Journal of School of Public Health and

---

This is a descriptive and analytic study of growth and nutrition indices in 1624 children under 5 years of age who received servicesfromPHCcentersknownasHealthHouses) in Islamshahr, Qom and Rey catchment areas.We used data from family health files to construct standardized Z-scores for the following indices: weight for age,heightfor age, and weight for height Analysis of data showed that : some 5.4 percent of children were underweight (1.6% , 4.4% , 6.6% in Islamshahr, ReyandQomerespectively). Overall, 24.4 percent were suffering from low height for age (stunting) (11.5% , 19.1% , 28.6% in Islamshahr, Rey and Qom respectively) and 4.45 percent of children had low weight for height (wasting) 6.3% , 2.2% , 5% in Islamshahr, Rey and Qom).There was a statistically significant relationship between low weight and :a) higher birth order (p= 0.009).b) the presence of frequent plateaus (0.003) and downslopes (p=0.01) on the child's growthchart (p=0.01). In Qom, there was also a significantly greater risk of low weight for children with longer nursing periods (p= 0.0005) and those who spent more time on exclusive breastfeeding (p= 0.005).

---

Background and Aim: The normal plasma fatty acid (FA) composition changes in hypertriglyceridemic obese and overweight indiuviduals. The objective of this study was to determine the plasma fatty acid composition in hypertriglyceridemic obese or overweight subjects with different FABP2 genotypes.

Methods and Materials: Forty-six hypertriglyceridemic subjects (33 men and 13 women, 25-60 years old) referred to the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center (EMRC), Shariaty Hospital in Thehran, between Mehr and Esfand 1386 (September 2007-March 2008), were genotyped for FABP2 polymorphism by PCR-RFLP. In addition, their blood lipid profile was determind enzymetically, photometrically and immunoturbidometrically, and their plasma fatty acid composition by gas-choromatography. Also, body weights and heights were measured and body mass index calculated.

Results: Positive associations were observed between Thr54 polymorphism in FABP2 protein and plasma lipid fractions (SFA, PUFA, ω-6-, ω-3- and total fatty acids (P<0.001 )). No significant differences were observed between PPARα polymorphism and plasma fatty acid composition, except for ω-3 fatty acids,

Conclusion: In obese or overweight hypertriglyceridemic subjects the plasma fatty acid compositions are different. The levels of some fatty acids are higher, while those of some others are lower, in different FABP2 genotypes. On the whole, higher levels of SFA, PUFA, ω-6, ω-3, and total fatty acids were more pronounced in Thr54- than in Ala54-carrieres.

---

Background and Aim: Malfunction in the energy homeostasis central system resulting from melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) mutations is considered to be an important factor in development of obesity. Although physical activity can weaken the effect of obesity-related genes, very few investigations have been carried out in relation to the MC4R gene. This study was conducted to investigate the association between physical activity and body mass index (BMI) in different MC4R genotypes (rs17782313).

Materials and Methods: A sample of 400 individuals was randomly selected from among subjects participating in the Iranian Multicenter Osteoporosis Study (IMOS). Their weights and heights were measured and their dietary intakes and physical activity data assessed using validated questionnaires. In addition, the different MC4R genotypes (rs17782313) were determined in the subjects by the PCR-RFLP method. Finally, using the adjusted multiple linear regression model, the probable effect of physical activity on BMI in different MC4R polymorphisms (rs17782313) was determined.

Results: Only in individuals with the CT genotype was a statistically significant association (p<0.05) observed between body mass index and physical activity (hr/d and METs-hr/wk).

Conclusions: Physical activity, particularly in heterozygous MC4R polymorphism individuals (rs17782313), can play an effective role in reducing body mass index.

---

Background and Aim: Obesity is now recognized as the most prevalent metabolic disease worldwide.A decrease in resting energy expenditure (REE) may increase risk of obesity. This study was carried out to compare dietary, biochemical, anthropometric and body composition parameters and physical activity in obese women with a normal and those with a low REE.

Materials and Methods: A total of 49 subjects (women, 30-50 years old), were divided into three groups: group one (obese, n = 16) with a body mass index (BMI) of 28-39.9 and a normal REE, group 2 (obese, n = 17) with a BMI of 28-39.9 and a low REE, and group 3 (n = 16) with a normal BMI and a normal REE as the control group. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, REE and fasting blood lipid profile were determined in the 3 groups. In addition, dietary intakes and physical activity were assessed using valid questionnaires.

Results: There was no significant difference in body composition between the two obese groups. However, REE was significantly lower in the obese group with a lowREE than in the other 2 groups.Energy and macronutrient intakes and physical activity were not statistically different among the 3 groups. Neither was there any significant difference between the 2 obese groups (one with a normal and one with a low REE) as regards lipid profile.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that in some obese people the resting energy expenditure is much lower as compared to that in other obese people, although their body composition, age, sex, dietary intake, lipid profile and physical activity are not different.