Expression of Circulating MicroRNAs Associated with Obesity and their Relationships with Biochemical Parameters and Health-related Physical Fitness in Children 6 to 10 Years Old in Cali, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a public health problem worldwide; it has reached pandemic proportions in the last 40 years. Its prevalence in children and adolescents increased from 0.7% to 7.8% between 1975 and 2016. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as regulatory factors related to molecular functions under different conditions. These can be used as biomarkers of a disease to estimate risks in the early stages. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the expression levels of miRNAs associated with childhood obesity and their relationships with biochemical parameters and Health-related Physical Fitness (HRPF). METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which a population of 40 children between 6 and 10 years of age of both sexes from Cali, Colombia, was evaluated; the children were classified as 20 normal-weight and 20 obese. Blood biochemistry, HRPF, and miRNA expression levels were determined (hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-191-5p, hsa-miR-486-3p, hsa-miR-222-3p. Comparisons were made between the groups, miRNA associations between the studied variables, and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Twenty normal-weight and 20 obese patients were evaluated. Both groups had an average age of eight years old. The miRNA hsa-miR-122-5p (p < 0.05) was overexpressed in the obese group. According to the linear regression analysis, the amount of adipose tissue may be associated with the production of miRNAs (hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p, hsa-miR-122-5p, and hsamiR- 191-5p). CONCLUSION: Four miRNAs (hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p, hsa-miR-122-5p, and hsa-miR- 191-5p) are associated with modifications in biochemical variables of HRPF in this group. Adipose tissue mass could be associated with the production of these miRNAs, thus making them biomarkers of childhood obesity risk.

Phylogeny and toxicological assessments of two Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii morphotypes from the caribbean region of Colombia.

After a snakebite accident, species identification is of vital importance. However, the existence of intraspecific differences in the body coloration patterns of venomous snakes can generate confusion and delay a convenient and effective treatment. This is the situation for Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii from Colombia, for which two distinctive color morphs occur, and the relationship of these morphs with venom toxicity is unknown. Therefore, venom samples from specimens of these two morphs were collected from the Colombian Caribbean region, and their protein profiles compared. Likewise, their venom functional activities were evaluated in vitro and in vivo in BALB/C mice. Additionally, using sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt-b) gene, the relationship between these Colombian P. lansbergii lansbergii morphotypes was investigated, and their phylogenetic positions were determined for the first time using Bayesian inference. Despite the noticeable coloration divergence between the individuals analyzed, similar protein profiles of their venoms were observed. Additionally, neither their lethality nor biochemical activities were notably different. In general, both venoms were highly proteolytic, lacked a coagulant effect in vitro, and extended the clotting time due to the action of venom components, such as disintegrins and proteases, that induce defibrination. These results agreed with the result of our phylogenetic analysis, suggesting that the two chromatic morphs do not represent isolated populations. The phylogenetic analyses also supported the currently recognized P. lansbergii lansbergii subspecies as a monophyletic complex. In conclusion, the results of this investigation suggest similar clinical manifestations regardless of body coloration after a P. lansbergii lansbergii envenomation, and pools can therefore be used for antivenom development, medical treatments, and further research efforts.

[Percentile values for physical condition for Cali, Colombian children and adolescents]. / Percentiles de condición física de niños y adolescentes de Santiago de Cali, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Baseline data for physical condition are not available for adolescents in Cali, Colombia. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop representative age- and sex- specific percentile baseline data for physical condition (mL.kg-1.min-¹) for urban adolescents aged 10-16 years. Materials and methods. The sample (n=1,773) consisted of 865 males and 908 females from the cross-sectional population survey, the IFRECNTEC Study (Identification of Risk Factors of Non-Transmissible Adult Chronic Diseases in School-age Populations in the City of de Cali), for whom the data for physical condition were recorded. Smoothed age- and sex- specific 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th centile values where derived using least mean squares regression analysis. RESULTS: Percentile-based reference data for physical condition were presented for adolescent Colombian boys and girls for the first time. In males, the p50 of the PWC-170 (VO2max) ranged 49-43, and in females 52-40. A decreasing trend (~10%) in the p50 was seen in both sexes over 16 years of age. In general, more heterogeneity was present among males than females in terms of physical aptitude through VO2max test. CONCLUSION: The results established a baseline level of physical condition in adolescents that can be interpreted as an indicator of future cardiovascular health. They also recommend that the physical condition of Colombian adolescents must be improved to protect against cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

Influence of regular aerobic exercise on endothelium-dependent vasodilation and cardiorespiratory fitness in pregnant women.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of regular aerobic exercise on the endothelial function and cardiorespiratory fitness in pregnant women. METHOD: This was a randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial of 64 healthy primigravid women between 16 and 20 weeks' gestation. The experimental group took part in aerobic exercise at an intensity of 50-65% of their maximum heart rate for 60 min, three times a week for 16 weeks. The control group undertook their usual physical activity. The outcomes were the endothelial function evaluated by flow-mediated dilatation and cardiorespiratory fitness evaluated by the maximum indirect oxygen consumption (VO2max) in a 6-min walk test. RESULTS: Initially, no differences were found between the groups in any of the variables. At the end of the intervention, the participants that performed exercise showed a higher cardiorespiratory fitness, measured by the walked distance in the 6-min walk test (P = 0.014) and by the VO2max (P = 0.014). Also, the exercise group showed a lower heart rate at rest and a higher flow-mediated dilatation than the control group (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Regular aerobic exercise improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in pregnancy. This intervention may be an early and effective alternative to strengthen the prevention of disorders associated to endothelial dysfunction.

Percentiles de condición física de niños y adolescentes de Santiago de Cali, Colombia / Percentile values for physical condition for Cali, Colombian children and adolescents

Introducción. Muchos estudios han mostrado la relación entre la condición física durante la infancia y adolescencia y el riesgo cardiovascular en la edad adulta. Objetivos. Determinar los valores por edad y sexo de la condición física de niños y adolescentes de 10 a 16 años de Cali, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo en 1.773 niños y adolescentes de ambos sexos, 865 niños y 908 niñas, pertenecientes al estudio Identificación de factores de riesgo de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles del adulto en la población escolarizada de 10 a 16 años en el Municipio de Cali, Colombia (IFRECNTEC), a quienes se les determinó la condición física con la prueba de capacidad física de trabajo a una frecuencia cardiaca de 170 por minuto (Physical Working Capacity, the workload at a heart rate of 170 bpm, PWC170), como marcador del volumen máximo de oxígeno (VO2máx). Se calcularon los valores percentiles (5, 25, 50, 75, 90 y 95) con el método de los mínimos cuadrados (Least Mean Squares, LMS) por curvas centiles que representan la asimetría, la mediana y la viariabilidad, utilizando el paquete estadístico Growth Analyzer®. Resultados. Se presentan los datos percentiles de la condición física en menores de 10 a 16 años, por primera vez en esta población. En los de sexo masculino, el percentil 50 medido con la prueba de PWC170 (VO2máx) se situó entre 49 y 43 ml/kg por minuto, y en las de sexo femenino, entre 52 y 40 ml/kg por minuto. Por otro lado, hay una tendencia a la disminución (~10 %) en el percentil 50, en adolescentes de ambos sexos de 16 años de edad por VO2máx estimado. En general, en el sexo masculino hay más heterogeneidad que en el femenino, en términos de condición física mediante el VO2máx. Conclusión. Los resultados obtenidos en el presente estudio permiten evaluar e interpretar correctamente la condición física de niños y adolescentes de 10 a 16 años. También, indican que la condición física de este grupo de edad en Colombia, se debe mejorar para ayudar a protegerlos contra las enfermedades cardiovasculares en la edad adulta.

Introduction. Baseline data for physical condition are not available for adolescents in Cali, Colombia. Objective. This study aimed to develop representative age- and sex- specific percentile baseline data for physical condition (mL•kg -1 •min -1 ) for urban adolescents aged 10-16 years. Materials and methods. The sample (n=1,773) consisted of 865 males and 908 females from the crosssectional population survey, the IFRECNTEC Study (Identification of Risk Factors of Non-Transmissible Adult Chronic Diseases in School-age Populations in the City of de Cali), for whom the data for physical condition were recorded. Smoothed age- and sex- specific 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th centile values where derived using least mean squares regression analysis. Results. Percentile-based reference data for physical condition were presented for adolescent Colombian boys and girls for the first time. In males, the p50 of the PWC-170 (VO2 max) ranged 49- 43, and in females 52-40. A decreasing trend (~10%) in the p50 was seen in both sexes over 16 years of age. In general, more heterogeneity was present among males than females in terms of physical aptitude through VO2max test. Conclusion. The results established a baseline level of physical condition in adolescents that can be interpreted as an indicator of future cardiovascular health. They also recommend that the physical condition of Colombian adolescents must be improved to protect against cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

La función endotelial es afectada por la lipemia posprandial: presentación de dos casos / Endothelial function is affected by postprandial lipemia: report of two cases

El consumo de comidas con alto contenido graso induce cambios agudos en los lípidos circulantes y disfunción endotelial horas después de la comida, condición que precede el desarrollo del proceso aterosclerótico. Aunque se desconoce exactamente el mecanismo responsable de la disminución de la función endotelial ocasionada por la lipemia post-prandial, se considera que la elevación de las lipoproteínas ricas en triglicéridos, sus remanentes y un estado de estrés oxidativo, son los principales mecanismos que determinan este hecho. Se presenta un reporte de dos adultos saludables de 30 años, a los cuales se les suministró un menú que aportaba 1049 calorías, 31 g de proteína, 79 g de grasa (31 g de grasa saturada), 666 mg de colesterol y 69 g de carbohidratos, con el propósito de describir el efecto que induce la lipemia post-prandial sobre la función endotelial, y su relación con algunos aspectos clínicos y bioquímicos asociados con este estado metabólico...

High-fat meal consumption induces acute changes in circulating lipid and then induces endothelial dysfunction after breakfast time, this dysfunction is associated with atherosclerotic process development. Although the explain mechanism that is responsible to induce endothelial function decrease, by post-prandial lipemia, is unknown. The elevation of lipoproteins high triglycerides and their remnants, and oxidative stress are the main mechanisms. In the present study it is report two healthy adults with median age 30 years, whom take a menu that contain: 1049 calories, 31 g protein, 79 g fat (31 g saturated fat), 666 mg cholesterol, 69 g carbohydrates. Thus, it is described the effect induced by post-prandial lipemia on endothelial function and the relationship of this metabolic state with clinical and biochemical features associated...

A factorial randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of micronutrients supplementation and regular aerobic exercise on maternal endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and oxidative stress of the newborn.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have suggested a relationship between metabolic abnormalities and impaired fetal growth with the development of non-transmissible chronic diseases in the adulthood. Moreover, it has been proposed that maternal factors such as endothelial function and oxidative stress are key mechanisms of both fetal metabolic alterations and subsequent development of non-transmissible chronic diseases. The objective of this project is to evaluate the effect of micronutrient supplementation and regular aerobic exercise on endothelium-dependent vasodilation maternal and stress oxidative of the newborn. METHODS AND DESIGN: 320 pregnant women attending to usual prenatal care in Cali, Colombia will be included in a factorial randomized controlled trial. Women will be assigned to the following intervention groups: 1. CONTROL GROUP: usual prenatal care (PC) and placebo (maltodextrine). 2. Exercise group: PC, placebo and aerobic physical exercise. 3. Micronutrients group: PC and a micronutrients capsule consisting of zinc (30 mg), selenium (70 µg), vitamin A (400 µg), alphatocopherol (30 mg), vitamin C (200 mg), and niacin (100 mg). 4. Combined interventions Group: PC, supplementation of micronutrients, and aerobic physical exercise. Anthropometric measures will be taken at the start and at the end of the interventions. DISCUSSION: Since in previous studies has been showed that the maternal endothelial function and oxidative stress are related to oxidative stress of the newborn, this study proposes that complementation with micronutrients during pregnancy and/or regular physical exercise can be an early and innovative alternative to strengthen the prevention of chronic diseases in the population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00872365.

Centile values for anthropometric variables in Colombian adolescents.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Reference data for anthropometric parameters are not available for adolescents in Cali (Colombia). This study aimed to develop representative age- and sex-specific percentiles for anthropometric indicators [fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference] in urban adolescents aged 10-16 years in Cali. METHODS: The sample (n=1,773) consisted of 865 boys and 908 girls from the descriptive, cross-sectional population-based IFRECNTEC study (Identification of Risk Factors for Non-communicable Chronic Diseases in Adulthood in a Population aged 6 to 18 years old attending School in the Municipality of Cali, Colombia). Data on anthropometric variables were recorded. Smoothed age- and sex- specific 5(th), 25(th), 50(th), 75(th), 90(th) and 95(th) centiles were derived using the least mean squares (LMS) regression method. RESULTS: In most ages, anthropometric indicators were higher for girls than for boys. The BMI p50 ranged from 16.8 to 19.9kg/m² in boys and from 16.7 to 21.1kg/m² in girls. Fat percentage in boys in the p50 varied from ≈12% at the ages of 10 and 11 years to ≈13% at the age of 16 years; for girls, these percentages varied from ≈13% in the earliest ages to ≈16% in older ages. Waist circumference was lower in girls than in boys in most ages. CONCLUSION: The results of this study could be used to identify adolescents with an elevated risk of developing obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders in adulthood, to plan and implement preventive policies, and to study temporal trends. The introduction of centile values will help to classify adolescents from Cali and compare their anthropometric indicators with those of a reference population.

Centile values for anthropometric variables in Colombian adolescents

Background and objective Reference data for anthropometric parameters are not available for adolescents in Cali (Colombia). This study aimed to develop representative age- and sex-specific percentiles for anthropometric indicators [fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference] in urban adolescents aged 10–16 years in Cali. Methods The sample (n=1,773) consisted of 865 boys and 908 girls from the descriptive, cross-sectional population-based IFRECNTEC study (Identification of Risk Factors for Non-communicable Chronic Diseases in Adulthood in a Population aged 6 to 18 years old attending School in the Municipality of Cali, Colombia). Data on anthropometric variables were recorded. Smoothed age- and sex- specific 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th centiles were derived using the least mean squares (LMS) regression method. Results In most ages, anthropometric indicators were higher for girls than for boys. The BMI p50 ranged from 16.8 to 19.9kg/m2 in boys and from 16.7 to 21.1kg/m2 in girls. Fat percentage in boys in the p50 varied from (..) (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos No existen indicadores antropométricos para los adolescentes de Cali, en Colombia. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo establecer percentiles antropométricos según edad y sexo para los indicadores: porcentaje de grasa, índice de masa corporal (IMC), y perímetro de la cintura en adolescentes escolarizados y con edades comprendidas entre los 10 y los 16 años. Métodos Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con 1.773 niños y adolescentes de ambos géneros (n=865 chicos y n=908 chicas) pertenecientes al estudio IFRECNTEC (Identificación de Factores de Riesgo de Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles del Adulto en la Población Escolarizada de 6 a 18 años en el Municipio de Cali, Colombia). Se calcularon los valores percentiles p5, p25, p50, p75, p90 y p95 de los indicadores antropométricos a partir de la regresión de los mínimos cuadrados promedio (LMS) según edad y sexo. Resultados En la mayoría de las edades, los indicadores antropométricos de (..) (AU)

Percentiles de presión arterial de niños y adolescentes de Santiago de Cali-Colombia / Blood pressure centiles for Santiago de Cali-Colombian children and adolescents

Objetivo: Determinar los valores percentiles de presión arterial de niños y adolescentes de 10 a 16 años de Santiago de Cali-Colombia. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en 1773 niños y adolescentes de ambos géneros (n=865 hombres y n=908 mujeres) pertenecientes al estudio IFRECNTEC (Identificación de Factores de Riesgo de Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles del Adulto en la Población Escolarizada de 6 a 18 años en el Municipio de Cali, Colombia). Se calcularon los valores percentiles a partir de la regresión de los mínimos cuadrados (Least Mean Squares) según edad y sexo p5, p25, p50, p75, p90 y p95 de la presión arterial. Resultados: La presión arterial por sexo fue similar en la infancia, aumentando progresivamente con la edad y con mayor rapidez durante la pubertad. La presión sistólica y diastólica fue mayor en los adolescentes hombres que en las mujeres. Discusión y Conclusiones: La presentación de valores percentiles permite clasificar la presión arterial de niños y adolescentes de Cali-Colombia y comparar con sus contemporáneos. La presión arterial alta para la edad debería definirse en percentiles por encima del p95 y la presión arterial alta y normal podría definirse entre el p90 y p95...

Aim. To determine age- and sex- specific centile values of Blood pressure for urban Santiago de Cali-Colombia children and adolescents aged 10–16 years. Material and Methods. The sample (n=1773) consisted of 865 boys and 908 girls from the crosssectional population survey, IFRECNTEC Study (Identificación de Factores de Riesgo de Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles del Adulto en la Población Escolarizada de 6 a 18 años en el Municipio de Cali, Colombia) for whom the data for Blood pressure was recorded. Smoothed age- and sex- specific 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th Centile values where derived using Least Mean Squares regression. Results. Blood pressure in both sexes was similar in childhood, rising progressively with age and more rapidly during puberty. Systolic and Diastolic pressure rose faster and was appreciably higher in men than in adolescents women. Discussion and Conclusion. These centiles increase our knowledge of blood pressure data in contemporary Colombian children and young people. High blood pressure for age should be defi ned as blood pressure above the 95th centile, and high-normal blood pressure for age as blood pressure between the 90th and 95th centiles...

Efecto potencial del ejercicio físico y del consumo de micronutrientes durante la gestación en factores maternos y placentarios asociados con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT) del adulto / Potential effect of physical exercise and consumption of micronutrients during pregnancy on the placental and maternal factors associated with chronic non-communicable diseases in adult

Introducción: En la actualidad casi todos los esfuerzos para prevenir las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT) a nivel poblacional, se han centrado en promover comportamientos saludables como el ejercicio, la actividad física, el consumo de frutas y verduras, y el desestimular el consumo de tabaco y alcohol en la población adulta, pero los resultados han sido poco alentadores. En los últimos años, múltiples estudios han señalado la relación entre alteraciones del crecimiento fetal y el desarrollo de ECNT en la edad adulta. Más recientemente, se ha propuesto que factores maternos (función endotelial, estrés oxidativo y alteraciones en adipoquinas) y placentarios (disfunción mitocondrial) pueden ser mecanismos precursores de alteraciones metabólicas fetales y del desarrollo posterior de ECNT y que intervenciones como el ejercicio físico y la complementación con micronutrientes durante la gestación podrían regular dichos factores maternos y placentarios. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de la literatura para verificar el papel del ejercicio físico y los micronutrientes durante la gestación sobre factores maternos y placentarios relacionados con ECNT del adulto. Metododología: Se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos: Medline, Scielo, EMBASE, Science Direct, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials y The Cochrane Libraryp Pregnancy, fetal development, oxidative stress, vascular endothelium, mitochondrial, adipokines, micronutrients, exercise. Resultados: El estrés oxidativo, como mecanismo central de otros eventos fisiopatológicos (alteración en los niveles de adipoquinas, disfunción endotelial y mitocondrial), tiene un papel importante en la programación fetal de ECNT, factores como la complementación con micronutrientes y el ejercicio físico, durante la gestación, podrían modular este estado y contribuir posiblemente a la prevención temprana de ECNT.

Introduction: Currently, most efforts to prevent nontransmissible chronic diseases at population level have centered on promoting healthy behaviors like physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and discouraging from the consumption of tobacco and alcohol in the adult population, but the results have been less than hopeful. During recent years, a number of studies have indicated the relation between metabolic alterations and fetal growth with the development of nontransmissible chronic diseases in adult age. More recently, it has been proposed that maternal factors (endothelial function, oxidative stress, and alterations in adipokynes) and placental factors (mitochondrial dysfunction) are the precursory mechanisms of fetal metabolic alterations and of the later development of nontransmissible chronic diseases. Also, it has been suggested that possibly supplementation with micronutrients and physical exercise during gestation could regulate these maternal and placental factors. Aim: To conduct a literature review to verify the role of physical exercise and micronutrients during pregnancy on placental and maternal factors related to nontransmissible chronic diseases in adults. Methods: Medline, SciELO, Embase, Science Direct, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Library were used in the last 10 years (1998-2008). The following topics were reviewed: pregnancy, fetal development, oxidative stress, vascular endothelium, mitochondrial dysfunction, adipokines, micronutrients, and exercise. Results: Oxidative stress, as the central pathophysiological event, such as changes in levels of adipokynes, mitochondrial and endothelial dysfunction, plays an important role in fetal programming of chronic diseases and factors such as micronutrient supplementation and physical exercise during pregnancy could modulate this state in a charity institution aiding in the early prevention of chronic diseases.