Association of free fatty acids with the insulin-resistant state but not with central obesity in individuals from Venezuela.

Individuals with insulin resistance (IR) usually have upper body obesity phenotype, often accompanied by an increase in plasma free fatty acids (FFA). Since the Venezuelan population has a high frequency of IR and central obesity, the purpose of this work was to determine FFA levels in 47 Venezuelan individuals, men and women, 24-58 years old, and analyze their relationship with central obesity and parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Basal concentrations of TG, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C were measured, and FFA, glucose and insulin, at basal state and at different times after a glucose load. Eighteen individuals presented insulin resistance (HOMA-IR > 2.7) and 29 were non-insulin resistant (non-IR). Insulin resistant individuals (IR) had higher waist circumference, BMI and basal concentrations of FFA than the non-IR. No differences were observed in skin folds and other basal lipids studied. The increased FFA seemed to be related to the IR associated to BMI and not to central obesity, since the difference between IR and non-IR disappeared when they were matched for waist circumference. After a glucose load, FFA decreased in both groups, but remained significantly elevated in IR subjects. This effect disappeared after matching for BMI or waist circumference, inferring that it was independent of anthropometries. FFA were positively associated with HOMA-IR, glucose and TG levels; however, there was.no association with BMI or waist circumference. These findings, and the lack of elements to support the presence of hepatic IR, common to increased visceral lipolysis, might suggest that the IR present in the obese individuals studied, might be due to an increase in subcutaneous fat.

Association of free fatty acids with the insulin-resistant state but not with central obesity in individuals from Venezuela

Individuals with insulin resistance (IR) usually have upper body obesity phenotype, often accompanied by an increase in plasma free fatty acids (FFA). Since the Venezuelan population has a high frequency of IR and central obesity, the purpose of this work was to determine FFA levels in 47 Venezuelan individuals, men and women, 24-58 years old, and analyze their relationship with central obesity and parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Basal concentrations of TG, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C were measured, and FFA, glucose and insulin, at basal state and at different times after a glucose load. Eighteen individuals presented insulin resistance (HOMA-IR >2.7) and 29 were non-insulin resistant (non-IR). Insulin resistant individuals (IR) had higher waist circumference, BMI and basal concentrations of FFA than the non-IR. No differences were observed in skin folds and other basal lipids studied. The increased FFA seemed to be related to the IR associated to BMI and not to central obesity, since the difference between IR and non-IR disappeared when they were matched for waist circumference. After a glucose load, FFA decreased in both groups, but remained significantly elevated in IR subjects. This effect disappeared after matching for BMI or waist circumference, inferring that it was independent of anthropometrics. FFA were positively associated with HOMA-IR, glucose and TG levels; however, there was no association with BMI or waist circumference. These findings, and the lack of elements to support the presence of hepatic IR, common to increased visceral lipolysis, might suggest that the IR present in the obese individuals studied, might be due to an increase in subcutaneous fat.

Los individuos con insulino-resistencia (IR) usualmente presentan obesidad central, fenotipo comúnmente acompañado de incremento de ácidos grasos libres (AGL). Como los individuos venezolanos presentan una alta frecuencia de IR y obesidad central, el objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar, en un grupo de ellos, la relación entre AGL y obesidad central y parámetros relacionados con el metabolismo de carbohidratos y lípidos. En 47 venezolanos, hombres y mujeres, entre 24 y 58 años, se determinaron las concentraciones basales de TG, Colesterol total, LDL-C, HDL-C y AGL, glucemia e insulina a nivel basal y a diferentes tiempos después de una sobrecarga glucosada. Dieciocho individuos resultaron IR (HOMA-IR > 2,7) y 29 no IR. Los IR presentaron mayor circunferencia de cintura (CC), índice de masa corporal (IMC) y concentraciones basales de AGL. No hubo diferencias en los pliegues cutáneos ni en los otros lípidos. Los valores elevados de AGL parecieron relacionarse con la IR asociada al IMC y no a la obesidad central puesto que una vez apareados por CC, la diferencia en los valores de AGL entre IR y no-IR desapareció. Después de la sobrecarga glucosada los AGL disminuyeron en ambos grupos, pero permanecieron significativamente elevados en los IR. Esta diferencia desapareció al aparear por IMC o CC. Los AGL estuvieron significativamente asociados a HOMA-IR, glucemia y TG, sin embargo no se encontró asociación con IMC o CC. Estos hallazgos, más la falta de elementos que apoyen la presencia de IR hepática, común en un incremento de la lipólisis visceral, sugieren que la IR presente en estos individuos obesos pueda ser debida a incremento de la grasa subcutánea.

[Gly482Ser polymorphism of the coactivator-1alpha of the activated receptor of peroxisome gamma proliferation in individuals from Maracaibo, Venezuela]. / Polimorfismo Gly482Ser del gen coactivador-1alpha del receptor activado de proliferación de los peroxisomas gamma en individuos de la ciudad de Maracaibo, estado Zulia, Venezuela. Estudio preliminar.

The aim of this study was to determine the association of the Gly482Ser polymorphism of the PGC-1 gene with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus in subjects from the city of Maracaibo. The study was performed on 64 no-diabetic subjects (36 without insulin resistance and 28 with insulin resistance) and 13 with type 2 diabetes. A clinical and nutritional history was carried out and the evaluation of anthropometric parameters was included. Fasting serum glucose, fasting serum insulin, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C, were measured. The Gly482Ser polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP. It was found that the allelic frequencies for A and G were 0.36 and 0.64, respectively. The population was found in genetic equilibrium of Hardy Weinberg. The genotypes of the polymorphism Gly482Ser were not associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.320, p = 0.74; OR = 2, p = 0.47 respectively). Nevertheless, the diabetic subjects with the genotype AA presented values of LDL-C higher (p < 0.05) than the individuals with the genotypes GG and GA. The diabetics with the genotype GA showed significantly higher concentrations of triglycerides (>150 mg/dL) compared with the genotype GG. According to the results, the polymorphism Gly482Ser of the PGC-1 gene would be able to contribute to the cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetics, while in the insulin resistant individuals, this polymorphism was not associated with cardiovascular risk factors.

Polimorfismo Gly482Ser del gen coactivador-1a dl receptor activado de proliferación de los peroxisomas y en individuos de la ciudad de Maracaibo estado Zulia Venezuela: estudio preliminar / Gly482Ser polymorphism of the coactivator-1a of the activated receptor of peroxisone y proliferation in individuals from Maracaibo Venezuela

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre el polimorfismo Gly482Ser del gen PGC-1 con resistencia a la insulina y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en individuos de la ciudad de Maracaibo. Se estudiaron 64 individuos no diabético (36 sin resistencia a la insulina, 28 resistentes a la insulina) y 13 diabéticos tipo 2. Se realizó una historia clínica nutricional que incluyó la evaluación de parámetros antropométricos. Se midieron los niveles de glicemia e insulina basal, colesterol total, HDL-C y LDL-C. El polimorfismo Gly482Ser fue detectado empleando la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa y polimorfismo de restricción de fragmentos largos. Se encontró que las frecuencias alélicas para A y G resultaron 0,36 y 0,64 respectivamente. La población se encontró en equilibrio genético de Hardy Weinberg. Al asociar los genotipos del polimorfismo Gly482Ser con la resistencia a la insulina y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2, no se encontró asociación estadística significativa (OR=1,320, p=0,74; OR=2, p=0,47 respectivamente). Sin embargo, los individuos diabéticos con genotipo AA presentaron valores de LDL-C más elevados (p<0,05) que los individuos con el genotipo GG y GA. Los diabéticos con el genotipo GA mostraron concentraciones significativamente elevadas de triglicéridos (>150 mg/dL) comparados con los del genotipo GG. De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos, el polimorfismo Gly482Ser del gen PGC-1 podría contribuir al riesgo cardiovascular en los individuos diabéticos tipo 2, mientras que en los individuos resistentes a la insulina este polimorfismo no estuvo asociado a factores de riesgo cardiovascular.

The aim of this study was to determine the association of the Gly482Ser polymorphism of the PGC-1 gene with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus in subjects from the city of Maracaibo. The study was performed on 64 no-diabetic subjects (36 without insulin resistance and 28 with insulin resistance) and 13 with type 2 diabetes. A clinical and nutritional history was carried out and the evaluation of anthropometric parameters was included. Fasting serum glucose, fasting serum insulin, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C, were measured. The Gly482Ser polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP. It was found that the allelic frequencies for A and G were 0.36 and 0.64, respectively. The population was found in genetic equilibrium of Hardy Weinberg. The genotypes of the polymorphism Gly482Ser were not associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR=1.320, p=0.74; OR = 2, p=0.47 respectively). Nevertheless, the diabetic subjects with the genotype AA presented values of LDL-C higher (p<0.05) than the individuals with the genotypes GG and GA. The diabetics with the genotype GA showed significantly higher concentrations of triglycerides (>150 mg/dL) compared with the genotype GG. According to the results, the polymorphism Gly482Ser of the PGC-1 gene would be able to contribute to the cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetics, while in the insulin resistant individuals, this polymorphism was not associated with cardiovascular risk factors.

Seroprevalencia de la toxoplasmosis en una población pediátrica del municipio Mara estado Zulia / Toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in a pediatric population Mara municipality, state of Zulia

La Toxoplasmosis es una de las protozoonosis más frecuentes del ser humano. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la seroprevalencia de la toxoplasmosis en una población infantil del Municipio Mara, estado Zulia. Se estudiaron 119 muestras de sueros de ambos sexos (53 masculinos y 66 femeninos) con edades comprendidas entre 4-13 años. Los anticuerpos toxoplásmicos se determinaron por de la técnica de hemaglutinación indirecta. El análisis estadístico se realizó a través de la prueba de Chi cuadrado y la correlación de Spearman. La prevalencia general de infección fue de 15,9 por ciento. La frecuencia de sueros positivos fue mayor en el rango de edad de 10-13 años (8/25) con un 32,0 por ciento. Se observó que el número de casos positivos aumentó con relación al grupo de edad. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con relación al sexo, sin embargo se apreció una mayor tendencia de positividad para el sexo femenino en el grupo de 10-13 años. La media geométrica fue de 9.479. El rango de títulos positivos fue de 1:64 a 1:2.097.512, el título más bajo fue de 1:64 con 5,26 por ciento (1/19) y el más alto 1:2.097.512 con 5,26 por ciento (1/19). Los resultados obtenidos indican que esta enfermedad es frecuente en esta población infantil.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most frequent protozoonosis in the human being. The objective of this study was to determine toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in an infantile population from the Mara Municipality, State of Zulia. 119 serum samples from both sexes (53 male and 66 female) with ages between 4-13 years were studied. The toxoplasmic antibodies were determined by the indirect hemaglutination technique. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi square test and Spearman’s correlation. General prevalence of the infection was 15.9 percent. The positive serum frequency was greater in the 10-13 year age range (8/25) with 32.0 percent. It was observed that the number of positive cases increased in relation to the age group. No statistically significant differences related to gender were observed; nevertheless, a greater positive tendency was observed for females in the 10-13 year group. The geometric average was 9.479. The range of positive titles was from 1:64 to 1:2.097.512; the lowest title was 1:64 with 5.26 percent (1/19) and the highest was 1:2.097.512 with 5.26 percent (1/19). Results indicate that this disease is frequent in this infantile population.

[Distribution of fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) insulin resistance (IR) and HOMA beta cell in children and adolescents from Maracaibo, Venezuela]. / Distribución de las concentraciones de glucosa e indulina basal, HOMA IR Y HOMA beta cell en niños y adolescentes de la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela.

BACKGROUND: The raising prevalence of obesity among children increases the risk of insulin resistance and its adverse metabolic consequences. AIM: To determine the distributions of fasting serum glucose, insulin, HOMA IR and HOMA beta cell in a representative sample of children and adolescents from Maracaibo-Venezuela. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fasting insulin and glucose were measured in 418 children and adolescents (191 boys and 227 girls) of 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 years of age. HOMA IR and HOMA beta cell were calculated. RESULTS: Insulin levels were lower in 7 and 9 year-old girls and 7 year-old boys compared with 11, 13 and 15 year-old girls and boys. Fasting glucose concentrations were similar in boys and girls. HOMA IR was lower in 7 year-old girls compared to 11, 13 and 15 years-old girls, whereas boys in every age showed similar values. HOMA beta cell was higher in 11 and 13 year-old girls. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide useful values to assess insulin resistance and ss-cell functioning in children and adolescents.

Black Hispanics have a worse cardiovascular risk profile than mixed Hispanics in Venezuela.

In order to characterize components of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in Venezuelan black Hispanics and compare these metabolic abnormalities with those found in the predominant mixed Hispanic population, 2336 mixed Hispanics (69% women) and 281 black Hispanics (60% women), aged 20-78 years, without prior history of diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease were evaluated in a population-based study in Zulia State, Venezuela. Blood pressure (BP), waist circumference, as well as fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured. The criteria proposed by the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) to identify those with metabolic abnormalities were used. We found that black Hispanics showed higher frequency of age-adjusted elevated BP than mixed Hispanics in both men (66.9% vs. 52.3%, p < 0.01) and women (39.3% vs. 30.4%, p < 0.05). In men, elevated FBG was also more frequent in black Hispanics (32.7%) than in mixed Hispanics (22.3%), despite the lack of significant differences in fasting insulin, HOMA-insulin resistance and HOMA-beta cell function values. In women low HDL-C and higher abdominal obesity were more common in black Hispanics (71.8% and 54.1%, respectively) than in mixed Hispanics (56.2% and 44.5%, respectively), despite the greater frequency of high TG in mixed Hispanics (22.6%) when compared to black Hispanics (13.3%). Furthermore, in logistic regression analysis black Hispanic race was independently associated with higher risk for hypertension, fasting hyperglycemia, and low HDL-C. These results suggest that black Hispanics have worse cardiovascular risk profile than mixed Hispanics in Zulia State, with higher BP, higher FBG, more abdominal obesity, and lower HDL-C. Identification and intervention of these high-risk subjects are important strategies for diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention in Venezuela.

Black hispanics have a worse cardiovascular risk profile than mixed hispanics in Venezuela

Con el propósito de caracterizar los componentes del síndrome metabólico en hispanos negros de Venezuela y comparar dichas anormalidades metabólicas con aquellas encontradas en la población predominante de hispanos mezclados, se estudiaron 2236 hispanos mezclados (69 por ciento mujeres) y 281 hispanos negros (60 por ciento mujeres), de 20 años o más, sin historia previa de diabetes y/o enfermedad cardiovascular en un estudio poblacional en el Estado Zulia de Venezuela. Se midieron la tensión arterial (TA), circunferencia de cintura, así como insulina y glicemia basal, triglicéridos (TG) y colesterol de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL-C). Para definir la presencia de anormalidades metabólicas se usaron los criterios del Programa Nacional de Educación del Colesterol/Panel del Tratamiento del Adulto III (NCEP/ATP III). Se encontró que los hispanos negros tenían mayor frecuencia de TA elevada - ajustada para la edad que los Hispanos mezclados tanto en los hombres (69,9 por ciento vs. 52,3 por ciento, p < 0,01) como en las mujeres (39,3 por ciento vs. 30,4 por ciento, p < 0,05). En los hombres, la elevación de la glicemia en ayunas fue más frecuente en los hispanos negros (32,7 por ciento) que en los hispanos mezclados (22,3 por ciento) a pesar de la falta de diferencias significativas en los valores de insulina, HOMA-insulino resistencia y HOMA-célula beta. En las mujeres, el HDL-C bajo y la obesidad abdominal fueron más comunes en las hispanas negras (71,8 por ciento y 54,1 por ciento, respectivamente) que en las hispanas mezcladas (56,2 por ciento y 44,5 por ciento, respectivamente), a pesar de la mayor frecuencia de hipertrigliceridemia en las hispanas mezcladas (22,6 por ciento) comparadas con las hispanas negras (13,3 por ciento). En análisis de regresión logística se observó que la raza hispana negra se asocia independientemente con mayor riesgo de hipertensión, hiperglicemia y HDL-C bajo.

Distribución de las concentraciones de glucosa e indulina basal, HOMA IR Y MOMA ßcell en niños y adolescentes de la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela / Distribution of fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) insulin resistance (IR) and HOMA ß cell in children and adolescents from Maracaibo, Venezuela

Background: The raising prevalence of obesity among children increases the risk of insulin resistance and its adverse metabolic consequences. Aim: To determine the distributions of fasting serum glucose, insulin, HOMA IR and HOMA ß cell in a representative sample of children and adolescents from Maracaibo-Venezuela. Subjects and Methods: Fasting insulin and glucose were measured in 418 children and adolescents (191 boys and 227 girls) of 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 years of age. HOMA IR and HOMA ß cell were calculated. Results: Insulin levels were lower in 7 and 9 year-old girls and 7 year-old boys compared with 11, 13 and 15 year-old girls and boys. Fasting glucose concentrations were similar in boys and girls. HOMA IR was lower in 7 year-old girls compared to 11, 13 and 15 years-old girls, whereas boys in every age showed similar values. HOMA ß cell was higher in 11 and 13 year-old girls. Conclusions: Our findings provide useful values to assess insulin resistance and ß-cell functioning in children and adolescents.

[Basal insulin levels in a Zulia State population in Venezuela]. / Niveles basales de insulina en una población del estado Zulia, Venezuela.

This study examines the basal insulin levels in a population from Zulia state (Venezuela). A total of 1703 subjects (1175 women and 528 men) from five different sanitary regions (Maracaibo, La Guajira, Perijá, Sur del Lago de Maracaibo, y Costa Oriental del Lago de Maracaibo) were studied. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and blood pressure were determined. A blood sample was taken after a 12-h overnight fast to determine serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-C using enzymatic methods and insulin by radioimmunoassay. According to ATP III criteria two groups were established: a group without metabolic abnormalities (138 subjects) and a group with some metabolic abnormalities 84.8% of subjects of the non metabolic alteration groups and 80.4% of the group with some metabolic alteration were of mixed race. Non metabolic altered lean subjects (BMI <25 Kg/m2) had the lowest (p < 0.0001) basal insulin levels compared to the ones with overweight from the same group and the obese with metabolic abnormalities. This study proposes to consider a cutoff basal insulin levels of 13 microU/mL for women and 11 microU/mL for men, over 20 years of age, in the Zulia state region of Venezuela.

[Serum insulin, leptin and growth hormone levels are associated with body mass index and obesity index in adolescents]. / Insulina, leptina y hormona de crecimiento y su relación con índice de masa corporal e índice de obesidad en adolescentes.

Leptin, insulin and growth hormone levels seem to regulate body composition, fat distribution and fat mass. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among insulin, leptin and growth hormone levels in a group of adolescents. Ninety five adolescents (31 boys and 64 girls) between 13 and 18 y. of age were studied. A medical and nutritional history was made which included body mass index (BMI) and subcutaneous skinfolds measurements. Basal levels of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, leptin, insulin and growth hormone were determined. The leptin and insulin levels were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity index (OBI). Insulin, leptin and obesity markers were negatively associated with growth hormone level. Fifty two percent of the adolescents with BMI = 21.09 kg/m2 were considered metabolically obese because they had elevated levels of insulin (18.68 +/- 1.52 vs. 10.08 +/- 0.38 microU/ml), HOMA IR (3.34 +/- 0.24 vs. 1.76 +/- 0.07), leptin (16.30 +/- 1.24 vs. 8.11 +/- 1.32 ng./dl) and triglycerides (78.56 +/- 4.38 vs. 64.39 +/- 5.48 mg/dl) and lower levels of HDL-C (39.09 +/- 1.27 vs. 43.30 +/- 2.38 mg/dl), compared with normal group. The same alterations were observed in the obese group, in which significative decrease in growth hormone level was added. We conclude that hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia and low growth hormone levels, may be established as risk factors related to obesity markers, lipid alterations and insulin resistance that can lead to an early development of Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Niveles basales de insulina en una población del estado Zulia Venezuela / Basal insulin levels in a Zulia state population in Venezuela

El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer los niveles basales de insulina en una población del estado Zulia. Se estudiaron 1703 individuos (1175 mujeres y 528 hombres) de 5 subregiones sanitarias del Estado Zulia (Maracaibo, Guajira, Perijá, Sur del Lago de Maracaibo, y Costa Oriental del Lago de Maracaibo). A cada individuo se le determinó peso, talla, circunferencia de cintura y cadera y presión arterial. Se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC, Kg/m2). Después de 12 horas de ayuno, se tomaron muestras de sangre venosa y se determinaron las concentraciones de glicemia, triglicéridos, colesterol total y HDL-C empleando métodos enzimáticos, e insulina por radioinmunoensayo. De acuerdo a los criterios del ATP III se establecieron 2 grupos: sin alteraciones metabólicas (138 individuos) y con alguna alteración metabólica (1565 individuos). El 84,8 por ciento de los sujetos sin alteraciones metabólicas y el 80,4 por ciento de los sujetos con alteraciones, se caracterizaron por ser de raza mezclada. Los individuos delgados (IMC < 25 Kg/m2) sin alteraciones metabólicas, presentaron los valores más bajos de insulina basal (p < 0,0001), comparados con los sujetos con sobrepeso del mismo grupo y con los individuos con alteraciones metabólicas. Este estudio propone considerar como puntos de corte para los niveles de insulina basal valores de 13 µU/mL para las mujeres y 11µU/mL para los hombres mayores de 20 años de la región zuliana

Insulina, leptina y hormona de crecimiento y su relación con índice de masa corporal e índice de obesidad en adolescentes / Serum Insulin, leptin and growth hormone levels are associated with body mass index and obesity index in adolescents

La leptina, insulina y hormona de crecimiento influyen en la masa grasa, composición corporal y distribución grasa. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la relación entre los niveles de insulina, leptina y hormona de crecimiento con parámetros antropométricos y lipídicos en adolescentes. Se estudiaron 95 adolescentes entre 13 y 18 años. Se realizó una historia clínico-nutricional donde se midió el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y los pliegues subcutáneos. Se determinaron los niveles basales de glicemia, triglicéridos, colesterol total, HDL-C, LDL-C y VLDL-C, insulina, leptina y hormona de crecimiento. Los niveles de leptina e insulina se relacionaron positivamente con el IMC y el Índice de Obesidad (IOB). La insulina, leptina e indicadores de obesidad se relacionaron en forma negativa con la hormona de crecimiento. El 52% de los adolescentes con IMC≥21,09 Kg/m2 e IOB >42,02 mm se consideraron metabólicamente obesos, debido a que comparados con los adolescentes normales, presentaron niveles elevados de insulina (18,68± 1,52 vs 10,08± 0,38 m U/ml), HOMA IR (3,34± 0,24 vs 1,76± 0,07), leptina (16,30± 1,24 vs 8,11± 1,32 ng/dl) y triglicéridos (78,56± 4,38 vs 64,39± 5,48 mg/dl) y disminución de HDL-C (39,09± 1,27 vs 43,30± 2,38 mg/dl). Estas mismas alteraciones se observaron en adolescentes obesos en quienes se produjo además una disminución significativa de la hormona de crecimiento. Se concluye que en los adolescentes estudiados existió una serie de factores de riesgo como hiperinsulinemia, hiperleptinemia y hormona de crecimiento disminuida relacionada con marcadores de obesidad, alteraciones lipídicas e insulino resistencia, lo cual puede conducir a la aparición temprana de diabetes tipo 2 y enfermedad cardiovascular.

Leptin, insulin and growth hormone levels seem to regulate body composition, fat distribution and fat mass. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among insulin, leptin and growth hormone levels in a group of adolescents. Ninety five adolescents (31 boys and 64 girls) between 13 and 18 y. of age were studied. A medical and nutritional history was made which included body mass index (BMI) and subcutaneous skinfolds measurements. Basal levels of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, leptin, insulin and growth hormone were determined. The leptin and insulin levels were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity index (OBI). Insulin, leptin and obesity markers were negatively associated with growth hormone level. Fifty two percent of the adolescents with BMI ≥21.09 kg/m2 were considered metabolically obese because they had elevated levels of insulin (18.68 ± 1.52 vs. 10.08 ± 0.38 m U/ml), HOMA IR (3.34± 0.24 vs. 1.76± 0.07), leptin (16.30± 1.24 vs. 8.11± 1.32 ng./dl) and triglycerides (78.56± 4.38 vs 64.39± 5.48 mg/dl) and lower levels of HDL-C (39.09± 1.27 vs 43.30± 2.38 mg/dl), compared with normal group. The same alterations were observed in the obese group, in which significative decrease in growth hormone level was added. We conclude that hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia and low growth hormone levels, may be established as risk factors related to obesity markers, lipid alterations and insulin resistance that can lead to an early development of Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

[Levels of apoproteins B, A1 and CIII as markers for cardiovascular risk in lean and obese adolescents]. / Niveles de apoproteínas B, A1 y CIII como marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular en adolescentes delgados y obesos.

Cardiovascular disease is a significant health problem affecting the adult population. Because atherosclerosis may begin in childhood, the aim of the present study was to identify biochemical markers for cardiovascular risk at an early stage of life. We studied 79 adolescents (48 girls and 31 boys) whose ages ranged from 13 to 17 years. A medical history (including pubertal stage by Tanner) was obtained from each subject. Anthropometric assessment was established by height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, skinfolds, centrality index and obesity index. After a 12-h fast, basal blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and HDL-C were determined by enzymatic methods, mean basal insulin levels by radio immunoassays and apo A1, B, CIII by turbidimetric immunoassays. According to the BMI and taking 25 Kg/m2 as the cutoff value, 35% of the girls and 16% of the boys were obese. Eighty-five percent of the girls and 58% of the boys were hyperinsulinemic (basal insulin > 12 uU/ml). Circumferences, skinfolds, centrality and obesity index were higher (p < 0.05) in boys than in girls. In both, boys and girls, basal insulin levels were higher than the cutoff insulin value for our lab (>12 microU/ml), with the girls having higher insulin levels than the boys. Apo A1 was negatively associated with the obesity index and positively with HDL-C. Apo B was related to total cholesterol and LDL-C. Apo CIII was associated with basal insulin levels, triglycerides and VLDL-C. Our results suggest that apo CIII might be a good marker for higher insulin levels, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk in adolescents.

Niveles de apoproteínas B, A1 y CIII como marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular en adolescentes delgados y obesos / Levels of apoproteins B, A1 and CIII as markers for cardiovascular risk in lean and obese adolescents

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares constituyen un problema de salud pública de la población adulta. Debido a que las alteraciones ateroscleróticas tienen su origen en la niñez, se hace necesario identificar marcadores bioquímicos en etapas tempranas de la vida, como en la adolescencia. Se estudiaron 79 adolescentes (48 hembras y 31 varones) en edades comprendidas entre 13 y 17 años. A cada adolescente se le realizó una historia clínica. Se evaluó el estado puberal de acuerdo a los criterios de Tanner. Además se realizó la evaluación antropométrica a través de peso, talla, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y medición de cintura, cadera y los pliegues subcutáneos. Se calcularon los índices de centralidad (PSE/PT) y de obesidad (PSE + PB + PT). Después de un ayuno de 12 horas, se determinaron en suero los niveles basales de glicemia, colesterol total (CT), triglicéridos (TG), colesterol de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL-C) y alta densidad (HDL-C) por métodos enzimáticos y los niveles de insulina basal por radioinmunoensayo (RIA). Se determinaron las concentraciones de apoproteínas A1, B y CIII por inmunoturbimetría. De acuerdo a su IMC y tomando como punto de corte 25 kg/m2 se observó que el 35 por ciento de las hembras y el 16 por ciento de los varones eran obesos. Al mismo tiempo, el 85 por ciento de las hembras y el 58 por ciento de los varones presentaron hiperinsulinemia (insulina basal >12µU/mL). Las medidas de circunferencia, pliegues e índices de centralidad y obesidad fueron superiores (p<0,05) en los varones comparados con las hembras. La media general de insulina tanto para hembras como para varones resultó más alta de acuerdo al punto de corte establecido para insulina en nuestro laboratorio, pero fue significativamente superior (p<0,05) en las hembras. Esto se acompañó de niveles más altos de CT en las hembras y niveles más bajos de HDL-C en los varones. La apo A1 se encontró asociada en forma negativa con el índice de obesidad y positivamente con la HDL-C. La apo B se relacionó con los niveles de CT y LDL-C, mientras que la apo CIII se asoció positivamente con las concentraciones basales de insulina, TG y VLDL-C. Estos resultados sugieren que la apo CIII pareciera ser un buen marcador de niveles elevados de insulina, insulino resistencia y de riesgo cardiovascular precoz.e glicemia, colesterol total (CT)

Lean adolescents with increased risk for metabolic syndrome.

The aim of the present study was to determine in adolescents the relationship between insulin levels and body mass index (BMI), body fat distribution, diet, life style and lipid profile. We studied 167 adolescents (68 boys and 99 girls) whose ages ranged from 14 to 17 years. A detailed medical (including pubertal stage) and nutritional record was obtained from each subject. Biochemical measurements included fasting serum insulin, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (Tg), HDL-C, LDL-C and VLDL-C. HOMA insulin resistance (IR) and HOMA beta-cell function (beta-cell) were calculated. Insulin levels were over 84 pmol/L (cut off normal value in our lab) in 56% of the boys and 43% of the girls. Thirty-seven percent of lean adolescents whose BMI was 21.5 +/- 1.9 kg/m2 presented higher fasting insulin levels. HOMA IR, Tg, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values when compared to a lean normoinsulinemic group. Insulin levels were correlated (p < 0.01) with body mass index. Both boys and girls in the highest BMI quartile (BMI > 24 kg/m2) had significantly higher serum insulin, HOMA beta-cell, and Tg levels, and the lowest HDL-C levels. A high-energy intake rich in saturated fat and low physical activity were found in this lean but metabolically altered adolescents. We conclude that even with a BMI as low as 21 kg/m2 an inappropriate diet and low physical activity might be responsible for the high insulin levels and dislipidemias in adolescents.

Presence of impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance in normoglycemic male subjects with family history of type 2 diabetes.

In order to demonstrate the effect of family history (FH) coexisting with obesity in insulin resistance (IR) and secretion in subjects at risk for type 2 diabetes, fasting and 2 h post-glucose load serum glucose and insulin concentrations were measured in 143 individuals, 66 men and 77 women, ages ranging from 18 to 68 years, who were considered at risk but were normoglycemic following ADA criteria. Insulin resistance was estimated using HOMA(IR), basal hyperinsulinemia and I(0)/G(0) ratio. Insulin secretion was estimated by means of HOMA(beta-cell), DeltaI(30-0)/DeltaG(30-0) ratio and the insulin concentration at 30 min post-glucose load (I(30)). Disposition index (DI) was calculated to verify if insulin secretion compensate IR. Obesity in males produced an increase in all the parameters indicative of IR in both groups of individuals, with (FH(+)) or without (FH(-)) family history of diabetes, increase that was more pronounced in those FH(-). This effect was not observed in women. The parameters indicative of insulin secretion showed that only in males the presence of FH(+) was responsible for a significant decrease in insulin secretion, mainly expressed as lower values of HOMA(beta-cell) in obese as well as in non-obese. The I(30) and the ratio DeltaI(30-0)/DeltaG(30-0), although lower, did not reach statistical significance. The DI showed that only when obesity and FH were associated the decrease in insulin secretion was not a compensatory response to the IR present in those individuals. In conclusion, normoglycemic obese and non-obese male subjects of Hispanic (Latinos) origin with a family history of type 2 diabetes present not only IR but impaired insulin secretion, having the obese FH(+) and additional risk like low DI.

[Prevalence of obesity and hyperinsulinemia: its association with serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in healthy individuals from Maracaibo, Venezuela]. / Prevalencia de obesidad e hiperinsulinemia en una poblacion aparentemente sana de Maracaibo, Venezuela y su relación con las concentraciones de lípidos y lipoproteínas del suero.

The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of obesity and hyperinsulinemia and their association with lipid profile alterations on apparently healthy individuals from Maracaibo, Venezuela. We evaluated 306 men and 41 women, ages ranging from 33 to 65 years. All subjects underwent cardiovascular evaluation and laboratory examination after 10-12 h fasting, for glycaemia, total cholesterol, TG, VLDL-C, LDL-C and HDL-C as well as insulin. Seventy-four percent of men and 56.1% of women showed obesity (BMI > 25 Kg/m2). Men showed high concentrations of TG (48.3%), total cholesterol (40.2%), VLDL-C (48.3%) and LDL-C (33.9%) and low HDL-C levels (48%). The most frequent alteration on the lipid profile in women was high total cholesterol (46%) and LDL-C (51.2%). Men had significantly higher insulin concentrations than women (p < 0.005). After they were classified as obese or non obese, the obese subjects (men and women) showed higher prevalence of lipid profile alterations and insulin concentrations than non obese. The insulin concentration in obese men correlated with BMI, TG, VLDL-C and HDL and, in women with BMI, TG and VLDL-C. In conclusion, a high percentage of men and women in this study showed obesity and this obesity, specially in men, was strongly associated with lipid profile alterations and high insulin concentrations both well known cardiovascular risk factors.

Prevalencia de obesidad e hipersinsulinemia en una población aparentemente sana de Maracaibo Venezuela y su relación con las concentraciones de lípidos y lipoproteínas del suero / Prevalence of obesity and hyperinsulinemia: its association with lipid profile in healthy individuals from Maracaibo Venezuela

Con el propósito de analizar la prevalencia de obesidad e hipersulinemia y su asociación con alteraciones con el pérfil de lípidos en individuos aparentemente sanos, se evaluaron 306 hombres y 41 mujeres con edades comprendidas entre 33 y 36 años de Maracaibo, Venezuela. A los sujetos se les practicó una evaluación cardiovascular y se le realizaron exámenes de laboratorio, después de un ayuno de 10-12 horas, que incluían glicemia, colesterol total (CT), triglicéridos (TG), HDL-C, LDL-C y VLDL-C. Además, se les determinó insulina por radioinmunoanálisis. El 74 por ciento de los hombres y 56,1 por ciento de las mujeres mostraron obesidad. Los hombres presentaron concentraciones elevadas de TG (47,8 por ciento), CT (40,2 por ciento), VLDL-C (48,3 por ciento) y LDL-C (33,9 por ciento), y bajos niveles de HDL-C (48 por ciento). En las mujeres las alteraciones más frecuentes en los lípidos fueron altas concentraciones de colesterol total (46 por ciento) y de LDL-C (51,2 por ciento). Las concentraciones de insulina en los hombres fueron significativamente superiores a las de las mujeres (p<0,005). Tanto en los hombres como en las mujeres, la insulina se asoció significativamente con el IMC, TG, VLDL-C y HDL-C. Al clasificar a los sujetos en obesos y no obesos según su IMC, se encontró que los obesos (IMC>25 Kg/m² para hombres y mujeres) presentaban mayor prevalencia de alteración en el metabolismo de los lípidos. Así mismo, el promedio de las concentraciones de insulina de los obesos fue significativamente superior (Hombres: 17,4 ± 0,6 vs 11,4 ± 0,6 µU/mL; p<0,0001 y Mujeres: 14,7 ± 1,5 vs 9,0 ± µU/mL; p<0,003). En conclusión, un elevado porcentaje de los hombres y mujeres "aparentemente sanos" de este estudio muestran obesidad y esta obesidad principalmente en los hombres, se asocia con alteraciones en los lípidos y elevadas concentraciones de insulina, lo que incrementa su riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedad cardiovascular

Respuesta de la glucosa/insulina a una sobrecarga glucosada en sujetos con riesgo a diabetes tipo 2 / Glucose-insulin response to a glucose challenge in individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes

Con el fin de determinar el efecto de ciertos factores de riesgo para diabetes tipo 2 tales como los antecedentes familiares, la obesidad y las dislipidemias, sobre la respuesta glicémica e insulínica a una sobre carga glucosada, se estudiaron 135 individuos (77 mujeres y 58 hombres) en edades entre 20 y 68 años, con glicemias basales menores de 110 mg/dL, pero considerados con riesgo para diabetes tipo 2 por presentar uno o más de los factores citados. Encontramos que la presencia de dichos factores de riesgo no afectó la respuesta glicémica en ningún caso, sin embargo tanto las concentraciones basales de insulina así como la respuesta post sobrecarga fue afectada por la obesidad, tanto en los hombres como en las mujeres, elevándose en forma significativa (p > 0,0001) las concentraciones de insulina. La presencia de dislipidemia elevó en forma significativa (p < 0,0002). Cuando estuvo presente la coexistencia de antecedentes familiares de diabetes tipo 2 y la obesidad, los individuos mostraron una disminución significativa (p < 0,0002) tanto de los valores basales como de la repuesta insulínica. Concluimos que sin alterarse la respuesta glicémica, la presencia de un factor de riesgo como obesidad, dislipidemia o historia familiar de diabetes conduce a hiperinsulinemia basal y estimulada por glucosa, mientras que la coexistencia de obesidad y antecedentes familiares produce un déficit en la secreción de insulina