Metabolic Risk Markers Research Articles

Arabinoxylan oligosaccharides and polyunsaturated fatty acid effects on gut microbiota and metabolic markers in overweight individuals with signs of metabolic syndrome: A randomized cross-over trial

Gut microbiota composition is linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. The nutrients and doses required to modulate the gut microbiota towards beneficially influence components of the metabolic syndrome are unclear. This study aimed to investigate diet-induced effects on the gut microbiota and metabolic markers in overweight individuals with indices of the metabolic syndrome. A twelve-week randomized cross-over trial was conducted with two intervention periods separated by a washout period. The dietary intakes of interest were wheat bran extract, rich in arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (AXOS) (10.4g/d AXOS) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (3.6g/d n-3 PUFA). Dietary records, fecal and blood samples, as well as anthropometric data, were collected before and after intervention. Anthropometry and gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated weekly. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by massive sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA gene V3V4 amplicons. Twenty-seven participants completed the study (90%). Intake of AXOS induced an expected bifidogenic effect on gut microbiota (p<0.01) and increased butyrate-producing bacterial species as well (p<0.05). Beta-diversity analysis indicated that the structure of the gut microbiota only changed as a result of the AXOS intervention (Permanova=1.90, p<0.02) and no changes in metabolic markers were observed after any of the interventions. AXOS intake has a bifidogenic effect and also increases butyrate producers in the gut microbiota; even though this type of dietary fiber did not modulate lipid or glucose metabolic parameters related to metabolic syndrome. Four-week PUFA intake did not induce any notable effect on the gut microbiota composition or metabolic risk markers. Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT02215343. Registered at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT02215343). H-4-2014-052. 2013-54-0522.

Retinol-binding protein 4 better correlates with metabolic syndrome than cystatin C

Abstract Background Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and cystatin C are regarded as novel metabolic risk markers. Therefore, we aimed to examine which one of these biomarkers better correlates with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a cohort of postmenopausal women. Methods A total of 129 postmenopausal women (among which 62 women had MetS) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. MetS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results Cystatin C and RBP4 levels were significantly higher in women with MetS, compared to those without MetS (p=0.011 vs. p&lt;0.001, respectively). A significant difference in the proportion of women with and without MetS across cystatin C and RBP4 quartiles was observed (χ2=5.1, p=0.025, and χ2=11.1, p=0.001, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed a borderline significant relationship between cystatin C and MetS (p=0.066), but this significance disappeared after adjustment for age, inflammation level and duration of menopause (p=0.221). On the contrary, a significant relationship between RBP4 and MetS was observed not only without adjustment (p=0.009), but also even after adjustment for age, inflammation level and duration of menopause (p=0.006). Conclusions RBP4 better correlates with MetS than cystatin C in postmenopausal women.

Dairy intake revisited \u2013 associations between dairy intake and lifestyle related cardio-metabolic risk factors in a high milk consuming population

BackgroundThe association between milk and dairy intake and the incidence of cardiometabolic diseases, cancer and mortality has been evaluated in many studies, but these studies have had conflicting results with no clear conclusion on causal or confounding associations. The present study aims to further address this association by cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluation of the associations between exposure to various types of dairy products and metabolic risk markers among inhabitants in northern Sweden while taking other lifestyle factors into account.MethodsRespondents in the Västerbotten Intervention Programme with complete and plausible diet data between 1991 and 2016 were included, yielding 124,934 observations from 90,512 unique subjects. For longitudinal analysis, 27,682 participants with a visit 8–12 years after the first visit were identified. All participants completed a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Metabolic risk markers, including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, serum (S) cholesterol and triglycerides, and blood glucose, were measured. Participants were categorized into quintiles by intake of dairy products, and risk (odds ratios, OR) of undesirable levels of metabolic risk markers was assessed in multivariable logistic regression analyses. In longitudinal analyses, intake quintiles were related to desirable levels of metabolic risk markers at both visits or deterioration at follow-up using Cox regression analyses.ResultsThe OR of being classified with an undesirable BMI decreased with increasing quintiles of total dairy, cheese and butter intake but increased with increasing non-fermented milk intake. The OR of being classified with an undesirable S-cholesterol level increased with increasing intake of total dairy, butter and high fat (3%) non-fermented milk, whereas an undesirable S-triglyceride level was inversely associated with cheese and butter intake in women. In longitudinal analyses, increasing butter intake was associated with deterioration of S-cholesterol and blood glucose levels, whereas increasing cheese intake was associated with a lower risk of deterioration of S-triglycerides.ConclusionsConfounding factors likely contribute to the demonstrated association between dairy intake and mortality, and other medical conditions and analyses should be stratified by dairy type.

Abstract 16911: Significant Reduction of Visceral Fat With Doctor-Supervised, Intense Weight Loss Program

While effective therapies are available to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States, few strategies exist targeting visceral fat (VF) as a means to reduce risk of CVD and other metabolic diseases. Commercial weight loss programs target body weight but provide minimal effect on validated surrogates of CVD risk. VF is a validated direct marker of cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk in both the young and old. The 20Lighter Program (T20LP), a doctor-supervised program combining patent-pending meal plans, nutritional supplementation, and daily oversight is designed to reduce VF, lower risk of disease, and improve health. T20LP employs VF reduction as a clinical indicator of cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk instead of a simple weight loss endpoint. For the first time, we present data collected over the past 3 years from the T20LP including 2200 men and women completing T20LP by Dec 31, 2017. Baseline age (54±9.5), BMI (34.1±6.1), comorbidities, medical history, and prescription medications were typical of metabolic syndrome. From initial baseline to 20 days, 40 days, and 60 days, T20LP participants showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in % body weight (6.7±0.64, 10.9±0.10, 13.1±0.15) and % visceral fat (14.0±0.24, 20.1±0.31, 25.1±0.43) (Figure 1). Unlike conventional weight loss programs, our results show a significant reduction in VF thereby lowering risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. T20LP is a comprehensive lifestyle program capable of complementing pharmacological CVD and metabolic syndrome treatments. Our data suggest a doctor-supervised, structured setting can provide safe and clinically relevant VF reduction in overweight adults and teens at risk of CVD and metabolic disease.

Evaluation of Metabolic Risk Markers: Calcium/Magnesium Ratio, Lipoproteins and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Evaluation of Metabolic Risk Markers: Calcium/Magnesium Ratio, Lipoproteins and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Association between metabolic risk markers, body composition and different manifestations of strength in young adults

Introduction: For decades, low levels of muscle strength (MS) have been associated with an increased risk of mortality from all causes.Objective: To identify the correlation between values of different manifestations of MS and metabolic risk markers (MRM) in young university students.Materials and methods: The study included 50 participants (37 men, 13 women), aged between 19 and 23 years. The grip strength of both hands and the muscular strength of upper and lower limbs were evaluated, as well as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), skin folds, HDL, cholesterol and triglycerides.Results: No significant associations between MRM and the different manifestations of MS were found.Conclusion: MS and MRM are separately associated with mortality risk factors and with suffering from cardiovascular diseases

Association of A:O ratio with metabolic risk markers in North Indian women

BackgroundPlasma concentrations of Acylation stimulating protein (ASP) and Orexin-A are closely linked to body weight and energy homeostasis. The purpose of this study is to describe the associations of A:O with metabolic risk marker in women. MethodsThis is a case control study. Total 382 women were recruited for the study.192 women with metabolic syndrome (WmetS) &190 women without metabolic syndrome (WometS) according to NCEP-ATPIII guidelines. Serum ASP and Orexin-A level were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsResult indicated that Waist Circumference, Blood pressure, Lipid profile, Glucose (FPG), Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), ASP and A:O ratio were significantly higher but HDL and Orexin-A level were significantly lower in WmetS than WometS. The correlation of ASP, A:O ratio were positively significant correlated with Waist Circumference (WC), Triglyceride (TG), Glucose (FPG) and negatively significant correlated with High density lipoprotein (HDL), however the orexin-A was negatively significant correlated with WC and TG in WmetS. ConclusionThe study concluded that A:O ratio may be one of the potential biomarker for metabolic syndrome.

Relationship of leptin to adiponectin ratio and metabolic risk markers in obese women

Rationale: Leptin and adiponectin play an important role in the regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between adipokines and components of metabolic syndrome in obese women.

Association of acylation stimulating protein and adiponectin with metabolic risk marker in North Indian obese women

BackgroundPlasma concentrations of Acylation stimulating protein (ASP) and adiponectin are associated with body weight and energy homeostasis. The purpose of this study is to describe the potential role of acylation stimulating protein and adiponectin with metabolic risk marker in North Indian obese women. MethodsThis is a case control study. Total 520 women were recruited for the study n = 260 women with obesity (BMI>30) study group and n = 260 women without obesity (BMI<25) control group. Serum ASP and adiponectin level were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsResult indicated that WC, BP, lipid profile, FPG, FPI, IR (HOMA-IR), ASP were significantly higher but adiponectin and HDL were significantly lower in women with obesity than in women without obesity. Furthermore ASP was significantly positive correlated with WC, FPG, TG, VLDL, FPI and IR, whereas the correlation of adiponectin was significantly negative correlated with WC, FPG, TG, IR, ASP and significantly positive correlated with HDL in women with obesity. ConclusionThe study shows that high level of ASP and low level of Adiponectin could be a potential marker of women with obesity among metabolic syndrome.

Type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic risk may be associated with increase in DNA methylation of FKBP5

BackgroundSubclinical hypercortisolism and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction. Intronic methylation of FKBP5 has been implicated as a potential indicator of chronic cortisol exposure. Our overall objective in this study was to determine the association of chronic cortisol exposure, measured via percent methylation of FKBP5 at intron 2, with percent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI), in a clinic-based sample of 43 individuals with T2DM.ResultsGreater percent methylation of the FKBP5 intron 2 at one CpG-dinucleotide region was significantly associated with higher HbA1c (β = 0.535, p = 0.003) and LDL cholesterol (β = 0.344, p = 0.037) and a second CpG-dinucleotide region was significantly associated with higher BMI and WC (β = 0.516, p = 0.001; β = 0.403, p = 0.006, respectively).ConclusionsFKBP5 methylation may be a marker of higher metabolic risk in T2DM, possibly secondary to higher exposure to cortisol. Further work should aim to assess the longitudinal association of FKBP5 with cardiovascular disease and glycemic outcomes in T2DM as a first step in understanding potential preventive and treatment-related interventions targeting the HPA axis.

Atypical Antipsychotic Exposure May Not Differentiate Metabolic Phenotypes of Patients with Schizophrenia.

Patients with schizophrenia are known to have higher rates of metabolic disease than the general population. Contributing factors likely include lifestyle and atypical antipsychotic (AAP) use, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The objective of this study was to identify metabolomic variability in adult patients with schizophrenia who were taking AAPs and grouped by fasting insulin concentration, our surrogate marker for metabolic risk. Metabolomics analysis PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-four adult patients with schizophrenia who were taking an AAP for at least 6months, with no changes in their antipsychotic regimen for the previous 8weeks, and who did not require treatment with insulin, participated in the study. Twenty age- and sex-matched nonobese (10 subjects) and obese (10 subjects) controls without cardiovascular disease or mental health diagnoses were used to match the body mass index (BMI) range of the patients with schizophrenia to account for metabolite concentration differences attributable to BMI. Existing serum samples were used to identify aqueous metabolites (to differentiate fasting insulin concentration quartiles) and fatty acids with quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography methods, respectively. To exclude metabolites from our pathway mapping analysis that were due to variability in weight, we also subjected serum samples from the nonobese and obese controls to the same analyses. Patients with schizophrenia had a median age of 47.0 years (interquartile range 41.0-52.0 years). Using a false discovery rate threshold of less than 25%, 10 metabolites, not attributable to weight, differentiated insulin concentration quartiles in patients with schizophrenia and identified variability in one-carbon metabolism between groups. Patients with higher fasting insulin concentrations (quartiles 3 and 4) also trended toward higher levels of saturated fatty acids compared with patients with lower fasting insulin concentrations (quartiles 1 and 2). Our results illustrate the utility of metabolomics to identify pathways underlying variable fasting insulin concentration in patients with schizophrenia. Importantly, no significant difference in AAP exposure was observed among groups, suggesting that current antipsychotic use may not be a primary factor that differentiates middle-aged adult patients with schizophrenia by fasting insulin concentration.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessement in Osteoporotic Patients Using Osteoprotegerin as a Reliable Predictive Biochemical Marker

Some studies indicated a relationship between increased serum levels of osteoprotegerin with arterial calcification and as a result, it leads to the risk of cardiovascular disease. In our study group we selected patients with osteoporosis, with similar age and body mass index for the assessment of the relationship between cardiovascular disease and osteoprotegerin serum level. We took into account the analysis of correlation and association between the presence of distinct patterns of atherosclerosis and associated diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, low HDL cholesterol, increased LDL cholesterol, increased triglycerides and was the case of presence of any type of dyslipidemia, in case of pre-existent treatment.&#x0D; Objective of study was the assessment of osteoprotegerin value as predictive marker for cardiovascular and metabolic risk in osteoporotic patients.&#x0D; Our results showed significant correlations of parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin and biochemical markers of bone with glucose metabolism and lipid were found in our research, maintaining crosstalk between calcium and biochemical markers of bone and cardiovascular risk.&#x0D; The serum level of Osteoprotegerin has been shown to have a large predictive value for the metabolic syndrome as a cardiovascular risk standard in patients with osteoporosis. The osteoprotegerin serum levels were increased in the patients with metabolic syndrome as a protective response facing the atherosclerotic lesions.

Effects of Short-Term Normobaric Hypoxic Walking Training on Energetics and Mechanics of Gait in Adults with Obesity.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of short-term hypoxic versus normoxic training at preferred walking speed (PWS) on energetics, mechanics, efficiency, and metabolic risk markers in individuals with obesity. Twenty-three subjects with obesity performed nine 1-hour sessions at PWS under hypoxia (3,000 m, n = 12; BMI: 34.0 ± 0.8 kg/m2 ) or normoxia (360 m, n = 11; BMI: 32.9 ± 0.8 kg/m2 ). Participants performed six 5-minute walking trials at different speeds (PWS, 0.56, 0.83, 1.11, 1.39, and 1.67 m/s). The net energy cost, external mechanical work, and rated perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at these speeds. Body composition and blood samples were collected. PWS tended to be slower under hypoxia than normoxia (-6.7%; P = 0.092) during the training, and this difference reached significance the third week (-8.9%; P = 0.05). After training, PWS significantly increased (+ 8.2%; P ≤ 0.001), while RPE decreased (P = 0.005). Ankle range of motion (P = 0.03) and vertical displacement of the center of mass (P = 0.02) significantly increased in both groups. A walking training program under hypoxia at slower PWS than in normoxia elicited similar responses in metabolic risk factors, energetics, and mechanics of walking in individuals with obesity. Both programs increased PWS, decreased RPE, and induced gait-pattern adaptations, which protected against orthopedic injury in these individuals.

Effect of a pilot multi-component intervention on motor performance and metabolic risks in overweight/obese youth

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the effect of a multi-component intervention on motor performance (MP) and metabolic risk markers (MRM) in overweight/obese youth. A secondary aim was to examine whether changes in MP are associated to changes in MRM. A 3-month multi-component intervention was performed, consisting of physical exercise sessions (twice/week;1h), nutritional education sessions (once/month), and parental support (twice/week). The sample included 35 volunteers (7–13 y.o), allocated to intervention (INT, n = 17) and control (CONT, n = 18) group. Variables were measured pre (T0) and post intervention (T1). Fasting blood samples were analyzed for MRM. MP tests included the measurement of health related physical fitness components and motor coordination performance (KTK battery). To assess food intake, a 24-hour recall diary was used. GLM-ANCOVA was performed. Standardized scores were calculated for the outcome variables, and multilinear regressions were applied to analyze associations between the key variables. INT group showed improvements in MP, glycolytic and hepatic profiles. After adjustments for MVPA, SB, total intake and maturational stage, negative associations between %ΔMP and %Δglycolytic (β = -.424; 95%CI:-0.343:-0.022), and %Δhepatic scores (β = -.382 95%CI:-0.001:-0.009) were observed. The intervention produced a moderate-to-high effect on the MP and some MRM. Changes in MP were inversely associated with changes in glycolytic and hepatic markers.

Adrenal activity and metabolic risk during randomized escitalopram or placebo treatment in PCOS.

Background/aimsPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance, adrenal hyperactivity and decreased mental health. We aimed to investigate the changes in adrenal activity, metabolic status and mental health in PCOS during treatment with escitalopram or placebo.MethodsForty-two overweight premenopausal women with PCOS and no clinical depression were randomized to 12-week SSRI (20 mg escitalopram/day, n = 21) or placebo (n = 21). Patients underwent clinical examination, fasting blood samples, adrenocorticotroph hormone (ACTH) test, 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and filled in questionnaires regarding mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL): WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Major Depression Inventory (MDI), Short Form 36 (SF-36) and PCOS questionnaire.ResultsIncluded women were aged 31 (6) years (mean (s.d.)) and had body mass index (BMI) 35.8 (6.5) kg/m2 and waist 102 (12) cm. Escitalopram was associated with increased waist (median (quartiles) change 1 (0; 3) cm), P = 0.005 vs change during placebo and increased cortisol levels (cortisol 0, cortisol 60, peak cortisol and area under the curve for cortisol during ACTH test), all P < 0.05 vs changes during placebo. Escitalopram had no significant effect on measures of insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, fasting lipids, mental health or HRQoL.ConclusionWaist circumference and cortisol levels increased during treatment with escitalopram in women with PCOS and no clinical depression, whereas metabolic risk markers, mental health and HRQol were unchanged.

The Antioxidant Activity of Pistachios Reduces Cardiac Tissue Injury of Acute Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) in Diabetic Streptozotocin (STZ)-Induced Hyperglycaemic Rats.

Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for the development of heart pathology. Myocardial infarction is the cause of death occurring after prolonged ischemia of the coronary arteries. Restoration of blood flow is the first intervention against heart attack, although the process of restoring blood flow to the ischemic myocardium could cause additional injury. This phenomenon, termed myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI-R) injury, is characterized by the formation of oxygen radicals. Pistachios have significant glucose- and insulin-lowering effects and can improve the inflammatory contest by downregulating both the expression and the circulating levels of several metabolic risk markers. The monocyte/macrophage cell line J774 was used to assess the extent of protection by natural raw (NP) and roasted salted (RP) pistachios against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Moreover, antioxidant activity of NP and RP was assessed in an in vivo model of paw edema in rats induced by carrageenan (CAR) injection in the paw. This study evaluates the antioxidant properties of pistachios on the inflammatory process associated with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) in diabetic rats. Rats were pre-treated with either NP or RP pistachios (30 mg/kg) 18 h prior to the experimental procedure.Results: Here, we demonstrated that treatment with NP reduced myocardial tissue injury, neutrophil infiltration, adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, P-selectin) expression, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) production, nitrotyrosine and PAR formation, NF-κB expression and apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2) activation. This data clearly showes modulation of the inflammatory process, associated with MI-R injury, following administration of pistachios.

Association of Leptin: Adiponectin ratio and metabolic risk markers in postmenopausal women

Leptin and adiponectin play an important role in the regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis. The purpose of the present study was to ascertain the relationship between leptin to adiponectin ratio (L:A) and metabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women.This is a cross sectional case-control study. A total of 523 postmenopausal women were recruited for the study 270 postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome and 253 apparently healthy control postmenopausal women without metabolic syndrome. Biochemical and Anthropometrical parameters were measured. Leptin and adiponectin levels were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, insulin resistance was determined by homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results of this study indicate that leptin (15.92 ± 10.50 vs.9.43 ± 4.39 pg/ml, p < 0.001), L:A ratio (1.08 ± 1.06 vs.0.42 ± 0.38 pg/ml, p < 0.001), HOMA-IR, the lipid profile, and other metabolic risk factors (waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio(WHR), body mass index((BMI)), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level and fasting plasma insulin(FPI)) were significantly higher but HDL, HDL/LDL and adiponectin level (20.55 ± 10.76 vs.30.08 ± 13.08 pg/ml, p < 0.001)were significantly lower in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome than in women without the syndrome (p < 0.001). Further, in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome, L: A ratio was significantly positive (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001) correlated with WC, BMI, WHR, TG, FPG, TC/HDL, LDL/HDL, FPI and HOMA-IR (p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with HDL and HDL/LDL (p < 0.001). Conclusively L: A ratio was found to be significantly associated with central obesity and other metabolic risk factors so that high L:A ratio may act as a diagnostic marker for metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC MARKERS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK IN OBESE CHILDREN.

ASTRACTObjective: To evaluate whether the obesity alters ultrasonographical markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk in children.Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluated 80 children aged between 6 and 10 years, comparing 40 obese with 40 normal children. The following parameters were assessed: weight; height; body mass index; arterial blood pressure; body fat; basal metabolic rate; HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol; fasting insulin and glucose; quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI); homeostasis model of assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); basal diameter of the brachial artery; brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) and of pulsatility index change (PI-C).Results: Significant differences were observed between obese vs. non-obese children: systolic blood pressure (97.7±8.4 vs. 89.0±5.8 mmHg; p<0.01), diastolic blood pressure (64.3±7.9 vs. 52.9±5.1 mmHg; p<0.01), proportion of body fat (45.1±5.9 vs. 21.3±6.0%; p<0.01), basal metabolic rate (1216.1±102.1 vs. 1072.9±66.4 Kcal; p<0.01), total cholesterol (164.7±25.2 vs. 153.4±15.8 mg/dL; p=0.03), fasting insulin (7.1±5.2 vs. 2.8±1.8 pIU/mL; p<0.01), HOMA-IR (1.5±1.1 vs. 0.6±0.4; p<0.01), basal diameter of the brachial artery (2.5±0.3 vs. 2.1±0.3 mm; p<0.01); PI-C (-15.5±27.2 vs. -31.9±15.5%; p<0.01), decreased QUICKI (0.4±0.05 vs. 0.4±0.03; p<0.01), and FMD (6.6±3.2 vs. 15.6±7.3%; p<0.01).Conclusions: Obesity worsens ultrasonographical and laboratorial markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk in children.

Metabolic Syndrome in Hyperprolactinemia.

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a conglomerate of clinical findings that convey into increased morbidity and mortality from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and cardiovascular disease. Hyperprolactinemia (hyperPRL) is associated with components of MetS, especially during pregnancy. Endogenous levels of sex steroids are high during pregnancy in contrast to untreated or replaced hypogonadism in most patients with a prolactinoma and hypogonadism may confer increased risk of MetS in hyperPRL. Dopamine-D2-agonist therapy can improve MetS in patients with a prolactinoma and lower glucose levels in patients with T2D. HyperPRL is a biomarker for decreased dopaminergic tonus in the hypothalamic-pituitary circuit. Patients with a prolactinoma, patients with schizophrenia and/or T2D often have disturbances in this balance and the finding of lower prolactin (PRL) levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may indicate increased dopaminergic tonus. Recent studies supported that PRL levels within or above reference range may be differently related to MetS. In healthy study populations and in PCOS, PRL levels were inversely associated with metabolic risk markers. Ongoing research on PRL fragments, vasoinhibins, may help explain some of the contradicting findings between prolactin levels and metabolism. Improved knowledge about MetS in hyperPRL can characterize subgroups of patients with hyperPRL, who would not otherwise be considered as candidates for dopamine-D2-agonist therapy such as patients with postpartum cardiomyopathy and postmenopausal women with T2D.

The relationship between adiposity parameters and C-reactive protein values in overweight and obese women

Background/Aim. Overweight/obesity has become important health problem in developed countries. It may be related to a presence of low-grade inflammation in white adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and its relation to anthropometric parameters in overweight and obese females. Methods. This study included 200 apparently healthy, overweight and obese women (18?45 years). Their standard and alternative anthropometric parameters [body mass index (BMI), percentage of fat (%F), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI)] were determined and correlated to serum CRP concentration. Results. Average CRP level was 5.56 ? 2.43 mg/L, and it significantly positively correlated to all investigated anthropometric parameters. There was significant difference between overweight and obese group in all investigated anthropometric parameters, as well as in CRP values. When investigated separately, according to BMI, values regarding obese females showed significant correlation between CRP and every investigated anthropometric parameter. In overweight subjects, no such correlation was recorded. In the obese group, all investigated parameters were significantly related to F. In overweight subjects, body weight (BW), BMI, WC and WHtR showed significant relation to F. Conclusion. The significant difference between the overweight and obese group in all parameters of central obesity was found as well as in the CRP levels. In the obese group, we found strong correlation between adiposity measured by fat percentage and parameters of central obesity, while in the overweight group WHR and BAI did not correlate to fat percentage. Our results confirmed that CRP is a valuable marker of metabolic risk in obese females, and BMI, although not so new, is still reliable parameter of adiposity.