A scientist from the University of Navarra to carry out research in the USA into the genetic origin of obesity

Amelia Martí PHOTO: Manuel Castells

University of Navarra professor Amelia Martí del Moral, researcher in genetic factors and lifestyles related to obesity, has obtained a scholarship Mapfre to collaborate with one of the most prestigious laboratories in the world in this field subject, directed by José María Ordovás at Tufts University (Boston, USA).

During her stay there, the scientist - who is part of a project on childhood obesity among young people in Navarra, carried out with the Navarra Hospital Complex - will select the most appropriate epigenetic techniques for her work and, if feasible, will apply these techniques to samples collected from adolescents in the region.

These samples belong to adolescent volunteers who follow two types of per diem expenses: one rich in legumes and vegetables and the other in fruits and vegetables. "In both cases," explains the expert, "we have included a variety of bioactive components, such as vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, minerals, omega-3 essential fatty oils and carbohydrates, all of which have a beneficial effect on maintaining a healthy weight."

"Our goal", continues Dr. Martí del Moral, "consists of studying the influence of food and the environment (stress, tobacco, pollution, etc.) on our information Genetics. These modifications at the epigenetic level include DNA methylation, histone acetylation and alteration of mirNAs. The latter, it seems, can regulate genetic programs core topic in the development of cardiovascular disease and in the response to per diem expenses".

16% of obese children in Spain
The specialist of the School of Pharmacy, who has published more than 100 articles on childhood obesity in scientific journals, recalls that this problem already exceeds the European average in Spain, with 16.1% compared to 15% of young people affected between 6 and 12 years of age. Likewise, one in four children is overweight. "In the USA, this disease is even more serious, since one third of children and two thirds of adults are overweight or obese," stresses Dr. Martí del Moral.

In any case, the expert -award 2009 of the European Society for the Study of Obesity - confirms that this is already the main public health problem in developed countries, where it is also a major expense: "In the U.S., in particular, this problem costs $150 billion a year to the health system".

The researcher at the University of Navarra is full professor at department of Food Sciences, Physiology and Toxicology. In her career she has received, among others, awards from the Academia Iberoamericana de Farmacia, Merck & Daphne and the Silver Medal of the British Nutrition Society.