Variants of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma- and beta-adrenergic receptor genes are associated with measures of compensatory eating behaviors in young children.

Background: Young children can regulate energy precisely in the short term, showing the potential for an innate compensation mechanism of eating behavior. However, data suggest that precise compensation is attenuated as a function of increasing adiposity, parental feeding style, and age. Common variation in candidate obesity genes may account for some of the individual variation observed in short-term energy compensation.

PPARG locus haplotype variation and exacerbations in asthma.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) regulates inflammation and may play a role in asthma. Using mouthwash-derived DNA and clinical interviews and measurements, we investigated the association of previously characterized single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the PPARG gene (Pro12Ala, C1431T, and C-681G) with asthma exacerbations in patients aged 3-22 years (n=569). The common homozygous haplotype combination of the Pro12 and C1431 alleles was associated with increased risk for asthma exacerbations (ProC, odds ratio (OR) 1.

Glutathione S-transferase M1 and P1 genotype, passive smoking, and peak expiratory flow in asthma.

Objectives: Our purpose with this work was to assess the contribution of glutathione S-transferase gene variants to asthma susceptibility and pulmonary function in relation to tobacco smoke exposure in the home.

Methods: Young individuals with asthma (age: 3-21 years; n = 504) were recruited through primary and secondary care throughout Tayside, Scotland (BREATHE Study). Spirometry was obtained on 407 individuals.

Childhood obesity and socioeconomic status: a novel role for height growth limitation.

Objective: To assess prevalence and socioeconomic context of overweight and obesity in a cohort of Scottish children.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Primary schools in Dundee, Angus, and Fife, Eastern Scotland, UK.

Energy intakes of children after preloads: adjustment, not compensation.

Background: Young children accurately compensate for energy-dense preloads consumed before test meals. The accuracy of compensation seems to deteriorate as a function of age.

Objective: The hypothesis that accurate energy compensation varies by age, body mass index, and individual characteristics of children and their mothers was tested.

The effects of dietary fatty acid supplementation on endothelial function and vascular tone in healthy subjects.

Objective: Evaluation of the effects of supplementation of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids on vascular tone and endothelial function in healthy men and women aged 40 to 65 years.

Methods: In a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled study, 173 healthy volunteers took one of six oil supplements for 8 months. Supplements were placebo, oleic acid rich sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, soya bean oil, tuna fish oil, and tuna/evening primrose oil mix.