Screening for obesity in the offspring of first-cousin consanguineous couples: A Phase-I study in Saudi Arabia

Analysis of perinatal outcomes of pregnancies from consanguineous marriages in a tertiary hospital in Bursa, Turkey

Aim: In this article, we aimed to contribute to the outcomes of the consanguineous marriage literature by analyzing fetal results in this population. Material and Method: We included 185 patients in this retrospective research. Demographic, clinical, ultrasonographic and delivery data were received from electronic patient records. Also, we recorded the postnatal results, and findings of the infants. By combining all the data, we reported a descriptive analysis of the results of our consanguineous marriage cases with perinatology follow-up. Results: We had 231 pregnant women in the study, and their mean age was 28.9 years. 117 (50.6%) of the pregnant women had first-degree, and 114 (50.4%) had second-degree consanguineous marriages. Fetal findings were evaluated as usual in 157 (68%) of the pregnant in the ultrasonographic scans performed between prenatal 20-24 weeks of gestation. When we look at the first postnatal examinations of the babies, no abnormal findings were in 134 babies (58.8%). Twenty-two infants (9.6%) were followed up in the neonatal intensive care unit with the diagnosis of transient tachypnea of the newborn, and phototherapy was required in 14 infants (6.1%) due to hyperbilirubinemia. The number of cases requiring surgical intervention after delivery or with significant life-threatening anomalies included 56 findings in 32 infants. There were spina bifida cases in 8 infants and hydrocephalus in 9 infants. Conclusion: There was an increased level of congenital anomalies associated with consanguineous marriages. Health care centers should educate individuals regarding the negative role of cousin marriages leading to abnormalities in children.

Sleep Duration, Body Mass Index, and Dietary Behaviour among KSU Students

BACKGROUND

Adolescents who receive an adequate amount of sleep benefit from a positive health status. Previous studies have documented several health consequences connected with obesity as well as short sleep duration among adolescents. Poor sleep quality with obesity and uncontrolled diet can lead to chronic diseases in the future. This study aimed to examine the link between eating habits, sleep duration, and body mass index (BMI) among King Saud University (KSU) students.

METHODS

The study was cross-sectional and conducted from February to May 2021 on 311 recruited students (male and female) of KSU premises. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire was used to describe sleep duration linked with a dietary pattern that included fruit and vegetable intake. The questionnaire consists of two sections of 15 and 10 questions each. The questionnaire was created using the Google Forms tool and distributed through social media platforms like Twitter and WhatsApp. The obtained data was transferred into excel to perform the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean total of students who participated in this study was 21.45 ± 23.11. Female students (72.3%) were actively involved in this study. About 30.2% of students were found to be overweight and obese. Around 67.8% of students had insufficient sleep, 32.2% had adequate sleep, and over 70% of students fell asleep within 30 min of going to bed. A total of 71.7% of students showed good sleep quality, whereas 28.3% reported poor sleep quality. BMI was categorized into four groups: 17.7% of individuals were underweight, 52.1% were of normal weight threshold, 20.6% were overweight, and 9.6% were obese. On a regular basis, 12.5% of students consume vegetables and 6.4% fruits daily. The results of this study show that only 8% of students eat breakfast, whereas 62.1% eat lunch, and 29.9% eat dinner.

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that short sleep duration was associated with obesity among KSU students. This association was also found between sleep duration and dietary factors, specifically in the consumption of fruits and vegetables in terms of eating behaviour.

The Antioxidant Potential of the Mediterranean Diet as a Predictor of Weight Loss after a Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) in Women with Overweight and Obesity

Obesity involves a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, which is linked to the development of several comorbidities. Recently, the very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has gained great interest in the treatment of obesity, almost ousting the ancient and healthy Mediterranean diet (MD). However, because these dietary regimens exploit different pathophysiological mechanisms, we hypothesize that adherence to the MD may play a role in determining the efficacy of the VLCKD. We enrolled 318 women (age 38.84 ± 14.37 years; BMI 35.75 ± 5.18 kg/m²) and assessed their anthropometric parameters, body compositions, and adherence to the MD (with the PREvención con DIetaMEDiterránea (PREDIMED) questionnaire) at baseline. The anthropometric parameters and body composition were repeated at the end of the VLCKD. At the end of the VLCKD, the women with high adherence to the MD achieved the best results in terms of weight loss and improved body composition. Specifically, the women who were above the median of fat mass (FM)% reduction had the best MD pattern, characterized by a higher consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), fruits, vegetables, and red wine, as well as a higher adherence to the MD than the women who were below the same median. In a multiple regression analysis, the PREDIMED score was the main predictor of the FM% reduction score and came in first, followed by fruit, EVOO, and glasses of wine, in predicting the percentage reduction in FM. A PREDIMED score value of > 5 could serve as a threshold to identify patients who are more likely to lose FM at the end of the VLCKD. In conclusion, high adherence to the MD resulted in higher VLCKD efficacy. This could be due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the MD, which are capable of establishing a metabolic set-up that is favorable to the onset of more effective ketosis.

Independent case-control study in KCNJ11 gene polymorphism with Type 2 diabetes Mellitus

Background

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is the most common form of diabetes in the aging population. This chronic metabolic disorder has discovered many candidate genes, and KCNJ11 was one of the genes associated with insulin secretion pathways mediated by potassium channels. There have been limited studies on the rs5210 polymorphism in T2DM patients, and none of them have been conducted in Saudi Arabia.

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate at genotyping levels of rs5210 polymorphism in the KCNJ11 gene in older population with T2DM in the Saudi Population.

Methods

Based on the sample size design, this case-control study included 102 T2DM cases and 102 controls. Using the PCR-RFLP assay, 204 patients extracted DNA was genotyped for the rs5210 polymorphism. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis, including t-tests, HWE, genotyping, and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

The t-tests performed on T2DM cases and controls revealed a significant association in age, weight, BMI, FBG, Hb1Ac, SBP, DBP, HDLC, TC, and TG parameters (p < 0.05). HWE analysis found to be in consistent with rs5210 polymorphism. Allelic association was found in the rs5210 polymorphism (OR-1.64 [95 %CI: 1.08-2.49]; p = 0.01); however, no association (p > 0.05) was observed in the multivariate logistic regression assessment performed in this study.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the rs5210 polymorphism was primarily associated with allele frequencies, which could be attributable to the small sample size. Large sample size studies will be required to determine whether KCNJ11 gene polymorphisms may be required as a risk marker for T2DM in the Saudi population.

Screening of fluoride analysis as a biochemical parameter in the orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances

Saliva is a critical and useful biological fluid necessary for good health and for the appropriate execution of mouth activities. Orthodontic biomaterials have a complex relationship with many components, including the oral environment. Treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances may causes dental caries. As a result, it is necessary to comprehend how orthodontic therapy and various fluoride regimens affect the chances of developing dental cavities as well as individual risk factors. Usage of fluoride will tend to reduce the caries in the patients diagnosed with the fixed orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to screen the biochemical parameter of the fluoride levels in the patients undergone and completed the treatment of orthodontic fixed appliances. In this study, 35 patients have been visited on day 1 as well as day 35 and categorized as T₀ and T₁ groups. Saliva samples were collected and fluoride levels were measured between T₀ and T₁ groups. Using the fluoride kit with the spectrophotometer, fluoride levels were measured. The results confirmed similar fluoride levels between T₀ (26.11 ± 4.86) and T₁ (27.71 ± 4.40) groups. There was no significant association observed in this study (p = 0.56). Fluoride might have no role in the patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Omentin as an Independent Predictor of Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity Among Adolescents in Northeast China

PURPOSE

We investigated the association of omentin with metabolic syndrome (MetS), MetS components, and obesity in adolescents.

METHODS

A total of 742 middle-school students from Liaoyang City were enrolled in this cross-sectional study using the stratified cluster sampling method. Clinical information and blood samples were collected, and serum omentin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Mean plasma omentin levels were lower in male than in female participants (88.25 (interquartile range 63.02-133.61) vs 99.46 (interquartile range 69.08-188.35) ng/L, P = 0.004). The participants were divided into four groups according to the quartile (Q) values of omentin from low to high. With increasing omentin levels from Q1 to Q4, the age of adolescents and the proportion of males gradually increased (P < 0.05), whereas the body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.05) and prevalence of MetS (P > 0.05) tended to decrease. Omentin levels were significantly and negatively correlated with waist circumference and BMI (correlation coefficients of -0.099 and -0.115, respectively). Regression analysis showed that omentin level was independently associated with the risk of MetS (Odds ratio, OR = 0.639, 95% confidence interval, CI (0.432, 0.945)), which was attributed to the association with central obesity (OR = 0.775, 95% CI (0.605, 0.993)) among MetS components. Increased omentin levels also indicated a reduced risk of obesity (OR = 0.700, 95% CI (0.563, 0.870)).

CONCLUSION

Omentin is an independent predictor of MetS and obesity among adolescents in northeast China.

Screening of biochemical parameters in the orthodontic treatment with the fixed appliances: A follow-up study

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in vital salivary parameters such as calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, buffering capacity, pH, flow-rate and Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) in fixed orthodontic treatment patients during the retention period. In this study, saliva samples were collected from 35 patients before de-bonding (T₀) and after 4 to 5 weeks of de-bonding or on retention period (T₁). The biochemical parameters such as calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured with saliva samples. Additionally, flow-rate, buffering capacity, pH and OHI levels was also measured. The current study results showed reduction in calcium, alkaline phosphatase, pH, flow-rate and OHI levels during T₁ (p < 0.05). However, phosphorous and buffering capacity levels were increased at T₁. The phosphorous levels showed non statistically significant difference when compared between T₀ and T₁ (p = 0.42). The remaining salivary parameters showed statistically significant difference when compared between T₀ and T₁ (p < 0.05). The present study concludes that there was a statistically significant decrease in the calcium, alkaline phosphatase, pH, flow rate and OHI values a month after de-bonding and increased in the buffering capacity values.

Real time polymerase chain reaction analysis in the patients treated with fixed appliances after the orthodontic treatment: A follow-up study

This study aimed to compare the changes in the salivary cariogenic bacteria levels using qPCR and oral hygiene status after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances during the retention phase concerning the patient and treatment variables. In this study, saliva samples were collected from 35 patients before debonding (T₀) and after five weeks of debonding on retention (T₁). The saliva samples were collected to extract the genomic DNA, and using specific probes and primers using real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the changes in S. mutants, S. sobrinus, L. Casei after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Additionally, OHI levels were also measured. The current study confirms the statistical association between T0 and T1 groups of S. mutants (p = 0.028) and S. sobrinus (p = 0.049). However, a lack of association was observed with L. Casei (p > 0.05). The number of bacteria was decreased from the T₀ group and increased in the T₁ group in Streptococcus mutants (S. mutants) and Streptococcus Sobrinus (S. sobrinus) while in Lactobacillus Casei (L. Casei) it was vice versa between T₀ and T₁ groups. The Oral Hygiene Levels (OHI) levels were also found to be statistically associated (p = 0.003). This study concludes that comparing the salivary cariogenic bacterial levels at T₀ (before debonding of fixed orthodontic appliances), with T1 (Five weeks after the debonding), and despite better oral hygiene, there was increase in salivary S mutants and S sobrinus levels. The current study suggested that orthodontic patients need careful hygienic procedures during the retention period. Future studies are recommended with additional follow-up and a large sample size.

Consanguineous marriage and rare bleeding disorders

Introduction: Rare bleeding disorders (RBDs) are a heterogeneous group of bleeding disorders. Consanguineous marriage is the favorite partnership in many communities among a population of more than a billion. Consanguineous marriages allow the defective recessive genes in RBDs to remain in the family. Clinical approach to RBDs is not as straightforward as typical bleeding disorders, which are secondary to scarcity and variation of RBDs. However, in many developing countries, the limitations of diagnostic facilities, the supply of therapeutic coagulation concentrates, health budgets, and optimal health-care infrastructures may intensify the clinical practice of RBDs.Areas covered: The author addresses the role of consanguineous marriage in the incidence of RBDs and what preventive steps can be considered to minimize the incidence of RBDs. A literature review of PubMed and google Scholar was conducted in November of 2020 using the relevant keywords.Expert opinion: This review addresses the prevalence of consanguineous marriages in Middle Eastern countries and the various reasons behind the coexistence of consanguineous marriage with RBDs. Finally, prevention steps that may be considered by health-care systems to minimize the incidence of rare bleeding disorders have been discussed. Health-care systems should train partners with the intention of consanguineous marriage on the downside of consanguinity.

Family History, Consanguinity and Other Risk Factors Affecting the Prevalence of Prediabetes and Undiagnosed Diabetes Mellitus in Overweight and Obese Yemeni Adults

OBJECTIVE

Overweight and obese adults are at high risk for developing prediabetes and diabetes. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of prediabetes (pre-DM) and diabetes (DM) among Yemeni adults who were overweight or obese and had first-degree relatives with DM, consanguinity and other risk factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 612 adults, all with a BMI≥25 kg/m². BMI, blood pressure (BP) and waist circumference (WC) were measured in the clinic. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was collected for all subjects. The patients either had first-degree relatives with diabetes or not, and the subjects answered a questionnaire regarding the consanguinity of their parents, exercise, khat chewing, smoking, and eating vegetables and fruits daily.

RESULTS

Of the 612 study participants (32% males and 68% females) aged 20-70 years old, 429 (70.1%) had a family history (FM) of DM ± consanguinity of parents, and 183 (29.9%) had no FM of diabetes. Multivariate analysis showed significant risk in those with class III obesity for pre-DM (AOR 3.10 95% CI 1.56-6.18 p value 0.001) and DM (AOR 3.35 95% CI 1.47-7.65 p value 0.004) and those who had siblings with DM had a risk for pre-DM (AOR 1.72 95% CI 1.09-2.71 p value 0.02) and DM (AOR 2.24 95% CI 1.25-4.0 p value 0.007). Khat chewing increased the risk for pre-DM (AOR 1.61 95% CI 1.04-2.48 p value 0.032) and for DM (AOR 2.09 95% CI 1.14-3.82 p value 0.017). Having consanguineous parents plus siblings with DM were associated with a higher risk of DM (p value 0.031).

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of pre-DM and undiagnosed DM among overweight and obese Yemeni individuals. Class III obesity, having siblings with DM, chewing khat, and having consanguineous parents plus siblings with DM all increased the risk. This group should be screened at an early age for early detection of pre-DM and DM.

Influence of Parental Physical Activity and Screen Time on the BMI of Adult Offspring in a Saudi Population

Saudi Arabia is witnessing a drastic rise in adult obesity. Geographic limitations hamper somatic activities to counter this rise. Parental physical inactivity in the region has never been addressed. This study’s purpose is to determine the differences between parent and adult child (the subjects here) levels of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) between normal weight and obese adults in the Saudi Arabian population. Two hundred and forty adult subjects (18 to 35 years) were screened for their body mass index (BMI) values (18.5 ≤ 25 as normal and 25 ≤ 30) or above as overweight/obese), followed by their congregation into normal weight (N) (n = 150) and overweight/obese (Ov/Ob) (n = 90) groups. A self-reported questionnaire assessed parenting practices, while a physical activity record diary calculated existing levels of PA and ST. Statistical significance was determined by a chi-squared test (p < 0.01) and BMI correlation was found by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Maternal age (87.8% ≤ 20 years in the Ov/Ob group (Gp) and consanguineous marriage (88.9% in the Ov/Ob Gp) showed significant differences. A high prevalence of inactivity was observed among families (father 53.3%, mother 53.3%, subject 80.0%) in the Ov/Ob Gp. Higher amounts of ST (76.7% ≥ 9 h/day) were found in the Ov/Ob Gp, which significantly differed. Differences in the parent and child levels of PA and ST exist between normal weight and obese Saudi Arabian adults. Physically active parents having adult children inspire them to develop healthy physical behaviors which counter the development of obesity. Consanguineous marriage and early maternal age may be associated with progressive adult obesity.