Metabolic Risk Factors In Women Research Articles

The levels and trends of metabolic risk factors in the elderly population at the national and sub-national scale in Iran from 1990 to 2016.

Describing the trends of metabolic risk factors (MRFs) in the elderly population. We used modeled data from previous comprehensive systematic reviews for MRFs among adults aged ≥ 60 years. Two stages of age-specific Spatio-temporal modeling and Gaussian process regression were used to estimate the mean of MRFs. We used crosswalk modeling to estimate the prevalence of elevated and raised Total cholesterol (TC), overweight/obesity and obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Estimates were analyzed based on combinations of sex, age, year, and province from 1990 to 2016. Comparing prevalence estimates from 2016 with those of 1990, in the elderly population, the age-standardized prevalence of overweight/obesity, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension increased, conversely, the prevalence of hypercholesteremia decreased. The prevalence of hypertension increased about 141.5% and 129.9% in men and women respectively. The age-standardized prevalence of diabetes increased about 109.5% in females, and 116.0% in males. Prevalence of elevated TC at the national level decreased to 67.4% (64.1-70.4) in women and to 51.1% (47.5-54.8) in men. These findings were almost shown across provinces. In general, the northern and western provinces had the highest prevalence of overweight/obesity in women in 2016. The rising prevalence of most MRFs, as well as the greater prevalence and mean of all MRFs in women, necessitate effective public health policies to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases and run preventive programs. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01297-z.

Contribution of obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors in developing cardiovascular disease: a population-based cohort study

This study aims to assess the effects of central and general adiposity on development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) mediated by cardiometabolic risk factors and to analyze their degree of dependency for mediating their effects. To this end, data from the the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study cohort with 6280 participants were included in this study. The hazard ratios were calculated using a 2-stage regression model in the context of a survival model. Systolic blood pressure (BP), total serum cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose were designated as mediators. Assessing the interactions revealed that BP was the most important mediator for general ( (HRNIE: 1.11, 95% CI 1.17–1.24) and central obesity (CO) (HRNIE: 1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.15) with 60% and 36% proportion of the effects mediated in the total population, respectively. The proportion of mediated risk for all three metabolic risk factors was 46% (95% CI 31–75%) for overweight, 66% (45–100%) for general obesity and 52% (39–87%) for central obesity. BP was the most important mediator for overweight and central obesity in men, comprising 29% and 36% of the risk, respectively. The proportion of the risk mediated through all three metabolic risk factors in women was 23% (95% CI 13–50%) for overweight, 36% (21–64%) for general obesity and 52% (39–87%) for central obesity. Based on the results of this study, cardiometabolic mediators have conciliated more than 60% of the adverse effects of high BMI on CVDs in men. Controlling the metabolic risk factors in women does not efficiently contribute to decreasing CVDs as effectively.

Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Metabolic Risk Factors in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shaanxi China.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women at reproductive age, which is characterized by obesity, hyperandrogenemia, and insulin resistance (IR). This study aimed to investigate the vitamin D status, and analyze the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic risk factors in PCOS women in Shaanxi China.Methods: A cross-sectional study included 169 women diagnosed with PCOS and 114 control women without PCOS. The serum 25(OH)D and metabolic markers were measured. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25(OH)D concentration less than 20 ng/mL. The primary outcome was the difference in vitamin D status between the PCOS and control groups, the secondary outcomes were correlations between serum 25(OH)D concentration and metabolic risk factors in women with PCOS.Results: The serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in women with PCOS than in controls (P < 0.05), and the prevalence rates of 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency were significantly higher in women with PCOS than in controls (P < 0.05). The serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in PCOS women with obesity or IR than in women without obesity or IR (P < 0.05), and the prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in PCOS women with obesity or IR was significantly higher than in women without obesity or IR (P < 0.05). Serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P < 0.05). In comparison, serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.05). Increased BMI and WHR, high levels of fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, LDL-C and hs-CRP were regarded as risk factors, but high level of HDL-C was considered to be protective factor of vitamin D deficiency in PCOS women.Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in PCOS women in Shaanxi China, especially in those with obesity and IR. The serum 25(OH)D level was correlated with metabolic risk factors in PCOS women. Multi-center randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes are needed to probe the metabolic effect of vitamin D supplementation in PCOS women.

Effects of a web-based expert support self-management program (WEST) for women with breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction This study was a randomized controlled trial that examined the effects of a web-based expert support self-management program (WEST) on metabolic syndrome risk factors and self-efficacy among Korean women with breast cancer. Methods Participants were 60 women with breast cancer (30 participants each in both the experimental and control groups) who also had metabolic risk factors. WEST is based on the self-efficacy theory and is a self-health management program consisting of a web-based program, DIETEX (which entails keeping a health diary, identifying a lifestyle type, inputting personal health information), and expert support. WEST was provided to the experimental group once a week for 24 weeks. Metabolic syndrome risk factors and self-efficacy of the experimental and control groups were examined pre-intervention and at 12 and 24 weeks after intervention. Results The decreases in body fat, body fat percentage, and waist circumference were greater in the experimental group than in the control group at 24 weeks (p = 0.019, p = 0.025, and p = 0.038, respectively). Discussion The present study can provide basic data for the development and application of interventions for women with breast cancer in the future. Additionally, we propose that WEST be included in the treatment process to complement the intervention of medical personnel for improving metabolic risk factors in women with breast cancer.

Elevated fasting insulin is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

AimsPCOS is associated with various immediate and long term health complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum fasting insulin concentration with cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. MethodsA total of 349 women, 249 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 100 age-matched healthy controls, were recruited in this case-control study. Fasting insulin and various other biochemical, hormonal and clinical parameters were measured in all participants. The correlation of insulin with cardiometabolic risk factors was evaluated in PCOS women with normal and high serum insulin concentration. ResultsFasting Insulin, BMI, WHR, FAI, LH: FSH, HOMA, QUICKI were significantly higher in PCOS women compared with healthy controls (p < 0.01). Fasting insulin showed a positive correlation with more cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in PCOS compared to controls. The BMI, BAI, LAP, HOMA IR, QUICKI and FAI were significantly higher (all p < 0.05) in PCOS patients with higher insulin levels than with PCOS women with normal levels. ConclusionFasting insulin is an important determinant in the pathogenesis of obesity and hyperandrogenism in PCOS. It is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in women with PCOS.

Effect of Pilates Exercise on Cardio Metabolic Risk Factors in Women with Type 2 Diabetes

AbstractBackground: Diabetes mellitus represents a syndrome of complex metabolic diseases united by the occurrence of hyperglycemia which also exhibits diverse origins (insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, systemic consequences of pregnancy) and has variable accompanying physiological and metabolic disorders leading to increase incidence and frequency of chronic complications due to micro vascular (e.g., neph-ropathy and retinopathy) and macro vascular (stroke, macro vascular coronary and peripheral artery diseases) alterations, as well as the difficulties of controlling it.Aim of Study: The current study intended to determine the effect of pilates exercises on cardio metabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.Patients and Methods: Forty women with type 2 diabetes, aging from 35 to 55 years with 5-7 years ago suffering from diabetes, they were assigned randomly into two groups of equal numbers, control and study. Women in controlled group received regular medical treatment with no change on their regular daily activities. Those in the study group received a designed pilates exercises three days/week for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected and were subjected to laboratory investigations for glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile analysis, measure blood pressure, waist-hip ratio, before intervention, and were repeated after twelve weeks of treat-ment.Results: Pre and post-treatment comparisons showed a statistically significant improvement of the measured variables in the two groups. Moreover, significant difference was recorded in the study group.Conclusions: Designed pilates exercises contributed to improve cardio metabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Does Protein Intake Affect Metabolic Risk Factors among Older Adults in Korea?

BackgroundCarbohydrate intake can impact metabolic risk factors, but related research on protein intake in the elderly is rare. Our purpose was to estimate protein intake and explore how different levels of protein intake influence metabolic risk factors in Korean older adults.MethodsData were obtained from men aged 51–70 years (n=1,735), men aged ≥71 years (n=700), women aged 51–70 years (n=2,305), and women aged ≥71 years (n=957). Health and dietary data were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2010–2011.ResultsRelative to the recommended protein intake based on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans, inadequate intake was higher in women and super-aging groups than in others. Women had an increased risk of having metabolic risk factors. After adjustment for age and sex, compared with those in the highest quartile of protein intake levels (>1.2 g protein/kg body weight/day), participants in the lowest quartile (<0.8 g protein/kg body weight/day) had increased odds ratios (ORs) for abdominal obesity (men: OR, 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00–3.56; women: OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 2.64–4.43), hypertriglyceridemia (men: OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.08–1.93; women: OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.45–2.29), and high fasting blood glucose (men: OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.07–1.87; women: OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.48–2.79).ConclusionProtein intake (<0.8 g protein/kg body weight/day) lower than the recommend level was associated with a higher risk of metabolic abnormalities in Korean older adults. In particular, lower intake of protein contributed to a higher prevalence of metabolic risk factors in women than in men.

Metabolic Concomitants of Obese and Nonobese Women With Features of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Context:Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with obesity and diabetes.Objective:The present study measured body fat distribution and metabolic risk factors in women with features of PCOS.Design:Cross-sectional, multiethnic study of cardiovascular risks.Setting:General community.Study Participants:145 PCOS and 344 non-PCOS women.Exposure Measures:Body composition by dual x-ray absorptiometry; abdominal fat masses measured by magnetic resonance imaging and hepatic triglyceride by magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Outcomes Measures:Body composition, liver fat content, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), revised, and metabolic syndrome components.Results:PCOS women had a higher free androgen index compared with the non-PCOS women. Nonobese PCOS and non-PCOS women had a similar body fat content and distribution, HOMA-IR, and hepatic triglyceride content. Obese PCOS women had a similar total body fat percentage compared with their non-PCOS counterparts (41.4% and 41.4% respectively). Both obese groups had similar intraperitoneal fat (1.4% of total body mass in PCOS vs 1.4% in non-PCOS). However, obese PCOS women had a greater ratio of truncal/lower body fat (1.42 vs 1.27; P < 0.016). They also had greater insulin resistance (HOMA-IR: PCOS, 2.24% vs non-PCOS, 1.91%; P < 0.016), higher liver triglyceride content (6.96% in PCOS vs 4.44% in non-PCOS; P < 0.016), and a greater incidence of hypertension (33% vs 24%; P < 0.05). No differences were observed in other metabolic risk factors.Conclusions:Both obese and nonobese women with PCOS features had a greater free androgen index compared with non-PCOS women, but neither had greater intraperitoneal fat or abnormal lipid levels. Obese, but not nonobese, women with PCOS had a greater truncal/lower extremity fat ratio, HOMA-IR, and liver triglyceride content.

Adipose and Circulating CCL18 Levels Associate With Metabolic Risk Factors in Women.

Cardiometabolic complications in obesity may be linked to white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction. Transcriptomic studies of Sc WAT have reported that CCL18, encoding the CC chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18), is increased in obesity/insulin resistance but its functional role is unknown. Our objectives were to determine if CCL18 is secreted from Sc WAT and if secreted and/or serum levels associate with metabolic phenotypes. We also planned to define the primary cellular source and if CCL18 exerts effects on adipocytes. This is a cohort study. The study took place in an outpatient academic clinic. A total of 130 obese women scheduled for bariatric surgery and 35 nonobese controls were included. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp or homeostasis model assessment. CCL18 was analyzed in serum/WAT incubates by ELISA. Effects of recombinant CCL18 was determined in cultures of primary human adipocytes and the monocyte cell line THP-1 differentiated into M0/M1/M2 macrophages. Association with metabolic risk factors was measured. CCL18 was secreted from WAT and the levels correlated positively with insulin resistance, Adult Treatment Panel III risk score and plasma triglycerides, independent of body mass index and better than other established adipocytokines. In 80 obese women, S-CCL18 levels were significantly higher in insulin resistant compared with insulin sensitive subjects. In WAT CCL18 mRNA was expressed in macrophages and correlated positively with immune-related genes, particularly those enriched in M2 macrophages. While CCL18 increased cyto-/chemokine expression in M0/M2-THP-1 cells, human adipocytes showed no responses in vitro. Circulating and WAT-secreted CCL18 correlates with insulin resistance and metabolic risk score. Because CCL18 is macrophage-specific and associates with adipose immune gene expression, it may constitute a marker of WAT inflammation.

Oral contraceptives versus physical exercise on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Although oral contraceptives (OCs) are one the most widespread therapy in young polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women and physical exercise represents a crucial first step in the treatment of overweight and obese PCOS, no studies were performed to compare the effects on cardiovascular risk (CVR) of OCs and physical exercise in PCOS. To compare the effects of OCs administration and physical exercise on the CVR, clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters in PCOS women. One hundred and fifty PCOS women were enrolled and were randomized to OCs (3 mg drospirenone plus 30 μg ethinyloestradiol), structured exercise training programme (SETP) or polyvitamin tablets. The intervention phase study was of 6 months. Primary outcome was intima-media thickness (IMT) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Secondary outcomes were clinical, hormonal and metabolic changes. A significant reduction of IMT and a significant increase of FMD were observed in the SETP group after treatment. Compared to baseline, in the SETP group, a significant improvement in anthropometric measures, insulin sensitivity indexes, lipid profile, cardiopulmonary function, inflammatory markers and frequency of menses was observed. Oral contraceptives use was associated with a significant decrease of hyperandrogenism and a significant improvement of frequency of menses. Further, OCs use had a neutral effect on CVR risk factors. OCs effectively treat hyperandrogenism and menstrual disturbances, while SETP is more effective in improving cardiometabolic profile and cardiopulmonary function in PCOS.

Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its metabolic risk factors in women of different ages and body mass index.

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), to determine the metabolic risk factors of this disease, and to predict nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with liver fibrosis in women of different ages and body mass index (BMI). In 2010-2011, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 9,360 women at the health checkup center of Zhongnan Hospital (Wuhan, China). The probability of NASH with liver fibrosis was predicted using BAAT (BMI, age, alanine aminotransferase, and triglycerides) score. The prevalence of NAFLD increased from 5.3% to 18.8% in women younger than 45 years versus women aged 45 to 55 years and rose to 27.8% in women older than 55 years. In obese women, the prevalence of NAFLD was 48.4%. Women older than 45 years and obese women with NAFLD had more unfavorable metabolic risk factors. Multiple regression analyses showed that increased BMI and low aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase ratio were closely related to NAFLD in women of different ages, whereas increasing BMI, BAAT score, age, high triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, and low aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase ratio were all closely related to NAFLD in obese women. The prevalence of NASH with a BAAT index of 3 or higher was 13.2% and 14.9% in women older than 55 years and obese women with NAFLD, respectively. Obese and postmenopausal women have a high prevalence of NAFLD and severe metabolic disorders. The prevalence of NASH seems to be considerably higher in obese and postmenopausal women with NAFLD.

Interrelationships of Physical Activity and Sleep with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: a Person-Oriented Approach.

Associations of behaviorally modifiable factors like physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors, and sleep with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are complicated. We examined whether membership in latent classes (LCs) differentiated by PA and sleep profiles (real-life clustering of behaviors in population subgroups) associate with metabolic risk factors and CVD risk. The National FINRISK 2012 Study comprise a cross-sectional sample of 10,000 Finns aged 25 to 74 years. Analyses included participants with complete data on a health questionnaire, a health examination, who had no prevalent CVD (n = 4031). LCs with PA and sleep profiles were previously defined using latent class analysis. Ten metabolic risk factors and the Framingham 10-year CVD risk score were compared between the LCs. PA and sleep class profiles were substantially similar for genders. Compared to LC-1, with a profile including high PA and sufficient sleep, membership in LC-4, with a profile including sedentariness and insufficient sleep was associated with high metabolic risk factors in women but not in men. In women, also membership in LC-2, with a profile including light PA, sufficient sleep, and high sedentariness was associated with high metabolic risk factors. The Framingham 10-year CVD risk score was highest in LCs 2 and 4 in both genders. Membership in LCs differentiated by PA and sleep profiles was associated with metabolic risk factors merely in women, suggesting gender differences in the interrelationships of health behaviors and metabolic risk factors. Total CVD risk differed between the LCs despite of gender; however, the effect was small.

Daily Physical Activity Assessed by a Triaxial Accelerometer Is Beneficially Associated with Waist Circumference, Serum Triglycerides, and Insulin Resistance in Japanese Patients with Prediabetes or Untreated Early Type 2 Diabetes.

Aim. To investigate the association between daily physical activity and metabolic risk factors in Japanese adults with prediabetes or untreated early type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods. Daily physical activity level was measured using a triaxial accelerometer. We assessed correlations between physical activity level and waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting levels of plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, and insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results. A total of 80 patients were studied. After adjustment for age and body mass index, in all subjects, physical activity level was negatively associated with waist circumference (β = −0.124, P = 0.018) and fasting serum triglycerides (β = −0.239, P = 0.035), insulin (β = −0.224, P = 0.022). In men, physical activity level was negatively associated with systolic blood pressure (β = −0.351, P = 0.044), fasting plasma glucose (β = −0.369, P = 0.025) and insulin (β = −0.362, P = 0.012), and HOMA-IR (β = −0.371, P = 0.011). No significant associations were found between physical activity level and metabolic risk factors in women. Conclusion. Objectively measured daily physical activity is beneficially associated with waist circumference, serum triglycerides, and insulin resistance in individuals with prediabetes or untreated early T2D. (This trial is registered with UMIN000015774.)

Eating behavior and its association with measures of adiposity and metabolic risk factors in women ‐ Brazilian Metabolic Syndrome Study (BRAMS) (1034.4)

Introduction:Obesity and metabolic syndrome(MS)justified:nutritional imbala nce and lifestyle.Postprandial dysmetabo lism characterized extended fasting followed meals of high energy density associated with cardiometabolic risk factors(RF)Objectives:Investigate existing associations:eating behavior,RF to MS Methods:Cross sectional study,379 women,17‐75 years old,assessed waist cir cumference(WC),body mass index(BMI)serum liver enzymes,blood glucose,fasting insulin,total,cholesterol,fractions,tri glycerides,adiponectin.To assessment nu tritional composition, behavioral diete tic pattern it was used habitual diete tic recall(DietPro5).Fasting hours prior breakfast, dinner were separately catego rized into 3groups D110,5,J14,5.Statisti cal Pearson correlational test,partial correlation adjustment:BMI,age,total energetic intake,Oneway ANOVA test.Consi dered p&lt;0,05Results positive correlation observed between fasting preceding dinner,glycemic carbohydrate meal holds (r=0,11,p=0,04),CA(r=0,15,p= 0,01), LDLc (r=0,11,p=0,04),AST(r=0,24,p&lt;0,001),GPT(r=0,20,p&lt;0,001),GGT(r=0.25,p=0,003),insulin(r=0,17,p=0,01),adiponectin (r=‐0,15 ,p=0,04).Correlations remained signifi cant:AST and GGT after adjustment age, BMI,energy consumption:(r=0,19,p=0,03),(r=0,25,p=0,01).Fasting breakfast correlated CA(r=0,16,p=0,01),adiponectin (r=‐0,19,p=0,01),adiponectin remained significant after adjustment(r=‐0,23,p= 0,02).Groups of fasting preceding break fast was no difference between mean AST (p=0,01),AST(p=0,03),GGT(p=0,02).Among groups of fasting preceding the dinner difference was found between mean CA(p= 0,01),LDL‐c(p=0,04),adiponectin(p=0,03) Discussion:overfeeding,oxidative stress ,proportional number of hours before are meals,involved with high requirement liver and pancreas.Conclusion:Behavioral dietary pattern was associated with RF and MS.

Cluster analysis of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in women of reproductive age

To study the association between endocrine disturbances and metabolic complications in women seeking gynecologic care. Retrospective study, cluster analysis. Outpatient clinic, university medical center. 573 women, including 384 at low risk and 189 at high risk of cardiometabolic disease. None. Cardiovascular and metabolic parameters and clinical and biochemical characteristics. Risk factors for metabolic disease are associated with a low age of menarche, high levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and liver enzymes, and low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin. Overweight/obese status, polycystic ovary syndrome, oligo/amenorrhea, and hyperandrogenism were found to increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease. However, hyperprolactinemia and premature ovarian failure were not associated with the risk of cardiometabolic disease. In terms of androgens, the serum total testosterone level and free androgen index but not androstenedione or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were associated with cardiometabolic risk. Although polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with metabolic risk, obesity was the major determinant of cardiometabolic disturbances in reproductive-aged women. Hyperprolactinemia and premature ovarian failure were not associated with the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. NCT01826357.

P.3.d.017 Screening for metabolic risk factors in women treated for schizophrenia

P.3.d.017 Screening for metabolic risk factors in women treated for schizophrenia

Metabolic Risk Profile among Overweight and Obese Lactating Women in Sweden

BackgroundObesity and cardiovascular diseases are increasing globally and any association between reproduction and these conditions is of concern. Unfortunately, little is known about normal levels of metabolic risk factors in women of different body mass index throughout the reproductive cycle. This study is one of the first to describe the metabolic risk profile of lactating overweight or obese women at 8–12 weeks postpartum.MethodsDuring 2007–2009, 66 overweight or obese Swedish lactating women without known diseases underwent detailed measurements of their metabolic profiles, dietary intake and general health before entering a lifestyle intervention trial. Baseline measurements took place between 8–12 wk postpartum. Almost all women were exclusively breastfeeding their term infants.ResultsThe women were regarded as healthy, as reflected in the absence of diagnosed diseases, their own perceptions and in normal hemoglobin, albumin and fasting plasma glucose values. Four women were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. In these cases, underlying conditions included large waist circumference, low HDL cholesterol values, high triglyceride values and relatively high blood pressure. The metabolic profile differed between overweight and obese women; obese women had significantly higher levels of fasting insulin (p = 0.017), borderline higher HOMA values (p = 0.057) and significantly higher triglyceride values (p = 0.029), as well as larger waist and hip circumferences (p<0.001 and p<0.001). However, no significant differences between overweight and obese women were detected for LDL or total cholesterol levels. Overweight and obese women reported similar total energy and macronutrient intakes, but obese women tended to be less physically active (p = 0.081).ConclusionsAmong generally healthy lactating women, obesity as compared to overweight is associated with increased metabolic risk. This cut-off is thus important also in the early postpartum period, and obesity among these women should warrant proper health investigation. Macronutrient intake did not differ between the groups and, hence, cannot explain these differences.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01343238

Physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors at menopause: The Nord-Trøndelag health study

Background Lowered physical activity levels may partially explain changes in metabolic risk factors in women after menopause.Objectives To evaluate the association between physical activity and metabolic risk factors at baseline and after 11 years, as well as the change in that association over time in women who were premenopausal and ≥ 40 years at baseline.Methods Subjects in a Norwegian population-based health survey answered questionnaires and had body and serum measurements during 1995–1997 (HUNT 2) and in a follow-up study during 2006–2008 (HUNT 3). Repeated-measures analyses were used to estimate the association between physical activity and metabolic factors, adjusting for age, smoking status, education, alcohol intake, and parity. Adjustment for hormonal treatment and medication was made, as appropriate.Results In women remaining premenopausal, a higher physical activity score in HUNT 3 was associated with lower weight (p < 0.01) and waist–hip ratio (p < 0.01) and higher high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in HUNT 3 (p < 0.01). In women that were postmenopausal by the time of follow-up, a higher physical activity score in HUNT 3 was associated with lower weight (p < 0.01), waist–hip ratio (p < 0.01), triglycerides (p < 0.01), and higher total cholesterol (p < 0.05), HDL cholesterol (p < 0.01), and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) in HUNT 3. The association of total physical activity score with weight and waist–hip ratio was stronger in HUNT 3 than in HUNT 2 (p < 0.01).Conclusion Increased physical activity may reduce the risk of adverse outcomes and use of pharmacological management in women of menopausal age.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on serum adiponectin levels and some metabolic risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common female endocrine disorder associated with several risk factors of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on serum adiponectin levels and some metabolic risk factors in PCOS patients. This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 64 overweight or obese PCOS patients; aged 20-35 years. Subjects in omega-3 fatty acids (n=32) and placebo (n=32) groups were given 4 omega- 3 fatty acids capsules (each one contained 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg docosahexanoic acid) or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements and 3-day, 24-hour dietary recalls were collected at the baseline and at the end of the trial. The study was completed by 61 subjects. Omega-3 fatty acids significantly increased serum levels of adiponectin (p=0.003) and decreased glucose (p<0.001), insulin (p=0.002), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p<0.001), total cholesterol (p=0.002) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.003) compared with placebo. Serum levels of triglyceride significantly decreased (p=0.024) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased (p=0.018) in the omega-3 fatty acids group, in comparison with baseline values. No significant changes were shown in serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in both groups. Omega-3 fatty acids had some beneficial effects on serum adiponectin levels, insulin resistance and lipid profile in PCOS patients and may contribute to the improvement of metabolic complications in these patients.

Turner syndrome: update on current therapies

New treatments for girls and women with Turner syndrome (monosomy X) have dramatically improved their quality of life and health. Young girls are treated with growth hormone to enhance adult height, and with estrogen to induce and maintain feminization, and prevent osteoporosis. Vigilant screening for otitis, thyroid disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes allows for early and effective medical treatment of these common problems. Comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation and regular monitoring of aortic diameter are essential to identify individuals at risk for dissection or rupture. Insights derived from the study of metabolic risk factors in women with Turner syndrome may illuminate gender differences in atherosclerotic heart disease.