Hepatic Function in Obese Adolescents and the relationship with hepatic steatosis.

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity has increased at an impressive rate over the past years, especially among children and adolescents. Many are the alterations that may be found in obese individuals; hepatic steatosis is one of them. The aim of this study was to analyze biochemical and radiographic parameters in overweight and obese adolescents and relate these parameters to anthropometric data so that the hepatic dysfunction could be characterized. Methods: Anthropometric and laboratory data, as well as the nutritional status of the patients, were evaluated. Besides laboratory exams, a liver ultrasound scan was performed to confirm hepatic alterations. Results: A total of 41 patients were recruited and 6 out of that total were excluded due to the fact they were eutrophic. The remaining group was compared with a control group of 12 patients. The overweight/obese group had higher values of AST and ALT in relation to the control group. There were no alterations associated with biochemical parameters regarding anthropometric variables. A significant difference between the BMI of patients with and without steatosis could be observed. Conclusions: There was a predominance of hepatic steatosis in the overweight/obese group, which was associated with the increase in GGT and ALT levels

FAS and FAS-L Genotype and Expression in Patients With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

We assessed FAS and FAS-L gene polymorphisms and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This case-control study compared 129 women with RPL with 235 healthy multiparous women (control group). Genomic DNA and total mRNA were extracted from whole blood, and polymorphisms genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Messenger RNA expression levels were analyzed by real-time PCR. Data were analyzed by chi-square and Fisher exact tests; P < .05 was considered significant. There were no significant differences in the FAS (670 A/G) genotype or allelic frequencies between the RPL and control groups. We found significant differences in the FAS-L (844 C/T) genotype and allelic frequencies between women with RPL and controls. Patients with RPL had significantly higher FAS-L expression. Our data suggest that FAS-L gene polymorphism is associated with increased susceptibility to RPL. Moreover, women with RPL seem to abnormally express FAS-FAS-L molecules.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Obstet, BR-04037001 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Obstet, BR-04037001 São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 09/50236-5CNPq: 301886/2009-1Web of Scienc