Evaluation of telomere length in women with severe obesity before and after bariatric surgery

• Grant number: 15/26988-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2017
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition
• Principal Investigator: Carla Barbosa Nonino
• Grantee: Paola Akemi Kadoki Leite
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Telomeres are repeat sequences of nucleotides at the end of chromosomes that protect DNA against damage due to replication and are essential to maintain the integrity of the genome. Although the synthesis of telomeres by telomerase, they suffer shortened with each cell division throughout life and this may serve as a marker for risk of diseases including obesity. Still, studies have reported association between nutrient deficiency and shortening of telomeres in pacientes with obesity who underwent Roux-em-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery (RYGB), suggesting that variations in absorption of nutrients caused by this surgery can influence telomere length. Objectives: To determine telomere length in subjects with severe obesity before and after six months of RYGB , and to evaluate the association between food intake and telomere length . Methods: will be selected 50 women with morbid obesity, between 35 and 45 years, submitted to bariatric surgery procedure RYGB type (pre- and postoperative). In both periods will be collected data of body composition, anthropometry, dietary intake, personal background, lifestyle habits and collection of venous blood. DNA extraction will be performed to analyze the telomere length. For statistical analysis will be used the Shapiro- Wilk test, t test, Pearson correlation and regression models. It will be established as significant levels of p <0,05, and all analyzes were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. (AU)