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Objective Recently independent studies, including genome-wide scans, have shown that variation in the fat mass and obesity associated gene ( FTO) were significantly associated with obesity in populations of European origin. Design and methods In this study we examined the association between rs9939609 FTO variant and obesity related parameters in a population based-study of 732 unrelated individuals (46·9% males and 53·1% females; ages 35–74 years) from the province of Segovia in Central Spain (Castille). Results The AA genotype was significantly more frequent in obese individuals (defined as body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2, n = 207; 80 males and 127 females) than in non-obese (19·9% vs. 13·7%, P = 0·026). In addition to increased obesity, AA homozygous individuals had higher waist circumference than individuals with AT heterozygous and TT homozygous genotypes. The minor A-allele of rs9939609 was associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) for obesity [OR 1·51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·10–2·12] as compared to the TT genotype. This difference was also statistically significant even after the adjustment for sex and age (OR 1·46, 95% CI 1·02–2·07). Conclusions Our results support the association of FTO gene variants with obesity, including parameters of visceral (abdominal) obesity, in an adult general population from Spain. Overall we confirm the previously reported association studies between variants in FTO gene and the risk of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world. Familial aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors is a frequent finding, but genetic factors affecting its presentation are still poorly understood. The calpain 10 gene (CAPN10) has been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), a complex metabolic disorder with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the CAPN10 gene has been associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in T2DM and in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this work, we have analysed whether the polymorphisms UCSNP44, -43, -19 and -63 are related to several cardiovascular risk factors in the context of MS. Molecular analysis of CAPN10 gene was performed in 899 individuals randomly chosen from a cross-sectional population-based epidemiological survey. We have found that CAPN10 gene in our population is mainly associated with two indicators of the presence of insulin resistance: glucose levels two hours after a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HOMA values, although cholesterol levels and blood pressure values are also influenced by CAPN10 variants. In addition, the 1221/1121 haplogenotype is under-represented in individuals that fulfil the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) diagnostic criteria for MS. Our results suggest that CAPN10 gene is associated with insulin resistance phenotypes in the Spanish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The metabolic syndrome (MS), a cluster of several metabolic disorders, is increasingly being recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), originally described as a plasma cell allo-antigen and named plasma cell membrane glycoprotein (PC-1), is an inhibitor of insulin-induced activation of the insulin receptor. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) K121Q in the ENPP1 gene has been studied in relation to obesity, insulin resistance and other features of MS in several populations with conflicting results. We therefore investigate the role of the K121Q SNP in the ENPP1 gene in MS in Caucasians from the province of Segovia in Central Spain (Castille). Design and methods We recruited 794 unrelated persons (46·5% males and 53·5% females), ages 35–74 years from a cross-sectional population-based epidemiological survey in the province of Segovia in Central Spain (Castille). Obesity-related anthropometric measurements included BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure and lipid profile. MS was defined by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) guidelines. K121Q PC-1 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results The 121Q allele was associated with an increased BMI and waist circumference among subjects fulfilling the criteria for MS. These differences remained statistically significant even after the adjustment for sex, age and degree of glucose tolerance (β = 1·347, P = 0·017 and β = 2·824, P = 0·046; for BMI and waist circumference, respectively). Moreover, among type 2 diabetic patients those carrying the 121Q allele had higher BMI and higher leptin levels than subjects carrying the K121K genotype. Conclusions Our results suggest that the ENPP1121Q allele might contribute to the genetic susceptibility to abdominal obesity among subjects with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We design videogames to connect hospitalised children with their classmates. [•] We present a set of videogame patterns’ design to support collaborative learning. [•] We present an experience using a collaborative videogame in primary education. [•] We analyse social interactions and emotions of children using the videogame. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Genes implicated in common complex disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or cardiovascular diseases are not disease specific, since clinically related disorders also share genetic components. Cysteine protease Calpain 10 (CAPN10) has been associated with T2DM, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, increased body mass index (BMI) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a reproductive disorder of women in which isunlin resistance seems to play a pathogenic role. The calpain 5 gene (CAPN5) encodes a protein homologue of CAPN10. CAPN5 has been previously associated with PCOS by our group. In this new study, we have analysed the association of four CAPN5 gene variants(rs948976A>G, rs4945140G>A, rs2233546C>T and rs2233549G>A) with several cardiovascular risk factors related to metabolic syndrome in general population. Methods: Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, insulin, glucose and lipid profiles were determined in 606 individuals randomly chosen from a cross-sectional population-based epidemiological survey in the province of Segovia in Central Spain (Castille), recruited to investigate the prevalence of anthropometric and physiological parameters related to obesity and other components of the metabolic syndrome. Genotypes at the four polymorphic loci in CAPN5 gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Genotype association analysis was significant for BMI (p ≤ 0.041), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.015) and HDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.025). Different CAPN5 haplotypes were also associated with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (0.0005 ≤ p ≤ 0.006) and total cholesterol levels (0.001 p ≤ 0.029). In addition, the AACA haplotype, over-represented in obese individuals, is also more frequent in individuals with metabolic syndrome defined by ATPIII criteria (p = 0.029). Conclusion: As its homologue CAPN10, CAPN5 seems to influence traits related to increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Our results also may suggest CAPN5 as a candidate gene for metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE -- We have carried out international comparisons of the metabolic syndrome using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) definitions. This analysis could help to discern the applicability of these definitions across populations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -- Nondiabetic subjects aged 35-64 years were eligible for analysis in population-based studies from San Antonio (Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites, n = 2,473), Mexico City (n = 1,990), Spain (n = 2,540), and Peru (n = 346). κ Statistics examined the agreement between metabolic syndrome definitions. RESULTS -- Because of the lower cutoff points for elevated waist circumference, the IDF definition of the metabolic syndrome generated greater prevalence estimates than the ATP III definition. Prevalence difference between definitions was more significant in Mexican-origin and Peruvian men than in Europid men from San Antonio and Spain because the IDF definition required ethnic group-specific cutoff points for elevated waist circumference. ATP III and IDF definitions disagreed in the classification of 13-29% of men and 3-7% of women. In men, agreement between these definitions was 0.54 in Peru, 0.43 in Mexico City, 0.62 in San Antonio Mexican Americans, 0.69 in San Antonio non-Hispanic whites, and 0.64 in Spain. In women, agreement between definitions was 0.87, 0.89, 0.86, 0.87, and 0.93, respectively. CONCLUSIONS -- The IDF definition of the metabolic syndrome generates greater prevalence estimates than the ATP III definition. Agreement between ATP III and IDF definitions was lower for men than for women in all populations and was relatively poor in men from Mexico City. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on obesity as a key component of metabolic syndrome. The study involved nondiabetic subjects from Spain and Mexico City, Mexico. Results show that those with normal waist circumference has three or more metabolic disorders while insulin levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk were not high among subjects with increased waist circumference. It notes that insulin resistant, normal weight people have greater risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The article focuses on a study which examined the relation of central obesity to markers of insulin resistance, chronic inflammation and coronary heart disease (CHD) in population-based studies from Spain and Mexico City, Mexico. The study found comparable results for C-reactive protein (CRP) and CHD risk estimates. The results of the study suggest that central obesity may not be an essential component of metabolic syndrome.