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We aimed to analyse the longitudinal association between physical fitness (PF) and body composition (BC) with a metabolic risk score (Met4) in children and adolescents and to elucidate whether the association between PF and Met4 differs when using relativized or absolute fitness variables. A total of 188 children (86 females) and 195 adolescents (97 females) were included. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was determined by the 20-m shuttle run test, and muscular fitness (MF) was determined by hand grip and standing long jump tests. Height and weight were measured, and the body mass index (Kg/ m2) was calculated. Triceps and subscapular skinfolds were assessed to compute body fat percentage. Met4 was computed from systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose levels. Relative CRF was longitudinally and negatively associated with Met4 in female children (β = −0.031, p = 0.025), while absolute CRF was positively associated with Met4 in male children and adolescents (β = 0.000, p < 0.05). Relative upper and lower-body MF were longitudinally and negatively associated with Met4 in female adolescents (β = −1.347, β = −0.005, p < 0.05), while absolute lower-body MF was positively associated with Met4 in male children (β = 0.000, p = 0.019). BC was longitudinally and positively associated with Met4 in male children (β-ranging from 0.011 to 0.055, all p < 0.05) and male adolescents (β-ranging from 0.011 to 0.046, all p < 0.05). Conclusion: BC is more strongly associated with Met4 than PF in children and adolescents. An optimal body weight status should be considered the main objective of health-promoting programs at childhood and adolescence. Furthermore, the way of expressing the fitness variables determines the direction of the association with Met4., CRUE-CSIC, National Plan for Research, Development, and Innovation (R + D + i) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation DEP 201021662-C04-00 DEP 2010-21662-C04-01 DEP 2010-21662-C04-02 DEP 2010-21662-C04-03 DEP 2010-21662-C04-04

Purpose: We aimed to analyse the longitudinal association between physical fitness (PF) and body composition (BC) with metabolic syndrome score (MetS) in children and adolescents, and to elucidate whether the association between PF and MetS differs when using relativized or absolute fitness variables. Methods: A total of 188 children (86 females) and 195 adolescents (97 females) were included. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was determined by the 20-m shuttle run test and muscular fitness (MF) was determined by hand grip and standing long jump tests. Height and weight were measured, and body mass index (kg/m2) was calculated. Triceps and subscapular skinfolds were assessed to compute body fat percentage. MetS was computed from: waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose levels.Results: Relative CRF was longitudinally and negatively associated with MetS in female children (β=-0.031,p=0.025), while absolute CRF was positively associated with MetS in male children and adolescents (β=0.000,pConclusion: BC is more strongly associated with MetS than PF in children and adolescents. An optimal body weight status should be considered the main objective of health promoting programs at childhood and adolescence. Furthermore, the way of expressing the fitness variables determines the direction of the association with MetS.

We aimed to analyse the longitudinal association between physical fitness (PF) and body composition (BC) with a metabolic risk score (Met4) in children and adolescents and to elucidate whether the association between PF and Met4 differs when using relativized or absolute fitness variables. A total of 188 children (86 females) and 195 adolescents (97 females) were included. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was determined by the 20-m shuttle run test, and muscular fitness (MF) was determined by hand grip and standing long jump tests. Height and weight were measured, and the body mass index (Kg/m

To develop and validate an easy-to-use screening tool for identifying adolescents at high-risk for insulin resistance (IR).Α total of 1,053 adolescents (554 females), aged 12.5 to 17.5 years with complete data on glucose and insulin levels were included. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI) and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. VOBMI and VOPaediatricians or physical education teachers can use easy-to-obtain and non-invasive measures to apply the HELENA-IR score and identify adolescents at high risk for IR, who should be referred for further tests.

Different parts of the

The complexity in the development of an eating disorder (ED) pose methodological challenges when addressing risk factors of this pathology. Pike et al. (2008) proposed to use a case-control design for this type of research.

There is currently a great controversy about the lack of definition regarding the concept of moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages from the point of view of health, since, in turn, it should be a socially accepted consumption. Although still there is not a global agreement about the definition of "moderate consumption", it is considered as such the amount below 10-12 g alcohol/day for women and no more than 20-24g alcohol/day for men. These differences are because that women are not capable as men to metabolise alcohol. According to the scientific evidence, moderate consumption of beer seems to be accepted to maintain an adequate quality of the diet, as it provides vitamins B (vitamin B6, B12 and folates) and minerals (magnesium) among other nutrients, as well as poliphenols and complex carbohydrates. In terms of health, a moderate beer consumption may play a protective role at cardiovascular levels, associated with an enhanced lipid profile. It should be highlighted the possible beneficial effects of a moderate consumption of fermented beverages (such as beer) is associated with other factors, such as gender, age, as well as the pattern of consumption throughout life.Actualmente existe una gran controversia relativa a la falta de definición respecto a lo que se considera un consumo moderado de bebidas alcohólicas desde el punto de vista de la salud, ya que, a su vez, debería ser un consumo socialmente aceptado. Aunque no existe una definición universalmente consensuada de consumo moderado, se considera como tal la cantidad por debajo de 10-12 g de alcohol al día para mujeres y de no más de 20-24 g alcohol al día para hombres. Estas diferencias se deben a la menor capacidad de las mujeres para metabolizar el alcohol. De acuerdo con la evidencia científica, parece aceptarse que el consumo moderado de cerveza puede colaborar en mantener una adecuada calidad de la dieta, ya que aporta vitaminas del complejo B (vitamina B6, B12 y folatos) y minerales (magnesio), entre otros nutrientes, así como polifenoles y carbohidratos complejos. En referencia a la salud, se ha atribuido a la cerveza un papel protector a nivel cardiovascular, asociado a un mejor perfil lipídico. Todo ello podría indicar un papel protector a nivel cardiovascular. También es importante señalar que el posible efecto beneficioso de un consumo moderado de bebidas fermentadas (como la cerveza) está asociado a otros factores como el sexo, la edad y el patrón de consumo a lo largo de la vida.

[Objectives] To develop and validate an easy-to-use screening tool for identifying adolescents at high-risk for insulin resistance (IR)., [Methods] Α total of 1,053 adolescents (554 females), aged 12.5 to 17.5 years with complete data on glucose and insulin levels were included. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI) and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. VO2max was predicted using 20 m multi-stage fitness test. The population was randomly separated into two cohorts for the development (n=702) and validation (n=351) of the index, respectively. Factors associated with high HOMA-IR were identified by Spearman correlation in the development cohort; multiple logistic regression was performed for all identified independent factors to develop a score index. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed in the validation cohort and was used to define the cut-off values that could identify adolescents above the 75th and the 95th percentile for HOMA-IR., [Results] BMI and VO2max significantly identified high HOMA-IR in males; and FMI, TV watching and VO2max in females. The HELENA-IR index scores range from 0 to 29 for males and 0 to 43 for females. The Area Under the Curve, sensitivity and specificity for identifying males above the 75th and 95th of HOMA-IR percentiles were 0.635 (95%CI: 0.542–0.725), 0.513 and 0.735, and 0.714 (95%CI: 0.499–0.728), 0.625 and 0.905, respectively. For females, the corresponding values were 0.632 (95%CI: 0.538–0.725), 0.568 and 0.652, and 0.708 (95%CI: 0.559–0.725), 0.667 and 0.617, respectively. Simple algorithms were created using the index cut-off scores., [Conclusions] Paediatricians or physical education teachers can use easy-to-obtain and non-invasive measures to apply the HELENA-IR score and identify adolescents at high risk for IR, who should be referred for further tests., The HELENA study was financially supported by the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (Contract FOOD-CT-2005-007034).

This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Nutrition and Childhood Obesity. On behalf of the HELENA study group., Obesity in children and adolescents is a public health problem and diet can play a major role in this condition. We aimed to identify sex-specific dietary patterns (DP) and to evaluate the association with overweight/obesity in European adolescents. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis with 2327 adolescents aged between 12.5 to 17.5 years from a multicenter study across Europe. The body mass index was categorized in “normal weight” and “overweight/obesity”. Two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls were collected with a computerized self-reported software. Principal component factor analysis was used to identify DP. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between the sex-specific DP and overweight/obesity outcome. As a result, we found three DP in boys (snacking and bread, Mediterranean diet, and breakfast) and four DP in girls (convenience, plant-based and eggs, Western, and breakfast). The association between DP and overweight/obesity highlights that those adolescents with higher adherence to the breakfast DP had lower odds for overweight/obesity, even after the inclusion of covariables in the adjustments. In European adolescents, the breakfast DP positively characterized by breakfast cereals, fruit, milk, and dairy and negatively characterized by sugar-sweetened beverages in boys and negatively characterized by cereals (pasta, rice, and others) in girls, was inversely associated with overweight/obesity., The HELENA study received funding from the European Union’s Sixth RTD Framework Programme (contracts FOODCT-2007-036196-2 and FOODCT-2005-007034, respectively). Additional support was obtained from the Spanish Ministry of Education (AGL2007-29784-E/ALI). Leandro Teixeira Cacau received a research internship abroad scholarship (grant number 2020/12326-1) from the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).

This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Immunonutrient in Human Health and Disease., It is widely known that a good balance and healthy function for bacteria groups in the colon are necessary to maintain homeostasis and preserve health. However, the lack of consensus on what defines a healthy gut microbiota and the multitude of factors that influence human gut microbiota composition complicate the development of appropriate dietary recommendations for our gut microbiota. Furthermore, the varied response to the intake of probiotics and prebiotics observed in healthy adults suggests the existence of potential inter- and intra-individual factors, which might account for gut microbiota changes to a greater extent than diet. The changing dietary habits worldwide involving consumption of processed foods containing artificial ingredients, such as sweeteners; the coincident rise in emotional disorders; and the worsening of other lifestyle habits, such as smoking habits, drug consumption, and sleep, can together contribute to gut dysbiosis and health impairment, as well as the development of chronic diseases. This review summarizes the current literature on the effects of specific dietary ingredients (probiotics, prebiotics, alcohol, refined sugars and sweeteners, fats) in the gut microbiota of healthy adults and the potential inter- and intra-individual factors involved, as well as the influence of other potential lifestyle factors that are dramatically increasing nowadays.

Fermented alcoholic drinks&rsquo, contribution to the gut microbiota composition is mostly unknown. However, intestinal microorganisms can use compounds present in beer. This work explored the associations between moderate consumption of beer, microbiota composition, and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile. Seventy eight subjects were selected from a 261 healthy adult cohort on the basis of their alcohol consumption pattern. Two groups were compared: (1) abstainers or occasional consumption (ABS) (n = 44, &lt, 1.5 alcohol g/day), and (2) beer consumption &ge, 70% of total alcohol (BEER) (n = 34, 200 to 600 mL 5% vol. beer/day, 15 mL 13% vol. wine/day, 15 mL 40% vol. spirits/day). Gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and SCFA concentration were analyzed in fecal samples. No differences were found in &alpha, and &beta, diversity between groups. The relative abundance of gut bacteria showed that Clostridiaceae was lower (p = 0.009), while Blautia and Pseudobutyrivibrio were higher (p = 0.044 and p = 0.037, respectively) in BEER versus ABS. In addition, Alkaliphilus, in men, showed lower abundance in BEER than in ABS (p = 0.025). Butyric acid was higher in BEER than in ABS (p = 0.032), and correlated with Pseudobutyrivibrio abundance. In conclusion, the changes observed in a few taxa, and the higher butyric acid concentration in consumers versus non-consumers of beer, suggest a potentially beneficial effect of moderate beer consumption on intestinal health.

The multipurpose plant Moringa oleifera (MO) has shown a variety of in vitro activities potentially beneficial for health and evidences are also numerous in animal models. However, the exact composition of the plant is highly variable depending on the area, culture and post harvesting conditions and the effects in humans are scarcely studied. This is a pilot study of the effect of different doses of MO from an Iberian Peninsula cultivar on postprandial glucose level in non-diabetic subjects. Five adult subjects (40 to 70 years, 3 males) with normal renal and hepatic function were included. Two had normal fasting glucose and 3 had pre-diabetic fasting glucose. A standard breakfast plus, respectively, one placebo capsule (PLC), or 1, 3 and 6 capsules containing 400 mg of MO dry leaf powder (MO-1cap, -3cap and -6cap) were consumed by each subject on 4 consecutive visits, one week apart. The basal and postprandial (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min) glucose was measured. The mean glucose change from baseline (ΔGlc) at each measure time was calculated and compared between treatments with the Wilcoxon tests and considered significant at P < 0.05 level. The postprandial curves were also studied separately in pre-diabetic subjects. A difference was found 90 min after breakfast in ΔGlc for the MO-6cap compared to the MO-1cap, being lower in MO-6cap. No more significant differences were observed due to the small number of subjects and high variability in glucose values among subjects. However, the graphical representation of separated curves for the three pre-diabetic participants showed that all three MO doses led to values always below those with PLC. In addition, during the first experimental hour all MO doses showed lower ΔGlc than PLC while this was not the case when all subjects were studied. No adverse events occurred during the experiment. The study, thus, showed a trend to lower glycemic postprandial response with MO leaf powder which seems to be more evident in pre-diabetic subjects than in normoglycemic subjects and especially during the first postprandial hour. The MO-6cap seems to be the election daily dose for a long term intervention study on the glycemic control with MO in pre-diabetic subjects.

Adolescence is a decisive and characteristic period for overall development throughout the life-span in which Eating Disorders (ED) are among the most common mental health problems in young population. Different factors might be related to the risk of ED such as sex and body composition, but literature about hydration status is still very scarce. This study was aimed to assess possible relationships between ED risk and body composition, including hydration status. A 2-year follow-up substudy from the UP&DOWN Study was performed in a sample of 77 adolescents at baseline (n = 74 after the follow-up; 13.87 ± 1.54 years old at baseline). Subjects were grouped by sex. ED risk was measured by the SCOFF questionnaire, a validated screening tool for ED. Risk of ED criterion is considered when SCOFF score is equal or higher than 2.0. Body composition, particularly Fat Mass (FM%) and hydration [Total Body Water (TBW in liters) regarding the weight of individuals and its range (low, within, high)] were determined by bioimpedance. Data analysis was conducted using version 25.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA, software. A logistic regression was made to select the variables [sex, TBW (L), FM%] that could be more related to ED risk, considered as a dependent variable. Crosstabs and chi-square test were used to establish the relationships between the categorical variables. Almost 30% girls and 10% boys were at risk of ED at baseline (P = 0.036). Furthermore, almost 39% girls and none of the boys were at ED risk after the follow-up (P = 0.000). All the subjects at ED risk showed a low TBW range at both points (baseline, P = 0.04; after the follow-up, P = 0.039). A probit binary model of repeated measures (151 healthy adolescent values were obtained considering every subject in both points of the study) was made to study the influence of sex, TBW (L), FM% on the ED risk. Positive associations between Sex-TBW interaction and ED risk (P = 0.000) as well as between FM% and ED risk (P = 0.020) were observed. These findings show that body composition, not only fat mass but also hydration status is related to ED risk, although it is well known that boys and girls show different hydration and fat patterns. The fact of being a female adolescent with low TBW and FM% values may predispose to a high ED risk. Therefore, sex-hydration interaction together with body composition should be further investigated for ED in adolescence.

[Background]: The main objective of this study was to describe the inflammatory status of adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) and their relationship with adiposity., [Methods]: Ninety‐five adolescents with DS (44.2% girls) and a control group of 113 adolescents (47.8% girls), aged between 11 and 18 years old, from the UP & DOWN study were included in this substudy. Serum C‐reactive protein, C3 and C4 complement factors, total proteins, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α, insulin, cortisol, leptin, adiponectin, galactin‐3 and visfatin were analysed; homeostatic model assessment index was calculated. In order to evaluate adiposity, we measured the following body fat variables: weight, height, waist circumference and skinfold thicknesses. Birth weight was obtained by questionnaire. In addition, body mass index, waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) and body fat percentage (BF%) were calculated., [Results]: Down syndrome group showed higher levels of body mass index, WHtR, waist circumference, BF% and lower birth weight than controls (P < 0.001). In the general linear model in the total sample, WHtR was positively associated with C3 and C4 (P < 0.001) as well as with leptin levels (P = 0.015). BF% was positively associated with total proteins (P = 0.093) and leptin levels (P < 0.001). DS was positively associated with total proteins (P < 0.001), C3 (P = 0.047) and C4 (P = 0.019). Despite the higher levels of adiposity found in DS group, no direct association was found between BF% and leptin levels, comparing with the control group., [Conclusions]: These findings suggest that abdominal obesity should be controlled in adolescents because of its relationship with acute phase‐inflammatory biomarkers but especially in DS adolescents who may show a peculiar metabolic status according to their relationship between adiposity and inflammatory biomarkers., We appreciate the following financial support: DEP 2010‐21662‐C04‐00 grants from the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation (R + D + i) MICINN.

Aims: The purposes of this research were to study the convergent validity of the Mode and Frequency of Commuting To and From School Questionnaire using objectively assessed steps and time spent in different physical activity intensities and to compare the self-reported versus objective journey time in Spanish youths. Methods: Three hundred and eighty-nine Spanish youth aged 7–19 years were asked to complete the questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for five days. The objective commuting distance and time from home to school were estimated using Google MapsTM. Results: There were significant differences between passive and walking participants on step numbers, sedentary time and physical activity levels (except for vigorous physical activity in children). For children, a mean difference of −4.03 minutes between objective measured and self-reported journey time was found (95% limits of agreement were 13.55 and −21.60 minutes). For adolescents, the mean difference was −1.39 minutes (95% limits of agreement were 15.23 and −18.02 minutes). Conclusions: The findings indicated that the Mode of Commuting To and From School Questionnaire showed a convergent validity to assess this behaviour in Spanish youths. Self-reported journey time for walking is comparable to Google MapsTM in adolescents but not in children.

The recent increase in childhood obesity prevalence rates illustrates the extreme relevance of biological, psychosocial and familial factors implicated in body weight status, which at the moment remain unclear. The study aims to compare biological, psychosocial and familial markers between preadolescents with obesity and their non-overweight peers, and explore the relationship with psychiatric diagnosis on these markers. Both groups were composed of 40% of males with a mean age of 10 years, and no differences in socio-demographic variables were found between groups. No sex differences were found on bio/psycho/family markers. While 48% (n = 24) of the preadolescents with obesity presented a DSM-IV diagnosis (OGD), only 2% (n = 1) of the non-overweight peers (NG) met diagnostic criteria. Significant differences were found for all bio/psycho/family markers among obese preadolescents with the exceptions of cortisol, peptide YY and maternal state-anxiety and depression. The preadolescents with obesity without a diagnosis (OGND) presented greater levels of leptin than NG (p = 0.01). For psychosocial markers, statistically significant differences were found between groups in the majority of the variables (p, Dr. Sepulveda had a postdoctoral Ramon and Cajal scholarship from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (RYC‐2009‐ 05092). Ms. Blanco was awarded with a Research Fellowship (FPU) for students of PhD Programs. The ‘ANOBAS’ project has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Plan Nacional I + D+i 2008/11 (PSI2011‐23127).

The EVASYON Study Group., [Background & aim]: A diet quality index (DQI) is a tool that provides an overall score of an individual's dietary intake when assessing compliance with food-based dietary guidelines. A number of DQIs have emerged, albeit their associations with health-related outcomes are debated. The aim of the present study was to assess whether adherence to dietary intervention, and the overall quality of the diet, can predict body composition changes., [Methods]: To this purpose, overweight/obese adolescents (n = 117, aged: 13–16 years; 51 males, 66 females) were recruited into a multi-component (diet, physical activity and psychological support) family-based group treatment programme. We measured the adolescents' compliance and body composition at baseline and after 2 months (intensive phase) and 13 months (extensive phase) of follow-up. Also, at baseline, after 6 months, and at the end of follow-up we calculated the DQI., [Results]: Global compliance with the dietary intervention was 37.4% during the intensive phase, and 14.3% during the extensive phase. Physical activity compliance was 94.1% at 2-months and 34.7% at 13months and psychological support compliance were growing over the intervention period (10.3% intensive phase and 45.3% during extensive phase). Adolescents complying with the meal frequency criteria at the end of the extensive phase had greater reductions in FMI z-scores than those did not complying (Cohen's d = 0.53). A statistically significant association was observed with the diet quality index. DQI-A variation explained 98.1% of BMI z-score changes and 95.1% of FMI changes., [Conclusions]: We conclude that assessment of changes in diet quality could be a useful tool in predicting body composition changes in obese adolescents involved in a diet and physical activity intervention programme backed-up by psychological and family support., The study was supported by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality via the Carlos III Institute of Health (FIS Grant PI051080, PI051579). The EVASYON study received the award for the best applied research project in 2009 from AESAN (Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition from the Spanish Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs. The study was supported by Aragon's Regional Government (DGA, Diputación General de Aragón) and European Regional Development Fund.

[Background]: The combined effect of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body mass index (BMI) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in young people remains to be fully determined. We examined the individual and combined associations of CRF and BMI with clustered CVD risk factors, and the mediator role of BMI in the association between CRF and clustered CVD risk factors in children and adolescents., [Methods]: 237 children (111 girls) and 260 adolescents (120 girls) were included in this cross‐sectional study. Height and weight were assessed and BMI was calculated. A CVD risk factor index (CVDRF‐I) was computed from: waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose. CRF was assessed using the 20‐m shuttle run test. Regression analysis, analysis of covariance and mediation analysis (Baron and Kenny procedures) were used to test the independent and combined effect of CRF and BMI on CVDRF‐I, and to test mediation hypothesis, respectively., [Results]: CRF was negatively associated with CVDRF‐I (all P, [Conclusions]: BMI is an independent predictor of CVDRF‐I and a mediator of the association between CRF and CVDRF‐I in children and adolescents. These results help to clarify the associations between CRF, weight status and cardiovascular health, suggesting that future CVD health would benefit from maintaining an optimal weight status., This work was supported by the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation (R + D + i) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation [DEP 2010‐21662‐C04‐00 (DEP 2010‐21662‐C04‐01: DEP 2010‐21662‐C04‐02: DEP 2010‐21662‐C04‐03: DEP 2010‐21662‐C04‐04)]; and by the Spanish Ministry of Education [FPU15/05337]. IEC is supported by a grant from the Alicia Koplowitz Foundation.

UP&DOWN Study Group additional members: Coordinator: Ascension Marcos; Principal Investigators: Ascension Marcos, Jose Castro-Piñero, Oscar L. Veiga, and Fernando Bandres; Scientific Coordinators: David Martinez-Gomez (chair), Jonatan R. Ruiz (co-chair), Ana Carbonell-Baeza, Sonia Gomez-Martinez, and Catalina Santiago; Spanish National Research Council: Ascension Marcos, Sonia Gomez-Martinez, Esther Nova, Ligia-Esperanza Diaz, Belen Zapatera, Ana M. Veses, Aurora Hernandez, and Alina Gheorghe; University of Cadiz: José Castro-Piñero, Jesus Mora-Vicente, Jose L. Gonzalez-Montesinos, Julio Conde-Caveda, Jonatan R. Ruiz (University of Granada [UGR]), Francisco B. Ortega (UGR), Carmen Padilla Moledo, Ana Carbonell Baeza, Palma Chillon (UGR), Jorge del Rosario Fernandez, Ana Gonzalez Galo, Gonzalo Bellvis Guerra, Alvaro Delgado Alfonso, Fernando Parrilla, Roque Gomez, and Juan Gavala; Autonomous University of Madrid: Oscar L. Veiga, H. Ariel Villagra, Juan del-Campo, Carlos Cordente (UPM), Mario Diaz, Carlos M. Tejero, Aitor Acha, Jose M. Moya, Alberto Sanz, David Martinez-Gomez, Veronica Cabanas-Sanchez, Gabriel RodriguezRomo (UPM), Rocio Izquierdo, Laura Garcia-Cervantes, and Irene Esteban-Cornejo; Complutense University of Madrid: Fernando Bandres, Alejandro Lucia (European University of Madrid [UEM]), Catalina Santiago (UEM), and Felix Gomez-Gallego (UEM)., [Objectives]: To study the cross-sectional and longitudinal (2-year follow-up) association between muscle fitness and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in youth; whether there are muscle fitness cut points associated with CVD risk (cross-sectional); and whether the health-related muscle fitness cut points identified at baseline are associated with CVD risk 2 years later. [Study design]: In total, 237 children (110 girls) aged 6-10 years and 274 adolescents (131 girls) aged 12-16 years with complete data were included in the study (10.3% drop out). The handgrip strength and the standing long jump tests were used to assess muscle fitness. CVD risk score was computed with sum of 2 skinfolds, systolic blood pressure, insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol. [Results]: Muscle fitness at baseline was associated inversely with single CVD risk factors and CVD risk score at baseline and 2-year follow-up (all P, Supported by the DEP 2010-21662-C04-00 (DEP 2010-21662-C04-01: DEP 2010-21662-C04-02: DEP 2010-21662-C04-03: DEP 2010-21662-C04-04) grant from the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation (R + D + i) MICINN, by the FPU15/05337 grant from the Spanish Ministry of Education, and by Plan Propio de Investigación 2016 of the University of Granada (Spain), Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Scientific Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES).

[Objective]: To evaluate the association of lifestyle patterns related to physical activity (PA), sedentariness, and sleep with endocrine, metabolic, and immunological health biomarkers in European adolescents., [Methods]: The present cross‐sectional study comprised 3528 adolescents (1845 girls) (12.5‐17.5 years) enrolled in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Study. Cluster analysis was performed by including body composition, PA by accelerometry, self‐reported sedentary behaviors, and sleep duration. We also measured endocrine, metabolic, and immunological biomarkers., [Results]: Three‐cluster solutions were identified: (a) light‐PA time, moderate‐vigorous‐PA time and sedentary time, (b) light‐PA time, moderate‐vigorous‐PA time, sedentary time and sleep time, (c) light‐PA time, moderate‐vigorous‐PA time, sedentary time and body composition. In addition, each cluster solution was defined as: “healthy,” “medium healthy,” and “unhealthy” according to the presented rating. Analysis of variance showed that overall the healthiest groups from the three clusters analyzed presented a better metabolic profile. A decision tree analysis showed that leptin had a strong association with cluster 3 in both boys and girls, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol had the strongest association with clusters 1 and 3 in boys. Cortisol had the strongest association with cluster 1. HOMA index (homeostatic model assessment) and C3 showed a strong association with cluster 3 in girls., [Conclusions]: Our results support the existence of different interactions between metabolic health and lifestyle patterns related to PA, sedentariness, and sleep, with some gender‐specific findings. These results highlight the importance to consider multiple lifestyle‐related health factors in the assessment of adolescents' health to plan favorable strategies., The HELENA Study was carried out with the financial support of the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (Contract FOODCT-2005-007034). The study was partially supported by the Redes temáticas de investigación cooperativa RETIC (Red SAMID RD16/0022), and by the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES).

The present study examined the association between high-quality diet (using the Mediterranean diet (MD) as an example) and well-being cross-sectionally and prospectively in Spanish children and adolescents. Participants included 533 children and 987 adolescents at baseline and 527 children and 798 adolescents at 2-year follow-up, included in the UP&DOWN study (follow-up in schoolchildren and adolescents with and without Down’s syndrome). The present study excluded participants with Down’s syndrome. Adherence to an MD was assessed using the KIDMED index. Well-being was measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and the KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaire. Associations between MD adherence and well-being were assessed using multi-level, mixed-effects linear regression. At baseline, MD adherence was positively related to health-related quality of life in secondary school girls and boys (β=0·41, se 0·10, P, The UP&DOWN study was supported by the DEP 2010-21662-C04-00 grant from the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation (R + D + i) MICINN. I. E.-C. is supported by a grant from the Alicia Koplowitz Foundation

On behalf of the UP & DOWN Study Group: Coordinator: Ascension Marcos. Principal Investigators: Ascension Marcos, Oscar L. Veiga, Jose Castro-Piñero, and Fernando Bandrés. Scientific Coordinators: David Martinez-Gomez (chair), Jonatan R. Ruiz (co-chair), Ana Carbonell-Baeza, Sonia Gomez-Martinez, and Catalina Santiago. Spanish National Research Council: Ascension Marcos, Sonia Gomez-Martinez, Esther Nova, Esperanza L. Diaz, Belén Zapatera, Ana M. Veses, Jorge R. Mujico, and Alina Gheorghe. Autonomous University of Madrid: Oscar L. Veiga, H. Ariel Villagra, Juan del-Campo, Carlos Cordente (UPM), Mario Diaz, Carlos M. Tejero, Aitor Acha, Jose M. Moya, Alberto Sanz, David Martinez-Gomez, Veronica Cabanas-Sanchez, Gabriel Rodriguez-Romo (UPM), Rocio Izquierdo-Gomez, Laura Garcia-Cervantes, and Irene Esteban-Cornejo. University of Cadiz: José Castro-Piñero, Jesús Mora-Vicente, José L. González-Montesinos, Julio Conde-Caveda, Francisco B. Ortega (UGR), Jonatan R. Ruiz (UGR), Carmen Padilla Moledo, Ana Carbonell Baeza, Palma Chillón (UGR), Jorge del Rosario Fernández, Ana González Galo, Gonzalo Bellvís Guerra, Álvaro Delgado Alfonso, Fernando Parrilla, Roque Gómez, and Juan Gavala. Complutense University of Madrid: Fernando Bandrés, Alejandro Lucia (UEM), Catalina Santiago (UEM), and Felix Gómez-Gallego (UEM)., Inflammation influences cognitive development in infants and older adults, however, how inflammation may affect academic development during childhood and adolescence remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to examine the association between inflammatory biomarkers and academic performance in children and adolescents. A total of 494 youth (238 girls) aged 10.6 ± 3.4 years participated in the study. Four inflammatory biomarkers were selected: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and white blood cell (WBC) count. An inflammatory index was created using the above mentioned biomarkers. Academic performance was assessed through schools records. Results showed that three of the four inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-6 and WBC) and the inflammatory index were negatively associated with all academic indicators (β values ranging from -0.094 to -0.217, all P < 0.05) independent of confounders including body fat percentage. Indeed, youth in the highest tertile of the inflammatory index had significantly lower scores in all academic indicators compared with youth in the middle tertile (scores ranging from -0.578 to -0.344) and in the lowest tertile (scores ranging from -0.678 to -0.381). In conclusion, inflammation may impair academic performance independently of body fat levels in youth. Our results are of importance because the consequences of childhood and adolescence inflammation tend to continue into adulthood. Lifestyle interventions in youth may be promising in reducing levels of inflammation beyond the reduction in body fat in order to achieve cognitive benefits., The UP & DOWN Study was supported by the DEP 2010-21662-C04-00 grant from the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation [R+D+i] MICINN.

SummaryBackground Shorter telomeres have been associated with elevated risk for age-related diseases. However, little is known about the biomarker role of telomere length (TL) for predicting inflammation and glucose alterations. Objective The objective of this research is to evaluate the association between TL, inflammatory markers and glucose levels after a 2-month weight-loss programme in obese adolescents. Methods Telomere length was measured using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 66 obese adolescents aged 12–17 years (51% men) from the EVASYON programme. The adolescents were genotyped for the polymorphism -174G/C (rs1800795) in the IL-6gene, and anthropometric and biochemical markers as well as inflammatory cytokines were analysed. Results Multiple-adjusted models showed that longer telomeres at baseline were associated with a higher reduction in glucose (B = −4.08, 95% confidence interval: −6.66 to −1.50) and IL-6 (B = −1.03, 95% confidence interval: −2.01 to −0.05) serum levels after 2 months of the weight-loss treatment. The -174G/C polymorphism modulated the association between basal TL and changes in IL-6 (P interaction = 0.029). Thus, subjects with the GG + GC genotype and with longer telomeres showed a higher decrease in IL-6 levels than CC homozygotes. Conclusion Longer telomeres are associated with an improvement in glucose tolerance and inflammation after a weight-loss programme in obese adolescents. Moreover, the -174G/C polymorphism may influence the relationship between TL and IL-6 changes.

This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Immunonutrient in Human Health and Disease., Moringa oleifera (MO) is a multipurpose plant consumed as food and known for its medicinal uses, among others. Leaves, seeds and pods are the main parts used as food or food supplements. Nutritionally rich and with a high polyphenol content in the form of phenolic acids, flavonoids and glucosinolates, MO has been shown to exert numerous in vitro activities and in vivo effects, including hypoglycemic activity. A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed database and reference lists on the effects of MO on glucose metabolism. Thirty-three animal studies and eight human studies were included. Water and organic solvent extracts of leaves and, secondly, seeds, have been extensively assayed in animal models, showing the hypoglycemic effect, both under acute conditions and in long-term administrations and also prevention of other metabolic changes and complications associated to the hyperglycemic status. In humans, clinical trials are scarce, with variable designs and testing mainly dry leaf powder alone or mixed with other foods or MO aqueous preparations. Although the reported results are encouraging, especially those from postprandial studies, more human studies are certainly needed with more stringent inclusion criteria and a sufficient number of diabetic or prediabetic subjects. Moreover, trying to quantify the bioactive substances administered with the experimental material tested would facilitate comparison between studies., This work was performed under the frame of the NUTRIMOL-DB Project that received funding from the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (MINECO), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER, UE) (ref. AGL2017-86044-C2-1-R.).

[Background]: We aimed to examine the independent and combined associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and motor ability with single and clustered inflammatory biomarkers in children and adolescents., [Methods]: This study included 503 children and adolescents. Cardiorespiratory fitness, upper- and lower-muscular fitness, and motor ability were assessed using field-based tests. Fasting blood samples were obtained to determine the levels of a set of inflammatory biomarkers. Global physical fitness and clustered inflammatory biomarker scores were computed. Associations between physical fitness and inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed through linear regression. Differences in inflammatory biomarker levels between physical fitness tertiles were tested., [Results]: Global physical fitness was inversely associated with single and clustered inflammatory biomarkers in children (p, [Conclusion]: Physical fitness was negatively associated with single and clustered inflammatory biomarkers, independently of body mass index. Increasing physical fitness levels in youth might contribute to reduce the cardiovascular risk., This work was supported by the National Plan for Research, Development, and Innovation (R + D + i) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation [DEP 2010-21662-C04-00 (DEP 2010-21662-C04-01: DEP 2010-21662-C04-02: DEP 2010-21662-C04-03: DEP 2010-21662-C04-04)]; and by the Spanish Ministry of Education [FPU15/05337].

[Background]: Tryptophan breakdown is an important mechanism in several diseases e.g. inflammation and stress-induced inflammation have been associated with the development of depression via enhanced tryptophan breakdown. Depression is a major public health problem which commonly starts during adolescence, thus identifying underlying mechanisms during early life is crucial in prevention. The aim of this work was to verify whether independent and interacting associations of psychosocial stress and inflammation on tryptophan breakdown already exist in children and adolescents as a vulnerable age group., [Methods]: Two cross-sectional population-based samples of children/adolescents (8–18 y) were available: 315 from the European HELENA study and 164 from the Belgian ChiBS study. In fasting serum samples, tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-ɣ, soluble vascular adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM1) were measured. Psychological stress was measured by stress reports (subjective) and cortisol (objective – awakening salivary cortisol or hair cortisol). Linear regressions with stress or inflammation as predictor were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, puberty, socio-economic status and country., [Results]: In both cohorts, inflammation as measured by higher levels of CRP, sVCAM1 and sICAM1 was associated with kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and thus enhanced tryptophan breakdown (beta: 0.145–0.429). Psychological stress was only associated with tryptophan breakdown in the presence of higher inflammatory levels (TNF-α in both populations)., [Conclusions]: Inflammatory levels were replicable key in enhancing tryptophan breakdown along the kynurenine pathway, even at young age and in a non-clinical sample. The stress-inflammation interaction indicated that only the stress exposures inducing higher inflammatory levels (or in an already existing inflammatory status) were associated with more tryptophan breakdown. This data further contributes to our understanding of pathways to disease development, and may help identifying those more likely to develop stress or inflammation-related illnesses., This work was supported by the Research Foundation – Flanders (grant number FWO.3E0.2015.0043.01 and FWO.KAN.2015.0017.01). The HELENA Study was carried out with the financial support of the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (Contract FOODCT-2005-007034). The writing group takes sole responsibility for the content of this article. The European Community is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. The hair cortisol analyses were sponsored by the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation through Science and Technology in Flanders (grant number SBO-120054). Livia A. Carvalho is funded by the MRC Immunopsychiatry Consortium (RG71546)

Background Effective preventive interventions for both eating disorders and obesity in adolescence should be focused on shared risk factors. We analyzed the association between television (TV) viewing time and the risk of eating disorders, as well as the potential role of obesity in this association. Methods The sample consisted of a total of 3458 Spanish adolescents, aged 13–18.5 years, from the Food and Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Adolescents (AVENA) and Physical Activity as a Preventive Measure of the Development of Overweight, Obesity, Allergies, Infections, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents (AFINOS) studies. Adolescents’ TV time was assessed by self-report. Body mass index was calculated and the adolescents were classified into non-overweight and overweight–obesity. The risk of eating disorders was evaluated using the SCOFF questionnaire. Results Adolescents who watched TV >1 h/day had a higher risk for eating disorders, compared with those adolescents who watch TV

We aimed to estimate the attributable fraction of systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) that can be explained by family socioeconomic factors (FSFs) in adolescents using two observational studies.Participants were recruited by multistage random cluster in two cross-sectional studies performed in Europe [Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study, n = 3308] and Brazil [Brazilian Cardiovascular Adolescent Health (BRACAH) study, n = 991]. SBP and DBP were measured, and FSFs (socioeconomic status and parental education) were self-reported in both studies. The correlations of SBP and DBP with FSFs were examined by multilevel linear regression through two different models (hierarchical and fully adjusted). The generalized attributable fractions of the FSFs were estimated by comparing the models.Our results showed a significant inverse relationship between parental education (father and mother) and SBP in European boys. The higher generalized attributable fraction to SBP was observed in boys (13.2-22.4%). In girls, we found lower generalized attributable fractions to DBP (10.8-12.1% in Brazilian girls and 3.1-3.8% in European girls).Our findings revealed a significant inverse relationship between parental education and SBP in European boys. FSF also significantly influenced blood pressure in adolescents, mainly in Brazilian adolescents.

[Objectives]: Previous research showed that low concentration of biomarkers in the blood during adolescence (i.e., iron status; retinol; and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D) may be involved in the early stages of development of many chronic diseases, such as hypertension. The aim was to evaluate if iron biomarkers and vitamins in the blood are associated with blood pressure in European adolescents., [Methods]: Participants from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence cross-sectional study (N = 1089; 12.5–17.5 y; 580 girls) were selected by complex sampling. Multilevel linear regression models examined the associations between iron biomarkers and vitamins in the blood and blood pressure; the analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for contextual and individual potential confounders., [Results]: A positive association was found in girls between RBC folate concentration and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β = 3.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–5.77), although no association between the vitamin serum biomarkers concentrations and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was found. In boys, retinol was positively associated with DBP (β = 3.84; 95% CI, 0.51–7.17) and vitamin B6 was positively associated with SBP (β = 3.82; 95% CI, 1.46–6.18). In contrast, holotranscobalamin was inversely associated with SBP (β = −3.74; 95% CI, −7.28 to −0.21)., [Conclusions]: Levels of RBC folate and vitamin B6 in blood may affect BP in adolescents. In this context, programs aimed at avoiding high BP levels should promote healthy eating behavior by focusing on the promotion of vegetable proteins and foods rich in vitamin B12 (i.e., white meat and eggs), which may help to achieve BP blood control in adolescents., The HELENA Study was financially support by the European Community SixthRTD Framework Programme (contract FOOD-CT-2005-007034). The writing group takes sole responsibility for the content of this article. This study was also supported by a grant from the Spanish Ministry of Health: Maternal, Child Health and Development Network (number RD08/0072), grant from the Spanish Ministry of Education (EX-2008-0641; AP-2008-03806) and the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation (20090635). ACdeM received scholarship from S~ao PauloResearch FoundationdFAPESP (proc. 2011/11137-1 and 2011/20662-2). LAM received scholarship of visiting professor from the Brazilian government by Science without Borders Program by CNPq (National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development) and CAPES (Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) (proc. 007/2012). The GENUD Research Group cofinancedby the European Regional Development Fund (MICINN-FEDER)

The anorexia nervosa adolescent longitudinal biomarker assessment study (ANABEL) is a 2‐year longitudinal study. [Objective]: Evaluate several clinical, biochemical, immunological, psychological, and family variables and their interactions in adolescent onset eating disorders (EDs) patients and their 2‐year clinical and biological outcome. This article illustrates the framework and the methodology behind the research questions, as well as describing general features of the sample. [Methods]: A longitudinal study of 114 adolescents with EDs seeking treatment was performed. Only adolescents were selected during 4 years (2009–2013). The variables were collected at different times: baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of the start of treatment. Diagnoses were completed through the semi‐structured Kiddie‐Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia interview. [Results]: At baseline, the mean age was 15.11 (SD = 1.36). The mean ED duration was 10 months (SD = 5.75). The mean body mass index was 16.1 (SD = 1.8). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnosis at baseline for restrictive anorexia nervosa was 69.6%, 17.4% for purgative anorexia nervosa, and 24.3% for other specified feeding disorder. At 12 months, 19.4% were in partial remission, whereas at 24 months, 13.8% had fully recovered and 29.2% had partially recovered. [Conclusions]: There was an acceptable physical and psychopathological improvement during the first year of treatment, with recovery being more evident during the first 6 months., This project received grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Fondo Investigación (FIS PI08/1832) and Alicia Koplowitz Foundation (2009).

To examine the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) at baseline and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in 6- to 10-year-olds (cross-sectional) and 2 years later (8- to 12-year-olds [longitudinal]) and whether changes with age in CRF are associated with CVD risk in children aged 8 to 12 years.Spanish primary schoolchildren (n=236) aged 6 to 10 years participated at baseline. Of the 23 participating primary schools, 22% (n=5) were private schools and 78% (n=18) were public schools. The dropout rate at 2-year follow-up was 9.7% (n=23). The 20-m shuttle run test was used to estimate CRF. The CVD risk score was computed as the mean of 5 CVD risk factor standardized scores: sum of 2 skinfolds, systolic blood pressure, insulin/glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.At baseline, CRF was inversely associated with single CVD risk factors (all P.05) and CVD risk score at baseline and follow-up (P.001). Cardiorespiratory fitness cutoff points of 39.0 mL/kg per minute or greater in boys and 37.5 mL/kg per minute or greater in girls are discriminative to identify CVD risk in childhood (area under the curve,0.85; P.001) and to predict CVD risk 2 years later (P=.004). Persistent low CRF or the decline of CRF from 6-10 to 8-12 years of age is associated with increased CVD risk at age 8 to 12 years (P.001).During childhood, CRF is a strong predictor of CVD risk and should be monitored to identify children with potential CVD risk.

On behalf of the HELENA Study Group., [EN]: [Introduction]: Inflammation is related to insulin resistance in adults, especially on those individuals with high levels of body composition. [Objectives]: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between a set of inflammatory biomarkers and insulin resistance by levels of body composition in a sample of European adolescents. [Material and methods]: Nine hundred and sixty-two adolescents (442 boys and 520 girls) from nine European countries met the inclusion criteria of having measurements for the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and a set of inflammation-related biomarkers: C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-6), complement factors C3 and C4 and selected cell adhesion molecules. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI) and waist circumference (WC) were categorized using tertiles. To assess the associations stratifying by body composition indexes, ANOVA and linear regression models were performed. [Results]: Mean biomarkers' concentrations differed across BMI, FMI and WC tertiles (p < 0.05) by sex. In both sexes, insulin, HOMA, CRP, C3 and C4 were significantly different between categories (p < 0.001), always showing the highest mean concentration in the upper category of BMI, FMI and WC. The most consistent finding was an association between insulin resistance and C3 concentrations (p < 0.05), in the adolescents in the highest tertile of BMI, FMI and WC, except in the case of FMI in girls. [Conclusion]: Inflammatory and glucose metabolism markers differed by tertiles of body composition, being usually higher in the highest tertile. C3 complement factor was associated with insulin resistance in adolescents, especially those with high total and abdominal adiposity., [ES]: Introducción: la inflamación está relacionada con la resistencia a la insulina en adultos, especialmente en individuos con altos valores de composición corporal. Objetivos: valorar la relación entre diferentes marcadores inflamatorios y la resistencia a la insulina según valores de composición corporal en adolescentes europeos. Material y métodos: novecientos sesenta y dos adolescentes (442 chicos y 520 chicas) de nueve países europeos cumplían el criterio de inclusión de tener medidos la evaluación del modelo de homeostasis (HOMA) y diferentes marcadores inflamatorios: proteína C-reactiva (PCR), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α), interleukina (IL-6), factores de complemento C3 y C4 y moléculas de adhesión. El índice de masa corporal (IMC), el índice de masa grasa (IMG) y la circunferencia de cintura (CC) se categorizaron en tertiles. Para valorar las asociaciones por índices de composición corporal se realizó ANOVA y regresión. Resultados: las concentraciones de los marcadores diferían entre los tertiles de IMC, IMG y CC (p < 0,05), por sexo. En ambos sexos, insulina, HOMA, PCR, C3 y C4 fueron significativamente diferentes entre categorías (p < 0,001), presentando la mayor concentración en la categoría superior de IMC, IMG y CC. El resultado más consistente para los adolescentes del tertil superior de IMC, IMG y CC fue la asociación entre resistencia a la insulina y concentraciones de C3 (p < 0,05), excepto para IMG en chicas. Conclusión: los marcadores del metabolismo inflamatorio y de la glucosa diferían según tertiles de composición corporal, siendo mayores en el tertil superior. El C3 se asoció con resistencia a la insulina en adolescentes, especialmente en aquellos con adiposidad total y abdominal., The HELENA Study was supported by the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (Contract FOODCT-2005-007034). This analysis was also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (JCI-2010-07055) and the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER).

[Objective]: Early detection of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, such as obesity, is crucial to prevent adverse long-term effects on individuals' health. Therefore, the aims were: (1) to explore the robustness of neck circumference (NC) as a predictor of CVD and examine its association with numerous anthropometric and body composition indices and (2) to release sex and age-specific NC cut-off values to classify youths as overweight/obese. [Design]: Cross-sectional study. [Setting]: 23 primary schools and 17 secondary schools from Spain. [Participants]: 2198 students (1060 girls), grades 1-4 and 7-10. [Measures]: Pubertal development, anthropometric and body composition indices, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively), cardiorespiratory fitness, blood sampling triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), glucose and inflammatory markers. Homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and cluster of CVD risk factors were calculated. [Results]: NC was positively correlated with all anthropometric and body composition indices. NC was negatively associated with maximum oxygen consumption (R 2 =0.231, p, This work was supported by the DEP 2010 21662 C04 00 (DEP 2010 21662 C04 01: DEP 2010 21662 C04 02: DEP 2010 21662 C04 03: DEP 2010 21662 C04 04) grant from the National Plan for Research: Development and Innovation (R+D+i) MICINN.

The aim of this report was to examine the associations between some characteristics (i.e., structure and number) of extracurricular physical activity (EPA) and cognitive performance in adolescents. A total of 1662 adolescents (880 girls; 13.0-18.5 years) from 5 Spanish cities (Granada, Madrid, Murcia, Santander and Zaragoza) were included in this study. Structure (organised and non-organised) and number of EPAs, and participation at vigorous intensity during EPA were self-reported. Cognitive performance (verbal, numeric and reasoning abilities, and an overall score) was measured with the >SRA-Test of Educational Ability>. Results showed that vigorous EPA was positively associated with all cognitive variables. Adolescents who practiced an organised EPA had higher scores in 3 of the 4 cognitive variables than those who practiced a non-organised EPA (all P < 0.05). Likewise, the group who participated in more than one EPA had higher cognitive performance in all variables than the group who participated in only one EPA (all P < 0.05). Regardless of potential confounder variables, including vigorous EPA, both structure and number of EPAs were each other independently associated with cognitive performance. Therefore, structure and number of EPAs may positively influence cognitive performance in adolescents. Participating in multiple, organised EPA may have benefits for cognitive performance.