Scientific area
3.1 Basic medicine
Discipline(s)
Human genetics
Project title
Genetic predisposition versus the effect of regular physical exercise on circulating adipokine levels in obese Portuguese adolescents
Scientific Coordinator's name:
Luis Belo
Scientific Coordinator's e-mail:
luisbelo@ff.up.pt
Principal R&D Unit:
Biology of Inflammation and Reproduction
Other R&D Units involved in the project:
Other R&D units involved in the project
Project keyword(s)
Adipokines, adolescent obesity, regular physical exercise, genetic polymorphisms
Short abstract and comments
The origin of the atherosclerotic disease is multifactorial, involving the interplay of several genetic and environmental factors. Thus, environmental factors, such as physical exercise, may modulate the atherosclerotic risk in individuals with a higher genetic predisposition. In order to clarify this point, we aim to perform a cross-sectional study (250 obese adolescents aged 11-17 years). and a longitudinal study (138 obese subjects). In the cross-sectional study we intend to evaluate: 1) the prevalence in obese Portuguese adolescents of genetic polymorphisms associated with adipokines, namely interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and resistin, and 2) the influence of those genetic polymorphisms (genotypes and haplotypes) on circulating adipokine levels, and on routine clinical parameters (blood CRP level, lipid profile, hemogram and markers of insulin resistance and iron metabolism). The longitudinal study aims to evaluate the influence of regular physical exercise (five sessions of physical activity per week, during nine months) on the same analytical variables in obese adolescents.
Potential uses/indications
To identify high risk genotypes (or haplotypes) and to study the value of lifestyle intervention, at early ages, when good habits should be improved.
Status
Ongoing
Partner Status: Seeking Partners?
No
Grant number (QREN, FP7, Eureka, etc)
PTDC/DTP-DES/0393/2012
Last edited on
2013-02-07 11:44:57