Obesity, overweight and hyperglycemia among primary school children in a low-middle income country with a multiethnic population.

Objective: The number of children with cardiovascular risk factors is increasing steadily. However, limited data are available on the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and hyperglycemia among children in low-middle-income countries with multiethnic populations. Therefore, we assessed these factors in a school-based survey in Suriname, a low-middle-income country. Methods: We invited pupils of 5th and 6th grade visiting the primary school to participate in this survey. We used a questionnaire and face to face interviews, and conducted measurements to collect data on biological factors (ethnicity, sex, length, weight, waist circumference, and fasting blood glucose levels), behavior (frequency of physical activity, breakfast, bedtime, screentime), consumption (fruit and vegetables, snack, dairy products) and social factors (parental education, living area). Results: Overall, the percentage of children with overweight was 13.9%, obesity 13.3% and for elevated fasting blood glucose level (> 6 mmol/L) 4.5%. In the investigated group of individuals, obesity and overweight were associated with sex (girls showed a lower OR of 0.54 [95%CI: 0.39-0.75] for obesity), ethnicity (Javanese 2.1, 1.5-3.0 for overweight and 5.0, 3.1-8.2 for obesity, Maroon 2.2, 1.2-4.1 and Mixed ethnicity 1.7, 1.1-2.6, for obesity compared to Hindustani), behavior (Skip Breakfast: 1.4, 1.2-1.7, physical activity: 0.8, 0.7-0.9) and maternal education level (high 1.7, 1.0-2.7). Children with elevated fasting blood glucose levels showed an association with obesity (1.8, 1.2-2.7) and waist circumference (1.02, 1.01-1.03). Conclusion: The results show that there is a high prevalence for overweight, obesity and elevated fasting blood glucose among children in Suriname. Furthermore, during childhood ethnicity is associated with obesity and overweight. We suggest that the modifiable risk factors such as BMI, WC, behavior, consumption are interesting for early intervention in children in a developing country.

A Case of Recurrent Chalazia Associated with Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

Chalazia are chronic inflammatory disorders of the Meibomian glands of the eyelids that can present at any age. Although the exact cause is still obscure, they are often associated with retention of lipids in these sebaceous glands, infections, or disturbances in the balance of sex hormones. The complications of the disease may vary from little discomfort to reduced vision. Treatment strategies include hot compresses, intralesional steroid injections, and incision and curettage. The present case is about a female in her forties with a 4-year long history of recurrent chalazia. The management of the majority of the lesions was through incision and curettage. Concomitantly she presented with subclinical hypothyroidism, for which she received treatment. During treatment of the hypothyroidism, there was a remission of the chalazia. After cessation of the treatment with levothyroxine, the chalazia started recurring. Reinstatement of a low-dose treatment with levothyroxine eventually led to a remission and prevented further recurrence of the chalazia. Subclinical hypothyroidism may predispose to recurrent chalazia. This finding may have consequences for the understanding of the pathophysiology and the management of this disorder. Further investigations must elicit the exact mechanism of this association.

Physical activity and obesity: is there a difference in association between the Asian- and African- Surinamese adult population?

OBJECTIVE: The role of different physical activity (PA) characteristics, i.e. domain, duration and intensity in obesity prevention still requires investigation. Furthermore, ethnicity can modify the effect of PA on body composition. Therefore, we aim to describe the association between obesity and PA characteristics across the Asian- and African-Surinamese population, living in the capital of Suriname. DESIGN: Between February 2013 and July 2015, we included 1157 healthy subjects, 18-70 years, from the Healthy Life in Suriname (HELISUR) study. We measured height, weight, hip and waist circumference and defined general and central obesity according to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess PA and to calculate the duration (minutes/week) and the total volume (METs-minutes/week) of activity. Ethnicity was self-reported. RESULTS: Out of 1157 participants we included 1079 (42.6% Asian-Surinamese, 40.1% African-Surinamese and 17.3% of other ethnicity), mean age 42.6 ± 13.6 years for analysis. Obesity prevalence ratio (PR) was significantly lower in participants meeting WHO PA recommendations [PR= 0.81 (0.68-0.97)], especially within the commuting [PR= 0.66 (0.47-0.91)] and leisure time domains [PR= 0.67 (0.47-0.94)], compared to participants that did not meet the recommendations. Active minutes/week and total volume of activity were inversely associated with obesity and waist circumference, in the overall (p < 0.05) and in the African-Surinamese population (p < 0.05), but not in the Asian-Surinamese population. CONCLUSION: Meeting PA recommendations, particularly within the commuting and leisure time domains, is associated with lower obesity prevalence in the total population. Among the African-Surinamese population, PA within the leisure time domain, more active minutes/week and higher levels of total volume are associated with a lower obesity prevalence. This is not found in the Asian-Surinamese population.

Drinking water with consumption of a jelly filled doughnut has a time dependent effect on the postprandial blood glucose level in healthy young individuals.

An elevated postprandial glucose (PPG) level in plasma or blood is a risk factor for chronic disorders like obesity, diabetes mellitus type II and related cardiovascular conditions. Therefore, it is important to identify mechanisms that increase the value of postprandial glucose PPG levels. Hence in the present study we investigated the time dependent effect of drinking water during a meal on the level of PPG. Thirty-five volunteers were randomly assigned to five groups. Group A was given a jelly filled doughnut and group B, C, D and E had a similar doughnut in combination with a bottle of water along with the doughnut, thirty minutes before, thirty minutes after, and a second doughnut with water thirty minutes after the first one, respectively. Glucose was measured in capillary blood at intervals of 30 min up to 150 min (reg # FMeW 725B/17). PPG versus fasting glucose (Means ± SD, mmol/L) was for group A 5.4 ± 0.6 vs 4.6 ± 0.4, B 7.2 ± 0.7 vs 4.9 ± 0.4, C 5.5 ± 0.7 vs 4.4 ± 0.3, D 5.5 ± 0.6 vs 4.6 ± 0.3 and E 5.7 ± 0.5 vs 4.7 ± 0.2. The increase in group B was significantly higher than in all other groups (ANOVA, Dunnet's posttest). These results show that drinking water with consumption of a jelly-filled doughnut increases the postprandial blood glucose levels significantly compared to no drinking at all or thirty minutes before or after the consumption. It is therefore advisable that we should reconsider our eating and drinking habits to lower the PPG and consequently reduce the risks of abovementioned chronic disorders. Further assessment is necessary to evaluate this in more detail.

Ethnic and sex-specific cut-off values for adult obesity in the Suriname Health Study.

BACKGROUND: Sex-specific body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) cut-off values have been validated for a limited number of ethnic groups. We aimed to derive these cut-off values for Amerindians, Creoles, Hindustani, Javanese, Maroons and Mixed living in Suriname. METHODS: Data from individuals aged 20-65, in the Suriname Health Study was used to derive optimal cut-off values for BMI and WC for the prediction of hypertension (n=4910) and cardio-metabolic risk (n=2924). Results from the analysis with Receiver Operating Curves were calculated and compared these with recommended values. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curve was consistently higher for WC compared to BMI among Creoles, Hindustani, Maroons and Mixed. The BMI cut-off values ranged from 24.8kg/m2 for Creole men and 26.9kg/m2 for Maroon women to 28.4kg/m2 and 30.2kg/m2 for Amerindian men and women, respectively. The WC cut-off values ranged from 80.7cm for Maroon men, 86.7cm for Javanese women to 90.8cm for Hindustani men and 95.7cm for Amerindian women. Optimal BMI cut-off values approximated Asian cut-off values from the World Health Organization whilst those of WC for men approximated and for women exceeded cut-off values from the International Diabetes Federation. CONCLUSION: In most ethnic groups, we found better discriminatory power for WC compared to BMI in the relation with cardiovascular risk factors. The estimated BMI and WC cut-off values differed between ethnic groups. Further studies are needed to identify cut-off values related to the future risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Ethnic disparities in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in the Suriname Health Study: a cross-sectional population study.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) indicates increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. We estimated the overall and ethnic-specific prevalence of MetS and explored the associations of risk factors with MetS among Amerindian, Creole, Hindustani, Javanese, Maroon and Mixed ethnic groups. METHOD: We used the 2009 Joint Interim Statement (JIS) to define MetS in a subgroup of 2946 participants of the Suriname Health Study, a national survey designed according to the WHO Steps guidelines. The prevalences of MetS and its components were determined for all ethnicities. Hierarchical logistic regressions were used to determine the associations of ethnicity, sex, age, marital status, educational level, income status, employment, smoking status, residence, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake with MetS. RESULTS: The overall estimated prevalence of MetS was 39.2%. From MetS components, central obesity and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) had the highest prevalences. The prevalence of MetS was highest for the Hindustanis (52.7%) and lowest for Maroons (24.2%). The analyses showed that in the overall population sex (women: OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.6), age (OR 5.5 CI 4.3 to 7.2), education (OR 0.7 CI 0.6 to 0.9), living area (OR 0.6 CI 0.5 to 0.8), income (OR 0.7 CI 0.5 to 0.9) and marital status (OR 1.3 CI 1.1 to 1.6) were associated with MetS. Variations observed in the associations of the risk factors with MetS in the ethnic groups did not materially influence the associations of ethnicities with MetS. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MetS was high and varied widely among ethnicities. Overall, central obesity and low HDL-C contributed most to MetS. Further studies are needed to assess the prospective associations of risk factors with MetS in different ethnic groups.

Ethnic differences in prevalence and risk factors for hypertension in the Suriname Health Study: a cross sectional population study.

BACKGROUND: Limited information is available about the prevalence, ethnic disparities, and risk factors of hypertension within developing countries. We used data from a nationwide study on non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors to estimate, explore, and compare the prevalence of hypertension overall and in subgroups of risk factors among different ethnic groups in Suriname. METHOD: The Suriname Health Study used the World Health Organization Steps design to select respondents with a stratified multistage cluster sample of households. The overall and ethnic specific prevalences of hypertension were calculated in general and in subgroups of sex, age, marital status, educational level, income status, employment, smoking status, residence, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). Differences in the prevalence between ethnic subgroups were assessed using the Chi-square test. We used several adjustment models to explore whether the observed ethnic differences were explained by biological, demographic, lifestyle, or anthropometric risk factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 26.2 % (95 % confidence interval 25.1 %-27.4 %). Men had higher mean values for systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to women. Blood pressure increased with age. The prevalence was highest for Creole, Hindustani, and Javanese and lowest for Amerindians, Mixed, and Maroons. Differences between ethnic groups were measured in the prevalence of hypertension in subcategories of sex, marital status, education, income, smoking, physical activity, and BMI. The major difference in association of ethnic groups with hypertension was between Hindustani and Amerindians. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension in Suriname was in the range of developing countries. The highest prevalence was found in Creoles, Hindustani, and Javanese. Differences in the prevalence of hypertension were observed between ethnic subgroups with biological, demographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric risk factors. These findings emphasize the need for ethnic-specific research and prevention and intervention programs.

Ethnic differences in prediabetes and diabetes in the Suriname Health Study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is increasing worldwide, and information on risk factors to develop targeted interventions is limited. Therefore, we analyzed data of the Suriname Health Study to estimate the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes. We also explored whether ethnic differences in prediabetes or diabetes risk could be explained by biological, demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and metabolic risk factors. METHOD: The study was designed according to the WHO Steps guidelines. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured in 3393 respondents, aged 15-65 years, from an Amerindian, Creole, Hindustani, Javanese, Maroon or Mixed ethnic background. Prediabetes was defined by fasting blood glucose levels between 6.1 and 7.0 mmol/L and diabetes by fasting blood glucose levels ≥7.0 mmol/L or 'self-reported diabetes medication use.' For all ethnicities, we analyzed sex, age, marital status, educational level, income status, employment, smoking status, residence, physical activity, body mass index, waist circumference, hypertension, and the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. RESULTS: The prevalence of prediabetes was 7.4%, while that of diabetes was 13 0%. From these diabetes cases, 39.6% were not diagnosed previously. No ethnic differences were observed in the prevalence of prediabetes. For diabetes, Hindustanis (23.3%) had twice the prevalence compared to other ethnic groups (4.7-14.2%). The associations of the risk factors with prediabetes or diabetes varied among the ethnic groups. The differences in the associations of ethnic groups with prediabetes or diabetes were partly explained by these risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of diabetes in Suriname is high and most elevated in Hindustanis. The observed variations in risk factors among ethnic groups might explain the ethnic differences between these groups, but follow-up studies are needed to explore this in more depth.

Beneficial effect of medicinal plants on the contractility of post-hypoxic isolated guinea pig atria - Potential implications for the treatment of ischemic-reperfusion injury.

Context Ischemic-reperfusion injury is accompanied by a decreased contractility of the myocardium. Positive-inotropic agents have proven useful for treating this condition but may exert serious side-effects. Objective In this study, aqueous preparations from Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench (Malvaceae), Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), Bixa orellana L. (Bixaceae), Cecropia peltata L. (Moraceae), Erythrina fusca Lour. (Fabaceae), Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) and Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) were evaluated for their ability to improve the decreased contractility of isolated guinea pig atria after hypoxic stress. Materials and methods Guinea pig atria isolated in Ringer-Locke buffer gassed with 100% O2 at 30 °C were exposed for 5 min to hypoxia, then allowed to recover in oxygenated buffer alone or containing a single plant extract (0.001-1 mg/mL). The contractility (g/s) and beating frequency (beats/min), as well as troponin C contents of the bathing solution (ng/mL), were determined and expressed as means ± SDs. Results The extracts of A. muricata, B. orellana, C. peltata and T. catappa caused an increase in the contractility compared to untreated atria of 340 ± 102%, 151 ± 13%, 141 ± 14% and 238 ± 44%, respectively. However, the latter two preparations increased the troponin C contents of the bathing solution to 36 ± 11 and 69 ± 33, compared to the value of 11 ± 3 ng/mL found with untreated atria. Conclusions Preparations from A. muricata and B. orellana may possess positive-inotropic properties which may improve the contractility of the post-hypoxic myocardium. Studies to assess their usefulness in ischemic-reperfusion injury are warranted.

Ethnic and sex-specific cut-off values for adult obesity in the Suriname health study

Sex-specific body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) cut-off values have been validated for a limited number of ethnic groups. We aimed to derive these cut-off values for Amerindians, Creoles, Hindustani, Javanese, Maroons and Mixed living in Suriname.

Methods Data from individuals aged 20­65, in the Suriname Health Study was used to derive optimal cut-off values for BMI and WC for the prediction of hypertension (n = 4910) and cardio-metabolic risk (n = 2924). Results from the analysis with Receiver Operating Curves were calculated and compared these with recommended values.

Results The area under the ROC curve was consistently higher for WC compared to BMI among Creoles, Hindustani, Maroons and Mixed. The BMI cut-off values ranged from 24.8 kg/m2 for Creole men and 26.9 kg/m2 for Maroon women to 28.4 kg/m2 and 30.2 kg/m2 for Amerindian men and women, respectively. The WC cut-off values ranged from 80.7 cm for Maroon men, 86.7 cm for Javanese women to 90.8 cm for Hindustani men and 95.7 cm for Amerindian women. Optimal BMI cut-off values approximated Asian cut-off values from the World Health Organization whilst those of WC for men approximated and for women exceeded cut-off values from the International Diabetes Federation.

A National Surveillance Survey on Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors: Suriname Health Study Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, the surveillance of risk factors has become an issue of major importance for planning and implementation of preventive measures. Unfortunately, in these countries data on NCDs and their risk factors are limited. This also prevails in Suriname, a middle-income country of the Caribbean, with a multiethnic/multicultural population living in diverse residential areas. For these reasons, "The Suriname Health Study" was designed. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of NCD risk factors, including metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes in Suriname. Differences between specific age groups, sexes, ethnic groups, and geographical areas will be emphasized. In addition, risk groups will be identified and targeted actions will be designed and evaluated. METHODS: In this study, several methodologies were combined. A stratified multistage cluster sample was used to select the participants of 6 ethnic groups (Hindustani, Creole, Javanese, Maroon, Chinese, Amerindians, and mixed) divided into 5 age groups (between 15 and 65 years) who live in urban/rural areas or the hinterland. A standardized World Health Organization STEPwise approach to surveillance questionnaire was adapted and used to obtain information about demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and risk factors. Physical examinations were performed to measure blood pressure, height, weight, and waist circumference. Biochemical analysis of collected blood samples evaluated the levels of glucose, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Statistical analysis will be used to identify the burden of modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors in the aforementioned subgroups. Subsequently, tailor-made interventions will be prepared and their effects will be evaluated. RESULTS: The data as collected allow for national inference and valid analysis of the age, sex, and ethnicity subgroups in the Surinamese population. A publication of the basic survey results is anticipated in mid-2015. Secondary results on the effect of targeted lifestyle interventions are anticipated in late 2017. CONCLUSIONS: Using the data collected in this study, the national prevalence of NCD risk factors will be approximated and described in a diverse population. This study is an entry point for formulating the structure of NCD prevention and surveillance.

Self-reported physical activity behavior of a multi-ethnic adult population within the urban and rural setting in Suriname.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) plays an important role in the combat against noncommunicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases. In order to develop appropriate PA intervention programs, there is a need to evaluate PA behavior. So far, there are no published data on PA available for Suriname. Therefore, we aim to describe PA behavior among the multi-ethnic population living in urban and rural areas of Suriname. METHODS: The World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) was conducted in a national representative sample (N = 5751; 48.6% men) aged 15-64 years between March and September 2013. Physical activity data were assessed using the Global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) and analyzed according to the GPAQ guidelines. The prevalence of meeting the recommended PA level and prevalence ratios (PR) were computed. RESULTS: Only 55.5% of the overall population met the WHO recommended PA levels (urban coastal area: 55.7%, rural coastal area: 57.9%, rural interior area: 49.1%). Women were less likely to meet the recommended PA level (49% vs 62.4%; p < 0.0001) and with increasing age the PR for recommended level of PA decreased (p < 0.0001). Compared to the Hindustani's, the largest ethnic group, the Javanese reported the lowest percentage of people meeting recommended PA level (PR = 0.92; p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Around half of the population meets the recommended PA level. Future lifestyle interventions aiming at increasing PA should especially focus on women and older individuals as they are less likely to meet the recommended levels of PA.

Mannitol Reduces the Hydrostatic Pressure in the Proximal Tubule of the Isolated Blood-Perfused Rabbit Kidney during Hypoxic Stress and Improves Its Function.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hypoxia may play a role in the development of renal failure in donated kidneys. In the present study, the effects of hypoxia on isolated blood-perfused rabbit kidneys were investigated and the effects of mannitol were explored, giving special attention to intratubular pressure. METHODS: Kidneys were perfused with their autologous blood during four 30-min periods (P1-P4). P1 was considered baseline function. In P2, hypoxia was induced either alone or with an infusion of mannitol (15 mg/min) during P2-P4. Reoxygenation was applied after P2. Proximal intratubular pressure was measured in all conditions. RESULTS: During hypoxia, renal blood flow doubled and restored immediately in P3. Urine flow stopped in P2, except in the series with mannitol, but gradually resumed in P3 and P4. Likewise, creatinine clearance recovered slightly (<25%) in P4, except for the series with mannitol, where it still could be measured in P2 and reached a value >50% of P1. Proximal intratubular pressure (mean ± SD) increased from 12 ± 5 in P1 to 24 ± 11 mm Hg during hypoxia and returned to 10 ± 6 mm Hg in P3. This increase was not observed with mannitol. CONCLUSION: Cellular swelling might be responsible for the suppressed filtration during hypoxia and can be prevented by mannitol.