Estimation of the Genetic Components of (Co)variance and Preliminary Genome-Wide Association Study for Reproductive Efficiency in Retinta Beef Cattle.

In this study, we analyzed the variation of reproductive efficiency, estimated as the deviation between the optimal and real parity number of females at each stage of the cow's life, in 12,554 cows belonging to the Retinta Spanish cattle breed, using classical repeatability and random regression models. The results of the analyses using repeatability model and the random regression model suggest that reproductive efficiency is not homogeneous throughout the cow's life. The h2 estimate for this model was 0.30, while for the random regression model it increased across the parities, from 0.24 at the first calving to 0.51 at calving number 9. Additionally, we performed a preliminary genome-wide association study for this trait in a population of 252 Retinta cows genotyped using the Axiom Bovine Genotyping v3 Array. The results showed 5 SNPs significantly associated with reproductive efficiency, located in two genomic regions (BTA4 and BTA28). The functional analysis revealed the presence of 5 candidate genes located within these regions, which were previously involved in different aspects related to fertility in cattle and mice models. This new information could give us a better understanding of the genetic architecture of reproductive traits in this species, as well as allow us to accurately select more fertile cows.

Factors associated with insufficient weight gain among Mexican pregnant women with HIV infection receiving antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE: We identified clinical, dietary, and socioeconomic factors associated with insufficient gestational weight gain among Mexican pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 112 pregnant women with HIV infection receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Data including viral load, complete blood analysis, and CD4 counts were extracted from medical records. An inquiry form was used to collect data on socioeconomic status and frequency of food intake. Pre-gestational weight was calculated based on pregnancy weight to obtain the body mass index (BMI) and weight gain for gestational age according the US Institute of Medicine. Of the study population, 68.7% were in consensual union, 31.3% were single, and 33.9% belonged to the two lowest socioeconomic strata. The median age and CD4 count were 27 (interquartile range [IQR]: 23-32) years and 418 (IQR: 267-591), respectively. The adequacy of energy was 91.8% (IQR: 74.1-117.7). The median energy intake from protein was 13.5% (IQR: 12.2-14.9) and from lipids, 35.5% (IQR: 31.1-40.3). Pregnant women with gastrointestinal symptoms and CD4 count <350 were seven times more likely to have folate deficiency (odds ratio [OR] 7.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-38.1; p = 0.009) and six times more likely to have poor zinc intake (OR 6.7, 95% CI 1.3-36.8; p = 0.014). In all, 42.9% of the pregnant women consumed iron and folic acid supplements and 54.4% consumed multivitamin supplements. Moreover, 45.5% had a normal pre-gestational BMI, 41.1% were classified overweight, and 13.4% had obesity, whereas 62.5% showed insufficient gestational weight gain, and 18.8% experienced weight loss. The variables associated with insufficient weight gain were consensual union (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.9-15.0; p = 0.002) and belonging to the lowest socioeconomic stratum (E) (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.0-9.2; p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Dietary strategies to improve gestational weight gain for Mexican women with HIV infection receiving ART must consider clinical and socioeconomic factors.

Associations between prenatal serum levels of leptin, IGF-I, and estradiol and adolescent mothers' height gain during and after pregnancy.

Mexico is within the top three Latin American countries with the highest proportion of adolescent pregnancies while being in the lowest ten Latin American countries in terms of height. It is still unclear how much growth in adolescence is affected by pregnancy; therefore, this study was designed to study the association between prenatal serum concentrations of leptin, IGF-I, and estradiol and the increase in the height of a group of pregnant adolescents between the 28th week of gestation to one year postpartum. We conducted a cohort study from 2009 to 2017 in pregnant adolescents in their third trimester of pregnancy receiving prenatal care at Mexico's National Institute of Perinatology. Data on hormones, other covariates, and confounding variables were analyzed through bivariate analysis and then a linear univariate analysis. Our patients were an average of 15.5±1 years and gained an average of 9.5 mm during the study period. A Pearson's correlation showed a positive and significant height increase between height and leptin and IGF-I, and negative between height and estradiol. The general linear model (adjusted by age, bone age, gynecological age, parent's stature, breastfeeding, body fat, energy intake, and BMI) found that leptin and estradiol serum concentrations explained 39.6% of height increase; IGF-I did not have any predictive effect. Leptin and estradiol concentrations in the third trimester of pregnancy are associated with increased height in our group of teenage mothers. No effect association was observed between height and IGF-I concentrations.

Association between UCP polymorphisms and adipokines with obesity in Mexican adolescents.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the uncoupling proteins (UCPs) can contribute to energy metabolism, and are thus involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. The objective of the study was to analyze the association between UCP polymorphisms, clinical parameters and leptin and adiponectin plasma levels in an adolescent population with overweight and obesity. METHODS: We analyzed the UCP1 -3826 C/T, UCP2-866 G/A, Ala55Val and UCP3 -55 C/T polymorphisms and the levels of adipokines in adolescents with normal weight and with overweight or obesity. The study included 270 students aged between 12 and 18 years categorized according to the percentiles from Mexico City. Adipokines levels were measured by immunoassay methods and the UCP polymorphisms were determined using Taqman real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the UCP polymorphisms in seven inheritance models studied. Most of the significant differences in the clinical parameters were found under a recessive model, the UCP2 -866 polymorphism was associated with diastolic blood pressure (p=0.008), triglycerides (p=0.045), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (p=0.003), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.050) and plasma levels of leptin (p<0.001). Also, the obese group was found to have higher leptin levels and lower adiponectin levels in GA+AA vs. GG (recessive model). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a direct relationship between the clinical characteristics and UCP2-866 in a recessive model, associated with high levels of leptin and decreased levels of adiponectin in an obese or overweight Mexican adolescent population.

[Adolescents do not lose bone mineral density postpartum: comparative study with adult women]. / Las adolescentes no pierden densidad mineral ósea en el posparto: estudio comparativo con adultas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the pattern of bone mineral density (BMD), serum concentrations of estradiol and calcium levels, dietary calcium, body mass index (BMI), and lactation in adolescents and adult women at 15, 90, and 365 postpartum days (ppd). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted of 33 adolescents and 39 adult women. Anthropometric and dietetic evaluations were performed, as well as evaluations of bone mineral density in L2-L4 and femur neck. Estradiol concentrations and calcium serum levels were determined. RESULTS: L2-L4 BMD increased by 16% in adolescents, and 3% in adult women from day 15 to 365 ppd. While age was associated with this change (ß=13.779, EE=3.5, p=0.001), lactation was not (ß=-0.705, EE=0.647, p=0.283). The adult women had a higher L2-L4 BMD at 15, 90, and 635 ppd (1.151 vs 0.978 g/cm², 1.195 vs 1.070 g/cm², 1.195 vs 1.123 g/cm², respectively) (p<0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents' BMD increased three times more than that of adult women. For all women, BMD was dependent of age and independent of lactation.

Las adolescentes no pierden densidad mineral ósea en el posparto: estudio comparativo con adultas / Adolescents do not lose bone mineral density postpartum: comparative study with adult women

OBJETIVO: Analizar el patrón de la densidad mineral ósea (DMO), calcio y estradiol séricos, consumo de calcio, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y lactancia en adolescentes y adultas a 15, 90 y 365 días posparto (dpp). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Cohorte prospectivo en 33 adolescentes y 39 adultas con evaluación antropométrica, dietética y ósea en L2-L4 y cuello de fémur; bioquímica con estradiol y calcio séricos. RESULTADOS: Las adolescentes aumentaron de los 15 a los 365 dpp 16 por ciento su DMO de L2-L4, las adultas 3 por ciento. La edad se asoció a este cambio (β=13.779, EE=3.5, p=0.001); la lactancia no se asoció (β=-0.705, EE=0.647, p=0.283). Las adultas presentaron mayor DMO de L2-L4 a 15, 90 y 365 dpp respectivamente (1.151vs 0.978g/cm², 1.195vs1.070g/cm², 1.195vs1.123g/cm², p<0.003). CONCLUSIONES: Las adolescentes incrementaron su DMO tres veces más que las adultas. El cambio en la DMO fue dependiente de la edad e independiente de la práctica de lactancia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the pattern of bone mineral density (BMD), serum concentrations of estradiol and calcium levels, dietary calcium, body mass index (BMI), and lactation in adolescents and adult women at 15, 90, and 365 postpartum days (ppd). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted of 33 adolescents and 39 adult women. Anthropometric and dietetic evaluations were performed, as well as evaluations of bone mineral density in L2-L4 and femur neck. Estradiol concentrations and calcium serum levels were determined. RESULTS: L2-L4 BMD increased by 16 percent in adolescents, and 3 percent in adult women from day 15 to 365 ppd. While age was associated with this change (β=13.779, EE=3.5, p=0.001), lactation was not (β=-0.705, EE=0.647, p=0.283). The adult women had a higher L2-L4 BMD at 15, 90, and 635 ppd (1.151 vs 0.978g/cm², 1.195 vs 1.070g/cm², 1.195 vs 1.123g/cm², respectively) (p<0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents' BMD increased three times more than that of adult women. For all women, BMD was dependent of age and independent of lactation.

[Abnormal eating behaviours are not associated with micronutrient deficiencies among women of childbearing age from Mexico City]. / Las conductas alimentarias de riesgo no se asocian con deficiencias de micronutrimentos en mujeres en edad repro- ductiva de la ciudad de México.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the risk of abnormal eating behaviors (AEB) and vitamin and mineral deficiencies among women. Women of childbearing age (n = 282) were systematically sampled with a random start (21.9% adolescents) in 6 suburbs in the west side of Mexico City, they were non pregnant or breastfeeding. Vitamin A, C, E, B12, folic acid, hemoglobin, ferritin, cupper, iron and zinc concentrations were measured. A questionnaire validated in the Mexican population was used for screening AEB. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and by using Fisher's test. Approximately 68% of the sample belonged to a mid-low or lower socioeconomic status. 14% had risk of AEB, without statistical differences between adults and teenagers. 10% used diuretics or laxatives to reduce weight within the trimester preceding the survey. Vitamin E, zinc and iron were the most widespread deficiencies affecting 47%, 44% and 27% of the population, respectively. There was no association between the AEB and micronutrient deficiencies neither when AEB were analyzed globally nor individually. Considering these results and the high prevalence of the AEB and overweight in this population, it is important to promote the adoption or healthy behaviors to achieve an adequate weight.

Percepción de la cantidad de flujo menstrual y su asociación con las deficiencias de hierro, ácido fólico y vitamina B12 en mujeres de la ciudad de méxico / Menstrual Bleeding perception and its association with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies among women from mexico city

La anemia de origen nutricio afecta a un tercio de las mujeres en edad reproductiva a nivel mundial y puede deberse a la deficiencia de uno o varios nutrimentos involucrados en la hematopoyesis, principalmente el hierro. Las mujeres constituyen un grupo en riesgo dadas las pérdidas menstruales. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la relación entre la percepción de cantidad de flujo menstrual y las deficiencias de hierro, folato y vitamina B12 en una muestra de mujeres de la Ciudad de México. Se realizó un estudio transversal, con mujeres de 12 a 49 años, no embarazadas ni amamantando. Se midieron las concentraciones de hemoglobina, ferritina, hierro y vitamina B12 en suero y ácido fólico eritrocitario. La cantidad de flujo menstrual percibida se examinó con una escala analógica visual de 10 cm de longitud. Las asociaciones se evaluaron mediante las pruebas T de Student, Chi² y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. La sensibilidad y especificidad se representaron en una curva ROC. Los resultados mostraron que las anémicas tuvieron una percepción de la cantidad de flujo menstrual significativamente mayor que las no anémicas (p<0.05). No se observaron diferencias en las calificaciones informadas por las mujeres con deficiencias de otros nutrimentos y aquellas sin deficiencias. La escala analógica visual propuesta en este trabajo puede ser utilizada en poblaciones sanas como una herramienta subjetiva de tamizaje para el riesgo de padecer anemia, que además es fácil de contestar y económica(AU)

Nutritional anaemias affect more than one third of women of reproductive age worldwide as a result of a lack of one or various nutrients involved in the haematopoiesis, mainly iron. Women are at higher risk because of menstruation. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the association between the perception of the amount of menstrual bleeding and iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, ferritin and hemoglobin deficiencies, among women from Mexico City. This cross-sectional study included 12-49 year old women, that were not pregnant or breastfeeding. Hemoglobin, ferritin, iron, folate, and vitamin B12 were quantified. Self reported menstrual bleeding was estimated by using a 10 cm long visual analogue scale. Associations were calculated by Student’s T test, Chi2 and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Sensibility and specificity were depicted in a ROC curve. Results showed that anaemic women perceived a larger menstrual blood loss than those non anaemic (p<0.05). No differences were observed in any other of the micronutrients studied.The visual analogue scale is an easy-to-answer and cheap screening test that could be used in apparently healthy populations to detect the risk of anaemia(AU)

Las conductas alimentarías de riesgo no se asocian con deficiencias de micronutrimentos en mujeres en edad reproductiva de la Ciudad de México / Abnormal eating behaviours are not associated with micronutrient deficiencies among women of childbearing age from Mexico City

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la asociación entre las conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR) y las deficiencias de vitaminas y nutrimentos inorgánicos en una muestra de mujeres en edad reproductiva. Participaron 282 mujeres de 12 a 49 años (21.9 por ciento adolescentes) no embarazadas ni lactando, muestreadas de manera sistemática con arranque aleatorio en 6 colonias del poniente del Distrito Federal. Se evaluaron las concentraciones de las vitaminas A, C, E, B12 y ácido fólico así como de hemoglobina, ferritina y hierro y zinc séricos. Para las CAR se usó un cuestionario validado en la población mexicana. La información se analizó con estadística descriptiva y la prueba de Fisher. Aproximadamente el 68 por ciento de la muestra fue de nivel socioeconómico medio-bajo o inferior. El 14.8 por ciento tuvo un puntaje de riesgo para las CAR, sin diferencias entre adolescentes y adultas. Las CAR más frecuentes fueron la preocupación por engordar y comer demasiado. El 10 por ciento de las mujeres, aproximadamente, usaron diuréticos o laxantes durante el trimestre anterior a la encuesta. Las deficiencias más importantes fueron las de Vitamina E, zinc y hierro, que afectan al 47 por ciento, 44 por ciento y 27 por ciento de la población, respectivamente. No hubo asociación significativa entre las CAR y las deficiencias de micronutrimentos de manera global ni al analizar por conductas aisladas. A pesar de ello, y dada la alta prevalencia de las CAR y la obesidad en esta población, es necesario hacer campañas para promover la adopción de conductas saludables que permitan alcanzar un peso adecuado.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the risk of abnormal eating behaviors (AEB) and vitamin and mineral deficiencies among women. Women of childbearing age (n=282) were systematically sampled with a random start (21.9 percent adolescents) in 6 suburbs in the west side of Mexico City, they were non pregnant or breastfeeding. Vitamin A, C, E, B12, folic acid, hemoglobin, ferritin, cupper, iron and zinc concentrations were measured. A questionnaire validated in the Mexican population was used for screening AEB. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and by using Fisher´s test. Approximately 68 percent of the sample belonged to a mid-low or lower socioeconomic status. 14 percent had risk of AEB, without statistical differences between adults and teenagers. 10 percent used diuretics or laxatives to reduce weight within the trimester preceding the survey. Vitamin E, zinc and iron were the most widespread deficiencies affecting 47 percent, 44 percent and 27 percent of the population, respectively. There was no association between the AEB and micronutrient deficiencies neither when AEB were analyzed globally nor individually. Considering these results and the high prevalence of the AEB and overweight in this population, it is important to promote the adoption or healthy behaviors to achieve an adequate weight.

Vitamin C supplementation to prevent premature rupture of the chorioamniotic membranes: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis and degradation of collagen and is important for maintenance of the chorioamniotic membranes. Inadequate availability of ascorbic acid during pregnancy has been proposed as a risk factor for premature rupture of the chorioamniotic membranes (PROM). OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 100 mg vitamin C/d in preventing PROM. DESIGN: A controlled double-blind trial was performed. Pregnant women (n = 126) in their 20th wk of gestation were invited; 120 accepted and were randomly assigned to 2 groups (100 mg vitamin C/d or placebo). Every 4 wk, plasma and leukocyte vitamin C concentrations were measured, and each subject was evaluated for cervicovaginal infection. The incidence of PROM was recorded for each group as an indicator of the protective effect of vitamin C supplementation. RESULTS: One hundred nine patients finished the study. Mean plasma vitamin C concentrations decreased significantly throughout the pregnancy in both groups (P = 0.001), and there were no significant differences between groups. Between weeks 20 and 36, mean leukocyte vitamin C concentrations decreased from 17.5 to 15.23 microg/10(8) cells in the placebo group and increased from 17.26 to 22.17 microg/10(8) cells in the supplemented group (within- and between-group differences: P = 0.001). The incidence of PROM was 14 per 57 pregnancies (24.5%) in the placebo group and 4 per 52 pregnancies (7.69%) in the supplemented group (relative risk: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.078, 0.837). CONCLUSION: Daily supplementation with 100 mg vitamin C after 20 wk of gestation effectively lessens the incidence of PROM.

Pituitary synaptic protein SNAP-25 sensitive to GnRH is necessary for LH release.

OBJECTIVE: The protein SNAP-25 is located in the plasma membrane and is known to participate in hormone exocytosis process. In the present work we studied the role of SNAP-25 on LH secretion in permeabilized adenohypophyseal cultured cells. The question of whether GnRH regulates SNAP-25 expression in adenohypophyseal cultured cells and in the adenohypophyses in vivo was also investigated. METHODS: In digitonin-permeabilized cells incubated with anti-SNAP-25, stimulated LH secretion with Ca2+ was analysed. The presence and expression of SNAP-25 in adenohypophyseal cultured cells incubated with GnRH and in adenohypophyses of orchidectomized rats with GnRH administration was studied by immunochemistry and immunoblotting. RESULTS: Immunochemical study revealed that SNAP-25 was present in cultured adenohypophyseal cells and in adenohypophysis of orchidectomized rats both with GnRH treatment. We found that LH secretion can be blocked by antibodies raised against SNAP-25 in permeabilized cells. Likewise, GnRH administration induced a significant decrease of SNAP-25 expression in cultured adenohypophyseal cells and in adenohypophysis of orchidectomized rats. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that SNAP-25 is present in adenohypophyses in vitro as well as in vivo and that is involved in LH release and that GnRH can modify its expression.