Assessed Anthropometric Parameters Research Articles

Energy and Nutrient Uptake of School–going Adolescents in Upland and Riverine Region, Nigeria: Relationship with Body Dimensions

Undernutrition among school-going adolescents is a prevalent public health concern. Inadequate energy and nutrient intakes has been reported among this age group, who are usually not targets of many intervention programs. The study assessed anthropometric parameters; energy and nutrient intakes of school-going adolescents aged 10 -19years, and compared the relationship between both variables within the three phases of adolescence. The study involved multistage random sampling of 418 school-going adolescents for anthropometry. A subsample of 40 respondents was used for a 3-day weighed food intake. Frequency, means, standard deviation, analysis of variance, and correlation were used to analyze the data obtained. Significance was accepted at p< 0.05. The study was made up of 226 male and 192 female adolescents within ages 10 – 19 years. Carbohydrate, calcium and zinc intakes contributed less than 100% of RNI for age and sex of subjects. Most of the subjects had normal BMI, however, the prevalence of thinness and underweight was 23.4% and 26.6% among the study subjects, respectively. Low fat store as defined by triceps skinfold (TSF) was 58.9% among the respondents, subscapula skinfold (SSF) indicated high fat stores in 41.1% of the respondents. Moderate and high health risks were detected among 23.9% and 19.2% of the respondents, respectively. Correlations were observed between energy intake with MUAC (r=0.417, p <0.01), protein intake with TSF (r = 0.358, p <0.05), fat intake with SSF (r = 0.324, p < 0.05), iron intake with TSF(r = 0.356, p <0.05), and iron intake with SSF (r = 0.322, p < 0.05) of the respondents. Inadequate nutrient intakes, thinness, underweight and health risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases were present among the respondents.

A safe approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes in elderly patients

Introduction. Type 2 diabetes is a significant medical problem. The solution to this problem lies not only in lowering the patient’s blood glucose level, but also in preventing the complications of diabetes, influencing insulin resistance and normalizing body weight.Aim. To develop an effective and safe treatment regimen for elderly women with type 2 diabetes, which is aimed at compensating carbohydrate metabolism, improving lipid metabolism and anthropometric parameters.Materials and methods. The study involved 80 women with type 2 diabetes aged 60 to 74 years, who were divided into 2 groups of 40 people. Group 1 included patients with type 2 diabetes receiving traditional therapy for type 2 diabetes. Patients of the group 2 received the method of treatment developed by us, including, in addition to the traditional regimen, the drug Subetta®, cholecalciferol drops. All women collected complaints and anamnesis, assessed anthropometric parameters, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, vitamin D, lipid profile.Results. All patients with type 2 diabetes initially were not compensated for carbohydrate metabolism, had abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and vitamin D deficiency. Anthropometric parameters significantly improved, glucose and HbA1c levels decreased to target values in patients of group 2 after 6 months against the background of the use of Subetta® and cholecalciferol. Also in this group, the indicators of lipid metabolism improved: the levels of cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides decreased, and the levels of HDL increased. Vitamin D levels reached target range. No episodes of hypoglycemia were recorded.Conclusions. The addition of Subetta® and cholecalciferol to the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes contributed to the achievement of target indicators of carbohydrate metabolism, improved lipid profile, and weight loss. This method of treatment is well tolerated and has a low risk of hypoglycemia, which is especially important for elderly patients.

Chronotype as a predictor of weight loss and body composition improvements in women with overweight or obesity undergoing a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD)

Recent studies reported that chronotype play a role in the development of metabolic comorbidities and in determining dietary habits in obesity. However, little is known if chronotype could predict the efficacy of nutritional approaches for obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chronotype categories can have a role in determining the efficacy of very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) in terms of weight loss and changes of body composition in women with overweight or obesity. In this retrospective study we analyzed data from 248 women (BMI 36.03±5.20kg/m2, aged 38.76±14.05 years) clinically referred for weight loss and who completed a VLCKD program. In all women, we assessed anthropometric parameters (weight, height, and waist circumference), body composition and phase angle (through bioimpedance analysis, Akern BIA 101) at the baseline and after 31 days of active phase of VLCKD. Chronotype score was assessed using Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) at baseline. After 31 days of active phase of VLCKD all enrolled women experienced significant weight loss (p<0.001) and reduction of BMI (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.001), fat mass (kg and %) (p<0.001), and free fat mass (kg) (p<0.001). Women with evening chronotype experienced significantly less weight loss (p<0.001) and reduced fat mass (kg and %) (p<0.001), increased fat free mass (kg and %) (p<0.001) and phase angle (p<0.001) than women with morning chronotype. In addition, chronotype score correlated negatively with percentage changes in weight (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.001) and fat mass (p<0.001) and positively with fat free mass (p<0.001) and phase angle (p<0.001) from baseline to the 31st day of active phase of VLCKD. Using a linear regression model, chronotype score (p<0.001) was the main predictors of weight loss achieved with VLCKD. Evening chronotype is associated with a lower efficacy in terms of weight loss and improvements of body composition after VLCKD in obesity.

Assessment of visceral adipose tissue in patients with coronary artery disease using bioelectrical impedance analysis

Aim. To study visceral adipose tissue (VAT) content in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) using the bioimpedance analysis, to identify metabolic disorders associated with visceral obesity, and to determine the role of individual risk factors in the formation of coronary artery lesions using modern statistical methods.Material and methods. A total of 152 patients were examined (women, 66; men, 86). The median age of patients was 63 [55;69] years. This observational study assessed anthropometric parameters, such as height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, whole-body fat percentage, and specifically VAT mass, as well as the relationship of these parameters with blood levels of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and glucose. Height was measured using a metal height meter RM-1 “Diakoms”. Weight, body mass index, wholebody fat percentage, and VAT mass were measured using the Omron BF-508 body composition monitor (Omron, Japan). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness was assessed using two-dimensional echocardiography on a Philips Sonos 5500 ultrasound system (Germany).Results. Bioimpedance analysis revealed a higher VAT content in patients with CAD compared with those without CAD (14 [11;18]% vs 13 [10;14,5]%, respectively (p=0,025)). During the ROC analysis, cut-off values for VAT ≥15% and EAT ≥7,5 mm were identified, associated with a higher risk of CAD. In multivariate analysis, only HDL-C levels were significantly associated with CAD, while at the same time, univariate analysis demonstrated the significance of VAT and EAT in predicting CAD.Conclusion. The results showed that an increased VAT content and low HDL-C level is associated with the presence of CAD.

Influence of Geographical Area and Living Setting on Children's Weight Status, Motor Coordination, and Physical Activity.

This study was aimed (i) to examine the effect of living setting (rural vs. urban), geographical area (North vs. Center vs. South), and gender (boys vs. girls) on weight status, motor coordination, and physical activity (PA) level of Italian school-age children; (ii) to examine differences in the neighborhood walkability of different school areas from different geographical areas and living settings; and (iii) to examine whether motor coordination, PA level, geographical areas, living setting, neighborhood walkability, and gender could predict children's weight status. We assessed anthropometric parameters, gross motor coordination, and PA level in 1,549 children aged between 8 and 13 years. Results revealed that Central children had higher BMI than Northern and Southern children (η2 = 0.01). Moreover, Northern children showed the highest motor quotient (η2 = 0.148) and PA level (η2 = 0.02), followed by Southern and Central children, respectively. Children from the South of Italy attended schools located in neighborhoods with the highest Walk Score®. Urban children attended schools located in neighborhoods with a higher Walk Score® than rural children. Lower motor quotient (MQ), lower PA level, and living in a rural setting and in a car-dependent neighborhood were associated with a higher relative risk for obesity. Being a girl was associated with a lower relative risk for obesity. The alarming high percentage of overweight and obesity in children as well as motor coordination impairments revealed the urgent need of targeted PA interventions in pediatric population.

VLCKD: a real time safety study in obesity

BackgroundVery Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) is currently a promising approach for the treatment of obesity. However, little is known about the side effects since most of the studies reporting them were carried out in normal weight subjects following Ketogenic Diet for other purposes than obesity. Thus, the aims of the study were: (1) to investigate the safety of VLCKD in subjects with obesity; (2) if VLCKD-related side effects could have an impact on its efficacy.MethodsIn this prospective study we consecutively enrolled 106 subjects with obesity (12 males and 94 females, BMI 34.98 ± 5.43 kg/m2) that underwent to VLCKD. In all subjects we recorded side effects at the end of ketogenic phase and assessed anthropometric parameters at the baseline and at the end of ketogenic phase. In a subgroup of 25 subjects, we also assessed biochemical parameters.ResultsNo serious side effects occurred in our population and those that did occur were clinically mild and did not lead to discontinuation of the dietary protocol as they could be easily managed by healthcare professionals or often resolved spontaneously. Nine (8.5%) subjects stopped VLCKD before the end of the protocol for the following reasons: 2 (1.9%) due to palatability and 7 (6.1%) due to excessive costs. Finally, there were no differences in terms of weight loss percentage (13.5 ± 10.9% vs 18.2 ± 8.9%; p = 0.318) in subjects that developed side effects and subjects that did not developed side effects.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that VLCKD is a promising, safe and effective therapeutic tool for people with obesity. Despite common misgivings, side effects are mild, transient and can be prevented and managed by adhering to the appropriate indications and contraindications for VLCKD, following well-organized and standardized protocols and performing adequate clinical and laboratory monitoring.

The importance of being a “lark” in menopause

Chronotype is the attitude of a subject in determining individual circadian preference in behavioral and biological rhythm relative to the external light-dark cycle. There are three general categories: morning (MC), evening (EC) and intermediate (IC) chronotypes. MC (the so called “lark”) prefers activities earlier in the day, while EC (the so called “owl”) usually prefers to time peak activity during the late afternoon or evening and has a tendency to have more healthy problems compared to MC. IC is in an intermediate position between MC and EC. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of chronotype categories with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in 80 post-menopausal women (60.7 ± 8.2 years; BMI: 31.7 ± 5.6 kg/m2; waist to hip ratio (WHR): 0.90 ± 0.07) . We assessed anthropometric parameters (BMI, WHR), adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) using Predimed Score, chronotype using Morning-Evening Questionnaire and the presence of T2DM and CVD. Chronotype was classified as MC in 61% of subjects, EC in 20% and IC in 19%. No significant differences were detected in terms of BMI and WHR among the 3 categories. Subjects with EC had a significant lower adherence to MD compared to IC (4.8 ± 3.9 vs 6.7 ± 6.0; p=0.01, respectively) and MC (4.8 ± 3.9 vs 8.7 ± 8.1; p= < 0.01, respectively). Also subjects with IC had a significant lower adherence to MD assessed as PREDIMED score compared to MC (6.7 ± 6.0 vs 8.7 ± 8.1; p= < 0.01, respectively). Chronotype score was positively correlated with PREDIMED score (r=0.72; p< 0.01), i.e. the more the subjects had a tendency to wake up early and prefers activities earlier in the day the more they were adherent to the MD. Subjects with EC had a significant higher prevalence of T2DM compared to IC (38% vs 7%; p=0.03, respectively) and MC (38% vs. 10%; p= 0.01, respectively). Subjects with EC had significant higher prevalence of CVD compared to MC (56% vs 28%; p= 0.04, respectively). In conclusion although there was not difference in terms of BMI between the 3 categories, EC was associated with an increased risk of T2DM and CVD and with a low adherence to the MD in post-menopausal women. A careful assessment of the chronotype in menopause might allow tailored cardiometabolic prevention advices promoting an alignment of daily activities according their circadian rhythm in subjects with EC.

Quadrupled Hamstring Graft Diameter Adequacy in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Patient Anthropometry: A Prospective Cohort Study in Indian Males

Background and aimThe diameter of the graft used for the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important determinant for the overall strength and future outcome of the operative procedure. Preoperative prediction of quadrupled hamstrings autograft (QHAG) diameter can prove to be of help in forecasting the need for augmentation or alternative grafts like quadriceps, bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft, and synthetic grafts. The relationship between the preoperatively assessed anthropometric parameters and the obtained quadrupled hamstrings graft diameter has not been extensively studied, especially in the population of Indian origin. This study aimed at investigating whether a correlation exists between the measured anthropometric parameters like age, weight, height, thigh circumference, and body mass index (BMI) and the intraoperatively obtained diameter of hamstring graft for ACL reconstruction in the study population of Indian male subjects.Study designA prospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary care center and teaching hospital in a district in central Uttar Pradesh, India.MethodsThe preoperative anthropometric data (age, height, weight, BMI, and thigh circumference of the injured side) of 73 Indian male subjects undergoing primary ACL reconstructive surgeries between May 2018 and August 2020 were prospectively collected, and their respective intraoperative QHAG diameters measured and recorded. Pearson’s correlation test was employed to determine the correlation between the preoperative demographic and anthropometric data and the obtained corresponding graft diameters. Simple linear regression was performed to obtain the graphical plots and determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Of these, the variables showing significant association were subjected to stepwise linear regression to identify and exclude the confounder(s) and obtain the predicted equation.ResultsThe study comprised 73 male participants. The study participants' mean age was found to be 33.7 years, mean height was 173.1 cm, mean weight was 71.2 kg, mean BMI was 23.7 kg/m2, mean thigh circumference was 50.4 cm, and the obtained mean graft diameter was 8.0 mm. A strongly positive correlation was observed between height and the graft diameter (r=0.940, P=0.000) and thigh circumference and the graft diameter (r=0.769, P=0.000). In contrast, weight showed a moderately positive correlation with the graft diameter (r=0.514, P=0.000). A very weakly positive correlation was observed between the BMI of the subjects and the obtained graft diameters (r=0.236, P=0.045). However, no correlation was observed between the age and the final graft diameters (r=0.140, P=0.238). Subsequent linear regression analysis indicates that only height (R2=0.883, P=0.000; strong) and the thigh circumference (R2=0.591, P=0.000; moderate) share a significant predictive value for the obtained QHAG. Both height and thigh circumference together were good predictors for graft diameter as determined by multiple regression (F (2,70)=272.372, P<0.001), with an R2 of 0.886.ConclusionCertain anthropometric parameters depict a positive correlation with the QHAG diameter and can assist in preoperative planning, predicting the possible harvested graft diameter and the need for alternative grafts or augmentation during ACL reconstructive surgeries.

Somatic development in children with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome

BackgroundShwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare genetic, multi-systemic disease characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, immune deficiency, bone marrow failure and skeletal abnormalities. Most patients present with failure in somatic development and short stature, but systematic data concerning those features are limited. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of failure in somatic development in the children with SDS.MethodsAn analysis of anthropometric measurements of 21 patients (14 girls and 7 boys),aged 2 to 17 years (mean age 6.3 years) with SDS diagnosed in The Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw, Poland was performed. The patients were measured using a Holtain Limited stadiometer, an electronic scale, a Harpenden anthropometer, a metric tape and a spreading caliper. The assessed anthropometric parameters were expressed as standard deviation scores in relation to the reference values in Poland, suitable for sex as well as calendar and growth age.ResultsA total of 66 measurements was collected and analyzed with a median number of 3 observations per patient. The group of boys presented with a significantly lower height (− 3.0 SD, p < 0.0001) and BMI (− 1.4 SD, p < 0.00001), and in the relation to the growth age a lower weight (− 1.0 SD, p < 0.001) as well as a smaller chest width (− 0.9 SD, p < 0.05), hip width (− 0,5 SD, p < 0,05) and lower limb length (− 0,5 SD, p < 0,05). The group of girls also showed significantly lower height (− 2.6 SD, p < 0.00001) and BMI (− 0.8 SD, p < 0.00001), and in relation to the growth age, lower weight (− 0.5 SD, p < 0.001) as well as decreased width of the chest (− 1.7 SD, p < 0.0001) and shoulder (− 1.0 SD, p < 0.001) were observed. Boys and girls were also characterized by significantly decreased circumference and width of head, additionally, girls had also smaller head length.ConclusionsPatients with SDS have abnormal somatic development. Both boys and girls are characterized by short stature, decreased weight, BMI, leg length, chest width as well as circumference and width of head. Anthropometric measurements provide important data on the process of growth and body proportions in children with SDS.

Effects of empagliflosin and vildagliptin on structural and functionak parametres in patients with type 2 diabetes

Objective . To study the effect of empagliflozin and vildagliptin therapy on endothelial function and arterial stiffness parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus (2DM) patients without previous cardiovascular events. Design and methods . We studied 34 patients with type 2DM without previous cardiovascular events, which initiated therapy with empagliflozin and 11 patients with type 2DM who received vildagliptin. At baseline and 24 weeks after the treatment, we assessed anthropometric parameters, endothelial function, arterial stiffness, central pressure parameters. We also performed ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries and echocardiography for evaluation of the left ventricular myocardial mass index. The effect of empagliflozin and vildagliptin on the structural and functional parameters of vascular wall was assessed. Results . Empagliflozin unlike vildagliptin treatment significantly improved endothelial function after 24 weeks of treatment (p < 0,05). Conclusions . Empagliflozin seems to possess a specific capacity to improve endothelial function.

Efficacy of visceral fat estimation by dual bioelectrical impedance analysis in detecting cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes

BackgroundVisceral fat area (VFA) is a good surrogate marker of obesity-related disorders, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance. Although estimating the VFA by X-ray computed tomography (CT) is the primary index for visceral obesity, it is expensive and requires invasive radiation exposure. Dual bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a simple and reliable method to estimate VFA; however, the clinical usefulness of dual BIA remains unclear in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsWe estimated the VFAs by dual BIA and CT in 98 patients with T2D and assessed anthropometric parameters, blood test results, and the presence of comorbid hypertension and dyslipidemia. We compared the correlation between the VFAs examined by dual BIA and CT. Furthermore, we performed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses for the VFAs to detect the presence of comorbid hypertension and/or dyslipidemia with T2D, which are major comorbidities of visceral obesity, and estimated the area under the curve (AUC).ResultsThe measurement error between the VFAs by dual BIA and CT was significantly higher among patients with brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) ≥ 100 pg/mL than those with BNP < 100 pg/mL (39.2% ± 31.1% vs. 24.1% ± 18.6%, P < 0.05). After excluding patients with BNP ≥ 100 pg/mL, the VFA by dual BIA significantly correlated with the VFA by CT (r = 0.917; P < 0.0001). The AUC in the ROC analysis for the VFA by dual BIA to detect the presence of comorbid hypertension and/or dyslipidemia with T2D was almost equivalent to that for the VFA by CT.ConclusionsIn patients with T2D without elevated BNP > 100 pg/mL as indicator for fluid accumulation interfering with BIA, estimation of the VFA by dual BIA significantly correlated with that by CT and also detected comorbid hypertension and/or dyslipidemia with T2D equivalent to those detected by CT. Hence, dual BIA could be an alternative to CT as a standard method for estimating the VFA in patients with diabetes.

Which physiological parameters are associated with rowing performance?

This observational study used field tests to investigate the association between physiological parameters and rowing performance in athletes during ergometer and on-water Swiss national competitions. 25 Participants between 15 and 35 years who compete at national level were recruited among different clubs. We assessed anthropometric parameters such as weight, height, aerobic capacity during an incremental test on a rowing ergometer, anaerobic capacity during an on rowing ergometer Wingate test and lower limb strength and power during countermovement- and squat jumps. We took as performance measurements the results from two on-ergometer and two on-water rowing races. 25 rowers (age 17.4 ± 2.4 years), 6 women and 19 men participated in this study. We found very high to moderate correlations between on-ergometer performance and aerobic capacity (r = 0.91), anaerobic capacity (r = 0.78) and lower limb strength and power (r = 0.83; r = 0.73) as well as moderate correlations between on-water performance and aerobic capacity (r = 0.63), anaerobic capacity (r = 0.60) and lower limb strength and power (r = 0.54; r = 0.64). This study present descriptive performance reference values of elite Swiss rowers. Field tests are indicators of specific performance but more extensive studies would confirm the associations, notably according to the competition type. Once confirmed, the different strength of correlations between physiological parameters and rowing performances might be helpful in the near future to better adapt rowers’ training preparation and athletes’ selection for an elite team.

Microvascular endothelial function in Japanese early adolescents.

Endothelial dysfunction is the early predictive factor for the development of atherosclerosis and future cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. The prevalence of endothelial dysfunction in children and early adolescents is increasing worldwide. Peripheral arterial tonometry is a noninvasive technique for assessing peripheral microvascular function and is used as a validated marker of endothelial function. We assessed anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and peripheral endothelial function in 157 Japanese early adolescents (75 boys and 82 girls). We measured peripheral endothelial function by using peripheral arterial tonometry to determine the reactive hyperemia index, and assessed the association of reactive hyperemia index with parameters of anthropometry and arterial stiffness. The mean reactive hyperemia index of all subjects was 1.85 ± 0.6, and there was no difference of reactive hyperemia index according to sex. Reactive hyperemia index was significantly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and had no correlation with anthropometric parameters and arterial stiffness markers. The reactive hyperemia index values among Japanese early adolescents were similar to those reported in previous studies on children and early adolescents. This noninvasive technique may be useful for the assessment of microvascular endothelial function among children and early adolescents.

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE ADOLESCENTS: FOCUS ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING

Background. Overweight and obesity in children are accompanied by a wide range of comorbidities. The role of overweight in the formation of cardiovascular diseases is unquestionable, however, the impact of overweight on cognitive functioning is less obvious. Obstructive sleep apnea is a potential factor which affects neurocognitive impairment in overweight children. objective. To assess the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) and cognitive functions in obese and overweight adolescents. Methods. We examined 39 adolescents (26 boys) aged 12–18 years old. Among them 17 persons were overweight, and 22 children were obese. We assessed anthropometric parameters, cognitive functions, respiratory status (cardiorespiratory monitoring) and the main indices of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. C-reactive protein level as a cardiovascular risk marker was evaluated. Results. More than half patients were found to have sleep-disordered breathing. The adolescents with OSA had higher levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose. Abnormalities in main respiratory indices correlated with decreased volume of short-term auditory memory and slower reasoning process. At the same time the difference in neurocognitive characteristics between adolescents with and without OSA was more prominent in the younger age group (12–14 years old). conclusions. Thus, our study has shown that obstructive sleep-disordered breathing in overweight/obese adolescents is a risk factor for some neurocognitive problems.

Regression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver by Vitamin D Supplement: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Evidence indicates that NAFLD patients are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D has new roles in lipid and glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of calcitriol supplementation on the NAFLD progression based on liver lipid accumulation, serum lipid profile and insulin resistance. We randomly assigned 73 patients with NAFLD-confirmed by ultra-sonography to 12 weeks of treatment with hypocaloric diet (reduction of 500 kcal per day) plus 25 µg of calcitriol supplement or a hypocaloric diet plus placebo. Before and after treatment, we assessed anthropometric parameters, grade of fatty liver, serum lipoproteins, liver enzymes and insulin level. Baseline variables were not significantly different between groups. A statistically significant reduction in anthropometric measures was observed over the 12 weeks in both groups. However, no significant differences were seen between groups after intervention. Compared with the placebo, reductions in triglyceride and an increase in HDL cholesterol were seen over the 12 weeks of intervention in the calcitriol group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004). AST level was decreased in the calcitriol group (-4.2 ± 4.3 µmol/L, P < 0.001), but increased in the placebo group (12.6 ± 6.1 µmol/L, P = 0.02) after 12 weeks. Reductions in mean difference of ALT, insulin and HOMA were significantly higher in the calcitriol than placebo group (P = 0.01, P = 0.007 and 0.01). Calcitriol supplementation combined with weight loss diet showed no significant effects on anthropometric measures in NAFLD patients. However, it may have positive effects on lipid profile, liver enzyme tests and insulin sensitivity during a weight-loss program.

LEVEL OF SOMATIC DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AGED SIX YEARS FROM AN URBAN AGGLOMERATION IN POLAND WITH RESPECT TO SELECTED ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

The aim of this study was to assess the somatic development of children from an urban agglomeration in Poland at the end of preschool education and the beginning of primary education with respect to selected socioeconomic and educational conditions. Data were collected for 742 children from selected Warsaw kindergartens in spring 2011 and 2012. Their mean age was 5.84±0.31 years. The sex categories were equal: 371 boys and 371 girls. Kindergartens chosen for the study constituted a representative sample. The diagnostic survey method (questionnaire technique) was used to assess the selected environmental conditions of development in the participating children. Body height and the sum of six skin folds (over the biceps, over the triceps, under the scapula, on the abdomen, over the wing of ilium and on the calf) were chosen from the assessed anthropometric parameters for the purpose of determining somatic development of study participants. The obtained data were analysed using selected descriptive statistics methods (including cluster analysis), data standardization (normalization by mean values and SD) and the chi-squared test. The results showed certain relationships between the selected parameters of somatic development and family living conditions. These relationships involved differences between individual clusters depending on given living conditions and were most prominent for mother's education, for which variable differences between clusters were found for both sexes. The somatic build of boys (including body height and body adiposity) also differed depending on the number of offspring in the family, while the somatic build of girls differed depending on father's employment and father's education. Furthermore, the obtained results lead to the conclusion that the total number of differences between the analysed clusters was relatively low. This indicates that the biological effects of social stratification tend to diminish in the environment of an urban agglomeration.

Characteristics of metabolic syndrome in women

Aims. To evaluate combination and manifestation sequence of metabolic syndrome (MS) components, as well as cardiovascular riskfactors in women. Materials and methods. We examined 100 female subjects with MS. We assessed anthropometric parameters, glycemic control andlipid metabolism. We also conducted cardiac ultrasound in all participants. Results. 44% of patients developed abdominal obesity after pregnancy, 48% - in perimenopausal period and in 8% of studied casesobesity manifested in combination with arterial hypertension 10 years before menopause (at the average). Family history of type 2diabetes mellitus and obesity, elevation of LDL and TG characterized post pregnancy abdominal obesity. Postmenopausal obesity wasassociated with significantly lower levels of HDL. HDL concentration was also lower in cases of histerectomia and early age of surgicalmenopause. Conclusion. Manifestation of MS in females is associated with periods of hormonal imbalance. Cardiovascular risk positively correlateswith number of pregnancies, duration of abdominal obesity experience, and negatively - with HDL level and age of surgical menopause.Complete form of MS (with all 6 components present) is found more frequently in women with postmenopausal manifestation.