Genetic risk scores demonstrate the cumulative association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in gut microbiome-related genes with obesity phenotypes in preschool age children

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151317/1/ijpo12530_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151317/2/ijpo12530.pd

Randomized control trial of a childhood obesity prevention family-based program: “Abriendo Caminos” and effects on BMI

BackgroundHispanic individuals are at increased risk for obesity and other chronic health conditions. This article evaluates the effect of a family-based, childhood obesity primary prevention intervention in a community setting.MethodsA multi-site, randomized controlled trial community program with assessments at pre (T0), post-program (T1), and 6-months post-program (T2). Participating families were recruited from five sites. Only families of Mexican or Puerto Rican heritage with a least one child between 6 and 18 years were included in the study, without weight restrictions. Families were randomized to the intervention and control arms. Intervention families received six-2 h weekly workshops. Control families received printed generic nutrition and wellness information. Heights and weights were measured at the 3-time points to calculate BMI z-scores, BMI-percentiles, and weight status using age- and sex-specific growth charts, according to the CDC guidelines.ResultsThere were no differences in BMI-z scores between children in the intervention (n = 239) and control groups (n = 187) at T0. BMI z-scores decreased in the intervention group (−0.03, 95% CI, −0.066, −0.003, p = 0.032) at T1, but not in the control group at T1. Changes in BMI z-scores were not statistically significant at T2.ConclusionThe Abriendo Caminos intervention effectively prevented unhealthy weight gain in Hispanic children in the short-term, but not at 6-months post-intervention. Younger children and girls benefited more from the program at 6-months post-intervention. Additional efforts are needed to sustain long-term changes. Culturally-tailored programs can provide families with the knowledge to produce short-term changes and a potential pathway for sustainable changes in implementing healthy behaviors

Functional mapping and characterization of the responsive region required for polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation in the rat fatty acid synthase gene

textType and amount of dietary fats modify the onset of nutritionally related pathophysiologies such as diabetes mellitus, obesity and coronary heart disease. Among fats, arachidonic acid, 20:4(n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6(n-3) are highly unsaturated long chain fatty acids (HUFA) that participate in abundant physiological events. The unique ability of HUFA to modulate lipid metabolism, and consequently energy homeostasis, depends on their coordinated effect on gene expression. HUFA inhibit the expression of genes responsible for fatty acid biosynthesis and at the same time stimulate the expression of genes involved in oxidative pathways and thermogenesis (Baillie et al., 1999; Jump and Clarke, 1999; Power and Newsholme, 1997). As a consequence, dietary HUFA improve insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue (Baur et al., 1998; Pan et al., 1995; Storlien et al., 2000). This dissertation presents evidence of: a) the mapping and characterization of two candidate responsive regions required for HUFA regulation in the 5í flanking region of the rat fatty acid synthase (FAS), b) that the NF-Y and Sp1 sites in the proximal promoter of the FAS gene are essential for HUFA inhibition, c) that dietary HUFA inhibit the DNA binding of hepatic NF-Y and Sp1, and d) that there is a posttranslational mechanism implicated in this regulation. Identification of this two HUFA-DNA target sites open the possibilities to development of nutritional and pharmacological interventions in diabetes and obesity. Furthermore, it might allow us in the future to screen genetic mutations in humans and incorporate the appropriate preventive dietary changes to avoid the early onset of a metabolic disease.Nutritional Science

Preventing metabolic syndrome: diet, exercise, both or more? The enormous public health burden resulting from obesity and its related morbidities compel researchers to challenge some of the existing classical clinical interventions

Leanne M. Redman, Margarita Terán-García, and Eric Ravussi

Nutrigenetic Contributions to Dyslipidemia: A Focus on Physiologically Relevant Pathways of Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the number one cause of death worldwide, and dyslipidemia is a major predictor of CVD mortality. Elevated lipid concentrations are the result of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Over 150 genetic loci have been associated with blood lipid levels. However, not all variants are present in pathways relevant to the pathophysiology of dyslipidemia. The study of these physiologically relevant variants can provide mechanistic understanding of dyslipidemia and identify potential novel therapeutic targets. Additionally, dietary fatty acids have been evidenced to exert both positive and negative effects on lipid profiles. The metabolism of both dietary and endogenously synthesized lipids can be affected by individual genetic variation to produce elevated lipid concentrations. This review will explore the genetic, dietary, and nutrigenetic contributions to dyslipidemia

Cultural Influences on Family Mealtime Routines in Mexico: Focus Group Study with Mexican Mothers

Mexico’s obesity rates are alarming, and experts project drastic increases in the next thirty years. There is growing interest in understanding how remote acculturation and globalization processes influence health behaviors. The present study used focus group data from a central state, San Luis Potosí, in Mexico to explore mothers’ perspectives on factors that influence family mealtime routines. Thematic analysis was used to identify barriers and facilitators to healthy mealtime routines and diet within families. Twenty-one mothers participated in the focus groups; 76% were full-time stay at home mothers, the majority were low-income (65%), and fewer than half reached a high school education. Three major themes emerged: (1) mothers do most of the visible work involving mealtime routines; (2) family meals are different today, and globalization is a contributing factor; and (3) family mealtimes are shifting to weekend events. Empowering mothers to negotiate diet with family members to build healthy routines, navigate challenges due to changing environments, and set family boundaries around technology use during mealtimes should be taken into consideration when promoting healthy behaviors with Mexican families

Childhood Overweight/Obesity and Pediatric Asthma: The Role of Parental Perception of Child Weight Status

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