Cellular senescence is thought to play an essential role in many biological functions including tumor suppression and organismal aging. Senescent cells, which are permanently removed from the cell cycle, can be found both in vivo in many different tissue types and in vitro within cultures of non-immortalized cells. Despite their inability to proliferate, these cells persist and remain metabolically active for indefinite periods of time. This physiologic process occurs in response to a variety of cellular insults including oxidative stress, shortened telomeres, constitutive oncogene expression, and DNA damage, and can be initiated by upregulation of one of the two known senescent pathways, involving p16/Rb or p53/p21. The senescent cell phenotype is also characterized by changes to cell and nuclear morphology and to the secretory profile of the cell. Related to changes in nuclear morphology, epigenetic modifications to the packaging of DNA are thought to be key to the initiation and maintenance of the senescence program. While a large number of earlier studies focused on the findings that senescent cells gain regions of condensed heterochromatin, often in the form of Senescent Associated Heterochromatin Foci (SAHF), this thesis work shows that there is a marked loss of heterochromatin in the peri/centromeric regions of the genome. In fact, both α-satellite and satellite II sequences across the genome distend in a striking and unanticipated fashion; this can be readily visualized by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) as their structure changes from a condensed spot to highly elongated and fine thread-like signals. We have termed this exceptional decondensation of constitutive heterochromatin Senescence Associated Distension of Satellites (SADS). Importantly, a series of experiments shows that SADS is both a consistent and an early event in the cell senescence process, which occurs as a result of every senescence induction method examined. We also observed that this distension was characteristic of both human and murine cells and in vivo in human benign Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN) tissue. Furthermore, unlike SAHF formation, SADS can occur due to the activation of either of the two senescence pathways, p16/Rb or p53/p21. Additionally, the cytological dimensions of the thread-like satellite signals indicates that SADS represents “unraveling” of DNA on an unprecedented scale. Thus, it was surprising that this event was not facilitated by changes to several canonical histone modifications associated with condensed heterochromatin, namely H3K9Me3, H3K27Me3, or H3K4Me3, nor is it caused by loss of DNA methylation. Consequently, we believe that this marked distension of satellite DNA is due to changes in higher-order folding of the chromatin fiber. This is important for understanding fundamental events in the cell senescence process, but also provides a unique system for study of chromatin packaging that may provide new insights into the organization of DNA well beyond nucleosome packaging and the ten nanometer fiber. In fact, initial super resolution images of SADS suggest that the satellite sequences may be organized into domains or “globules”. Hence, we suggest that the changes to satellite sequence packaging may be facilitated by changes to higher-order nuclear structural proteins, such as LaminB1, which is reduced in senescent cells. Finally, this work provides analysis of the literature and preliminary experiments to consider the possibility that there are increased levels of cell senescence in Down syndrome (trisomy 21) cells. As individuals with Down syndrome (DS) experience many manifestations of premature aging (including early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease), have a resistance to solid tumor formation, are more susceptible to oxidative stress, and are trisomic for several genes implicated in causing senescence, our analysis provides plausibility for the hypothesis that accelerated rates of senescence may play a significant role in DS physiology. We also provide results of preliminary studies and outline the next steps for experimentation, using DS fibroblasts and a unique genetically engineered DS iPS cell system. As a final note, the quantification of cell senescence in trisomic versus disomic cells for these experiments relies substantially on the new single-cell marker of senescence discovered and established by this theses work, the Senescence-Associated Distension of Satellites.

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) reside in the enteric tract as a commensal reservoir, but can transition to a pathogenic state by invading normally sterile niches, establishing infection and disseminating to invasive sites like the bloodstream. Macrophages are required for ExPEC dissemination, suggesting the pathogen has developed mechanisms to persist within professional phagocytes. Here, we report that FimX, an ExPEC-associated DNA invertase that regulates the major virulence factor type 1 pili (T1P), is also an epigenetic regulator of a LuxR-like response regulator HyxR. FimX regulated hyxR expression through bidirectional phase inversion of its promoter region at sites different from the type 1 pili promoter and independent of integration host factor (IHF). In vitro, transition from high to low HyxR expression produced enhanced tolerance of reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNIs), primarily through de-repression of hmpA, encoding a nitric oxide-detoxifying flavohaemoglobin. However, in the macrophage, HyxR produced large effects on intracellular survival in the presence and absence of RNI and independent of Hmp. Collectively, we have shown that the ability of ExPEC to survive in macrophages is contingent upon the proper transition from high to low HyxR expression through epigenetic regulatory control by FimX. / Dissertation

During each life cycle, gametes must preserve and pass on both genetic and epigenetic information, making the germline both immortal and totipotent. In the male germline the dramatic morphological transformation of a germ cell through meiosis, into a sperm competent for fertilization, while retaining this information is an incredible example of cellular differentiation. This process of spermatogenesis is inherently thermosensitive in numerous metazoa ranging from worms to man. Here, I describe the role of two redundant AGO-class paralogs, ALG-3/4, and their small RNA cofactors, in promoting thermotolerant male fertility in Caenorhabditis elegans. alg-3/4 double mutants exhibit temperature dependent sterility resulting from defective spermiogenesis, the postmeiotic differentiation of haploid spermatids into spermatozoa competent for fertilization. The essential Argonaute CSR-1 functions with ALG-3/4 to positively regulate target genes required for spermiogenesis by promoting transcription via a small RNA positive feedback loop. Our findings suggest that ALG-3/4 functions during spermatogenesis to amplify a small-RNA signal loaded into CSR-1 to maintain transcriptionally active chromatin at genes required for spermiogenesis and to provide an epigenetic memory of male-specific gene expression. CSR-1, which is abundant in mature sperm, appears to transmit this memory to offspring. Surprisingly, in addition to small RNAs targeting male-specific genes, we show that males also harbor an extensive repertoire of CSR-1 small RNAs targeting oogenesis-specific mRNAs. The ALG-3/4 small RNA pathway also initiates silencing small RNA signals loaded into WAGO vii Argonautes, which function to posttranscripitonally silence their target mRNAs. Silencing WAGO/small RNA-complexes are present in sperm and presumably transmitted to offspring upon fertilization. Together these findings suggest that C. elegans sperm transmit not only the genome but also epigenetic activating and silencing signals in the form of Argonaute/small-RNA complexes, constituting a memory of gene expression in preceding generations.

The following work demonstrates that paternal diet controls medically important metabolic phenotypes in offspring. We observe transmission of dietary information to the zygote via sperm, and this information evades reprogramming that typically occurs after fertilization. Cytosine methylation is implicated as a major contributor to meiotic epigenetic inheritance in several transgenerational phenomena. Our extensive characterization of the sperm methylome reveals that diet does not significantly affect methylation patterns. However, we find that extensive epivariability in the sperm epigenome makes important contributions to offspring variation. Importantly, coordinate cytosine methylation and copy number changes over the ribosomal DNA locus contributes to variation in offspring metabolism. Thus, rDNA variability acts independently of postadolescent paternal diet to influence offspring metabolism. Therefore, at least two mechanisms exist for epigenetically controlling offspring metabolism: stochastic epivariation and diet acting by an unknown mechanism to further modulate metabolism. This work argues that an offspring's phenotype can no longer be viewed solely as the result of genetic interactions with the developmental environment - the additional influences of paternal environment and inherited epigenetic variability must also be considered. These findings reveal novel contributions to metabolism that could revolutionize how we think about the risk factors for human health and disease.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Condições adversas no ambiente pré-natal e primeiros anos de vida são independentemente associados com risco aumentado de doença cardiovascular. A hipótese aceita atualmente para essa associação é a de que agravos, principalmente nutricionais, ocorridos durante a gestação alteram a organização de órgãos e sistemas, que ao serem solicitados na vida adulta, teriam menor capacidade funcional. Com base nessa premissa, o trabalho tem o objetivo de estudar a relação entre o peso ao nascer, crescimento no primeiro ano de vida e fatores de risco para doença cardiovascular e aterosclerose subclínica em adultos do Centro de Saúde-Escola (CSE) \"Prof. Samuel B. Pessoa\" da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Em 2009, 88 adultos jovens com idade entre 20-31 anos, seguidos desde o início da vida no CSE, foram submetidos ao diagnóstico de aterosclerose subclínica. Informações relacionadas às características sociodemográficas, dados antropométricos, medidas da pressão arterial, perfil metabólico, e avaliação da aterosclerose subclínica pela ultrassonografia e métodos gráficos foram obtidas dos adultos, e estudadas de acordo com 2 pontos de corte em relação ao peso de nascimento (< 2.500 gramas; e, > 3.500 gramas) e ganho de peso no primeiro ano de vida. Os pesos foram obtidos dos registros de prontuários. Os achados atuais dos adultos foram analisados em relação às condições de nascimento e ao ganho de peso no primeiro ano de vida. Para realização das análises estatísticas foram realizadas regressões multivariadas. RESULTADOS: Baixo peso ao nascer, menor de 2.500 gramas (g) foi negativamente correlacionado com a relação cintura-quadril (RCQ) elevada, segundo coeficiente de regressão (CR) igual a -0,323, IC 95% [-0,571, -0,075] p < 0,05, níveis de pressão arterial diastólica (CR=-4,744, IC 95% [-9,017,-0,470] p < 0,05), HDL-colesterol reduzido (CR=-0,272, IC 95% [-0,516, -0,029] p < 0,05), e frequência da espessura da média-íntima (EMI) média da carótida esquerda (CE) acima do p75 (CR=-0,242, IC 95% [-0,476,-0,008] p < 0,05). Peso ao nascer maior do que 3.500 g foi positivamente associado com IMC (CR=2,832, IC 95% [0,433, 5,233] p < 0,05), IMC >= 25,0 kg/m2, (CR=0,317, IC 95% [0,782, 0,557] p < 0.05), cintura abdominal elevada (CR=0,284, IC 95% [0,054, 0,513] p < 0,05), RCQ elevada (CR=0,280, IC 95% [0,054, 0,505] p < 0,05), glicemia de jejum (CR=3,808, IC 95% [0,558, 7,058] p < 0,05), MEGA mínima (CR=4,354, IC 95% [0,821, 7,888] p < 0,05), MEGA máxima (CR=7,095, IC 95% [0,608, 13,583] p < 0,05), tamanho do lobo direito do fígado (CR=6,896, IC 95% [1,946, 11,847] p < 0,01), e com a frequência do lobo direito do fígado acima do p75 (CR=0,361, IC 95% [0,169, 0,552] p < 0,01). Ganho de peso no primeiro ano de vida menor que: a diferença entre o peso com 12 meses de idade e o peso de nascimento no p50 das curvas da Organização Mundial da Saúde, foi considerado inadequado, sendo negativamente correlacionado com EMI média da CE (CR=-0,046, IC 95% [-0,086, -0,006] p < 0,05), frequência da EMI média da CE acima do p75 (CR=-0,253, IC 95% [-0,487, -0,018] p < 0,05), EMI da (CE+CD)/2, com CR=-0,038, IC 95% [-0,073, -0,002] p < 0,05, e com a frequência da EMI (CE+CD)/2 acima do p75 (CR=-0,241, IC 95% [-0,442, -0,041] p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Adultos com pesos de nascimento menores do que 2.500 g. e maiores do que 3.500 g. e com ganho de peso insuficiente no primeiro ano de vida apresentaram diferentes fenótipos metabólicos, mas todos relacionados com fatores de risco aumentados para doença cardiovascular e aterosclerose subclínica, quando comparados com aqueles que nasceram com peso adequado e com ganho de peso suficiente no primeiro ano de vida / BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adverse conditions in the prenatal environment and in the first years of life are independently associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The currently accepted hypothesis for this association is the one that states that alterations occurred during pregnancy, mainly nutritional ones, affect the organization of organs and systems that would have a lower functional capacity when needed during adult life. This paper aims to study the relationship between weight at birth, growth in the first year of life and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and subclinical atherosclerosis subclinical atherosclerosis in adults of the \"Prof. Samuel B. Pessoa\" Health Center-School (CSE) from the Medical School of the University of São Paulo. METHODS: In the year of 2009, 88 young adults aged between 20 and 31, followed since the beginning of their lives in the CSE, were submitted to the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis. Their sociodemographic qualities, anthropometric data, blood pressure measurements, metabolic profile, evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis by ultrasound and graphical methods were collected. These pieces of information were later studied according to their birth weight (< 2,500 grams and > 3,500 grams) and to the gain of weight during their first year of life. Weights were obtained from the registrations of their medical records. The current findings in the adults were analysed in relation to their conditions of birth and weight gain in the first year of life. Multivariate regressions were performed in order to obtain the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Low birth weight, less than 2,500 grams (g) was negatively correlated with higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), according to regression coefficient (RC) equal to -0.323, 95% CI [-0.571, -0.075] p < 0.05, diastolic blood pressure (RC=-4.744, 95% CI [-9.017, -0.470] p < 0.05), reduced HDL cholesterol (RC=-0.272, 95% CI [-0.516, - 0.029] p < 0.05), and the frequency of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the left carotid artery average above 75th p (RC=-0.242 95% CI [-0.476, -0.008] p < 0.05). Birth weight greater than 3,500g was positively associated with BMI (RC=2.832, 95% CI [0.433, 5.233] p < 0.05), BMI >= 25.0 kg/m2, (RC=0.317, 95% CI [0.782, 0.557] p < 0.05), waist circumference elevated (RC=0.284, 95% CI [0.054, 0.513] p < 0.05), WHR elevated (RC=0.280, 95% CI [0.054, 0.505] p < 0.05), fasting glucose (RC=3.809, 95% CI [0.559, 7.058] p < 0.05), minimum subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) with RC=4.354, 95% CI [0.821, 7.888] p < 0.05), maximum SAT (RC=7.095, 95% CI [0.608, 13.583] p < 0.05), size right lobe of the liver (RC=6.896, 95% CI [1.946, 11.847] p < 0.01), and the frequency of the right lobe of the liver above the 75th percentile (RC=0.361, 95% CI [0.169, 0.552] p < 0.01). Weight gain in the first year of life was considered inadequate when it was lower than the difference between the weight at 12 months of age and birth weight at the 50th percentile curves of the World Health Organization (WHO), and negatively correlated with media IMT of left carotid (RC=-0.046, 95% CI [-0.086, -0.006] p < 0.05, frequency of media IMT of left carotid above the 75th percentile (RC=-0.253, 95% CI [-0.487, -0.018] p < 0.05), media IMT(left carotid + right carotid)/2 com RC=-0.038, 95% CI [-0.073, -0.002] p < 0.05, and the frequency of the media IMT (left carotid + right carotid)/2 above the 75th percentile (RC=-0.241, 95% CI [-0.442,-0.041] p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adults with weight at birth lower than 2,500 g and higher than 3,500 g and with insufficient weight gain in the first year of life have showed different metabolic phenotypes, but all related to increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease and subclinical atherosclerosis when compared to those who were born with appropriate weight and who have gained enough weight during the first year of life

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) constituem uma importante causa de mortalidade em todo mundo, sendo a principal causa de morte e incapacidade no Brasil, determinando um impacto social, econômico e médico de grandes proporções. O desenvolvimento das DCV está correlacionado a vários fatores de risco desde os primeiros anos de vida, com expressão na vida adulta. As sementes da aterosclerose são semeadas muitas décadas antes da manifestação dos pontos finais clínicos. A espessura da média-intimal da carótida (EMIC) é relevante na avaliação da repercussão dos fatores de risco sobre a parede arterial. As condições precursoras dos distúrbios metabólicos e das alterações vasculares relativas à aterosclerose podem ser evitadas ou interrompidas se identificados e tratados a tempo. Com base nessa premissa, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo estudar a relação entre história e condições de vida, fatores de risco cardiovascular e espessura da média-intimal da carótida em crianças escolares de 5 a 9 anos, procedentes de escolas públicas da região central da cidade de Fortaleza - Ceará - Brasil. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal observacional com dados primários colhidos por formulário aplicado a uma amostra da população escolar de instituições públicas em crianças de 5 a 9 anos da região central da cidade de Fortaleza, sorteadas aleatoriamente. Informações relacionadas às características sociodemográficas, dados antropométricos, medidas da pressão arterial, perfil metabólico, e avaliação da espessura da média-intimal da carótida pela ultrassonografia foram realizados. Para análises estatísticas, análises univariadas foram desenvolvidas por meio da comparação de proporções pelo Teste do Qui-quadrado e pela seleção de variáveis independentes, para compor os modelos de regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: Foram investigadas quinhentas crianças de 5-9 anos, sendo do sexo feminino 260 crianças (52%). A medida da EMIC teve média e desvio padrão para EMIC esquerda de 0,42mm (±0,09) e para EMIC direita de 0,39mm (±0,07). Não houve diferenças significativas para os sexos. Houve associação estatisticamente significante e de forma crescente com a idade, sendo 5,02 vezes maior uma criança de 9 anos ter a EMIC aumentada (IC95% = 1,95 - 12,88; p=0,001). A EMIC esteve associada significantemente com o nível de instrução materna baixo (OR = 0,46; IC95% = 0,23 - 0,90), com hipertensão diastólica (OR = 7,61; IC95% = 2,18 - 26,53), com sobrepeso/obesidade (OR = 4,81; IC95% = 2,50 - 9,24), com hipercolesterolemia (OR = 20,8; IC95% = 10,17 - 42,92), com níveis de PCR elevados (OR = 3,03; IC95% = 1,27 - 7,21) e insulina de jejum elevados (OR = 10,4; IC95% = 3,03 - 36,24). CONCLUSÕES: A aterosclerose subclínica já pode ser detectada em crianças pré-púberes de 5 a 9 anos que contenham fatores de risco para doença cardiovascular, indicando doença cardiovascular incipiente. A medida da EMIC pode fornecer um marcador confiável para a saúde vascular, associado a outros critérios de risco, evidenciando que, especialmente no grupo etário pediátrico, a avaliação do risco cardiovascular é benéfica. Considerando a progressão das alterações vasculares ao longo da vida, parece prudente para detectar sinais subclínicos de danos arteriais e aterosclerose muito cedo, e para aliviar a carga aterosclerótica com medidas preventivas / BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major cause of death worldwide. They are main cause of death and disability in Brazil and thus have large social, economic and medical impact. The development of CVD is correlated with several risk factors from the first years of life, with expression in adult life. The seeds of atherosclerosis are sown many decades before the manifestation of clinical symptoms. The carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is relevant in assessing the manifestation of risk factors on the arterial wall. The precursor conditions of metabolic disorders and vascular changes related to atherosclerosis can be avoided or disrupted if identified and treated in time. Based on this premise, the objective of this study was to study the relationship between history and life conditions, cardiovascular risk factors, and carotid intima-media thickness in public schoolchildren, aged 5 to 9, in the central region of the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. METHODS: an observational cross-sectional study with primary data collected by a form supplied to a sample of the school population of public institutions in the central region of Fortaleza. The children were randomly selected and information related to sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric data, blood pressure measurements, metabolic profile, and assessment of the carotid-mediated intima-media thickness were collected. For statistical analyzes, univariate analyses were developed by comparing proportions through the Chi-square test and a selection of independent variables to compose the multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: Five hundred children aged 5-9 years were enrolled, of whom 260 (52%) were female. The cIMT measure had a mean and standard deviation for left cIMT of 0.42mm (± 0.09) and for right cIMT of 0.39mm (± 0.07). There were no significant differences for the sexes. There was a statistically significant and increasing association with age, with a 9-year-old child being 5.02 times more likely to have cIMT (95% CI = 1.95 - 12.88, p = 0.001). The cIMT was significantly associated with low maternal education (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.23-0.90), with diastolic hypertension (OR = 7.61, 95% CI = 2.18-26, 53), overweight/obesity (OR = 4.81, 95% CI = 2.50-9.24), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 20.8, 95% CI = 10.17 - 42.92), high levels of CRP (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.27 - 7.21), and high-fasting insulin (OR = 10.4, 95% CI = 3.03-36.24). CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical atherosclerosis can already be detected in prepubertal children aged 5 to 9 years who have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, indicating incipient cardiovascular disease. The cIMT measure can provide a reliable marker for vascular health, associated with other risk criteria. The measure shows that, especially in the pediatric age group, cardiovascular risk assessment is beneficial. Given the progression of vascular changes throughout life, it seems prudent to detect subclinical signs of arterial damage and atherosclerosis very early and to relieve atherosclerotic burden with preventative measures

A ocorrência de doença cardiovascular não pode ser explicada somente pelo estilo de vida do adulto. Estudos ecológicos e epidemiológicos dos últimos vinte anos demonstraram maior incidência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em indivíduos que nasceram com baixo peso e tiveram um ganho de peso inadequado nos dois primeiros anos de vida. A hipótese aceita atualmente é a de que agravos, principalmente nutricionais, ocorridos durante a gestação alteram a programação de órgãos e sistemas para preservar, principalmente, o desenvolvimento cerebral, levando ao sacrifício metabólico de vários órgãos, como rins, fígado, coração, pâncreas, que ao serem solicitados na vida adulta, teriam menor capacidade funcional. Esta teoria foi chamada Hipótese de Barker ou do Fenótipo Poupador. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o peso de nascimento e do primeiro ano de vida de adultos usuários do Centro de Saúde-Escola Prof. Samuel B. Pessoa, que foram matriculados quando lactentes e que estão atualmente em seguimento nesta unidade de saúde, correlacionando com a sua condição de saúde atual, para tentar demonstrar a teoria das origens desenvolvimentistas da saúde e da doença em nosso meio. A anamnese clínica, medidas da cintura abdominal, cintura quadril, pressão arterial, freqüência cardíaca, e exames laboratoriais, tais como colesterol total e frações, triglicérides, glicemia de jejum foram estudados. Constituiu-se um grupo de 298 usuários, com média de idade de 25 anos, sendo 212 mulheres e 86 homens. Após a execução do estudo observamos que não houve diferença estatisticamente significante em relação a anamnese e aos exames laboratoriais alterados dos adultos, quando se compararam aos grupos com baixo peso de nascimento, nem quando comparados aos grupos com peso baixo com um ano de idade. O acompanhamento destes de adultos, por duas a três décadas, poderá trazer dados que venham a ajudar a comprovar a teoria das origens desenvolvimentistas da saúde e da doença em nosso meio. A prevenção primordial, isto é, antes do nascimento, das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis será o objetivo futuro da Pediatria Preventiva / The appearance of a cardiovascular disease cannot be explained only by the adults lifestyle. Ecological and epidemiological studies from the last twenty years show a more frequent incidence of non-communicable chronic diseases in individuals that were born under the ideal weight and had an inadequate gain of weight during their first two years. The hypothesis initially accepted is that certain deficiencies, mainly nutritional, that occurred during pregnancy alter the programming of organs and systems in order to preserve the cerebral development. This process may lead to metabolic sacrifice of many organs, including liver, kidneys, heart and pancreas, which will have a worse functional capacity when necessary in adult life. This theory was called Barker Hypothesis or Thrifty Phenotype Hypothesis. This research project has for objective the comparation of the weight at birth and during the first year of life from adults whose health is followed at Health Center School Prof. Samuel B. Pessoa. This group of adults was subscripted when its members were infants. A correlation between their present health and their health conditions when infants was made during this study in order to try to demonstrate in our environment the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. The basis of the study was the clinical anamneses, the measures of the abdominal waist, hip, arterial pressure, cardiac frequency and some laboratorial examinations, such as total and fractional cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose levels. A group of 298 patients was formed, with an average age of 25 years-old members. 212 of them were women and 86 were men. After this study, it was concluded that the underweight at birth and underweight during the first year of life do not lead to alterations statistically relevant in the anamneses and in the laboratorial examinations. The following of these adults during two or three decades may bring data that might help to prove the developmental origins of health and disease theory in our environment. The primordial prevention (before the child is born) of non-communicable chronic diseases will be the future target of Preventive Pediatrics

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Vários estudos têm mostrado o peso ao nascer de ambos os pais como preditor do peso de nascimento do descendente, com correlação mais fortemente transmitida através da linhagem materna, sugerindo que exposições desfavoráveis à mãe desde a sua própria vida intrauterina até os períodos de pré-concepção e gestacional, além dos genes herdados, influenciam o tamanho ao nascimento da prole. A preocupação atual se relaciona ao ciclo intergeracional do baixo peso ao nascer ou do peso ao nascer elevado entre gerações, com todos os agravos imediatos e a longo prazo que estão implicados em nascer pequeno para a idade gestacional e/ou baixo peso ou grande para a idade gestacional e/ou macrossômico. O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de estudar a correlação entre o peso ao nascer da criança com o peso ao nascer da mãe, com as condições maternas, em crianças nascidas a termo no Hospital Universitário da USP (HU-USP). MÉTODOS: Foram identificados 773 binômios mães-crianças, 773 crianças nascidas de 558 mães, com a informação documentada do peso ao nascer tanto do bebê quanto da mãe. As informações referentes aos antecedentes maternos, pré-natal e parto, e as medidas antropométricas de nascimento da criança e da mãe foram obtidas através do registro em prontuários, sendo 83,8% das mães nascidas no HU-USP. Foram constituídos grupos de estudo de peso ao nascer da criança [< 2.500 gramas (g) e >= 3.500 gramas (g)], e também foi realizado o estudo do comprimento ao nascer da criança <= 47,5cm (quartil inferior). Foram utilizados Chi-quadrado ou teste exato de Fisher, Spearman\'s Rho, e Odds-Ratio para investigar as relações entre o peso e comprimento ao nascer das crianças com variáveis maternas e das próprias crianças. RESULTADOS: As meninas (nascidas entre 1999-2014) foram mais pesadas ao nascer do que as suas mães (nascidas entre 1972-1998), com uma média no aumento do peso ao nascer de 79g entre as duas gerações. O peso ao nascer da criança < 2.500g não apresentou correlação alguma com o peso ao nascer materno < 2.500g (Fisher 0,264*; Spearman´s Rho 0,048; OR 2,1 e OR lower 0,7), e com a estatura materna na gestação no quartil inferior (< 157cm) (Chi2 sig 0,323; com Spearman´s Rho 0,036; OR 1,5 e OR lower 0,7). O baixo peso ao nascer da criança (< 2.500g) foi levemente correlacionado com o uso de drogas pela mãe durante a gestação (Fisher 0,083*; Spearman´s Rho 0,080;OR 4,9 e OR lower 1,0). O peso ao nascer da criança < 2.500g mostrou correlação acentuada com a idade gestacional menor que 38 semanas e 3 dias (Chi2 sig 0,002; Spearman´s Rho 0,113; OR 3,2 e OR lower 1,5). O peso ao nascer da criança >= 3.500g apresentou forte correlação com o peso ao nascer materno >= 3.500g (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman´s Rho +0,142; OR 0,5** e OR upper 0,7); sendo que quanto maior o IMC pré-gestacional da mãe maior a correlação com o peso de nascimento da criança >= 3.500g [(IMC materno pré gestacional >= 25,0 kg/m2 com Chi2 sig 0,013; Spearman´s Rho 0,09; OR 1,54 e OR upper 2,17) e (IMC materno pré gestacional >= 30,0 kg/m2 com Chi2 sig 0; Spearman´s Rho 0,137; OR 2,58 e OR upper 4,26)]. O peso ao nascer da criança >= 3.500g também foi correlacionado com o parto cesareano (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman´s Rho +0,132; OR 0,5** e OR upper 0,8). O comprimento ao nascer da criança no quartil inferior (<= 47,5cm) mostrou-se significante em mães que nasceram com peso < 3.500g (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman´s Rho -0,154; OR 3,2** e OR lower 1,8). O comprimento ao nascer da criança <= 47,5cm apresentou forte correlação com o uso de drogas pela mãe durante a gestação (Chi2 sig 0,004; Spearman´s Rho 0,105; OR 4,3 e OR lower 1,5). O comprimento ao nascer da criança <= 47,5cm apresentou tênue correlação com a estatura materna no quartil inferior (< 157cm) e com o tabagismo na gestação, evidenciados pelo Chi2 sig 0,012; Spearman´s Rho 0,091; OR 1,6 e OR lower 1,1 e Chi2 sig 0,012; Spearman´s Rho 0,091; OR 1,7 e OR lower 1,1, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: O peso de nascimento da mãe >= 3.500g e o sobrepeso ou obesidade pré-gestacional materna foram correlacionados com o peso ao nascer da criança >= 3.500g e maior comprimento ao nascer do recém-nascido, acoplado à tendência do aumento do peso ao nascer entre gerações de mães e filhas. Também, os descendentes com menores comprimentos ao nascimento são os filhos das mulheres com as mais baixas estaturas. A co-existência do ciclo intergeracional da obesidade e da \"falência do crescimento\" se mostrou presente na população estudada / BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many studies have shown that both parents\' birth weight acts as a predictor for the descendant birth weight, with the correlation more strongly transmitted through maternal line. This suggests that adverse expositions to the mother, from her own intrauterine life until the pre-conception and pregnancy periods, in addition to the inherited genes, influences the size of the offspring at birth. The current preoccupation relates to the intergenerational cycle of low birth weight or increased birth weight between the generations, with all the immediate and long term aggravations that are implied in small birth size for the gestational age and/or low birth weight or large birth size for the gestational age and/or macrosomic. The present research aims to study the correlation between the child\'s birth weight with the mother\'s birth weight, and maternal conditions, in term infants born in the \"Hospital Universitário\" from the University of São Paulo. METHODS: 773 mother-infant binomials were identified (773 children born from 558 mothers) with information on both the baby\'s and the mother\'s birth weight recorded. The information referring to maternal antecedents, pre-natal, parturition and birth anthropometric measures of the infant and the mother were obtained through the registrations of their medical recordes. 83.8% of the mothers were born in the \"Hospital Universitário\". Group studies were constituted, dividing the sample according to birth weight [< 2.500 grams (g) and >= 3.500 grams (g)]. The length at birth was also studied in children <= 47,5cm (lower quartile). Chi-squared test or Fisher\'s exact test, Spearman\'s Rho and Odds-Ratio were performed in order to investigate the relation between the children\'s weight and length at birth and the mothers\' and children\'s variables. RESULTS: The girls (born between 1999 and 2014) were heavier at birth than their mothers (born between 1972 and 1998), with an average increase at birth weight between the generations of 79 grams. The child\'s birth weight < 2.500 grams did not show any correlation with maternal birth weight < 2.500 grams (Fisher 0.264*; Spearman\'s Rho 0.048; OR 2.1 and OR lower 0.7) nor with maternal stature below the lower quartile (< 157cm) (Chi2 sig 0.323; with Spearman\'s Rho 0.036; OR 1.5 and OR lower 0.7). The child\'s low birth weight (< 2.500g) was lightly correlated with drug use by the mother during pregnancy (Fisher 0.083*; Spearman\'s Rho 0.080; OR 4.9 and OR lower 1.0). The child\'s birth weight < 2.500g showed increased correlation with gestational age lower than 38 weeks and 3 days (Chi2 sig 0.002; Spearman\'s Rho 0.113; OR 3.2 and OR lower 1.5). The child\'s weight at birth >= 3.500g showed strong correlation with maternal weight at birth >= 3.500g (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman\'s Rho +0.142; OR 0.5** and OR upper 0.7). It was also revealed that the higher the maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, the stronger the correlation with child\'s birth weight >= 3.500g was [(maternal pre-pregnancy BMI >= 25,0 kg/m2 with Chi2 sig 0.013; Spearman\'s Rho 0.09; OR 1.54 and OR upper 2.17) and (maternal pre-pregnancy BMI >= 30,0 kg/m2 with Chi2 sig 0; Spearman\'s Rho 0.137; OR 2.58 and OR upper 4.26)]. The child\'s weight at birth >= 3.500g was also correlated with Caesarean section (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman\'s Rho +0.132; OR 0.5** and OR upper 0.8). Child\'s length at birth in the lower quartile (<= 47,5cm) was significant in mothers who were born with weight < 3.500g (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman\'s Rho -0.154; OR 3.2** and OR lower 1.8). The child\'s length at birth <= 47,5cm showed strong correlation with drug use by the mother during pregnancy (Chi2 sig 0.004; Spearman\'s Rho 0.105; OR 4.3 and OR lower 1.5). The child\'s length at birth <= 47,5cm showed tenuous correlation with maternal stature in the lower quartile (< 157cm) and with gestational smoking, demonstrated by Chi2 sig 0.012; Spearman\'s Rho 0.091; OR 1.6 and OR lower 1.1 and Chi2 sig 0.012; Spearman\'s Rho 0.091; OR 1.7 and OR lower 1.1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The mother\'s weight at birth >= 3.500g and the prenatal overweight or obesity were correlated with the child\'s weight at birth >= 3.500g and increased length at birth of the newborn, coupled with the tendency of increasing birth weight between generations of mothers and daughters. Also, descendants with smaller length at birth are the children of women with the lowest statures. The coexistence of the intergenerational vicious cycle of obesity and of \"growth failure\" was found on the studied population

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Condições adversas no ambiente pré-natal e primeiros anos de vida são independentemente associados com risco aumentado de doença cardiovascular. A hipótese aceita atualmente para essa associação é a de que agravos, principalmente nutricionais, ocorridos durante a gestação alteram a organização de órgãos e sistemas, que ao serem solicitados na vida adulta, teriam menor capacidade funcional. Com base nessa premissa, o trabalho tem o objetivo de estudar a relação entre o peso ao nascer, crescimento no primeiro ano de vida e fatores de risco para doença cardiovascular e aterosclerose subclínica em adultos do Centro de Saúde-Escola (CSE) \"Prof. Samuel B. Pessoa\" da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Em 2009, 88 adultos jovens com idade entre 20-31 anos, seguidos desde o início da vida no CSE, foram submetidos ao diagnóstico de aterosclerose subclínica. Informações relacionadas às características sociodemográficas, dados antropométricos, medidas da pressão arterial, perfil metabólico, e avaliação da aterosclerose subclínica pela ultrassonografia e métodos gráficos foram obtidas dos adultos, e estudadas de acordo com 2 pontos de corte em relação ao peso de nascimento (< 2.500 gramas; e, > 3.500 gramas) e ganho de peso no primeiro ano de vida. Os pesos foram obtidos dos registros de prontuários. Os achados atuais dos adultos foram analisados em relação às condições de nascimento e ao ganho de peso no primeiro ano de vida. Para realização das análises estatísticas foram realizadas regressões multivariadas. RESULTADOS: Baixo peso ao nascer, menor de 2.500 gramas (g) foi negativamente correlacionado com a relação cintura-quadril (RCQ) elevada, segundo coeficiente de regressão (CR) igual a -0,323, IC 95% [-0,571, -0,075] p < 0,05, níveis de pressão arterial diastólica (CR=-4,744, IC 95% [-9,017,-0,470] p < 0,05), HDL-colesterol reduzido (CR=-0,272, IC 95% [-0,516, -0,029] p < 0,05), e frequência da espessura da média-íntima (EMI) média da carótida esquerda (CE) acima do p75 (CR=-0,242, IC 95% [-0,476,-0,008] p < 0,05). Peso ao nascer maior do que 3.500 g foi positivamente associado com IMC (CR=2,832, IC 95% [0,433, 5,233] p < 0,05), IMC >= 25,0 kg/m2, (CR=0,317, IC 95% [0,782, 0,557] p < 0.05), cintura abdominal elevada (CR=0,284, IC 95% [0,054, 0,513] p < 0,05), RCQ elevada (CR=0,280, IC 95% [0,054, 0,505] p < 0,05), glicemia de jejum (CR=3,808, IC 95% [0,558, 7,058] p < 0,05), MEGA mínima (CR=4,354, IC 95% [0,821, 7,888] p < 0,05), MEGA máxima (CR=7,095, IC 95% [0,608, 13,583] p < 0,05), tamanho do lobo direito do fígado (CR=6,896, IC 95% [1,946, 11,847] p < 0,01), e com a frequência do lobo direito do fígado acima do p75 (CR=0,361, IC 95% [0,169, 0,552] p < 0,01). Ganho de peso no primeiro ano de vida menor que: a diferença entre o peso com 12 meses de idade e o peso de nascimento no p50 das curvas da Organização Mundial da Saúde, foi considerado inadequado, sendo negativamente correlacionado com EMI média da CE (CR=-0,046, IC 95% [-0,086, -0,006] p < 0,05), frequência da EMI média da CE acima do p75 (CR=-0,253, IC 95% [-0,487, -0,018] p < 0,05), EMI da (CE+CD)/2, com CR=-0,038, IC 95% [-0,073, -0,002] p < 0,05, e com a frequência da EMI (CE+CD)/2 acima do p75 (CR=-0,241, IC 95% [-0,442, -0,041] p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Adultos com pesos de nascimento menores do que 2.500 g. e maiores do que 3.500 g. e com ganho de peso insuficiente no primeiro ano de vida apresentaram diferentes fenótipos metabólicos, mas todos relacionados com fatores de risco aumentados para doença cardiovascular e aterosclerose subclínica, quando comparados com aqueles que nasceram com peso adequado e com ganho de peso suficiente no primeiro ano de vida / BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adverse conditions in the prenatal environment and in the first years of life are independently associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The currently accepted hypothesis for this association is the one that states that alterations occurred during pregnancy, mainly nutritional ones, affect the organization of organs and systems that would have a lower functional capacity when needed during adult life. This paper aims to study the relationship between weight at birth, growth in the first year of life and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and subclinical atherosclerosis subclinical atherosclerosis in adults of the \"Prof. Samuel B. Pessoa\" Health Center-School (CSE) from the Medical School of the University of São Paulo. METHODS: In the year of 2009, 88 young adults aged between 20 and 31, followed since the beginning of their lives in the CSE, were submitted to the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis. Their sociodemographic qualities, anthropometric data, blood pressure measurements, metabolic profile, evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis by ultrasound and graphical methods were collected. These pieces of information were later studied according to their birth weight (< 2,500 grams and > 3,500 grams) and to the gain of weight during their first year of life. Weights were obtained from the registrations of their medical records. The current findings in the adults were analysed in relation to their conditions of birth and weight gain in the first year of life. Multivariate regressions were performed in order to obtain the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Low birth weight, less than 2,500 grams (g) was negatively correlated with higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), according to regression coefficient (RC) equal to -0.323, 95% CI [-0.571, -0.075] p < 0.05, diastolic blood pressure (RC=-4.744, 95% CI [-9.017, -0.470] p < 0.05), reduced HDL cholesterol (RC=-0.272, 95% CI [-0.516, - 0.029] p < 0.05), and the frequency of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the left carotid artery average above 75th p (RC=-0.242 95% CI [-0.476, -0.008] p < 0.05). Birth weight greater than 3,500g was positively associated with BMI (RC=2.832, 95% CI [0.433, 5.233] p < 0.05), BMI >= 25.0 kg/m2, (RC=0.317, 95% CI [0.782, 0.557] p < 0.05), waist circumference elevated (RC=0.284, 95% CI [0.054, 0.513] p < 0.05), WHR elevated (RC=0.280, 95% CI [0.054, 0.505] p < 0.05), fasting glucose (RC=3.809, 95% CI [0.559, 7.058] p < 0.05), minimum subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) with RC=4.354, 95% CI [0.821, 7.888] p < 0.05), maximum SAT (RC=7.095, 95% CI [0.608, 13.583] p < 0.05), size right lobe of the liver (RC=6.896, 95% CI [1.946, 11.847] p < 0.01), and the frequency of the right lobe of the liver above the 75th percentile (RC=0.361, 95% CI [0.169, 0.552] p < 0.01). Weight gain in the first year of life was considered inadequate when it was lower than the difference between the weight at 12 months of age and birth weight at the 50th percentile curves of the World Health Organization (WHO), and negatively correlated with media IMT of left carotid (RC=-0.046, 95% CI [-0.086, -0.006] p < 0.05, frequency of media IMT of left carotid above the 75th percentile (RC=-0.253, 95% CI [-0.487, -0.018] p < 0.05), media IMT(left carotid + right carotid)/2 com RC=-0.038, 95% CI [-0.073, -0.002] p < 0.05, and the frequency of the media IMT (left carotid + right carotid)/2 above the 75th percentile (RC=-0.241, 95% CI [-0.442,-0.041] p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adults with weight at birth lower than 2,500 g and higher than 3,500 g and with insufficient weight gain in the first year of life have showed different metabolic phenotypes, but all related to increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease and subclinical atherosclerosis when compared to those who were born with appropriate weight and who have gained enough weight during the first year of life

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Vários estudos têm mostrado o peso ao nascer de ambos os pais como preditor do peso de nascimento do descendente, com correlação mais fortemente transmitida através da linhagem materna, sugerindo que exposições desfavoráveis à mãe desde a sua própria vida intrauterina até os períodos de pré-concepção e gestacional, além dos genes herdados, influenciam o tamanho ao nascimento da prole. A preocupação atual se relaciona ao ciclo intergeracional do baixo peso ao nascer ou do peso ao nascer elevado entre gerações, com todos os agravos imediatos e a longo prazo que estão implicados em nascer pequeno para a idade gestacional e/ou baixo peso ou grande para a idade gestacional e/ou macrossômico. O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de estudar a correlação entre o peso ao nascer da criança com o peso ao nascer da mãe, com as condições maternas, em crianças nascidas a termo no Hospital Universitário da USP (HU-USP). MÉTODOS: Foram identificados 773 binômios mães-crianças, 773 crianças nascidas de 558 mães, com a informação documentada do peso ao nascer tanto do bebê quanto da mãe. As informações referentes aos antecedentes maternos, pré-natal e parto, e as medidas antropométricas de nascimento da criança e da mãe foram obtidas através do registro em prontuários, sendo 83,8% das mães nascidas no HU-USP. Foram constituídos grupos de estudo de peso ao nascer da criança [< 2.500 gramas (g) e >= 3.500 gramas (g)], e também foi realizado o estudo do comprimento ao nascer da criança <= 47,5cm (quartil inferior). Foram utilizados Chi-quadrado ou teste exato de Fisher, Spearman\'s Rho, e Odds-Ratio para investigar as relações entre o peso e comprimento ao nascer das crianças com variáveis maternas e das próprias crianças. RESULTADOS: As meninas (nascidas entre 1999-2014) foram mais pesadas ao nascer do que as suas mães (nascidas entre 1972-1998), com uma média no aumento do peso ao nascer de 79g entre as duas gerações. O peso ao nascer da criança < 2.500g não apresentou correlação alguma com o peso ao nascer materno < 2.500g (Fisher 0,264*; Spearman´s Rho 0,048; OR 2,1 e OR lower 0,7), e com a estatura materna na gestação no quartil inferior (< 157cm) (Chi2 sig 0,323; com Spearman´s Rho 0,036; OR 1,5 e OR lower 0,7). O baixo peso ao nascer da criança (< 2.500g) foi levemente correlacionado com o uso de drogas pela mãe durante a gestação (Fisher 0,083*; Spearman´s Rho 0,080;OR 4,9 e OR lower 1,0). O peso ao nascer da criança < 2.500g mostrou correlação acentuada com a idade gestacional menor que 38 semanas e 3 dias (Chi2 sig 0,002; Spearman´s Rho 0,113; OR 3,2 e OR lower 1,5). O peso ao nascer da criança >= 3.500g apresentou forte correlação com o peso ao nascer materno >= 3.500g (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman´s Rho +0,142; OR 0,5** e OR upper 0,7); sendo que quanto maior o IMC pré-gestacional da mãe maior a correlação com o peso de nascimento da criança >= 3.500g [(IMC materno pré gestacional >= 25,0 kg/m2 com Chi2 sig 0,013; Spearman´s Rho 0,09; OR 1,54 e OR upper 2,17) e (IMC materno pré gestacional >= 30,0 kg/m2 com Chi2 sig 0; Spearman´s Rho 0,137; OR 2,58 e OR upper 4,26)]. O peso ao nascer da criança >= 3.500g também foi correlacionado com o parto cesareano (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman´s Rho +0,132; OR 0,5** e OR upper 0,8). O comprimento ao nascer da criança no quartil inferior (<= 47,5cm) mostrou-se significante em mães que nasceram com peso < 3.500g (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman´s Rho -0,154; OR 3,2** e OR lower 1,8). O comprimento ao nascer da criança <= 47,5cm apresentou forte correlação com o uso de drogas pela mãe durante a gestação (Chi2 sig 0,004; Spearman´s Rho 0,105; OR 4,3 e OR lower 1,5). O comprimento ao nascer da criança <= 47,5cm apresentou tênue correlação com a estatura materna no quartil inferior (< 157cm) e com o tabagismo na gestação, evidenciados pelo Chi2 sig 0,012; Spearman´s Rho 0,091; OR 1,6 e OR lower 1,1 e Chi2 sig 0,012; Spearman´s Rho 0,091; OR 1,7 e OR lower 1,1, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: O peso de nascimento da mãe >= 3.500g e o sobrepeso ou obesidade pré-gestacional materna foram correlacionados com o peso ao nascer da criança >= 3.500g e maior comprimento ao nascer do recém-nascido, acoplado à tendência do aumento do peso ao nascer entre gerações de mães e filhas. Também, os descendentes com menores comprimentos ao nascimento são os filhos das mulheres com as mais baixas estaturas. A co-existência do ciclo intergeracional da obesidade e da \"falência do crescimento\" se mostrou presente na população estudada / BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many studies have shown that both parents\' birth weight acts as a predictor for the descendant birth weight, with the correlation more strongly transmitted through maternal line. This suggests that adverse expositions to the mother, from her own intrauterine life until the pre-conception and pregnancy periods, in addition to the inherited genes, influences the size of the offspring at birth. The current preoccupation relates to the intergenerational cycle of low birth weight or increased birth weight between the generations, with all the immediate and long term aggravations that are implied in small birth size for the gestational age and/or low birth weight or large birth size for the gestational age and/or macrosomic. The present research aims to study the correlation between the child\'s birth weight with the mother\'s birth weight, and maternal conditions, in term infants born in the \"Hospital Universitário\" from the University of São Paulo. METHODS: 773 mother-infant binomials were identified (773 children born from 558 mothers) with information on both the baby\'s and the mother\'s birth weight recorded. The information referring to maternal antecedents, pre-natal, parturition and birth anthropometric measures of the infant and the mother were obtained through the registrations of their medical recordes. 83.8% of the mothers were born in the \"Hospital Universitário\". Group studies were constituted, dividing the sample according to birth weight [< 2.500 grams (g) and >= 3.500 grams (g)]. The length at birth was also studied in children <= 47,5cm (lower quartile). Chi-squared test or Fisher\'s exact test, Spearman\'s Rho and Odds-Ratio were performed in order to investigate the relation between the children\'s weight and length at birth and the mothers\' and children\'s variables. RESULTS: The girls (born between 1999 and 2014) were heavier at birth than their mothers (born between 1972 and 1998), with an average increase at birth weight between the generations of 79 grams. The child\'s birth weight < 2.500 grams did not show any correlation with maternal birth weight < 2.500 grams (Fisher 0.264*; Spearman\'s Rho 0.048; OR 2.1 and OR lower 0.7) nor with maternal stature below the lower quartile (< 157cm) (Chi2 sig 0.323; with Spearman\'s Rho 0.036; OR 1.5 and OR lower 0.7). The child\'s low birth weight (< 2.500g) was lightly correlated with drug use by the mother during pregnancy (Fisher 0.083*; Spearman\'s Rho 0.080; OR 4.9 and OR lower 1.0). The child\'s birth weight < 2.500g showed increased correlation with gestational age lower than 38 weeks and 3 days (Chi2 sig 0.002; Spearman\'s Rho 0.113; OR 3.2 and OR lower 1.5). The child\'s weight at birth >= 3.500g showed strong correlation with maternal weight at birth >= 3.500g (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman\'s Rho +0.142; OR 0.5** and OR upper 0.7). It was also revealed that the higher the maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, the stronger the correlation with child\'s birth weight >= 3.500g was [(maternal pre-pregnancy BMI >= 25,0 kg/m2 with Chi2 sig 0.013; Spearman\'s Rho 0.09; OR 1.54 and OR upper 2.17) and (maternal pre-pregnancy BMI >= 30,0 kg/m2 with Chi2 sig 0; Spearman\'s Rho 0.137; OR 2.58 and OR upper 4.26)]. The child\'s weight at birth >= 3.500g was also correlated with Caesarean section (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman\'s Rho +0.132; OR 0.5** and OR upper 0.8). Child\'s length at birth in the lower quartile (<= 47,5cm) was significant in mothers who were born with weight < 3.500g (Chi2 sig 0; Spearman\'s Rho -0.154; OR 3.2** and OR lower 1.8). The child\'s length at birth <= 47,5cm showed strong correlation with drug use by the mother during pregnancy (Chi2 sig 0.004; Spearman\'s Rho 0.105; OR 4.3 and OR lower 1.5). The child\'s length at birth <= 47,5cm showed tenuous correlation with maternal stature in the lower quartile (< 157cm) and with gestational smoking, demonstrated by Chi2 sig 0.012; Spearman\'s Rho 0.091; OR 1.6 and OR lower 1.1 and Chi2 sig 0.012; Spearman\'s Rho 0.091; OR 1.7 and OR lower 1.1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The mother\'s weight at birth >= 3.500g and the prenatal overweight or obesity were correlated with the child\'s weight at birth >= 3.500g and increased length at birth of the newborn, coupled with the tendency of increasing birth weight between generations of mothers and daughters. Also, descendants with smaller length at birth are the children of women with the lowest statures. The coexistence of the intergenerational vicious cycle of obesity and of \"growth failure\" was found on the studied population