Fat Tissue Index Research Articles

Longitudinal changes in body composition are associated with all-cause mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with a number of adverse body compositional changes, including fat gain and muscle wasting. Whether body compositional changes are associated with the long-term prognosis is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of longitudinal changes in body composition on all-cause mortality in PD patients. PD patients were subjected to bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and handgrip strength (HGS) at baseline and after 2 years. Among 160 patients, 131 patients were tested with a repeat BIS and HGS. Lean tissue index (LTI) loss and fat tissue index (FTI) gain were defined as a 10% decline in LTI and a 10% gain in FTI, respectively after 2 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia at baseline was 13.8%. After 2 years, LTI loss and FTI gain were observed in 40 (30.5%) and 58 (44.3%) patients, respectively. Baseline clinical factors did not predict longitudinal body compositional changes, and there was a negative association between changes in the LTI and FTI (r=-0.574, p<0.001). Low LTI and low HGS at baseline were significant predictors of all-cause mortality after adjusting for demographic and biochemical parameters, but not when cardiovascular factors were included in the multivariate analysis. However, LTI loss and FTI gain were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality after adjusting for demographic, biochemical, and cardiovascular parameters. In PD patients, longitudinal changes in LTI and FTI were more strongly associated with all-cause mortality than single values in LTI and FTI.

Psychological inflexibility and clinical impact: Adaptation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II in a sample of patients on haemodialysis treatment

Background and objectivesFew studies have investigated the role psychological inflexibility (PI) could have in the context of chronic renal failure. The primary objective of this study was to analyse the psychometric features, the reliability and the validity of the Spanish version of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II) adapted to the context of patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD). The secondary objective was to assess the relationship between PI and parameters related to the adherence to treatment and quality of life in these types of patients. Materials and methodsProspective cross-sectional study with patients on haemodialysis (N=186). ResultsThe fat tissue index (15.56±5.72 vs. 18.99±8.91, P=0.033), phosphorus levels (3.92±1.24 vs. 4.66±1.38; P=0.001) and interdialytic weight gain (1.56±0.69 vs. 1.89±0.93, P=0.016) were higher in patients with a higher PI score. Phosphorus levels (P=0.013) significantly explained the variability of PI levels. PI was also shown as a significant predictor (P=0.026) of the variability of phosphorus levels. ConclusionsThe adaptation of the AAQ-II questionnaire to the HD context led to a valid and reliable measurement of PI in these types of patients and our results also seem to support the relationship between PI and health and quality of life parameters in patients with chronic conditions.

Prolyl endopeptidase gene disruption attenuates high fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice by improving hepatic steatosis and inflammation.

BackgroundProlyl endopeptidase (PREP) is a serine endopeptidase that regulates inflammatory responses. PREP inhibitors can reduce hepatocyte lipid accumulation and may participate in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated whether disruption of PREP regulates hepatic steatosis and inflammation in mice with NAFLD.MethodsWild-type and PREP gene disrupted mice were randomly divided into low-fat diet wild-type (LFD-WT), high-fat diet wild-type (HFD-WT), low-fat diet PREP disruption (LFD-PREPgt), and high-fat diet PREP disruption (HFD-PREPgt) groups. Animals were euthanized at the endpoint of 32 weeks. The NAFLD activity score and number of inflammatory cells were determined by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining of liver tissue. The expression levels of inflammation- and lipid metabolism-associated genes in the liver and serum were detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR, mass spectrometry, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe body weight and epididymal fat tissue index of the HFD-PREPgt mice were significantly decreased compared with that of the HFD-WT mice. Moreover, the NAFLD activity score and liver function were attenuated in the HFD-PREPgt mice. Fat accumulation and the level of expression of mRNAs associated with lipid metabolism and proinflammatory responses were improved in the HFD-PREPgt mice. The number of CD68-positive cells in liver tissue and the serum levels of inflammation-associated factors were significantly decreased in the HFD-PREPgt mice compared with those in the HFD-WT mice. Further mechanistic investigations indicated that the protective effect of PREP disruption on liver inflammation was associated with the suppressed production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and proline-glycine-proline (PGP) and the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration.ConclusionsLoss of PREP lowers the severity of hepatic steatosis and inflammatory responses in a high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis model. PREP inhibition may protect against NAFLD.

Association of Body Composition and Intradialytic Hypotension in Hemodialysis Patients

Background/Aim: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and intradialytic hypotension (IDH) has been inconsistently reported, but no further research has investigated the correlation between body composition and IDH so far. This study aimed to determine whether the lean tissue index (LTI), fat tissue index (FTI), or both derived from body composition monitoring (BCM) is associated with IDH defined as a nadir intradialytic systolic blood pressure of <90 mm Hg and ≥3 episodes hypotension per 10 hemodialysis (HD) treatments in patients undergoing prevalent HD. Methods: The observational cohort study comprised 1,463 patients receiving thrice-weekly HD from 13 dialysis centers. LTI and FTI were assessed using a BCM machine, a multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy device. Unadjusted and multivariable adjusted logistic regression models were fit to estimate the association of body composition with the odds of developing IDH. Results: One hundred and seven patients (7.3%) were diagnosed as IDH. The difference in dialysis vintage, BMI, FTI, LTI, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and C-reactive protein between IDH and non-IDH groups was statistically significant (all p < 0.05). The prevalence of diabetes among IDH patients was slightly higher than among non-IDH patients. In logistic regression models, low LTI and high FTI, but not high BMI were associated with greater odds of IDH (“high” as above median and “low” as below median). When patients were further stratified into 4 distinct body composition groups based on both the LTI and FTI, only the low LTI/high FTI group was connected with a significantly higher odds of IDH (OR 2.686, 95% CI 1.072–6.734; reference: low LTI/low FTI group). Conclusions: The LTI and FTI can provide better correlation of IDH occurrence than the BMI alone in prevalent HD patients. The low LTI/high FTI appears to be most associated with IDH. An optimal body composition for preventing the occurrence of IDH needs to be determined.

Low body cell mass index in hemodialysis patients: Association with clinical parameters and survival.

Body cell mass (BCM) is a useful nutritional marker and is not affected by changes in the hydration status that commonly occur in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aimed to examine the association between body cell mass index (BCMI) and nutritional parameters, as well as its relationship with long-term survival in these patients. This longitudinal prospective multicenter study followed a cohort of patients in HD for 24 months. The clinical parameters of 2527 patients (mean age 70.3 ± 14.6 years, 55.8% male and mean HD vintage 58 (IQR:33-95) months) were measured and their body composition parameters were assessed by a body composition monitor before the HD session. BCM was converted to BCMI (BCM/height2 ) and, taking into account the mean value (6.4 ± 2.1 kg/m2 ), we split our study population into 2 groups: G1 (BCMI <6.4 kg/m2 ; n = 1366) and G2 (BCMI ≥ 6.4 kg/m2 ; n = 1161). All statistical tests were performed using SPSS 20.0 software. A P value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Patients with a BCMI <6.4 kg/m2 displayed higher age (P < 0.001), dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.033), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.001), relative overhydration (overhydration/extracellular water [OH/ECW]) (P < 0.001), CRP (P < 0.001), fat tissue index (FTI) (P < 0.001) and lower normalized protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance (nPNA) (P < 0.001), albumin (P < 0.001), serum creatinine (P < 0.001), creatinine index (P < 0.001), potassium (P < 0.001), phosphorus (P < 0.001), calcium/phosphorus product (Ca X P) (P < 0.001), lean tissue index (LTI) (P < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.046). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed a significantly better survival in female and male patients with BCMI ≥6.4 kg/m2 (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In the cox regression analysis, a significantly higher mortality risk was observed in G1 patients (P = 0.001). Our study showed that a low BCMI was a mortality predictor and was associated with worse nutritional parameters in patients undergoing HD.

Three compartment bioimpedance spectroscopy in the nutritional assessment and the outcome of patients with advanced or end stage kidney disease: What have we learned so far?

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is an easily applicable tool to assess body composition. The three compartment model BIS (3C BIS) conventionally expresses body composition as lean tissue index (LTI) (lean tissue mass [LTM]/height in meters squared) and fat tissue index (FTI) (adipose tissue mass/height in meters squared), and a virtual compartment reflecting fluid overload (FO). It has been studied extensively in relation to diagnosis and treatment guidance of fluid status disorders in patients with advanced‐stage or end‐stage renal disease. It is the aim of this article to provide a narrative review on the relevance of 3C BIS in the nutritional assessment in this population. At a population level, LTI decreases after the start of hemodialysis, whereas FTI increases. LTI below the 10th percentile is a consistent predictor of outcome whereas a low FTI is predominantly associated with outcome when combined with a low LTI. Recent research also showed the connection between low LTI, inflammation, and FO, which are cumulatively associated with an increased mortality risk. However, studies toward nutritional interventions based on BIS data are still lacking in this population. In conclusion, 3C BIS, by disentangling the components of body mass index, has contributed to our understanding of the relevance of abnormalities in different body compartments in chronic kidney disease patients, and appears to be a valuable prognostic tool, at least at a population level. Studies assessing the effect of BIS guided nutritional intervention could further support its use in the daily clinical care for renal patients.

Relationship Between Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Body Composition as Determined by Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Patients with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease.

BackgroundThe main cause of mortality among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is considered to be novel cardiovascular risk factor. We assessed EAT in non-dialyzed stage 5 CKD patients and explored the association of EAT with body composition as determined by multi-frequency BIA.Material/MethodsThe present included 70 stage 5 CKD patients who had not undergone dialysis and 40 healthy control subjects. EAT thickness was assessed by echocardiography. Hydration status and body composition were evaluated by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis.ResultsStage 5 CKD patients had significantly higher EAT thickness than healthy subjects (6.56±1.18 vs. 4.05±1.45, p<0.001). Fat tissue mass, systolic blood pressure (SBP), age, fat tissue index, and body mass index were positively correlated with EAT thickness in the CKD patient group (p<0.05). Lean tissue mass, lean tissue index (LTI), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were negatively correlated with EAT thickness in the CKD patient group (p<0.05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that age, SBP, and LTI were independently associated with EAT thickness in CKD patients.ConclusionsWe found significantly higher EAT thickness in stage 5 CKD patients who were not on dialysis compared to healthy controls. EAT was significantly associated with age, SBP, and LTI in CKD patients. Interventions to reduce the risk factors associated with EAT thickness might protect against CVD disease in CKD patients.

Relationship of serum magnesium level with body composition and survival in hemodialysis patients.

A relationship between serum magnesium (Mg) and body composition parameters has not been reported in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We aimed to clarify whether serum Mg has any association with body composition parameters, or survival in HD patients. This study included 215 consecutive maintenance HD patients. Laboratory data collection and postdialysis body composition analysis were performed at baseline. The patients were divided based on baseline serum Mg level tertiles (low, medium, and high Mg groups). Kaplan-Meier survival, logistic regression analyses and Cox proportional hazard analyses were conducted. Among all patients, the median age and dialysis vintage were 73 (65-81) years and 44 (8-96) months, respectively. The serum Mg levels were < 2.3, 2.3-2.5, and > 2.5 mg/dL for the low (n = 67), middle (n = 76), and high (n = 72) Mg groups, respectively. Compared to other groups, low Mg group showed significantly higher age and C-reactive protein levels, but lower serum albumin, normalized protein catabolic rates and frequency of on-line hemodiafiltration. The low, middle, and high Mg groups differed significantly regarding body cell mass (fat-free mass without bone mineral mass and extracellular water) index (BCMI): [5.6 (4.2-6.8), 6.0 (4.8-8.1), 6.7 (4.9-7.5) kg/m2 , respectively] and overhydration/extracellular water ratio (OH/ECW) [11.7 (4.5-21.9), 4.8 (1.0-14.1), 8.5 (-0.5-15.0) %, respectively] but not regarding body mass index, lean tissue index, fat tissue index. Hypomagnesemia was significantly associated with BCMI [odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.85 [0.73-1.00] and OH/ECW (OR [95% CI]: 1.03 [1.01-1.05]), respectively. Kaplan-Meyer 3-year survival rates were 53.6%, 69.7%, and 71.7% in low, middle, and high Mg groups, respectively. However, hypomagnesemia was not significantly associated with 3-year all-cause mortality independent of age, serum albumin and C-reactive protein. Hypomagnesemia was associated with lower BCMI, more pronounced OH/ECW and poorer Kaplan-Meier 3-year cumulative survival, but was not an independent risk factor for mortality in HD patients.

Inflexibilidad psicológica e impacto clínico: adaptación del Cuestionario de Aceptación y Acción-II en una muestra de pacientes en tratamiento de hemodiálisis

Background and objectivesFew studies have investigated the role psychological inflexibility (PI) could have in the context of chronic renal failure. The primary objective of this study was to analyse the psychometric features, the reliability and the validity of the Spanish version of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II) adapted to the context of patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD). The secondary objective was to assess the relationship between PI and parameters related to the adherence to treatment and quality of life in these types of patients. Materials and methodsProspective cross-sectional study with patients on haemodialysis (n=186). ResultsThe fat tissue index (15.56±5.72 vs. 18.99±8.91, P=.033), phosphorus levels (3.92±1.24 vs. 4.66±1.38; P=.001) and interdialytic weight gain (1.56±0.69 vs. 1.89±0.93, P=.016) were higher in patients with a higher PI score. Phosphorus levels (P=.013) significantly explained the variability of PI levels. PI was also shown as a significant predictor (P=.026) of the variability of phosphorus levels. ConclusionsThe adaptation of the AAQ-II questionnaire to the HD context led to a valid and reliable measurement of PI in these types of patients and our results also seem to support the relationship between PI and health and quality of life parameters in patients with chronic conditions.

Association of the malnutrition-inflammation score with anthropometry and body composition measurements in patients with chronic kidney disease.

The malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) is a nutritional scoring system that has been validated in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages III-V, especially in dialysis patients. We aimed to test whether the MIS changed in the early stages of CKD and whether it was associated with anthropometry and body composition measurements (BCMs) in patients with CKD. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Nephrology Department. A total of 144 patients with CKD were included in the study between May 2017 and December 2017. The MIS was calculated without computing the dialysis vintage in the scoring. Body composition was measured using a portable whole-body bioimpedance spectroscopy device. Anthropometric, laboratory, and other body composition parameters were recorded. The MIS was increased in patients with CKD. It was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), handgrip strength, lean tissue index (LTI), fat tissue index (FTI), phase angle (PA), and hemoglobin and albumin concentrations, and it was positively correlated with sex, overhydration, urinary protein excretion and IL-6. A high MIS was significantly correlated with a low LTI (r=-0.274; P=0.001), low FTI (r=-0.179; P=0.032), overhydration (r=0.457; P<0.001) and low PA (r=-0.475; P<0.001). A rather strong correlation was observed between the PA and the MIS. In the multivariate regressions, after adjusting for age, sex, presence of diabetes, handgrip strength, BMI, overhydration, glomerular filtration rate, albumin and IL-6 concentrations, these relationships did not diminish. The MIS was strongly linked with indicators of nutrition. As a simple and practical tool for assessing nutritional status, the MIS should be calculated in the early stages of CKD.

Attenuation Effects of Bulk and Nanosized ZnO on Glucose, Lipid Level, and Inflammation Profile in Obese Mice.

ZnO and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely used in food packaging, food preservation, cosmetic preparation, and animal feed. ZnO is alleged showing multiple bioactivities including antimicrobial and anti-inflammation. It is hypothesized in this study that bulk ZnO and ZnO NPs could attenuate symptoms associated with high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Bulk ZnO and ZnO NPs with diameters of 30 and 90nm were administered to high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Body weight, liver and fat tissue indices of ZnO-treated mice were decreased compared with those of obese mice (MOD). Blood glucose levels in oral glucose tolerant test and insulin tolerant test of ZnO-treated mice were lower than those of MOD. Serum lipid profile of ZnO-treated mice was ameliorated with lower total cholesterol, total triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with that of MOD. In addition, the levels of serum IL-1β and LPS-binding protein were also decreased by ZnO treatment. Both bulk and nanosized ZnO could attenuate HFD-induced phenotypes related with obesity, but ZnO NP is more efficient to lower the fat index and bulk ZnO is better torestore the disturbed serum lipid profile.

SUN-260 REFERENCE RANGES FOR LEAN AND FAT TISSUE INDEX(LTI, FTI) IN A LARGE ASIAN POPULATION

Bioimpedance analysis has become a widely used technology to assess body composition in health and disease. While most devices on the market use a single frequency, multifrequency devices have advantages in extremes of body composition. The BCM-Body Composition Monitor combines spectroscopy with the Chamney 3-compartment model (Chamney et al, AJCN 2007) to determine body composition independent of fluid status, and is thereby the only device suitable in patients with altered hydration status. While reference ranges for lean and fat tissue index (LTI, FTI) have been long available for Caucasians, no such data has yet been collected in a large and diverse Asian population. Aim of this study was to determine LTI and FTI reference ranges for a healthy Asian population and compare ranges with a Caucasian reference. Data was collected in N=1305 healthy subjects from 4 different Asian countries/region (China, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam), covering an age range from 2 to 98 years. LTI and FTI were determined and clustered within 5-year age groups. Each age group consists of at least 40 males and females each. 10th and 90th percentiles were calculated in each age group for both genders. The resulting ranges were compared between Asians and Caucasians. Table 1 gives an overview of number of subjects, age, LTI and FTI in the different countries and Caucasian’s as reference. Asian percentile ranges for LTI and FTI differed significantly between Asians and Caucasians (Figure 1) in most age groups. While Asians tended to have lower LTI over age, FTI was more comparable with Caucasians. Table 1LTI and FTI (mean+-SD) for different Asian countries, and Caucasian adults for comparison.Country/region#subjectsAge [yrs]LTI [kg/m2]FTI [kg/m2]femalemalefemaleMaleChina34547.5 +- 20.413.1 +- 1.916.9 +- 2.49.7 +- 3.57.3 +- 3.2Korea28346.8 +- 19.811.9 +- 1.516.2 +- 1.911.2 +- 3.68.3 +- 3.0Taiwan34650.0 +- 21.912.6 +- 1.614.8 +- 3.210.0 +- 3.68.7 +- 4.2Vietnam33148.6 +- 19.413.5 +- 1.817.2 +- 2.27.7 +- 2.85.2 +- 2.7Caucasian ref.113243.0 +- 18.113.6 +- 2.118.1 +- 2.711.1 +- 5.87.7 +- 4.6 Open table in a new tab Figure 1: Lean and Fat tissue index in males and females over age. Circles: Asian population. Solid lines: Caucasian reference range for 10th and 90th percentiles averaged over 5-yr-age groups. Crosses: 10th and 90th percentiles for Asian population. This work establishes new reference ranges for a large population of healthy Asian subjects. The 10th and 90th percentiles allow individual comparison with an age- and gender-matched reference population, assessment of nutritional status and detection of potential malnutrition.

Lean Tissue Index and Body Cell Mass Can Be Predictors of Low Free Testosterone Levels in Men on Hemodialysis

Testosterone deficiency is a common disorder among men treated with hemodialysis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between free testosterone levels and body composition, biochemical markers of nutritional status, and inflammation in men on hemodialysis. Prospective analysis of men treated with hemodialysis for more than 3months in one hemodialysis center. A total of 56 men-41 men undergoing hemodialysis treatment thrice-weekly over a period of at least 3months (HD group) and 15 men without kidney disease, with estimated glomerular filtration rate >60mL/min/1.73m2 (C group)-were included. Serum levels of free testosterone, creatinine, protein, albumin, prealbumin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 and body composition by bioimpedance spectroscopy, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were measured. None, observational study. Free testosterone level. The mean free testosterone level was significantly lower in the HD group than that in the C group and positively correlated with lean tissue index (LTI, r=0.51, P=.001) and body cell mass (BCM, r=0.57, P<.001). Significant, negative correlations were observed between free testosterone level and age (r = -0.4, P=.004) as well as fat tissue index (r = -0.36, P=.018). In a subgroup of men on hemodialysis who have low testosterone levels (<9.4 pg/mL), we observed a lower LTI and BCM and higher age, fat tissue index, and loginterleukin-6. In our receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, LTI and BCM were shown to be good predictors of a low testosterone level with cutoff points of 13.3kg/m2 and 22.3kg, respectively, meaning that men on hemodialysis with LTI <13.3kg/m2 were 26 times more likely to have free testosterone levels below 9.4 pg/mL (odds ratio, 26.7; 95% confidence interval: 3.0-236.6). Low lean tissue mass and BCM can be predictors of low testosterone level.

Evaluating haemodialysis patient's nutritional status: Body mass index or body cell mass index?

Evaluate which of two combinations of parameters based on International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism recommendations could better identify patients with protein-energy wasting (PEW) and to compare the relationship of these two combinations with other clinical and body composition parameters. This was a multicentre longitudinal study with 24 months of follow-up. The PEW patients were characterized by: Group A (GA ) - normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) < 1.0 g/kg per day, albumin <3.8 g/dL and body cell mass index (BCMI) < 6.4 kg/m2 (n = 203); Group B (GB ) - nPCR <1.0 g/kg per day, albumin <3.8 g/dL and body mass index (BMI) <23 kg/m2 (n = 109). All the patients who did not meet these requirements were considered "well-nourished" (GA : n = 1818; GB : n = 3292). When compared to the well-nourished patients, PEW patients in the GA presented higher age, Kt/V, C-reactive protein, relative overhydration, fat tissue index (FTI); lower creatinine, albumin, nPCR, PTH, haemoglobin, phosphorus, calcium X phosphorus product, potassium, dry weight, BMI, BCMI, lean tissue index, %IDWG . In the GB , well-nourished patients FTI was significantly higher. In Cox analysis, the combination with BCMI was a strong independent predictor of mortality in these patients (hazard ratio: 1.48; confidence interval: 1.00-2.19; P = 0.048), even after adjustment. Although GB combination seemed to be also a predictor of death (hazard ratio: 2.67; confidence interval: 1.92-3.71; P < 0.001), when adjusted, the association remained no longer significant. A new combination of parameters including protein intake, albumin and BCMI demonstrated significant associations with other nutrition and inflammation parameters as well as with mortality.

Effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on body composition, fluid status and renin\u2013angiotensin\u2013aldosterone system in type 2 diabetes: a prospective study using bioimpedance spectroscopy

BackgroundSGLT2-inhibitors are potent antihyperglycemic drugs for patients with type 2 diabetes and have been shown to reduce body weight. However, it is unclear which body compartments are reduced and to what extent.MethodsIn this longitudinal observational study, we analyzed the body composition of 27 outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during the first week and up to 6 months after initiation of treatment with SGLT2-inhibitors (n = 18 empagliflozin, n = 9 dapagliflozin) using bioimpedance spectroscopy (BCM, Fresenius). Fluid status of hypertensive patients taking medication with hydrochlorothiazide (n = 14) and healthy persons (n = 16) were analyzed for comparison.ResultsAt 6 months, HbA1c decreased by 0.8% (IQR 2.3; 0.4), body weight and BMI by 2.6 kg (1.5; 9.3) and 0.9 kg/m2 (0.4; 3.3), respectively. Bioimpedance spectroscopy revealed significant decrease in adipose tissue mass and fat tissue index while lean tissue parameters remained stable. Overhydration (OH) and extracellular water (ECW) decreased by − 0.5 L/1.73 m2 (− 0.1; − 0.9) and − 0.4 L/1.73 m2 (− 0.1; − 0.8) at day 3, respectively, and returned to the initial value after 3 and 6 months. Plasma renin activity increased by 2.1-fold (0.5; 3.6) at 1 month and returned to the initial level at month 3 and 6. Fluid status of patients with SGLT2 inhibitors after 6 months showed no difference from that of hypertensive patients taking hydrochlorothiazide or healthy persons.ConclusionsBody weight reduction under the treatment with SGLT2-inhibitors is caused by reduction of adipose tissue mass and transient loss of extracellular fluid, which is accompanied by upregulation of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). Permanent loss of extracellular water does not occur under SGLT2 inhibition.

Body composition and arterial stiffness in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease.

This study investigated the impact of body composition in the arterial stiffness of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fat mass (FM), fat tissue index (FTI), fat-free mass (FFM), fat-free tissue index (FFTI), and FFTI/FTI were measured in 26 patients and 25 healthy controls by bio-impedance analysis. Data on patient's body mass index (BMI) for height-age, serum albumin, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood pressure status, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were collected in patients. Patients presented lower levels of FM and FFM compared to healthy controls (p = 0.04 and p = 0.055 respectively). In patient group, BMI height-age z-score was positively correlated to FTI (r2 = 0.574, p < 0.001) and FFTI (r2 = 0.338, p = 0.001) and negatively correlated to FFTI/FTI (r2 = 0.263, p = 0.007). Serum albumin was positively correlated only with FFM among body composition data (r2 = 0.169, p = 0.037). PWV z-score was positively correlated to FFTI (r2 = 0.421, p = 0.006) and inversely correlated to FFTI/FTI ≥ 2.5 (r2 = 0.317, p = 0.003). Patients with FFTI/FTI ≥ 2.5 presented lower levels of PWV regardless the need for antihypertensive treatment. Serum albumin ≥ 3.8mg/dl and FFTI/FTI ≥ 2.5 were independently associated with a lower risk for high PWV, after adjustment for age, sex, and GFR (OR 0.009, 95% CI 0.000-0.729 and OR 0.039, 95% CI 0.002-0.680). All underweight [2 (7.7%)] and overweight [4 (15.4%)] patients presented high PWV. Among normal weight patients, FFTI/FTI ratio ≥ 2.5 was significantly associated with lower PWV z-score (p = 0.013). Both underweight and overweight are associated with arterial stiffness. Targeting FFTI/FTI ≥ 2.5 could be protective against cardiovascular disease in normal weight children.

Vaspin in Serum and Urine of Post-Partum Women with Excessive Gestational Weight Gain.

Background and objectives: Data concerning vaspin in obstetric aspects are limited and conflicting. The aim of the study was to evaluate vaspin concentrations in the serum and urine of women with excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) in the early post-partum period (i.e., 48 h after delivery), when placental function no longer influences the results. Materials and Methods: The study subjects were divided into two groups of 28 healthy controls and 38 mothers with EGWG. Maternal body composition and hydration status were evaluated by the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method. Concentrations of vaspin, fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), leptin, and ghrelin were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Serum vaspin levels were lower in the EGWG group, whereas no significant differences were noted between the groups, with regard to the urine vaspin concentrations. In both studied groups, the serum vaspin concentrations correlated positively with the urine FABP4 levels and negatively with gestational weight gain, body mass index gain in the period from pre-pregnancy to 48 h after delivery (ΔBMI), and fat tissue index (FTI). In the multiple linear regression models, the serum vaspin concentrations were positively dependent on the serum FABP4 levels, as well as negatively dependent on triglycerides, FTI, and ΔBMI. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the EGWG mothers were characterized by significantly lower serum vaspin concentrations in the early post-partum period compared with the subjects that had appropriate gestational weight gain. Our observation supports previous hypotheses that vaspin might be used as a marker of lipid metabolism in pregnancy and maternal adipose tissue. Considering the fact that FABP4 is widely referred to as a pro-inflammatory adipokine, further research on the protective role of vaspin seems crucial, especially in the context of its relationship to FABP4.

The associations of fat tissue and muscle mass indices with all-cause mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Protein-energy wasting, which involves loss of fat and muscle mass, is prevalent and is associated with mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We investigated the associations of fat tissue and muscle mass indices with all-cause mortality in HD patients. The study included 162 patients undergoing HD. The fat tissue index (FTI) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), which represent respective tissue masses normalized to height squared, were measured by bioimpedance analysis after dialysis. Patients were divided into the following four groups according to the medians of FTI and SMI values: group 1 (G1), lower FTI and lower SMI; G2, higher FTI and lower SMI; G3, lower FTI and higher SMI; and G4, higher FTI and higher SMI. The associations of the FTI, SMI, and body mass index (BMI) with all-cause mortality were evaluated. During a median follow-up of 2.5 years, 29 patients died. The 5-year survival rates were 48.6%, 76.1%, 95.7%, and 87.4% in the G1, G2, G3, and G4 groups, respectively (P = 0.0002). The adjusted hazard ratio values were 0.34 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10–0.95, P = 0.040) for G2 vs. G1, 0.13 (95%CI 0.01–0.69, P = 0.013) for G3 vs. G1, and 0.25 (95%CI 0.07–0.72, P = 0.0092) for G4 vs. G1, respectively. With regard to model discrimination, on adding both FTI and SMI to a model with established risk factors, the C-index increased significantly when compared with the value for a model with BMI (0.763 vs. 0.740, P = 0.016). Higher FTI and/or higher SMI values were independently associated with reduced risks of all-cause mortality in HD patients. Moreover, the combination of the FTI and SMI may more accurately predict all-cause mortality when compared with BMI. Therefore, these body composition indicators should be evaluated simultaneously in this population.

Clinical value of body composition monitor to evaluate lean and fat tissue mass in peritoneal dialysis.

Bioimpedance analysis is often routinely performed in any dialysis unit to guide fluid management but can provide a reproduceable assessment of fat and muscle mass. We wished to determine the clinical significance of low muscle or high fat mass and the determinants that influence their change. We performed retrospective analysis of 824 patients on peritoneal dialysis who underwent routine repeated bioimpedance analysis measurements using the body composition monitor (BCM). Lean tissue index (LTI) was an independent predictor of mortality when sex, age, PD vintage and diabetes status were included in the models (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.86-1.00, p < 0.05) and when baseline serum albumin was included in a separate model (HR 0.86; 95% CI: 0.79-0.93, p < 0.001). High fat tissue index (FTI) was an independent predictor of mortality when demographic factors were included (HR 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78-0.97, p < 0.02), but not with the addition biochemical parameters. Changes in body composition of 206 patients over a 2-year follow-up period could not be predicted by baseline demographics, functional or biochemical assessments. However, there was a strong inverse relationship between changes in LTI and FTI. There were no associations between changes in body composition with prescribed dialysate glucose. We showed body composition changes are common and complex. LTI was an independent predictor of survival. Changes in LTI and FTI could not be predicted by baseline parameters. BCM may be a sensitive and accurate tool to monitor changes in body composition during dialysis treatment.

Evaluation of body composition monitoring for assessment of nutritional status in hemodialysis patients

Background: Body composition monitoring is the only clinically available method for distinguishing among the three body components. This study aimed to determine the relationship between body composition and all-cause mortality in Chinese hemodialysis patients and examine whether the lean tissue index (LTI) derived from body composition monitoring can accurately diagnose malnourished patients.Methods: Hemodialysis patients (n = 123) with nutritional and body composition assessment records in 2015 were examined. Body composition was assessed using a body composition monitor machine.Results: Fifty-seven patients (46.3%) had low LTI (LTI less than the 10th percentile of the respective normal distribution). Significant differences in the fat tissue index (FTI) were observed, with the low LTI group having a higher FTI (10.8 kg/m2 vs. 9.0 kg/m2, p= .007). The kappa coefficient of agreement between LTI and subjective global assessment (SGA) was 0.26 for the presence of malnutrition. During the mean observation period of 26.7 months, 20 of 123 (16.3%) patients died. Low LTI remained highly predictive of survival in the Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio: 3.24, 95% confidence interval 1.06–9.91, p= .04). Malnourishment defined by SGA predicted survival in the Kaplan–Meier analysis (log-rank χ2=4.05; p= .04) but not in the multivariate analysis.Conclusions: LTI is a predictor of mortality, and its predictive power was not affected when FTI, SGA, and hydration status were included in the multivariate analysis. However, SGA may not be adequate to identify patients at a risk of death among Chinese hemodialysis patients.