Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of Iron biomarkers and cardiovascular risk factors in pre- and postmenopausal women: leveraging repeated measurements to address natural variability.

BACKGROUND: The association between iron biomarkers and cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVD-RFs) remains unclear. We aimed to (1) evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between iron biomarkers (serum ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), transferrin) and CVD-RFs among women, and (2) explore if these associations were modified by menopausal status. METHOD: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses including 2542 and 1482 women from CoLaus cohort, respectively. Multiple linear regression and multilevel mixed models were used to analyse the associations between Iron biomarkers and CVD-RFs. Variability of outcomes and iron markers between surveys was accessed using intraclass correlation (ICC). RESULTS: After multivariable adjustment, elevated serum ferritin levels were associated with increased insulin and glucose levels, while higher transferrin levels were linked to elevated glucose, insulin and total cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). No association was observed between CVD-RFs and TSAT (p > 0.05). Iron biomarkers demonstrated low reliability across reproductive stages but exhibited stronger associations in the perimenopausal group. In longitudinal analysis, we found association only for transferrin with lower glucose levels [ß = - 0.59, 95% CI (- 1.10, - 0.08), p = 0.02] and lower diastolic blood pressure [ß = - 7.81, 95% CI (- 15.9, - 0.56), p = 0.04]. CONCLUSION: In cross-sectional analysis, transferrin was associated with several CVD-RFs, and the associations did not change according to menopausal status. Conversely, in the longitudinal analyses, changes in transferrin were associated only with lower glucose and diastolic blood pressure levels. These differences might stem from the substantial longitudinal variation of iron biomarkers, underscoring the need for multiple iron measurements in longitudinal analyses.

Metabolic disease and the liver: A review.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide, with an estimated prevalence of 31% in Latin America. The presence of metabolic comorbidities coexisting with liver disease varies substantially among populations. It is acknowledged that obesity is boosting the type 2 diabetes mellitus "epidemic," and both conditions are significant contributors to the increasing number of patients with MASLD. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis represents a condition of chronic liver inflammation and is considered the most severe form of MASLD. MASLD diagnosis is based on the presence of steatosis, noninvasive scores and altered liver tests. Noninvasive scores of liver fibrosis, such as serum biomarkers, which should be used in primary care to rule out advanced fibrosis, are simple, inexpensive, and widely available. Currently, guidelines from international hepatology societies recommend using noninvasive strategies to simplify case finding and management of high-risk patients with MASLD in clinical practice. Unfortunately, there is no definite pharmacological treatment for the condition. Creating public health policies to treat patients with risk factors for MASLD prevention is essential.

Behavioral and metabolic risk factors associated with periodontitis in Brazil, 1990-2019: a multidimensional analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

OBJECTIVES: Periodontitis is a non-communicable disease (NCD) that may be linked to other NCDs through shared risk factors. Accordingly, we analyzed the relationship between periodontitis and behavioral and metabolic risks common to NCDs in Brazilian adults over three decades. METHODS: Indicators of periodontitis, behavioral risks (smoking, alcohol use, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), and physical activity), and metabolic risks (overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension) in Brazilian adults (25-49 y-old) between 1990 to 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Data were adjusted for Gini index. Fixed-effects and Prais-Winsten regressions were performed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The prevalence of periodontitis has increased among Brazilians since 2005. High-SSB diet, alcohol use, and metabolic risks increased between 1990-2019, whereas smoking decreased. In crude models, periodontitis prevalence increased with alcohol use (2545.1; 95%CI: 2307.9-2782.3), high-SSB diet (365.5; 95%CI: 322.5-408.4), low physical activity (1784.4; 95%CI: 763.7-2805.0), overweight/obesity (172.3; 95%CI: 156.3-188.4), dyslipidemia (734.5; 95%CI: 624.7-844.2), and hyperglycemia (1774.3; 95%CI: 1555.9-1992.7). After adjustment for the Gini index, periodontitis prevalence raised with a high-SBB diet (1416.0; 95%CI: 1120.2-1711.8), overweight/obesity (629.9; 95%CI: 573.1-686.8), dyslipidemia (2035.8; 95%CI: 1728.1-2343.5), and hyperglycemia (8918.1; 95%CI: 7979.8-9856.3). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis has increased in Brazil since 2005, despite the smoking reduction. Sugar-sweetened beverage was the behavioral risk that mostly accompanied the periodontal trend. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results support upstream strategies targeting commercial, social, political, and structural determinants to tackle NCDs and reduce oral health inequities.

Effects of Regular Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) Consumption on Health: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

The Brazil nut (BN) is a promising food due to its numerous health benefits, but it is still necessary to systematically review the scientific evidence on these benefits. Thus, we examined the effects of regular BN consumption on health markers in humans according to the health state (with specific diseases or not) of the subjects. PubMed, Embase®, and Scielo databases were used to search for clinical trials. The PRISMA guideline was used to report the review, and the risk of bias for all studies was assessed. Twenty-four studies were included in the present review, of which fifteen were non-randomized. BNs were consumed in the context of a habitual free-living diet in all studies. Improvement in antioxidant status through increased levels of selenium and/or glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma, serum, whole blood, and/or erythrocytes was observed in all studies that evaluated antioxidant status, regardless of the health state of the sample. In addition, healthy subjects improved lipid markers and fasting glucose. Subjects with obesity had improvement in markers of lipid metabolism. Subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia improved oxidative stress or DNA damage. Subjects undergoing hemodialysis benefited greatly from BN consumption, as they improved lipid profile markers, oxidative stress, inflammation, and thyroid function. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment improved verbal fluency and constructional praxis, and controversial results regarding the change in a marker of lipid peroxidation were observed in subjects with coronary artery disease. In conclusion, the benefits of BN consumption were found in different pathways of action and study populations.

Mitos y realidades sobre la obesidad en el síndrome de ovario poliquístico / Myths and realities about obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome

Introducción: La asociación entre la obesidad y el síndrome de ovario poliquístico es importante porque amplifica los trastornos metabólicos, reproductivos, psicológicos o de la calidad de vida. Sin embargo, es común que se sobrevalore o se emplee como criterio diagnóstico, lo que denota una definición no clara de esta relación. Objetivo: Analizar lo que, en opinión de los autores, pudieran ser "mitos" sobre la obesidad en el síndrome de ovario poliquístico y su coherencia con la evidencia disponible. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión del estado del arte en este tema. Se localizaron 230 artículos en las bases PubMed, Medline, Scielo y Google Académico, y se contrastó con los criterios propios. Conclusiones: Algunas creencias generalizadas sobre la obesidad en el síndrome de ovario poliquístico, aunque tienen cierto grado de certidumbre, se malinterpretan o magnifican, por lo que pueden considerarse "mitos". Entender que las mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico pueden no tener obesidad y, aún así, tener adiposidad abdominal y los efectos que de ella derivan, no niega la evidencia indiscutible de que la obesidad, si está presente, agrava el síndrome. Polemizar sobre el tema pretende contribuir a que se diagnostique el síndrome no solo en mujeres con obesidad y que se considere factor de riesgo para la obesidad. Debe entenderse que la obesidad asociada al síndrome puede revertirse y que se pueden incorporar estilos de vida saludable y un control del peso corporal como pilares del tratamiento en todas las mujeres que padezcan este(AU)

Introduction: The association between obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome is important because it amplifies metabolic, reproductive, psychological, or quality of life disorders. However, it is commonly overestimated or used as a diagnostic criterion, which denotes an unclear definition of this relationship. Objective: To analyze what, in the authors' opinion, could be "myths" about obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome and their consistency with the available evidence. Methods: A state-of-the-art review on this subject was performed and contrasted with own criteria. Conclusions: Some widespread beliefs about obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome, although they have some degree of certainty, are misinterpreted or magnified, so they can be considered "myths". Understanding that the patients may not suffer from obesity and still have abdominal adiposity and the effects that derive from it, does not deny the indisputable evidence that, if present, it aggravates the syndrome. Discussing the subject intends to contribute to diagnose the syndrome not only in women with obesity. The aim is to consider it as a risk factor for obesity and to prevent it, to understand that obesity can be reversed, and to incorporate counseling on healthy lifestyles and body weight control as pillars of treatment in all women with the syndrome, with or without obesity(AU)

Development, validation, and application of a machine learning model to estimate salt consumption in 54 countries.

Global targets to reduce salt intake have been proposed, but their monitoring is challenged by the lack of population-based data on salt consumption. We developed a machine learning (ML) model to predict salt consumption at the population level based on simple predictors and applied this model to national surveys in 54 countries. We used 21 surveys with spot urine samples for the ML model derivation and validation; we developed a supervised ML regression model based on sex, age, weight, height, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We applied the ML model to 54 new surveys to quantify the mean salt consumption in the population. The pooled dataset in which we developed the ML model included 49,776 people. Overall, there were no substantial differences between the observed and ML-predicted mean salt intake (p<0.001). The pooled dataset where we applied the ML model included 166,677 people; the predicted mean salt consumption ranged from 6.8 g/day (95% CI: 6.8-6.8 g/day) in Eritrea to 10.0 g/day (95% CI: 9.9-10.0 g/day) in American Samoa. The countries with the highest predicted mean salt intake were in the Western Pacific. The lowest predicted intake was found in Africa. The country-specific predicted mean salt intake was within reasonable difference from the best available evidence. An ML model based on readily available predictors estimated daily salt consumption with good accuracy. This model could be used to predict mean salt consumption in the general population where urine samples are not available.

Efectos de la frecuencia de consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y su asociación con los indicadores del estado nutricional de una población económicamente activa en México

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la relación entre consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y los indicadores del estado de nutricional de una muestra de población económicamente activa en México. Se realizó un estudio transversal en individuos de ambos sexos (18 a 60 años, n=150). Para la obtención de datos antropométricos de la población y de composición corporal, se utilizó un equipo de bioimpedancia. Además, se aplicó un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados (previamente validada) para la evaluación dietética. Los resultados de los indicadores de estado nutricional demostraron que el 80% de la población estudiada presentó obesidad y sobrepeso; el 88,7% tuvo un % de grasa alto; y el 75,3% presentó riesgo metabólico alto. Con respecto a la evaluación dietética, el grupo de alimentos de ultraprocesados con alto contenido de azúcares simples fue el de mayor consumo (47%, 10,4 veces por semana). Los resultados del análisis de correlación de Pearson, indicaron que existe una correlación negativa significativa entre la edad y el consumo en cuatro de cinco grupos de alimentos ultraprocesados. Finalmente, se encontró que la muestra presenta riesgos de salud importantes que pueden afectar su calidad de vida y productividad. Se deben implementar estrategias a corto plazo de mejora de hábitos de alimentación y estilo de vida saludables en este sector de la población tan importante.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to correlate ultra-processed product consumption and nutritional status in a sample of the Mexican labor force population. A cross-sectional study assessed subjects from both genders (18 to 60 years, n=150). Bioimpedance equipment was used to obtain anthropometric measurements and body composition parameters. Moreover, a previously validated frequency questionnaire of ultra-processed foods was used to obtain dietetic data. Results from the nutritional status evaluation indicated that 80% of the sample was obese or overweight; 88.7% had high total fat mass percentage, and 75.3% had high metabolic risk. Regarding the dietetic evaluation, ultra-processed products with high sugar content were the most consumed (47%, up to10.4 times per week). Furthermore, the Pearson correlation analysis results showed a significant negative correlation between age and consumption in four of the five ultra-processed product groups evaluated. Therefore, there is a need to implement internal strategies to diminish the consumption of ultra-processed products and improve healthy food choices and physical activity of the sample to avoid quality of life deterioration and reduce economic losses in this sector.

Mean blood pressure according to the hypertension care cascade: Analysis of six national health surveys in Peru.

BACKGROUND: While we have good evidence about the hypertension care cascade, we do not know the mean blood pressure (BP) in these groups. We described the mean BP in four groups based on the hypertension care cascade at the national and sub-national levels in Peru. METHODS: Descriptive analysis of six national health surveys. Blood pressure was measured twice and the second record herein analysed. We defined four groups: i) people with self-reported hypertension diagnosis receiving antihypertensive medication; ii) people with self-reported hypertension diagnosis not receiving antihypertensive medication; iii) people unaware they have hypertension with blood pressure ≥140 or 90 mmHg; and iv) otherwise healthy people. FINDINGS: There were 125,066 people; mean age was 49.8 years and there were more women (51.7%). At the national level, in men and women and throughout the study period, we observed that the mean systolic BP (SBP) was the highest in people unaware they have hypertension; the mean SBP was similar between those with and without antihypertension medication, yet slightly higher in the former group. At the sub-national level, even though the mean SBP in the unaware group was usually the highest, there were some regions and years in which the mean SBP was the highest in the untreated and treated groups. INTERPRETATION: These results complement the hypertension care cascade with a clinically relevant parameter: mean BP. The results point where policies may be needed to secure effective interventions to control hypertension in Peru, suggesting that improving early diagnosis and treatment coverage could be priorities. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust (214185/Z/18/Z).

Neck circumference in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: High neck circumference (NC) is associated with high burden diseases in Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC). NC complements established anthropometric measurements for early identification of cardio-metabolic and other illnesses. However, evidence about NC has not been systematically studied in LAC. We aimed to estimate the mean NC and the prevalence of high NC in LAC. Methods: We conducted a systematic review in MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and LILACS. Search results were screened and studied by two reviewers independently. To assess risk of bias of individual studies, we used the Hoy et al. scale and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis. Results: In total, 182 abstracts were screened, 96 manuscripts were reviewed and 85 studies (n= 51,978) were summarized. From all the summarized studies, 14 were conducted in a sample of the general population, 23 were conducted with captive populations and 49 studies were conducted with patients. The pooled mean NC in the general population was 35.69 cm (95% IC: 34.85cm-36.53cm; I²: 99.6%). In our patient populations, the pooled mean NC in the obesity group was 42.56cm (95% CI 41.70cm-43.42cm; I²: 92.40%). Across all studied populations, there were several definitions of high NC; thus, prevalence estimates were not comparable. The prevalence of high NC ranged between 37.00% and 57.69% in the general population. The methodology to measure NC was not consistently reported. Conclusions: Mean NC in LAC appears to be in the range of estimates from other world regions. Inconsistent methods and definitions hamper cross-country comparisons and time trend analyses. There is a need for consistent and comparable definitions of NC so that it can be incorporated as a standard anthropometric indicator in surveys and epidemiological studies.

Metabolic Risk and Depression among Elderly Mexican Americans: The Roles of Nativity Status.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between metabolic risk (MR) and depression in a sample of older Mexican Americans and examine whether the association differs by age at migration. Methods: Longitudinal study using data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (HEPESE) (N=807, mean age = 84.3). The analytical sample was compiled from wave 6 (2007) to wave 7 (2010-2011) of HEPESE. Random-effect logistic regression examined the association between MR and depression and tested the model stratified by nativity status and age at migration. Results: MR was associated with higher odds of depression for US-born Mexican Americans after controlling for potential confounders. Similarly, among Mexican Americans who migrated before age 20, MR was associated with higher odds of depression. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of age at migration when evaluating the health of foreign-born Mexican Americans from a life-course perspective. Particularly among Mexican Americans who migrated before age 20, those with MR were more vulnerable to depression than their counterparts without MR.

A High Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome Traits in Mexicans Points at Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a construct relating to a series of metabolic dysfunctions attributable to insulin resistance and obesity. Here, we estimate the incidence of MS according to their individual components using a Mexican open-population cohort. METHODS: We evaluated data of 6144 Mexicans amongst whom 3340 did not have MS either by IDF or ATP-III definitions using data from an open-population cohort. We estimated the incidence of MS and each of its traits after a median follow-up of 2.24 (IQR 2.05-2.58) years and evaluated risk factors for MS incidence and each of its traits. We also explored individuals without any MS trait to evaluate trait and MS incidence after follow-up. RESULTS: We observed a high incidence of MS-IDF (115.11 cases per 1000 person-years, 95% CI 107.76-122.47), followed by MS-ATP-III (75.77 cases per 1000 person-years, 95% CI). The MS traits with the highest incidence were low HDL-C and abdominal obesity, which was consistent for subjects without MS and those without any MS trait. When assessing predictors of MS incidence, obesity, insulin resistance, and increased apolipoprotein B levels predicted MS incidence. Weight loss >5% of body weight and physical activity were the main protective factors. Obesity was a main determinant for incident MS traits in our population, with weight loss being also a protective factor for most MS traits. CONCLUSION: We observed a high incidence of MS in apparently healthy Mexican adults. Low HDL-C and abdominal obesity were the most frequent incident MS traits, with obesity being the main determinant of its incidence.

Skeletal mass indices are inversely associated with metabolically unhealthy phenotype in overweight/obese and normal-weight men: a population-based cross-sectional study.

Muscle mass may play an important role in the metabolic profile of individuals with or without excess weight. Metabolic phenotypes classify individuals as healthy or unhealthy based on certain metabolic conditions. We investigated the association between skeletal mass indices (SMI) and the metabolically unhealthy phenotype in normal-weight and overweight/obese adults. A total of 660 adults aged 20 to 59 years were assessed by a population-based cross-sectional study. Muscle mass of the limbs or appendicular lean mass (ALM) adjusted for weight (SMIweight) and BMI (SMIBMI) was used to evaluate SMI. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the association between SMIweight, SMIBMI and metabolic phenotypes of normal-weight and overweight/obese individuals. Metabolically unhealthy individuals were older in both sexes. Metabolically unhealthy men had lower SMI values and higher fat percentage than metabolically healthy men. SMIweight was inversely associated with the metabolically unhealthy phenotype, both in normal-weight men (OR 0·49, 95 % CI 0·24, 0·99, P = 0·04) and in overweight/obese men (OR 0·32, 95 % CI 0·16, 0·64, P = 0·001). SMIBMI was inversely associated with the metabolically unhealthy phenotype in overweight/obese men (OR 0·36, 95 % CI 0·18, 0·72, P = 0·004), but not in normal-weight men (OR 0·70, 95 % CI 0·34, 1·43, P = 0·33). Among women, SMI showed no significant association with the phenotypes. In conclusion, the SMI are inversely associated with the metabolically unhealthy phenotype in men, especially among overweight/obese men.

Patrones morfológicos asociados a factores de riesgo metabólico en población de adolescentes escolarizados / Morphological patterns associated with metabolic risk factors in the adolescent school population

RESUMEN: El aumento sostenido en la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños, niñas y adolescentes, causa alarma en la comunidad científica, que observa incrementos importantes en las enfermerdades asociadas a Síndrome Metabólico (SM), en la vida adulta. Chile presenta un 75 % con sobrepeso y obesidad en la población adulta y un 50,9 % en la población estudiantil, con un 66,2 % de sedentarismo. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron determinar los perfiles antropométricos y su asociación a riesgo metabólico en adolescentes de colegio particular subvencionado de Arica-Chile. El total de los alumnos de enseñanza media, n= 810 (mujeres n= 437 y hombres n= 373), fueron evaluados según: peso, talla, perímetro de cintura, índice cintura-talla (ICT), índice de masa corporal (IMC). A todos ellos se les calculó el riesgo metabólico según protocolos de Ashwell & Gibson (2016) y el IMC según fórmula de Quetelet. Los datos fueron analizados en estadístico para tendencia central, dispersión y porcentajes. Para correlación se utilizó test de Pearson (r>0,5). Los resultados muestran que un 44,1 % de las mujeres y un 37,2 % de los hombres presentan sobrepeso y obesidad. El riesgo metabólico general de la población en estudio fue de 24,6 % (24,7 % y 24,4 % en mujeres y hombres respectivamente). Se observó una alta correlación entre PC / ICT (r= 0,92), IMC / ICT (r= 0,86) y Peso / PC (r= 0,87). Se concluye que las y los adolescentes presentan valores antropométricos alterados que indican altos índices de riesgos metabólicos. Los parámetros más alterados se observan en el segundo año de enseñanza media con porcentajes de sobrepeso y obesidad de 49,1 % en las mujeres versus 33,8 % en los hombres. Independientemente, los hombres presentaron mejores índices morfométricos que las mujeres. Se observaron altas correlaciones (r> 0,5) en todos los parámetros en estudio, asociados a riesgo metabólico. Se sugiere enfocar las intervenciones educativas según sello de vida saludable, incentivando la actividad física y mejorar los hábitos alimenticios en las y los adolescentes escolarizados.

SUMMARY: The sustained increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents causes alarm in the scientific community, who observe significant increases in diseases associated with Metabolic Syndrome (MS), in adult life. Chile presents 75 % with overweight and obesity in the adult population and 50.9 % in the student population and with 66.2 % of sedentary lifestyle. The objectives of this work were to determine the anthropometric profiles and their association with metabolic risk in adolescents from a subsidized private school in Arica-Chile. The total of high school students, n = 810 (women n = 437 and men n = 373), were evaluated according to: weight, height, waist circumference, waist-height index (WHI), body mass index (BMI). Metabolic risk was calculated for all of them according to Ashwell & Gibson protocols and BMI according to Quetelet's formula. The data were analyzed in statistics for central tendency, dispersion, and percentages. Pearson test (r> 0.5) was used for correlation. The results show that 44.1 % of women and 37.2 % of men are overweight and obese. The general metabolic risk of the study population was 24.6 % (24.7 % and 24.4 % in women and men, respectively). A high correlation was observed between WC / WHI (r = 0.92), BMI / WHI (r = 0.86) and Weight / WC (r = 0.87). It is concluded that adolescents present altered anthropometric values that indicate high rates of metabolic risks. The most altered parameters were observed in the second year of secondary education with percentages of overweight and obesity of 49.1 % in women versus 33.8 % in men. Regardless, males presented better morphometric indices than females. High correlations (r> 0.5) were observed in all the parameters under study, associated with metabolic risk. It is suggested to focus educational interventions according to the seal of healthy living, encouraging physical activity and improving eating habits in school adolescents.

Metabolic risk factors in children with kidney stone disease: an update.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of kidney stones in children has significantly increased in the past few decades, with concomitant increased morbidity and healthcare costs worldwide. Assessing metabolic risk factors is essential for diagnosis and specific treatment. The objective of this retrospective study is to identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children under 17 years of age, as well as the metabolic risk factors of nephrolithiasis. METHODS: A total of 300 children with kidney stone disease were included to undergo several clinical tests using a standardized protocol. RESULTS: The mean age was 11.2 years, and the male:female ratio was 1.15:1.0. Biochemical abnormalities were found in 89.3% of all cases. A single urine metabolic risk factor was present in 52.6% (n = 141) of the patients, and multiple risk factors were present in 36.7% (n = 106). Idiopathic hypercalciuria (alone or in combination) and hypocitraturia (alone or in combination) were the most frequent risk factors identified in 47.0% and 39.6% of these patients, respectively. Renal colic and/or unspecified abdominal pain were the most frequent forms of presentation (76.9%), followed by hematuria in 64.4% with 97.5% of stones located in the upper urinary tract. A positive family history in first-degree and second-degree relatives was found in 64.8% of boys and 61.8% of girls. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that specific urinary metabolic risk factors can be found in most children with kidney stones, with hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia being the most common diagnoses. Graphical abstract .

Composición corporal y factores de riesgo metabólico en profesores de enseñanza básica de colegios de Chile / Body composition and metabolic risk factors in primary in primary school teachers in Chile

En el mundo la obesidad es considerada una pandemia que provoca grandes cambios metabólicos, responsables de las llamadas enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT), las cuales presentan un 60 % de mortalidad, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (2016). En Chile el 75 % de la población adulta y el 50,9 % de la población estudiantil, muestran índices de masa corporal de sobrepeso y obesidad, con un nivel de sedentarismo general de 66,2 %. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron determinar los perfiles antropométricos, riesgo metabólico y niveles de actividad física en profesores de enseñanza básica en un colegio particular subvencionado de Arica-Chile. El total de los profesores, 12 varones y 29 mujeres, fueron evaluados según: peso, talla, perímetro de cintura, índice cintura-talla (ICT), índice de masa corporal (IMC), masa grasa (MG), masa grasa visceral (MGV) y masa muscular (MM). A todos ellos se les calculó el riesgo metabólico según protocolos de Ashwell & Gibson (2016) y el IMC según fórmula de Quetelet. Para determinar los porcentajes de MG, MM y MGV, se utilizó instrumento de bioimpedancia eléctrica, Omron HBF-514C. Posteriormente se les aplicó una encuesta sobre nivel de actividad física (IPAQ). Los datos fueron analizados en estadístico IBM SPSS para tendencia central, dispersión, conteos y porcentajes. Para correlación se usó test de Pearson (r>0,5). Los resultados muestran que un 68,3 % de los profesores presenta sobrepeso y obesidad. El IMC y porcentaje de MGV son significativamente más alto en varones que en mujeres (30,6 ±7,0 / 26,9±4,6 y 11,2±5,6 / 7,6±2,5 respectivamente). El riesgo metabólico general de la población en estudio fue de 58,5 % (75 % y 51,7 % varones y mujeres respectivamente). Se observa una alta correlación entre IMC-MGV (0,84), IMC-ICT (0,84) y MM-MG (0,85). Respecto al nivel de actividad física, solo el 19,5 % de los profesores muestra un nivel de actividad física alto. Se concluye que los profesores presentan valores antropométricos alterados que indican altos índices de riesgos metabólicos y con bajos niveles de actividad física. Independientemente, las mujeres presentan mejores índices morfométricos en todos los parámetros en estudio respecto a los profesores varones. Existe una alta correlación (r) entre el índice de masa corporal y los porcentajes de masa de grasa visceral y el índice de de cintura talla. Se sugiere enfocar las intervenciones educativas según sello de vida saludable, incentivando la actividad física y mejorar los hábitos alimenticios en los profesores.

Obesity is considered a global pandemic that causes major metabolic changes. It is responsible for the so-called noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs), which report a 60 % mortality rate (WHO, 2017). In Chile, 63 % of the population shows body mass indexes (BMI) of overweight and obesity, with a sedentary level of 86.7 %. The objectives of this work were to determine the anthropometric profiles, metabolic risk, and physical activity levels in primary school teachers, in a subsidized school in Arica, Chile. The teachers (n=41), 12 men, and 29 women were evaluated according to weight, height, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height index (WHI), BMI, Fat Mass (FM), Visceral Fat Mass (VFM) and Muscle Mass (MM). All of them were calculated for metabolic risk, according to Ashwell & Gibson protocols and BMI according to Quetelet's formula. To determine the percentages of FM, MM, and VFM, an electric bioimpedance instrument, Omron HBF-514C, was used. Subsequently, a survey of physical activity level (IPAQ) was applied. The data were analyzed in the IBM SPSS statistic for central tendency, dispersion, counts, and percentages. For correlation, Pearson's test (r> 0.5) was used. The results show that 68.3 % of teachers are overweight and obese. BMI and percentage of VFM are significantly higher in men than in women (30.6 ± 7.0 / 26.9 ± 4.6 and 11.2 ± 5.6 / 7.6 ± 2.5 respectively). The overall metabolic risk of the study population was 58.5 % (75 % and 51.7 % men and women, respectively). There is a high correlation between BMIVFM (0.84), BMI-WHI (0.84), MM-FM (0.85). Regarding the level of physical activity, only 19.5 % of teachers show a high level of physical activity. It is concluded that teachers have altered anthropometric values that indicate high rates of metabolic risks and low levels of physical activity. Regardless, women have better morphometric indexes in all parameters under study, compared to male teachers. There is a high correlation (r) between body mass index and percentages of visceral fat mass and waist height index. It is suggested to focus on educational interventions according to the healthy life seal, promoting physical activity, and improving eating habits in teachers.

Acanthosis Nigricans in the Knuckles of Infants: A Novel Clinical Marker of High Metabolic Risk.

INTRODUCTION: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is an early clinical sign of insulin resistance (IR) primarily in adults. The prevalence and association of AN and IR in infants, however, remains uncertain. We aimed to describe the prevalence of AN and its association with IR in a group of Latin-American infants. METHODS: We studied a random sample of 227 healthy infants between 9 and 24 months of age. After a complete clinical history was obtained and a physical examination was performed, fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin were measured. Three blinded evaluators assessed AN in each patient. Infants with AN were categorized as cases. The HOMA-IR index cutoffs of ≥ 90th and ≥ 95th percentiles were considered IR. RESULTS: There were 49 infants with AN (21.6%) (cases) and 178 without AN (78.4%) (controls). Cases had a significantly higher mean serum insulin, fasting plasma glucose, and HOMA-IR levels of 3.67 ± 2.56 µU/ml vs. 2.42 ± 1.45 µU/ml, P = 0.005; 84.2 ± 12.6 mg/dL vs. 77 ± SD 9.9 mg/dL, P ≤ 0.001; HOMA-IR 0.77 ± 0.54 vs. 0.46 ± 0.28, P ≤ 0.001, respectively. More cases than controls presented HOMA-IR levels ≥ 95th percentile (cases 18.4%; controls 0.5%, P ≤ 0.001) and ≥ 90th percentile (cases 32.7%; controls 1.6%, P ≤ 0.001). AN in the knuckles had a high sensitivity and a negative predictive value (NPV) for detecting patients with HOMA-IR levels above the 95th percentile (sensitivity 90%; NPV 99.4%) and above the 90th percentile (sensitivity 84.2%; NPV 98.3%). CONCLUSION: AN in the knuckles is a prevalent, non-invasive, costless, and reliable screening clinical tool that can be used for early detection of infants with IR and a high metabolic risk.

Progresión del deterioro cognitivo y su relación con factores de riesgo modificables en una cohorte de adultos / Progression of cognitive impairment and its relation to modifiable risk factors in a cohort of adults

Resumen Un estudio de corte transversal realizado entre 2012-2014 en adultos autónomos de Bogotá, mostró una prevalencia de 23% de demencia, encontrándose asociada con baja escolaridad, edad avanzada e hipertensión arterial. La relación de estos factores de riesgo con la progresión del dete rioro cognitivo no ha sido estudiada en nuestra población. Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos o sociales con la progresión a deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL) o demencia, en adultos autónomos de Bogotá. Material y métodos: una cohorte de sujetos normales y con DCL, del estudio de 2012-2014, se revaluó aplicándose el protocolo neuropsiquiátrico y neuropsicológico del estudio anterior. Se realizaron análisis de correspondencia múltiple y de regresión logística. Resultados: se revaluaron 215 adultos autónomos, 118 sujetos habían sido diagnosticados con cognición normal y 97 con DCL en el primer estudio; 73% fueron mujeres con edad promedio de 71(DE:7.3) años y escolaridad de 8.2 (DE: 5.4) años. Progresaron a demencia 6% de los sujetos en un tiempo de 4(DE:1) años. Un 75% de sujetos normales permaneció sin cambio y 22% progresó a DCL; mientras que 65% de sujetos con DCL no tuvo cambios y un 25% se normalizó. Progresar de normal a DCL se asoció con baja escolaridad OR=2.43 (IC95% 1.004-5.91; p=0.049) y de DCL a demencia con IMC<25 OR=6.3 (IC95% 1.26-31; p=0.025). Conclusión: tener baja escolaridad (<5 años) se asoció en los sujetos normales con un mayor riesgo de progresión a DCL, mientras que tener un IMC <25 aumentó el riesgo de progresión a demencia en los sujetos con DCL. No identificamos factores protectores en los sujetos que se nor malizaron. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44: 66-74).

Abstract A cross-sectional study carried out between 2012-2014 in autonomous adults of Bogotá showed a 23% prevalence of dementia, being associated with low schooling, advanced age and arterial hy pertension. The relationship between these risk factors and the progression of cognitive deterioration has not been studied in our population. Objective: to evaluate the association between cardio-metabolic or social risk factors with the progression to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, in autonomous adults of Bogotá. Material and methods: a cohort of normal subjects with MCI, from the 2012-2014 study was re-evaluated applying the neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological protocol of the previous study. Multiple correspondence and logistic regression analyzes were performed. Results: 215 autonomous adults were re-evaluated; 118 subjects had been diagnosed with normal cognition and 97 with MCI in the first study; 73% were women with an average age of 71 (SD: 7.3) years and schooling of 8.2 (SD: 5.4) years. 6% of the subjects progressed to dementia in a time of 4 (SD: 1) years. 75% of normal subjects remained unchanged and 22% progressed to MCI while 65% of subjects with MCI did not change and 25% normalized. Progressing from normal to MCI was associated with low schooling OR = 2.43 (95% CI 1.004-5.91; p = 0.049) and from MCI to dementia with BMI≤25 OR = 6.3 (IC95% 1.26-31; p = 0.025). Conclusion: having low schooling (≤5 years) was associated in normal subjects with a higher risk of progression to MCI, while having a BMI ≤25 increased the risk of progression to dementia in subjects with MCI. Protective factors in subjects who normalized were not identified. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44: 66-74).

Persistent Poor Metabolic Profile in Postmenopausal Women With Ovarian Hyperandrogenism After Testosterone Level Normalization.

CONTEXT: Data on prevalence of metabolic risk factors in hyperandrogenic postmenopausal women are limited. Also, the correlation between metabolic disorders and androgen excess in this scenario is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and dyslipidemia (DLP) in postmenopausal women with hyperandrogenism of ovarian origin before and after surgical normalization of testosterone (T) levels, as well as the impact of androgen normalization on body mass index (BMI), glucose, and lipid metabolism. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary health center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four Brazilian women with postmenopausal hyperandrogenism who underwent bilateral oophorectomy between 2004 and 2014 and had histologically confirmed virilizing ovarian tumor (VOT) or ovarian hyperthecosis (OH) and T-level normalization after surgery were selected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: FSH, LH, total and calculated free T, BMI, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) serum levels were accessed before (n = 24) and 24 months after (n = 19) bilateral oophorectomy. RESULTS: At baseline, the overall prevalence rates of obesity, T2D, DLP, and hypertension were 58.3%, 83.3%, 66.7%, and 87.5%, respectively. No significant difference in prevalence was found between patients with OH and VOTs. At follow-up, FSH, LH, and total and free T levels had returned to menopausal physiologic levels, but mean BMI and mean FPG, HbA1c, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG levels did not differ from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism is associated with adverse metabolic risk. Long-term normalization of testosterone levels did not improve BMI, glucose, or lipid metabolism.

Associations between self-reported physical activity and screen time with cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents: Findings from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study.

The overall aim of this study was to examine the association of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) on indicators of cardio-metabolic risk during adolescence, by examining the combined association of PA and ST at ages 11, 15 and 18 on cardio-metabolic risk factors at 18 years. Data from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study (N = 3613) were analysed in 2017. Self-reported PA and ST data were collected at 11, 15 and 18 years. Cardio-metabolic risk factors (fat mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, blood glucose, non-HDL cholesterol and resting diastolic blood pressure) were examined at age 18. Multivariate linear regression was used to examine the associations between four mutually exclusive PA/ST groups: 1) active (≥1 h/day PA) and low ST (<5 h/day ST); 2) active (≥1 h/day PA) and high ST (≥5 h/day ST); 3) inactive (<1 h/day PA) and low ST (<5 h/day ST); 4) inactive (<1 h/day PA) and high ST (≥5 h/day ST) at each age, and outcomes at age 18. There were no significant associations between PA/ST at ages 11 and 15 with outcomes at 18 years. In the cross-sectional analyses, adolescents in the most active group had significantly better levels of all the outcomes, regardless of ST. Inactive participants with high ST had the highest levels of glucose and non-HDL-C. For diastolic blood pressure, values were higher among inactive participants. Overall, higher levels of physical activity appeared to be more important than low levels of ST for cardio-metabolic health in adolescents.

Performance of Waist-To-Height Ratio, Waist Circumference, and Body Mass Index in Discriminating Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors in a Sample of School-Aged Mexican Children.

The most common tools used to screen for abdominal obesity are waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR); the latter may represent a more suitable tool for the general non-professional population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of WHtR, WC, and body mass index with lipidic and non-lipidic cardio-metabolic risk factors and the prediction capability of each adiposity indicator in a sample of school-aged Mexican children. Overall, 125 children aged 6 to 12 years were analyzed. Anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary parameters were assessed. Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. All the three adiposity indicators showed significant areas under the ROC curve (AURC) greater than 0.68 for high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triglycerides, and atherogenic index of plasma, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). A significant increased risk of having LDL-c ≥ 3.4 mmol/L was observed among children with WHtR ≥ 0.5 as compared to those with WHtR < 0.5 (odds ratio, OR: 2.82; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.75⁻7.68; p = 0.003). Fasting plasma glucose was not associated with any of the adiposity parameters. WHtR performed similarly to WC and z-BMI in predicting lipidic cardio-metabolic risk factors; however, a WHtR ≥ 0.5 was superior in detecting an increased risk of elevated LDL-c.