Abdominal Obesity Research Articles

Skin as a mirror of metabolic syndrome: Do some dermatoses alarm internal metabolic sinister?

Metabolic syndrome is a group of abnormalities in metabolism including hypertension, central obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Etiopathogenesis is multifactorial including genetic and environmental factors. It is more prevalent in recent decade due to sedentary lifestyle with unhygienic food habits and cause increased prevalence in younger age group. This abnormal metabolism leads to oxidative stress in body involving multiple inflammatory pathways. There are so many dermatoses which are associated with metabolic syndrome due to common factors are involved in etiopathogenesis. These includes psoriasis, acne vulgaris, acanthosis nigricans, hidradenitis suppurativa, atopic dermatitis, androgenetic alopecia, lichen planus. There is increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus and damage to cardiovascular system. Early diagnosis and management are required to reduce risk of complications. These includes active lifestyle, dietary changes and medications.

Impact of serum carotenoids on cardiovascular mortality risk in middle-aged and elderly adults with metabolic syndrome

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by abdominal adiposity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, is associated with dysregulated immune function, elevated oxidative stress, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Aging exacerbates insulin resistance and the prevalence of MetS. Dietary antioxidants, such as carotenoids, may play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, but evidence remains mixed, particularly among middle-aged and elderly individuals with MetS.MethodsWe analyzed data from 6,601 participants aged 40 years and above with MetS from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988–1994) and NHANES 2001–2006 cycles. Serum concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, and combined lutein/zeaxanthin were quantified. Participants were followed for a median of 16.8 years. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to assess the association between serum carotenoid concentrations and CVD mortality risk, with adjustment for potential confounders.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, 1,237 CVD deaths were identified. Analysis revealed an inverse dose–response relationship between serum lycopene levels and cardiovascular mortality risk. Compared to the lowest quartile, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for ascending quartiles of serum lycopene were 0.84 (0.71, 1.00), 0.87 (0.74, 1.03), and 0.77 (0.61, 0.97), with a significant trend (p = 0.039). No significant associations were observed for other carotenoids.ConclusionIn this prospective cohort study of 40-year-old and older individuals with MetS, we observed an inverse association between serum lycopene levels and CVD mortality risk.

Relationship of Body Fat Distribution and Anthropometric Status with Lipid Profiles in Ethnic Minang Adult Women

Background The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing, and it is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. One of the indicators of metabolic syndrome is dyslipidemia. Objective This study analyzes adult women's body fat distribution, anthropometric status, and lipid profiles. Methods This study used a cross-sectional design with simple random sampling. A total of 159 adult women aged 25-44 living in the Pesisir Selatan district participated in the study. Ethical approval was obtained, and the respondents were not taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. Body fat distribution, anthropometric status, and lipid profile data were assessed using standard procedures and compared with the categories recommended for Indonesian women. Results The average age of respondents was 36.6 years. 45.3% of the respondents suffered from dyslipidemia. Most of them were obese based on BMI and had central obesity based on WC. Additionally, 76% had an above-normal fat mass. Lipid profile data showed that some (45.3%) had high total cholesterol, 44% had high LDL, 8% had high TG, and a small proportion (15%) had low HDL levels. There was a significant relationship (p < 0.01) between body fat distribution and anthropometric status with lipid profiles, except for total cholesterol (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between body fat percentage, BMI, and WC with HDL, while a positive correlation existed between body fat percentage, BMI, and WC with TG and LDL levels. Conclusions Obesity is found to be higher, and dyslipidemia begins to occur in women at a younger age, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome. Education and routine screening are necessary to prevent non-communicable diseases.

Abstract 4137770: Development of a User-Friendly Self-Screening Tool for Assessing Metabolic Syndrome Risk in young adults from economically challenged regions

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Early identification and management are crucial, particularly in economically challenged regions where access to healthcare may be limited. Research Questions/Hypothesis: User-friendly self-report data accurately predict metabolic outcomes. Aims: To develop and validate nomograms for individualized estimation of metabolic syndrome risk. Methods: Data from 521 college students (60.1% aged 17-20 years; 68.7% female; 28.0% white) were collected in 2022/2023 from two Brazilian cities. These cities are located in the country's poorest states, with Gini indices of 0.56 and 0.43. The potential predictors include demographic and economic variables, school-related factors, behaviors, and body weight. Based on predictors for abdominal obesity identified through multilevel logistic regression, we created a nomogram model. We performed the Hosmer-Lemeshow test to assess model calibration and used a bootstrapping approach (B = 150) for internal validation. To evaluate external validity, we assessed metabolic syndrome in a subset of 375 students. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), with a threshold of 0.70, was used to evaluate the model's discrimination accuracy. Results: We identified 114 (23.0%) college students who were abdominally obese. We found ten variables associated with the primary outcome: age, biological sex, physical education facilities, enrollment in sports competition (during elementary school); grade retention, preferred subject, physical education classes per week; enrollment in sports training (during secondary school); adherence of 24-hour movement behaviors and body weight. The proposed nomogram showed acceptable performance in the AUROC (0.94 [95% CI: 0.92-0.96). The calibration assessment indicated reasonable consistency of our model (p > 0.05). In the internal validation, we observed a decreased predictive capability (AUROC = 0.86). Conclusion: The 24h-MESYN risk score offers an effective self-screening tool for college students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in economically challenged regions to assess their risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Dual Benefits of Tirzepatide: Anti-Obesity and Antidiabetic Efficacy: A Mini review

Background: Diabetes mellitus and obesity are two linked conditions that have reached epidemic proportions globally. According to a study published in 2023 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) , India has 10.1 crore people with diabetes. The prevalence of obesity, especially abdominal obesity is increasing continuously due to the intake of foods that are high in carbohydrates and processed foods. Obesity can cause inflammation, insulin resistance, and pancreas overload which lead to diabetes mellitus. Main Body: The present - review focuses on the medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry and pharmacological aspects of trizepatide. Trizepatide is a new chemical moiety that shows dual agonist activity of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) receptors and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide(GIP).Trizepatide is a synthetic peptide that constitutes 39 amino acids. Trizepatide has a potent hypoglycemic effect , and it has antiobesity effects because of its adverse effect. Conclusion : Trizepatide's capacity to lower blood sugar and promote weight loss makes it an effective treatment for these conditions. Further research will confirm its safety and long-term advantages. Keywords : Trizepatide , Diabetes mellitus , Obesity, Hypoglycaemia

Abstract 4134990: Body Fat Quantitation Predicts Progressive Cardiac Dysfunction with Age: Sex-Dependent Variations And Clinical Outcomes

Background: Among older adults whose body mass index (BMI) readings may be spuriously reduced due to loss of skeletal muscle, BMI alone may lack specificity for body fat quantitation. In addition, sex-based hormones differentially influence body fat composition between the sexes with aging. To evaluate the cardiometabolic effect of body fat on older adults, we hypothesize that sex would exert differential effects on baseline and progression of cardiac dysfunction in older adults. Methods: Community older adults without cardiovascular disease (CVD) underwent prospective transthoracic echocardiography with simultaneous body fat quantitation (body fat mass (BFM), percentage body fat (PBF), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) by bioimpedance, at baseline and five-year intervals. Mitral early diastolic inflow velocity to early diastolic annular tissue velocity (E/e') and early to late diastolic inflow velocity (E/A) ratios were recorded. Multivariable regression models were adjusted for significant clinical variables. Adverse clinical outcomes were defined as mortality or hospitalization during follow-up. Results: Baseline and interval annotation of 409 older adults (mean age 61±12.7 years, 52% females) demonstrated deteriorations in E/A ratios of -0.1 ± 0.3 and E/e' ratios of 1.8 ± 2.8, over a mean duration of 4.9 ± 0.4 years. Baseline BFM (β -0.01, p<0.001; β 0.023, p=0.352) and PBF (β -0.008, p=0.002; β -0.007, p=0.759) predicted interval changes in E/A but not E/e' respectively independent of covariates (Table 1). In sex-specific analyses, higher baseline PBF was associated with deteriorations in E/A (β 0.010, p=0.028) among women and E/e' among men (β -0.069, p=0.020). Increases in PBF over time were particularly associated with reductions in E/A among women (β -0.005, p=0.047) independent of higher baseline PBF, in addition to significant interactions between sex and PBF in predicting changes in E/A. (Figure 1). Higher baseline WHR predicted adverse clinical outcomes [w1] among women (HR 1.09, 95%CI 1.03-1.16, p=0.005). Conclusion: Baseline and longitudinal increases in fat quantity defined a trajectory of deteriorations in cardiac function among older adults, and prognosticated poorer future outcomes, particularly among women with central adiposity as represented by WHR. Refining CVD risk based upon quantitative sex-specific fat targets for older adults may be a strategy in the future.

Abstract 4135662: Dietary Inulin Improves Glucose Metabolism and Energy Balance in Obese Mice via Adipocyte Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 (FFAR2)

Background: Inulin is a non-digestible prebiotic dietary fiber that can promote metabolic health including reduced body weight and improved glucose metabolism via effects on gut microbiota. We hypothesize that inulin prevents obesity-associated cardiometabolic alterations by augmenting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) from gut microbiota, which activate free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), a major SCFA receptor, in murine adipose tissue. Methods: 8-week-old male C57BL/6J (wild-type, WT; n=34) and adipocyte FFAR2-knockout (Ad-FFAR2 KO; n=25) mice were fed a high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) diet for 8 weeks, then randomized into experimental groups to receive either continued HFHS (n=8-13), or HFHS containing inulin (10% w/w chicory root inulin; n=17-21) for a further 5 weeks. Body weight was recorded weekly, food intake, body composition, and indirect calorimetry were assessed before and after the inulin intervention, and intraperitoneal glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. Subcutaneous and visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) samples were collected at the study termination. Results: HFHS-fed Ad-FFAR2 KO mice showed higher body weight (7.4%), fat mass, and WAT weight due to increased food intake, with worse glucose tolerance compared to WT mice. In WT mice, inulin significantly reduced body weight gain and body adiposity. These effects were associated with reduced locomotor activity and respiratory quotient (RQ) without effects on energy expenditure and were accompanied by improvements in glucose tolerance. Strikingly, inulin had no effect on body weight or body adiposity in Ad-FFAR2 KO mice but reduced RQ, locomotor activity, and improved glucose tolerance similar to WT mice. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that FFAR2 signaling in adipose tissue is crucial for improving cardiometabolic outcomes in obesity and that gut metabolites responsive to dietary interventions, such as inulin, are potential targets for obesity treatment strategies.

Methylation of the ESR1 promoters in visceral adipose tissue and its relationship with obesity

Methylation of the ESR1 promoters in visceral adipose tissue and its relationship with obesity

Relationship between Cardiometabolic index and endometriosis in a US nationally representative sample: results from NHANES 1999-2006

BackgroundEndometriosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecological endocrine condition and a systemic inflammatory disease associated to improper lipid metabolism and increased cardiovascular risk. The Cardiometabolic Index (CMI) is a novel indicator representing visceral adipose tissue distribution and metabolic dysfunction, integrating lipid metabolism indicators and the waist-to-height ratio. While anomalies in lipid metabolism are often associated with (BMI) Body Mass Index, literature consistently shows a negative link between endometriosis and female BMI, and some studies have found that endometriosis is one of the few reproductive diseases not persistently positively correlated with obesity. Given the limitations of BMI, a comprehensive index like CMI is crucial for exploring the incidence of endometriosis. Currently, research on the correlation between CMI and endometriosis is lacking, prompting this study to investigate this association.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between the CMI and the risk of having endometriosis in a sample representing the entire U.S. population.Study designA cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from four cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 1999 to 2006. The study included individuals aged 20 to 54 with a documented history of endometriosis and complete CMI data. Logistic regression analysis, subgroup and interaction analyses, smooth curve fitting, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were utilized to examine the association between CMI and endometriosis.ResultsThe study found that individuals with higher CMI had an increased probability of developing endometriosis. This relationship remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders such as age, ethnicity, Poverty Income Ratio (PIR), drinking, smoking, education level, and marital status. The fully adjusted model revealed a positive correlation between CMI and endometriosis (OR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04–1.40, p < 0.05). Subgroup and interaction analyses showed no significant effect modification by age, BMI, PIR, hypertension, drinking, smoking, or menarche age (all p-values for interaction > 0.05).ConclusionOur study shows a link between CMI and the chance of getting endometriosis.Due to the common occurrence of endometriosis and the lack of clarity surrounding their cause, more study is needed to confirm our results and find out if CMI could be used as a warning sign for endometriosis.

A systematic review of observational studies on the association between diet quality patterns and visceral adipose tissue

Abstract Beyond obesity, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has emerged as an important predictor of chronic disease, but the role of diet quality patterns (DQP) in VAT development is not well defined. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of how various DQP are associated with VAT via literature searches in PubMed and EMBASE. We included observational investigations in disease-free adults/adolescents that related DQP to VAT assessed by imaging methods. The studies were evaluated separately for a priori and a posteriori DQP and according to design differences. Study quality was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions tool. Of the 1807 screened articles, thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of a priori indices, for example, the Healthy Eating Index, showed significant inverse associations with VAT, while only a small proportion of a posteriori patterns were related to VAT. Results did not differ substantially by the method of exposure and outcome assessment or between studies with (n 20) or without (n 15) body-size adjustment, but significant findings were more common in younger v. older individuals, USA v. other populations and investigations with moderate v. serious risk of bias. The heterogeneity of the existing literature limited the ability to quantify the magnitude of the associations across studies. These findings suggest that a high-quality diet, as assessed by a priori DQP, is generally inversely associated with VAT, but results for a posteriori DQP are less consistent. As associations persisted after adjusting for body size, diet quality may beneficially influence VAT beyond its association with obesity.

Abstract 4138547: The A Body Shape Index and Type 2 Diabetes are Mutually Independent Predictors of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Established Coronary Artery Disease

The A Body Shape index (ABSI) is a validated measure of visceral adiposity that is calculated based on waist circumference, height and BMI. Its power to predict cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear and is addressed in the present study. We prospectively recorded cardiovascular events in a cohort of 938 patients with CAD over a mean follow-up time of 8.1±4.2 years. At baseline, the ABSI was higher in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM; n=308) than in those who did not have diabetes (8.4±0.6 vs. 8.3±0.5; p=0.032). Prospectively, the ABSI significantly predicted the incidence of cardiovascular events (n=389) after adjustment for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and T2DM (standardized adjusted HRs 1.12 [1.03-1.22]; p=0.009, respectively). T2DM in turn also significantly predicted cardiovascular events in this model with a HR of 1.23 [1.02-1.49]; p=0.034 after adjustment for ABSI. We conclude that ABSI and T2DM are mutually independent risk factors for cardiovascular events in patients with established CAD.

Abstract 4136677: High Visceral-to-Subcutaneous Fat Ratio is Correlated with Increased Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Low Waist Circumference Suspected of Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: Waist circumference (WC) has been recognized as an appropriate index of obesity and is closely associated with the amount of abdominal fat. Although abdominal fat distribution (AFD), which is represented by the ratio of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) area (V/S ratio), is possibly related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), few studies have explored the relationship between AFD and CVD outcomes. This study aimed to assess the influence of AFD based on the V/S ratio and physique categorized by WC on long-term clinical results in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: We evaluated 931 consecutive patients (mean age, 67 years; 42.4% women) with suspected CAD who underwent computed tomography (CT) angiography. The patients also underwent plain abdominal CT to assess and measure VAT and SAT areas; V/S ratio was calculated to assess AFD. The patients were divided into four groups based on the median V/S ratio (0.624) and reference values of WC for metabolic syndrome in Japan (85 cm for men, 90 cm for women). We assessed the relationship between the V/S ratio and long-term clinical outcomes in each WC group. The main outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs, including cardiac death, any coronary revascularization, acute coronary syndrome, and emergency hospitalization due to cardiac cause). Results: Over a median follow-up of 1869 days, although the incidence of any cardiovascular event was not related to the V/S ratio among patients with high WC, a higher incidence of MACE and cardiac death was noted among patients with low WC in the high V/S ratio group than in the low V/S ratio group. Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significantly lower MACE-free survival rate among patients with low WC in the high V/S ratio group than in the low V/S ratio group, despite of no differences being noted among high WC patients in both the V/S ratio groups (Figure). Conclusion: Only in patients with low WC, a high V/S ratio was linked to increased risks of MACE. Thus, high V/S ratio may be an essential risk factor for CVD, specifically in patients with low WC. However, AFD did not influence CVD prognosis in patients with high WC.

Assessment of Sleep Quality in Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity Using the Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale (ASHS)

Background: Adolescent overweight and obesity are a public health problem with an epidemic trend. There is growing evidence that sleep quality correlates to body weight. The aim of this study was to investigate, sleep quality in adolescents with obesity/overweight. Methods: A total of 100 adolescents with overweight/obesity aged 12–18 years were enrolled. Anthropometric parameters were recorded and a laboratory investigation in the fasting state [glucose, insulin, cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, uric acid and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)] was performed. Insulin resistance was calculated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance index (HOMA-IR). Sleep quality was assessed with the Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale (ASHS) questionnaire. Results: According to ASHS, 93% of the participants were classified as “Good Sleepers” (GSs) (score > 3.8) and 7% as “Poor Sleepers” (PSs) (score < 3.8). PSs had a statistically higher body mass index (BMI) compared to GSs (p = 0.026). Increased body mass index (BMI) (r = −0.306, p = 0.002), fast insulin (r = −0.224, p = 0.027), and HOMA-IR (r = −0.260, p = 0.010) exerted a negative effect on sleep quality. Controlling for lipids and uric acid, only TC levels appeared to have a statistically significant and specifically positive correlation with the ASHS score (r = 0.202, p = 0.045). HbA1c values and waist circumference tended to be negatively correlated, but not significant to adolescent sleep quality [(r = −0.101, p = 0.330), (r = −0.095, p = 0.359), respectively]. The influence of central obesity on the ASHS score was also explored, but no correlation was found (p = 0.566). Conclusions: Sleep quality, as reflected by the ASHS score, was associated negatively with BMI, fasting insulin levels, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, a gender difference was observed, as adolescent males were found to achieve a higher overall ASHS score compared to females.

Feasibility of high intensity training protocol on body composition and bone mineral density in older individuals with central obesity – a preliminary study

Abstract Osteoporosis and body composition changes are prevalent musculoskeletal issues contributing to increased risk of frailty in older people. Weight bearing directly influences bone mineral density and body composition. Study aims to determine feasibility of high intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol on body composition parameters and bone mineral density (BMD) in older individuals. Twenty-four participants were randomly allocated to two study groups. The interventional group received supervised HIIT protocol while control group performed non-supervised brisk walking on alternate days over 3 months. Pre- and post-outcome measures were taken at baseline and 3 months which included, BMD using portable densitometer, body composition using a bioelectric impedance analyser, and basic anthropometry. Between group analysis demonstrated the interventional group to be significantly better than control group for all parameters (). In conclusion, HIIT protocol is feasible and effective method in improving body composition parameters and BMD in older individuals. Clinical Trials Registry-India with CTRI number CTRI/2022/01/039740.

Myosteatosis Evaluated Based on Intramuscular Adipose Tissue Content Is a Risk Factor for Postoperative Complications in Crohn’s Disease

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease causes acute and chronic inflammation that often make the preoperative evaluation of surgical risks difficult. Myosteatosis is used for the evaluation of muscle quality to assess sarcopenia. However, data on the relationship between myosteatosis and surgical outcomes in patients with Crohn’s disease are lacking. Methods Among patients with Crohn’s disease who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2022, we investigated the impact of myosteatosis on postoperative complications using intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC). Our study included data from 97 patients who underwent analysis for cutoff values and factors associated with IMAC and 72 who underwent analysis for risk factors of postoperative complications. Results Body mass index (BMI; P < .001) and visceral adipose tissue/height index (P < .001) were significantly correlated with IMAC. High BMI (P < .001) and a history of abdominal surgery for Crohn’s disease (P = .012) were identified as factors affected with high IMAC. Multivariate analysis revealed high IMAC and external fistulas as independent risk factors for postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR], 5.010; 95% CI, 1.300-19.30; P = .019 and OR, 7.850; 95% CI, 1.640-37.50; P = .010, respectively), especially infectious complications. Conclusions This study established IMAC as a valuable marker for sarcopenic obesity and predicting postoperative complications in patients with Crohn’s disease. Furthermore, evaluating myosteatosis using IMAC will facilitate the decision of the optimal timing of surgery, prediction of complications, and treatment of sarcopenia in patients with Crohn’s disease.

An overview of pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Steatotic liver disease (SLD) has been known for a long time, but our understanding of this disease has remained poor until the past decade. Despite extensive research, our ability to comprehend the etiopathogenesis and natural course of SLD is far from the desired level of comprehension. This is required to develop a universally effective novel therapeutic agent. This review aims to concisely elaborate the conceptual approach and advancement in the understanding of global disease burden and etiopathogenic process, identifying the gaps and the pathophysiologic mechanism behind developing novel therapeutic agents. We searched two major databases, PubMed and Google Scholar, to identify publications related to the abovementioned topics. All publications, including original papers, reviews, and commentaries, were reviewed. Findings: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is not limited to obese individuals, rather, it may develop in any individual independent of weight. Visceral adiposity is strongly associated with MASLD and subsequent risks of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cardiovascular disease. MASLD is associated with diabetes mellitus independent of underlying pathogenic mechanisms, and there is a bidirectional connection between MASLD and diabetes mellitus, making the situation quite challenging. Not all patients with MASLD exhibit atherogenic dyslipidemia and thus do not have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The overlap of these metabolic risk factors is not straightforward. There is a differential contribution of these risk factors based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, alcohol consumption, and microbiota composition. Poor dietary habits and lifestyle directly affect the microbiota, modulators, and mediators, thereby affecting the final biochemical processes leading to steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and oncogenesis. In conclusion, MASLD is a complex and pathogenically heterogeneous disease with significant interpatient variation in the natural course and outcome. Understanding the precise mechanism of variability is the key gap and a limiting factor in the development of a novel therapeutic agent.

Snoring and its Associated Comorbidities

Abstract Objective Snoring is often perceived as a simple social nuisance, whereas it can be a telltale sign of serious respiratory diseases. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported habitual snoring and to identify its associated factors. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study surveyed 815 individuals about their medical history, anthropometric characteristics, and lifestyle using a questionnaire. Results The prevalence of self-reported habitual snoring in our sample was 29.2%. Variables independently associated with snoring were advanced age (p = 0.008), asthma (p = 0.003), sleepiness (p < 0.001), hyperthyroidism (p = 0.006), smoking (p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.010), and abdominal obesity (p = 0.007). Conclusion This survey has highlighted the importance of snoring in an Arab-African context, to bring more awareness to this respiratory disorder and to understand that a simple snore can be a silent cry of an organism in need of help.

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes, Overweight, Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome in Adults in Bogotá, Colombia, 2022–2023: A Cross‑Sectional Population Survey

Objective: To establish the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, overweight/obesity, and metabolic syndrome in individuals aged >18 years in Bogotá, Colombia and the variables associated with diabetes prevalence. Research Design and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional population survey with a representative, probabilistic sample of Bogotá, Colombia collected between 2022 and 2023. The final sample size included 2,860 households, distributed among 19 localities of Bogotá. Clinical laboratory samples were taken from randomly selected individuals (n = 1,070). Data on the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and Latin American Diabetes Association (ALAD) criteria for metabolic syndrome were collected, including physical measurements. Results: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Bogotá was 11.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.0–13.5%). According to the ATP III and ALAD criteria, the prevalence proportions of metabolic syndrome were 33.9% (95% CI, 29.5–38.6) and 29.3% (95% CI, 26.1–32.7), respectively. The age of ≥55 years, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and noneducational level had higher adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) of diabetes. The APRs of metabolic syndrome were higher in adults with a low education level (LEL) and female sex, with the ATP III and ALAD criteria, and noninsured adults or those with unknown affiliation with the healthcare system, with the ATP III criteria. Conclusions: We found a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes in adults in Bogotá than expected in previous studies. Intervention from public policy should be requested, especially in those of lowest socioeconomic and education levels, to avoid a future increase in this prevalence. Studies on other Colombian cities are required.

Omentin increases glucose uptake, but not insulin sensitivity in human myotubes dependent on extracellular lactotransferrin

Introduction: Omentin (intelectin-1) is an adipokine produced by the stromal vascular fraction of visceral adipose tissue and has been positively associated with insulin sensitivity. The underlying mechanism of action, however, is largely unknown. It has been described that omentin may increase insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake of adipocytes, but effects on other insulin-sensitive tissues such as skeletal muscle are unexplored. We therefore investigated effects of omentin on insulin sensitivity and metabolism of primary human myotubes. Methods: Primary human myotubes were treated with 0.5 or 2 µg/mL omentin and subsequently protein detection, glucose uptake assay, lactate assay and lipidomics analysis were performed. Results: Omentin did not affect skeletal muscle insulin signaling, as assessed by basal and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRS1 and AKT. Omentin increased basal, but not insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. While increased glycolytic activity was confirmed by elevated lactate release after omentin treatment, effects on cellular lipid composition were limited to an increase in total triacylglycerol concentration. Increased glucose uptake by omentin was counteracted by addition of extracellular lactotransferrin, which can bind to omentin. Conclusions: Overall, increased basal glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells suggests differential effects of omentin on insulin-sensitive tissues. Moreover, an involvement of lactotransferrin in omentin’s mechanism of action may partially explain contradictory results of epidemiological studies on the role of omentin in different diseases.

Sex Differences in Protein Biomarkers and Measures of Fat Distribution

Background Sex differences in obesity and fat distribution may in part explain differences in cardiovascular risk in men versus women. We sought to examine sex differences in the associations of obesity and adiposity measures with cardiovascular disease–related protein biomarkers. Methods and Results In a cross‐sectional observational cohort study, we examined whether the association of obesity (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference) and adiposity measures (visceral adipose tissue) with biomarkers demonstrates effect modification by sex using multiplicative interaction terms in multivariable linear regression models. Among 3143 participants (mean age, 50 years; 49% women), sex modified the association of BMI, waist circumference, and visceral adipose tissue with cardiovascular disease–related protein biomarkers (7 for BMI, 3 for waist circumference, and 23 for visceral adipose tissue, false discovery rate [FDR]‐q int <0.05 for all). For example, higher BMI was associated with lower α 1 ‐microglobulin levels in men but not in women (ß, −0.113; SE, 0.028; P <0.001 in men versus ß, −0.007; SE, 0.024; P =0.78 in women). By contrast, higher BMI was associated with higher adipsin levels in men and women, but the association was more pronounced in women (ß, 0.287; SE, 0.023; P <0.001 in women versus ß, 0.189; SE, 0.026; P <0.001 in men). The associations of higher visceral adipose tissue with biomarkers representing adiposity, inflammation, and fibrosis were more pronounced in women versus men. Conclusions We found that sex modified the associations of obesity and adipose traits with cardiovascular risk ascertained by cardiovascular disease–related biomarkers including markers of adiposity, inflammation, and fibrosis. These findings highlight potential biological pathways that may underlie some of the observed differences in obesity‐related cardiovascular disease between women and men.