Association of RUNX2 and TNFSF11 genes with production traits in a paternal broiler line.

Intense selection for production traits has improved the genetic gain of important economic traits. However, selection for performance and carcass traits has led to the onset of locomotors problems and decreasing bone strength in broilers. Thus, genes associated with bone integrity traits have become candidates for genetic studies in order to reduce the impact of bone disorders in broilers. This study investigated the association of the RUNX2 and TNFSF11 genes with 79 traits related to performance, carcass composition, organs, and bone integrity in a paternal broiler line. Analyses of genetic association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and traits were carried out using the maximum likelihood procedures for mixed models. Genetic associations (P < 0.05) were found between SNP g.124,883A>G in the RUNX2 gene and chilled femur weight (additive plus dominance deviation effects within sex) and with performance traits (additive within sex and additive effects). The SNP g.14,862T>C in the TNFSF11 gene presented genetic associations (P < 0.05) with additive plus dominance deviation effects within sex for performance traits. Suggestive genetic associations (P < 0.10) were found with abdominal fat and its yield. Selection based on SNPs g.14,862T>C in TNFSF11 and g.124,883A>G in RUNX2 could be used to improve performance and carcass quality traits in the population studied, although SNP g.14,862T>C was not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium because it was not undergoing a selection process. Furthermore, it is important to validate these markers in an unrelated population for use in the selection process.

Abdominal Fat Distribution Among Breastfed and Formula-Fed Infants.

OBJECTIVES: To compare abdominal subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness among breastfed, mixed-fed, and formula-fed infants during the first 6 months of life. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study started with 94 healthy newborns and 76 were followed during the whole first semester of life. Breastfeeding status was assessed by a personal interview. Abdominal subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness was measured by ultrasound at the first, third, and sixth month of life. RESULTS: Subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness showed no differences from the first to the sixth month of life among breastfed, mixed-fed,s and formula-fed infants, respectively; subcutaneous: 26.1 ± 10.2 to 57.4 ± 10.3 cm, 27.7 ± 10.5 to 55.4 ± 1.4, and 28.1 ± 10.9 to 52.7 ± 10.6; p = 0.344; preperitoneal: 10.6 ± 2.0 to 15.2 ± 1.7, 10.3 ± 2.8 to 15.5 ± 1.7, and 9.7 ± 2.6 to 15.6 ± 1.6; p = 0.623). No differences were observed among male and female infants. CONCLUSION: Abdominal fat distribution measured by ultrasound seems not to be different among breastfed and formula-fed infants during the first semester of life.

Estimating the genetic parameters for liver fat traits in broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat.

Intensive selection of broilers for improved growth rate is known to exert a negative effect on broiler health, such as an increase in body fat (and its related diseases). Excessive fat deposition in the liver can cause fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS); in addition, traits associated with liver fat have also been associated with FLHS. This study explored the genetic relationships among liver fat-related traits. Data was collected from 462 birds derived from 16th generation Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content. The body weight at 7 weeks of age (BW7), abdominal fat weight (AFW), abdominal fat percentage, liver fat percentage (LFP), liver weight, and liver percentage were measured. The heritability of these traits and the phenotypic and genetic correlations were estimated, using the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) and Gibbs sampling (GS) methods. The REML and GS methods yielded similar heritability estimates for LFP (0.36 and 0.37, respectively). BW7 showed a high positive genetic correlation with AFW (rA(REML) = 0.74 and rA(GS) = 0.80), and a moderate positive genetic correlation with LFP (rA(REML) = 0.27 and rA(GS) = 0.39). Positive genetic correlations were also observed between AFW and LFP (rA(REML) = 0.35 and rA(GS) = 0.36). These results suggested that selection for growth may increase the AFW and LFP in broilers. LFP is directly related to FLHS; therefore, selection for broiler growth rate may increase the incidence of FLHS.

Abdominal perimeter is associated with food intake, sociodemographic and behavioral factors among adults in southern Brazil: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the abdominal perimeter determinants in adults who live in the city of Lages, SC. DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional study in adults from 20 to 59 years-old of the urban area (n=2.022). The dependent variable is the abdominal perimeter, the independent variables are: age, skin color self-reported, marital status, number of children, per capita income, education, physical activity, smoking, nutrition, self-reported diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, body weight index. The differences between the mean perimeters were tested using ANOVA test and multiple linear regression for confounding adjustment. RESULTS: The response rate was 98.2%, 52.3% were women. The mean abdominal perimeter for men was 93.66 cm (SD 13.8) and for women 92.80 cm (SD 14.5). There was a positive association of abdominal circumference with age (p.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los determinantes del perímetro abdominal en adultos que viven en la ciudad de Lages, SC. Diseño: Estudio transversal de base poblacional en adultos 20-59 años de edad, de la zona urbana (n= 2022). La variable dependiente fue el perímetro abdominal y las variables independientes fueron: edad, color de la piel auto dicho, estado civil, número de hijos, renta per cápita, nivel educacional, actividad física, tabaquismo, nutrición, diabetes mellitus auto dicho, presión arterial alta e índice de masa corporal. Las diferencias entre los promedios de perímetros se probaron a través de la ANOVA y de la regresión lineal múltiple, ajustada para los factores de confusión. Resultados: La tasa de respuesta fue de un 98,2%, de los cuales un 52,3% eran mujeres. El perímetro abdominal promedio para los hombres fue 93,66 cm (SD= 13,8 cm) y para las mujeres 92,80 cm (SD= 14,5). Hubo asociación positiva entre la circunferencia abdominal y la edad (p.

Correlaciones entre marcadores de grasa abdominal obtenidos por densitometría y técnicas antropométricas convencionales en mujeres postmenopausicas con síndrome metabólico / Correlations between markers of abdominal fat obtained by dxa and anthropometric conventional techniques in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

El presente estudio pretende identificar correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre parámetros de masa grasa abdominal obtenidos por densitometría (DXA) y otros de tipo cineantropométrico (índices de distribución de masa grasa) y bioquímico (perfil lipídico) en mujeres postmenopausicas con síndrome metabólico. Se diseño un estudio de cohortes histórico que incluyó a un total de 1326 mujeres post-menopausicas con edad > 45 años que se habían sometido rutinariamente a DXA para conocer su densidad mineral ósea entre Enero de 2006 y Enero de 2011. Se utilizó un DXA tipo Lunar DPX-L para determinar la masa grasa abdominal en las regiones de interés L1-L4 y L3-L4. Además del DXA, se obtuvo de cada participante la correspondiente anamnesis, bioquímica, tensión arterial e índices de distribución de masa grasa mediante técnicas antropométricas convencionales. Se utilizó la clasificación NCEP-ATP-III para el diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un Comité de Ética Institucional. La mayor fuerza de asociación se estableció entre el porcentaje de masa grasa L1-L4 obtenido por DXA y el perímetro de la cintura (r= 0,77; p= 0,0016) además de con colesterol-HDL (r= -0,58; p= 0,0290). Finalmente se concluye que el perímetro de la cintura y los niveles de colesterol-HDL podrían recomendarse como predictores del comportamiento de la masa grasa abdominal de regiones de interés L1-L4 y L3-L4 obtenidas por DXA en mujeres postmenopausicas con síndrome metabólico.

The current study was conducted to identify potential correlations between abdominal fat mass obtained by DXA and several parameters obtained by anthropometric conventional techniques as well as lipid profile in postmenopausal women with MS. This historical cohort study included a total of 1326 postmenopausal women aged > 45 years old who had routinely undergone DXA to measure their bone mineral density between January 2006 and January 2011. The regions of interest envisaged in our study by using DXA were the lumbar regions L1-L4 and L4-L5. At the same time, they underwent a complete medical examination including personal medical history assessment, biochemical blood analysis, blood pressure measurements and anthropometrical evaluation. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed attending to the criteria established by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NECP-ATP-III). This protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. Several significant correlations were found between DXA and indices of body fat distribution as well as lipid profile. The strongest correlations were found between fat mass L1-L4 and waist circumference (r= 0.77; p= 0.0016) and levels of HDL-cholesterol (r= -0.58; p= 0.0290). It was concluded that waist circumference and HDL-cholesterol may be recommended to predict fat mass in regions of interest L1-L4 and L3-L4 in postmenopausal women with MS.

Early life stress is associated with anxiety, increased stress responsivity and preference for "comfort foods" in adult female rats.

Chronic stress increases anxiety and encourages intake of palatable foods as "comfort foods". This effect seems to be mediated by altered function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In the current study, litters of Wistar rats were subjected to limited access to nesting material (Early-Life Stress group - ELS) or standard care (Control group) from postnatal day 2 to 9. In adult life, anxiety was assessed using the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT), and acute stress responsivity by measurement of plasma corticosterone and ACTH levels. Preference for palatable foods was monitored by a computerized system (BioDAQ, Research Diets(®)) in rats receiving only regular chow or given the choice of regular and palatable diet for 30 days. ELS-augmented adulthood anxiety in the NSFT (increased latency to eat in a new environment; decreased chow intake upon return to the home cage) and increased corticosterone (but not ACTH) secretion in response to stress. Despite being lighter and consuming less rat chow, ELS animals ate more palatable foods during chronic exposure compared with controls. During preference testing, controls receiving long-term access to palatable diet exhibited reduced preference for the diet relative to controls exposed to regular chow only, whereas ELS rats demonstrated no such reduction in preference after prolonged palatable diet exposure. The increased preference for palatable foods showed by ELS animals may result from a habit of using this type of food to ameliorate anxiety.

Mejoras del porcentaje y distribución abdominal de masa grasa en mujeres con discapacidad intelectual tras entrenamiento aeróbico de 10 semanas / A short training program reduced fat mass and abdominal distribution in obese women with intellectual disability

En la actualidad se acepta que la obesidad es un grave problema de salud pública. La situación es aún más preocupante entre las personas con discapacidad intelectual, especialmente entre las mujeres. Afortunadamente recientes estudios sugieren la utilidad del ejercicio como estrategia frente a la obesidad. Sin embargo, la mayoría de estos estudios utilizan grupos mixtos (hombres y mujeres) o varones, siendo escasa la información sobre un grupo homogéneo de mujeres. Por consiguiente nos planteamos como hipótesis que un programa de entrenamiento de 10 semanas podría reducir el porcentaje de masa grasa y la distribución abdominal en mujeres obesas con síndrome de Down. En nuestro estudio participaron 20 mujeres adultas (18-30 años) con un cociente intelectual de 50-69 según la escala Stanford-Binet y diagnóstico citogenético de trisomía 21. Todas presentaban obesidad definida como IMC>30 kg/m2. Once de las participantes se asignaron aleatoriamente al grupo experimental y desarrollaron un programa de entrenamiento de 10 semanas de tipo aeróbico con 3 sesiones/semana. El porcentaje de masa grasa se determinó mediante impedanciometría bioeléctrica (Tanita TBF521). Para obtener el índice cintura/cadera se midieron las circunferencias de la cintura y la cadera utilizando una cinta antropométrica. Nuestro protocolo fue aprobado por un Comité de Ética Institucional. Nuestros resultados confirman que el ejercicio aeróbico redujo significativamente el porcentaje de masa grasa, el índice cintura/cadera y el perímetro de la cintura (p<0,05). Por el contrario no se observaron cambios en el grupo control. Concluimos que un programa de entrenamiento de 10 semanas consiguió mejorar la composición corporal de mujeres obesas con síndrome de Down. Futuros estudios longitudinales bien conducidos y controlados son necesarios para conocer el impacto de esta mejora en el manejo clínico de este grupo.

Recent studies have reported obesity prevalence in people with intellectual disability is even higher than in the general population what may finally lead to impair their health status and increase healthcare costs. Fortunately several studies have reported regular exercise may improve body composition in obese people with and without intellectual disability. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study conducted exclusively in female participants with intellectual disability, in an attempt to keep our sample homogeneous. To date, many studies focused on the influence of regular exercise in people with intellectual disability have recruited mixed (males and females) groups in order to increase their sample size to strengthen research designs. Therefore, we assessed the influence of a 10-week aerobic training program on fat mass percentage and indices of obesity in women with Down syndrome. To get this goal, twenty obese young women with Down syndrome volunteered for this study. Eleven were randomly assigned to perform a 10-week aerobic training program, 3 sessions/week, consisting of warming-up followed by a main part in a treadmill (30-40 min) at a work intensity of 55-65% of peak heart rate and a cooling-down period. Control group included 9 age, sex and BMI matched women with Down syndrome. Fat mass percentage and fat distribution were measured. This protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. When compared to baseline, fat mass percentage, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio were significantly reduced after training. Conversely, no changes were reported in controls. It was concluded a 10-week training program reduced fat mass in obese adult women with Down syndrome.

Avaliação da reprodutibilidade ultrassonográfica como método para medida da gordura abdominal e visceral / Reproducibility of ultrasonography as a method to measure abdominal and visceral fat

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a variabilidade interobservador do método ultrassonográfico para medida da gordura subcutânea, visceral e perirrenal por meio de técnica padronizada. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 50 pacientes entre novembro de 2006 e janeiro de 2007. A medida da espessura subcutânea foi realizada com transdutor linear de 7,5 MHz posicionado transversalmente a 1 cm acima da cicatriz umbilical. Para a gordura visceral foi utilizado transdutor de 3,5 MHz posicionado 1 cm acima da cicatriz umbilical, considerando-se a medida entre a face interna do músculo reto abdominal e a parede posterior da aorta na linha média do abdome. A gordura perirrenal foi medida no terço médio do rim direito, com transdutor posicionado na linha axilar média. RESULTADOS: A reprodutibilidade interobservador foi analisada por meio do teste t de Student, com significância de 95 por cento. Não houve diferença significativa entre as médias das medidas das gorduras subcutânea, visceral e perirrenal, com p = 0,7141, 0,7286 e 0,6368, respectivamente. As médias encontradas, com seus respectivos desvios-padrão, foram: 2,64 ± 1,37 para a espessura subcutânea, 6,84 ± 2,38 para a espessura visceral e 4,89 ± 2,6 para a espessura perirrenal. CONCLUSÃO: A ultrassonografia apresentou boa reprodutibilidade interobservador para avaliação da gordura abdominal por meio das medidas das espessuras subcutânea, visceral e perirrenal.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interobserver variability of ultrasound in the measurement of subcutaneous, visceral and perirenal fat through standard technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2006 to January 2007, 50 patients were evaluated. The subcutaneous fat thickness was measured with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer transversely positioned 1 cm above the umbilical scar. For the visceral fat, a 3.5 MHz transducer was also positioned 1 cm above the umbilical scar, considering the distance between the internal surface of the abdominal rectus muscle and the posterior aortic wall in the abdominal midline. The perirenal fat was measured in the middle third of the right kidney, with the transducer positioned at the axillary midline. RESULTS: The t-Student test was utilized to analyze the interobserver reproducibility with significance level of 95 percent. No statistically significant difference was observed among mean values for subcutaneous, visceral and perirenal fat (p = 0.7141, 0.7286 and 0.6368, respectively). Mean and standard deviation corresponded to 2.64 ± 1.37 for subcutaneous thickness, 6.84 ± 2.38 for visceral fat, and 4.89 ± 2.6 for perirenal fat. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound presented a good interobserver reproducibility in the evaluation of abdominal fat based on measurement of subcutaneous, visceral and perirenal fat as parameters.

Diferentes aferições do diâmetro abdominal sagital e do perímetro da cintura na predição do HOMA-IR / Different measurements of the sagittal abdominal diameter and waist perimeter in the prediction of HOMA-IR / Mediciones distintas del diámetro abdominal sagital y del perímetro de la cintura en la predicción del HOMA-IR

FUNDAMENTO: A correlação entre aumento de gordura visceral e de resistência à insulina coloca o diâmetro abdominal sagital e o perímetro da cintura como instrumentos potenciais para a predição de resistência à insulina. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade de diferentes aferições do diâmetro abdominal sagital e do perímetro da cintura e analisar o poder discriminante dos mesmos para predizer resistência à insulina. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 190 homens adultos. O diâmetro abdominal sagital (menor cintura, maior diâmetro abdominal, nível umbilical e ponto médio entre as cristas ilíacas) e o perímetro da cintura (nível umbilical, menor cintura, imediatamente acima da crista ilíaca e ponto médio entre a crista ilíaca e a última costela) foram aferidos em quatro locais diferentes. A resistência à insulina foi avaliada pelo índice HOMA-IR. RESULTADOS: Todas as medidas apresentaram correlação intraclasse de 0,986-0,999. Tanto o diâmetro abdominal sagital aferido na menor cintura (r=0,482 e AUC=0,739±0,049) como o perímetro da cintura aferido no ponto médio entre a última costela e a crista ilíaca (r=0,464 e AUC=0,746±0,05) apresentaram maiores correlações com o HOMA-IR, bem como um melhor poder discriminante para o HOMA-IR segundo a análise ROC (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O diâmetro abdominal sagital e o perímetro da cintura mostraram-se altamente reprodutíveis. O diâmetro abdominal sagital (menor cintura) e o perímetro da cintura (ponto médio crista ilíaca e última costela) apresentaram melhor desempenho em predizer o HOMA-IR. Investigações em outros grupos da população brasileira devem ser realizadas para viabilizar a utilização desses indicadores de resistência à insulina na população como um todo de forma padronizada.

BACKGROUND: The correlation between the increase in visceral fat and insulin resistance makes the sagittal abdominal diameter and the waist perimeter as potential tools for the prediction of insulin resistance. OBJECTIVE: To assess the reproducibility of different measurements of the sagittal abdominal diameter and the waist perimeter and analyze the discriminating power of the measurements when predicting insulin resistance. METHODS: A total of 190 adult males were studied. The sagittal abdominal diameter (smallest girth, larger abdominal diameter, umbilical level and midpoint between the iliac crests) and the waist perimeter (umbilical level, smallest girth, immediately above the iliac crest and midpoint between the iliac crest and the last rib) were measured at four different sites. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. RESULTS: All measurements presented an intraclass correlation of 0.986-0.999. The sagittal abdominal diameter measured at the smallest girth (r=0.482 and AUC=0.739±0.049) and the waist perimeter measured at the midpoint between the last rib and the iliac crest (r=0.464 and AUC=0.746±0.05) presented the highest correlations with the HOMA-IR and the best discriminating power for HOMA-IR according to the ROC analysis (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The sagittal abdominal diameter and waist perimeter showed to be highly reproducible and the sagittal abdominal diameter (smallest girth) and waist perimeter (midpoint between the iliac crest and the last rib) presented the best performance when predicting HOMA-IR. Further studies in other groups of the Brazilian population must be carried out to allow the use of these indicators of insulin resistance in the population as a whole, following standardized procedures.

FUNDAMENTO: La correlación entre aumento de la grasa visceral y de la resistencia a la insulina pone el diámetro abdominal sagital y el perímetro de la cintura como los instrumentos potenciales para la predicción de resistencia a la insulina. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la reproductibilidad de distintas mediciones del diámetro abdominal sagital y del perímetro de la cintura y analizar el poder discriminante de las mismas para predecir resistencia a la insulina. MÉTODOS: Se evaluaron a 190 varones adultos. El diámetro abdominal sagital (menor cintura, mayor diámetro abdominal, nivel umbilical y punto promedio entre las crestas ilíacas) y el perímetro de la cintura (nivel umbilical, menor cintura, inmediatamente superior a la cresta ilíaca y punto promedio entre la cresta ilíaca y la última costilla) se calcularon en cuatro locales diferentes. La resistencia a la insulina se evaluó por el índice HOMA-IR. RESULTADOS: Todas las mediciones presentaron correlación intraclase de 0,986-0,999. Tanto el diámetro abdominal sagital calculado en la menor cintura (r=0,482 y AUC=0,739±0,049) como el perímetro de la cintura calculado en el punto promedio entre la última costilla y la cresta ilíaca (r=0,464 e AUC=0,746±0,05) presentaron mayores correlaciones con el HOMA-IR, así como un mejor poder discriminante para el HOMA-IR según el análisis ROC (p<0,001). CONCLUSIONES: El diámetro abdominal sagital y el perímetro de la cintura se evidenciaron altamente reproductibles. El diámetro abdominal sagital (menor cintura) y el perímetro de la cintura (punto promedio la cresta ilíaca y última costilla) presentaron mejor desempeño en predecir el HOMA-IR. Investigaciones en otros grupos de la población brasileña se deben realizar para viabilizar la utilización de estos indicadores de resistencia a la insulina en la población como un todo de forma estandarizada.

Different measurements of the sagittal abdominal diameter and waist perimeter in the prediction of HOMA-IR.

BACKGROUND: The correlation between the increase in visceral fat and insulin resistance makes the sagittal abdominal diameter and the waist perimeter as potential tools for the prediction of insulin resistance. OBJECTIVE: To assess the reproducibility of different measurements of the sagittal abdominal diameter and the waist perimeter and analyze the discriminating power of the measurements when predicting insulin resistance. METHODS: A total of 190 adult males were studied. The sagittal abdominal diameter (smallest girth, larger abdominal diameter, umbilical level and midpoint between the iliac crests) and the waist perimeter (umbilical level, smallest girth, immediately above the iliac crest and midpoint between the iliac crest and the last rib) were measured at four different sites. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. RESULTS: All measurements presented an intraclass correlation of 0.986-0.999. The sagittal abdominal diameter measured at the smallest girth (r=0.482 and AUC=0.739+/-0.049) and the waist perimeter measured at the midpoint between the last rib and the iliac crest (r=0.464 and AUC=0.746+/-0.05) presented the highest correlations with the HOMA-IR and the best discriminating power for HOMA-IR according to the ROC analysis (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The sagittal abdominal diameter and waist perimeter showed to be highly reproducible and the sagittal abdominal diameter (smallest girth) and waist perimeter (midpoint between the iliac crest and the last rib) presented the best performance when predicting HOMA-IR. Further studies in other groups of the Brazilian population must be carried out to allow the use of these indicators of insulin resistance in the population as a whole, following standardized procedures.

Impact of abdominal fat and insulin resistance on arterial hypertension in non-obese women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of abdominal fat and insulin resistance on arterial hypertension of non-obese women. METHODS: Thirty-five non-obese women (NO), age 35-68 years were studied, and divided into two groups according to the presence of hypertension (BP >or= 140 x 90 mmHg) (HT = hypertensive; NT = normotensive). Leptin measurement and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to assess insulin were performed in these patients. A CT-scan was used to evaluate visceral (VF) and subcutaneous abdominal fat (SCF). The Central fat distribution index (CDI) was proposed to evaluate the impact of subcutaneous abdominal fat on central fat distribution in hypertensive patients. RESULTS: When compared to NT-NO (n = 17) group, HT-NO (n = 18) showed higher blood pressure levels (systolic and diastolic), greater VF area (84.40 +/- 55.70 versus 37.50 +/- 23.00 cm(2); p = 0.036), greater SCF area (174.30 +/- 83.00 versus 79.80 +/- 27.40 cm(2); p = 0.030), higher HOMAr index (1.59 +/- 0.72 versus 0.93 +/- 0.48 mmol*mU/L(2); p = 0.006), higher CDI index (12.67 +/- 7.04 versus 6.19 +/- 2.57 cm(2)/kg) and higher leptin level (19.1 +/- 9.6 versus 7.4 +/- 3.5 ng/mL; p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Arterial hypertension in non-obese women is associated with insulin resistance, central fat distribution and higher leptin levels.

Impact of abdominal fat and insulin resistance on arterial hypertension in non-obese women / Impacto da gordura abdominal e resistência à insulina na hipertensão arterial em mulheres não-obesas

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of abdominal fat and insulin resistance on arterial hypertension of non-obese women. METHODS:Thirty-five non-obese women (NO), age 35-68 years were studied, and divided into two groups according to the presence of hypertension (BP > 140 x 90 mmHg) ( HT = hypertensive; NT = normotensive). Leptin measurement and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to assess insulin were performed in these patients. A CT-scan was used to evaluate visceral (VF) and subcutaneous abdominal fat (SCF). The Central fat distribution index (CDI) was proposed to evaluate the impact of subcutaneous abdominal fat on central fat distribution in hypertensive patients. RESULTS: When compared to NT-NO (n = 17) group, HT-NO (n = 18) showed higher blood pressure levels (systolic and diastolic), greater VF area (84.40 ± 55.70 versus 37.50 ± 23.00 cm²; p = 0.036), greater SCF area (174.30 ± 83.00 versus 79.80 ± 27.40 cm²; p = 0.030), higher HOMAr index (1.59 ± 0.72 versus 0.93 ± 0.48 mmol.mU/L²; p = 0.006), higher CDI index (12.67 ± 7.04 versus 6.19 ± 2.57 cm²/kg) and higher leptin level (19.1 ± 9.6 versus 7.4 ± 3.5 ng/mL; p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Arterial hypertension in non-obese women is associated with insulin resistance, central fat distribution and higher leptin levels.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da gordura abdominal e resistência à insulina na hipertensão arterial em mulheres não-obesas. MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas 35 mulheres não obesas (NO), com idade entre 35 e 68 anos, separadas em dois grupos de acordo com a presença de hipertensão arterial (PA > 140 x 90 mmHg) (HT = hipertenso; NT = normotenso). A leptina foi dosada e um OGTT realizado. Um corte tomográfico foi usado para avaliar a gordura visceral (VF) e subcutânea abdominal (SCF). O índice de distribuição central de gordura (CDI) foi proposto para avaliar o impacto da gordura subcutânea abdominal na distribuição central de gordura em pacientes hipertensas. RESULTADOS: Quando comparado ao grupo NT-NO (n = 17), o grupo HT-NO (n = 18) mostrou maiores níveis de pressão arterial (sistólica e diastólica), maior área de gordura visceral (84.40 ± 55.70 versus 37.50 ± 23.00 cm²; p = 0.036), maior área de gordura subcutânea abdominal (174.30 ± 83.00 versus 79.80 ± 27.40 cm²; p = 0.030), maior HOMAr (1.59 ± 0.72 versus 0.93 ± 0.48 mmol.mU/L²; p = 0.006), maior índice CDI (12.67 ± 7.04 versus 6.19 ± 2.57 cm²/kg) e maior nível de leptina (19.1 ± 9.6 versus 7.4 ± 3.5 ng/mL; p = 0.028). CONCLUSÕES: A hipertensão arterial em mulheres não obesas está associada à resistência à insulina, distribuição central de gordura e altos níveis de leptina.

[Anthropometry and cardiorespiratory fitness of military men in active duty, Brazil]. / Medidas antropométricas segundo aptidão cardiorrespiratória em militares da ativa, Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze differences in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference according to cardiorespiratory fitness in active military men. METHODS: The study sample comprised 50,523 active military men of the Brazilian army. Anthropometric measures (body mass, height, and waist circumference) and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) information, estimated in a 12-min run, were obtained in a fitness test in 2001. RESULTS: Subjects' age ranged between 18 and 52 years, but most were young (mean+/-SD 25.8+/-6.6 years). Cardiorespiratory fitness varied from 22.2 to 82.5 mL.O2.kg(-1).min(-1). Waist circumference mean values were significantly lower in those subjects in the highest fitness level compared to those in the lowest level (p<0.001) even after adjusting for age, BMI, and both together. CONCLUSIONS: For the same BMI, military men with better cardiorespiratory fitness have significantly lower waist circumference measures compared to those with lower fitness. These findings suggest that military with better physical fitness have lower abdominal fat accumulation.

Circunferência da cintura e índice de massa corporal como preditores da hipertensão arterial / Waist circumference and body mass index as predictors of hypertension / Waist circumference and body mass index as predictors of hypertension

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre índices antropométricos, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e circunferência da cintura (CC) e hipertensão arterial (HA) e avaliar a capacidade desses índices na predição da HA. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal populacional realizado em Goiânia (GO), em 2001, com amostra de 1.238 adultos, de vinte a 64 anos. Foi definida como obesidade total (IMC > 30 kg/m²), como obesidade abdominal (CC no nível 2 - CC > 88 cm para mulheres e > 102 cm para homens) e como HA (pressão sistólica > 140 mmHg ou pressão diastólica > 90 mmHg, ou uso de hipotensores). Foi realizada análise de regressão logística múltipla para avaliar as associações entre os índices antropométricos e a HA. Análise de curva ROC para avaliar a sensibilidade e especificidade do IMC (> 30) e nível 2 da CC na predição da HA e para determinar os pontos de corte com melhor predição da HA. RESULTADOS: A CC apresentou associação com a HA em ambos os sexos. O nível 2 da CC e o IMC >30 kg/m² apresentaram baixa sensibilidade em identificar a HA. Os pontos de corte com melhor capacidade preditiva de HA coincidiram com o nível 1 da CC (> 80 cm) e com o IMC >25 kg/m² (sobrepeso), para as mulheres, e foram inferiores aos valores do nível 1 da CC e de sobrepeso, para os homens. CONCLUSÃO: O nível 2 da CC e o IMC > 30 kg/m² não são adequados para identificar os grupos de maior risco de HA, já que esse risco se eleva com pequenos aumentos na adiposidade.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between anthropometric indexes - body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) - and hypertension, and to evaluate the predictive value of these indexes in detecting hypertension. METHODS: Cross-sectional population study conducted in the city of Goiânia (GO) with a sample of 1,238 adults aged twenty to 64 years, in 2001. Total obesity was defined as BMI > 30 kg/m²; abdominal obesity was defined as level 2 WC > 88 cm for women and > 102 cm for men, and hypertension was defined as systolic pressure > 140 mmHg, or diastolic pressure > 90 mmHg, or utilization of hypotensive drugs). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between anthropometric indexes and hypertension. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of BMI (> 30) and level 2 WC as predictive factors of hypertension, and to determine the best predictive cut-off points for hypertension. RESULTS: WC was associated with hypertension in both genders. Level 2 WC and BMI >30 kg/m² showed a low sensitivity in identifying hypertension. The best predictive cut-off points for hypertension coincided with level 1 WC (> 80 cm) and with BMI >25 kg/m² (overweight) for women, and were lower than the values of level 1 WC and of overweight for men. CONCLUSION: Level 2 WC and BMI > 30 kg/m² are not adequate to identify the groups at the highest risk of hypertension, since this risk rises with small increases in adiposity.

Heritability and genetic correlation estimates for performance and carcass and body composition traits in a male broiler line.

The current research was conducted to estimate the heritability coefficients and the genetic correlations for performance and carcass and body composition traits in a single sire broiler line. The performance traits analyzed were BW at 38 d, ultrasound records of pectoral muscle depth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and BW at 42 d. The carcass traits analyzed were eviscerated BW, breast weight, and leg weight, and the body composition traits analyzed were abdominal fat content, heart weight, gizzard weight, liver weight, and intestine weight. The number of observations varied between 4,120 and 29,040 for each trait. The (co)variance components, heritability, and genetic correlation estimates were obtained by restricted maximum likelihood. The numerator relationship matrix had 42,912 animals. Based on the heritability estimates obtained, the analyzed traits seemed to be able to respond to selection, at variable intensities. The genetic correlation estimates between a great number of performance traits, as well as between a great number of carcass traits, were suggestive of a close genetic relationship between these traits. The genetic correlation estimates between body composition traits were variable. A large genetic association between a great number of performance and carcass traits seemed to exist. The genetic correlation estimates between performance and body composition traits were variable, and important associations between carcass and body composition traits did not seem to exist.

Influence of methyltestosterone postmenopausal therapy on plasma lipids, inflammatory factors, glucose metabolism and visceral fat: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: There has been a growing interest in treating postmenopausal women with androgens. However, hyperandrogenemia in females has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the effects of androgen replacement on cardiovascular risk factors. DESIGN: Thirty-seven postmenopausal women aged 42-62 years that had undergone hysterectomy were prospectively enrolled in a double-blind protocol to receive, for 12 months, percutaneous estradiol (E2) (1 mg/day) combined with either methyltestosterone (MT) (1.25 mg/day) or placebo. METHODS: Along with treatment, we evaluated serum E2, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index, lipids, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein; glucose tolerance; insulin resistance; blood pressure; body-mass index; and visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat mass as assessed by computed tomography. RESULTS: A significant reduction in SHBG (P < 0.001) and increase in free testosterone index (P < 0.05; Repeated measures analysis of variance) were seen in the MT group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lowered to a similar extent by both regimens, but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased only in the androgen group. MT-treated women showed a modest rise in body weight and gained visceral fat mass relative to the other group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant detrimental effects on fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the combination of low-dose oral MT and percutaneous E2, for 1 year, does not result in expressive increase of cardiovascular risk factors. This regimen can be recommended for symptomatic postmenopausal women, although it seems prudent to perform baseline and follow-up lipid profile and assessment of body composition, especially in those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Genetic trends of abdominal fat content in a male broiler chicken line.

Data of chickens from a broiler-breeding program were collected and used to determine the genetic trends of absolute and relative abdominal fat content. The genetic trends were estimated by the regression of trait genetic value averages on hatch-years. Genetic values from 32,485 individuals were used for regression analysis. The genetic trend estimate for absolute abdominal fat content was +0.39 g per year, indicating that abdominal fat deposition in the analyzed line, in absolute terms, tended to increase, making the existing excess fat deposition in the broilers even worse. However, the genetic trend of relative abdominal fat content was not significant, indicating that there is no increase on abdominal fat content when it is corrected for body weight.

Genetic trends of abdominal fat content in a male broiler chicken line

Data of chickens from a broiler-breeding program were collected and used to determine the genetic trends of absolute and relative abdominal fat content. The genetic trends were estimated by the regression of trait genetic value averages on hatch-years. Genetic values from 32,485 individuals were used for regression analysis. The genetic trend estimate for absolute abdominal fat content was +0.39 g per year, indicating that abdominal fat deposition in the analyzed line, in absolute terms, tended to increase, making the existing excess fat deposition in the broilers even worse. However, the genetic trend of relative abdominal fat content was not significant, indicating that there is no increase on abdominal fat content when it is corrected for body weight.