Joel Torres-Vanegas

Mr. Joel Torres-Vanegas


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 January 2025 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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JTJoel Torres-Vanegas
Joel Torres-Vanegas
RRRoberto Rodriguez-Echevarria
Roberto Rodriguez-Echevarria
WPWendy Yareni Campos Pérez
Wendy Yareni Campos Pérez
SRSarai Citlalic Rodríguez-Reyes
Sarai Citlalic Rodríguez-Reyes
SRSamantha Desireé Reyes-Pérez
Samantha Desireé Reyes-Pérez
EMErika Martinez-Lopez
Erika Martinez-Lopez
Background/Objectives: Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as omega-3 (n-3), are essential in anti-inflammatory processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary intervention along with supplementation of 1.8 g of marine n-3 PUFAs on anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory markers in adults. Methods: An 8-week double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted with a diet (200 kcal/day reduction each 4 weeks based on the estimated basal caloric expenditure) containing a n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio ≤ 5:1, along with daily 1.8 g of marine n-3 supplementation (EPA and DHA) vs. active placebo 1.6 g (ALA). A total of 40 subjects were included in the study, 21 in the marine omega-3 group and 19 in the active placebo group. Inclusion criteria included subjects aged 25 to 50 years with obesity as determined by body mass index (BMI) and/or abdominal obesity according to ATP III criteria. Results: The marine omega-3 supplemented group had a better effect compared to the active placebo group, increasing Resolvin D1 [129.3 (−90.1–193.5) vs. −16.8 (−237.8–92.5) pg/mL, p = 0.041], IL-10 [1.4 (−0.7–4.6) vs. −2.0 (−5–0.05) pg/mL, p = 0.001], and decreasing IL-6 [−0.67 (2.72–−0.59) vs. 0.03 (−0.59–1.84) pg/mL, p = 0.015], and MCP-1 [−29.6 (−94.9–5.50) vs. 18.3 (−97.3–66.35) pg/mL, p = 0.040]. Conclusions: A diet supplemented with marine n-3 improves inflammatory markers by increasing systemic levels of Resolvin D1 and IL-10 and decreasing IL-6 and MCP-1.

21 November 2025 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SRSamantha Desireé Reyes-Pérez
Samantha Desireé Reyes-Pérez
DCDiego Cambrón-Mora
Diego Cambrón-Mora
JTJoel Torres-Vanegas
Joel Torres-Vanegas
KMKarla Lizette Mojica-Zamudio
Karla Lizette Mojica-Zamudio
COCarolina Elizabeth Olaez-Ramos
Carolina Elizabeth Olaez-Ramos
EMErika Martinez-Lopez
Erika Martinez-Lopez
Background: It is widely accepted that low-grade chronic inflammation in obesity worsens the metabolic state and threatens patients’ lives in a long-term manner. In fact, diet therapy is the first-line treatment in which relevant nutrients such as the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) must be adequately consumed to counteract the established inflammation. In particular, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been identified as agonists of cellular receptors, including the free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4), which regulates anti-inflammatory pathways associated with enhanced insulin sensitivity. However, the expression and activation of this receptor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) remains poorly investigated in humans. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a diet supplemented with marine ω-3 PUFA on FFAR4 receptor activation and inflammatory markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in subjects with obesity. Methodology: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial (NCT05068557) was conducted over two months (eight weeks) in 55 obese individuals (aged 25–59 years). Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an active placebo group (1.6 g/day of alpha-linolenic acid) or a marine ω-3 group (1080 mg of EPA and 720 mg of DHA). Both groups followed a dietary regimen with progressive calorie restriction (−200 kcal/day during weeks 0–4 and −400 kcal/day during weeks 4–8) in addition to supplementation. Results: Following the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in body composition and biochemical parameters. Supplementation with EPA and DHA enhanced FFAR4 activation at the end of the intervention. Moreover, there was a reduction in the expression of JNK and IKKβ genes, as well as in serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18. In contrast, IL-10 levels increased significantly both within and between the groups. Conclusions: Marine ω-3 PUFA supplementation, in the context of a dietary intervention, promotes FFAR4 activation, thereby contributing to the modulation of the inflammatory response in human PBMC.

4 April 2024 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EMErika Martinez-Lopez
Erika Martinez-Lopez
MRMariana Perez Robles
Mariana Perez Robles
JTJoel Torres-Vanegas
Joel Torres-Vanegas
SGSissi Godinez-Mora
Sissi Godinez-Mora
ILIris Monserrat Llamas-Covarrubias
Iris Monserrat Llamas-Covarrubias
WPWendy Yareni Campos Pérez
Wendy Yareni Campos Pérez
Background: The prevalence of obesity has been increasing worldwide. It has been reported that physiological and environmental factors such as diet, culture, physical activity, and genetics are the principal factors related to obesity. The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gen variant (rs9939609: T>A) has been associated with class III obesity. The A variant has been correlated with anthropometric and metabolic alterations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the association of the FTO rs9939609: T>A variant and environmental factors with clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical variables in subjects with class III obesity. Results: The A variant frequency was higher in the class III obesity group compared with the normal weight group (44% vs. 25%, p < 0.001). Subjects with the AA genotype had a higher body mass index (BMI) than those with the AT genotype (35.46 kg/m2 (31–39.8) vs. 26.91 kg/m2 (23.7–30), p = 0.005). Women with the AA genotype showed higher waist circumferences than the AT group (101.07 cm (90.9–111.1) vs. 85.45 cm (77–93.8) p = 0.047). The FTO A variant increases the risk by 3.54 times and physical inactivity increases the risk by 6.37 times for class III obesity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that among the studied variables, those most related to class III obesity were the FTO risk genotype (A allele) and physical inactivity.

18 January 2023 in Lifestyle Genomics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MRMariana Perez Robles
Mariana Perez Robles
WPWendy Yareni Campos Pérez
Wendy Yareni Campos Pérez
JTJoel Torres-Vanegas
Joel Torres-Vanegas
SRSarai Citlalic Rodríguez-Reyes
Sarai Citlalic Rodríguez-Reyes
JRJuan José Rivera-Valdés
Juan José Rivera-Valdés
EMErika Martínez-Lopez
Erika Martínez-Lopez
Introduction: Obesity is a prevalent multifactorial disease whose main complication is dyslipidemia. Serum lipid levels also depend on genetic factors including the Taq1B variant of the CETP gene, which is suggested to be influenced by environmental factors and adiposity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of the Taq1B CETP variant on serum lipid levels associated with anthropometrical variables. Methods: 165 women from western Mexico were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Weight and body fat were measured by bioimpedance and waist circumference with a measuring tape. Serum lipid levels were determined by dry chemistry. The Taq1B CETP variant was analyzed by allelic discrimination. Results: Women with abdominal obesity and the B1B2/B2B2 genotype had significantly higher total cholesterol levels (195.17 [185.95–204.39] vs. 183 mg/dL [169.83–196.16], p = 0.007) and low density lipoprotein (118.84 [110.65–127.03] vs. 113.84 mg/dL [102.37–125.31], p = 0.037) than carriers of the B1B1 genotype. Likewise, subjects with excessive adiposity and the B1B2/B2B2 genotype showed significantly higher total cholesterol levels (195.05 [186.04–204.06] vs. 182.40 mg/dL [169.03–195.76], p = 0.003) than those with the B1B1 genotype. Conclusion: Women with abdominal obesity or excessive adiposity, who are also carriers of the B1B2/B2B2 genotype, have higher serum lipid levels than women with the B1B1 genotype.

29 June 2024 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
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JTJoel Torres-Vanegas
Joel Torres-Vanegas
RRRoberto Rodriguez-Echevarria
Roberto Rodriguez-Echevarria
WPWendy Yareni Campos Pérez
Wendy Yareni Campos Pérez
SRSarai Citlalic Rodríguez-Reyes
Sarai Citlalic Rodríguez-Reyes
SRSamantha Desireé Reyes-Pérez
Samantha Desireé Reyes-Pérez
EMErika Martinez-Lopez
Erika Martinez-Lopez
Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Polyunsaturated fatty ac-ids such as omega-3 (n-3), are essential in the pro-resolution of inflammation. An 8-week double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted with a n-6:n-3, 5:1 ratio, along with daily 1.8 g of n-3 supplementation vs. placebo. A total of 40 subjects were included, 21 in omega 3 group and 19 in placebo group. The n-3 supplementation had a superior effect compared to placebo increasing levels of Resolvin D1 [129.3 (-90.1 - 193.5) vs. -16.8 (-237.8 - 92.5) pg/mL, p=0.041], IL-10 [1.4 (-0.7 - 4.6) vs. -2.0 (-5 - 0.05) pg/mL, p=0.001], and decreasing IL-6 [-0.67 (2.72 - -0.59) vs. 0.03 (-0.59 - 1.84) pg/mL p=0.015], and MCP-1 [-29.6 (-94.9 - 5.50) vs. 18.3 (-97.3 - 66.35) pg/mL, p=0.040]. In con-clusion, n-3 supplementation promoted resolution of inflammation by increasing sys-temic levels of Resolvin D1, IL-10, and decreasing IL-6 and MCP-1.

26 April 2026 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SRSamantha Desireé Reyes-Pérez
Samantha Desireé Reyes-Pérez
EVEvelyn Valencia-Sosa
Evelyn Valencia-Sosa
RRRoberto Rodriguez-Echevarria
Roberto Rodriguez-Echevarria
JTJoel Torres-Vanegas
Joel Torres-Vanegas
DMDiego Cambrón Mora
Diego Cambrón Mora
EMErika Martinez-Lopez
Erika Martinez-Lopez
Background: Neck circumference (NC) is a simple anthropometric index of upper-body subcutaneous adiposity. Its relationship with inflammatory cytokines, particularly the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, remains poorly explored, especially in Latin-American populations. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 80 Mexican adults with obesity (40 women and 40 men). NC, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) were measured according to standardized ISAK and NHANES protocols. Fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and HbA1c were evaluated. Finally, serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, IL-10, and hs-CRP were quantified from a subsample. Correlation coefficients and sex-stratified multiple linear regression models adjusted for age and BMI were performed. Results: In the overall sample, neck circumference (NC) was positively associated with triglycerides, VLDL-C, insulin, and HbA1c, and inversely associated with HDL-C. Sex-stratified analyses revealed marked differences. In women, NC showed strong and independent associations with triglycerides, VLDL-C, IL-10, and the IL-10/TNF-α ratio, whereas these associations were not observed in men. Similarly, waist circumference was independently associated with IL-10, and BMI was associated with hs-CRP. Conclusions: NC may serve as a useful surrogate marker of upper-body adiposity and is independently associated with triglycerides, VLDL-C, IL-10, and the IL-10/TNF-α ratio exclusively in women with obesity. These exploratory findings highlight sex-specific differences in the adiposity–inflammation axis and underscore the need for larger longitudinal studies and sex-tailored approaches in obesity research.