikkey women. CONCLUSION: Interethnic marriage was associated with less healthy food habits and worse cardiometabolic profile.

União interétnica de nipo-brasileiros associada a hábitos alimentares menos saudáveis e ao pior perfil de risco cardiometabólico / Interethnic marriage of Japanese-Brazilians associated with less healthy food habits and worse cardiometabolic profile

OBJETIVO: Casamento interétnico entre brasileiros nikkeis e não nikkeis pode favorecer a ocidentalização da dieta. Compararam-se consumo alimentar, dados clínico-laboratoriais e frequências de doenças metabólicas em população nipo-brasileira, com casamento intraétnico ou interétnico. MÉTODOS: Empregaram-se teste t, Mann-Whitney, qui-quadrado e coeficiente de Pearson. RESULTADOS: Em 1009 nipo-brasileiros havia 18,9 por cento de casamentos interétnicos, mais frequentes entre homens nikkeis. Estes apresentaram maiores médias de IMC, cintura, pressão arterial, glicemia e triglicérides que mulheres. As frequências de obesidade, hipertrigliceridemia e síndrome metabólica foram 47,7 por cento, 68,1 por cento e 45,2 por cento, sendo maiores nos casamentos interétnicos comparados aos intraétnicos. Comparando-se indivíduos com casamento interétnico, hipertrigliceridemia foi mais frequente nos homens e HDL-c baixo nas mulheres. O consumo de calorias, gorduras e dos grupos de álcool, doces e óleos foram maiores nos casamentos interétnicos. Indivíduos casados intraetnicamente consumiam mais carboidratos, proteínas, fibras, vitaminas, minerais, hortaliças, frutas/sucos, cereais e missoshiru. Comparando-se indivíduos com casamento interétnico, homens nikkeis apresentavam padrão mais ocidental que mulheres nikkeis. CONCLUSÃO: Casamento interétnico associa-se a hábitos alimentares menos saudáveis e pior perfil de risco cardiometabólico.

OBJECTIVE: Interethnic marriage between nikkey Brazilians and non-nikkey Brazilians may favor the westernization of diet. Dietary consumption, clinical data and frequencies of metabolic diseases were compared in a Japanese-Brazilian population, with intraethnic or interethnic marriage. METHODS: T test, Mann-Whitney, chi-square and Person coefficient were used. RESULTS: Among 1009 Japanese-Brazilians there were 18.9 percent of interethnic marriage, being more frequent among nikkey men. These showed higher means of BMI, waist, blood pressure, glycemia and triglyceridemia than women. Overall frequencies of obesity, hypertrigliceridemia and metabolic syndrome were 47.7 percent, 68.1 percent and 45.2 percent, being higher in interethnic than intraethnic marriage. Comparing individuals with interethnic marriages, hypertriglyceridemia was more common among men while low-HDL among women. Energy, fat, groups of alcohol, sweets and oils were higher in interethnic marriage. Individuals with intraethnic marriage consumed more carbohydrate, proteins, fibers, vitamins, minerals, vegetables, fruits/juice, cereals and missoshiru. Comparing individuals with interethnic marriages, nikkey men showed a more westernized dietary pattern than nikkey women. CONCLUSION: Interethnic marriage was associated with less healthy food habits and worse cardiometabolic profile.

Autoimmunity does not contribute to the highly prevalent glucose metabolism disturbances in a Japanese Brazilian population.

The Japanese Brazilian population has one of the highest prevalences of diabetes worldwide. Despite being non-obese according to standard definitions, their body fat distribution is typically central. We investigated whether a subset of these subjects had autoantibodies that would suggest a slowly progressive form of type 1 diabetes. A total of 721 Japanese Brazilians (386 men) in the 30- to 60-year age group underwent clinical examination and laboratory procedures, including a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and determinations of serum autoantibodies. Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADab) were determined by radioimmunoassay and to thyroglobulin (TGab) and thyroperoxidase (TPOab) by flow-cytometry assays. Mean body mass index was 25.2 +/- 3.8 kg/m2, but waist circumference was elevated according to the Asian standards. Diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, and impaired fasting glycemia were found in 31%, 22%, and 22%, respectively, and 53% of the subjects had metabolic syndrome. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADab) was positive in 4.72%, TGab in 9.6%, and TPOab in 10% of the whole sample. When participants were stratified according to the presence of thyroid antibodies, similar frequencies of GADab were found in positive and negative groups. The prevalence rates of glucose metabolism disturbances did not differ between GADab positive and negative groups. Our data did not support the view that autoimmune injury could contribute to the high prevalence of diabetes seen in Japanese Brazilians, and the presence of co-morbidities included in the spectrum of metabolic syndrome favors the classification as type 2 diabetes.

Macrovascular disease in a Japanese-Brazilian population of high prevalence of metabolic syndrome: associations with classical and non-classical risk factors.

BACKGROUND: The Japanese-Brazilian Diabetes Study detected high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in a population of Japanese ancestry living in Brazil. We describe the prevalence of macrovascular disease (MVD) and its association with classical and non-classical cardiovascular risk factors in this population. METHODS: An overall of 1163 individuals were studied; diagnosis of MVD was based on a score obtained from medical history, ankle-brachial pressure index and electrocardiogram, defining three groups: no MVD, possible MVD and definite MVD. RESULTS: Prevalence of MVD was 14.3% (possible MVD: 11.2%; definite MVD: 3.1%). Individuals with MS had higher rates of MVD (16.9% versus 11.2%; p<0.05). Comparing to no MVD, age, 2 h plasma glucose, anti-LDL(+) and anti-LDL(-) levels, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio were higher in both categories with MVD; waist-to-hip ratio, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio and triglycerides were higher in that with definite MVD; systolic blood pressure and homocysteine were higher in that with possible MVD. Using logistic regression, systolic blood pressure, smoking habit and anti-LDL(+) were independently associated with MVD. CONCLUSION: MVD is highly prevalent in Japanese-Brazilians and its association with MS was confirmed. A novel marker of lipoprotein modifications--anti-LDL(+) antibody--could be useful in identifying individuals at higher risk.

Análise da associação de atividade física à síndrome metabólica em estudo populacional de nipo-brasileiros / Analysis on the association of physical activity with metabolic syndrome in a population-based study of Japanese-Brazilians / Analysis on the association of physical activity with metabolic syndrome in a population-based study of Japanese-Brazilians

Doenças associadas ao sedentarismo podem ser prevenidas por mudanças no estilo de vida. Parte dos benefícios cardiovasculares da atividade física poderia advir de menor grau de inflamação. Este estudo descreve a atividade física de uma população de origem japonesa e analisa sua associação à síndrome metabólica (SM), ajustada para diversas variáveis. Baseou-se em banco de dados previamente constituído a partir de um estudo de base populacional em nipo-brasileiros. Foram incluídos 1330 indivíduos > 30 anos, de ambos os sexos, residentes em Bauru, submetidos a entrevistas, sendo obtidos dados sócio-demográficos, de saúde, de atividade física e de dieta, além de exames médicos e laboratoriais. A avaliação da atividade física enfocou atividades no trabalho e nas horas vagas. O diagnóstico de SM foi baseado em adaptação para asiáticos dos critérios do NCEP. Empregou-se regressão logística, tendo a SM como variável resposta. Homens (46,1 por cento) e mulheres apresentaram médias de idade semelhantes (57,0 ± 12,8 e 56,9 ± 12,2 anos, respectivamente). Houve leve predomínio do sexo feminino. Os homens apresentavam grau de instrução mais elevado e mais freqüentemente eram fumantes (p< 0,001); seus valores médios de IMC, cintura e de pressão arterial (p< 0,001) foram superiores aos das mulheres. Para ambos os sexos, a maioria referia praticar atividades de intensidade leve ou moderada nas horas vagas (81,2 por cento dos homens e 86,6 por cento das mulheres). Quanto ao esforço do trabalho, 87,8 por cento dos homens classificaram seu esforço como leve ou moderado, contra 96,1 por cento das mulheres. A distribuição dos níveis de AF invariavelmente revelou que as mulheres eram mais inativas (p= 0,01). Estratificando-se pela presença da SM, as mulheres e homens com SM eram significantemente mais velhos e apresentavam maiores valores antropométricos. Considerando a duração da caminhada ao trabalho, notou-se tendência a tempo menor entre aqueles com SM (p< 0,078). Conforme esperado...

Sedentary behavior-related diseases can be prevented by lifestyle changes. Part of the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity (PA) may be due to low-grade inflammation. This study describes the PA of a population of Japanese and analyses its association with metabolic syndrome (MS) adjusted a number of variables. This was based on a database previously created following a population-based study of Japanese-Brazilians. 1,330 subjects aged > 30 years, of both sexes, living in Bauru, were included and they were submitted to interviews, being obtained sociodemographic, health, physical activity and dietary data, as well as clinical and laboratory data. Physical activity assessment focused on activities during work and leisure times. Diagnosis of MS was based on an adaptation of NCEP criteria for Asians. Non-conditional logistic regression had MS as the dependent variable. Men (46.1 percent) and women showed similar mean ages (57.0 ± 12.8 and 56.9 ± 12.2 years, respectively). A slight preponderance of females was observed. Men had a higher level of education and more frequently were smokers (p< 0.001); their mean values of BMI, waist and blood pressure (p< 0.001) were higher than the womenÆs. For both sexes, the majority referred light and moderate activities (81.2 percent of men and 86.6 percent of women). As far as work time is concerned, 87.8 percent of men classified their effort as light or moderate versus 96.1 percent of women. Distribution by PA levels showed that women were always less active than men (p= 0.01). Stratifying by the presence of MS, men and women with MS were significantly older and showed greater anthropometric values. Considering the walking duration for work, there was a tendency of shorter periods among those with MS (p< 0.078). As expected, subjects with MS showed significantly higher levels of blood pressure, plasma glucose, lipids and HOMA-IR when compared to those without MS. HDL levels were lower in the MS group, being significant...

[Analysis on the association of physical activity with metabolic syndrome in a population-based study of Japanese-Brazilians]. / Análise da associação de atividade física à síndrome metabólica em estudo populacional de nipo-brasileiros.

Sedentary behavior-related diseases can be prevented by lifestyle changes. Part of the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity (PA) may be due to low-grade inflammation. This study describes the PA of a population of Japanese and analyses its association with metabolic syndrome (MS) adjusted a number of variables. This was based on a database previously created following a population-based study of Japanese-Brazilians. 1,330 subjects aged > or = 30 years, of both sexes, living in Bauru, were included and they were submitted to interviews, being obtained sociodemographic, health, physical activity and dietary data, as well as clinical and laboratory data. Physical activity assessment focused on activities during work and leisure times. Diagnosis of MS was based on an adaptation of NCEP criteria for Asians. Non-conditional logistic regression had MS as the dependent variable. Men (46.1%) and women showed similar mean ages (57.0 +/- 12.8 and 56.9 +/- 12.2 years, respectively). A slight preponderance of females was observed. Men had a higher level of education and more frequently were smokers (p< 0.001); their mean values of BMI, waist and blood pressure (p< 0.001) were higher than the womens. For both sexes, the majority referred light and moderate activities (81.2% of men and 86.6% of women). As far as work time is concerned, 87.8% of men classified their effort as light or moderate versus 96.1% of women. Distribution by PA levels showed that women were always less active than men (p= 0.01). Stratifying by the presence of MS, men and women with MS were significantly older and showed greater anthropometric values. Considering the walking duration for work, there was a tendency of shorter periods among those with MS (p< 0.078). As expected, subjects with MS showed significantly higher levels of blood pressure, plasma glucose, lipids and HOMA-IR when compared to those without MS. HDL levels were lower in the MS group, being significant for the female sex. The mean values of CRP were higher in subjects with MS. In logistic regression, age, BMI, HOMA-IR and CRP were shown to be independently associated with MS, but not parameters used to measure physical activity. Our findings do not allow to state that physical inactivity is associated with MS in a Japanese-Brazilian population. High frequencies of physical inactivity should have contributed to the negative findings concerning protective effects of physical activity. The association of MS and serum CRP favors the hypothesis that a low-grade inflammatory state may participate in this syndrome.

Trends in the modes of delivery and their impact on perinatal mortality rates.

OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in the incidence of vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections, and forceps deliveries and their potential association with fetal, early neonatal, and perinatal mortality rates over time. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out and the occurrence of deliveries supervised by university services between January 1991 and December 2000 was determined. Data regarding fetal, early neonatal, and perinatal deaths were assessed using obstetric and pediatric records and autopsy reports. RESULTS: Of a total of 33,360 deliveries, the incidence of vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections, and forceps deliveries was relatively steady (around 60, 30, and 10%, respectively) while, at the same time, there was a marked reduction in fetal mortality (from 33.3 to 13.0 per thousand), early neonatal mortality (from 30.6 to 9.0 per thousand), and perinatal mortality (from 56.4 to 19.3 per thousand). CONCLUSIONS: The marked reduction in perinatal mortality rates seen during the study period without an increase in cesarean sections indicates that the decrease in perinatal mortality was not impacted by cesarean section rates. The plausible hypothesis seems to be that the reduction in perinatal mortality of deliveries performed under the supervision of university services was more likely to be associated with better neonatal care rather than the mode of delivery.

Trends in the modes of delivery and their impact on perinatal mortality rates

OBJETIVO: Aferir as variações das taxas de parto normal, cesárea e parto fórceps, bem como das taxas de mortalidade fetal, neonatal precoce e perinatal ao longo do tempo e verificar as possíveis inter-relações entre elas. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo que avaliou as taxas dos partos realizados em hospitais localizados em Ribeirão Preto, SP, no período de janeiro de 1991 a dezembro de 2000. Os dados sobre mortalidade fetal, neonatal precoce e perinatal foram obtidos por meio de registros obstétricos, pediátricos e de necrópsias. RESULTADOS: Em um total de 33.360 partos realizados, houve relativa manutenção das taxas de parto normal, cesárea e fórceps (em torno de 60 por cento, 30 por cento e 10 por cento, respectivamente), ao mesmo tempo em que houve nítida redução das taxas de mortalidade fetal (de 33,3 para 13,0ë), neonatal precoce (de 30,6 para 9,0ë) e perinatal (de 56,4 para 19,3ë). CONCLUSÕES: Verificou-se evidente redução das taxas de mortalidade perinatal, sem aumento das taxas de parto cesárea. Desse modo, pode-se afirmar que a redução temporal da mortalidade perinatal observada nessa casuística não sofreu influência da taxa de cesárea. Parece que a redução da taxa de mortalidade perinatal dos partos realizados e supervisionados seja mais uma relação direta da melhora do atendimento neonatal do que da via de parto.

Serum total homocysteine levels and the prevalence of folic acid deficiency and C677T mutation at the MTHFR gene in an indigenous population of Amazonia: the relationship of homocysteine with other cardiovascular risk factors.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. C677T mutation at the MTHFR gene and deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B-12 may account for elevation of total homocysteine (tHcy). Ninety Brazilian Parkatêjê Indians (90.0% of the population without admixture, aged > or = 20 years) were studied. Hyperhomocysteinemia was observed in 26.7% of the Indians. No case of vitamin B-12 deficiency was detected. Folic acid deficiency was found in 43.3% of the subjects. Rates of mutated allele 677T and TT genotype were 40.7% and 14.0%, respectively. Prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, WHR > or = 0.9, BMI > or = 25 kg/m2 and chronic alcohol use were 4.4%, 44.4%, 25.6%, 72.2%, 67.8%, and 0.0%, respectively. All creatinine values were normal. Natural logarithmic (ln) tHcy showed no correlation with age, but was positively correlated with systolic (r = 0.22) and diastolic (r = 0.21) blood pressure and triglycerides (r = 0.39) and inversely correlated with folic acid (r = -0.40) adjusted for age and sex. Total homocysteine (tHcy) was higher among TT genotype (P < .001). The multiple linear regression model, containing variables for sex, folic acid, TT genotype, and triglycerides, explained 50.0% of the variation of the ln tHcy. In summary, high rates of cardiovascular risk factors were discovered. C667T mutation and folic acid deficiency can explain, at least in part, the observed hyperhomocysteinemia.