Browsing by Author "Farias, Marcelo"
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- ItemAssociation of carotid intima media thickness with blood pressure and HDL cholesterol in children(SOC MEDICA SANTIAGO, 2012) Arnaiz, Pilar; Villarroel, Luis; Barja, Salesa; Godoy, Ivan; Cassis, Berta; Dominguez, Angelica; Castillo, Oscar; Farias, Marcelo; Carvajal, Jacqueline; Cristina Tinoco, Ana; Mardones, FranciscoBackground: Cardiovascular risk factors must be controlled since childhood. Aim: To assess the association of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) with the components of the metabolic syndrome in Children. Material and Methods: Cross sectional assessment of 299 children aged 11.5 +/- 0.9 years (58% women) with and without metabolic syndrome components. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured and a blood sample was obtained to measure blood glucose and lipids. CIMT was measured using high resolution ultrasound. Results: Ninety three percent of children were post puberal, 64% were overweight and 25% had metabolic syndrome. Mean and maximum CIMT correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.21 and 0.21 respectively p < 0.01). Children with a CIMT over the 75th percentile had higher blood pressure and lower HDL cholesterol. A stepwise logistic regression accepted both variables as predictors of CIMT with odds ratios for mean CIMT of 1.46 (1.19-1-79) and 0.81 (0.7-0.94) per five units of change, respectively. Conclusions: In this group of children systolic blood pressure and HDL cholesterol are associated to CIMT. (Rev Med Chile 2012; 140: 1268-1275).
- ItemAteroesclerosis subclinica y sindrome metabolic en ninos(AULA MEDICA EDICIONES, 2013) Arnaiz, Pilar; Barjal, Salesa; Villarroel, Luis; Dominguez, Angelica; Godoy, Ivan; Castillo, Oscar; Farias, Marcelo; Mardones, FranciscoIntroduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) in children has been associated to subclinical atherosclerosis as estimated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT).
- ItemBucillamine induces glutathione biosynthesis via activation of the transcription factor Nrf2(PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, 2006) Wielandt, Ana M.; Vollrath, Valeska; Farias, Marcelo; Chianale, JoseThe properties of bucillamine, a synthetic antioxidant, have been attributed mainly to the donation of thiol groups to glutathione (GSH). We recently demonstrated that glutamatecysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), the rate-limiting enzyme of GSH biosynthesis, and the multidrug-resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2/MRP2) are coordinately induced in response to xenobiotic through the activation of the antioxidant-response element (ARE) by nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor (Nrf2). We tested the hypothesis that bucillamine and its oxidized metabolite SA 981 also activate the Nrf2 pathway, thereby increasing glutathione biosynthesis in human HepG2 and murine Hepa 1-6 hepatoma cell lines, through the induction of the GCLC enzyme as well as the Mrp2/MRP2 transporter, which mediates the excretion of glutathione and its conjugates from hepatocytes. Both bucillamine and SA 981 produced a significant dose-dependent increase in the mRNA levels of Mrp2/MRP2 and GCLC after 24 h. The levels of the transcription factor Nrf2 in the nuclei were maximal at 3 h, remained elevated at 6 h, and decreased to control values at 24 h in both cell lines. Moreover, both bucillamine and SA 981 significantly increased the expressions of Mrp2/MRP2 and GCLC proteins in both cell lines. Finally, in both cell lines, bucillamine and SA 981 increased the GSH content two- to three-fold. These results demonstrate that bucillamine and SA 981 activate the ARE-ARE pathway increasing the expression of ARE-driven genes such as those of GCLC and Mrp2/MRP2. The role of bucillamine as a chemopreventive agent against cancer remains to be elucidated. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
- ItemCellular mechanisms linking to outdoor and indoor air pollution damage during pregnancy(FRONTIERS MEDIA SA, 2023) Chiarello, Delia I.; Ustariz, Javier; Marin, Reinaldo; Carrasco-Wong, Ivo; Farias, Marcelo; Giordano, Ady; Gallardo, Felipe S.; Illanes, Sebastian E.; Gutierrez, JaimePregnancies are a critical window period for environmental influences over the mother and the offspring. There is a growing body of evidence associating indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Particulate matter (PM) could trigger oxi-inflammation and could also reach the placenta leading to placental damage with fetal consequences. The combination of strategies such as risk assessment, advise about risks of environmental exposures to pregnant women, together with nutritional strategies and digital solutions to monitor air quality can be effective in mitigating the effects of air pollution during pregnancy.
- ItemComparison of Three Gestational Weight Gain Guidelines Under Use in Latin America(FRONTIERS MEDIA SA, 2021) Mardones, Francisco; Rosso, Pedro; Erazo, Alvaro; Farias, MarceloPresently, three guidelines are used in Latin America to assess adequacy of maternal body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy: (1) the chart proposed by the Institute of Medicine of the United States (IOM), (2) the Rosso-Mardones Chart (RM), and (3) a modified RM chart proposed by Atalah et al. (AEA). The aim of the present review was to explore available information on the sensitivity, specificity, and both positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of these charts to detect women at risk of delivering babies with the following signs of abnormal fetal growth: (a) length at birth (BL) <50 cm; (b) birth weight (BW) <3,000 g; and (c) BW >= 4,000 or 4,250 g. Data from studies conducted in large samples of Chilean and Uruguayan women indicate that the RM chart has the greatest sensitivity to identify at risk cases. However, predictive values were similar for the three charts. Thus, the use of the RM chart should be preferred. The main limitation for using the IOM weight gain recommendations in Latin American women stems from the fact that their average height is approximately 20 cm lower than US women.
- ItemCurrent folate status in Chilean women of childbearing age: findings from the 2016-2017 National Health Survey(2019) Busso, Dolores; Echeverria, Guadalupe; Morales, Fernanda; Farias, Marcelo; Margozzini, PaulaIntroduction: Mandatory folic acid (FA) fortification is an effective policy to ensure adequate preconceptional serum folate (SF) levels in women and to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects (NTD). In Chile, FA fortification of wheat flour started in 2000 and significantly reduced NTD prevalence. In 2010, 1:2 Chileans over 65 years old had supraphysiological SF levels. In 2012, FA fortification was reduced from 2.2 to 1.8 mg FA/kg flour. Considering the epidemiological transition in Chile over the last decades and the adjustment of the FA fortification policy in 2012, this study was aimed at describing the current SF levels in women of reproductive age in our country. Methods: 225 women (15-49 years) who participated in the Chilean National Health Survey (NHS) 2016-17 were included in this analysis. NHS 2016-17 used stratified multistage sampling. SF levels were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and defined as deficient (≤4.4 ng/ml), normal (4.41 to 20 ng/ml) and supraphysiological [three subcategories: high (20.01 to 25.6 ng/ml), very high (25.61 to 29 ng/ml) and highest (>29 ng/ml)]. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 17.0). Results: The proportions of women in each decade of life were representative of the national proportions. More than 99% of the women came from urban areas, and near 91% had medium or high educational level. Only 32% of the women declared being current smokers, and 88% declared they were sedentary. Almost 70% of subjects were either overweight or obese, reflecting the current nutritional status of the Chilean population. The SF mean ± SE, median and range were 14.20 ± 0.39, 13.52 and 2.10 - 32.22 ng/ml, respectively. Folate deficiency was present in 0.9% of the women studied, while 7% had supraphysiological levels of the vitamin (3.7% high, 1.6% very high and 1.7% highest levels). Multivariate analyses using linear regression did not show that age, educational level, marital status, parity, smoker/non-smoker or nutritional status had significant effects on FS levels. Conclusion: Folate deficiency in women of reproductive age living in the Metropolitan Region is almost inexistent according to the NHS 2016- 17, showing that most Chilean women are protected from NTD due to folate deficiency. Supraphysiological SF levels were found in 7% of the studied population, lower than the 50% determined in elderly subjects in 2010. Specific policies to reduce the proportion of Chileans at high risk of SF deficiency or excess, in combination with surveillance of FA fortification in flour mills, may help to avoid potential unintended effects of FA fortification in this country. Funding: Chilean Ministry of Health and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
- ItemD-Glucose stimulation of L-arginine transport and nitric oxicle synthesis results from activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases p42/44 and smad2 requiring functional type II TGF-beta receptors in human umbilical vein endothelium(WILEY, 2007) Vasquez, Rodrigo; Farias, Marcelo; Vega, Jost Luis; Martin, Rody San; Vecchiola, Andrea; Casanello, Paola; Sobrevia, LuisElevated extracellular D-glucose increases transforming growth factor P I (TGF-P 1) release from human umbilical vein endothelium (HUVEC). TGF-P 1, via TGF-P receptors I (T beta RI) and T beta RII, activates Smad2 and mitogen -activated protein kinases p44 and p42 (p42/44 (mapk)). We studied whether D-glucose-stimulation Of L-arginine transport and nitric oxide synthesis involves TGF-beta 1 in primary cultures of HUVEC. TGF-P I release was higher (similar to 1.6-fold) in 25 mM (high) compared with 5 mM (normal) D-glucose. TGF-P I increases L-arginine transport (half maximal effect similar to 1.6 ng/ml) in normal D-glucose, but did not alter high D-glucose-increased L-arginine transport. TGF-P I and high D-glucose increased hCAT- I mRNA expression (similar to 8-fold) and maximal transport velocity (V-max), L- [(3) H]citrulline formation from L- [3 H]arginine (index of NO synthesis) and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein abundance, but did not alter eNOS phosphorylation. TGF-beta 1 I and high D-gludose increased p42/44 mapk and Smad2 phosphorylation, an effect blocked by PD-98059 (MEK 1 /2 inhibitor). However, TGF-P I and high D-glucose were ineffective in cells expressing a truncated, negative dominant T beta RII High D-glucose increases L-arginine transport and eNOS expression following T beta RII activation by TGF-P I involving p42/44 (mapk) and Smad2 in HUVEC. Thus, TGF-P I could play a crucial role under conditions of hyperglycemia, such as gestational diabetes mellitus, which is
- ItemFOETAL AND UMBILICAL VASCULAR REACTIVITY IN A MODEL OF IUGR THROUGH GRADUAL UTERINE ARTERY OCCLUSION IN GUINEA PIGS(W B SAUNDERS CO LTD, 2014) Scheneider, Daniela; Alegria, Rene; Herrera, Emilio; Farias, Marcelo; Casanello, Paola; Krause, Bernardo
- ItemFolate status in women of childbearing age in the Urban Metropolitan Region of Chile: results from the National Health Survey 2016-2017(CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS, 2021) Busso, Dolores; Echeverria, Guadalupe; Passi Solar, Alvaro; Morales, Fernanda; Farias, Marcelo; Margozzini, PaulaObjective: To analyse serum folate levels in women of childbearing age in the Metropolitan Region (MR) of Chile.
- ItemFunctional consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women, fetoplacental unit, and neonate(ELSEVIER, 2023) Carvajal, Jorge; Casanello, Paola; Toso, Alberto; Farias, Marcelo; Carrasco-Negue, Karina; Araujo, Kenny; Valero, Paola; Fuenzalida, Javiera; Solari, Caterina; Sobrevia, LuisThe SARS-CoV-2 infection causes COVID-19 disease, characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome, bilateral pneumonia, and organ failure. The consequences of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection for the pregnant woman, fetus, and neonate are controversial. Thus, it is required to determine whether there is viral and non -viral vertical transmission in COVID-19. The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 leads to functional alterations in asymptomatic and symptomatic pregnant women, the fetoplacental unit and the neonate. Several diseases of pregnancy, including COVID-19, affect the fetoplacental function, which causes in utero programming for young and adult diseases. A generalized inflammatory state and a higher risk of infection are seen in pregnant women with COVID-19. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension may increase the vulnerability of pregnant women to infection by SARS-CoV-2. Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 show specific mutations that seem to increase the capacity of the virus to infect the pregnant woman, likely due to increasing its interaction via the virus S protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors. This review shows the literature addressing to what extent COVID-19 in pregnancy affects the pregnant woman, fetoplacental unit, and neonate. Prospective studies that are key in managing SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy are discussed.
- ItemHigh D-Glucose reduces SLC29A1 promoter activity and adenosine transport involving specific protein 1 in human umbilical vein endothelium(WILEY, 2008) Puebla, Carlos; Farias, Marcelo; Gonzalez, Marcelo; Vecchiola, Andrea; Aguayo, Claudio; Krause, Bernardo; Pastor Anglada, Marcal; Casanello, Paola; Sobrevia, LuisHigh D-glucose reduces human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1)-mediated adenosine uptake involving endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinases 1 and 2/MAP kinases p42/44 (MEK/ERKs), and protein kinase C (PKC) activation in human umbilical vein endothelium (HUVEC). Since NO represses SLC29A1 gene (hENT1) promoter activity we studied whether D-glucose-reduced hENT1-adenosine transport results from lower SLC29A1 expression in HUVEC primary cultures. HUVEC incubation (24 h) with high D-glucose (25 mM) reduced hENT1-adenosine transport and pGL3-hENT1(-1114) construct SLC29A1 reporter activity compared with normal D-glucose (5 mM). High D-glucose also reduced pGL3-hENT1(-1114) reporter activity compared with cells transfected with pGL3-hENT1(-795) Construct. N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, NOS inhibitor), PD-98059 (MEK1/2 inhibitor), and/or calphostin C (PKC inhibitor) blocked D-glucose effects. Insulin(1 nM) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 100 nM, PKC activator), but not 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4 alpha PDD, 100 nM, PMA less active analogue) reduced hENT1-adenosine transport. L-NAME and PD-98059 blocked insulin effects. L-NAME, PD-98059, and calphostin C increased hENT1 expression without altering protein or mRNA stability. High D-glucose increased Sp1 transcription factor protein abundance and binding to SLC29A1 promoter, phenomena blocked by L-NAME, PD-98059, and calphostin C. Sp1 overexpression reduced SLC29A1 promoter activity in normal D-glucose, an effect reversed by L-NAME and further reduced by S-nitroso-N-acetyl-L,D-penicillamine (SNAP, NO donor) in high D-glucose. Thus, reduced hENT1 -mediated adenosine transport in high D-glucose may result from increased Sp1 binding to SLC29A1 promoter down-regulating hENT1 expression. This phenomenon depends on eNOS, MEK/ERKs, and PKC activity, suggesting potential roles for these molecules in hyperglycemia-associated endothelial dysfunction.
- ItemInfluencia combinada del índice de masa corporal pregestacional y de la ganancia de peso en el embarazo sobre el crecimiento fetal(SOC MEDICA SANTIAGO, 2011) Mardones, Francisco; Garcia Huidobro, Trinidad; Ralph, Constanza; Farias, Marcelo; Dominguez, Angelica; Rojas, Ivan; Teresa Urrutia, M.Background: The Chilean Ministry of Health has been using standards for nutritional evaluation and weight gain recommendations during pregnancy in the last 25 years. In the meantime new standards have been developed. Aim: To study the combined influence of preconception maternal nutritional status and gestational weight gain, using new standards to classify those parameters, on perinatal outcomes. Material and Methods: A cohort of 11,465 healthy pregnant women was prospectively followed until term. Their pre-gestational nutritional status was classified using the body mass index cut-offs in use in the United States (USA). Their gestational weight gain was classified using categories proposed in a Danish study. Perinatal outcomes included were risky birth weight, i.e. < 3000 g and >= 4000 g, and cesarean delivery Relative risks for those perinatal outcomes were calculated for all combined categories of pre-gestational nutritional status and gestational weight gain. Results: Relative risks of almost all gestational weight gain results were statistically significant for women having a normal pre-gestational nutritional status meanwhile all of them were not significant for underweight women. Overweight and obese women had similar relative risks values as normal women. However, many of them were not significant, especially in obese women. Conclusions: There is an independent and combined influence of preconception nutritional status and gestational weight gain on perinatal outcomes, when using standards to classify those parameters developed in the USA and Denmark, respectively (Rev Med Chile 2011; 139: 710-716).
- ItemInsulin restores glucose inhibition of adenosine transport by increasing the expression and activity of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2 in human umbilical vein endothelium(WILEY, 2006) Munoz, Gonzalo; San Martin, Rody; Farias, Marcelo; Cea, Luis; Vecchiola, Andrea; Casanello, Paola; Sobrevia, LuisL-Arginine transport and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis (L-arginine/NO pathway) are stimulated by insulin, adenosine or elevated extracellular D-glucose in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Adenosine uptake via the human equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 (hENT1) and 2 (hENT2) has been proposed as a mechanism regulating adenosine plasma concentration, and therefore its vascular effects in human umbilical veins. Thus, altered expression and/or activity of hENT1 or hENT2 could lead to abnormal physiological plasma adenosine level. We have characterized insulin effect on adenosine transport in HUVEC cultured in normal (5 mM) or high (25, mM) D-glucose. Insulin (1 nM) increased overall adenosine transport associated with higher hENT2-, but lower hENT1-mediated transport in normal D-glucose. insulin increased hENT2 protein abundance in normal or high D-glucose, but reduced hENT1 protein abundance in normal D-glucose. Insulin did not alter the reduced hENT1 protein abundance, but blocked the reduced hENT1 and hENT2 mRNA expression induced by high D-glucose. Insulin effect on hENT1 mRNA expression in normal D-glucose was blocked by N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, NO synthase inhibitor) and mimicked by S-nitroso-N-acetyl-L,D-penicillamine (SNAP, NO donor). L-NAME did not block insulin effect on hENT2 expression. In conclusion, insulin stimulation of overall adenosine transport results from increased hENT2 expression and activity via a NO-independent mechanism. These findings could be important in hyperglycemia-associated pathological pregnancies, such as gestational diabetes, where plasma adenosine removal by the endothelium is reduced, a condition that could alter the blood flow from the placenta to the fetus affecting fetus growth and development. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 826-835, 2006. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
- ItemINTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION IN GUINEA PIG IMPAIRS UMBILICAL AND SYSTEMIC VASCULAR FUNCTION(W B SAUNDERS CO LTD, 2015) Herrera, Emilio A.; Schneider, Daniela; Alegria, Rene; Figueroa, Esteban; Villanueva, Cristian; Farias, Marcelo; Casanello, Paola; Krause, Bernardo J.
- ItemNitric oxide reduces adenosine transporter ENT1 gene (SLC29A1) promoter activity in human fetal endotheliurn from gestational diabetes(WILEY, 2006) Farias, Marcelo; Martin, Rody San; Puebla, Carlos; Pearson, Jeremy D.; Casado, Javier F.; Pastor Anglada, Marcal; Casanello, Paola; Sobrevia, LuisHuman umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) from gestational diabetes exhibit reduced adenosine uptake and increased nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Adenosine transport via human equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 (hENT1) is reduced by NO by unknown mechanisms in HUVEC. We examined whether gestational diabetes-reduced adenosine transport results from lower hENT1 gene (SLC29A1) expression. HUVEC from gestational diabetes exhibit reduced SLC29A1 promoter activity when transfected with pGL3-hENT1(-2154) compared with pGL3-hENT1(-1114) constructs, an effect blocked by N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, NOS inhibitor), but unaltered by S-nitroso-N-acetyl-L,D-penicillamine (SNAP, NO donor). In cells from gestational diabetes transfected with pGL3-hENT1(-2114), L-NAME increased, but SNAP did not alter promoter activity and hENT1 expression. However, in cells from normal pregnancies L-NAME increased, but SNAP reduced promoter activity and hENT1 expression. Adenovirus-silenced eNOS expression increased hENT1 expression and activity in cells from normal or gestational diabetic pregnancies. Thus, reduced adenosine transport may result from downregulation of SLC29A1 expression by NO in HUVEC from gestational diabetes. These findings explain the accumulation of extracellular adenosine detected in cultures of HUVEC from gestational diabetes. In addition, fetal endothelial dysfunction could be involved in the abnormal fetal development and growth seen in gestational diabetes.
- ItemNormal plasma insulin and HOMA values among chilean children and adolescents(SOC MEDICA SANTIAGO, 2011) Barja, Salesa; Arnaiz, Pilar; Dominguez, Angelica; Villarroel, Luis; Cassis, Berta; Castillo, Oscar; Salomo, Gianina; Farias, Marcelo; Goycoolea, Manuela; Quiroga, Teresa; Mardones, FranciscoBackground: Plasma insulin and HOMA (homeostasis model assessment) index, used to determine insulin resistance, do not have local standard values for children and adolescents in Chile. Aim: To establish the normal reference intervals for insulin and HOMA in children and adolescents aged 10-15 years, according to sex and puberal maturation. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 2,153 children and adolescents from Puente Alto County was performed, during 2009 and 2010. Anthropoinetry and self-report of puberal maturation were assessed. Fasting glucose (hexoquinase) and insulin blood levels (chemiluminiscence), were determined and HOMA index was calculated. Percentile distributions of these variables were calculated. Results: The reference group included only subjects with normal body mass index and fasting blood glucose (n = 1,192). Girls had higher insulin and HOMA values than boys (12.5 +/- 6.0 and 9.1 +/- 4.9 mu U/mL (p <0.01) and 2.7 +/- 1.4 and 2.1 +/- 1,1 (p <0.01), respectively). Subjects with Tanner land II puberal stages had lower insulin and HOMA mean values than subjects with Tanner III and IV (9.0 +/- 4.3 and 12.5 +/- 6.2 mu U/ml (p < 0.01) and 2.0 +/- 1 and 2.8 +/- 1.4 (p <0.01), respectively). Conclusions: The 90th percentile of insulin and HOMA distributions according to sex and maturation, was selected as the upper cut-off point to identify individuals with insulin resistance. HOMA cutoff point for Tanner I and II boys was 3.2, for Tanner land II girls was 4.1, for Tanner III and IV boys was 4.2 and for Tanner III and IV girls was 5.0. (Rev Med Chile 2011; 139: 1435-1443).
- ItemNUTRITIONAL STATUS, METABOLIC SYNDROME AND INSULIN RESISTANCE IN CHILDREN FROM SANTIAGO (CHILE)(ARAN EDICIONES, S L, 2013) Mardones, Francisco; Arnaiz, Pilar; Barja, Salesa; Giadach, Carolina; Villarroel, Luis; Dominguez, Angelica; Castillo, Oscar; Farias, MarceloBackground: The origin of most non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is in early life. Consequently obtaining information on risk factors for NCDs is important for preventive purposes. However, there is no information available on the prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance (IR) in Chilean children.
- ItemReduced docosahexaenoic acid content in neonatal erythrocytes from obese mothers(2017) Samith, Barbara; Farias, Marcelo; Villalobos-Labra, Roberto; Solari, Sandra; Aguirre-Polanco, Carolina; Rojas, Maria JoseBackground and objectives: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are an essential component for normal growth and development of the fetus and newborn. They participate in the control of cellular growth, metabolism, intercellular communication and gene expression, relevant for the physiopathology of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic are the most known fatty acids from omega 3 family. It is known that low concentrations of omega-3 in humans is associated with disturbance of cellular metabolism, including neurological and visual development. The objective of this study was to describe and compare fatty acid profile from normal and obese pregnant woman, then determine the relationship of mother´s nutritional status with neonatal DHA levels. Methods: 17 pregnant women (7 normal weight, 10 obese) were recruited at the Clinical Hospital of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile after Ethical Committee approval and informed consent. Mother venous blood was collected, and newborn’s blood samples were obtained from the umbilical cord vein at the moment of delivery. Fatty acids profile was determined in red blood cell by liquid gas chromatography. Results: There was a trend of higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio in newborn erythrocytes from obese pregnant women compared to controls (3.78±0.37 vs 2.81±0.09, respectively, p= 0.065, Mean±SEM). There was a negative association between newborn DHA levels and mother’s body mass index (r²=0.7, p=0.037). A lower concentration of DHA occurred in neonatal erythrocytes from obese mothers, compared to those with normal weight for height and gestational age at the end of pregnancy (140.3±7.68 vs 103.9±6.83 mg/dL, respectively, p=0.016, Mean±SEM). Conclusions: There is a decreased concentration of DHA in neonatal erythrocytes from obese women. Due to the relevance of DHA during pregnancy and development of the newborn, the results of the present study put in evidence the importance of considering anadequate reposition of DHA in obese pregnant women. Nutritional status, fatty acid profile, DHA concentrations, their relationship and physiopathology mechanisms involved require further research. Keywords: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids; Docosahexaenoic acid; obesity; newborn.
- ItemRegarding: Impact of the change of the Atalah standard cut-off point to classify underweight nutritional status during pregnancy(SOC CHILENA NUTRICION, BROMATOLOGIA & TOXICOLOGIA, 2022) Mardones, Francisco; Rosso, Pedro; Erazo, Alvaro; Farias, Marcelo