Greater Abdominal Circumference Research Articles

Sleep quality during pregnancy and fetal growth: A prospective cohort study.

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between sleep quality during pregnancy and fetal growth. Pregnant women and their fetuses at 16-20 gestational weeks in Nantong Maternal and Child Health Hospital were recruited. Women were classified as having "good sleep quality" (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score ≤ 5) and "poor sleep quality" (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score > 5) according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. The fetal growth was evaluated by three ultrasonographic examinations, birth weight and birth length. We used general linear model and multiple linear regression models to estimate the associations. A total of 386 pairs of mother and infant were included in the data analysis. After adjusting for gestational weight gain, anxiety and depression, fetuses in the good sleep quality group had greater abdominal circumference (p = 0.039 for 28-31+6 weeks gestation, p = 0.012 for 37-40+6 weeks gestation) and femur length (p = 0.014 for 28-31+6 weeks gestation, p = 0.041for 37-40+6 weeks gestation) at 28-31+6 weeks gestation and 37-40+6 weeks gestation, and increased femur length (p = 0.007) at 28-31+6 weeks gestation. Birth weights (p = 0.018) were positively associated with sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was associated with poor intrauterine physical development, decreased abdominal circumference and femur length, and lower birth weight after adjusting for confounding factors. Attention to the fetal growth of pregnant women with poor sleep quality has the potential to decrease the risk of adverse fetal outcomes.

ANALISIS FAKTOR KEJADIAN SINDROM METABOLIK PADA PEKERJA LAPANGAN LEPAS PANTAI DI PT X TAHUN 2021

Metabolic syndrome according to the American Heart Association (AHA) 2021 is a collection of 5 risk factors that can trigger heart attacks, diabetes, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. The 5 risk factors are (1) increased triglyceride levels, (2) greater abdominal circumference, (3) increased blood sugar (4) decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and (5) increased blood pressure. Based on the results of the 2021 Medical Check Up (MCU), all workers at PT X found that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome had increased to 22.4% compared to the previous year (16.2%). The purpose of this study was to describe the metabolic syndrome in offshore field workers at PT X in 2021 using the cross sectional method. From the research results it is known that the variables of family history, work shift, length of work, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration and smoking are not associated with the incidence of metabolic syndrome (p-value > 0.05). Age and BMI variables were associated with the incidence of metabolic syndrome (p-value <0.05).There was no difference between the eating patterns of respondents who had a history of metabolic syndrome and the eating patterns of respondents who did not have a history of metabolic syndrome. Therefore, it is necessary to promote the worker heath program to increase awareness of workers about health.
 Keywords: Metabolic Syndrome, Offshore Field Workers, Age, BMI

Weight Gain in Overweight and Obese People with HIV-The OBHIV Cohort.

HIV and non-HIV-related factors have been related to weight gain (WG); however, their specific impact on people with HIV (PWH) who are overweight or obese remains unclear. This is a single-center observational study enrolling PWH with a BMI > 25 kg/m2. A generalized linear model was used to assess variables related to greater WG during 12 years of observation. A total of 321 PWH were enrolled, 67% overweight and 33% obese, who gained an average of 0.2 ± 1.3 and 1.7 ± 1.5 kg/year, respectively (p < 0.0001). Years since HIV infection were the only variable significantly associated with WG (β -0.048, 95% CI -0.083; -0.013) during the study period, while type of ART did not influence the outcome. Narrowing the observation to the period of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, PWH with a longer duration of infection (β 0.075, 95% CI 0.033; 0.117) and a greater increase in triglycerides (β 0.005; 95% CI 0.000; 0.011) gained more weight, while higher BMI (β -0.256, 95% CI -0.352; -0.160), obesity (β -1.363, 95% CI -2.319; -0.408), diabetes mellitus (β -1.538, 95% CI -2.797; -0.278), and greater abdominal circumference (β -0.086, 95% CI -0.142; -0.030) resulted in protection. Among overweight and obese PWH, the amount of WG was higher in the first years after diagnosis of HIV and decreased thereafter, despite aging, regardless of the type of ART.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease prevalence and risk factors in inflammatory bowel disease in tertiary center.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors related to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in inflammatory bowel disease patients. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on adults with inflammatory bowel disease from 2019 to 2021. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease encompasses patients with steatosis and at least one cardiometabolic risk factor. Patients with alcohol consumption ≥20 g/day, chronic liver diseases, or methotrexate use were excluded. Almost 140 patients were included: 67.1% were female, with a mean age of 49.7±13.7 years, and 63.6% had Crohn's disease. The mean duration of inflammatory bowel disease was 9.7±7.9 years. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease was observed in 44.3% and advanced liver fibrosis was excluded in 63.5% by Fibrosis-4. Patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease were older (p = 0.003) and had a higher number of metabolic syndrome components (2.9±1.1 versus 1.6±1.0; p<0.001), greater abdominal circumference (p<0.001), and body mass index (p<0.001). The only factor related to inflammatory bowel disease associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease was disease duration (11.6±9.5 versus 8.3±6.2; p = 0.017). A higher number of metabolic syndrome components and obesity increase by 2.2 times and an altered waist circumference by 2.6 times the occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. A high prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease was observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, with the main risk factors being associated with metabolic syndrome predicting it, but not with inflammatory bowel disease features and/or its treatment.

Overweight status, abdominal circumference, physical activity, and functional constipation in children.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of functional constipation and its relationship with the food intake, overweight status, and physical activity of children. This cross-sectional study included students from two public schools in the municipality of Osasco, which is located in the metropolitan area of São Paulo. Functional constipation was diagnosed if the clinical manifestations of the Rome IV criteria were present for more than 2 months. A 24-h recall survey was used to determine the daily food intake. Weight, height, abdominal circumference, and bioelectrical impedance were used to evaluate the weight status. Active commuting to school and physical activity scores were assessed using a questionnaire that has been validated in Brazil. A total of 452 children, aged 6-12 years, were evaluated. Functional constipation was observed in 22.3% of participants. A greater abdominal circumference was associated with functional constipation in girls (p=0.036) in the bivariate analysis but not in the logistic regression model. Boys with functional constipation consumed higher quantities of fats (p=0.041). There was no statistically significant relationship between functional constipation and overweight status (44.6 and 34.5% of children with and without constipation, respectively; p=0.083) and active commuting to school (48.5 and 56.7% of children with and without constipation, respectively; p=0.179). Functional constipation was associated with a greater abdominal circumference in girls in the bivariate analysis, however, without association in the logistic regression model. Boys with functional constipation consumed higher quantities of fat. No association was found between functional constipation, overweight status, and physical activity.

Raman spectroscopy of the skin of an animal model of diet‐induced obesity

IntroductionThe most common consequences of obesity are metabolic disorders. Moreover, obesity leads to alterations of skin physiology like changes in barrier function, sebaceous glands and sebum production, sweat glands, collagen structure, wound healing and microcirculation. Obesity is a risk factor for the development of inflammatory skin diseases produced by cytokines released from dysfunctional subcutaneous fat cells.The detection of cutaneous structural and biomolecular changes with new non‐invasive techniques is a novel approach. Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a vibrational spectroscopic technique that can provide a non‐destructive characterization of tissue to a molecular level. It can be used to detect biomarkers associated with a disease that modifies the molecular composition, and these changes are reflected in the Raman spectra. In this work, we propose its use in vivo to study the molecular composition of skin to identify alterations associated with obesity in an animal model.MethodsWistar rats (~100 g), were divided into 2 random groups (n=8), fed a standard diet (control group) and high‐fat diet 40% extra (Obese group) for 8 and 52 weeks, individually housed in acrylic boxes, in constant conditions, free access to the diet and water. Total body weight, percentage of total fat, blood pressure, and blood triglycerides were analyzed. A portable 785 nm Raman spectrometer, 5‐300 mW laser power, was used on a clean and shaved abdominal skin. The Raman probe was placed in contact with the skin's surface. Five scans were collected using a 15 s total exposure time in the 200‐1800 cm‐1 spectral range.Results52‐week obese group showed an increase in total body fat, greater abdominal circumference, elevated blood pressure, and increased serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides compared to their respective control group and the 8‐week groups. Furthermore, the obese group showed visible skin lesions predominantly in the cervical region. The mean Raman spectra of skin corresponding to controls and obese groups show characteristic peaks of in vivo skin at 851, 963, 1048, 1064, 1257, 1303, 1445, and 1658 cm‐1. Despite the similarity in the Raman spectra of 8 and 52 weeks control groups, increased Raman intensity can be found in the 52‐weeks group, related to the age of the subjects. In the obese groups, at 8‐weeks Raman spectra show high intensity in the protein and carbohydrates related bands, while 52‐weeks obese show high‐intensity bands related to proteins and lipids. The latter could be related to the HFD as expected.ConclusionsThe results show that RS may identify spectral differences in the skin of obese animals. Raman intensity differences were found in the protein and lipid spectral regions of the obese group. A detailed analysis is needed to interpret all the peaks present in each group and explain the spectral differences in the obese group toward identifying a possible spectral biomarker of obesity. The results show that RS is a relatively simple, fast, non‐invasive method to analyze in vivo skin with HFD induced obesity.

The dynamic changes in the pattern of liver function tests in pregnant obese women.

Obesity is an important problem in healthcare regarding gestating women. The objective of the present study was to highlight the impact that obesity has on the hepatic function in pregnant women by comparing the functional tests used in current practice. In addition, the aim was to identify possible predictors of liver damage by analyzing specific anthropometric data. The present study was descriptive, observational, retrospective, and based on the observation sheets found in the database of the Institute for the Health of the Mother and Child, the Obstetrics Gynecology Department of Polizu Hospital. Patients who presented for consultation in each trimester of pregnancy were included in the study. Demographic data taken into account included age, body mass index (BMI), provenance environment, anthropometric data: Abdominal circumference and the complete set of paraclinical data from which we extracted these specific liver tests: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), direct bilirubin (BD), serum albumin and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The present study included 157 patients divided into two groups, distributed as follows: Group A: 66 obese pregnant women (BMI >25 kg/m2) and group B: 91 patients with normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2). Measurement of serum ALT and AST were the most useful tests for routine diagnosis of liver disease. The effects of pregnancy on serum levels of ALT and AST are controversial. In some studies, there was a slight increase in ALT and AST during the second and third trimesters, a fact confirmed by our study, albeit the result was not statistically significant Most published studies claim that serum ALT and AST levels do not change during pregnancy. In conclusion, obesity during pregnancy does not drastically influence liver function. However, patients with greater abdominal circumference are prone to developing minor hepatic cytolysis syndrome during the gestation period. The liver functional tests described in the aforementioned groups agree with the results provided by the specialized studies.

Relationship Between Maternal Bone Biomarkers and Fetal Adiposity Through Normal Pregnancy.

To examine the association of maternal bone markers [sclerostin, soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (sRANKL), osteocalcin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3] with fetal intra-abdominal and subcutaneous adipose tissue deposition and birthweight during normal pregnancy. One hundred pregnant women (aged 30.4 ± 5.6 years, mean ± SD) with prepregnancy body mass index = 24.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2 were seen prospectively during each trimester. At each visit they were submitted to anthropometric measurements, a fasting blood sampling, a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, and a fetal ultrasonogram. At birth, neonates had birth weight measurement. In the second trimester, maternal sclerostin concentrations correlated positively with fetal abdominal circumference and birth weight; maternal sRANKL concentrations correlated positively with fetal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness, sagittal abdominal diameter, and abdominal circumference. Fetuses born to mothers with greater (>254 ng/mL), compared to fetuses born to mothers with lower (≤254ng/mL), sRANKL concentrations had greater abdominal circumference, sagittal diameter, and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness. Maternal serum sclerostin concentrations were the best positive predictors of birth weight. In the third trimester maternal sclerostin concentrations correlated positively with fetal sagittal abdominal diameter; maternal sRANKL concentrations positively correlated with fetal abdominal circumference and fetal abdominal sagittal diameter. Maternal bone markers sclerostin and sRANKL may relate to fetal intra-abdominal adipose tissue deposition through as yet unknown direct or indirect mechanisms, thus contributing to birthweight.

Steatosis and steatohepatitis found in adults after death due to non-burn trauma

OBJECTIVE:With the increasing prevalence of steatosis, the number of steatotic liver grafts from deceased donors is also increasing. Thus, determining the prevalence and the population risk factors of steatosis may assist in risk stratification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of steatosis and steatohepatitis among livers from adults who died due to non-burn trauma.METHODS:Specimens were collected from 224 adults undergoing autopsy at a regional autopsy referral center from September 2011 to April 2013. Histopathological examination was performed on six samples obtained from different lobes of each liver. The outcomes of interest were the presence of steatosis, steatohepatitis, NASH inflammation and NASH fibrosis. The main predictors were body mass index, abdominal circumference, liver weight and volume, presence of cholelithiasis, and siderosis. Our modeling strategy made use of a series of generalized linear models with a binomial family.RESULTS:Our sample had a mean age of 40 years; steatosis was diagnosed in 48.2% of cases, and steatohepatitis was diagnosed in 2.7%. The presence of a high proportion of fatty changes was more prevalent among males and older individuals, with the most affected age group being 41-60 years. When evaluating the crude odds ratio for steatosis, the factors significantly associated with an increased risk of steatosis were greater abdominal circumference, BMI, and liver weight and the presence of siderosis.CONCLUSION:Our study reinforces the role of older age, obesity and hepatomegaly as predictors of fatty liver disease. These variables should be considered in the assessment of fatty changes in the livers of potential liver donors.

Comparing self-reported physical activity and sedentary time to objective fitness measures in a military cohort

ObjectivesRegular vigorous physical activity (PA) and high levels of physical fitness (PF) confer health benefits. Conversely, sedentary time is a risk factor for chronic illness, independent of PA. We evaluated associations between self-reported PA, sedentary time, and objective PF measures in military Service members. DesignCross-sectional study including 10,105 Air Force Millennium Cohort participants with a valid physical fitness assessment (PFA). MethodsLinear regression assessed associations between self-report PA, screen time, and usual activity and abdominal circumference (AC) and VO2 max; logistic regression was used for PFA failure. We stratified by age and sex. ResultsMen who self-reported high versus low levels of PA had greater AC (19–29 years: β=0.23in., 95% CI 0.07, 0.39; 30–39 years: β=0.45in., 95% CI 0.17, 0.72). High versus low self-reported PA was also associated with greater VO2Max (β=:0.81–1.41mL/kg/min). Self-reported strength training for ≥2days/week was associated with greater VO2Max in 19–29year old men (β=0.84mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.09, 0.60) and 30–39year old women (β=0.74mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.02, 1.46). For younger men and women,<2h of screen time/day was associated with greater VO2Max (Males 19–29years: β=0.23mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.44, 1.26; Females 19–29years: β=0.83mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.25, 1.42). PA was not associated with PFA failure, while screen time was (Males OR: 0.32–0.65, 95% CI 0.17–0.92, p<0.001–0.016). ConclusionsSelf-reported PA and screen time were associated with some objective PF measures, including VO2Max and AC. However, screen time alone was associated with PFA failure.

Associations Between Amniotic Fluid Minerals and Fetal Ultrasound Measurements

BackgroundAmniotic fluid (AF) contains macro‐ and micro‐minerals (MMM) ingested by the fetus through fetal swallowing, but few studies have examined their influence on fetal growth.ObjectiveTo determine the impact of 15 MMM concentrations (Mg, K, Ca, Al, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Ag, Pb, Fe, Cr, As, Se) in 2nd trimester AF on 5 fetal ultrasound measurements: estimated weight, bi‐parietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length in early (16‐20 wk) and late (32‐36 wk) gestation.Methods: AF was collected at amniocentesis (12‐20 wk). AF MMM concentrations were measured by ICP‐MS. Each fetal ultrasound measurement was tested as a dependent variable using multiple regressions, with each MMM entered as an independent variable while controlling for selected variables (multivitamin‐mineral supplementation, gestational age, estimated weight, amniocentesis wk, pre‐pregnancy BMI, parity, maternal height, ethnicity).Results: In early pregnancy, copper was associated with both lower bi‐parietal diameter and lower abdominal circumference; nickel, zinc and lead with lower head circumference; copper and zinc with greater abdominal circumference; and selenium with lower femur length. In late pregnancy, calcium was associated with greater bi‐parietal diameter and lead with greater abdominal circumference. In addition, calcium was associated with greater change in bi‐parietal diameter; nickel and copper with greater change in head circumference; and selenium with greater change in femur length from early to late pregnancy.ConclusionAF concentrations of calcium, copper, zinc, lead, nickel and selenium are associated with fetal growth changes during pregnancy independent of multivitamin‐mineral supplementation.

1816 – Prenatal exposure to lithium and fetal and neonatal growth

Insulin-dependent diabetes, obesity and gestational diabetes are factors associated with macrosomia. Some psychiatric medications have well established side effects of weight changes in exposed pregnants. However, very few studies have investigated about the effects of lithium in fetal and neonatal anthropometry. To investigate the effects of maternal use of lithium during pregnancy on fetal and neonatal growth. A case-control study was conducted at the PERINATAL PSYCHIATRY PROGRAM CLÍNIC-BARCELONA. Case group consisted of 18 pregnant women on maintenance treatment with lithium monotherapy (n=13) or polytherapy (n=5) during pregnancy; control group involves 49 healthy women selected from an initial sample of 309. We evaluated sociodemographic data, lithium plasma concentrations in maternal blood and umbilical cord, fetal and neonatal anthropometry. Women did not diabetes or obesity criteria pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy. Mean maternal age (SD) in lithium exposed cases was 33.5 (3.8) and 32.5 (4.1) in non-exposed pregnant. No statistically significant differences were found regarding sociodemographic variables and pre-pregnancy BMI. Caesarean section was required in 91.8% of lithium exposed mothers, whereas 8.2% of non-exposed women did not need it (p= 0.000). Fetuses exposed to lithium had greater abdominal circumference (p= 0.018) and femur length (p= 0.010) compared to non-exposed group. There were no differences in umbilical cord/maternal plasma lithium ratio between women treated with lithium monotherapy or polytherapy (1.11vs.1.03). The fetuses exposed to lithium had a greater abdominal circumference, greater femur length and more caesarean section in comparison to non-exposed group. Fetal growth surveillance is recommended in pregnant treated with lithium.

A single nucleotide polymorphism of the adenosine deaminase, RNA-specific gene is associated with the serum triglyceride level, abdominal circumference, and serum adiponectin concentration

BackgroundSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the adenosine deaminase, RNA-specific (ADAR) gene were reported to be associated with human longevity. There are possibilities that ADAR is associated with major risk factors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. ObjectiveTo investigate the association between SNPs of the ADAR gene and clinical data associated with major risk factors of atherosclerotic CVD. SubjectsA total of 1504 general population residents (586 males and 918 females) of two towns, Tanno-cho and Sobestu-cho, in Hokkaido, Japan. MethodsClinical data associated with risk factors of atherosclerotic CVD were collected from these study subjects. DNA from peripheral blood and written informed consent were obtained. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms of ADARB1 and ADARB2, which were previously reported to be associated with longevity, were genotyped employing the TaqMan PCR method. The associations between SNPs in ADARB1 and ADARB2 and clinical parameters related to risk factors of atherosclerosis were analyzed. ResultsOn uni- and multivariate analyses, rs2805533 in ADARB2 was significantly associated with the abdominal circumference, body mass index, serum triglyceride level, and serum adiponectin level. The subjects with the AA genotype of rs2805533 had a greater abdominal circumference, higher body mass index, higher triglyceride level, and lower adiponectin level than those with AG and GG genotypes. ConclusionThe SNP in ADARB2 related to longevity is associated with metabolic disorders. This finding suggests that genetic factors modulate human longevity via the regulation of metabolic factors such as abdominal obesity and lipid profiles.

Breed differences in fetal and placental development and feto-maternal amino acid status following nutrient restriction during early and mid pregnancy in Scottish Blackface and Suffolk sheep

This study assessed the effect of feeding 0.75 energy requirements between Days 1 and 90 of pregnancy on placental development and feto-placental amino acid status on Day 125 of pregnancy in Scottish Blackface and Suffolk ewes carrying a single fetus. Such moderate nutrient restriction did not affect placental size, placentome number or the distribution of placentome types. Although fetal weight was unaffected by maternal nutrition, fetuses carried by nutrient restricted mothers had relatively lighter brains and gastrocnemius muscles. Suffolk fetuses were heavier and longer with a greater abdominal circumference, relatively lighter brains, hearts and kidneys, but heavier spleens, livers and gastrocnemius muscles than Blackface fetuses. Total placentome weight was greater in Suffolk than Blackface ewes. Ewe breed had a greater effect on amino acid concentrations than nutrition. Ratios of maternal to fetal amino acid concentrations were greater in Suffolk ewes than Blackface ewes, particularly for some essential amino acids. The heavier liver and muscles in Suffolk fetuses may suggest increased amino acid transport across the Suffolk placenta in the absence of breed differences in gross placental efficiency. These data provide evidence of differences in nutrient handling and partitioning between the maternal body and the fetus in the two breeds studied.

Anthropometry from birth to 24 months among offspring of women with gestational diabetes: 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort.

The aim of this study was to compare physical growth from birth to 2 years of age of babies born to women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), among the subjects of the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Mothers who gave birth in 2004 in any of the five maternity wards in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil, were interviewed shortly after delivery by trained interviewers, using tested, pre-coded questionnaires. GDM diagnosis was self-reported. Child weight, length and abdominal circumference were measured, and adjusted weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height Z-scores were calculated at birth, 3, 12 and 24 months. We studied 4239 children. Offspring of GDM mothers (OGDM; n = 125) had lower gestational age (GA; P = 0.004), greater weight (P = 0.002) and greater abdominal circumference (P < 0.001) at birth. Prevalence of large for GA (LGA) was threefold higher among OGDM (18.4% v. 6.8%). Mean weight-for-age (0.48 v. -0.07; P < 0.001) and weight-for-height (0.94 v. 0.51; P < 0.001) Z-scores were also higher among OGDM. During the first 3 months, there was an abrupt catch-down among OGDM babies, who remained lighter than non-GDM offspring until the 24th month. LGA OGDM were heavier than LGA offspring of non-GDM mothers at birth, but had caught down with babies born with adequate weight for GA to non-GDM by 3 months, and showed similar growth patterns from thereon. OGDM show different growth patterns when compared to offspring of non-GDM mothers, which may be part of a causal pathway or constitute a risk marker for future obesity, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus.

Fetal myocardial performance in pregnancies complicated by gestational impaired glucose tolerance

To determine fetal myocardial performance in pregnancies complicated by mild gestational impaired glucose tolerance (GIGT). Ultrasound examinations were performed in 37 pregnant women with mild GIGT (36 did not require insulin) and in 44 controls at 18-24, 26-30 and 34-37 weeks of gestation. The thickness of the fetal ventricular walls and interventricular septum were measured by M-mode echocardiography. Using conventional Doppler echocardiography, the mitral and tricuspid early (E) and late (A) diastolic velocities and the ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI) were determined. The fetuses of women with GIGT had a greater abdominal circumference (P = 0.02), a larger amniotic fluid index (P = 0.03), and a tendency to be heavier (P = 0.058) at the third scan. There were no significant differences in myocardial thickness, mitral and tricuspid E and A velocities, and E/A ratios between study and control groups. The left and right ventricular MPIs, while similar between the two groups in the first and second scans, had decreased significantly by late gestation in the GIGT fetuses (P for trend = 0.018 and 0.014, respectively) and were significantly lower than those of the control group (P = 0.002 and 0.0008, respectively). Fetuses of women with mild GIGT lack the ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction that is common in fetuses of diabetic mothers, and they have a decreased MPI late in gestation. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Age-dependence of the relationship between adiposity and serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol in men.

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of age on the relationships between commonly used measures of adiposity [abdominal circumference (AC) and body mass index (BMI)] and serum lipids in men.AC, height, weight, and a fasting serum lipid profile were measured in 194 male volunteers, aged 18 to 81 years, who were free of diabetes mellitus and had participated in one of several studies on metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in the authors' laboratory. Least squares linear regression and two-way analysis of variance were used to assess relationships between measures of adiposity and fasting serum lipid values in two age groups: 18 to 49 (n = 53) and 50 to 81 years (n = 141).Increasing AC correlated with serum triglycerides [r = 0.32 (younger) and 0.43 (older)], and was inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = −0.26 and −0.26). Regression lines for these relationships did not differ between age groups. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) increased with greater AC among younger subjects (r = 0.44), but not among men over 50 years (r = −0.01). The relationships between BMI and serum lipids generally paralleled those for AC, but were weaker than for AC in the younger group.These findings suggest that an interaction exists between age and adiposity as determinants of LDL-C levels, and that AC is a simple, clinically useful tool for assessing risk for adiposity-related dyslipidemia in men.